Chapter 26
Draco's jaw hung open and he stared at Snape. He must've heard him wrong or something. There was no way that he could kill a fellow student. And Harry's sort of girlfriend. There was just no way.
"Could you run that by me one more time." Draco said his voice sounding just as shocked as he felt, "I think I misheard you."
"Ginevra Weasley must be killed. And the Dark Lord wants you to do it." Snape repeated calmly.
"Are you fucking kidding me! The Weaselette? Why the hell do I have to kill her?" Draco shouted jumping up from his chair.
"Sit down, Draco." Snape said firmly in that voice that left no room for argument; the voice that all parents and teachers seemed to have perfected.
Draco glared for a moment before he petulantly dropped back into his chair crossing his arms over his chest, "Explain."
Snape glared at him for a second longer, as if daring him to have another outburst like that, before finally he pulled out a chair and sat as well.
"I don't know much." He started, "It has to do with the incident four years ago. Both the Dark Lord and Dumbledore have been particularly tight lipped about exactly what took place in the Chamber of Secrets."
"But Harry's told me all about that. He defeated the basilisk and then the journal, so the young Dark Lord could not be brought back at that time." Draco interjected.
"Of course we all know that." Snape snapped rudely, "That much was in the Daily Prophet for Merlin's sake. We all know what happened from Harry's point of view. But it's Ginny that no one seems willing to talk about."
Draco paused in thought. Harry really hadn't gone into much detail about Ginny when he retold the story of what happened there. He'd said that the Dark Lord had been using Ginny and that when he'd gotten into the Chamber of Secrets, Ginny was unconscious. He'd mumbled something about the Dark Lord trying to live through her but that was it.
"Well…what is it that happened to her?" Draco asked.
"What I believe happened was, the Dark Lord tried to possess Ginny Weasley. His intent was to Drain the life out of her and implant his soul into her body."
"He was going to come back through her?" Draco asked incredulously. That was part of the story that hadn't ever really been told.
"Yes. But not only that, he nearly succeeded." Snape said as though that explained everything.
"So what?"
Snape rolled his dark eyes and sneered, "Last year I helped Potter with Occlumency because not only was he slipping into the Dark Lord's mind; but the Dark lord was slipping into his and tormenting him through dreams."
Draco nodded in understanding. And suddenly he started to see what Snape was talking about. If Tom Riddle had been sharing Ginny's mind for months and nearly succeeded in implanting his soul in her body, surely he had left some sort of connection with her as well. The same as he had with Harry.
Snape nodded, seeing the understanding in Draco's eyes, "She has been getting valuable information without the Dark Lord ever noticing. Her connection to him is much stronger than Potter's. Potter and Dark Lord were connected by blood. But the Dark Lord and Ginny are connected by spirit and mind. This is speculation but I believe that because of how closely they were connected at that time their minds have grown used to each other. So that they can scarcely tell when they are sharing thoughts. She's been slipping in and out of his mind for years without either of them taking much notice."
"So I…" Draco started slowly.
"Yes." Snape said seriously, "You have to kill her."
The words sounded so final that Draco was instantly filled with fear. But then he had a good thought, "Does this mean that my other task—"
"No," Snape answered without waiting to hear the question, "The Dark Lord needs you here to complete the first task you were assigned as well. So you must make Ginny's death look like an accident. If you get caught no Death Eater will come to your aid. This is your punishment for refusing the Dark Mark over summer. If you are caught there will be no proof that you killed for Him. In the eyes of the ministry, you will only be a killer."
Draco swallowed hard. He was stuck straddling the fence now. He was going to kill one of Harry's friends but if he was caught, his own side wouldn't protect him. That was the punishment for not picking sides fast enough.
"I'm not going to help you with this Draco. For your other task I made an oath but for this I can do little to nothing. I will not cover for you if you fail."
