Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot, so yeah, don't sue
Thank you so very much to all my reviewers. Even though I haven't listed all of your names, they are much appreciated.
**Stars mean thought**
Now, on with the fic!
It was the evening of the Christmas Ball, well actually the Ball was over, but three students were lingering around, looking downcast. They just so happened to be Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. Harry had his head in his hands and was looking particularly pathetic.
Hermione looked totally disbelieving and all around upset. Draco Malfoy had an arm around her shoulders and was attempting to comfort her, but it was no use. "Ginny, you poor girl" she said out loud in a voice that was a little above a whisper.
Draco was the only one whose expression was unreadable. He had some inner turmoil going on though. Right now, he was the sensible one in the group so he asked them to tell exactly what happened, to find out what caused the events that had passed earlier.
"Well, Ginny was really excited about the Ball so she asked me if I wanted to get ready with her" said Hermione
*^*FLASHBACK*^*
"Hermione!" squealed Ginny from outside of Hermione's door. Hermione smiled and got up to open the door for her red headed friend. "Hello Ginny, what are you doing here?" Hermione asked her, and then continued with "Don't you have to get ready for the Ball? It starts in a couple hours"
Ginny just nodded "I thought it would be fun to get ready together!" her face was turned up into a gigantic smile and anyone could tell she was practically ready to burst with excitement. Hermione must have realized that Ginny was still standing outside her room, because she gestured for her to come inside "Oh, how rude of me! Please, come in"
She opened the door wide enough for Ginny to enter, which she did, and Hermione saw Ginny's gown, which was beautiful, in her opinion. "Oh, gosh Gin!" Hermione exclaimed, and for a moment she wasn't a mature young adult, she was a giggling teenager. She quickly controlled herself though and said "That's a lovely gown."
"Really?" Ginny asked her "Oh, thanks, I sure hope Harry likes it. I've been waiting for years for him to notice me and now he finally has!" She sighed and dramatically fell back onto Hermione's bed. She conveniently missed Hermione's guilty expression.
"I'm sure Harry will love it", said Hermione
*^*END FLASHBACK*^*
Harry looked even worse by now, and he said, "I feel so awful". Hermione nodded along with him. "Don't blame yourself Harry, it wasn't supposed to go down like that," Hermione said in an attempt to comfort him
"Its not your fault Potter, what were u supposed to do, stay with her for the rest of your life, just so she wouldn't join Voldemort!?" asked Draco, being more realistic
"I suppose not, but I still feel responsible" Harry replied
"How did she find out anyway?" asked Hermione, directing her question towards Harry, who shrugged
*^*FLASHBACK*^*
On the dance floor, Draco and Hermione are dancing with each other to a slow song, not really paying attention to anything else.
"I'm really glad you asked me to be your date for the evening" Draco said staring at Hermione as they swayed back and forth. Hermione blushed and just replied with "As am I" then she leaned her head on Draco's shoulder.
Draco loved every minute of the closeness. He had a rare smile on his face as he stroked her hair. Hermione was content in his arms and almost closed her eyes, wanting the moment to last for a long long time. That's when she saw Ginny and Harry dancing. She raised her head slightly and sent a smile over to them and gave a small wave. Ginny smiled and waved back. Harry didn't look like he was having as much fun as Ginny, but he didn't look like he was having a bad time either.
Hermione sighed and placed her head on Draco's shoulder once more. "You look lovely tonight, Granger" Hermione looked up at him, with a puzzled expression. Draco shrugged his shoulders "I know your name is Hermione, sometimes Granger is appropriate. Like a pet name or something" he didn't know what to say, because Hermione had a smile on her face and was just gazing up at him "What?" he asked almost defensively.
"Nothing" Hermione replied with "You're kind of cute, when you want to be, ~Malfoy~" she said with a small chuckle. "What are you talking about?" he asked scandalized, then continued with in an amused voice "I'm always cute" They both laughed at that and continued dancing around with one another.
