Note: I hope you like it so far. Let me know. Also, there is no smut in this chapter either, sorry, but I promise it will be coming up very soon.
Chapter 1 – First Day of School.
Ginny shook as she put the diary inside her school bag. For some reason she just couldn't leave the text out of her sight. She felt connected to it.
Watching as Angel fixed her long hair into a braid and tying the end with the same purple ribbon, she wondered whether she should tell her new friend about the discovery. After all this had been Angel's room for the past six years, someone had to have come across it before. But then again after the whole school found out about Tom Riddle's diary five years ago if another mysterious one turned up it would've been turned right in. At least that's what a Gryffindor would do, well any Gryffindor beside herself. Oh how her family would frown on her, she thought.
Deep down Ginny knew the diary within her bag was harmless. Last time as soon as she opened the cursed diary she was possessed, this one was merrily a book with a story written with, but whose?
"Ready then?" Her dorm mate asked collecting her books as well.
Ginny nodded and followed Angel all the way down to the Great Hall. The girls shared a delightful conversation about Quidditch over a few pieces of sweetened toast and warm pumpkin juice.
"Do you think there will be a season this year?" Angel asked through bites.
Ginny shook her head as she took a small sip from her cup. "I don't think there'll be many tryouts, only a few original players are left." She commented glancing around. She noticed that she was the only remaining player for the Gryffindor team.
"Too bad I looked forward to those matches every year. Especially Gryffindor versus Slytherin." Angel added.
It was hard for Ginny to accept that she had to give up Quidditch during this year as well, but it wouldn't be much of a game with just her as a team. After breakfast she found herself forgetting about the diary.
When she and Angel walked into the large stone classroom of Transfiguration they found Luna sitting near the front next to two empty seats. Ginny sat down beside her and smiled a greeting.
Just as Professor McGonagall entered the room in her human form everyone seemed to straighten. Though they were all used to seeing her in this class every year, they weren't used to being in the presence of the Headmistress for two hours.
"If the students from the years five through seven could kindly open their spell books and silently read through the seventy fifth chapter while I set up lessons for the younger students, I'll will be with you in the last hour of class." Her strict voice instructed.
The girls turned to the pages they were asked to. Ginny stared hard at the title of the chapter. 'How to Transform Objects As Big As A House Into A Protective Shield'.
She didn't really read the lesson as hard as she should instead her eyes quickly scanned over it catching a few words at the most.
In moments her attention seemed more interested in the room. It looked somewhat the same, just fewer desks lined up to face the front. Professor McGonagall wore bigger robes that normal and she never once set down her wand even when she wasn't using it to demonstrate. This thought made the pocket in the left side of her robe a bit heavier where she knew her wand was resting.
The tapestry along the walls didn't stand out as much as the did before, whether it was because Ginny was so used to them lining the walls or because their once bold, brilliant colors were drowned out in dust and cobwebs, she'll never know. She wondered why the castle was so dirty. Surely the house elves were still working within its walls. The recollection of some of the paintings along the walls being neglected came back to her. One painting in particular, The Sirens of Dreary Lagoon, where peaceful, captivating music once came from was silent and the painted rocks where the beautiful sirens once sat upon were bare. This broke Ginny's heart, it was her favorite painting.
Speaking of singing, even The Fat Lady lost her tune. Every time a Gryffindor student would recite the password the poor woman could only respond with a sneeze. For every breath she took more dust would tickle her nose. Though to some students this was a good thing, there was nothing worse then being stuck outside the common room and forced to listen to the hideous voice trying to sing. But still deep down, Ginny missed it.
With sad eyes she glanced back down at her open book, but the words were too fuzzy to read. Wondering if the hour of basic transfiguration learning was over, Ginny listened into Professor McGonagall's lecture. It was all quite familiar to her, meaning she wasn't even close to being finished. Hiding a yawn she glance at Angel who was deep into her reading and scribbling down notes in a spare roll of parchment. Luna was also into her reading with the same dreamy expression only her book was turned upside down.
Frustrating herself about not having the same relaxation of her two friends Ginny shook the daydreams from her head and forced herself to read through the first paragraph of the chapter.
She wasn't past the first line when Professor McGonagall called for attention. Only after cursing herself did she look up. Everything froze except for the jets of shock running through her body.
