A Changed Destiny: Rewrite

by 1CharmedPhoenix

Ginny Weasley becomes a Slytherin (b/c of Riddle's diary influence) and later a Death Eater spy, changing not only her destiny but the destiny of others. She makes terrible mistakes, causes others and herself pain, but read how she grows beyond it, or does she? HP compatible, but AU after Deathly Hallows. No Ginny or Weasley bashing. Dark, powerful Ginny. No sequels! COMPLETE!

36. Chapter 36: Calling All Angels

A/N: This chapter is unedited. The moment I finished it, I posted it. But I would like to thank two Guest reviewers who really let me know how much they liked last chapter and were excited for the next update. And Maya, I'm sorry about killing Theo. I love him too, but you'll see. All happens for a reason.

Chapter 36—Calling All Angels

(May 5, 1998)

Ginny awoke with a start, seeing darkness all around her. She was lying in a comfortable bed that was medium-sized and very old and dingy-looking.

I don't know this place. Where the hell am I?

Instantly, she knew that it wasn't Hogwarts and this wasn't the Burrow. This isn't Nott Manor either, or Theo's home in Naples.

Theo!

The thought of him made the past twelve hours replay in her mind. She could remember Voldemort's assault on her mind; Bellatrix torturing Theodore; fighting to protect the Trio, as she and Theo followed them; seeing Professor Snape disappear in the Shrieking shack; watching Severus's painful memories; taking Harry to Voldemort; fighting Tom' Harry killing Voldemort.

And Bellatrix killing Theo.

Recalling the events of May 2nd so suddenly was overwhelming for Ginny—especially because those events were infused with so many intense emotions. Ginny climbed to her feet and slightly wobbled as she made her way to the room door. She wondered where Theodore was.

I remember holding him, and I'd never let him go.

But a voice at the back of Ginny's mind told her that, this time, she wouldn't have a say in the matter. Don't say that. Don't even think it. Ginny told herself, focusing all of her energy on finding Theodore.

Though she registered the fact that she was in a strange place with no wand at her disposal, Ginny wasn't at all bothered by this as she should be. Actually, she was furious that someone had dared to take Theodore away from her.

He was right there in my arms! Whoever did this is going to pay!

Ginny indulged the thought of causing that person excruciating pain. As she slowly opened the small room door—she made sure to do so carefully so that the door wouldn't squeak—Ginny listened for any noise that would alert her to this person's whereabouts. She gently closed the door behind her and walked down a corridor that was lit by candles. Then she entered the shabby sitting room and immediately recognized exactly where she was.

Spinner's End.

Ginny looked around the room for any sign of Theodore or Snape. She threw caution to the wind and began checking all the rooms in the house. Some were completely empty, while others were full of dilapidated furniture that had accumulated dust smites. Either way, Theodore was not here. Ginny was sure because Snape's house was so incredibly small.

What did he do with Theo? I should've found him by now!

"SNAPE!"

Ginny didn't care about being rude. Right now, she only cared about finding Theodore and beginning to make the proper arrangements. And I need to make sure that the time-turner has really been destroyed. Ginny heard movement in the ceiling.

She frowned to herself. I didn't know he had a second story. But where's the stairwell?

She could hear the sound of footsteps going down stairs. Suddenly, a book case moved to the left and revealed Snape in his usual black robes. Ginny could tell by the clock on the sitting room wall that it was nearing 3A.M. but she wasn't at all surprised to see the professor awake at this hour. His legendary insomnia.

The moment Ginny saw Snape, she asked him, "Where is he?"

The professor's gaze on her was intense and scornful of her tone. "I have placed him upstairs and I have also organized his funeral. It will be tomorrow."

A swell of gratitude to the man ballooned from within Ginny. I don't even know how to plan anything like that. Where would I have started? And I'm not ready to never see Theo again. But it's not within my power to change the fact that he's dead, unless I can find a time-turner. But the thought made Ginny wince internally. She knew that her fourth year voyage with the Golden Trio, Luna, and Neville to the Ministry had led to the destruction of all but one time-turner. And instinctively, she somehow knew that the time-turner they'd used was destroyed.

And that leaves Theo gone for good. I can't accept that. Ginny knew that she'd never feel all right about this, not a month from now or a century from today if she lived to see it. The thought of carrying on without Theodore felt ludicrous and impossible. Everything I fought for was for my family and so that I could really be with him. The more Ginny thought about the way Theodore had been so suddenly murdered, she just wanted to cry.

We would've been together—happier, better, stronger, freer, more open, a family—that's gone.

"Ginevra?" Snape asked concernedly.

"I'm—."

Ginny was going to say that she was fine, but she was far from it. Everything loving and beautiful about life had died the moment that Theodore did.

"Thank you…for doing…that. It's just all so soon." Ginny said, hating the way her voice quivered towards the end of her comment. More tears came to her eyes but never fell down her face. Ginny still lowered her head. I don't want anyone seeing me like this.

"I need to see him." Ginny said forcefully.

"I understand." Snape said with empathy, and his voice was so gentle that Ginny was truly touched by his care and the way he actually showed his concern. "But recent events have occurred that must be brought to your attention."

"What events, sir? We were just at war yesterday."

"The war was three days ago." Snape said caustically, eyeing Ginny with deep scrutiny as he observed her reaction. "You were very distraught. Your magical reserves were dangerously teetering on the brink of depletion as it spiked incredibly high, only for your reserve levels to tremendously lower after every increase. I acted in a manner that would provide you with the speediest assistance that you desperately needed—and still need."

"So you kept me incapacitated for three days." Ginny said in a low, cold voice.

"Did you not hear me, Weasley?" Snape asked, and Ginny could tell that he was angry with her about something. She saw him visibly force himself from insulting her intelligence. "I shall not repeat myself. I will only add that I felt it better to allow your magic the time it needed to regenerate, as well as the time that was imperative for me to have so that I could begin to heal your damaged mind."

