Chapter 4: Beauty, the beast and a black withered rose.
November 2nd 2006
"That's seven galleons please." Smiled the cashier. Ginny's eyes widened in astonishment. 'Bloody hell! They're ripping me off!' She opened up her B.B and took out her purse. Ginny counted out the huge golden coins and, frowning in annoyance, gave them to the grey haired lady behind the counter.
"Thank you my love,"
She picked up her shopping bags full of food and put them in her B.B, and then made her way over to Draco, who was reading his purchased 'Daily Prophet'. She glanced at the front cover. On it, the main heading read:
WARNING WANTED DEATHEATER SPOTTED IN HOGESMADE.
There was a picture of Draco in his seventh year taking up most of the front page. He looked sulky and bored and was scowling at the curious Ginny. Draco looked up as she approached and absent-mindly opened the door for her, whilst still reading the newspaper. Ginny smiled and slipped past him before he had a chance to register what he was doing.
"Thanks," she said amused.
Draco looked at her happy face; then at the door he was still holding. He released it abruptly and stalked past her. She gave a silent laugh and hurried after him. Now that Draco had inspected all the shops for people talking about him and asked around, he was reading the newspaper Ginny had bought for him. This was one way to shut up his insistent babbling about him.
The pair walked silently along the cobblestone road. It was about 4.00 p.m. now and the sun was setting slowly. Many people had cleared the streets early due to a warning posted in the paper; sales must have been high today:
'Do not to venture out into the village after dark, the notorious deatheater could be anywhere, lurking down a dark alley way or hidden coven. Be on the lookout! Arthur Weasley - Minister of Magic.' Read a notice under the large paragraph bitching happily about Draco's colourful life.
They approached Madame Malkins (In association with Diagon alley) and Ginny's pleasant walking slowed as she laid eyes on a beautiful cloak hanging as the centrepiece of the window display. It was doing a very good job at putting all the other wonderful cloaks to shame. The attention grabber cloak was a shimmering metallic navy bluish, which shone beautifully in the light; it turned a fetching purple as you moved or if the light radiated on it from certain angles. It had a soft looking furry lined hood, which was, 100% water, storm and wind proof. She sighed wistfully at it as she passed the window.
Draco heard her heave, pausing from the paper and stopping a couple of feet away; he followed her trail of sight. Ginny was still staring at the cloak longingly. 'What's so great about it?' he wondered as he looked at the to-die for gorgeous cloak up and down. He glanced at the luxurious item, then back to her, 'Dream on Ginny bean.' She groaned mournfully. Ginny reluctantly tore her eyes away from the expensive garment, and caught up with 'Leo'. She looked at him pensively, why was everything always out of her reach? She Sighed heavily. Draco cocked his left eyebrow in silent question at her longing attitude.
She'd been very patient with him this afternoon, he had to admit that, tolerating being dragged from shop to shop and listening to him moan and complain about his brutal father. He noticed she kept glancing back over her shoulder at the magnificent garment, longing and yearn present in her eyes as she did so.
"Come on Ginny I'm not that bad am I?" He teased as she caught up with him. Ginny allowed him half a smile; he was only trying to be nice after all.
"No it's not you, for once," she chuckled as they resumed their walking,
"That hurt me ever so much! Honestly it did-" he mocked as he threw a hand to his forehead in a false swoon. Ginny laughed at his sarcastic but playful behaviour and poked his side; surprisingly he smiled lopsidedly and elbowed her softly back.
It was beginning to get bitterly cold, she shuddered as an icy breeze hit her face lashing her nerves and making her eyes run. Winter was approaching faster then usual the winds and the frosty mornings were unbearable. Raising a hand she slipped it through Dracos left arm and linked it hugging his arm closely.
The deatheater glanced down at her cold form. Ginny looked up into his surprised face and smiled warmly; so far she hadn't shown him any affection as far as he was concerned. He noticed that she hadn't put on her winter cloak as a). The weather this morning looked too fine and sunny to be cold, and B). she didn't have one.
He returned the look with a soft lopsided grin and kind understanding eyes. A thought crossed his mind, he never actually smiled this much, these last couple of hours he'd grinned, laughed and jested more times then in 6 months. But he couldn't help not laughing at her, she was everything she proved herself to be: kind, affectionate, tolerant, humorous, pretty. She was everything that Blaise had said she was all those years ago..
They walked past the gates to the village and made their way up the dirt road towards the isolated cottages in the distance. From this point onwards there were only cottages, remote farmhouses and miles of fields resting from their long summer of growing wheat and grains.
"What was all that about outside M.Malkins?" asked the brown haired man curious as to her fascination with the cloak. Of course he understood why she'd looked at it, it was an eye catcher, but the extreme longing was un- miss able.
"Oh, nothing really, you know just longing over something I could never have." She replied simply, it was the true she couldn't of afforded it on her wages; maybe in a couple of months, but no doubt someone would of bought it by then. She moved in closer to his arm cuddling it tighter,
"I wish, I wish I had better job," She breathed "Working for Fred and George does have some advantages, but I don't expect they'll be giving me a raise anytime soon. I just feel like I'm missing out on some of life's luxuries."
Draco tried to concentrate hard on his walking and her chatter, but was finding it very hard due to the fact that her chest kept bumping into his limb unintentionally.
"Well, don't worry about that for the moment. You'll be getting extra money off me won't you? And that's going to be for as long as you can stand me." He said softly with some slight teasing creeping in. Ginny laughed cheerfully at him and shifted the weight of the bag on her shoulder.
"Why don't you apply for another job somewhere else? You could probably do any job you wanted, or if not, ask you're father to get you a position at the ministry, seeing as he's acting minister-"
(Arthur Weasley had taken over from Fudge for a year, as the minister was still coping from the loss of his lovely wife, pregnant daughter and his son-in-law to the power hungry deatheaters. Over come with panic and grief, he gave the job to his good friend Arthur.)
Ginny snorted. "I did, but the jobs on offer were either too advanced, poorly paid or crap hours." She heaved again, 'Why is my life so crappy?' she asked herself rhetorically. "But never mind. I think for the moment I'll keep my options open." She added as she sighed wistfully once more.
Ginny in the past, had applied for numerous jobs all over the country and hadn't found anything ideal, she was either too good or not good enough for the demanding jobs. Then last summer, her brothers had offered her a job at Weasleys Wizards Wheezes working on the till, and now she worked for her family the way everybody had planned.
Draco soon became bored with her moaning and returned to the paper. He couldn't listen to her another minute, what happened to the lively red head I left the house with this morning? He thought listening to her sigh longingly again.
"Must be nice having all those millions." She spat sulkily out of the blue. Draco rolled his eyes, normally happy to brag about his money, this conversation was going now where.
"Yeah it's o.k." he shrugged reading an advert on the back.
'WIZARD WILLIES WONDERFUL WHITE WASHING WORLOCKS!' 'We wash the most stubborn stains out of your clothes! Including dragon blood and grindylow slime.'
"Okay? All you can say to being a wealthy, problem free rich bitch is okay!?" She stared at him horrified, how could this man talk about money so casually? Draco frowned innocently at her, confused.