A fast beat song came on and they reluctantly released their grip on one another from the previous slow song. Draco turned to check on Harry for a moment, and was just in time to see the Ginny running out of the Great Hall and Harry chasing after her.
They stopped dancing and ran over to where they saw Ginny and Harry exit and left the dance to follow them.
When they finally found them, Ginny was yelling at Harry "Some Hero you are. They should call you The-Boy-Who-Doesn't-Give-A-Damn-About-Others!" she was starting to tear up and then continued with "Things didn't have to be this way, but I'm tired of being left out of everything! I'm tired of being the quiet one. I'm tired of being poor, and I'm tired of being in love with you! I quit! I bloody quit! The next time we meet, we'll be enemies, Potter!" then she pulled out an object and said, "I didn't think I'd be needing this, but I guess I was wrong. She whispered "Activate" just loud enough for them to hear and then she was gone.
*^*END FLASHBACK*^*
"That's how I remember it happening" said Hermione who turned to Draco and waited for his nod of approval. "Me as well" he agreed, distractedly "But I remember something else happened too. I just can't think of what" he rubbed his head a moment, sighing in frustration. "What about you Harry, you haven't told us exactly what happened, just that you didn't know what happened" Hermione urged him. "Well, I guess it happened like this.."
*^*FLASHBACK*^*
Harry and Ginny were dancing to a fast song, and chatting kind of nervously. Harry didn't know what to say because he didn't want to blow it, and Ginny didn't know what to say, because it was Harry Potter, her long time crush. She didn't want to mess up her chances.
All of a sudden, a slow song came on, and Harry awkwardly put his arms around her and they began to sway back and forth. "So, Ginny, you look pretty tonight," Harry said, in an offhand sort of voice. Ginny didn't seam to notice though, and beamed with happiness "Thanks! You look really handsome," she returned with her own compliment. Harry's cheeks tinted a pinkish color.
"Listen Ginny, I wanted to apologize for giving you the brush off the other day in Hogsmeade. Hermione had business to attend to and we were running late," Harry said to Ginny, who looked up in confusion. "Business? Well, how come Ron wasn't with you?" Harry's face darkened at the mention of Ron, and Ginny noticed. "Are you guys in a fight again?" she asked. "You could say that I guess" Harry replied, not wanting to upset Ginny by insulting her brother. Ginny and Harry moved around the Great Hall and noticed Hermione waving. Ginny waved back excitedly and soon the song was over.
"Say, do you want something to drink?" Harry asked Ginny "Cause I'm parched" Ginny nodded her head, and walked over to the table she was sharing with Harry.
Harry walked over to where the drinks were and ran into Pansy Parkinson "Hello Potter" she said in a mock friendly voice "Got a date with the Weasel I see" she commented "What made you ask her?" she asked him. "No reason that concerns you. I don't see what business it is of yours Parkinson" he replied back, "Now if you'll excuse me I have a date to attend to."
Harry turned around and was face to face with a pissed off Ginny Weasley "Harry, I'm going to ask you this once. Why did you ask me to the ball?" her face was red, and she looked like she was furious. Harry shifted guiltily "Because I wanted to" he answered her. "Don't you bloody lie to me Harry! I know the real reason," she said to him.
"What are you talking about Gin?" Harry asked, feigning ignorance. "Don't play dumb with me, this, you set it up with Hermione and Draco, as a plan or something. Well, I know all about it, and I hate you!"
"Ginny, wait! I don't know who told you that, but they're wrong." Harry felt guilty for lying, but he couldn't risk Ginny going over to the dark side. "Stop!" and then she ran out of the Hall. Harry set down the drinks and chased after her.
