AN: As with canon, Ginny is a year below Harry and Ron. However, she is 14. In canon, Hermione is a year older than Harry and Ron because her birthday falls in September. In this story, Ginny's birthday too is in September, so that she is a third year, but 14 years old.
"Stupid, stupid," Ginny muttered under her breath. She tucked a strand of shoulder length red hair behind her ear as she rounded the corner. "Oomph," Ginny ran into something hard, and she lost her balance. She only remained on her feet because a pair of strong hands grabbed her by the arms.
"Careful," a deep, slightly accented voice said.
Ginny had to crane her neck to look up at the person who had caught her, as he was almost a full head taller than her. When her eyes locked onto his dark brown ones, she couldn't stop a blush from creeping up her cheeks.
"I'm so sorry," Ginny said quickly, the words tumbling out of her mouth. "I forgot my wand on my nightstand, and I was running back up to get it when…" She trailed off, she couldn't believe she had just admitted to leaving her wand in her dorm room, and to Viktor Krum of all people.
Viktor laughed, and Ginny only then realized that he was still gripping her arms.
"It is quite alright," Viktor let go of her arms, and if she didn't know any better she would've though he did so reluctantly.
'Yeah, right, because the famous Viktor Krum would ever even look twice at me,' she mentally scoffed.
"Ginny, isn't it?" Viktor asked.
Ginny looked at him dumbfounded. "Yes…how did you?"
"I heard your father say it the night of the Vorld Cup," Viktor said. She loved the way he said "world."
"Oh," Ginny said quietly. Suddenly embarrassment overtook her as she remembered that night. "About that night, I never did thank you properly." Her blush creeped up to her ears as she realized how that sounded. "I didn't mean…" She shook her head. "I wasn't—"
Viktor laughed again. It was a booming sound, as if it was being magnified.
"It vas nothing, Ginny," Viktor said. He smiled at her, and her legs felt like jelly.
"You saved me," she whispered.
They both fell silent, and Ginny was mentally cursing herself.
Viktor cleared his throat. "I have a way you can make it up to me." Ginny's eyebrows furrowed. "I vas told today ve are allowed to go to Hogsmeade. I've never been to this place before, but I hear it is nice."
Ginny's eyes widened, and her heart rate sped up. She couldn't believe what she just heard.
"Are you asking me to go with you to Hogsmeade?" Ginny asked, shock written all of her face.
"Is that a yes?" Viktor asked teasingly.
"Yes," Ginny said quickly. She grimaced at how needy she sounded.
"Vonderful," Viktor said. "You must need your wand, yes? Let us meet in twenty minutes at the doors to your Great Hall."
"Ok," Ginny said. She was finding it hard to wrap her mind around this conversation.
Viktor reached over and grabbed her hand, he raised it up to shoulder height before leaning down to gently brush his lips against her knuckles. Ginny's stomach felt as though a dolphin was showing off by doing jump after jump.
"I'll be counting down the minutes," Viktor said.
Ginny opened her mouth to speak, but found that she couldn't say anything. She couldn't help but watch as Viktor walked away. She couldn't believe that someone like Viktor had just asked her out. He was tall, handsome, and she could make out his muscles through the trousers and dress shirt he was wearing. She wanted to hex herself to make sure this wasn't all a dream.
Sure Ginny thought she was pretty. She received plenty of compliments about her red hair and hazel eyes. But she had never thought she was pretty enough for someone like Viktor Krum to even look twice at.
She looked down at her clothes and grimaced. She was wearing faded blue jeans and a plan black t-shirt.
"Lavender and Parvati are going to love this," she muttered.
As much as she didn't want to get her best friends going on a fashion rant, she didn't want to go to Hogsmeade looking a complete mess. She set off for Gryffindor tower, dreading the squeals that were no doubt about to commence.
Harrison pushed open the heavy wooden door and entered the Three Broomsticks. All of his senses were immediately assaulted; the smell of cinnamon and cherries filled the air, and loud voices and boisterous laughter echoed off the wooden walls. The entire back wall was taken up by a bar, a mirror behind it reflected the cosy atmosphere. The landlady, Madam Rosmerta, was bustling in between the round tables, her glittery gold shoes glinting wildly. One of the patrons said something to her and she threw her head back laughing, tight brown curls flying around her head. Harrison walked past servers carrying trays of ornate glasses filled with red currant rum, mulled mead, and pewter tankards of butterbeer.