"Yeah." He widened his eyes in a 'big-deal' way. "Or would you rather I brag about it and rub it in your face hmmm?" He added shutting her up instantly.
Ginny moaned frustrated and got out her wand. They opened the gate to The Haven and went up to the front door. She detached her arm from his feeling warm and comfortable on one side.
"You go ahead, I'll check nobody has tried to get in or disturbed anything." Said Draco as he headed around the back way. Ginny nodded her head. She tapped the covered brass keyhole and it faded away leaving a black keyhole, she inserted the key and went into the cottage.
Draco inspected the doors and windows muttering the odd spell to check there was no magical residue or traces of incantations. Over his shoulder, the sun was just touching the mountains in the distance. It was now no more then an orange ball bouncing on the hard stone pyramids.
After five more minutes, he was satisfied nothing was out of place and went to the front and walked in the front door.
"Where did you say they got in?" Came a high nervous voice- it was Ginny's he could tell; there was a teary answer, "Oh mum that's awful."
Draco paused at the conversation. Should he stay there or investigate, this conversation was one of those you don't walk in on. However curiosity got the better of him, he walked slowly along the corridor and peeked around the rustic doorframe.
Ginny was talking quietly to a plump ginger-haired woman sitting on the sofa across from her. The kind looking woman's eyes were red raw from crying. Angelina Johnson, he recognised as the old Griffindor chaser, was sitting with her arms around her shoulders in a comforting way.
"There- there." she soothed as she stroked the older woman's arm, "Don't worry Molly, the boys and ministry's round there now searching the place. They'll have answers for us."
Ginny looked up from her distraught mother to the searching green pair of eyes peering around the door. She warned him off with her eyes, it was best that he wasn't seen. Getting the message he started to move away.
"Who's that Ginny?" added Angelina curiously.
Damn not quick enough.
Draco slowly appeared around the door and walked into the room. He gave the three women a charming, but worried smile. This didn't look good.
"Oh yes, mother, Angelina; this is my friend Leo Walker. He's staying with me for a while. Leo, this is my mother Molly and my sister-in-law Angelina." Angelina gave him a quick nod and welcoming smile, whilst Molly was eyeing him up suspiciously. She turned her head to her daughter and glared at her warningly. Ginny ''tsked loudly at the fierce look she gave her. In this kind of conversation words weren't necessary, her expression spoke for her: 'Ginny who is this handsome young man, and why is he staying in your house with you alone?'
Draco watched the woman's expressions change the 2 redheads seemed to be locked in silent conversation. He noticed that Ginny's eyes were watering dangerously. Frowning with concern, which slipped and crept into his emotional mask he sat down in the vacant place next to her.
"Are you alright Ginny?" he asked consideration and regard getting the better of him. Ginny turned to look at him, there was so much anxiety and sorrow leaping about her face; her eyes were like huge dams threatening to overflow onto her soft face.
Finally she let the tears she had been fighting against fall and dropped her head into her hands. Draco wanted more then anything to embrace her in his arms and tell her everything was going to be okay but that wasn't his nature, that wasn't him. He was annoyed slightly at the fact that he was concerned for her. Since his youth he was taught not to feel emotion too much, but of course, he was a rebel and felt things that were sometimes indescribable.
"Mum and Angelina came-came home from shopping to find the dark mark over the Burrow-" Molly let out a huge sob and resumed her doleful crying.
"There were dead chickens scattered everywhere, about 10 minutes later Penelope turned up to-to the house scared stiff because there were strange men stopping outside the house eye-eyeing it up and talking. And- and after that Ron flooed mum to tell-tell her that someone had entered the house but-but nothing was taken." Ginny gushed through gasps. This was like her worst nightmare come true, words that her father had spoken on the way to the qudditch world cup 8 years ago filled her head:
"Just picture coming home, and finding the Dark mark hovering over your house, and knowing what you're about to find inside . Everyone's worst fear.."
Draco hesitantly put an arm around her shoulder and drew her into him. She made no effort to stop his actions and cried sadly into his chest. He felt his heart ache slightly with a terrible guilt. So many times had he conjured the mark without feeling any emotion or remorse for the helpless victims to be inside, but he would of given anything to stop the terrible feeling right now.
"Its ok Ginny," he soothed gently stoking her long wavy tresses. Across the room, Molly was giving Draco both a death glare and a 'oh bless him' look. A soft humming noise shattered the uncomfortable silence. Angelina removed a magical black pager from her cloak pocket; that flashed red, green or yellow if the call was bad, good or warning. It was currently skimming green writing along the small screen.
"Come on Molly, The house is fine now we can go back, Arthur's waiting for us." Molly allowed herself to be picked up off the sofa by her daughter-in-law and taken over to the fireplace. Angelina threw the green Floo powder into the fire and immediately acid green flames rose above their heads.
"THE BURROW!" she shouted whilst giving Molly a tiny shove through the fire.
"I'll keep in touch Gin," she reassured as she threw in more powder before shouting 'THE BURROW' one more time and disappearing.
Ginny sniffed and snuggled into Draco's masculine chest, it was hard but comforting. He stroked her back and sighed heavily. For once in his life he knew what the people on the inside of the house had said before dying their painful deaths.
"Why them?" she whimpered quietly, "What did they ever do? Is it pick on the Weasleys day or something?" There was a long silence after this.
'Shit, I don't know what to say.' He thought harshly, he searched for something to comfort her with but nothing but guilt and confusion was present in his mind.
"I don't know. maybe they thought. you're father would be at home. But they must have been extremely stupid or blind to do something in the daytime. It must have been something very important if they checked out your other families houses." Draco suggested firmly.
"Do you think they'd have anything that w-um.they could want?"
Ginny laughed through her nose at the question and got up. "Yeah, like anybody's going to want to rob the Weasleys," She spat sadly.
She walked to the window and looked out into the setting sun. It was sinking slowly into the commanding Scottish mountains. Now it closely resembled an orange crescent moon peeping over the mountains.
Draco watched her stare at the yellow circle, the last golden beams of the day were lighting up her hair and melancholy face. Blonde streaks were noticeable in the mass of red waves and the light defined her high lightly freckled cheekbones. She was beautiful, not in a pretty schoolgirl way; the way she used to be, but a womanly radiant way that no man could miss.
He rose wearily from the sofa and took off the cloak carefully, being somebody else for the day was very confusing perhaps she saw too much of someone else. Draco walked out the room and hung it on the cloak hooks next to the front door then went back into the living room.
"Did they take anything from any of them?" he inquired standing in the middle of the room awkwardly not knowing what to do. Ginny turned to face him.
"No," she swiped at her eyes, "But they totally trashed my room, all my draws and cupboards were turned inside out. My clothes were all torn and tatty and my burgundy ball gown was. ripped to shreds." She replied sadly, whilst a-few stray tears rolled down her face,
"Nobody else's rooms were touched or disturbed, not even at Ron's or Percy's."
Draco moved forwards and embraced her in his arms. Her body was tense and was shaking like a leaf, her skin felt cold and clammy; she'd looked so innocent so vulnerable just then much like she did in the past.
