Eighteen
Success was at hand; he could almost taste it.
Once he had gotten word of Severus's death, a slow, menacing smile crept upon his face. If he knew anything, that righteous Harry Potter would come rushing to him, wand blazing, and he'd run the little Mudblood right into the ground.
Voldemort cackled in glee.
He looked to his partner, yet his face wasn't nearly so gay. The shorter man scowled into his wine glass, twirling it idly in his hands.
"Why do you look so sore, Pettigrew? We are one step closer to complete domination!"
Pettigrew glared at him, then shook his head dejectedly. "It will not be so easy. They have something."
If Voldemort had eyes to roll, he would, but he groaned instead. "They have no way of knowing our plans! The mole has been obliterated! The last day of Hogwarts will be the first day of our dominion over the wizarding world!"
Pettigrew laughed, yet it held no humor. "Surely you cannot be so dim! Just because Snape is no longer a threat does not mean the Order—the reincarnates do not have an advantage! Haven't you wondered why no one has come to 'avenge' Snape's death?!"
Voldemort shrugged, sitting on his "throne." "No one liked the man, anyway! He was a wee bit surly, don't you think?"
Pettigrew lifted his glass to his lips, snorting briefly. "As if you're all rays of sunshine . . ." The glass exploded before he could take a proper sip, shards imbedding themselves in his lips and cheeks. Pettigrew sighed again, waving his hand across his face, and his injuries disappeared. "Aren't we too old to throw tantrums, Thanatos?"
A low rumble came from the other man, and he plopped his head in his hands, frowning at the floor. "Why must you take my sadistic glee away?"
Pettigrew circled his fingers around the broken glass until it reformed. He refilled it and took another sip, his eyes trained warningly upon Voldemort. "You haven't properly gained it nor secured it. Until Potter and the other reincarnates are dead, there will be no celebration.
Voldemort flung himself out of his chair and began pacing again. "Then why don't we just lure them out now? I and my followers are sick of waiting!"
Pettigrew narrowed his eyes, trying to send some common sense to the other. "We are trying to take over the world! It is no simple endeavor! If you can't get your mind off of revenge against Potter this mission will fail!"
Voldemort's red eyes twitched, but he returned to his seat, placing his head in his hands again. "Last day of Hogwarts, huh?"
A slow smile crept on Pettigrew's face, and he sat straighter in his chair. "The last day. . . that's so 'typical'. . . . three days before the last day."
Voldemort furrowed his eyebrows, then relaxed his face into a pleased expression. "Element of surprise . . ."
Pettigrew took another drink of his wine as he lifted his eyebrows, swishing it around in his mouth to enjoy the flavor, before swallowing. "Exactly. Perhaps there's hope for you yet, Voldie."
Voldemort gripped the arms of his throne, his lip curled and drool dribbling from his mouth. "And none for the Light!"
&&&&&&&
It was N.E.W.T.s time at Hogwarts, and the stress and sullenness of the past while became suffocating. There was a memorial for Professor Snape in the Great Hall a week after his passing, and surprisingly everyone was respectful and sorrowful. The Houses were all mixed together, a show of unity that rarely occured outside of the Hogwarts Express and Kings Cross Station. Ginny stood with Nia during the remembrance, hugging the younger girl's arm as tears silently fell down her cheeks. Those golden eyes, usually so full of light and a little bit of mischief, were as gray as Draco's that day, and as dead as the father she mourned. Draco stood with Dumbledore and the other faculty, since the Head Boy and Girl were a part of the service. Harry stood to Ginny's other side, his face giving away nothing as he took in the event in his silent, reticent way. He almost behaved in the same manner he did after Sirius's death, something that surprised Ginny greatly. Then again, one's soul mate tended to share the grief of the other, so perhaps Ginny shouldn't have been so surprised.
This explained why she was at the Head Boy's door so late at night, ironically, two hours shy of the clock's chime to signal her birthday. Ginny wasn't there for that, however; she wanted to make sure Draco was eating properly. . . getting enough rest. . . not plotting to get himself killed again . . .