It's hard to explain how Ginny felt in that very moment. It might've been somewhat close to the feeling she got when she's be walking outside the Burrow in the dark with bare feet and all of a sudden stepping in something not so pleasant. There's that gasp of surprise and then worry of what it might be. That's somewhat of how she felt at this very moment, maybe that times ten.
Ginny wasn't sitting in the front of the class anymore. In fact she was standing in the back staring at the back heads of two girls who now occupied that front desk, neither of them she recognized. She frantically looked around for Luna and Angel not finding one trace of them.
This wasn't her class, she noticed as she peered around some more. None of the students sitting in the desks before her were familiar. There were no second, third or fourth years sharing the room, all the beings in this room were either Ginny's age or older. The class was full and the expressions on the faces showed no sign of worry at all.
Was she dreaming? If so, why didn't she recognize anyone? She wouldn't be dreaming of complete strangers, she's never done this before. Blast; she didn't even realize she was tired.
Suddenly, Professor McGonagall's voice erupted into speech. Ginny straightened and stared wide eyed at her Headmistress. She tried to soften her breathing so the teacher might not notice her immediately.
There was something different about McGonagall's appearance that Ginny couldn't quite pick up. She looked harder but it just wasn't coming to her. Finally when the professor swept her narrowed spectacle eyes over the classroom, they landed right on Ginny.
Her breath caught in her throat her body was so stiff that if some one poked her she'd topple over. All this for nothing, for within seconds McGonagall's eyes left her and went back to the lesson she was teaching. Ginny felt as unimportant as a speck on the wall. Why hadn't McGonagall yelled at her? Surely she must've been a distraction in the class by standing in the back looking lost.
In a desperate attempt Ginny found her words, "Professor?" She choked out weakly.
No one moved. All the students' heads remained forward and Professor McGonagall didn't miss a beat in her lecture.
"In Metamorphosing, the spells have to be cast extra carefully, no mumbling or stuttering, clear, proficient speech…" Her voice was as crisp as is was today.
"Professor?" Ginny called out; this time a little louder and taking a step forward. No reaction.
This was not normal. Ginny's mind was telling her to relax but her body was beginning to panic. Suddenly her feet began walking toward Professor McGonagall hoping her teacher might see her.
"Professor?" Ginny was screaming in a panicked voice now. "Professor? Professor, please."
She was only inches from McGonagall and still had no luck in gaining her attention. When she would look up Ginny found her looking right through her body to the class. Where the hell was she? She wanted out, where ever this was; what ever is going on she wanted out.
Finally McGonagall straightened and addressed the class again. "Two rolls of parchment tomorrow morning on Metamorphosing no exceptions, not even Quidditch." She said with a stern look. This received a couple of snickers.
"Very well, good demonstrations from all of you. I'll see you tomorrow morning. Class dismissed." She finished before heading back to her desk.
Like it was some sort of show, Ginny turned to watch the students file out. They all collected their books and joked around with each other as they walked toward the door.
Should she follow them or stay here and continuing trying with McGonagall? Ginny's mind was racing, she desperately wanted out of this dream, or nightmare or what ever this was. She pinched her arm only receive slight pain, she screamed at the top of her lungs only to be left gasping for breath. Finally she began searching her head for spells she could use to try to get out. Maybe if she tried a shock spell on McGonagall, though Ginny's never tried it before but she knew it was harmless. Fred and George used to do it to Percy all the time.
As Ginny reached for her wand for a last attempt something very odd caught her eye. Before she could turn away from the leaving students a shiny object getting put inside a bag interrupted her attention. An object that reflected rainbow colors.
"The diary." She whispered in alarm. In sudden response she began approaching the holder quickly. Ginny couldn't however make her way through the mound of students squeezing through the doorway. Keeping her eyes on the bag since she was unable to see the person's face over the towering bodies in front of her, she tried pushing her way through the crowd. It was useless; the bodies wouldn't budge.
"Hey." She called to the bag. "Hey, you, wait." She jumped up and down trying to catch a glimpse of the person's face; it was no good. The diary holder had now vanished into the sea of students walking down the hall. Crushed with disappointment, Ginny gasped when McGonagall's voice called from the front.
"Miss Weasley!"
As quick as a cast she turned to the waiting Professor, only to be greeted by an angry face, just inches from her own.
"Who are you yelling at? The headmistress demanded.
