Chapter 2
Ginny managed to make her way through the remainder of her classes and finally dragged herself up to the Gryffindor Common Room. Once there, she collapsed on a couch and buried her face in her hands. She'd been late for the class after Magical Healing, but since she'd never been late before, the professor had let it go. She'd hidden in the library during lunch, then made her way to her afternoon classes, sticking close to her classmates and keeping a terrified eye out for Malfoy. She hadn't seen him, though. She wondered if he had, after all, carried himself down to the hospital wing. His injuries would certainly cause Madame Pomfrey to ask embarrassing questions and she figured he would do as she had: heal himself. Which would be difficult, as she'd broken his wand arm. Shaky and frightened, she had forced herself to act normal in her classes, which hadn't been easy with Ariel clucking about her like a broody hen. Ginny had made it, but had needed to run to the bathroom twice more, dry heaving over the toilet since she'd already emptied her stomach. She had finally been able to ditch Ariel and her worried questions by ducking out from their regular study session in the library.
The thought of moving another inch, even to go lay on her bed, caused Ginny to shudder. Her face was completely healed, but her throat still burned and she was sure she had a severely sprained or strained shoulder. The internal damage Malfoy had done her, though only deep bruising and a sprain were much harder to heal than surface injuries. Ginny didn't want to think right now, but couldn't help it. Every time she thought about what had happened, she began to shake all over. She was scared to face Malfoy, scared of what he would do if he ever caught her alone again. The next several months stretched out bleakly before her. Months of dodging, looking over her shoulder, avoiding dark passageways. And it would be nearly impossible to avoid him all the time. Her only hope was to tell someone. But who could she tell? She'd already healed the most obvious injuries, and was sure that Malfoy had, too. Professor McGonagall might believe her, but she would want proof and her proof was gone. Telling Professor Snape was out of the question. He would either accuse her of lying, or would think she deserved what she'd gotten. She could always tell Hermione, who was currently Head Girl, but Hermione was dating Ron and would certainly tell him. Then he would kill Malfoy and get sent to prison for life. What could she do? Finally, exhausted, Ginny fell asleep on the couch.
"Ginny, hey, Gin! Wake up! You've been sleeping for ever!"
Ginny groggily opened her eyes. "Is it morning already?" she mumbled sleepily.
"Ginny, it's almost dinner time!" Ariel was standing over Ginny with her hands on her hips, looking worried. She finally reached over and grabbed Ginny's shoulder to shake her. Ginny bolted up, knocking her friend onto her bottom. Ariel was about to snap at Ginny until she saw the look of stark terror on her best friend's pale face. She scrambled up and put a hand on Ginny's arm.
"Ginny, what's wrong? You look terrible! Did something happen?"
Ginny was breathing hard. She had thought, for one horrid moment, that Malfoy had somehow gotten into the Common Room and was attacking her again. She glanced around and saw several younger students looking at them curiously. Ginny let out a shaky breath and gave Ariel a weak smile.
"Sorry, Ari, I guess I was having a bad dream," she lied.
Ariel frowned at her friend. Ginny was a bad liar. She was lying right now, but Ariel felt it wasn't the time to pursue the matter. Ginny was frightened of something and looked ready to bolt.
"Wow, that must have been some nightmare. It's probably from lack of food. What do you say we wash up and head for dinner?" Ariel was still looking carefully at Ginny, but was trying to act casual.
"I'm, er, not really very hungry," Ginny stammered, then flushed as her stomach gave a loud growl at that moment.
"Yeah, right," laughed Ariel, gently tugging Ginny's arm. "Come on, girl, let's go wash up."
Ginny had said she wasn't hungry, and the thought of going down to the Great Hall and possibly facing Malfoy had killed any appetite she might have had. But Ariel had cajoled, badgered and dragged her upstairs to freshen up, then down to the Great Hall. The room was packed, as usual, and seemed noisier than normal. This was probably due to the furious holiday plans that were being made. Ginny almost ran to the Gryffindor table and slid into a seat as far from Slytherin as it was possible to get while remaining at her own table. She was facing the Slytherin table, as she couldn't get herself to put her unprotected back to where Malfoy might be sitting. Ariel, as though sensing Ginny's chaotic state of mind, kept up a light stream of conversation, trying to distract her from her troubles. The Great Hall, as usual, was festively decorated with fir trees, candles, lights, and glittery garland. This, and the animated chatter from her fellow Gryffindors filling the table around her helped Ginny to relax. When the staff finally filed in, Ginny was almost feeling normal. By the time the food appeared, Ginny found that she was actually quite hungry.
She'd been very successful in avoiding looking at the Slytherin table, and was almost finished eating when she felt a chill down her spine. The bite of roast beef she had just taken might have turned to sawdust in her mouth from the way she suddenly gagged on it. Taking a large gulp of milk, she swallowed, and then glanced around. She still felt the chill, and an overwhelming sense of malevolence directed toward her. Her eyes turned, against her will, to the Slytherin table. She froze.