Before Ginny could even respond, Snape cut her off.

"The trauma is substantial. It will take months for me to reach the very depths of your consciousness that need healing—and that's not to mention the damaged subconscious levels. It will require diligence and much effort so that I do not exhaust your mind. You will also need time for each layer to properly heal. You will not be well, not until the end of this year perhaps."

But there was something else that he was seething about. Ginny waited patiently for him to get to it. Snape's never held back when he's not pleased with me. It's not in his nature.

"This will also require vast experimentation. I saw damage unlike anything that I have ever witnessed. Injury that the Dark Lord wreaked upon your eleven year old mind, and of course, you never thought to tell anyone of his deeds."

So that's what he's so angry about. "It will be fine." Ginny snapped at him.

Snape's dark glare at her was vicious. "As always, you remain dismissive of the consequences of your actions; in this case, your inaction may result in permanent damage that I, nor a mind healer, can aid. Why did you not tell me?"

"You said that you had things to tell me, sir." Ginny said, changing the subject.

Snape's scowl only deepened, but he saw Ginny's stubbornness. I've never talked about what Riddle did to me, not even with Theodore—and I'll be damned if I ever admit to what I let that bastard do to me. And, for a moment, Ginny's hatred of Tom and his Death Eaters was so ferociously violent. She wanted to kill Voldemort and Bellatrix, despite the fact that they were already dead. But even in their death, they're making me hurt. And I can't make them feel any of my pain. They aren't alive to regret what they've done to me. To Theodore!

As Severus watched Weasley, his irate gaze turned to concern upon seeing the hatred in her eyes. It was raw, unchecked, and without reason. Another reason Severus had taken Weasley away was so that he could strictly monitor her behavior and her sanity. She could be a danger to herself and to others if I do not help her properly. It worried Severus even more to see Ginevra's face go from loathing to blankness in the span of five seconds. Severus was far from fooled about her true feelings. The issue of her mind being unstable deeply troubled him.

But he knew that she would not be open with him. Reaching Weasley would require substantial finesse and tact. He would pick and choose his battles carefully for now, in respects to Ginevra.

"I warn you, Weasley. All that we will discuss is egregiously problematic."

Ginny thought the man then seemed to age about twenty years in front her. "The subject of your family is the quickest topic to be done with."

"They want to know where you have me, and when I'm coming home." Ginny said in a bland voice that made Snape raise a single dark brow at her.

"And what is this new apathetic sentiment towards them, I wonder?"

"Was that all you had to tell me, sir?"

She is not facing the reality of her situation. Weasley has never been this negligent in this past. I can see that she truly is not concerned about how her absence is troubling her parents or siblings. He knew this was because of young Nott's death, and the way he had perished would forever haunt the girl. Much the same way that Lily's death haunts me to this day. Then again, I never personally witnessed her death either.

"They are demanding explanations from us both, and their incessant inquiries find me at almost every hour of the day and night. They seek explanations for my part in your…deception of them and reasons for why I kept them unaware of the truth—and my reasons for remaining complicit in your service to the Dark Lord. They also wish to know why I have 'locked you away' with no one none the wiser about your whereabouts or 'what I am playing at' by keeping you 'all to myself.' Those were the words of your imbecilic younger brother, Ronald, but they were reiterated by your parents, your brothers, and even by Potter."

Ginny sighed, growing more exhausted as she listened about her family. She just didn't have the will or the energy to face them all right now. She knew that her loved ones deserved the truth from her. But that's a lot easier said than done. Though Ginny knew that talking to them was the right thing to do, she honestly could care less about telling them everything. On top of that, the thought of facing them made her feel nervous and afraid.

"And young Daniel has requested a visit with you." Snape said softly, and suddenly, all the breath left Ginny's body by the thought of his reaction to Theodore's passing. "He knows, Ginevra, and he truly needs you."

Ginny felt her chest painfully constrict by the thought of Daniel's suffering alone over this.

"I know. When will he get here?"

"It will be by lunch time today." Snape answered curtly, continuing, "I have also written brief missives to your family explaining general details of my…actions concerning you. Undoubtedly, it has not—and will not—suffice. They continue to write."

"You want me to go to them."

"It is only a matter of time."

"I can't."

Severus could barely hear her say those two words. He would not force Weasley into acknowledging her family, especially if she was not ready to do so. Besides, there were more important matters for them to discuss.

"We now have the Ministry to contend with." Severus said, seeing Ginevra's face remain blank and truly uncaring. "Anyone bearing the Dark Mark is to surrender themselves to the Ministry to await trial. Those that capitulate within the week do not receive death sentences; refuse, and upon capture, a trial will be foregone. The Kiss will be administered."

Severus was baffled upon hearing Ginevra give a dry chuckle to herself.

"Typical," She said. "Anything else?"

"You do not think this warrants further discussion?"

"No," Ginny said simply, not caring about politics or having to face the consequences for being what she is or was.

"When will you yield?" Severus asked. He had plans to do so by Friday at 5P.M. It was the latest one could surrender them self without suffering the Ministry's most fatal punishment.

"I won't."

Pure dread filled Severus upon hearing her. "What?"

Ginny was getting angered by his harsh tone. This is my decision and he'd better respect it if he knows what's good for him.

"Sir, you heard me. I refuse to turn myself in."

"If you are relying on your contacts to save you—."

Without meaning to, Ginny laughed bitterly. I don't sound like myself. But she didn't spare that another thought; instead, she answered the professor.

"Sir, I'm not naïve. Most of them didn't agree to…participate…just so they could truly help people or actually do some good for that matter. The majority of them only bothered out of self-preservation. You see, we all used each other. I took full advantage of their positions and influence at the Ministry, and they used me as a way to know if Tom wanted them dead. They also wanted to know if they'd made political enemies of the deadly sort, like Yaxley and his infernal puppets. Greedy sympathizers that wanted to get favor with him or Tom. It was only a temporary alliance that would lead to mutual gain for them and me. They owe me nothing, just as I owe them nothing in return."

