Author's Note

            Dear Readers,

            I would just like to inform you that the bit where Draco is talking about life being pointless and dangerous is taken from Harper Lee's essay "Love-In Other Words". And Draco's ranting of the heart…I have been recently reading Julie Garwood's books and I have to admit that I am starting to love her books. Her writing now inspires most of the romantic talk you've seen.

                                                                                                            Evening Raine Star

Chapter 30

            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.

…

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            Ginny continued to writhe in pain as Callysta kept a firm grip on her wand, making jabbing motions with it towards Ginny. The jabs didn't actually touch Ginny, but the thought and the spell were there. With each jab Callysta made, Ginny howled uncontrollably.

            And with each jab the witch made, her face grew more evil, her laugh more maniacal and her jabs more dangerous.

            Harry forgot himself only for the briefest of moments as he watched stunned. Could he use an Unforgivable against Callysta? What kind of question is that! He was an Auror! He would be breaking the rules and it would be a huge embarrassment and demerit if he ever used one! He was ashamed of even thinking to use one!

            Harry lunged forward to knock Callysta off her feet, aiming to make her lose her wand. She let out a shriek as she toppled to the ground---unfortunately, she still had her wand. Ginny's gasps and screams were halted, but Harry knew it would only be temporary.

            Harry didn't dare look at Ginny for he might lose his concentration on Callysta, who was struggling beneath him. He was gripping her by her wrists and pinning her against the cold, stone floor, trapping her between him and the ground. "Damn it Callysta! Quit your moving or else I'd really have to hurt you!'

            His eyes bore into her own as her struggling ceased.

            Callysta found herself staring into raging emerald seas. An ocean of emotions played across those darkening green orbs. She took in a breath, trying to keep it as low as possible so as not to make contact with him.

            Harry Potter…What is he? The Boy Who Lived…what are you to me?

            She felt her chest tightening as these thoughts coursed through her mind. She was belligerent about how she was feeling now. Now was not the time to be thinking of needs of the heart. She shouldn't be worrying about Harry Potter! Especially not Harry Potter!

            But you like him…No I don't! Stop contradicting yourself! You don't like him---You love him! Stop this nonsense! No I cant! I can't just throw away everything I've planned for!

            ….

            It's your choice. Whatever you decide on, you'll have to live with yourself for the act.

            Harry knew something was happening to Callysta, she had softened and gone rigid. He had to wonder if she was about to combust. And so what if she did combust? Would he still hold on to her and let her consume him in flames?

            He didn't know how he felt about her anymore. He didn't know if he loved her…love was such a strong word…so was hate. Love and Hate weren't at all far from each other. One little thing can send one to cross the border to either one of the two. He loved her for who she was: Valerie. Could he blame her for her past? Was in his right to do such a thing? He had hoped that maybe there was something in her that would bring him back to life.

            But then, realization struck. She wasn't Valerie. The Valerie he knew was sweet, full of good will, angelic and perfect. He never knew until just a few moments ago that it was all a lie. It seems that everything was a lie when it came to Callysta. He hated Callysta for this damnation that she had caused everyone. Was she willing to sacrifice her friends just so that she could carry out her plan?

            To sentence people to Cruciatus and other Unforgivable Curses was simply too much. What more, Callysta had used it on Ginny, who Harry loved the most in the world. He couldn't forgive such an underhand way. Using the Unforgivable Curses was impermissible.  

            Callysta saw how his eyes darkened even more as he gave her his full attention. She wouldn't give way to her feelings. It would make her vulnerable. Instead she settled on putting a sneer on her face as she, herself, stared into his eyes with all the hate she could muster up. She felt his hands on her wrists, clamping and crushing her bones.

            He shook her as he brought his face just a few scant inches away from her face. In a low, menacing voice, he whispered "I will never forgive you for what you have done. I promise I will make you suffer just as you have made me suffer." He shook her ever harder and raised his hand to slap her.