Before Ginny answered she noticed her surroundings once again changed drastically on her. She was back. Sitting squarely in the front desk right between Angel and Luna who both had confused expressions on their faces, well at least Angel did. The class was small and Ginny noticed a couple of second years watching the scene as well. Her breathing subsided as she glanced around the room embracing its familiarity.
Growing impatient with the delay McGonagall dismissed the class. "Except you Miss Weasley. You stay behind." She instructed.
Ginny could feel the eyes of students pitying her as they walked out, Angel whispered good luck before leaving, Luna just smiled her clueless smile before picking up.
When the door closed behind the last student Ginny held her breath again. McGonagall took a seat behind her desk and scowled at her. She couldn't feel anymore inferior under that stare.
"Do you want to explain you're behavior Miss Weasley?" The headmistress asked.
When Ginny didn't answer the old lady sighed. "I figured without the return of your brother, Potter and Miss Granger behavior around here would be well."
Ginny continued looking down. Those three did have a knack for breaking rules, ever since their first year.
"Look, Miss Weasley." McGonagall's voice softened along with her narrow eyes. "I understand times have been tough for you, it has for many of us, but you especially. Your oldest brother told me about your choice in returning this year and I couldn't be more proud of you."
The thought of Bill brought a tiny smile to Ginny's face. It didn't surprise her the least bit about McGonagall being in contact with Bill, both were after all part of the Order along with the rest of the Weasley family it seemed. For all Ginny knew, McGonagall saw her family everyday.
"You're family is by far the most courageous, devoted family I ever came to meet. From your father all the way down to you." For the first time in this woman's presence Ginny felt dignified, she almost couldn't hide the wide smile. McGonagall's eyes remained on her for a long moment before continuing.
"But you must remember that this is still a school and rules have to be followed. This includes staying awake in my class, is that understood?" When the Professor's voice thickened, Ginny knew the softness was over. She shamefully nodded.
"Good, that will be one night's detention. You can serve it here at eight o'clock tonight, you will be writing the first of your many letters to your mother. She is worried, and rather uneasy after hearing about your departure and is taking it out on the whole Order, myself in particular. Good day Miss Weasley." She finished before locking herself in the work on her desk.
Even thought Professor McGonagall was serious, Ginny smiled all the way out to the hallway. The thought of her mother shouting and screaming at all the members of the Order for no reason at all was quite amusing. Guess that answered the question on whether her mum took the news well.
At lunch Angel was pestering Ginny for an explanation about Transfiguration class.
"You were shouting for someone to wait up or something." She said.
It didn't take much for Ginny to explain the dream to her friend, she knew she couldn't keep her mouth shut and not only that but she wanted someone else's opinion about it. When she finished Angel appeared to be in deep thought.
"Actually, it doesn't seem that strange at all." She finally answered.
Ginny nearly choked on her pumpkin juice. "Really?"
Angel shrugged. "Sure I mean, I have dreams about people I never met either."
"But what does it mean?" Ginny asked.
Angel took a little longer to answer this question. "It could mean anything I guess. Sometimes dreams had completely different meanings then they set out to be. Maybe the fact that there were people around you didn't know, meant something, or maybe it didn't mean anything at all."
It made a little sense Ginny figured, but then that didn't explain the diary. She wondered whether it was a good idea to keep that bit of information out of the dream.
"There was something else." Ginny thought quickly. "A book, a book I saw only once, it showed up in there."
Once again Angel shrugged as she reached for some more potatoes. "Strange, but still a bit common. Like just last night for instance, I was dreaming about that really cute professional Quidditch player Eunice Murray, and then all of a sudden out of no where my great Aunt Dina shows up, I only met that woman once when I was like three."
The girls shared a laugh.
The day went by quickly, Hagrid continued his torment on the students by prancing Buckbeak or 'Witherwings' around. Since we weren't allowed in the Forbidden Forest anymore due to mindless killer spiders running around, we stayed near the lagoon admiring the view and watching Hagrid's half brother Grawp play with the giant squid.
Herbology went by quickly as well, Professor Sprout introduced a new species of plants famous for producing medicines. In Potions, Professor Slughorn talked about healing potions. It didn't take long for Ginny to catch onto the chain. Who needed Defense Against the Dark Arts when all the other lessons focused around defense techniques?
