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Wife Wanted

Chapter 7: Finding Neville

"Colin!" she knocked on the door loudly. "It's me, Ginny!" The door swung open. 

"Gin! You're back!" Colin exclaimed, embracing her. He took a look at her, and at once began to worry. She looked fine, but… "Did Malfoy do anything to you?"

She frowned at the mention of Draco. "I'm fine."

"I tried visiting you, but Malfoy—"

"Let me guess- the prat threatened to set his pet dragon on you?"

"Well, it was more like he did set it on me," he said. At Ginny's disgruntled look, he quickly added, "It was only for a few seconds though."

"That bloody bastard…" she growled under her breath.

"I'm all right, Ginny," he assured her. "But are you sure you're okay?"

She smiled at him sadly. "Yes. I'm okay now. It's just…I've been thinking for a while, and there's something I need to do…"

"Sure, give me five minutes, and I'll be ready."

"Colin, I have to go by myself."

"Oh," he said, "I see."

"Can I borrow your car? I can't apparate yet, and I've no other means of transportation…"

"Sure, Gin," he smiled faintly. "But can I ask you what you're…" His voice trailed off.

"Yeah. I'm going to visit Neville."

"Ginny…you do know what happened to him after the war, right?"


"I heard," she said, her voice clipped. "It was on the news."

"He's not in St. Mungo's anymore, you know? They moved him out a week after you left."

"That's great!" she exclaimed.

"No, you don't understand, Ginny. Remember? The Healers thought that maybe if they put him near his parents, he'd get better. We all thought he would get better. His mind was one of the strongest we had, and if anyone could recover, we thought he would be able to."

"Didn't he?" She felt her eyes watering.

"Gin, he tried to kill them. They tried everything- medicines, injections, potions, even some spells. But he went mad, like a hippogriff on crack. He would scream for hours like a banshee until he was hoarse and would scratch himself until his skin peeled off. There were points where he'd try gouging his eyes out and tried hurting himself. He'd twist his arms and legs in odd positions and glance at us all maniacally as if he were daring us to try to stop him. He would yell about how everyone left him, about how no one cared. As far as the Healers could see, he was a lost case. At the end of the week, they gave up. They found him sitting in the corner by a window silently. They figured out that he had finally succeeded in all of his 'missions': he was blind and couldn't move much or talk. They sent him to Merlin knows where. No one's heard anything about him since then."

"Neville's gone?" Her voice cracked. Oh Merlin, not Neville, she thought. He had always been the one there for her through thick and thin. When no one would speak to her after the Tom Riddle incident, and she would sit in the common room at night bawling, he would be there to comfort her and to tell her it wasn't her fault. When Dean Thomas had asked her out in her third year and then dumped her for Lavender Brown a week later, he had been the one there to hold her and tell her he didn't deserve her. When she and Ron had gotten into a fight about her dating Malfoy and everyone had taken Ron's side, Neville was the one who would tell her that he supported her and trusted that she knew what she was doing.

"A-are you sure?" She whispered.

"Pretty much, Gin," he sighed. "There's really not much we can do. I mean, I guess we might be able to locate him, but that would require some major connections to the Ministry. And even if we could find him, we wouldn't be able to help him."

"Percy."

"What?"

"Percy. Doesn't he work at the Ministry of Magic?"

"Well, yes, but Percy?"

"Why not?" she asked indignantly.  

"Uhh, Gin," he said nervously, not wanting to hurt her, "Percy is not exactly the…"

"What is he not exactly?"

"Listen, Gin. You've been gone for almost five years, and five years is a long time to be away. A lot of things have happened. Things have changed. People have changed. You can't come waltzing back and expect everything to still be the same."

"W-what do you mean?"

"When you left, Percy went power-hungry. He's like Lucius Malfoy now, except for the fact that he's not a death-eater, and he's not dead. Percy…well…he's just different, now, Ginny. I can't explain it, but I know you'd be crushed if you saw him now."

