Author's Note: Hey, thank you so much for the reviews. I knew something was wrong with my story; I just couldn't put my finger on it. At least now I know I'm not insane. I'm going to be putting individual comments for all the wonderful reviewers whether or not they decide to continue reading. But a big thank you in general for all those who read it, even those who didn't review although I would prefer you did. Not the point. And another thing, I think that I'm going to have to change the rating to an R for I have decided to put some stuff in later chapters that may not be appropriate. I'm sorry to anyone who doesn't read those and I hope I don't offend anyone at that point. But there's nothing bad in this chapter so feel free. Thank you!
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Lady Ichabod: Hey, thanks so much for the review. Thanks for the atmospheric comment! I'm glad you enjoyed it and I know there are some things I need to work on, let's hope this one is a bit better!
Serena: Thanks! I'm glad that so many people like my story line!
Tina: Wow, that's so cool, Germany. I want to go there someday. And don't worry if you make mistakes in your reviews I do all the time! But thanks and I hope you enjoy this chapter too.
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Spaceyksee: And it is updated! Just for you! P
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Emma-Trelawny: Don't worry I won't make her evil. She's just a little bit lost and she's struggling to get herself back on track. But yes, I don't really like it when she gets really evil really fast, I don't get that. If she seems evil in this chapter, don't worry she's not. But anyways, I'm so glad you liked it and hope this one is okay as well.Storygirl2009: Thanks; due to the astounding amount of reviews that I didn't expect, I decided to continue. Thanks so much!
JoJo: Updated!
Cattt: Thanks! Sorry I have to torture you with those cliffhangers because if I didn't then you might not come back if you knew what happened. Sorry I can be evil sometimes. And thanks so much, I'm glad you think it's unique, but I'm a bit worried it will turn out like the rest. Well I'll try not to. Thanks! Hope you like this chapter too.Fire-sprite16: Well here's more, and Ginny's reaction is right here, I bet you can't guess what it is!
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I could see her tension as those words slipped off my tongue. Her honey eyes wide and shocked. I longed to touch her again; dare I say that I missed her? No, nonsense. But she had grown to a beautiful young woman. Her hair had grown darker, her skin more fare, blood red locks and tiny ringlets flowing down her petite shoulders to a voluptuous body. She looked stunning, even though it was a mere uniform. Black and green have always made her look best.
She must have felt my eyes wonder for her breathing became heavy and there was nobody here to save her. But she couldn't even be sure it was I, for my cloak hid me well. She tried to catch her breath, I could see, as she nodded and walked off. I could see her shaking her head, trying to rid herself of the thought. But there's no escape, Ginevra and I'm sure by now she knew this. I smirked again, the poor girl. I had indeed kept her father alive but she would have no idea, not for a long time.
"Lucius," I demanded. "How old is she?"
"She is sixteen my Lord," he replied. "But I don't think worrying about Miss Weasley is a priority at the moment," he insisted.
Rage surged through me. "Do not tell me what my priorities are at the moment Malfoy," I said menacingly. I could see him shudder slightly at my tone. And so he should. How dare he question me, I was more powerful then all my followers combined. He was faithful though, more so then the rest so I tolerated him for only so long.
"My Lord," Malfoy whispered. "Are you sure you would like nothing to drink?"
"I am sure," was my only response.
I wasn't here to drink or to plan the next attack like Mr. Ravencroft, another follower I had brought along, thought. I was here solely to see Ginevra and as Malfoy knew, to find a way to talk to her. Truly speak with her, sit her down and converse calmly without her running away with fear. But this was proving to be rather difficult and I grew angry. My expression, I knew, betrayed nothing; it never did and never will. But I must speak with her, she was a powerful witch, more so then she obviously knew. But the only way was to observe her, something I couldn't leave to an amateur, in fact I had to be precise and perfectly detailed down to the last second of the night I would strike. This night would be of the utmost importance…
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It couldn't be him, there was no way. Not here, not now, not ever; it just wasn't possible. There must be some mistake; my mind must be playing tricks on me yet again. This was not happening. I tried to convince myself as I walked away as fast as I could. I shook my head trying to erase the image that was forming in my mind. It just couldn't be and there was certainly a mistake, they may be Death Eaters but he wouldn't be stupid enough to come into the public, covered and hidden as he may be. And there was no possible way it could actually be the version of him I knew. He had been killed; stabbed from the base of his main existence.