Before Ginny knew it she glanced up at the grand clock in the library and noticed she only had five minutes left until her detention with McGonagall. Luna who was reading three books at the same time, all of them facing different angles, looked up only for a second to say goodbye. Angel had already headed up to the common room a while before.
As Ginny left the library she couldn't help but feel a wave of frustration wash over her. Three hours she spent in the library and no information of lost books or hidden diaries. Even though her dream was explained, she still wanted to find out who owned the diary. She mentally sorted out the information she had already; it had feminism penmanship, was speaking of a male in the last entry had proved that the owner was a girl. Not only that she was a girl, but a Gryffindor as well since it was in the Gryffindor tower. But that's as far as she got. If only…
"Ouch." Ginny's thoughts were cut off as she walked smack into the hard wooden door of the Transfiguration classroom. Her senses gathered as she rubbed her nose and pushed on the door handle. It didn't open. Locked? Professor McGonagall never locked her classroom door; come to think of it she never closed the door. Ginny wondered what time it was, she couldn't be too early, because McGonagall was always here early for student detentions. A flash of worry went through Ginny. Was she late? It couldn't have taken her that long to walk up here. There's no way she was late.
Deciding to wait, Ginny leaned up against the door hoping Professor McGonagall would come rushing around the corner apologizing for her tardiness. Minutes that seemed like hours passed and no sign of McGonagall was in sight.
In confusion Ginny pushed herself off the door and slowly walked down the hall. Her mind was contemplating reasons for this predicament. McGonagall couldn't have forgotten, it's Professor McGonagall; she doesn't know the definition of forget.
Suddenly the distant sound of whistling caught Ginny's attention and she followed it into the third west hall. Hagrid was making his way toward her carrying a big brown crate under his left arm. When he noticed Ginny he smiled.
"Well, 'ello th're Ginny. About patrolling I see." He smiled with a glance to her prefect badge.
"Well not really." Ginny answered truthfully. "I'm supposed to be serving detention."
Hagrid tried to frown on her but his as twinkled. "Just like yer brother, 'oppose ter be stopping the trouble, stead he was causing it."
"What's that?" She asked changing the subject as she pointed to the crate.
Hagrid looked down at it like he forgot he was carrying it. "Oh, tha' these are ferrets imported from Ukon, Buc—Witherwings loves 'em." He explained with a careful eye. Ginny smiled, Hagrid was a wonderful being, a giant with a giant heart to match.
"You wouldn't happen to know where Professor McGonagall is would you?" She asked nicely.
The giant smiled. "I expec' she be in 'er office. She got urgen' news earlier." He explained pointing up to the tallest tower. "Very busy tha' Minerva. You nee' a talk with 'er?"
Ginny nodded patiently.
Hagrid nodded as well before lowering is voice. "Very well, berry mocha." He finished with yet another wink, though he didn't have too, Ginny knew it was the password to get into the Headmaster's office. Hagrid had to pronounce every letter in order for her to understand.
"Well, I better be off, Bu-er-Witherwings be wanting 'is dinner." With that the giant patted Ginny and the shoulder and continued walking down the hall whistling a slow tune. Ginny watched him a bit before continuing in the opposite direction.
A slow sensation of nervousness overcame her as she stood before the phoenix statue. She's only been up in the Headmaster's office a couple times and she wasn't alone during those visits either. She didn't know why she felt a little uneasy about entering the room, but something just didn't feel right.
Ginny licked her lips and took a deep breath. "Berry mocha."
Almost immediately the statue began to rise exposing the stone staircase beneath. She jumped onto a steady stair and rode it up the tunnel. When she came to the wooden door she stopped and fixed herself, flattening her robe and her hair. It was now that her poorly sewn prefect patch bothered her.
She was about to knock when she heard voices on the other side of the door. At first Ginny thought about turning back, but the voices then began to rise and she found herself pushing an ear up against the door. She couldn't hear anything just muffled words. There was a voice she knew was McGonagall's but the other was hard to figure out, so she continued to listen. Now she could make out a few words.
The other voice was deep and sounded threatening. "…kill…run…hide…Dark Lord…"
Without thinking Ginny pushed open the door without knocking. She entered the room her eyes on an upset looking McGonagall who stood behind the big desk. This sight brought Ginny to the other figure in the room. She turned to the person who was staring right back at her, it didn't take more than a single breath before both of them had their wands out and pointed them directly at each other.
Hate boiled through Ginny like hot lava. She narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth.