Ginny ignored Snape's analyzing gaze at her. He asked, "Why do this? Do you aim to die?"

"You are reaching, sir." Ginny spat the 'sir,' feeling anger towards her mentor that she hadn't felt in years. Don't treat me like I'm some dim little shit who didn't see this all coming back to bite me in the ass one day. "I'm tired and I'd really like to rest—but I need to see Theodore."

What Ginny left unsaid was, don't make me ask you again.

Ginny watched Snape flick his wand at the bookcase that hid the stairwell. It slid open to reveal the hidden passageway. Ginny didn't spare the professor so much as a glance when she walked past him and began to make her way up the stairs. Ginny had never been in this part of Snape's home before. She opened the door to two rooms, until she found Theodore resting in the third one.

He lay on a bed dressed in fine black robes of velvet that made his complexion look extremely pallid and his hair color look like ebony. Theodore's hands were folded on top of his chest and his eyes were closed. As Ginny sat on the bed beside him, all she had the strength to do was to reach for his hands. The moment she sat down was the exact moment the candlelight in the room grew brighter. It made Theodore's skin look less pale and almost golden. Like he's really sleeping.

And when Ginny remembered her times with Theo, despite his prejudices and other flaws, he'd been so perfect. So amazingly perfect this past year.

Ginny just continued to watch him. There's so much I need to tell you, Theo. There's so many things I want to be with you. I want to show you how much you mean to me. And we would grow so well together, and I would spend my whole life making up for my mistakes with you. I'll devote every day to you, hoping that you would forgive me for all of the lies I told you. For all of my distrust and doubt in you, and for every selfish whim of mine that you only put up with to make me happy.

Ginny couldn't cry anymore. She wanted to, but all of her tears seemed to be gone. The agony of dealing with the reality of forever losing Theodore was something that Ginny couldn't deal with. At times, she couldn't understand her feelings. It all hurt her regardless.

Ginny cupped the left side of Theo's face and felt sick by how extremely cold to the touch he was now. And she couldn't feel his emotions. Whenever she touched him, Theo would always feel a spark of excitement and desire towards her.

But not anymore. Ginny's grip on the side of his face slightly tightened. You should've let me die. Theo, damn you—why couldn't you let me die?

Then came the anger at herself for being so recklessly stupid when she'd confronted Bellatrix. Like an idiot, I challenged her with no plan. I knew what she was capable of, and if I just would've stopped to think, you'd be with me now, Theo. Unbeknownst to Ginny, she was hyperventilating while remembering the way he'd tackle her to the ground. Shielding me from that of all things.

As she watched Theo, Ginny felt unadulterated guilt and agony. Remember your promise. You said you'd stay with me—always.

Anger and grief. Ginny's feelings swung from several emotions like a fast-paced pendulum, but unlike that object, the direction of her emotions was neither so easily predictable nor controlled.

I'm tired of feeling. I'm tired of living. There's only ever pain mixed with brief moments of almost perfect happiness, only for everything good to be snatched away and leave me a wreck. And I don't want to move on this time. I'm not okay with losing you, Theo, and I never will be. I'm so sorry. So very sorry, baby.

Ginny leaned forward and pressed her forehead against Theodore's before giving him a gentle kiss there.

You said you'd never leave me. But you have.

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"Ginevra?"

Ginny's eyes snapped open but her vision was still shrouded in darkness. Then, suddenly, she heard the sound of curtains being pulled open. Sunlight invaded the room and hurt her eyes, making Ginny hastily sit upright and shield her eyes.

"Good, you're awake." Snape said coolly, receiving a foul glare from Ginny afterward. "Daniel will arrive in an hour. You will shower, have lunch, and you will greet him. Am I understood?"

Ginny gave him a curt nod, seeing Snape's brow raise at her almost challengingly.

"Yes, sir." She gritted out through a clenched jaw.

"Very well. I shall be in my study if you need me." He said, leaving the room where Theodore still lay.

I fell asleep here, Ginny realized. Now it was approaching lunchtime. I've been sleep for a little over three days and I still want to sleep. Ginny looked at Theodore beside her, seeing him look exactly as he had earlier this morning.

I dreamt of you. Dying.

Ginny took a deep, calming breath. She stood and made her way out of the room. Ginny forced herself not to look back at Theodore. If she did, she knew that she'd stay there with him all day. All week and all year.

But the thought of Daniel spurred her to do right by him. She loved that remarkably resilient kid, and the fact that he'd been so precious to Theodore motivated Ginny even more to be there for him.

In no time, she had showered. Ginny was positive that Snape had used cleaning charms on her to wash away the blood, dirt, and grime of the war—not to mention the un-cleanliness that results from sleeping for three bleeding days.

Her robes must have appeared sometime while she was in the shower. Ginny didn't spare it much thought as she dressed. It wasn't as important as thinking about what she should tell Danny.

He's only twelve. How am I supposed to tell him how his best friend died protecting me? Ginny left the bathroom and headed downstairs to the sitting room for brunch. He lost his Mum because I was too powerless to stop them, and now he's lost his best friend because I was too stupid and weak to deal with Lestrange.

Ginny took a seat in a worn-looking leather chair next to the fireplace. Beside the table was food. She absentmindedly sat there and ate, not registering the taste of the food or the orange juice. Ginny fidgeted as she stared at the fireplace with dread.

When green flames roared from inside the furnace, Ginny took a deep breath and quickly stood. Danny stopped spinning in the fireplace; he held out his arms to balance himself so that he wouldn't fall. In no time, his eyes locked with hers.

He stepped out of the fireplace and walked until he stood in front of her. To Ginny, Danny still seemed so incredibly small. Just a child, but not really a kid anymore. He's lost so much.

"Professor Snape came to your great aunt's house." He said in a small, quiet voice as he looked up at Ginny with a pained, empty expression. "He explained what happened to Mafalda, your aunt, and me."

