"Bury me in armour, when I'm dead and hit the ground. A love back home, it unfolds. And if you love me, won't you let me know?"~Violet Hill (COLDPLAY)
Chapter 10: Ginny Never Gives Up
~September 16~
"No, Gin," I pleaded. "Stop asking." My voice was officially a whiney pitch. I buttoned up my shirt and tied my tie loosely around my neck. Ginny hopped onto my bed, already dressed, and gave me her best pouty face.
"Come on," She cried. "I saw you walk out of the village with Malfoy, to an area no one goes to. Something happened, I know it. And I won't give up until I find out. Tell me, tell me, tell me!" I huffed and fell back on the bed next to her.
"Alright," I gave in. "Draco was trying to make me feel better, so he took me over by the Shrieking Shack." I looked over at her and she waved her hand in a funny motion, gesturing for me to continue. "So we talked." I finished. She stared at me disbelievingly. Several long moments under that stare made me cave in. "And he kissed me." I admitted, rolling my eyes at the redhead as she squealed like a 5 year old girl in an ice cream shop.
"That is so sweet," She giggled. I rolled off the bed and grabbed my Fendi's and slipped into them.
"It was just a kiss," I assured her. "As far as I know, this doesn't change anything between us. We're just friends." Ginny jumped off the other side of my bed and grabbed the bag that held her books.
"Please," she scoffed. "You two are definitely not just friends." I groaned, picked up my purse and books, and we walked out of the room. "What did you do after the kiss?" I shrugged.
"We checked out the Shrieking Shack," I said. She raised an eyebrow at me. "Which really isn't that scary. I think you Brits are just paranoid. Or looking for some lame story to tell First Years…" She rolled her eyes.
"Hardly romantic," she grumbled. I throw my arms into the air.
"Exactly," I cried. "You're finally getting it! We are not romantically involved." She frowned. We descended the moving stairs and walked down the hall, not far from the Great Hall. "Jeez, we've only know each other for a couple weeks."
"I swear," she grumbled. She said more than that but I didn't quite catch it. I ignored it and we entered the hall together, walking over to our usual seats at the Gryffindor table.
"Hey," I greeted.
"Morning," Hermione greeted.
"Good morning, Imogen," Harry replied. Then, he kissed Ginny on the cheek. "Morning love."
"Morning," Ginny smiled back at him.
"Morning," an unexpected voice said. I looked over to the redhead, stunned. He was staring right at me, smiling sheepishly.
"So you're speaking to me again?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Shouldn't have ignored you in the first place I suppose," He admitted. "It's your choice who you hang out with, and I can't change it. I guess I'm just trying to say… sorry." A goofy grin spread across my face. "But I refuse to be all buddy-buddy with him." He insisted.
"I never asked you to," I said quietly. Then, I reached across the table and wrapped my arms around his neck in an awkward hug. He patted my back and I let go, sitting back down. "Welcome back, Ginger Boy."
"Thanks, Mo," he said, giving me a smile. Hermione kissed him on the cheek lovingly and he blushed.
"That was sweet of you, Ronald," she said cheerily. I stabbed my eggs with my fork and popped them into my mouth.
"Guys," Ginny said in a singsong voice. "Guess what Imogen did Saturday!" Everybody turned their attention to the redheaded girl.
She wouldn't dare… I thought. I picked up a muffin.
"She kis-"
I reached around Harry, and shoved the muffin into her mouth before she could finish the sentence. Everyone's gazes turned to me. My glare stayed locked on Ginny and I gave her a look that said 'Don't ever try to tell them that again!' She merely pulled the muffin out of her mouth and giggled. I rolled my eyes and went back to my breakfast, trying to ignore the questioning gazes the four sent me. I brought my head back up at the sound of flapping wings. I flinched as I saw twenty owls swoop across the Great Hall, dropping packages and letters on the tables in front of students. To my surprise, a small barn owl tossed a letter in my direction and flew off. I caught the red envelope and studied it. It was elegantly sealed with a 'D' stamped in calligraphy.
"I wonder who that could be from," Ginny cooed. I made a face at her and opened the letter.
Miss Ruinae,
I require a meeting with you after lessons today. Please inform Mister Malfoy and Miss Granger that they are required as well.
Headmaster Dumbledore
"Huh, I always expected a note from the Headmaster to be more formal," I mused, and stood, collecting my bag and books. "I'm gonna go, but Hermione, Dumbledore wants to see us after classes today."
"Whatever for?" She asked. I shrugged.
"He didn't say, but he wants Draco there, too," I said, handing her the letter. She read it, nodded, and gave it back.
"Come to the Head Dorms after lessons and we can walk up together, okay?" She asked.
"Sure," I said with a nod. "See you guys later." I left them and walked over to the Slytherin table to let Draco know about the letter. When I reached my Snakes, Draco's back was to me. Blaise looked up at me and I drew one finger to my lips. He looked away and tried to hide his smirk. I smirked back and summoned my best Pansy voice. "Drakey!" I exclaimed with her annoying giggle.
"Merlin, Pansy," he growled, turning around. "Can't you just leave me…?" He looked up and I smirked at him. "That was not funny, Imogen!" Blaise and I laughed at him, and Draco threw his fork at Blaise. "Why didn't you warn me? You git!" Blaise threw the fork back at him. I tossed the note in front of him.
"Dumbledore wants to see us after classes," I told him. He picked it up and read it.
"Why?"
"Does it look like I know?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and running my fingers through my hair. I sat down next to him and leaned back against the table.