            Ginny's eyes widened as Harry raised his hand. Was she seeing this? Was Harry actually going to slap Callysta? She never thought Harry was capable of doing such a thing. He was a perfect gentleman; he would never raise his hand against a woman.

            She opened her mouth to shout at him to stop. But just as she opened her mouth to, the door flew open.

            They all turned towards the door, waiting for the dust to settle so that they could see who was standing in the doorway.

            He had that arrogant look on his face, his hands lightly positioned against his sides, his eyes a glinting silver-blue color. He took one step into the room and stood perfectly still. His stance looked relaxed, but something dangerous and malevolent was radiating off of him as his lips curled in an elegant sneer.

            He focused on Harry and Callysta and shook his head.

            "Actually, Potter, that was supposed to be my line."

            *                                                           *                                                           *

            Just as soon as Draco entered the building, he sensed the Deatheaters just below. They were gathered and whispering among themselves. The totality of their voices was very soft, but it wasn't soft enough to muffle his descending footsteps.

            He stood in the shadows, none of them taking notice of his presence. They were all busy talking about what was happening in this particular room. He heard that Potter, Callysta and Ginny were all in there.

            If he had an Invisibility Cloak, this would have worked much easier. But since he didn't have one, like Potter did, he would have just to make do with what he had: Wits. Besides, copying Potter's style of using an Invisibility Cloak was dreadfully boring and distasteful.

            He was waiting for them to mention the Chosen One---that was his cue. He waited impatiently in the shadows, abstaining from tapping his foot. It was his little habit when he got impatient. He would cross his arms over his chest and tap his foot, looking like a demanding prince about to behead some poor person if he didn't get what he wanted at the very instant.

            He opened his mouth to sigh but caught himself just in time as he heard one of the Deatheaters mention the Chosen One.

            The Deatheaters were like a stack of dominoes being toppled over. Once one of them saw the only son of Lucius Malfoy, chaos erupted.

            Draco sauntered through the madhouse. He was able to stand before all of them, situated at the throne. They only noticed he was up there when he sat down in their Mistress' seat.

            "Get off of that throne!" someone threatened from the crowd.

            "Why should I?" Draco drawled as he casually flipped out his wand from his back.

            The other Deatheaters were nervous. The late Lucius Malfoy never acted this way, Draco Malfoy, if possible was even more dangerous than his father. The man wore evil as if he was born with it.

            "The Mistress wouldn't be liking it if she was to know you've been sitting there," another one called out.

            Draco laughed. "Actually, she'd be rather pleased that I'm sitting on her throne. I'm warming it for her, aren't I?"

            Loud outbursts came from the Deatheaters at this remark.

            "How dare you!"
            "Get off!"
            "Let's kill him!"
            They all made a move towards him but he didn't make a move of leaving the throne. He busily examined his wand as the Deatheaters drew closer to him. They all drew nearer, their wands at the ready as they all shouted their own curses. Surprisingly, none of them thought to use any of the Unforgivable…not that he was complaining. He suspected that Callysta had ordered them not to use and Unforgivable without her permission.

            Draco didn't even look up to use his Hex Deflecting Charm. The charm blocked every one of the curses aimed at him. It didn't even tire him out. It was simply like breathing.

            The Deatheaters' eyes were huge as they stepped back from him. Other had frowns on their faces as they stared in awe at the man sprawled on the throne before them.

            "No one could hold a Hex Deflecting Charm like that against a number of people!" a Deatheater shakily said. He was angry and in disbelief as he said this.
            Other murmured their agreement.

            Draco stood up and pointed his wand at them. "I could, and you've just witnessed it."

            "Who are you, son of Lucius Malfoy?" one demanded.

            Draco felt like gagging inside. He wanted to give the man considerable pain for saying that he was the son of Lucius Malfoy. "I'm the Chosen One," he said, cool boredom in his voice.

            The Deatheaters were silent.

            Then another roar of disbelief, fear, anxiety and what else filled the room.

            Draco sighed and rubbed his eyes.

