Nothing felt real anymore, not since Tom left. But he didn't leave, he did worse, he betrayed her trust, manipulated her. Cutting all ties was for the best, whatever they had done down in that chamber was not good and Ginny wanted no part in it.

But it hurt so much, she missed Tom, he was her friend, her solace, it hurt to be without him.

The days droned on, becoming weeks and months, and it felt like all colour had left the world. Ginny barely slept, barely ate, this huge part of her was missing and she wanted needed Tom back.

Finally, when she could take it no longer, Ginny climbed out of bed one night and headed for the girls lavatory. The stone floors were cold against her bare feet as she crept through the empty halls. All logic said she should stay away, but as she drew nearer to Tom the ache in Ginny's chest grew ever lighter.

This was wrong, there was no denying it, but she couldn't stop herself. Ginny needed Tom. She needed her friend, needed not to be alone, needed to run her hands over those leather bound pages and revel in the comfort it brought her.

When she found herself standing before the sink, the entrance to that secret chamber where she had left Tom, Ginny reached out and turned the tap gently. Closing her eyes she repeated the nonsense words she had said all those days ago. She heard the slow grind of stone on stone and once it ended she opened her eyes to see the entrance before her. It was as cold and dark as last time, but it held a darker promise.

With a deep breath Ginny made her way into the secret cavern. It felt ominously empty this time, as though she could feel the presence of the creature lacking. The first thing she noticed was the little black book.

It took all her strength to slowly stride towards it instead of running and a moment she touched those leather bound pages she almost cried in relief. Ginny closed her eyes and let the feeling run through her, she was not alone anymore. With a sigh of relief Ginny opened the leather bound book.

I'm sorry. The words read and she swore she could almost hear them.

You tricked me. Ginny wrote back.

There was a long pause before his reply. I should have warned you it was dangerous, Tom apologized.

Why did you lie? Ginny asked not yet ready to forgive.

I did not lie to you. His response was instantaneous. There were things I did not tell you, and I should have, but I never lied to you Ginny.

Why? His words were almost comforting but the acknowledgement of his betrayal brought on a new kind of hurt. Some part of her had wanted him to have a completely reasonable explanation as to how this was all one big misunderstanding and everything could go back to the way it was.

Because you are special, Tom replied. I will never lie to you Ginny. You are mine and I am yours.

To say she was confused was an understatement. Ginny had been confused from the moment she found the diary, not knowing what was happening or how she was feeling and why. And yet despite everything, all she wanted was to forgive Tom so things could be the way they were, the two of them talking everyday, happy, together. But it wasn't right. This feeling inside her, her attachment to the book, Ginny knew they were wrong. So she asked the one thing she should have from the beginning.

What enchantment am I under?

The page remained blank a long time, until finally Tom replied. I don't know, was all he said.

Frustration welled up in her but she pushed it aside. How can you not know? Ginerva scrawled, her script sloppy with haste and pent up emotion.

The enchantment was placed upon the diary but not by me. Tom explained. All I know is that it affected the first person to touch it.

Ginny mulled this information over. How did you find me? She asked instead.

I didn't, he replied. You found me. Very few hands have touched my diary over the years, and even fewer have written to me. Whatever enchantment was cast, from the moment I felt your hand against the leather I felt connected to you. I knew from that moment you were special, and more importantly, that you were mine. No one has ever been mine before Ginerva.

She should not have been touched by that sentiment. She should be scared, she should get help, find someone to break the enchantment. But they would take Tom away. What do we do? Ginny asked the only person she could trust.

The page stayed blank for a long moment.

I don't know. Was his response when it finally came, followed by, I don't want to lose you.

It should not have been so easy to admit, whatever this was was dangerous and she should be afraid, she should seek help. But instead she replied, I don't want to lose you either.

~SophieAngel69