"I told you there would be no tables," Leo grumbled. They passed by a table covered in delicious looking platters of finger foods, and Leo looked at them longingly. "We should've came here before Honeyduke's."
"You're the one who wanted to go to Honeyduke's," Harrison pointed out.
Harrison heard a tinkling laugh and looked in the direction he thought it came from. Fleur was sitting at a table in the far corner with Cass. Harrison rose his eyebrows, he didn't think the two of them had ever met. He made a beeline for their table, Leo trailing behind.
"Harrison!" Cass shouted when she saw him.
"Hey, Cass," Harrison said. He looked at Fleur, who favored him with a flirty smile. "It's good to see you again Fleur."
"It's always good to see you, Harrison," Fleur said. Her French accent music to Harrison's ears. "Join us."
Leo took the seat next to Cass, and went to grab a crisp from her plate. Cass smacked his hand away with a playful glare.
"I'm hungry," Leo whined. Cass rolled her eyes and pushed the plate towards her twin.
Harrison sat down on the seat next to Fleur. She looked beautiful in a light pink silk summer dress.
"I wasn't aware the two of you knew each other," Harrison said.
"We had yet to make each others acquaintance," Fleur said. "I was merely sitting here by myself when Cass came up to introduce herself."
"Why aren't you with your friends?" Leo asked, as he picked up the last crisp.
Fleur's eyes darkened for a moment before going back to their sparkling blue.
"One doesn't make friends easily as a veela," Fleur said simply. Her tone implied she had no desire to continue down that train of conversation.
Harrison could understand that. As a veela guys would no doubt fawn all over her, and girls would be insanely jealous. Harrison and Leo weren't affected because they were both occlumens. Since most guys weren't, they were easily affected by veela charm, and he could see how that would get annoying.
"How do you like Hogwarts?" Harrison asked, wanting to change the subject.
Fleur scrunched her nose. "I had expected more."
Harrison laughed. "I'm not surprised, I've seen stunning pictures of Beauxbaton's."
Fleur smiled at the mention of her school. "It really is gorgeous."
"You would know all about that," Harrison said smoothly.
He ignored Leo's snort at his ridiculously cheesy line. From the grunt that followed, he was positive that Cass had jabbed him with her elbow.
"Leo, we should go to Honeyduke's," Cass said suddenly.
"Harrison and I just went," Leo said, "besides I'm starving."
"But I want to go," Cass said with meaning.
Harrison looked at Leo who looked between him and Fleur and Leo smirked.
"More candy does sound good," Leo said, standing up.
"Have fun," Harrison said, before turning back to Fleur.
"I really am hungry," Leo muttered as they walked away.
"We're finally alone," Fleur said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Finally?" Harrison said, his tone teasing. "Are you saying you've been trying to get me alone?"
"Maybe," Fleur said. "I wanted to talk to you last night when I saw you, but my name coming out of the goblet put a momentary damper on that."
"Congratulations on that," Harrison said. "Not that I didn't know your name would be chosen, after all, you were a lock. I know you'll do well."
"Thank you," Fleur said sincerely.
Harrison cleared his throat. "What did you want to talk to me about?" Harrison asked, feigning ignorance.
Fleur gave him a look that said 'you know what about.'
Harrison laughed. "I actually tried talking to you after the Malfoy's summer ball last year, but you left before I had the chance."
"Well, I'm here now," Fleur said.
Harrison smiled. "Since you've already eaten, why don't we head outside? Hogsmeade isn't Beauxbaton's, but there are a few walking paths down at the end of the village that you'd like."
"Quiet walking paths?" Fleur asked.
Harrison smirked. "Shouldn't I be the one to spout innuendoes?"
Fleur laughed her tinkling laugh, it sounded like wind chimes gently blowing in the wind.
"You'll come to learn, Harrison," Fleur said as she slid out of her seat, "that I don't care much for shoulds."
Harrison stood up and looked into Fleur's eyes. Over the summer he had grown to 6'1, and Fleur was only a few inches shorter than him, so he barely had to look down. Not that he didn't want to, her long, thin legs looked stunning. He smiled at the mischievous twinkle in her eyes. He held out his arm.
"Shall we?" Harrison asked.
Fleur's pink lips curled up, as she linked her arm through his.
Tom looked at Severus, anger marred his handsome features. Sizzling flames cast a shadow against Severus' face.
"This must end, Severus," Tom said.
Tom tossed a piece of folded up parchment into the fire and the flames cracked and hissed. He watched as the letter dissolved into ash.
