In the Shadows: A Tale of Silver and Gold

by ugahill

A DracoGinny ficlet, with a thin line between love and hate...

7. Silver and Gold

In the Shadows: A Tale of Silver and Gold (in seven parts)

Chapter VII: Silver and Gold

"Love is such an extraordinary force. It changes things beyond reason or reckoning. It can make heroes out of villains and villains out of heroes. It defies logic, and time, and even destiny. We cannot control it, even if we try, and we should not wish to. For more often than not, it is the only thing that can save us. Whether it be man to woman, boy to girl, or mother to child, it is unquestionably the most powerful magic we will ever discover, possess, or control. And the one type that cannot be overcome…"

Albus Dumbledore

The stars were twinkling high above them; the moon had returned, lighting the grounds with a dim glow and shadowing the pale, pulled face of Bellatrix Lestrange as she pointed her wand at her fallen nephew.
"Avada Kedavra!"
Harry grabbed Ginny as she rushed past him, her hair flying about her face in a red-gold cloud.
"DRACO!" she screamed, trying to break away from him. He pulled her to the ground as a bright green flash lit the area, blinding them.
Harry pounded his fist into the ground, his face twisting as the green light subsided. He'd seen it happen before, and had been powerless to stop it then, too. Cedric Diggory's surprised expression ripped through his mind.
Not even Malfoy deserved that…
A cold, intense silence filled the air; Ginny was whimpering softly beside him, her face in the dirt, refusing to look up. Harry lifted his head. Around him, the gathered group of students were watching Bellatrix, horrified, as she glared at Draco, her face locked in a bitter hatred.
It remained that way, even as she fell forward, her dark hair folding over her hollow face, her robes billowing out beneath her. She landed atop the still unmarked body of her nephew, her wand falling uselessly aside, silenced by the power of the one curse every wizard feared—and only Harry had ever survived.
Harry's mouth dropped open, and he shook at Ginny's quivering shoulders. "Ginny…"
From the shadows of the Entrance Hall, Narcissa Malfoy emerged, her wand raised, pointed at where her sister had stood. The remainder of Slytherin house was behind her, including the little girl with brown braids who had come to signal her arrival. They watched with wide eyes as she placed her wand inside her robes and moved sleekly into the dim brightness of the moonlit night.
Ginny lifted her head, staring from the crumpled form of Bellatrix to Narcissa in confusion.
Narcissa's expression bore a hint of cold satisfaction as she turned to Dumbledore, who had stopped when the Death Curse had been cast. He said nothing to her, however, and moved towards the pair lying on the ground, turning over Bellatrix's limp form with steady hands.
The Death Eater's eyes remained open, but Harry could perceive the unmistakable mark of death on her face. Her strange, evil beauty was hindered only by the spiteful look she still bore for her nephew.
"She was your sister, Narcissa," Dumbledore said softly, closing her eyes.
"My sister or my son, Albus," Malfoy's mother replied coldly. "Which would you have chosen?"
Dumbledore's eyes bore no sign of derision, but he gave no answer, only lowered Bellatrix gently to the ground.
Malfoy's mother kneeled beside her sister's body, and dragged her son from beneath the long robes. Ginny pulled herself up, and walked to within feet of the pair.
"Is he…alright?" she asked quietly.
Narcissa placed a hand atop his cheek, her face softening, but only for a moment. "He's alive."
Ginny heaved a relieved sigh. His mother glanced at her, one eyebrow raised.
Ginny stepped back.
"May we take him inside, please?"
"Of course," said Dumbledore tersely.
His mother tried to lift him; Ron stepped up to her, and lifted him from the ground.
"I'll do it," he replied tartly, jostling Malfoy just a bit and setting off for the castle doors. Ginny walked swiftly to his side.
Narcissa watched them for a moment, then turned back to the group, her gray eyes moving from Hermione's tear-streaked face to Harry's determined one, and settling on his lightning bolt scar, barely visible beneath his hair.
Her nose turned up, and she lowered her eyes to his face, observing him coldly.
Harry narrowed his eyes.
"You tried to save him?" she asked.
"Yes," Harry replied.
She observed him a moment more with an expressionless face, then turned to follow the Weasley's, her neat, pretty robes floating out around her. Harry watched her go in confusion; Hermione looked utterly perplexed.
He glanced down at the body of Bellatrix. He had every reason to hate her, to wish to see her dead, but for some reason, he felt no joy seeing her there; instead, he felt sad, and a little lost.
No one deserves that fate…
He was surprised he could think of her with any measure of pity, all things considered. He turned away, glancing down at his wand.
But—if I want to survive, I'll have to do the same, someday.
Hermione watched him for a moment, then looked to Professor Dumbledore as Ron, Ginny and Malfoy disappeared into the castle.
"Isn't it illegal to use the Killing Curse in any situation, Professor? Even if she was trying to save him?"
"Yes, I am afraid so."
"Then what will happen to her?"
Dumbledore gazed down at Bellatrix sadly. "That is not for me to say, Miss Granger. The Ministry wizards will have to decide whether what Narcissa did was correct or incorrect."
"She saved his life," said Neville quietly. "She just wanted to protect her son, like any mother would."
"Not all mothers would kill to save their children," said Hermione. "Some would sacrifice their own life before taking the life of another."
"Not all are given that choice, Hermione," Harry replied, turning to face her. "Sometimes taking the life of another is the only thing that can be done, if you want those you love to survive."
She stared at him rather intently. "What do you mean by that?"
"It matters little now," said Dumbledore, before Harry could reply. "It is done, and it cannot be undone. And the decision as to whether it was the appropriate action now lies with the Ministry."
"Don't think we'll have to wait long to find out," said Seamus, gesturing upwards.
In the air above them, hundreds of wizards on broomsticks were circling about, trying to find safe landing areas. Out of the front door of Hogwarts, throngs of adult wizards were emerging, spreading out about the grounds, searching for their children.
"Dumbledore!" cried a familiar voice from the Entrance Hall. "What on Earth happened here?"
"Hello, Cornelius," said Dumbledore pleasantly, some hint of his customary twinkle returning to his blue eyes. "It has been rather a while, hasn't it?"
Cornelius Fudge, the portly, diminutive Minister of Magic, made his way towards them, staring at the body of Bellatrix in horror. Percy Weasley trailed behind him, dressed in neat blue robes and a new pair of horn-rimmed glasses. He narrowed his eyes at Harry for a moment, before glancing, nonplussed, at the body of the Death Eater. Hermione tutted under her breath.
"Is this the cause of all of these troublesome events?" The Minister asked after a moment, still riveted on Bellatrix's motionless form.
"It appears so, Cornelius. Bellatrix Lestrange is at fault for all of this."
"But why?"
"It will take further investigation to understand the events that occurred tonight completely, but it is my belief her intentions were to destroy myself and the school without regard for any of the students."
Percy was staring at him in shock, his mouth half-open; the Minister cleared his throat and he jumped. He withdrew a newly smoothed piece of parchment from his dress robes, along with a fancy quill, and began scribbling furiously.
"And…it has nothing to do with…with…You-Know-Who?" continued the Minister.
"With Voldemort, Cornelius. And no, I do not believe so. Voldemort would have never attempted something so foolhardy as to stage such an attack directly without some form of a ulterior motive. And he has no interest in seeing Hogwarts destroyed, outside of ridding himself of Mr. Potter or perhaps myself."
Fudge eyed Harry for a moment. "And what about Potter? Was she coming after him?"
"Yes…and no. Her attack was aimed in part at Harry—it might have even begun that way—but it soon evolved into a crusade to destroy Hogwarts itself. Harry had nothing to do with that. In fact, it was young Mr. Malfoy, not Mister Potter, who bore the brunt of her fury."
"Malfoy? Do you mean Draco Malfoy, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy's son? But that would be…her nephew, am I not mistaken?"
"You are not mistaken."
"Why would she attack him?"
"Familial bonds do not run deep among the Death Eaters, Cornelius…at least not this particular family. I am sure you have not forgotten that."
"Of course not." Fudge stared uncomfortably at the body of Bellatrix. "What happened to her? I know you did not perform the Death Curse, Dumbledore. Which one of you did?" He glanced over at Harry once more, his eyes running from Harry's lowered wand to the scar on his forehead.
"Honestly! Don't be ridiculous!" snapped Hermione, crossing her arms. "How could you even think that Harry had something to do with Bellatrix's death? He can't even attempt a Death Curse, much less use it to take someone's life! Even if it is Bellatrix Lestrange!"
"Is that so? Then what about you, Miss Granger? You seem to know quite a bit about that particular curse! I have been informed—by certain people—that you are a rather skilled young witch," Fudge said, glancing at Percy.
Percy refused to look up from his parchment, although the bridge of his nose flushed a bright shade of pink.
Harry glared at him a moment, then returned to Fudge, balling up his fist. "That's not funny."
"No, it is not," said Dumbledore. His pleasant expression had disappeared. "It surprises me, Cornelius, that you would allow your rather unreasonable opinions of Harry his friends to cloud your judgment. No student here is capable of summoning the level of concentration it would take to perform a Death Curse, not even Miss Granger. Nor do they posses the hatred in their hearts necessary to use such a curse."
"Then who is responsible, Dumbledore? You? I hardly believe you've decided to abandon your credo of never taking the life of another. One of your staff, then? Whoever is responsible shall be punished for their actions, you should know that."
Dumbledore crossed his hands behind his back. "I expect they will. Except no one here is responsible for the death of Bellatrix. It was Narcissa Malfoy who took the life of her sister."
"Narcissa Mal…? What? How?" cried Fudge.
"I assume she came via Floo in much the same manner you did. She arrived in time to see her sister raise her wand to her nephew, and decided to take her sister's life rather than risk her son's."
Fudge glanced uncertainly from the body of Bellatrix to Dumbledore. "And…where is she now?"
"She has accompanied her son upstairs to the Hospital Wing. Bellatrix managed to attack young Mister Malfoy a few time with the Cruciatus curse before attempting to take his life. And her particular version of that curse is a rather brutal one…as I'm sure you remember."
He glanced at Neville as he said this, who stared at Fudge defiantly, his chubby chin raised.
Fudge looked away from Neville, mumbling. "Of course."
"I suggest you survey the grounds, Cornelius, and speak with some of the students. They would be more than happy to inform you about what happened here tonight. I can guarantee you it shall not be forgotten in their minds, nor in the histories of Hogwarts, for as long as it has histories to tell. Now if you will excuse me for a moment, I must go and access the damage—and find out just how many suffered for the lives of everyone else. And…if you don't mind, Minister, might I borrow this?"
He reached for Fudge's cloak, unfolding it over the remains of Bellatrix. Fudge watched as he laid it down, one hand extended, but said nothing. Dumbledore, with one final nod at the Minister, turned and moved towards the battered remains of the Front Gates, where Professor McGonagall was standing with a group of Hogwarts professors and Hogsmeade wizards. Fudge observed him for a moment, then cast a dark look at Harry and Hermione before turning to go.
"You should know," said Harry sharply as the Minister started for the entrance to Hogwarts, "that everyone was involved here tonight. Not just the Gryffindors; the Slytherins, the Ravenclaws, and the Hufflepuffs too. All of the students fought to save the school, not just my friends or those who believed in Dumbledore and his cause. Even Malfoy himself decided that this school was more important to him than being a pure-blood wizard. That was the reason he was attacked. It was the reason he almost died. Even if it is only tonight, and everything goes back to the way it was tomorrow, there will be one day in which the children of all wizards—muggle-borns, Death Eaters, and all in-between—fought side by side to protect each other."
The Minister glanced over his shoulder, pursing his lips. Percy had stopped writing, and was watching Harry with an inquisitive look.
"Come along, Mister Weasley," said the Minister finally, turning towards the Front Doors. "There are people we must contact. We need a team of Aurors out here to investigate the grounds and students right away."
"And you…" hissed Hermione at Percy as he stuffed his fancy quill back into his pocket, "you should know that your brother and sister each also almost died tonight trying to defend against something you still won't acknowledge as dangerous. I hope that at some point you realize that they are what's important, and not some stupid job, before it is too late."
Percy paused.
"Weasley!"
He turned, and started off towards Fudge. "I'm terribly sorry, Minister," he said, refusing even a backwards glanced at the small group of Gryffindors.
"I cannot believe him!" Hermione cried. "He's impossible! Ron…Ginny…they could have been seriously hurt—and he didn't even ask if they were all right!"
Harry laid a hand on her shoulder. "But at least we know they're okay, and that's enough for now."
"Still…why can't he understand that family should come first?"
"I suppose for some people it will take more than a few near death encounters to realize that."
"Let's just hope it doesn't take more than that," said Hermione sadly.
"Come on," said Harry, trying not to look at the shrouded form sprawled upon the ground. "We should go inside. Many of your parents will be arriving soon, looking for you…we should probably go into the Great Hall, to be ready for them."
The Gryffindors nodded, and followed him slowly towards the entrance of Hogwarts.

