Title: Tangled up in Darkness

Author: Tzippi Meshugah

Summery: War changes people, in ways we never would have known. Old rivalries are put behind us as we forge new alliances. War is upon us now and Hogwarts is changing. Students that were light are going dark, arch enemies are joining together and becoming friends. Unimaginable sacrifices will be made and it all comes down to the final battle to determine who will be victorious and what the consequences of that victory will be. We are tangled up in darkness and we must escape before the light flickers out for good. Narrated by Millicent Bulstrode.

Tangled up in Darkness

Chapter 7

Spells danced through the air; a colorful ballet of fatal jets of light. Cries and screams reverberated off the walls of crumbling buildings by those who had been struck down. Hogsmeade, as they knew it, no longer existed. There was no escape from the pandemonium that filled the ashen streets. Death Eaters swarmed through the stores killing all in their path. The last defense on the city had been breached- leaving nothing to do but retreat and run for your life.

Most of the time it really is hard to tell where bravery leaves off and flat out stupidity takes over, but here it was quite a clear cut. The students surrounding the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord himself were fools. Blinded momentarily by bright colorful jets, the select group of students, the D.A, fought valiantly. When the ash and dust had once again settled and the spitfire ceased, it became clear that their stupidity had paid off. The Dark Lord was missing, students had been struck down, but the Death Eaters lying in a heap on the ground made it clear that it was definitely well worth their effort. As exhaustion claimed them, they felt an odd sense of fulfillment. If they were to die just then, Hermione suspected, they would die proud with smiles on their faces. A new shadow was cast over the group, but this one was not filled with icy dread. Beaming down at them was a short portly man who they knew to be Professor Damien Dklajdf, Defense Against the Dark Arts Master and teacher. He strode bravely over to the students, armed with a fleet of stretchers and teachers who had come down to the village at the first sound of curses.

"You have fought well my friends, but now the time to rest has come. There will be a time to mourn the casualties later." He said comfortingly. His comforting words pierced the hearts of many, deflating their pride. Despite their gallant struggle, lives had been claimed.

"Let us not think of the bad. Count your victories, not your losses. Anybody can lose one fight." He said, noticing the downcast expression that had claimed many faces. However, at the time, he had not recognized the fact that one lost battle can drastically change the life of many. That one sentence would be someone's downfall later. That one lost fight would cost that person's life. An unnecessary casualty had, he too, come to realize that one lost fight could mean losing everything. There are certain philosophies that only a pessimistic person can understand. The life to be claimed was the life of an optimist.

Madame Pomphrey had been reluctant to let her go, but seeing as Hermione was in a far better condition than many other students and that she needed the bed space, she eventually gave in. As Hermione made her way to Dumbledore's office, she felt her heart sink. This was not the same school she had left earlier that morning. Before, it had been a safe haven, where contagious smiles spread from face to face and all thoughts of the war lay forgotten in dusty corners of their minds. Now even the first years seemed to have aged five years from all the anxiety which was far more pervasive than the happiness had ever been.

"Sugar Quill" Hermione whispered to the Gargoyle that guarded Dumbledore's office.

"Hermione wait!" Blaise said, out of breath from running. "Millicent is coming too."

"Hey Gryffette" I said, coming up behind her, using Draco's nickname for her.

The three of us stepped onto the stairway that led us to Dumbledore's chambers to find ourselves face to face with Ginny Weasley.

"He's been kidnapped, Hermione!" the red-head cried.

"Kidnapped? Who?"

"Ron! Dumbledore saw them take him; apparently they're trying to lure Harry to Voldemort."

"Is this true, Professor?" I inquired, seeing Dumbledore heading for us.

"Miss. Bulstrode, what you will hear here is strictly confidential Order of the Phoenix information. Once you hear it there is no turning away from the Order. If you feel that you are not ready to accept this responsibility I ask that you please leave for the safety of the Order."

"I will not betray you" I promised.

"Professor Snape, our spy, has confirmed that Voldemort has Ron, we will be forming a rescue mission to set him free."

"When do we go?" Ginny asked, sinking into the nearest armchair.

"I cannot send you on such a dangerous mission; the trained aurors and Order members will be able to handle it themselves,"

"But this is my brother that's missing!" Ginny cried frantically.

"And he would rather you were alive to greet him upon his return. The subject is closed. Please return to your dorms, and don't tell Harry."

"Why not? He has a right to know, Ron is his best friend" I asked, puzzled.

"You do not know Harry well, in fact, I'm afraid none of us do anymore. He will blame it on himself, just as he did with Miss. Granger's assumed death this supper. However, I cannot let that happen. He is growing more resentful and sinking deeper into depression. News like this may push him over the edge." Dumbledore said sternly, opening the door to his office. Ginny pushed her way past us and fled down the stairs, Hermione made a move as if to chase after her, but I grabbed her arm.

"Let her go, she's a strong girl, she'll bounce back."

