A/N: Hey...sorry for the delay, you know what Thanksgiving can do...and the bug of the site. ) Thanks for having patience. Question: Is it Ginerva or Ginevra? OoO

Disclaimer: Sorry...you and I wish that I own Harry Potter, don't you? But sorry, no, I am not gifted enough to create such greatness. It's all J.K. Rowling.

Chapter Eight

Harry pulled off some books from Gryffindor's personal library. There was a whole section in the corner that held history books from the time of Gryffindor to the time of Voldemort. Harry didn't really know how the place kept everything updated, but he began noticing some books appearing every few days or so. Some books were so old the binding nearly fell out and some were so new that there were no fingerprints upon them.

Harry flipped open a book and blinked. The pages were worn out and dust had settled in so well that they covered up every word in the book. Harry gathered his breath and blew. The dust flew up like a tornado whisking in the air.

"How depressing," he muttered to himself. He scanned through the contents.

"Beginning…reign…darkness…renew…tranquility…destruction, that might be it. Three nine three." Harry scanned through the tiny words. He squinted his eyes. "This is not going to be easy. Destruction began with King Aderkin's passing…"

Harry jumped as he heard Apollo's voice.

He groaned and sat up. He rubbed his face. He didn't know when he fell asleep, but he did. Apollo's golden feathers glowed majestically as he flew into the room.

What happened here?

"What do you think?" grumbled Harry, going back to the book.

Calm down. Still looking on that? Find anything yet?

"No," said Harry coolly.

Just asking. Apollo swooped over to the stand and perched there, staring at Harry. "Why am I doing this?"

If you don't…one, you'll be giving another crazy maniac a chance to come and take over the world. Two, if you don't, you'll never find whatever secret that has to do with this Macabre person. Three, if you don't do this, then-

"I don't find enlightenment?" asked Harry sarcastically.

I'm a bird and you're a human. Harry glanced sharply at Apollo who looked elsewhere. Harry scowled and went back to the book. He suddenly picked up the book.

"Apollo, listen to this. It says that the reigning last king, Alexander came to the thrown at the age of seventeen. He learned everything from his advisors, including passed down magic. According to this, he wanted more power, so he began learning and practicing dark magic. He led the wizarding world to destruction, death, and torture. He killed off every single person that had magic blood running in them in the palace, including the Wizengamot Council. He kept only one of his most trusted advisors. Then the greatest witches and wizards of that time came together and threw him off the thrown. When his trial came, he disappeared without ever being seen again."

Nice guy.

"Too true, but would he still be alive?" asked Harry curiously. "This happened in the nineteen hundreds."

Is Dumbledore alive?

"Yes…your point?"

Apollo didn't answer him.

Harry sighed and glanced at the book. "He practices the Blodenius Curse. What is that?"

Blodenius Curse? Do you know about that?

"No. Neither Merlin, Godric, or Salazar taught me anything about that."

It's a very dark curse. It requires an ancient knowledge of magic and something else. It also requires the blood of a pureblood witch or wizard. Very nasty creation.

Harry cringed. "What's the use of it?"

I think it was the gain of power. But as its name says, it's a curse. Once you go for it, it's an addiction, just like unicorn blood.

"Maybe that's why he killed everyone."

People don't know why he killed everyone. Probably because the Blodenius Curse is unknown to people. It's been passed on generations in a certain family, but we don't know which.

Harry ran his hand through his hair. "Well-" He stopped as he heard a knock on the door. "Who knocks these days?" He asked. "Oh my God, who knocks at all? No one knows about this place." Harry stood up and went out of the library.

- -

Ginny sat in her room, staring blankly at the wall. She fingered the golden feather. She tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't have anything to do with her. She closed her eyes. She deserved it and she knew it. It hurt her, it boiled inside her, and it made her hate herself. Ginny opened her eyes and stared at the feather. Harry's words to her yesterday at the courtroom were cold. It had affected her more than she thought. She let out an angry breath.