She leant against his shoulder and wrapped her slender arms around his waist. He hugged her whilst allowing her to snuggle into him. They fitted together perfectly blocking out the cruel world surrounding them creating a harmonious mould.
"Mum told me that they were looking for something. Because they'd opened all the doors to the rooms." She said quietly. "Diaries and address books were opened or creased, the page corners were bent from frantic searching."
Draco frowned deep in contemplation.
"Was anything other then that disturbed?" he asked just as soundlessly as her trying to figure out just what the deatheaters had been searching for.
"No, but.I've just had a disturbing thought.." Draco quirked an eyebrow at the window; as if it were waving somehow at him.
"What if that something.wasn't a something but was a someone.? MY room was trashed and emptied completely.the doors were all opened in every house in a investigative way. The diaries and address books were violated.."
She lifted her head from his chest and looked into his melting grey eyes. Sparks radiated from them, drawing her to him; they were 2 separate souls searching for solace. Their mouths were inches apart, he glanced into her eyes then down to her rose coloured lips. She closed her eyes slightly,
"Draco. what if that someone." She pouted her lips slightly and examined his lips ".was me?" Ginny asked unbelievingly.
Draco removed a hand from her waist and ran a smooth finger down her beautiful cheek then cupping it gently. He decreased the space between their mouths making them closer together.
"If they were, I won't let them do anything to you." He replied quietly. Draco moved his head towards her going in for the kill. Ginny blushed and touched his lips with her index finger, staring at them intently. She looked up into his magnetic eyes and saw passion and lust; this was a window into his soul. Draco wanted-needed to kiss her she knew it, she herself wanted to smother him passionately- but the red head blinked and stepped away from him.
The tall flaxen haired man looked disappointed for a moment before creating his emotionless mask that her wore every day time and again. He glanced down at the floor, looking hurt. Why did he suddenly feel so disappointed?
Ginny sighed resignedly. He was giving her an I-was-looking-forward-to- that look.
She moved towards him and gave him a kiss on the side of his mouth. Draco just realising what was actually happening, reached out a hand to her waist but was just out of reach as she turned and strode into the kitchen smiling to her-self before he could make a move. Draco watched her go with a floaty, but smug look on his face.
*
Clunk clunk clunk. Came echoing footsteps along the landing in the three broomsticks. They came to an abrupt halt outside room number 8 and a hand materialised out of thin air and inserted a rustic golden key in the worn keyhole. The hand pushed the door open and prodded it closed.
Footsteps sounded on the old wooden floor and the bed creaked as it took the weight of its owner. Two hands slipped out of nowhere and shrugged the cloak off.
The tired face of Blaise Zabini dropped into his hands. He looked doleful and tired as though he had no sleep in a while. He'd completed his first task: Search, and locate. Then once found report to Lucius.
He'd found Ginny, that wasn't much of a challenge. As the only daughter of the acting minister of magic, and one of the countries well known batchelorettes, someone had to know her whereabouts. The information had come to him in the unlikely form of Padma Longbottom. The wife of the school klutz had given the address to him no questions asked.
'She'd forgotten about me that's why like everyone else' He scoffed to himself as he remembered the woman's foolish trust.
Blaise breathed a heavy sigh. Just seeing Ginny from a mere 2 metres away had made his heart race wildly. What amazed the ebony haired man even more was that she was wearing the pin he gave to her. He contorted his face into jealously as he remembered seeing her slip a friendly arm through that of the unknown handsome man.
'No matter about him though, I'll kill him very soon indeed once I find out who he is.' He rubbed his weary face slowly letting his thoughts gather. Ginny's face flashed in his mind. He needed to speak to her again; he was yearning for it.
'I wonder if she read my letter..'
*1 Year ago*
Ginny awoke on the morning of April the 3rd to a beautiful tawny owl tapping on the window. She pulled a puzzled face and hurried out of bed to it. The huge owl swept in gracefully and landed with a 'flump' on the white bed sheets. Hanging from its beak there was a white envelope with golden edging. She frowned at the post curiously. The bird raised its leg to her and attached to its yellow scales there was a red rose. Ginny untied it and raised it to her nose where she inhaled the fresh scent.
SCREECH! She jumped out her skin at the impatient owl.
"Okay, okay." She grumbled and walked over to the dresser where she found 10 sickles lying on the wooden surface.
"Here!" she said defeated as the money was deposited into the leather moneybag. After giving its delightful feathers a quick and gentle stroke, it spread out its long wings and soared out into the morning. Ginny shook her head amused as it let out another large screech. She read the writing on the front carefully:
Miss G. Weasley. Address unknown This letter was sent on: February 16th
Ginny frowned at the golden writing. This letter was sent to her about 2 months ago. 'Poor owl.' She thought sadly 'no wonder it was so grumpy'. She flipped it over to open it. On the back there was a red seal and imprinted in the centre was a rose.
Frowning again she tore it open and carefully teased it out with her nails. Un folding it she read the loopy graceful golden writing.
Dear Ginny, I hope this letter finds you safe and well. I find that it is truly amazing that the mere mention of some-ones name compels you to get in contact.
The last time I saw your beautiful face was on the platform as we arrived back at Kings Cross. I remember you looked truly happy as you stepped off the train. Free from living in the trios shadow at last. I came up to you and said a heart-wrenching goodbye. I really wanted to take you in my arms and kiss you senseless, as I never did get the time during our meetings. I gave you a quick hug and asked you to hold out your hand. You did so reluctantly and I gave you my families crest, The Zabini rose. I remember your face lighting up with shock and marvel at the sight of it. "No I couldn't take this off you." Were your exact words, as I wouldn't take it back. "No I insist." I persisted, "Think of it as a sign of our friendship and trust."
As I spoke those words you smiled your beautiful smile and kissed me. As you did so my feelings for you intensified to a point where I felt I would be lost without you. You pulled away from me and hugged me once more. "See you around Blaise Zabini." And with that you picked up your trunk and walked away out of my life.
Days, weeks and months after that I missed you terribly. I wanted more then anything to see your beautiful face again. I remember after one lonely night, my father came into my room and awoke me. He took me downstairs and sitting in the middle of the living room was the devil himself Voldemort. I looked horrified at my father who told me that this was the day I was to receive the deadly Dark Mark.
I went numb after that. I allowed my father to steer me before him. The frightening white spidery hands were like ice on my flesh. He pointed the wand at my arm and I received the mark. As the darkness flooded my veins my last human thoughts were of you.
Now I live my life as a deatheater, killing people and taking orders. I guess the only thing that kept me from going to a demonic like insanity all the time was reinforcing the fact that you were there for me. My human side, my personality remains with you for as long as you wear that pin.
I will make it so that I see you again Ginny Weasley, this is hard for me but here goes. You see I love you and I always have. You stole my heart on that rooftop long ago and I shall be back to retrieve it one day.
Please reply to me, I know that this is probably one of the hardest things you've ever had to read God knows it was hard to write, but I need to know how you feel.