"You!" She spat with venom She never let herself get this worked up before, it was different but she knew exactly what she was doing.
"Enough, both of you." McGonagall yelled. Her demand went unheard as Ginny continued staring the rogue in the eye.
"Weasel girl." The voice was taunting but ineffective. The only dynamism he had over her was in his grey stare that seemed to be progressing with demur. His eyes never faltered or showed weakness, Ginny reflected his image by not blinking.
This figure before her was at most to blame for the tragedy of last year. Not to mention years of torment he put on her family and friends. She couldn't believe the nerve of this devil showing his evil face back here. He didn't frighten her though, she knew she could take him, she did in the past.
"You shouldn't have come back Malfoy." She threatened through her teeth.
The lips of Draco Malfoy spread into a challenging grin. He had about six inches of height on her, but that didn't matter, Ginny had her wand pointed right between his eyebrows.
"Well here I am." He said in another taunting voice. "What are you going to do?"
Without warning Ginny cast her wand directly at Draco. "Cru-"
"EXPELLIARMUS!" McGonagall's voice rang out just as fast as Ginny's wand flew out of her hand and fell to the floor. Ginny was about to go fetch it before McGonagall stopped her again.
"I SAID ENOUGH, BOTH OF YOU!" She shouted.
Ginny looked up and found that Draco's wand was also out of his grasp and thrown to the ground. He was looking at Ginny with loath in his eyes. She returned the stare before turning to the Headmistress.
Professor McGonagall's face was red, her eyebrows were drawn together and a strand of her raven black hair had fallen out of its secure bun and dangled over her forehead.
Ginny gulped, she's never seen McGonagall so angry, not even when Slytherin was cheating at Quidditch against Gryffindor during her first year on the team. She quickly glanced at Draco who hadn't noticed McGonagall's appearance for he was still glaring at Ginny.
"Sit down!" Her voice was lowered but the demand behind it was clear.
Draco waited for Ginny to move before he did. Both sat down on wooden chairs in front of the desk and watched as McGonagall gained her composure and sat down as well. Ginny folded her hands in her lap and sat up straight hoping to give McGonagall the impression that she had her undivided attention. Draco however, leaned back in his chair so his bottom was nearly off the edge and crossed his arms over his chest; he looked bored with the whole situation. This angered Ginny and she knew McGonagall didn't appreciate it either since she barely glanced in the boy's direction.
"Now." McGonagall started her voice a little softer. "It's obvious that we have some sorting out to do."
Ginny was going to speak but McGonagall hushed her by raising her hand. Draco released an irritating snicker.
"Miss Weasley there is much you need to hear before you can speak."
Biting her lip, Ginny remained quiet.
McGonagall settled herself before explaining. "I'm well aware that the two of you have never been off on positive terms and I'm not asking you to be right now, just to remain civil."
She waited until both of them nodded agree then continued. "Miss Weasley based on the occurrences of last term I expect you have much rage toward Mister Malfoy. I must say that if I were in your shoes I might feel the same way." McGonagall still didn't glance toward Draco.
"However." McGonagall continued. "I am not in your shoes. I am in a place where I know the entire story, the truth behind Mister Malfoy's purpose in being here."
Ginny did not hide her confusion as she crouched her eyebrows together.
"The truth is Miss Weasley, Mister Malfoy is back here because he is in hiding under the protection of the school." It was then that McGonagall broke her stare from Ginny and looked at Draco, Ginny did the same.
He was still lounged in the chair, same composure, same expression; only he wouldn't meet their eyes. He was looking away from both of them his eyes glued to a portrait of a past Headmaster snoring in his chair.
"Professor Dumbledore." Ginny could hear the struggle in McGonagall's voice as she said the name. "Knew what Mister Malfoy was sent to do last year, Dumbledore offered his support and welcomed Mister Malfoy back to the castle for protection."
Ginny tried to gather the words in her mind. "He knew? But then, why-"
"Dumbledore told me to go on like nothing's changed." Draco interrupted, Ginny and Professor McGonagall looked at him in surprise as if they forgot he was there. "After the night I told him, he told me to continue as planned, the Imperious curse, the Death Eaters, and the confrontation on the roof."
"But why?" Ginny felt clueless but she just couldn't understand.
McGonagall answered this time. "If Albus were to take action then Lord Voldemort would have known Mister Malfoy slipped. He would have killed him and his family."