"You're stupid, Ginny Weasley. Because of your stupidity, you deserved what you got, so there's no use complaining," she said to herself. "There's no way in this world that Harry's going to forgive you, so just give up." The feather vibrated in her hand. She stared at it, confused as it glowed. She gasped as something lifted her off the ground.

Ginny landed down on the ground. "Ow," she groaned. The feather disappeared from her hand. "Stupid thing. Where am I?" She stared around and noticed that she was standing between two rows of trees. Up ahead was a large manor, surrounded by large trees that were grown in a perfect circle. Ginny looked behind her and saw that the trail of trees led on forever and ever. She slipped her hands into her pockets to check for her wand. She found it. She began walking toward the manor.

As she came closer, she saw that it was an old style house - very old. It reminded her of a much smaller version of Hogwarts. The two rows of trees split out as she came closer to the manor. The manor was inside a circle of emerald green grass. The dirt trail turned into cobblestones of white, gray, and black. It led to the large oak doors of the manor. Something was pulling Ginny to this place. She didn't know if it was evil or not, but it pulled her towards.

She came up the steps and raised her hand. She wanted to knock on the door, but hesitated. What if this is some trap? Am I supposed to be here? Ginny bit her lip and knocked. She used that time to stare around. There wasn't much around the area; just land and trees. However, Ginny could've sworn she could hear a soft sound of waves. She shook her head. She jumped around as the door opened.

Ginny was paralyzed. She stood there gaping. A surprised pair of green eyes stared back at her. She watched as it turned cold.

"What are you doing here? How did you find this place?" asked Harry.

Ginny shook her head quickly. "I-I don't know! I…I just got here! Actually I came over there-" she pointed to the trail. "And then I didn't know where I was, so I walked here to see if anyone lived here. I don't know where this is." Ginny looked at Harry carefully.

"Then, since you know who lived here, go away and don't tell anyone. Just follow that trail back and you'll be where you want to be," said Harry.

Ginny looked at him expectantly, but she shook her head slowly, thinking she was expecting too much. She saw the golden phoenix, Apollo.

She came here, so you might as well invite her in for tea. You're very rude for a student of Merlin.

Harry turned sharply to Apollo. "Apollo, you are pushing it right now."

Merlin will not be pleased if you do this, Harry. Neither will Godric or Salazar if that sounds too strange for you.

"I'm old enough to make my own decisions, thank you."

I'm just saying. Where is your heart? She's terrified. Can't you see? She's terrified just to look at you. Don't turn out to be like Salazar.

"Listen-"

I'm a bird. I don't listen. I give advice.

Harry stared aggravated at Apollo. Apollo cocked his head and flew over to perch on Ginny's shoulder.

"Fine," snarled Harry. "But you're making the tea, Apollo." He walked into the manor, leaving the door open. Ginny stood there, confused. Apollo nudged his head to her. She hesitated, but went inside. She quietly closed the door. She didn't know how can a manor look like it was made in the fifth century on the outside and look like twentieth century on the inside. Apollo flew off her shoulder and flew through the hallway.

Ginny followed him quickly. He turned and Ginny found herself inside a large room. There was a stone fireplace to her right. Near the fireplace were windows with red and gold curtains. She stared around at the paintings and the decorations. On top of the fireplace wall was a plaque with two swords crossing each other.

Harry came walking out of the kitchen and saw Ginny standing in the middle of the room, admiring the décor. He nearly smiled as he saw her face in awed, but he kept himself on the cold side.

"What's so great about a few paintings?" He asked.

Ginny whirled around at him. "Oh…um…I don't know. I guess I was surprise that you have this place all…nice and well…high class."

"It's not mine," said Harry.

"Oh. Who is it then?" She asked, gazing at the Gryffindor shield.

"Gryffindor," replied Harry. "He kept this place really well under magic."

Ginny was amazed. "Wow…I didn't realized." She stared around uncomfortably. She didn't like silence. Never had and never will.