"Why aren't you with the Gryffindors?" Blaise asked. I shrugged.
"Ginny was bombarding me with questions so I left."
"Questions about what?" Blaise asked. My eyes flashed over to Draco and he caught my gaze. He raised an eyebrow at me and I nodded. He rolled his eyes and sighed. "Is this about-?"
"You told him-?"
"He told me-"
"Yes! I told him," Draco cried. Students around us turned and stared. I started to blush.
"Well, I told Ginny," I admitted.
"You did what?"
"She wouldn't stop grilling me," I whined, leaning my head back in exaggeration.
"Whatever," Draco said quietly. "Who cares what they think anyway?" I gave him a small smile and stood up. That wasn't what I was looking for, but it was good enough at the moment. I was actually looking for him to answer the 'Where do we stand?' question, but I wasn't bothered by that much.
"So did you kick Badger Butt yesterday?" I asked. Both boys snorted.
"It was a total waste of time," Blaise scoffed.
"They didn't even score for the first two hours," Draco added.
"Nice. Well, I'm off to Potions," I announced. "See you in there?" Draco nodded and I left. While on my way down to the dungeons, I passed the bathroom with the ghost in it. I grew curious, not hearing the usual sobs. I checked my IPod: I had 15 minutes until class. I slipped into the bathroom and set my books and bag on the ground.
"Hello?" I asked. "Myrtle, are you in here?" I looked around, pushing stall doors open gently. "I didn't hear you. Are you okay?"
"What are you doing here?" Myrtle's nasally voice called out. "I thought I sent you away." I turned to see her pouting at me.
"I just came in to check on you," I said, and then frowned. "Honestly I just wanted to be somewhere someone wouldn't judge me if I cried. This seemed like a good place."
"Why would you want to cry?" she asked, drifting closer. "You're life is perfect."
"Perfect?" I snorted, sitting down and crossing my legs. "Please, my life sucks. Sometimes I wish I were-"
"Dead?" she finished. I bit my lip and nodded. "Don't you dare wish you were dead! I wouldn't wish death upon my worst enemy." She drifted down and 'sat' beside me.
"Fine," I grumbled.
"Why would you want to cry?" she repeated.
"My friend was murdered," I said, my voice barely a whisper. She let out a girlish gasp.
"You poor thing," she sobbed. "I was murdered. That's why I cry, I was crying when He killed me."
"Who?"
"Tom, but you know him by another name," she said. "He released a monster in the school, and it killed me." She let out a sad sigh.
"What name does Tom go by now?" I asked. She left my side and drifted toward a window with a sob.
"You knew him as Voldemort," she said, her voice low and evil. I cringed and stood quickly.
"Okay," I said, gathering my books and purse. "Well, I have classes so I'm going to go-"
"Wait," she called as I headed for the door. I stopped and turned back to her. "Will you come back? I get so lonely." She pouted and I gave her sympathetic smile.
"Sure," I promised, and left the bathroom, heading to the dungeons. I walked down the halls quickly, only five minutes until Potions Class. When I finally got there, I entered the room quietly and took my seat next to Draco. "Hey."
"He-"
"Open your books and continue on your potions," Snape drawled, interrupting Draco. "Miss Ruinae, welcome back. I hope you have healed well." I was stunned.
"Uh, err, thank you. I have." I said.
"Good, then you do not expect any special treatment, because you won't receive it here," he said. I raised an eyebrow at him.
That's the Snape I know.
"I never said I wanted-"
"Open your books and continue on your potions," he interrupted. I scowled at him, but opened my book.
"Still a total jerk, I see," I observed. "Jeez, when's the last time he got some?" I asked sarcastically to no one in particular. Draco snickered beside me and I turned back to him. He was already working on our potion, tossing in some funny looking ingredients. I picked up the flask of Fluxweed and rolled it around in my hands. "How are we doing?"
"Perfect," He said, looking up at me with a smirk. I pushed him lightly on the shoulder.
"I meant with the Polyjuice Potion," I informed him, rolling my eyes. He chuckled.
"I know," he admitted. "Go to the table and get me some Knotgrass?"
"What's the magic word?" I said in a singsong voice.
"Now." he said, looking up at me. I shook my head and raised an eyebrow at him. He huffed and pouted. "Please?" I smiled.
"That's better," I stated and stood, walking over to the ingredient table. I fumbled through the jars, looking for Knotgrass. I couldn't find it anywhere…
"Having trouble?" Someone asked, coming up beside me. I looked up to see Pansy's boy, Malachi, looking down at me. I paused, stunned.
"Yeah," I said after a moment, looking back at the table. "I can't find the Knotgrass." I bit my lip in concentration. Malachi stepped closer, rubbing up against me. He leaned against me, his muscles flexing, reaching for a vial across the table. When he pulled back, he looked down at my stunned, uncomfortable expression. He held up the vial to me.
"Knotgrass," he said with a smirk. I took it out of his hand.
"Thanks," I choked out uncomfortably. He winked, took a flask from the table, and left. I stumbled away and walked back to mine and Draco's table. I held it out to the blonde and sat down. He looked up as he took it, catching my disgruntled expression.
"What's wrong?"
"Malachi just came on to me," I admitted. His expression turned to one of aggravation. "Seriously I feel like I've been molested." He looked away, back to the potion.
"Should I kick his ass for you?" he asked. The ice was broken and a smile spread across my face.
