Chapter 9
Ginny stood with her back to the door. She shivered slightly, wondering if Malfoy had somehow used his voice manipulation on her to make her this nervous. She didn't trust him, but he'd looked so worried. What possible reason could he have to make him think Crabbe and Goyle meant her harm? Did he think she might be able to lure them away from his influence? She shook her head. That didn't make any sense at all. She really didn't think he would care one way or the other. He'd already told her he didn't care about friends, but she wasn't convinced that he was that hard-hearted yet. What did he know? With another chill, Ginny remembered how uncomfortable the pair had made her last night. Maybe she should just go back inside and give him his wand. She knew she would feel safer with someone to walk with, but did Malfoy qualify as a protector?
Ginny finally decided to just be careful returning to Gryffindor. After what had just happened, she didn't trust herself around Malfoy any more than she trusted him not to attack her as soon as he was free. She would just have to go back to her House and see who was about. If anyone was up, she'd have to spend a few minutes visiting. She was sure Ron would be suspicious if she didn't stick around to admire presents and show off what she'd gotten. Then, when everyone was going down to breakfast, she'd be able to sneak back here, toss Malfoy the key and run like hell! Looking carefully both ways, Ginny headed back to her Common Room.
Damn her! Damn her to hell! Draco paced back and forth, cursing Weasley and feeling powerless. If Crabbe and Goyle stayed behind, they must have contacted their fathers to inform them that they were ready to take their hostage. And he already knew who the hostage would be.
He wondered why he cared. She was just a Weasley, one of the poor, pathetic pack he'd always hated. A small, hateful voice whispered that if she were taken before he was set free, he might rot here. Draco listened to this voice, as it was the one he usually listened to. But then he pushed the voice away. As impossible as it seemed, he didn't give a damn about that. He was afraid for Weasley; it was as simple as that. He returned to the door, examining the lock. It was an old padlock attached to a fairly new chain. Despite being old, though, the lock looked strong and solid. The chain was wrapped around the bars to keep the door closed. With the locking spells, he hadn't been able to open the door at all. But the spells were gone and he found he could push the door open to the limit of the chain. It was only about three or four inches, not nearly enough for him to slip through.
Draco cursed again and raked his fingers through his filthy hair. Damn her for everything that had happened these last few days. He should have been home, sitting comfortably by a fire, opening his presents. His father, of course, would be out and about, and Draco would be enjoying a rare few minutes with his mother. She would be relaxed for once, not on edge as she always was with his father around. Draco sighed. His mother was beautiful, as he'd said. But he wondered what it was like to have a mother who was also strong, vocal, and intelligent. He loved the woman dearly, but she was absolutely hopeless without someone to take care of her. She was not very smart or brave, she didn't play games, and she seldom spoke. But he missed her all the same and always felt at peace in her presence.
And he would have been there if Weasley hadn't chosen now, of all times in the last four months, to stand up to him. He would not be filthy, hungry, cold, angry and worried. Again, it was the worried part that most infuriated him. She hadn't even been trying, and she'd wormed her way into his thoughts. She was out there, walking unprotected through the halls, with Crabbe and Goyle probably stalking her. And when they found her, they would take her! Draco knew their victim could be in any condition at all, as long as she was still alive. The thought of what the two might do to her before they killed her made his blood boil. He glared at the chain and lock again, wanting to smash through the bars, and smash Crabbe and Goyle. With a loud yell, he threw himself at the bars, trying to force the door open. He bounced off the cold iron and staggered back. Lord, that hurt! And hurting himself wasn't going to help Weasley! He had to start thinking, using his brain! Emotion wasn't going to get him out of here. Taking a deep breath and slowly releasing it, Draco sank to the ground and closed his eyes.
Ginny was still moving cautiously, listening before turning corners and trying to peer down hallways. She was near Gryffindor and still hadn't seen any sign of either Crabbe or Goyle. She was actually beginning to think she'd exaggerated the possible danger they posed when she heard shuffling movements behind her. She ducked into a doorway, thankful that most doors in the school were deep set. Flattening herself against the wooden panel, she listened carefully.
"Do you think she went to breakfast already?" she heard Gregory Goyle's voice ask. He sounded like he was around the corner she had just turned. She didn't want to risk looking, though. They might actually be in the same corridor as she was.
"Idiot. Breakfast isn't for another half hour. Why would she go so early?" Vincent Crabbe answered.
"Dunno. Just wondered. I'm getting tired of following her around. Can't we just grab her and have done?"
"What, and have the entire castle looking for her? No, we wait until later, when everyone is busy with other things. Wait 'til they're all enjoying their Christmas presents and making merry. No one'll miss her for hours! Especially since she's been spending so much time wandering about the castle, anyway."
Ginny felt a chill go up her spine. What were they talking about? Why would they want to 'grab her'? And what did they plan to do with her that would take hours for anyone to miss her? She wanted to dash back to Gryffindor, but knew that if she did, they'd be on her in a moment. Her panic level jumped a notch as their conversation continued.
"Once we take her, what'll we do with her 'til we can sneak her out of the castle?" Goyle asked.
"We'll hide her in one of the empty classrooms. We'll put a silencing spell on her and then we can do whatever we want with her! She don't have to be a virgin sacrifice, just a living one!"
Ginny finally understood. She'd accused Malfoy of using her as his ticket into the Deatheaters, but she'd been wrong. Possibly dead wrong. She heartily wished she'd listened to Malfoy and given him his wand. He probably knew lots of spells that she didn't. Maybe he could have thought of some way out of the cell. She didn't think she'd ever been so scared in her life, not even when Malfoy had been choking her.
She felt a wild desire to laugh hysterically, but she bit her lip, hard. The pain brought the hysterics under control, but she couldn't control the nasty voice that was telling her that Malfoy must have known. He must have known what the two were planning, otherwise why would he have acted so concerned? Why hadn't he told her? Was he in on it, too? A second voice reminded her that she hadn't bothered to listen. And even if he did know, he'd thought Crabbe and Goyle were safely out of the school. And he HAD been concerned. Hadn't he tried to prevent her from leaving the chamber?
Ginny's thoughts came to an abrupt halt when she heard Goyle's voice again.
"Just what do you think bloody Malfoy is up to? Think he's got plans for our little Weasley himself?
