Muggle Year
by Virgi Ca

Chapter 29: The Weapon of Salazar Slytherin

A/N: It¡¦s been only one day, I did promise that I¡¦d update in mid may didn¡¦t I?

The normal version without any weird signs (if any) and pictures drawn:

Virginia stared at herself in the mirror, stared into those annoyingly chocolate brown eyes. She bit her lower lip hard when her hair started to grow back into red again, hopeless red.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed a sponge from the table and started wiping the heavy make-up off her face, rubbing her face violently until it turned red and numb. Biting her lip again, she glared at her own reflection and threw the sponge onto the dressing table again, trying to vent all the frustration out, unsuccessfully.

After the curtain call, she had raced down the hallway and locked herself into the nearest changing room. She had stared at herself for nearly fifteen minutes, just sitting there, staring at the pitiful façade of someone else. The person she saw in the mirror wasn¡¦t her, the person she saw in the mirror was not Ginny Weasley.

But was it Virginia Weasley?

She doubted that.

Standing up, she looked around, trying to find her clothes. That was when she realized that she had been carried to the Stadium in nothing but a school robe wrapped around herself which now lay, coincidently, on a box at the far end.

Racking her calloused fingers through her messy, now bright red hair, she rummaged through some racks and found a pair of slacks and a T-shirt. Putting them on hastily, she grabbed her black robes and threw them on as well.

She paused as she passed by a full length mirror. Walking towards it, she touched the reflection, then looked away abruptly, glaring down at the floor.

That person that performed on the stage wasn¡¦t her. It wasn¡¦t Ginny Weasley, neither was it Virginia Weasley. She didn¡¦t know who it was.

All she knew was, it wasn¡¦t her, it wasn¡¦t the person who had just stared back at her in the mirror.

¡¥What am I doing?¡¦ Virginia muttered, clutching her fists tightly. She hated herself for being up there on the stage, she felt ashamed!

It was just unbearable to think about it again, what did they think she was huh? Some nobody who they can push around with?

[flashback]

¡¥Ginny!¡¦ Lesley cried.

Draco had obviously shocked everyone when he had entered, carrying a soaked and shivering Virginia in his arms, wrapped in nothing but a school robe, dripping water onto the floor and Draco¡¦s own clothes.

¡¥Good Lord! Your clothes are wet!¡¦ Felicity cried, taking out her wand.

¡¥I¡¦ve found the replacement.¡¦ Draco said bluntly, having no intention of letting Virginia down onto her feet. Virginia, on the other hand, had suddenly found her fingers very interesting and was glaring at them angrily.

¡¥Draco¡K¡¦ Lesley shook her head uncertainly. ¡¥I really don¡¦t know if this would be a good idea. We only have like three hours. Ginny can¡¦t possibly learn all the lines by ¡V ¡¥

¡¥She won¡¦t need to.¡¦ Draco interrupted curtly. ¡¥She¡¦s got all the lines in her head.¡¦

¡¥You do?¡¦ Lawrence bugged his eyes out. ¡¥All of them?¡¦

¡¥Yes.¡¦ Draco answered for Virginia impatiently.

¡¥But there are some amendments to the scri ¡V ¡¥ Spencer argued.

¡¥Will you think that would be a problem for Ginny Weasley?¡¦ Yvette countered, eyeing Spencer.

¡¥I don¡¦t see a problem with it.¡¦ Charlie cut in, leaning against the door frame.

¡¥What about the dance, the positions, she knows nothing about them!¡¦ Gabrielle protested, most unwilling to let Virginia fill in the place.

¡¥We still have three hours.¡¦ Draco replied flatly, shooting Gabrielle a dirty look.

¡¥What¡¦s all the commotion?¡¦ a stern and authoritative voice demanded from the doorway.

¡¥Hello Mr. Fudge.¡¦ Charlie greeted with exaggerated politeness.

Cornelius Fudge frowned as he entered with Dumbledore and McGonagal behind him. ¡¥What is the problem.¡¦

Spencer shot him a hostile glare and was about to open his mouth and throw some insults to the old man when Lawrence held his hand out, motioning for him to stop.

¡¥Mr. Fudge, our female lead, Pansy Parkinson appears to be missing.¡¦ Lawrence said calmly in a formal voice.

Fudge widened his eyes in shock. ¡¥Good heavens! Why? What ¡V we have to inform the law enforcement team then!¡¦

¡¥That, will be done.¡¦ Spencer said. ¡¥But the problem is, if we don¡¦t find her in two hours time the show will not be able to go on.¡¦

¡¥That will not be allowed!¡¦ Fudge cried, his face turning red.

¡¥That¡¦s why,¡¦ Lesley smiled at him sweetly, ¡¥we¡¦ve found a replacement.¡¦

¡¥A replacement?¡¦ Fudge raised his eyebrows, turning to look at Dumbledore who just acknowledge everything inadvertently.

¡¥Yes.¡¦ Lawrence motioned his hand. ¡¥Ginny Weasley.¡¦

Fudge paused for a moment, blinking his round eyes, not really getting the picture. But when his eyes landed on Virginia who was, apparently, still playing with her fingers. He shouted in surprise and pointed his cane at her. ¡¥Who ¡V who is this girl?¡¦

¡¥My sister.¡¦ Charlie introduced sarcastically. ¡¥Ginny Weasley.¡¦

¡¥But ¡V why in the world¡K her hair!¡¦ Fudge cried, shaking his head. ¡¥Ain¡¦t she suppose to have ¡V ¡¥

¡¥That would have to trace back to my two twin brothers irresponsible actions.¡¦ Charlie explained in mock patience.

Fudge shook his head and gave Lawrence and Spencer a look as if they were crazy. ¡¥You honestly think I¡¦ll let her step on that stage?¡¦

¡¥If it¡¦s not her, then it¡¦s no one.¡¦ Lesley shrugged, eyeing the old man.

¡¥Oh no.¡¦ Fudge waved his cane. ¡¥I will not allow this. You think I¡¦d be silly enough to let someone who had been replaced to replace someone now? That is totally absurd!¡¦

¡¥You¡¦d rather the show go on, or you lose your position¡K and maybe more?¡¦ Adrian¡¦s cold voice shot through the air, aiming straight for Fudge.

Fudge looked at Adrian¡¦s cold blue eyes and unconsciously took a step back, then turned to Dumbledore. ¡¥Is ¡V is this the attitude students from Hogwarts have towards the Minister of Magic?'

Spencer snorted. ¡¥I don¡¦t know about the students but we Muggles definitely do not like you Mr. Minister of Magic.¡¦

¡¥How dare you!¡¦ Fudge cried.

¡¥Mr. Fudge, we are in desperate need for a replacement.¡¦ Lesley said, stepping out. ¡¥I¡¦m confident that Ginny Weasley has the potential to play this part and maybe even excel Pansy Parkinson. She was, after all, the first choice before uh, certain arrangements were made.¡¦

Fudge fumed silently as he looked around the room and set his glare on Virginia who seemed to be oblivious of him. He was in a very embarrassing situation. If they didn¡¦t find Pansy and he didn¡¦t let Virginia replace her, the show would definitely not go. But if he let Virginia step on the stage¡K

¡¥Cornelius, you do see that we are in a desperate situation.¡¦ Dumbledore started, finally stepping in. ¡¥The Ministry should be informed of Pansy Parkinson¡¦s disappearance, but the show must go on. If Lesley says Ginny is capable, why not give her a chance?¡¦

Fudge exhaled loudly at the intensive glares and stares. ¡¥Fine! Your right Dumbledore, the show must go on. But I have one condition Ginny Weasley, considering your bad record with the Ministry of Magic.¡¦

Virginia, who had been silent all along, finally looked up.

