Uncovering Deceptions Chapter 7
The Truth
Ginny breathed a small sigh of relief when Theodore Nott, Pansy Parkinson, and Daphne Greengrass entered the classroom. The fact that she was okay with more Slytherins, ones that no one- not even Severus- was certain where their loyalties lay, was proof enough that she was still left of centre. It wasn't that she wasn't nervous, because she very much was, it was just that she knew damn well that her companions could neutralise the immediate threat the Slytherins posed. If they could do so while dealing with the Trio was her only concern. Fighting on two fronts, even in this very simplified 'battle' situation, was never a good option.
Even as her mind ran through the possible scenarios, including the 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend', Ginny didn't miss the fact that both Draco and Blaise relaxed slightly. But she was unsure if it was the trio of Slytherins themselves or merely the fact that they weren't the trio of Gryffindors that everyone currently in the classroom loathed. Knowing it wouldn't be prudent to ask now, she braced herself for the next students. She knew as well as everyone else that the Trio were the only ones left to arrive.
"Would it help lower the tension if I pointed out that none of us are dim-witted enough to cause trouble?" Nott asked dryly, holding his hands out at his sides as if saying 'look I'm unarmed'.
"Why should we believe you?" Blaise enquired coldly.
Ginny watched the byplay with a great deal of interest. She wanted to gauge just why Theodore Nott would deliberately engage in a discussion with Blaise or Draco. Do Slytherins even call it that? A row maybe? Debate? She didn't dare hope that Theodore was any different than Crabbe had been in regards to wanting to follow in his father's footsteps. Finding that it calmed her slightly to think that maybe, just maybe this group wasn't a threat, she leaned back just enough to brush her shoulders against Draco and Blaise's arms and practised her breathing exercises.
"Because," Pansy drawled, dropping her supplies on her usual table, "we've much rather hex the foolish little heroes. Less chance of maiming or death to befall us going that route."
"They weren't far behind us," Daphne interjected with what almost sounded like concern in her tone, setting her belongings down calmly and pulling out the stool at the side of the table- out of the line of fire- and sat gracefully.
A noise in the corridor caused Ginny to jump and take a step back before she had even thought twice about what she was doing.
"Now, now, as much as I would enjoy watching you hex that infernal group of meddlers," Severus said, in that dry tone he was notorious for, "I can't allow it."
"But-" Draco began just as Blaise protested, "Sev-"
Even Ginny was working up the bravery to protest when he held up his hand and waited for the voices to die down. Seeing as they were Slytherins and this was Severus Snape calling for silence, it only took a second or two. Then and only then, did Severus continue, "Unless they try to hex one of you first. Then I get to assert my authority and finally remove them from my classroom once and for all."
"Where in that scenario did we get to assert our displeasure?" Draco questioned. He had brought his hand up to rest on Ginny's lower back, just enough pressure to remind her that he was there and she wasn't alone.
Ginny knew that now wasn't the time to tell Draco that she appreciated his caution but that it wasn't necessary. Later, she would explain later, she promised herself.
Blaise shifted between Ginny and the door, his eyes not once leaving the open doorway though he spoke in a low voice she was sure didn't carry past the three of them. "You are safe and we will protect you."
Draco's hand on her back, the absolute certainty in Blaise's tone and the knowledge that there were three other people in the room willing and perfectly able to hex anyone that bothered her helped Ginny in a way nothing ever had.
It gave her hope.
-DBG-
Looking back, even a few hours after the incident in the classroom, she wondered why she had dared hope that the Golden Trio would leave off- even for a moment. At the time, she'd just run for Severus' office, scrambling through the Floo into the safety of the Hospital Wing.
She was currently curled up on a floor cushion in front of the enormous fireplace, the fire going strong, heating the entire room despite it being half in and half outside thanks to the special wards that had been added at Pomfrey's request. Draco and Blaise were still down below, along with Daphne Greengrass and Theodore Nott; all injured by the Golden Trio's hexes and curses.