Draco's foggy mind registered pain and he became aware that he was ardently wringing his hands. Still he nodded to Snape, understanding their situation. There was no way for Snape to kill Ginny and still remain in the position he was. Draco knew that Snape was trying to stay in Dumbledore's good graces. If Snape killed Ginny he would be fired and most likely sent to Azkaban. Draco would not only be in trouble with the Dark Lord but he'd would have to kill Dumbledore himself. If he didn't, Snape would die because of the damn oath he made. And the Dark Lord would then know about the oath. So even Bellatrix would likely be punished. It wouldn't be pretty.
Draco felt overwhelmed and out of control and he struggled to wrap his mind fully around the entire situation.
"Maybe… I can just make a few attempts…" Draco started, "So the Dark Lord will see I'm trying. And it should buy me some time. Especially if the attempts warn both Dumbledore and Ginny that their lives are in danger."
Snape was silent for a long moment, "Why would you want to warn them of that?"
Draco shrugged and averted his eyes, "I… are there any bugs here?" he whispered.
"Of course not or we wouldn't be talking. There are bugs, but I temporarily disarmed them. So far as they hear, I'm sound asleep. You and I are free to speak."
Draco nodded and absently traced patterns on the surface of the table before glancing up at Snape's dark eyes once more, "I considered joining them."
Snape's eyebrows twitched as though to rise but did not go any farther than that, "Can I assume this has to do with… Potter?"
Draco stared at his godfather in disbelief before looking away and nodding slowly, "I didn't mean for it to happen Sev. Really. It just… it all happened so quickly."
"And you cannot… forget?"
Draco shook his head, "Not at all. I wouldn't even if I could. That's how bad it's gotten."
Snape nodded before standing again and looking at the flickering fire, "I suppose then, you have large decisions on the horizon."
"I'll… I'll think of something." He said finally.
Snape glanced at him before nodding curtly, "For your sake and mine I hope you know what you're doing."
Draco winced. They were his decisions but they affected so many other people. Life could be so cruel sometimes. He glanced back up at Snape but the man was looking away, staring into the flickering fire once more. Draco stared at his tense back and sighed. Snape was… a good godfather. Underneath that prickly cover was a heart and Draco knew that Snape did indeed love him as a godson. Snape was loyal and smart and helpful. But more than all of that he was an absolutely amazing liar.
Draco could never see what he wanted to in Snape. He could only see what Snape wanted to show him. But then again, if he could get around Voldemort, how could Draco ever possibly hope to see through the man's defenses?
Still, Draco respected him, and appreciated him. And part of him, though it was quite unwise at a time when they were all on the precipice of war, trusted him.
"I think I should be leaving. I have… some things to take care of."
Snape turned and eyed him coldly before assenting with a quick nod, "Of course, Draco."
Snape walked him to the door and Draco turned just as he reached the corridor, "Thanks again Sev. For… well, everything I suppose."
Draco watched the man straighten his shoulders as though he wasn't used to any sort of thanks being offered to him. And who knows, he probably wasn't.
"It is nothing else but my duty, Draco," Snape responded with a hardness in his voice that Draco suspected was fake, "Now hurry off to bed. You're out after curfew."
Draco couldn't help but smirk and roll his eyes, "Whatever you say, Sevvy."
The familiar glare of pure hatred passed over Snape's face at the nickname before he simply closed the door, a little harder than necessary, in Draco's a face. Draco could only roll his eyes again. He felt a little better as the heavy mood the letter brought on slowly started to lift. But he knew there was still much more to be taken care of. He stretched his shoulders out, stiff from sitting at the table so long and began walking back towards the Slytherin Dorms.
Very suddenly, something grabbed his elbow and jerked him harshly to the right. He went to cry out but a hand covered his mouth before any of the sound could escape. In his mind Draco was coming up with a thousand ways to kill whoever had grabbed him but it was all wiped clear by one single hurried whisper.
"Shh, Draco. It's just me."