Hermione nodded, but did not look quite convinced. "Something is wrong with her- I don't know what, but what you just saw is not the typical Ginny behavior. Even when her father was attacked, she was not nearly as this hysterical. I'm worried"

"Well, suck it up and look brave for the younger years, or look expressionless. They need strength and support more than she does. Life is about having your priorities in order. Right now, our top priority is to rest." Blaise said calmly. Hermione nodded again and the three headed back to their respective dormitories.

It was cold in the stone dungeons of Hogwarts, despite the fact that the day had been warm and beautiful. There was never warmth, no matter how hot the day was. The Slytherin atmosphere was cold with indifference. Draco shivered, he'd love to go back into his slightly warmer dorm and curl up, but there was no time tonight. He had been given a mission many months ago and it was time to carry it out.

Draco began the trek up from the dungeons. Normally he enjoyed walking around the castle at night. The thrill of narrowly escaping detention pleased him, and the heavy silence called to him. Draco loved quietness. It was his true calling in life. His arrogance was an act, just like Blaise's sullen silence. He'd walked through the halls drinking it all in, but not tonight, tonight was different, and he could feel it in the air. There was a foreboding feeling that he couldn't shake off. He shivered again, even though the hall was not cold. Suddenly he stopped. There were footsteps coming towards him, and they were neither Filch's, nor Snape's. He backed against the wall. Ginny Weasley was coming right toward him. Perfect. She held her head high with stubbornness, and she was muttering angrily under her breath.

"Bloody git! Why does the world see it fit to treat me like a nobody? He's my brother, and yet, I'm too young to help out."

At first Draco thought she was referring to him, but the rest of the outburst removed that thought from his mind. He smiled widely to himself. His plan would work better if she was in her current state of mind. She was a powerful witch, there was no denying that. And though she was only a year younger than himself, she was young enough at heart to be convinced on a normal night, regardless of her stubborn demeanor. Tonight she was vulnerable and power hungry and he came to offer her power. She would be a great tool, rising quickly up the ranks. Draco began to follow her. He stayed a few steps behind at all times, watching and waiting. He followed her up to the astronomy tower, at which point she flung herself onto the red seat and stared blankly into space. A star shot through the sky.

"It's been so long since I've wished on a star, but I need your help, please give me the chance to do something great, something that I'll be given credit for, something that won't be over looked and under appreciated." She cried tearfully. Her hand slipped into her pocket and he knew what was happening. She did the same thing every night, even though her milky white skin never showed it.

"I would think twice about doing that if I were you," Draco drawled stepping out of the shadows.

"And I would think twice before spying on an angry Gryffindor especially one with a weapon in her hand." Ginny shot back without missing a beat.

"The shooting star sent me," he taunted. It was probably wise not to infuriate the key to his master plan, but his mouth was way ahead of his brain when it came to insulting others.

"I command you to leave now and never repeat a word of what you saw to anybody before I'm forced to take action" She commanded, her blue-gray eyes narrowing to a glare.

"But I have an offer for you, one you can't refuse."

"Can't refuse as in physically can't, or as in I wouldn't want to," She asked suspiciously.

"A bit of both, I suppose, but more on the latter one. But if you want me to leave, I can take your dream job offer and go." He said stepping towards the door hoping she would call him back. As he opened the door and began down the stairs he panicked, she was not calling after him. Draco cursed silently to himself. Now how was he going to rope her in? The light patter of footsteps behind him brought a smile back to his face, which he immediately swallowed up.

"What sort of job? And this better be good."

"It is all you could ever hope for and strictly confidential. Step into my office."

"Your office?"

"It's a figure of speech." He said, scowling as he headed back up to the Astronamy tower.

"I offer you the opportunity to be praised and appreciated. The opportunity to go on missions, no matter how dangerous, you would be important and high in the ranks."

"The ranks of what?"

"The ranks of the Death Eaters. You, with your connections and your clever sneakiness that only the greatest spies have, would be up at the top near the Dark Lord's right hand."

"Join the Death Eaters? Become in league with the monster who is out to get me and my friends and has kidnapped my brother? There is no way I would ever join him!"

"Tell me, Weaselette, are you going to be able to help get your brother out of the Dark Lord's clutches, or are you being left behind? When your brother gets back, if he makes it out alive, will that make you recognized as brave and great, or will you be greeted warmly before being pushed out of the way and off to the side like a useless dishrag which you are not?" Draco asked as he paced the floor. From the panicked look in her eye he knew he had struck a nerve.

"You mean to tell me that if I ally myself with You-Know-Who, I can have power, recognition, and my strength will be utilized?"

"All that and more." Draco promised. He had her on the line, now all he had to do was reel her in. "If you are to accept the great offer I give you which you will never see again, you won't have to receive the dark mark, to keep you as a camouflaged spy. I even have a mission for you already, if you are willing to accept."

"I accept, but if I find out you are lying, I will turn us both in to Dumbledore" She warned.

"Spy on Potter and his friends, tell me everything about him, his strengths, weaknesses, greatest fears- anything that may be considered useful- I want to know. Use any means to get close to him; seduce him if you have to. That manner might be best." Draco said, sitting down on the maroon leather bench across from her.

"Spy on Harry? There is no way I can betray them like that. I'm their friend!" Ginny cried, jumping to her feet.