"Well," Crabbe growled in a nasty voice, "if he does, he'll have to go through us. He had his chance to join, last year, but he didn't want it. Thought he was too bloody good for the likes of us! But, he'll find out his ruddy father can't always protect him."
There was a sound of a fist smacking a hand. "Well, if I see him first, I'll give him something to think about," Goyle said. "I'll rearrange his bloody arrogant face for him! I'll teach him he can't interfere with us!"
Ginny heard loud footsteps approaching. She nearly panicked again. There was no way they could miss her if they walked up the corridor.
"Goyle, you idiot, get back here!" Crabbe's voice sounded irritated. "We don't even know that's what he's up to." The footsteps stopped, then turned back.
"Besides, we can't hang about outside Gryffindor. That git Finnegan already saw us. You want the entire Gryffindor lot down on us? We'll just wait until after breakfast. Then everyone'll be off doing their own thing and we'll be able to take her. Come on."
Ginny heard their steps receding. She felt faint with relief, but paused only a moment. She looked carefully to make sure they were really gone, the sped to the Gryffindor Common Room. Luck was with her; there was still no one about. She hurried to her room and headed for the laundry basket that she'd tossed her soiled robe in. It was gone! The house elves had already taken the laundry! She knew elves in the kitchens, but didn't know any of the laundry elves. The chances of her being able to talk one of them into searching the hundreds of robes they probably had just to find a key were remote. Besides, she didn't even know where the laundry facilities were!
Ginny sat on her bed and wanted to howl. Things were going from bad to worse! She was badly shaken by what she'd heard Crabbe and Goyle saying, she wanted desperately to get Malfoy off her hands, and now, everyone would be getting up any time to go down to breakfast!
She couldn't just sit here, though. She had to get back to Malfoy and get him out of there. If anything happened to her, he wouldn't be locked up for long, since Ariel would immediately inform the Headmaster if she didn't receive an owl. But if those two maniacs found where he was, he would be at their mercy. He didn't even have a wand to defend himself! Ginny was tempted, just for a moment, to 'borrow' Harry's invisibility robe. Oh, she knew he had one. She'd seen it when she had taken Tom Riddle's diary back from him years ago. But Ron and Harry would be in their room right now, and Ginny didn't want to wait for them to vacate. She had a very bad feeling that something was going to happen, soon. Something very bad. Still dithering, Ginny looked at where her writing paper was neatly arranged on the desk the girls in this room shared. Making a quick decision, she wrote a few lines to Ariel, sealed the note, and stuffed it in her pocket. She was about to leave when she heard other students in the hallway.
Damn, she was too late. There was no way to sneak out now. Everyone would want to know why she wasn't heading down to Christmas breakfast. She glanced around the room and her eyes lit on her small pile of presents. She hurriedly grabbed the chocolates that Fred and George had sent her. She doubted they were really chocolates. They were probably some prank gift, as usual. But they would make a perfect excuse. She could just say she was meeting the 'mystery beau' to give him a present. And, she would make sure no one followed her!
Ginny concentrated on making herself appear calm. It was difficult, but she figured a little jitteriness could be written of as girlish infatuation. She went down the stairs and found Ron and Harry waiting for her. Ron gave her a quick look and a smile, but Harry stared.
How odd, Ginny found herself thinking. When Draco had stared at her earlier, she'd felt flustered and warm and shivery. But when Harry stared, she just felt offended. Maybe—Draco? Had she just called him Draco? Ginny felt her nerves must be farther gone than she'd suspected. She gave Harry a frown and turned to Ron with a bright, false smile.
"So, what'd you get?" she asked cheerfully.
"Aw, you know, same old stuff. 'Cept Harry got me a pair of tickets to see the Chudley Cannons play right after school's out! Figured I'd reward him by taking him along. So, how 'bout you?"
Ginny remembered the lavender hand cream and gave Ron a big hug.
"My brother gave me a fabulous bottle of hand cream! I just love it! Thanks, Ron!"
Ron flushed and smiled. "Well, Hermione helped me pick it out. I was going to get you these great socks, with toes in them! But she said you'd like the lotion better."
He shook his head as though wondering at feminine judgment. Ginny glanced at Harry. "So, what did you get?"
"Oh, this and that," he said neutrally. "I did notice, though, that I didn't even get a card from you."
Ginny frowned again. This was the first year she hadn't given Harry anything at all. No present, no card, nothing. He was giving her that odd look again and Ginny found herself bristling.
"Well, you know, it's bad form for a girl to give presents to a fellow who already has a girlfriend," she said, wanting to close the subject. If she didn't know better, she would say that Harry was acting jealous all of a sudden. "Speaking of girlfriends and boyfriends," she added, holding up the box of chocolates, "I'm on my way to deliver a present. See you at breakfast!"
Then, before they could ask any questions, Ginny slipped through the portrait hole and was gone.
Draco finally opened his eyes and shivered. He felt exhausted and he was freezing. Usually the cold didn't bother him, but he needed food and water. Suddenly, he looked over at the fireplace. Last night's dinner was still there, along with the box of fudge Weasley had brought. Despite his uneasiness, the thought of Weasley and fudge sent heat coursing through his veins. The look on her face, the soft, trembling lips… — lord, he'd have to think about that later. Right now, he needed to eat. He moved over and pulled the tray to the bars. He grabbed one of the chops and took a bite. It was cold, but delicious. He finished it in three bites, then grabbed the next. When he finished the chops, rolls and applesauce, Draco felt a little better. He knew he hadn't gotten all his strength back, but at least he wasn't shaky anymore. And he even downed the disgusting pumpkin juice.
Draco had to grin a little as he looked down at the tray. Weasley had remembered a napkin and silverware, too, but he hadn't even touched them. Now he looked at the cloth napkin and the long butter knife. Something was niggling at the back of his brain. Something to do with pressure and leverage, or something like that. He looked from the tray to the cell door, knowing he was missing something important and something very simple. But he couldn't spend the time on that now. Now he had to get free and track Weasley down. Or Crabbe and Goyle. If he couldn't find them, he would go to the headmaster, but only as a last resort.
Ginny hurried toward the owlery. She wasn't sure what was going to happen, but she certainly didn't want to disappear without a trace! She'd written a few quick lines to Ariel, briefly outlining what she'd overheard Crabbe and Goyle saying. She would find one of the school owls to deliver the message. If she gave it to Pigwidgeon, it would take much longer to be delivered.
