CHAPTER 17
NO MEANS NO
The early morning sun was rising over Hogwarts, casting elongated shadows over the many turrets and towers, beginning to melt the snow that had fallen the previous night, and illuminating the golden hoops of the Quidditch pitch, where a black speck could be seen zooming in and out of the hoops, zig-zagging up and down the field and pulling of dangerous twists and turns in the air. This black speck was Harry Potter, out on his own, flying, the only thing that brought him any relief anymore, he loved the feeling of freeness he got when he was in the air, he left all of his problems back on the ground when he mounted his broom, enjoying the sensation of the cool air slapping his face and the exhilarating rush he got when he pushed his Firebolt to the maximum speed.
Harry had taken to going out early every morning for a fly, before most people in the castle were even awake, he found that it helped him through the day, and the thought of flying again the next morning were what got him through the long lonely nights.
He felt the thoughts of Ginny starting to creep back into his head so he sped up, pushing his broom to the limits and doing a loop the loop, seventy feet high in the air, the thrill of excitement that it brought him momentarily pushed all thoughts of Ginny out of his head. But Harry didn't realise that he wasn't the only person in Hogwarts who woke up early every morning, he was not the only person out of bed.
Ginny Weasley was also awake, as she usually was at this time of the morning, she had on a thick winters cloak ready for a day spent mostly outside in the greenhouses or by Hagrids hut, and a double lesson in the cold, damp dungeons, which she was positive Snape placed charms on to make them even colder, some days they felt even colder than the outside, at least it was a comfort to stand really close to a cauldron to warm up a bit.
Ginny looked up and took in the now familiar sight of Harry flying all over the pitch, he really was a fantastic flyer, much better than her brother Charlie, although she would never say that to his face. She looked up at Harry, wondering what he was thinking, how he was feeling, surely he had to be feeling even a fraction of the pain and loneliness she was feeling, even if he hadn't loved her, he still must have cared for her otherwise he wouldn't have been so upset about hurting her feelings by finishing with her.
She reached out for her brush, not drawing her eyes away from the black dot in the distance that was Harry, and started to brush her long fiery hair, she knew that they had been perfect together, or so she thought anyway obviously Harry didn't feel the same way, but something was bothering her, every time that Harry had told her that he loved her he seemed so genuine and sounded like he meant it, but he couldn't have, if he loved her half as much as Ginny loved him he be dying inside right now, and he wasn't he was out playing on his broomstick. Ginny roughly put the brush back down onto her desk and sighed angrily, swearing to herself that she wouldn't like Harry anymore, willing herself to fall out of love with him, but knowing all the same that she would be back at the window the same time the next morning and every morning after that just to catch a glimpse of the man she loved.
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The day of the dance finally arrived and Hermione was spending the day in Ginny's room with her, getting ready and pampering themselves and generally catching up on each others news, they had recently started spending every Friday night together just to renew their friendship that had been somewhat neglected whilst they were so preoccupied with Ron and Harry, but now that Hermione and Ron had been together for so long and were so serious about each other and Ginny was no longer with Harry, they both felt it was the perfect time to start spending more time together.
Both girls were sitting on the red sofa wearing face masks, they were covered in a blanket and were both looking forward to a day of rest and relaxation followed by a party in the night, where they would get an opportunity to wear the Muggle party clothes that they had bought in Hogsmeade.
"It's going to be fun tonight isn't it?'' Hermione asked Ginny as she leafed through an old copy of Witch Weekly. "Colin's a great guy.''
"Yeah, I'm so lucky to have a friend like him.'' Ginny said smiled fondly, pointing her wand to the fireplace and muttering an incantation that increased the heat and intensity of the flames. "It's bloody freezing this winter isn't it? I'd say it's probably the coldest we've had for ages.''
"I know I even wore my gloves in Transfiguration the other day, didn't do much for my wand work but my fingers would've fallen off otherwise.'' Hermione said laughing.
"We're going to freeze tonight, our clothes aren't exactly winter wear are they.'' Ginny said smiling.
"I know, oh well it's just going to be a sacrifice we have to make Gin.'' Hermione replied, lifting her fingers to her face to touch her face mask that had now gone hard, "Oh I was wondering why it was so hard to move my face, I think it's time we washed these off.'' Hermione stated, getting up from the sofa and walking over to the bathroom, followed by Ginny who sighed sadly as she walked past the framed picture of her and Harry kissing, that Colin had taken before the last dance, at least the Harry in the picture looked like he was still in love with her. She started longingly at the couple, watching Harry smile as he kissed her, and seeing her hands travel up into his hair, until Hermione calling her into the bathroom snapped her out of her reverie.
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Harry knew that today was the day of the dance, he had been looking forward to it, up until he had split with Ginny, now he was dreading it, he knew he didn't have to go, that he could quite easily stay up in his room and study some more, rather than go to the dance alone, have to deal with the pain of seeing Ginny look so beautiful and possibly even see her with somebody else. Harry had had lots of invitations to the dance from various girls, but he turned them all down, it would be too dangerous for him to be seen with any girl, besides none of them would compare to Ginny, none of the had her same fiery passion, her wild streak, her independence, her fun loving yet caring nature, no Ginny was something special alright and Harry knew that if he searched the entire world he would never find anyone that would even compare to Ginny, let alone be better than her.
Harry was torn between the urge of wanting to go to the party, just to see Ginny having fun and looking even more amazing than usual, or staying away avoiding any awkwardness or inflicting anymore pain on himself incase she was with another boy, but in the end his desire to see Ginny won out as he knew it would and he resigned himself that he would have to risk getting hurt again just to see her, he missed being able to see her and talk to her every time he wanted to, and this was what eventually made him change his mind and pull out the clothes he had planned on wearing if he were going with Ginny.
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Ginny sat in front of her mirror, carefully applying her mascara, her hair was piled into a messy bun on top of her head, she would deal with that later, and her clothes were still hung up in her wardrobe, she would put them on later, suddenly even though she had been looking forward to the party all day she didn't want to go, she'd rather stay in her room, drink a large mug of hot chocolate and read a good book in front of the fire, but she couldn't let Colin down, she'd promised to go with him, and Hermione wanted her there as well, then there was the chance that she might see Harry there, even if he were with someone else, he would still see him, after weeks of avoiding him, she would finally catch a glimpse of him. It would break her heart if he were with another girl, she couldn't bear to see him kiss another girl or touch another girl or even look at another girl the way he looked at her not so long ago, it would confirm the fact that she did mean nothing to him, and even though it had been almost a month and Harry still hadn't come back to her she still secretly hoped that he still loved her and that one day they would be together again.
Ginny placed down her mascara and looked into the mirror, she placed her hand up to her neck and took hold of the small locket that hung gracefully from a necklace, she closed her eyes and breathed in deeply as her fingers opened it carefully of their own accord, and the sweet music filled the air around her.
I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
It was as though Harry had just walked into the room, and wrapped his arms around her waist, she breathed in deeply almost smelling his familiar scent in the air surrounding her.