No sooner had she lifted her fist to knock on the door did it open, and she took hesitant steps through the door. Draco was nowhere to be seen, but she heard the shower running behind the closed bathroom door. There were abandoned, open books and scattered papers on his desk, and a candle that was at its wick's end. Dirty plates and half-empty glasses decorated the feet of the desk, and his bed covers hung off the bed.
She sighed, pulling the cord by one of his bedposts to summon an elf. Ginny breathed a sigh of relief when it wasn't Dobby or Winky who came, and she told the creature to clear the dirty dishes from the room. She set to work making his bed non-magically, needing to keep herself occupied as she waited for Draco to come out the bathroom. She barely registered the house-elf's pop when it left, smoothing the wrinkles out the spread.
Ginny sat on the freshly made bed, bringing Draco's pillow to her nose and inhaling deeply. She loved his wintergreen scent, a calming aroma that she'd missed these past few weeks. Ginny closed her eyes, laying her cheek against the pillow as she hugged it tightly to her, hoping the wintergreen would immerse itself in her so she could have it when she left the room. . . when he left Hogwarts for good.
A shaft of light illuminated her as the bathroom door opened, yet she didn't change her posture. The bed sank as he sat upon it, and his hand smoothed down her hair. They stayed that way, neither speaking, just taking comfort in each other's presence.
After awhile he kissed her temple, nuzzling his nose against it. "Thank you, love."
She leaned into his caress and sighed. "How was your shower?"
He kissed her head again and chuckled a bit. "Lonely . . ."
A small smile appeared on her face and she looked at him, her bottom lip going between her teeth as she smoothed hair from his forehead. His skin was still damp and a little warm, and her brows furrowed. "How are you feeling?"
He exhaled slowly and stood, holding the ends of his towel at his waist as he went to his dresser. He rifled through the drawers, his back muscles tenser than necessary for such an action. She put the pillow on her lap and crossed her arms, glaring slightly at him.
"Draco—"
"I'm fine, Ginger," he interrupted, pulling out dark-green silk boxer shorts. He let the towel fall and Ginny blushed, averting her gaze as he dressed. Though they'd been intimate, she was still shy about blatant nudity between them.
"Draco," she tried again, fascinated by the drawer handle of his nightstand. "You are most certainly not fine! I came in here and this place was a mess! You hate messes!"
"Lot on my mind, love. Trying to do well on my N.E.W.T.s so I can leave this bloody school!"
Ginny focused on her breathing . . .in. . . out. . . in. . . out. . . he'd be out of Hogwarts in two weeks' time. He'd be vulnerable to all sorts of attacks, plots, dangers.
He'd be away from her, while she remained in said "bloody school".
"Would it really be so bad if you failed?" she asked in a small voice, frowning at the same snake-shaped silver handle.
Soft, Quidditch-roughened fingers touched her chin lightly, directing her head to their owner. Luminous gray eyes bored into hers, and she remained captivated even as he lowered himself on his knees before her.
"I'm not going to leave you, Ginger; just the school," he said in reassuring tones.
Ginny glanced at the handle, seeing the snake's tongue stick out briefly. "You cannot make that guarantee, Draco."
He squeezed her chin, and she looked back at him, his eyes harder than previously. "I can, and I will. You will not be rid of me so easily."
Ginny licked her lips and nodded, moving her eyes to his torso. He was certainly not as slim as he had been before; his body's definition outlined through the simple white T-shirt he wore. Though he would never be as broad as Ron, Draco's build still could intimidate. . . could still comfort her with its solidness and strength.
She peered at him, well aware of the tears in her eyes. "Don't leave me, Draco . . ."
Draco cupped her face, and the tears fell, greeting his thumbs as he wiped them away. He pressed his lips to her forehead, and she sobbed, burrowing her face in his chest. Ginny didn't think she could be as scared as she was that very moment. Draco was in even more danger now than before; surely Crabbe told the Dark Lord Draco wasn't as "dead" as he appeared during the battle all those months ago. Right now, the Dark Side held all the cards. . . all their lives in his hands. And though Ginny knew Draco was a very capable wizard and reincarnate, there were, in fact, no guarantees.
He pulled away from her briefly, sitting back on the bed then pulling her into his lap. She snuggled into him, her arms going around his neck and her ear resting against the space above his beating heart.