Near the middle of the table, Draco Malfoy sat staring at Ginny. She didn't doubt that his concentrated stare had been bent on her for several moments. That was the chill she'd felt. That was the source of the feeling of malice. He saw that he had her attention and smiled. Ginny felt chilled to the core of her soul. It was the smile of a child who pulled the wings off flies and tortured small animals. Malfoy's smile promised pain and suffering. Ginny felt small and weak. She wanted to run and hide, or cry for her mum. Then Malfoy frowned. But Ginny was still caught in his stare. She felt as though she might pass out when Ariel jostled her, causing her to break eye contact with Malfoy. Like someone coming out of a trance, Ginny started, blinked, then shook her head. She looked at Ariel, eyebrows raised.
"Earth to Ginny," Ariel said, coining a popular Muggle phrase. "Are you all right, Gin?"
Ginny flushed at the concerned look on Ariel's face. "I'm s-s-sorry, Ari," she stammered, her heart still pounding. "I was just thinking of something."
Ariel placed a hand on Ginny's arm. "I'll just bet," she said in a worried voice. "That's it, Virginia! When we get back upstairs, you're going to tell me what is going on."
Ginny sighed. She knew that Ariel only called her 'Virginia' when she was seriously upset. She also knew that Ari would stick to her like a leech to make sure Ginny didn't duck her. She hung her head and nodded slowly.
"All right, Ariel. But you're going to wish you hadn't asked."
An hour later, Ariel really did wish she hadn't asked. Ginny had related the facts about Malfoy's increasingly aggressive behavior toward her. She then, with great difficulty, related the events of earlier in the day. Ariel was understandably horrified and was all for telling Ron immediately.
"No way, Ari. THINK!" Ginny put her hand on Ariel's arm to prevent the girl from jumping up and looking for Ron right away. "What do you think Ron would do, especially if he saw this?"
Ginny loosened her school tie and opened the neck of her blouse. At the base of her throat, just above the collarbone, were two dark bruises, the marks of Malfoy's thumbs.
Ariel looked, then swallowed. She closed her eyes and moaned, "Lord oh lord oh lord!"
She opened her eyes, trying not to dart glances at the evidence of Malfoy's attack. "He'd go berserk," she admitted. "I don't understand, Gin. Malfoy has always been a bastard, but he's never been violent! To do something like this-." She gestured toward Ginny's neck, then lifted both hands helplessly. "He must be insane!" Then she looked seriously at her small friend. "But you do have evidence, so why don't you go to Professor McGonagall?"
Ginny rebuttoned her blouse and said, "I considered it. But I waited too long. I'm sure Malfoy will have an alibi by now, don't you think?"
Ginny wished she hadn't told Ariel, because the girl looked even more alarmed than Ginny herself. But something strange had happened when she was finally got her problems off her chest. She got angry. She was not at fault. She had learned from an early age to steer clear of Malfoy, even before her mother's startling disclosure about Lucius Malfoy. She never went out of her way to provoke him, and often went out of her way to avoid him. In the Healing class, until this day, she had been very careful never to do anything he could take offense at, although he took offense anyway. It just wasn't fair. And it wasn't right! Ginny had diminished her options when she had healed herself and not reported Malfoy right away, but he shouldn't be allowed to get off scott-free! He should be made to pay, and she was quickly coming to the conclusion that she was the one to make him do so!
Ariel had been trying to think of some way to convince Ginny to report Malfoy anyway, but she shook her head when she looked at Ginny's face.
"Oh, no, Ginny. I don't know what you're thinking, but I don't like it!" She jumped from her mattress where both girls had been sitting. Hurrying to her book bag, she extracted a quill, her inkbottle and a piece of parchment. "Look," she said, inking the quill and scratching out a message on the parchment. "I'm owling Mum and Dad right now to tell them you're coming home with me. Send out an owl to your folks and get permission. I want to get you away from here for a while. We'll decide what to do over the holidays."
Ginny watched her best friend with vast affection. She knew Ariel would do just about anything for her, as would she for Ariel. But the beginnings of a plan were forming in Ginny's mind. She was appalled at her thoughts, but she was helpless to stop them. And the more she thought about it, the more right her idea seemed. She was not going to leave Hogwarts for Christmas, and if she had anything to do with it, Malfoy would not be leaving either! Climbing down more slowly from the mattress than Ariel had, Ginny walked over to her and wrapped her arms around the taller girl. She gave her a brief hug, then stepped back and took the piece of parchment from Ariel's hand.
"I know you're trying to help, Ari, but I'm not leaving. I have a plan, and I'm not going to tell you, so don't bother asking. But I also refuse to cower from Malfoy for the rest of my days. Someone should have beaten the crap out of him years ago. Instead, he thinks he can get away with anything! Well, not any more!"
Ginny cut Ariel a look from the side of her eyes, then warned, "And don't tell Ron or Hermione! I'm taking care of this myself. If I don't, I'll feel like a coward for the rest of my life! And that means Malfoy will have won. Don't you see, Ari," she said beseechingly. "When Malfoy cornered me, I didn't even put up a fight! I was so petrified that I nearly let him choke me before I defended myself. I have to do this. Just to prove that I can take care of myself! Please?"