The owlery was dark and quiet and warm. The only sound was the occasional flutter of wings or a soft, quiet hoot. Ginny looked through the dim light, trying to find a likely candidate to carry the note. But she hadn't brought any snacks with her. Most of the owls weren't interested in carrying letters for free. Almost in despair, Ginny was about to approach Pig after all, when Archimedes fluttered down to perch on her shoulder. Ginny had faithfully come up to feed and groom the lovely bird, just as she'd promised. Now, Archimedes extended a claw to her.
"Oh, you lovely, intelligent, wonderful creature!" Ginny cooed at her. "Thank you so much!" Ginny gave the owl the note and made sure she knew where to deliver it.
"I'll never be able to thank you enough, but I'll always feed and groom you whenever you want," Ginny promised again. With a slight twitch of her head, as though accepting Ginny's words, Archimedes spread her wings and flew off.
With a slight sigh of relief, Ginny turned and headed for the Magical Healing wing. She tried to be careful, listening before rounding corners, peeking down stairwells before descending. She was actually quite close to the hidden chamber when her luck finally ran out. Ginny looked around a corner and found it clear. She hurried around and sprinted toward the next corner when Vincent Crabbe stepped in front of her.
Ginny let out a small shriek and tried to turn around, but his hand lashed out and grabbed her robe before she got more than a step or two. She continued to pull away, her hands working furiously at the fastenings, but then she felt a strong hand wrap around her arm. She was hauled back and thrust against the wall, Crabbe and Goyle leering at her evilly.
"Well, look what we got here. A little bitty weasel running around the halls alone!" Goyle was practically drooling as he let his hand move from her arm up to her shoulder and down, over her breast.
Ginny cringed away from the touch, but that only made him laugh.
"We warned you it wasn't safe to go wandering about by yourself," Crabbe smirked. "Didn't we warn her, Greg?"
"Yup, warned her just last night. We just forgot to tell her it was us she should watch out for."
Both boys were now laughing harshly. For the first time in her life Ginny fervently prayed to see Argus Filch or Mrs. Norris. But they were probably enjoying their Christmas breakfast like almost everyone else. She thought of screaming, but Crabbe seemed to have read her mind.
He reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a small, silver object. Flicking the small button on the side, he ejected a deadly looking blade.
"I know you want to scream, little Ginny," he sneered, "but make no mistake. I won't kill you, I'll just cut you up, really good."
He turned to Goyle. "Come on, let's get her into one of the classrooms!"
As they hauled on her arms, the box of chocolates dropped from Ginny's pocket. Ginny braced herself when it struck the ground, but nothing happened.
"Oh, look!" Goyle scooped the box up. "Were you taking sweets to your sweetheart?" he jeered. "Who is it, Malfoy?" He laughed and shook the box, then tore the top off, letting it drop to the ground.
Crabbe stopped and glared at his partner. "Stow it, will you? We got more important things to worry about right now!"
"Yeah, but I'm starving! Just one, okay?"
Crabbe rolled his eyes and tightened his grip on Ginny's arm. The knife was still open, flashing dangerously in his other hand.
"All right, fine! Eat the whole bloody box, then let's get her stowed!"
Goyle's eyes lit up and he took several chocolates in his large fist. Ginny looked away, disgusted, when he stuffed them all in his mouth, chocolate oozing from his lips. He smiled broadly as he chewed, more liquidy chocolate drooling from his mouth. He brought an arm up to wipe away the mess, then froze, his eyes wide. Ginny's eyebrows shot up as she saw smoke starting to billow form Goyle's ears and nose. She glanced quickly at the box top, now lying on the ground. In one of the twin's handwriting on the inside of the box, it read :Weasley's Blazing Bonbons. Warning: eat only one at a time.
Ginny looked back up to Goyle's now beet red face and backed into the wall. She had never heard of these particular gag candies, but the effect looked awesome! Crabbe was staring at Goyle now, his eyes nearly bugging out of his face. Goyle, meantime, was trying to spit out the remaining chocolates, but couldn't, because his lips were blistered and swollen.
When his mouth had begun to burn, Goyle had released Ginny's arm. But Crabbe was still holding tightly onto her. Ginny realized, however, that this might be the only chance she had to get away from them.
Goyle finally cleared the remaining candy from his mouth. The disgusting pile of goo hissed and sizzled at his feet. But now that his mouth was clear, he began to yowl and scream for water. He hopped from one foot to the other, vigorously fanning at his mouth. Despite her fear, Ginny could only watch him in a kind of horrified awe. His ears and nostrils were still emitting tendrils of smoke and his lips were swollen to more than twice their normal size.
"Shut up, you stupid git!" Crabbe bellowed. "You want the whole school down on us?"
He was glaring at Goyle and his hold on Ginny's arm had loosened slightly. This was her chance! Ginny swung her foot as hard as possible, driving the pointed toe of her boot into Crabbe's shin. At the same time, she twisted her arm and yanked away. Crabbe howled in pain and moved to grab his injured leg, when he saw his prey escaping.
Ginny spun and was off in a flash, but not before Crabbe swung out with the hand holding the knife. A fraction slower, and the blade would have buried itself deep in her back. As it was, the knife slashed through her sleeve and sliced across her arm. Ginny cried out but kept moving. Crabbe hobbled a few steps after her, cursing and brandishing the knife. He only got a few feet before Goyle, still lumbering about and fanning at his mouth, ran into him, sending both young men crashing to the ground.
Ginny could still hear the clamor they were making, but she was concentrating on getting as far from them as possible. Glancing around, she got her bearings and headed for the hidden chamber. There had to be some way to get Malfoy out of the cell, even without the key. Even if it meant giving him his wand back.
Ginny's arm was in agony. She could feel blood soaking her sweater and robe, but didn't dare stop and look. After what seemed an eternity, she stood before the hidden door. The safety she sought was just inside, but she was spent. She had to catch her breath. Ginny leaned forward and rested her forehead on the hard wooden panel, breathing hard. She noticed the blood dripping down her arm onto the floor, and realized with a sinking feeling that she had left a trail for Crabbe and Goyle to follow. She had to clean it up or they'd find the chamber. Groaning, she pulled her wand from her pocket she motioned toward the blood. But then she heard muttered curses and pounding footsteps from up the hallway. They were already here! She had to get inside, now! Ginny lifted her hand to the panel, ready to utter the words to open it. Then she paused. These two were insane, and Malfoy was inside, locked up without a wand. He was completely unprotected.