I reached the bar and hurriedly poured the brandy the other man had ordered. If I made it take me long enough I wouldn't have to go back over there, Janine would be here to take over. I had five minutes. The brownish golden liquid shone brilliantly in the expensive lighting. I could feel my heart pound against my chest, begging me to run, and I wish I could have. I placed the brandy on a tray and waved my wand for it to go over there for me. It hovered off the counter and away it went.
It floated across the room towards the men. Malfoy smirked; he must know why I didn't come myself. The cloaked figure tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair. He seemed impatient and annoyed. How I could read that so easily I didn't know. The third man held his glass and the tray returned to me.
I knew panic was in my eyes and my blood ran cold. I tried my hardest to clean up around the counter and polish the cherry wood but my attempts were all in vain. I couldn't move very well, I was shaking. Why, I don't know, it couldn't be him it was simply impossible. I decided to grab my coat and bag from the back room while I waited.
I wandered toward the door and pushed it open to reveal a cold concrete room filled with boxes of food and liquor. The shelves were packed full of supplies of the finest. The air was chilly and I was sure I could almost see my breath. Lockers were along the wall to the right with the gray paint chipping off in places and rust near the bottom. Employee's names were placed on them in golden plates and I headed towards mine on the far side. I played with the lock and turned it to the appropriate numbers.
With a screeching noise it swung open. I sighed as my eyes fell upon a picture of my father. He was smiling and waving happily as if nothing could ever be bad in this world. The autumn leaves were falling with brilliant colours of red and orange and yellow. There was a small breeze that day I remembered when I was taking that picture. Every year we would go out into the forest near the Burrow when all the leaves turned colour. It was tradition, and soon that tradition would be broken.
I shook my head again and closed my eyes. I grabbed my gray cloak that flowed to the floor and rested it on my arm. My purse, which Hermione had given me for my birthday last year, was also a dark gray with silver buckles. It was probably the most expense accessory I had. I grabbed my running shoes from the bottom of the locker and sat down on the bench to change my shoes. It was nice to be out of those heels, I had been wearing them for eight hours since I got here at nine in the morning.
"Ginevra," I jumped almost a foot in the air and my heart almost stopped.
I wiped around to see whom it was, wishing for all that I am that it wasn't him. And thank goodness it wasn't, but this man was the next person I would have named for not to see me. I replied in a weak, startled voice, "Y-yes Mr. Malfoy?"
He smirked. I hated that but he asked, "How long will you be here?" His voice was quiet, as if he wished not to be heard. I found that odd, it was more custom for him to embarrass Ron and I at any cost.
"I'm not sure I know what you mean…" I said cautiously while I watched the doorway with my nerves racing through me.
"Tonight," he said. "How long will you be here?"
"Oh," I responded. "I'm just about to leave. But don't worry yourself Mr. Malfoy, another girl will be here to serve you any moment." My voice, I made sure, was cold and I knew I sounded like I was suspicious of him; I wasn't going to hide that.
Malfoy didn't respond at all for a moment. His face was expressionless and I didn't know what to make of that. I just watched him, his every move, as I wrapped my hand around my wand on the inside of my cloak pocket. I didn't know what was making me so jumpy. All these nerves and fears were resurfacing all because of one word that could have been as insignificant as the lip-gloss in my purse. But I didn't trust him. I didn't really trust anyone anymore. And if one were to give a good reason to trust them, I would decline the offer and pretend I have never heard the proof. I wouldn't let anyone in any longer; there was no way in all of hell.
Suddenly I heard rapid footsteps and I tensed. I clenched my wand tight, ready to jump up and defend myself at any cost. As the steps approached I stood up slowly, barely breathing. Janine crashed in the door past Malfoy and put him in a fright. He had jumped and turned to the blonde girl who had just run past.