"Ginny! Ginny! Wait!" Harry yelled after her. By now they were outside in a courtyard and Ginny was fiddling with her robes looking for something. "Why would you think this was a set up?" Harry asked her "Because this is just too good to be true! I should have known you would never see me for who I am, but just someone you can't risk losing for the damn light side! Here comes Harry Potter, Savior of the Wizarding World! Sure you save people, but at what cost, Harry?" Ginny asked him, angrily "You saved the world before, but at what cost, your parents, what about last year, who was the one to pay the price then? Cedric Diggory! And that's not even it Harry, you harm more people than you realize with emotional damage. But that's right, you're Harry Bloody Potter, the Golden Boy in everyone's eyes. You can do no wrong! Well, I'm sick of it!"
"I hate that you can make me feel this way!" she said to him, shaking with rage "Well, no more! I'm tired of the Boy-Who-Just-Wont-Die" she spat at him. Just then Draco and Hermione ran outside.
*^*END FLASHBACK*^*
"That's about when you guys came outside," said Harry. "She's right. I do great things, but its always others who have to pay the price, no matter how hard I try" he laughed sardonically and looked defeated for a moment. "Harry, you know that's not true. Ginny's emotions were running high!" Hermione reasoned with him. Then Draco, who had remained quiet for most of the evening agreed with her "They're trying to break you" he said "I don't know how Ginny found out, but I watch people, that's not how Ginny acts. She must have been persuaded, that along with feeling bad about being tricked, probably triggered her anger" Draco said, then continued with "The part that stumps me is, how did she find out" said Draco. "Yeah, that's what gets me, I was with her all evening and she was fine then, all of a sudden she was just so angry. I went to go get drinks, but I was only gone for a few minutes" he stopped talking for a moment. "Wait a minute. I just remembered something," said Harry
*^*FLASHBACK*^*
Harry and Ginny were sitting at the table, taking a break from dancing. Harry was in conversation with Dean Thomas about Quidditch and Ginny looked kind of bored, so when Ron came up to her and asked for a dance with her sister she accepted "You don't mind do you Harry?" she asked him "Sure Ginny, have fun" Harry replied. Ginny and Ron danced for a few songs and then they returned. Harry barely noticed him though. "Come on Gin, lets dance some more" said Harry
*^*END FLASHBACK*^*
"It was Ron!" said Harry "I'd almost forgotten about that" Harry continued "He must have said something to her, but I still don't understand what!"
"I mean, because after that, she was fine, it was only after I went and got drinks that she became angry" he finished
"It doesn't make any sense," Hermione agreed. Draco nodded "We need more information, but I do believe that Ron let her in on our little secret, but how did he know in the first place?" Draco asked
"I don't know" said Harry ", but I think that Pansy Parkinson knew as well. She was asking me about why I took Ginny while I was at the drink table. She seemed like she knew something I didn't"
"Maybe, they are spying on us. I mean there are plenty of places to hide around Hogwarts," said Hermione
"Hmmmm..Things are getting so tense around here" said Harry "We have this mystery with Hermione, Ginny is going to join Voldemort, we have that mind link thing to worry about, and the blood ritual that caused it, and now we have to worry about spies!"
Just then someone stepped out of the shadows. "I couldn't help but hear your conversation, and I think I may have some of the missing pieces to the puzzle involving Ginny, b-but I don't understand it myself"
They all turned their heads to get a look at who was helping them. It was none other than Neville Longbottom.
"You know something Neville?" asked Hermione, excitedly "Could you tell us?" she asked him. He nodded his head and started tell his story.
*^*FLASHBACK*^*
Neville Longbottom didn't have a date for the ball, but he was content to sit around and watch the rest of the students enjoy themselves. He was sitting at a table that Ginny and Harry were at as well as Dean Thomas and his date. Right now Dean and Harry were talking about Quidditch and Ginny was sitting here looking bored.
Out of nowhere, a fourth year friend, of Ginny's walked up to him and asked him to dance. He said yes and they walked out to the dance floor. They were joined shortly afterwards by Ron and Ginny. The girl Neville was dancing with was talking a mile a minute and he wasn't very interested, so he listened to Ginny and Ron's conversation.