Draco let the tension ease from his body at the sound of Harry's voice. It wasn't even a mindful gesture. Just that when he was near Harry, he always felt relaxed. The hand over his mouth slowly retreated and he felt Harry turn him around. Though Draco was relieved that it was just Harry he was still angry at having his arm near jerked out of the socket. And what was Harry doing down here anyway?
Draco mock glared at him, "What the fuck are you doing sneaking around the dungeons at two in the morning, Mr. Potter?"
Harry rolled his eyes, "I was looking for you."
"Obviously. I didn't think you had many Slytherin friends who would appreciate a late night visit like this."
"What were you doing?"
Draco paused for a moment. What would he say? That he'd gotten a letter from the Dark Lord? He doubted Harry wanted to hear that, "…What do you mean?" Draco answered slowly.
"Talking with Snape. It is two in the morning. Why would you be in Snape's chambers?"
Draco rolled his eyes but stalled for words once more, "Well…" he started slowly, "It's a long story."
"I've got time."
"No, you haven't. You're in the middle a labyrinth of dungeons with no invisibility cloak. What explanation would you come up with if you're caught, hm?"
"Come with me to the tower room." Harry said completely ignoring what Draco said.
Draco bit his lip in thought before he glanced around the corridor. No one was coming. He could just leave now. He could just save everything else he had to do for another day… But he knew he couldn't do that. It had to be taken care of now. If he didn't do it now, he'd lose his resolve.
"I would but…I have some things to take care of first."
"Like what? What could be more important?"
"My friends. It's Christmas. I know they're usually not the type to wait up but I have to spend at least a little time with them."
Draco watched Harry grimace in annoyance before he sighed, letting his shoulders sag, "I'll go there and wait for you."
Draco nodded and smiled a little glad that Harry dropped the subject that easily, "Kiss me first."
Harry offered him a genuine bright smile before pulling Draco into a warm embrace. Draco expected Harry to immediately kiss his lips but he didn't. He did that horrible, torturous thing; kissing all over his face. Draco's eyes fluttered closed at the subtly beautiful sensations. It really was very nice. But it made Draco feel strange, made him realize more and more that this really wasn't for sexual gratification. Harry truly wanted more than just his body. He bit his lip feeling his face get hot before finally, Harry's lips closed over his.
The kiss was light and teasing. Just enough to leave Draco panting for more. And when finally Harry pulled away it was with a smirk of victory, "Meet me later and you can have more."
"You bloody tease."
"Hey, it's not my fault you've got your friends to attend to. You should have done it earlier."
"Don't start lecturing me, Potter." Draco started with anger that wasn't exactly as fake as it should have been. But Draco smiled a little anyway and leaned in to kiss Harry's soft lips one last time, "I'll see you later." He whispered before he turned and left.
Draco walked swiftly away from the statue. If he was quick about it, he could be back up in the tower room in less than thirty minutes. He glanced behind him nervously a few times. He hadn't heard any footsteps announcing Harry's departure. He wondered if he was okay. But Harry was made of stern stuff. Even if he was caught, he'd be fine after a detention or two.
Draco reached the large Green tapestry with the coiled snake on it.
"Gurdyroot." He said to it and the snake opened its eye lazily before Draco heard the familiar sound of the bricks sliding apart. He pushed the tapestry to the side, walking into the new entrance behind it.
Draco walked into the common room quickly to find his friends all nodding off. Not inclined to be overly nice to them Draco simply picked up a cushion and threw it at Blaise making the boy startle awake.
"Was' at? I wasn't sleepin'. Promise." He gurgled in a thick voice.
Draco sighed, "Oh get up. Come on, wake up Pansy. I need to talk to you both." He said before walking away and down into the boys' dorms. Once inside he pulled off his tie and sank onto his bed.
He wasn't sure he was ready to do this but he didn't exactly have much choice. It was simply what needed to be done. And he was the only one who could. He looked up as the door opened and Blaise, Pansy, Vince, and Greg all shuffled in.