"Ginny!" she struggled to say for lack of oxygen. "I'm so sorry I'm late! Please don't tell Mr. Jones!"
"You know I won't," I said taking a deep breath of my own to calm myself. Janine was always late, and I had come to expect to be here for an extra fifteen minutes. She was taller then me but still slim. Her blonde hair was always pulled back into a ponytail and she always listened to me complain. She was a good friend, but that's as close as she could get.
"I still owe you Gin," she said with relief. She smiled and so did I, although mine took a little more effort. "Mr. Malfoy is it?" she asked but didn't give him a moment to answer. "There are no customers allowed in here, please wait in the front and I'll be right with you."
Malfoy cringed visibly. He hated to be bossed around and that was common knowledge. But Janine's family was higher in the ministry then Malfoy so he couldn't do anything about it. His expression was angered and totally annoyed. He held his head so high as he sauntered out of the back room that I thought his nose would touch the doorframe as he went.
I tried so hard to suppress a laugh but I failed miserably and as soon as Malfoy was out of sight I broke into a fit. Janine joined in as well. She loved this job for one reason, to boss around her classmate's parents and ultimately, her classmates. She had no financial problems like I did but I loved having her around. And who wouldn't want a bonus such as being the friend of the biggest Slytherin bully?
"Well, I'm off," I said as I tried to calm my laughter. "I'll see you at school tomorrow."
"I know! First day of sixth year! So much fun," Janine replied and waved as I walked out the door after shutting my locker with my high heels safely tucked away in it.
As I went back out into the front of the pub the lights blinded me. It was darker then I had realized in the back room having no windows and all. But as my eyes adjusted I noticed that Malfoy and his company had left. Their empty glasses were on the tables near the couches where they had sat along with the gold to pay for the drinks.
I sighed, I might as well have cleaned it up and put the money away. I walked over even though I had my cloak on and my purse swung over my shoulder. I picked up the two glasses with one hand and looked at the gold that was left. There was the exact amount on one table for the drinks so I put it in my other hand. I headed back for the counter but as I passed the last side table, where the cloaked man had sat, something caught my eye. I turned to see what it was. It was a note and one gold Galleon.
I swallowed hard as I gazed upon the gold in front of me. I put down the glasses to free a hand. I reached for the note and read it. All it had said, in long spidery handwriting, was 'Your Tip'. I shivered and wanted to leave the gold right there. I wanted to turn away and leave as fast as possible, to run in fact. All my instincts were telling me to go. But I couldn't just leave that sort of gold there, in public. And I had served them. But I wasn't sure.
The sound of Janine coming back into the room sounded in my ears and I snatched up the gold and the note and stuffed them hurriedly into my pocket. I picked up the glasses again just as Janine turned the corner.
"I thought you were leaving!" she inquired. "I can take care of that."
"I know, I just thought you might as well start off with a clean pub!" I said in a forced cheery voice. I put the gold in the safe and the glasses in the silver sink. I waved to Janine as I exited the pub.
When I got outside I was assaulted by a cold gust of air. Leaves were flying everywhere, as well as my now blood red hair. The street was still full of shoppers and brooms were flying past frequently. But the long narrow road was old and worn, as were the shops and stores that lined it. Everything seemed ready to fall or crumble due to age and use. I marched against the wind as hard as I could but it still slowed me down quite a bit.
But the feeling of guilt overpowered the cold. I couldn't believe I had actually taken that gold, but then again it hadn't felt that horrible to know it was another meal on the table. But even though it was, there was something inside me screaming in my mind, yelling and begging for me to get rid of it. But what was I to do? Give up the largest tip yet? No, I wouldn't do it. If that meant I was greedy then so be it, as long as I could live another day.
I jogged along the path towards Jane's house, trying to avoid colliding with the multitudes of people trying to get around. I sighed, as I went every now and again. I felt alone in a way, even though I still had my brothers, there was just something missing, something that I couldn't quite put my finger on. And I thought about that as I turned the corner to walk down the path to Jane's door.
