To say Draco Malfoy didn't care when the word of Ginny Weasley's disappearance spread throughout the school was somewhat of an understatement.

When he'd first heard the news, he had bothered to give it a small amount of thought, but those thoughts were along the line of weighing the facts. He had merely bothered to ascertain whether or not the absence of one rather small Weasley would have any direct impact on him. After he had determined that it would likely not matter in the least, he'd dismissed her fate as inconsequential.

Had he shared his opinion with anyone, he might have been considered unfeeling, but that was far from the truth. If anything, his emotions at that time were simply directed inward. His personal world was in immense turmoil, therefore the fate of an inconsequential student in the school simply did not rate on his scale of priorities, because, basically, his first month at school had been nothing short of total personal hell.

Draco Malfoy, once practically a prince among his peers, had been thrust into the undesirable role as an outcast. Both his family and Slytherin upbringing had left him completely unprepared for his current situation.

He'd once been the bully. He had family money, power and on top of it all, natural good looks. He'd been the center of attention among his peers, and had grown up expecting only a life of prestige and power ahead of him. It had been an easy role to play, and he'd enjoyed it immensely.

It had been so easy back then.

Last year, however, had changed everything.

Now, the others all knew full well that he not only had he been unable to complete his task, but they also were well aware that, while his family still held wealth, their power in Voldemort's realm was no longer viable.

Theodore Nott was the current leader among the Slytherins now, and he enjoyed flaunting his position in front of Draco at every possible opportunity. Draco endured the other boy's taunts with as much sarcasm and attitude as he could muster, but it had been exhausting.

How things had changed.

The only thing keeping him sane was the fact that, with Snape as headmaster, members of the Slytherin House were focusing their efforts on tormenting students from other houses, particularly Gryffindor.

There had been a time when Draco would have gladly joined his housemates, celebrating their superiority by blatantly taunting or harassing others. Now, however, he only found himself to be grateful to the silly Gryffs for being a better target than he.

The irony of the situation would have been funny if it had involved anybody other than himself.

- -

About one week after the Weasley disappeared, the rumours began.

Draco didn't notice them at first. He'd long ago become accustomed to other students whispering behind his back about various things. Typically, he would notice Nott and company, stopping a conversation while he walked past. More often, however, it was a Gryffindor, or Hufflepuff discussing his newfound downfall or his actions of the previous year.

He'd become accustomed the the whispers, but he still paid attention, as changes potentially could indicate something important to his personal well-being, or, preferably, offer him some insight on his current situation. What he'd noticed was that this week, the tone of the gossip-mongers had changed.

What was interesting about the change was that he detected something he hadn't seen yet this year. There was a hint of fear.

He spent the better part of the next week trying to deduce why he might be evoking such a reaction. It took him three undesirable social encounters with his housemates, two instances of awkwardly crouching in doorways and one extended eavesdropping session in the library before he finally found out that he was the primary suspect in the disappearance of Ginny Weasley.

He had mixed feelings about that because the effect of such a rumour was intangible. It all likelihood, if handled incorrectly, could cause him more harm than good.

After some serious contemplation on the matter, he decided that his best course of action was to do nothing. Gossip, after all, could be far more useful than actual fact. In truth, he was innocent, so if that fact came out, he would only laugh at their foolishness.

- -

So it came to pass that Draco Malfoy had turned himself into a virtual recluse.

It killed multiple birds with one stone, so to speak. First, by not being around, he was removing the opportunity for Nott, Carrow and others to target him. Second, it provided a question about his activities.

With no witnesses, a history of working on secret projects for the Dark Lord, and a lovely little rumour that he'd eliminated a fellow student, it was a perfect cocktail for enhancing his reputation within his house. He decided that he didn't need respect if he commanded fear.

For the next several days, he spent most of his free time along the lake, trying to find a comfortable spot for his newfound solitude.

Unfortunately, as he stood and stared out over the water for the umpteenth time that week, he came to the vivid realization that this was more than solitude. He was lonely. Even last year, while he had been somewhat reclusive when working on the Vanishing Cabinets, he still had companionship, albeit in the pathetic form of Crabbe and Goyle. Now, however, he truly had none. It left him feeling bereft.

It also led to him feeling the weight of his responsibilities. It led to him thinking far to much about the desperate situation of his family. It made him feel despondent again.

Unsure of how to handle his feelings, he made an attempt to distract himself and started walking. He wandered along the edge of the Forbidden Forest and, as he peered into the mysterious darkness, curiosity began to take over his idle mind, as he began to mull over some of the more intriguing stories he'd heard about what was in there.