"Tempting," I admitted. "But no." he frowned. "I need you for this potion, so you cannot get into trouble."
"Touché," he agreed. He checked his textbook and then handed me a stirring spoon. "Stir the cauldron counterclockwise twelve times." I raised an eyebrow at him and he rolled his eyes. "Please…"
"Yes sir," I said with a mock salute, taking the spoon. I put it in the cauldron and began to turn it counter clockwise, without a lot of grace.
"No, no," Draco said. "Stir like this." He put a firm hand over mine and guided my hand around the cauldron. He whispered while we stirred. "One… two… three… four… five…" My breathing hitched as his breath hit my ear, and I forgot the world around me. "Six… seven… eight… nine… ten…" I looked up at Draco while he stirred. His forehead creased while he counted the stirs. "Eleven… twelve…" He looked at me, the slightest play of a smile on his lips.
"Mister Malfoy," Snape called from the front of the room. "Please wait until after class to seduce the female students." Draco smirked and looked up to the dark professor.
"Yes sir," he said, letting go of my hand and returning to the potion. I snapped back into reality and looked around. Ginny and Hermione were staring at me with wide grins. I mouthed an annoyed 'what?' at them. They just giggled and turned back to their own projects. I huffed, crossed my arms, and turned to Draco.
"You have to quit doing that," I whispered.
"Doing what?" he asked innocently.
"What you just did," I retorted. "You keep making me nervous and it's not cool." He smirked and leaned closer.
"I make you nervous?" he said. His eyes bore into mine, hypnotizing me. After a minute or two I recovered and pushed him lightly away.
"Stop that," I ordered.
"No," he said simply.
"Why not?"
"It's fun," he admitted with a wink. I looked away, blushing. When class was over, I left Draco behind and headed quickly to my next class. Ginny and Hermione called after me, running up behind me.
"Just friends, huh?" Ginny said in a cocky voice. "You two flirted the entire class period!" Both girls giggled.
"It's not my fault he's such a flirt," I defended. "And I did not flirt back."
"Yes, you did," Hermione chimed in. I frowned. "You love the way he looks at you and touches you, I can tell." I sighed and shoved my potions book in my charmed purse. "I swear I've never seen him put in so much effort with a girl. Now you get his full attention. You should be proud."
"Effort?"
"Yes, effort," Ginny said. "He flirted with a lot of girls until this year. Now you're the only girl he shows effort to." She thought for a moment, and then squealed with delight. "He has a crush on you!" I covered her mouth quickly while she rambled-mumbled- on as we walked down the halls. Finally, she stopped and I let go.
"You are such a girl," I said, as if it were an insult.
"She's right though," Hermione concluded. "You're different." I rolled my eyes at the two as we entered McGonagall's classroom. Ginny and I settled into our usual seat behind Hermione and Ron, and Ginny continued to try and convince me Draco Malfoy was in to me. But I wouldn't have it. I let out a sigh as the Transfiguration Professor entered the room and Ginny shut up. I loved the girl, but she can talk your ear off.
"Good Morning, class," McGonagall said as she strode to the front. "Today we will be practicing Animagi." We had begun Animagi two Fridays ago, and I was pretty sure I'd be lost the entire class. "Now, everyone stand up and move to the back of the room." We obeyed and moved to the back wall with our things. She waved her wand and the desks disappeared. "Please understand that you probably won't all get this at the first try. It takes time. Spread out and form a large circle. Good, now we'll begin. Any volunteers?" Only Hermione raised her hand and entered the center of the circle.
"Is she really going to do this?" I asked Ron, who stood beside me.
"If anyone can do this, Mione can," he replied confidently.
"Take notice that this is extremely difficult, Miss Granger," McGonagall warned. Hermione nodded and closed her eyes. "Now, focus on you transformation, let nothing block you mind." The professor held up her hand to silence us while Hermione focused on her Animagus. A short minute later, Hermione spun and transformed into an otter. I smiled as she scampered around, showing off her talent. I cheered with the class and Ron leaned closer to me.
"Told you she could do it," he whispered. I smirked and elbow him in the side. It was good to have my Ginger Boy back.
"Next," McGonagall called out after Hermione changed back. She had won us five house points. Malachi raised his hand, causing Draco's hand to fly up as well.
Competitive much?
"Yes, Mister Malfoy," She approved, gesturing for Draco to join her in the center. He had a proud smirk on his face.
"You might want to step back," he warned the professor, who backed away a bit. Draco closed his eyes, and in less than two seconds, he transformed into a massive black lion. My jaw dropped as he let out a loud roar. The Slytherins cheered and I clapped slowly.
This has to be the coolest thing ever.
"Yeah, yeah," Malachi sneered, stepping into the circle. "You're not all that, Malfoy." The lion bore his teeth at the brunette. Malachi hissed at Draco and transformed into a seven feet long, black snake. He hissed viciously at Draco and slithered toward the lion. Draco growled at him and got into a pouncing stance.
"Enough," McGonagall shouted, waving her wand at the two. The fell back, turning into their human forms. "There will be no fighting in my class. Who's next?"
Every student got a chance to try and transform into their Animagi. Ginny turned into an Auburn Horse, and Ron became a tiger. When Blaise's turn came, he morphed into a hawk. Just to show off, he flew over and perched himself on my shoulder. I rolled my eyes and nudged him off, telling him to quit 'tooting his own horn'. Finally it was my turn. I stepped forward, biting my lip nervously.