            He heard their talking.

            "He's the Chosen One?"

            "He's good enough to be it!"

            "And besides he's a Malfoy!" (Draco flinched inwardly. Was the Malfoy name really that known? Was he to be subjected to this kind of stereotyping?)

            "The Lady did say she was going to bring someone who was naturally attuned to the darkness!"

            "Yeah, but if you remember, he was supposed to be one of us earlier, but he refused! What does that tell you?"

            "How are we sure that he's telling the truth?"

            At that declare, everyone hushed up and stared at him. They were sizing him up, wondering really if he really was the Chosen one. Wondering with their puny little minds if their Lady actually chose him.

            The Deatheaters knew only a sufficient amount of information about their Lady's story with Draco Malfoy. They had to make do with what they had, it left them guessing, but from what they have heard, they knew that Draco Malfoy was a formidable opponent.

"You know I could kill any of you," Draco grinned evilly as he surveyed them. "I could kill all of you if I pleased" he continued. "But I don't think Lady Callysta would want her army to lack in number and strength." He had a look on face that made all of them that he could actually do it.

But just for assurance, Draco pointed his wand at the man who asked is he was telling the truth. "Maybe this will give you the truth that you all need?" Draco's eyes narrowed. "Avada Keda-" everyone was silent as he uttered the syllables of the curse, making their hair stand on end.

Draco couldn't believe he was actually muttering this curse just for show.

A sob broke out from the targeted man as he dropped to his knees, vainly shielding himself from the supposed Unforgivable that was aimed at him. "Please don't kill me! I believe you! I believe you!"

Everyone dropped to his or her knees as well; for fear that they might be killed any time soon. "The Chose One," they cried out in unison, their voices continuously rising as they repeated the title.

Draco felt disgusted. Did they really think he was going to actually play the role that Callysta had assigned him to? Not on his life! He let them continue their praise, letting them feel that he was glorying in their devotion. When he felt that he had quite enough, he raised his hands to silence them.

"Now, tell me where Lady Callysta is so that I may speak with her in private."

"I'm sorry-er-Lord, but she wishes to be left alone at the moment. She's attending to some pressing matters,"

"I didn't ask for your explanation, I want to speak with her now!" Draco commanded. "Do you wish to die?" he whipped out his wand at them again. "Show me where she is, before I wipe all of your miserable lives out!"

One of the Deatheaters was pushed forward. He was the Deatheater that took Ginny to this room. He muttered the spell in front of the throne and stepped back to let Draco walk past him into the dark hallway leading to the room where Callysta lay waiting.

The wall closed behind him with an ominous sound.

*                                                           *                                                           *

"Actually, Potter, that was supposed to be my line."  Draco shook his head at his rival. "You should know better," he continued. "But this," he gestured at his hand that was raised in order to hit Callysta, "I would have thought better of you,"

All the while that he was in the room, he hadn't even spared Ginny a glance, let alone acknowledge her presence.

Ginny wondered why he was ignoring her.

Then she remembered. He was mad at her. He didn't want her anymore. He didn't love her anymore…did he actually love her? If he did tell her, she couldn't remember. So why was he here? Well, it's obvious, isn't it? He's going to save Callysta and take her to his bed and shag her silly! Not only that, he's going to propose to her and marry her and they will happily ever after!

Ginny bowed her head down in order not to look at him. She couldn't bear the sight of him now. Realizing that he didn't care for her anymore, it seemed that this truth caused more pain that the Cruciatus that Callysta had inflicted upon her.

Draco caught her movement from the corner of his eye. He didn't want to pay her attention now because it would put both he and Ginny in a very vulnerable state. He was here for her, only her. After this was all over, he just wanted to be with her and make sure she was protected. He'd protect her, ensure her safety. He would swear never to lose sight of her. He would love her with all the he was.

He wanted to make it all up to her. He wanted to take back all those words he said to her. He knew he had hurt her terribly and he couldn't turn back time to take it all back. What he needed was the future to restore her happiness. If she ever did love him, he'd make her love him again no matter what it took.