"I don't believe you Ron! Harry would never do that!" Ginny protested, but Ron just said "Pansy heard them, apparently they were spying on us that one day in the cave and heard us ask you if um-" he stopped "When you asked me if I wanted to join Voldemort?" Ginny asked him "Wait, I thought I put a memory charm on you" Ron said, indignantly. "It missed, so I faked it" Ron just chuckled at that. "Yeah, him, Hermione and Draco heard that conversation, so he knows you like him." Ginny gasped at this "But, but, oh gawd, I'm so embarrassed" she said. "Don't worry Ginny, I think he already knew"
"So, that still doesn't explain why they would set me up like this" Ginny continued, but Ron just said "Harry only asked you, because they figured he was the only thing keeping you from going dark. So they decided to have him lead you on"
Neville's eyes widened in shock **Ron is working for Voldemort? Ginny likes Harry? She might become a Death Eater too?** he thought to himself, in shock, but continued to listen
"I don't believe you Ron!" Ginny practically shouted back at him "Fine, then ask him yourself. The next time he asks you if you want a drink, say "Veritaseti" and if he lies about something, his eyes will turn yellow." Then he handed her an object, Neville couldn't tell what it was but he soon found out. "After the evening is over, and you need this just say "Activate" and it will transport you to me."
"Ron, I think this is a bit much," said Ginny, who was beginning to doubt Harry now. She would never tell Ron that, but she was planning on using that spell. Ron and Ginny talked a little more after that and left the dance floor. He watched Ginny as she sat down and then saw Harry ask her dance. Neville stayed on the dance floor and attempted some small talk with his dance partner, but in the end they both just decided to dance and not talk.
He watched as Ginny and Harry danced a bit, and then he watched Ginny sit down back at the table, and she and Ron talked for a bit. Then he watched Ginny get up and walk over to Harry, who was at the drink table. He watched in shock as she pulled out her wand and yellow light hit Harry in the back.
He continued dancing with his dance partner, never taking his eyes off Ginny and Harry who had a quick conversation, and then Ginny ran out of the Great Hall with Harry chasing after her.
*^*END FLASHBACK*^*
"So that's how she knew! That filthy bastard!" shouted Harry, talking about Ron "This is really bad!" said Hermione "I cant believe, both of them turned dark!" she started crying over the loss of two of her best friends. "It's starting to become like the old days," said Harry, thinking about a conversation from fourth year that he had with Sirius. "Tension is high, and it's getting to be where you don't know who to trust anymore." Harry commented. "We need to start casting silencing charms when we talk from now on" said Draco.
"Thanks for the help Neville, it was much appreciated" said Harry "Yes, thank you Neville" said Hermione, who kissed him on the cheek. Neville Blushed and then stuttered "I-it was no p-problem. I sh-should get to bed now. G-night" then he walked away.
"Well, this is just great!" said Harry sarcastically "Can we trust him?" asked Draco, indicating Neville. Harry nodded "I don't think he'd ever switch sides" Harry looked sad, after saying this "Why not?" asked Draco. "Its personal" was all that Harry would say, but Draco got the hint to not press any further.
Hermione looked at her watch and realized how late it was "Oh Goodness! We need to get to bed"
Harry yawned, "Yeah, we better hit the sack" Draco nodded and they all walked to the castle and went to their dormitories. Draco was reluctant to let Hermione go, but he did anyway because he knew he would see her the next day as he wouldn't be going home for the holidays and neither would she or Potter. "Night Hermione" said Draco, then paused "Night Potter" Harry just laughed a bit and said "Night Malfoy" Hermione smiled at her two friends and then gave Draco a chaste kiss on the lips.
*~(^)~*~(^)~*~(^)~*
Ginny Weasley didn't know where the portkey would take her, but when she landed on the ground and looked around her, she saw a beautifully furnished room, and she smiled. She felt that there was another presence in the room, and turned around to see someone she hadn't seen in a while.
"Good evening Virginia"
A/N: That's the end. I bet you know who it is! But guess anyways! Reviews are greatly appreciated.
