Chapter One: Looking Back
Number 39: "In three words one can sum up everything that has ever been learned about life: it goes on."
Ginny sighed, exasperated as she stared at the computer screen for what felt like the thousandth time. She took off her reading glasses and set them on the desk as she leaned back in her chair. A strand of her hair worked its way out of her messily tied bun and fell into her eyes. 'I really must have this cut...I wonder what it would look like short. The length really is getting ridiculous...' Ginny sighed again. It still hurt, after all these years. Losing him was the hardest thing Ginny had ever had to do. It had been years since the war, and no one had been left unscathed.
Ginny tapped the keys on her laptop without thinking. She had taken to this muggle contraption exceptionally well. Other than finding a way for it to run off of magic instead of...'what in the devil do those Muggles call it?! Oh, yes!'...elixtricy, she used the device as it was intended. She stopped her idle tapping of the keys, closed the top of the computer slowly and rubbed the bridge of her nose. She closed her eyes, trying to focus when she felt a large hand rest on her shoulder. She smiled lightly and looked up, "Hey you."
"Hey yourself darling. You doing all right?" he asked, concern etched in his handsome features.
"Not exactly. I can't get a word down. As soon as I try to grasp onto an idea it slips away from me quicker then I can think on it, it's annoying!" her hand came to rest on top of his, which was still resting on her shoulder.
"That would be frustrating. I haven't been able to concentrate much lately either. I've been thinking, maybe we should get away for a while, relax, clear our heads."
Ginny shrugged non-commitedly, "What would we do with Junior? It's not as though we can leave him by himself or anything. He's only...Goodness! It's his fourth birthday next week! When did that happen?"
"Somewhere around the time he got to looking so much like his father," he looked to a picture of his son on the mantle, sadly. Ginny nodded looking at the picture herself and frowning slightly. Her husband looked down at her sadly, he dropped to his knees next to her chair and put his hand under her chin softly, "Maybe it's time you thought about telling his story Gin. Your best stuff always came from real life..."
Ginny looked at him incredulously, "I...I don't know. There's too much to tell...too much to the story..."
He looked up at her, kissing her cheek lightly before standing up, "Just promise me you'll think about it." She nodded silently looking back to the desk. She picked up a pencil, tapping it on the edge of the desk mindlessly. She thought back to 6 years ago, when everything started. She thought back to that year, that year that changed everything.
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Everything had changed for Ginny in her sixth year. Everything was different, and nothing would ever be the same. It all started the first day of the school year. For the first time in Ginny's memory Dumbledore rode the train with the students. Ginny had received a note in the stead of her usual Hogwarts letter. She was told not to buy any books for herself, and that she was to meet with the Headmaster on the train on the way to school.
That summer had been one of the best for Ginny and the rest of the Weasleys. Arthur had received a huge promotion at work, and Ron and Ginny got new supplies for school. Ginny had taken a summer job at Fred and George's shop. They paid her well, and Ginny finally had spare money of her own to spend. Hermione and Harry spent the summer at Headquarters with the Weasleys.
The war was far from over, though Voldemort and the Death Eaters had been laying low for a long while now. Ginny took to writing that summer. She had picked up a quill in that motive for the first time since her incident with Tom. Ironically enough, the first thing she wrote about was Tom, at least indirectly. She wrote about Tom, but mostly she wrote the story of her first year. All the fear, the doubt, every little detail. It was time to tell her story, finally. Only one other person knew everything that happened between her and Tom, and how much it had affected her.
The wizarding world was holding its breath, waiting for Voldemort to make his move. Many people were finding themselves questioning loyalties. No one knew where they wanted to stand anymore. Both sides of the war had become so polarized, so black and white. A good many people in the wizarding world believed in preserving the purity of blood, but also that Voldemort was going about all of it all wrong.
Ginny was one of these many people who lost herself between the sides of the war. She definitely agreed with preserving bloodlines, but she had a different way of defining this. She believed wizards and witches should stay among themselves, and leave the muggles to themselves. But, at the same time, she knew that muggle born children were no different than children born of two magical parents. She just thought that muggles tended to complicate things.
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Over the years Ginny and Hermione had become fast friends. Hermione had confided in Ginny some of her more coveted secrets. Hermione had been scared to tell anyone before, but she was attracted to other females. Ginny had laughed when Hermione had told her this. Hermione's eyes had widened and she had choked on a small sob before Ginny had cut her off.
"Oh! Goodness, Hermione, I'm sorry. I had always assumed someone told you. I'm sorry to laugh, let me explain."
