Chapter 29

            I'm sorry for all the pain I've caused him, and I would want to take it back, but I can't. I can't because in a way, the pain I've caused awaken the darkness in him, which is necessary for my plan now.

            My plans? I wont give them away just yet. You'll have to be a little more patient.

            "Now, things got complicated at the Annual that the Ministry held. I realized that you and Draco were together. And I noticed that there was a change in Draco that I really did not like. In fact, the change was because of you. I loathed and abhorred you for it. I scorned the changed. Do you know why?

            I'll tell you this: It was in my plan to fully awaken Draco to the darkness, to finally pull him into it. Being the ruler of the Deatheaters, he must be clothed in the dark. He must be a Child of Darkness. In a way I am the Darkness. The Darkness that ended his old life and gave him his darkened life. 

            But then, you came along, which made it harder for me to fully make him accept what his fate was.

            You brought him out of his misery, the darkness and the hate. You are the Light. You started to bring back his old ways that he never showed to anyone in Hogwarts.

Yes, I bet everyone in Hogwarts thought that he was a prat, a git, and a loathsome person to be with. You people just never realized before that he was actually hiding his other self from all of you. It was expected of him, being the only child and son of a Deatheater.

You were starting to interfere. It was like a game of tug of war. Whenever he tried to fight you because he remembered me, I would gain an inch or so. But when you made him happy, you would pull him back again.

It was utterly aggravating!

I realized that I was not going to get anywhere in this little Tug of War game. I had to do something drastic. That's when I kidnapped you.

Do you understand everything now?"

Callysta fell silent as she finished her explanation.

"I understand," Ginny nodded her head. "I just don't see why you have to do this,"

"Ginny, you don't understand entirely because I haven't told you my plan yet…well at least not all of it. I have to reasons you see, but I wont spoil the surprised just yet,"

*                                                           *                                                           *

The scene faded and disappeared and the lights that had formed it trickled back into the Core Lantern in Draco's hand.

           

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            Harry continued to stare openly at Draco.

            Draco clenched his hand that still held the Core Lantern. He was shaking. Callysta was waiting for him---and so was Ginny. What was he to do? After all he had seen and heard, why was he still acting this way? Didn't he want to come to her rescue?
            All he wanted to do was scoop Ginny in his arms and fiercely hug her.

            But what was stopping him?

            Callysta?
            Was he scared of her?

            What's there to be scared of? You've beaten her already, a lot of times in fact! You'll always be better than she'll ever hope to be.

            Maybe it's because I don't want to hurt her…and be hurt at the same time.

           

            Harry shook his head and approached Draco with caution. He didn't now what to make of his rival's attitude. One minute he's his old sneering-contemptuous and loathsome self. Then the next he'd be all quiet and strange.

            The change of attitudes was making him dizzy with worry.

            But he didn't have the time for that now,

            Ginny's life was at stake…and so was Valerie's---Callysta's...

            Yes, Harry wanted to save Callysta as well, he felt that she was a danger to herself. She needed to move on. She had to let it go.      

           

           "Get a grip, Malfoy," Harry muttered as he stood beside him. "We haven't got time to lose,"

            "You go," was the sullen youth's reply.

            Harry was livid with rage. "What!" he gripped Draco by the collar of his shirt. "What do you mean that I go?" he shook him hard.

            Draco's face was calm. "What didn't you understand from those two simple words? Would you want me to reiterate it?"

            Harry shouted as he lifted Malfoy a few inches from the floor. "Damn you! Don't you care at all? You have the answers! You know everything! What else do you need?" Harry threw Draco a few feet away from him.

            Draco landed on his back with a thud. He didn't get up. He just stared at the ceiling as Harry continued to shout at him forcefully.

            He could now see Harry standing above him, his face red, suffused with anger.

            "You bastard don't you care about anything but yourself? You're shameless! You'd let a woman die! You'd let Ginny die! I thought you cared about her!"

            Yes, I am a selfish bastard. She told me so herself. I can either be very possessive or I can be just the opposite: cold and un-wanting. If I can't have it, then I'd rather die. Yes, I do care about her, but I can't think straight at the moment.

