Blood dripped from a cut on the girl's thigh. She watched it run down her leg in distorted rivers. Looking down, she realized that her blood had stained the white porcelain bathtub a morbid pink color. When the wound stopped bleeding, she left the bathroom and walked quietly to her room. She wiped the kitchen knife on a dirty shirt and hid it in her dresser, the third drawer down.

Her eyes strayed to the clock on her nightstand. 10:28. A sigh slipped past her lips as she began to undress, taking off her slightly blood-stained shorts first. Then she pulled open her closet and took out a beautiful dress. Her blue eyes studied it, mostly noticing the color.

Red.

Red like her blood, red like her hair.

She slipped into the dress, wincing as it brushed against the cut on her leg. White high-heeled sandals and pearl jewelry came next. After applying glossy red lipstick with white eyeshadow, she walked out into the hall. In less than three minutes, she was past her large family and out the door.

Now off to the restaurant...

†

Ginny Weasley wandered through the archway leading to the outside dining area. Sirius Black saw her from his table under a weeping willow tree. The setting sun behind her seemed to make her glow. The red silk dress clung to her every curve, though they were small, and it ended in an A-symmetrical hem right above her knees. A smile touched Sirius's lips. He stood to beckon he rover. When Ginny noticed him waving, she was relieved, but still looked tense and distracted. Ginny reached the table. Sirius's smile widened, deepening the small crinkles around his eyes, and he brushed a kiss on her forehead. She let herself be pulled into his arms, though not returning the hug.

"Good evening. My god you are radiant in that dress!" Ginny smiled lightly in reply, placing her lips against the hollow of his throat. Sirius's eyes darkened with concern. "What's wrong, my love?" He questioned, tilting her chin up so she was looking at him directly.

"Nothing Sirius."

She took her seat and he followed suit. They ate in silence, only tapping each other's feet occasionally. When they finished their food, Sirius offered her his arm. She slid her small arm through his more muscular one and followed him out of the restaurant. When the two of them were out of sight from other people, he wrapped his arms around Ginny's frail body.

"Don't go home yet. Come with me to Grimmauld Place." He whispered.

She clung to his waist, subconsciously afraid of Sirius leaving her and never coming back.

'No,' She thought, 'he promised me forever, and Sirius sticks to his word.'

Ginny's crimson locks glimmered in the moonlight as she nodded and replied, "OK..."

Arm-in-arm, Sirius Black and Ginny Weasley walked away into the oncoming night...