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly Madly Deeply do
I will be strong I will be faithful
Because I'm counting on a new beginning
A reason for living
A deeper meaning yeah.
I wanna stand with you on a mountain
I wanna bathe with you in the sea
I wanna stay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
But they hadn't stayed like it forever; Ginny opened her eyes and saw that she was still alone, tears had fallen from her green eyes, leaving black rivulets running down her porcelain face, she let the song play on, it's notes lingering on the air, a sad reminder of what was no more, her cheeks were now almost completely black from the mascara running down them, and she was powerless to stop it.
"Ginny, what's the matter?'' Hermione called as she walked into the room, her make up was already done and by the look of thing she was just about ready to start doing her hair. She stopped in her tracks when she heard the song released from the locket, setting free all of Ginny's pent up and secret emotions as only it could do. "Oh listen sweetie, please don't cry.'' Hermione said as she rushed over to Ginny's side, dropping to her knees and wrapping her arms tightly around Ginny.
"I can't Hermione, I can't do this without him.'' Ginny cried, falling onto Hermione shoulder, staining her plain white bathrobe with black.
"I'm sorry Hermione.'' Ginny said, sitting up after a few minutes of crying, Hermione had closed the locket discreetly and the song stopped playing almost as suddenly as Harry had walked out of Ginny's life, possibly forever. "You must think I'm so stupid.''
"No, I don't think you're stupid. I understand.'' Hermione said, looking into Ginny's eyes. "What I don't understand is why you felt the need to mess my bathrobe up.'' Hermione said smiling.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry.'' Ginny gushed. "I didn't mean to.''
"It's alright I was only joking.'' Hermione comforted smiling at Ginny, before muttering an incantation that vanished the mascara stains on her robe, and turning to Ginny and saying a simple spell that left her cheeks as fresh as they were before she started crying. "Now, hurry up and do your mascara again, I can't wait to get dressed, we're going to look so amazing.'' Hermione gushed, pulling Ginny's dress out from her wardrobe.
"Yeah, it was a good idea to dress in a snowflake theme.'' Ginny said, reapplying her mascara to her now dry eyelashes.
"I'll bet no one else thought of doing something like that.'' Hermione said, "I can't wait to see the looks on their faces.''
"Me neither.'' Ginny replied, knowing that there was a certain person's reaction that she was very keen to see.
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Ron stood nervously outside the room that currently held the love of his life and his sister who were still getting ready, ten minutes after Hermione said that she would meet Ron, he was wearing a pair of deep blue, baggy Muggle jeans and a tight black t-shirt, that clung to his taut stomach and muscled chest, defining his arm and accentuating his slim waist, he ran a hand through his messed up spiky hair, hoping that Hermione would be ready soon, a group of second year girls had walked past him five times all ready, each time whispering and giggling, one of them had even winked at him, he was sure of it. Just then Hermione and Ginny appeared in the doorway, looking like nothing Ron had ever seen before in his life. Hermione was wearing a shimmery white top, that sparkled in the light, with a knee length skirt that flared out, accentuating her perfect hips and slim tanned legs, her hair hung loose and curly around her face framing it perfectly, there were hundreds of tiny pearls strewn throughout her hair, reflecting the light and shining brightly.
"You look amazing Mione.'' Ron breathed as he pulled her close to him and kissed her lightly on the lips.
"So do you.'' Hermione replied, looking Ron up and down appreciatively, it was so much better when Hermione looked at him like that rather than a bunch of giggly second years, it made the heat rise in his chest and the blood in his veins run south.
"Hem Hem'' Ginny coughed, clearing her throat, "And what about me.'' She stood there in a whit dress that was shimmering in the same way Hermione's top was, her feet were strapped into delicate white sandals and her hair was also strewn with pearls and glitter, in her hands she clutched a small white back and around her neck was a locket, the same locket that Harry had bought for her, what felt like only yesterday.
"Yeah you look alright.'' Ron shrugged. "Don't you think that dress is a bit too short.''
"Ron it comes passed my knee.'' Ginny stated unbelievingly, her fiery hair falling past her shoulders.
"It's not too short, and you look amazing Ginny.'' Hermione said honestly, envious of her friend's natural beauty. "Doesn't she Ron?''
"Yeah, you look great kid.'' Ron said, grinning lopsidedly at his little sister. "Well shall we go then.'' Said Ron offering both his arms out to the two girls he cared for most in the world.
"No, you two go ahead.'' Ginny said as Ron offered his arm to her. "I'm meeting Colin in the common room, although I know he'll be late, he's like a woman.'' Ginny said laughing. "I'll see you both down there, save a dance for me Ron.''
"Sure thing.'' Ron replied as they walked away, thinking how strange it was that if Ginny had asked him to dance with her last year he probably would've laughed, but now he had seen how vulnerable she really was and how young she really was, he would do anything for her, he would've done anything for her before obviously but now, he wanted to protect her even more, shelter her from anything that could hurt her. He loved her more than he could describe, she was his baby sister and she always would be, whether she was sixteen or sixty.
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Ron held Hermiones small soft hand in his own as together they entered the Great Hall that was already starting to fill up with students from fourth to seventh year, the ceiling was adorned with thousands of sparkling silver streamers that seemed to blow about in a soft breeze. Shimmering snowflakes fell from the ceiling, covering the dance floor that was surprisingly full and the hundreds of little tables. A buffet table had been set up against the back wall, it was groaning under the weight of mountains of sandwiches, piles of sweets and lakes of punch. Ron smiled down at Hermione and she squeezed his hand happily as they walked over to a table and sat down waiting for Ginny and Colin to arrive before they all started dancing.
Ron was staring hungrily at the sandwiches, he hadn't eaten since breakfast and he was starving, he had spent most of the day with Seamus and Dean, preparing for the ball, well actually they hadn't been preparing as such they had mostly been playing chess and messing around until about ten minutes before they were due to leave when they all hurriedly got dressed ready to meet their girlfriends.
He looked over at Hermione who was waving at Antony Goldstein the Head boy who was dancing happily with Padma Patil, he marvelled at her looking down at her with admiration etched into his every feature, he loved this girl more than he could ever possibly describe, not only was she beautiful, but she was smart, witty and very independent, she was perfect. Hermione looked up and noticed Ron looking at her, she smiled at him, and pulled him up to his feet as Ginny and Colin entered the hall and they all went straight to the dance floor after a glass of punch.
Ginny and Colin danced happily to an upbeat tune as Hermione and dancing a bit too close for some teachers liking, but no one aid anything after all this party was supposed to help them forget all the problems of the outside world, and it was doing just that for Ginny, she had always loved to dance, it made her feel free, like a bird who had just learned to fly, it made her feel as though nothing existed apart from the music, she was smiling and laughing for the first time in ages and everyone seemed to notice, gone were the shadows under her eyes from lack of sleep, gone were the tear stains on her cheeks, replaced with an attractive flush from dancing.