Ginny stepped away from the panel into the middle of the corridor. She lifted her wand and waited. She thought she heard Malfoy shouting her name from inside the chamber, but it was probably her imagination. How would he have known she was out here? Then she realized that the corridors were probably playing tricks with Crabbe's and Goyle's voices. Gripping her wand more tightly, Ginny concentrated on the end of the hallway where the voice were growing louder.
Draco felt stronger, but still hadn't thought of anything useful to get out of here. There had to be a way to go about this. Good lord, if what he read in his Muggle studies was true, Muggles were always getting themselves out of fixes without magic. He considered himself smarter than any Muggle, so there had to be a way! If he had a heavy pry bar, he would just attack the chain directly, but he couldn't very well go at the heavy chain with a butter knife, now, could he?
Draco moved to the door again to take another look at the lock and chain. Then he lowered his brows. He looked at the tray, with the napkin and knife, then back to the bars. He was starting to get the very faintest of ideas. Maybe, somehow, he could secure the hasp of the lock to a bar with part of the napkin. Then, with another strip of napkin, he could tie the body of the lock up, attach the other end of the napkin to another bar. He narrowed his eyes, seeing it. If he twisted a loop of the napkin around the knife, then turned it, it would take up the slack, tighten, and possibly wrench the hasp right out of the lock! It might actually work! He stood, visualizing it, when he suddenly felt a surge of panic. His hands clamped the bars tightly and he squeezed his eyes shut. The feeling passed quickly, but his muscles were jittering and his hair felt like it was standing on end. What the hell had caused that, he wondered? Was it possible that Weasley was in some real trouble? He needed to get out, NOW! And even if his plan worked, it would take just too long!
He glared at his robe, just feet away, with his wand inside. But it might as well be on the moon for all the good it did him right now. Then he stopped. Hadn't he, as a child, performed some magic without a wand?
He remembered. His bedroom, in the dead of night. His father had argued with his mother about something, and he'd had to listen to them, his stomach in knots. His father was worse than usual, this time. His mother was trying to argue back, trying to defend herself when Draco heard the slap. His father had hit his mother! Draco had been out of bed in a second and pelting for the master bedroom. Halfway there, he stopped, watching his mother stumble from the room, holding her face and crying! There was blood running from her mouth! The rage he felt was indescribable. He ran to his mother and threw his arms round her legs. Lucius had followed her out of the room and yelled for Draco to move aside. Draco was afraid of his father, but when the man raised his hand to strike again, Draco focused all his rage at him. Lucius flew across the hall and crashed into the wall. Draco was frightened, but he'd glared at his father and told him to never, ever touch his mother again. Lucius had pulled himself off the floor, but at Draco's words, he'd bellowed and charged the boy. Narcissa had, for the first time in her life, tried to throw herself between Lucius and Draco, yelling at Lucius to leave Draco alone. In that second, Draco had felt more love for his mother than he ever had before or since. Ignoring his mother's panicked cry, and pushing her behind him, Draco had focused his anger on his father again. Again, the man had flown through the air and crashed into the wall. This time, he stayed down, glaring at his wife and son from beneath bloody brows. Draco again told him leave his mother alone. As far as he knew, Lucius had never touched Narcissa again.
Draco hadn't thought about that in years. His father had told him, some time later, that a wand only focused magic, but all wizards could, to some extent, use magic without a wand. Now Draco needed magic and didn't have a wand. Could he do it? He focused on the robe. He needed it, badly. If he'd had his wand, he would have just pointed and beckoned. Lifting his left arm, Draco pointed at his robe. He felt ridiculous at first, but then he felt a tug of power course down his arm. Eyes wide, he focused harder. The robe! He visualized it floating up, off the ground, and over to the cell. He felt more tingling in his arm and almost shouted when he saw the robe actually twitch!
Elation coursed through him! It might actually work! He concentrated again and pointed at the robe. He visualized it lifting and floating through the air, right into his hands. The robe twitched again, then moved. One sleeve pulled out and sort of slithered over the hard tiles, toward him. He wanted to cheer, but as soon as he thought it, the robe went limp and motionless again. Concentrate, he ordered himself. He could not afford to let himself get distracted.
Draco was covered in sweat by the time he got the robe halfway across the empty floor. But each effort was getting easier. He paused to take a few deep breaths, feeling the fatigue and inactivity of the last few days weighing him down. He was just about to begin again, when he heard something from the door. Thanks the fates! he breathed to himself. Weasley had made it back. She was safe! His relief was quickly followed by irritation that he even cared. Damn, this was the girl who had gotten him into this mess in the first place. She had locked him up, starved him, and humiliated him. But the worst thing she'd done was to make him feel this way: protective, worried, frantic, desperate. She had come after him with a vengeance, told him ridiculous stories about his father, insulted him. She'd jumped away from his caress like he was infectious. And he wanted nothing more than to gather her into his arms and hold her and protect her.
Well, he admitted to himself as he waited for her to enter, he wanted a BIT more than to just hold her. And what the hell was taking her so long? She should have been in her by now. He could still hear her movements outside the door, but, more important, he could SENSE her out there. Suddenly he went very still…she was hurt! He could feel it! And she was in danger! She wasn't coming in, she was waiting. But didn't she feel the danger?
"Weasley!" he shouted suddenly. Damn the girl, she needed to get in here and out of the passageway! "Weasley! Damn it, VIRGINIA! Get in here!"
Draco felt the panic grip him again. Something very, very bad was about to happen. He knew it! He looked at the robe, only three feet away, but still unreachable. He focused, having difficulty concentrating, now. Pointing, he muttered, "Accio!"
The robe moved again, this time faster. It was moving closer, closer, only inches away, and then he had it in his hands. He fumbled with it, cursing as his knife, wand and the pouch of retching powder dropped from where they'd been neatly folded inside to the ground. Draco dropped to his knees and scrabbled for the wand. His fingers were just closing around it when he heard Weasley scream, "STUPEFY!"