Ginny leaned further into the shadows of the Hospital wing, watching the slim, light-haired figure seated next to the bed nearest the door. Narcissa Malfoy had not moved from her son's side, nor had she glanced at Ginny, or Ron, although Ginny was more than certain Mrs. Malfoy knew they were there.
Draco hadn't stirred at all since the second Cruciatus attack; he would more than likely have no memory of how close he had come to dying.
Ginny was rather glad of that.
Madam Pomfrey bustled past her, carrying a small vial of serum. She uncorked it, pouring some into a glass, and mixed it with two packets of gray colored powder.
"Here we are," she said, lifting Draco's head to allow the potion to pour into his mouth. "Don't worry a bit, Miss Bla—er, Mrs. Malfoy, isn't it, now? You still look the same, dear. This little bit of potion will help him heal slightly faster. I used it on Miss Weasley just last night, and it worked wonders for her, as you can see."
Narcissa turned to gaze at Ginny, her expression placid, and cold. Ginny gulped.
"Of course, I doubt that she had anything as severe as a Cruciatus curse placed on her—especially by…well, never mind. But it helped nonetheless."
"How seriously is he hurt, Madam Pomfrey?" asked Mrs. Malfoy, her expression softening. It was the first hint of emotion Ginny had seen from her all evening…save the flashes of bitter hatred in her eyes as she'd struck down her sister.
Her own sister…
Madam Pomfrey looked kindly at her. "He will be fine, Narcissa. I promise. Give him a little time," she pulled the covers up to his shoulders. "And don't bother him too much if he wakes, he'll need time to think it over. Now if you will kindly excuse me, I need to check on the students and make sure all the chocolate is administered properly. Mr. Weasley, would you please give me a hand with these?"
She gestured at a few large bars of dark chocolate. Ron glanced from Ginny to Narcissa worriedly; Ginny just shook her head.
"I'll be fine."
Ron lifted himself from the wall, and hoisted a few of the heavy bars. "What are these for? We've got an entire mountain range of chocolate downstairs."
"This is dark chocolate, it works faster and is much more potent. For only the serious cases. Don't brook argument, Mr. Weasley," she said sternly as Ron opened his mouth. "We have to do this quickly."
He nodded, and with roll of his eyes, followed her out the door.
Ginny watched as they moved down the hall, headed for the entrance. After a few moments, their footsteps had all but disappeared.
"I suppose I should thank you, although I'm not exactly certain why," said Mrs. Malfoy suddenly.
Ginny snapped her head around.
Narcissa had swiveled slightly and was watching Ginny out of the corner of her eye.
"W-what…why?" Ginny rasped.
"Draco was the one who organized the Slytherins, am I correct? He convinced them to defend the school."
"Y-yes, I believe so…"
"He had to have had a reason. It certainly wasn't because he cared about the other students. From the very beginning of his life, I've taught my son to take care of himself first, and to think of no one else. But today, for some reason, he chose to ignore my advice. And I believe the reason he did so was because of you."
"I'm not…so certain about…"
"Of course you are. I am no fool. His behavior at the Manor last night gave him away completely."
Ginny stared at her blankly.
"Draco has always been…stubborn…about things. But he is not a hero, he has never asked to be one. He will fight back when provoked, he has enough of his father in him for that…and he will attack if he feels that it is worth it or a defense of his honor. But last night, he attacked Bella when she tried to curse you. Without any cause—he tried to stop her from attacking. That is unlike Draco."
She turned, lifting a hand to his pale face, and pushed aside a few strands of his loose, silvery-blond hair.
"He did that for you," she continued. "And he did in despite my being there, which meant he was not thinking beyond the consequences of his actions. All he knew was that he wanted to save you.
"That is why I did not attempt to stop Bella from taking you down to the dungeons last night. The idea of my son…" she shook her head. "It seemed ridiculous. But even after you had been taken away, Draco was not himself. He abandoned his rooms, he stole into Bella's, he rescued you from the dungeons…and he placed himself in mortal danger without considering the protection Malfoy Manor might provide. That impudent message he left with Teenija, causing me to worry…the fact that he did not return my owl…all of those were signs that my son had changed."
Ginny glanced at the floor, her heart racing.
"But…however that might have upset me at the time, the fact remains that had Draco not done all those things, he would most likely be dead right now, along with all of the rest of you. From what I understand, the Slytherins turned the tide of this battle, is that correct?"
"Yes Ma'am," Ginny nodded. "Without him, or the rest of the Slytherins, the Dementors would most certainly have gotten inside the castle…and would have killed a great many students in the process. It was their Patroni that saved us all."
"Patroni?! " cried Mrs. Malfoy. "Draco performed the Patronus spell?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
Narcissa looked down at Draco's sleeping face. "A Patronus. Not even his father is capable of that. It was the one spell he could not master. What form did it take?"
"A Dragon."
"Of course," said Narcissa with a smile, brushing another strand of hair from his face. She turned back to Ginny. "Come here."
Ginny remained where she was, her arms wrapped around her.
Narcissa narrowed her eyes. "You need not fear me, girl. Whatever I might think of you or your family, you helped to save Draco tonight. For that, you shall come to no harm. Not by my hand."
Ginny walked slowly towards her, her chin raised. "And your husband?"
"As with Bella," said Malfoy's mother coolly, "I have no control over the actions of Lucius. What you can be assured of, however—if Draco wishes it, that is—is my discretion."
Ginny moved towards her, sitting on the bed next to Draco. Narcissa turned back to her son, periodically smoothing his hair. Together, they sat in silence, waiting.