"I've searched every book I can think of," Severus said. Frustration slipping through his usual stoic mask. "I'm afraid that for once, I do not have the answers you seek."
Tom's eyes flashed red, and he tapped his long fingers on the arm of his chair. He had woken this morning to a letter from Luna, telling him about another vivid vision she'd had. Luna had described, in unsettling vidid detail, what she had seen. Including the bite marks that had appeared on her skin. It was the second time since she had started her third year at Hogwarts that it had happened, and although he wouldn't admit it aloud, he was worried.
Tom hadn't expected to care for Luna when he took her into his home. He had planned on using her as a pawn, and what happened to her after would be of no consequence to him. Yet somewhere down the line, like Harrison, the blonde girl had crept into his cold heart. He hated it, loathed the added weakness. But still, he couldn't deny it.
Tom had searched high and low for any recorded cases of a seer having wounds from their visions inflicted on them, but he couldn't find a single case. He knew that if he couldn't than neither could Severus, but he needed a solution. A way for Luna to retain her visions, but for the bruises and bite marks to cease.
"A potion," Tom said. "I want a potion that will stop her symptoms."
Severus shifted. To anyone else it would've appeared as if he was merely finding a more comfortable position, but Voldemort knew he was nervous.
"I will, of course, attempt to make a potion," Severus said. "However, as there is no one to test it on, and no information to base my brewing on…"
"You will do so," Tom said, his tone threatening.
"Of course, T—, my Lord," Severus said respectfully.
Tom caught the slip, but he didn't comment. This hadn't begun as a formal meeting, so he wouldn't curse the almost mistake, not today.
"Good," Tom looked into the flames. "Is there any news in regard to Krum?"
"He left Hogwarts this morning with Ginny Weasley," Severus said. "They were laughing."
"Excellent," Tom nodded. He looked at Severus. "What of my son? Is he with the girl?"
"I saw him this morning with the Black twins," Severus said. Tom frowned. Severus continued, "He knows what is expected of him, my Lord. Harrison will draw in the veela."
"Yes," Tom said, "you're right."
Severus opened his mouth, but at that moment the door to Tom's office burst open. Tom's eyes narrowed as the wooden door banged against the wall. Severus jumped to his feet, his wand pointed at the door.
"My Lord," Dawlish said. His eyes were wide, anger and confusion in their dark depths.
"What is the meaning of this?" Tom said, his tone cold enough to freeze water.
Severus stowed his wand up his sleeve, as Dawlish bowed respectfully.
"I know not to interrupt, my Lord," Dawlish said. Tom knew what the man had to say was important, was it not, he wouldn't risk getting cursed for barging into his office. "I knew you'd want to know straightaway. The aurors went to the Carrow's estate, they said they received a tip. They found a room filled with dark artifacts. All illegal."
Tom's eyes narrowed, and anger surged through him. "Are James and Anna Carrow in custody?"
"James is," Dawlish said. "He claimed that the objects were his, and that his wife knew nothing about any of them."
"Of course," Severus said, "they have a daughter after all."
"What has James told the aurors?" Tom asked, ignoring Severus.
"Unfortunately, that's all I know," Dawlish said sourly. "I don't even know who sent in the tip."
Tom was inwardly seething. James Carrow was a good Death Eater.
"How do you not know?" Severus asked. "You're an auror after all." Severus' lips twisted. He had never liked Dawlish.
Dawlish spared Severus a glare. "It was an insulated raid. Kingsley, and a few other light bastards." He sneered. "The Tonks girl was there as well."
"I want to know who tipped them off," Tom said, his voice deceptively calm.
"Of course, my Lord," Dawlish bowed.
"You can go," Tom waved his hand.
Dawlish walked out backwards, and closed the door behind him.
"Do you think he will talk?" Severus asked.
"No," Tom said with certainty. "James is loyal."
The room descended into silence, with the exception of the crackling of the still dancing flames. Tom knew that something like this would happen soon. The moment Amelia allowed the killing curse to be used, the moment Dumbledore and his Order decided to stop playing the game like children, that's when he knew this would happen. The Order would use their connections with the aurors to perform raids. Tom was sure that tip didn't come from anyone. It was Kingsley, no doubt on Dumbledore's order, performing a raid under the guise of having received a tip.
"They're going to keep the raids coming," Tom said. He looked at Severus. "Return to Hogwarts, I need to call a meeting. All dark artifacts are to be hidden where no auror can find them."
"Is there anything I can do, my Lord?" Severus asked. He didn't look angry, but Tom could feel the anger about this recent development radiating off him.