¡¥The wretch should be happy she got the role back.¡¦ Gabrielle jeered silently, but loud enough for Virginia to hear.

¡¥Your name will not be announced. Considering your hair color and the heavy make-up applied on stage, no one will notice you.¡¦ Fudge said.

¡¥What?¡¦ Lesley cried. ¡¥That¡¦s absurd!¡¦

¡¥That¡¦s totally unfair!¡¦ Yvette protested. ¡¥Ginny performing under Pansy¡¦s name?¡¦

¡¥Either you accept this condition or face severe consequences.¡¦ Fudge said coldly, ignoring the protests, staring straight at Virginia.

There was silence and the atmosphere tensed.

¡¥Fine.¡¦ Virginia finally said, letting Draco put her down.

Lesley shook her head. ¡¥Ginny, you don¡¦t have to do this, I¡¦d rather have the whole thing screwed than for you to ¡V ¡¥

¡¥It doesn¡¦t matter.¡¦ Virginia interrupted softly. ¡¥I don¡¦t care what others think of me anymore, I¡¦ll just do what everyone pleases.¡¦

[end of flashback]

She hated herself for this, she hated herself for being so soft. Why couldn¡¦t she fight for herself?

¡¥I am a nobody who people can push around.¡¦ Virginia whispered, clutching the side of her robe tightly.

¡¥Where in the hell are Draco and Adrian! The press conference is about to start!¡¦ a runner outside shouted. Everyone was excited because of the huge ball party the sponsors were throwing.

¡¥Ginny, are you okay? Ginny?¡¦ Lesley called, knocking on the door. ¡¥You¡¦ve been in there for almost half an hour!¡¦

¡¥I¡¦m okay!¡¦ Virginia called back weakly, tearing her eyes off the full length mirror.

¡¥Ginny, you¡¦ve been having us worried!¡¦ Lesley continued, ¡¥why on earth would you want to rush back and change right after the ¡V Ginny?¡¦

¡¥I¡¦m fine Lesley.¡¦ Virginia assured, opening the door. ¡¥Really, I¡¦m fine.¡¦

¡¥Ginny?¡¦ Lesley stared at the girl before her.

¡¥Thank the GODS!¡¦ two identical voices cried, jumping from behind Lesley, startling her greatly.

¡¥I thought your hair wouldn¡¦t have gone back to red at all!¡¦ Fred said, patting his sister¡¦s head.

¡¥Just in time for Dad and Mom to see you, they¡¦re dying to have a little family gathering.¡¦ Fred rolled his eyes. ¡¥Despite the fact that you guys take summer vacation in less than a week.¡¦

¡¥Come now Ginny.¡¦ George wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

¡¥Guys, I ¡V ¡¥ Virginia started.

¡¥Miss Weasley, I believe¡K¡¦ Cornelius Fudge suddenly apparated in front of Virginia. ¡¥The press conference will start soon.¡¦ He reminded her.

¡¥Mr. Fudge.¡¦ Lesley started, trying to persuade the Minister of Magic one more time. ¡¥Maybe it would just be fair that you give Ginny credit, I mean she¡¦s done much better than Pansy Parkinson. If it weren¡¦t for her and Draco¡¦s brilliant performance, this show would not be this successful ¡V ¡¥

¡¥Miss Weasley?¡¦ Cornelius Fudge repeated, raising his eyebrows at the redhead, deliberately ignoring the Muggle.

Virginia swallowed hard and narrowed her dark brown eyes, glaring at the round mand before her. ¡¥I know when and where I¡¦m not wanted Mr. Fudge.¡¦

¡¥Ginny?¡¦ Fred and George stared at their sister as she turned the opposite way.

Virginia gave them a small smile. ¡¥I¡¦ll see you back at Hogwarts tomorrow.¡¦

_____________________________________________________________________

¡¥It¡¦s him! Draco Malfoy!¡¦

¡¥And there¡¦s Adrian Bradley!¡¦

¡¥I like Draco more, I never knew he looked so cool. I think I¡¦m going to get his autograph!¡¦

¡¥I doubt you can get near him now, I doubt that you can even find him! Might as well get his autograph when we get back to Hogwarts.¡¦

¡¥And Pansy, didn¡¦t you see her act, it was amazing! I mean, I never knew she was that good! It was definitely the right choice to replace Weasley.¡¦

¡¥And she looked so beautiful on stage, she and Draco just look too good together.¡¦

¡¥No way! Draco¡¦s mine!¡¦

¡¥Come on! Don¡¦t be silly!¡¦

¡¥Can people be lamer?¡¦ Pucey rolled his eyes.

¡¥Are you jealous of Draco now?¡¦ Faith teased, nudging her boyfriend playfully in the ribs.

¡¥Say something.¡¦ Montague turned to Draco who was perched against the long table where numerous champagne glasses were stacked up in a small hill.

¡¥What do you want me to say?¡¦ Draco grumbled, staring down at his reflection in the yellowish substance. His stormy gray eyes seemed to be staring back at him in anger.

¡¥You okay Draco?¡¦ Dolores asked in concern, ¡¥you¡¦re too quite, especially after your great performance!¡¦

Draco just snorted in response, surveying the scene before him inadvertently. It was jovial all right, but he just wasn¡¦t in the mood for all this merry. In fact, he felt the exact opposite.

What he had done was just crazy; he was out of his mind on that bloody stage.

¡¥Why couldn¡¦t I stop my bloody mouth then?¡¦ Draco fumed, making a move to throw the glass onto the floor.

¡¥Watch it.¡¦ Pucey warned, grabbing his arm. ¡¥You wouldn¡¦t want to make a scene here Draco, trust me.¡¦

Draco shot the Slytherin Quidditch Captain a dirty look, then snatched his arm from him and slammed the glass onto the expensively covered table, almost knocking down the other glasses.

¡¥Gods, what¡¦s with you Draco.¡¦ Montague asked, raising his eyebrows in disapproval. ¡¥You¡¦ve been your grumpy self ever since the end of the show. Shouldn¡¦t you be at least a little bit grateful that the show¡¦s over?¡¦

Right, shouldn¡¦t I be happy like everyone else? Draco thought, racking his blonde locks violently. He was supposed to be in a celebrating mood like everyone else, and not sulking around like a boy who had just lost his first lollipop.

¡¥By the way Draco, where¡¦s Weasley?¡¦ Montague asked in a casual voice, taking a sip of his champagne while eyeing Draco for some expected reaction.

¡¥Nigel!¡¦ Dolores hissed, nudging him hard in the ribs.

¡¥How the hell would I know?¡¦ Draco scoffed, crossing his arms. How would he know where she was? She had rushed away like a whirlwind right after the curtain call, not even giving him a chance to talk to her, locking herself in the changing room. He hadn¡¦t wanted to catch her since she couldn¡¦t hide in there forever, hide away from him forever, but he was then intercepted by the runners, saying that there would be a stupid press conference, then a banquet that would be held in the gardens at the backhills of the Great Stadium.

