Chapter 25 (Revelations)

Disclaimer: Anything recognizable belongs to J.K. Rowling, not me. I'm not that awesome.

(Nott's P.O.V/ Mid-August 2004)

"The Healers don't know what to do." Weasley panicked, pacing the length of Ginevra's bed in St. Mungo's.

"She's only been here half an hour." Potter said, his voice low and hopeful. "Give them another thirty minutes-."

"She won't last the hour." I spat, glaring at him. Potter and Weasley were both Aurors; they recognized this curse. They had seen countless others die by it. There was no need for false hope.

"Shut up!" Potter raged, standing up from his seat. "You were supposed to watch her, not let her run around. This is your fault - again!"

And those words made me grab him by the front of the robes and raise my fist to strike the prat's face. But a firm grip on my wrist stopped me from hitting the idiot. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the werewolf. He separated Potter and I by pushing us apart. Throughout the commotion, Weasley's gaze never left his sister. He looked at her with a desperate urgency that I felt, and only his look stopped me from shoving aside the half-breed and beating Potter to a bloody pulp. I wanted to fight him - at least then, I'd be doing something rather than watching her die. And this was my fault; I'd failed to protect her.

"Stop, now! Harry, sit down!" The werewolf ordered, watching Potter reluctantly reclaim his seat. "Molly and Arthur will be here soon. This fighting isn't helping her-."

"What can anyone do?" Weasley asked, his voice hollow. "No one can help her."

We all quieted and my gaze found Ginevra, gazing at her stunned frame as she lay on the bed. She was unconscious but her eyes reflected just how much excruciating pain she was in. We couldn't revive her: The pain alone would hasten her death. If only there was a counter-curse. Ginevra loved curses; she would know what to do. She would know what to do. The idea in itself was enough for me to hope that maybe this was the answer that would save her life.

"We have to revive her." I said slowly, looking at Weasley.

"We can't do that Mr. Nott." Lupin said firmly, shaking his head.

"No one knows curses better than she does. If anyone knows how to fix this, she does. We have to wake her now!" I said on the brink of shouting, staring at a puzzled Weasley.

"If you say one more word, I'm going to toss you out of here myself." Potter threatened, standing out of his chair again.

"We can watch her die slowly, or we can wake her and fix this. It's the only way. The curse is progressing too-."

"W-we'll d-do it." Weasley said shakily, looking at me. "You do it." He said, his voice a bit stronger now.

"Ron, think about this." Lupin said hurriedly.

"Ron, the pain of-." Potter began.

Weasley interrupted them both. "She's my sister. I won't let her die without trying. Just do it - now." He said firmly.

I nodded and pointed my wand at Ginevra, instantly reviving her. And she screamed the moment she became conscious. I'd heard so many scream before but never like this. Her loud shrilling pierced the room and the pitch only seemed to amplify with each passing second.

"Ginevra," I said, rushing to her bedside. "Is there a counter-curse? Do you know it?" I yelled over her screams, seeing no answer in her eyes - only pain.

"STOP!"

"I'm putting her back under again, damn you."

"Ginevra, focus for me." I begged, seeing her pained honey eyes snap onto me as if she were finally seeing me. "That's it. Focus and tell me the counter. Nod, blink, speak - just do something, please."

I saw her nod seconds after fighting through the pain. "Say something." I breathed, but her only response was more screams. I couldn't blame her for not being able to focus; I could barely do it myself. The pain distracted her. And, as for me, all the blood, coupled with her eroding flesh was nearly unbearable for me to watch.

"Ginevra, can-."

"D-don't r-remem-ber." She forced out, afterward biting her lower lip to stop the screams. She failed again. Seconds later, she said two more words. "Make me."

I shook my head no. I could hear Weasley behind me. "What is she talking about?" He asked fearfully.

"P-please." She begged, screaming again when the curse amplified again.

I looked at Weasley and spoke quickly. "I'm going to make her remember the counter-curse so - no matter how loud she screams - don't stop me." I said urgently, seeing Weasley give me a curt nod. I looked down at Ginevra and spoke to her. "Try to guide me to bits and pieces of what you can remember." I said, seeing her nod. "I am sorry. Legilimens."

My assault two and a half weeks ago made her defenses more flexible. They still protected her, but I didn't have to use quite as much force to see what I needed to see. Although I could faintly register her screams, she guided me deeper into her mind. She pushed fragments of the memory to the very forefront of her mind. With her help, I was able to roughly navigate through her consciousness and piece together the severed parts of that one memory. I united the severed pieces, until they were whole again. Once I found the counter-curse, I drew from her mind and pointed the wand to her back, muttering a Runic translation that sounded almost like a song. Instantly, her fleshed stopped bleeding and eroding. Her screams lessened as I continued with the spell, watching a golden layer of protection form over the nape of her neck and her entire back. Her screams stopped entirely then.

"Call the healers. If she doesn't get a potion to heal the inner and outer tissue of her skin, it'll scar. GO!" I yelled, watching Weasley nod dumbly and leave the room in a hurry.

"W-What is that?" Potter asked shakily. I ignored him.

"Will she…live?" Lupin asked, as if he were afraid to hope.

"She'll live." I said abruptly. "Where is Weas-?"

But, at that moment, he entered the room with two healers and his parents. I looked at Ginevra, seeing that she was sleeping. I stepped aside, giving her mother enough room to rush past me and to her side. I didn't want to watch Mrs. Weasley cry; Ginevra looked so much like her, after all. And then I saw her father's ashen face, staring at all the blood that covered the bed sheets.