"Good luck," Ginny and Hermione called out to me. I nodded and closed my eyes, not expecting it to work. I focused on having the magic rush through my body. Suddenly, memories of Hex flashed through my mind and several moments later, my transformation began. When I was finished I looked up at my friends, who stood wide-eyed and shocked. I tilted my head at them.
"She looks just like…" Ginny started. Ron, Hermione, Blaise, and Draco finished for her.
"Hex."
I stretched out my arms and looked at them. I had deep black wings. I looked down, seeing my silver talons. Draco stepped closer to me and held out a mirror. I studied my silver beak, the small, white feathers circling my eyes, my deep red eyes. The only difference between the two of us was a little black star in the red of my right eye. I backed away from the mirror and closed my eyes, not wanting to look at the memory of my pet. I tried to change back, but I couldn't. Why couldn't I change back?
"Imogen," someone called quietly in front of me. I opened my eyes to see Professor McGonagall, crouched on the ground beside me. She spoke in a soothing tone. "Just calm down, close your eyes, and picture your human form." I took deep breaths, shut my eyes, and pictured myself as a human: nothing. I mentally frowned and opened my eyes again. McGonagall gave me an encouraging look. "Keep trying." I wanted to. I wanted to be human again, but I couldn't. It made me question whether I wanted to get rid of Hex's image or not. I tried again anyways: it worked. I stood tall again, human. I sighed and retreated into the back of the room. "The lesson is over, you may leave." She announced. I went over and grabbed my bag and books, and then headed for the door.
"Imogen," Ginny called from behind me. She caught up easily and walked beside me as I turned the corner toward the Common Room. "Where are you going? The Great Hall is the other way."
"I'm going to our room," I said with a shrug. "I'm not very hungry and I don't want to be around a lot of people right now."
"Is it because of your Animagus?" Ginny asked. No wonder she's in Gryffindor, she didn't care what she said.
"Yes," I admitted. "It just shook me a little. I hadn't expected it." She nodded.
"If you'd like I could leave you alone?" I thought for a moment then shook my head.
"No," I said. "You can hang out in our room with me if you'd like." She smiled and we boarded the moving stairs. "But I must warn you, I'm probably not very much fun at the moment."
"That's not a big deal," she said, dismissing it with a wave of her hand. "I'll probably just-Buckbeak-finish up my essay for Charms." We stepped into the Common Room and headed up the stairs to our bedroom. I kicked of my Fendi's, tossed my Potions and Transfiguration books on my dresser, threw my bag on the floor, and did a belly-flop onto my bed. Ginny did the same, and pulled out her parchment, starting to scribble down words. I opened my book and read…
"Finally!" I cried, throwing my arms up in victory. Ginny jumped and looked over at me questioningly. "I finally finished my book. I would've had it finished over a week ago, but I kept getting distracted." I explained. A sly grin spread across her face.
"Distracted, eh?" she asked. "Distracted by- oh, I don't know, the hot, blonde, Slytherin Sex God?" I groaned.
"Ginny, do you ever give up?" I whined.
"Nope," she said, rolled off her bed and hopping onto mine. "Especially when you can't see what's right in front of you."
"It's only been two weeks," I argued. "You can't feel something like that for someone you only met a couple weeks ago."
"I fell in love with Harry the moment I saw him," she admitted. I could hear the smile on her face.
"Well that's not me, it's you," I reasoned. "I don't want to be in love. I'm too young, haven't even lived yet."
"Loving is living," she said. I snorted.
"That sounded really cheesy," I remarked. She made a funny noise and hit me in the face with a pillow. "Hey!"
One Hour Later…
"Will you be okay, walking alone?" Ginny asked. I tossed my black robe on my bed and grabbed my purse.
"I'll be fine, Gin," I assured. "Besides, it's noon. I doubt he'd try anything in broad daylight." I shoved my feet into my black combat boots and headed for the door. "See you."
"Bye," She called as I left. I walked out of the castle, down the hill, passed the small hut, and into the woods. Finally, I came to the small clearing and walked over to the owl-shaped stone. I got on my knees in front of it, and pulled a small flower out of my bag. I placed it across the stone.
"You know," I said to the stone. "I never thanked you. For saving my life, I mean." I brushed the hair out of my eyes and played with the grass between my fingers. "You've always been my hero. And guess what? You're my Animagus." I grinned and looked into the stone eyes. "So even if you're gone, you're still here, huh? I know I'll never forget you that way. I guess I just came here to get closure, and tell you… I'm moving on. For you…"
"Who are you talking to?" I turned my head to see Draco, leaning against a tree at the edge of the clearing.
Screw it, I thought. He already thinks I'm crazy, I'm sure.
"A memory," I said with a smile. He raised an eyebrow at me and smirked.
"You're so strange," he said. I smirked back.
"So I've heard." I stood, blew a kiss at Hex's grave, and whispered goodbye. Then, I straightened out my skirt and turned to Draco. "So, are you stalking me or something?" He scoffed.
"What?" he asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "No. I saw you head down here. I just wanted to check on you."
"Who are you, and what have you done with the Draco Malfoy I've heard horror stories about?" I teased. He rolled his eyes as I passed him. He followed close behind.
"Not so fast," He said. "We have a game to finish." My eyebrows furrowed and I looked back at him. He pulled out a bag of candy and dangled it in front of me.
"You're insane," I said with a snort. "You honestly want to eat those things again? They were disgusting!" He laughed.
"That's the fun part," he insisted.