Her house was huge. It was called Mayfield Manor, and it was a well-earned title. It was nothing smaller then a manor, with its tall white columns and large glass doors and windows that went from ceiling to floor. I had almost got lost in there; in fact I wouldn't be surprised if one day I did get lost. As I pushed open the front door, which took all my strength, I was greeted by a house elf. Her name was Dixie and Jane's mother, Mrs. Mayfield, had assigned her to me. I looked around the foyer. Every time I came back I was astounded again and again. The marble floors and the elegant table in the center shone each day and the staircases on each side of the room were facing me. On every window there were flowing crimson drapes catching the breeze that was allowed in from a small opening to allow the air to circulate. It was beautiful.
"Ms. Weasley," squeaked the house elf. "May I take your cloak?"
"No, no. That's alright Dixie, I think I'll take it to my room to pack," I replied. It was a relief to get away from the pub.
The house elf nodded and then smiled, "There are some guests here to see you, Miss!" she said cheerily.
What? Who could it possibly be? Nobody but Ron and Fred and George knew where I was. "Guests?" I questioned.
"Yes indeed, Miss!" Dixie clapped and jumped happily. "Right this way Miss. They have been waiting for Miss for twenty minutes Miss!"
"Twenty minutes?!" I was astonished. Who would possibly wait that long for me anyways?
Dixie scurried through some hallways toward the sitting room or lounge. I followed, vaguely remembering this path even though I've been here all summer. She pushed the tall glass French doors open with all her might and stood aside for me to enter. I walked into the room and on the cream and golden coloured couches sat a redhead, a girl with bushy brown hair and a boy with jet-black hair and a lightning scar.
"Ron! Hermione! Harry!" I shouted as I jogged towards them.
"Gin!" exclaimed Ron. "How have you been?" he threw his arms around me and lifted me in the air. The pressure on my ribs made it hard to breath but I didn't care, I finally saw Ron.
"Oh, Ron!" I said happily. "You have no idea how rich these people at the pub are! They pay twenty silver sickles for a single beer! I missed you all so much over the summer!"
"We missed you too Gin!" Hermione came up to me and gave me hug. "It's so weird not having you around!"
"I know!" I heard Harry say. "I keep coming to check on you in your room, then remember you're not there!"
I looked up at Harry. He had grown so much taller since the end of his sixth year, my fifth. His hair was still messy though and not much else had changed. I smiled; even though I had been over my crush on him for years I was happy he finally noticed me. Hermione even told me in a letter that he hadn't stopped talking about me all summer. She was convinced he fancied me. I almost chuckled as I threw my arms around him in greeting.
"How's it going Potter?" I asked with a smirk.
"Great Weasley," he replied with a great smile. "But I can't say the same for the uniform, you look like a Slytherin!"
I looked down at myself and I had to agree. "Yeah Gin, how's the job working out?" asked Ron.
"Oh fine. I get major tips!" I replied, suddenly remembering the large sum of gold in my pocket. My heart sank but I tried my best to cover it up. "How about St. Mungo's? It going well?"
Hermione laughed. "He comes home every day and complains how somebody messed him up or hit him or tripped over him in all the madness!"
I felt my heart sink further. This was yet another sign that the war was worse. More and more attacks had been occurring all over London and the hospital was always packed. The headlines in the Daily Prophet were always something like 'Muggles Attacked in Down Town London' or 'He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Strikes Again'.
"Well," I said, trying to get a new topic on the go, "How have you and Harry been?"
"Great!" replied Harry. "I've been practicing quidditch all summer, ready for my last year as seeker." I smiled, so like Harry.
"I've been watching him make a fool of himself," Hermione chimed in. "He kept loosing the snitch in the forest." I chuckled at that. "My goodness, the weather is getting colder faster this year! Have you noticed Gin?"
"Yes!" I exclaimed. "It's horrible, I was surprised when I left work."
