Chapter 10—Severity
WARNING: This chapter features the use of an Unforgivable.
(August 25, 1994 / 3:00AM)
The Burrow was completely silent. Ginny sat in her family's sitting room, because she obviously couldn't sleep. Anxiety over the gathering she couldn't stop was getting to her—and the guilt. She kept repeating to herself, what if something happens? What if someone's hurt or killed? Can I really live with myself, knowing that I could've warned Dad or the Headmaster?
And yet she couldn't. I'm such a coward.
Ginnny distractedly stroked Théodris, as she gazed off into complete darkness. Suddenly, she heard footsteps coming down the stairs. It was her Dad; Ginny recognized his scent of peppermint and chamomile. The look on his face when he cut on the lights and saw her alone in the sitting room was nearly priceless.
"You certainly startled me," Her Dad said somewhat shakily. "Want a glass of warm milk, sweetheart?"
"Thanks, Dad." Ginny replied pensively.
In no time, Ginny and her Dad were in the sitting room, awkwardly drinking their glasses of warm milk. Ginny knew her Dad had issues with insomnia because he constantly worried: He worried about work; he worried about money; he worried about the Twins causing too much trouble at school; he worried about Ron; and he worried so much about Harry. Tom becoming stronger would only further worry him; it could possibly lead to the death of their entire family. They, after all, were blood traitors.
"Ginny, what's the matter? You were acting strange all evening, and your mother mentioned that you wouldn't come down earlier because of a headache."
"I wasn't feeling well, but I'm fine now."
"You don't seem fine to me," Her Dad insisted. "You were sitting in the dark with the blankest expression on your face. Tell me what's wrong."
Ginny sighed. "I don't think we should go to the game tomorrow."
There, Ginny told herself, I said it. Finally.
"Why not?" Arthur asked, fixing her with a severe gaze.
"I heard you talking about the lady that disappeared and—," Ginny stopped, considering her next words carefully, "I just thought maybe we shouldn't go."
"There's nothing…malicious about her disappearance."
"But you said it happened in Albania."
"Yes—and?"
Ginny drank from her glass before replying. "Dark things are in Albania. It was rumored that He was last in Albania. He even mentioned it to me in the diary."
"Hold on," Ginny's father said, holding up his hand to silence her. "How do you know this? It's reaching, Ginny."
Ginny couldn't tell him that Lucius Malfoy didn't think it was reaching.
"I hear things in the common room," Ginny lied, hearing Arthur sigh. "There's a connection, Dad, you can't deny that."
"The security at the game will be the best there is to offer. There's no need to worry."
Oh, but there is.
Ginny stood and walked to the kitchen, releasing Théodris outside through the window. Ginny closed it afterward, rinsed out her glass, and headed for her bedroom. She turned around before fully leaving the sitting room.
"I'm being silly." Ginny said to her Dad, who regarded her apprehensively.
"Where did the necklace you had on earlier come from?" Arthur asked her out of nowhere. Ginny didn't visibly react to his question.
"Astoria Greengrass let me borrow it," Ginny lied easily, but her Dad wasn't convinced. He'd dealt with the likes of Fred and George, after all.
Arthur sighed tiredly. "Be ready in three hours. We leave for the stadium then."
Ginny nodded before running up the stairs. She didn't think she could handle anymore spontaneous questions like that from her Dad.
They had been near the vicinity of the Quidditch stadium for a couple of hours now. Ginny had seen a ton of Gryffindors: Thomas, Finnigan, Wood, and she'd spotted Johnson. She'd also seen Cho Chang. Harry clearly had seen her, too. The idiot slopped water down his front at the sight of her and had the audacity to wave back at the girl. Ginny was still slightly attracted to Harry (though not significantly), but she still didn't like Cho.
Ginny was tired of meeting people, particularly Ministry officials. There was Ludo Bagman, a charmer and a swindler, Ginny thought, watching the man placing bets on the game with Fred and George first. Afterward, Bagman and Arthur discussed Bertha Jorkin's disappearance. Despite her Dad's best efforts, Arthur couldn't convince Bagman to issue an inquiry. Arthur explained to Ginny that Bagman was a very relaxed person when it came to rules and security.
Bagman was dressed in his old Quidditch robes. There were other witches and wizards who weren't bothering to hide the fact that they were…different…from the muggle Roberts family.
Ginny quickly grew bored and listened to Crouch call Percy Weatherby for the tenth time within hearing range of the twins. Poor Percy. He just can't catch a break.
"GINEVRA!" someone screamed over the crowd.
Ginny turned and saw Astoria smirking at her from four tents away. The blonde was in a sleek, flowing royal blue satin dress robe that perfectly matched her eyes. She truly looked the picture of a proper lady, as she made her way toward Ginny's camp. The curious looks from Ginny's Dad, Bill, Charlie, the twins, Harry, and Hermione didn't faze Astoria at all. She wasn't even bothered by Ron's glower, though he had that stupid red tinge to his face at the sight of her.