"Seven," said Professor Dumbledore, coming over to where Harry, Ron and Hermione sat in the Great Hall. Dawn had finally arrived, giving the hall a rosy, ethereal brightness. "Seven."
Hermione's lower lip began trembling. "Seven casualties?"
Professor Dumbledore nodded.
"Who?" asked Harry swiftly.
"Two Hogsmeade wizards, Professor Lynch…"
Ron shuddered.
"…and…four students."
Hermione let out a tiny cry.
Dumbledore's eyes filled with tears. "Gregory Allendon and Astor Reid—A sixth year and a seventh year in Hufflepuff. Amanda Jenkins, a fourth year Ravenclaw. And Anthony Dolohov—a fifth year Slytherin."
Harry swallowed. "Do their parents know?"
"The Allendons are on their way now—they are muggles, but have been informed of what has occurred. The Reids arrived with the Ministry wizards. They're conferring with Professor Sprout. Mrs. Jenkins has returned to London with Professor Flitwick to call on her family. As for Mr. and Mrs. Dolohov…"
"They're in Azkaban," said Harry hoarsely. Dumbledore nodded, a strange expression on his face. Harry's eyes widened. "They don't know, do they?"
"The Minister," said Professor Dumbledore, his tone hardening for a moment, "believes that the shock of their son's death might cause too much pain—leaving them susceptible to the dangers of Azkaban. He worries it might bring about their early deaths—before they're able to stand trial—and give information on Voldemort."
"So…what…they're not going to know?!" cried Hermione. "He's not going to tell them their son is dead? Just because he wants information?"
"Apparently, the Minister is of the impression that their son's death will be easier to cope with when they've left Azkaban for trial."
"They'll go mad," said Harry softly. "If they find out later he died fighting for Hogwarts, and they weren't told about it right away, there will be nothing that will stem their anger. They'll become what Bellatrix was."
"The Minister has taken that into account, but argues that there is little chance they'll leave Azkaban after the trial. They won't have the ability to exact revenge."
"He doesn't know very much about parents and their children," said Harry coldly.
"They're all fools…all of them," Ron snorted, pounding his fist to the table. "They're making our lives harder. Fudge and all the rest of those bloody idiots just need to be thrown out."
"Whatever his faults, Cornelius has had his moments, Mr. Weasley. And if you question his abilities, perhaps you should have the burden of governing the Wizarding world—especially now that Voldemort has returned—placed on your shoulders. It is certainly more difficult than the duties of a Prefect—which you sometimes have trouble with, I believe? He deserves, at least, your respect."
"Yes, sir" mumbled Ron, his ears going pink.
"However," said Dumbledore, "changes in government are usually only wrought when someone has the courage to voice their opinions and dislikes. It does not dishonour him to criticize his politics. Why, I make sure to do so at least twice a day."
Ron nodded.
"Anyhow…I believe the Dolohovs will learn of their son's tragic circumstances, whether the Minister believe it appropriate or not."
"I am certain they shall," said Hermione, staring at him sadly.
"Well, there isn't much more to do here," said Harry after a moment of awkward silence. "Do you need our help with anything, Professor?"
"Not at the moment, Harry. But I suppose you should go and check on the others, to make certain they are all doing well."
"Yeah," Ron replied. "And I want to go make sure Ginny…"
"RONALD WEASLEY!"
Harry, Hermione, Ron and the Headmaster turned towards the doors; Molly Weasley was standing in the archway, hands planted firmly on her hips. Her hair looked slightly mussed and her jumper was on backward. Following behind her, looking only slightly less distraught, were Fred, George, Bill, and their father.
"Oh Thank Heavens! We were so worried!" she cried, flinging her arms about him as he stood to greet her. Ron struggled against her grasp, his face almost as red as his hair. "Mum…"
"What happened? The Ministry of Magic couldn't get in touch with the school, the other members of the You-Know-What were terribly concerned! No had heard anything, and then these two came up," she gestured behind her at two tiny house elves bearing tea towels with the Hogwarts crest, "saying something about the school being attacked!"
"Took us almost half the day to convince the Minister that it wasn't some kind of hoax," said Arthur. "He said that it must be, because Hogwarts wouldn't send two elves as messengers."
"As though two house elves could just decide they wanted to pull a hoax about the most powerful wizard in the country, and break all House enslavement rules just to do so," snorted George.
"By the time they did figure it out," said Bill, "no wizards could apparate anywhere near Hogwarts. The closest they could get was at least forty miles away."
"Fifty," murmured Harry.
"FIFTY?" cried Mrs. Weasley. "FIFTY!"
"All of the repelling spells were reversed, as well as the 'field of apparition'," said Ron, somewhat smugly.
"How do you know about the field of apparition?" asked Bill.
"I…Hermione told me," said Ron quickly, catching her annoyed expression. "The owls were also turned away, and the Floo network shut off."
"We know," said Arthur. "A fellow named Roget…Ferdinand Roget…was caught tampering with the Floo earlier today. He's been removed, so to speak…
"I think they can handle it, Dad," Bill chided.
"…er, well, actually, he's dead…attacked by a Dementor."
Harry, Ron and Hermione shuddered.
"He wasn't the only one, though. There's no telling who else might be working for the Death Eaters within the Ministry. At least five people, for all of those spells around Hogwarts to have been altered as they were."
"But we always expected that, didn't we?" asked Harry. "We all know Voldemort has more wizards under his control than the Ministry suspects."
"Oh Harry dear!" cried Mrs. Weasley, seizing first he, then Hermione, in fierce hugs. "You were so brave! You were all so brave. Although it was terribly irresponsible of…certain people…to have asked you to battle in the first place." She glanced over at Dumbledore as she said this; he smiled kindly at her.
"We were the ones who decided to fight, Mrs. Weasley," said Hermione, pulling herself gently out of Mrs. Weasley's grasp. "We knew the professors could not do it alone. Or rather, Harry knew."
"We all knew," said Harry, shrugging. "None of us could have done this alone. If we'd been even one person short, there would have been many more casualties."
"Well, if the Ministry wizards had just…"
"The Ministry wizards couldn't, Molly," said Mr. Weasley softly. "If we—or any members of the Order—could have, believe me, we would. But most of us owe the lives of our children to our children. You should be proud that they were strong enough to defend themselves…and the school."
"Well of course I am," defended Mrs. Weasley, crossing her arms. "I never thought they were incapable of doing such things! I only hoped…I hoped they'd never have to."
"I am afraid this is only the beginning, Molly," said Professor Dumbledore. "We face a much greater danger than an army of Dementors."
"Voldemort," said Harry softly.
"Yes, Voldemort."
"What could he possibly have up his sleeve that's worse than a bloody great army of Dementors?" snorted Ron.
"There are ways, I am afraid, of inflicting pain that do not require an army, or battle, although I do suspect Lord Voldemort will employ both. He may even attempt a similar tactic to the one used here tonight. But Voldemort's purpose is what is to be feared, not his methods.
"Bellatrix's intent was to reach inside the school and destroy it. And perhaps to extinguish the life of Harry, or even myself. But she did not understand the desires of her master.
"Voldemort's true intentions, from the first time he heard of Harry's birth, has been to rid himself of any threat he might face in reaching to his ultimate goal. Voldemort desires Harry's death because he fears him—and he has good reason to. But he only desires to take Harry's life because Harry is the only one that has been proven capable of endangering his greater efforts. In the end, it is not Harry he wishes ultimately to destroy."
"It's the muggle-borns," said Hermione softly.
"And," said Dumbledore seriously, "perhaps all muggles everywhere."
Ron's eyes widened. "But that would mean…that would mean hundreds of thousands of people…everywhere! He can't possibly…"
"He can. He bears enough hatred for them," said Harry. "More wizards do than they are willing to admit."
"That is the unfortunate truth. As we knew last year, it is not just a battle we are facing…it is a war. And we must all be prepared for it, whether we think ourselves ready, or not."
"And that goes for everyone," said Hermione.
"Especially us," Ron said, glancing at Harry. "Because we will be more involved than anyone else."
"Not if I have anything to say about it," said Mrs. Weasley, re-crossing her arms.
"Well intentioned as you might be, Molly, I am afraid that this time, you don't," said Dumbledore, gazing at Harry with saddened eyes.
Harry swallowed.
…Either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives…
Mrs. Weasley pursed her lips, looking a bit like a ruffled hen, then caught sight of Harry's expression. Her face softened, and she drew him into her arms, holding him closely. "Don't worry, dear. Everything will be fine."
Harry closed his eyes, allowing the words to fade from his mind. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley."
"You're welcome. Now, tell me," she said, releasing him. "What has happened to my daughter? Where's Ginny?"
Ron and Hermione glanced at one another apprehensively. Harry tried not to look at her face, and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"She's in the Hospital Wing, Molly," said Professor Dumbledore finally.
"WHAT?"
"Don't worry, it is not what you think. Miss Weasley is perfectly fine."
"Yeah," whispered Ron, so only Harry and Hermione could hear. "Until they find out why she's there."

Ginny tilted her head to the side, watching Draco from her position on the bed. He hadn't stirred in almost two hours; Mrs. Malfoy seemed to be growing more and more worried with each passing minute.
"I'm going in search of Madam Pomfrey," she said finally, releasing Draco's hand. "I want to make sure he doesn't need any more treatments. Please stay here with him?" she asked Ginny.
Ginny nodded, sliding down to the chair Mrs. Malfoy vacated. "Don't worry."
Narcissa nodded, swallowing, and left through the hospital wing doors. Ginny leaned forward slightly, studying Draco's sleeping face.
He looked peaceful; he hadn't moved since Ron had brought him in here. He was also unmarred, although Ginny knew what he would be suffering when he awoke—the mark of an excellent Cruciatus Curse was that no one could tell you'd been attacked.
And Bellatrix Lestrange had been a master of Cruciatus. Ginny knew enough about Neville's family to know that.
His right hand lay alongside his body where his mother had released it; it was the same hand whose fingers had touched her face softly in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor; that had handed her the chocolate in front of Hogwarts. That had wielded the wand that had saved them all.
She lifted it gently, lacing her fingers through his.
"I know this is probably the last thing you want to hear, but you really did compare to Harry this evening. We all know he's the one who has to face Voldemort in the end, so he's had to learn to be a hero, even when he didn't want to be. Tonight, you did the same thing. And you saved us all." She squeezed his hand. "No one will forget you for that, even if you might want it.
"But now…now you've placed yourself in greater danger. Your father…the other Death Eaters...they might not understand this. They might hold you responsible for Bellatrix, for the loss of the Dementors…for saving Harry, and Dumbledore, and…me. And then Voldemort…"
She shuddered.
"What your mother said…that's not the truth, is it? You wouldn't have risked all that just for me. You would never be so foolish, that's just not like you."
"Isn't it?" rasped a soft voice.
Ginny shrieked, dropping his hand, and leapt away from the bed. Draco laughed softly. Dark circles rimmed his eyes, and he was grimacing slightly, but he was conscious.
"DRACO!" she cried, moving up alongside him again. "You're awake!"
"Really, I hadn't noticed…"
"Stop making jokes! I…I have to go get Madam Pomfrey…and your mother…"
"My Mother?" he asked confusedly, reaching for her hand and clasping it softly. "Wait just a moment, yet…" he shut his eyes, clenching his teeth and shuddering.
"I'm going to get the nurse…"
"Don't go," he pleaded, pulling at her weakly. "They'll be back soon, I'm sure. Just stay here with me a moment."
Ginny eyed him worriedly, but sighed, and sat back down. He closed his eyes, but didn't release her hand.
"We were all so worried…we thought she'd killed you, for a moment. If it hadn't been for your mother…" Ginny bowed her head.
"My mother saved me?"
Ginny nodded, her lip trembling. "She…she killed her, Draco. She killed her own sister."
Draco opened his eyes. "I am not surprised. My mother would do anything to protect me, even if it meant getting rid of my aunt. They were not close, they never have been. Even before Azkaban."
"But…she was a part of your family."
"Our families are different," he said softly. "Even if someone in your family betrayed you, you would not stop loving them. That is how you and your brothers believe family should be. My family is not bonded in that way."
"And what about you, then? Do you not believe that either?"
"I know that I'm capable of loving someone. And protecting someone. Whether the rest will come with time, I don't know."
A tear rolled down Ginny's face. "You almost died tonight, Draco. That's my fault. I convinced you to come out and fight with us, when you shouldn't have had to. I made you go against your beliefs, when I should have understood your point of view…I'm so sorry…"
"Don't be!" he cried, sitting up swiftly—and falling back to the pillow with a grimace. "Don't be. Ginny…" he placed his other hand over hers. "You convinced me this was the right thing to do, and I doubted it, but in the end, it was the right thing to do. The other Slytherins didn't come because they believed in you. They came because they believed in Slytherin…and Hogwarts. You showed me that there are things more important than Slytherin, and I showed them…and in the end, you were right. You were right. "
"You saved us all, you and all the rest of them. You saved the school tonight."
"And…Potter?"
"Harry guided us there…he had the courage, but Slytherin had the power."
He settled back into the pillow with a small smile. "As it should be."
"You really do hate him, don't you?"
"Of course. Nothing will ever change that," he said, but he sounded less convincing then he ever had before.
She watched him as he opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling. She had something she had to know…but…she swallowed. "And what about…what about You-Know-Who?"
He turned to her swiftly. "What?"
"Bellatrix…we think…she rebelled against You-Know-Who. But what are you going to do about him? He's still out there, waiting…"
A pained look emerged on his face, and he closed his eyes. "Ginny…I honestly don't know. I don't know what will happen when he calls on the Death Eaters…or what their children will do. I don't even know what I will do—or how I will feel. Can we not…dwell on this now?"
Her hand trembled beneath his. "I…I just want to be prepared…I don't want to lose you again…in a way that no one can save you…I don't think I could take that…"
"Ginny," he raised his hand to her cheek. "I wish I could…but I'm not going to guarantee anything. All I can promise is..."
"DRACO!"
Malfoy's hand dropped from her face as Narcissa, wide-eyed, darted to the other side of the bed. "Oh my dear! You're awake!"
Madam Pomfrey was behind her; Ginny slid her hand out from beneath his. The Hogwarts nurse came around to his bedside and touched his face lightly.
"How are you feeling?"
Draco winced a bit at her touch. "Fine."
Madam Pomfrey straightened with a smirk. "Do you know, Mr. Malfoy, that's probably the first time I've ever heard you not complain about a serious injury. And this time you actually have a reason."
Ginny and Narcissa glared at her.
"Well, it's a small order of a few potions and you'll be good as new by the end of the day. You're not feeling lightheaded now, are you?"
"No, Madam Pomfrey."
"Well then, excellent, I shall go brew those for you and inform Professor Dumbledore right away, so he no longer has to worry."
They watched the nurse hurry swiftly away; Ginny glanced from Mrs. Malfoy's pinched face to Draco's pale one.
"I'm going to find Ron and the others and let them know you're alright. They were really worried."
"I'm certain they were. "
She shook her head. "I'll see you in a bit." Ginny walked with her back towards the doors, then whirled on her heel, heading out to find Ron.