Yours, Blaise Zabini XXx
Ginny read the last paragraph another 3 times before breaking down into tears. She collapsed backwards onto the bed and wept and wept. The letter floated gracefully to the floor and lay on the floor listening to the crying of its recipient.
Blaise took some red powder out of his pocket. The fire in front of him was beckoning it. He raised his hand and went to throw it in, but as if an invisible hand was stopping him he paused.
'Do I really want to do this? I've found her, I know now where she lives. Maybe I should leave it for a couple of days.' He rubbed the powder in his hands and put it back in the tin in the darkness of his pocket. Blaise turned and walked away from the flames.
Suddenly a burning pain ensnared his left upper arm. He ripped off the cloak sleeve and clutched his flesh tightly. The dark mark was bleeding a green liquid filling the colourless tattoo making it turn green.
"No," whispered Blaise, "No not now."
He started to tremble violently, there was a cold flame licking the inside of his body. Veins clogged up with unseen evil and deception. He felt the last ounce of conscious thought being pushed to the back of his mind. Light turned to dark. Love turned to unbridled evil lust.
The excruciating pain vanished quickly and Blaise stood up very, very slowly. He walked with shaking hands and wobbly legs to the mirror.
In the reflection stood not a man, but a merciless servant, whose eyes were alight with pure hatred and a face that was contorted in fury and vindictiveness. This was not Blaise Zabini; this was a demon from the devil. This was his other poisonous nature, a deatheater.
He grabbed his mask from the coat on his dresser and pulled it on slowly. Smiling insanely the demonic man kicked the door open wand raised.
"Heh Heh Heh" Came the evil sound from his lips as he kicked the door to room 10 open with a force stronger then a bullet from a gun.
*
Draco leant back in his seat and breathed in a long deep breath. "Hmmmmm that was quite good actually.." He admitted. The dinner to him had been very tasty, normally he relied on the work of the house elves but the young red head cooked exceedingly well. The blonde Malfoy was expecting it to be of a low standard but was pleasantly surprised at the texture and taste of the food. Ginny cocked an irritated eyebrow.
"And what does that mean exactly?" Draco laughed contently.
'Her face looks so sweet when she's ang- Draco stop thinking that!'
"What I meant was.that was tasty for the dish you made." He finished lamely. The woman opposite him crossed her arms studying his features. He was always pissed off when put on the spot.
"Draco I made spaghetti carbonara, it's not exactly a hard dish to make."
"Well.Um." He bit his lip in defeat. Ginny laughed coolly at him.
"Yes I know what you meant. You're welcome anyways." She flicked her wand at the dishes and they flew into the sink and began work of washing themselves.
"So what's for dessert?" Queered Draco, leaning forwards to get a better look at her. Ginny cursed her self.
"I didn't bring any, I knew I forgot something! Oh well, I guess you'll have to make do without." Draco smirked at her in a sexy I-could-suggest-a-couple-of-things way.
"Oh. I guess we'll have to find a substitute." He raised a suggestive eyebrow. Ginny blushed coyly at the blondes flirting.
"And what would that be?" she replied softly in a sexy-husky voice that surprised even herself.
Draco pouted thoughtfully and rose from his seat. Ginny watched him approach her side of the table through seductive hooded eyes. He sat down gracefully next to her on the tabletop and cupped her face with his left hand. Ginny smiled sweetly at his touch remembering the closer encounter with him earlier.
'She's so beautiful.' He thought instantly as she leant her cheek into his hand. She closed her eyes for a moment and smiled provocatively whilst opening them again looking up into his mysterious grey orbs.
Draco bought his head down towards her gorgeous oval one wanting her. The red head closed her eyes awaiting his sweet kiss; she could feel his breathing on her lips. The man watching her smirked slightly, 'You're not getting away from me this time.' He thought sharply. Draco smiled insanely to himself and closed his eyes.
An inch away from her rosy lips he felt his upper left arm sear with a blinding pain.
"Arggghhh." He hissed as the attacking force on his body and mind became unbearable. The blonde man released Ginny's horrified face and keeled over on to the floor with a thump.
"Draco?" She questioned, panic invading her voice and thoughts. She jumped off the chair and bent down next to the man writhing about in pain on the floor. Hot tears stung her eyes at the look of extreme discomfort on his face because of the unseen torture.
"DON'T! GET AWAY GINNY NOW!" Shouted Draco when he felt her shaking hand touch his arm. She flinched sharply frightened at his sudden roaring, and got up taking 2 steps back. She could do nothing but watch the helpless Malfoy grimace and contort in pain.
'NO NO LEAVE ME ALONE!' screamed his mind, 'LEAVE ME ALONE!' It was no good; the evil was strangling his soul, feeding off his thoughts and sucking the remaining goodness out of him.
'LEAVE ME, I WON'T OBEY YOU THIS TIME YOU WILL NOT CONQUOR ME!' He screeched inwardly to an unknown force.
'YOU CANNOT ESCAPE IT. YOU WILL BE MINE! RESISTENCE IS POINTLESS, GIVE INTO ME!' Hissed another voice. Draco tried to ignore the foreboding taunting but to no avail, it was taking him over; he was becoming another mindless monster; a demonic servant.
Ginny backed up slowly, watching his psychological battle. She jumped and screamed when her back reached the counter.
Then with out warning, the man on the floor stopped and lay still, only his breathing was any indication of life.
"Dra-Draco?" she spluttered softly. She got out her wand. A hand slapped the kitchen floor, so did another. Draco gathered himself up off the floor keeping his shaking hunched back away from her. He rolled his head and groaned slowly; behind him Ginny was shaking in fright.
"Draco?" She sought again watching him crack his knuckles and roll his shoulder. The blonde man stopped his threatening stretches and turned to face her. His face was etched with fury and an evil smirk was implanted on his mouth. Ginny knew one thing; this was not the Draco she knew.
"I'm sorry about that Ginny," he murmured, "But I've had a slight change of heart." Draco began to walk slowly towards her; the smirk was still there, fierce and seductive. Ginny widened her eyes in fright as he approached; to him she was a deer caught in the headlights.
"You- you don't come any closer." Draco threw back his head and laughed darkly. The delicate hairs on the back on Ginny's neck stood up on end at the sound piercing her body.
"Or what?" He took another step, "You know you want me to." Ginny swallowed hard and raised her wand.
"Stop now or I'll make you." She spat defensively. On the inside she was screaming for a saviour, anything to protect her from him. Draco chuckled deeply.
"Hmmm strong instinct for survival, I like that in a woman." He took 2 more threatening steps.
"You won't do anything to me, you don't have the guts." The blonde man smiled smugly and stopped a couple of feet away.
"Go on Ginny, I dare you."
Ginny lowered her wand slowly. Draco smiled claiming victory. She was paralysed; he was rooting her to the spot, his eyes were hypnotic making her freeze. Draco started towards her again; there was only a 2 feet gap between them. He stopped and reached for her waist.
"STUPERY!" She shouted raising the wand quickly. Draco gasped and flew backwards into the wall. He blinked his eyes before falling into unconsciousness.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Phew! Another chappie done! Please review and tell me what you think of this one before I publish the next, you ain't talking to me peeps!