"How?" He croaked, his eyes never leaving Ginevra.

It was Potter who answered. Lupin stood a good distance behind Molly, watching Weasley and Ginevra with a concerned gaze. Weasley looked at his sister, guilt and exhaustion etched across his face.

"Dolohov." Potter said quietly. "She cast a shield. It wouldn't let us get to her. W-we couldn't stop him."

"What happened?" Mr. Weasley asked more firmly, looking at his son who paled even further. And as the man listened to what Weasley had to say, his face became red in fury. I dared not move, less he turn and blame me. He took a seat by his wife, avoiding everyone's gaze. When all seemed to be silent for good, he spoke. "You tell Kingsley she's done - no more."

And when he said that, we all released a long breath. The tension in the room relaxed and we watched the healers administer her the strongest skin healing potion they could find. I spoke to Weasley, asking him if Slughorn had any potions left over from two and a half weeks ago. He stood and I nodded, leaving the room to journey to Hogwarts. Ginevra would need those potions. The curse was the least of her problems now. No, now I worried about her mind.

(Nott's P.O.V/ Mid-August 2004)

"What did he mean by telling the Minister she's done?" I asked the werewolf, seeing him give me a cautious glance before answering.

"Ginny felt like she owed Kingsley because he saved her from Azkaban, so she's been helping us with this investigation for months. She didn't want to fight anymore, but we - we wouldn't listen. And now she's in here." He said guiltily, looking away from me.

"She has always been meddlesome." I said to the half-breed, not knowing why I was trying to comfort him. Perhaps, it was because of how exhausted and old he looked. Perhaps, it was because he was Ginevra's friend. "She would've interfered sooner or later, with or without your knowledge. That's just who she is."

Lupin shook his head, his eyes still distant and tired. "You know her well then?" He asked, studying me closely.

I knew what he was asking. I couldn't help but smirk humorlessly. "I'm not sure about that."

Lupin chuckled dryly. "One can never be sure about anything when it comes to Ginny, especially when she was younger." He said fondly, remembering her as one of his most favorite pupils.

I nodded in agreement. I couldn't believe I was having a pleasant conversation with him. Yet, there was something I needed to know. "How was Ginevra planning to help the Minister after this latest attack?"

Lupin shifted his weight before replying, "I can't answer that. I'm sure you understand-."

"No, you'll have to clarify that for me," I drawled sarcastically, seeing him tense.

"It is a matter of the Ministry, Mr. Nott-."

"A matter that nearly got Ginevra killed." I spat, seeing the man's posture slacken almost dejectedly. "And, as long as she is involved in your little 'investigation,' then you will have to put up with me as well. Now tell me."

Lupin sighed impatiently. "For months, we've been trying to get information from the captured Death Eaters about…anything. But they're all under some sort of enchantment that even somewhat resists Veritaserum. Ginny said she could test the strength of their enchantments by using Legilimency on them. She was working on a potion that would make it easier for her to access their minds-."

"She won't be able to sustain a repeated assault on their minds, not for that long. Two and a half weeks ago, she could-."

"So she won't be able to do it, even with the potion?" He asked almost knowingly.

"No, her mind is too fragile for that. If she uses Legilimency on anyone right now, there is a possibility that she won't be able to differentiate between her psyche and those of her…victims. She can't do it but I can. Where is this potion?"

"No." Lupin said firmly. "You are not getting involved in this investigation. You were one of them - you still could be one of them for all I know."

I stiffened, knowing that he had every right to be suspicious. "That was apart of my past; it is not my present, nor my future. And Ginevra won't be able to test their enchantments. I, however, can. See it this way: Everyone gets what they want. You get your information and I know that she's safe." I finished, seeing the man nod reluctantly and walk away.

Ginevra and I fought often, but I didn't wish to see her harmed at all. I couldn't believe her family would agree to put her at risk like this, but it seemed her father and I agreed that her involvement in this should be limited to a degree or completely. My gaze found a sleeping Ginevra, as I leaned quietly up against the wall. The healers said she would awake soon and then - as agreed to by Potter, Weasley, Lupin and I - we would tell her all that we suspected from the attack and it was not good. It wasn't good at all.

(Ginny's P.O.V/ Mid-August 2004)

"Who are the Roberts?" I heard a high, clear voice ask as I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, gently stirring me awake. "Ginevra, who are the Roberts?"

I opened my eyes, seeing an incredible blinding white light. And then, I saw Theodore and frowned. For some reason, my reaction startled him and there was fear and guilt in his eyes. Fear? Guilt? Over what?

"Do you not remember the Roberts?" He asked, his voice silky but slightly unsteady.

"Of course I remember them." I said irately, sitting up in bed. "I want to know how you know their name. Do not involve them in one of your schemes, Theodore." I said warningly, seeing his dark eyes soften with relief.

Theodore smirked and that made me want to slap it off his face. His smirk widened, as if he could read my thoughts. He was so insufferable and, yet, even now I wanted him. I forced myself to look away from him, staring at Ron instead. He looked unusually pale and tired.

"Don't tell me you've been blaming yourself for what happened in Yorkshire." I admonished, seeing Ron look down and smile a small smile. "Ron, you're not to blame. I should've remembered the glamour. I was in a rush, and I was too busy arguing with him." I said lightly, mock glaring Theodore, who had the decency to look somewhat guilty.

I looked at Ron again. "So you see none of this is your fault." I said, seeing him nod.

And then, he asked: "D-do you know why he didn't-?"