At one stage Colin had to practically carry Ginny away from the dance floor as she was doubled over in laughter, part of this could have been due to the fact that Hagrid and Professor Sprout had just taken to the floor and were displaying a lot of very 'interesting' dance moves.
"Oh my God.'' Ginny gasped as Colin sat her down on an empty seat and handed her a glass of punch. "What was that?''
"I think I heard Hagrid calling it the shuffle.'' Colin answered laughing, reliving the moment in his head. Ginny took a gulp of punch to try and calm down, but as she swallowed the fruity liquid an unpleasant taste lingered in her mouth. She lifted the cup up to her nose and sniffed it suspiciously.
"This punch has been spiked.'' Ginny said laughing. "No wonder Hagrid and Professor Sprout are so keen to show off their new moves.'' Ginny said giggling, some of the punch having obviously gone straight to her head.
"We'd better hope that Dumbledore and Mcgonagall don't start dancing like Seamus and Lavender then.'' Colin said indicating the pair with his head, Ginny looked over and saw that they were dancing scandalously close, Seamus grinding his hips against Lavenders, and her hands trailing all over his back.
"Now that would be something to write home about.'' Ginny stated laughing out loud at the mental picture Colin had just placed into her head.
Harry walked through the doors to the Great Hall, unnoticed by everyone, he sloped off to the buffet table and picked up a sandwich and started to chew absent mindedly all the while his eyes scanning the room for her, he saw Ron and Hermione dancing slowly together at the edge of the dance floor even though the song was a fast one, Ron was leaning down to her and whispering into her ear, and she was smiling and kissing him quickly, making sure that no teachers were watching. This obviously seemed to amuse Ron who was smiling down at his girlfriend, his obvious love and respect for her shining in his brilliant blue eyes.
He dragged his eyes away from his two best friends, searching the room for his angel, it was then that he found her, and she looked amazing as he knew that she would, her beautiful hair sparking with shining gems, and her shimmering dress, she really did look like an angel. Harry stood there, overlooked by everyone, his dark combat trousers and tight forest green t-shirt, not standing out enough for anyone to look twice, his muscled arms, twitched nervously as his fingers fidgeted idly, desperate to hold her again. His messy black hair had flopped down over his forehead, obscuring his scar from vision letting him become just another face in the crowd.
He looked up and saw Ginny laughing happily as Colin dragged her back onto the dance floor, they started dancing, laughing and smiling all the while, Harry felt his heart melt as he watched her laugh, he hadn't seen her smile for ages, he had almost forgotten how good it made him feel when she smiled like that, it felt as though there were nothing bad in the world just her and her perfect smile. He watched as she danced with Colin, was there more to their relationship than he knew, they had been spending a lot of time together recently, and they did look very comfortable together, Harry felt the jealousy rise up inside of him, blurring all his rational thought and this jealousy overcame him as a boy from sixth year Slytherin walked up to Ginny, practically pushing Colin out of the way and started dancing very close to her. Harry turned away, unable to watch as the girl he loved danced with another man, he knew that he would have to face the possibility that she had already gotten over him and found someone else, but he didn't know how hard it was going to be to have to watch her with someone else, he never could've imagined the heart wrenching pain it would cause him, he couldn't watch anymore he turned on his heel and walked very quickly out of the great hall, the tears he expected to fall never coming, he had cried too long for her, he was numb and empty unable to cry or show emotion anymore, it was all pent up, trapped inside him, he just dreaded the time when it would all escape, when he would finally erupt.
"So baby.'' The Slytherin growled in a seductive voice. "Want to get out of here for a bit, it's really hot.''
"Um, no thanks I'm alright thank you, I'm a bit tired though so I'll just go and sit with my friends, bye.'' Ginny said nervously, hardly taking breath between her words, she didn't feel comfortable with that boy; he made her feel uneasy and very nervous. She rushed away and promptly sat down at Ron and Hermione's table, making them both look up suddenly.
"What's the matter Gin?'' Hermione asked a slight blush creeping across her face as Ron placed his hand on her thigh. "You look pale.''
"Oh, I'm just a bit tired that's all.'' Ginny replied, knowing that if she told them about the Slytherin boy, Ron would get all mad and go and beat him up, besides he hadn't really done anything wrong had he, he had only offered her to go somewhere, she might have misunderstood and jumped to the worst conclusions just because he was a Slytherin, but he had been dancing a bit too close than she felt comfortable with.
"Oh, I'm getting a bit tired too.'' Ron said, raising his eyebrows suggestively at Hermione. "I'd love to go to bed now.''
"Go on then.'' Hermione said coolly. "Don't wait up.'' Her eyes glinting mischievously, deliberately ignoring Ron's insinuations. "No, I didn't think so.'' Hermione said, when Ron didn't move from his seat, she grinned wickedly at Ginny who just rolled her eyes at the couple.
"Actually I think I'll head back now, I'll just go and tell Colin. I'll see you both tomorrow.'' Ginny said as she waved goodbye to Hermione and her brother, who had just started flirting with each other again.
Ginny weaved in and out of the pattern of dancers on the floor, over to a group of her friends where Colin and Dana were dancing, Dana hadn't seemed to have realised that the punch was spiked and had had a few too many, she was tripping slightly, but it looked as though she was having fun, and Colin was there to look after her.
"Hey Gin.'' Colin called as Dana fell against him and backed away giggling. "How are things with that guy?'' Colin asked winking.
"Urgh, that creep, I ditched him straight away, anyway I'm really tired so I'm going back now. Thanks for an amazing night.'' Ginny said as she kissed Colin on the cheek.
"Do you want me to walk back with you?'' Colin asked.
"No, it's alright you stay here, have fun. I'll see you tomorrow.'' Ginny called as she walked away, clutching her small bag in her hands. And she walked out of the Great Hall, a pair of deep brown eyes watching her every step, as soon as she had disappeared from view, the Slytherin who had been watching her all night followed her out of the hall.
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Footsteps echoed rhythmically on the cool stone floor, the sound soothed him, the cool air around him calmed his raging soul, Harry couldn't face going back to his dark dingy room, not now, not after what he had just seen, usually he embraced the confined space and the darkness, but tonight the thought suffocated him, he needed to breathe, needed to think, so he walked, he walked up corridors, down staircases, along passages and though portraits, never seeing where he was going, never feeling the noise fade away as he climbed higher and higher, and never noticed the hushed whispers from the portraits as he walked past, his head was in the clouds, his thoughts detaching him from the real world, until he heard it, a low growl of a voice, it didn't sound too far away from were he stood, but you couldn't be sure in Hogwarts, sounds and voices reverberated across the stony walls, distorting all sense of direction and place.
"Come on, you used to let him in.'' The voice growled, as Harry strained his ears and closed his eyes, shutting off all senses apart from his sense of hearing, but he didn't need any senses to distinguish what came next, it was instinctive to him, it was a voice that haunted his every waking moment, only he had only ever heard her sound so fearful before and that was in the Chamber of secrets when she was just eleven years old. Ginny.
