This one's for Annie and Liz, who are two wonderful friends.

Disclaimer- Yeah, I wish

Monuments and Melodies

Chapter Eleven- Changed

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She had never been so cold.

The sudden numbness was pouring over her as footsteps echoed in the dark corridor. She could hear everything- the moans of the captives, Severus's breath beside her, her own heart beat slowing.

Ginny had never been so cold, and for the first time in so long, she was happy. This was punishment. This was justice. This was right.

But it would not last forever, and that could only distress her more.

Ginny now wore Severus's dark cloak once more, the heavy hood shrouding her distinct hair. The fabric reached the ground, even as she stood tall, whispering a tell tale to the dirty concrete floor. Severus walked beside her, paler than she had ever seen him. The ministry official in front looked sick.

But what could one expect? One might say they were already in hell- Azkaban.

"Here we are," the Ministry worker said, stopping shortly in front of a lonely cell. Ginny peered through the red bars- colored from rust or from blood she did not know. Alone in the corner hunched a boy- no, a man, hair red as his prison, falling greasy over his gaunt face. His limbs were willowing and fragile, skinner than she had ever seen him. She took in a sharp breath, "Percy…"

She must have looked straight through the ministry worker, still staring at her brother- for suddenly the gate was open, and she could feel Severus's grip tight around her arm. Dazed, alarmed, not able to comprehend, mist rose in her eyes as she looked upon the figure that might have been her brother.

It couldn't be him- this shell, this frame could not be determined, stubborn, passionate Percy- this could not be her favourite brother- the responsible one who always gave her enough space, who always knew when something was wrong, who had always promised to take care of her. No, please, please, it could not be him!

But it most definitely was.

"Percy," she choked, praying to Merlin that he would recognize her voice, that he would only respond. A hand gesture, a look- that was all she needed. She knelt down, searching his eyes, begging him to comply.

He just stared into space.

"Percy, please," she whispered, grabbing onto his shoulders, her fingers digging deep. More tears fell at his silence. She shook him, beginning to sob, "Percy please, please wake up!" she shook him again and choking, crying though she knew it was useless. It was all useless. Crying would do nothing to save him now. Crying would do nothing to save him from something worse than death.

This should have been her.

It was no use. Realizing this like a spout of cold water, she stopped. Instead of shaking, her arms found their way around him instead. She wailed into his shoulder as the two rocked back and forth. Still he did not respond.

She had never felt so cold.

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It seemed that the kitchen table had become a common meeting place for them- Ginny and Severus. It was early on a Tuesday when she came down the steps, bright and blushed in a stiff floral dress. Severus was already sipping dark tea with a book open in front of him. It was the first time he had seen her since he dragged her back from Azkaban, sobbing into his shoulder.

It had taken everything he had not to sob with her.

She looked pretty today, as he realized she normally did. He had expected to find the frame of a girl, more broken than her brother, but today she was alive. He was glad.

"Good morning," she said, giving him a soft smile. She walked over to the stove, picking up the teapot.

"Good morning, Miss Weasley," Severus replied politely. He thought to turn back to his reading, but continued instead, "How are you?"

"Oh, I'm well," she said, tossing the glance over her shoulder, "You?"

"Very well, thank you." He felt like he should have said more, but could think of nothing else worth vocalizing. Severus had never been talented in social situations much less one on one conversations. Yes, it was much better that he turn back to his book and not distress over silly things like small talk.

It seemed Ginny felt otherwise.

"I wanted to thank you," she said, coming to sit across from him, tea in hand, "For taking me there. I know it was not an easy trip for you."

"It was no trouble."

"But it was. I was a mess. I've been a mess. And you've shown me nothing but kindness."

Kindness? He did not seem to recall.

"I would hardly call my actions kindness, Miss Weasley. A bit of logical advice perhaps-"

"You could have revealed my position, but you did not. Only a man of mercy would make that decision."

Severus looked at her a moment, "You would have had me tell," he said, "I know you are not happy."

"But perhaps, I will be," she gave a sad, tight-lipped smile- the smile she seemed to save just for him, "in time. You've given me another chance. For that, I must thank you."

Severus shook his head. No, she was wrong, so very wrong.

"No, Virginia, you've given me another chance." He was almost surprised at her own words, but did not show it. It was the first time, Severus thought, he had not called her by her surname. She seemed surprised as well, but pleasantly.

"Perhaps," Ginny mused, "we have given each other a chance."

Severus looked down into his murky, simmering tea, trying to hide the very, very light smile about to grace his lips. Suddenly, he felt her hand on his and dark eyes flew to the contact. Ginny was looking at him hard, brown meeting black.

"After all that we've shared in these past few weeks," she said softly, "I do not know if I could still think of you as my teacher. I would like to call you my friend."

Severus was taken back. This girl, this student- no, not a student- a woman. He could not think of this strong, beautiful creature as his pupil any longer. He had seen to much, knew too much. Though young in body, she was old in heart. No longer could he resent her, a plague on his existence like all other Weasleys and Gryffindors combined.

He never had many friends and he couldn't say he remembered her to have many either. Perhaps that is why they both so easily succumbed to the Dark Lord's side, begging for companionship and equality. Perhaps that is why, in some twisted way, they understood one another.

Perhaps that is why he would like her to call him a friend as well.

Finally, he spoke, "Call me Severus, Virginia."

The potions master would not call her by her pet name, not now at least. He would like to think he had more dignity than that.