Ariel looked down into Ginny's pale, drawn face. She knew that there was no way to talk her out of whatever she was going to do. She also knew that if she went behind Ginny's back to Ron or Hermione or even a teacher, Ginny mightn't ever forgive her. She loved Ginny like a sister, and didn't want to lose that. But she was worried. When Draco Malfoy was involved, nothing was certain. She was sure Malfoy was extremely dangerous, especially after hearing what had happened today. Ariel wrung her hands and tried to think of a way out of this tangle. A compromise! That was the answer!
"All right, Ginny, I won't tell, but on one condition!" Ariel told her firmly.
"What condition," Ginny asked cautiously. She was willing to agree to almost anything so Ariel would not interfere.
"You must owl me every day! No exceptions! The first owl you send me will explain your plan, and the first time I don't get an owl, I will write to Ron, Professor McGonagall, and the headmaster, telling them everything. That way, at least you'll have backup in case something goes wrong. But as long as I know you're all right, I'll keep the secret! Right?"
Ginny considered. If she actually told Ariel what she had planned, the girl might tell anyway. But she had little choice. "Agreed," she said, nodding.
Ariel didn't look happy, but she looked relieved. Then she asked quickly, "You're not planning to really hurt him, are you? Not that the son of a bitch doesn't deserve it, but I don't want you expelled or locked up or something."
"I'm not certain, yet," Ginny said slowly. "But if I have to hurt him to make him leave me and others alone, it's worth it!"
"Oh, God, Ginny, I don't think you're doing the right thing. You should let the teachers handle it."
"So his father can just buy Malfoy's way out of trouble again? No way. But I promise I'll be careful, all right, Ari?"
Ariel sighed unhappily. "I suppose it will have to be."
Ginny had tossed and turned all night, trying to work out the details of the rough plan she'd formed. The pain in her shoulder had settled into a dull, constant ache which only added to her restlessness. She tried to remember everything Fred and George had ever mentioned about the castle's hidden doors, chambers and tunnels. She wished she could ask them, but there wasn't time. She would have a lot to do between Healing and the time the students boarded the train to go home on holiday. She finally came up with what she thought might be a workable arrangement, spent more time refining the details and finally fell into an exhausted sleep near dawn. It seemed she'd barely slept when the clock woke her. Ginny pulled the blanket over her head and started drifting off again when she remembered what she planned. She sat bolt upright, adrenalin pumping through her veins, chasing away the last vestiges of sleep. Ginny jumped from the bed, grimacing against the ache in her shoulder. She dragged on her dressing gown and rushed to the bathroom to wash up. She was in and out before most of the other girls were out of bed. She dressed hurriedly, then started rummaging in her trunk. Ariel was just returning from the bathroom when Ginny brushed past her, a large cloth bag slung over her good shoulder, packed as tightly as any Muggle Santa's gift bag. Ariel dropped her toilet items on her bed and hurried to catch up with Ginny.
"Where are you off to, so early?" she asked, pacing the tiny redhead toward the stairs.
"Just some things to take care of for--uh, you know." Ginny refused to meet Ariel's eye.
"Ginny," Ariel put her hand on the smaller girl's arm and stopped her. "Please reconsider. I'll-I'll help you when I get back, all right? Then at least I won't get an ulcer worrying about you!"
Ginny looked at the strong brown hand on her arm, then up to her friend's concerned face. She gave her a weak smile. "I know you would, Ari, and I love you for that! Honest. But I'm not going to let you get into trouble for me. I'll stick to our arrangement, but please don't try to stop me."
Without waiting for an answer, Ginny turned on her heel and hurried downstairs and out of the Common Room.
Ginny missed breakfast, but would probably not have been able to choke anything down anyway. Ariel kept darting concerned looks at her throughout their first two classes, and tried once more to talk Ginny into coming home with her before they parted for third period. Ginny listened grimly, and told Ariel once more not to interfere. Squaring her shoulders, Ginny gave Ariel a brief, 'see you later', and headed for Magical Healing.
Because she was delayed trying to reassure Ariel, Ginny got to class after most of the Slytherins. Her courage nearly failed her when she saw Malfoy standing just outside the classroom, chatting with his two goons, Crabbe and Goyle. He was facing her and the look of malicious delight on his face when he saw her made Ginny shiver. Noticing the look, Crabbe turned to look at her, too. But he quickly turned back to Malfoy. Then, incredibly, he stepped directly in front of Malfoy and blocked his path to the classroom door. Goyle also turned toward Ginny and gave her a quick, almost imperceptible nod toward the door. She was sure this was some sort of trap, but she slipped behind Crabbe and into the classroom without any problem. She couldn't believe it! The goon squad had actually helped her? She was hurrying to her desk when she heard Malfoy berating the two.
"Stupid dolt! What the hell did you think you were doing?"
Ginny heard a dull thud and turned to see Malfoy pinned against the door, Crabbe holding him there by the front of his robes.
