Chapter 11 (Betrayal)
Disclaimer: I own nothing because I'm not J.K. Rowling.
Dumbledore's funeral was over. I sat next to Harry, holding onto his hand. I knew his love for Dumbledore was strong and understandably so. He needed someone to reach him and strangely enough, I understood. Harry had too much to bear now. I'd support him every step of the way.
Yet, even in pain, he was incredibly strong. Harry's strength gave me hope that he'd win this war and end the despair that had poisoned all of our lives. A war was upon us and, when that time came, I'd stand beside him, united and strong in the end.
Even if it meant death.
Hogwarts would be open this fall, but I doubted whether or not my parents would let me return to school. I was now in my dorm, making sure I had all of my things packed for the journey home. There was only one last thing for me to do now, and that was to take care of Theodore Nott once and for all.
"Twinky," I said, summoning the elf before me.
"Mizz. Ginny, what can I do for you." The elf said good-naturedly, smiling at me. I returned the smile and knelt down in front of her.
"Has Theodore come close to finding out about you and I?"
She nodded. "Last week, Master came very close, Mizz. Too close."
I nodded, thanking the elf as I thought over her words.
"Twinky, bring your master to me. We have something to talk about. And…make sure he enters the room first. Walk behind him always."
The elf nodded, leaving the room to get Theodore. I waited, although I didn't have to for long. As soon as I saw the door open, I fired a Petrificus Totalus at Nott. His elf gasped but remained silent. I could see fury in Theodore's eyes. I used my wand to levitate him upright in the air. Now, he was facing me.
I pointed my wand at him and said: "Imperio."
Upon seeing Theodore's eyes slide out of focus, I canceled the Petrificus Totalus on him.
"Stand up." I ordered, watching Theodore obey without resistance. "Now, take off your robe and hand it to the elf." I said, watching Theodore remove his school robe and give it to Twinky, who smiled widely at him and then at me.
"Now, I want you to repeat this sentence. I, Theodore Nott, relinquish all entitlements rights I have to you, Twinky. Say it! Now!" I ordered.
He fought the Curse, but he soon lost that battle. After he freed Twinky, I lifted the Curse from him.
"Incarcerous." I said, watching him collapse onto Astoria's empty bed. "Silencio"
He glared at me now because it was all he could do. I ignored him and began talking.
"If you don't want your father killed by the Dark Lord, then I suggest you keep this between us." I said expressionlessly, watching Theodore almost blanch at the thought of his father being murdered by his Master.
"I have a deal to offer you, and we both stand to gain a lot from this deal, Theodore. I actually think you'll gain more but, what can I say, I'm such a generous person." I said, forcing a smile in his direction.
"So here are the terms of this deal: You first listen. Then, after listening of course, you decide the fate of your family." I drawled, sitting down beside him. "Now, I wonder, what do you know of your mother?"
Nott looked murderous and confused. I chuckled to myself. "I forgot about the silencing charm. No matter. I can see you don't know a thing about your mother. Would you like to see her again?" I asked, seeing Theodore's eyes widen. The bed began to shake, as he tried to free himself of the bonds that would never free him.
I laughed, shaking my head at him. "Your father lied to you, Theodore. I guess he did it to protect you and your family, but he lied."
Nott frowned and I sighed, annoyed. "Your mother isn't dead. She's very alive, in fact. And your father hid her away from the Dark Lord and from you to save both of your lives. Do you have any idea why he might've done that?" I asked, seeing Nott glare at me.
"Your mother was a mudblood." I spat, smirking at Nott, whose eyes were wild and searching everywhere. It was funny to watch him resist his bonds. "She went to Hogwarts and was sorted into Slytherin. She lied to everyone- Dumbledore and your father, in particular. She took the last name of a pureblood family from Russia, who'd died out around 1965. No one bothered to check up on her…background. I, however, did." I said, standing up without looking at Theodore.
"I'm not sure how your father found out; perhaps, someone tried to blackmail him too, like I'm going to do to you. Yet, he discovered her secret sometime soon after you were born. He faked her death and set her up in an estate in Paris, a place where your family has no connections at all." I said, seeing Nott shake his head.
"You see, I took the liberty of monitoring your father's accounts. Did you know that Daddy was paying 5,000 galleons a month to an estate in the south of Paris? No, you didn't know that. Well, he is, even now as he rots in jail. I also took the liberty of going there one very early morning. Imagine my surprise when spotting a beautiful, dark-haired Russian woman on the patio of that gorgeous home. The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she was your mother - Yelena Selene Patrickova."
"Your father didn't kill her because he either honestly loves her, or he loves you. I've heard talk, and I think your mother refused to join the Death Eaters. Refusing the Dark Lord has a price, and your father wanted everyone to think that she died. The inner circle and the Dark Lord assumed he'd killed her for her defiance. That, however, is not true. You're older now, and you're an Occlumens. Tell me, Theo, do you want to meet your mother?" I asked, canceling the silencing charm on him.
Theodore was breathing loudly now, a stunned look on his face. I sat down across from him, staring into his confused and glazed eyes. It took him awhile to regain his composure.
"S-She's alive?" He said faintly. I nodded. "Why you're telling me this? What do you have to gain?" He asked brashly. I smirked.
"Theo, it's not about what I have to gain; it's about what you stand to lose, if you don't stay quiet. You can gain a mother, or you could tell the Dark Lord about your elf. If you did that, I'd tell him about your father's treachery and your mother's lies. He'd call upon you and your father. I'd bring your mother before him, and he'd see the truth in their minds." I said bluntly.