"Kill me?" I finished for him, seeing him nod and bite his lower lip.

I shrugged. "He hit me with a very powerful curse, Ron. And a lot of Death Eaters take the time to learn curses - whether from Voldemort, someone else, or on their own. But you'll find that they rarely take the time to learn the counter. Most were stupid enough to believe Voldemort when he said there were no counters to his most lethal spells; I, however, was not. I'd spend hours in the library devising ways to counter everything he taught me. I like curses." I smiled uneasily. "I do somewhat specialize in them."

Ron shook his head slowly and sighed. "I'm just glad you knew the counter." He said, clearly relieved.

I nodded and changed the subject. "How did we get separated?"

"An explosion hit closer to me than you and him-." Ron began.

"This him has a name." Theodore drawled, making me smile as I looked at him. I fought a blush (or at least I tried to) and looked away, focusing on Ron again.

"Anyway, I got blasted toward the other end of the street. It was like once they saw you two, they just went straight for you." Ron said worriedly, still looking guilty.

I turned my head to the right and looked down, seeing Mum's head resting on the side of my bed. She was in a deep sleep and I couldn't help but smile. "Where's Dad?" I asked with a frown, hurt to see that he wasn't here.

"Dad and Harry stepped out for a moment. They'll be back." Ron said, sounding more like his old self now. I nodded.

"So what do you have to tell me?" I asked lightly, seeing Ron look startled. I gazed at Theodore, seeing that he wasn't surprised that I'd suspected something amiss all along. It was he who answered me.

"Lestrange, Dolohov and Carrow were in Yorkshire. You know what that means." He said smoothly and I nodded, sighing.

"I was so stupid. I should've known this the whole time." I said bitterly, looking at Ron who was now frowning. "When did the very first attacks start happening, Ron?"

Ron's eyebrows almost drew together as he tried to remember. "I'd say about six months after the Final Battle."

I nodded. "And how large were their numbers then?"

Ron nodded quickly, realization dawning on him too. "No more than thirty. Sometimes, it was even less than that. But their numbers have grown ever since; that's why we didn't make the connection." He said quietly, afterward cursing himself. I sighed.

"It's not your fault - I missed it too. Now, all we need to worry about is how big their numbers really are." I said pensively, seeing Theodore nod curtly. At that moment, Dad and Harry entered the room. Dad rushed over to me, slightly knocking Ron aside. I grinned and hugged him tightly, feeling Dad smooth the back of my hair as he returned my hug.

"How do you feel? Are you hungry - perhaps, thirsty?" Dad asked hastily.

I smiled and shook my head no. "I'm fine, Dad. Thanks."

"Hey, Gin." Harry said, clearly relieved. "Glad to see you're awake."

I smiled and nodded in his direction, looking away to survey my Mum. She was stirring in her sleep now. When she looked up, her wide eyes fixed on me and widened.

"Ginny, you're awake." Mum cried, standing and enveloping me in a tight hug.

"Yea, Mum." I said, smoothing her rather messy hair straight. "You look tired. Dad you should take Mum home and-."

"We're not leaving." Dad said slowly, observing me closely. "Ginny, what are you up to now? Why do you want your mother and I gone so badly?"

I sighed, knowing my Dad was too perceptive for his own good. Mum fixed me with a stern gaze that was shrewd and disapproving. "Answer you father, now." She insisted and I sighed again.

"We were talking about Yorkshire - that's all." I lied smoothly, seeing Dad glare.

"She was talking about the investigation." Theodore drawled, smirking down at me vindictively.

Dad's jaw clenched and he sat on the left side of my bed, gently grabbing my hand. "Ginny, you are of age so I can't forbid your involvement in their investigation. But I beg you to see reason." He said pleadingly. "You were almost killed-."

"Again," Mum added, her gaze still fixed on me. Dad nodded and continued.

"I think you've done enough, Ginny. Ron, Harry, Remus and the others-."

I interrupted him. "Dad, I'm going to do this because I-."

Dad spoke loudly over me. "That young man there-." He said, pointing at Theodore. "-told me what he heard Dolohov say to you. He won't stop until you're dead, Ginny." Dad said severely, surveying me with desperation.

"I know," I said bluntly, seeing Mum and Dad frown.

"Well, dear, if you know this, then why-." Mum began.

"Because it has to be this way. I owe Dolohov, and he won't stop until I'm dead. And if he can't have me, then he'll come after one of you. I won't put any of your lives at risk, so I'm going to tell you now: The next time I see him, it's either me or him. That's just the way it is, Mum. It can't be helped."

I watched her pale even further. She opened her mouth to argue but, surprisingly, a look from me made her sigh in defeat and look up at my Dad, who shook his head and fixed me with a worried look. I squeezed his hand and saw him nod, knowing that he understood me perfectly.

"Will you be all right?" Dad asked and I nodded. "Well then, it's time I get your mother home. Come, Molly."

When Mum and Dad left the room, I looked at Ron and spoke. "I think we all can agree that Dolohov, Lestrange and Carrow are leading this resistance. I'll bet it's been them all along. I mean, they couldn't be open about it because they would've been caught sooner. Yet, they've been recruiting and their numbers may be too sizable for even the Ministry to handle."

"You can't know that, Ginevra." Theodore said thoughtfully, frowning at me.

I sighed. "They risked exposure, Theo. What now makes them so confident as to expose themselves publicly? It has to be their numbers or their political contacts within the Ministry, possibly even both. And goodness sakes help us all if they've infiltrated the Ministry - again. You'll have to use Legilimency soon, Theo-."