"I guess everything's a little off these days," Harry sighed. I knew what he was talking about. He must still be worried about the war same as I was. But I had tried to get away from that topic, and I was determined to succeed at even such a simple task, just for mere comfort.
"So what are you guys doing here anyways?" I asked curiously.
"Well," Ron began to explain. "We decided we all needed to visit you. Plus this house is huge!" We all laughed, it was just like Ron to say that.
"Well, actually, we thought it would just be nice to visit," Hermione took over. "And plus, Jane invited us, she said she had plenty room, which is obvious."
"I wouldn't be surprised if Malfoy lived close by," Harry said. "These houses are huge!"
"Actually," said a voice from the doorway that I recognized. "This house is a bit smaller then Malfoy Manor, but pretty darn close if I do say so myself. But yes he does live around here."
I smiled as Jane walked into the room. She was short like me, with straight brown hair. She was elegant though. She was wearing very expensive jeans and a bright blue blouse to match her eyes.
"Hey Jane!" I said happily. "I thought he might, I saw Lucius Malfoy at the pub today."
"Yeah," she replied as she sat down on the couch beside me. "It's his favourite place. You've seen him there before haven't you, Gin?"
"Oh yeah, but I'm just saying," I said, with a strained smile. There was uneasiness in my stomach again.
"Well you look great Jane," Ron said as he blushed. I couldn't help but giggle and forget all about my stomach. It was obvious that Ron had a major crush on Jane. Hermione and I gave each other coy smiles and Harry just looked at us as if he didn't have a clue. Harry seemed to be so oblivious sometimes.
"What's the occasion?" Hermione asked.
"Oh yeah!" Jane exclaimed placing a fragile hand on her mouth. "I forgot to tell you. Ginny and I are going to a party tonight. It's pretty casual, just wearing something decent and bring a mask. It'll be fun. Please join us you three!"
Ron looked skeptical but Harry and Hermione agreed. "What's it for?" asked Ron suspiciously.
"Fun!" I said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"Are you going Gin?" he questioned.
"Yes, That was already established."
"Who's going to be there?"
"People."
"Such as?"
"Hogwarts students, I believe."
"Guys?"
"Oh, no!" I exclaimed sarcastically. "Defiantly not Ron, no guys allowed."
"But you just invited Harry!"
"What are you implying Ginny!" Harry exclaimed jokingly from Hermione's side.
"Yes."
"Then there will be guys there!" Ron accused and his protective nature kicked in. "Therefore I will be there too!"
Harry, Hermione, Jane and I all laughed. I shook my head at what an idiot my brother could sometimes be. I got up and headed towards the door, announcing that I was going to get ready for the party and get a quick bite to eat before. Hermione decided to come with me and Jane came along too to help us decide what to wear. We all walked up the marble staircases followed by Dixie and two other house elves who were going to help us as well. One, I knew was Jane's personal house elf, and the other was just one I had seen roaming around every now an then.
Hermione, I could tell, wasn't pleased with the amount of house elves that were in Mayfield Manor by the expression on her face. She was still perusing SPEW but wasn't going to mention it because she knew she was a guest. I sighed; Hermione had always been so much like that, determined for causes she couldn't help alone.
As we reached my room, Dixie ran ahead to open the door. Once again it revealed a grand bedchamber with cream coloured walls and white flowing drapes from ceiling to floor. The bed was a queen-sized four-poster directly opposite of the door with balcony doors on each side. There was a wooden door on the left side of the room that was my walk in closet that my clothes barely filled a quarter of. I had my own bathroom to the right and a vanity beside my closet door. I also had a screen to change behind and a large, body sized mirror on the opposite wall. It was nice to live in such luxury.
Hermione was in awe at the room. Jane acted normally; she would be in awe at the size of my room at the Burrow, being smaller then the closet. I walked towards my bed and flung myself onto it. It had been such a long day and I really wanted to rest my feet.
"Hermione," Jane began. "Would you like to sleep in here with Ginny, or would you like your own room across the hall. It really doesn't matter, we can set up a bed in here or the other room is perfectly ready if you'd prefer."