"If overlooking you and babying you is what you want in friends, maybe you better go back and forget the powerful position I'm offering you. You have nothing to betray because you are nothing to them and you know it, Weaselette. Deep down inside your heart you know it, and I know it. That is what makes you roam the halls at night. That is what makes you cut. That is the reason for your insomnia and the bags under your eyes. To them you are worthless; to the Dark Lord you are a treasure." Draco said, his voice rising as he built up momentum in his speech. "So what do you say, are you in?" He asked, praying that he would get the answer he wanted.

"Yes, I'll do it. I'll be the lapdog for the Dark Lord if that is what he wishes me to do, so long as I get the recognition for my work and not you." She said.

"Deal," Draco agreed, shaking her outstretched hand. As Ginny left the tower, the metal razor clattered to the ground. She no longer had a need for it. The numbness in her blood had been replaced with adrenaline and she had not hurt herself in the process. No longer did she need to see her blood dripping down her wrist to feel power. Now she would see the blood of others pouring out because of her word and her wand.

'Seduce him in you have to', rang through her head. It was inconsolable, like a tantrum throwing toddler. After three days of no news from her brother, and nothing new from Harry who had shut himself off from the world, she began to see it as her only option. Earlier in the year, he had spewed information to her at night, when there was nobody else around. Now he had quieted himself, just when she needed the information she had casually ignored. Her mind made up, Ginny strode over to the seventh year girl's deserted dorm and flung open the wardrobe. Lavender and Parvati's clothes stared back at her. Smiling to herself she rummaged through them looking for the perfect outfit.

Three hours later she emerged from the prefect's bathroom where she had been hiding, biding her time by making herself look perfect. She clutched her Hogwarts robe around her small frame tightly as she hurried to the common room which she knew would be deserted, save for one person; Harry.

"Mackled malaclaw." She said quietly to the Fat Lady who gave her an inquiring glance as she slipped through the portrait hole.

"Hello, Harry." She said seductively, after seeing that he was indeed alone in the common room. Ginny gave him a sly wink and slipped off her robes to reveal the outfit she had put together. A silky green halter top clung to her frame, emphasizing the curve of her bust and dipping down low, revealing quite a bit of cleavage. It ended a couple inches short of her micro mini black skirt. Grinning seductively, she tossed her red hair, which was curled into large silky curls over her shoulder. Many times that night had she wondered why in the world Lavender had this outfit in her possession, but she did not much as dwell on it for she had already captured Harry's attention.

"Mind if I sit down?" She asked, in the same voice, still wearing her smile. Harry gave a small forced nod, seemingly stripped of the power of speech. Ginny slid over until she was sitting practically on top of him. The slightest bit of pity for the poor boy washed through her. Here he was deprived of all pleasure, suddenly having his friend's little sister dressed as a sex goddess and throwing herself at him. Oh how fun it was to be evil. He was obviously very uncomfortable with the situation; his breathing was forced and labored, and beads of sweat appeared at his temples.

"Harry," she said simply, stroking his face with her hand.

"Ginny," he croaked back huskily, shivering at her touch. Ginny shifted herself over so that she was sitting in his lap. He let out a low moan.

"You like this, don't you? Well, there's even more where this came from," she said, before pressing her lips onto his, kissing him hungrily. Truthfully, she was rather repulsed by the thought. Ever since she had gotten over her crush, she had treated him like a brotherly figure and snogging her brother did not especially please her, but Harry seemed to be enjoying it. His thin hands wound through her curled hair and hers found their way into his as she tried to pretend it was not actually Harry she was kissing. She felt his hands abandon her hair and start groping for her breasts. Mentally, she prayed that he would run out of air, which moments later, he did.

"Ginny," he said again, as he broke away from her to get air, his voice still husky and heavy with desire. She smiled and rested her head against his scrawny body, gagging inwardly.

Suddenly as if that one kiss had been the key to his soul, he began spewing his innermost secrets, fears, feelings, and thoughts- ones that he had kept from her during their normal conversations. Ginny sat silently leaning against it, drinking it all in as her evil smile grew larger and larger. He did not stop talking until dawn broke and the sun made its first appearance on the horizon.

"We'll talk more tonight, alright?" She asked, leaning over and kissing him lightly on the cheek.

"Yeah, tonight…," he echoed dreamily. Ginny nearly floated all the way upstairs, despite the feeling of repugnance still lingering in her stomach. This Death Eater game was much easier than it looked.

a/n: I got a bit bored of Hermione, Blaise and Millicent and I couldn't decide exactly what I want to do with them so I took a break and focused a bit more on other characters.

I'm sorry it took me so long, I entered a writing contest from my library for original stories and I've been working like crazy trying to get it done before I leave for Israel on July 21st. I also have to take into account that I need time to read HBP, so this is probably the last chapter you'll see before I get back in about a month. I took a break from that to finish this chapter, and now I really must be getting back to it.

Thanks to chaste-aeon for betaing this for me! And to my lone reviewer PP Ruffie, hopefully you've figured out who has been watching Ginny. I'm sending you both ice cream sundaes seeing as today was ice cream sundae-day at the camp where I work.