"Do you trust me, Ginny?" he whispered, his lips brushing against her hairline as he spoke.
Her fingers caressed the hairs at his nape and she nodded. "Completely."
"Then trust I will not leave you. I know you're afraid, but I will not be alone. I'll have the Order with me. . . Potter even . . ."
Ginny laughed a little, then sobered quickly. "But I won't be with you."
He leaned back, catching her eyes with his, and grinned a little. "You will. We've got the Link, remember?"
She nodded again, then kissed his lips softly. "I love you."
His lips met hers, applying brief pressure. "I love you too. . . Birthday Girl . . ."
Ginny rolled her eyes, glancing at the Grandfather clock in the corner. "Draco, it's only a quarter past eleven!"
"I'm early. So what? In forty-five minutes you'll be seventeen. . . and able to Apparate . . ." He waggled his eyebrows exaggeratedly and Ginny giggled, pinching his sides.
"I could probably Apparate now, love."
"True . . . but what fun will we have Apparating in and out of Hogsmeade for rendezvous!"
Ginny laughed again, kissing his lips. "I bet you won't be this happy when Nia turns sixteen and seventeen—"
"I won't allow it," Draco said quickly, sincerely.
Ginny laughed again. "You can't be serious!"
"Very, love."
Draco was so like her brothers it was ridiculous, but she kept that tidbit to herself. She didn't want to get into an argument with him. . . forty minutes before her birthday. In fact, she wanted to cuddle, so she did just that, wrapped her arms around him tightly so they could be with each other. There was nothing sexual in the embrace, nor was there the desire to make it so. She relished these moments with Draco, quiet moments without her brother or Harry or anyone else watching them like hawks to make sure they did, in fact, love each other and Draco hadn't brainwashed her and other such nonsense.
"Have I said how much I love you?" Ginny asked once she felt him kiss the top of her head.
"Once or twice, but I will admit I love the reminders."
"Good. . . expect them often."
They spent the rest of the night talking in soft tones and light touches, she falling asleep to Draco's dulcet tones as he spoke of nothing in particular. The morning came and she was reluctant to greet it, regardless if it was the anniversary of her birth. Draco felt so good in her arms, so comfortable, that Ginny would've been perfectly content to spend the day in them. But apparently her boyfriend had other plans, which began with a large breakfast in bed.
"I made it myself," he said proudly, looking at her with high expectations. Ginny's smile was pinched as she looked at the burnt toast and the ice-cold congealed porridge.
"Ah . . ."
"You're not hungry?"
"Watching my weight."
He frowned and put his hands on his hips. "Ginny you're perfect! There's no weight to watch!"
"You're making it awfully hard to be diplomatic, love."
Draco frowned again, then began to laugh. Ginny bit her lip, not knowing how to react to Draco's bizarre behavior, when suddenly the food transformed into beautiful, fluffy pancakes complete with peach topping and whipped cream, and a pitcher of warmed syrup to the side. Ginny glared at Draco, throwing a napkin in his direction.
"Prat!"
He blew her a kiss and joined her on the bed, accepting the forkfuls of food she fed him, pleased to see her so happy on her birthday. After they finished the meal, they shared a shower together (and a little more) before leaving his room to enjoy the pleasantly warm Saturday afternoon. They strolled around the lake, hand in hand, enjoying a rare, peaceful day, cherishing it, for they both knew these times would become rare in the near future. It was during this walk they spotted Harry, who was alone and looking pretty pathetic as he threw rocks into the lake, causing the Giant Squid to raise a tentacle in protest. Ginny sped up her walk to go to him, but Draco grasped her hand harder.
"Something's wrong—"
"And it has nothing to do with us," Draco finished, drawing her to his side. Ginny remained unconvinced. It was Nia's birthday, too; shouldn't Harry be with her at least? Where was Nia?
"I think something's wrong, Draco! Have you seen Nia all day?"
Draco frowned but didn't stop his stride. It wasn't until they were a few meters away that Ginny realized they were walking towards Harry. The dark-haired boy didn't look up as they approached, far too focused on making his rocks skip across the lake—quite unsuccessfully. Ginny kneeled beside Harry, concerned.