"The potion," Tom said, "and continue to keep your ears and eyes open at Hogwarts. That werewolf is bound to eventually give something away."
Severus inclined his head and stood up to leave.
"And Severus," Tom said, as the Potions master opened the door. Severus turned to face him. "Keep an eye on Karkaroff."
Severus rose an eyebrow, before his face smoothed out. "Of course, my Lord."
Tom waited until the door closed before he pulled out a small black dragon hide notebook. He opened the book and wrote on the first line, Harrison. The black ink glowed silver momentarily before turning back to black and finally disappearing.
You must accelerate the plan for Miss Delacour. Do not send any letters via the post.
Father
Tom watched as the ink once more glowed silver, before turning black, then vanished completely. He closed the notebook. They had rarely used the book since Tom had purchased them for Harrison and his friends, but with the surprise raids, now was the time to be even more paranoid about safety than ever before.
Tom looked out a large square window. In the distance he could see white swans swimming in the lake, and bright green leaves fluttering against the wind.
"It seems as if I've underestimated your ability to play against the rules, Dumbledore," Tom murmured. "Let's make things interesting then, shall we?"
Tom walked over to the fireplace, grabbed a pinch of silver powder, and threw it into the fire. The flames turned green.
"Rita Skeeter," Tom said, a smirk forming on his lips.
Harrison wore a smile on his face as he walked into his dormitory. Hogsmeade had been interesting, to say the least. Fleur wasn't anything like he had pictured she would be. The few times he had spoken to her, she had seemed polite and intelligent. It turns out she was more raunchy than polite, but he was right when it came to her intelligent. She had a sharp wit, that an hour after he left her still had him amused.
He stopped when he saw his black dragon hide notebook glowing. His father hadn't sent him messages through it in a long time. He frowned as he walked over and opened the notebook.
Harrison,
You must accelerate the plan for Miss Delacour. Do not send any letters via the post.
Father
What had happened to make his father want him to move things quicker? Harrison's frown deepened. He had enjoyed his day with Fleur so much, he had nearly forgotten that he was trying to get close to her for a reason.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a photo. There's a tiny shop in Hogsmeade with a wizarding Photo Booth out front, and he and Fleur had taken a photo together. In the picture, Fleur's blue eyes looked like someone had handpicked the world's brightest gemstones and plucked them in her face. She wore a smile that said, 'I know I'm the prettiest girl in the room, thank you for noticing.' Harrison's arm was around her shoulders, and the picture showed him laughing at a joke she had just told. He ran a thumb over her face.
Fleur was an enigma. She hated that guys fawned over her for her looks, but she prided herself on being gorgeous. She would shoot innocent looks at him once second, then make a sexual joke the next.
"Accelerate the plan," he muttered, as he pulled his shirt over his head.
As he looked down at the smiling picture of Fleur, he didn't think he'd have any trouble doing just that.
Ginny buried her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.
"I'm serious!" Viktor said, not bothering to hide his laughter.
"You did not say that," Ginny said, as she looked up.
"I did," Viktor said sheepishly.
Ginny finally let loose her laughter, and shook her head. She stopped laughing and looked up into Viktor's smiling face.
"I had a really good time today," Ginny said.
Viktor's smile made her legs once again feel like slime. "It vas only good?"
Ginny chuckled at his teasing tone. "Ok, you got me, it was more than good."
Ginny didn't want to say that it was the best day she could remember having in years. It had taken awhile, but she had found herself opening up after only a few hours with Viktor. There was something about him that made her feel safe and understood. He was sweet, caring, funny, and had an accent to die for. She had only known him for a day, but it felt like it had been years.
Viktor reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Ginny's muscles tensed at the contact, but then relaxed.
"If you want to," Ginny began hesitantly, "you can sit with me at breakfast tomorrow." She avoided looking into his eyes.
"Look at me," Viktor said gently. Ginny forced herself to look into his eyes. "I vould like that very much."
Ginny smiled. "Brilliant."
Suddenly the portrait to Gryffindor tower opened and a first year stepped out. He looked up and saw Viktor, he squeaked in surprise and quickly ran down the stairs. Ginny thought she saw a flash of annoyance in Viktor's eyes, but a second later it was gone. 'I'm seeing things.'
"I should go in," Ginny said hesitantly.
"It is late," Viktor said.