Cornelius Fudge really knows how to lie, I couldn¡¦t have done it better myself. Draco snorted mentally, glaring at the Minister of Magic who was currently being interviewed by Rita Skeeter, the most hated, in Draco¡¦s eyes, journalist of the century. The first thing Fudge had announced at the beginning of the press conference was that ¡¥Pansy Parkinson¡¦ had a leg injury during the performance and had to be attended by Madam Pomfrey at Hogwarts.

Virginia should be back at Hogwarts now. Draco thought, turning away, his stormy eyes softening.

He had said he loved her, Draco Malfoy loved Virginia Weasley. It had been so natural, he just had to say it to her despite the fact that they were on stage in front of a million audiences. He had already been through a lot of mental shit ever since he met her, and Virginia hiding away from him was not doing any good to the situation they were both in.

Metal shit. Draco mused, shaking his head bitterly. Virginia had been in the same pain he had been for the past months. He could feel it when he held her, when he kissed her. She could see her pain through her every moves, and it just made his heart wrench more at the sight of seeing her in agony.

He finally knew what it was to be in love with someone.

¡¥You don¡¦t deserve her Malfoy, you don¡¦t deserve to be loved, when Ginny has fallen for you so deeply.¡¦

I finally learn to love someone, but am I really undeserved to be loved? Draco wondered, looking up. Through the crowds, he saw Harry glaring at him while Ron and Hermione were talking beside him. When Ron had finally noticed that Harry wasn¡¦t following their conversation, he followed in the direction of his eyes and too started glaring at Draco.

I bet he wants to kill me by now, Ronald Weasley. Draco snarled inwardly, raising an eyebrow at them with a smirk on his face. In response, Ron flattened his hand and held it against his throat, making cutting actions, then pointed at him, widening his eyes back at him threateningly.

Giving him one last warning look, Harry turned and steered his two best friends away.

He knew that look, Harry Potter had given him that look before.

He said I didn¡¦t deserve her love, Virginia¡¦s love. Draco recalled mentally. Maybe he was right, maybe he never really deserved love anyway, right from the day he was born. He never really remembered being loved by his father or mother. His father had treated him like a subservient, always forcing him to do things that he simply dreaded and hated with passion. His mother, though wasn¡¦t as bad as Lucius Malfoy, had never really given him the care a child should have been granted with, mainly because of his father, who always emphasized on ¡¥independent¡¦ education. Simply put, don¡¦t give a damn about our son, only son, not to mention.

¡¥Draco, we¡¦ll be going over there, mind coming as well?¡¦ Faith asked gently, peering at the boy who was currently lost in his own world of thoughts.

¡¥No, you guys go ahead.¡¦ Draco declined, slightly startled.

Pucey shrugged and took Faith¡¦s hand. ¡¥Suit yourself.¡¦

¡¥I wonder where Bradley is.¡¦ Montague mused as they weaved through the crowd.

¡¥Probably being his mysterious self again.¡¦ Dolores replied. ¡¥it¡¦s not the first time he¡¦s disappeared from the scene.¡¦

Draco narrowed his eyes, then blinked when he felt something hot in his chest. Reaching inside his school uniform, he took out the red opal, which was now shining blindly.

Draco¡¦s head snapped up when a falcon¡¦s hoot cut through the air. Looking up at the starry sky, he faintly saw a black falcon flying off into the night.

There must be something, and I¡¦m going to find out!

_____________________________________________________________________

The door to the infirmary creaked open and Virginia stepped in, closing the door behind her softly. The infirmary was empty, even Madam Pomfrey had gone to help with any sudden injuries at the stadium.

¡¥Hogwarts has never been this quiet before.¡¦ Virginia whispered, looking around. ¡¥I wonder what the others are doing now.¡¦

¡¥Hey!¡¦

Virginia jumped in surprise and looked up, finding the voice.

¡¥Hello there Miss Weasley!¡¦

Virginia reached for the shelf and took down the sorting hat. ¡¥Hello, are you all right?¡¦

The sorting hat nodded. ¡¥It wasn¡¦t my most comfortable year, but I guess I¡¦m alright. I never like dealing with the school¡¦s matrons, Madam Pomfrey is especially grumpy.¡¦

Virginia sat down on a white infirmary bed and set the sorting hat onto her lap, looking down at it. ¡¥You should be really old then.¡¦

¡¥Yes, I suppose you could say so.¡¦ The sorting hat replied. ¡¥I mean, I was here ever since Hogwarts was built. I was created by the four founders of this magical school.¡¦

¡¥You seem to know a lot of secrets don¡¦t you.¡¦ Virginia smiled, patting the old fabric. ¡¥And you seem to have the power to protect people at crucial conditions. I remember three years ago, you gave Harry Godric Gryffindor¡¦s sword.¡¦

¡¥Ah yes.¡¦ The sorting hat nodded. ¡¥Harry Potter is an extrordinary boy. Not because of his parents or because of the scar Lord you-know-who gave him. Just because he¡¦s himself and not anyone else.¡¦

He¡¦s himself and not anyone else. Virginia bowed her head in thought.

¡¥Harry Potter was particularly difficult to sort in I tell you.¡¦ The sorting hat continued. ¡¥I had most wanted to put him in Slytherin. He possess many rare talent that only Slytherins are known to have.¡¦

¡¥Have you ever made a mistake in your sorting?¡¦ Virginia asked.

The sorting hat smiled. ¡¥As I watch the students growing ever year at the sorting ceremony, I always ask myself that question. You see, as children grow in Hogwarts, their values change, they see things in a different point of view, they mature, they grow up, physically and mentally. All of us have to grow up. To be totally honest, I do have some regrets at times, but you never can change the sorting results mid-way, can you.¡¦

¡¥Why do all the Weasley belong to Gryffindor.¡¦ Virginia wondered.

¡¥Because all of the Weasley possess the talents of Gryffindor and only Gryffindor will be suitable for them.¡¦ The sorting hat replied.

¡¥Really.¡¦ Virginia whispered.

¡¥I see that something is bothering you.¡¦ The tip of the sorting hat caressed the side of Virginia¡¦s cheek. ¡¥Don¡¦t look at me like that Weasley, I¡¦m wiser than you think.¡¦

Virginia laughed. ¡¥I guess you¡¦ve been looking over me for the past five months or so.¡¦

¡¥Bloody right you are!¡¦ The sorting hat pointed at her chest. ¡¥I¡¦m not just an ordinary hat, as I always declare in my opening songs. I can see right through you, I can see through all the students at Hogwarts, and provide them with help when they desperately need them.¡¦

¡¥Really?¡¦ Virginia raised her eyebrows.

¡¥Really.¡¦ The sorting hat said firmly.

Virginia¡¦s head snapped up when a knocking could be heard outside the windows.

¡¥I wonder what it is.¡¦ Virginia muttered, standing up. Clutching the sorting hat, she opened the window and looked out, the wind wiping her bright red hair into his face.

¡¥What was that knock ¡V ¡¥ Virginia gasped when she felt something tug her hair sharply. Looking down she found a pair of bright gold eyes staring right back at her. ¡¥What the ¡V ¡¥

She gasped when the huge black falcon seized the sorting hat and took flight again.

¡¥Damn!¡¦ Virginia brushed her hair out of her eyes, squinting her brown orbs as she desperately tried to make out the direction the falcon whom had took flight in the dark. Not wasting anymore time, she turned and dashed out of the infirmary, slamming the door behind her.