"No, please just go away.'' Ginny said, her voice trembling. Harry needed no further encouragement, he swiftly changed directions and followed the sound of her voice, it's tremors guiding him through the corridors of the castle. Harry reached the corner of the corridor and what he saw froze him with horror, the sight of this made the terror of seeing Voldemort being reborn seem like nothing, a tall stocky Slytherin hand Ginny pressed up against the wall outside her bedroom, her hair was messed up and she was shaking, but he was powerless to move, it was as though someone had paralysed him from the neck down and was forced to stand by and watch as this thug terrorised his innocent angel.
"But you let Potter sleep in here, what's the difference?'' The tall by snarled, he was obviously losing his patience fast.
"Look I said no, just go away.'' Ginny shouted, her voice still shaking but her confidence growing.
"And what will you do if I don't baby.'' The Slytherin mocked, brushing his hand up her cheek, making her flinch from his touch.
Ginny said nothing, she just pulled her wand out and pointed it directly at his chest and smiled at him wickedly, a determined glint in her eye. He cocked his head to the side and surveyed her and started laughing, he lightly pushed her wand aside and pressed himself up against her. She couldn't take it anymore, she wasn't going to stand for it, how dare he laugh at her, as though she were some silly little girl.
"Come on baby, you know you want it.'' The Slytherin whispered hoarsely as he moved to kiss her. That was it, white hot anger coursed through her, she held her wand high, and pushed him off her, red and gold sparks emitting from the tip of her wand, illuminating her determined angry face.
"Don't call me baby, you overgrown piece of Slytherin crap, now get out of here before I do something that you will definitely regret.'' Ginny said, her voice cool and calm even though inside she was dreading the boy's reaction. He looked into her determined face, and back to her wand that was still shooting sparks, her anger channelled into its core.
"Whatever.'' He said and he turned to walk away, as soon as he turned the corner Ginny sank back against the wall trembling, silent tears falling down her cheeks, she turned around and whispered her passwords, watching satisfactorily as the tapestry swung open.
"Harry I need you.'' She cried as she walked into the room, the tapestry swinging firmly back into place.
"I'm right here angel, I'm always here for you.'' Harry whispered into the darkness, only now regaining the use of his limbs, his emotions were a bubbling cauldron ready to erupt, he felt angry, angrier than he had ever felt in his entire life, something had to be done, no one hurt Ginny and got away with it, Harry sprinted the length of the corridor, following the path that the Slytherin had taken, determined to find him, to teach him what happened to anyone that hurt Ginny Weasley.
He stopped when he could see his quarry in front of him, controlled his breathing, it would be easier to sneak up on him if he stopped panting, with effort and anger. He pulled his wand out of his pocket and muttered a spell; suddenly all of the flickering torches went out, plunging the corridor into darkness.
"Hello…. Who's there?'' The Slytherin called, his low growling voice reduced to a panicked whimper. "This isn't funny turn the lights back on.'' He called out into the darkness. Harry approached him slowly his face hidden by shadows, his footsteps muffled by the blanket of darkness surrounding him. The boy swung his arms out trying to feel for the source of the footsteps, Harry dodged his flailing arms easily, he felt a great satisfaction in being able to drive s much fear into one person so easily, now he would know exactly how Ginny felt when he had cornered her. "I can hear you, I know where you are.''
Harry muttered an incantation, that caused the boy to stop flailing his arms around and freeze in terror, they were words unlike any he had ever heard in his life, words he was quite sure that they hadn't been taught at school, then a cold voice broke the silence.
"Where am I then?'' The voice said coldly from the farthest end of the corridor as Harry moved his lips with the words and pointed his wand towards the end of the corridor, then moved it to point right next to where the Slytherin boy stood shaking. "Come and find me.'' A voice spoke next to his ear, making his jump and move quickly away. Harry moved his wand to the ceiling and the cold voice echoed around the room. "You know nothing boy now tell me what's your name?'' The voice said callously, Harry watched as he mouthed the words, he could see the boy slightly up against the wall, shaking. "I said what's your name?'' The voice demanded, loud and bellowing.
"Paul…Paul Gorderman.'' The Slytherin spoke up nervously, his eyes darting around the corridor for the source of the mysterious voice. Harry whispered another spell inaudibly and soft scratching could be heard all over the walls in the corridor, accompanied by a melancholy howl. Paul was physically shaking by now, running his hands through his hair, muttering wildly about ghosts and demons. Harry crept up to him quietly and stood in front of his face still obscured by shadows. He put his hand up and ran it over the boy's shoulders, causing him to scream loudly and jump, Harry laughed maniacally. "Not so big now are you?'' He asked keeping his voice even and emotionless.
"Who…who are you?'' Paul asked, his voice trembling and his hands clutching at his wand.
"I wouldn't bother with that if I were you.'' Harry stated calmly. "It won't do much good against me. Expelliarmus.'' Harry shouted deftly catching Paul's wand in his hand, turning his face away from the bright light that could reveal his hidden identity. He pointed both wands at Paul, feeling the boy shake beneath their touch, hearing the thundering of his heart, not relenting knowing that was exactly how he had made Ginny feel. "I am here to teach you a lesson.'' Harry stated simply. As he spoke the words to an ancient spell they were drowned out by Paul's screams of pain and anguish, the bright red light illuminating his face, contorted with pain, once the bright light had faded and Paul's screams had ebbed away to sobs and moans, Harry turned and walked away, calling over his shoulder. "Remember this.'' As Harry turned out of the corridor, the lights in the corridor re-ignited and cast their familiar flickering light over everything in the corridor, including the limp form of Paul Gorderman, slumped against the wall clutching his right arm, that had only seconds before been seething with pain.
He tentatively pulled his hand away from his stinging arm and saw three words engraved deeply into his skin, blood shining all around them, running up the length of his forearm in bold red letters. 'NO MEANS NO'
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The next Monday was the start of the last week of term, by the time Saturday came around students would be leaving the castle, ready to spend Christmas with their loved ones. Just one more week of school, this was the thought that Ron knew was going to help him get though the day, Monday was his worst day, and even now at breakfast he knew he shouldn't have gotten out of bed. Ginny had been acting strangely all weekend since the party but she was alright now, so Ron pushed it out of his head, but there was something bothering him, something didn't feel right, everything seemed too normal, he wasn't the only person who felt this way. At the other end of the table Harry sat staring unseeingly into his cereal, he felt tense, agitated, restless, something wasn't right, he could feel it. Something was building up, something big was about to happen, it was then that they heard it, then that his heart jumped into his throat, he looked up to the teachers table and saw that his fears were confirmed. The sirens surrounding Hogsmeade had been activated, there were Death Eaters approaching.