"He'd kill you and your family. I'd tell him I used the elf to find traitors within our ranks and he'd believe me. Now, the choice is yours. Stay silent and your family survives. Betray me and everyone you love dies, including you." I said mercilessly, meaning every word I said.
Nott didn't need to think over my words. "All right, Ginevra. I won't tell."
"I'll need you to make an Unbreakable Vow. Afterward, I'll tell you where your mother is. Are you ready?" I asked, pointing my wand at him.
"How do I know you're telling me the truth? You could be lying or-"
"Lies invalidate the Vow. Lying while making the vow would, in itself, kill me. Now, do we do this or do I visit the Dark Lord?"
There was no more arguing after that. The Vow was made and I gave him the address to his mother's estate. He left my room without a backward glance. I looked at Tinky and smiled.
"You're free, just as I promised." I said, seeing the elf marvel at the robe in her tiny hands.
She smiled. "If you doesn't mind, I'd like to stay with you."
"Twinky you're free of wizards and witches now. That's a gift! You should go." I said softly.
The elf's ears drooped and she looked up at me lost. "But I want to stay with you, Mizz."
I sighed and smiled a bit. "All right, but you're free to leave whenever you like. I don't own you, Twinky, and I never will."
The elf bowed.
"And, call me Ginny." I said, seeing the elf smile and disapparate.
I stood up and left the room to get onto the Hogwarts Express.
"Ginevra, you are very early." said a leering voice of cold cruelty. "To what do I owe the pleasure, girl?" Voldemort asked, his gaze penetrating.
Walking further into the drawing room, I carefully approached the Dark Lord and bowed. Upon meeting his gaze, I could sense his annoyance.
"My Lord, you wish to know the date and hour when Potter is to be removed from his home." I said softly, still on bended knee before him.
Upon hearing my words, Voldemort's eyes flashed and he leaned forward to get a better look at me. He was no longer shrouded in darkness now; I could see his pale, snakelike face that held slits for nostrils and penetratingly ruthless eyes. Everything about him screamed murder and death.
"And when is that, Ginevra?" Voldemort asked, a mad, obsessed glint in his eye.
Ensuring that my mental shields were firmly enforced, I looked him in the eyes and spoke the truth.
"He will leave on Saturday. The Order plans to remove him in the night; they haven't decided if they'll leave before or after his birthday, but I think they'll leave before he becomes of age. It's the only hope they have of ever escaping you, my Lord." I said, meeting Voldemort's red gaze fully.
I watched as the most sick, demented smile formed on his face.
"You have done well to tell me this, Ginevra." He said softly. "Very well indeed. Sit." He commanded, indicating the chair at the ornate table in front of him. I obeyed and waited for him to speak again.
"Now, tell me about the Order." He said thoughtfully. "Why is it that you cannot grant me entrance into their headquarters?" He asked, his voice low and dangerous.
I swallowed loudly but lied.
"I am not the secret-keeper, my Lord." I said cautiously. "The enchantment dispersed amongst the Order members. I was never told the exact whereabouts of their headquarters. That secret only lies with the Order, Potter, my brother and that mudblood. They wouldn't tell me- the helpless baby, who can't defend herself." I spat viciously.
Voldemort seemed far from satisfied by my answer; however, he abruptly changed the subject.
"You will not have to suffer their insolence much longer, Ginevra." Voldemort said, his red gaze distantly sharp. "Now, go and summon Bella. There is something I wish to discuss with the both of you." He said, dismissing me without meeting my gaze.
It took me no time to find all three Malfoys and Lestrange in Malfoy Manor, a place I knew very well. Especially, now since Lucius and his family were under house arrest and had lost favor with the Dark Lord.
Upon entering their chamber, Lucius Malfoy glared coldly at me.
"You! How dare you enter my house-." He began.
"It's still your house, for now." I said detachedly, looking at Bellatrix rather than at him. "The Dark Lord asked for you." I said, knowing Bellatrix wouldn't protest to being in Voldemort's presence.
Her eyes lit up, as expected, and she made her way to the door. Then, she turned and at her nephew.
"Draco, come with me." She ordered. Upon hearing this order, Narcissa and Lucius turned around sharply.
"No, Bella!" Narcissa said sharply, glaring at her sister, who seemingly ignored her.
"Draco, come-with-me." Bellatrix said stonily. "Now, boy!"
Malfoy didn't look to his parents for guidance. He walked over to his aunt in a fraction of a second, not even sparing his parents a glance.
Bellatrix smirked. "Good," She said, satisfied. Looking to her sister and brother-in-law, she said: "The meeting will be soon; don't be late."
"Did the Dark Lord say anything?" She asked me in a whisper.
"No, he never does." I said, looking into her black, gleaming eyes. She nodded and ushered Draco and I into the drawing room.
Upon entering, we all bowed and waited for him to speak.
"Bella, you are to lead the coup against the Ministry this Saturday. It seems unlikely that I will be in attendance; in which case, you are not to fail me. Is that understood?" Voldemort said dangerously, his voice threatening and vicious.
"Yes, my Lord." Bellatrix breathed, her voice cautious but, as always, reverent.
Voldemort's gaze turned to Draco, and a look of cruel distaste donned his features.