November 2nd 2006
"That's seven galleons please." Smiled the cashier. Ginny's eyes widened in astonishment. 'Bloody hell! They're ripping me off!' She opened up her B.B and took out her purse. Ginny counted out the huge golden coins and, frowning in annoyance, gave them to the grey haired lady behind the counter.
"Thank you my love,"
She picked up her shopping bags full of food and put them in her B.B, and then made her way over to Draco, who was reading his purchased 'Daily Prophet'. She glanced at the front cover. On it, the main heading read:
WARNING WANTED DEATHEATER SPOTTED IN HOGESMADE.
There was a picture of Draco in his seventh year taking up most of the front page. He looked sulky and bored and was scowling at the curious Ginny. Draco looked up as she approached and absent-mindly opened the door for her, whilst still reading the newspaper. Ginny smiled and slipped past him before he had a chance to register what he was doing.
"Thanks," she said amused.
Draco looked at her happy face; then at the door he was still holding. He released it abruptly and stalked past her. She gave a silent laugh and hurried after him. Now that Draco had inspected all the shops for people talking about him and asked around, he was reading the newspaper Ginny had bought for him. This was one way to shut up his insistent babbling about him.
The pair walked silently along the cobblestone road. It was about 4.00 p.m. now and the sun was setting slowly. Many people had cleared the streets early due to a warning posted in the paper; sales must have been high today:
'Do not to venture out into the village after dark, the notorious deatheater could be anywhere, lurking down a dark alley way or hidden coven. Be on the lookout! Arthur Weasley - Minister of Magic.' Read a notice under the large paragraph bitching happily about Draco's colourful life.
They approached Madame Malkins (In association with Diagon alley) and Ginny's pleasant walking slowed as she laid eyes on a beautiful cloak hanging as the centrepiece of the window display. It was doing a very good job at putting all the other wonderful cloaks to shame. The attention grabber cloak was a shimmering metallic navy bluish, which shone beautifully in the light; it turned a fetching purple as you moved or if the light radiated on it from certain angles. It had a soft looking furry lined hood, which was, 100% water, storm and wind proof. She sighed wistfully at it as she passed the window.
Draco heard her heave, pausing from the paper and stopping a couple of feet away; he followed her trail of sight. Ginny was still staring at the cloak longingly. 'What's so great about it?' he wondered as he looked at the to-die for gorgeous cloak up and down. He glanced at the luxurious item, then back to her, 'Dream on Ginny bean.' She groaned mournfully. Ginny reluctantly tore her eyes away from the expensive garment, and caught up with 'Leo'. She looked at him pensively, why was everything always out of her reach? She Sighed heavily. Draco cocked his left eyebrow in silent question at her longing attitude.
She'd been very patient with him this afternoon, he had to admit that, tolerating being dragged from shop to shop and listening to him moan and complain about his brutal father. He noticed she kept glancing back over her shoulder at the magnificent garment, longing and yearn present in her eyes as she did so.
"Come on Ginny I'm not that bad am I?" He teased as she caught up with him. Ginny allowed him half a smile; he was only trying to be nice after all.
"No it's not you, for once," she chuckled as they resumed their walking,
"That hurt me ever so much! Honestly it did-" he mocked as he threw a hand to his forehead in a false swoon. Ginny laughed at his sarcastic but playful behaviour and poked his side; surprisingly he smiled lopsidedly and elbowed her softly back.
It was beginning to get bitterly cold, she shuddered as an icy breeze hit her face lashing her nerves and making her eyes run. Winter was approaching faster then usual the winds and the frosty mornings were unbearable. Raising a hand she slipped it through Dracos left arm and linked it hugging his arm closely.
The deatheater glanced down at her cold form. Ginny looked up into his surprised face and smiled warmly; so far she hadn't shown him any affection as far as he was concerned. He noticed that she hadn't put on her winter cloak as a). The weather this morning looked too fine and sunny to be cold, and B). she didn't have one.
He returned the look with a soft lopsided grin and kind understanding eyes. A thought crossed his mind, he never actually smiled this much, these last couple of hours he'd grinned, laughed and jested more times then in 6 months. But he couldn't help not laughing at her, she was everything she proved herself to be: kind, affectionate, tolerant, humorous, pretty. She was everything that Blaise had said she was all those years ago..
They walked past the gates to the village and made their way up the dirt road towards the isolated cottages in the distance. From this point onwards there were only cottages, remote farmhouses and miles of fields resting from their long summer of growing wheat and grains.
"What was all that about outside M.Malkins?" asked the brown haired man curious as to her fascination with the cloak. Of course he understood why she'd looked at it, it was an eye catcher, but the extreme longing was un- miss able.
"Oh, nothing really, you know just longing over something I could never have." She replied simply, it was the true she couldn't of afforded it on her wages; maybe in a couple of months, but no doubt someone would of bought it by then. She moved in closer to his arm cuddling it tighter,
"I wish, I wish I had better job," She breathed "Working for Fred and George does have some advantages, but I don't expect they'll be giving me a raise anytime soon. I just feel like I'm missing out on some of life's luxuries."
Draco tried to concentrate hard on his walking and her chatter, but was finding it very hard due to the fact that her chest kept bumping into his limb unintentionally.
"Well, don't worry about that for the moment. You'll be getting extra money off me won't you? And that's going to be for as long as you can stand me." He said softly with some slight teasing creeping in. Ginny laughed cheerfully at him and shifted the weight of the bag on her shoulder.
"Why don't you apply for another job somewhere else? You could probably do any job you wanted, or if not, ask you're father to get you a position at the ministry, seeing as he's acting minister-"
(Arthur Weasley had taken over from Fudge for a year, as the minister was still coping from the loss of his lovely wife, pregnant daughter and his son-in-law to the power hungry deatheaters. Over come with panic and grief, he gave the job to his good friend Arthur.)
Ginny snorted. "I did, but the jobs on offer were either too advanced, poorly paid or crap hours." She heaved again, 'Why is my life so crappy?' she asked herself rhetorically. "But never mind. I think for the moment I'll keep my options open." She added as she sighed wistfully once more.
Ginny in the past, had applied for numerous jobs all over the country and hadn't found anything ideal, she was either too good or not good enough for the demanding jobs. Then last summer, her brothers had offered her a job at Weasleys Wizards Wheezes working on the till, and now she worked for her family the way everybody had planned.
Draco soon became bored with her moaning and returned to the paper. He couldn't listen to her another minute, what happened to the lively red head I left the house with this morning? He thought listening to her sigh longingly again.
"Must be nice having all those millions." She spat sulkily out of the blue. Draco rolled his eyes, normally happy to brag about his money, this conversation was going now where.
"Yeah it's o.k." he shrugged reading an advert on the back.
'WIZARD WILLIES WONDERFUL WHITE WASHING WORLOCKS!' 'We wash the most stubborn stains out of your clothes! Including dragon blood and grindylow slime.'
"Okay? All you can say to being a wealthy, problem free rich bitch is okay!?" She stared at him horrified, how could this man talk about money so casually? Draco frowned innocently at her, confused.