"Explain what? That I'm some kind of freak now?! Thank goodness I kind of like boys too, otherwise my life might be over."
"No...no, no, no. Hermione, darling. Witches and wizards, well, most of us are like that. It's something to do with the magic, we seem to be attracted on a deeper level then muggles, we're attracted to the soul, and not many of us can distinguish between males and females in that way, it's all the same to us. Bisexuals outnumber Heterosexuals and Homosexuals by far. About 50 percent of witches and wizards are bisexual, though most of us grow to have a preference for one gender or the other. The other half of the population is well divided between homosexuals and heterosexuals. We have even developed ways for same sex couples to have children even. Of course, male couples need a surrogate mother, but the carrier is no more the mother's then an egg is mother to a duckling."
"You mean...this is normal?"
"We all assumed it actually, we just figured you preferred men to tell you the truth, we never bothered to think that you might not be."
"Oh...Then...?"
"Yes, it's okay. And you don't even need to tell anyone, they expect it."
"And you?"
"Yes, though I tend to have flings with women and I'm better at committed relationships with men."
"It's just so odd..."
"I get that, you weren't brought up used to it, it'll probably take you some time." Hermione nodded, seeming much more settled, but still a little anxious. "Wait...Hermione, you said "kind of like boys" I assume you prefer females then?"
"Well, yeah, I guess I just always assumed I'd be marrying a boy, so it was always more of a...necessity."
"Oh...okay. So you're gay then?"
"I guess so..."
"Cool. But I won't date you, I value our friendship too much."
"That's fine by me. So...how do we tell Ron?"
"Oh...let me tell you something about Ron Hermione...He never was very comfortable with the gay portion of our race. He was born Heterosexual...and the whole concept of gay male relationships is a little...well, gross to him. I don't know how he'll react to you..but I'll be there for you, okay?"
"Okay..."
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The Weasley's arrived just in time to catch the Hogwarts express, and Ginny was panting as she ran into the compartment three minutes late for her meeting with the Headmaster. "Ah! Miss Weasley. Wonderful to see you again, please, please come in."
"Professor. Why did you...?"
"All in good time, I have a lot to tell you Miss Weasley, speculations that have been confirmed recently. You will notice that you did not receive your OWL scores this summer I imagine."
"Yes, we were all wondering about that, I was worried they might have gotten lost in the mail or something."
"No, nothing like that." Dumbledore smiled brightly at Ginny, "You see, they weren't sure how to score your results, you did...well, frankly Miss Weasley, you did TOO well. On the objective portions of the test you scored near perfect, and then the practicals, well, they've never seen anyone like you before."
Ginny stared at the Headmaster in shock, "Wha...You mean...What does that mean?"
"Well, we don't know. We always knew you were smart, but this. This we haven't seen before, and frankly it's quite unprecedented. We have several options. The first is of course, to do nothing. You could stay in school, as though nothing happened."
"What's the other?"
"We could bump you up to seventh year NEWT courses. We believe you are more then capable of the workload. Of course you would have to complete the summer homework that all the others did, but you would be given time to complete the assignments seeing as you couldn't have completed them beforehand."
Ginny smiled brightly, "Are you kidding?"
"I never kid Miss Weasley," he grinned widely.
"Of course you don't sir," Ginny's grin widened to match that of her Headmaster. "You just do such a good impression of it; I can never really be sure." Dumbledore laughed at this, a deep, throaty laugh that was reflected in that ever-present twinkle in his eye.
"I see your brothers have not squashed your sense of humor from you yet."
"Oh no, never sir. Many things may change about me, but my insipid sense of humor, that, I fear, may never change."
"Good to Miss Weasley. That would be a shame if you lost that."
"Indeed it would. Now, is there anything else, or may I go?"
"Not yet, I fear. There is one more matter we must discuss. You are aware that you are extraordinarily smart, I am sure."
"Well, yes, of course. Hence my OWL scores."
"Indeed, but it is more then that. The OWLs are designed to trip students up, they're not formatted for you to do well. Miss Granger's results were shocking enough. But you Miss Weasley, you are special Miss Weasley. In a way that has not been seen in a very long time," again, Dumbledore's eyes twinkled..
"I don't think I quite follow you here..."
"Let me try to explain...Have you ever had any trouble learning anything?"
"Well...no."
"That's just it. Your mind just soaks up knowledge. Everything you do, potionmaking, mathematics, dance, languages. There is nothing that wouldn't come as easily to you as breathing does to everyone else."
"I don't get it...what does this all mean?"