He was a bastard and he knew it. If there was anyway that she would want him back, to take him back, he's see fit to do everything she wished. Every whim, every demand, he'd see to it. Merlin! What was he becoming? Some lovesick weakling?

But he didn't care. All that mattered was her.

He used to think that men who let emotions---love most especially, rule their lives were weak. The woman would take control of him and make him as weak a newborn kitten. He had promised himself that he would never love the way he had let himself love Callysta. It was far too dangerous. So, he grew cold and cruel hearted. He played with women's hearts, making them believe that he loved them. He grew stronger by each passing day. Each day had no love. Those days of being in the cold made him who he was now---and he was thankful for that.

But then, Ginny came along and that was when he felt that he was missing something that was once there. He just needed to find it buried deep within the lies of his soul. He realized then that "life was pointless and dangerous without love". Life was boring without love. And if life was boring, then he would be a danger to himself. Yes, all those cruel things he did not only out of spite but also out of boredom.

Draco would make Callysta pay. Callysta might think that he would never hurt her, but he didn't care about what she thought now. Casting Cruciatus on Ginny, feeling her pain was enough to snap his sanity. He swore that he'd make her feel the same pain that she had inflicted on both of them.

"Potter, get off of her, don't you know that she's disgusting?" Draco drawled out, emphasizing the word 'disgusting'.

Harry withdrew himself from the floor, but not before giving her wrists one last death squeeze. He stood beside Ginny and helped her stand up. But, it his efforts to get her to stand were futile, because her body was too mauled to even support herself.

"Lie still and close your eyes. You don't want to see this," Harry whispered to Ginny as he propped her against himself.

He head rested against his shoulder as she turned her head away from Draco and Callysta. She turned away not because of the fight that was about to ensue, but because she couldn't bear the knowledge that Draco resented her.

She could hear his voice, it was cool, and it contained fury, yet it was smooth. It was frightening how a man could be so calm and at the same time be raging angry.

But why was Draco angry? Was he going to fight Callysta? Whatever for? If he loves her then why would he fight her?

Callysta stood up in one fluid motion. She dusted herself off, unaware off the people watching her. She took her sweet time fixing herself up before she focused on Draco and gave him a smile.

"I see you got through my followers." It was a statement. "I knew you could do it. Of course, knowing your capabilities, you wouldn't have any trouble." She giggled as she crossed her arms over her chest. Her right hand was edging into the sleeve of her left arm.

Draco shrugged. "They didn't put up much of a fight, they're very weak,"

Callysta flushed. How dare he call her devoted followers weak! But no matter, if Draco wanted to lambaste her, it was alright. After all, he was going to be their leader.

"So, just as Potter said a while ago, I too know of your plans. I won't bother to explain to you as how I came to know. What I want to know now is what are your main reasons for doing this. I do know that you want me to be the leader of this poor excuse of a group, but what else is there? Surely you must have an ulterior motive,"

Callysta somehow suspected that Draco might have known about her plans. But she never thought that Draco and Harry might have been in this together. She knew that they hated each other like cats and dogs. But how exactly did they find out?

"Alright Draco, I might as well tell you my plans." Callysta struck her nose in the air. "As you well know, I want you to be the leader of the Deatheaters. It wouldn't matter to me that you would be taking over me role, I wouldn't really care if you would abuse me so that you could get revenge. I just want the Deatheaters to rise again; I want the Darkness to rule once more. I believe that nothing came out infinitely good. All of us were born with the Darkness and the Light, the journey we take nourishes both aspects but there would be always be one to triumph over the other."

Draco shrugged again. "I already know that you want me to become your leader and I already have made my decision. The answer is obviously no"

Callysta shook her head and let out a little laugh. "No, no, no Draco. You can't just say no," the way she said it made Draco's blood boil. It was if she was talking to a child. "You see, during the years I was a Deatheater, my Lord saw to my training. I trained tirelessly everyday to be the best I could be. In a way, I trained so be as good as you---no, better. And it was during those years that I thought of my plan.