Ginny nodded, her hair coming out from behind her ear again. She froze again when Viktor once more tucked it behind her ear. She looked up, and her eyes widened when he closed his eyes and leaned down. She didn't move as his lips met hers. Ginny had never been kissed before, and she didn't know what to do, so she stood as if she had been frozen.
Viktor pulled away and looked at her, a guilty expression on his face.
"I'm sorry," Viktor said, "I thought…"
"No," Ginny shook her head. "It's not you, I've just never…" She felt mortified, and her face turned red as a tomato. She spun around.
Viktor grabbed her arm, and she hesitantly turned towards him.
"It's not a problem, Ginny," Viktor said soothingly. "I still like you."
Ginny's eyes went wide. "You…you like me?"
"Of course, I do," Viktor said.
Ginny swallowed. "Oh."
Viktor laughed. "How about we try that again?"
Ginny couldn't form a coherent thought, so instead she nodded. Viktor once more leaned down and his lips gently landed on hers. This time, Ginny pressed her lips back and Viktor slipped his arms around her waist. Ginny's heart beat wildly against her chest. Viktor pulled away slowly, and looked down into her face.
"Goodnight, Ginny," Viktor pulled away, and walked down the stairs.
Ginny stared after him. She felt as if she was floating outside of her body. Viktor Krum, the world famous quidditch player liked her. He had kissed her. Ginny reached up and touched her lips. A smile slowly graced her pale face. She couldn't wait to tell Lavender and Parvati.
A hush fell over the Gryffindor table. Ginny looked up from her porridge and into the wide eyes of her best friends. Parvati and Lavender were staring googly-eyed behind her. She turned around and saw Viktor standing behind her. His long, lean body hidden beneath red and silver robes. Ginny swallowed.
"Viktor," Ginny said breathlessly.
Unconsciously, her fingers reached up and touched her lips. Viktor smiled down at her.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXXxxXX
Viktor felt a tinge of annoyance as two girls across from Ginny stared at him like gaping fish. One of them had light brown curly hair, and large, cartoon sized eyes. The other was an Indian girl, with almond shaped eyes, and her hair in a side braid.
He smiled down at Ginny, and her fingers hovered over her lips. He didn't know whether to find her innocence and naivety endearing or annoying as hell. Yesterday, he had been annoyed by her nervousness and the way she would turn red faced over every little thing. But he couldn't deny that part of him found it cute. After all, she wasn't an ugly girl. She was no great beauty, but she had a pretty face. He could've received a worse assignment than seducing a cute girl. Viktor could do without her two little friends continuing to stare at him though. The simpering and fawning got annoying after two seconds.
"Is your invitation still good?" Viktor asked.
Ginny's ears turned red. Viktor forced himself not to scowl at the way everything he said made her blush. So for the moment he would go with, it was annoying as hell.
"Yes," Ginny said.
Viktor took the seat opposite the curly haired girl and reached for an apple. He plastered on the smile he used when doing fan meet and greets.
"I'm Viktor," he said.
"Lavender," the curly haired one giggled.
'She giggles. Of course.'
"Parvati," the Indian girl said.
"Pleasure to meet you," Viktor said.
Lavender giggled again.
Viktor ate breakfast while Ginny, Lavender, and Parvati talked. He would look at Ginny between bites. He knew what his assignment was. Get Ginny Weasley to fall for him. Lord Voldemort hadn't told him why, and when he asked he had been met with stony silence. He had thought that upon spending time with Ginny he would come to understand, but he honestly had no idea. She seemed like a bright girl, but not overly so. He couldn't feel magic pouring off her. And her family had no money or powerful connections. He was at a complete loss.
Ginny kept glancing at him from the corner of her eye and licking her lips. It made him think of their kiss. He wanted to laugh derisively. What they did could barely qualify as a kiss. Ginny could've been a statue for how into it she was. Her obvious innocence made him question momentarily what he was doing. Lord Voldemort's angry face flashed in his mind, as did the letter he had received from his father last night. He grimaced as the words he read screamed inside his mind.
Viktor,
You will not have our Lord to worry about should you fail.
Father
He pushed his thoughts away. He gulped down a glass of orange juice. He sat his glass down and looked at Ginny.
"Care for a morning walk?" He asked.
Ginny looked at him, she blinked as if she was trying to see if he was real. "I would like that."
Viktor stood up and Ginny followed. They were almost to the Great Hall doors when a red head, a boy with sandy hair, and a tall black boy stopped in front of them. The red head blinked once, then twice, then his eyes widened.
"Bloody hell," the sandy haired boy said. "You're Viktor Krum."