"Well, you know that every witch and wizard has some sort of specific...connection within them. Some have control over elements, others, like Tonks, are metamorphmagi."
"But what does this all mean for me?"
"You, Miss Weasley, are what we call...gifted." Ginny gasped, 'gifted?!'. 'Gifted' is a rare term in the wizarding world. It means much more then simply intelligent or simply being good at something. It encompasses an unprecedented level of connection to magic and knowledge.
Dumbledore sat quietly, letting Ginny absorb this information. When she looked to be slightly more cogent, he spoke again, more quietly this time.
"I don't think I need to stress the gravity of this situation to you. This is more a burden then a gift. You may mean well when you do things, but with this much power and potential, you must be careful..."
"Good intentions will only get me so far."
"Exactly. Now, Miss Weasley. You are, of course, not alone in this."
"You'll help me?"
"Of course, but that is not to what I was referring. There are others at school who can and probably will end up helping you more then you know."
"Are you ever going to stop speaking in code?" Dumbledore smiled. The two sat quiet for another moment before Ginny spoke up again.
"Sir?" Dumbledore looked up. "Could you...I mean, could you teach me some more languages. I'm practically fluent in Spanish and French, but I really like to learn more."
Dumbledore's eyes lit up, "Certainly! If you dedicate yourself to it, you could probably learn a language a month. Less for the other romantic languages, seeing as they're so similar to French and Spanish."
Ginny smiled, "That would be brilliant. Could we set it up as a class slot in after dinner or something?"
"Of course, Monday through Friday?" Ginny nodded. "I assume your schedule will be as full as it has been in your past couple of years?" Ginny nodded again. "Very well, I'll have your books and supplies sent to you room," Ginny cocked one eyebrow, "I knew you'd say yes Miss Weasley."
"Of course you did. You always do." Dumbledore nodded at her, smiling lightly. "Thank you sir, I'll make you proud." Ginny stood and left the compartment, leaving to find her friends, who were no doubt wondering where she had got to.
As she left Dumblebledore whispered quietly, "I know you will Miss Weasley, I know you will. you couldn't do anything else.
Ginny walked down the hallway in a slight daze, still reeling from the reality of everything Dumbledore had told her. She didn't come back to herself until she ran into another person.
"Whoa! Careful there!" a hand caught her forearm before she fell backwards onto the floor.
"Oh! I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
"I can see that. In your own world, were you?"
"I was," Ginny looked up towards the voice. She nearly fell backward again in shock, and might have done had the hand holding her steady had not still been on her arm. The man holding her upright had the most strikingly vibrant amethyst eyes she had ever seen. No, wait, she had seen those before. They belonged to "ZABINI!?"
"The one and only. But please, call me Blaise, the surname thing is so...well unnervingly formal."
"You know, you're not like..."
"...most Slytherins?"
"Heard that before, have you?" Ginny grinned in spite of herself.
"No, actually," Ginny cocked one eyebrow. "You're just the first brave enough to say it outloud. All the same, I know I'm different, I revel in it."
"Aww...A soft and cuddly Snake, I never thought I'd see the day." She smirked at him before turning on her heel and walking down the hallway away from him. She got about ten feet down the hallway before she turned again and said, "Thanks for catching me by the way!"
Blaise winked, "My pleasure."
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Ginny had changed over the summer. Between her raised allowance due to her father's promotion, and the money she had made by working for Fred and George she had gained an opportunity that she had never had before. That was the opportunity to buy herself a completely new wardrobe. She finally had the money for clothes made for (gasp) a girl."
Her straight, silky hair had grown exponentially over the summer, and now reached down to her waist. Tonks had taught her a spell to change her hair color. The spell lasted for one day, and would not wear off until the 18 hour time span was up.
Today her hair was jet black, except for a one inch section at the front of her hair, which was her natural blood red color. On top she was wearing an amethyst fitted t-shirt with the words 'All of me might be perfect, but parts of me are frikken' awesome!' printed on it in the palest possible blue. One the bottom she wore a short, black, pleated skirt and a thick black studded belt that hung around her hips loosely. She was also wearing a pair of purple fishnet tights that matched her top and a pair of black combat boots that ended a few inches below her knee.
Ginny had grown up, that was for sure. Her once girlish features were now sharper and much more elegant. Her high cheekbones gave her an almost regal look, and her amber eyes shone brightly from her face brightly. Her cute button nose ended delicately and her lips parted slightly with a natural pout to them. A light sprinkling of freckles were dusted across her tanned skin. She was tall, like the rest of her family, standing at the impressive height of 5'11. Her body was long and slender. She had long, beautiful legs, and everything about her body looked delicately put together. This was, of course, not the case. Ginny was decievingly athletic and excelled in Quidditch and several other sports as well.