Thank you so very much to all my reviewers. Even though I haven't listed all of your names, they are much appreciated.
**Stars mean thought**
Now, on with the fic!
It was the evening of the Christmas Ball, well actually the Ball was over, but three students were lingering around, looking downcast. They just so happened to be Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy. Harry had his head in his hands and was looking particularly pathetic.
Hermione looked totally disbelieving and all around upset. Draco Malfoy had an arm around her shoulders and was attempting to comfort her, but it was no use. "Ginny, you poor girl" she said out loud in a voice that was a little above a whisper.
Draco was the only one whose expression was unreadable. He had some inner turmoil going on though. Right now, he was the sensible one in the group so he asked them to tell exactly what happened, to find out what caused the events that had passed earlier.
"Well, Ginny was really excited about the Ball so she asked me if I wanted to get ready with her" said Hermione
*^*FLASHBACK*^*
"Hermione!" squealed Ginny from outside of Hermione's door. Hermione smiled and got up to open the door for her red headed friend. "Hello Ginny, what are you doing here?" Hermione asked her, and then continued with "Don't you have to get ready for the Ball? It starts in a couple hours"
Ginny just nodded "I thought it would be fun to get ready together!" her face was turned up into a gigantic smile and anyone could tell she was practically ready to burst with excitement. Hermione must have realized that Ginny was still standing outside her room, because she gestured for her to come inside "Oh, how rude of me! Please, come in"
She opened the door wide enough for Ginny to enter, which she did, and Hermione saw Ginny's gown, which was beautiful, in her opinion. "Oh, gosh Gin!" Hermione exclaimed, and for a moment she wasn't a mature young adult, she was a giggling teenager. She quickly controlled herself though and said "That's a lovely gown."
"Really?" Ginny asked her "Oh, thanks, I sure hope Harry likes it. I've been waiting for years for him to notice me and now he finally has!" She sighed and dramatically fell back onto Hermione's bed. She conveniently missed Hermione's guilty expression.
"I'm sure Harry will love it", said Hermione
*^*END FLASHBACK*^*
Harry looked even worse by now, and he said, "I feel so awful". Hermione nodded along with him. "Don't blame yourself Harry, it wasn't supposed to go down like that," Hermione said in an attempt to comfort him
"Its not your fault Potter, what were u supposed to do, stay with her for the rest of your life, just so she wouldn't join Voldemort!?" asked Draco, being more realistic
"I suppose not, but I still feel responsible" Harry replied
"How did she find out anyway?" asked Hermione, directing her question towards Harry, who shrugged
*^*FLASHBACK*^*
On the dance floor, Draco and Hermione are dancing with each other to a slow song, not really paying attention to anything else.
"I'm really glad you asked me to be your date for the evening" Draco said staring at Hermione as they swayed back and forth. Hermione blushed and just replied with "As am I" then she leaned her head on Draco's shoulder.
Draco loved every minute of the closeness. He had a rare smile on his face as he stroked her hair. Hermione was content in his arms and almost closed her eyes, wanting the moment to last for a long long time. That's when she saw Ginny and Harry dancing. She raised her head slightly and sent a smile over to them and gave a small wave. Ginny smiled and waved back. Harry didn't look like he was having as much fun as Ginny, but he didn't look like he was having a bad time either.
Hermione sighed and placed her head on Draco's shoulder once more. "You look lovely tonight, Granger" Hermione looked up at him, with a puzzled expression. Draco shrugged his shoulders "I know your name is Hermione, sometimes Granger is appropriate. Like a pet name or something" he didn't know what to say, because Hermione had a smile on her face and was just gazing up at him "What?" he asked almost defensively.
"Nothing" Hermione replied with "You're kind of cute, when you want to be, ~Malfoy~" she said with a small chuckle. "What are you talking about?" he asked scandalized, then continued with in an amused voice "I'm always cute" They both laughed at that and continued dancing around with one another.