Ginny smiled at the blonde, grateful to see someone who wasn't a Gryffindor. "Astoria, I'd like for you to meet my father, Arthur Weasley. Father, this is Astoria Greengrass."
Astoria, a stickler for the old ways, conservatively curtsied to Dad because he was the Weasley family patriarch. "Pleasure meeting you, sir."
Ginny saw her Dad awkwardly smile at the girl, before giving Astoria a slight bow that acknowledged her greeting. Astoria's bright gaze turned to Ginny, who sensed something cunning in the works before Astoria spoke to her Dad again.
"Actually, Mr. Weasley, I was wondering if Ginevra could perhaps visit our marquee for an hour." Astoria said oh-so politely. She was definitely up to something. "My father is right there," Astoria said, pointing to the blond man who was five tents away from them. "He'll escort us both there and back as is proper, I promise."
Arthur smiled (more like grimaced) before nodding. "Certainly."
"Thank you, sir. I have so much to tell you, Ginevra." Astoria said dramatically, almost making Ginny cringe.
Before leaving, Ginny heard Harry say to Ron and the twins, "Ginevra?"
Astoria's father forewent the introductions, escorting them both back to Astoria's family's large house. Ginny refused to call it a tent; it was too big. Yet the moment they arrived there, Astoria's father left. The moment Ginny entered their home, she was enveloped in a hug.
"Theodore!" Ginny sighed with a huge smile on her face, despite their disagreement.
Ginny saw Astoria and mouthed 'thank you' to the girl, watching the blonde beam at them both and nod in return. Ginny slightly pulled away from Theodore's embrace and looked up into his chocolate brown orbs. "I missed you, and I do get it. I don't like it but I understand."
Theodore kissed her deeply before they were both startled by Daphne, a beautiful brunette with her sister's eyes. "Sorry to interrupt this love fest, but you know Mother won't allow her here in those rags. No offense intended," Daphne hastily added to Ginny.
"None taken." Ginny said.
"You're somewhat smaller than Astoria but I'll give you one of her dresses. Come before Mother sees you in that." Daphne ordered. "And I know you don't like Pansy but try to tolerate her. She's here."
"Great."
Parkinson was indeed there. Ginny spotted Davis, Bulstrode, Parkinson, Zabini, and even Goyle in the Greengrass's sitting room. Ginny followed Daphne upstairs, nonetheless.
"Nadia," Daphne called, and instantly, a house elf appeared. "Find Ginevra a suitable dress that fits. During the game, make sure you return the clothes she's currently wearing to her encampment. Do something nice but simple with her hair, too. Trust me, you don't want my harpy of a mother after you." Daphne said, making Ginny actually giggle. Daphne then left the room. She didn't wait for any thanks from Ginny; it was that simple.
In no time, Ginny was dressed. Her hair was brushed back into a shiny—and very tidy—mane. She went downstairs and saw Astoria standing next to Theodore—and Draco.
"What are you doing here, Malfoy? I made sure you weren't invited." Astoria said with disdain dripping from every word.
Draco looked Astoria up and down with barely concealed distaste. "Actually, your mother invited me." Draco drawled, before practically shoving the invitation at Astoria's chest. Astoria gasped as the force of his shove slightly pushed her aside. Draco didn't spare her a look, choosing to make a beeline for Parkinson afterward.
"Let's go for a stroll." Astoria said tensely, looking at Theodore and Ginny.
"Ginevra and I will go for a walk. You will stay here." Theodore dictated silkily.
"But I did you a favor. Consider this a small payment in return. Besides, I will bury Parkinson and Malfoy if I have to suffer them."
Theodore wasn't convinced. "Please, you know how my mother is." Astoria said to Theodore, who visibly relented. Ginny was confused, until Astoria explained. "She'll make me talk to every eligible bachelor in that room, especially Malfoy. If I'm with Theodore, however, she'll leave me alone. Quickly, let's go."
Ginny thought Astoria was joking, but the expression on Theodore's face made it clear that she wasn't. Astoria linked her arm with Theodore's left, and Ginny did the same on Theodore's right. Together, they walked the more posh side of the Quidditch World Cup encampment. There were more Slytherins and Ravenclaws on this side, Ginny noticed, after seeing Goldstein, Brocklehurst, Warrington, and Edgecombe. Like the muggles don't find any of this strange, Ginny thought to herself as she looked at the decadent tents (more like homes) and the odd clothing attire.
"I'm glad you're not hiding your necklace," Theodore said with a handsome smile that reached his eyes, breaking Ginny's reverie.
"My Dad saw it, you know." Ginny replied, feeling Theodore stiffen. "I told him I borrowed it from you, Astoria, but he didn't believe me."