Eventually the mixture of morose feelings and no small amount of boredom made him decide to venture down the path and into the trees.

As he initially stepped into the unfamiliar territory, he entertained the brief thought that his common sense had deserted him, although the thought didn't remain for long. Sadly, he come to the conclusion that he was past caring about such things. He'd long since abandoned hope for the future. He seemed to only exist for his duty to the Dark Lord, and any escape from that trap was welcome.

For now, he wanted to merely see or feel something that was not dictated by his parents, his headmaster, his friends, or, worst of all, Voldemort. It was a moment of rebellion, and his loneliness demanded that he succumb to the desire to pursue a quest into the unknown.

As he wandered into the shelter of the trees, he felt like he was taunting fate. This small act gave him a thrill of freedom that had only been equaled by flying when he was young. He was being disobedient, in whatever small way he could at this time, and he took the time to revel in that fact. Soon enough, his life would be dictated in possibly every way, and he needed this.

He didn't venture far, as caution and the setting sun led him to only explore a few dozen meters before the darkness of the forest canopy warned him to turn back.

He enjoyed his small rebellion so much that he returned to the spot the next day.

His success from the day before, left him wandering slightly further than previously. He found himself looking for whatever magical creatures resided in the forbidden realm, wondering what might dare to confront him. Once again, however, he departed feeling somewhat disappointed, as all he'd encountered were a few pixies at dusk.

On the third day, he decided to venture along a slightly different path, hoping to find a magical creature that might challenge him in some way. He chided himself on having some sort of Gryfindor-ish foolishness. Yet, he followed the well worn path, his confidence growing as his intrusion into the forest remained unchallenged.

He came across a small clearing, only a few dozen yards into the forest canopy. Already, light was limited here, the darkness of the forbidden realm cast the area in a twilight, even during a sunny midday. Yet, he caught sight of something of a lighter color on the floor, and found himself drawn to investigate.

The item that drew his attention could not have been more disappointingly common.

It was a Hogwarts uniform, which had obviously been there for a long time, as ivy had started to overtake it. However, it was the way that the item was laid on the forest floor that was intriguing. The clothing had been carefully laid out, perfectly buttoned and arranged, as if the student inside the clothing had simply disappeared, leaving only the clothing. There was no sign that there had been a struggle. Yet, why a student would leave the items there in this state puzzled him.

He looked more closely at the items. They clearly had belonged to a girl, as a skirt was among them, and a Gryffindor at that, by the color of the tie.

- -

At the very least, he now had a hobby. So far, he'd encountered nothing threatening, and wondered if most of the fear of the forest was only gossip, intended to keep students away. He found his recent forays were akin to an adventure in discovery, and he was reminded of times when he'd been a small child exploring the stream behind his family home.

The memory of his childhood explorations brought him comfort. Once, long ago, he'd thought of himself as a knight on a royal quest, and the mysteries of his backyard forest had held the key to his success. It was a time when he'd envisioned himself to be a hero.

Two days later, when he escaped the confines of the castle again, he realized that the small mystery that he'd encountered in the past week now called to him again. He could feel something intriguingly powerful was the forest, waiting for him. Something he needed to find out about.

So he once again found himself proceeding cautiously down the path, mentally mapping the area in greater detail, now that he had some familiarity with it.

However, this time, as he moved along, he slowly became aware that he was being watched.

Every so often, a flicker of something behind the trees would catch his eye. A less observant person would likely discount the movement as a bird or other normal inhabitant, but he didn't maintain the position of Seeker in Quidditch without good reason. He walked, working to isolate he creature was large, yet it moved almost nothing in its wake. It made no sound, yet it darted swiftly among the trees.

He swallowed nervously, trying to determine if he was in danger from whatever was there. A good part of him was ready to turn back and abandon this foolishness, but another part, perhaps the more desperate part, seemed to say that this was what he was searching for, something that might lead him out of his current messy situation.

He continued forward, following the flashes of movement, while maintaining a firm grip on his wand.

He approached the clearing where the discarded uniform had been. It was no longer there, but what remained in it's place was equally odd. There on the ground, taking the exact shape of the clothing, was an entangled mass of ivy. It almost appeared as if the clothing had been transformed into greenery.

He paused and looked over the clearing trying to determine if he was in any danger. His follower was there, he was certain. He found a comfortable spot near a large tree and settled himself there. Then, using the patience and skill of an experienced Quidditch Seeker, he relaxed his gaze, scanning the area for movement, as he would while looking for the slight glimmer of a Snitch.