A fast beat song came on and they reluctantly released their grip on one another from the previous slow song. Draco turned to check on Harry for a moment, and was just in time to see the Ginny running out of the Great Hall and Harry chasing after her.
They stopped dancing and ran over to where they saw Ginny and Harry exit and left the dance to follow them.
When they finally found them, Ginny was yelling at Harry "Some Hero you are. They should call you The-Boy-Who-Doesn't-Give-A-Damn-About-Others!" she was starting to tear up and then continued with "Things didn't have to be this way, but I'm tired of being left out of everything! I'm tired of being the quiet one. I'm tired of being poor, and I'm tired of being in love with you! I quit! I bloody quit! The next time we meet, we'll be enemies, Potter!" then she pulled out an object and said, "I didn't think I'd be needing this, but I guess I was wrong. She whispered "Activate" just loud enough for them to hear and then she was gone.
*^*END FLASHBACK*^*
"That's how I remember it happening" said Hermione who turned to Draco and waited for his nod of approval. "Me as well" he agreed, distractedly "But I remember something else happened too. I just can't think of what" he rubbed his head a moment, sighing in frustration. "What about you Harry, you haven't told us exactly what happened, just that you didn't know what happened" Hermione urged him. "Well, I guess it happened like this.."
*^*FLASHBACK*^*
Harry and Ginny were dancing to a fast song, and chatting kind of nervously. Harry didn't know what to say because he didn't want to blow it, and Ginny didn't know what to say, because it was Harry Potter, her long time crush. She didn't want to mess up her chances.
All of a sudden, a slow song came on, and Harry awkwardly put his arms around her and they began to sway back and forth. "So, Ginny, you look pretty tonight," Harry said, in an offhand sort of voice. Ginny didn't seam to notice though, and beamed with happiness "Thanks! You look really handsome," she returned with her own compliment. Harry's cheeks tinted a pinkish color.
"Listen Ginny, I wanted to apologize for giving you the brush off the other day in Hogsmeade. Hermione had business to attend to and we were running late," Harry said to Ginny, who looked up in confusion. "Business? Well, how come Ron wasn't with you?" Harry's face darkened at the mention of Ron, and Ginny noticed. "Are you guys in a fight again?" she asked. "You could say that I guess" Harry replied, not wanting to upset Ginny by insulting her brother. Ginny and Harry moved around the Great Hall and noticed Hermione waving. Ginny waved back excitedly and soon the song was over.
"Say, do you want something to drink?" Harry asked Ginny "Cause I'm parched" Ginny nodded her head, and walked over to the table she was sharing with Harry.
Harry walked over to where the drinks were and ran into Pansy Parkinson "Hello Potter" she said in a mock friendly voice "Got a date with the Weasel I see" she commented "What made you ask her?" she asked him. "No reason that concerns you. I don't see what business it is of yours Parkinson" he replied back, "Now if you'll excuse me I have a date to attend to."
Harry turned around and was face to face with a pissed off Ginny Weasley "Harry, I'm going to ask you this once. Why did you ask me to the ball?" her face was red, and she looked like she was furious. Harry shifted guiltily "Because I wanted to" he answered her. "Don't you bloody lie to me Harry! I know the real reason," she said to him.
"What are you talking about Gin?" Harry asked, feigning ignorance. "Don't play dumb with me, this, you set it up with Hermione and Draco, as a plan or something. Well, I know all about it, and I hate you!"
"Ginny, wait! I don't know who told you that, but they're wrong." Harry felt guilty for lying, but he couldn't risk Ginny going over to the dark side. "Stop!" and then she ran out of the Hall. Harry set down the drinks and chased after her.