His voice broke towards the end. Ginny watched Danny's brown eyes water and leak with tears.

"The professor said I couldn't see you. That no one should see you right now; that he'd put you in a deep sleep. And he wouldn't let me see Theo—."

"Danny," Ginny said, sounding almost dazed and breathless. She shook her head as she looked at him. "I don't want you to see him like that."

The twelve year old's body shook and his chin slightly wobbled as even more tears poured down his face.

"Like what?" He asked in a pained way, sniffing afterward. "He doesn't…look like himself or something?"

"No," Ginny said, lowering her gaze because Danny's misery was making her feel so much more intensely. How's that even possible? Ginny wondered. But she felt more powerless by seeing Danny suffer. It just felt worse because she couldn't take away his grief.

"Theo looks fine, but Danny, maybe you shouldn't. And Mafalda wouldn't want you seeing Theo either."

"I don't care! And why won't you look at me? Ginny," Danny said, gripping her hands and giving them a light squeeze. "Please, let me see him. I've got to see him and say goodbye."

Ginny inhaled a raspy breath, feeling a sharp pain in her chest upon processing what exactly Danny had said. Ginny nodded tiredly and put her hands on both of Daniel's shoulders.

"I'll take you to him." Ginny said. Then, Danny took her right hand and followed her up the stairs.

They didn't talk. What did they really have to say that would make this any easier for them? No words could comfort them, and though Ginny hoped that her presence could help Danny deal with this, she didn't have much faith in that.

Ginny opened the door to Theodore's room and walked inside and took a seat on the bed next to Theo. Danny still stood in the threshold of the doorway, looking at Theo rest. She knew that, on some level, Danny hadn't believed Snape.

I can't blame him for not believing until he saw for himself. I wouldn't either.

Danny slowly made his way over to where Ginny sat on the bed next to Theo. He watched his best friend with a teary gaze that was full of heart-wrenching loss. A single cry was the prelude to an onslaught of tears. It felt natural to wrap Danny in her arms and to hold him as he broke down.

"You're not alone." Ginny said quietly, while still holding the crying boy close and smoothing down Danny's hair at the back of his head. "Theo would want you to know that. And he'd tell you that no matter how bad this hurts right now, that the pain is to be expected but that you're strong, Danny."

Danny sniffed a couple of times, looking up at her with splotchy cheeks and anguished eyes. Ginny wiped away his tears, cupping each side of his face as she met his gaze squarely.

"He'd insist that you remember that." Danny nodded, looking at Theodore with tender, watery eyes.

"I know." He said in a small voice. "But he's gone."

"A very…smart…man once said that those who we love never really leave us, and he's right." Ginny said with a sad, watery smile. "I hear your voice and think about how much he used to smile after hearing you speak."

More tears leaked from Danny's eyes, but at least he was beaming up at her now.

"I close my eyes sometimes and I see him so clearly." Ginny admitted. "He's gone, but we'll always carry him here." Ginny said, pointing to Daniel's heart.

"And here." Ginny said, placing a light touch to Daniel's temple.

"It's nowhere near the same as having him alive with us." Ginny said. "And we'll never be okay with this, but remember that he's not fully gone. Not for me. Not for you. Ever."

Danny nodded, wiping at his eyes afterward.

"I know but still. He's not here. I just want him back. Can't you bring him back?" He asked so innocently, looking at Ginny hopefully.

"Few types of magic can do that, Danny—and mostly all of those types are terrible."

"You've given up?"

"All but one way, yes."

"Tell me."

Ginny sighed wearily. "Stop trying to protect me and tell me the truth! I want to help, Ginny."

Ginny closed her eyes, knowing that she'd regret this. Then, she looked at Danny again.

"If I can get my hands on a time-turner—it's a device that lets you go back in time, Danny—then more than likely I can save Theo. It would be like none of this ever happened."

Danny looked at Ginny and it was clear that he was scared by what she was talking about.

"So what's stopping you?"

Then, Ginny saw realization dawn on Danny's face.

"You don't have it." He said. "Can I help you get it?"

"I should've told you already," Ginny began, "But I think that time-turner's gone."

"Are you sure?"

"Danny, don't get your hopes up—."

"Are you sure?" He asked more forcefully.

Ginny shook her head no, before saying aloud. "Twinky."

There was no sound of apparition. Ginny saw the elf go from invisible to visible in front of her and Daniel. Though she wasn't surprised that Twinky had been here all along; it explained Theo's robes, the appearance of her clothes, why Ginny had been taken care of so well, and the food from earlier. House elves have their own powerful magic that can be felt by our kind when they want it to be known.

"It's good to see you, but why were you hiding?" Ginny asked gently, seeing the elf covered in cuts and heavy bandages.

She's been punishing herself. Why? And by who's command?

Twinky shook her head and moaned, "I fail Master. Master said to protect Mistress. Twinky didn't. Master die." She cried, breaking down afterward.

"My fault."

Danny walked over to Twinky and hugged the little elf to him tightly. "Not your fault. None of this is your fault, Twinky. You did the best you could."

Ginny stood and kneeled in front of the small elf and Daniel.

"Twinky, do not ever punish yourself again, is that understood?"

Her wide blue eyes looked at Ginny despondently before she nodded and threw herself into Ginny's arms. No matter what Ginny said, Twinky was inconsolable much like Ginny herself. Twinky also loved Theodore. She had raised him, protected him, fed him, and served him faithfully to make him happy. Like Ginny, Theodore was her world and now he was gone.

"It's gone, Miss. Ginny." The house elf wailed. "Master Theo smashed it to bits before he went into that shack. Twinky saw him."

Ginny's head lowered as tears sprung to her eyes. Every bit of hope I had left is gone so quickly. Ginny heard Daniel groan in disappointment before he began interrogating Twinky, asking her if she was sure. But Twinky was positive.

"B-but it can't be the only time-turner in the country, or even the world, right?" Danny asked.