Ginny stood with her back to the door. She shivered slightly, wondering if Malfoy had somehow used his voice manipulation on her to make her this nervous. She didn't trust him, but he'd looked so worried. What possible reason could he have to make him think Crabbe and Goyle meant her harm? Did he think she might be able to lure them away from his influence? She shook her head. That didn't make any sense at all. She really didn't think he would care one way or the other. He'd already told her he didn't care about friends, but she wasn't convinced that he was that hard-hearted yet. What did he know? With another chill, Ginny remembered how uncomfortable the pair had made her last night. Maybe she should just go back inside and give him his wand. She knew she would feel safer with someone to walk with, but did Malfoy qualify as a protector?
Ginny finally decided to just be careful returning to Gryffindor. After what had just happened, she didn't trust herself around Malfoy any more than she trusted him not to attack her as soon as he was free. She would just have to go back to her House and see who was about. If anyone was up, she'd have to spend a few minutes visiting. She was sure Ron would be suspicious if she didn't stick around to admire presents and show off what she'd gotten. Then, when everyone was going down to breakfast, she'd be able to sneak back here, toss Malfoy the key and run like hell! Looking carefully both ways, Ginny headed back to her Common Room.
Damn her! Damn her to hell! Draco paced back and forth, cursing Weasley and feeling powerless. If Crabbe and Goyle stayed behind, they must have contacted their fathers to inform them that they were ready to take their hostage. And he already knew who the hostage would be.
He wondered why he cared. She was just a Weasley, one of the poor, pathetic pack he'd always hated. A small, hateful voice whispered that if she were taken before he was set free, he might rot here. Draco listened to this voice, as it was the one he usually listened to. But then he pushed the voice away. As impossible as it seemed, he didn't give a damn about that. He was afraid for Weasley; it was as simple as that. He returned to the door, examining the lock. It was an old padlock attached to a fairly new chain. Despite being old, though, the lock looked strong and solid. The chain was wrapped around the bars to keep the door closed. With the locking spells, he hadn't been able to open the door at all. But the spells were gone and he found he could push the door open to the limit of the chain. It was only about three or four inches, not nearly enough for him to slip through.
Draco cursed again and raked his fingers through his filthy hair. Damn her for everything that had happened these last few days. He should have been home, sitting comfortably by a fire, opening his presents. His father, of course, would be out and about, and Draco would be enjoying a rare few minutes with his mother. She would be relaxed for once, not on edge as she always was with his father around. Draco sighed. His mother was beautiful, as he'd said. But he wondered what it was like to have a mother who was also strong, vocal, and intelligent. He loved the woman dearly, but she was absolutely hopeless without someone to take care of her. She was not very smart or brave, she didn't play games, and she seldom spoke. But he missed her all the same and always felt at peace in her presence.
And he would have been there if Weasley hadn't chosen now, of all times in the last four months, to stand up to him. He would not be filthy, hungry, cold, angry and worried. Again, it was the worried part that most infuriated him. She hadn't even been trying, and she'd wormed her way into his thoughts. She was out there, walking unprotected through the halls, with Crabbe and Goyle probably stalking her. And when they found her, they would take her! Draco knew their victim could be in any condition at all, as long as she was still alive. The thought of what the two might do to her before they killed her made his blood boil. He glared at the chain and lock again, wanting to smash through the bars, and smash Crabbe and Goyle. With a loud yell, he threw himself at the bars, trying to force the door open. He bounced off the cold iron and staggered back. Lord, that hurt! And hurting himself wasn't going to help Weasley! He had to start thinking, using his brain! Emotion wasn't going to get him out of here. Taking a deep breath and slowly releasing it, Draco sank to the ground and closed his eyes.
Ginny was still moving cautiously, listening before turning corners and trying to peer down hallways. She was near Gryffindor and still hadn't seen any sign of either Crabbe or Goyle. She was actually beginning to think she'd exaggerated the possible danger they posed when she heard shuffling movements behind her. She ducked into a doorway, thankful that most doors in the school were deep set. Flattening herself against the wooden panel, she listened carefully.
"Do you think she went to breakfast already?" she heard Gregory Goyle's voice ask. He sounded like he was around the corner she had just turned. She didn't want to risk looking, though. They might actually be in the same corridor as she was.
"Idiot. Breakfast isn't for another half hour. Why would she go so early?" Vincent Crabbe answered.
"Dunno. Just wondered. I'm getting tired of following her around. Can't we just grab her and have done?"
"What, and have the entire castle looking for her? No, we wait until later, when everyone is busy with other things. Wait 'til they're all enjoying their Christmas presents and making merry. No one'll miss her for hours! Especially since she's been spending so much time wandering about the castle, anyway."
Ginny felt a chill go up her spine. What were they talking about? Why would they want to 'grab her'? And what did they plan to do with her that would take hours for anyone to miss her? She wanted to dash back to Gryffindor, but knew that if she did, they'd be on her in a moment. Her panic level jumped a notch as their conversation continued.
"Once we take her, what'll we do with her 'til we can sneak her out of the castle?" Goyle asked.
"We'll hide her in one of the empty classrooms. We'll put a silencing spell on her and then we can do whatever we want with her! She don't have to be a virgin sacrifice, just a living one!"
Ginny finally understood. She'd accused Malfoy of using her as his ticket into the Deatheaters, but she'd been wrong. Possibly dead wrong. She heartily wished she'd listened to Malfoy and given him his wand. He probably knew lots of spells that she didn't. Maybe he could have thought of some way out of the cell. She didn't think she'd ever been so scared in her life, not even when Malfoy had been choking her.
She felt a wild desire to laugh hysterically, but she bit her lip, hard. The pain brought the hysterics under control, but she couldn't control the nasty voice that was telling her that Malfoy must have known. He must have known what the two were planning, otherwise why would he have acted so concerned? Why hadn't he told her? Was he in on it, too? A second voice reminded her that she hadn't bothered to listen. And even if he did know, he'd thought Crabbe and Goyle were safely out of the school. And he HAD been concerned. Hadn't he tried to prevent her from leaving the chamber?
Ginny's thoughts came to an abrupt halt when she heard Goyle's voice again.
"Just what do you think bloody Malfoy is up to? Think he's got plans for our little Weasley himself?