Draco watched as Ginny turned with one last small smile, her hair flying about her in a red-gold cloud. He felt a small pang of regret as he watched her go; he hadn't been able to tell her the entire truth about what might yet come—but he'd been as honest as he could, and he didn't think he could go back on his word.
"She seems amiable, at least," said his mother, her eyes fixed on the door. "For a friend of Potter and a mudblood-lover."
Draco sighed, shifting slightly in his bed. "Mother, please."
"I am simply being honest, Draco. You must realize what a predicament this had placed all of us in. I had to kill Bellatrix. Then there is your father—what is he going to think? And how do we explain to the rest of the Death Eaters that you aren't going to step into your father's place?"
"I didn't even know I was supposed to step into his place."
Narcissa tutted. "Of course you were. You knew that, Draco. You've know that for quite a while. Just because this little snit has changed your mind…"
"Mother…"
"Fine…this Miss Weasley, then, has changed your mind."
"She hasn't, mother," Draco said, pulling himself up slowly. Narcissa leaned over and adjusted the pillows behind him. "She hasn't changed my mind about everything. "
"She's changed your mind about enough. "
Draco stared at her for a moment, then smiled softly. "I suppose you're right."
Narcissa sighed, sitting on the bed beside him and wrapping her arms around him gently. "What ever am I going to do with you, Draco? You've placed your life in such great danger, now. If your father were ever to find out…"
"Then we shall tell him it was Slytherin protecting itself, and nothing more."
"But the other Slytherins know about this Miss Weasley, don't they? It is only a matter of time before one of them tells their parents."
"We shall deal with that when the time comes, Mother. But I am still a Slytherin. That will not change. And I do not support Potter—I don't even like him, and that won't change either."
His mother observed him with sad gray eyes. "If you wish for that to give me comfort, it doesn't. Potter isn't really what's important, at least not in the grand scheme of things. In the end, Draco, you will have a choice to make…you realize that."
He swallowed, nodding. "And when the time comes, I will consider it. But for right now…for right now…I just want to have a little bit of peace. In case…"
Ginny's face flashed through his mind. As did his father's, peering beneath the hood of his black cloak. Draco placed a hand to his forehead, frowning.
"Draco?"
"I love her, Mother."
"I can see that, darling. I only wish it was enough."

Ginny made her way into the Great Hall, searching the Gryffindor table for Ron. She caught sight of him near the front of the room, along with five other bobbing red heads.
"But why is she in the Hospital Wing?" Asked a familiar voice, "if she hasn't been hurt?"
"She's…"
"Mum?"
Mrs. Weasley whirled around. "GINNY! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?"
All chatter in the hall died away as Mrs. Weasley broke into a run; Ginny felt the familiar blush spread across her face as her mother rushed over to her, engulfing her in an enormous hug. Harry, Hermione, Ron, Fred, George and Bill were all grinning; her father was shaking hands with Dumbledore and glancing over at her periodically to make sure she was all right.
"I'm fine, Mum, honestly."
"Oh, Ginny dear! How do you feel?" She pulled back, staring Ginny in the face. "You weren't attacked, were you? They just told us you were in Hospital!"
Behind her, Ron was shaking his head violently and making a cutting motion with his hands.
"No, Mum…no more than any of the other Gryffindors," she replied, after eyeing Ron a moment. Mrs. Weasley raised an eyebrow, but pulled her back into a fierce embrace. "My poor darling! How brave you were. I could just have words with those Professors…"
"Mummm…"
"Ginny, why were you in the Hospital Wing?" asked her father, pulling her out of her mother's grasp long enough for a quick hug.
"I was checking on a student…he was the only one injured seriously enough for Madam Pomfrey to place him in Hospital," said Ginny ambiguously. "And he's just woken up. I think he's going to be fine."
"That's good news."
"He was really badly hurt. Bellatrix used the Cruciatus curse on him."
Mrs. Weasley raised a hand to her mouth. "How terrible."
"You seem to be awfully concerned about this student," said George, coming up behind them.
"Terribly," added Fred, a smile on his face.
"Stop," Ron said suddenly. His face was scrunched into a grimace. "That's enough."
"Why?" asked Fred. "What's the big secret? Is this guy Ginny's new boyfriend?"
Hermione glanced at Ginny, wide-eyed.
"Its no secret," Ginny said, crossing her arms.
"Ginny…" Ron cried warningly.
"What's going on?" said their father, glancing back and forth between them. Harry and Hermione backed away.
"I do care, very much, thank you."
"Ginny…"
"Ooo…Ginny's gotten a boyfriend…again."
"Very clever, Fred. As a matter of fact, he's not quite my boyfriend, but he might well soon be."
"Who is it this year?"
"Seamus Finnegan?"
"Ernie MacMillian?"
"Colin Creevey?" Both twins chortled.
"GINNY…" Ron said warningly.
"Who is he, dear?"
"Well…"
"Some pretty boy, I'd wager."
"Not really."
"GINNY!"
"What's the problem, Ron?"
"Stop being such a git."
"Its not like she's dating Draco Malfoy or anything."
"That would be a grand…Ron, why is your face all twisted up?"
"Are you sick, dear? Do you need more chocolate?"
"Wait a minute…"
The twins whirled on her, identical expressions of horror on their faces. "HAVE YOU LOST YOUR BLOODY MIND??!!"

Draco moved slowly over to the stone wall, pausing beside it to catch his breath. Madam Pomfrey had released him, but only on the condition he return to Slytherin to receive some rest. Else he would be sent up to the Hospital Wing once more, for the fourth time this week.
His mother had gone upstairs to confront the Ministry officials who were investigating the battle scene. She would more than likely be there for quite a while—at least as long as it would take to document the events surrounding her sister's death.
He didn't question her motives; her actions hadn't surprised him at all. But he was afraid that because her husband was a Death Eater, they would not take the circumstances into account. There were no reprieves—the Killing Curse was completely forbidden—but there were ways around it that might not have her sent to Azkaban.
Now would be a good time to have Dumbledore on your side…
Dumbledore seemed particularly skilled at getting guilty people out of trouble.
He touched the entrance to Slytherin with his fingers. "Pureblood."
There was an air of somberness to the usually comfortable sitting room. Gathered around the fire, the students weren't talking; a few were actually crying. There were no parents present, which surprised him.
He walked over to the center of the room, a tremor running through them as he observed their dire faces. "What's wrong?"
Startled, the group turned. A few brightened at the sight of him; Pansy leapt out of her seat, her face streaked with tears. She embraced him softly, laying her head on his shoulder.
"Draco…we thought she'd killed you."
He patted her gently, then pulled away, walking over to the mantelpiece, and leaning against it. "I got lucky."
"Yes, you did," snuffled Millicent. "But Anthony didn't."
Draco stared at her for a moment, then glanced about the room, his eyes going wide. On the table in the center of the room, Anthony Dolohov's wand, robe, and prefect's badge were laid in a tidy bundle.
He swallowed. "What happened?"
"He was fighting the Dementors on the lower side of the ridge. He heard you call for reinforcements, and I guess he wasn't looking…" Goyle placed one hand over his eyes. "A Lethifold came out of the forest. Anthony had dropped his wand."
Pansy let out a whimper.
Draco lowered his head. There was a hollow in his chest. "Do his parents know?"
"Of course not," snapped Zachary Tolbert. "They're in Azkaban, remember?"
"That doesn't mean they can't be notified."
"They aren't going to be," sniffed Blaise Zabini. "I overheard Dumbledore telling Potter and his gang that the Minister of Magic has refused to send them notice of Anthony's death. Something about their being "too distraught" which isn't good in Azkaban."
"So…they're not going to learn of their son's death?" asked Pansy, horrified.
"Not until they're put to trial…unless Dumbledore can get in there, somehow. He said he'd try."
"Even if he does…we'll notify them," said Draco suddenly. "We can let them know what happened."
"How?"
"My mother contacts my father all the time. He'll find a way to tell them. They deserve to know the truth…that Anthony died fighting…bravely. That it was Bellatrix's fault, and that he died to save Slytherin."
There was silence for a moment.
"We didn't make a mistake doing this, did we, Draco?" Pansy asked finally.
He frowned at her, then looked to the others; most wore expressions of doubt and regret.
Draco sighed. It wouldn't be as easy to convince them as it had been Ginny. "I'm not absolutely certain—but I think Slytherin would be proud of what we've accomplished tonight. I don't think he would dispute that it was us who really saved the school. We were right to do what we did, in the end."
"That's what everyone else is saying, too," said Crabbe, brightening a bit.
"But look at what it cost us!" cried Blaise. "We lost Anthony!"
"Imagine what we might have lost," said Draco, "if we hadn't decided to fight. But in one respect, you're right. We owe Anthony and those others our lives"
"No…we owe them part of our lives. The rest we owe to you." said Pansy.
"You owe me nothing," said Draco, lowering his head. "What you said earlier today was true. I wasn't doing this for the reasons you were. You can't trust me anymore."
"You are still a part of Slytherin," Millicent snorted, an impudent grin on her face. "That part of you can't change, no matter what you try and do. And as long as you don't go around arm and arm with the Gryffindors, then there will be a place for you here."
"That will never happen," said Draco artfully.
"It will with one of them," retorted Pansy, her eyes narrowing.
Draco stared at her; the other Slytherins glanced between them uncomfortably.
"I don't know about the future—but for right now, there are some things that I might choose to overlook," said Millicent. "If I try very hard."
"But it won't be forever, you know," said Avery. "Just because you helped us—led us, really—doesn't mean we'll forgive everything."
"And you can't forget where you true loyalties lie, Draco. You are a Slytherin, first and foremost. You will be called and when that happens, I hope you remember what really matters."
He looked slowly from one face to the next. A few looked angry, but most appeared to be thinking the same as Millicent was. They really were his family…and they were doing something they absolutely despised, because they…
"I will remember," he said. "I promise."