The school can¡¦t do without the sorting hat, I have to get it back! Virginia thought in panic as she flew down the corridors, almost tripping when one flight of stairs started to move.

¡¥Weasley!¡¦ a hoarse voice yelled, halting Virginia who was just about to walk out of the main building.

¡¥Yes, Mr. Filch.¡¦ Virginia turned around, looking at the caretaker guiltily.

¡¥What in the bloody world are you doing, wandering around school at this time of the night?¡¦ Filch demanded, Mrs. Norris in his arms. ¡¥

¡¥I ¡V I was just ¡V I just wanted to go back to my dorm.¡¦ Virginia stammered. If Filch knew that the sorting hat was missing because of her, he¡¦d kill her!

Filch snorted and turned. ¡¥Get back to your bloody dormitory and stay there until your bloody schoolmates come back.¡¦ He grunted, stroking his cat.

Virginia sighed in relief as she watched Filch walk away without looking at her again, muttering to himself and his cat.

¡¥Doesn¡¦t that man sleep?¡¦ Virginia mumbled as she made her way across the gardens. She winced at the scraping wind, trying hard to make out her direction. Never had she been out here alone in the dark before until that time when she fell into the lake, but that didn¡¦t make things any better because she was famous for being scared from the slightest things.

Virginia gasped in shock when the winds suddenly changed directions, blowing from her back. She toppled over when something hit her on the head sharply. Rubbing her head and cursing, she looked up and saw a black figure soaring through the sky. ¡¥Hey!¡¦ Virginia shouted, getting onto her feet clumsily and chasing after it.

Where in the world is it going? Virginia wondered, running as fast as she could, her head held up all the time as she followed the falcon. She stopped suddenly when the falcon disappeared into some branches. Stopping, she found herself standing at the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

¡¥Why would it go in there?¡¦ Virginia gulped, taking a step backwards at the sable feel of the dark forest. She¡¦d never been in there and reckon she¡¦d come back out alive. But I can¡¦t just let the sorting hat in there! Virginia reasoned mentally. It¡¦s my fault and I have to get it back.

Taking her wand out, she clutched it tightly and stepped into the dark grounds, looking around frantically with every step she took.

The place was freakier that she had imagined. The mud was wet due to the summer rains that had showered upon Hogwarts a few days ago. The wind had suddenly turned cold and chilled her to the bone.

¡¥Where in the world is that bird!¡¦ Virginia muttered under her breath as she shivered, pulling her school robes closer to herself. She screamed when a hoot pierced through the air. Looking up again, she saw that it was the black falcon, he was right before her, soaring through the sparse lifeless branches.

Without another thought, Virginia broke into a run, ignoring the sticky feeling of the earth under her feet.

¡¥It¡¦s there!¡¦ Virginia cried happily as she saw the falcon perch itself onto a branch. ¡¥Thank Gods¡K.¡¦

Ignoring the penetrating glare of the falcon¡¦s golden orbs, Virginia¡¦s eyes trailed down the branch towards a figure that was hung from the branch, blood dripping down its skinny form, splashing onto the earth.

¡¥Oh my God¡K¡¦ Virginia widened her both in complete shock and took a few steps back, blinking her eyes rapidly.

¡¥Pansy!¡¦

_____________________________________________________________________

¡¥Harry? What are you looking at? The Weasleys have been trying to find you.¡¦ Hermione nudged Harry in the ribs.

¡¥Nothing.¡¦ Harry muttered.

¡¥Harry! Where¡¦ve you been?¡¦ Ron called, running towards his best friend. ¡¥My family¡¦s been finding you all over the place.¡¦ He looked around. ¡¥Have you seen Ginny?¡¦

¡¥Ginny¡¦s gone back to Hogwarts.¡¦ Hermione replied, raising her eyebrows. ¡¥Why?¡¦

¡¥Ginny¡¦s back at Hogwarts?¡¦ Harry demanded, grabbing Hermione¡¦s arm.

¡¥Harry, your hurting me!¡¦ Hermione yelped.

Harry blinked, then let go of Hermione. ¡¥I¡¦m sorry, I just felt something really weird, strange.¡¦

¡¥Strange?¡¦ Ron looked at his friend.

¡¥Premonition.¡¦ Harry explained. ¡¥I don¡¦t know, it¡¦s just.¡¦ He paused, not knowing if he should tell them.

¡¥What?¡¦ Ron asked eagerly.

¡¥I ¡V I just saw Malfoy going away by floo, he¡¦s just gone back to Hogwarts.¡¦ Harry finally said, racking his hair. ¡¥I know I shouldn¡¦t, I don¡¦t know, its just that it doesn¡¦t feel right. I feel something bad going on.¡¦

¡¥It¡¦s not about you-know-who right?¡¦ Ron said in a dead whisper.

Harry shook his head. ¡¥No, my scar didn¡¦t hurt, but I just feel that something¡¦s not right, I don¡¦t know how to describe it.¡¦

Ron scratched his head. ¡¥Then what should we do?¡¦

¡¥I know what we should do.¡¦ Hermione said coyly, raising one finger to her lips.

¡¥What?¡¦ the boys asked.

¡¥Go back to Hogwarts, what else?¡¦

_____________________________________________________________________

¡¥Pansy¡K¡¦ Virginia covered her mouth and fell back onto the ground in shock, staring up at the lifeless girl hanging on the tree by the hands. There were clear cuts on her face and arms and her school robes were ripped apart. Bruises were all over her legs and one sleeve of her shirt was ripped down and was hanging from her shoulder.

¡¥Oh my God¡K¡¦ Virginia bit her lip, ¡¥she¡¦s not ¡V ¡¥

¡¥She¡¦s not dead yet.¡¦ A male voice echoed through the forest. Virginia looked up and locked eyes with the falcon whose eyes were boring into hers.

¡¥Not ¡V ¡¥

¡¥At least not now.¡¦ The voice resonated.

Virginia stood up, wiping mud from her face and glared up at the falcon. ¡¥Who are you?¡¦ She remembered this falcon, she¡¦d seen this falcon before! She remembered it finding her right after the Dark Mark appeared in Hogwarts and had led her to the lake. She had fallen into the lake and then¡K

¡¥Let me go you bastard!¡¦ the sorting hat shouted, ¡¥struggling¡¦ to get free from the falcon¡¦s sharp beak. ¡¥Haven¡¦t you done enough damage to this girl, to Malfoy, to Hogwarts?¡¦

¡¥Who are you?¡¦ Virginia whispered, gulping nervously as she held her hands to her chest tightly.

¡¥You really hurt my Ginny.¡¦ The voice continued to echo. The falcon¡¦s golden eyes suddenly snapped wide and glowed a brilliant blue. Virginia gasped and squinted her eyes at the light that had extended to the falcon¡¦s whole body. The light intensity increased, practically blinding Virginia with a flash. Faintly, she saw the outline of the shining falcon change its shape, growing taller¡K

¡¥Ginny.¡¦ The same voice said gently, but not in an echo anymore.

Virginia stopped and opened her eyes slightly. She knew that voice, it was very familiar, it was¡K

¡¥Adrian?¡¦ Virginia turned and faced the boy fully.