"Just let it go, right?" was all Ginny heard. She couldn't believe that Crabbe or Goyle, despite being twice as wide as Malfoy, were actually standing up to him. Malfoy couldn't seem to believe it either, from the look on his face. He glared at Crabbe and grabbed one of the large wrists. While Ginny watched, Malfoy twisted the wrist, straining against the hold of the larger boy. She was shocked when she saw Crabbe wincing in pain and finally letting Malfoy loose. Crabbe snatched his wrist away and hugged it to his chest. Malfoy looked ready to say something, then seemed to think better of it. Ginny turned away and sat quickly, not wanting Malfoy to see that she had witnessed what had just happened. Suddenly, she got angry with herself. Why should she care if she saw Malfoy get what he deserved? She was ready to dish out some justice, herself, wasn't she? She turned back to see Malfoy approaching, looking darkly at her. As he passed close behind her, she felt his fingers graze her neck and she froze. He stood there for only a few seconds, but long enough for Ginny to feel him wrap one of her curls around a finger.
"Remember, it's not over yet, little weasel," he whispered quietly, giving the curl a small, almost playful tug. Medic Timmons entered the room and Malfoy released her hair. He slipped into his chair and dropped his book bag on the floor.
Medic Timmons began passing out what looked like a puzzle or word find of some sort.
"Happy Christmas," he told them brightly. "First one finished gets an extra ten points toward his or her grade. And everyone who finishes by the end of class gets an extra five points. Starting NOW!"
Ginny looked down. It was a crossword puzzle of sorts. There were no clues, only a list of words. These types of puzzles were rather difficult, but Ginny welcomed the distraction. Her stomach was in knots and she still questioned whether she would be able to carry through her plan. She watched as the students around her bent over their tasks. Taking out a quill and inkbottle, Ginny found the space for the longest word. It was easy: leukocytopenia. The only fourteen letter word on the page. The rest wouldn't be so easy, but at least the time would pass more quickly. She looked for the next word, and lost track of time.
"Ten minutes!" Medic Timmons called.
Ginny jumped. Only ten minutes left? She looked at her paper. Almost done. She just had three more words and those would be easy. She quickly scratched the letters into the boxes, then stood.
"I'm d-," she started, when she was interrupted.
"Finished, sir," another voice said. Malfoy, of course.
"Splendid," the instructor said. "Since it's a tie, ten points to both of you! Well done, Miss Weasley, Mr. Malfoy. Now please read quietly until everyone else is done."
Ginny sat and waited until she heard Malfoy take a book from his bag. She glanced at her watch. If she didn't act soon, she might as well go with Ariel. Class would be dismissed in six minutes!
Ginny put her quill and inkbottle away, wincing occasionally at the shafts of pain still affecting her shoulder. She took a book out and flipped through the pages for another minute or two. Finally, with four minutes left, she rose and approached the medi-wizard's desk.
"Excuse me, sir," she said, trying to sound embarrassed. "I know there are only a few minutes, but could I be excused early? I really have to, uh, you know, go!"
The medi-wizard looked consideringly at her, then glanced briefly at Malfoy. He gave her a kind smile. "Go ahead, Miss Weasley. And Happy Christmas."
"Thank you, sir, I really appreciate it!" Ginny turned, elated, back to her desk.
Careful of her bad arm, Ginny stuffed her unused textbook back into her bag. She glanced around the room and saw Goyle trying to catch her eye. He looked at his watch, then back at her. Then he made 'hurry up' motions with his hands. Good grief, Ginny thought. She didn't know what had happened between Malfoy and his henchmen, but they seemed determined to be nice to her. She frowned slightly, even as she rose. This might make it difficult for her to carry out her plan. She carefully looped the strap of her bag over her shoulder and glanced at her watch. Time to go. She cast Malfoy what she hoped was a whipped, frightened look, but almost frowned again. He was looking at her, but with speculation, not his usual sneering contempt.
"Miss Weasley? Wasn't there something you needed to do?"
Medic Timmons' voice cut through her thoughts. She headed toward the door, nodding to him.
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir, and Happy Christmas!"
Ginny was out the door and hurrying toward the dark passageway Malfoy had ambushed her in the previous day. She slipped up the passage, hiding in the shadows. If her guess were correct, Malfoy would be hot on her heels as soon as class was dismissed, trying to catch her before she made it to the more inhabited areas of the castle. She pulled out her wand and waited, praying that Crabbe and Goyle would not interfere. Fate seemed to be on her side. A few moments later she heard a single set of footsteps coming quickly down the hallway. Ginny shrank back against the wall and waited again. Malfoy walked right past the arched opening, seeming intent on finding her. Ginny stole back up the passage and stepped behind Malfoy's retreating form. She waited until he was alongside the drinking fountain toward the end of the corridor. She started walking quietly toward him.
"Malfoy!" she whispered loudly, wand tightly clutched in her hand.
Malfoy spun, surprised. When he saw the wand in her hand, his look of comic surprise turned to amusement.
"Put it down, little weasel," he said softly, approaching her and holding out his hand. He was using the low, caressing voice he'd used yesterday, just before he tried to strangle her. "You know you're not going to use it." They were only a few steps apart when Ginny gathered her courage. Now or never, she thought, grimacing as she aimed the wand.
"Stupefy!" she shouted.