            "Why are you just lying there? Are you scared? Scared of Callysta?" Harry shook his head disgusted with Draco. "Alright, have it you way. I'm going there by myself." He stormed out of the room and the house, all the while thinking of a way to capture the remaining Deatheaters, without them realizing that they were ambushed. He'd have to alert the Ministry.

            Scared? Probably. But what specifically? Callysta? Why would I be if I'm much stronger than her?

            I don't know anymore.

            He continued to stare at the ceiling, not really looking at it, rather he was looking through it. All he could hear was the slamming of a door and Harry's voice ringing and echoing in his ears and head.

            It made him mad.

            He kept clenching and unclenching his hands, wanting to desperately hit something. He got up in one fluid motion and charged at the wall, his fist sticking out to punch it.

            If there was pain, he didn't feel it. All he could see was the blood trickling from his knuckles. The blood trickled down his hand and his arm to fall unto the carpet, matting it with his blood.

            The redness of the blood contrasted horrible with the green of his carpet.

            He watched as the blood spread and then slowly, the distasteful sight vanished. The red gradually settled among the green and mixed in with it, making the color a more pronounced shade. It wasn't ugly---it was beautiful. It looked like velvet.

            He continued to stare at his brand new carpet. His fit was still glued to the wall. He leaned his head against it and still continued to look on.

            The fire hissed and spit as it slowly died away. The grandfather clock chimed loudly just below.

            Draco's fist slid down the wall and back to his side as he crouched down to examine the carpet. He used his bloodied fist to touch the carpet.

            He started shaking uncontrollably.

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            Harry stormed in the Ministry of Magic, a scowl on his handsome features as he alerted the staff on Aurors.

            If he was going to smoke out all the Deatheaters, he needed back up.

            But then he couldn't have them just infiltrate the hideout. They needed to stay above ground.

            When Harry gave the signal, they would be ready to capture all of them as they tried to escape.

            His plan was very good.

            There were only two tings he worried about:

            One, Ginny's welfare. Two, when was Malfoy going to snap out his senses and help him?

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            Ginny fell asleep after a few minutes Callysta finished her explanation and left her to rest. Despite the atmosphere and the uncomfortable position she was in, she was able to sleep soundly.

            Callysta still kept her plans a secret.

            Ginny only had her Core Lantern to comfort her, she had hoped before she fell asleep that Callysta wouldn't notice the Core Lantern. It would make the situation worse. Knowing how the woman would react, she'd go hysterical and try to break it. She'd ask all these questions to know how it works. And if she didn't answer…then that would be the end for her.

            Callysta smiled as she sat upon her throne and surveyed her fellow Deatheaters.

            Soon, he will be here. Then finally I triumph! Finally the Darkness triumphs!

            She crossed her legs, the whisper of her robe sounding erotic to the ears. Her smile was cruel as she her fingers made a steeple.

            She could see a group of Deatheaters whispering excitedly among themselves. They all pointed to one and shoved him forward to her.

            She smiled as the Deatheater kneeled and bowed his head low as he greeted her. "My Lady,"

            She nodded to show her acknowledgement.

            "If I may be so bold to ask, when will the Chosen One come? We grow restless at his arrival,"

            "Rise," she snapped her fingers. She smiled again to show that his manners pleased her.

            His heart fluttered at the smile of their leader. They all loved her.

            "Well, you wont have to wait much longer. He'll be here, this day wont pass without him coming."  She made a motion to stand up.

            The Deatheater closest to her took her hand and helped her stand. He knelt beside her once again.

            She patted him on the head. She spread her arms to all of them to command silence. "My fellow Deatheaters! Rest assured that he will be here. The Chose One will come. When he comes, do not lay a finger on him, do not harm him. It would be to my accord that you do not speak with him.

            "You will lead him to the throne room, make sure he doesn't go anywhere, especially to where my captive is held."

            Everyone nodded his or her heads in unison.

            "Good," An evilness settled about her as she threw her head back and started to laugh and laugh.

            Other Deatheaters stared at their leader, chills running up and down their spine. Others smiled to themselves, while the rest laughed along with her.

            They couldn't wait for the arrival of the Chosen One. If he really was as good as their mistress was telling them, then they would surely triumph.

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            Harry had informed the Ministry of the past happenings.