"Yeah." He widened his eyes in a 'big-deal' way. "Or would you rather I brag about it and rub it in your face hmmm?" He added shutting her up instantly.
Ginny moaned frustrated and got out her wand. They opened the gate to The Haven and went up to the front door. She detached her arm from his feeling warm and comfortable on one side.
"You go ahead, I'll check nobody has tried to get in or disturbed anything." Said Draco as he headed around the back way. Ginny nodded her head. She tapped the covered brass keyhole and it faded away leaving a black keyhole, she inserted the key and went into the cottage.
Draco inspected the doors and windows muttering the odd spell to check there was no magical residue or traces of incantations. Over his shoulder, the sun was just touching the mountains in the distance. It was now no more then an orange ball bouncing on the hard stone pyramids.
After five more minutes, he was satisfied nothing was out of place and went to the front and walked in the front door.
"Where did you say they got in?" Came a high nervous voice- it was Ginny's he could tell; there was a teary answer, "Oh mum that's awful."
Draco paused at the conversation. Should he stay there or investigate, this conversation was one of those you don't walk in on. However curiosity got the better of him, he walked slowly along the corridor and peeked around the rustic doorframe.
Ginny was talking quietly to a plump ginger-haired woman sitting on the sofa across from her. The kind looking woman's eyes were red raw from crying. Angelina Johnson, he recognised as the old Griffindor chaser, was sitting with her arms around her shoulders in a comforting way.
"There- there." she soothed as she stroked the older woman's arm, "Don't worry Molly, the boys and ministry's round there now searching the place. They'll have answers for us."
Ginny looked up from her distraught mother to the searching green pair of eyes peering around the door. She warned him off with her eyes, it was best that he wasn't seen. Getting the message he started to move away.
"Who's that Ginny?" added Angelina curiously.
Damn not quick enough.
Draco slowly appeared around the door and walked into the room. He gave the three women a charming, but worried smile. This didn't look good.
"Oh yes, mother, Angelina; this is my friend Leo Walker. He's staying with me for a while. Leo, this is my mother Molly and my sister-in-law Angelina." Angelina gave him a quick nod and welcoming smile, whilst Molly was eyeing him up suspiciously. She turned her head to her daughter and glared at her warningly. Ginny ''tsked loudly at the fierce look she gave her. In this kind of conversation words weren't necessary, her expression spoke for her: 'Ginny who is this handsome young man, and why is he staying in your house with you alone?'
Draco watched the woman's expressions change the 2 redheads seemed to be locked in silent conversation. He noticed that Ginny's eyes were watering dangerously. Frowning with concern, which slipped and crept into his emotional mask he sat down in the vacant place next to her.
"Are you alright Ginny?" he asked consideration and regard getting the better of him. Ginny turned to look at him, there was so much anxiety and sorrow leaping about her face; her eyes were like huge dams threatening to overflow onto her soft face.
Finally she let the tears she had been fighting against fall and dropped her head into her hands. Draco wanted more then anything to embrace her in his arms and tell her everything was going to be okay but that wasn't his nature, that wasn't him. He was annoyed slightly at the fact that he was concerned for her. Since his youth he was taught not to feel emotion too much, but of course, he was a rebel and felt things that were sometimes indescribable.
"Mum and Angelina came-came home from shopping to find the dark mark over the Burrow-" Molly let out a huge sob and resumed her doleful crying.
"There were dead chickens scattered everywhere, about 10 minutes later Penelope turned up to-to the house scared stiff because there were strange men stopping outside the house eye-eyeing it up and talking. And- and after that Ron flooed mum to tell-tell her that someone had entered the house but-but nothing was taken." Ginny gushed through gasps. This was like her worst nightmare come true, words that her father had spoken on the way to the qudditch world cup 8 years ago filled her head:
"Just picture coming home, and finding the Dark mark hovering over your house, and knowing what you're about to find inside . Everyone's worst fear.."
Draco hesitantly put an arm around her shoulder and drew her into him. She made no effort to stop his actions and cried sadly into his chest. He felt his heart ache slightly with a terrible guilt. So many times had he conjured the mark without feeling any emotion or remorse for the helpless victims to be inside, but he would of given anything to stop the terrible feeling right now.
"Its ok Ginny," he soothed gently stoking her long wavy tresses. Across the room, Molly was giving Draco both a death glare and a 'oh bless him' look. A soft humming noise shattered the uncomfortable silence. Angelina removed a magical black pager from her cloak pocket; that flashed red, green or yellow if the call was bad, good or warning. It was currently skimming green writing along the small screen.
"Come on Molly, The house is fine now we can go back, Arthur's waiting for us." Molly allowed herself to be picked up off the sofa by her daughter-in-law and taken over to the fireplace. Angelina threw the green Floo powder into the fire and immediately acid green flames rose above their heads.
"THE BURROW!" she shouted whilst giving Molly a tiny shove through the fire.
"I'll keep in touch Gin," she reassured as she threw in more powder before shouting 'THE BURROW' one more time and disappearing.
Ginny sniffed and snuggled into Draco's masculine chest, it was hard but comforting. He stroked her back and sighed heavily. For once in his life he knew what the people on the inside of the house had said before dying their painful deaths.
"Why them?" she whimpered quietly, "What did they ever do? Is it pick on the Weasleys day or something?" There was a long silence after this.
'Shit, I don't know what to say.' He thought harshly, he searched for something to comfort her with but nothing but guilt and confusion was present in his mind.
"I don't know. maybe they thought. you're father would be at home. But they must have been extremely stupid or blind to do something in the daytime. It must have been something very important if they checked out your other families houses." Draco suggested firmly.
"Do you think they'd have anything that w-um.they could want?"
Ginny laughed through her nose at the question and got up. "Yeah, like anybody's going to want to rob the Weasleys," She spat sadly.
She walked to the window and looked out into the setting sun. It was sinking slowly into the commanding Scottish mountains. Now it closely resembled an orange crescent moon peeping over the mountains.
Draco watched her stare at the yellow circle, the last golden beams of the day were lighting up her hair and melancholy face. Blonde streaks were noticeable in the mass of red waves and the light defined her high lightly freckled cheekbones. She was beautiful, not in a pretty schoolgirl way; the way she used to be, but a womanly radiant way that no man could miss.
He rose wearily from the sofa and took off the cloak carefully, being somebody else for the day was very confusing perhaps she saw too much of someone else. Draco walked out the room and hung it on the cloak hooks next to the front door then went back into the living room.
"Did they take anything from any of them?" he inquired standing in the middle of the room awkwardly not knowing what to do. Ginny turned to face him.
"No," she swiped at her eyes, "But they totally trashed my room, all my draws and cupboards were turned inside out. My clothes were all torn and tatty and my burgundy ball gown was. ripped to shreds." She replied sadly, whilst a-few stray tears rolled down her face,
"Nobody else's rooms were touched or disturbed, not even at Ron's or Percy's."
Draco moved forwards and embraced her in his arms. Her body was tense and was shaking like a leaf, her skin felt cold and clammy; she'd looked so innocent so vulnerable just then much like she did in the past.