Laying back, Ginny laid her hand over her eyes and sighed. The backlash of the incident, while it was entirely of the Golden Trio's making, was bound to be quick and vicious. She had declared that it was most definitely too soon to try classes, after checking on Draco and Blaise and before saying her good-byes to Tracey and Gregory of course.
That was another issue to be dealt with. Because of the Trio's little hex fest, it had been decided that the two would be far safer away from Britain. Despite the numerous objections from the group of Slytherins, Pansy Parkinson surprisingly included, the couple had already left for Australia. Apparently one of Albus' friends who had fled the First Wizarding War was headmistress at a small school there and had been happy to take in the two refugees.
Still it was a change, and Ginny most certainly didn't like change. In the short time that the couple had been secreted away, she had become used to the curly haired woman poking her head in asking if she could come in and talk, have a bit of 'girl time'. It was a classic example of not appreciating what you have until it is gone. They would keep in touch though, through Albus and Severus, of that both women had been insistent about.
She jumped at the sound of someone clearing their throat, whipping her head around even as she scrambled away from the noise. When she saw just who it was Ginny frowned, but tried to calm herself. "Severus," she said reproachfully, not quite having it in her to glare but giving it her best effort.
There was no way she would give any measure of trust to the brunette standing just behind Severus, though it did not escape her attention that Parkinson had dark circles under her eyes that even glamours apparently couldn't hide. It was also apparent that the girl's school uniform was a tad large, indicating to Ginny that there had been enough rapid weight loss to prevent Parkinson from having the clothes properly tailored.
He had the good grace to look sorry. "I hate to interrupt and I do hope you accept my apology for startling you, but Miss Parkinson requested a moment of your time, Ginevra."
"So she is Miss Parkinson and not Pansy?" Ginny enquired, having had it explained by Blaise and Draco that Severus only used the first names of those he trusted implicitly.
"For the moment," he explained. "She has spoken to Albus and he has given his approval, but as you know I am not as quick to judge. I do however want to add that I do trust Miss Parkinson to behave as is befitting someone of her station. I will step out into the hallway with the confidence that you ladies do indeed have the ability to converse without a referee."
Ginny nodded, understanding all that had been left unsaid. She waited until Severus was in the corridor before speaking. "If you go for your wand, Parkinson, I will hex you."
"I know you will."
Her tone was soft, hesitant even. Broken was the first word that came to mind and Gin sighed heavily. "Would you care to sit down and warm yourself by the fire while you explain why it is that you are here?"
Pansy nodded, moving gracefully across the room, sitting down on a bright blue cushion that was nearly in the fireplace. She was shaking as she set her wand in her lap and faced Gin fully. "I am told that I can trust you. From what I have observed, earning your trust is imperative."
Gin sat back, gripping her wand tightly but, she swore she heard something in the other woman's tone- something that struck a chord. "I don't know about imperative, but certainly it would make things easier if you're to be tucked away here with us. Are you?"
"Yes, Theo and myself. Daphne must figure out a way to get to her sister-" She looked up from the fire. "Asteria is a Ravenclaw. You may know her." At Gin's nod, she went on, "Daphs wants protection for them but her mother is quite mad."
"How am I to know you, any of you, aren't some sort of spy or spies?" Gin asked, making sure she didn't sound accusatory. She was just trying to be as honest as she could be. Honesty she had found was the only way to go about things, lies only clouded an already impossibly complex situation.
It was in that moment, the moment Pansy allowed Gin to see past all of her glamours and walls that Gin understood just what sort of circumstances had led to this moment. Pain, fear, loathing, hatred for those who brought the pain and fear, and a healthy dose of 'what the fuck' were all visible before Pansy broke eye contact and resumed staring at the fire.
Gin allowed the silence to stretch, mulling over the information she had been given. With a decisive nod, she got to her feet and moved towards the door. "Asteria Greengrass is the tiny brunette that always looks ill, isn't she?" Not waiting for a response, she speared Severus with a glare. "I do believe it is time to get her back into the hospital wing. Here she can be protected as we are. Correct?"