"Ginny! Ginny! Wait!" Harry yelled after her. By now they were outside in a courtyard and Ginny was fiddling with her robes looking for something. "Why would you think this was a set up?" Harry asked her "Because this is just too good to be true! I should have known you would never see me for who I am, but just someone you can't risk losing for the damn light side! Here comes Harry Potter, Savior of the Wizarding World! Sure you save people, but at what cost, Harry?" Ginny asked him, angrily "You saved the world before, but at what cost, your parents, what about last year, who was the one to pay the price then? Cedric Diggory! And that's not even it Harry, you harm more people than you realize with emotional damage. But that's right, you're Harry Bloody Potter, the Golden Boy in everyone's eyes. You can do no wrong! Well, I'm sick of it!"
"I hate that you can make me feel this way!" she said to him, shaking with rage "Well, no more! I'm tired of the Boy-Who-Just-Wont-Die" she spat at him. Just then Draco and Hermione ran outside.
*^*END FLASHBACK*^*
"That's about when you guys came outside," said Harry. "She's right. I do great things, but its always others who have to pay the price, no matter how hard I try" he laughed sardonically and looked defeated for a moment. "Harry, you know that's not true. Ginny's emotions were running high!" Hermione reasoned with him. Then Draco, who had remained quiet for most of the evening agreed with her "They're trying to break you" he said "I don't know how Ginny found out, but I watch people, that's not how Ginny acts. She must have been persuaded, that along with feeling bad about being tricked, probably triggered her anger" Draco said, then continued with "The part that stumps me is, how did she find out" said Draco. "Yeah, that's what gets me, I was with her all evening and she was fine then, all of a sudden she was just so angry. I went to go get drinks, but I was only gone for a few minutes" he stopped talking for a moment. "Wait a minute. I just remembered something," said Harry
*^*FLASHBACK*^*
Harry and Ginny were sitting at the table, taking a break from dancing. Harry was in conversation with Dean Thomas about Quidditch and Ginny looked kind of bored, so when Ron came up to her and asked for a dance with her sister she accepted "You don't mind do you Harry?" she asked him "Sure Ginny, have fun" Harry replied. Ginny and Ron danced for a few songs and then they returned. Harry barely noticed him though. "Come on Gin, lets dance some more" said Harry
*^*END FLASHBACK*^*
"It was Ron!" said Harry "I'd almost forgotten about that" Harry continued "He must have said something to her, but I still don't understand what!"
"I mean, because after that, she was fine, it was only after I went and got drinks that she became angry" he finished
"It doesn't make any sense," Hermione agreed. Draco nodded "We need more information, but I do believe that Ron let her in on our little secret, but how did he know in the first place?" Draco asked
"I don't know" said Harry ", but I think that Pansy Parkinson knew as well. She was asking me about why I took Ginny while I was at the drink table. She seemed like she knew something I didn't"
"Maybe, they are spying on us. I mean there are plenty of places to hide around Hogwarts," said Hermione
"Hmmmm..Things are getting so tense around here" said Harry "We have this mystery with Hermione, Ginny is going to join Voldemort, we have that mind link thing to worry about, and the blood ritual that caused it, and now we have to worry about spies!"
Just then someone stepped out of the shadows. "I couldn't help but hear your conversation, and I think I may have some of the missing pieces to the puzzle involving Ginny, b-but I don't understand it myself"
They all turned their heads to get a look at who was helping them. It was none other than Neville Longbottom.
"You know something Neville?" asked Hermione, excitedly "Could you tell us?" she asked him. He nodded his head and started tell his story.
*^*FLASHBACK*^*
Neville Longbottom didn't have a date for the ball, but he was content to sit around and watch the rest of the students enjoy themselves. He was sitting at a table that Ginny and Harry were at as well as Dean Thomas and his date. Right now Dean and Harry were talking about Quidditch and Ginny was sitting here looking bored.
Out of nowhere, a fourth year friend, of Ginny's walked up to him and asked him to dance. He said yes and they walked out to the dance floor. They were joined shortly afterwards by Ron and Ginny. The girl Neville was dancing with was talking a mile a minute and he wasn't very interested, so he listened to Ginny and Ron's conversation.