Harry went back into the kitchen. Ginny stood there, not knowing what to do. She quietly walked over to the kitchen. She found Harry watching the teapot as it poured the tea into the cups by itself.

"I thought Apollo was making the tea," said Ginny quietly, trying to get some noise into the air.

Harry looked at her. "Well, I don't think Apollo can boil water in the first place," said Harry.

Ginny smiled weakly. "Does…well…Apollo normally change color like that?"

"What do you mean?" asked Harry.

"He was gold a while ago and now he's silver," said Ginny.

Harry looked at the phoenix that was flying around. "It means that the sun went down," said Harry. "Have a cup of tea and you could go home." He handed her the cup of tea.

Ginny kept staring at the phoenix. "It's amazing," she said. "I've never seen a phoenix like that before."

"Yeah, and you'll never seen one with that personality," said Harry. He took a sip of the tea. Silence set in again.

"Harry?" asked Ginny, feeling a bit bolder than before. Harry looked at her. His eyes motioned her to keep going. "I want to ask you something."

"Is it something I've already answered?" answered Harry in a calm voice.

"Um…I don't think so." Ginny looked at Harry, but his eyes were set on something else.

"Do…Do you hate us?"

Harry's eyes snapped sharply back at her. "Who?"

"Us," emphasized Ginny. "Everyone. Ron, Hermione…me." Harry took another sip at his tea, however, and didn't answer. "Harry?"

"I think it's getting late," said Harry, glancing outside the window. "The sun is gone. You better go home before everyone gets worried."

Ginny cringed. "I don't need anyone to worry about me," she said. "I'm old enough to take care of myself. I'm not the young and immature little brat anymore, you know."

"I never called you a brat," said Harry. "Nor have I ever called you an immature brat."

Ginny flushed. "Well…just because you didn't say it doesn't mean others don't. They treat me as if I might break down any minute. At the office, they keep me away from most of the large cases and gave me things like a blown up pumpkin in South Hampton or a chain of swelling toilets. I never get things like catching a Death Eater or anything like that. The first time I saw you was because they sent me there to arrest a drunk, not expecting me to find you."

Harry set his cup down. "What's the point in telling me that?" He asked.

Ginny gaped at him. "I don't know. Even if you're cold and distant to me, I can tell you what I want to tell you. I can't confine that in anyone else." Harry looked at Ginny. Her eyes began to water. "I want to confine them in you. I trust you. Even if you hate me, I still trust you."

"If you trust me so much then why didn't you have to courage to stand up for me?" asked Harry, somewhat distant.

Tears streamed down Ginny's cheeks. "I don't know. Fine, I'll admit it. I have no courage. I'm a worthless Gryffindor that can't stand up for myself and others."

"No one called you worthless," said Harry.

"I can't take it," whispered Ginny. "As long as you hate me, Harry, I will have those same nightmares over and over again. Remember your seventh year? You saved me again, for the second time. I kept having the nightmare that I betrayed you. I hate the guilt. I hate it. Sometimes, I would ask myself about why you saved me again when Voldemort threw that curse at me. Then I asked why didn't you just kill me off yourself? Why?" She looked at Harry, questionably.

"Listen, it's really late. You should go home," said Harry.

"You still haven't answered my question," said Ginny.

Harry sighed. "I have work to do. Just go home, Ginny, and forget about it."

"Harry, don't…" Ginny stopped. She gazed at him. "You called me Ginny again. Not Ginerva."

Harry scowled at himself when she pointed out his mistake. "It doesn't matter," said Harry. "I have a lot of work to do, just go home. Use the fireplace if you have to. You can't Disapperate off this area unless you have the ability to."

Ginny shook her head. "I'm not going until you answered my question."

"They're all answered," said Harry, standing up. "Just go home before your brother blow the roof off the house."

Ginny frowned. "If you won't answer the personal question, may I ask you something else?"

"What?" asked Harry impatiently.

"Who is that Macabre person?"

Harry looked at her sharply. "Never tell anyone of that business. That is for me to know and me only."