Upon hearing that, Twinky and Ginny's wide-eyed gazes locked onto one another.

"Our Ministry isn't the only one with time-turners. If I could get a hold to just one—." Ginny began.

"Be silent." Snape said from the threshold of the doorway, before entering the room with a scathing look at Ginny before he looked at Danny. "Daniel, it is time for you to leave."

"But I don't want to go!"

Ginny watched Snape's gaze narrow threateningly at Daniel, before he drawled.

"You have no choice in the matter. I am returning you to your home this instant, and if you so much as breathe another word, you will regret it. Twinky, take the boy back to Muriel's. Now!"

Twinky looked at Ginny for permission and so she nodded. For the first time ever, Ginny saw Daniel glare at Professor Snape. Twinky took his hand and apparated them both out of the room before Danny could really say or do something that would get him into trouble.

"Have you lost whatever's left of your mind?" Snape fumed at Ginny. She rose to her feet and just glowered him. "You are incredibly selfish to put your happiness before the welfare of our world."

"I could care less about this world, or the consequences of changing time." Ginny said with a quivering voice, and the expression on Snape's face as he looked at her. He clearly wanted to throttle some sense into her. But I swear if he lays one finger on me or if he dares to try and stop me, I will hurt him without a single regret.

"You think that young Nott would have wanted you to do this!"

"Don't you dare—."

"If he could hear you now, you would shame him." Snape spat so viciously that Ginny took a step back from him as he neared towards her. "That boy gave his life to save you, Ginevra. His life! Do not undermine his sacrifice by inherently demeaning it by such thoughts."

Ginny shook her head. "He wouldn't be dead. Not if I can change it."

"Who are you to change anything?" Snape asked so bitterly, glaring at her so heatedly. "You have no right to take the fate of others into your own hands. To play with their lives and to undermine other peoples choices. He loved you! It was his choice to die for you! Respect that! And if you refuse—if you insist on this path—I will not hesitate to employ any means necessary to stopping you."

Ginny knew he was completely serious. Snape would kill her if Ginny remained adamant about getting a hold of a time-turner to change Theodore's fate. He'd practically forgiven her for doing so the first time around, but this time would be different.

"Hundreds of lives were lost because of the Dark Lord, and this war has drastically changed the course of people's fate both here and abroad. You aren't the only one who has lost. Who is suffering. What of their pain? What of their lost loved ones?"

"That's NOT my problem! I failed him! ME! You don't have to live with that! I DO!"

"I saw the look in young Nott's eyes. He knew exactly what he was doing when he put himself in front of that curse. Theodore loved you and no one could have stopped that boy from doing everything that he could to keep you safe, not even you. If you cannot respect Theodore's decision, Ginevra, then you never loved him at all. You would render his sacrifice to be one that was made in vain."

Snape walked out of the room and left Ginny alone with her many thoughts to contend with. As she sat on the bed next to Theodore, Ginny thought about everything that Snape had said.

Would I really be shaming you? How could I? I'd be doing it because I love you.

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(May 6th)

Ginny was dressed completely in black. Twinky had brought her a simple black gown. The fitting upper portion was entirely velvet and it felt incredibly heavy. Or maybe that's just me and how I feel.

The bottom was silk, feeling light and flowing about her legs. Ginny now sat in Theodore's room at Nott Manor. There was a vanity that had belonged to Theo's mother that he had recently moved here without telling Ginny.

Twinky said he wanted it brought to Naples. The thought of their home there made Ginny internally cringe. Besides the Burrow, it was once her most favorite place to be. But it would be too painful to ever see that place again.

Twinky had brought Ginny here earlier this morning. Snape and the little elf had practically confined Ginny to this room in the manor. She had not seen anyone other than them for hours. Before Snape had left her alone in this room, his gaze on her hadn't been quite as furious as it had been yesterday.

He knows I won't go back in time now. Ginny had spent all of the day before, wondering if she really could go back and change what happened to Theodore. The answer was no. I forgot an old fact about time-turners. They can't go back to an event that's happened more than twenty-four hours ago.

Theoretically, it is impossible to generate that amount of energy and to harness it. The focal point that I would need to reach in order to save Theo widens with every second that I go without having a time-traveling instrument. The longer it takes me to go back into the past, the more energy I would need in order to curve the very fabrics of space and time to reach the moments just before Theodore died. Statistically, that in itself is highly improbable.

She had stayed up all night theorizing ways to bring Theodore back by changing the past. Snape somehow knew exactly what she was doing. That Ginny wouldn't quit just because he threatened her and told her not to. He gave her every book that he had on time-travel theory. There were five in total, but they were thick tomes that were comprehensive and quite clear on the subject.

In a way, Snape was trying to force Ginny to accept the truth. Theodore was really gone and Ginny didn't have the power to bring him back. Snape's point was that she could spend her whole life searching for it but that it would be impossible. Even if I could create that much energy, I couldn't manipulate it to bend space and time.

"Mistress," Twinky's voice startled Ginny out of her thoughts. "Mr. Snape says to be downstairs in half an hour." Twinky said quietly, while running a brush through Ginny's hair.

Ginny gave her an absentminded nod in reply, as she ran her hands over the sheets of Theo's bed. The whole room smells like him. It brought back memories of them laying here side-by-side doing summer homework, or of them trying to catch glimpses of the other without their notice. Ginny closed her eyes and could remember the feel of Theodore's hands on the nape of her neck as he put the necklace on her. She wore it still. A part of Ginny didn't want to because it hurt every time she looked at it, but then there was a bigger part of her that couldn't bear the thought of parting with it.

This necklace was Theo's. It embodied everything he cared about—love and family. I can't get rid of it. Ginny still wore her wedding ring for the same reason, too. She touched it and easily remembered the exact moment when Theodore had showed it to her.

"Would Mistress like a Calming Draught? Mr. Snape said—."

"No." Ginny said more forcefully than she meant to. "No thank you, Twinky." She said more gently.