Ginny managed to make her way through the remainder of her classes and finally dragged herself up to the Gryffindor Common Room. Once there, she collapsed on a couch and buried her face in her hands. She'd been late for the class after Magical Healing, but since she'd never been late before, the professor had let it go. She'd hidden in the library during lunch, then made her way to her afternoon classes, sticking close to her classmates and keeping a terrified eye out for Malfoy. She hadn't seen him, though. She wondered if he had, after all, carried himself down to the hospital wing. His injuries would certainly cause Madame Pomfrey to ask embarrassing questions and she figured he would do as she had: heal himself. Which would be difficult, as she'd broken his wand arm. Shaky and frightened, she had forced herself to act normal in her classes, which hadn't been easy with Ariel clucking about her like a broody hen. Ginny had made it, but had needed to run to the bathroom twice more, dry heaving over the toilet since she'd already emptied her stomach. She had finally been able to ditch Ariel and her worried questions by ducking out from their regular study session in the library.
The thought of moving another inch, even to go lay on her bed, caused Ginny to shudder. Her face was completely healed, but her throat still burned and she was sure she had a severely sprained or strained shoulder. The internal damage Malfoy had done her, though only deep bruising and a sprain were much harder to heal than surface injuries. Ginny didn't want to think right now, but couldn't help it. Every time she thought about what had happened, she began to shake all over. She was scared to face Malfoy, scared of what he would do if he ever caught her alone again. The next several months stretched out bleakly before her. Months of dodging, looking over her shoulder, avoiding dark passageways. And it would be nearly impossible to avoid him all the time. Her only hope was to tell someone. But who could she tell? She'd already healed the most obvious injuries, and was sure that Malfoy had, too. Professor McGonagall might believe her, but she would want proof and her proof was gone. Telling Professor Snape was out of the question. He would either accuse her of lying, or would think she deserved what she'd gotten. She could always tell Hermione, who was currently Head Girl, but Hermione was dating Ron and would certainly tell him. Then he would kill Malfoy and get sent to prison for life. What could she do? Finally, exhausted, Ginny fell asleep on the couch.
"Ginny, hey, Gin! Wake up! You've been sleeping for ever!"
Ginny groggily opened her eyes. "Is it morning already?" she mumbled sleepily.
"Ginny, it's almost dinner time!" Ariel was standing over Ginny with her hands on her hips, looking worried. She finally reached over and grabbed Ginny's shoulder to shake her. Ginny bolted up, knocking her friend onto her bottom. Ariel was about to snap at Ginny until she saw the look of stark terror on her best friend's pale face. She scrambled up and put a hand on Ginny's arm.
"Ginny, what's wrong? You look terrible! Did something happen?"
Ginny was breathing hard. She had thought, for one horrid moment, that Malfoy had somehow gotten into the Common Room and was attacking her again. She glanced around and saw several younger students looking at them curiously. Ginny let out a shaky breath and gave Ariel a weak smile.
"Sorry, Ari, I guess I was having a bad dream," she lied.
Ariel frowned at her friend. Ginny was a bad liar. She was lying right now, but Ariel felt it wasn't the time to pursue the matter. Ginny was frightened of something and looked ready to bolt.
"Wow, that must have been some nightmare. It's probably from lack of food. What do you say we wash up and head for dinner?" Ariel was still looking carefully at Ginny, but was trying to act casual.
"I'm, er, not really very hungry," Ginny stammered, then flushed as her stomach gave a loud growl at that moment.
"Yeah, right," laughed Ariel, gently tugging Ginny's arm. "Come on, girl, let's go wash up."
Ginny had said she wasn't hungry, and the thought of going down to the Great Hall and possibly facing Malfoy had killed any appetite she might have had. But Ariel had cajoled, badgered and dragged her upstairs to freshen up, then down to the Great Hall. The room was packed, as usual, and seemed noisier than normal. This was probably due to the furious holiday plans that were being made. Ginny almost ran to the Gryffindor table and slid into a seat as far from Slytherin as it was possible to get while remaining at her own table. She was facing the Slytherin table, as she couldn't get herself to put her unprotected back to where Malfoy might be sitting. Ariel, as though sensing Ginny's chaotic state of mind, kept up a light stream of conversation, trying to distract her from her troubles. The Great Hall, as usual, was festively decorated with fir trees, candles, lights, and glittery garland. This, and the animated chatter from her fellow Gryffindors filling the table around her helped Ginny to relax. When the staff finally filed in, Ginny was almost feeling normal. By the time the food appeared, Ginny found that she was actually quite hungry.
She'd been very successful in avoiding looking at the Slytherin table, and was almost finished eating when she felt a chill down her spine. The bite of roast beef she had just taken might have turned to sawdust in her mouth from the way she suddenly gagged on it. Taking a large gulp of milk, she swallowed, and then glanced around. She still felt the chill, and an overwhelming sense of malevolence directed toward her. Her eyes turned, against her will, to the Slytherin table. She froze.