"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed. "Thanks, Jane! Well, it's really up to you Gin."
"I've got an idea!" I suddenly thought out loud. "Why don't we all sleep in here, like a sleepover? C'mon, please? It'll be fun!" I smiled. It would be a blast to share a room with both Jane and Hermione; I already knew they got along from hanging out together at Hogwarts.
"Awesome!" exclaimed Jane.
"Sure!" Hermione laughed.
I smiled. "Okay, well to get some food in you…" Jane said looking around to the house elves who were standing quietly by the door, waiting for something to do. "Sprite," she said and the house elf I hardly ever saw stepped up. "Can you get Ms. Weasley and Ms. Granger some food please?"
"Yes Mistress!" said Sprite and left the room.
"Kelsey, go pick out some of Hermione's clothes from her trunk that would be suitable for the party please," ordered Jane to her personal house elf.
As Kelsey scurried out of the room Dixie looked through my closet full of old tattered clothing, searching her best for a single decent garment. Hermione sat down beside me and Jane tried to help Dixie.
"The house elves here aren't treated too badly," Hermione whispered to me.
"No, they're actually quite well taken care of 'Mione," I responded. "They each have their own rooms the size of mine, they're happy!" I assured.
I could see Hermione give a faint smile as Kelsey reappeared with an armful of Hermione's clothes. For hours we tried to find something for me to wear but Jane just didn't approve. Even in school I borrowed Jane's clothes and tonight seemed to be no exception. Jane forced me to wear a pair of expensive jeans of hers and a silk dress shirt with a very revealing neckline. I felt shy in it. I wanted to wear more material but Hermione and Jane insisted on it. Hermione on the other hand got let off easy in a short jean skirt and baby pink t-shirt. She looked great though. Jane had conjured up some nice masks for us that matched out outfits. They only covered a small bit of our face around our eyes but they looked awesome all the same.
After we ate the plates of food that Sprite brought back we headed downstairs again to find Harry and Ron. We spotted them lingering in the foyer waiting for the three of us. Harry looked great. He wore some nice jeans, not too tight, and defiantly not the size of Dudley and a green dress shirt. Ron on the other hand wore shabby black pants and a grayish blue shirt.
Jane dragged us out the front door as we all pulled our cloaks tightly around ourselves, trying to shield ourselves from the violent winds. We all trudged towards the carriage that Jane had ready to take us to the party. Like all other things she owned, it was black and expensive, pulled by four big brown horses. Harry opened the door and helped Hermione, Jane and I in. It was nice to see Harry again; he had always been nice to me, one of my best friends. But somehow he seemed a bit off today, like he just wasn't paying attention to the world around him. When I was safely in the carriage, Harry hopped in too and sat down beside me.
I let the conversation get loud in the carriage as Ron and Jane flirted a bit and Hermione debated with Ron. I knew it would be weird if they caught me whispering to Harry if it were silent. But soon they were shouting and laughing hysterically. I took that opportunity to turn to Harry.
I put my small hand to my mouth and stretch up as far as I could to reach Harry and asked, "Is there something wrong Harry?"
As the carriage careened through Hogsmeade to the party he sighed and answered me quietly. "I'm sorry Gin, I don't really know. My scar has been hurting ever since I got here." He frowned, then seeing my worried face he tried to smile. "But it's probably nothing, Gin. Don't worry," he tried to assure me as he put an arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer.
But I had a gut feeling that it wasn't nothing. I wasn't stupid; I knew his scar only hurt when Voldemort was around or plotting something. But could that mean that he was indeed at the pub that afternoon and did indeed call me love on purpose? No, I won't believe it at any cost. But what if Harry was right? Should I tell him what had happened? Was Harry in danger and what if it was my fault that he could get hurt? But then again, it must have been my imagination. He didn't sense Tom Riddle. He sensed Voldemort, which were two completely different people… right?