"Fine," said Ginny. Harry went over and tapped the fireplace. Emerald green flames flickered on. Ginny stepped into it.

"The Burrow!" she called. She disappeared with the flames. Harry leaned on the mantel and stared at the scarlet flames.

"I don't hate you," he said before going upstairs.

- -

Ginny tumbled out of the fireplace. "I hate flooing," she grumbled.

"Ginny, where have you been?" asked Hermione's worried voice. Ginny brushed the soot off her robes.

"I've been to visit a friend," said Ginny. She tied her hair back up. "Where is everyone?"

Hermione smiled.

"They went to the headquarters to figure things out. I'm glad you came back," said Hermione.

"Why?" asked Ginny.

Hermione smiled. "Because I need someone to help me make dinner. Everyone else is gone, including Molly."

Ginny flushed. "You know I can't cook."

"You can shove things in an oven, right?"

"Can't be too hard."

Hermione smiled and went into the kitchen. She handed Ginny a cutting board and a basket full of carrots and potatoes.

"What are you cooking?"

"Beef stew. Molly left me the recipe," said Hermione, heading over to the stove. Ginny began cutting the potatoes and carrots into little pieces. "So who did you go look for?" asked Hermione.

"No one that important," said Ginny.

"Ah…I understand," said Hermione. Hermione stared at the cutting board, almost dazed. "I want to see Harry. I want to know how he's doing. I don't know why, but I want to know if he's all right."

Ginny smiled. "I know," she said. "But maybe he's doing fine."

"Yeah," said Hermione, but she didn't sound convince. Ginny tried to remember where in the world Harry's place could be located at.

"Hermione," she called. "Do you know where Gryffindor manor is?"

Hermione frowned. "They rumored that it's in the outskirts of London, but I'm not sure. Why do you ask?"

"No reason," said Ginny. "I was just curious about the founders."

"Oh."

Ginny sighed. "I'm really worried about Harry."

Hermione leaned against the counter. "Me too. So is Ron, even if he won't show it. You know how boys are. They won't show their true feelings. They always have to put up the cold act just to make you think they're not weak. That's what I get for dating an Auror."

"You know him so well," said Ginny. "Ron's a very difficult person, you know."

"Same to you, Ginny."

"What does that mean?"

"You and Harry."

Hermione saw Ginny's eyes grew dull.

"I'm afraid that we don't have the same thing like you and Ron," whispered Ginny. "I don't understand Harry the way you understand Ron."

Hermione shook her head. "No, that's not true. It's just that Harry hides everything deeper than Ron. Harry's my best friend. I know that his feelings are hard to break through. And after what he had been through, it became harder. It just takes the right person to break through to him." Hermione took the vegetables and poured them into the large pot.

"Hey, I'm hungry!" called Ron, coming into the kitchen.

Hermione smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheeks. "Well, it's not finished yet. Is Mum back?"

Ron nodded.

"Everyone's in the living room," he said. "What's that smell?" He wrinkled up his nose.

Hermione threw a tea towel at him. "Shut up."

Ginny nodded, taking a bite of a carrot. "You'll have to live with her cooking."

Ron scowled. "Well anyone living with Ginny must eat fast food for the rest of their life."

"Yes, Ron," said Ginny, rolling her eyes. "Unless I get a House-Elf."

Hermione's eyes flickered. "If you get a House Elf, I'll-"

"Got it, Hermione," said Ginny. "I was just joking around you know."

Mrs. Weasley came in and sniffed. "It smells good."

"You call it good?" asked Ron. Mrs. Weasley threw him a look that quieted him up. Ginny went out into the living room.

"Where are Bill and Fleur?" She asked.

Charlie yawned. "Went to Fleur's parents' place. She said it's been a long time."

"Where's Faith?"

"Upstairs. Tyler needs a change."

Ginny sat down. "Anyone talked to Penelope yet?"

Charlie shook his head. "No. She's a bit angry right now. She won't talk to anyone. Fred suggested that she leave everything behind and get another person."

"Rude thing to say to a person," said Ginny.