Near the middle of the table, Draco Malfoy sat staring at Ginny. She didn't doubt that his concentrated stare had been bent on her for several moments. That was the chill she'd felt. That was the source of the feeling of malice. He saw that he had her attention and smiled. Ginny felt chilled to the core of her soul. It was the smile of a child who pulled the wings off flies and tortured small animals. Malfoy's smile promised pain and suffering. Ginny felt small and weak. She wanted to run and hide, or cry for her mum. Then Malfoy frowned. But Ginny was still caught in his stare. She felt as though she might pass out when Ariel jostled her, causing her to break eye contact with Malfoy. Like someone coming out of a trance, Ginny started, blinked, then shook her head. She looked at Ariel, eyebrows raised.
"Earth to Ginny," Ariel said, coining a popular Muggle phrase. "Are you all right, Gin?"
Ginny flushed at the concerned look on Ariel's face. "I'm s-s-sorry, Ari," she stammered, her heart still pounding. "I was just thinking of something."
Ariel placed a hand on Ginny's arm. "I'll just bet," she said in a worried voice. "That's it, Virginia! When we get back upstairs, you're going to tell me what is going on."
Ginny sighed. She knew that Ariel only called her 'Virginia' when she was seriously upset. She also knew that Ari would stick to her like a leech to make sure Ginny didn't duck her. She hung her head and nodded slowly.
"All right, Ariel. But you're going to wish you hadn't asked."
An hour later, Ariel really did wish she hadn't asked. Ginny had related the facts about Malfoy's increasingly aggressive behavior toward her. She then, with great difficulty, related the events of earlier in the day. Ariel was understandably horrified and was all for telling Ron immediately.
"No way, Ari. THINK!" Ginny put her hand on Ariel's arm to prevent the girl from jumping up and looking for Ron right away. "What do you think Ron would do, especially if he saw this?"
Ginny loosened her school tie and opened the neck of her blouse. At the base of her throat, just above the collarbone, were two dark bruises, the marks of Malfoy's thumbs.
Ariel looked, then swallowed. She closed her eyes and moaned, "Lord oh lord oh lord!"
She opened her eyes, trying not to dart glances at the evidence of Malfoy's attack. "He'd go berserk," she admitted. "I don't understand, Gin. Malfoy has always been a bastard, but he's never been violent! To do something like this-." She gestured toward Ginny's neck, then lifted both hands helplessly. "He must be insane!" Then she looked seriously at her small friend. "But you do have evidence, so why don't you go to Professor McGonagall?"
Ginny rebuttoned her blouse and said, "I considered it. But I waited too long. I'm sure Malfoy will have an alibi by now, don't you think?"
Ginny wished she hadn't told Ariel, because the girl looked even more alarmed than Ginny herself. But something strange had happened when she was finally got her problems off her chest. She got angry. She was not at fault. She had learned from an early age to steer clear of Malfoy, even before her mother's startling disclosure about Lucius Malfoy. She never went out of her way to provoke him, and often went out of her way to avoid him. In the Healing class, until this day, she had been very careful never to do anything he could take offense at, although he took offense anyway. It just wasn't fair. And it wasn't right! Ginny had diminished her options when she had healed herself and not reported Malfoy right away, but he shouldn't be allowed to get off scott-free! He should be made to pay, and she was quickly coming to the conclusion that she was the one to make him do so!
Ariel had been trying to think of some way to convince Ginny to report Malfoy anyway, but she shook her head when she looked at Ginny's face.
"Oh, no, Ginny. I don't know what you're thinking, but I don't like it!" She jumped from her mattress where both girls had been sitting. Hurrying to her book bag, she extracted a quill, her inkbottle and a piece of parchment. "Look," she said, inking the quill and scratching out a message on the parchment. "I'm owling Mum and Dad right now to tell them you're coming home with me. Send out an owl to your folks and get permission. I want to get you away from here for a while. We'll decide what to do over the holidays."
Ginny watched her best friend with vast affection. She knew Ariel would do just about anything for her, as would she for Ariel. But the beginnings of a plan were forming in Ginny's mind. She was appalled at her thoughts, but she was helpless to stop them. And the more she thought about it, the more right her idea seemed. She was not going to leave Hogwarts for Christmas, and if she had anything to do with it, Malfoy would not be leaving either! Climbing down more slowly from the mattress than Ariel had, Ginny walked over to her and wrapped her arms around the taller girl. She gave her a brief hug, then stepped back and took the piece of parchment from Ariel's hand.
"I know you're trying to help, Ari, but I'm not leaving. I have a plan, and I'm not going to tell you, so don't bother asking. But I also refuse to cower from Malfoy for the rest of my days. Someone should have beaten the crap out of him years ago. Instead, he thinks he can get away with anything! Well, not any more!"
Ginny cut Ariel a look from the side of her eyes, then warned, "And don't tell Ron or Hermione! I'm taking care of this myself. If I don't, I'll feel like a coward for the rest of my life! And that means Malfoy will have won. Don't you see, Ari," she said beseechingly. "When Malfoy cornered me, I didn't even put up a fight! I was so petrified that I nearly let him choke me before I defended myself. I have to do this. Just to prove that I can take care of myself! Please?"