Adrian smiled down at Virginia, still standing on the branch with Pansy hanging from it. His eyes were even a lighter blue, glowing in the dark. He was still wearing his Gryffindor school uniform. His hair, which was usually tied in a ponytail, was now scattered on his shoulder and flying behind his back in the cold and chilling breeze, seemingly longer than before.

¡¥Why are you, did you ¡V I mean Pansy ¡V you, you¡¦re an animagus? ¡¥ Virginia stammered, not really taking in everything.

Adrian stared down at her with his bright eyes, clutching the sorting hat tightly around its ¡¥mouth¡¦, successfully preventing it from talking.

¡¥This was my game Ginny.¡¦ Adrian replied in a low voice, letting his straight silky hair block his vision.

A game? Virginia widened her eyes, then screamed as her head suddenly struck with pain. Crouching down, she held her head, pressing her palms at the side, burying her face in her lap.

¡¥I see you want a game don¡¦t you Ginny?¡¦

¡¥She¡¦s mine Draco Malfoy, no one can have her except for me.¡¦

¡¥No!¡¦ Virginia cried, trying to block out the irritating echoes in her head.

¡¥You want a game don¡¦t you Ginny, then a game you will have.¡¦

¡¥Your mine, a gift my father gave me, your all mine.¡¦

¡¥Please!¡¦ Virginia shrieked, shaking her head violently.

¡¥Did I hurt you that much Ginny? Did I? I haven¡¦t seen you happy ever since, would going back into time make you smile again? I¡¦ll do anything for you, I swear¡K¡¦

¡¥She¡¦s mine Draco Malfoy, no one can have her except for me.¡¦

¡¥Stop!¡¦ Virginia covered her face in frustration.

¡¥You¡¦re hiding from me.¡¦

¡¥What does Malfoy have that I don¡¦t?¡¦

¡¥Your mine, a gift my father gave me, your all mine.¡¦

¡¥Ginny.¡¦ A gentle and soothing voice said from above her. The voices stopped and Virginia felt a hand caress her cheek, forcing her to lift her head up and stare into Adrian¡¦s sharp blue eyes.

¡¥I won¡¦t hurt you Ginny.¡¦ Adrian whispered, his dark locks floating around her. ¡¥I swear.¡¦ He coaxed, leaning forward.

¡¥Your mine, a gift my father gave me, your all mine.¡¦

¡¥Who are you?¡¦ Virginia screamed, pushing Adrian away with all her might, falling back onto the ground herself.

¡¥Ginny¡K¡¦ Adrian coaxed, ¡¥I swear, I¡¦m not going to hurt you.¡¦

Virginia shook her head. ¡¥It was you¡K who are you? You weren¡¦t suppose to be in Gryffindor, you were the one who wanted to destroy the sorting hat! And Pansy! You ¡V your ¡V ¡¥

¡¥A prisoner from Azkaban?¡¦ Adrian¡¦s thin lips curved into a sly smile.

Virginia hugged herself tightly, her eyes wide with shock.

Turning slightly, Adrian held his hand up and summoned, without a wand, the sorting hat which had fallen into the mud.

¡¥You really want to know who I am Ginny?¡¦ Adrian asked in a low and edgy voice, boring his eyes into hers. ¡¥Do you really want to know which I house I should be in?¡¦

Virginia swallowed hard, biting her lip nervously.

¡¥Let go of me you ¡V ¡¥ the sorting hat squealed.

Ignoring the constant cries of the school¡¦s old hat, Adrian reached into the sorting hat. It started to shimmer as he pulled something out with his pale hands.

¡¥What is ¡V ¡¥ Virginia choked.

Dropping the sorting hat onto the ground again, Adrian held it up in the moonlight, smirking. ¡¥The weapon of Salazar Slytherin, a silver bow.¡¦

¡¥You ¡V you¡¦re a Slytherin?¡¦ Virginia shivered.

Adrian tilted his head slightly. ¡¥I suppose you could say that, since only a true Slytherin could pull out this weapon, like Godric Gryffindor¡¦s sword, Rowena Ravenclaw¡¦s spear and Helga Hufflepuff¡¦s shield.¡¦

¡¥But why ¡V ¡¥

¡¥I¡¦ll answer that for you Ginny.¡¦ Adrian lowered his eyes, ¡¥but I have to invite someone out here first, I know he¡¦ll love to know the truth too, the truth of himself.¡¦

Virginia watched with wide eyes as Adrian pulled at the string of the huge bow, an arrow shimmering into position. Pulling on it hard, Adrian released and aimed, firing the arrow.

Virginia gasped at the bright light that suddenly flooded the forest and covered her eyes from the blinding vision. The bright arrow shot through the dark forest in lightening speed and after what seemed like forever, it stabbed itself into a thick barren tree trunk sharply, locks of silver blonde hair flying around it, burning into ashes once in contact with the arrow.

¡¥Why not join the party?¡¦ Adrian sneered, ¡¥Draco Malfoy.¡¦

_____________________________________________________________________

¡¥Ginny!¡¦ Ron burst into the infirmary, only to be met by a chilly breeze.

¡¥She¡¦s not here!¡¦ Hermione cried in panic after checking the working room.

¡¥Not even Madam Pomfrey¡¦s here.¡¦ Ron racked his red hair. ¡¥Where in the hell could they be, Malfoy must be with her then.¡¦

¡¥But Ron,¡¦ Hermione reasoned. ¡¥do you really think Malfoy would hurt Ginny?¡¦

Ron threw his hands. ¡¥What wouldn¡¦t he do? He¡¦s a Slytherin, son of friggin¡¦ Lucius Malfoy no less.¡¦

Hermione shook her head and sat down. ¡¥It¡¦s not that, but, don¡¦t you think he¡¦s changed? Especially around Ginny.¡¦

Ron took a deep breath and looked away stubbornly. ¡¥He may have, but that doesn¡¦t change what I feel towards that ferret.¡¦

¡¥What do you think Harry? Harry?¡¦ Hermione looked around for the silent boy.

¡¥Harry, what are you doing, looking out the window?¡¦ Ron asked.

Harry pointed out. ¡¥There¡¦s light in the Forbidden Forest.¡¦ He replied.

¡¥What?¡¦ Hermione and Ron rushed forward, wincing at the sudden breeze that rushed through the air.

¡¥Oh my god!¡¦ Hermione cried, ¡¥what¡¦s happening over there?¡¦

¡¥The sorting hat¡¦s missing.¡¦ Harry said, looking up on the shelf.

There was a sudden hoot at the far end of the room.

¡¥Fawkes!¡¦ Harry gasped in surprise, running towards the phoenix who was perched on a bed.

Hermione blinked. ¡¥Tha ¡V that¡¦s a phoenix!¡¦

¡¥Yeah, it¡¦s Dumbledore¡¦s friend.¡¦ Harry explained briefly, turning to Fawkes again. ¡¥What are you doing here? Are you looking for the sorting hat?¡¦

Fawkes nodded.

¡¥Do you know where the sorting hat is?¡¦ Harry asked eagerly, touching Fawkes¡¦ feathers.

Fawkes nodded, then flapped its wings and soared up again.

Harry took a deep breath. ¡¥Let¡¦s follow it.¡¦

_____________________________________________________________________

¡¥Adrian Bradley.¡¦ Draco seethed, stepping out from behind the tree trunk he was hiding.

¡¥Welcome.¡¦ Adrian greeted with hostility.