Ginny sat with her feet tucked beneath her in front of the Common room fireplace. The rest of the room was bustling; both parents and students were awaiting word from Dumbledore that the school was indeed safe. Some of them had managed to sleep over the few hours they'd been waiting, but Ginny hadn't felt tired at all.
She'd thought about going to visit Draco again in the Hospital wing, but one look at the faces of her parents and brothers told her this was probably not a good idea. The Weasleys were gathered close to her, Fred and George leaning against the wall with identical scowls; Bill and Mrs. Weasley attending to her father; Hermione and Ron talking quietly at the foot of her chair. Harry had gone back to the Entrance Hall in search of Professor McGonagall.
The twins had tried everything to change her mind about Draco, from coaxing to begging and pleading to threatening that Malfoy's first visit to the Burrow would be his last, but Ginny had been unrelenting.
"I'm sorry…these things can't just be flipped on and off, you know. This is the choice I've made, and you're just going to have to live with it."
"I can live with it," Fred had replied. "I just don't know if Malfoy will."
"Malfoy?" Bill had said helplessly. "Isn't that a really bad idea?"
"It might be, but I can't control that now, can I?"
"Ginny…dear…are you sure this isn't just a passing fancy? I mean, you've had it happen before."
"Not like this, Mum," Ginny scowled.
Her father had been the hardest to manage. He'd sat down on the one of the benches in the Great Hall, and hadn't spoken for a full five minutes; Ron was worried he'd gone into a state of irreversible shock. It had taken two different versions of Fred and George's famed Sonorus charm to even get him to move, and a particularly clever reviving spell from Hermione to make him speak.
"Lucius's son?" he'd murmured finally, in an odd, squeaky voice. "Lucius's son?"
"Yes, Dad," Ginny said firmly, crossing her arms. "Draco."
Harry had winced.
They hadn't said anymore on the matter, and had left for the Gryffindor common room, Fred and George with their identical scowls, Mum looking worried, Bill perplexed, and Harry, Ron and Hermione helping a befuddled Mr. Weasley out of the Entrance doors.
Ginny shook her head, returning her gaze to the fire. "I hoped it wouldn't be this difficult."
"What did you expect," Ron said, turning from Hermione, "a blessing and 'welcome to the family?'"
"Of course not!" she cried, then lowered her voice as the twins' steely gazes hardened. "But…I suppose it could have been worse…"
"It could still be worse," whispered Hermione. "Fred and George have figured how to get into Slytherin, you know."
"I know," said Ginny. "I've already jinxed their wands in case they try anything foolish."
"How are you going to manage this?" Hermione asked curiously. "Aside from your brothers periodically trying to kill him, you'll have all of Gryffindor…and Slytherin…to contend with."
Ginny shrugged. "I'm not certain. None of this came about in the usual way…but I suppose we'll have to work it along as we go. Neither Draco nor myself thought this would be easy…come to think on it, we haven't discussed it, yet. We haven't exactly had the time…"
"So, then…how do you know he's really…you know…if you haven't discussed it, yet? He could be pulling a prank," George interrupted, still scowling.
"Oh, of course…as so many boys decide to face a hundred Dementors, confront a crazy, obsessed Death Eater relative, and create the biggest Patronus I've ever seen because it works right in with the joke they were concocting," Hermione snorted, crossing her arms. "Makes perfect sense."
"For a Malfoy," hissed Fred. "Now, now, that's enough," said Mrs. Weasley softly. "No need to disturb your father any further. Ginny, dear…how should I…what should we…er…should we invite him over for tea, sometime?"
Ron choked on the chocolate frog he was eating.
"Ummm…I don't really know if that is such a grand idea," replied Ginny anxiously, as Hermione slapped Ron forcefully upon the back a few times. "Perhaps we should just start slowly. Let me work out things with him first."
"Of…of course, dear, whatever you want."
"Malfoy's son?" said her father squeakily.
"There, there, dear. Ginny has a level-head on her shoulders, we all know that. I trust her to make the correct decision about people—even if they are, well… And after all, this boy did risk his life to save her."
"Malfoy's son?"
The portrait hole swung open, and Harry waltzed through, followed by Professor McGonagall. She was beaming; the rest of Gryffindor turned to watch her, their own faces brightening as she stood in the spot where, only a few hours ago, she had left them. And they had been certain she would not return.
"Professor Dumbledore has informed me that the Ministry has officially declared the battle over. There are no more Dementors or Lethifold anywhere within the vicinity of Hogwarts, as far as they can detect. Of course, care will always have to be taken within the confines of the Dark Forest, but no more so than with any other threat the forest might present.
"Further, Professor Dumbledore has been informed that the Ministry has declared this a day that will live in wizarding history as one of the greatest battles of our time. A plaque commemorating each and every student that was present today, whether they were actually fighting or inside supporting their Houses, will be remembered for their bravery and skill.
"Finally…as I'm sure you're well aware, we lost…a few of our own, tonight," she said, growing somber. "As well as a few of our neighboring wizards…and one of our professors. It could have been much worse, of course—much, much worse—but that does not lessen this tragedy. To commemorate their sacrifice, they shall each be awarded special plaques in our trophy room, and those who choose to may wear a black necktie through the end of term.
"Now…we have all been asked to make our way to the Great Hall. I believe Professor Dumbledore shall be speaking in a few moments." She smiled at them a final time before moving into the center of the room, greeting the Gryffindor parents.
"Fudge actually decided to commemorate the students?" asked Hermione as Harry moved over to them.
"Not exactly," he replied, helping she and Ron to their feet. "It took a great deal of convincing, from both the Ministry and Dumbledore—even Rita had a word or two in."
"Rita!" cried Hermione. "Rita Skeeter? She's here?"
"Sure," shrugged Harry. "But you don't have to worry," he said quickly, observing her scowl. "She actually asked if it would be alright for her to write the exclusive on this."
"And you told her she could?"
"Only if she sends you the final copy for proofing before it goes to press."
Hermione grinned at him.
The students around them began to rise, making their way, with their parents, towards the Portrait hole and down to the Great Hall. Mrs. Weasley helped Mr. Weasley to his feet, and, along with Bill's assistance, managed to move him forward, towards the opening.
With final identical glowers at Ginny, the twins followed them. Ron, Harry and Hermione waited until everyone else had cleared away, lingering behind to wait for the rest of the sixth years.
Ginny was the last to exit, following them out. After going down one flight of stairs, she suddenly stopped.
"Ummm…I forgot something in the Tower. I'll catch you up, just tell Mum and Dad I'll be right down?"
Ron raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "Alright, then…"
She watched as they bustled off, talking quietly amongst themselves. When they had turned the corner, she headed in the opposite direction of the staircase, making her way through the hall to another flight of steps in the far corner.
A few twists and turns brought her to the familiar trapdoor of the Divination room; she paused and pulled out her wand.
"Accio ladder," she whispered softly. Madam Trelawney's silver ladder descended to the floor and she climbed up it swiftly, trying not to make noise.
The classroom was dark, and the fire was unlit, as it had been the first time she'd been up here. There was no light under Madam Trelawney's door; she was probably somewhere downstairs, preparing for the gathering Professor Dumbledore had called.
Everything was in order.
She sighed, sitting down on one of the puffs Madam Trelawney had used for her classes.
She hadn't told anyone, but her family's reactions—as well as those of Hermione, Harry, even Mrs. Malfoy—had not upset her. She had expected their responses—each and every one. And though some were a little more troublesome than others (she wouldn't rest easy until her father actually spoke more than two words) none of them had concerned her like Draco's had.
It had been he…his face earlier in the hospital wing…that had preoccupied her thoughts over the course of the last few hours.
I wish I could…but I'm not going to guarantee anything…
He was uncertain of himself. Uncertain as to what he was going to do when the time came to face Voldemort. There was a possibility he would become a Death Eater. He hadn't lied to her about that.
She buried her face in her hands. "Maybe they are right. This isn't going to be easy. Can I handle it, if he turns around again? It seems so difficult…"
"That's never stopped you before."
Ginny turned; Draco was standing just beyond the trapdoor, watching her.

"This room seems to have some kind of a charm on it, don't you think?" Draco asked, as Ginny turned to face him. "I had to come, I wasn't certain why—now I know."
She smiled. "Well, it is the Divination classroom, after all."
"Right. Too bad that old bat doesn't really have much to show for it, does she?"
"You look much better," Ginny said quickly.
"I feel a little better. And at least I know what you went through."
"Hardly. I mean, I hardly compare."
He moved over to where she was sitting, taking the settee right next to her. "Ginny…" All hint of amusement washed from his face as he observed her, stoic and pensive.
"Do you have doubts about this, Draco, like I do? Or is everything clearer to you?"
He laughed sharply. "I only wish."
"Is this enough? The feelings…are they enough? Or…"
"You were so certain before…you thought it was enough. What changed your mind, Ginny?" he asked, searching her eyes.
She lowered her head. "When I heard her say it…when I saw the flash. I thought you died. And then…in the Hospital Wing…you couldn't promise me that you would never risk your life again. It made me think—that I wouldn't care whether or not you love me, so long as you could live. Even if it meant you becoming what you were…so long as you lived."
Ginny raised her face to his. "You have a choice to make, Draco. Or you will have one to make, eventually. When we have to face Voldemort, you'll have to decide…him or me. If you choose him, you'll live. I think I could handle that—just so long as you were alive. If you choose me…you might die. I couldn't live with that…"
"Ginny," Draco said, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I've told you before…nothing is that simple. If I chose the Dark Lord, you would not be fine, for one, and for another, there is no guarantee I would survive. If nothing else, Potter might end up killing me…or another Gryffindor. Maybe even you."
She stiffened.
"I wish I could divine the future. But I can't, and neither can you. All I want to do is try…one day at a time. We've been given that chance, and I think we should take it."
She closed her eyes, leaning her forehead softly on his chest. "But…I'm scared. I don't want to lose you again…"
"I can't promise you much, Ginny…but, as I was going to say before, I can promise you one thing. That if, when that times comes, I feel anything even remotely comparable to what I felt today, seeing you out there, thinking about your being hurt…or worse, then you can be assured…you won't have to worry. About any of it."
He pulled away from her, and reached for her left hand, placing his Prefect's badge in the palm, where the scar of the tiny snake remained faintly visible.
"Keep this. If ever I go back on my promise, show this to me. It will remind me of what I thought was most important."
She stared at the pin a moment, then reached up to her own robes, and unclipped hers. "Here. It's time I returned the favor."
He held it lightly in his palm, almost as if he was afraid it might sting him. "I…don't have to burn this into the palm of my hand, do I?" he said suddenly, with a sly half-smile.
She glared at him. "Of course. I'll even help you with that, although I don't think I'd be particularly good with the curse you'd need to do it." Her eyes widened. "OH! I'm sorry, I wasn't even thinking…"
He laughed for a moment, then grew sober, raising a hand to her hair. "Don't you see? This is right. I can feel it. If all the rest seems confused and out of place, this doesn't…you and I…don't you agree?"
She nodded, her heart fluttering slightly.
"Then maybe there's our answer."
"I just hope we can remember it when the rest of the world asks the question."
He closed his fingers about her pin, then clipped it to his robes. "I will do my best to try."
"As will I." She clipped the pin to her own robes, fingering the "P". "Not many people will be able to tell the difference. Only those who really notice."
"Of whom there will be plenty, I can assure you."
He rose slowly, grimacing just a little bit. "I suppose we should go down to the Great Hall."
Ginny stood up beside him, laying her head on his shoulder. "Just a moment more."
He smiled, wrapping his arms about her. The dim sunlight pouring through the small window lit the hazy mist of the classroom, sending silver shadows throughout.
"My brothers might try something funny," she said finally. "I would be on my guard if I were you."
"I'd like to see them try."
She pulled back, grinning. "I'm still better at hexing and jinxing anyway."
"As I remember very well."
Ginny moved away from him. "But you almost beat me, you know. If you'd not been afraid of my Bat Summoning spell, you might have bested me in the forest."
"Who said I was afraid of bats?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Your face," she replied back with a mischievous grin. "I don't think I've ever seen your eyes that wide. You looked like you were about to faint."
"I was not. You caught me by surprise, is all."
"I'm rather good at that," she said, and with a smile, leaned up and kissed him.
"That," he said with a genuine grin, after she'd released him, "was much better than anything I could have imagined. My Patronus ought to be really grand, the next time."