She leant against his shoulder and wrapped her slender arms around his waist. He hugged her whilst allowing her to snuggle into him. They fitted together perfectly blocking out the cruel world surrounding them creating a harmonious mould.
"Mum told me that they were looking for something. Because they'd opened all the doors to the rooms." She said quietly. "Diaries and address books were opened or creased, the page corners were bent from frantic searching."
Draco frowned deep in contemplation.
"Was anything other then that disturbed?" he asked just as soundlessly as her trying to figure out just what the deatheaters had been searching for.
"No, but.I've just had a disturbing thought.." Draco quirked an eyebrow at the window; as if it were waving somehow at him.
"What if that something.wasn't a something but was a someone.? MY room was trashed and emptied completely.the doors were all opened in every house in a investigative way. The diaries and address books were violated.."
She lifted her head from his chest and looked into his melting grey eyes. Sparks radiated from them, drawing her to him; they were 2 separate souls searching for solace. Their mouths were inches apart, he glanced into her eyes then down to her rose coloured lips. She closed her eyes slightly,
"Draco. what if that someone." She pouted her lips slightly and examined his lips ".was me?" Ginny asked unbelievingly.
Draco removed a hand from her waist and ran a smooth finger down her beautiful cheek then cupping it gently. He decreased the space between their mouths making them closer together.
"If they were, I won't let them do anything to you." He replied quietly. Draco moved his head towards her going in for the kill. Ginny blushed and touched his lips with her index finger, staring at them intently. She looked up into his magnetic eyes and saw passion and lust; this was a window into his soul. Draco wanted-needed to kiss her she knew it, she herself wanted to smother him passionately- but the red head blinked and stepped away from him.
The tall flaxen haired man looked disappointed for a moment before creating his emotionless mask that her wore every day time and again. He glanced down at the floor, looking hurt. Why did he suddenly feel so disappointed?
Ginny sighed resignedly. He was giving her an I-was-looking-forward-to- that look.
She moved towards him and gave him a kiss on the side of his mouth. Draco just realising what was actually happening, reached out a hand to her waist but was just out of reach as she turned and strode into the kitchen smiling to her-self before he could make a move. Draco watched her go with a floaty, but smug look on his face.
*
Clunk clunk clunk. Came echoing footsteps along the landing in the three broomsticks. They came to an abrupt halt outside room number 8 and a hand materialised out of thin air and inserted a rustic golden key in the worn keyhole. The hand pushed the door open and prodded it closed.
Footsteps sounded on the old wooden floor and the bed creaked as it took the weight of its owner. Two hands slipped out of nowhere and shrugged the cloak off.
The tired face of Blaise Zabini dropped into his hands. He looked doleful and tired as though he had no sleep in a while. He'd completed his first task: Search, and locate. Then once found report to Lucius.
He'd found Ginny, that wasn't much of a challenge. As the only daughter of the acting minister of magic, and one of the countries well known batchelorettes, someone had to know her whereabouts. The information had come to him in the unlikely form of Padma Longbottom. The wife of the school klutz had given the address to him no questions asked.
'She'd forgotten about me that's why like everyone else' He scoffed to himself as he remembered the woman's foolish trust.
Blaise breathed a heavy sigh. Just seeing Ginny from a mere 2 metres away had made his heart race wildly. What amazed the ebony haired man even more was that she was wearing the pin he gave to her. He contorted his face into jealously as he remembered seeing her slip a friendly arm through that of the unknown handsome man.
'No matter about him though, I'll kill him very soon indeed once I find out who he is.' He rubbed his weary face slowly letting his thoughts gather. Ginny's face flashed in his mind. He needed to speak to her again; he was yearning for it.
'I wonder if she read my letter..'
*1 Year ago*
Ginny awoke on the morning of April the 3rd to a beautiful tawny owl tapping on the window. She pulled a puzzled face and hurried out of bed to it. The huge owl swept in gracefully and landed with a 'flump' on the white bed sheets. Hanging from its beak there was a white envelope with golden edging. She frowned at the post curiously. The bird raised its leg to her and attached to its yellow scales there was a red rose. Ginny untied it and raised it to her nose where she inhaled the fresh scent.
SCREECH! She jumped out her skin at the impatient owl.
"Okay, okay." She grumbled and walked over to the dresser where she found 10 sickles lying on the wooden surface.
"Here!" she said defeated as the money was deposited into the leather moneybag. After giving its delightful feathers a quick and gentle stroke, it spread out its long wings and soared out into the morning. Ginny shook her head amused as it let out another large screech. She read the writing on the front carefully:
Miss G. Weasley. Address unknown This letter was sent on: February 16th
Ginny frowned at the golden writing. This letter was sent to her about 2 months ago. 'Poor owl.' She thought sadly 'no wonder it was so grumpy'. She flipped it over to open it. On the back there was a red seal and imprinted in the centre was a rose.
Frowning again she tore it open and carefully teased it out with her nails. Un folding it she read the loopy graceful golden writing.
Dear Ginny, I hope this letter finds you safe and well. I find that it is truly amazing that the mere mention of some-ones name compels you to get in contact.
The last time I saw your beautiful face was on the platform as we arrived back at Kings Cross. I remember you looked truly happy as you stepped off the train. Free from living in the trios shadow at last. I came up to you and said a heart-wrenching goodbye. I really wanted to take you in my arms and kiss you senseless, as I never did get the time during our meetings. I gave you a quick hug and asked you to hold out your hand. You did so reluctantly and I gave you my families crest, The Zabini rose. I remember your face lighting up with shock and marvel at the sight of it. "No I couldn't take this off you." Were your exact words, as I wouldn't take it back. "No I insist." I persisted, "Think of it as a sign of our friendship and trust."
As I spoke those words you smiled your beautiful smile and kissed me. As you did so my feelings for you intensified to a point where I felt I would be lost without you. You pulled away from me and hugged me once more. "See you around Blaise Zabini." And with that you picked up your trunk and walked away out of my life.
Days, weeks and months after that I missed you terribly. I wanted more then anything to see your beautiful face again. I remember after one lonely night, my father came into my room and awoke me. He took me downstairs and sitting in the middle of the living room was the devil himself Voldemort. I looked horrified at my father who told me that this was the day I was to receive the deadly Dark Mark.
I went numb after that. I allowed my father to steer me before him. The frightening white spidery hands were like ice on my flesh. He pointed the wand at my arm and I received the mark. As the darkness flooded my veins my last human thoughts were of you.
Now I live my life as a deatheater, killing people and taking orders. I guess the only thing that kept me from going to a demonic like insanity all the time was reinforcing the fact that you were there for me. My human side, my personality remains with you for as long as you wear that pin.
I will make it so that I see you again Ginny Weasley, this is hard for me but here goes. You see I love you and I always have. You stole my heart on that rooftop long ago and I shall be back to retrieve it one day.
Please reply to me, I know that this is probably one of the hardest things you've ever had to read God knows it was hard to write, but I need to know how you feel.