"What's up, Harry?"
He didn't respond; didn't even look at her as he continued to skip the rocks. Draco groaned and made the rest of the rocks disappear, earning a nasty glare from Harry. Draco shrugged, putting his hands in his trouser pockets while Ginny sat next to her housemate, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
"Where's Nia?"
Harry's jaw tightened and Ginny squeezed his shoulder. "She's somewhere, and I have no idea where. I haven't seen her since yesterday, and neither have Jamilah or Sirius. I've tried to Link with her, but she's refusing me, and the stairs won't go to The Room. I know it's her birthday and all, but her absence really has me worried."
"So now you're by the lake to sulk, is that it?" Draco said, worry and annoyance lacing his tone.
"Do you feel she's in danger?"
Harry shook his head. "It's been a difficult year for all of us, but particularly for her, I just want her to know I'm there."
"But not really, because you are here."
"Oh shut up, Malfoy!"
Ginny glared at her boyfriend, wondering why he was being more of a prat than usual. "Do you know where Nia is?"
"No, but I am unconcerned because I don't feel her distress. Perhaps she's with Dumbledore."
A very likely circumstance, and Ginny could feel the tension leave Harry's shoulders. "Then why wouldn't she just tell me that, then?"
"You two don't live in the same House, Potter."
"She could've owled."
"Oh stop playing the pacing father! She's only 3 years younger than you are, not thirty!"
Draco stopped, and Ginny's own apprehension lessened. She stood and went to the blond boy, linking her fingers through his. Wherever Nia was, Ginny had faith in her abilities to keep herself safe.
"We're going to go back to the castle now, okay? Want to join us?" Ginny asked, squeezing Draco's hand at his surprised grunt.
"No, I'll sit here for a few more. If I go back to Gryffindor Hermione'll corner me into studying N.E.W.T.s."
"Too bad Ron can't get away from that!" Ginny laughed, and even Harry cracked a smile.
"The Weasel signed his own death warrant when he married the Mu—I mean, Granger . . ."
Ginny gave Draco a pointed look that said "nice catch", but let him slide. It took time to unlearn things, after all. Draco grinned and pulled her closer to him, pressing a firm kiss on her forehead. Ginny completely forgave him after that.
"I'll see you, Harry," Ginny said after her body came back down from the sky. Draco smirked and nodded his goodbye, and the pair walked up the knoll to the castle. Once they reached the Entrance Hall, Ginny led them to the Great Hall, not wanting to go to Gryffindor nor to Slytherin, needing a neutral space for some reason. Draco frowned but followed, having no real reason to go anywhere himself. Upon entering the Great Hall, however, Ginny realized why her instincts told her to go there—
Nia was sitting at the Slytherin table, looking shell-shocked at the letter she held in her hands. Ginny and Draco glanced at each other before quickening their pace towards the younger girl.
"Nia?" Ginny called sitting in front of her. Draco sat beside Ginny, clasping his hands on the table.
Nia didn't answer, transfixed by the parchment in her hand. Draco reached for it slowly, giving Nia every opportunity to stop his progress, but Nia remained still. Draco placed the parchment between him and Ginny and they began to read it.
Dear Little One,
If all has happened as it should, this means Severus is no longer with you. Oh, Dear Heart, how I hate for you to be there without us, but it is necessary in the grand scheme of things. I know you cannot see this now, but perhaps when you are older you will understand. . . Oh Nia, honey, I write this letter to warn you—do not do anything rash. Do not go and try to fight Voldemort or Set. That will be the worst thing you could do, and will alert them to who you are. Everything happens for a reason, and while you are much stronger than you were the last time you received a letter from me, you are still not ready. It will take more than fighting skills and magical prowess to defeat the enemy, and unfortunately, you do not have that elusive quality yet. However, you are well on your way. Believe me when I say that.
However, your progress. . . it astounds even me. I know now that because of you, we will finally defeat Set! Between Grandpa Albus, Mama, your friends, the Order. . . I have every confidence you will succeed where the others have failed. This is why I urge you again, please do not do anything rash. Severus is fine; he will be fine, I promise you. If he could, he would still be there with you, guiding you, but as it often goes, the ones with the most on their shoulders usually do it alone. Nia, love, take heart; you will not be alone. We will always be with you, and we love you.