"Where is she?" hissed Hermione, staring at the doors of the Great Hall. Harry shrugged. Ginny hadn't yet returned. Ron was tapping his fingers on the table, ignoring the food that lined the center—unusual for him; he almost always arrived for supper before the House Elves even sent up the food.
"Who knows…but…that might have something to do with it."
Hermione followed his gaze. At the Slytherin table, Draco Malfoy was also missing, and Pansy was almost as focused on the doors as Ron, Fred and George.
The Hall was packed, lined with parents who had turned out to hear Dumbledore speak. Colin Creevey had mentioned something about this being a fire hazard; Seamus had been quick to point out that if anything did catch fire, there were about a thousand different wands available for anti-inflamare spells.
"She's going to miss Dumbledore's speech."
"She had better not," said Ron. "Dad's already sent an owl to Fleur about the exchange program at Beauxbatons."
Ginny entered the hall a few moments later, hand in hand with Malfoy. A choking sound erupted from somewhere on the Slytherin side of the hall; near the windows of the Gryffindor side, one of twins' super enhanced Gred and Forge Fireworks exploded, showering them in silver sparkles, gold smoke, and rainbow swirls. The entire hall went completely silent.
A pair of identically scorched faces emerged from the haze as the Great Hall erupted into peals of laughter. Harry quickly turned from them, trying to hide his smirk; Hermione was making a poor attempt to cover her giggles with a series of random coughs. Even Bill and Mr. Weasley, who had revived a bit when Harry presented him with a set of muggle pencils, were chortling. Only Ron and Ginny seemed not at all amused; he starting grinding his fingers into some nearby tarts, she released Malfoy's hand, crossing her arms and glaring at them.
"Well, as we've finally succeeded in quieting the hall," said Professor Dumbledore with a smile, "I believe we can begin."
Ginny smiled at Malfoy and headed towards Gryffindor, he granted her a small grin and headed for the Slytherins, but not before throwing Harry and Ron a rather nasty sneer.
Ron's hands moved into the mashed potatoes.
"As you must all know, it brings me great pleasure to see each and every one of you here. What saddens me is the manner and circumstances under which we have been brought together.
"Nothing could have prepared us for what occurred yesterday evening. There has never been an attack of that magnitude on the grounds of this school; despite our protections and prevention measures, most of our security was compromised."
"ALL of the security was compromised," snorted Ron.
"Quiet," Hermione hissed.
"However…despite her careful planning, we were possessed of something the person responsible for the attack could never have prepared for. We had the fortitude, bravery, and strength of your children. Initially, the Professors tried every measure possible to prevent their involvement; but their own courage and sense of duty led them to disobey our direct orders and engage themselves in battle.
"We should be very glad for the defiance of youth," said the Headmaster, his eyes twinkling at Harry.
"Without the involvement of the students, Hogwarts, and all those within its halls, would most certainly have been destroyed. It was the efforts of the students that prevented the Dementor Army from succeeding in their mission; it was also their effort that destroyed the army completely. They protected not only their school, but their professors, and most importantly, themselves.
"For their efforts, every House will be awarded an additional 200 points to their cup standings. A further fifty points will be awarded to Gryffindor, as I believe it was they who initially decided, as they usually do, that it would be to their advantage to break every rule we'd set for them."
A great cheer rose from the Gryffindor side of the Hall; Mr. Weasley and Bill beamed at them; even Mrs. Weasley, who was trying her best to maintain a serious face, couldn't help but smile proudly.
"There is one other House, however, who deserves equal praise. There is little doubt in anyone's mind who the true heroes of last evening's battle were. Without their help, or their determination, we would most certainly have lost many more lives than we did. For that, Slytherin House will receive one hundred House Points, and an award for Special Services to the school."
Silence greeted this declaration.
The Slytherins glanced at one another in surprise. It was the first time in quite a while any of them had been so highly praised by Dumbledore, or any other member of Hogwarts, for that manner. The other Houses began to whisper amongst themselves; the Slytherin parents looked on, some perplexed, others amused. Many wore scowls.
Ginny frowned, and from her position behind Hermione, began to clap.
Others around the Hall turned to her; many of the Hufflepuffs followed suit, along with the Ravenclaws, and, eventually, (after a great deal of scowling and a bit of prodding by their parents) the Gryffindors. The Slytherins began to grin, and a cheer finally rose among them, despite their parents' rather unenthusiastic response.
Snape, from his position at the Head table, grinned. Harry's eyes widened; he'd never seen Snape smile—at least not genuinely—before.
Ron looked disgusted.
"Every effort should be commended, of course," said Dumbledore, as the applause for Slytherin died away. "But we cannot forget what is most important. It is not so much what we saved today as what we lost.
"Seven lives were taken from us. We must take a moment to reflect on all of those who died bravely…because they will forever be reminders of what the cost of our own lives has been.
"Martha Paddington and Adam Fitzwater made their livings in Hogsmeade. Martha helped out at the Post Office, tending to the owlery. Adam was a caretaker for the Hogwarts Express, making sure the train ran on time to its feature destinations, maintaining the platforms, and keeping a watch out for anything that might delay its arrival.
"Both lost their lives tonight on the cliff face overlooking Hogwarts, where they had climbed to assist in the final attack of the Dementors. Both encountered their worst fears, and, unfortunately, succumbed to them. But we can assure they shall not be forgotten; the newest owls in the owlery have already been named after Martha, and from this day forward, a special plaque with Adam's name shall adorn the windows of the platforms both in Hogsmeade and at Platform 9 ¾.
"Mathias Lynch was Hogwarts' Defenses Against the Dark Arts Professor. He was incredibly skilled at his job, and much beloved by the majority of our students. I, like so many around me, hoped he would fill the position permanently, but, alas, we shall have to do with the loss of yet another brilliant mind.
"Professor Lynch believed in giving everything for the cause of defending against the Dark Arts…"
A few of the Slytherin parents narrowed their eyes at this.
"…and, unfortunately, he died as he lived. He sacrificed himself for another, saving a student from the misfortune of being attacked by a Lethifold, and offering himself to the creature instead. His name shall never be forgotten at Hogwarts, nor shall it be forgotten in the wizarding world. Those of us who knew him, and respected him, will make sure of this.
"Finally…to the greatest loss of all," Professor Dumbledore removed his glasses, rubbing at his eyes. "We lost four students today. Hogwarts has not suffered such a tragedy in quite some time, the closest we might be able to venture is the sudden and tragic death of Cedric Diggory at the hands of Lord Voldemort."
Much of the Hall gasped at the sound of the name; many Hufflepuffs bowed their heads. Harry noticed that even the Slytherins appeared remorseful.
"But tonight…tonight we lost four of our own to a cause that should never have been. It is a terrible tragedy for any life to be taken, but, like the wasteful death Cedric suffered, it is worse because these four young people were never really given the opportunity to live.
"Gregory Allendon was a proud member of Hufflepuff, who delighted in Quidditch and Care of Magical Creatures. He ever smiled; nothing seemed to discourage him, or depress his spirits. He considered his arrival into the wizarding world the greatest blessing he could have ever received.
"Astor Reid cared for every ounce of her world; she called Hogwarts her 'garden of discovery' because every new encounter was a delight to her. To her friends in Hufflepuff, she believed in devotion and support; she never abandoned them despite their faults. No one in the world would have ever believed she came from a small family of pure-bloods, because her desire to learn about everything in the wizarding world equaled that of the most curious muggle-born.
"Amanda Jenkins believed wholeheartedly in the practices of discipline and study. She could often be found devoting her time and energy to discovering the logic of the wizarding world. Her peers in Ravenclaw found her to be a source of both strength and knowledge, and when it came time to defend what she believed in, Amanda gave her all.
"Anthony Dolohov bore the hallmark of Slytherin house—ambition. He was as devoted a member of Slytherin as he was of Hogwarts, and used his determination and fortitude to excel beyond reason to the realm of superb in all of his classes. His ultimate devotion to the school, despite what others who knew or loved him might think, show his truly genuine and unwavering character and his strong sense of duty and honor.
"He, like all the rest, will never be forgotten. Last night will be recorded as one of the greatest tragedies—as well as triumphs—in the long history of this much beloved school."
Dumbledore replaced his glasses, gazing over the somber crowd. "Many of you are wondering why these brave souls had to lose their lives. The answer does not lie where you might expect.
"The Dementor army was organized and led by only one witch—Bellatrix Lestrange. Contrary to what it appears, I believe Lord Voldemort had no involvement with this attack."
A collective gasp rose through the crowd, followed by frantic whispers and murmuring. The parents near the Slytherin table exchanged confused, angry glances.
"It is my belief Bellatrix organized the creatures with help from a few of her lower level contacts; she arranged for Voldemort's spies throughout the Ministry, most of whom have been caught, to reorganize the spells around the school. But contrary to what might appear, to they or anyone else, Bellatrix never consulted or informed Lord Voldemort as to her intentions. It is my belief that if she had, he would have done everything in his power to stop it."
"Why?" questioned one Ravenclaw parent suddenly, before clasping a hand over her mouth.
He smiled at her for a moment, before growing serious once more. "Because Lord Voldemort honors his ancestor, Salazar Slytherin, as much as the members of Slytherin House do. He would not wish to see Slytherin's work destroyed. Further, he would not employ so detached an attacker to come after the students. Finally, he would not attempt to destroy those whom he might feel could carry on his own goals and ambitions."
His eyes darted to the Slytherin table for a moment. The parents who had been scowling earlier now smiled at him slyly.
Harry glanced over at Malfoy; he was not smiling, nor was his mother.
"However, thanks to the strength of our students, we were able to overcome this attacker and reverse her foul intentions.
"That does not mean that we are safe from this type of attack. Which is why I am choosing to speak to you about Lord Voldemort now, despite his lack of involvement. We have overcome a great obstacle on this day, and have survived to tell the tale. But as I warned your children once before—the danger has only just begun to emerge, and until Lord Voldemort has been removed from this world completely, it will not cease."
He looked straight at Harry as he said this; Harry turned from him, his hands trembling slightly on the table. Hermione glanced at them, then looked to his face suspiciously; he hurriedly shoved them under the table and gave her a less-than-convincing smile.
"As I told your children before, now is the time to be prepared. We must not forget what was at stake here tonight…nor must we relinquish the power to face it, if we can. We must remain firmly devoted to the cause of protecting our future and preserving our past. We must be determined that Lord Voldemort will not take away from us what we hold most precious and dear. Bellatrix accomplished one of her goals tonight; we must see to it that Lord Voldemort never succeeds in his. And we shall."
The Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws erupted into applause; the Slytherin table presented a mixed reaction, a few clapping, most remaining silent.
Dumbledore sat back down. Harry swallowed as the Headmaster looked to the Gryffindor table, but to Harry's surprise, it was not he who Dumbledore was focused on, but Ginny. She was gazing at the Slytherin table worriedly; Harry followed her gaze.
Malfoy was listening to something his mother was saying; there was a somewhat pained expression on his pale face. He caught sight of Harry staring at him and glared, then noticed Ginny—who immediately colored and turned away. Malfoy flushed a pale pink; his mother glanced at him, then over to the Gryffindors, and frowned.
Dumbledore was staring between the two tables thoughtfully, glancing from Ginny to Narcissa to Malfoy and back to Harry. He began speaking, so softly at first hardly anyone paid attention, until Professor McGonagall raised a hand.
"Seeing all of you here tonight…parents and children, husbands and wives…has made me realize something important which I forgot to mention. Though bravery, loyalty, wisdom, and ambition abound at Hogwarts, there was only once force at work last night. The single most powerful trait any of our students possess. The one strength we all have the capability of possessing, and the one we shall have to call upon to ensure our survival against those who would take it, and everything else, away from us. It isn't power, it isn't knowledge…it isn't even courage. It is love.
"Love is such an extraordinary force. It changes things beyond reason or reckoning. It can make heroes out of villains and villains out of heroes. It defies logic, and time, and even destiny. We cannot control it, even if we try, and we should not wish to. For more often than not, it is the only thing that can save us. Whether it be man to woman, boy to girl, or mother to child, it is unquestionably the most powerful magic we will ever discover, possess, or control. And the one type that cannot be overcome. I hope we all choose to remember that, for as long as we are living, for no matter how dire the situation may be, what we might do, or must do, if we have something to hold onto, we shall survive."
Harry glanced around the hall. Most of the parents, and the students, sat in a stunned silence. Even the Slytherin parents seemed moved by the Headmaster's final few words. Barely a glower or a grimace passed through the lot.
"That we might always remember that," murmured Hermione softly.
"I'm not completely certain, but something tells me that we shall," he replied with a small smile. His stomach didn't feel quite so hollow, anymore.