Ginny didn't falter she almost let the response of 'So' slip out of her mouth, but she kept her lips tight.
"Albus made vow to keep everyone of his students safe, he promised help to all those who asked for it, when Mister Malfoy asked, Albus could not and would not send him away. Unfortunately he paid with his life because of the betrayal of Severus Snape." McGonagall finished adding an extra sneer to the last name.
This was all unbelievably ridiculous to Ginny. She glanced between to both of them a couple of times before speaking. "You can't possibly believe this can you Professor?" she blurted out.
McGonagall flashed Ginny a tired look and she could see Draco shaking his head in annoyance out of the corner of her eye. She didn't care; there was no way in hell she was going to believe this rubbish.
"So after he finds out that Voldemort doesn't fancy him or his family anymore he cracks and asks the good side for help. Now that he got what he wanted and more he's asking us to protect him as well? You've got to be kidding me!" Ginny exclaimed rising from her chair.
She's never outburst in front of a Professor before but she couldn't believe how naive McGonagall was being. "That's enough, Miss Weasley."
"Professor, he was sent to kill Dumbledore." She pointed to Draco with an accusing finger.
"But I didn't." Draco threw back in defense.
"Yea it was probably all part of the plot. Voldemort summoning the most hated Slytherin to gain the trust of the powerful Headmaster. There you make him vulnerable so another betrayer can claim victory."
Draco shot to his feet, though he towered over Ginny she didn't cower.
"This is all part of the plan isn't it, now you come back to Hogwarts to finish off the rest of us. It is isn't it? Oh how wonderful your plan is working." Ginny's voice was so sour she could feel her throat ache.
Draco's eyes were murderous, his fists were clenched and he was breathing ruggedly out of his nose. He was ready to explode, perhaps because his secret was just uncovered. Ginny grinned at how angry he must feel knowing he failed.
"It is not a plan Miss Weasley." McGonagall said sternly, she too was on her feet. "He was filtered through the Order by all the best Aurors before he was sent back here."
So the Order did know, it was odd, but something still wasn't adding up to her. There was no way she could accept this monster. Still glaring at him she shook her head in response to what McGonagall just said.
"Doesn't matter, they missed something, they could have easily missed something, he's good at lying, he tricked Dumbledore." She almost released a sob when she said Dumbledore's name. Ginny didn't know why she felt so emotional about him all of a sudden. Perhaps it was the knowledge of how someone as great as Dumbledore died because of a rotten, demonic snake.
"Miss Weasley…" McGonagall started.
"He's lying!" Ginny cried.
"Miss Weasley…"
"It's all a plan." She insisted.
"No it-"
Ginny cut off the Headmistress again by turning and shouting all of her frustration at her.
"HOW DO YOU KNOW?"
"BECAUSE VOLDEMORT KILLED HIS MOTHER!"
Silence fell over the office as everyone recollected on the seconds that just passed. Ginny felt her insides burning with anger and shock. Voldemort killed Draco's mother? Was there anyway in faking that? She glanced at Draco again whose eyes were closed. His fists were open now and rested at his sides, he wasn't stiff anymore, in a matter of seconds Draco became limp.
Professor McGonagall was gasping for air and holding tightly onto the edges of her desk. Ginny noticed that the old woman's knuckles were white and more strands of her dark hair were falling out of the hold.
She glanced around the room. The portraits hanging all over the walls showed former Headmasters and Mistresses wide awake and staring shockingly at the situation. Ginny's eyes fell upon a golden perch that was vacant, Fawkes, Dumbledore's pet Phoenix once stood upon there looking as excellent as Dumbledore once had. But now the remarkable bird has flown to find another master as amazing as he.
Looking back at Professor McGonagall, Ginny was stunned to find her looking weak. She was sitting back in the chair with the same tired look on her face.
"Miss Weasley." She addressed in a tired voice.
Ginny's attention surrounded the struggling Headmistress.
"Mister Malfoy and I have some matters to discuss. It is after school hours and you have a duty to watch the halls. Please excuse us and return to your house tower." She didn't look at Ginny as she spoke. That alone was worse then receiving one of her famous cold scowls.
Without a word Ginny turned on her heel and started for the door; she snatched up her wand and was about to reach for the handle before McGonagall's weak voice stopped her.
"Miss Weasley, I didn't expect you to apologize for your actions, but at least for Mister Malfoy's loss."