Draco stood, "I only need to talk to Blaise and Pansy." He announced clearly.
Vince and Greg glanced at each other and then back at Draco as though they weren't exactly sure what he was insinuating. Draco sighed, "As in, can you wait outside for a few minutes?"
"Erm… Sure Draco…"
"Yeah I guess.", they answered simultaneously before shooting confused looks at each other one more time and leaving back out the door.
Once it was closed Draco cast a silencing charm and locked the door. He looked over at Pansy and Blaise. They both seemed to be fully awakened by his strange behaviour but neither commented on it.
Draco pushed them both to sit next to each other on his bed and he stood before them. Looking at their confused faces he was even less sure that he could do this. He wasn't sure that he'd even be able to say what he needed to. But he steeled himself, taking a deep breath and drawing himself up to his full height.
He still had his wand out from when he'd cast the silencing charm and he twirled it absently in his fingers as he stared at them.
"You know…" He started slowly making them both jump a little at the coldness of his voice, "How I'm sleeping with Potter?" he asked.
They looked at each other and then back at him each of them nodding slowly, warily.
Without letting himself think to hesitate Draco raised his wand and stated clearly, "Obliviate."
The white light made them both blink. Draco watched as the odd light in their eyes slowly dulled and then they looked at him again.
"Umm… what were we just talking about?" Blaise asked rubbing his eyes sleepily.
Draco shrugged trying to cover the deep hurt he felt, "Merry Christmas, you two. Thanks for waiting up for me." He nearly whispered.
They were silent for a moment, no doubt confused by this peculiar show of affection. Draco never spoke to them like that. Not with true sincerity as he did now.
Pansy yawned obnoxiously, "It's no problem dear.… You even missed dinner didn't you? Why'd you have to leave again?"
"To talk to Snape." Draco lied stiffly.
"Oh that's right… I thought you mentioned something about that." Blaise said standing.
Draco turned away from them reaching into his trunk. He pulled off the fake lining from the lid and retrieved his journal. He'd only ever written in it a few times. He wasn't exactly one to record his every thought. But his mother had sent it to him. And he'd never used it. Recently, he'd felt guilty for that oversight and so he'd tried to show his gratitude for the gift by using it how she'd intended. Unfortunately, it had only caused him trouble.
Blaise and Pansy were hardly paying attention to him now. They both seemed to be suffering the short term effects of the spell. They would probably seem a little absentminded for the next thirty minutes or so.
"Go to bed. I'll be back in a bit."
Blaise nodded and reclined on Draco's bed. Draco didn't really care. He probably wouldn't be back tonight anyway. Pansy followed him to the door and as soon as he opened it Vince and Greg stumbled in. He was glad he'd cast that silencing charm. They'd apparently been trying to listen through the door.
Too distracted to be annoyed Draco simply walked past them and back into the common room. He watched indifferently as Pansy waved at him and disappeared into the girls' dorms. As soon as she was gone Draco tossed his journal into the fireplace. He watched it for a moment, his heart aching to see one of his mother's gifts in flames. But it was simply a sacrifice that had to made. Just like his friends…
He wiped conspicuously at his eyes hoping it was just the heat of standing so close to the fire. But Blaise and Pansy had been great friends to him. They were as loyal as could be expected of a Slytherin. Draco knew that he could count on them for nearly anything. And they'd always been there in the past. They'd been the ones to help him realize that staying away from Harry was the wrong choice. And this is how he repaid them—by taking their memories.
He'd never had to hurt his friends before, not for the Dark Lord at least, and he was surprised at how very painful it was. He hadn't realized he was so close to them. He sighed as his journal slowly crumpled to ashes and he turned away from the fire.
This was war. Officially now. And sacrifices had to be made.
That's what he told himself at least as he wandered the halls back up to the tower room.
But somehow, knowing it was war, didn't make it hurt any less.
sorry this chap is a bit sad. Leave me a review anyway?