Crimson Gold: Thank you!

Chapter Ten

Lucius held up a hand to stem Ginny's protests. "I am going to convince him that I am, was, and forever will be one of his most faithful. He will not turn me away-his need for supporters to too great. He will not know I am lying, because I am a master Occulmens and Legilimens.

"Once I am absolutely sure that he trust me, I will bring you to him: a spy with information from both Hogwarts and the Ministry. Can you do that?"

Ginny nodded, but looked apprehensive. She glanced toward his left arm.

Sensing her concern, he continued. "Spies do not have the mark. You will feed him false information. If he gives you any-er-unpleasant tasks, I will convince him that they are done." He took her hands in his. "Ginny, look at me. When this is over, I promise you, you will be safe, and you will have no blood on your hands." He paused and released her hands. "I have enough on mine for us both."

A single tear traced its path down Ginny's cheek. When she spoke, her voice was soft and shaking. "Will it work?"

"I've had enough experience with Voldemort and the Death Eaters to think that it will. He is letting his defenses down out of desperation for supporters. I doubt that we can stop him, but at least we can slow him down." He pulled a piece of parchment from a pocket of his robes and handed it to Ginny. "This is a map to a clearing in the Forbidden Forest. It's off the path, but it's safe. We'll meet there from now on."

He stood and moved toward the fire. Ginny stood and instinctively clutched the sleeve of his robes. He turned back toward her and wrapped her in his arms, resting his cheek on the top of her head.

His voice was husky when he spoke. "This will all be over soon, and they we'll have time to sort-things-out."

He drew a finger under her chin and tipped her face up to his. Slowly, gently, he covered her mouth with his.

Ginny sank into Lucius' kiss, closing her yes as he drew her closer. She wound her hands into his platinum hair and pulled his face closer to hers, breathing in his musky scent-the scent of her dream. She abandoned thought and pulled him closer still.

Gingerly, Lucius broke their embrace. He barely spoke above a whisper. "I should go." With a last brush of his fingertips against Ginny's freckled cheek, he stepped into the fire and was gone.

---

Ginny woke up the next morning with her neck aching. She was disoriented by the bustle of students around her and the sun pouring in through the common room windows. Harry was sitting in the armchair across from her.

"Morning," he said, "Breakfast?"

Ginny nodded. They walked down to the Great Hall in silence, both lost in thought. No sooner had they taken their seats across from Ron and Hermione than the morning owl post swooped overhead. Ginny looked up hopefully, than guiltily looked back at her plate. She was hoping for a letter or note from Lucius.

Ron had caught her odd behavior. He looked at her, eyes narrowed. "Expecting something?" he asked.

Ginny shrugged. "Anything's possible, isn't it?"

---

Later that morning, Ginny was slightly surprised when Professor McGonagall asked her to say after class. She and Luna had been giggling quite a bit while they were transforming their beagles, but they had both managed it, and besides, Luna hadn't been called back. So Ginny approached McGonagall's desk apprehensively.

"Yes, Professor?" she asked timidly.

McGonagall smiled at her warmly. "Professor Dumbledore would like to speak with you. Unfortunately, I am very busy at the moment, but the password to his office is 'Peppermint Toad.' He is expecting you."

---

Barely five minutes later, Ginny found herself seated in a chair opposite Professor Dumbledore's desk.

"Miss Weasley, I do not wish to sound condescending," he began, "for you are certainly free and more than capable of making your own decisions, as I have tried to explain to our brother. However, I wonder if you realize just how dangerous a situation you are about to enter? Lucius Malfoy explained his plan to me last night. I feel it is important that you understand that Voldemort is merciless toward spies. He will not hesitate to torture and kill you if you are discovered. However, I also want you to know that if you do decide to go through with this, you have my full support. I would be more than happy to work with yourself and Mr. Malfoy to come up with that information that will be the most damaging to Voldemort. In addition, Professor Snape will help you in any way he can, as will Professors Lupin and McGonagall."

Ginny swallowed back the lump that was forming in her throat. "Thank you very much, Professor. I appreciate your warning, but this is something I have to do."

Professor Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. You may be the bravest witch of your age that I've ever had the pleasure to meet."

---

That evening in the library after dinner, Ginny recounted to Hermione and Luna in hushed tones her meetings with Lucius and Dumbledore, leaving out the kiss. When she had finished, Hermione's brow furrowed.

"You don't think that that sounds a bit sinister?" She asked.

Ginny wasn't disturbed. "Professor Dumbledore seems to trust him. Why shouldn't I?"

Luna jumped in. "You should be careful. Have you heard about some of the monsters Lucius Malfoy owns? My father's been sitting on an article about them for a while now."

Ginny turned to her Defense Against the Dark Arts essay about doxies. "Don't be ridiculous, Luna. That's not what he's like."

"He's a Death Eater, isn't he?"

Hermione was beginning to look irritated. "Have you been listening at all? The whole reason we're having this conversation is because he's trying to eliminate the Death Eaters!"

TBC