"Guilty," Viktor said. Annoyance creeping into his tone.
The red head looked between him and Ginny and his eyes widened further.
"What are you doing with him?" The red head asked dumbly.
Viktor clenched his jaw.
"This is Viktor," Ginny said patiently.
"I know who he is," Ron said. "How do you know him?"
"He's my….friend," Ginny said slowly.
"We met at the World Cup," Viktor said slowly, as though speaking to a child, when the boy still looked confused. "And we were just leaving for a morning walk." He turned away from the boy, not caring to speak to him anymore. Viktor held up his arm for Ginny. "Shall we?"
"I'll talk to you later, Ron," Ginny said, taking Viktor's arm.
Ron and the other two boys stared in shock, and Viktor could tell Ron wanted to say something. In the depths of his eyes, he could see Ron warring with himself. Viktor smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes, as he walked past the boys and out of the Hall.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxx
Harrison watched in amusement as Ron stared slack jawed after Viktor and Ginny. He could tell that Ron wanted to stop her from going, but it was obvious Ron was forcing himself not to do anything. Harrison was surprised by Ron's composure. Of course, they'd been at school for two months now, and Ron had yet to attack the Slytherins verbally or otherwise. In fact, Ron, Dean, and Seamus had kept to themselves, and Hermione said she'd even seem them in the library once. That made him suspicious, so Harrison kept an eye on them, they were no doubt plotting something.
He was pulled from his thoughts when thin arms wrapped around his midsection, and a head came to rest on his shoulders.
"Guess who," a voice murmured in his ear. Her breath smelt like strawberries.
"Hm," Harrison pretended to think. "Amber?"
Fleur scowled playfully. "Didn't your father ever tell you not to anger a veela?"
"Only once or twice," Harrison said nonchalantly.
Fleur laughed, as Leo moved over so she could sit next to Harrison. She swung her waist length blonde hair over her shoulder, as Harrison introduced her to everyone. When he was done he looked up and saw that Susan was staring at him from the Hufflepuff table, a hurt look on her face. Fleur followed his line of site before looking back at him.
"Who is that?" Fleur asked quietly.
Harrison cleared his throat. "My ex, Susan."
Fleur rose her eyebrows. "I can't picture you with her."
"Oh," Harrison said. "Why is that?"
Fleur snaked her arms again around his midsection. She placed her head so that her lips were an inch from his ear.
"She isn't me," Fleur whispered.
Harrison smirked. Fleur was going to make this too easy. He guessed what they said about veela's was true, they moved quickly.
He looked back at Susan, who stood up and stormed out of the Great Hall.
xxXXxxXXxxXXxxXX
Luna stared at the doors to the Great Hall, where less than five minutes ago Viktor and Ginny had walked out. Her stomach felt as though she had swallowed hot lava. A feeling of dread washed over her and the stench of death filled her nostrils. She knew the stench was in her head, but she could smell it nonetheless. Luna had the horribly uneasy feeling that Viktor and Ginny leaving the Great Hall together was the seal on their death certificates. She knew it was irrational, but she felt nauseous and guilty. After all, Viktor was only tasked with seducing Ginny because of Luna.
Luna grabbed her goblet and gulped down the remaining grape juice. She looked down at the table as a memory from nearly a year ago surfaced.
***"You cannot tell me why she is important?" Tom asked. Luna felt as if his eyes were piercing into her soul.
"No," Luna admitted. "I can't explain any better than I have," a hint of frustration entered her normally airy tone. "Ginny Weasley, I don't know why, but she's important. I can't see it clearly, but if she's against us…" A far away look entered Luna's eyes. "If Ginny is against us, I don't know how, but it will be extremely detrimental. I don't think we can afford to have her stand with the Order."
"The girl is useless," Tom said, eyeing Luna carefully. "She's smart enough, Severus says she's number ten in her year. She isn't powerful, she has no connections or wealth. She is of no use to me."
"I know," Luna admitted. "It's not that she'd be a match for you, or Harrison, or even the inner circle. It isn't her power that makes her dangerous…" She trailed off.
"I can kill her," Tom said thoughtfully.
"No," Luna said adamantly. "I know, like I know my own name, that if she dies…" Luna took a shaky breath. "If she dies, the losses on our side…" A shiver ran down Luna's spine.
Luna didn't know how to explain it, but she'd never felt so certain of anything in her entire life. Ginny Weasley's life, the path she chose, or the one chosen for her, would lead to the end of this Britain and the beginning of the next. She looked into Tom's eyes, she pushed her emotions to the forefront of her mind, raw and honest. She saw something flicker in Tom's eyes.