But my thoughts were interrupted as the carriage slowed to a stop and I could hear loud music coming from a large building outside. The carriage door opened and the wizard who had been driving helped us out and closed the door. We must have been making a grand entrance for everyone there, standing outside in line to get in was watching us. Jane held her head high and motioned through all the noise and people for the four of us to follow her. We went straight to the front of the line and immediately the wizard there held open the door for Jane.
"Those four are with me!" she shouted over the noise and put her mask on.
The wizard nodded and let us pass. As we entered the club like place I had to let my eyes adjust to the dark and the flashing lights. There were at least three hundred people there all screaming and dancing to the music that was playing. The dance floor was packed and there was a bar near some tables at the far end. I looked around, it was fancy. Ron looked around with wide eyes and Harry was once again out of it. But I put my black mask over my eyes and followed Jane through the crowds of masked people.
"How did you get in?" shouted Hermione. "I think there's drinking here!"
"My dad," Jane shouted to us all. "He owns the place. They're all terrified of me and let me do anything I want!"
"Awesome!" Ron said happily. "Harry, I think there's some people from Gryffindor over there!"
"Let's go see them! I think that's Lavender!" shouted Hermione as she dragged Harry along with her and Ron.
"Well that was easy enough!" Jane shouted through the noise as a new song began. "Let's go dance and find some guys!" she grinned mischievously.
I smirked as well and followed her out to the dance floor. We found a spot right in the center of the floor. Jane and I did our signature moves of which we had been perfecting every other night throughout the summer. She took me from club to club, all of which she was a V.I.P at. We had drinks all the time, even though we were only sixteen. It helped me get my mind off things and gave me a well-deserved break from the real world. As we danced some guys came up to us and we danced with them. Jane was a little more straightforward and did some pretty funny stuff. But I stuck to the simple things, nothing too unlike me. But either way I was having the time of my life, it was good to be sixteen.
As the night went on I noticed it seemed to be getting rather hot on the dance floor. I excused myself from Jane and the two guys whose names I did not know or cared to know. I wandered towards the bar and ordered some vodka. The bartender looked at me strangely but came up to me with the shot anyhow. I had been drinking a lot at the pub when I served drinks and found I had a high tolerance for alcohol and could drink almost anything. As I drank the shot in a single gulp I attracted some attention. Some guys around the bar started eyeing me but I really didn't care and ordered another. The bartender was impressed and told me the next five, if I could take it, were on the house.
I smirked, I may look innocent and young but I could take it. I turned around in my seat and faced the bartender. He was a tall muscled wizard with his hair spiked up. "Are you sure you want to buy five shots? I know that can be expensive, being a bartender myself," I replied.
"Sure little Missy, how old are you anyway?" he asked as he placed five shots in front of me in a row.
"Wouldn't you like to know," I said slyly. I loved playing with their minds. I did look innocent, in fact in most ways I was. But the one thing I could do that wasn't that innocent was drink.
I looked at the row in front of me and smirked at the bartender. I picked up the first glass and held it in the air. I swung it down my throat and slammed it back on the counter as I quickly chugged down the next four, straight in a row. It took me about ten seconds and the bartender and some others were staring at me wide eyed. I simply shrugged and turned around to face the dance floor. When I noticed they were still looking at me and talking amongst themselves I gave them queer looks.
"There's nothing here to see!" I said irritably. I hated when people stared. "Bugger off!"
As they cleared away from me I looked out at the crowd through my silky black mask. It was wild. I could see Jane now dancing with about five different guys and Harry, Ron and Hermione dancing with Dean and Neville in the far distance. I was just getting tired of all the energy and I felt like resting. The lights were flashing brightly and I felt a headache coming on. I looked down at my hands as I sat there, just resting for a moment. Maybe it was time I found where I left my cloak and left. I could take the carriage to Jane's house and send it back for the others. But my planning was interrupted by a voice beside me.
"You can sure take a strong drink." I looked up to another masked man. His eyes were in the shadow of the mask and he wore all black, expensive clothing much like the rest of the rich wizards and witches around here. He had nicely toned arms as I could see for it was a t-shirt he wore.