"Well," Crabbe growled in a nasty voice, "if he does, he'll have to go through us. He had his chance to join, last year, but he didn't want it. Thought he was too bloody good for the likes of us! But, he'll find out his ruddy father can't always protect him."
There was a sound of a fist smacking a hand. "Well, if I see him first, I'll give him something to think about," Goyle said. "I'll rearrange his bloody arrogant face for him! I'll teach him he can't interfere with us!"
Ginny heard loud footsteps approaching. She nearly panicked again. There was no way they could miss her if they walked up the corridor.
"Goyle, you idiot, get back here!" Crabbe's voice sounded irritated. "We don't even know that's what he's up to." The footsteps stopped, then turned back.
"Besides, we can't hang about outside Gryffindor. That git Finnegan already saw us. You want the entire Gryffindor lot down on us? We'll just wait until after breakfast. Then everyone'll be off doing their own thing and we'll be able to take her. Come on."
Ginny heard their steps receding. She felt faint with relief, but paused only a moment. She looked carefully to make sure they were really gone, the sped to the Gryffindor Common Room. Luck was with her; there was still no one about. She hurried to her room and headed for the laundry basket that she'd tossed her soiled robe in. It was gone! The house elves had already taken the laundry! She knew elves in the kitchens, but didn't know any of the laundry elves. The chances of her being able to talk one of them into searching the hundreds of robes they probably had just to find a key were remote. Besides, she didn't even know where the laundry facilities were!
Ginny sat on her bed and wanted to howl. Things were going from bad to worse! She was badly shaken by what she'd heard Crabbe and Goyle saying, she wanted desperately to get Malfoy off her hands, and now, everyone would be getting up any time to go down to breakfast!
She couldn't just sit here, though. She had to get back to Malfoy and get him out of there. If anything happened to her, he wouldn't be locked up for long, since Ariel would immediately inform the Headmaster if she didn't receive an owl. But if those two maniacs found where he was, he would be at their mercy. He didn't even have a wand to defend himself! Ginny was tempted, just for a moment, to 'borrow' Harry's invisibility robe. Oh, she knew he had one. She'd seen it when she had taken Tom Riddle's diary back from him years ago. But Ron and Harry would be in their room right now, and Ginny didn't want to wait for them to vacate. She had a very bad feeling that something was going to happen, soon. Something very bad. Still dithering, Ginny looked at where her writing paper was neatly arranged on the desk the girls in this room shared. Making a quick decision, she wrote a few lines to Ariel, sealed the note, and stuffed it in her pocket. She was about to leave when she heard other students in the hallway.
Damn, she was too late. There was no way to sneak out now. Everyone would want to know why she wasn't heading down to Christmas breakfast. She glanced around the room and her eyes lit on her small pile of presents. She hurriedly grabbed the chocolates that Fred and George had sent her. She doubted they were really chocolates. They were probably some prank gift, as usual. But they would make a perfect excuse. She could just say she was meeting the 'mystery beau' to give him a present. And, she would make sure no one followed her!
Ginny concentrated on making herself appear calm. It was difficult, but she figured a little jitteriness could be written of as girlish infatuation. She went down the stairs and found Ron and Harry waiting for her. Ron gave her a quick look and a smile, but Harry stared.
How odd, Ginny found herself thinking. When Draco had stared at her earlier, she'd felt flustered and warm and shivery. But when Harry stared, she just felt offended. Maybe—Draco? Had she just called him Draco? Ginny felt her nerves must be farther gone than she'd suspected. She gave Harry a frown and turned to Ron with a bright, false smile.
"So, what'd you get?" she asked cheerfully.
"Aw, you know, same old stuff. 'Cept Harry got me a pair of tickets to see the Chudley Cannons play right after school's out! Figured I'd reward him by taking him along. So, how 'bout you?"
Ginny remembered the lavender hand cream and gave Ron a big hug.
"My brother gave me a fabulous bottle of hand cream! I just love it! Thanks, Ron!"
Ron flushed and smiled. "Well, Hermione helped me pick it out. I was going to get you these great socks, with toes in them! But she said you'd like the lotion better."
He shook his head as though wondering at feminine judgment. Ginny glanced at Harry. "So, what did you get?"
"Oh, this and that," he said neutrally. "I did notice, though, that I didn't even get a card from you."
Ginny frowned again. This was the first year she hadn't given Harry anything at all. No present, no card, nothing. He was giving her that odd look again and Ginny found herself bristling.
"Well, you know, it's bad form for a girl to give presents to a fellow who already has a girlfriend," she said, wanting to close the subject. If she didn't know better, she would say that Harry was acting jealous all of a sudden. "Speaking of girlfriends and boyfriends," she added, holding up the box of chocolates, "I'm on my way to deliver a present. See you at breakfast!"
Then, before they could ask any questions, Ginny slipped through the portrait hole and was gone.
Draco finally opened his eyes and shivered. He felt exhausted and he was freezing. Usually the cold didn't bother him, but he needed food and water. Suddenly, he looked over at the fireplace. Last night's dinner was still there, along with the box of fudge Weasley had brought. Despite his uneasiness, the thought of Weasley and fudge sent heat coursing through his veins. The look on her face, the soft, trembling lips… — lord, he'd have to think about that later. Right now, he needed to eat. He moved over and pulled the tray to the bars. He grabbed one of the chops and took a bite. It was cold, but delicious. He finished it in three bites, then grabbed the next. When he finished the chops, rolls and applesauce, Draco felt a little better. He knew he hadn't gotten all his strength back, but at least he wasn't shaky anymore. And he even downed the disgusting pumpkin juice.
Draco had to grin a little as he looked down at the tray. Weasley had remembered a napkin and silverware, too, but he hadn't even touched them. Now he looked at the cloth napkin and the long butter knife. Something was niggling at the back of his brain. Something to do with pressure and leverage, or something like that. He looked from the tray to the cell door, knowing he was missing something important and something very simple. But he couldn't spend the time on that now. Now he had to get free and track Weasley down. Or Crabbe and Goyle. If he couldn't find them, he would go to the headmaster, but only as a last resort.
Ginny hurried toward the owlery. She wasn't sure what was going to happen, but she certainly didn't want to disappear without a trace! She'd written a few quick lines to Ariel, briefly outlining what she'd overheard Crabbe and Goyle saying. She would find one of the school owls to deliver the message. If she gave it to Pigwidgeon, it would take much longer to be delivered.