Before the little elf could respond, the room door openedto reveal Mafalda, Daniel, and Percy. Ginny looked up and forced a smile for Danny's sake. He gave her a watery smile in return and came over and grasped her hand.

Danny didn't let go and she didn't want him to. His presence made her feel like she could get through this for his and Theo's sakes. Mafalda gave Ginny a tight hug, telling Ginny how sorry she was about Theodore.

"Ginny," Percy said gently, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry."

She shook her head at Percy but he rushed on and said, "No, I was right there. He was so close to me—."

"Percy, stop." Mafalda began but he ignored her.

"I knew you would've wanted me to stop him. I should've stopped him but I just…froze. She was right there in front of you, and for the life of me, I could do nothing. And by the time Theodore had ran, it was too late. He was right beside me—."

"Percy," Ginny began.

"I'm so sorry." He said with guilt-ridden eyes. "Every spell I sent at her wasn't good enough and she nearly killed you."

Ginny pulled Percy into a hug that silenced him. She couldn't think of anything to say. Ginny just hoped that Percy understood, and when she pulled away, the sad look to his eyes made it clear that she didn't need to say anything at all.

"I'm glad you're here." Ginny told him, seeing Percy nod. "Will you stay close by?" Ginny hated how childish and weak she sounded, but she really did need him. Percy was the only brother she had who wouldn't judge her for all that she was and everything that she'd done. Percy knew her; he had known Theodore. He was her big brother, and much like Danny clung to Ginny for comfort, she needed Percy's support in case she wasn't strong enough for her and Danny both.

"Yes," Percy said, giving her a nod and leading them all out of the room, down the stairs, and far beyond the Manor's main grounds.

On the entire walk there, Danny had asked Ginny about 'would the other way really work?' Ginny had simply told him no, and he must have known by her tone that there truly was no other way to bring Theodore back. Mafalda and Percy didn't ask them what they were talking about. Probably because we didn't talk about it for long.

They all listened to Danny talk about what new Potion he had learned, or what spell Fred and George had shown him to terrorize Muriel with. The latter part almost made Ginny really smile, but listening to the boy talk about anything but the war and Theo was a relief to Ginny.

When they finally arrived to the burial section of Nott Manor's grounds, Ginny halted.

All of these people. Ginny frowned questioningly at Percy and Mafalda for an explanation. What are they doing here?

From everything that Theodore had told Ginny, he hadn't been close to many people. The exception was the Greengrasses, the Malfoys, Crabbe, and Goyle. Theodore had once told her about his life before Hogwarts. His father hadn't been there for him. Nott Sr. had only cared about Theo learning traditional pureblood manners and ways of thinking. He had only taken an active role in his education and that was by getting Theodore excellent tutors. Theo had said his father had foisted him upon families like the Greengrasses or the Malfoys to be rid of him, but he had grown up with only Twinky and books to keep him real company.

And his mother's portrait.

"I see the Professor hasn't been giving you the Daily Prophet." Mafalda said and she sounded like she agreed with what Snape had done.

"What? Why?" Ginny asked with confusion. "What's in it?"

"Ah," Percy began. "They've been publishing issue after issue on the war. Most are about Harry, of course. But there have been a few about—well, you."

Snape had just given Ginny back her wand this morning. She clutched it tightly without really meaning to.

"What are they printing?" Ginny asked. Her voice shook with barely contained anger.

"There are several contradictory accounts, Ginny. Few are favorable, more are…not."

"So they think the day that Theo's to be lain to rest is some fucking spectacle for them to see and write about! Why hasn't Snape made these people leave?"

"These are very powerful members of society, Ginny, and you and the professor are already in a precarious situation as it is." Percy whispered, giving Ginny a chiding look. "Lower your voice, tolerate them, and better yet, do not anger them. He was a Nott. It wouldn't look good if they didn't come."

"But he was the son of a Death Eater." Ginny hissed, glaring around at the clusters of people that she saw ahead of her. "That voids every societal obligation that they have to be here."

Mafalda sighed, "They are here to observe you. Percy has barely touched upon all that they've written about you and Theodore—information that was extracted from Death Eaters, Ministry officials, muggleborns, and even Theodore's father. They have all given their accounts of you to the Prophet, and yes, people are here for a spectacle. So do as Percy says, and do not give them the satisfaction of dignifying their stupidity with an ill-mannered response."

Ginny gave a stiff, reluctant nod. She didn't miss the grateful look that Percy gave Mafalda. She makes sense, but this is wrong in too many ways.

"Come on," Percy said gently, urging Ginny to walk again. "The Professor says that I'm to seat you as quickly as possible."

But as they made their way down the ridiculous number of many aisles, they were stopped by several witches and wizards. All of them offering their condolences, and talking about how they remembered Theodore as a small boy. By their accounts, he was an incredibly vivacious kid who was the complete center of everyone's attention.

They don't even know him. Every instinct in Ginny screamed at her to leave before she did something that she'd regret.

After hearing how 'such a good boy' Theodore was for the fiftieth time in a row, Percy finally spoke.

"Yes. Yes, he was. Thank you. We must be seated now. Please take your seats." He said politely, but even Ginny could tell that Percy was becoming agitated by the sheer audacity of these people.

They must have a death wish. Ginny thought, relishing the idea of turning her wand on each and every person who had come up to her and offered their fake sympathy.

Ginny had spotted her Mother, the twins, and Bill.

Dad, Charlie, Ron, Harry, and Hermione aren't coming. Ginny looked up questioningly at Percy, seeing him shake his head no at her. It's okay.

But it wasn't. Ginny had been so sure that they wouldn't abandon her when she really needed them.

But I betrayed them. I'm only beginning to get what I rightly deserve.

"We're almost there, Ginny." Percy said, looking up ahead at the cluster of people waiting in front of them with weariness.