            He told them to remain above until he had given the signal, though it wouldn't do any good if Harry brought all of them there in one go. Surely the Deatheaters would suspect something and the entire thing wouldn't go as planned.

            They'd have to apparate the moment Harry gives them the signal by wand.

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            Ginny opened her eyes to the commotion just outside the chamber she was kept in. It was dark once again which added to her frustration. Unfortunately, her hands were still bound.

She could hear the Deatheaters getting excite about it and she had to wonder what.

            She sat up, her eyes wide as a thought came to her.

            Draco! What if it was Draco? Oh gods!

            She put her back against the wall and pushed against it so that she could get balance while she stood up. She was shaky on her feet; she had cramps and had to stamp her feet to get some blood circulating into her legs. She then took a step forward, then another step until she was just beside the door.

            Damn! There wasn't anything that would give her access to out of her predicament.

            It was driving her to the brink of madness that she could just hear the roar of Deatheaters just outside this door.

            Her wand! Where was her wand? Did she leave it at home? Or did Callysta take it from her? Oh gods! How can she be so stupid not to have her wand?

            She felt like crying, and she hated herself for it. Crying wasn't going to do her any good at the moment.

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            This wasn't what she expected.
            To hear her Deatheaters say that there was someone descending to their lair made her heart beat wildly in her chest.

            But when silence reigned over them, her anxiety grew worse.

            Suddenly, her Deatheaters became furious and rushed towards the entrance to do harm to whoever was about to enter.

            Somehow, her command to them a while ago wasn't working. Dare they disobey her?

            But then, why would they act this way towards the Chosen One? Surely, the would recognize him for who he really is…unless…

            She jumped out of her throne and made a way for herself by levitating people off the ground and throwing them against the walls. She was almost near when the rest of the Deatheaters noticed her and parted to let her pass.

            "Why do you disobey me, insolent fools!" she snapped at them as she pushed a Deatheater that was covering the entrance. She peered up the stairs and into darkness, waiting for the Chosen One to arrive. She could hear the footsteps echoing loudly on the stone steps.

            She held her breath as she saw a dark figure take shape as it neared her.

            Who she saw almost made her faint.

            A pair of blazing emerald eyes met hers evenly as he stood before her, their noses barely touching as he continued to gaze at her.

            "Harry, what are you doing here?"

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            Ginny was pacing back and forth her little prison cell.

            Not knowing what was happening was killing her. She heard the noise, and then now, eerie silence took its place.

            What was going on?

            Was Draco already here?

            Were they already talking and fighting?

            Suddenly, the door opened and she ran forward before the door could close again. The Deatheater, who opened the door, grabbed her by the back of her neck and marched her forward amongst the other Deatheaters.

            She tried to look around despite the force on her neck. Every she looked, Deatheaters surrounded her, glaring, hissing and frowning at her. She shivered inwardly.

            She could see a rise in front of her, some steps leading to some sort of throne, but no one was sitting on it.

            When they had reached the throne, the Deatheater muttered something in audible to her and the throne slid back to show another chamber.

            Before Ginny could say anything, the Deatheater shoved her forward into the darkness.

            The throne slid back into place, the sound of cement grinding across the stone made her panic. She tried to run back to it, to try and stop it, but it was useless. It was once again pitched black.

            Great! Just great! I get excite for nothing!

            Suddenly, the lights came on and she found herself in a hallway. The hallway just kept going straight and she guessed the only thing she could do was follow it.

            He steps echoes on the stone walls which upon torches were lit, The flames dances eerily as they cast shadows across the floor and the opposite walls. She could vaguely hear the voices anymore.

            She stopped in front of a door. She took a deep breath in order to calm her pounding heart. She gripped her Core Lantern through her shirt and shut her eyes tight.

            Please Apollo, don't let anything bad happen.

            Cool, calming forces washed upon her as she finished her plead to the god.

            Thank you, she whispered.

            She didn't receive an answer, even though she knew she wasn't going to get one.

            She took another breath and pushed the door forward to enter the room.

            "Ginny, glad that you could finally make it. How are you feeling?" Callysta smiled at her captive as she entered the chamber.

            "Just fine, though I doubt that you really care," Ginny replied as she stood by the door.