"Why do you bring the boy before me, Bella?" Voldemort asked, his voice clearly mocking the Malfoys and all related to them. "I see…you wish for me to agree to your scheme involving young Malfoy and my Ginevra here."
Upon hearing this, I didn't visibly react. Draco, however, whipped his head up to his aunt and the Dark Lord. His gaze was wide and very vapid. Voldemort was amused by Draco's reaction; Bella, however, was annoyed.
"Has my Lord…considered it?" She asked.
Voldemort smirked and looked to me. "And how would you look upon a union between you and young Malfoy, Ginevra?" He asked, leering at me.
I inclined my head respectfully. "If it is your will, my Lord, it will be done." I said simply.
Draco's face instantly turned a more pallid shade of gray. He clearly wanted no part in this, and he couldn't school his features to appear impartial.
"In time, we will see what the future holds for the Malfoys and all of their kin." Voldemort said, looking at Bellatrix pointedly. "A union will not be made. Boy, go get our guest for the evening. We do not want to keep Ms. Burbage waiting for long, although her time is winding down incredibly fast, isn't it?" He asked cruelly, a smirk on his thin lips.
Draco hastily left the room, leaving a disappointed Bellatrix, a highly amused Voldemort and myself in the drawing room alone.
"Ginevra, Bella will be taking over your…education for a while." Voldemort said distantly, his gaze on Nagini. "I have business elsewhere to attend to. Whatever she commands of you, do it. Understood?"
"Yes, my Lord." I said, watching Voldemort now hold his wand to his temple. Instantly, I felt my Mark burn. He was summoning the others.
"Be seated." He said.
It wasn't long before the other Death Eaters arrived. Only Snape and Yaxley dared to arrive last. I sat to the right of Bellatrix, focusing on every member of the inner circle.
The most important members were: Snape, the most trusted after Bellatrix, of course; Lucius Malfoy, who was diminished in power and status; Yaxley, who was rising fast in Voldemort's favor; Dolohov, who looked viciously murderous; MacNair, who always looked desperately psychotic; and, finally, the siblings- the Carrows and the Lestrange brothers. There certainly were others: Draco, Narcissa, Wormtail, Rowle, Travers and Nott Sr. This was the inner circle in its entirety, and I was apart of it. The Death Eaters were freed from Azkaban a week ago.
The meeting wasn't long. Yaxley (feeling incredibly arrogant) said he'd placed the Imperious Curse on Pius Thicknesse, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Yaxley announced that the Ministry would fall this Saturday. Ministry departments would be taken; the opposition would be hunted and killed. It was inevitable.
Yet the Ministry's downfall wouldn't make it any easier to capture Harry Potter. After Snape confirmed that I was right about Harry's departure date to Voldemort's satisfaction, the discussion quickly changed.
Voldemort's attention shifted from Potter to Lucius. He commanded Lucius to relinquish his wand to him. It was degrading, and I didn't try to hide my smirk. Just when the meeting was about to end, Voldemort embarrassed Bellatrix by commenting about the marriage between Tonks and Remus. His comment was met with jeers and sadistic laughter, which only served to add to the Malfoys complete humiliation.
I couldn't enjoy Bellatrix's shame for long. I knew she intended to make Tonks pay for this. That too only seemed to be a matter of time.
Too many awful things today seemed inevitable: One being the death of Charity Burbage, the Hogwart's Muggle Studies professor. I watched as the poor woman's body was mangled and consumed by Nagini.
Undoubtedly, time had a lot in store for us. The only question was what exactly.
I portkeyed back onto the property of the Burrow around two o'clock in the morning.
Betraying Harry without the permission of Snape wasn't easy; yet, it was a decision I didn't regret. I believed in self-preservation, and I also believed the Polyjuice Potion ploy that Snape had thought of.
My thoughts turned to the Ministry's fall and Percy, who I'd have to warn. In seven days, things would never be the same.
Preparations for Bill's wedding and Harry's arrival were being made everywhere around the Burrow. I felt like Hermione and Ron were up to something. I saw the answer on the very surface of their minds. How did they expect to win this war without learning Occlumency?
I ignored these thoughts and watched Bill and Fleur together. Bill meant what he said: I was no sister of his anymore. Strangely enough, I was glad he'd been honest. Loosing him was ironically more bearablethan awkward tolerance. We had made our choice, and there was no going back.
I no longer wanted to undo the choices I'd made on the night of Dumbledore's death ill was alive and that was all that mattered to me.
I left the table and entered my room. Part of me couldn't wait for the Ministry to fall. Its downfall would make it much easier for me to travel. As a Death Eater, I'd be allowed to apparate illegally. I'd never apparated before; however, I'd spent weeks on end learning theory. I was confident that I could manage it on my first try.
My only concern now was Percy. I had lost one brother figuratively.
I wasn't ready to lose another literally.
"How is Tonks, Remus?"
Remus smiled warmly, thinking of his wife obviously.
"She's fine." He leaned forward with a wide smile. "She's expecting. We just found out this morning." He said happily, beaming widely at me.
I felt my stomach tighten but I forced a smile. Rule number one of being a Slytherin: Never reveal what you're thinking.
"That's great, Remus. Can I…well, I really need to talk to you about something." I said, looking outdoors pointedly. Remus's smile dimmed but he nodded nonetheless.
As we both stood to make our way onto the porch of the Burrow, my Mum stopped us.
"What are you two up to?" She asked, looking at Remus disapprovingly.