Ginny saw her Mum make her way through the crowd of people towards Ginny. The moment Mafalda saw Molly approaching, she made up an excuse and left their group to go find Muriel.

"Ginny, dear, Daniel said you only just awoke yesterday." Molly said, pulling Ginny into a hug. "We've been writing and writing, but Severus insisted that you rest. Did he give you my letter?"

Ginny shook her head no, letting her Mum wrap a comforting arm around her waist and steer both her and Danny forward to the very front. Perhaps it was the fact that Ginny's mother looked particularly stern, or maybe these people just didn't want to associate with the Weasley Matriarch. But they didn't bother Ginny anymore as her mother guided her to the front row seats that were right in front of Theo's open casket.

"Your father isn't feeling very well. He has a—." Molly began.

"Mum, don't." Ginny whispered, seeing Molly give her a sad look before she gently cupped the left side of Ginny's face. "He isn't ready to see me. I get that."

"They just need time." Molly almost pleaded, running a comforting hand through Ginny's hair. "But I'm always here for you."

They all finally took a seat and Ginny rested her head on her Mum's shoulder, while giving Daniel's hand a light squeeze.

"I know."

The sounds of chatter filled Ginny's ear. She faced forward and never looked back, but she could still feel like several people were staring at her. Some weren't even bothering to keep their opinions about her or Theodore to themselves.

"I can't believe he married a Weasley." said a wizard.

"Oh, but he was a Death Eater, too." said a woman a couple of rows behind Ginny.

Danny stood with his mouth opened wide to shout at them but Ginny quickly stood and placed both hands on Danny's shoulders.

"Look at me," Ginny whispered to Danny, seeing his brown eyes lock onto her with anger in their depths. "They are stupid. Remember what Mafalda said, okay? Don't give them the satisfaction."

Danny wanted to argue but he gave her a reluctant nod. Ginny rested her arm on Daniel's shoulders, and together, they took their seats once again. Ginny began quizzing Danny on his favorite subject, Charms, to distract him.

For the longest, it worked. Danny's breathing steadied. He was no longer keeping his ear slightly turned to hear the people behind them. Even Molly joined in to keep Danny calm. The twins seated themselves to Danny's right and also provided a distraction for the twelve year old, which Ginny was very grateful to them for.

"Ginevra."

"Astoria." Ginny said with a bit of shock, seeing the blonde walk up to her and instantly wrap Ginny in a surprisingly sincere hug. "I thought you were still in France."

"I was," She said with teary blue eyes as she stood beside a very quiet Draco. "But then Draco portkeyed there and told me everything. If only I had known sooner, Father and I would've hid him. We would've hid you both. Why didn't you tell me?" Astoria said quietly.

"Not now, Astoria." Draco said, giving Ginny an apologetic look. She simply shook her head at Malfoy.

"It wasn't safe." Ginny said simply.

"You don't trust me." Astoria sighed, "Theo didn't either."

There was an uncomfortable silence between them.

"At first, we didn't. But you're like Theo's sister. He'd never put you in that much danger." Ginny admitted, seeing Astoria's eyes water. They were so filled with pain that Ginny had to look away. Her gaze fell on Draco instead, who looked at Ginny with concern.

"I'm so sorry, Ginevra." Draco began and he sounded so changed. Humbled. "I wasn't there, and I should've been. I was being a coward—."

"No," Ginny said forcefully, placing a hand on Draco's shoulder. "There was nothing you could've done to save him, and you stayed with him for as long as you could. I saw that. You could've run, but you didn't, Draco. You're not a coward and don't let anyone here convince you otherwise."

"These people are awful," Astoria whispered, looking around at the assembly with distaste. "The things they're writing about you, Theo, and even Draco and his parents. It's unbelievable how cruel they are. How harsh they judge!" Astoria said angrily.

Ginny frowned questioningly at Astoria and then Draco, but the latter shook his head. His point was clear; that Ginny should let it go. Apparently, it was better to not know exactly what they were saying about them all.

"I'm really glad you both came." Ginny said, looking between both Draco and Astoria with earnestness.

"Mother and Father are here as well." Draco said, tilting his head to the far left. Ginny turned and saw Lucius and Narcissa sitting off to themselves, and everyone surrounding them avoided them like they had the Dragon Pox disease. But they still remained as elegant as ever. Their heads were held high, they sat with their backs incredibly stiff and upright. And their noses are still stuck up in the air. Ginny thought with a bit of amusement, catching Narcissa's attention.

The blonde gave her a slight incline of her head that made Ginny nod back at her to show her that she understood and appreciated her silent condolence. Lucius's hard gray eyes settled on Ginny and he blinked once, before holding his head down and gazing at his lap. Draco isn't the only one who's changed. And if Lucius Malfoy of all people can begin to feel even a fraction of remorse for all that he's done, then there must be some good still left in this world.

"It's time." Draco said to both Ginny and Astoria. "We're going to be seated."

Draco began to lead Astoria over to where his parents were sitting, but the blonde turned and hugged Ginny again.

"Please stay in touch." She whispered. "Promise me."

Ginny nodded, returning the girl's embrace. "I will."

Astoria gave her another watery smile before leaving with Draco. Ginny watched them take their seat next to Lucius and Narcissa.

Once Ginny sat down, Molly remarked, "She's such a sweet girl."

She actually finds a Slytherin decent. For the first time, a real smile touched Ginny's lips in four days. Ginny just nodded at her Mum and smiled.

"Was she really like a sister to Theo?" Danny asked, grabbing Ginny's attention again.

"Yeah, she was. They played together as kids." Ginny said sadly.

"I'd like to meet her. Just to ask her about him. What he was like back then, you know." Danny said and Ginny nodded.

"Maybe we can arrange it." Ginny said, ignoring Fred and George's comments about Astoria's looks and how they'd definitely like to meet her too.

"We are offended." George joked.

"You didn't even introduce us." Fred said, chuckling afterward.

Ginny was about to respond but her Mum told them all to be quiet. The funeral was starting.