"I don't believe you Ron! Harry would never do that!" Ginny protested, but Ron just said "Pansy heard them, apparently they were spying on us that one day in the cave and heard us ask you if um-" he stopped "When you asked me if I wanted to join Voldemort?" Ginny asked him "Wait, I thought I put a memory charm on you" Ron said, indignantly. "It missed, so I faked it" Ron just chuckled at that. "Yeah, him, Hermione and Draco heard that conversation, so he knows you like him." Ginny gasped at this "But, but, oh gawd, I'm so embarrassed" she said. "Don't worry Ginny, I think he already knew"
"So, that still doesn't explain why they would set me up like this" Ginny continued, but Ron just said "Harry only asked you, because they figured he was the only thing keeping you from going dark. So they decided to have him lead you on"
Neville's eyes widened in shock **Ron is working for Voldemort? Ginny likes Harry? She might become a Death Eater too?** he thought to himself, in shock, but continued to listen
"I don't believe you Ron!" Ginny practically shouted back at him "Fine, then ask him yourself. The next time he asks you if you want a drink, say "Veritaseti" and if he lies about something, his eyes will turn yellow." Then he handed her an object, Neville couldn't tell what it was but he soon found out. "After the evening is over, and you need this just say "Activate" and it will transport you to me."
"Ron, I think this is a bit much," said Ginny, who was beginning to doubt Harry now. She would never tell Ron that, but she was planning on using that spell. Ron and Ginny talked a little more after that and left the dance floor. He watched Ginny as she sat down and then saw Harry ask her dance. Neville stayed on the dance floor and attempted some small talk with his dance partner, but in the end they both just decided to dance and not talk.
He watched as Ginny and Harry danced a bit, and then he watched Ginny sit down back at the table, and she and Ron talked for a bit. Then he watched Ginny get up and walk over to Harry, who was at the drink table. He watched in shock as she pulled out her wand and yellow light hit Harry in the back.
He continued dancing with his dance partner, never taking his eyes off Ginny and Harry who had a quick conversation, and then Ginny ran out of the Great Hall with Harry chasing after her.
*^*END FLASHBACK*^*
"So that's how she knew! That filthy bastard!" shouted Harry, talking about Ron "This is really bad!" said Hermione "I cant believe, both of them turned dark!" she started crying over the loss of two of her best friends. "It's starting to become like the old days," said Harry, thinking about a conversation from fourth year that he had with Sirius. "Tension is high, and it's getting to be where you don't know who to trust anymore." Harry commented. "We need to start casting silencing charms when we talk from now on" said Draco.
"Thanks for the help Neville, it was much appreciated" said Harry "Yes, thank you Neville" said Hermione, who kissed him on the cheek. Neville Blushed and then stuttered "I-it was no p-problem. I sh-should get to bed now. G-night" then he walked away.
"Well, this is just great!" said Harry sarcastically "Can we trust him?" asked Draco, indicating Neville. Harry nodded "I don't think he'd ever switch sides" Harry looked sad, after saying this "Why not?" asked Draco. "Its personal" was all that Harry would say, but Draco got the hint to not press any further.
Hermione looked at her watch and realized how late it was "Oh Goodness! We need to get to bed"
Harry yawned, "Yeah, we better hit the sack" Draco nodded and they all walked to the castle and went to their dormitories. Draco was reluctant to let Hermione go, but he did anyway because he knew he would see her the next day as he wouldn't be going home for the holidays and neither would she or Potter. "Night Hermione" said Draco, then paused "Night Potter" Harry just laughed a bit and said "Night Malfoy" Hermione smiled at her two friends and then gave Draco a chaste kiss on the lips.
*~(^)~*~(^)~*~(^)~*
Ginny Weasley didn't know where the portkey would take her, but when she landed on the ground and looked around her, she saw a beautifully furnished room, and she smiled. She felt that there was another presence in the room, and turned around to see someone she hadn't seen in a while.
"Good evening Virginia"
A/N: That's the end. I bet you know who it is! But guess anyways! Reviews are greatly appreciated.