"I'm only helping Ginny set up the tables for the wedding, Molly, relax." Remus said good-naturedly, opening the door to the outside.
Before the door slammed closed, I saw Bill look at us. I couldn't help but sneer at him. Then, I turned my attention to Lupin.
"Remus, you know what I am but I need you to trust me." I said simply. "You need to watch Tonks. Bellatrix wants her dead, especially after marrying you. You and I both know that Bella isn't to be taken lightly." I said, hoping he'd remember Black.
Remus's gaze hardened. "Bella, Ginny? Bella! Since when are you two so close?"
I didn't react to Remus's words. Why even waste the energy?
"It is what it is, Remus." I said coldly, wishing to change the subject.
We now were broaching the point in our conversations when Remus would become judgmental. We never talked for long because he always did this.
"Watch yourself, Ginny." He growled. Again, I didn't react to his words.
"Just remember what I said about Tonks." I said evenly, opening the door to the Burrow to go inside. "And, Remus, whatever you do, keep her away from the Ministry on Saturday."
I then entered the house and left Remus to himself.
If Bellatrix saw her niece at the Ministry this Saturday, then Tonks would die.
"Hello, Percy." I said, inviting myself into his flat.
Percy frowned. "Ginny, what are you doing out at this hour? Go home!" He yelled.
I sat down in a high chair, as if it were a throne. I smirked up at him, telling him to close the door. He did and sat down across from me, staring at me with a disgruntled look.
"You know why I'm here. Don't interrupt me; I have a lot to tell you." I said, seeing him nod somewhat tiredly.
"First, the Ministry will fall on Saturday. There will be a coup, a power struggle and a transition. You are not to leave this house. Do you understand?" I said, seeing Percy come wide awake now.
"How do you know this?" He asked, his mouth and his eyes wide.
"I'm a Death Eater." I drawled nonchalantly. "Yet you already expected as much."
Percy stood and looked at me in horror. "That's not funny, Ginny."
"I'm not laughing; in fact, I am very serious. Sit down, Percy." I said impatiently. "I don't have time for your questions." I spat.
"Who all knows?" He asked distantly. "Mum and Dad would never allow it."
I smirked. "Of course they wouldn't. I spied for Dumbledore and now I spy for Snape. Bill knows. We no longer talk. Kingsley also knows, along with Moody and Remus Lupin-."
"The werewolf." Percy yelled pompously. I glared at him.
"Yes. Now, as I was saying, you will not go to the Ministry on Saturday. You will, however, return on Monday. You have appearances to keep up, so keep your head down and your mouth shut. There are going to be a lot of changes that go against everything Mum and Dad taught us, but you will have to bear it. Do you understand?"
Percy nodded, staring at me in shock.
"Good. And I wanted to warn you: Stay away from Yaxley, Rookwood and Thicknesse. Also, are you still disillusioning yourself whenever you leave the house? Always make sure that no one is following you-."
"Ginny, when?" He asked softly, staring at me in dismay.
"Two months after you left." I said quietly. "It was the only thing I could think of to keep the family safe."
"Ginny, that's-." Percy began.
"Percy, I have neither the time nor the patience to argue with you. Whether or not you love me doesn't matter. The only thing that does is your safety-."
"Of course I love you. You're my sister." He said bluntly. I nodded and there was a small silence between us.
"Just be careful. You're going to see a lot of things that are going to anger you but you mustn't cause them trouble. Pick and choose your battles carefully, Percy." I said, standing up to leave his flat.
"You're returning to Hogwarts." He asked quietly. "I don't think you should-."
"Yes, I am and don't worry about me." I answered, near his door. Before I could leave, his words stopped me.
"Ginny, just don't get killed." He said.
Rather than turning around to face him, I left his flat and portkeyed back home.
Today was the day of Harry's arrival. I hoped with every fiber of my being that he and the others would make it here safely.
Dad, Bill, Ron and the twins would be going on this particular mission. I did not think it wise for Hermione, Fleur, Tonks, and especially Mundungus to go. Hermione was inexperienced with a broom; Fleur was just Fleur (could she really look out for Bill all that well?); Tonks is pregnant; and Mundungus is a cowardly thief, who'd end up getting someone killed. I wanted to follow them but I didn't have a fast enough broom and I couldn't protect them all and risk exposure.
I didn't like the odds. Despite the presence of Kingsley, Mad-Eye, Lupin and Hagrid, I knew that my family and the other Order members would be very fortunate if they made it out of this alive.
It was done now. Harry was at the Burrow. George had lost an ear, Moody and Hedwig were now dead and I was now outside Spinner's End, paying that greasy-haired git a visit. He'd answer for George.
When Snape answered the door, I pushed past him and into the house. His home was typically dark. I lit the fireplace with my wand and glared at Snape.
"Is anyone else here?" I asked. Snape scowled darkly at me and replied, "no."
"My brother! You cursed my brother's ear off." I hissed, gripping the wand in my hand tightly.
"Say something!" I said, trying to calm myself down.
Snape stiffened but answered me nonetheless.
"Insolent little fool." He spat, glaring at me. "I never meant to curse your brother, Weasley. He was merely in the way-"
Snape didn't get to finish his sentence. I blasted him backward, sending him into a bookcase. I summoned his wand and walked toward him, thinking of curses I could kill him with.
"My brother…in the way. How dare you-"
"Weasley, somehow he and the Death Eater I was aiming for moved at the same time. One moment, the Death Eater was there; the next, your brother-"
"Stand up." I said coldly, dropping the wand down next to him. "It really was a mistake?"