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(A.N Thanks everyone for your brilliant reviews, sorry this took so long, but as it's half term I'm hoping to be able to write faster. I can't wait to see what you all think about this chapter, so please review, I'll appreciate it millions. Until next time my friends ICE PRINCESS12 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
P.S Darker chapters ahead!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
NO MEANS NO
The early morning sun was rising over Hogwarts, casting elongated shadows over the many turrets and towers, beginning to melt the snow that had fallen the previous night, and illuminating the golden hoops of the Quidditch pitch, where a black speck could be seen zooming in and out of the hoops, zig-zagging up and down the field and pulling of dangerous twists and turns in the air. This black speck was Harry Potter, out on his own, flying, the only thing that brought him any relief anymore, he loved the feeling of freeness he got when he was in the air, he left all of his problems back on the ground when he mounted his broom, enjoying the sensation of the cool air slapping his face and the exhilarating rush he got when he pushed his Firebolt to the maximum speed.
Harry had taken to going out early every morning for a fly, before most people in the castle were even awake, he found that it helped him through the day, and the thought of flying again the next morning were what got him through the long lonely nights.
He felt the thoughts of Ginny starting to creep back into his head so he sped up, pushing his broom to the limits and doing a loop the loop, seventy feet high in the air, the thrill of excitement that it brought him momentarily pushed all thoughts of Ginny out of his head. But Harry didn't realise that he wasn't the only person in Hogwarts who woke up early every morning, he was not the only person out of bed.
Ginny Weasley was also awake, as she usually was at this time of the morning, she had on a thick winters cloak ready for a day spent mostly outside in the greenhouses or by Hagrids hut, and a double lesson in the cold, damp dungeons, which she was positive Snape placed charms on to make them even colder, some days they felt even colder than the outside, at least it was a comfort to stand really close to a cauldron to warm up a bit.
Ginny looked up and took in the now familiar sight of Harry flying all over the pitch, he really was a fantastic flyer, much better than her brother Charlie, although she would never say that to his face. She looked up at Harry, wondering what he was thinking, how he was feeling, surely he had to be feeling even a fraction of the pain and loneliness she was feeling, even if he hadn't loved her, he still must have cared for her otherwise he wouldn't have been so upset about hurting her feelings by finishing with her.
She reached out for her brush, not drawing her eyes away from the black dot in the distance that was Harry, and started to brush her long fiery hair, she knew that they had been perfect together, or so she thought anyway obviously Harry didn't feel the same way, but something was bothering her, every time that Harry had told her that he loved her he seemed so genuine and sounded like he meant it, but he couldn't have, if he loved her half as much as Ginny loved him he be dying inside right now, and he wasn't he was out playing on his broomstick. Ginny roughly put the brush back down onto her desk and sighed angrily, swearing to herself that she wouldn't like Harry anymore, willing herself to fall out of love with him, but knowing all the same that she would be back at the window the same time the next morning and every morning after that just to catch a glimpse of the man she loved.
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The day of the dance finally arrived and Hermione was spending the day in Ginny's room with her, getting ready and pampering themselves and generally catching up on each others news, they had recently started spending every Friday night together just to renew their friendship that had been somewhat neglected whilst they were so preoccupied with Ron and Harry, but now that Hermione and Ron had been together for so long and were so serious about each other and Ginny was no longer with Harry, they both felt it was the perfect time to start spending more time together.
Both girls were sitting on the red sofa wearing face masks, they were covered in a blanket and were both looking forward to a day of rest and relaxation followed by a party in the night, where they would get an opportunity to wear the Muggle party clothes that they had bought in Hogsmeade.
"It's going to be fun tonight isn't it?'' Hermione asked Ginny as she leafed through an old copy of Witch Weekly. "Colin's a great guy.''
"Yeah, I'm so lucky to have a friend like him.'' Ginny said smiled fondly, pointing her wand to the fireplace and muttering an incantation that increased the heat and intensity of the flames. "It's bloody freezing this winter isn't it? I'd say it's probably the coldest we've had for ages.''
"I know I even wore my gloves in Transfiguration the other day, didn't do much for my wand work but my fingers would've fallen off otherwise.'' Hermione said laughing.
"We're going to freeze tonight, our clothes aren't exactly winter wear are they.'' Ginny said smiling.
"I know, oh well it's just going to be a sacrifice we have to make Gin.'' Hermione replied, lifting her fingers to her face to touch her face mask that had now gone hard, "Oh I was wondering why it was so hard to move my face, I think it's time we washed these off.'' Hermione stated, getting up from the sofa and walking over to the bathroom, followed by Ginny who sighed sadly as she walked past the framed picture of her and Harry kissing, that Colin had taken before the last dance, at least the Harry in the picture looked like he was still in love with her. She started longingly at the couple, watching Harry smile as he kissed her, and seeing her hands travel up into his hair, until Hermione calling her into the bathroom snapped her out of her reverie.
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Harry knew that today was the day of the dance, he had been looking forward to it, up until he had split with Ginny, now he was dreading it, he knew he didn't have to go, that he could quite easily stay up in his room and study some more, rather than go to the dance alone, have to deal with the pain of seeing Ginny look so beautiful and possibly even see her with somebody else. Harry had had lots of invitations to the dance from various girls, but he turned them all down, it would be too dangerous for him to be seen with any girl, besides none of them would compare to Ginny, none of the had her same fiery passion, her wild streak, her independence, her fun loving yet caring nature, no Ginny was something special alright and Harry knew that if he searched the entire world he would never find anyone that would even compare to Ginny, let alone be better than her.
Harry was torn between the urge of wanting to go to the party, just to see Ginny having fun and looking even more amazing than usual, or staying away avoiding any awkwardness or inflicting anymore pain on himself incase she was with another boy, but in the end his desire to see Ginny won out as he knew it would and he resigned himself that he would have to risk getting hurt again just to see her, he missed being able to see her and talk to her every time he wanted to, and this was what eventually made him change his mind and pull out the clothes he had planned on wearing if he were going with Ginny.
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Ginny sat in front of her mirror, carefully applying her mascara, her hair was piled into a messy bun on top of her head, she would deal with that later, and her clothes were still hung up in her wardrobe, she would put them on later, suddenly even though she had been looking forward to the party all day she didn't want to go, she'd rather stay in her room, drink a large mug of hot chocolate and read a good book in front of the fire, but she couldn't let Colin down, she'd promised to go with him, and Hermione wanted her there as well, then there was the chance that she might see Harry there, even if he were with someone else, he would still see him, after weeks of avoiding him, she would finally catch a glimpse of him. It would break her heart if he were with another girl, she couldn't bear to see him kiss another girl or touch another girl or even look at another girl the way he looked at her not so long ago, it would confirm the fact that she did mean nothing to him, and even though it had been almost a month and Harry still hadn't come back to her she still secretly hoped that he still loved her and that one day they would be together again.
Ginny placed down her mascara and looked into the mirror, she placed her hand up to her neck and took hold of the small locket that hung gracefully from a necklace, she closed her eyes and breathed in deeply as her fingers opened it carefully of their own accord, and the sweet music filled the air around her.
I'll be your dream
I'll be your wish
I'll be your fantasy
I'll be your hope
I'll be your love
Be everything that you need
It was as though Harry had just walked into the room, and wrapped his arms around her waist, she breathed in deeply almost smelling his familiar scent in the air surrounding her.