The owlery was dark and quiet and warm. The only sound was the occasional flutter of wings or a soft, quiet hoot. Ginny looked through the dim light, trying to find a likely candidate to carry the note. But she hadn't brought any snacks with her. Most of the owls weren't interested in carrying letters for free. Almost in despair, Ginny was about to approach Pig after all, when Archimedes fluttered down to perch on her shoulder. Ginny had faithfully come up to feed and groom the lovely bird, just as she'd promised. Now, Archimedes extended a claw to her.
"Oh, you lovely, intelligent, wonderful creature!" Ginny cooed at her. "Thank you so much!" Ginny gave the owl the note and made sure she knew where to deliver it.
"I'll never be able to thank you enough, but I'll always feed and groom you whenever you want," Ginny promised again. With a slight twitch of her head, as though accepting Ginny's words, Archimedes spread her wings and flew off.
With a slight sigh of relief, Ginny turned and headed for the Magical Healing wing. She tried to be careful, listening before rounding corners, peeking down stairwells before descending. She was actually quite close to the hidden chamber when her luck finally ran out. Ginny looked around a corner and found it clear. She hurried around and sprinted toward the next corner when Vincent Crabbe stepped in front of her.
Ginny let out a small shriek and tried to turn around, but his hand lashed out and grabbed her robe before she got more than a step or two. She continued to pull away, her hands working furiously at the fastenings, but then she felt a strong hand wrap around her arm. She was hauled back and thrust against the wall, Crabbe and Goyle leering at her evilly.
"Well, look what we got here. A little bitty weasel running around the halls alone!" Goyle was practically drooling as he let his hand move from her arm up to her shoulder and down, over her breast.
Ginny cringed away from the touch, but that only made him laugh.
"We warned you it wasn't safe to go wandering about by yourself," Crabbe smirked. "Didn't we warn her, Greg?"
"Yup, warned her just last night. We just forgot to tell her it was us she should watch out for."
Both boys were now laughing harshly. For the first time in her life Ginny fervently prayed to see Argus Filch or Mrs. Norris. But they were probably enjoying their Christmas breakfast like almost everyone else. She thought of screaming, but Crabbe seemed to have read her mind.
He reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a small, silver object. Flicking the small button on the side, he ejected a deadly looking blade.
"I know you want to scream, little Ginny," he sneered, "but make no mistake. I won't kill you, I'll just cut you up, really good."
He turned to Goyle. "Come on, let's get her into one of the classrooms!"
As they hauled on her arms, the box of chocolates dropped from Ginny's pocket. Ginny braced herself when it struck the ground, but nothing happened.
"Oh, look!" Goyle scooped the box up. "Were you taking sweets to your sweetheart?" he jeered. "Who is it, Malfoy?" He laughed and shook the box, then tore the top off, letting it drop to the ground.
Crabbe stopped and glared at his partner. "Stow it, will you? We got more important things to worry about right now!"
"Yeah, but I'm starving! Just one, okay?"
Crabbe rolled his eyes and tightened his grip on Ginny's arm. The knife was still open, flashing dangerously in his other hand.
"All right, fine! Eat the whole bloody box, then let's get her stowed!"
Goyle's eyes lit up and he took several chocolates in his large fist. Ginny looked away, disgusted, when he stuffed them all in his mouth, chocolate oozing from his lips. He smiled broadly as he chewed, more liquidy chocolate drooling from his mouth. He brought an arm up to wipe away the mess, then froze, his eyes wide. Ginny's eyebrows shot up as she saw smoke starting to billow form Goyle's ears and nose. She glanced quickly at the box top, now lying on the ground. In one of the twin's handwriting on the inside of the box, it read :Weasley's Blazing Bonbons. Warning: eat only one at a time.
Ginny looked back up to Goyle's now beet red face and backed into the wall. She had never heard of these particular gag candies, but the effect looked awesome! Crabbe was staring at Goyle now, his eyes nearly bugging out of his face. Goyle, meantime, was trying to spit out the remaining chocolates, but couldn't, because his lips were blistered and swollen.
When his mouth had begun to burn, Goyle had released Ginny's arm. But Crabbe was still holding tightly onto her. Ginny realized, however, that this might be the only chance she had to get away from them.
Goyle finally cleared the remaining candy from his mouth. The disgusting pile of goo hissed and sizzled at his feet. But now that his mouth was clear, he began to yowl and scream for water. He hopped from one foot to the other, vigorously fanning at his mouth. Despite her fear, Ginny could only watch him in a kind of horrified awe. His ears and nostrils were still emitting tendrils of smoke and his lips were swollen to more than twice their normal size.
"Shut up, you stupid git!" Crabbe bellowed. "You want the whole school down on us?"
He was glaring at Goyle and his hold on Ginny's arm had loosened slightly. This was her chance! Ginny swung her foot as hard as possible, driving the pointed toe of her boot into Crabbe's shin. At the same time, she twisted her arm and yanked away. Crabbe howled in pain and moved to grab his injured leg, when he saw his prey escaping.
Ginny spun and was off in a flash, but not before Crabbe swung out with the hand holding the knife. A fraction slower, and the blade would have buried itself deep in her back. As it was, the knife slashed through her sleeve and sliced across her arm. Ginny cried out but kept moving. Crabbe hobbled a few steps after her, cursing and brandishing the knife. He only got a few feet before Goyle, still lumbering about and fanning at his mouth, ran into him, sending both young men crashing to the ground.
Ginny could still hear the clamor they were making, but she was concentrating on getting as far from them as possible. Glancing around, she got her bearings and headed for the hidden chamber. There had to be some way to get Malfoy out of the cell, even without the key. Even if it meant giving him his wand back.
Ginny's arm was in agony. She could feel blood soaking her sweater and robe, but didn't dare stop and look. After what seemed an eternity, she stood before the hidden door. The safety she sought was just inside, but she was spent. She had to catch her breath. Ginny leaned forward and rested her forehead on the hard wooden panel, breathing hard. She noticed the blood dripping down her arm onto the floor, and realized with a sinking feeling that she had left a trail for Crabbe and Goyle to follow. She had to clean it up or they'd find the chamber. Groaning, she pulled her wand from her pocket she motioned toward the blood. But then she heard muttered curses and pounding footsteps from up the hallway. They were already here! She had to get inside, now! Ginny lifted her hand to the panel, ready to utter the words to open it. Then she paused. These two were insane, and Malfoy was inside, locked up without a wand. He was completely unprotected.
Ginny stepped away from the panel into the middle of the corridor. She lifted her wand and waited. She thought she heard Malfoy shouting her name from inside the chamber, but it was probably her imagination. How would he have known she was out here? Then she realized that the corridors were probably playing tricks with Crabbe's and Goyle's voices. Gripping her wand more tightly, Ginny concentrated on the end of the hallway where the voice were growing louder.
Draco felt stronger, but still hadn't thought of anything useful to get out of here. There had to be a way to go about this. Good lord, if what he read in his Muggle studies was true, Muggles were always getting themselves out of fixes without magic. He considered himself smarter than any Muggle, so there had to be a way! If he had a heavy pry bar, he would just attack the chain directly, but he couldn't very well go at the heavy chain with a butter knife, now, could he?
Draco moved to the door again to take another look at the lock and chain. Then he lowered his brows. He looked at the tray, with the napkin and knife, then back to the bars. He was starting to get the very faintest of ideas. Maybe, somehow, he could secure the hasp of the lock to a bar with part of the napkin. Then, with another strip of napkin, he could tie the body of the lock up, attach the other end of the napkin to another bar. He narrowed his eyes, seeing it. If he twisted a loop of the napkin around the knife, then turned it, it would take up the slack, tighten, and possibly wrench the hasp right out of the lock! It might actually work! He stood, visualizing it, when he suddenly felt a surge of panic. His hands clamped the bars tightly and he squeezed his eyes shut. The feeling passed quickly, but his muscles were jittering and his hair felt like it was standing on end. What the hell had caused that, he wondered? Was it possible that Weasley was in some real trouble? He needed to get out, NOW! And even if his plan worked, it would take just too long!
He glared at his robe, just feet away, with his wand inside. But it might as well be on the moon for all the good it did him right now. Then he stopped. Hadn't he, as a child, performed some magic without a wand?
He remembered. His bedroom, in the dead of night. His father had argued with his mother about something, and he'd had to listen to them, his stomach in knots. His father was worse than usual, this time. His mother was trying to argue back, trying to defend herself when Draco heard the slap. His father had hit his mother! Draco had been out of bed in a second and pelting for the master bedroom. Halfway there, he stopped, watching his mother stumble from the room, holding her face and crying! There was blood running from her mouth! The rage he felt was indescribable. He ran to his mother and threw his arms round her legs. Lucius had followed her out of the room and yelled for Draco to move aside. Draco was afraid of his father, but when the man raised his hand to strike again, Draco focused all his rage at him. Lucius flew across the hall and crashed into the wall. Draco was frightened, but he'd glared at his father and told him to never, ever touch his mother again. Lucius had pulled himself off the floor, but at Draco's words, he'd bellowed and charged the boy. Narcissa had, for the first time in her life, tried to throw herself between Lucius and Draco, yelling at Lucius to leave Draco alone. In that second, Draco had felt more love for his mother than he ever had before or since. Ignoring his mother's panicked cry, and pushing her behind him, Draco had focused his anger on his father again. Again, the man had flown through the air and crashed into the wall. This time, he stayed down, glaring at his wife and son from beneath bloody brows. Draco again told him leave his mother alone. As far as he knew, Lucius had never touched Narcissa again.
Draco hadn't thought about that in years. His father had told him, some time later, that a wand only focused magic, but all wizards could, to some extent, use magic without a wand. Now Draco needed magic and didn't have a wand. Could he do it? He focused on the robe. He needed it, badly. If he'd had his wand, he would have just pointed and beckoned. Lifting his left arm, Draco pointed at his robe. He felt ridiculous at first, but then he felt a tug of power course down his arm. Eyes wide, he focused harder. The robe! He visualized it floating up, off the ground, and over to the cell. He felt more tingling in his arm and almost shouted when he saw the robe actually twitch!
Elation coursed through him! It might actually work! He concentrated again and pointed at the robe. He visualized it lifting and floating through the air, right into his hands. The robe twitched again, then moved. One sleeve pulled out and sort of slithered over the hard tiles, toward him. He wanted to cheer, but as soon as he thought it, the robe went limp and motionless again. Concentrate, he ordered himself. He could not afford to let himself get distracted.
Draco was covered in sweat by the time he got the robe halfway across the empty floor. But each effort was getting easier. He paused to take a few deep breaths, feeling the fatigue and inactivity of the last few days weighing him down. He was just about to begin again, when he heard something from the door. Thanks the fates! he breathed to himself. Weasley had made it back. She was safe! His relief was quickly followed by irritation that he even cared. Damn, this was the girl who had gotten him into this mess in the first place. She had locked him up, starved him, and humiliated him. But the worst thing she'd done was to make him feel this way: protective, worried, frantic, desperate. She had come after him with a vengeance, told him ridiculous stories about his father, insulted him. She'd jumped away from his caress like he was infectious. And he wanted nothing more than to gather her into his arms and hold her and protect her.
Well, he admitted to himself as he waited for her to enter, he wanted a BIT more than to just hold her. And what the hell was taking her so long? She should have been in her by now. He could still hear her movements outside the door, but, more important, he could SENSE her out there. Suddenly he went very still…she was hurt! He could feel it! And she was in danger! She wasn't coming in, she was waiting. But didn't she feel the danger?
"Weasley!" he shouted suddenly. Damn the girl, she needed to get in here and out of the passageway! "Weasley! Damn it, VIRGINIA! Get in here!"
Draco felt the panic grip him again. Something very, very bad was about to happen. He knew it! He looked at the robe, only three feet away, but still unreachable. He focused, having difficulty concentrating, now. Pointing, he muttered, "Accio!"
The robe moved again, this time faster. It was moving closer, closer, only inches away, and then he had it in his hands. He fumbled with it, cursing as his knife, wand and the pouch of retching powder dropped from where they'd been neatly folded inside to the ground. Draco dropped to his knees and scrabbled for the wand. His fingers were just closing around it when he heard Weasley scream, "STUPEFY!"