"True…" I admitted. "Fine, I'll play." I gave in. we sat on the side of the hill and I dipped my hand in the bag. I popped the bean into my mouth and chewed. I swallowed the bean and stuck my tongue out in disgust. "Cough Medicine!" He pulled out one and ate it with no hesitation. He gagged a little and grimaced.
"Earwax, gross," He whined. I giggled.
"Hey," I said. "You wanted to do this." I reminded him.
"Yeah, well I'm having second thoughts."
"Too late," I insisted…
By the end of the bag, we were both lying on the grass, clutching our stomachs. I groaned at the dreadful aftertaste in my mouth and looked over at Draco.
"Remind me why we do this," I grumbled.
"One, because we're daft," he said. "And two, because it's so fun." I smirked.
"Oh yeah..." Draco checked his watch.
"We're going to be late," he said. "If we don't go now."
"'Kay," I said, standing. We walked to DADA together in silence…
"Good afternoon, class," Lupin greeted once everyone was in the room. "Today, we are going outside. So find a partner and grab your wands. We're going to have some friendly fun." Lupin smirked as we all shuffled into pairs. Pansy and Malachi paired up, Draco and Blaise made a team, and I grabbed Harry before anyone else could. I pulled my wand out of my boot and Harry pulled his from his back pocket.
"What do you think we're doing?" I asked Harry.
"I think we're team dueling," Harry replied. I smirked.
"This should be fun."
"Come now, follow me," Lupin called as he left the room. We followed after him and Blaise snuck up behind me.
"You're going down," He stated. I snorted.
"Please," I scoffed. "When I'm done with you, you'll be begging for mercy." I gave him my best evil laugh. We walked out of the castle and approached a stadium with a platform in the center. The platform stood tall, beneath it a lake of water. There were lines marking areas of the platform and a giant timer hovering above the platform. We stepped into the stadium, our outfits changed. Harry and I wore white battle robes and boots, with black pants. My top had a cape that lightly dragged the ground, and my hair was magically slicked back into a ponytail. Harry's top was fitted to his body, no cape. I looked at the people around us. Pansy and Malachi were dressed just like our team, only their robes were green. Draco and Blaise were dressed like Harry, in black robes. Lavender and Dean had teamed up and wore pink robes, much to Dean's displeasure.
"Alright," Lupin cried out. "As you all should know by now, we will be dueling today. Tomorrow you will duel alone, but today you will fight in pairs." I grinned. "First up, Brown and Thomas against Parkinson and Saccularius." The four vanished and reappeared on the platform on either side. "You are allowed to curse your opponent. However, if you use an Unforgivable Curse, there will be consequences! You have five minutes per battle, so do your best to knock your opponent out of the ring." Harry and I sat beside Blaise and Draco in the stands, and to my surprise, they didn't argue. They only ignored each other.
"My money's on Parkinson and Saccularius," Blaise commented to Draco and me.
"As much as I hate to admit it, you're probably right," I concurred.
"Same," Draco agreed. "But only because they're Slytherins." I rolled my eyes.
"You guys are so House-ist," I said. All three boys looked at me with questioning expressions.
"House-ist?" Draco asked with a raised eyebrow.
"It's like racist," I explained. "But between houses. Get it?" Blaise and Draco snorted and Harry looked confused still. I just shook my head and snickered. "Whatever, just watch. They're starting." Colorful lights were shooting from their wands as curses were shot at each student. I watched as Lavender screeched out a curse and shot at Pansy. The pug stumbled back and crossed one of the lines. A loud buzzer sounded.
"Now Miss Parkinson cannot cross the line, or she will be eliminated from the match," Lupin informed us. Pansy stood and shot a spell back at Lavender, sending her flying back two lines and leaving her close to the edge. Dean shouted a curse at Pansy, and she flew off the platform, diving into the water. Malachi cast a curse Dean's way and he fell back a line. Lavender quickly retaliated and Malachi stumbled, crossing one line. The Slytherin easily shot her off the platform and into the water, leaving the two boys. Colors flew as the boys hexed and cursed each other. In the end, Malachi knocked Dean off the platform and won the duel for his team. The four of us just sat there, not cheering or clapping. Malachi creeped me out and I didn't like Pansy, so why should I clap? "Next up is Patil and Abbot against Pucey and Bulstrode."
"Padma and Hannah are going down," Draco said confidently.
"They don't stand a chance," Blaise agreed.
"Please," Harry scoffed. "Bulstrode won't be able to keep her fat arse in the ring." We all turned to him, shocked. Harry had never spoken like that in front of me, and the Slytherins obviously were surprised at his rude remark. "Adrian Pucey is pretty good though." He commented, ignoring our stares.
"O…Kay," I said, turning back to the ring. All three boys were right. The match didn't last a minute, and Pucey was the only one left standing. Six more matches came and went quickly, and then it was our turn.
"Ruinae and Potter against Malfoy and Zabini," Professor Lupin called. I looked at Draco beside me and smirked.
"Ready to get your butt kicked by a girl?" I taunted. He smirked back.
"You wish. Your mine, Ruinae," he replied confidently.
"We'll see," I said, and with a flash, I was on the platform beside Harry, wand in hand.
"Ready?" Harry asked me. I grinned mischievously.
"You bet," I said. The countdown started as Draco and Blaise flashed onto the platform across from us. "I think we should use a little… creativity." I said. Harry grinned back and nodded. 3… 2… 1! The Slytherins stepped forward and raised their wands. Before they could shout a curse, we acted.