It didn't take long before the flicker of movement caught his keen eye off to his left. Yes, the being was definitely there, and it was definitely watching him. He tried to look relaxed, again, careful to not give away the focus of his attention.

It moved again. He quickly glanced over and caught the shape of a human form. Only a glimpse, but it was long enough.

His stalker was definitely female, and wearing surprisingly little.

The little red haired nymph ran back into the forest. Although "running" was not exactly the correct term to define her method of movement. She darted from tree to tree, her feet light and quick and soundless as she swiftly maneuvered through her forest home. Nymphs moved quickly and quietly, often being mistaken for a flash of sunlight on a dewdrop, or a silvery leaf being turned by the wind. They were creatures of light and shadow, playing games with the mere mortals that were wizard and muggle, choosing only to be seen when it suited their purpose.

The speed of her travel gave her a sense of freedom, and she desperately needed to become lost in that. It was one of the few freedoms she could enjoy right now.

Unlike most of her older sisters, she had been given a pre-destined purpose and she'd accepted it willingly. Until now. She had never considered this particular set of circumstances.

As of only a few minutes ago, she'd discovered that the task she'd been given was impossible, and she now doubted that she could ever follow through. But that was the way with enchantment, wasn't it? There was always a catch, always a price to be paid for getting what one so desperately desired.

Her sisters had been thrilled for her. He was so handsome, and had come to find her so quickly. He had even caught her movement out from among the trees. It was an uncommon ability for most mortals, they said, as few had the patience, or the discernment to tell the difference between a nymph and the common movements of the forest.

Yet, she couldn't even look him in the eye. She'd hoped for any wizard except perhaps this one. He was cruel, she knew him to be. He could destroy her far more easily than he would help her in her quest.

So she ran, not knowing exactly where she should go. After all, her world was now the Forbidden Forest. She'd chosen her path and it had taken her away from everything she'd ever known. She had no place else to go, and the thought terrified her.

Finally, without thinking, she was guided to the enchanted pool, where the unicorns liked to come. She'd been here often with the other nymphs, and it had become her favorite spot in her new home. She'd unconsciously found her way here, though, the thought struck her that, no matter where she ran in the forest, she would never have become lost. Without conscious thought, her powers guided her to the one place where most could find peace in the calm blue water.

She arrived at the pool abruptly, in a most un-nymph-like fashion, startling the unicorns that had been gathering there. The silvery creatures moved off, unsure of her odd behavior.

She looked around this place that had brought her so much peace and had given her so much certainty about her choice. Unfortunately, all its enchanted beauty brought her no solace right now. Her choice had been so clear, even only a few days ago. Now, she feared for herself and the future of all that she loved.

She knelt by the pool and sobbed, also odd behavior for a carefree nymph.

It was the elder nymph, Elora, who found her by the edge of the water, as the young nymph's tears dropped into the water, causing the mirrored surface to ripple with sadness.

The little nymph looked at her wizened sister. Elora was as old as the forest itself, she'd watched the wizarding world evolve from its very beginnings, yet, one would never guess by looking at her. Elora had raven black hair, and piercing blue eyes that reflected the placidness of the forest enchanted pool, yet she had the features and innocent appearance of a fourteen year old girl.

"Young one, why do you cry?" The elder asked walking over to the young one and gathering her into a motherly hug. The younger held onto her sister and sobbed.

"Oh Elora, this isn't supposed to happen this way! He's not the one who can help me. You are wrong. I can't face him again. I just can't. "

"My dear child. You came to us for help, and the way was made clear."

The younger one pulled back, confused, as tears continued to stream down her cheeks. Her elder saw the girl's hesitation, her lack of understanding. She continued, "He came looking for you. There is no question, that he sought us out. He even caught a glimpse of Reya. No common mortal can accomplish such a thing easily."

"I am quite certain he was not looking for me. I would have no value to someone like him," the young one replied, her voice hoarse from her tears

"He does not know yet that it is you that he seeks. He only knows that he is searching. You are so naive, my young one. Often the winds know our destinies better than we know ourselves. You must learn to trust what is right."

"He won't help me. He would never help me."

"Child, the winds have spoken. There is no reward that comes without effort. It is your challenge, and you must overcome if you truly wish to gain that which you seek."

"But what is my challenge? How can he help?"

"You must learn in order to grow. Each of us has such tasks put before us and they are rarely easy, and rarely do we learn from those who are too like ourselves."