"Will he ask again?" Theodore said.
Ginny shook her head. "I doubt it, but I'll have to tell him the truth one day." Ginny finished with a smile, feeling Theodore pull her closer towards him.
"Oh, and I know all about the necklace. Congratulations!" Astoria said sarcastically, though she really meant it in her own way.
"Be quiet," Theodore snapped at her, like a sibling. Ginny laughed at the pair.
They spent the rest of the thirty minutes talking about the upcoming match. Apparently, Theodore and Astoria would not be attending it. Theodore only came to see Ginny; he didn't want to wait till they arrived at Hogwarts to settle their issues. The Notts also wanted no connection to this years Quidditch World Cup for obvious reasons.
Though Ginny and Theodore were far from settling their issues, they weren't going to talk seriously in front of Astoria. Ginny was more thrilled to see him than anything. Seeing him was enough to put the gathering at the back of her mind. For the first time in twenty-four hours, she was able to relax. Ginny's hour, however, was quickly winding down. She only had fifteen minutes left at the Greengrass encampment, so they quickly made their way back to Astoria's marquee; they didn't want to keep her father waiting. Upon arrival, they saw that the man was nowhere in sight.
"You still have about ten minutes." Astoria said to Ginny, making her way inside the marquee. "It was almost nice seeing you, Ginevra."
Ginny ignored the blonde and focused entirely on Theodore. "It'll happen a couple of hours after the match. They've decided to bait those Muggles who own part of the field yonder; that's where you're camping if I'm not mistaken." Theodore said.
Ginny nodded, feeling almost sick to her stomach afterwards. Theodore continued, "I really want you to consider going home. If they catch you or your family—."
"I know, but there's no going home now. Besides, I have the necklace."
"And your family?"
Ginny smiled up at him with a bit of assessment in her gaze. "You care about them?"
"I care about you," Theodore said firmly.
Ginny nodded, planting a soft kiss on his lips. "We'll see." Ginny said, referring to the gathering.
Suddenly, someone cleared their throats. Ginny and Theodore practically jumped a part, eliciting a chuckle from Astoria's father.
"Forgive my manners, young Lady." Astoria's father began, looking between Ginny and Theodore with a knowing smirk. "I was incredibly busy earlier and could not make a proper introduction."
Nothing about this was proper at all. He should've made the introductions in front of Ginny's father, but he hadn't done so because her Dad was a Weasley. Theodore, however, introduced Ginny after acknowledging Mr. Greengrass with an abrupt nod.
"This is Ginevra Weasley," Theodore drawled, taking a hold of Ginny's left hand in front of the man. Suddenly, Ginny's neck felt heavier. "My intended bride." He added.
Thankfully, Ginny did not react to Theodore's words. She still wanted to gape up at him and say, why would you tell him that? Mr. Greengrass actually beamed at them, and then afterward, laughed heartily.
"Oh the scandal!" said Mr. Greengrass with laughter in his voice and eyes. "It's time I take you back to your father." The man said to Ginny.
"Astoria will accompany you both back," Theodore insisted, leaving no room for argument. Ginny offered the amused Mr. Greengrass a small, polite smile. Instantly, they were joined by Astoria, who did in fact accompany Ginny and Mr. Greengrass on the walk back.
Ginny didn't think Astoria's father was a blood supremacist. On their walk back, he talked to families of so-called lesser blood. The man, however, was traditional and very proud; Astoria was a lot like him in this regard. The Greengrass's, however, were clearly here for two reasons: To be seen and to do business.
Along the way, they stopped and were briefly introduced to high-ranking Ministry officials like Amelia Bones and Mafalda Hopkirk. Ginny glimpsed Lucius Malfoy but was grateful when Mr. Greengrass steered clear of the man. Weasleys just didn't mix well at all with Lucius Malfoy.
Finally, they had made it back to Ginny's encampment. "Mr. Greengrass, my father doesn't know about Theodore and I."
A mischievous grin spread across the man's face, but one pleading look from Astoria and the man playfully pouted. Mr. Greengrass was amusing, like Daphne.
"He won't hear of it from me, young Lady. But you might want to hide that necklace." He said seriously. Ginny frowned confusedly but nodded. She focused, willing the necklace to become invisible. Mr. Greengrass nodded at her that it was unseen. A minute later, Ginny stood before her Dad and the rest of her family, who were gaping at her new attire.
"It's been a pleasure." said Mr. Greengrass almost fondly.
"See you at Hogwarts, Ginevra." Astoria said, sounding amused as her and her father left Ginny with her family.
"What happened to your clothes?" Ron asked, frowning at Ginny.
"What she's wearing is very nice." Hermione insisted, glaring at Ron.
"Too nice for a Quidditch game," Both Fred, George, and Harry said together.