Snape nodded curtly, staring at me with a mixture of venom and concern. He was off the floor now, using his wand to summon the books that had fallen onto the carpet. I lowered my wand, although I kept it poised for a subsequent attack. After putting the fallen books back in their proper place on the shelf, he faced me and sat down.
"I understand that it's much easier for you to blame me other than yourself. I know what you did, Weasley." He spat, glaring murderously at me. "It seems you value your own neck more than the lives of your family and Potter."
Snape looked truly disgusted but I raised my wand and trained it on him again.
"Don't think this war won't stop me from killing you. I had to decide and I did. I trusted you to keep them safe and you failed, you useless bastard. And what you did to George - ." I began furiously.
"Was an accident, girl." He spat viciously. "Is that all? If so, you can leave."
I sighed, looking at my hands rather than at him. It took me minutes to calm down before I could speak again.
"Remus, Bill and Kingsley suspect me in what happened tonight. They know I betrayed the Order."
"They would not jeopardize the only spy they have left on their side, no matter how much they dislike you." Snape said, not looking at me.
I nodded. "He didn't summon either one of us for punishment." I said, changing the subject.
"He trusts us." Snape drawled sardonically, looking at me with distaste.
"He trusts no one." I said softly, looking at Snape thoughtfully. "At least our plan worked. The Dark Lord's favor in Bellatrix has significantly declined. She's almost desperate, which is exactly where we want her to be."
Snape's black eyes pierced mine, and the cold calculation that emitted from their depths were thoughtful and borderline ruthless.
"He will never fully distrust her. Remember that." He said. "Still, our position is of the utmost advantage to us. You must-"
"I know how to act my part convincingly, Snape." I said coldly. "We both do." I sighed.
"I wonder, Ginevra. Are you still acting?" He drawled, his dark left eyebrow raised high.
I didn't answer him. I just sat down and looked at him fully.
"Harry will be leaving soon." I said bored. "They'll begin looking for the horcruxes some time after Bill's wedding."
Snape's lip curled in distaste. Despite all of the things he'd done to save Harry's life, he still couldn't tolerate him or "his vexing friends".
"I doubt they'll last a week by themselves." He sneered.
"Well, you'd better hope that they do." I hissed, annoyed by his behavior toward the trio. "Otherwise, one of us will be exposed as a spy and we both know what happens to spies." I said, glaring at Snape, whose gaze was dark and brooding.
"Have you figured out a way to trace their whereabouts? That was apart of your task." He said silkily. I glared at him, standing up to leave his wretched house.
"No, I haven't and I doubt that even you could do any better." I said sharply, standing up and walking to the door.
I turned around and looked at Snape meaningfully.
"If you harm any member of my family again, accident or not, I will kill you." I promised coldly, snatching the door open and leaving Snape's house.
There was only two days till the wedding. I, however, could care less about their union. In two days, the Ministry would fall and this war would really wage in a way that it never had before. It was two o'clock on this Thursday morning, and I was sitting in Snape's home. He insisted that we meet and that I brief him on any situation in regards to Potter and his so-called vexing friends.
Yet, I wanted answers from him.
"The Dark Lord is looking for someone by the name of Gregorovitch." I said. Upon hearing this, Snape's right eyebrow raised.
"Harry's had visions." I said bluntly. "We both know he's no accomplished Occlumens."
I continued: "The name's familiar, but I can't figure out where I've heard it before." I lied, expecting an answer from the greasy-haired git.
Snape's black eyes were alight with interest now. "He's a wandmaker from… abroad." Snape drawled coolly.
Now, we were approaching the subject I really wanted answers about. Yet, would Snape give me the answers I desired? I wanted to know everything; I needed to know everything.
"So the rumors are true." I said quietly. "He is abroad. He's looking for a wand to beat Harry's, since it was Harry's wand that broke Lucius's." I said, knowing it to be the truth the moment the words left my mouth.
Snape curtly inclined his head.
"He is searching for a particular wand." Snape said softly, staring into the fire that somewhat lightened his room. I wouldn't make Snape aware that I knew about the Elder Wand. I was certain Dumbledore had told him about the wand itself; however, I didn't want Snape to know that I knew anything significant about the wand.
Snape changed the subject.
"You still have not devised a way to track Potter, whilst he is on his…mission." Snape said, his lips curling in distaste at the thought of Harry.
I looked Snape in the eye and simply said no. I stood up to leave his home, not wanting to be there any longer than necessary.
"Weasley, I did not dismiss you." Snape said steely and reproachfully.
I answered him by sitting down on his sofa again and staring at him in a bored manner. Snape sneered, probably at my so-called insolence.
"This year, you will have lessons with me-"
"You mean that you're returning to Hogwarts." I said bored, looking at Snape mundanely.
Snape's dark eyes dangerously pierced mine.
"Do not interrupt me again." He warned threateningly. "Obviously, I will be tutoring you at Hogwarts." He sneered, glaring at me.
"You will be the new Headmaster." I said simply. "How were you even able to convince him to allow that?" I asked, very impressed.
Snape smirked. "I am his most favored, his most trusted." He said wryly. I smirked in return.
"And what will I be learning that I already don't know?" I asked patronizingly.
"Let's just say that it's a lesson I can't wait to teach you." He drawled, smirking calculatingly at me. I scoffed noticeably at him, but it still wasn't enough to rid him of his facial expression.