"She will join us…willingly," Tom stated, as if it was him who could see the future.
"She's as light as they come," Luna said warily.
"Love, Luna," Tom said slowly, "makes a person do things they never thought possible."***
Luna pulled herself out of her memories when several gasps rung out through the hall. She looked down at her plate where that morning's Daily Prophet was laying on top of her eggs and bacon. She wrinkled her button nose as she unrolled the issue.
Tonks unfolded that morning's edition of the Daily Prophet and smiled as she looked at the large black and white photo. Six aurors could be seen carrying small objects out of a large, four story manor. Her smile faltered slightly when she saw who had written the article.
Carrow Manor Raided
By Rita Skeeter
My dearest readers, I can confirm that yesterday morning the home of James and Anna Carrow was raided by a team of six aurors. According to Amelia Bones, the head of Magical Law Enforcement, a room was discovered on the premises containing numerous dark and illegal artifacts.
Alexander Lincoln, barrister to the Carrow family made this statement last night, "James Carrow admits and takes full responsibility for the artifacts that were discovered this morning in the basement of his North England home. Lord Carrow would like to make it perfectly clear that his wife, Anna, and his five year old daughter Anna, had no knowledge of the hidden cache."
I don't know about you, but I for one find Lord Carrow's admission of guilt to be an admirable thing. The fate of Lord Carrow is uncertain as there has been no word from the Ministry of Magic as to how they wish to proceed with charging him for possession of Class C illegal artifacts.
One thing is certain, a cloud of unprofessionalism hangs over this case. One of the aurors who partook in the raid was Nymphadora Tonks, an auror who was recently captured, tortured, and released by Death Eaters. A source close to this case tells me that one of the reasons aurors targeted the Carrow's is because Lord Carrow, while unfounded, is thought to be a Death Eater by certain individuals within the auror department. Allegations which Lord Carrow has adamantly denied.
Was this raid conducted in revenge against one unfoundedly thought to be a Death Eater? Should Nymphadora Tonks, given her no doubt shaky mindset, be allowed to wear the red robes and gold badge of an auror? I for one, hope that there is an investigation done into this case, in order to ensure professionalism all around.
I will keep you informed as this story progresses.
Tonk's hair turned from purple to red, as she threw the paper down.
"That vile woman!" Tonks' fists clenched together.
'How dare she use that horror against me? To question my professionalism?' Angry thoughts spun tumultuously around Tonks' mind as she glared at the blue wall in front of her. She wanted to wrap her hands around Rita's throat and squeeze until the woman passed out, preferably into a lake.
Tonks took a calming breath as she looked at the clock above the fireplace. It was almost 7. She took another calming breath, as her hands shook. It had taken months for her to recover after the ordeal she had been through. Something that had helped her had been becoming an auror again, and helping people. She couldn't allow that to get thrown away because of Rita Skeeter. She pushed her seat roughly back and stood up, she needed to speak with Amelia.
"Amelia, please tell me you're joking?" Tonks pleaded. "He admitted to the objects being his. There were dozens upon dozens of illegal objects in his manor."
Amelia held up her hand. "What you said is true, however, Lord Carrow's barrister came to me at five o' clock this morning to request the paperwork that precipitated the warrant. When I went to have my assistant retrieve it, she discovered that no such paperwork existed." A hard glint entered Amelia's eyes. "As much as I want people like James Carrow to spend the rest of their days in Azkaban, it needs to be done legally."
"We had a warrant," Tonks said stubbornly.
"That was obtained illegally," Amelia said. The look she was giving Tonks told her that she knew Tonks had known that. Tonks flushed.
"So Carrow walks, just like that?" Tonks asked angrily.
"No," Amelia said. "The objects found in his manor were still illegal, and due to the illegally obtained warrant, although he cannot be sentenced to the usual punishment for that crime of Azkaban, he will owe a substantial fine, and be subject to legal random searches anytime over the next year."
Tonks scoffed. "The Carrows are wealthy, they aren't going to care about a fine. And the searches? You know they won't keep anything illegal in there manor until that year is up."
Amelia sighed. "It's the best I could do." She looked at Tonks. "Before you came in, I was going to request a meeting."
Tonks' jaw twitched. "About what Skeeter said?"
"Is it true?" Amelia asked gently.
