Chapter 15: Making Deals And Breaking Promises


Ginny tensed at the sound of the voice.


He found us Harry.


Gin, it will be ok, I promise. We're going to get out of here.


"Well done, Severus. Had you not led them to me, they may have escaped. We couldn't have that, now could we?"


"No, my Lord," Snape said.


Voldemort turned to Harry. "My dear, dear Harry. I have been expecting you. I expect that you will want to say goodbye to the lovely Virginia."


Harry pulled back his hood and glared at him. "Leave her out of this. It's me you want."


"Oh, I would gladly let her go. But, you see, I made a promise. You were led to me, and in turn, I kill her."


"Why would anyone want Ginny dead?"


Voldemort laughed. "Young Miss Nicholson was quite enamored of you. When she learned of your relationship with Virginia, she was upset, to say the least. And once I linked with her, I offered her the opportunity to have you all to herself."


"I refuse to believe that she connected to you voluntarily," Harry hissed.


"Maybe not at first, but she quickly realized that it worked to her benefit. Do you realize that she was monitoring your thoughts? That is how she discovered the power hidden in the necklace you had given Virginia."


"Why did you kill her?"


"She was no longer of any use to me. Now, what shall I do with you?"


Harry dropped his head. "Please, I'm begging you, let Ginny go. I'll do anything you ask, just let her go."


Harry, you can't do that! Don't give in to him.


He can do whatever he wants with me, as long as you're ok.


That Gryffindor chivalry is going to get you killed.


He didn't respond to her, but looked at Voldemort, waiting for an answer.


"Anything, you say?"


Harry nodded slowly.


"Well, then . . . Crucio!"


Ginny crumpled to the floor, writhing in pain. Harry saw Snape's eyes widen, but the man said nothing. White hot pain rushed through Harry, Ginny's screams echoing in his mind.


"Stop! Stop! Stop!" Harry cried.


Voldemort laughed and muttered, "Finite Incantatum."


Ginny's screams faded to low whimpers. Harry knelt beside her, stroking her hair. Her brown eyes were shimmering with tears. Neither saw Voldemort point his wand at Harry. Neither heard the spell muttered.


Harry felt his pain fade, then disappear entirely. He was as light as a feather, floating above everything. This could only be described as true bliss.


Kill her, a vicious voice ordered.


He felt himself raise his arm, wand in hand. Ginny's eyes widened in terror.


Harry, don't. You don't want to do this.


Her voice was distant, but it shattered his state of peace. Now he was questioning his orders.


KILL HER!


No! Harry, I love you. Please . . .


The voices continued to battle. He felt his head spinning. He wasn't sure who to listen to.


KILL! Kill her you stupid boy! KILL HER!


He lowered his arm, then raised it again. His hand was shaking. He heard soft sobs. He felt his heart drop. The harsh voice was less clear now, fuzzy. It reminded him of the static on a Muggle radio. He felt dizzy and weak. His limbs were heavy. His eyes were stinging. His palms hit the floor. The whole room was spinning around him, his stomach turning.


Get up! Get up and finish your job! Kill her!


He opened his mouth and choked out one word before he closed his eyes.


"No."