"No. I'm his sister, his own flesh and blood. That has to mean something to him," she insisted. "Let's go see him."

"Ginny! Were you not listening to me at all? He won't give a flying shit about whether or not you're related to him. He stopped caring about that after he lost everything- his friends, family, and lover. All he cares about now is money and power, Ginny. Money and power, but definitely not you."

"Fine, I'll go by myself. And you know what? I don't give a flying shit whether you come with me or not," she said hotly. She got her wand out and prepared to apparate.

"Damn it, Ginny! Stop it. You know well enough that you can't apparate yet. You'll end up killing yourself."

"And why would you care?" she said pouting.

"Because, Ginny. You know I love you."

She stood sullenly in front of him. He rolled his eyes.

"Fine. Come on, I'll drive you to the Ministry. But don't say I didn't warn you."

The ride to the Ministry was, to say the least, awkward. The tension was as thick as the blood that Ginny was certain ran through her and Percy.

"We're here," Colin announced. Ginny stepped out and took a deep breath. It had been a long time since she had been near the Ministry of Magic. She hadn't put a single foot near it since her 4th year when Sirius was killed, and Harry had gone down a deep spiral of depression. She walked nervously to the main entrance where a bubbly receptionist greeted her.

"Good afternoon, ma'am! Please place your wand and all other belongings on this tray for checking. If you can wait for just a second, I'll be right with you," the receptionist said perkily. Colin rolled his eyes.  

Ginny nodded and did as she was asked. Glancing over her shoulder, she watched employees of the Ministry run back and forth, carrying large folders. She did, however, become quickly bored. Stifling a sigh, she watched as the receptionist talked animatedly to the client on the phone. When the receptionist finally finished, she turned to Ginny.

"So how can I be of assistance for you today?"


"I'd like to see Percy Weasley."

"Percy? Oh, you must mean Percival. I'm sorry; he won't see anyone unless he or she has a prior appointment. You can sign up for one though." The receptionist flipped through the calendar. "You're quite lucky, young lady. He has an available slot next…"

"Week?"

"Year," the receptionist laughed bitterly. "He's a busy man." She handed the calendar to Ginny. "He doesn't have time for anything. Not even those he claims to love," she muttered under her breath while Ginny looked at the calendar in shock.


"But I'm his sister," Ginny insisted.

"I'm terribly sorry; you must be mistaken. Percival has no family."

"No, you're the one that's mistaken. I'm his sister," she said stubbornly.

"He does not have family; they all perished in the war. Now, I will ask you once again. Would you like to schedule an appointment for next year? If you do not wish to schedule an appointment with Mr. Weasley, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

"Please, I have to see Percy," Ginny begged.

"I'm sorry. Appointments only," the receptionist said coldly.

"You don't understand! I need to see him!"

The receptionist pursed her lips together tightly. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but there's nothing I can do. Please make an appointment or leave."

"Ginny, come on, let's go home," Colin said, tugging on her sleeve. "It's no use bothering."

"Your boyfriend is right," the receptionist said. "Just go home."

"But…" Ginny protested.

"Listen, hon," the receptionist began, "I don't know how you know him, but that 'Percy' of yours…he's one—"

"What am I?" A sharp voice interrupted their conversation. Ginny looked up. A tall man stared back at her. He was dressed impeccably with lush robes and polished shoes. His perfectly combed red hair had not a single strand out of place, and his striking blue eyes pierced straight through her. Almost at once, she recognized him.

"Percy?" Ginny whispered.


"Who is this?" Percy demanded to the receptionist.


The receptionist quivered under Percy's intense gaze. "This w-woman claims to be your sister, sir."

"I have not had a sister for almost five years," Percy said frostily looking intently at Ginny. Then he added, "Not that it would matter, of course. She's dead to me."  

Ginny's eyes welled up with tears. "But, Percy..."

"I have to ask you to leave now, ma'am," the receptionist said with a smirk. Percy gave an affirmative nod and strode briskly away.