Ginny looked ahead at everything but Theodore lying in the casket. Keep it together. Don't look.

Ginny focused every ounce of her attention on listening to Professor Snape's eulogy. Theodore would like it. He talked about how incredibly devoting and caring Theo was to everything in life that he ever loved. The part about Theo's remarkable resilience and his bravery in having the courage to not conform to what was expected of him truly touched Ginny. Because Theo did what I was too weak to do. He looked Voldemort in his eyes and told him, no, that he wouldn't take his Mark.

But Theo was always strong and so damn stubborn. Ginny remembered with a small smile as she listened to the Professor talk about the vast potential that Theo had—and how if he'd only lived—he would've been "a remarkably strong man, adamant to follow his heart in any and every endeavor in life, so that he could both remain true unto himself, and so that he could attain all that he envisioned for himself and his family."

Percy spoke for a bit, admitting that he didn't know Theodore very well. But what he did know about him was that he "was determined to do whatever was in his power to have the kind of life he wanted with Ginny. I first looked at him, and I concede, that I believed him to be nothing more than a Death Eater's son who was bent on following the same path as his father."

Ginny's gaze remained fixed on Percy. She couldn't believe that he was being so blunt and open about this. About anything.

"But Theodore was resourceful, and upon seeing the destruction and devastation caused to those who were most harmed by this war, he could have been cruel and held to every bit of prejudice that was ingrained in him since childhood. Instead, he opened his heart to a young boy who he could relate to." Percy said, inclining his head slightly at Danny, who nodded up at him.

"He devoted himself to doing anything that he could to provide these children with some measure of safety, a place that they could call a sanctuary." Ginny could no longer see out of her eyes. They were so full of tears. "Theodore Nott offered compassion to those who he'd been taught to think of those as lesser blood. And he loved my sister more…" Percy stopped and took a calming breath, "—more than anything. To my last breath, Theodore will always have my my gratitude and my respect. May he forever rest in peace."

Ginny felt Danny squeeze her hand comfortingly, but she was also sure that he was wondering if she was okay. Ginny couldn't look at him. She just stared straight ahead at nothing in particular, but she made sure to whisper 'I'm fine, Danny' to him.

Astoria spoke last. She spoke fondly about how overprotective Theo was of her, like she was a delicate porcelain doll who didn't know what was good for her. How he'd always make an effort to include her in the games he played as kids with Daphne and Draco, even when Astoria was really small and would slow him down. She was always on his team against Daphne and Malfoy.

For a moment, Astoria's voice broke and shook so badly that Ginny didn't think she could continue. But after a couple of pauses, Astoria continued. She told how she watched him grow from the little boy that she'd known—quiet and completely unwilling to let anyone past the walls he'd built around him. And how much he cared about Ginny, and how at first, Astoria didn't really like the fact that he loved Ginny—but that Theo was so sure about her.

And that Ginny made him happy. How she was the only person he'd ever opened up to and let into his mind and heart. That she watched Theo give Ginny the love and support that she really needed but would not ask of anyone. How he was there for Ginny, even when she pushed him away because he loved her so much.

Ginny could remember so clearly. There wasn't enough air in the world to steady her racing heartbeat and her emotions. Ginny felt her Mum touch her and whisper that it was going to be okay. Ginny wiped at her face and nodded.

Then, it was over.

Theodore's casket was carried by Snape, his father, Draco, Percy, Bill, and Lucius away to the burial site nearby. Ginny stood and followed, all the while clutching so hard to Danny and her Mum that she thought she'd break their hand.

Ginny saw the casket magiked off the shoulders of everyone who'd been supporting it, and for a moment, it lingered in the air. Ginny closed her eyes. But Bill walked over to her and took her mother's place beside Ginny.

"Ginny, open your eyes."

"I can't." Ginny gasped, shaking her head back and forth as the tears fell and she became choked up. "Please don't make me. I can't."

"You need to. Look at him, Ginny." Bill said, placing a finger gently under her chin and lifting it.

She opened her eyes and saw the casket begin to lower into the earth.

"N-no." Ginny moaned, and everything from her bottom lip to her entire body shook so badly that Bill had to hold her so tightly; otherwise, Ginny would've fallen.

She put her shaking hands over her mouth as she watched the dirt cover his sleek silver casket.

Not supposed to happen.

She could faintly hear Danny crying, and though she still held his hand, it was Percy that clutched the small boy to him as he broke down in his arms. Just as Bill held onto Ginny, as she began to grieve in a way that she hadn't let herself do before.

And they stayed like that. Bill with his arms wrapped around her, telling her that Theodore was gone and that it was okay to mourn him. That she couldn't fight this; that doing it would destroy her, if she let it.

Bill was comforting her when it happened.

There was an explosion less than fifty yards away from them. And so much fire. Ginny gaped in horror, seeing people running around and screaming in chaos. They all were either trying to apparate away or shield themselves from getting hit by stray curses.

But it wasn't Death Eaters.

It was what was left of the Ministry Aurors and Hit Wizards.

And they're coming to arrest us.

Ginny barely registered someone saying, "Get her out of here."

And then the sudden feeling of her body being pressed through a cramp tube overwhelmed Ginny, and when she finally stopped spinning, Twinky had released her hand and the smell of saltwater flooded her senses with the sounds of crashing sea waves.

Naples. Ginny thought, looking up at Theodore's house with dread.

Ginny began to back away and reach for her wand. She had no intention of staying here, but before she could even touch the wood hidden in the inside pocket of her robes, Ginny was hit with a stunner and then levitated inside by Twinky.

(TBC)

Question for you all. I was wondering who you would like Ginny to end up with, or should she end up with no one? Let me know what you think, unless you want me to decide—but I'm undecided.

This story is finally wrapping up. I'll see you all in two weeks! Until then, have a great time!

I stole this chapter title from a 1993 song that Jane Siberry did with k.d. Lang, called 'Calling All Angels.'