"Do not presume that I will simply use Legilimency on more than a dozen criminals, Ginevra." Theodore drawled, smirking at me. "What would I get out of it?" He asked, smirking at me.

"But you said-." Ron began, but he was silenced by a glare from Theodore.

"Since I know you can't do anything out of common decency," I spat, seeing Theodore's smirk widen at me. "Then, I'll reverse all that I've done to your corporations." I said reluctantly, seeing Nott nod at me.

"Slytherins." Harry said, shaking his head.

"What did you do to his corporations?" Ron asked, a deep frown on his face.

Theodore ignored Ron and fixed Harry with an amused look. "Well - you see, Potter, I don't play the bloody hero unless I get something in return." He said, trying to anger Harry. But Harry kept his cool and looked away from Theodore, mumbling something underneath his breath.

Theodore looked at me again and said: "I want you to undo all that you've done and that includes the stocks too, Ginevra." He said warningly and I rolled my eyes, nodding afterward.

"I said I'd reverse everything." I said stiffly, seeing him smile victoriously at me.

Harry, Ron and Theodore soon left me in the room to myself. My thoughts turned to Dolohov and his Death Eaters. The sooner we took care of them, the sooner we all could live out the rest of our lives in peace.

(Two days later/ Ginny's P.O.V)

"Are you combing both their conscious and subconscious?" I asked Nott, watching him sift through the mind of a male prisoner. "What's wrong? Why are you-?"

"Silence, Ginevra." Theodore hissed with his eyes closed. "I'm trying to focus and your incessant chatter isn't helping."

I glared at him, looking away at Remus, who seemed as amused as one could possibly be in Azkaban. We all were inside a room. Remus had used his patronus to force the Dementor to wait outside. When the door to the room opened, a horrible chill filtered inside. I looked up, seeing Shacklebolt enter the room, rather than Harry and Ron. I offered Shacklebolt an abrupt nod, seeing him walk over to my side.

"This will have to be the last one, Weasley." His deep voice said reluctantly, watching Theodore closely.

I frowned. "Why?"

Shacklebolt shifted his weight before answering: "The Wizengamot somehow found out that young Nott there would be using Legilimency, not you. In their eyes, his involvement risks jeopardizing and even invalidating this entire investigation." He said bluntly.

"But that's ridiculous." I spat, seeing Shacklebolt sigh tiredly.

"Not really, Weasley." He said uneasily and that alone made me glare up at him.

"You know your high court is crooked, don't you?" I sneered and continued. "Unbelievable! They can take dirty money from the Notts and Malfoys but - when one of them decides to do some real good in the world - they simply won't step aside and allow it. That's a lie and you know it. Your Ministry has been infiltrated."

Shacklebolt scowled down at me. "Well, you do know their names and, yet, you still refuse to divulge them." He said accusingly.

"Kingsley, it would only be an accusation; even if I confessed under Veritaserum, it still wouldn't be enough to have them removed from the High Court. I'd need proof. Besides, I can't fight Death Eaters and the Wizengamot. Do you know what they could do to my family?" I said irately, seeing Shacklebolt nod understandingly.

"Leave them to me." Nott said tautly, walking to my side. I looked up and surveyed him closely, seeing little beads of sweat on his forehead. "I know how to deal with aristocrats. We're leaving." He said firmly to Shacklebolt, gently grabbing my elbow and steering me out of the room behind Remus, who'd conjured his patronus more for my benefit than his and the others.

It took us all ten minutes to arrive back at my flat. Kingsley immediately began talking. "What did you find? How strong are their enchantments?" He asked Theodore expectantly.

Nott looked at me and replied: "Their numbers are well over a hundred, but no more than one-hundred and thirty. Their enchantments were only meant to undermine the effects of Veritaserum. And - yes, Ginevra - I do believe Dolohov is leading them. Anything their mind associated with him held a sliver of fear, which was attached to the association itself."

"Do you understand their pattern of attacks?" Remus asked, seeing Nott shake his head.

"No, they're simply following orders." He drawled, seeing Remus sigh in frustration.

Shacklebolt nodded. "Where do they meet?" He asked interestedly, looking at Theodore thoroughly.

Nott's right brow rose high as he gazed at Kingsley and I with an amused look. "In various locations throughout Europe. They've met in France and Germany. The Lestrange family has connections in France." He said to me in particular. I nodded.

"And the Dolohovs have relations in Russia, I know." I sighed, feeling like this all was impossible. I sat on the sofa and looked at Theodore, listening to him talk to Shacklebolt.

"Are you saying we're dealing with foreign wizards?" Kingsley asked, his voice disbelieving.

"More than likely, yes." Nott said nonchalantly and, although I wasn't looking at him, I knew he was watching me closely.

"Is that all?" Remus asked tiredly, seeing Theodore nod. Afterward, he stood and looked down at me with a small smile. "I'm going to Harry's to pick up Teddy. I'll tell him you send your love."

I nodded. "Thanks, Remus - especially for today." I said gratefully, referring to the patronus he'd conjured in Azkaban. Together, Remus and Shacklebolt walked to the fireplace and Flooed to their destinations. That now left me alone with Theodore. Just great!

Silence enveloped the room and I refused to be the first to break it. "I see you decided to end your nonsense today." He drawled, sitting on the sofa across from me. Arrogant prick.

I narrowed my eyes on him. "If you mean that I decided to show you mercy rather than destroy your pathetic little career-."

"Profitable career, mind you." He said smoothly.