I thought that once my skills were as every bit as good as yours, I could have that rematch with you. I will never forget the day the last time we fought. You didn't hurt me in a way that you would want to badly beat me or kill me. I want to have another fight, for good times sake. If I win, you become the leader, if you win, I'll leave you for good."

Draco remained silent, thinking his own thoughts. "What about the other Deatheaters? If I win, what would happen to them?"

Callysta hadn't really thought about the others. She lifted her shoulders and dropped them in a dainty shrug.

Draco let out a laugh; it had no humor in it. It was rather spiteful. "I can see that you haven't changed your uncaring and cruel ways. All you care about it yourself."

Callysta shook her head. "No, I do care about my followers. I wouldn't have made my plans if it wasn't for them. They were part of my plan too."

"Yes I can see that, but what if you lose? What happens to them? I'm guessing that you'll just save yourself?" Draco retaliated.

Callysta waved her hand in dismissal. "It doesn't matter now. Let's just continue with our little match and see what the outcome is. I promise to keep my word," she smiled sweetly as she made a cross over her chest, signifying that she was going to keep her promise.

She then pulled her wand out of her sleeve as Draco produced his just as quickly. They both held it up like wands in a duel.

"Wands at the ready," Harry called out, his voice serious with emotion as he watched the two square off.

Callysta looked cool and confident, graceful and elegant in her position as she held her want ready.

Draco stood in a nonchalant way, with a bored expression on his face. His eyes were slowly turning a darker shade by the moment. He held his wand like a master swordsman.

Harry nodded.

None of them moved.

Both were waiting for the other to make the first strike. Callysta knew his game. She knew that Draco always waited for her to make the first move. Well not this time! She'd outsmart him!

A shaft of light streamed through the crack on the ceiling, casting a pale and ghostly, eerie glow upon them. Not a sound could be heard, except for their breathing and the faint rustle of clothes.

Harry watched them in increasing anticipation as he held Ginny in his arms. He could feel her, she was broken and seemed to be dead. But she was breathing, that he knew. He would keep her alive. Malfoy had to win. If he lost, they'd all be dead. The Deatheaters would love to do away with The Boy Who Lived and the little Gryffindor that caused their leader so much trouble.            

            As for the other Deatheaters, the Ministry would be there to handle them. If they as so much trickle out of this building like water, then his fellow Aurors would Stupefy them and haul their bodies to Azkaban.

            Draco could feel his body tingling. It must be the Defensive Charge…I might as well cast a Defensive Charm to ensure my chances of winning. The Defensive Charge wasn't exactly a spell, it was like a reflex in a wizard's body to anything that might threaten him. He silently muttered something under his breath and felt an invisible layering cover him.

            Callysta narrowed her eyes as she saw Draco's mouth move to utter a spell. She jerked her wand in defense but nothing came. He didn't cast a spell? Was he simply just muttering curses about her under his breath as he waited for her to make a move?

            Draco smirked to himself as he saw Callysta's reaction to his preparations. He guessed right that she probably thought that he was cursing her. And in cursing her, he was provoking her to attack first. Alright, think that way so that I could win! He muttered two more spells: The Unbreakable Charm so that his wand wouldn't break, and the Shield Charm to deflect any minor curses that Callysta was going to throw at him.

            Alright, he was more than prepared and ready.

            Ginny wondered why she couldn't hear anything. How long has it been since Harry told them to have their wands at the ready? Was she dying? No, that cant be. She was still breathing and she could still feel Harry's arms around her.

            Were they still waiting each other out.

            Please!…the sooner they fight, the sooner we can all leave.

            But…either way, something bad was still going to happen.

            If Draco won, the Deatheaters might rebel and kill them all. If Callysta won, they'd still be in trouble.

            It was hopeless.

            Ginny's head drooped and slipped of Harry's shoulder.

            That was the signal.