            Callysta shrugged. "It seems something happened---not exactly what I was expecting, but I guess it's a rather nice surprise," she gestured to the wall where someone was lying unconsciously.

            Ginny cautiously moved closer to the wall and gasped as she realized whom it was.

"Harry! What have you done to him?" she cried out as she gathered Harry into her arms. She glared at Callysta as she rocked back and forth on the floor as she held Harry.

            "I didn't hurt him, no one did." She assured Ginny. "I just administered the same technique on him as I did you, he's just merely sleeping."

            Ginny didn't say anything. Why was Harry here? She knew that he wasn't the one that Callysta had intended to come. Was Harry planning an attack or something? Didn't he know that he was outnumbered?

            Harry, you're so stupid! Ginny blinked back tears that were already forming. You shouldn't have come. We're both dead now.

            Harry woke up to warm arms around him and the drop of tears on his face. "Hey Ginny, I'm not dead yet," his voice hoarse as he lifted a hand to her face.

            "Harry!" she gasped as she squeezed him tight.

            Harry laughed. "Don't let go or else you might actually kill me,"

            Ginny sniffled as she loosed her grip on him.

            Then his face became serious. He got out of Ginny's grasp and faced Callysta. "I know everything that you've been up to, all your secrets and what you've been planning."

            Callysta pretended to looked surprised. "Oh really? Just how did you figure that out Mr. Potter?"

            Harry crossed his arms over his chest and pretended to be calm and nonchalant. "Ginny told me,"

            Callysta's eyes grew big as her looks darted between Harry and Ginny. "How could she? She just heard my explanation just a while ago, how could she have told you?"

            Harry tapped the side of his head and flashed her a grin that sent Callysta screaming into a rage.

            "Why you!" before Harry and Ginny had a chance to react, Callysta had pulled out her wand and aimed it at Ginny. "Crucio!" her shriek filled the entire space, making Harry shiver.

            Ginny let out her own shriek as she writhed on the floor in pain. The pain was white hot and searing as it ravaged her body. She could feel her bones being broken and her muscles being stretched apart. She continued to yell, her breath coming out in short bursts of intolerable pain.

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            Draco gripped his head in pain as fire consumed his body. Flashes of pain ripped through him as he struggled against it.

            He could hear her screaming. Her distress and agony was forcing him to his knees. Someone had used to Cruciatus curse on her. He could only guess whom: Callysta,

 It's either she was mad or luring him to come to her now.

            It had been a whole hour since he had been staring at her blood on his carpet. He was till mesmerized by it, that he was ignorant of the thought that was forming in his mind. This thought had the answers to his questions. In a way, the blood was the one that gave way to the thought.

            The pain receded.

            What was he doing here?

            Suddenly it all became clear to him!

            The blood that had just washed upon the carpet!

            In a way, it was like Ginny washing over him! She was taking over him little by little, seeping through his entire system. He hated it at first. It looked so strange and unpalatable that she was with him. But as time passed, it was actually good. The outcome turned out to be beautiful, though the pattern that they had weaved was complicated.

            It was inevitable; she was part of him. Bound together because they were Soulmates. What could Callysta do about it? She could kill them and it still wouldn't matter because he and Ginny would still be together even after this life.

            But why did he hold back a while ago?

            Yes, it was because he couldn't face his past. He was still scared.           

            But Ginny was with him now. She gave him the strength and the courage to go on.

            Without her, he would still be in the rut, still be in the dark void that Callysta had caused. He didn't want a part of Callysta, he wanted to leave her and be with his new hope: Ginny.

            Draco stood up and checked himself if he had his wand. He did.

            He knew where to go; he knew what he had to do.

            Draco left his house, walking against the winds that howled and pushed at him.

            No one was going to defy him. He will get what he wants. No one was going to stop him.

Not even his past. He only knew one thing.

            Ginny was all that mattered now.

            He finally reached his destination. Stopping before the broken-down building and coldly staring at it. Nothing scared him. He tossed his head back and let out a contemptuous laugh, a smirk lighting his face as he entered the building.

            The winds continued their eerie serenade as the dark clouds rolled over the sky to block out the sun. Leaves danced with the wind, whispering an ominous hymn as distant thunder joined in this mysterious play.

…