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"Ginny!!!!"
"Hermione!" Ginny ran to her friend, hugging her tightly.
"Where have you been! I couldn't find you anywhere!!!"
"I know, I know. I'll explain everything, just wait until you hear all this!" Hermione sat, open mouthed as Ginny told her story.
"Oh Ginny! That's wonderful! I'm just inclined with a whole heck of a lot of dedication, but I still have to work for it."
"Oh, 'Mione you've got a whole lot more then that. You're...oh this is going to sound worse then I want it to...you're wonderful support to other people. People feed off of you and your inspiration, and it makes them work harder and try to be better themselves."
"You're too sweet Ginny."
"I speak as I find 'Mione." Hermione smiled at her lightly. At this point a girl that niether Hermione nor Ginny had seen before poked her head into their compartment. She was petite, about 5'2. She was a blonde, with curly, golden hair and bright blue eyes.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but may I sit here?"
Ginny tilted her head to one side, "Are you American?"
Hermione shot a quick glance at Ginny before saying, "Of course, excuse her rudeness. Please, sit down."
The girl smiled sweetly, "Thank you." She turned to Ginny. "Yes, I am American. I moved here with my family from New York."
"Oh! How interesting. I'm Ginny, by the way," Ginny extended her hand to the girl.
"I'm Marina."
"Oooh! What a pretty name. I'm Hermione. What year are you in?"
"I'm a seventh year. My parents had to move out here, I really am kind of bummed to have to have left my old school and all."
"Oh...that must be awful. But don't worry, most people here are nice." Ginny said sweetly. The three sat and talked for the rest of the train ride and made their way into the Great Hall together. Marina sat with them until she was called up to be sorted after the first years had finished. She sat down on the stool and the hat deliberated for a few minutes before it called out "RAVENCLAW!" Hermione and Ginny clapped loudly along with everyone else.
Dumbledore stood up again, "Now. I have a last few announcements before you can all dig into this lovely feast. First and foremost, I would like to congratulate Miss Ginevra Weasley for her outstanding OWL scores that have allowed her to join the seventh year NEWT courses," Ginny blushed as the hall clapped for her. "And secondly, I would like to announce an event that will be taking course on Halloween night for fourth years and up. We will be having a Masquerade Ball," the hall erupted in whispers before stopping when Dumbledore raised his hand. "I will post details within this next week, and there will be several Hogesmeade weekends to give you the opportunity to shop for your costumes. Now, dig in!"
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"So, what do you think Drake?"
Draco looked at Blaise, "What do I think? About this idiotic Ball idea? I think it's madness. Why? You love it, don't you?"
"I do actually. And you're coming with me," next to Blaise, Pansy Parkinson laughed.
"Oh! You're funny Blaise. After all this time, you think that he's just going to roll over and go to this ball just because you say so." Pansy laughed again, taking a bite of her food.
Blaise quirked one eyebrow. "Actually, yes. He is. As much as he hates the idea." Pansy looked between them before shrieking quietly.
"It's about bloody time you two got together! Goodness, you were more dense then Weasel and his Mudblood combined. Oh! I'm so happy for you two!" Blaise laughed at her as she hugged him tightly. "So, how'd it happen, I want details!"
Blaise grinned. "Well, he was at my place for the summer, as always. And he had just got out of the shower...and frankly, I couldn't help myself, so I kissed him. He was in such shock that he didn't even move. I thought I'd fucked up...so I bolted..."
"At which point I grabbed him, threw him on my bed and had my way with him."
"And the rest is...as they say, history." Blaise finished, grinning.
Pansy looked between the two of them, rolled her eyes, "I need to get myself laid. Ugh!"
They laughed at the sentiment, and Draco offered, "Well, you could always sleep with me. Our only agreement," he motioned between him and Blaise, "Is no other guys. You're fair game."
"EWWW! No. No thank you. I've known you since...well, way too long at any rate, Besides, men suck. I need a chick."
Blaise grinned, "Men do suck...that's what I like about them..." Pansy smacked him on the back of the head, rolling her eyes again.
"Honestly, what am I going to do with you two?"
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-end chapter one-
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Please, review! I thrive off of comments and criticism. This chapter is a little bit of a weak beginning to the story that is going to follow. But I hope you enjoyed it all the same.
Cheers
QoW.