"Tell me."
"S-she didn't even let Malfoy know, my Lord," said Peter Pettigrew, his shoulders nervously twitching. "She just attacked, without warning. And she used the Dementors, my Lord. There are but few left."
"The school."
"It remains intact, sir. She killed seven people, but did not touch Potter or Dumbledore."
"I would not have expected so pitiful an attempt to overcome either one of them. And Bella?"
"She is dead, my Lord."
"At Dumbledore's hands?"
"No. By her own sister. By Narcissa Malfoy."
The Dark Lord rose, moving along the stone mantelpiece.
"I have been told that Bella was trying to kill Narcissa's son," Pettigrew continued nervously. "Draco Malfoy was assisting Dumbledore in staving off the attack. He was attacked with the Cruciatus curse, but he survived."
"And the others of Slytherin?"
"All live save one. Anthony Dolohov is dead."
Voldemort's eyes glimmered beneath his dark hood. "A childish notion, to try and destroy Hogwarts directly. To attack Potter while Dumbledore is close."
"My Lord, what should be done about Narcissa Malfoy?"
"What should be done?"
"I…I…do not…I…"
"The woman chose to protect her son. Bellatrix acted very foolishly, her death was to be expected. The boy is safe. And Dumbledore remains. That is all that matters."
"So…it does not matter, that the children fought to protect the school?"
"They were Slytherins. Would you expect less? But of course not," Voldemort turned, narrowing his eyes. "You were of Gryffindor."
"My Lord."
"Leave Narcissa Malfoy, and her son, to me. Lucius and my other faithful followers deserve a respect only I may grant.
"And let the rest know…anyone else who defies my wishes, and attempts to attack either Potter or Dumbledore without my knowledge WILL suffer the consequences."
Pettigrew stifled a cry. "Yes…yes…my Lord."
"This little incident has changed nothing. We continue as planned."
"Y-yes…my Lord."

The majority of chatter in the Great Hall had died away; many parents had finally, after quite a few final hugs and goodbyes, returned to their homes.
Professor Dumbledore stood near the doors, addressing the parents as they left. Many appeared to feel easier leaving than they had before the Headmaster's speech; quite a few thanked Dumbledore for his efforts at protecting the students.
The Slytherins had shown as much respect and courtesy to him as the rest, perhaps because he had praised their children so highly, although Harry believed it was more of a façade that it appeared. But Dumbledore had fearlessly faced the most ruthless of the Death Eaters and lived to tell about it, and that warranted some regard.
Narcissa Malfoy had not yet left; quite a few owls had been directed her way during the course of the evening, one of which was Hermes, Percy Weasley's tawny colored bird.
"The Minister's got something to say to her, I'd wager," said Ron, who'd finally regained his appetite, and was stuffing himself with cream puffs. "Hope it's a trial date."
Ginny had frowned at him. "She was saving her son's life. You wouldn't want Mum to be punished because she did the same thing for you."
"My Mum's not a Malfoy," Ron spat back.
Draco Malfoy looked a little concerned at the letters she was receiving; he spent most of the evening speaking with her and trying not to look over at the Gryffindor table, although it appeared he couldn't help himself. Every so often he would sneak a look at Ginny, who would return his smile with a wave or a smile of her own. When he was caught by Harry or one of the others, his face would tinge a bright pink, and he would hurriedly look away. Harry almost considered asking Colin Creevey to take a picture for posterity's sake.
Arthur Weasley had also received quite a bit of mail, which he'd willingly shared with the rest of the Gryffindors, all save one letter, which had a fancy, gold-embossed sentence on it that looked suspiciously like French.
"Dumbledore was right," he told them after the latest owl had arrived. "The investigation of the Wizarding Authorities revealed that it was indeed caused by Bellatrix Lestrange's own desire to destroy Hogwarts, and that You-Know-Who was uninvolved."
"What about Mrs. Malfoy?" questioned Hermione.
"She is set to go in front of the Wizengamot in a few months." Arthur crumpled up the last of the papers. "More than likely, she'll be held accountable, but she won't be sent to Azkaban."
Ginny was the only one who sighed in relief.
"Shame," muttered George.
"Why?" Ginny asked.
"Well…its not like she doesn't deserve to be right next to that foul husband of hers. Who do you think's been coordinating all the Death Eaters since old Lucius has been put away? Who do you think harbored Bella and the others who were sought after? And who orchestrated with Kreacher about the attack last year? Narcissa Malfoy deserves to be in Azkaban, right alongside her husband."
Ginny opened her mouth, caught a glance at Harry's face, and closed it again.
"Still…she was just trying to protect her son. And she didn't hold any of us responsible for what happened. She's been courteous all evening," said Hermione.
"Let me let you in on a little secret regarding the Malfoys," said Fred. "They're very good at lying."
"Draco wasn't lying when he threw himself in front of an army of Dementors to save me," said Ginny hotly. "And he certainly wasn't lying when Bellatrix subjected him to the Cruciatus curse. And he didn't lie when he created that Patronus."
"A Patronus? Malfoy created a Patronus?" asked Mr. Weasley.
"Yes. A Dragon."
"Really?"
"Really."
"It actually was rather impressive," said Harry, seeing the twins doubtful faces. "Probably the largest Patronus I've ever seen."
"Now just what could have made Malfoy capable of that?" asked Fred with a scowl.
Ginny turned violently red.
"What's all that about?!" yelled George, coming towards her.
"NOTHING!" she piped, turning away from him.
"Ginny…"
"Now, listen, that is enough!" cried Molly Weasley suddenly. "I've had enough of this nonsense, from all of you. We're going to handle this like rational people, and not a great bunch of hooligans!"
She rose from the table and marched decidedly towards the Slytherin side of the hall. The rest of the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione watched, open-mouthed, as she made her way to Narcissa Malfoy's side.
"Mrs…Malfoy?"
Draco and his mother turned to stare at her, Narcissa lifting her nose slightly at Mrs. Weasley's hand-knit jumper and worn skirt. Draco looked a bit nonplussed, and glanced at Ginny with a surprised expression.
She shrugged.
"I'm not certain about any of what has occurred here, but…I believe, as from one mother to another, we should perhaps be introduced?"
Mrs. Malfoy regarded her for a moment. "Molly…Prewitt?" she said at last, her nose wrinkling. "I believe we've already met."
"Yes, that's right." Mrs. Weasley's eyes narrowed. "And you were once Narcissa Black. I remember you as well."
"Then…what more have we to say to one another, Mrs….Weasley…" she said rather nastily.
"Mother," hissed Draco.
"We have nothing to say, I suppose, but as this doesn't concern us, but rather our children, I believe that we should at least attempt a small measure of civility," returned Mrs. Weasley in a cold voice.
Narcissa's face hardened, and she glanced back and forth between Ginny and Malfoy, both of whom were blushing. "What exactly do you have in mind?"
"Nothing particular," Mrs. Weasley replied, extending her hand. "Simply to introduce myself once more. My name is Molly Prewitt Weasley, and I am certain you've already met my daughter, Ginevra. We call her Ginny for short."
Mrs. Malfoy eyed her extended hand. Malfoy cleared his throat.
"Mother…" he said softly.
Mrs. Malfoy sighed. "Oh, very well." She rose, lifting her chin and clasping Mrs. Weasley's gently. I am Narcissa Black Malfoy, and this is my son, Draco. Draco?"
Draco rose. "Pleasure to meet you," he mumbled, taking Mrs. Weasley's hand. She looked a bit surprised, but shook his hand gratefully. His face twisted into a frown until he caught sight of Ginny, who was beaming at him, the expression softened a bit.
Mr. Weasley, Fred, George, and Ron were watching the scene with a mixture of amazement and horror; Mr. Weasley had managed to snap in half every new pencil Harry had given him. Even Bill appeared a bit taken aback.
Hermione, on the other hand, was smiling and patting Ginny on the shoulder.
"Well then, it was a pleasure. Perhaps we shall seen one another soon."
"Perhaps."
Mrs. Weasley trotted back to the Gryffindor side of the hall, her face rather blank. "There you are," she said, as she sat back down alongside Mr. Weasley. "A perfectly pleasant woman."
Harry raised an eyebrow at this; Ron stared at his mother as though he'd never seen her before.
"Thank you, Mum," said Ginny softly.
"And don't think for a moment that gives you permission to go about doing shady things, Ginny!"
"MUUUUUUUMMMM!"
"I mean it young lady! If I find out about any shenanigans on your part, I promise I WILL look into that exchange program your father's examining! But…" she turned, glancing back at Draco, "he does seem like a nice boy."
"WHAT!" cried Fred, George, and Ron in unison.
"Well, he has a nice face. And such lovely gray eyes."
"Hermione," garbled Ron, grasping at her hand. "Do you remember the recipe for that Permanent Forgetfulness Potion?"
"Make that a double," said Fred, looking sick.
"Triple," added George.
"Can you make enough for four?" asked Mr. Weasley, crumpling up the prettily embossed cards in his hands.