"Rictusempra!" I cried at Draco. He fell to the ground, clutching his sides as I magically tickled him. Harry caught on quick.
"Tarantallegra!" Harry commanded. Blaise began to dance like MJ. I giggled at the two. "This is fun." Harry taunted. Draco recovered from my spell and shot at me.
"Flipendo!" He cried. I fell and rolled back, crossing one line. I smirked and stood. It was on.
"Aguamenti," I shouted. A jet of water shot out of my hand and attacked Draco, sending him backwards a line. Harry and Blaise continued to shout curses at each other until Blaise's curse rebounded and he flew off the platform. "Go Harry!" I cheered. He turned and smiled evilly at me.
"Deprimo!" Draco shouted. A gust of wind blasted Harry and he flew off the platform and dove into the water. He smirked and turned to me with a wink. I scowled.
"That was mean," I scolded.
"He got what he deserved," Draco reasoned. "Shall we?" He asked.
"You're on," I said, raising my wand again. "Locomotor Draco!" Draco rose to the air by his right ankle and I moved him to the last line and dropped him. The buzzer sounded. I smiled as he stood.
"Confringo!" I was blasted backward a line by fire, falling on my knees. I wiped my forehead and loose hairs hung wildly around my face. I stood and raised my wand at Draco as he did the same.
"Reducto!" I shouted. The ground under Draco crumbled and he fell from the platform and into the water. People in the stands cheered as I jumped up and down like an idiot. I screamed in victory and then ran across the platform and looked down. Draco stared of at me and I smirked. "I win." I called to him. He stuck his tongue out at me. I scoffed and he raised his wand.
"Reducto!" He cried. The ground crumbled and I fell into the water with him. I swam to the surface, gasping for air. He laughed and I splashed him.
"Not cool!" I complained.
"That's what you get for bragging," he commented. I rolled my eyes and we swan to the edge of the water. We got out and went to the stands with the rest of the students, dripping wet. We stood by a semi-drenched Blaise and Harry.
"Well, it seems we will have to postpone the rest of the duels," Lupin said, glancing mine and Draco's way. "Since Miss Ruinae and Mister Malfoy have broken my platform." I snickered.
"Sorry," I apologized. He grinned.
"Not to worry," Lupin assured as I rung out my ponytail. "That was the best match I've seen today. Fifteen points to Slytherin and Twenty to Gryffindor for winning and using the most entertaining means of fighting I've seen in a while." Harry and I high-fived, and Draco and Blaise smirked. We had all won in some form. "Though, next time, please refrain from tickling and/or making them dance. It's funny, but unnecessary. Now, go dry of in the locker room." He pointed to a door across the way where all the losers had gone to change. We walked into the changing rooms and our school uniforms were set on a long counter, dry and welcoming. I picked up my clothes and turned around. Harry had an uncomfortable look on his face.
"What's wrong Harry?" I asked with my head tilted. He fidgeted a bit.
"There isn't anywhere private for you to change," He said.
Aww, I thought. What a gentleman.
"Never seen a girl naked, Potter?" Draco mocked. Blaise chuckled. I smacked Draco as hard as I could in the chest.
"Shut up, Blondie. Be nice. He's the only gentleman in here," I scolded with a stern look. Then, I turned back to Harry. "Don't worry." I said. "We're big kids; I don't need a private room. If you are uncomfortable, then don't look. I wouldn't want you to feel like you're betraying Ginny's trust." He nodded and turned around facing the wall while we changed. I admired how faithful he was being. The other two, however, were shameless in watching me change. At least Blaise wasn't gaping at me like he'd never seen a girl half-naked before. Draco was so bad with staring at me in my underwear that I threw my wet battle clothes at his head. "Grow up." I said, mostly playfully.
"Hypocrite," he retorted with a smirk. "You've been gawking at my abs the entire time." I scoffed nervously.
"I have not," I lied. His body was admittedly magnificent, but I wasn't about to feed his ego. I pulled my white tank top on and buttoned my shirt. Then, I pulled on my tights and skirt. I stepped into my boots and waited for the boys to finish changing. Actually, I should rephrase: I stepped into my boots and watched Draco's muscles ripple with every move he made. He didn't have a lot of muscle, just enough to make him look good. He caught me this time, for sure.
"Like what you see, Ruinae?" He asked with an even cockier smirk than usual.
"Shut up," I grumbled, looking away. He chuckled and finished dressing. The four of us left the changing room and joined the rest of the students. Lupin had apparently fixed the platform, and the last four students were fighting. It was Gryffindors against Slytherins. And the latter only had one person left, the former had two. The fight ended two minutes later, and the Slytherin had miraculously won. It was impressive.
"Class is dismissed," Lupin announced. "You may go to your fourth lessen. Have a good day." I ran my hands through my still wet hair and headed up the hill, toward the castle.
"Why didn't you just dry your hair with magic?" Blaise asked as me, him, Draco, and Harry walked. I shrugged.
"Too lazy," I admitted. "I'll fix it when I get to my room."
"We still have one more lesson," Harry said. I looked at him and smiled.
"I know," I said. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to it." He raised an eyebrow at me. "Oh come on, Harry. Haven't you ever ditched a class? I'm just not in the mood to sit through Sprout's incessant babbling."
"I can't stand that woman," Draco sneered. "She too… cheery. But we have it worse. Blaise and I are stuck in Divination."
"Is Trelawney really that crazy?" I asked.
"Yes!" all three boys chorused.