I'll love you more with every breath
Truly Madly Deeply do
I will be strong I will be faithful
Because I'm counting on a new beginning
A reason for living
A deeper meaning yeah.
I wanna stand with you on a mountain
I wanna bathe with you in the sea
I wanna stay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
But they hadn't stayed like it forever; Ginny opened her eyes and saw that she was still alone, tears had fallen from her green eyes, leaving black rivulets running down her porcelain face, she let the song play on, it's notes lingering on the air, a sad reminder of what was no more, her cheeks were now almost completely black from the mascara running down them, and she was powerless to stop it.
"Ginny, what's the matter?'' Hermione called as she walked into the room, her make up was already done and by the look of thing she was just about ready to start doing her hair. She stopped in her tracks when she heard the song released from the locket, setting free all of Ginny's pent up and secret emotions as only it could do. "Oh listen sweetie, please don't cry.'' Hermione said as she rushed over to Ginny's side, dropping to her knees and wrapping her arms tightly around Ginny.
"I can't Hermione, I can't do this without him.'' Ginny cried, falling onto Hermione shoulder, staining her plain white bathrobe with black.
"I'm sorry Hermione.'' Ginny said, sitting up after a few minutes of crying, Hermione had closed the locket discreetly and the song stopped playing almost as suddenly as Harry had walked out of Ginny's life, possibly forever. "You must think I'm so stupid.''
"No, I don't think you're stupid. I understand.'' Hermione said, looking into Ginny's eyes. "What I don't understand is why you felt the need to mess my bathrobe up.'' Hermione said smiling.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry.'' Ginny gushed. "I didn't mean to.''
"It's alright I was only joking.'' Hermione comforted smiling at Ginny, before muttering an incantation that vanished the mascara stains on her robe, and turning to Ginny and saying a simple spell that left her cheeks as fresh as they were before she started crying. "Now, hurry up and do your mascara again, I can't wait to get dressed, we're going to look so amazing.'' Hermione gushed, pulling Ginny's dress out from her wardrobe.
"Yeah, it was a good idea to dress in a snowflake theme.'' Ginny said, reapplying her mascara to her now dry eyelashes.
"I'll bet no one else thought of doing something like that.'' Hermione said, "I can't wait to see the looks on their faces.''
"Me neither.'' Ginny replied, knowing that there was a certain person's reaction that she was very keen to see.
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Ron stood nervously outside the room that currently held the love of his life and his sister who were still getting ready, ten minutes after Hermione said that she would meet Ron, he was wearing a pair of deep blue, baggy Muggle jeans and a tight black t-shirt, that clung to his taut stomach and muscled chest, defining his arm and accentuating his slim waist, he ran a hand through his messed up spiky hair, hoping that Hermione would be ready soon, a group of second year girls had walked past him five times all ready, each time whispering and giggling, one of them had even winked at him, he was sure of it. Just then Hermione and Ginny appeared in the doorway, looking like nothing Ron had ever seen before in his life. Hermione was wearing a shimmery white top, that sparkled in the light, with a knee length skirt that flared out, accentuating her perfect hips and slim tanned legs, her hair hung loose and curly around her face framing it perfectly, there were hundreds of tiny pearls strewn throughout her hair, reflecting the light and shining brightly.
"You look amazing Mione.'' Ron breathed as he pulled her close to him and kissed her lightly on the lips.
"So do you.'' Hermione replied, looking Ron up and down appreciatively, it was so much better when Hermione looked at him like that rather than a bunch of giggly second years, it made the heat rise in his chest and the blood in his veins run south.
"Hem Hem'' Ginny coughed, clearing her throat, "And what about me.'' She stood there in a whit dress that was shimmering in the same way Hermione's top was, her feet were strapped into delicate white sandals and her hair was also strewn with pearls and glitter, in her hands she clutched a small white back and around her neck was a locket, the same locket that Harry had bought for her, what felt like only yesterday.
"Yeah you look alright.'' Ron shrugged. "Don't you think that dress is a bit too short.''
"Ron it comes passed my knee.'' Ginny stated unbelievingly, her fiery hair falling past her shoulders.
"It's not too short, and you look amazing Ginny.'' Hermione said honestly, envious of her friend's natural beauty. "Doesn't she Ron?''
"Yeah, you look great kid.'' Ron said, grinning lopsidedly at his little sister. "Well shall we go then.'' Said Ron offering both his arms out to the two girls he cared for most in the world.
"No, you two go ahead.'' Ginny said as Ron offered his arm to her. "I'm meeting Colin in the common room, although I know he'll be late, he's like a woman.'' Ginny said laughing. "I'll see you both down there, save a dance for me Ron.''
"Sure thing.'' Ron replied as they walked away, thinking how strange it was that if Ginny had asked him to dance with her last year he probably would've laughed, but now he had seen how vulnerable she really was and how young she really was, he would do anything for her, he would've done anything for her before obviously but now, he wanted to protect her even more, shelter her from anything that could hurt her. He loved her more than he could describe, she was his baby sister and she always would be, whether she was sixteen or sixty.
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Ron held Hermiones small soft hand in his own as together they entered the Great Hall that was already starting to fill up with students from fourth to seventh year, the ceiling was adorned with thousands of sparkling silver streamers that seemed to blow about in a soft breeze. Shimmering snowflakes fell from the ceiling, covering the dance floor that was surprisingly full and the hundreds of little tables. A buffet table had been set up against the back wall, it was groaning under the weight of mountains of sandwiches, piles of sweets and lakes of punch. Ron smiled down at Hermione and she squeezed his hand happily as they walked over to a table and sat down waiting for Ginny and Colin to arrive before they all started dancing.
Ron was staring hungrily at the sandwiches, he hadn't eaten since breakfast and he was starving, he had spent most of the day with Seamus and Dean, preparing for the ball, well actually they hadn't been preparing as such they had mostly been playing chess and messing around until about ten minutes before they were due to leave when they all hurriedly got dressed ready to meet their girlfriends.
He looked over at Hermione who was waving at Antony Goldstein the Head boy who was dancing happily with Padma Patil, he marvelled at her looking down at her with admiration etched into his every feature, he loved this girl more than he could ever possibly describe, not only was she beautiful, but she was smart, witty and very independent, she was perfect. Hermione looked up and noticed Ron looking at her, she smiled at him, and pulled him up to his feet as Ginny and Colin entered the hall and they all went straight to the dance floor after a glass of punch.
Ginny and Colin danced happily to an upbeat tune as Hermione and dancing a bit too close for some teachers liking, but no one aid anything after all this party was supposed to help them forget all the problems of the outside world, and it was doing just that for Ginny, she had always loved to dance, it made her feel free, like a bird who had just learned to fly, it made her feel as though nothing existed apart from the music, she was smiling and laughing for the first time in ages and everyone seemed to notice, gone were the shadows under her eyes from lack of sleep, gone were the tear stains on her cheeks, replaced with an attractive flush from dancing.