Draco¡¦s eyes trailed up Pansy¡¦s hanging form, then back at Adrian¡¦s smiling face. ¡¥What¡¦s with her.¡¦

Adrian shrugged. ¡¥It¡¦s nothing, I just needed her out.¡¦

¡¥You¡¦re a Slytherin, you shouldn¡¦t have been a Gryffindor, you shouldn¡¦t even be at Hogwarts.¡¦ Draco said quietly, his eyebrows twitching with anger.

Adrian smiled, lowering his hand. ¡¥I see that you still don¡¦t get the picture.¡¦

Draco narrowed his stormy eyes in a glare. ¡¥What picture?¡¦

¡¥The picture.¡¦ Adrian turned to the frightened Virginia who was looking at them back and forth. ¡¥In my game, I always win Malfoy, and I must say you gave me great help.¡¦

¡¥Who are you?¡¦ Draco whispered.

Adrian turned and faced him fully. ¡¥I thought Professor Snape told you already. Or should I say, you eavesdropped on Snape¡¦s conversation with his brother? Your smart Draco Malfoy, you should have some clue to what I am, or who I am. Being a prisoner of Azkaban at the age of thirteen isn¡¦t what every Hogwarts student would do you know.¡¦

¡¥Your not a Death Eater.¡¦ Draco snarled after a few moments dead air, shaking his head. ¡¥I don¡¦t see you as a Death Eater.¡¦

Adrian snorted. ¡¥Flattered.¡¦

¡¥But you have a relationship with Lord Voldemort.¡¦ Draco spat. ¡¥I can feel it.¡¦

Virginia let out a small gasp and clutched herself tightly. This was not happening, she didn¡¦t understand a thing.

Adrian closed his eyes, the evil presence surrounding him intensifying. He wasn¡¦t the gentle Hogwarts student anymore, he was, he was¡K

¡¥Your right Draco Malfoy.¡¦ Adrian said in a low and dangerous voice, his long hair shielding his lean form. ¡¥I do have a relationship with Lord Voldemort¡K no, Tom Marvolo Riddle should be more correct.¡¦

Virginia buried her head into her lap, trying to block out the painful memories the diary had given her. It was coming to her again, that feeling of being controlled, that horrible feeling of being manipulated.

¡¥Tom Marvolo Riddle?¡¦ Draco raised his eyebrows. ¡¥Your¡K¡¦

¡¥I¡¦m the son of Tom Marvolo Riddle, a son he had created then tortured for forty years.¡¦ Adrian replied, widening his blue eyes in anger.

Both Draco and Virginia looked at him in complete shock.

¡¥No way!¡¦ Draco took a step forward, ¡¥then you¡¦ll have to be ¡V ¡¥

¡¥Forty.¡¦ Adrian said inadvertently, shrugging. ¡¥I should have been, but spells and magic can work in very different ways. But there was another reason I still look like a sixteen year old.¡¦

¡¥What?¡¦ Draco glared at him.

¡¥What your holding in your hand.¡¦ Adrian replied slyly, raising his hand again.

Draco stopped short and felt heat in his palm. He raised it to his eyes and let the red opal hang from its string, glowing a dangerous red.

¡¥It¡¦s a soul locker.¡¦ Adrian continued. ¡¥My soul was locked inside that opal when I was thirteen years old and was sold around the wizarding world as a dark artifact until it landed at Borgin and Burkes. I still lived on magic, but the powers I inherited from Riddle was sealed, I was no more than a useless servant to my Father, a servant he controlled and watched over with an eagle eye.¡¦

¡¥Why?¡¦ Virginia whispered, her big chocolate eyes trembling.

¡¥Why?¡¦ Adrian laughed, clutching the bow tighter, his knuckles turning white. ¡¥Because I was a mistake. To him, I was the product of a one night stand with a muggle.¡¦

¡¥A ¡V a muggle?¡¦ Virginia bit her lip.

¡¥Voldemort screwing a muggle? Draco raised his eyebrows skeptically. ¡¥Can that even be possible.¡¦

¡¥Anything can be possible with my wretched Father.¡¦ Adrian sneered, his face darkening. ¡¥He never thought his son would have powers that might affect his own power. He never thought his son would still live without a soul. He never thought his son would contain malice so strong that he would still survive this long after losing his soul, living like a shell under the effects of magic. Nor would he ever dream that his son, his one and only son, would hate him so much that he swore to take revenge, not for himself, but for his mother!¡¦

Draco trained his eyes at Adrian who was trembling in fury. The truth was not just shocking, it was inconceivable.

Adrian¡¦s lips curved into a curt smile. ¡¥I waited for my chance, I waited until my Father was defeated by Harry Potter and had to live on Qurrill as a parasite. That was when I started my hunt for my soul locker. It took me fourteen years to find that wretched locker, but I couldn¡¦t even touch it because of a repelling spell cast on it, a spell that only repelled me. That was when I was caught by Cornelius Fudge.¡¦

So that was why Cornelius Fudge hated Adrian so much! Virginia cried mentally, covering her mouth.

¡¥Naturally, I was thrown into Azkaban.¡¦ Adrian said in equanimity, ¡¥the style of Cornelius Fudge, not giving a trial. He had suspected my presence before Lord Voldemort¡¦s years, but didn¡¦t have proof. So he used his power to throw me into Azkaban, just to be ¡§safe¡¨. But no luck, he couldn¡¦t find any proof for three whole years, so under the Ministry¡¦s pressure, he had to release me.¡¦

¡¥But ¡V but why would Dumbledore ¡V ¡¥ Virginia stammered.

Adrian shrugged. ¡¥Reckon he wanted to keep an eye on me, but with no such luck since I¡¦m soulless. No detecting magic can work on me, this may have been the most foolish things Dumledore has done, insisting that I finish my wizarding education.¡¦

¡¥What do you want from Hogwarts?¡¦ Draco demanded. ¡¥You were the one who unleashed all the chaos in the school for the past year.¡¦

¡¥You could say that.¡¦ Adrian replied, tilting his head, eyeing Draco with narrowed eyes. ¡¥I want to destroy everything that helped my father gain power, anything except¡K¡¦ Adrian turned to Virginia and smiled gently. ¡¥You.¡¦

Virginia gulped and tried to stand up, but stopped in shock, realizing that she couldn¡¦t move at all.

Draco clutched his hands tightly in a ball, digging his fingernails into his palm, trying desperately hard not the lung forward and kill Adrian.

¡¥I wanted to destroy everything except you Ginny.¡¦ Adrian said softly, tilting her face up with one hand. ¡¥From the very beginning, it was my soul that summoned you at Borgin and Burkes. I was there, I saw through my soul when you looked at that soul locker. I sensed the difference in you, your soul was blank and clean. I knew you were the one who had helped Tom Riddle gain power from his diary and if it weren¡¦t for your honesty, pouring your thoughts into those yellow pages.¡¦

¡¥Your read my mind, like your father?¡¦ Virginia whispered, staring at Adrian wide-eyed.

¡¥No, I didn¡¦t read your mind.¡¦ Adrian said, his eyes softening. ¡¥I read your soul.¡¦

¡¥My soul?¡¦ Virginia repeated, her vision getting blurry.