The Weasleys were one of the last to leave Hogwarts; Professor Dumbledore made sure to see them off at the Gryffindor fireplace personally before they went.
"It was good to see you again, Molly, Arthur," said the Headmaster, shaking their hands."
"Thank you for all you've done, Albus," said Mr. Weasley. "We'll make sure to keep…in touch. "
"Thank you, Arthur. And you as well, Molly. Give my love to the others, if you see them."
"Of course, Albus. Goodbye, boys. Harry, take care of yourself, and you too, Hermione dear. And Ginny…" she stepped away from the grating for a moment. "Please take care of yourself…and be careful."
"Yes Mum," said Ginny hugging her.
"You look so grown up," said Mrs. Weasley with a soft smile. "I am so very proud of you."
"Thank you, Mum."
"Goodbye, Ginny," said her father, swallowing. "I'm…um…goodbye dear, take care of yourself."
"Arthur," said Mrs. Weasley warningly.
"I'm sure he's a lovely boy," said Mr. Weasley with a rush. He leaned in towards Ginny. "How is your French?"
"Dad!"
"Arthur!"
"Goodbye, dear," he said quickly, kissing her on the forehead. "Harry, Hermione, boys…take care of yourselves."
"Likewise, Dad," said Ron.
In a matter of moments, they had returned to the Burrow.
Bill waved at them casually. "Take care. Ginny, make sure to keep that head on your shoulders."
"I will."
He grasped a handful of Floo Powder. "Gracechurch Street." With a bright green flash, he disappeared.
Fred and George closed in around Ginny. "Just because you're our sister doesn't mean we're going to take it easy on him," said Fred.
"It doesn't mean we'll ever accept him."
"Or that we'll even like him."
"In fact, we plan to dislike him."
"Maybe even hate him."
"Forever."
"Fine," said Ginny casually. "You can think what you like. But if you even think of harming one hair on his head—and that means in person, or by mail—unless I've told you to, you'll both be sorry, I promise."
They stared at her, frowning. "What do you mean?" asked George.
"You'll have to wait and see, I guess," she said with a nasty grin. "Not one hair." She handed them both their Floo powder. "I'll see you later, then, take care."
They both stared at her for a moment. She grinned at them sweetly. They looked at each other, then moved to the fireplace, Floo powder in hand.. "Diagon Alley," Fred called, followed by George. Both disappeared into the grating.
Ginny and Hermione began to snicker.
"What's this all about?" asked Ron confusedly.
"I just want to make sure that Fred and George know exactly what I mean when I said they'd be sorry."
"What did you do?"
"I had Hermione alter the Floo Powder I handed to them just a little bit. Seems they're going to get a grand tour of some of prettiest highlands in all of Scotland, at least for a few hours."
"What?"
"And I replaced their wands with those new magical disappearing ones they just created," she said, holding up the identical mahogany wands Fred and George usually carried. "They're going to be stranded."
"Only for a few hours," said Hermione quickly as Harry and Ron stared first at Ginny, then her, in surprise. "They had to know Ginny was serious. We'll send an owl with their wands in a few hours."
"Hermione!" said Ron, shocked.
"It was my idea, actually," said Ginny with a grin. "And don't think I won't try it again, if certain other brothers decide they're going to interfere."
Ron's mouth dropped open, and he twitched a bit.
"Don't worry about Ron," said Harry truthfully, nudging his friend on the shoulder. "It'll just…take some getting used to, is all. For all of us, and that includes the Slytherins."
"You ARE going to have to watch yourself, Ginny," said Hermione seriously. "You never know what the Slytherins might be capable of."
"I know," sighed Ginny, moving towards the portrait hole. "I will, I promise. I just hope that…that some things will be easier than others." She smiled at them sadly, then opened the portrait and moved into the hall.
"So do I," said Ron, finally speaking, as the portrait closed behind her.
"Don't worry, mate. We'll look after her," said Harry as he turned to them with a weary look.
"And so will Malfoy," said Hermione with a grin.
Ron glared at her.
"Honestly, Ron. We can trust Ginny."
"But Malfoy?"
"We can hope, can't we?" said Harry seriously. "After all…we have much greater things to worry about. None of this has solved the problem we're still facing, with Voldemort and such. Whatever might bring us a little hope…we have to accept as a good thing."
Ron lowered his head. "Right."
"Besides…Malfoy created a Patronus. That means he has one happy thought, at least—something he apparently never had before," said Hermione comfortingly. "And if Draco Malfoy can change his mind, even if it's only about one person, then that means hope for the rest of the Slytherins—and even the pure-bloods in general."
"Or it could me nothing at all," said Ron. "We still can't be sure we can trust him. We don't know if he's given up on Voldemort—or if he's really capable of change at all. If any of them are."
"No…but we can hope, can't we?" asked Harry, patting him on the back.
There is always hope…

"Draco? Where are you off to at this hour?"
Professor Snape paused as Draco emerged from the Slytherin Common Room, tapping the wall back into place.
"Professor…I…"
"Has your mother left, already?" Snape asked, ignoring Draco's slightly troubled expression.
"Yes, sir, she returned home about an hour ago."
"You needn't worry about her, I am sure the situation shall work itself out."
"Yes sir. I suppose I feel a bit guilty—the fault really was mine."
"No one would hold you accountable for any part of what occurred last night, Draco. In fact, I believe a great many feel indebted to you—and all the Slytherins. For once, I am glad you disobeyed my orders."
Draco smiled slightly. "Thank you, sir.
He moved past the Professor, feeling slightly down. The Potions Master watched him silently as he walked by.
"Your Patronus today was very impressive. You managed to hold onto a happier thought than Potter's demise, I assume?"
Draco paused, turning pink. "Yes, sir."
"Good."
"Sir?" Draco said, surprised.
"Not 'good' that you've given up on hating Potter," Snape said hurriedly.
"I haven't."
"Of course not. I would not expect you to, and there is nothing wrong with that. But you have elevated something to a greater importance than your feelings towards he and his friends, and that will prove much more useful in the end should other such situations arise."
"I hope so, sir," Draco said softly. "I'm still not certain if it's completely worth it…the other Slytherins don't think so…and they are my House, after all."
"Do you think "it" is worth it?" asked the Professor.
Draco paused for a moment, then smiled. "Yes."
"Then it is worth it. The only thing that matters is whether you believe in it or not."
"I do believe…but…I also wonder more if I'll be able to keep it or not…with…with You-Know…"
Professor Snape walked over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Take things one day at a time, Draco. Believe me, decisions like this are not simple, and should not be taken lightly. But in the end, I trust you will be guided in the right direction. Those with fortitude, perseverance, and intelligence always are."
The Potions Master straightened. "Now, do not be out beyond sunset, or you will receive a slightly harsher punishment than the last time you strayed from the castle. That goes double for anyone you may be meeting."
Draco nodded, his eyes widening. "Yes sir."
"Very well, be off. I must go and address the Slytherins regarding the House rules…and how nothing has changed as far as privileges. I'm afraid their being recognized as heroes may not be the very best thing that's happened to this House."

Ginny stepped out of the front doors, moving towards the Forbidden Forest. Near the edge, by a large willow tree—close to the spot where she'd first followed him in a few days ago—stood Draco, pacing back and forth.
He turned as soon as she drew near. "I wondered if you'd be able to make it. Did your parents leave?"
"Yes. What about your mum?"
"She's gone home."
"Has she heard anything about the inquiry?"
"Not much. I'm honestly not certain what the Wizengamot might say. I just hope they understand that she was doing it for…me."
Ginny nodded, her throat tightening. "I hope so too, Draco."
Above them, the sun was setting, the trees of the Forbidden Forest casting a dim shadow across the Hogwarts grounds. "I suppose it won't be safe to go into the Forbidden Forest for a while. Professor Dumbledore seems to think there might still be Lethifold there."
"Among other things."
"Other things?"
"Hagrid told me Grawp is still not quite…accepting of my presence…just yet…"
Ginny laughed. "Grawp is a giant. I'm afraid explaining this sort of situation may prove a might difficult to explain. He can't even say Hermione's full name yet."
"He can say mine," said Malfoy, his face twisting. "Rather well."
"Whether or not Grawp understands it is not important right now. Everyone else is a bit more amenable. We'll just have to keep you out of his part of the forest."
He turned, staring into the darkness that shadowed the insides of the trees. "That night…you said something…"
"What?"
"Kill Malfoy."
Ginny's eyes widened. "Draco…"
"I deserved it then, I supposed."
"Not really. Not really ever. I'll admit…you were nasty at times, Draco, but never deserved to die. You've never done anything that horrible. You are not your father—nor your aunt."
"I had almost forgotten that, Ginny. It was almost too late. There was so little time left."
"But it was enough…that's all that matters now," she said, wrapping her arms around him.
He clasped her to him. "What if I forget? When the time comes…what if I can't remember?" he asked softly. "What if my feelings for Potter…or your brother, overshadow everything? My loyalty to my father…there is so much to try and grasp…what if I forget?"
Ginny pulled back, her eyes searching his. They were tight, his face twisted into a soft frown. He's so confused…trapped, somewhere between the darkness and the light…
"I'll be there," she said simply, resting her head against his. "No matter what situation we're in, no matter what questions might arise, or what threatens you, I will be there, by your side. I know it will not be as easy to do as it is to say—I suppose nothing is—but no matter what arises, you will not have to face it alone. I promise."
"Thank you, Ginny," he said.
"I won't leave you in the shadows, Draco Malfoy. So long as you promise not to leave me behind either."
"I can't guarantee anything but I can promise that I shall try. Everyday. I will try."
He pulled her into him, holding her tightly. Around them the grounds of Hogwarts were still and silent; the shadows creeping down the long stretches of rock and grass. Ginny closed her eyes, wrapped in warmth, and, for a moment, felt a sense of hope.

Draco lay his cheek against her brilliant hair, closing his eyes tightly. If nothing else, he wanted everything to stay as it was, just right now, with nothing else interfering.
If I want things to stay this way, I will have to believe in her.
Whatever his future held, it was certainly not as sunny as Ginny's own would be. It would be littered with darkness, and shadows. But with her here, now, he somehow felt that, just maybe, everything would be alright in the end.
I will not live in the shadows forever. So long as she is with me…

Finite Incantatem

: This is a direct Quote from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

SIGHHHH… All right, that's it, I hope you liked it! If it ends a bit ambiguously, it is supposed to. After all, Draco still has a lot of questions. And with the HP books unfinished, we have to wait for JK to give us the answers. But please don't misunderstand Draco's hesitation, or his final words. He really DOES feel that Ginny can save him. But he's not unaware of the difficulties which lie ahead, the first of which will be having people accept that he's in love with her and that she's a part of his life now (the second being that he's somehow going to have to find a way to make peace with Harry and Ron without betraying the Slytherins!) And I feel that Ginny is the only way he can be saved from the forces that will eventually work against him, when Voldemort re-enters all of their lives. But in trying to stay with canon, I won't have them happily ever after just yet. But they will have hope, and, after all…Draco has changed, er, enough, at least in my world!

And now, the thanks…I feel a bit like the LOTR extended version here:

Thank you all so much for reviewing the uncompleted fic: lady of scarlet darkness, seekerpeeker, Vix17, Lisa, Spinn, Tiffanyandco, sabacat, shans, mell8, Priestess of Ishtar, paranoidwench, Hplovaforeva, illuvminidrew, Angelicheezepie, Amanda Mancini, Mrs. H, Mynuet, burgosdamasco, Bel, presiosa, smprsgrrl, TinyQ, Karen1, emvee, Anna, Sandra, Pam, sallene, Liz G. Moonwalker, zarahemla, louf, night, Andromeda77, ano nymous, Lady Thetis, KatarinaRose24, crazyfire89, and, of course, Jonah and Joya (aka Ferret 2)

shameless plug for their fics, Jonah's (Fatum) and Joya's (Do I Not Bleed?)

What really made this story keep going was not just the wonderful reviews, but the diversity of them. More people, and different, showed up for each new chapter, and I know that is thanks to all of you who spread the word. I appreciate it more than I can say. I hope you all enjoyed the finale, and don't worry, I'll be back on ff.net sometime soon. Will there be a sequel? Perhaps…