It may have held the inflection of a question, but not one of them considered it one. With a small nod Severus left the girls and made his way down so that Poppy, Albus, and he could plot the best way to secure Miss Greengrass- the younger- by breakfast.
"I don't do 'hope' any longer," Gin said flatly, watching the empty doorway. Slowly she turned to face the other witch, frowning heavily. "But I do have faith in Albus and Severus. I do not trust you, and will not until you have proven yourself but what I will do is put faith in their judgement. I will hex you unrecognizable if necessary to protect those I deem worthy of my trust. Do you understand?"
"I do. I think I will go to my room now." Pansy stood, looking weary and haggard- something which had Gin wishing she could trust the other witch long enough to comfort her.
"Rest," Gin suggested gently but firmly, "It does wonders."
Pansy simply nodded as she hurried out leaving Gin alone to contemplate the new situation. It was there that Draco and Blaise found her some time later, curled up on one of the large pillows staring into the fire- her mind having wandered as she simply relaxed- for once not worrying over anything. In fact, she really wasn't thinking of anything in particular at all.
They both sat in front of her, just to the left of the fire. Neither of them spoke for many long minutes until Blaise spoke softly. "Are you well?"
She looked from the fire to them and nodded. "Just doing nothing at all for once. I needed time away from them million and one problems that seem to crop up with alarming regularity."
"We all do," Draco agreed. "Severus said to tell you that Asteria is being sent for."
"She wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone betray any of us," Blaise added his gaze meeting hers, showing her how honest he was being.
"She always looks so lost, as if she doesn't have a person in the world that she can go to." It was a feeling Gin knew all too well, hence the reason she had noticed it in the quiet brunette. "That she can trust."
Before either boy could respond, a soft clearing of the throat alerted them to Albus' appearance at the door. He looked a tad apprehensive, which had Gin sitting up and frowning. "Whatever is wrong, Albus?"
"I need to know if any of you cast any ancient protection spells," he said, sounding quite perplexed.
"No, I didn't." She speared the boys with a look guaranteed to get them to tell the truth. Both of them quickly shook their heads, looking as confused as she was. "It wasn't us. What is going on?"
"Ahh...well... someone has released the gargoyles," he admitted sheepishly. "I have not heard of this since the castle was built and that was only when it was under attack."
Gin tried not to laugh, really she did. The mere idea that there was something about Hogwarts that Albus Dumbledore didn't know about was funny in a way only this group would understand. It was only when six gargoyles flew into the room a moment later that she stopped mid-laugh. "Oh, well. Hello."
They had all heard the tales of when the gargoyles had been real live creatures. But that time was long past. Or so she had thought. Apparently the tales had been true and the gargoyles had only been waiting to be called into service again. It would be interesting to see exactly what service these would provide. Holding a hand out tentatively, she waited for the nearest creature to edge forward a step at a time and it was only then that she realised that the biggest one had what looked like a baby gargoyle nestled between its wings. She was delighted when the wee one flew off and landed just next to her hand.
She held herself perfectly still not wanting to frighten it off. It rubbed it's head on her hand it what she assumed was an indication to pet it. She was surprised when its rock-like skin felt scaly. Not a bad sensation, just one she hadn't been expecting. It wasn't until the others crowded around that she realised they had moved closer.
Draco and Blaise petted each of them in turn, the wee one hopping from lap to lap before darting over to Dumbledore. It was about the size of a crup while the biggest was roughly the size of a Newfoundland dog. She looked over the rest, deciding that they were about Fang's size. They ranged in colour from bright white to a grey so dark it was nearly black.
"Are you here to protect them?" Albus asked softly, having crouched down to pet the gargoyle currently sitting on his foot. He seemed to consider the musical sound they all made as agreement. "Good good. I see that there are enough of you for each of the students that now call the hospital wing home." They sang again and all but three stood and left the room, three in the direction of the general hospital area and one towards the bedrooms.
"Well, things just got even more interesting," Blaise quipped, one of the gargoyles nearly bowling him over as it tried to sit in his lap.
Gin and Draco chuckled, their gargoyles settling in next to each of them. Blaise, it seemed, was the master of understatement.