"Anyway," Blaise said. "We'd better go, Draco. Or we'll be late."
"Who cares?" Draco retorted.
"Just come on, loser," Blaise said pushing Draco ahead of us. Draco shoved him back playfully and they headed quickly away.
"They're still pests," Harry said once they were out of earshot. "Immature…" he grumbled. I shook my head with a smile.
"They're teenage boys," I reasoned. "They're supposed to be immature. You're supposed to be immature." He shrugged and grinned.
"I'm plenty immature," He argued. "I just don't act like they do in front of girls."
"I'm not a normal girl," I told him. "Treat me like one of the guys." He thought for a moment then shook his head.
"I can't do it," he admitted. "It'd be too weird." I rolled my eyes.
"Oh well," I said with a shrug. "What class do you have next?"
"Advanced Charms," he informed.
"Isn't that really hard," I asked.
"Extremely," he complained, making a funny face. I snickered.
"Good luck, then," I said as we entered the castle. "See you."
Harry waved goodbye and we parted ways. I quickly made my way to my shared bedroom, avoiding prefects doing their rounds. When I reached my bedroom, I opened a couple windows in the room, tossed down my purse on the ground and walked over to the mirror. I dried my hair with my wand and it turned into semi-perfect curls. Satisfied, I walked to the dresser and dug through my drawers until I found my favorite book: Crank by Ellen Hopkins.
"The way it's okay to gift their heart one day, a backhand the next, to move on to the apricot when the peach blushes and bruises. These things make me believe God's a man after all," I quoted the author. I sprawled across my bed and opened the book to the first page…
5:02 PM…
I pulled on my black hoodie and zipped it up over my uniform, and left the room with only my wand. I slipped the stick into my boot, midstride. I left the Common Room and descended the moving stairs with minimal clumsiness, thank Merlin. I wound through the crowded halls, first years shuffling out of older kids' ways to avoid confrontation. I swerved around students, until I accidently ran into and First Year, knocking him over. He gave me a stunned, fearful look and scrambled to collect his books.
"Oh gosh, I'm sorry," he said quickly. I crouched and picked up two of his textbooks for him. He stood with me and I handed him his books.
"Don't be sorry, it was my fault," I told him kindly. He gave me a surprised look.
"You're different," he said. I smiled, taking it as a compliment. "Other Seventh Years would hex me into next week. My friend got punched last week for accidently tripping an Eighth Year."
"What's your name?" I asked him.
"S-Simon," he stuttered. I bent over until I was eye level with him.
"Well, Simon," I said, looking him straight in the eyes. "If anyone ever tries to mess with you or your friends, tell them Imogen Ruinae will kick their sorry ass." He smiled up at me and nodded.
"Thanks, Imogen," he said.
"No problem," I replied, waving a hand dismissively. "See you, kid." He ran off to catch up with his buddies, and I continued toward the Head Dorms. When I got there, I muttered the password and entered the room. "Hermione, you in here?"
"Yes, I'm in here," she called from a distance. I followed the sound to a wooden door and knocked. "Come in." I opened the door to find an elegant bedroom: the walls where a clean white, all furniture was a glossy dark brown and the décor was a light fuchsia color. All in all, it was what I would expect for Hermione's bedroom. Hermione stood across the room, digging through a dresser.
"Hey," I said as I entered the room. She looked up for a moment and smiled, then returned to her dresser.
"Hi," she greeted. "Give me a moment to change and then I'll be ready."
"Alright." I sat down on her bed and waited. She changed into a pair of jeans, a pink sweater, and white ballet flats. "Ready?"
"Yep," she said. I stood and we left the room together. We talked the entire walk to the Headmaster's office. It was mostly gossip, but still talk. When we reached the gargoyle, Hermione announced the password and we climbed the stairs together.
"Good evening, ladies," Professor Dumbledore greeted as we emerged through the door. Dumbledore wasn't the only one in them room. Off to the side, stood Professors McGonagall and Snape. Snape immediately saw my boots and scowled. I gave him a mocking smile.
"Evening, sir," Mione said with a smile.
"'sup?" I greeted. Snape's scowl grew, making McGonagall have to stifle a snicker. However, she let a small grin slip. Dumbledore smiled kindly at us and gestured for us to sit in front of his desk where three chairs now stood. I sat in the middle, Mione on my right.
"It seems Draco hasn't arrived yet so we will wait before we discuss the matters at hand," Dumbledore said. At that moment, Draco chose to arrive. He had abandoned his black robe and tie, and had untucked his shirt and rolled up the sleeves. "Ah, Draco. How lovely of you to join us."
"Sir," he greeted, taking the seat to my left.
"May we begin? I have business to attend to," Snape drawled.
"Patience Severus," Dumbledore said, but began anyway. "Due to recent occurrences, I have reason to believe that you, Miss Ruinae, need to be presented with safer arrangement."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"There have been a number of reported sightings of the escaped Death Eaters in Hogsmeade," McGonagall stated. "And a handful of students have been reporting sightings on the grounds of Hogwarts."
Well, isn't she blunt?
"We fear you might be in danger of another attack," Snape added. "So we have considered safer arrangements."
"Arrangements?" Draco asked with one eyebrow raised.
"Yes, Draco, arrangements," Dumbledore said, and then turned his gaze back to me. "We are placing you in a safer part of the Castle as the Gryffindor Common Rooms just aren't sufficient for this matter. Lucius M-"
"What does this have to do with us?" Draco said quickly, interrupting the Headmaster. Dumbledore stopped and looked at Draco who gave him a stern look. The questions kept building up in my head, but one had finally been answered. I had the Death Eater's name.