"She went to her parents."

"Dinner!" called Hermione. Faith came downstairs with Tyler in her arms. Ginny smiled and took Tyler off Faith's arms. Tyler giggled and grabbed her face.

"Hey, Tyler," cooed Ginny. "Where have you been? Hiding from Aunt Ginny? That's not nice, Tyler." Tyler giggled, his dark blue eyes shining.

Ginny carried Tyler into the dinning room. She sat down and put him on her lap. She laughed as he tried to reach for the spoons. He grabbed it and banged it on the table.

"He could be a Beater when he grows up," laughed Ginny.

Charlie raised an eyebrow. "And not be a Seeker like his Dad?" Tyler continued to bang on the table. Fred and George Apparated next to their chairs.

"What's for dinner?" Fred asked, looking around.

Ginny continued to play with Tyler until Mrs. Weasley told her to stop playing around and eat before her food gets cold. George sniggered.

"If Ginny's like this to her nephew, what would she do with her children?"

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Shut up, George." Ginny titled her head down to Tyler. "Are you hungry, Tyler? You hungry yet?"

"Tyler just had a bottle of milk," said Faith, "so Tyler should be getting ready for bed."

Ginny stood up. "You go ahead and eat, Faith. I'll put Tyler to bed."

"No way," said Faith.

"What are you going to do to stop me?" asked Ginny, grinning. She carried Tyler up the stairs and put him in his crib. Tyler squirmed around. "Okay, Tyler, time to go to bed. No messing around or your Mum will come up here and yell." Tyler blew bubbles. Ginny laughed. "Nice, Tyler, nice." Tyler's eyes were still wide open. Ginny sighed and picked him up. She went to the window and stared out. "Isn't the stars pretty, Tyler?" Tyler cooed. The stars danced against the sky. Ginny was reminded of when Harry, Ron, Hermione, and her were playing connect the dots with the stars.

"Do you think he's okay right now, Tyler?" asked Ginny, dazed. "What might he be doing right now? I want to see him again. Do you think he'll let me see him?" Ginny looked down and saw Tyler fast asleep. Ginny smiled and placed Tyler into his crib. She closed the door behind her.

Ginny stopped at the top of the stairs. She chewed on her lips and went into her room. She grabbed her cloak and Disapparated. She landed in the Atrium of the Ministry. There were people walking around the Ministry even if it was eight at night. Ginny went to the Archives section of the Ministry, which was located on the fifth floor.

"Lumos," she said.

The lights in the room lit up, brightening the room. There were scrolls and scrolls of documents packed tightly between each other in sections. Ginny walked along the sections and read off the names that were alphabetized.

She skipped off the first half of the scrolls and went to the second half. She scanned for the name Naevairs. Ginny yawned. The archive room was the most boring room in the whole Ministry. It was usually locked unless a Ministry official opened it. Ginny stopped as she saw 'Naevair' encrypted onto the shelf. She tapped her wand on the name.

A few clicking sounds was heard.

Ginny pulled out a scroll. She unrolled it. Her eyes scanned through the all the names of the Naevairs. It was like a family tree of the family. There were names that branched out really far. They were family members that were half blood or something lower than pureblood. Ginny found the name Alexander Naevair at the end of the pureblood branch. She tapped her wand at it. Another scroll appeared. Ginny read the title.

"Alexander Naevair, born eighteen forty six, death unknown. Royal." Ginny smiled as she unrolled the scroll. The writing on the scroll reminded Ginny of Hermione's own writing - minuscule and neat.

Most of Alexander Naevair's life was unknown.

Ginny rolled up the scroll and pocketed it.

Mika: Now if I tell you that, what's my whole plot going to be?

Angel the Devil's Daughter: Thanks for the idea. I decided to generalized the training part b/c I'll go into detail bit by bit later on...I hope.

gallandro-83: Christmas is the time for yeah, but Christmas!

Thanks to all my other reviewers: jbfritz, ms hufflepuff and ravenclaw.