Ariel looked down into Ginny's pale, drawn face. She knew that there was no way to talk her out of whatever she was going to do. She also knew that if she went behind Ginny's back to Ron or Hermione or even a teacher, Ginny mightn't ever forgive her. She loved Ginny like a sister, and didn't want to lose that. But she was worried. When Draco Malfoy was involved, nothing was certain. She was sure Malfoy was extremely dangerous, especially after hearing what had happened today. Ariel wrung her hands and tried to think of a way out of this tangle. A compromise! That was the answer!
"All right, Ginny, I won't tell, but on one condition!" Ariel told her firmly.
"What condition," Ginny asked cautiously. She was willing to agree to almost anything so Ariel would not interfere.
"You must owl me every day! No exceptions! The first owl you send me will explain your plan, and the first time I don't get an owl, I will write to Ron, Professor McGonagall, and the headmaster, telling them everything. That way, at least you'll have backup in case something goes wrong. But as long as I know you're all right, I'll keep the secret! Right?"
Ginny considered. If she actually told Ariel what she had planned, the girl might tell anyway. But she had little choice. "Agreed," she said, nodding.
Ariel didn't look happy, but she looked relieved. Then she asked quickly, "You're not planning to really hurt him, are you? Not that the son of a bitch doesn't deserve it, but I don't want you expelled or locked up or something."
"I'm not certain, yet," Ginny said slowly. "But if I have to hurt him to make him leave me and others alone, it's worth it!"
"Oh, God, Ginny, I don't think you're doing the right thing. You should let the teachers handle it."
"So his father can just buy Malfoy's way out of trouble again? No way. But I promise I'll be careful, all right, Ari?"
Ariel sighed unhappily. "I suppose it will have to be."
Ginny had tossed and turned all night, trying to work out the details of the rough plan she'd formed. The pain in her shoulder had settled into a dull, constant ache which only added to her restlessness. She tried to remember everything Fred and George had ever mentioned about the castle's hidden doors, chambers and tunnels. She wished she could ask them, but there wasn't time. She would have a lot to do between Healing and the time the students boarded the train to go home on holiday. She finally came up with what she thought might be a workable arrangement, spent more time refining the details and finally fell into an exhausted sleep near dawn. It seemed she'd barely slept when the clock woke her. Ginny pulled the blanket over her head and started drifting off again when she remembered what she planned. She sat bolt upright, adrenalin pumping through her veins, chasing away the last vestiges of sleep. Ginny jumped from the bed, grimacing against the ache in her shoulder. She dragged on her dressing gown and rushed to the bathroom to wash up. She was in and out before most of the other girls were out of bed. She dressed hurriedly, then started rummaging in her trunk. Ariel was just returning from the bathroom when Ginny brushed past her, a large cloth bag slung over her good shoulder, packed as tightly as any Muggle Santa's gift bag. Ariel dropped her toilet items on her bed and hurried to catch up with Ginny.
"Where are you off to, so early?" she asked, pacing the tiny redhead toward the stairs.
"Just some things to take care of for--uh, you know." Ginny refused to meet Ariel's eye.
"Ginny," Ariel put her hand on the smaller girl's arm and stopped her. "Please reconsider. I'll-I'll help you when I get back, all right? Then at least I won't get an ulcer worrying about you!"
Ginny looked at the strong brown hand on her arm, then up to her friend's concerned face. She gave her a weak smile. "I know you would, Ari, and I love you for that! Honest. But I'm not going to let you get into trouble for me. I'll stick to our arrangement, but please don't try to stop me."
Without waiting for an answer, Ginny turned on her heel and hurried downstairs and out of the Common Room.
Ginny missed breakfast, but would probably not have been able to choke anything down anyway. Ariel kept darting concerned looks at her throughout their first two classes, and tried once more to talk Ginny into coming home with her before they parted for third period. Ginny listened grimly, and told Ariel once more not to interfere. Squaring her shoulders, Ginny gave Ariel a brief, 'see you later', and headed for Magical Healing.
Because she was delayed trying to reassure Ariel, Ginny got to class after most of the Slytherins. Her courage nearly failed her when she saw Malfoy standing just outside the classroom, chatting with his two goons, Crabbe and Goyle. He was facing her and the look of malicious delight on his face when he saw her made Ginny shiver. Noticing the look, Crabbe turned to look at her, too. But he quickly turned back to Malfoy. Then, incredibly, he stepped directly in front of Malfoy and blocked his path to the classroom door. Goyle also turned toward Ginny and gave her a quick, almost imperceptible nod toward the door. She was sure this was some sort of trap, but she slipped behind Crabbe and into the classroom without any problem. She couldn't believe it! The goon squad had actually helped her? She was hurrying to her desk when she heard Malfoy berating the two.
"Stupid dolt! What the hell did you think you were doing?"
Ginny heard a dull thud and turned to see Malfoy pinned against the door, Crabbe holding him there by the front of his robes.
