Tareein: You are absolutely right, there isn't nearly enough Lucius stuff out there! I hope this will get you on the way to writing more to add to the mix!
Crimson Gold: Thank you ever so much! That meeting was the hardest part so far to write, so all things considered, if that's the only problem anyone had, I can deal with it (rereading it, though, I do see what you mean)!
Julia Bartlett, Sarahamanda: Thank you very, very much!
Priz: Wait, what didn't you like? I'm confused…. But thank you…
At long last, here it is! Many, many apologies about the wait. I will now be back on track with at least once a week updates, I promise!
Chapter Sixteen
The next morning over breakfast, two owls swooped over the Gryffindor table, bringing letters to Ginny. She picked the first out of the pitcher of pumpkin juice and read it.
Ginny:
I've just had an owl from Professor Dumbledore. He mentioned in passing that you are taking a more active role in the fight against Voldemort. While your father and I are very proud of your determination, we have to tell you to be careful.
We understand that you are very gifted and a very powerful witch. This is, ultimately, your decision to make. However, cleverness and power do not make anyone successful against You-know-who-just ask Harry or Neville (really, don't, dear-those boys have quite enough to be getting on with).
Also, be very careful with Lucius Malfoy. Yes, he's Draco's father, and yes, he says he's on our side now-but poisonous toadstools don't change their spots. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I don't think he's to be trusted.
Tell Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Neville that your father and I said hullo.
Much Love,
Mum
Ginny smiled, stowed the letter in her bag, and passed the hellos on to Ron, Harry, Hermione, and Neville. She opened the next letter, which, luckily, had landed next to her plate. She nearly dropped it in shock when she saw the handwriting.
Dear Ginny:
If you can't read this privately right now, put it away and read it later.
I have it from the highest authority (no les than the Dark Lord himself!) that you have joined him, and I offer you my congratulations.
I am glad to hear that you have opened your eyes to the dangers of association with people like Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore, and (though it pains me to say it) our parents. You are of one of the purest-blood wizarding families in the world-I am glad to see that you have begun to take pride in that fact.
Do not hesitate to speak to Lucius Malfoy or Severus Snape. They are both loyal supporters of the Dark Lord and will be only too glad to help you in this noble decision. I hope that our paths in his service will cross soon.
Regards,
Percy
Ginny tutted and crinkled her nose in disgust. Without further ado, she got up from the table, walked over to the Great Hall fire and threw the letter into it unceremoniously.
--
That evening, Ginny's heart did a bit of a somersault when she saw Lucius standing in the middle of the clearing in the Forbidden Forest. Her mother's words had come to the front of her mind, but the sight of him pushed them away again. He was facing her, his arms folded, his eyes warm. He brushed his fingertips across her cheeks and lips as she reached him.
"I should never have let you out of my sight last night," he said softly. "I've been on fire since then."
In response, Ginny simply smiled mischievously for a split second before his mouth bore down on hers in a crushing kiss. They apparated without breaking their kiss, then reappeared in the hall of the manor, where Lucius began immediately shedding his robes. Both he and Ginny were more than half clothed when Lucius picked her up off the floor and slid into her as she wrapped her legs around him, moaning slightly. He backed her against the wall and ground into her furiously as she resumed their passionate kiss. Barely five minutes later, they had collapsed against one another, both temporarily spent. Lucius took Ginny's hand and led her upstairs.
--
Ginny and Lucius lay, sweating, exhausted, and holding one another, for nearly an hour before Lucius got out of bed and began tossing Ginny's clothes toward her. She winced as her belt buckle hit her forehead.
"What was that for?" she asked indignantly.
Lucius pulled his pants on. "I wouldn't be surprised if Dumbledore suspects something already. I'm not in any hurry to drop evidence at his feet."
Ginny chuckled. "What could he do?"
"Stop me seeing you, for one." Lucius leaned over and kissed her tenderly as he buttoned his shirt. "And we couldn't have that at all, love. Shall we?" He held out his hand, and as soon as Ginny took it, they Apparated back to Hogwarts.
--
Ginny woke to the light pouring in the common room, which was deserted except for two third years playing chess in a corner. She had slept in the armchair, rather than risk waking the girls in her dormitory. She was confused for a moment, until she remembered that it was the first day of the holidays. Smiling at the thought, she hurried down to breakfast.
--
She found Hermione, Ron, Harry, Neville, and Luna sitting in the middle of the Gryffindor table, Hermione reading, Neville and Luna watching Harry and Ron play chess. Ginny reached them in time to see Harry's knight pounce on one of Ron's bishops. Hermione looked at her and raised her eyebrows questioningly, but Ginny shook her head and turned back to the game. After several minutes, Harry's knight made a spectacular checkmate, despite Harry's giving the job to a rook. In spite of his petulant chess set, Harry jumped up in triumph and hugged Ginny, jumping in excitement all the while. After a moment, he seemed to realize what he was doing.
"Sorry," he said, pulling back and blushing. "It's just I almost never beat him."
Ginny laughed. "What are you apologizing for? Congratulations!"
--
After the celebratory butterbeers, Hermione, Ginny, and Luna wandered into the courtyard. Hermione turned to Ginny at once, grinning ear to ear.
"What was that about, then? Are you over this Lucius thing?"
Ginny was puzzled. "What was what about?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You and Harry. In the Great Hall."
"I said congratulations?"
"You know what I mean! He hugged you!"
"We're friends. He wouldn't take that any way other than how it was meant."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "And how was it meant?"
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Friendly!" she said, impatiently.
--
Back in the Great Hall, Harry was trying to ignore Ron's stare while he wrote a letter to Mad-Eye Moody. Finally, he couldn't stand it anymore.
"What?" he asked Ron.
"What was that about, mate?" Ron asked, laughing.
"What was what about?"
"You and Ginny. Two seconds ago."
"What about it?"
"Is something finally going on between the two of you?"
"Not that I know of," said Harry, looking at his feet.
TBC