"Well, I chose to be the so-called bigger person." I said maturely, seeing him smirk and scoff at me. "Just go home to your strumpet. I'm sure she's waiting for-."

"Of course she's waiting." He said conceitedly, his dark eyes alight with humor. "It's either that or shopping. She's quite predictable that way." He said coolly, observing me closely.

"That explains why you two are such a perfect fit. I now understand your reasoning for marrying her." I said sarcastically, watching him shrug nonchalantly at me.

I never expected that reaction. I expected him to sneer and later insult me, never this. He practically admitted that he was going to marry her, and that made me feel the most dejected I'd felt in months. The feeling came over me so suddenly and, yet, it took what seemed like several minutes for me to realize exactly what I was feeling. I wanted him to say she was a plaything who was exposable to him. But he wouldn't say that because she would be his wife.

(Nott's P.O.V)

I watched Ginevra closely, seeing her guarded expression somewhat falter. I doubt I ever would've noticed, if I hadn't been studying her eyes so closely. There was something akin to confusion, and something else that I couldn't quite make out.

"You see," I began slowly, watching Ginevra's eyes snap onto me. "She makes the perfect wife for several reasons. Her predictability is one." I said, watching Ginevra raise a brow at me. "Also, her willingness to stay out of my affairs is another." I continued, seeing her smirk. "And she is also from a very respectable family that will afford me - and all future heirs I produce with her - a great advantage."

Ginevra seemed unaffected so far, but I wanted to see some reaction from her so I continued. "So, you see, she makes the perfect wife. She truly is a caring girl once you get to know her. And she's loyal, which is mostly why I'm marrying her mostly." I drawled, not believing one word that fell from my lips.

For a moment, Ginevra seemed frozen. Yet, when she looked up into my eyes, I saw a brief flash or hurt before her gaze became cool and eerily unaffected. She was too good at hiding her emotions; so good, in fact, that I wondered had I ever seen her look hurt at all.

(Ginny's P.O.V)

The way he talked about her. There was sarcasm, yes. But there was also fondness. There was a tendril of tenderness toward the end there; it was something I'd never heard from him. There was no maybe about it. He really wanted her for his wife, and why shouldn't he? She was beautiful and sophisticated. She was loyal - obedient - to him. And he wanted children. I couldn't give him that. His Rebecca had a lot to offer him - he'd said so himself. I could give him nothing. The realization alone made me feel like my heart was dropped into a void hollow, and its bareness - its lack of feeling - was like starvation; in fact, it felt worse. A lot worse.

I looked up at Theodore and nodded. "Well, she does seem like the one for you. You should go home. I'm sure she's expecting you." I said quietly, trying to keep my voice from shaking. I stood and walked over to the door, opening it for Theodore to leave.

Nott never visibly reacted to my words. I bet I looked like a bitter loser to him. Damn it! I should say something. I didn't want to appear rude or pathetic.

"And, Theodore, congratulations. I mean it." I said softly, easing the door closed as he looked at me thoughtfully.

He wanted her, not me. Never me. I should've known the whole time.

(Nott's P.O.V)

What in the bloody hell just happened? I thought, scratching my head distractedly. She went from hurt - wait, I couldn't be sure whether or not she was hurt at all. How could she seriously think Rebecca was perfect for me? And she congratulated me! Did that mean she believed me? Out of all the times she could see straight through me, she chose now to act blind. Or was it just that, an act?

Why in the bloody hell couldn't I be sure? I just wanted a reaction - a real reaction beyond the aloofness, the petty resentment and the annoyance; even I noticed how she sometimes barely seemed able to tolerate my presence. I just wanted to see for once and, instead, I got more confusion. Why had I even tried? I knew I wouldn't get any sleep tonight; as usual, I'd spend hours on end thinking about her.

(Ginny's P.O.V)

What is wrong with me? When did I start caring - really caring - about Theodore Nott? Had I always cared? I would've known otherwise, right? On some level, I now had to admit the truth to myself. I cared a lot for Theodore.

But I didn't want to - at least, not anymore. I would never be fortunate enough to have the kind of love my Mum had with Dad, or Bill with Fleur, or Tristan with Sam, or Percy with Audrey, or Harry with Luna, and even the powerful, passionate bond that Ron shared with Hermione. I'd always known that would never happen for me, least of all with Theodore Nott.

This is stupid and it's such a waste of time. I'm being stupid, thinking of things that I'll never have. I want Theodore Nott; that I cannot deny. Still, he'd marry his Rebecca because that is what's good for him - as being alone is what's good for me.

(Ginny's P.O.V/ Late August 2004)

"I miss you all so much. I can't wait till the next holiday. If only I could Floo to America." I said softly, hearing Alexa and Aiden chuckle on the phone.

"We miss you too, Gin." Alexa said excitedly. "Don't worry. We'll visit as soon as our holiday starts."

"And I can't wait to eat up all your food." Aiden yelled, slamming something firm in the background. "Plus, you said you'd give us a tour of your country. And I'm going to make sure you keep your promise."

I laughed. "I'll remember that. Would you put your mother on the phone?" I asked, hearing a brief commotion in the background (probably Alexa and Aiden arguing over the phone) before Tristan picked up the other house phone, telling them both to hang up. "Hi, Tristan. I'm sorry it's been a while."

"I know. I was so worried but Molly said you were okay. She said you just work long hours at the lab and that she barely sees or hears from you anymore. Ginny, what's going on? Are you arguing with your parents a-?"