At one stage Colin had to practically carry Ginny away from the dance floor as she was doubled over in laughter, part of this could have been due to the fact that Hagrid and Professor Sprout had just taken to the floor and were displaying a lot of very 'interesting' dance moves.
"Oh my God.'' Ginny gasped as Colin sat her down on an empty seat and handed her a glass of punch. "What was that?''
"I think I heard Hagrid calling it the shuffle.'' Colin answered laughing, reliving the moment in his head. Ginny took a gulp of punch to try and calm down, but as she swallowed the fruity liquid an unpleasant taste lingered in her mouth. She lifted the cup up to her nose and sniffed it suspiciously.
"This punch has been spiked.'' Ginny said laughing. "No wonder Hagrid and Professor Sprout are so keen to show off their new moves.'' Ginny said giggling, some of the punch having obviously gone straight to her head.
"We'd better hope that Dumbledore and Mcgonagall don't start dancing like Seamus and Lavender then.'' Colin said indicating the pair with his head, Ginny looked over and saw that they were dancing scandalously close, Seamus grinding his hips against Lavenders, and her hands trailing all over his back.
"Now that would be something to write home about.'' Ginny stated laughing out loud at the mental picture Colin had just placed into her head.
Harry walked through the doors to the Great Hall, unnoticed by everyone, he sloped off to the buffet table and picked up a sandwich and started to chew absent mindedly all the while his eyes scanning the room for her, he saw Ron and Hermione dancing slowly together at the edge of the dance floor even though the song was a fast one, Ron was leaning down to her and whispering into her ear, and she was smiling and kissing him quickly, making sure that no teachers were watching. This obviously seemed to amuse Ron who was smiling down at his girlfriend, his obvious love and respect for her shining in his brilliant blue eyes.
He dragged his eyes away from his two best friends, searching the room for his angel, it was then that he found her, and she looked amazing as he knew that she would, her beautiful hair sparking with shining gems, and her shimmering dress, she really did look like an angel. Harry stood there, overlooked by everyone, his dark combat trousers and tight forest green t-shirt, not standing out enough for anyone to look twice, his muscled arms, twitched nervously as his fingers fidgeted idly, desperate to hold her again. His messy black hair had flopped down over his forehead, obscuring his scar from vision letting him become just another face in the crowd.
He looked up and saw Ginny laughing happily as Colin dragged her back onto the dance floor, they started dancing, laughing and smiling all the while, Harry felt his heart melt as he watched her laugh, he hadn't seen her smile for ages, he had almost forgotten how good it made him feel when she smiled like that, it felt as though there were nothing bad in the world just her and her perfect smile. He watched as she danced with Colin, was there more to their relationship than he knew, they had been spending a lot of time together recently, and they did look very comfortable together, Harry felt the jealousy rise up inside of him, blurring all his rational thought and this jealousy overcame him as a boy from sixth year Slytherin walked up to Ginny, practically pushing Colin out of the way and started dancing very close to her. Harry turned away, unable to watch as the girl he loved danced with another man, he knew that he would have to face the possibility that she had already gotten over him and found someone else, but he didn't know how hard it was going to be to have to watch her with someone else, he never could've imagined the heart wrenching pain it would cause him, he couldn't watch anymore he turned on his heel and walked very quickly out of the great hall, the tears he expected to fall never coming, he had cried too long for her, he was numb and empty unable to cry or show emotion anymore, it was all pent up, trapped inside him, he just dreaded the time when it would all escape, when he would finally erupt.
"So baby.'' The Slytherin growled in a seductive voice. "Want to get out of here for a bit, it's really hot.''
"Um, no thanks I'm alright thank you, I'm a bit tired though so I'll just go and sit with my friends, bye.'' Ginny said nervously, hardly taking breath between her words, she didn't feel comfortable with that boy; he made her feel uneasy and very nervous. She rushed away and promptly sat down at Ron and Hermione's table, making them both look up suddenly.
"What's the matter Gin?'' Hermione asked a slight blush creeping across her face as Ron placed his hand on her thigh. "You look pale.''
"Oh, I'm just a bit tired that's all.'' Ginny replied, knowing that if she told them about the Slytherin boy, Ron would get all mad and go and beat him up, besides he hadn't really done anything wrong had he, he had only offered her to go somewhere, she might have misunderstood and jumped to the worst conclusions just because he was a Slytherin, but he had been dancing a bit too close than she felt comfortable with.
"Oh, I'm getting a bit tired too.'' Ron said, raising his eyebrows suggestively at Hermione. "I'd love to go to bed now.''
"Go on then.'' Hermione said coolly. "Don't wait up.'' Her eyes glinting mischievously, deliberately ignoring Ron's insinuations. "No, I didn't think so.'' Hermione said, when Ron didn't move from his seat, she grinned wickedly at Ginny who just rolled her eyes at the couple.
"Actually I think I'll head back now, I'll just go and tell Colin. I'll see you both tomorrow.'' Ginny said as she waved goodbye to Hermione and her brother, who had just started flirting with each other again.
Ginny weaved in and out of the pattern of dancers on the floor, over to a group of her friends where Colin and Dana were dancing, Dana hadn't seemed to have realised that the punch was spiked and had had a few too many, she was tripping slightly, but it looked as though she was having fun, and Colin was there to look after her.
"Hey Gin.'' Colin called as Dana fell against him and backed away giggling. "How are things with that guy?'' Colin asked winking.
"Urgh, that creep, I ditched him straight away, anyway I'm really tired so I'm going back now. Thanks for an amazing night.'' Ginny said as she kissed Colin on the cheek.
"Do you want me to walk back with you?'' Colin asked.
"No, it's alright you stay here, have fun. I'll see you tomorrow.'' Ginny called as she walked away, clutching her small bag in her hands. And she walked out of the Great Hall, a pair of deep brown eyes watching her every step, as soon as she had disappeared from view, the Slytherin who had been watching her all night followed her out of the hall.
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Footsteps echoed rhythmically on the cool stone floor, the sound soothed him, the cool air around him calmed his raging soul, Harry couldn't face going back to his dark dingy room, not now, not after what he had just seen, usually he embraced the confined space and the darkness, but tonight the thought suffocated him, he needed to breathe, needed to think, so he walked, he walked up corridors, down staircases, along passages and though portraits, never seeing where he was going, never feeling the noise fade away as he climbed higher and higher, and never noticed the hushed whispers from the portraits as he walked past, his head was in the clouds, his thoughts detaching him from the real world, until he heard it, a low growl of a voice, it didn't sound too far away from were he stood, but you couldn't be sure in Hogwarts, sounds and voices reverberated across the stony walls, distorting all sense of direction and place.
"Come on, you used to let him in.'' The voice growled, as Harry strained his ears and closed his eyes, shutting off all senses apart from his sense of hearing, but he didn't need any senses to distinguish what came next, it was instinctive to him, it was a voice that haunted his every waking moment, only he had only ever heard her sound so fearful before and that was in the Chamber of secrets when she was just eleven years old. Ginny.