¡¥I saw the grief and anger within you.¡¦ Adrian continued softly. ¡¥I saw the desperate need to prove yourself; I saw the loneliness in your eyes. Deep within you, you wanted someone to protect you, to see through that hard shell you built up for yourself for the past five years, to see the real you and not your family¡¦s name. I saw all of that, and I wanted to help you get out of the shadows.¡¦

¡¥You really wanted to help me?¡¦ Virginia asked timidly, her eyes trembling.

¡¥Yes.¡¦ Adrian replied in a whisper, smiling softly. ¡¥I never wanted to hurt you, I wanted to protect you with that soul locker. The moment I felt you I saw right through you, I wanted to help you¡K¡¦

Yes, she really felt lonely, felt angry because she was a Weasley. Everyone was before her, they seemed to be running away, leaving her behind. She had wanted to prove herself through dance and Adrian helped her. She got the chance to prove to everyone that she could do something by herself, with her own name. The agony she went through ever since Tom Riddle¡¦s diary still haunted her. Her constant visits to the Chamber of Secrets was not only to hide herself from the world, from reality¡K but was to hide herself from the pain she suffered ever since the opening of the Chamber.

Something hot started streaming down her cheeks and Virginia felt a soft hand caress her cheeks.

¡¥It¡¦s all over now Ginny, nothing¡¦s going to hurt you, the pain will end really soon.¡¦ Adrian whispered, his lips curving into a slight smile.

There was only Adrian in Virginia¡¦s eyes, the world started to go black as Adrian leaned closer.

But wait, she wasn¡¦t called Ginny, that wasn¡¦t her name.

She remembered hating people calling her that. She wasn¡¦t called Ginny, she was called¡K

¡¥I love you, Virginia.¡¦

¡¥Virginia!¡¦ Draco shouted, staring in horror as Adrian¡¦s hair started to wrap around Virginia¡¦s body. She was hypnotized, he could see it. Her eyes were hollow, she looked like she was manipulated, no, she was manipulated.

That voice, it was familiar, she heard before, not only in reality, but often in her dreams too. He said he loved her, he was the one that really gave her protection, he was the one who really made her feel protected.

¡¥Draco¡K¡¦ Virginia whispered just before Adrian¡¦s lips closed over hers.

Adrian¡¦s blue eyes widened in fury. Turning sharply, he glared at Draco who had now taken his wand out.

¡¥You¡K¡¦ Adrian seethed, taking a step forward. ¡¥You¡¦re loathed. You resemble me too much Draco Malfoy. That bloody Dark Mark of yours may just be the most powerful among the Death Eaters and you will be the main source of power for Voldemort when he fully awakens. Your sable powers disturbs me, your affection towards Ginny makes me want to kill you!¡¦

Draco choked in surprise when his right arm started to pump and beat hard. Falling onto his knees, he pressed on it with his left hand, trying desperately to calm it down. ¡¥It was you all along.¡¦ Draco seethed, sweat dripping down his pale face. ¡¥You were the one who awoken the Dark Mark.¡¦

Adrian smiled slyly. ¡¥I always said you were clever Draco Malfoy. Yes, I wanted to unleash those dark powers of yours so that it will eat you alive, so that it will destroy you. I want you dead Malfoy, and you will die in my hands before the Death Eaters find you and bring you back to resurrect Lord Voldemort.¡¦

¡¥No ¡V ¡¥ Virginia coughed, feeling her throat tighten.

¡¥I told you before already Malfoy.¡¦ Adrian sneered. ¡¥Ginny will be mine and only mine. I will destroy everything she loves, and she will be mine. You, will be the first one.¡¦

¡¥No¡K¡¦ Virginia whispered, trying desperately to move her body, watching in horror as Adrian¡¦s sleek locks of hair raised before him and shot forward, hurling towards Draco who seemed vulnerable now.

Draco closed his eyes as the Dark Mark beat stronger, increasing its beats every seconds.

¡¥No¡K¡¦ Virginia closed her eyes, not wanting to look.

¡¥Say your prayers, Draco Malfoy!¡¦ Adrian laughed.

In a split second, Draco looked up and glared into Adrian¡¦s eyes, startling him.

¡¥Weasley, look!¡¦ a hoarse voice whispered in Virginia¡¦s ears.

Virginia looked up and saw that Draco was surrounded by a transparent black shield.

¡¥The Dark Mark protected that boy.¡¦ The sorting hat shook his head. ¡¥that is not a good sign at all.¡¦

Adrian bit his lip and stepped back. ¡¥That bastard.¡¦ He seethed. It was his father, it was Lord Voldemort, Tom Marvolo Riddle¡¦s powers. It protected him.

¡¥I see you have become Voldemort¡¦s ultimate source of power now.¡¦ Adrian spat in disgust, ¡¥but I won¡¦t lose, I will not lose to my father¡¦s powers!¡¦

Draco coughed and watched as Adrian lifted his hand and summoned Salazar Slytherin¡¦s bow.

¡¥Really say your prayers this time Draco Malfoy.¡¦ Adrian whispered darkly, pulling at the string hard. ¡¥Because nothing will save you now, not even my father¡¦s powers.¡¦

Draco looked down and closed his eyes as Adrian pulled even harder. The shield wasn¡¦t going to stand Salazar Slytherin¡¦s powers, he knew it. He was going to die¡K

¡¥No¡K¡¦ Virginia¡¦s tears streamed down her cheeks. She felt Draco leaving, he felt him going away. She didn¡¦t want that, she didn¡¦t want him to leave her when he said he loved her!

¡¥Draco!¡¦ Virginia screamed, moving her hands forward, struggling from the invisible grip that was held on her.

¡¥Weasley, no!¡¦ the sorting hat shouted but with no such luck, Virginia¡¦s arms and legs started to bleed as, what seemed like threads, broke all over her, cutting her pale skin, blood dripping down from her. Without a second thought, Virginia stood up unsteadily and ran towards Adrian, lunging forward.

Adrian stared at Virginia in shock. He had her controlled, the threads that had cut her skin was actually his hair that had held her in place, it was impossible for her to break through them by herself.

¡¥Virginia!¡¦ Draco shouted, looking up. ¡¥Don¡¦t!¡¦

Recovering from his shock quickly, Adrian released the string before Virginia got a full grip of his hand. That gave Draco enough time to dodge though the arrow aim accurately, brushing across the side of his neck, making a cut that seeped blood, dripping down his shoulder.

¡¥Damn it.¡¦ Adrian growled, glaring at Draco darkly.

¡¥Draco!¡¦ Virginia turned, wanting to rush forward, wanting to be by Draco¡¦s side.

¡¥Oh no you won¡¦t.¡¦ Adrian whispered, holding his hand out.

Virginia gasped as her legs suddenly went out of strength and she tumbled to the floor, blood seeping into the earth.

¡¥You will die Draco Malfoy.¡¦ Adrian hissed. ¡¥You will die!¡¦

¡¥Ginny!¡¦ A familiar voice shouted

¡¥Oh my God!¡¦ Hermione screamed at the bloody scene before them.

¡¥What in the world happened to Pansy!¡¦ Ron exclaimed in shock.

¡¥Adrian?¡¦ Harry stared at the dark figure who was surrounded by locks of hair.

Adrian narrowed his eyes and faced the three fully, fire emitting from his eyes. ¡¥What are you three doing here?¡¦

¡¥What are you doing here?¡¦ Ron shot back, ¡¥and what in the bloody hell have you done to Ginny!¡¦

Adrian smiled slyly. ¡¥Are you heart-broken?¡¦

Ron clutched his fist. ¡¥Of course! She¡¦s my sister!¡¦

Adrian snorted. ¡¥And I thought you forgot you had a sister already, always fooling around with your girlfriend and the boy-who-lived.¡¦

¡¥What do you mean?¡¦ Ron seethed.

