A/N: Yes, I am a very bad author, whose life suddenly got very full. I humbly apologized for having not written or reviewed for anyone else's stories in far too long. I am reading, and I have loved everything I've read as usual. And now, I hope you all enjoy.
Chapter 7: Welcome to Hell
Minerva walked through the empty halls of Hogwarts, fear filling her. Ginny was by her side and they explored together, both having agreed that something was very wrong. They were about to enter the Great Hall, when a voice called them from behind. "Minnie!"
Minerva stiffened and drew a sharp breath. She turned slowly and Ginny observed the pained look on her pale face and the tears glittering in her dark eyes. The younger witch glanced at the boy who had spoken. He had warm blue eyes, flaming red hair, and slightly shabby school robes. "Malcolm."
He grinned as he ran over to her and kissed her lips gently. "What's wrong Minnie? You look like you've seen a ghost." She shook her head and launched herself into his arms, hugging him close. "Hey, Minnie. Relax." Then he noticed Ginny. "Who's that?"
McGonagall wiped her eyes and pushed Ginny forward. "Ginny. Ginny, this is Malcolm Weasley."
Ginny gaped at her father's eldest brother. She had never met him before, he had died fighting Grindelwald. Malcolm held out his hand and shot a cocky grin to Minerva as she shook it. "Bit odd isn't she love?"
"We weren't expecting to see you here."
"Nor should you be here." Came another cold voice from the doorway behind them. "Move along Weasley." The voice sneered. "McGonagall and I have official business to discuss."
Malcolm glared over their heads. "Oh really?" He planted his feet and tensed, the way Ron did right before he planned to fight with Draco.
"Minerva…."
"It's alright Malcolm." McGonagall whispered. Her voice shook a bit as she spoke and she tightened her grip on Ginny's hand, but she seemed almost calm. "He's right. Riddle and I have something we need to talk about. I'll…I'll see you later tonight sweetheart."
That seemed to placate him. Malcolm kissed her cheek and said goodbye to Ginny. She waved silently and he walked away, throwing one last glare to Riddle over his shoulder.
Minerva watched him go, unwilling to take her eyes of him. Finally, when he had disappeared she turned. Tom Riddle was lounging in the entrance to the Great Hall, fingering his wand casually. "Wise decision Minnie." Then he flicked his cold grey eyes to Ginny, who shied closer to her professor as he studied her. "And Ms. Ginny Weasley…how wonderful to have you both here. I need some books from the library. I trust you'll be alright to get them Minerva?"
"N…no." She defied him shakily.
"No?" Riddle raised an eyebrow and an angry stormy look came over his face. He pointed his wand at her and she shook, although she held her head up high.
"Is there a problem here Mr. Riddle?" Tom looked over their shoulders and lowered his wand with a scowl. Dumbledore stared at him stonily.
"Of course not Professor." He smiled. "Until later Minerva. Ginny." Then he swept off down the hallway.
As soon as he left Minerva whirled around, hope filling her heart. But it was dashed immediately. There, in front of her was Professor Dumbledore, watching her with concern, looking just as he had in her seventh year, auburn hair and all. "Are you alright Ms. McGonagall?"
"Yes sir." She managed to choke out. "But…professor…may I…may I have a pass to the restricted section?" He looked surprised. "I…wanted to do some research on poltergeists."
He smiled and quickly scratched out the note on one of the parchments in his hand. "Hoping to find a way to get rid of Peeves Minerva?"
"Or at least keep him out of my stuff sir."
Dumbledore handed her the note with a wink. "Well I wish you luck my dear."
She slipped the note into her pockets. "Why did you do that?" Ginny hissed after they were left alone. "You're going to go get those books aren't you? Why?"
"Have you ever been hit with the cruciatus Ginny?" Ginny shook her head. "Then you can't understand. There is too much hanging over my head not to." Without another word the professor swept off toward the library, leaving Ginny to run after her.