"No, please just go away.'' Ginny said, her voice trembling. Harry needed no further encouragement, he swiftly changed directions and followed the sound of her voice, it's tremors guiding him through the corridors of the castle. Harry reached the corner of the corridor and what he saw froze him with horror, the sight of this made the terror of seeing Voldemort being reborn seem like nothing, a tall stocky Slytherin hand Ginny pressed up against the wall outside her bedroom, her hair was messed up and she was shaking, but he was powerless to move, it was as though someone had paralysed him from the neck down and was forced to stand by and watch as this thug terrorised his innocent angel.
"But you let Potter sleep in here, what's the difference?'' The tall by snarled, he was obviously losing his patience fast.
"Look I said no, just go away.'' Ginny shouted, her voice still shaking but her confidence growing.
"And what will you do if I don't baby.'' The Slytherin mocked, brushing his hand up her cheek, making her flinch from his touch.
Ginny said nothing, she just pulled her wand out and pointed it directly at his chest and smiled at him wickedly, a determined glint in her eye. He cocked his head to the side and surveyed her and started laughing, he lightly pushed her wand aside and pressed himself up against her. She couldn't take it anymore, she wasn't going to stand for it, how dare he laugh at her, as though she were some silly little girl.
"Come on baby, you know you want it.'' The Slytherin whispered hoarsely as he moved to kiss her. That was it, white hot anger coursed through her, she held her wand high, and pushed him off her, red and gold sparks emitting from the tip of her wand, illuminating her determined angry face.
"Don't call me baby, you overgrown piece of Slytherin crap, now get out of here before I do something that you will definitely regret.'' Ginny said, her voice cool and calm even though inside she was dreading the boy's reaction. He looked into her determined face, and back to her wand that was still shooting sparks, her anger channelled into its core.
"Whatever.'' He said and he turned to walk away, as soon as he turned the corner Ginny sank back against the wall trembling, silent tears falling down her cheeks, she turned around and whispered her passwords, watching satisfactorily as the tapestry swung open.
"Harry I need you.'' She cried as she walked into the room, the tapestry swinging firmly back into place.
"I'm right here angel, I'm always here for you.'' Harry whispered into the darkness, only now regaining the use of his limbs, his emotions were a bubbling cauldron ready to erupt, he felt angry, angrier than he had ever felt in his entire life, something had to be done, no one hurt Ginny and got away with it, Harry sprinted the length of the corridor, following the path that the Slytherin had taken, determined to find him, to teach him what happened to anyone that hurt Ginny Weasley.
He stopped when he could see his quarry in front of him, controlled his breathing, it would be easier to sneak up on him if he stopped panting, with effort and anger. He pulled his wand out of his pocket and muttered a spell; suddenly all of the flickering torches went out, plunging the corridor into darkness.
"Hello…. Who's there?'' The Slytherin called, his low growling voice reduced to a panicked whimper. "This isn't funny turn the lights back on.'' He called out into the darkness. Harry approached him slowly his face hidden by shadows, his footsteps muffled by the blanket of darkness surrounding him. The boy swung his arms out trying to feel for the source of the footsteps, Harry dodged his flailing arms easily, he felt a great satisfaction in being able to drive s much fear into one person so easily, now he would know exactly how Ginny felt when he had cornered her. "I can hear you, I know where you are.''
Harry muttered an incantation, that caused the boy to stop flailing his arms around and freeze in terror, they were words unlike any he had ever heard in his life, words he was quite sure that they hadn't been taught at school, then a cold voice broke the silence.
"Where am I then?'' The voice said coldly from the farthest end of the corridor as Harry moved his lips with the words and pointed his wand towards the end of the corridor, then moved it to point right next to where the Slytherin boy stood shaking. "Come and find me.'' A voice spoke next to his ear, making his jump and move quickly away. Harry moved his wand to the ceiling and the cold voice echoed around the room. "You know nothing boy now tell me what's your name?'' The voice said callously, Harry watched as he mouthed the words, he could see the boy slightly up against the wall, shaking. "I said what's your name?'' The voice demanded, loud and bellowing.
"Paul…Paul Gorderman.'' The Slytherin spoke up nervously, his eyes darting around the corridor for the source of the mysterious voice. Harry whispered another spell inaudibly and soft scratching could be heard all over the walls in the corridor, accompanied by a melancholy howl. Paul was physically shaking by now, running his hands through his hair, muttering wildly about ghosts and demons. Harry crept up to him quietly and stood in front of his face still obscured by shadows. He put his hand up and ran it over the boy's shoulders, causing him to scream loudly and jump, Harry laughed maniacally. "Not so big now are you?'' He asked keeping his voice even and emotionless.
"Who…who are you?'' Paul asked, his voice trembling and his hands clutching at his wand.
"I wouldn't bother with that if I were you.'' Harry stated calmly. "It won't do much good against me. Expelliarmus.'' Harry shouted deftly catching Paul's wand in his hand, turning his face away from the bright light that could reveal his hidden identity. He pointed both wands at Paul, feeling the boy shake beneath their touch, hearing the thundering of his heart, not relenting knowing that was exactly how he had made Ginny feel. "I am here to teach you a lesson.'' Harry stated simply. As he spoke the words to an ancient spell they were drowned out by Paul's screams of pain and anguish, the bright red light illuminating his face, contorted with pain, once the bright light had faded and Paul's screams had ebbed away to sobs and moans, Harry turned and walked away, calling over his shoulder. "Remember this.'' As Harry turned out of the corridor, the lights in the corridor re-ignited and cast their familiar flickering light over everything in the corridor, including the limp form of Paul Gorderman, slumped against the wall clutching his right arm, that had only seconds before been seething with pain.
He tentatively pulled his hand away from his stinging arm and saw three words engraved deeply into his skin, blood shining all around them, running up the length of his forearm in bold red letters. 'NO MEANS NO'
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The next Monday was the start of the last week of term, by the time Saturday came around students would be leaving the castle, ready to spend Christmas with their loved ones. Just one more week of school, this was the thought that Ron knew was going to help him get though the day, Monday was his worst day, and even now at breakfast he knew he shouldn't have gotten out of bed. Ginny had been acting strangely all weekend since the party but she was alright now, so Ron pushed it out of his head, but there was something bothering him, something didn't feel right, everything seemed too normal, he wasn't the only person who felt this way. At the other end of the table Harry sat staring unseeingly into his cereal, he felt tense, agitated, restless, something wasn't right, he could feel it. Something was building up, something big was about to happen, it was then that they heard it, then that his heart jumped into his throat, he looked up to the teachers table and saw that his fears were confirmed. The sirens surrounding Hogsmeade had been activated, there were Death Eaters approaching.
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(A.N Thanks everyone for your brilliant reviews, sorry this took so long, but as it's half term I'm hoping to be able to write faster. I can't wait to see what you all think about this chapter, so please review, I'll appreciate it millions. Until next time my friends ICE PRINCESS12 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
P.S Darker chapters ahead!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED