Rev Raptor MK II: First story, second chapter. Please be nice?

Title: Even in the Shadows

Summary: Harry is an assassin. Ginny is his target. Will he be able to go through with it?

Disclaimer: Me no own Harry Potter. Me wish me did. But me know it can't be true. *Tear*

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'Ginny Weasley.' I could scarcely hear my voice as I said the name aloud. Then I mentally groaned realizing I had known it would come to this all along.

Crocknaw cleared his throat. 'Not a problem, I hope?'

'N-no, sir.' My voice was weak. How was I supposed to kill my best friends sister? Not to mention she was now the first woman Minister of Magic. Ginny had gone from a second rate mouse to a first prize cat in my eyes. If I killed her there would be an uproar and all her friends questioned…

I let my thoughts trail off as I abruptly spun on my heel and left the dungeon, the cold and dark area reminding me of when I entered the Chamber of Secrets in my second year. The wizards at the gate let me out again with a nod. Gods I hate them. They're so quiet it's creepy. Then there's the one on the right who looks as if he's been splinched a few times.

Tiredly I got onto my broom and took off for Godric's Hollow. My godfather Sirius was waiting for me there. I feel bad about lying to Sirius, telling him I am a Muggle consultant.

Below me I can see Number 4 Privet Drive, my old residence. Can't say I miss them though. Even if I did it wouldn't matter, I killed them two years back. Crocknaw wanted them dead for being in contact with me for so long. I did it without hesitation or any sign of guilt. In truth, I felt extremely guilty. They were my only family and I killed them. Not even they deserved death.

Going over London Station, I began to reflect on my newest assignment. How could I kill Ginny? Haven't her and her family been through enough without another death in the family? Sighing I set my broom down outside of my village and walked the rest of the way to my house.

No one was there when I entered. A note was stuck to the closet door to my right. Pulling the parchment roughly away I glanced at Sirius' precise scrawl.

Harry,

Everyone's waiting for you at the Burrow. Please hurry and get here as soon as you can.

                                    Sirius

I walked back to my room. It was so tidy and small. All it contained was a twin sized bed, a chest of drawers, a bookshelf, a desk, a nightstand and my very own private bathroom. Walking to the chest of drawers, I opened them and pulled out the green cloak I save for special times. Hm, coming up a bit short on the ankles. I must remember to get new ones.

Leo, my cat, jumped up on my bed and curled up. His black and white fur was dull in the mid-afternoon sun. I was finally ready. Behind my house (which used to be my parents') I have a small storage area where I can transform. Yes, I like my father am an Animagus…just not a stag. I can turn into my favorite animal, the fox.

* * *

'Where's Harry? He's late!'

I heard Ron's voice float through the doorway as I padded up. I chuckled mentally as Sirius told him to sit down and be patient. Nosing open the door, I trotted inside. Everyone immediately jumped up as I returned to human form. Hermione threw her arms around me like she hadn't seen me in years. (True she hadn't but…I'll shut up now.) Ron hugged me as well and Remus gave me a joyous handshake. The only one who didn't come over was standing in the corner.

'Ginny.' I greeted politely.

'Harry.' She acknowledged. Pf, must think she's too good to speak to me now. That's one reason to kill her.

'C'mon Harry! Tell us what you've been up to these past few years!' Ron yelled. I had to smiled. His freckles had turned a light brown but his hair was still flaming red. Hermione's teeth were perfectly straight. (I guess that's what happens when your parents are dentists.) A goblet of pumpkin juice was shoved into my hands. Remus stood over me smiling.

Being prompted again by Ron, I launched into my already prepared story of being a Muggle consultant. Even with a Muggle-born as a fiancée, Ron still couldn't figure out the Muggle gadgets. There were a few moments when everyone, including Ginny, had to laugh out loud because of Ron's…ignorance of Muggles.

I suddenly changed the subject. 'How have you been Ginny?' she looked at me smiling secretively, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks.

'I've been pretty well,' her voice was above a whisper and she turned her gaze downwards, avoiding all eyes. 'The Ministry's been swamped these past couple of weeks with all these unexpected murders.' Her fiery gaze and spat words seemed to be directed at me, as if she new I was behind all the recent murders. 'The Muggles have been getting suspicious. Doherty is suspected of releasing a dragon near London Station. Thirty-six Muggles total dead.'

This was new. Doherty was supposed to be a co-operative of Crocknaws, right in the inner circle. He was too careful, never getting himself caught or leaving any clues behind as to his crimes.

Ron cringed. 'I thought the Ministry took care of the dragons a while ago? After the Tri-wizard tournament?' Ginny shook her head.

'A few of our men from the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures spotted a Chinese Fireball near Liverpool about a month ago and—'

'Aren't Chinese Fireballs supposed to be in China?' Ron interrupted. Hermione made a noise in her throat and squeezed Ron's hand.

The Minister of Magic chuckled. 'Chinese Fireballs can be imported Ron dear. Anyway, upon further investigation, we found proof of a Common Welsh Green nesting near the Fireball. The rare Thestral has also been spotted in the area, near London Station…' I spaced out, going into my own little world of Ginny. I was supposed to kill her, yet, I couldn't.

We talked, ate, and drank until nearly midnight. The Burrow, now occupied by Ron and Hermione, was big enough for everyone to have their own room. Bidding a goodnight to everyone, I walked upstairs. The rest followed not long after, I assume.

* * *

It's about 3:30 in the morning as I sneak toward Ginny's room. Might as well get it over with. I may never get the nerve again. Slipping in quietly, wand extended, I walked to her bedside.

She lay there fast asleep. Her slight bangs fell over her eyes as she let her short soft snores out through slightly parted lips. She looked like a fire angel. Ginny lay there peacefully, not aware of what I was about to do. Then, I stopped. "Why? I could always put her into hiding…using the Fidelius Charm. No, if her body doesn't turn Crocknaw will get suspicious. I have to do this…"

Another look at her sleeping angelic form gave me my answer. Without another look behind me, I left the room as silently as I came in. I had no idea Ginny was awake through the whole ordeal.

* * *

Rev Raptor MK II: R+R onegai? Hope you like this chapter! I had it done on 2-14-03 but due to technical difficulties on FF.net, I couldn't post it until today. Gomen! Arigato for the reviews I'm getting! I also wanna say Arigato to my dad for reviewing! ^*

RRMKII~ Ja ne!