"Thank you?" I said uncertainly.
The man smiled and I turned away. The song was coming to an end and a new one started up. It was slower and everyone in the crowd started pairing up. I watched as Ron paired up with a brown haired girl and Harry with Hermione. Jane was dancing with some blonde guy out in the sea of people. I smirked she was such a player.
"Would you like to dance?" the man asked.
I looked at him for a moment and he seemed sincere. I decided to do it, I mean why the hell not? He didn't seem too bad, and what could a single dance do? "Sure," I said and stood up.
He led me to the dance floor and took me into the crowd. Then he stopped and turned to me. He put his hand on my waist and I moved a little bit closer. I placed my hand lightly on his neck even though he was much, much taller then me, even taller then Harry. He actually slightly resembled Harry, he had really dark hair, but I couldn't be sure if it was black due to the lack of decent lighting. Soon the man's arms were wrapped around my waist and I laid my head on his chest for I didn't reach his neck.
Somehow this position felt familiar to me as we swayed to the soft music coming from the speakers. The man was warm and I somehow felt safe in his embrace, even though he was a stranger. Jane would be so proud of me right now. As polite as she was, she was a huge party animal. The lights became steadier and the flashing stopped. I glanced up to get a better look at the man I was dancing with.
His hair was defiantly black and his skin was very pale, much like my own. He was looking down at me and I got an odd feeling in my stomach again. He seemed familiar to me. His hand was on the small of my back and I felt the coldness of a metal or silver ring through my shirt. A silver ring… I suddenly tensed up again and stopped moving my feet. I looked up straight into the man's eyes and saw through the dim light, the iciest shade of blue eyes I had ever seen. It was unmistakable.
I pulled back as quickly as I could and jerked out of his embrace. My breathing became heavier and louder as I stared, my gaze unwavering from the man's face. It couldn't be yet it was…
In a panicked, quiet voice I managed to make out the word, "Tom…" I shivered but I couldn't move. Those eyes, there was no way I had made a mistake.
The man reached up to his mask and pulled it slowly over his head revealing the elegant well-sculpted face I had stared at for years long ago. I backed up but he approached. "Ginevra," he said.
I couldn't move. I was paralyzed with fear yet nobody around me noticed. The loud music had begun again and I had nowhere to turn fast enough. "No…" I muttered. "This can't be happening…" I tried to back away but could only manage a mere few steps.
"Ginevra, don't run from me," he said soothingly, yet I knew he was dead serious. He took another step closer and reached out for my arm.
I suddenly gained the ability to move and I jumped out of the way so fast I thought I could have fallen. "Get away from me!" I shrieked. "Don't touch me!" I yelled in a panicked voice as I backed away even further. But still the music was too loud and everyone was too busy in his or her own world to notice the younger Voldemort was standing in the midst of it all.
I was shaking and he could see that. I wanted to hide my fear but that would prove impossible. "Ginevra," he said sternly. "Don't make a scene, love."
A scene?! How dare he say that?! He was back from the dead in the middle of thousands of witches and wizards out in the open going unnoticed. How could I not panic? How could I not be afraid? How dare he call me such a name as 'love' like this! "Don't call me that!" I screamed at him angrily. "Get away from me! Why the bloody hell is this happening?" I cried out.
Suddenly I saw him go for his wand I realized that mine was still in my cloak, which I did not have! I freaked out and dodged a clear light he sent my way that I was sure was a sleeping spell. I ran through the crowd as best I could. Praying to find someone to help me, anyone. I ran as fast as my legs could go in a panic, I had to get away I just had too. Anything, anywhere. My mind was yelling; screaming inside but my voice just wouldn't work…
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Author's Note: Your wish is my command and I gave you your wish, I gave you this chapter. So now can I have my wish? Some reviews please? Pretty please? I hope you liked this chapter and I hope it lived up to your expectations, I just don't know if it's much like you imagined. And sorry about the rating which is about to change. But please review, even if it's about the rating or just a response to what I wrote to you or even constructive criticism. I love you guys! Thanks!!