Yours, Blaise Zabini XXx
Ginny read the last paragraph another 3 times before breaking down into tears. She collapsed backwards onto the bed and wept and wept. The letter floated gracefully to the floor and lay on the floor listening to the crying of its recipient.
Blaise took some red powder out of his pocket. The fire in front of him was beckoning it. He raised his hand and went to throw it in, but as if an invisible hand was stopping him he paused.
'Do I really want to do this? I've found her, I know now where she lives. Maybe I should leave it for a couple of days.' He rubbed the powder in his hands and put it back in the tin in the darkness of his pocket. Blaise turned and walked away from the flames.
Suddenly a burning pain ensnared his left upper arm. He ripped off the cloak sleeve and clutched his flesh tightly. The dark mark was bleeding a green liquid filling the colourless tattoo making it turn green.
"No," whispered Blaise, "No not now."
He started to tremble violently, there was a cold flame licking the inside of his body. Veins clogged up with unseen evil and deception. He felt the last ounce of conscious thought being pushed to the back of his mind. Light turned to dark. Love turned to unbridled evil lust.
The excruciating pain vanished quickly and Blaise stood up very, very slowly. He walked with shaking hands and wobbly legs to the mirror.
In the reflection stood not a man, but a merciless servant, whose eyes were alight with pure hatred and a face that was contorted in fury and vindictiveness. This was not Blaise Zabini; this was a demon from the devil. This was his other poisonous nature, a deatheater.
He grabbed his mask from the coat on his dresser and pulled it on slowly. Smiling insanely the demonic man kicked the door open wand raised.
"Heh Heh Heh" Came the evil sound from his lips as he kicked the door to room 10 open with a force stronger then a bullet from a gun.
*
Draco leant back in his seat and breathed in a long deep breath. "Hmmmmm that was quite good actually.." He admitted. The dinner to him had been very tasty, normally he relied on the work of the house elves but the young red head cooked exceedingly well. The blonde Malfoy was expecting it to be of a low standard but was pleasantly surprised at the texture and taste of the food. Ginny cocked an irritated eyebrow.
"And what does that mean exactly?" Draco laughed contently.
'Her face looks so sweet when she's ang- Draco stop thinking that!'
"What I meant was.that was tasty for the dish you made." He finished lamely. The woman opposite him crossed her arms studying his features. He was always pissed off when put on the spot.
"Draco I made spaghetti carbonara, it's not exactly a hard dish to make."
"Well.Um." He bit his lip in defeat. Ginny laughed coolly at him.
"Yes I know what you meant. You're welcome anyways." She flicked her wand at the dishes and they flew into the sink and began work of washing themselves.
"So what's for dessert?" Queered Draco, leaning forwards to get a better look at her. Ginny cursed her self.
"I didn't bring any, I knew I forgot something! Oh well, I guess you'll have to make do without." Draco smirked at her in a sexy I-could-suggest-a-couple-of-things way.
"Oh. I guess we'll have to find a substitute." He raised a suggestive eyebrow. Ginny blushed coyly at the blondes flirting.
"And what would that be?" she replied softly in a sexy-husky voice that surprised even herself.
Draco pouted thoughtfully and rose from his seat. Ginny watched him approach her side of the table through seductive hooded eyes. He sat down gracefully next to her on the tabletop and cupped her face with his left hand. Ginny smiled sweetly at his touch remembering the closer encounter with him earlier.
'She's so beautiful.' He thought instantly as she leant her cheek into his hand. She closed her eyes for a moment and smiled provocatively whilst opening them again looking up into his mysterious grey orbs.
Draco bought his head down towards her gorgeous oval one wanting her. The red head closed her eyes awaiting his sweet kiss; she could feel his breathing on her lips. The man watching her smirked slightly, 'You're not getting away from me this time.' He thought sharply. Draco smiled insanely to himself and closed his eyes.
An inch away from her rosy lips he felt his upper left arm sear with a blinding pain.
"Arggghhh." He hissed as the attacking force on his body and mind became unbearable. The blonde man released Ginny's horrified face and keeled over on to the floor with a thump.
"Draco?" She questioned, panic invading her voice and thoughts. She jumped off the chair and bent down next to the man writhing about in pain on the floor. Hot tears stung her eyes at the look of extreme discomfort on his face because of the unseen torture.
"DON'T! GET AWAY GINNY NOW!" Shouted Draco when he felt her shaking hand touch his arm. She flinched sharply frightened at his sudden roaring, and got up taking 2 steps back. She could do nothing but watch the helpless Malfoy grimace and contort in pain.
'NO NO LEAVE ME ALONE!' screamed his mind, 'LEAVE ME ALONE!' It was no good; the evil was strangling his soul, feeding off his thoughts and sucking the remaining goodness out of him.
'LEAVE ME, I WON'T OBEY YOU THIS TIME YOU WILL NOT CONQUOR ME!' He screeched inwardly to an unknown force.
'YOU CANNOT ESCAPE IT. YOU WILL BE MINE! RESISTENCE IS POINTLESS, GIVE INTO ME!' Hissed another voice. Draco tried to ignore the foreboding taunting but to no avail, it was taking him over; he was becoming another mindless monster; a demonic servant.
Ginny backed up slowly, watching his psychological battle. She jumped and screamed when her back reached the counter.
Then with out warning, the man on the floor stopped and lay still, only his breathing was any indication of life.
"Dra-Draco?" she spluttered softly. She got out her wand. A hand slapped the kitchen floor, so did another. Draco gathered himself up off the floor keeping his shaking hunched back away from her. He rolled his head and groaned slowly; behind him Ginny was shaking in fright.
"Draco?" She sought again watching him crack his knuckles and roll his shoulder. The blonde man stopped his threatening stretches and turned to face her. His face was etched with fury and an evil smirk was implanted on his mouth. Ginny knew one thing; this was not the Draco she knew.
"I'm sorry about that Ginny," he murmured, "But I've had a slight change of heart." Draco began to walk slowly towards her; the smirk was still there, fierce and seductive. Ginny widened her eyes in fright as he approached; to him she was a deer caught in the headlights.
"You- you don't come any closer." Draco threw back his head and laughed darkly. The delicate hairs on the back on Ginny's neck stood up on end at the sound piercing her body.
"Or what?" He took another step, "You know you want me to." Ginny swallowed hard and raised her wand.
"Stop now or I'll make you." She spat defensively. On the inside she was screaming for a saviour, anything to protect her from him. Draco chuckled deeply.
"Hmmm strong instinct for survival, I like that in a woman." He took 2 more threatening steps.
"You won't do anything to me, you don't have the guts." The blonde man smiled smugly and stopped a couple of feet away.
"Go on Ginny, I dare you."
Ginny lowered her wand slowly. Draco smiled claiming victory. She was paralysed; he was rooting her to the spot, his eyes were hypnotic making her freeze. Draco started towards her again; there was only a 2 feet gap between them. He stopped and reached for her waist.
"STUPERY!" She shouted raising the wand quickly. Draco gasped and flew backwards into the wall. He blinked his eyes before falling into unconsciousness.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Phew! Another chappie done! Please review and tell me what you think of this one before I publish the next, you ain't talking to me peeps!