"Oh, no. Nothing like that - I promise." I said truthfully. "I've just been busy with a whole lot of work. You'll soon get to hear a lot more from me. I've found another job that's not quite as time-consuming as the one I've got now."

"Really?" Tristan asked, sounding relieved. "Well, good. I really miss you, you know. I want to know how you've been and what you've been up to." She said hurriedly, chuckling into the phone afterward because she knew exactly how she sounded. "Sorry." She said embarrassedly.

"Tristan, I understand and I promise - no matter how busy things get - to check in from now on. I'm really sorry." I said guiltily, hearing her tell me not to worry.

We spent half an hour on the phone catching up. Talking with them made me realize how badly I missed them. One thing was certain: I hoped I lived long enough to see the Roberts again.

(Ginny's P.O.V/ Late August 2004)

"Ron, you are worse than Remus." I sighed, seeing Ron frown. "You can't establish a pattern of attack. Their gatherings have been too erratic for that."

Ron groaned in frustration. "Do you really expect for me to just wait until they hurt someone else?"

I looked at Ron, knowing that this truly bothered him. Ron and Harry both weren't the type to sit and wait for innocent people to get hurt. They were all about action, and I could see that now as Ron and Harry both thought of ways to anticipate the Death Eater's next attack.

"Gin, all we're saying is maybe we're missing something." Harry said, looking over the plans that Ron had drawn out. I sighed and nodded.

"Of course, you're missing something. We all are, Harry. And it's really admirable to work so hard at this; it really is. But there are going to be cases like this that make you feel blind and-."

"We know how to do our job, Ginny." Ron snapped and I sighed.

"Ron, I didn't mean it like that." I said softly, seeing his blue eyes become less irritated. "That's what I'm saying. You and Harry are doing your jobs all too well. When was the last time you took Luna out for dinner, Harry? And, Ron, when was the last time you and Hermione spent an evening together without talking about work?"

Ron and Harry looked guilty, and I couldn't help but nod and offer them a small smile. "Take it from someone who has spent years fighting the so-called good fight: Do your job the best you can and leave it at that. Make sacrifices only when necessary, and sacrificing time with your wives is not necessary. It's foolish actually and, at the end, I promise you that sacrificing your marriages won't be worth it. So do your job and leave the work at the office sometimes." I said seriously, standing up to leave.

Ron looked red in embarrassment. Harry looked up thoughtfully at me. I smiled. "And, no, Harry. Luna and Hermione didn't tell me to say that." I said amusedly, seeing Harry nod awkwardly. I was about to walk over to the fireplace and Floo to my flat, when Hermione rushed into the room.

"Fleur's in labor." She said breathlessly.

I frowned. "That's a bit too early, isn't it?"

Hermione nodded quickly and grabbed her robe. "The baby was supposed to be here by early September. I don't know if we should be worried yet. I'm going to St. Mungo's. Are you all coming?" She asked knowingly, looking at us and the plans that Ron had drawn out earlier. I gave Ron and Harry a pointed look and they looked away; they were embarrassed. Hermione expected for us to stay here and work, not to leave with her.

"Of course we're coming." I said lightly, flooing out of the flat with the others.

But, before leaving, I saw Ron plant a kiss on Hermione's forehead. I beamed at him and he nodded. I wanted Ron and Harry to understand that giving up a normal life just to fight Death Eaters was not worth it. If it hadn't been for the survival and growth of my family, then my sacrifice wouldn't have been worth it at all - at least, to me. I was thrilled to see my family evolve and be happy.

It was everything I'd ever wanted for them. And that made me happy.

(Ginny's P.O.V/ Early September 2004)

I was inside my flat, reading Headmistress McGonagall's letter. I'd soon have to devote an entire week to taking my N.E.W.T.s at Hogwarts. I barely had free time anymore. I spent nine hours at the lab and, afterward, I'd Floo to Ron's home and we'd discuss whatever we could about the Death Eater activity. Sometimes, I'd leave Ron and Hermione's and go straight to Bill's. Fleur had delivered a healthy baby girl named Dominique. I loved spending time watching Victoire and the baby. At first, Victoire was jealous of her little sister and all the attention she was getting. Yet, I told her that she now had a responsibility to look after the baby. Only that seemed to make her come around, and Victoire now fiercely protected and loved her little sister. She reminded me a lot of Ron; he was like that too, when we were kids. I found them both adorable.

It was too easy to let the thought of my nieces distract me from what I'm actually supposed to be doing. Right now, I'm making out lesson plans for all years at Hogwarts. McGonagall said I'd have to finish them soon. I would've considered this task fairly okay, if it didn't take up so much time - not to mention the fact that I felt behind all the time. I needed to focus but focusing right now seemed too hard - especially now that someone was knocking on my door. Only one visitor knocked: Theodore. And sure enough, when I finally got up to open the door, Theodore's tall frame leaned against the door frame outside.

"What do you want?" I asked tiredly, not in the mood to argue with him now. His dark brow creased, and his mouth thinned. "Well, don't just stand there. Are you coming in or not?"

Theodore's right brow rose before he entered the flat. His eyes immediately found the mess I'd made with scattered parchments everywhere. He looked at me, his gaze condescending but questioning.

"That is none of your business." I hissed coldly. "Now, why are you here? I thought you were moving out of this building." I said bluntly, relieved by the fact that Nott and I wouldn't be neighbors for much longer. I saw his movers and guessed that he should be gone by the end of the week.

"I am," He drawled arrogantly. I fought the urge to roll my eyes and, instead, I chose to watch him. Theodore took a seat on the sofa, picking up a book and several of my papers. He riffled through them all, studying each piece of parchment closely. I took my eyes off his irresistibly long frame and walked over to him, snatching the parchments from him.