Speaking of love. . . it seems mine and Lily's dreams are coming into fruition. Harry Potter is a wonderful young man who loves you dearly. Please do not shut him out. Do not shut out your other friends, either. They love you so much, and while they cannot replace the love I or Severus can give you, they love you all the same, and when you get right down to it, love is all you need, Little One. This also applies to Angelina and Elle and Caleb. . . they are your family—your sister, cousin, and father in the most technical of terms. Allow them to be there for you. They love you dearly, NiNi, you loving them will not be seen as traitorous, darling. One can never have too much love.
My dear, precious Little One—not so little anymore now, fifteen years old and so very beautiful. I am so, so proud of you, and humbled by all you do. I know Aset would be proud as well. You carry such a heavy burden, but you shoulder the weight magnificently. I love you so, so very much, and I pray your life will be full of love and happiness.
Happy Birthday, my beautiful little girl.
With much love,
Mommy
Ginny felt Draco's finger touch her cheek, and he wiped away a tear she hadn't known she shed.
"How did you get that?" Draco asked softly.
"Grandma gave it to me. . . this mornin'. Said she's had it for years . . ."
Her mother wrote the letter as if she'd seen everything that's happened so far! Ginny said through the link.
Draco nodded and slid the parchment back to Nia. How heavy of a letter was that to receive on one's birthday?! And Draco was right; that letter didn't seem like it was written years ago, it seemed it was written yesterday!
"She's tellin' me not to fight. . . not to avenge my father's death. How can she ask me such a thing?!"
But it was the same thing the gods had said when Snape first died, and Ginny couldn't just ignore the warning any longer. Things had to be done exactly right or they could lose their chance to win the war.
"As much as you probably don't want to hear this," Draco began delicately, "I think I agree with what your mother had to say—"
"I will not sit idly by—"
"There are other uses for you outside of the battlefield, love, but trust me, the last thing we want to happen is to see you fall."
"But what about you? Harry? Everyone else? It's bad enough you're leavin' me in a few weeks! And Ginny leaves next year. . . I'll truly be alone then!"
So Nia felt the weight of change as well, that invisible pressure that became more oppressive as the weeks passed. Ginny had nothing on Nia, she only had a year without them, and she still had Nia with whom to commiserate. Nia could possibly have no one, either because people had all left or they had become causalties of the war. Ginny linked her arm with Draco's, needing some of his strength and guidance at her revelations.
Draco's face, however, was unyielding, a frown furrowing his features as he looked at Nia.
"You will never be alone, Nia, do you hear me? You can't; it's impossible."
Nia sucked her teeth and rolled her eyes. "Wasn't I alone before you came in here?"
"That's not what I mean. I don't know how your mother was able to write that letter years ago, but I will say, when one dies, there is a reflection pool where they can see everything that happens in the land of the living, at the very least where I went upon my death . . ." Ginny gripped Draco's arm harder, not wanting to be reminded of that dark time. "I'll bet Snape is there now, watching you, guiding you in ways you could never know, and so is your mother. . . and Potter's parents. You will not be alone, Little One. Though you cannot communicate with them in the manner you like, just know they've not left you and will not leave you."
Ginny almost felt Draco's speech was as much for her as it was for Nia, and she rested her head on his shoulder. She and Nia would be fine; they had to be.
The Great Hall's doors opened and Harry entered, his eyes immediately drawn to Nia. The younger girl glanced at him, then at the parchment, and frowned even more. Ginny knew what was going through Nia's mind even without having to Link to it. It was easy for Draco to say that, he being in the thick of the action, but as someone who had to watch her lover die and not able to do anything about it was a hard thing to experience. Draco, her mother, Snape, the gods—they were asking Nia to potentially watch them die and do nothing. She'd already done it twice—with Draco and Snape—but Harry. . . Harry may be the person who'll make her break rank and go on the battlefield. Merlin help them if something were to happen to Harry Potter.