"Now you are dismissed." He said, looking from me to the door.
I stood, making my way to the door. I wrenched it open, leaving Snape's home without a backward glance. Snape wouldn't always give me the answers I wanted, but he always somehow gave me exactly what I needed.
Things at the Burrow were hectic. I finally received my O.W.L. results. I got twelve Outstandings, as expected. I did my best to downplay my results and I was successful. My parents were happy, but they were more concerned with Bill's wedding.
It was now late in the afternoon and things had to be cooked, cleaned and made orderly. All of the tasks were tedious and simply nerve-wracking. My mother, however, was the most obnoxious out of all the tasks I was set.
Everyone in the Order knew the Trio was leaving. My mother simply didn't want them to go. She kept them separate all the time. I really wished she hadn't because Hermione was around me a lot more. I was very fond of Hermione, but she tended to talk about the same things, over and over. After a while, this got boring.
Still, I performed every task obediently. I stayed quiet and I listened. I didn't have to avoid Bill or Remus at all; they avoided me. They kept up pretenses, but they still were furious about the night of Harry's arrival. They hadn't found Moody's body, yet.
"Ginny, dear." Mum said, interrupting my thoughts. "Where's Ron, Harry and Hermione?"
I shrugged. "I dunno." I said distantly.
Then, looking at my mum, I continued. "Mum don't you think you should give it a rest now. Let them alone. The harder you try, the quicker they'll leave. I'm sure that whatever they're doing is important." I said, trying to make her see reason.
Molly looked up at me and narrowed her eyes. "Ginny, just hush and go change the sheets on all the beds." Mum said dismissively, although she was still looking at me.
I sighed, heading up to the twins old room. Upon closing the door, I saw Mum storm up the stairs, undoubtedly going to see what the trio were up to now. I closed the door and looked at the two beds in the room.
While busying myself with changing the bed sheets, I thought about how angry Mum would be when she found out that the twins and Dad had already transfigured the ghoul in the attic to resemble Ron. While Ron was away, the ghoul would supposedly be him with Spattergroit! The idea was rather ingenious actually, I thought, smirking.
I sighed, using magic to change the sheets on the bed. My smirk widened and I opened the door, seeing the Trio and Mum trudging down the staircase. Mum ordered Ron and Harry to organize the wedding presents in her room, and Hermione and I were to change the other bed sheets in the house.
I looked at Hermione, wanting to glare. I couldn't do magic around her. This task would have to be done the muggle way. Sighing, I roughly snatched up the sheets and threw them on a chair.
"It's not so bad, Ginny." Hermione said comfortingly. Speak for yourself, I thought. "We'll be done in no time." Hermione promised.
I scoffed.
"And when we're done, she'll give us something else to do. Let's just draw this out as long as we can." I said, seeing Hermione readily agreed with me.
The wedding was now a day away. Fleur's family (her mother, father and sister) had all arrived yesterday. Things around the house were now going rather insane. Not only was Mum focused on the wedding, but she was now busying herself with finding a way to celebrate Harry's 17th birthday. Meanwhile, throughout the chaos, I just wanted to blow something up. No one, beside my Dad, could sense that I was very fed up with this wedding and everything that had been done for it.
I hated it- the way we all were supposed to pretend like there wasn't a war going on around all of us. I hated having to pretend like this was normal and like we were completely happy. Why pretend, while everyone under this roof was afraid?
I spent hours, hoping for something eventful to happen. On Harry's birthday, something finally did happen. The Minister of Magic came to our home, speaking of Dumbledore's will. The Trio didn't have to tell me what he'd left them; Legilimency was all I needed.
I didn't want the Trio to leave. I constantly had to remind myself that this wasn't my mission. The trio was capable of figuring out anything that impeded their path. This was their mission, their problem- not mine.
After Harry's birthday dinner finished (it was a very awkward dinner, mind you), everyone retired to bed. While all other thoughts were on that stupid wedding, I couldn't help but think about one thing and one thing alone. Tomorrow, the Ministry would fall and everything would completely change.
The wedding has passed rather quickly. In fact, the wedding had only happened a little over five hours ago.
The Ministry had fallen. Rufus Scrimgeour was dead, and the Dark Lord was but a breath from victory. The Ministry and Hogwarts was his. All that was left for him to do was to kill Harry, and I feared that he would soon.
My brother, Hermione and Harry had left five hours ago. They were now on their own. I was now at the Burrow with my Mum and Dad. We all were trying to behave "normally". Yet, we couldn't fool ourselves.
Today, our home was searched. All of us were interrogated, and I knew that it was my status as a Death Eater that had partially protected my parents from being carted off to Azkaban. They were purebloods after all, despite being the biggest bunch of blood traitors there is.
When the Death Eaters drew threateningly close toward my Dad, I stood from my seat. None, beside Bill and Remus, really took notice. The Death Eaters fell back and left the Burrow.
Yet, I knew my Death Eater status wouldn't save them for long. And in this respect, I feared much worse.
During the search of our home, the tension in the house was insurmountable. Mum's eyes were wide in fear, and Dad was reasonably level-headed but very alert. Bill's behavior seemingly mimicked the actions of my father, with the exception of the glares he constantly threw my way.
Bill waited until the Death Eaters left, and until Mum and Dad retired to bed, before he roughly grabbed my arm and steered me outside.
"You knew, didn't you?" He grumbled. "You knew the Ministry would fall and you didn't even tell us."