"These took hours to organize, Theodore. I won't let you mess them up." I snapped, watching him smirk.

"You know, the whole ordeal could've simply been avoided if you'd just answered me." He drawled sarcastically, his dark gaze fixed on me in some amusement.

"Why are you here?" I groaned, glaring down at him.

"Sit down." He said softly, gesturing to a seat near him on the sofa.

I smirked. "And here I thought this was my flat." I said coolly. "I don't feel like-."

But, before I could say another word, Nott quickly grabbed my arm and jerked me down on the sofa next to him. I lost my balance and went in the only direction I could: Forward. I ended up landing unceremoniously on top of him. I stared down into his dark eyes, not registering the fact that both of his hands had traveled to my waist. I blinked, looking away from him. I used the back of the sofa to upright myself again, choosing to sit on the sofa across from him. Being that close to Theodore wasn't a good idea, and his presence here certainly allowed my imagination to work in overdrive. I couldn't help but imagine what his bare chest looked like.

"Why are you here?" I asked, watching him study me closely.

(Nott's P.O.V)

I smirked, seeing a delicate red blush spread across Ginevra's face. Interesting. So our closeness bothered her now.

"I'm here because I want to talk to you and I refuse to argue with you, Ginevra." I said emotionlessly, seeing her glare at me.

I did want to talk to her because I mostly wanted answers. I wanted to seriously talk about us because I need to know what we are to one another. This was already hard enough; I didn't need her picking fights just so she could have yet another excuse to avoid me.

"Well, that's a first." She spat, scowling at me and crossing her arms across her chest.

And even I couldn't stop my eyes from looking down at her breasts. They were pressed tightly together underneath her white tank-top, which also allowed me to see that she wore a black bra. I wondered, was it my favorite, lace? As her breasts rose up and down as she breathed, I swore and forced myself to meet her gaze fully.

"I told you - no arguing." I said tautly, clenching my fists in order to keep my hands off of her and her breasts.

Ginevra sighed. "Fine, so talk. And make it fast. I have better things to do than waste my time on you." She said, clearly annoyed by my presence -yet again.

And there it was: Her picking a fight. I stood and sat on the sofa next to her, seeing that she wanted to move further down the love seat. I smirked, knowing she wouldn't. After all, that would be giving me a small victory. Her honey brown eyes slightly widened, staring at me like she didn't know what I'd do next.

"What do you have to tell me that can't be said from over there?" She asked, never revealing how uncomfortable my closeness was making her. "Theodore, what's wrong with you? Why are you looking-?"

But I never really heard what she was saying. I was simply fascinated with her mouth and the way it moved. There was nothing truly extraordinary about her moving lips, but I was mesmerized by them all the same. She had the perfect mouth and I couldn't help but wonder did she taste the same. And, without thinking, my right hand gently wrapped around the back of her neck, bringing her face to mine. I leaned forward and tasted what I hadn't had in years, savoring ever sweet flavor that flooded my mouth.

(Ginny's P.O.V)

He was kissing me - softly, at first. Then, his kiss became more urgent - almost desperate. His tongue gently glided over my bottom lip, teasing me to allow him entrance. His kiss grew more demanding and, before I knew what I was doing, I allowed his velvet tongue into my mouth. I'd always loved how he tasted: A blend of wine and tantalizing spices that sent waves of passionate heat everywhere throughout my body. I'd always assumed it was the thrill of having sex, but maybe it was Theodore all along.

His soft tongue delicately massaged mine at first, until he ended the kiss. Then, he trailed lighter kisses on my jaw all the way down to my neck. When his tongue glided over my breasts, I gasped, hearing him chuckle darkly. His hand went under the fabric of my shirt and my bra, cupping me and caressing me gently. And when his mouth found my nipple, I moaned throatily, watching him look up at me with a smirk.

And that did it for me.

"Stop." I said weakly, feeling him still kissing me. "I said stop!"

Theodore looked up at me, frustration and lust written all across his face. His tall frame still lingered on top of mine, and his closeness made me pleasantly light-headed. But I didn't want him - not like this.

(Nott's P.O.V)

What now? Did we really have to talk now of all times?

"What is it now, Ginevra?" I asked stiffly, looking down into her warm honey eyes. I could see that she wanted this. What in the bloody hell was stopping her now?

"Why are you here?" She breathed, looking away from me. I frowned and gently grabbed her chin, not able to fight the smirk from spreading across my face. And her eyes hardened, changing from a fiery passion to a cold steel.

"I can show you better than I can tell you." I whispered hungrily, seeing her shake her head slowly and look away again. I sighed, delicately kissing her porcelain neck. I heard her intake a sharp breath and she faced me again, her eyes almost pleading for me to stop. She really wanted me to stop. "I want you to talk to me, Ginevra." I said patiently.

It was a half-truth. I wanted to talk but I wanted to ravage all of her more than chattering about feelings. Yet, I could feel her hands up against my chest, pushing me off of her. I sat up and studied Ginevra closely.

"Theodore, why do you want me now?" She asked quietly, her eyes warm but apprehensive. "Why didn't you want me before? What's changed?"

I froze, blinking at her. She looked beautiful and, yet, I didn't like how the doubt and the distrust spread across her face. Doubt did not suit Ginevra at all and, by the end of the evening, I was determined to show her exactly how much I'd always wanted her.