Ginny froze. She hesitated before turning back around her eyes immediately connecting with his. They seemed to be the only working part of his body; everything about him still seemed limp. He didn't look smug, just sort of like a person who was expecting something.
She took a deep well needed breath before slowly shaking her head. "Not until he apologizes for ours."
With that she reached for the door and slammed it shut behind her.
She wasn't surprised to find Angel already snoring in bed. The girl's self discipline to studying reminded her entirely of Hermione. Only Hermione wasn't as bad as Angel on the first day of lessons.
Ginny was relieved at this. She knew her appearance was disturbing and there was no way she wanted to talk about anything. Besides she didn't want to create a stir up about an attempted murderer being in the school.
Not having the courage to look at a mirror in fear she might frighten herself, she quickly grabbed up her school bag and nightgown and tiptoed out of the dormitory.
The hallways leading the fifth floor were always the creepiest. With statues and portraits of some of the scariest looking beings. Ginny tried to keep her head forward as she walked to her destination.
The door had no handle so she leaned in close and whispered, "Pine fresh."
In a quick motion the door flew open, Ginny stepped in, then the door snapped shut. Peering around the room in awe, she almost forgot about all the troubles that haunted her.
A beautiful bath the size of a swimming pool sat waiting for her, nice steam was rising from its bubbled surface. An extravagant chandelier lit with candles hung from the ceiling showering the room with dim comfort. The white marble the room was made out of shined like it was some sort of undiscovered treasure.
Ginny grinned to herself, she heard rumors about the beauty of the Prefect bathroom, but this was remarkable.
Not waiting another minute she anxiously pulled her uniform off her body and slipped into the bath. The water was perfect. She could feel the sweet scents sink into her body. As she tilted her head back to relax her vision focused on her schoolbag. The golden diary inside was shining gorgeously in the candlelight.
Ginny couldn't believe she forgot all about it. Leaning forward she grabbed the heavy book from her bag and admired it in the light some more. It was casting rainbow shimmers all over the white marble. An astonishing sight.
Flipping through the many pages, Ginny didn't know which entry to read. She wasn't able to read any of them since last night because she wasn't able to get alone. She could've taken it out when she was with Luna, there's no way that girl would've caught on, but the risk of anyone else seeing it was too high.
She thought about morning when she woke up and found the diary open in her trunk with the words 'the beginning' written on the first page. It seemed pretty clear to her. She flipped the pages all the way back to the front of the book and settled on the very first entry inscribed. There was no date, no names, just the uniqueness of the handwriting.
Dearest Diary
The first night went along well. I stayed up half the night with the girls discussing summer love. What a riot! Everyone had some sort of an adventure with a boy over the holiday break, well some better than others. We fell asleep when the tower bell struck four. I woke up wanting a carrot muffin and a warm cup of pumpkin juice, but when I saw him and his obnoxious friend causing a scene at the table in the Great Hall I decided to forget it. Now, I could curse myself for my stomach moaning of starvation. If only McGonagall would hurry with her lecture, there would be enough time to run back to the dormitory grab a pastry and be down in the dungeons in time for Potions. Oh how I hope he and his friend aren't in any of my classes this year, what rotten luck that would be. TWO ROLLS PARCHMENT ON METAMORPHUSIS! She's got to be kidding. I knew this year would be hard but two rolls of parchment on a subject we just learned today due tomorrow morning. How does she expect that to happen? Well I guess I won't be eating all day today. Hopefully that pastry goes a long way. Until the morning dearest.
Eternally Yours
Ginny stared at the page as long as she could without blinking. She tried to recollect her thoughts only to have them scatter again. The bath she soaked in all of a sudden felt cold and her fingers were so numb she thought she was going to drop the diary right into the water.
"…metamorphosis…two rolls of parchment…" She mumbled to herself as she read the entry again. Just like McGonagall assigned in the dream.
Of course Ginny's mind played mentor and tried all other possibilities to explain the situation, but none of them made sense. She knew this might sound crazy to anyone else but she wasn't anyone else. Strange things happened to her and she learned to accept that.
Ginny tried hard to swallow the huge lump that formed in her throat, but it didn't move. She sat frozen in the bath not able to move realizing that what happened in Transfiguration class this morning wasn't a dream; it was a flashback, and it wasn't hers.
TBC