Colin pulled Ginny reluctantly out of the Ministry of Magic. They silently got in the car. Colin gave a slight cough and glanced back occasionally at Ginny. Once they had reached his house, he grabbed her hand.

"Gin, I'm sorry about—"

"Don't be. It's not your fault that Percy's such a bloody bastard now. 'I have no sister.' I mean what the bloody hell was that?" she said enraged.


"Erm…"

"Don't worry, Colin. We'll find Neville no matter what it takes. Now, who else do you know has high connections in high places?"

"Well…"

"That's right! Malfoy! Brilliant idea, Colin," she grinned at him. "But how do we get him to help us?"

"I think that maybe…"

"You're right, Colin! We'll just ask him; after all, I'm sure he won't mind helping me. We did have a relationship, after all."

"But didn't it…"

"You're absolutely right. It didn't end well. Now what?"

"Actually…"

"Brilliant, Colin, positively brilliant! I'll seduce him."

"But…"

"Oh. You're right. If he ever found out about our plan, he'd have us AKed in a second."


"Ginny!" Colin said frustrated. "Damn it, will you just listen to me for a second?" She grew quiet. "That's better," he growled.

"I—"

"No, Ginny, please. Just shut up for one minute, okay?"

"Fine," she said childishly, "I will."

"Good, here's the plan: we just tell Malfoy what we want to do and why. He's not my most favorite person in the world, but he does have somewhat of a heart, even if it is smaller than most. Plus, don't you remember what Neville did at Malfoy's trial?"

*~* FLaShBacK *~*

Draco Malfoy stood at the stand emotionlessly. He walked in silently and stayed that way throughout the trial; he said nothing even when malicious jaunts and jeers were directed towards him.

"Draco Lucius Malfoy, you have been accused of twelve Muggle murders, fourteen Muggle-born murders, twenty-nine attempted murders, breaking and entering on multiple accounts, harassment, larceny…" the judge's voice droned on. The courtroom sat in angered silence at the malevolence of the accused man. "…and finally, the use of dark magic," the judge finished. "Do you have anything to say regarding these counts?"

Draco stated indifferently, "It would not matter if I did have anything to say."

"So you do not deny these accusations?"

"I do not deny nor confirm them." The jury buzzed with anticipation. They could feel it-this was the day. Today was the day that the last of the Malfoys would finally be put away in Azkaban for good.

The judge waited for a signal from the jury. "The decision has been made. Draco Lucius Malfoy, you have been found guil—"

Neville burst in the room, slamming the doors open.

"What in the world?" The judge glared angrily at Neville. "This is a private trial; only those invited are to attend."

Draco looked at Neville questioningly. Neville nodded at him in return.

"I invited him," Draco said.

"Fine, fine. Take a seat; you're dreadfully late. The verdict was just about to be given."

"Your Honor, sir, I would like to say something," Neville said nervously, wiping his sweaty palms on his pants.

The judge rolled his eyes. "Very well."

"Malfoy is innocent. I swear on my parents that I can prove that he has not committed any crimes." Neville took out a wand. "This wand- this one, not the one you are currently holding- is Draco Malfoy's wand." The crowd burst into loud whispers.

"What? Surely you must be mistaken."

"I most definitely am not. Check it; do spells and whatever else you do. But Draco Malfoy is innocent, and this wand will prove it."

*~* EnD FLaShBacK *~*

Ginny gasped. "You're right!" She hugged him tightly. "I can't believe we didn't think of this earlier. Oh! Let's go now, Colin!"


He groaned. "All right, but why don't we floo this time?"

"Can't."

"Why?"

"Malfoy's a paranoid man. No one can floo or apparate in unless he or she has Malfoy's permission."


"So we have to drive? Again?"

"Yeah." She looked at him pleadingly. He moaned.

"Fine, let's go."

The car ride was short, and within minutes, they had arrived at the Manor.

She stepped nervously towards the door and knocked loudly. To her surprise, Draco answered.

"Erm, Malfoy, I've bit of a favor to ask you if I may," Ginny said as nicely as she could without slapping him for his insolence earlier.