I didn't react to his words. I simply looked at him with a vapid expression. Nevertheless, I did answer him.
"The Order already knew the Ministry would fall." I said coldly.
"Yeah, no thanks to you." He spat, rounding on me. His scarred face made him look imposing, but I was far from scared of Bill. "You're nothing but a filthy little traitor. You're not helping the Order. You're just doing things that'll get us all killed." He said, referring to the night that Harry was rescued from the muggles.
My right hand on my wand tightened, as I coldly glared up at him. Bill, upon noticing my reaction, quickly drew his wand and pointed the tip of it in my face.
"If your lies end up hurting my family or anyone I care about," He said, obviously omitting me, "then you will answer to me."
I smirked nastily, hearing him growl threateningly at me.
"Understand this: My actions are none of your concern. I don't answer to you or the Order, and you would do well to remember that fact before I remind you of it." I spat viciously, staring at Bill with a cold, blazing look in my eyes.
I snatched the door to the Burrow open and entered the house, leaving Bill alone on the porch.
That was about three and a half hour ago. And now, I was in my room, looking outside my window into the night.
Would the Trio destroy the horcruxes? Would Harry kill Voldemort?
Would we win this war?
As I watched the stars in the sky sparkle, I knew that only time would answer my questions. I just felt like time simply wasn't on our side. At the end of this thought, I felt the Mark under my breast sear painfully. The Dark Lord was summoning me now.
"Where is Potter?" He asked, his voice high, cold and ruthless.
I feared answering him, knowing that I didn't know Harry's whereabouts.
"Potter and his little friends fled the Burrow." I said. "Undoubtedly, they are in the muggle world but I do not know where, my Lord."
As soon as the words left my mouth, the Cruciatus Curse was placed on me. This time, however, he kept it on me for much longer. I couldn't help but scream and thrash at his feet.
"Where?" He hissed, his red eyes staring mercilessly down at me.
And I was afraid because of my weakened shields. If I didn't answer him, and he saw that I was lying, he'd kill me.
"Godric's Hollow." I said quickly, without thinking. "They will journey to Godric's Hollow."
Voldemort's eyes flashed even redder, and his gaze moved to Nagini, who was sliding up the throne-like chair. He said something to her in parsletongue, and the snake slithered on the floor and out of sight. Voldemort's cruel gaze looked down at me and smirked.
"Get up." He spat, watching me struggle to get to my feet with vindictive pleasure.
He then began to circle me, and I couldn't control the fear I felt at the moment.
"There will come a time, when you will certainly see Potter again in the future." Voldemort said, his voice dangerously soft and thoughtful. "And when you see him, you will bring him to me. Risk everything, including your identity. I care not. I–want–Potter."
"Yes, my Lord."
He continued. "Rowle and Dolohov failed me in capturing the boy." He spat. "They were punished within an inch from death. You have already failed me once, Ginevra. Do not do so again." He hissed into my ear and I flinched.
"You said that Potter, your brother and the mudblood fled." He said, his voice cold but amused.
"I never thought the boy would run." Voldemort said, obviously pleased to hear this news.
"There's no one left to die for him, so he has run." I said blandly.
Voldemort smirked, looking at me with amusement.
"I want him found." He said ruthlessly, resolved to find Harry. "That task will partially be yours. Bella will see that you do it while I am gone. Now, leave me."
I bowed and slowly left his presence. As soon as I made it out the door, I took a sigh of relief. Somehow, my mental shields held after all of that. For this, I was very thankful but scared.
Very scared.
The Trio had been gone for over a week and a half now. There was no news about them anywhere and for this I was extremely glad. Yet, I had a dilemma of my own.
I told Voldemort about Godric's Hollow and, in doing so, I'd made a terrible error.
I wanted to warn them but I couldn't. Somehow, Snape had discovered my error. He wrote to me, telling me that he had somehow rectified my "stupidity". Snape was angry; he wanted to see me soon.
I was still home, cleaning the Burrow and cooking for Mum and Dad. Both were terribly worried. I tried to make things easier on Mum by helping her do housework. She didn't talk much. Mum, who clearly loved me, still could not relate to me very well.
It was difficult for her, despite how very un-Slytherin I was in her presence. She couldn't talk because she was withdrawn, worried about her youngest son's fate and the fate of his friends.
Dad was having a difficult time coping with all of the new "reforms" occurring at the Ministry. He'd come home, angered and very tired. He knew his days at the Ministry were numbered. Soon, we'd all have to flee.
Dad would barely eat the food on his plate. He talked everything happening at the Ministry. He talked about a man named Dirk Cresswell, who Dad thought very highly of. Supposedly, the man had faked his family tree; when he was found out, the Ministry had him carted off to Azkaban. From what Dad said, there were so many Dirk Creswell's in the Ministry and the country period.
And things would only be getting a lot worse.
"Foolish!" Snape hissed, an inch away from my face. "Telling the Dark Lord about Godric's Hollow. Are you trying to get Potter killed?"
I leveled a glare at Snape. "No." I responded softly.
Snape seemed more incensed by my words, if possible. "Then why act like an imbecile and divulge the whereabouts of Potter to the Dark Lord?"
"He'd just gotten through torturing me. The fact that I was able to even keep up my shields through all that was, in itself, remarkable. I don't know what happened, Snape! One moment, I was confident about my shields. The next moment, I felt like they'd fail. I never meant-"
"Do you think I care about what you meant, you stupid girl? If your stupidity costs us this war- costs us Potter -then I will make you regret it for the rest of your pathetic little life." Snape literally spat, with flecks of spittle hitting my face.