"Oh yes, I'm sorry," Dumbledore said with a smile. Draco nodded and relaxed a bit. "This involves you two, the Heads, because Imogen will be sharing your dorm for the rest of the year."
"What?" we all chorused.
"Sir, that really isn't necessary," I protested.
"The only other option would be to have you share a common room with Snape."
"No," Snape and I both retorted.
"Fine," I said, leaning back in the chair. "I'll stay in the Head Dorms." Dumbledore grinned.
"Lovely," he said with a clap of his hands. "Your things are already in you new bedroom. I trust you will find your room to suit you quite nicely." I swear, if its Lion colors, I'm changing it. I nodded and the three of us stood. "I'm not quite finished." Dumbledore said, stopping us from leaving. "Imogen, I hear you've been skipping your fourth class, Herbology is it?"
"Yes?" I said, eyebrows furrowed.
"Why is that?"
"I hate the class," I admitted. He chuckled.
"I wouldn't want you to fail a class," he said. "I'm going to transfer you into a new class, for your benefit, of course." I bit my lip.
"Do I have to take a fourth class?" I asked. "Can't I just take three lessons? You know I've already completed the necessary courses at Salem."
"I would be fine with that," Dumbledore approved. "So long as you were never by yourself. Perhaps the both of you would be alright with dropping your fourth lesson?" Draco grinned.
"I'm okay with that," he said. Who wouldn't want to drop a class? "Granger, Can you handle not taking one measly class? Or will that make your head explode." Hermione scowled at Draco and turned back to the Headmaster.
"I'd be happy to abandon Sorcery, for Imogen," She agreed. "I've already taken the class, so it won't be much of a loss."
"Splendid," Dumbledore smiled. "It is settled, I shall alert your teachers. You may go."
We left the three adults and headed back to the Head Dorms. I wasn't hungry yet, Mione had to study, and Draco just didn't want to eat. When we reached the portrait, we all froze. The picture had changed. There was now an otter, a black lion, and a Curse Owl resting on the back of the lion. Our Animagi.
"Thorough," I mused.
"I think it's lovely," Hermione approved.
"Why am I giving you a piggy-back ride?" Draco asked. I rolled my eyes, and said the password, stepping through the hole. Once again, we froze. The room was no longer half red and half green. It was now divided into three colors: red, green, and silver. There was a door in each section, just like before. I took a guess and cross the room to the silver door and opened it. It was laid out exactly like my room at home: the walls were silver with dark green abstract artwork on them, my bed was the same and pictures covered the headboard. Green beaded sheers soared from the open windows. "Like I said, you definitely belong in Slytherin." Draco said from behind me.
"It's exactly like my bedroom at home," I said, running to the bed and jumping on top of it. I kicked off my boots and rested my arms behind my head. "If this is what you get when you're in mortal danger, I'm good with it." Draco chuckled and leaned against the doorframe.
"Only you could be this positive about someone trying to kill you," He teased. I smirked and sat up.
"Well that's because next time he comes at me, I won't let him scare me," I informed. "I'm fighting back."
"Good," he said, and then smirked back. "The whole 'damsel in distress' thing is not becoming of you."
"Oh hush," I said, throwing a pillow at him. He caught it and chuckled. "I was not a damsel."
"Whatever," he scoffed, chucking the pillow back at me. I caught it easily and set it aside. I rolled my eyes.
"Do we still have detention tonight?" I asked, hoping the answer was 'no'.
"Yes," he said with a grimace. I frowned and huffed.
"Three weeks for a freaking pair of boots," I grumbled. "Someone should give him detention for poor grooming. Does he even know what shampoo is?" Draco snickered and ran his fingers through his hair.
"Not in the slightest, apparently," he agreed. I grinned. "We should go now. Or we'll be late and earn ourselves more detention." My smile faded and I stood up.
"Okay," I sighed, and lifted the back of my hoodie and hid my wand in the back of my skirt. "Let's go." Draco raised an eyebrow at me.
"What did you do that for?" he asked. I shrugged.
"I'm hiding it so we don't have to work," I admitted with a smirk. He snorted.
"I doubt he'll fall for that again."
"It's worth a try."
"I suppose," he admitted. We left the Heads' common room and walked off toward the Dungeons.
This is a Review i recieved the other day that i would like to answer. i love recieving your reviews (:
Marti 5/11/12 . chapter 1
here is a few points I notice while read your first chapter.
1) Harry and Draco and others i beilive were done with their 7th year before the war ( I may be wrong), but i enjoy how you made them come back and along with Dumbledore.
2) I was confused with the idea of Dumbledore back from the dead but with your title with ghost from our past, i understood.
3) I enjoy the way you put everyone in the story, and didn't make it just about you and draco.
This was a very good read and I hope you write more.
My Responses:
A: Yes, they were done with their Seventh Year, but, in my opinion, they didn't get to enjoy it so i brought them back for it. it also gives me time for a sequel *hint, hint. cough, cough.*
A: Yeah, I really just brough Dumbledore back for myself. Just couldn't bear to part with him so i "brought him back from the dead" along with my other Favs (Lupin and Snape)
A: Thanks so much! I really didn't want this to be entirely Imogen/Draco fluff, so it wouldn't get boring.
I hope i helped in explaining everything. Thanks so much for reviewing (:
~ICanHearThemToo~