She nodded, and Elora held her until she was calm again. She took a deep breath looking into the placid water and trying to make sense of the elder's words.

Elora cupped her cheek, and smiled. "Have faith little one. Your heart will tell you what is right."

"I still don't understand."

"You will with time. I will leave you now with your thoughts." Elora only smiled and drifted back off into the canopy of the forest.

This wasn't right. It simply wasn't. She'd seen the blond ones' hatred of his own kind, his cruelty and antagonism. He simply could not be the one destined to help her. What was most frustrating was that the other inhabitants of the forest were not very forthcoming in the specifics of exactly what type of help she actually needed.

Her frustration grew and replaced her despair. The pool once again changed color as enchanted hues of blue and green played across its surface. The rainbow colors it showed when she was happy were
hidden from her for now, and she missed them.

The nymphs of the forest were so very ancient, and they spoke in riddles and games. They seldom gave direct answers. They laughed and played in the forest, delighting in each day as it was. She envied them.

And now, she was one of them. She was an infant by comparison, less than an infant. They were centuries older than she. Every time she asked her questions, they laughed with amusement, and told her to be patient. They told her all would be clear in time.

There were only two things that seemed clear, first was that they'd promised to help, and second, that she was too young to understand the means of their ways. She wanted to understand, but time was her enemy. She didn't have centuries to try to understand. The fate of the world that she knew was in peril now.

Ginny Weasley now feared that agreeing to be transformed into a wood nymph would become her life's greatest mistake.

He walked back to the castle with no small amount of purpose. For the first time in a very long time, he found that actually wanted to go back and study, though his topic of interest had nothing to do with his school work. He was certain he'd seen a girl in that forest, possibly two, wearing little more than a strand of ivy for clothing, and his seventeen year old hormones had taken a firm grasp of the situation.

At least he was showing an interest in something other than the oncoming doom of the known wizarding world. The forest was dark, certainly, but it wasn't evil, at least not in the way of evil he'd been dealing with recently.

He strode through the castle with a bit more purpose than he had in recent weeks. Of course, to his supreme dismay, he caught the attention of one of his classmates.

Vincent Crabbe stood in the hallway to the dungeons, as if lying in wait just for him.

"Malfoy, we've got trouble."

"You've got trouble, Crabbe. I've got things to do."

"My trouble is your trouble, if you know what I mean."

He gave the dim-witted brute a look of disdain, as he released a bored sigh. "No, I have no idea what you mean."

"It's up to us to keep this school under control, and we've got the wrong people poking around in our business here."

He went on to babble about whatever little pro-Death Eater meetings they had been holding had been disrupted in some way. The twit had no idea how little he cared.

"It's not my problem, Crabbe."

"It should be. Just because you're not in charge anymore doesn't mean that you shouldn't be there supporting us."

"I couldn't care less about anything that you are involved with."

"That's not what the Dark Lord wants, and you know it. You should be helping. "

"Helping with what? Learning to torture firsties in detention? That's your department, Crabbe. I've got better things to do."

"Do you have some new 'assignment'?", the stupid bloke speculated. Good, Draco thought. It appeared that the rumours were still working in his favor. If they thought he was up to another secret assignment, then they'd leave him alone. He decided to play along. If the idiot wanted to come up with an alibi for him, he wasn't going to argue.

"Maybe I do, maybe I don't. It's none of your business, regardless," Draco replied.

"I want in on it."

"Not this time," Draco responded, and turned back to his room without another glance at his former accomplice. Let them think what they would of him, as long as he left him alone.

He returned to his room and pulled out some texts for his new 'assignment', quickly banning all thoughts of his encounter with Crabbe from his mind, replacing his thoughts with the memory of that sweet little scantily clad vision he'd seen in the forest.

He began by going through some of his first and second year texts on magical creatures. It was a subject in which he'd never paid much attention as he'd been brought up to see most creatures as servants or tools. To actually study details of the things didn't really interest him, as his incident with the hippogriff had proven.

As he scanned through the images, he found very little that was either interesting or useful, and he closed the book in disgust.

He closed his eyes and his mind started to wander to happier thoughts of when he was young, bringing to mind a fictional creature that fit the description fairly well. It was one that most boys had at least some infatuation with, if only in their dreams. The sightings of such things were so rare that it was thought that the creatures didn't actually exist. Yet, there were numerous unconfirmed stories that claimed they were real.

As most men grew older, they became quite convinced that the wood nymph was nothing more than a myth created for the sole purpose of men making their wives jealous.

- - -