The bespectacled boy sat down slowly next to her, clasping his hands on the table. Neither looked at the other, and Ginny was sure they were Linked. Suddenly Harry's hand slid across the table to hold hers, and a single tear fell from Nia's cheek. Harry used his other hand to catch the tear, and Nia hugged him tightly.
"Let's go, love," Draco whispered in her hair before kissing the top of her head. Ginny nodded, and allowed Draco to lead her out of the Hall and into the main corridor. Neither teen spoke as they went back to the dungeons, both full of thought. Ginny felt a big change was going to happen, and soon, and the Happy Birthday she was supposed to have had the shadow of doom right on its heels.
"You feel it, too, don't you?" Draco said after they'd got to his room. Ginny nodded and he came behind her, kneading the tension from her shoulders. "The final battle is certainly near."
"And we are not ready."
Draco kissed the back of her head and went to sit on his bed. Ginny remained standing, hands on her hips and brows furrowed. They would need everyone at their disposal to win this battle, but one of the most important people in the fight was sidelined because of age and. . . "inexperience." Ginny didn't fancy dragging this out over a long period of time, but it seemed Fate had another opinion.
"Why couldn't Nia be our age?" Ginny snapped.
Draco arched an eyebrow at her, and she couldn't tell if he were amused or incredulous. "What does that matter? She can help us without being on the field. She does have the Link, after all—"
"Yes, but—"
"And perhaps it's not time for her, yet. Something tells me this is not her battle, anyway."
"What?"
"I don't know. I just have a feeling."
Ginny sighed and sat next to Draco. A feeling. A hunch. That's all they really had to go on now, especially since Snape was no longer with them. Events had been leading up to this fight for years, but now that they were on the eve of it, Ginny felt suddenly unprepared, even lacking.
"We'll get through this, love, I promise," Draco said, hugging Ginny's shoulders.
"We better," Ginny said, snuggling into him. "I have great plans for us."
"Really. Like what?"
Ginny smiled when she felt him kiss her forehead, and she got even closer to him. "Well, we have to do like Ron and Hermione and get married—"
"No we don't. It's not absolutely necessary to have the entire Weasel clan at our nuptials."
Ginny pinched his side and giggled at his indignant yelp. "And then we get a place of our own. . . maybe in London or possibly the country, where we'll raise our own Quidditch team—"
"We Malfoys are only children. There will be no 'Quidditch team'—"
"But trying to start one will be so much fun, don't you think?"
Suddenly she was on her back, and Draco loomed above her. There was a glint in his eyes that made delicious pressure surge through her body. Ginny quirked an eyebrow before bringing his lips to hers, sighing into the kiss. Draco moaned, drawing her closer to him.
"So you want to start now?" he said when they pulled apart.
"I guess that wouldn't be fair," Ginny said with a small pout. "If I were to get pregnant, they'd have to spend an entire year with only you. I could never subject my child to such torment."
Draco blinked at her owlishly before tickling her with gusto. The pair thrashed around on the bed, the heaviness of the day temporarily forgotten. This was why they needed to win, so the only thing they had to worry about was too much tickling, or waking up too early from one's lover. And that Quidditch team Ginny wanted, they shouldn't have to worry about a Set or a Thanatos or any other force of evil. Her children would have the world she didn't, a world full of peace and prosperity and more happiness than they could shake a stick at, dammit.
Draco and Ginny's tickling settled into another snogfest, and Ginny wrapped her arms and legs around him.
"I'm never gonna let you go," she whispered against his mouth.
Draco's gray eyes were full of mirth and contentment. "Is that a promise?"
"Aye. I'll not rest until I get my Quidditch team."
Draco grinned, his hands sliding up her blouse onto the bare skin of her lower back. "Great minds think alike, don't they, love?"
"Mmm . . ." Ginny agreed with another kiss. At that moment, Ginny wasn't worried anymore. She had full confidence in their ability to win against the enemy. She may not know how or when, but Ginny knew they would succeed.
She had a Quidditch team to start, after all.
So Ginny ran the backs of her fingers along Draco's strong cheek even as she placed another kiss on his lips. The first kiss of thousands more. "Indeed they do."