¡¥You know exactly what I mean Ronald Weasley.¡¦ Adrian said darkly.

¡¥What did you do?¡¦ Harry demanded.

Adrian¡¦s eyes snapped wide when a loud hoot could be heard. He gasped in surprise when balls of fire suddenly shot at him. Holding his hands up, he directed his locks of hair forward and formed a shield, breaking the attack.

¡¥Fawkes!¡¦ the sorting hat shouted.

¡¥Fawkes!¡¦ Harry exclaimed.

The phoenix soared down and picked up the sorting hat with its beak, flapping its wings gracefully.

¡¥Damn that bird.¡¦ Adrian grunted, letting his hair fall back onto the ground. ¡¥I always hated phoenix, ruddy birds that couldn¡¦t mind their own business.¡¦ He turned and smirked at Harry. ¡¥I guess this is the same bird that made Tom Marvolo Riddle lose to you, right Harry Potter?¡¦

Harry widened his eyes in surprise. ¡¥How did you know about my fight with Tom Riddle in the Chamber of Secrets?¡¦

¡¥Harry!¡¦ Virginia looked up, wincing in pain. ¡¥He¡¦s ¡V ¡¥

¡¥Harry! Ginny¡¦s hurt seriously!¡¦ Hermione cried, gasping at the blood that was dripping from her skin.

¡¥What do you want?¡¦ Harry demanded.

¡¥So you want to be the hero of Hogwarts and save the day again don¡¦t you?¡¦ Adrian sneered, turning to Draco. ¡¥No wonder you hate him so much Malfoy.¡¦

Draco swallowed hard, still trying to suppress the pain emitting from the Dark Mark. It was even more unbearable than before, it seemed to be growing inside his body.

¡¥I can see through you Draco Malfoy.¡¦ Adrian jeered. ¡¥I can see through everyone. I can see the hostility you feel towards Harry Potter because he excels you in everything; I can see the malice you feel towards your father Lucius Malfoy because he treats you like a subservient; I can see the abhorrence you feel towards yourself for having an inborn Dark Mark!¡¦

Draco shot him a glare and slid to the floor again, gritting his teeth.

¡¥You are the biggest threat to me Draco Malfoy, I can see the infinite dark powers within you. That¡¦s why I wanted to die, I wanted you out of the beautiful picture my father had created for himself. I cursed you, controlled that unicorn with the Inperius Curse to create horror and unrest within your soul.¡¦

¡¥You¡K¡¦ Draco growled.

¡¥You can¡¦t fight me Malfoy.¡¦ Adrian whispered dangerously. ¡¥And now, I will cut off the powers that will revive Lord Voldemort, my father! Once and for all!¡¦

¡¥You think so?¡¦ Draco looked up sharply, throwing the soul locker onto the muddy floor.

¡¥What?¡¦ Adrian stopped in mid-air.

Draco narrowed his eyes and raised his wand with both hands. ¡¥Mutarearma ¡V ¡¥

Adrian widened his eyes in horror.

Draco gave him a smirk. ¡¥Gladius!¡¦

¡¥No!¡¦ Adrian shouted as Draco¡¦s wand melted into light and turned into a sharp knife.

Without another thought, Draco stabbed it into the red opal.

Everything seemed to pause as Adrian froze, eyes wide open.

The earth under Adrian¡¦s foot started to swirl.

¡¥Shit!¡¦ Adrian cursed as the mud started to grab on his leg. ¡¥It¡¦s a time swirl!¡¦

¡¥A ¡V a time swirl?¡¦ Harry repeated.

¡¥You don¡¦t think I¡¦m really that stupid do you?¡¦ Draco sneered, standing up unsteadily, still holding the sharp knife with shaking hands. ¡¥You really think I wouldn¡¦t check on this thing? I stole it from Virginia because I knew there was something wrong with it. I don¡¦t ace my grades for nothing.¡¦

¡¥You¡K¡¦ Adrian seethed, wincing as the earth started to glow and claw at him.

¡¥Once this soul locker is destroyed, you will return to the place of the dead.¡¦ Draco continued. ¡¥All of this will end, you will lose in your own game Adrian Bradley Riddle!¡¦

Adrian yelled in pain as Draco stepped onto the shattered piece of the opal.

¡¥Go back to where you belong.¡¦ Draco said darkly, giving the pieces another hard stomp.

¡¥This game is not over yet.¡¦ Adrian panted, turning his head slightly, his body sinking deeper into the time swirl.

Lowering his eyebrows, Draco eyes followed Adrian¡¦s and landed on the bloody figure lying on the floor.

¡¥Oh no you ¡V ¡¥ Draco started, but it was too late.

Locks of silky black hair curled around Virginia¡¦s bloody body and lifted her up, dragging her in the air.

¡¥Ginny!¡¦ Ron and Harry shouted.

¡¥Ginny wake up!¡¦ Hermione screamed.

¡¥Virginia!¡¦ Draco yelled, bursting into a run towards them.

Virginia opened her eyes slowly at the bright light that shone below her. Her eyes snapped wide in horror when she found Adrian pulling her down by the waist.

¡¥What are you doing?¡¦ Virginia cried as she sank deeper into the light.

¡¥I¡¦m going to take you with me.¡¦ Adrian whispered, narrowing his eyes.

¡¥No, please don¡¦t ¡V ¡¥ Virginia screamed in panic. ¡¥NO! Draco!¡¦

¡¥I¡¦m going to change the ending of the story Ginny.¡¦ Adrian smiled softly, the light already at his neck. ¡¥In real life, you won¡¦t be with Draco Malfoy, you will be with Adrian Bradley!¡¦

Virginia shook her head and scrapped the earth with her nails, trying desperately to get out of the sinking ground. ¡¥Help me!¡¦ she cried, her vision of Draco getting blurry.

¡¥Virginia!¡¦ Draco shouted, reaching out a hand.

¡¥Draco¡K¡¦ Tears streamed down her face the truth suddenly hitting her, she was going to be gone from this world, she was going to be sucked into the timeless world of death. She didn¡¦t want to.

¡¥No¡K¡¦ Draco watched in horror as the light covered Virginia¡¦s slim hand. The light of the time swirl suddenly changed its swirling direction and blasted light up into the air, flooding the whole forest with bright light.

Draco stared at the piece of earth dumbly as the light slowly faded, leaving with him a cold breeze that ruffled his light blonde hair in sympathy.

¡¥Virginia¡K¡¦ Draco reached out a trembling hand and touched the earth softly, not believing what he just saw before him.

He felt something unusually hot swirl in his eyes and overflow, sliding down his face.

They were tears, dripping down onto the earth, drop by drop.

Harry, Ron and Hermione looked at Draco¡¦s back speechlessly, witnessing the once suave and obnoxious boy break down, tears falling because of a Weasley.

His Weasley.

His Virginia Weasley.

End of Chapter 28

A/N: Please review!

It¡¦s been helluva proof reading¡K this chapter is quite depressing. Anyway, the next chapter, which is the last excluding the epilogue, will be up at around the end of next month or something¡K I can¡¦t guarantee anything.