No matter how much I wanted to recoil from him, I couldn't because I knew he was right. I'd been recklessly stupid. What if Harry died because of my stupidity? What if it was Hermione, or worse, Ron who'd suffer because of my mistake?
"But you do not care. I see it in your worthless mind." Snape hissed, his cold gaze leveled on me calculatingly.
I looked away from him, focusing instead on the bookcase directly behind Snape. Where had my Occlumency abilities gone? I couldn't do it anymore.
"Spare me the lecture, Snape. You care about no one, other than yourself of course." I spat, glaring coldly at him.
Snape's eyes narrowed on me but not angrily. His eyes were thoughtful as he surveyed me.
"When was the last time you slept, Weasley? Really slept…for more than six hours." He said thoughtfully, although his voice held anger.
I frowned. "Months." I responded. Snape's eyes widened slightly, recognition dawning on him.
"That is why your shields are failing, or have you not been using the pensieve, you idiot girl?" He asked.
"I have been using it, git." I hissed, scowling at him.
"I suggest you start resting sufficiently at night- that is, if you want to stay alive." He drawled.
I inclined my head, staring at my hands rather than Snape. Upon looking up, I decided to change the topic of discussion.
"He wants me to bring him Harry." I said quietly.
Snape's eyes narrowed at me but he did answer.
"I know." He said condescendingly, glaring at me.
He continued.
"You need rest." He spat. "Sleep deprivation has made you weak."
I smirked, finding it amusing how Snape had spat the word "weak". Still, I wouldn't leave.
"I will rest at another time. Will He be at Godric's Hollow, waiting on the trio?" I asked.
"No, he will send the snake." Snape said with distaste. "Meanwhile, he expects for you to remain under the tutelage of Lestrange. He also expects for you to bring him Potter."
I looked at Snape, somehow knowing what he was thinking.
"I won't last the year, will I?"
Snape looked at me but his gaze wasn't as penetrating as before.
"It's very unlikely." He said indifferently.
I smiled, really smiled. I was tired of war and life period. I welcomed death. Snape saw my thoughts and stared at me blankly. I quickly changed the subject.
"Well, at least your position is close to being completely secured." I said, looking at Snape for a reaction. He didn't disappoint. Snape leveled yet another penetrating glare at me.
"Meaning?"
I smirked again. "You know what I mean. Yaxley is rising in favor-"
"Favor that is not comparable to the Dark Lord's trust in me." Snape sneered.
I glared at him as if he were stupid.
"Do not get content, Snivellus." I spat impatiently, seeing Snape almost draw his wand. "He trusts Yaxley. Yes, he gave you dominion over Hogwarts but he also gave Yaxley dominion over the Ministry. I know you could not have them both, but the fact that He trusts Yaxley with the Ministry, in itself, matters. And Yaxley hasn't hidden his enmity towards you: He wants to replace you and everyone knows this. He will have to be taken care of, before the Dark Lord considers him too valuable. We don't need Yaxley to replace Lucius Malfoy."
Snape was silenced by my words as he looked at me thoughtfully. I continued.
"Yaxley gave him Thicknesse, who is now the new Minister of Magic. Yet Thicknesse is only a puppet and Yaxley is the real Minister. And now, he's set up squads to supposedly assist the Aurors- snatchers, he calls them. They're nothing but hunters, who're primarily concerned with hunting Harry-"
"Your point, Weasley." Snape sneered.
"You know what I'm saying." I spat. "If he finds Harry and hands him over to the Dark Lord, then your position will never be secure. He is gaining too much favor, and he is rising incredibly fast." I hissed.
Snape frowned thoughtfully. "Who told you about the snatchers?" He asked.
"Like I said, Yaxley doesn't hide the fact that he'll do almost anything to replace you. He has marked you as his enemy. To ignore him would be foolish."
"Just like you ignore Lestrange." Snape smirked nastily. "She is nothing but a snake, waiting for the chance to bite." He said, looking at me meaningfully.
"I can handle her. You just make sure you handle Yaxley. You're now the only one who completely has His favor. Make sure it stays that way." I snapped.
Snape sneered something underneath his breath. I only caught one phrase alone.
"Muggle-born registers and Muggle-born Registration Commissions."
I smirked, knowing that he was thinking about the new Ministry "reforms" of Yaxley's.
"His techniques are stupid but, if they prove to be fruitful and effective, he will gain in the Dark Lord's favor. Do not ignore him." I said, surveying Snape through tired eyes.
"And how will you stop him?" Snape asked, his gaze fixed on me. That was his way of assigning this task to me.
I sighed.
"In time, you will see. For now, leave him to me."
Snape's right eyebrow lifted as he surveyed me.
"Will this be before or after you come to Hogwarts?" He drawled.
I smirked.
"Both." I said coolly, standing up and making my way to the door. "I'll see you in a week." I said, lifting the hood of my cloak and stepping out into the night. I kept my head low, looking only at the portkey around my neck.
When it activated, I disappeared- landing on top of the hill that looked down at the Burrow. I began walking toward the house, with my mind and body screaming at me to sleep.
(A/N): This chapter is important b/c it shows how hard spying really is…the compromises, the mistakes, the things she and Snape both have to decide. Oh, and Nott will want his revenge one day.
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