(Ginny's P.O.V)

"Wanting you has always been a constant for me, Ginevra." He said softly, gazing into my eyes with a sincerity that was composed but genuine. "No matter what - despite all appearances - that has never changed."

And I felt a rushing sensation that was overwhelming and exhilarating. Every since his visit over a week ago, I'd thought he only wanted his fiancé. But here he was telling me he wanted me too - had always wanted me. But we didn't trust one another. This could be one of his ultimate schemes to get back at me. For me, this is real. But is it real for him, whatever this crazy, indescribable attraction is between us?

"So this isn't an act?" I asked carefully, watching realization dawn on his face. "This isn't another one of your attempts to hurt me."

Theodore's dark eyes showed with regret but his hand firmly grasped the bottom of my chin.

"I cannot say that my intent was never to hurt you, but it was never to that degree, Ginevra. I was wrong…and so very stupid." He admitted, forcing the words out. I knew it took a lot for him to admit that. Theodore was a very proud man. "Ginevra, I do not know what is happening between us. And I honestly don't want to waste anymore time thinking about it." He said almost confusedly, making me frown.

I glared at Nott. "What do you mean you don't want to think about it anymore?"

Theodore gently touched the right side of my neck and replied: "What I'm trying to say rather ineloquently is - well, can't we just be together…just as we are?" He asked, swallowing afterward. I looked into his dark chocolate eyes, seeing a calm resolve that was masculine, true and strong.

"What are you saying?" I asked, not daring to get my hopes up.

"I'm saying we want each other." He drawled bluntly. "Whatever this is doesn't strictly have to be a relationship - that's the beauty of this; it can be whatever we want it to be. But I do want you - want us."

(Nott's P.O.V)

I watched her as she looked at me with a gleam of wonder in her eyes. And there was also hope but caution. I want her to know how much she means to me. She has to know and believe in that.

"And your fiancé?" She asked, studying me closely. "Do you-?"

She actually thinks Rebecca is worth mentioning. "Ginevra, she was only a very convenient distraction of no worth to me. The whole arrangement was about convenience. We both were expected to marry: I, out of responsibility, and Rebecca for money. You did not know?" I asked, wondering how she couldn't have seen my blatant disregard for Rebecca.

Had I ever given any indication that the bint actually mattered to me? Ginevra nodded slowly, a small smile spread across her face. And I felt content upon seeing it. I'd finally made her smile, not glare or sneer. Right now, I felt like I'd be content to dedicate a century just to making her smile at me like that again. She stood and gently sat in my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck. And the way she looked into my eyes made me feel a tightening in my groin. I had to have her now.

"Well, I know now." Ginevra said, biting her lower lip seductively. "I now know a lot of things I didn't know from before." She said softly, staring into my eyes with lust.

I nodded slowly and, a second later, I felt her kiss me. Everything about it was passionate, demanding and searing. It was everything I'd ached for these past six years. I grabbed her waist and gently laid her back onto the sofa, climbing on top of her. I looked down into her hungry eyes that almost pleaded for me to touch her. I crushed my mouth onto hers, hearing her moan throatily. It took me no time to unceremoniously rip her shirt; I could always buy her a new wardrobe. And I looked down, seeing her pale breasts hidden under her bra. I raised a brow, seeing her somewhat frown up at me.

"I love lace." I said silkily, smirking down appreciatively at her gorgeous breasts that were full and round,

Ginevra sat up quickly and grabbed the back of my neck, pulling me down flat against her. And with a kiss, I thought of the lace bra no more; instead, I focused only on having her.

(Ginny's P.O.V/ Explicit scene in first paragraph)

There was so much pleasure that night: Like when he took my breast into his mouth, or when he parted my legs and kissed the inside of my thighs. And I felt like I lost my senses many times that night: Like when his lips and his tongue glided over my clit, arousing me in way that I'd never been aroused in my life. And there was a desperate ache that only he could satisfy but he was a horrible tease - the perfect seducer. He knew what I wanted and his fingering was obviously not it, no matter how slick it made me. And, when I least expected for his gentle torture to end, his hardness entered me, causing me to moan with each thrust that, at first, was slow and gentle. He was savoring every moment we shared together as one then. But we later became overwhelmed with urgency, which lead to longer, more stronger strokes that made us both cry out deliriously. And the climax nearly made me scream.

Yet, the most joy I felt that evening came after we were done. Theodore looked down at me and his dark gaze wasn't that of lust or cruel deception; it was want, and only then did I realize how badly I wanted him to want me all along. He kissed me - a simple kiss. And, afterward, he rested on top of me, his head directly underneath my chin as we lay together on the sitting room sofa. I couldn't help but chuckle at that thought.

"What?" Theodore asked, his dark chocolate eyes staring up at me amusedly.

"We're on the sofa." I said shakily, laughing afterward.

Theodore smirked and drawled: "Hmm, well, we've done it on the loveseat. That leaves…the wall, a table, and oddly enough the floor. Those are fantasies of mine." He said smoothly, teasing my breast with his tongue.

"Ah, I see." I said, gasping subsequently.

Theodore chuckled darkly before fixing me with his dark gaze. "I think we'll try out the shower next." He said roguishly, raising a suggestive brow at me.

I smirked down at him. "No matter where we do it, you won't make me scream your name."

Theodore's smile was dark, arrogant and enticing as ever. "We'll see."

I shook my head and silenced him with a deep kiss. We spent the rest of the night just being together. Theodore was right: We wanted one another. We could work out the details later - much later, when we were ready for whatever this is between us to make itself clearer to us and only us.

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