"Just let it go, right?" was all Ginny heard. She couldn't believe that Crabbe or Goyle, despite being twice as wide as Malfoy, were actually standing up to him. Malfoy couldn't seem to believe it either, from the look on his face. He glared at Crabbe and grabbed one of the large wrists. While Ginny watched, Malfoy twisted the wrist, straining against the hold of the larger boy. She was shocked when she saw Crabbe wincing in pain and finally letting Malfoy loose. Crabbe snatched his wrist away and hugged it to his chest. Malfoy looked ready to say something, then seemed to think better of it. Ginny turned away and sat quickly, not wanting Malfoy to see that she had witnessed what had just happened. Suddenly, she got angry with herself. Why should she care if she saw Malfoy get what he deserved? She was ready to dish out some justice, herself, wasn't she? She turned back to see Malfoy approaching, looking darkly at her. As he passed close behind her, she felt his fingers graze her neck and she froze. He stood there for only a few seconds, but long enough for Ginny to feel him wrap one of her curls around a finger.
"Remember, it's not over yet, little weasel," he whispered quietly, giving the curl a small, almost playful tug. Medic Timmons entered the room and Malfoy released her hair. He slipped into his chair and dropped his book bag on the floor.
Medic Timmons began passing out what looked like a puzzle or word find of some sort.
"Happy Christmas," he told them brightly. "First one finished gets an extra ten points toward his or her grade. And everyone who finishes by the end of class gets an extra five points. Starting NOW!"
Ginny looked down. It was a crossword puzzle of sorts. There were no clues, only a list of words. These types of puzzles were rather difficult, but Ginny welcomed the distraction. Her stomach was in knots and she still questioned whether she would be able to carry through her plan. She watched as the students around her bent over their tasks. Taking out a quill and inkbottle, Ginny found the space for the longest word. It was easy: leukocytopenia. The only fourteen letter word on the page. The rest wouldn't be so easy, but at least the time would pass more quickly. She looked for the next word, and lost track of time.
"Ten minutes!" Medic Timmons called.
Ginny jumped. Only ten minutes left? She looked at her paper. Almost done. She just had three more words and those would be easy. She quickly scratched the letters into the boxes, then stood.
"I'm d-," she started, when she was interrupted.
"Finished, sir," another voice said. Malfoy, of course.
"Splendid," the instructor said. "Since it's a tie, ten points to both of you! Well done, Miss Weasley, Mr. Malfoy. Now please read quietly until everyone else is done."
Ginny sat and waited until she heard Malfoy take a book from his bag. She glanced at her watch. If she didn't act soon, she might as well go with Ariel. Class would be dismissed in six minutes!
Ginny put her quill and inkbottle away, wincing occasionally at the shafts of pain still affecting her shoulder. She took a book out and flipped through the pages for another minute or two. Finally, with four minutes left, she rose and approached the medi-wizard's desk.
"Excuse me, sir," she said, trying to sound embarrassed. "I know there are only a few minutes, but could I be excused early? I really have to, uh, you know, go!"
The medi-wizard looked consideringly at her, then glanced briefly at Malfoy. He gave her a kind smile. "Go ahead, Miss Weasley. And Happy Christmas."
"Thank you, sir, I really appreciate it!" Ginny turned, elated, back to her desk.
Careful of her bad arm, Ginny stuffed her unused textbook back into her bag. She glanced around the room and saw Goyle trying to catch her eye. He looked at his watch, then back at her. Then he made 'hurry up' motions with his hands. Good grief, Ginny thought. She didn't know what had happened between Malfoy and his henchmen, but they seemed determined to be nice to her. She frowned slightly, even as she rose. This might make it difficult for her to carry out her plan. She carefully looped the strap of her bag over her shoulder and glanced at her watch. Time to go. She cast Malfoy what she hoped was a whipped, frightened look, but almost frowned again. He was looking at her, but with speculation, not his usual sneering contempt.
"Miss Weasley? Wasn't there something you needed to do?"
Medic Timmons' voice cut through her thoughts. She headed toward the door, nodding to him.
"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir, and Happy Christmas!"
Ginny was out the door and hurrying toward the dark passageway Malfoy had ambushed her in the previous day. She slipped up the passage, hiding in the shadows. If her guess were correct, Malfoy would be hot on her heels as soon as class was dismissed, trying to catch her before she made it to the more inhabited areas of the castle. She pulled out her wand and waited, praying that Crabbe and Goyle would not interfere. Fate seemed to be on her side. A few moments later she heard a single set of footsteps coming quickly down the hallway. Ginny shrank back against the wall and waited again. Malfoy walked right past the arched opening, seeming intent on finding her. Ginny stole back up the passage and stepped behind Malfoy's retreating form. She waited until he was alongside the drinking fountain toward the end of the corridor. She started walking quietly toward him.
"Malfoy!" she whispered loudly, wand tightly clutched in her hand.
Malfoy spun, surprised. When he saw the wand in her hand, his look of comic surprise turned to amusement.
"Put it down, little weasel," he said softly, approaching her and holding out his hand. He was using the low, caressing voice he'd used yesterday, just before he tried to strangle her. "You know you're not going to use it." They were only a few steps apart when Ginny gathered her courage. Now or never, she thought, grimacing as she aimed the wand.
"Stupefy!" she shouted.