He cocked his eyebrow at her. "And…?"

"Well, you see, I've been—" Colin interrupted her.

"What she means to say is that we want to find Neville."

"Neville Longbottom?" Draco said, his cold eyes softening slightly.

"Yes. Can we come in?"

"I see you've brought your boyfriend along," Draco said loftily as he let them inside. 

"He's not my boyfriend," she said blushing furiously. Draco led them to a room where they all sat down.

"The weather's nice," Colin said, desperate to make small conversation.

"What do you want with Neville?" Draco said bluntly.

"I want to visit him, Malfoy. He and I were close," Ginny said defensively.

"Swear not to tell anyone where he is. The Ministry doesn't even know."

"What? The Ministry doesn't—"


"Just swear, Ginny."

"I swear!"


"And you, Creevey?"

"Well, um, I swear, too?"

"Good. Follow me." He led them down a winding staircase which seemed to stretch for kilometers. The dark and damp hallway smelled musty and forbidden shadows lurked in front of them. Abruptly, he stopped in front of a metal door that, unlike its surroundings, was clean and appeared to not have aged at all. "Neville's in here. I had him moved here shortly after the incident with his parents for his own protection. I have the maids leave food for him every night, but after the first year, I've given up on trying to reach him. I have to warn you- he doesn't speak or move and can't see. His hearing is quite acute, however. One might say that it is a malady rather than a gift. Anyways, you may go in if you wish, but only one at a time- he gets antsy otherwise."

When Ginny walked in, his chair whirred loudly, turning towards her.  "Neville?" She ran to him and knelt down before him. His hair had grown lank and unkempt, and it obscured his face. She gasped when she got a full look at him. Where his eyes should have been, she saw gaping holes instead.

"Oh Neville...Sweet Merlin..." She reached for his limp hand. "Neville...no, not you, Neville. You were supposed to be the strong one," she sobbed. She hugged him tightly, burying her face in his once broad shoulders. She held him closely and finally whispered, "I-I'm so sorry." Fat tears rolled down her cheeks. "I should have come back when I heard about your...condition. Neville, you were always there for me, and I said I'd be there for you. We swore we'd--" her voice cracked. She lifted a shaky hand to his clammy cheek. "We swore we'd stick together no matter what. I'm sorry. Merlin, I'm so sorry."

She closed her eyes, willing for a sign of recognition to come from Neville. Anything. But nothing came. She stood up, not willing to accept defeat. "I know I wasn't there for you earlier, Neville, but I'm here for you now." She began walking away when she felt a cold hand clasp hers. She turned around to meet the almost lifeless face of Neville again. "Neville?" She gasped as his mouth twitched upwards. Then she shivered. That wasn't a smile of the Neville she knew. No, it was bitter and maniacal, and it didn't belong on his once-boyishly handsome face.

********************

VERY IMPORTANT A/N: this story started out in the romance/humor genre concerning draco's search for a wife (hence the title "wife wanted"), but it has strayed significantly from its original plot to more of a romance/drama genre with very little romance between the two main characters. it is moving incredibly slow, and at this point, i do not know where to take this, nor what to do with it. i really have absolutely no idea with what i should do with this story: should i try to continue it or discard it completely and start something new? i don't want to abandon my "baby," but i am fresh out of ideas- a (hopefully) temporarily permanent writer's block, if you will. if you do want me to continue this, i'd appreciate any and all reviews with ideas regarding the events that you want happening in future chapters (if there are any future chapters). whew, okay i'm done with all the "administrivia." i want to thank everyone who has already taken time to review this story. i'd also like to mention that for future chapters (if there are any), i am waiting for at least 10 reviews per chapter. i know it's somewhat selfish to ask for so many, but i spend a lot of time writing these, and i really would like to have at least 10 opinions before i add more. and again, THANKS TO ALL MY REVIEWERS SO MUCH. YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH YOUR REVIEWS MEAN TO ME! xoxo      

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