Ginny shrugged. "Let's just say I changed to avoid…complications of the snobbish sort."
"But where are your clothes?" Her Dad asked her with a thoughtful frown.
"A house elf will deliver them during the game," Ginny said, seeing her Dad nod with a look that Ginny couldn't quite decipher on his face.
"You look like a little princess, Ginnikins." Bill grinned at her.
And, out of nowhere, Fred and George pounced on her, placing Ginny in a headlock and messing up her nice hair.
"How you like your new makeover?" George asked with an evil grin.
Everyone laughed, including Ginny.
It wasn't long after that before their Dad told them to settle down and get ready. They were headed for the stadium.
"Good, Lord, Arthur. What did you have to sell to get seats in the top box? Surely, your house wouldn't have fetched this much?" Lucius Malfoy said in a soft, taunting voice.
So far, the day had been absolutely perfect for Ginny. Then Lucius Malfoy and Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, had to come along bragging about donations to St. Mungo's and now the bastard had the audacity to insult her father. Lucius Malfoy made her sick, and so did Draco, who was sneering stupidly at Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
Ginny stepped forward beside her Dad. "No amount of money in this world could ever make your family truly legitimate, Mr. Malfoy." Ginny spat coldly at the man, looking at him with disgust. "Or do you dare to prove me wrong by showing us all your left unblemished arm?"
The vile man gripped his cane tighter but couldn't act in front of Fudge, who was currently talking to the Bulgarian Minister of Magic. Lucius's lethal gaze lingered on Ginny, until a disgusting smirk spread slowly across his face. Ginny could see beyond his weak mental shields and into his mind; that bastard was relishing the memory of the diary incident.
I'd kill him now if I could, Ginny thought to herself. Lucius's gaze moved on to everyone else, but the look he gave Hermione was truly terrifying. The muggleborn, however, held her own and met the man's gaze squarely. Ginny remained coldly indifferent to Mrs. Malfoy and Draco, the latter who was glaring at Ginny glacially. Finally, the Malfoys moved on to take their seats. Ginny's gaze never left Lucius's. One curse, just one, and he'd never terrorize anyone ever again. A couple of seconds later, Ginny's thoughts were interrupted by her Dad.
"Ginny?" Her Dad began. "Sweetheart, are you all right?"
Ginny looked away from Lucius, focusing on her Dad instead. She nodded. "I'm fine."
Arthur smiled uneasily down at Ginny, but she could see pride in his eyes all the same. Yet the look that was shared between Arthur, Percy, Bill, and Charlie made it clear that they knew Ginny was far from fine. Only they had noticed that Ginny still had a very tight grip on her wand in her left dress pocket.
"That was brilliant, Gin." Ron said breathlessly. Then, turning to Harry and Hermione, Ron mumbled, "Those slimy gits."
It wasn't long before the match had begun. Bill stood behind Ginny; he was conveniently blocking Lucius Malfoy from her sight. That was probably a good thing, too. Ginny was vividly imagining ways to kill the man. To Ginny's left was her Dad. Arthur made an effort of concentrating on the match to keep Ginny's mind off of Malfoy Sr. It worked. Before long, Ginny was watching Lynch and Krum diving for the snitch.
Yet, despite the fact that Krum had caught the snitch, Ireland still won 170 to 160. Ginny frowned at Fred and George; they were shrieking from excitement at the very top of their lungs. Ron was to Ginny's left and he was faring no better. He was hugging everyone, and yet through it all, Ron had never removed his arm from around Ginny's shoulders. I'll always be his kid sister.
Suddenly, realization hit Ginny. Yes, Tom had tried to take away her brother by tampering with her mind. Ginny, however, could always start anew with Ron by creating happier memories of him. She could start over with Ron, despite how difficult it would be. He was her brother, after all; Ginny owed him that much.
Suddenly happiness swelled from within her. For once, all in the world felt incredibly good and Ginny felt like she was really a Weasley—and not only so in name.
It was the perfect day, a day that would forever stay with her.
(September 1, 1994)
Ginny couldn't help but remember the disastrous night of the Quidditch World Cup, as she distractedly listened to Ron, Hermione, and Harry's conversation in the compartment on the Hogwart's Express back to school.
Screams. Complete chaos. Despite the flashes of light that either came from spell casting or flames, the darkness remained forever potent; it increased the confusion and fear. Arthur had awakened Ginny with such urgency in his voice, telling Ginny, Harry, Hermione, and Ron to stay close to Fred and George. That's when Ginny noticed the screams and heard the sound of people running outside. The twins grabbed her.
"Come on," Fred said, sounding extremely serious for once in his life.
"They're approaching fast," George yelled over the ruckus outside. He was right: There were masked people garbed in flowing black robes—Death Eaters. They were headed straight towards them.
"Fred, George, get them out of here. NOW." Dad ordered the Twins. "Head for the forest. Bill, Charlie, Percy—follow me."
The Death Eaters were levitating the Roberts family above fire that was growing upward. Most, however, were blasting things (including people, Ginny noticed) out of their way as they approached them. Ginny didn't want her Dad or her brothers trying to stop them; she didn't care if that made her selfish. They, at least, would be safe.
"Come on," Harry yelled, pulling Hermione with Ron beside him as they ran deeper into the forest with Fred, George, and Ginny behind them.
BOOM! The Earth literally shook.
George tripped on a fallen branch. Ginny had been holding his hand as they ran, and therefore when George fell, Ginny also fell.
"You two okay?" Fred asked.
Ginny nodded. "The explosion startled Georgie." Ginny said teasingly.
George gave her a wry smile. "Can you blame me?"
Ginny, however, was looking for the Trio. "Where's Ron, Harry, and Hermione?"
They began looking for them, but after five minutes, it was clear that the Trio had run deeper into the forest.
"We've got to after them." George said. Ginny could sense the worry in his voice.
"We'll never find them in there," Ginny began logically. "It's too big. Besides, we can see the Ministry wizards from here and those…cowards…are starting to leave. The danger's past and they have their wands. Let's just wait for them to come out. We'll see whoever comes this way."
The danger, however, had not lessened. Half an hour after they'd lost the Trio, the Dark Mark had gone up into the sky. Panic and utter madness ensued afterward. No one was aware that Harry's wand was lost, until it was proven by Amos Diggory that it was Harry's wand that had been used to cast the Dark Mark. Later, Ginny, Fred, and George saw their father emerge from the forest with the Trio, who were in the center of everything as usual. They returned to the camp and were gone in less than 30 minutes.
"Ginny, go away," Ron ordered her. She halted the wave of disdain that nearly consumed her.
"I love you too, Ronald." Ginny said sarcastically, before leaving.
It took her forever to find an empty compartment, but when she did get one, she took the time to reflect on the conversation she'd had two nights ago with her Dad.
"I want the truth, understood?" Arthur Weasley asked Ginny, fixing her with a no-nonsense type of look. "Did you know that attack would happen after the match?"
Ginny looked her father straight in the eye and answered, "No."
"Then why did you tell me that we shouldn't go?" Her Dad asked, getting more frustrated with her by the second.
"Because of Bertha Jorkins's disappearance."
"One disappearance—."
"And the death of a muggle in the village of Little Hangleton." Ginny interrupted her father, seeing him frown at her in confusion. Ginny continued, "Little Hangleton is the village where the Riddle House is. Yes, Dad, I'm talking about Voldemort's family house, where a muggle was killed."
"How do you know this?"
"I snuck into the village and read the muggle paper," Ginny lied, though she would start doing just that. Since Ginny no longer wanted to lie, she decided to speak a bit of truth. "I don't really know why I said anything about not going, Dad." Ginny began, immediately chastising herself for lying. "You mentioned Ms. Jorkins's disappearance in Albania of all places and then I remembered what happened to that muggle in his family's house—I felt scared. This time around, I had to say something—even if I couldn't really explain it."
Simply referring to the diary incident was enough to convince her Dad that Ginny truly hadn't known there would be an attack. Ginny felt incredibly guilty for lying to her Dad, but she couldn't tell him the truth without leading to several unnecessary complications. Besides, Ginny had surprised herself by telling him about the muggle's death. She really hoped the man's death had been in the newspapers, because Ginny knew her Dad would check behind what she'd said.
Yet lying was the least of Ginny's worries. Actually seeing the Dark Mark in the sky (not seeing it in a book) made Ginny's fears all the more real. She had no doubts whatsoever that Tom was getting stronger. The Death Eaters had to sense his strength; otherwise, they would've never risked attacking a high-security match so boldly. Ginny had several questions that she wanted answered: How was He getting stronger? Who was helping Him?
And if He'll really comes back?
(September 4, 1994)
Ginny was in the library during dinner, and for once, she was actually working on her homework. She had several essays due, but Ginny found herself most interested in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Honestly, Ginny was rather frustrated with the introductory level of the classes. They were focused on the basics; Ginny, however, was far advanced in Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. She understood that patience was necessary, but the fact that she had to endure it all didn't improve her attitude. Ginny was easily able to finish both essays within her hour lunch.
Ginny was finished with classes for today. She'd waited all day for the sunset, and now that it had finally set, she could do what she'd planned. Ginny stood and left the library, making sure that she wasn't followed. She Disillusioned herself before entering the Forbidden Forest.
Ginny looked up into the sky, seeing the stars glistening above. Perfect for my plans, Ginny thought to herself with a smile. In no time, she had assembled wood and conjured fire. Ginny knelt and silently transfigured her wand into a knife, slitting her left hand open. Afterward, she scooped up the earth in her injured hand and carried it to the fire, where she dropped the dirt and allowed her blood to flow downward into the flame. Instantly, Ginny was surrounded in a circle of flame with a ten foot wall of fire encompassing her.
Ginny's right hand held Runes, which she then transferred to her bloody left hand. She made sure the Runes were drenched in her blood before casting them at the flame. The fire reared and shot up toward the sky about twenty feet. Then, it came plummeting back to the Earth, leaving scorch marks on the ground afterward. Ginny waited for the smoke to clear before looking at the scorch marks that morphed themselves into the shape of Runes; she checked where the Runes positions on the Earth corresponded with the position of the planets in the heavens.
It took seven hours for Ginny to do the full deciphering, which entailed the combination of Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Astronomy, which was the most taxing of the three branches.
Pertho, meaning competition, fate, or lot. It corresponded to Venus, which symbolized being the bearer of life. Venus was undergoing a greatest elongation from the Sun to the West, signifying Death. Hagalaz, meaning powerful change or new beginning, corresponded to both Venus and Mars. Both were gibbous, meaning that they were in between quarter and full phases. Whereas Venus experienced an elongation to the West, Mars's elongation was to the East, signifying Life.
This happened to correspond to two runes: Kenaz, meaning light in the darkness already present and to, Thurisaz, signifying conquering obstacles. Those were only a few of the symbols that Ginny had deciphered. There were thirty symbols total that corresponded to six planets with their own aspects/phases. Even when Ginny was done, she couldn't be sure about what it all meant. Yet, what worried Ginny the most was Hagalaz—that is, new beginning that involved both death, and oddly enough, new life. Pertho also bothered Ginny, because Pertho was the equivalent to destiny which, in this instance, was linked to certain Death.
"Change produced by Death that proceeds rebirth. Change that results in obstacles between Light and Dark." Ginny said tiredly, still trying to figure out the meaning of all that she had deciphered.
As Ginny laid down on the forest floor at one o'clock in the morning, her mind was far from the wild creatures in the forest who could possibly be imminent threats to her life. She focused on what she now knew: Someone was destined to die, someone was destined for rebirth, and the battle between Light and Dark would ensue. Ginny felt cold inside and it wasn't because of the weather. Ginny couldn't be sure, but she thought it all meant that Tom was destined to be reborn. If that monster truly returned, then Merlin help them all.
Suddenly, Ginny laughed a very dry, bitter laugh.
What was I thinking? I don't even believe in destiny.
And that was her last thought in the dark forest.
(Friday, September 5)
Hello Guinevere,
Thank you for the pictures of my favorite Trio. It was very thoughtful of you to forward me two copies. You were right. He was happy to have the other. He told me to tell you thank you, and yes, he is aware of the pains in the lightening bolt. He informed Merlin and told him to look after Arthur.
As for me, I am doing well. I have several jobs now but nothing truly lasting. Yes, I am a big man-child, as you called me. You, however, should worry about other things like school. Then again, you never really do what you're told. I know you're worried, although I don't know about what exactly. I'm too far away to come to Hogsmeade, I'm sorry. His protector, however, will be there, if you can find him quietly. You can trust him.
Mordred's followers are too active, so continue to watch over Arthur as best as you can. He'll need his knights now more than ever.
Romulus
"Who's that from?" Ron asked, narrowing his gaze suspiciously at Ginny who rolled her eyes afterward.
Ginny had just finished reading Remus's letter. She'd written him September 1st in code. She wanted him and Black to know about the pain in Harry's scar, but Harry had already told them. They'd told Dumbledore (Merlin) about Harry's (Arthur's) pain. While Remus was aware of the attack after the World Cup match, he didn't know much about Bertha Jorkins's disappearance or the murder of the muggle in Little Hangleton. Ginny really wanted to see him. Remus, despite his indecisiveness, could sometimes see things that others couldn't because he was incredibly attentive to detail. There was no doubt that Remus could help Ginny figure out this puzzle.
"It's from Aragog," Ginny said smartly, remembering what Hermione had told her about the acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest. Ron's complexion then turned incredibly green. "He said he'll be here to devour you tomorrow."
Harry and Hermione chuckled but quit after Ron glowered them. Hermione chose then to begin talking about the lesson they had yesterday with Professor Moody, a very famous former Auror who everyone knew to be somewhat of a nutter. Still, Alaster Moody was the best Auror to have around when Tom Riddle was getting stronger. That's why Dumbledore hired him.
"I wasn't at all comfortable with him doing the Unforgivables in class," Hermione said, and she must've voiced this more than once, because Ron and Harry were looking really tired of hearing it.
"He did it because we have to know," Harry said with sadness apparent in his voice.
"I thought it was a great lesson," Ron said stubbornly, just to oppose Hermione who slightly glared at him.
"Then again, I do understand where Hermione's coming from," Ginny said thoughtfully, seeing Harry and Ron frown at her, while Hermione beamed at Ginny. "Some of the older Slytherins," Ginny began, thinking about Draco and Flint, "—well, they were making the wand movements in the commons, muttering the curses underneath their breaths."
"That's sick!" Ron said with disgust.
Ginny nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly. Yes, Slytherin House held students who were truly amazing. However, most were very disturbing and in more ways than one. Ginny, however, felt like somewhat of a hypocrite. I'm far from amazing; in fact, some would say that I'm disturbed.
"Teaching is one thing. Revealing by repetitive demonstration, however, is arguably aiding and abetting." Ginny said, seeing Ron and Harry look uncomfortable. There was silence, until Ginny sought to end it by glossing over Ron's Potion's essay.
"The honeywater comes before the syrup of hellebore in the Volubis Potion, Ron." Ginny pointed out to him, hearing both Harry and Ron groan before correcting their essays. Ginny shook her head, while Hermione began lecturing them to focus.
"And why aren't you doing any homework?" Ron asked, sounding somewhat envious.
"I've finished all my homework for the next two weeks," Ginny said, giving her brother a fake sunny smile.
Ron and Harry both gaped at her. Even Hermione's eyes were slightly wide. Ginny shrugged. "I was bored—no, Harry, it's three stirs counterclockwise, one stir clockwise after adding the moonseed."
"How do you know that? You're a third year," said Ron incredulously.
"I have an Outstanding in Potions for a reason, Ronald." Ginny sighed tiredly, choosing to change the subject again. "Dad's involvement with Professor Moody before Hogwarts was…strange. I mean, who in their right mind would try to enter Moody's residence in broad daylight?"
"They're reporting that it was a false alarm," Hermione said. "Don't worry. Your Dad won't get into trouble over something like that. He was just doing his job."
"You're right, Hermione. I'm just…worrying." Ginny sighed, running a hand through her hair afterward.
Then, Ginny's gaze briefly met Harry's. Ginny quickly looked away from him and down at her book on Wandless magic, though the cover read A Standard Book of Spells, Grade 3.
"Quit listening to the ferret, and if he bothers you, tell him you'll sic Moody on him." Ron said with a viciousness in his voice that made Ginny grin fondly at him. It did amaze Ginny that Ron was attentive enough to assume that Draco would tease her about her Dad, which he was doing religiously.
"Well, guys, I'm headed to bed. You'll be here tomorrow?" Ginny asked them hopefully.
Harry and Ron made a point of not meeting her gaze. Of course they'd avoid the library, despite their school load. Hermione, however, nodded at Ginny.
"I'll be here doing research for S.P.E.W." The bushy-haired girl said, nearly making Ginny burst into laughter.
"See you then."
And with that said, Ginny headed to the dungeons.
(Later that Night)
Ginny was lying on her bed, listening to Theodore describe his three-day vacation to France before returning to Hogwarts. Astoria was helping him, since she and Daphne had went to France with him. They'd all stayed at a townhouse that Theodore's family owned outside of Paris. Theodore was at the part of his story where Daphne and Astoria were avoiding the leers of two teenage American wizards at a social gathering—that is, before Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle burst into the room with a gigantic dead spider that was in the palm of Malfoy's hand.
"Warrington just killed it. You should've seen it. He was…brilliant." Draco said excitedly, eliciting an idiotic nod of agreement from Crabbe and Goyle afterward.
"And why exactly did we just have to know that?" Astoria asked sarcastically, looking at Draco and the spider with disgust.
Draco sneered at her before replying. "Everyone was there to see it, except you three. What are you all up here doing anyway?"
"What does it look like we're doing? We're talking," Astoria said blandly. "At least we were before you came in with this stupidity. Get out, lunatic."
"I'll leave when I want to leave," Draco said, squaring his shoulders threateningly. Behind him, Crabbe and Goyle began cracking their knuckles.
Ginny stood and shook her head at Draco with a smirk. "You heard her. Now leave before I make you."
"I think we've found Warrington's next victim," Draco said with a cold glare directed at Ginny.
Before Ginny knew it, Theodore was by her side. "Do not threaten her." He breathed lethally at Draco, whose pointed jaw clinched as he looked at Theodore with disgust.
"Did I just hear," began a voice from the threshold of the room door that the boys had left open. It was Warrington of all people. "—a Nott defend a blood traitor. Your father would be interested to hear this." He spat, coming into the room and slamming the door behind him closed. Next, he performed a Silencing Charm.
Ginny briefly met Warrington's gaze. He's come here to Crucio me, Ginny realized. She couldn't help but look at Draco to see if he'd known Warrington's intentions, but Draco was slightly frowning at the older boy; he hadn't known Warrington had followed him, Ginny realized.
"My father wouldn't waste time on hearsay." Theodore said with nonchalance.
"I've said it once and I'll say it again. Leave—or I'm going to get Professor Snape." Astoria said heatedly, standing quickly to Ginny's left. Perhaps she's my friend after all, Ginny thought to herself.
"No one is leaving this room, right boys?" Warrington said with a nasty grin on his face. Crabbe and Goyle nodded and chuckled stupidly at his remark. "Now, let's see how loud the blood traitor can scream. Crucio."
Ginny was pushed aside roughly, and before she knew it, Theodore was on the ground thrashing and yelling at the very top of his lungs. At that moment, seeing him in so much pain made Ginny feel a rage that she hadn't felt in two years.
"What the hell are you doing?" Draco shouted at Warrington, rounding on the older boy.
"STOP!" Astoria yelled pleadingly. Warrington laughed.
"Oops, wrong blood traitor." He said with a cruel smirk on his ugly face.
Ginny snapped. The next moment, Warrington went flying into Astoria's vanity. She hadn't even used her wand. Theodore's screams stopped. One look at him and Ginny saw that he was unconscious. It made her more furious. Ginny drew her wand and walked over to Warrington.
"Crucio."
Then, he was thrashing on the ground at Ginny's feet. After twenty seconds, Warrington was clawing at his face. After thirty seconds, he was convulsing. Forty seconds, and he'd badly bitten through his tongue. Fifty seconds and he could no longer even scream.
Malfoy's goons yelled, "CAN'T GET OUT, DRACO!" and "THE DOOR WON'T BUDGE!"
"WEASLEY!" Draco shouted, trying to break Ginny's focus by shaking her.
Astoria was shrieking, "SHE'S GOING TO KILL HIM! STOP HER!"
Oddly enough, the volume of their voices didn't reach Ginny at all. She kept replaying the image of Theodore on the ground, screaming and screaming.
"Ginevra," a weak voice said to her right. "Ginevra, stop."
Warm hands gripped the side of her face. The next second, Ginny was looking into beautiful chocolate brown eyes. "STOP!"
The room suddenly came back into focus. Theodore stood before her, though barely. "You have to stop, or you'll kill him."
Ginny frowned before Theodore pointed down at Warrington on the ground. Oh, please. No. After remembering what she'd done, Ginny dropped her wand. The curse was instantly lifted. Ginny ran her sweaty hands through her hair, panicking over what she'd done.
Ok, think. Focus. She said to herself repeatedly. Focus.
Ginny held out her hand and her wand quickly lifted from the floor and up into her outstretched hand.
"We have to get Professor Snape," Astoria said, moving toward the door.
"No one is leaving yet," Ginny said detachedly. She walked over to Warrington but was blocked by Theodore, who shook his head at her. "I won't hurt him." Ginny told Theo.
Theodore nodded before stepping aside to collapse onto Astoria's bed.
"Obliviate." Ginny said after pointing her wand to Warrington's temple. Ginny then focused and used Legilimency to enter his mind. Warrington remembered nothing and she was relieved to know that his sanity was fully intact.
"Deletrius." Ginny said, deleting the Cruciatus Curse from Warrington's wand.
Ginny turned around and spoke next to Draco and his goons. "Draco, Goyle—leave him at the front of the infirmary. Pomfrey keeps the entrance doors open. Just make sure he's within sight. You are not to be seen by anyone. Draco, you know how to do the disillusionment charm?" Ginny asked, seeing the boy nod distractedly at her. "Then do it to Warrington, Crabbe, and Goyle before heading through the commons."
Ginny walked over to Draco and performed the Disillusionment Charm on him. "No one is to speak of this, ever. Understood? And Crabbe—Obliviate."
The spell struck the boy, who blinked afterward. Ginny then charmed him asleep. "He was going to tell." Ginny told Astoria, who'd gasped after Ginny sent the Memory Charm at the large boy.
"I mean it." Ginny said with the utmost severity. "This evening never happened."
There was complete silence. Then Draco, Goyle, and Crabbe (the latter looking confused) lifted Warrington off the floor and carried him out of the room on a stretcher that Ginny conjured. The moment they were gone, Ginny was by Theodore's side.
"Accio Strengthening Solution, Accio Restoration Potion, Accio Sleeping Draught." Ginny said, watching the Potions she'd brewed in her spare time zoom out from under the bed where she kept every potion that she ever made in a disillusioned box. "Drink, Theo."
Theodore downed the entire Strengthening Solution, took one mouthful of the Restoration Potion, and a teaspoon of the Sleeping Draught. Afterward, he was asleep in no time.
"You can have my bed for tonight." Ginny said absentmindedly to Astoria, who opened her mouth say something. Ginny shook her head. "We'll talk tomorrow." She said tiredly, lying down on Astoria's bed where Theodore rested peacefully.
But Ginny didn't sleep at all that night.
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