"No," Tonks said. "You know that long before what happened to me, I wanted to put those people," she spat the word, "in Azkaban."
"I believe you," Amelia said after a moment of silence, "but there will be those that will be watching you carefully, for any sign of bias."
"I know," Tonks said.
Amelia eyed Tonks carefully before nodding, and straightening a folder on her desk. A knock sounded on the door, loud and quick.
"Come in," Amelia called.
A petite blonde woman, with almond shaped blue eyes stood at the door. Tonks recognized her as Amelia's assistant, Stella.
"Madam Bones," Stella said. "You're needed at the Ministry entrance." She looked nervous. "Auror Shacklebolt just sent a message, they're about to release Lord Carrow and there's a mob in the atrium."
Amelia frowned. "I was afraid something like this might happen." She pulled on her cloak. "It's only been a day since the raid, and I can't count how many letters I've received demanding he be sent to Azkaban."
Tonks was mentally demanding the same thing as she followed Amelia out of her office, into the elevator, and down into the atrium. The atrium was extremely large, with a highly polished, dark wood floor. Gold symbols were painted into the dark blue ceiling. The gold symbols moved around like birds flying around a dark sky. The walls on each side were dark wood, and each was lined with dozens of gilded fireplaces. Green flames would flare to life from within each fireplace and witches and wizards would walk out. On the right-hand side, short queues of wizards were forming before each fireplace, waiting to depart.
Tonks saw a group of people, maybe thirty in total standing in the center of the atrium next to a large fountain. Several golden statues surrounded a circular pool: a wizard, a witch, a centaur, a goblin, and a house elf. The statue had always made Tonks feel uneasy, as the last three were staring up reverently towards the wizard and witch. The only redeeming thing about the statue was the peaceful sound it made as the water shot from the tip of the witch and wizards wands and into the pool.
The group of people were shouting at a man with slicked backed blonde hair and an expensive looking set of grey and black robes. Red stones, rubies no doubt, glinted from his cuffs and collar. Tonks recognized him as Alexander Lincoln, the sleazy and overpriced barrister to Death Eaters everywhere. The man seemed unperturbed by the screaming witches and wizards that were surrounded him, anger and disgust burning in their eyes.
"He should die a slow death in Azkaban!" One man shouted.
"Money shouldn't buy freedom!" A woman with a raspy voice snarled.
Several aurors were attempting to quell the small group, but the protestors didn't seem fazed. As Tonks and Amelia neared the group, a shout rang out and one of the protestors pointed towards them. Tonks thought they were pointing to Amelia, but then she saw Alexander Lincoln smile. Tonks spun around and saw James Carrow, escorted by an unhappy looking Kingsley, towards the group.
"You bastard!" One of the protestors yelled and went to run towards James.
The protestor was grabbed by one of the aurors, and the protestor struggled against his grip. James sneered at the man as he walked up to his barrister. James then looked at the protestors who were booing and hissing at him. A chill ran up Tonks' spine as her eyes landed on one of the protestors. A small, older woman, who looked familiar. She was staring at James with hollow eyes, as if no soul resided in her body. Tonks furrowed her brows, while James and his barrister walked towards the nearest floo. Too late, Tonks realized where she had seen the old woman before.
The woman, quicker than someone her age should've been able to, pulled out her wand and slashed it through the air twice. Two sickly blue lights flew from her wand like quaffles and slammed first into James, whose body jerked as if pulled back by an invisible force then crumpled to the ground, followed by Alexander.
The atrium descended into pandemonium as people ran towards the many floo's at extraordinary speeds. All of the aurors simultaneously sent stunners towards the old woman, who didn't bother to block them. The woman crumpled to the ground. The other protestors ran, and some managed to make it to the floo's, while several were stunned by aurors. Stomping feet echoed off the floor, sounding as if a stampede of elephants were running rampant. An alarm blared overhead, adding to the cacophony.
Tonks, wand out, followed Amelia over to James and Alexander who were both lying unmoving on the ground. Tonks watched as Amelia bent down and felt James' neck. Amelia cursed under her breath, and waved her wand to cast what Tonks assumed was a diagnostic charm. Then Amelia reached over and did the same to James.
"They're dead," Amelia said. A cold, hard note in her voice. Tonks knew that anyone dying, good or bad in the Ministry, would infuriate Amelia. The Ministry was supposed to be a safe place.
Tonks swallowed hard. She had a feeling this didn't bode well for anyone.
AN: The importance Ginny will play, will of course, be revealed eventually. There's a reason and a big lesson involved.