The red head gave him a smile brighter than he had seen from anyone in a long while, "It would be my pleasure… Severus."

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"I honestly don't believe you are up to this," said Severus cautiously from his place at the table. Just recently, the red headed woman had disappeared into the pantry and the noises emitting it did not sound entirely pleasant.

"I honestly don't believe I asked you," he heard through the closet. Severus shook his head. When that woman put her mind to something, nothing could sway her from it. Ginny was, in many respects, like her mother. But Severus knew there was another sort of Weasley gene represented in this girl- one he had not seen before.

Two weeks had passed since that day in the kitchen when the topic of their relationship first took off. Still, they remained on hesitant terms and Severus, as it seemed he always would, felt awkward around her. Of course, she was the only thing standing at the end of the storm, and when he remembered that, it became a bit more comfortable.

Now, as defined friends, they spoke more often as friends will do and Severus no longer felt so lonely. He would like to think he kept good company and she no longer felt lonely as well- of course, he would never know.

Ginny didn't keep to her room anymore- at least not when Severus was home. She was there every night when Severus came back from the Grounds, busying herself in the parlor or kitchen. She would come out as soon as the door swung open, one of those tight-lipped smiles gracing her face. They would go to the kitchen together and he would make tea.

Sometimes they would talk, sometimes they wouldn't, sometimes they would sit in silence and drink their tea, and other times he would speak to her of the horrors he was seeing- the death, the devastation, the destruction. And she would listen with dark eyes, distressed and distraught at what she was hearing. Severus has seen too much fake pity in his life- too much false sympathy, but to look on her, worry and anxiety genuine, was a relief. It was the relief he looked for every night.

He began to notice how well she was looking, her cheeks turning red and rosy, hair waving with shine, new weight upon her frail bones- and there was a light- a soft light flickering in her cinnamon eyes. Yes, Ginny was getting better and Severus was glad.

She came out of the pantry, balancing a frying pan and a dozen eggs in her arms. Severus stood up, his teacher instincts kicking in.

"Don't be absurd," she sniffed, "I've got it." And she did, traveling to the counter with an almost careless grace he could never possess. Ginny set the frying pan on the stove, muttering a heat spell and she spread butter on its iron floor. Once again, she fluttered to the pantry, this time exiting with a pitcher of milk and a thin metal bowl.

Cracking an egg, she poured the gooey liquid yolk into the bowl, adding milk and mixing it with an old whisk.

"Eggs?" Severus questioned. She threw a look behind at him, the hint of a smirk dangling on her lips.

"You'll see." She took a slice of bread and dropped it into the mixture, drenching the grain. She shook it out a bit before plopping the soaking square on the grill. There was a sizzle.

"French toast?"

Ginny looked over her shoulder, giving him the greatest grin she could muster. Severus raised an eyebrow, "I thought we were making a proper meal."

The red head gave him a scowl, "Is French toast beneath your noble stature?"

"Not in the least bit. Forgive me, I assumed something a bit heartier."

Ginny snorted, "Next time I'll be sure to make you a steak." She turned back.

The Potions master gave a bitter smirk, "French toast is fine enough."

The two fell into silence, Severus turning to the text he had kept beside him, and Ginny pushing toast with her spatula. The sizzling aroma filled the room.

"It's ready," the red head said eventually, plopping a plate in front of Severus. He had been too caught in his book to realize that she had finished, and had added a batch of scrambled eggs to the meal- from the mixture, no doubt.

"Thank you," he said, pushing his book aside. Ginny moved back to the pantry.

"Do you like your syrup hot or cold?"

"Hot, if it's not too much trouble."

Ginny smiled back at him, "No, not at all. I always heat it up myself." She puttered around a moment before returning with a small creamer. She placed it down on the table, and sat opposite him, beginning to cut her own bread. Severus poured some of the gold- brown paste, swirling a square of toast within it. He took a bite.

"It's very good," he commented. Ginny looked up from her own meal and smiled.

"Thank you."

Quiet crept over them once more, only accompanied by the scratching silver on china. Severus has not lied. It was good. Probably better because it was the first meal he remembered that someone cooked just for him. Of course, that was absurd. He knew he was being absurd. But Virginia had made it just for the two of them and no one had done that before.

He hadn't lied. It was good.

"Albus stopped by today," Ginny said, not looking from her plate. Severus thought it was odd to hear her call the Headmaster by his first name.

"Did he?"

She nodded, "He wants me to come to the Grounds and give my input on the construction- for the Infirmary and such."

"I had forgotten how far the team had progressed. The dungeons are finished, and the lower levels are nearly completed, and it has only been a few weeks."

"Are the facilities to your liking?" Ginny asked. Severus paused a moment.

"They are in the dungeons, as they have always been. This does not upset me, but it certainly brings no satisfaction."

"Do you mind staying in the dungeons?" She looked at him curiously.

"I don't mind it," he admitted, "I suppose I'm used to it after so many years, I dwelt there as a student and then as a teacher. It wasn't bad, but it was never good either. I feel neutral to the whole situation."

Ginny remained quiet a second, looking down at her plate, "I don't think I would be able to live like that."

"Maybe that is why you were sorted into Gryffindor." She had nothing to say to this, "It takes a ripened soul to dwell beneath the halls of Hogwarts, though this is not how it always seemed. Life was never easy in the Slytherin dungeons."

Ginny frowned, "They certainly made it seem easy."

Severus shrugged, "Perhaps it was a defense… You speak of young Mr. Malfoy, do you not?"

"I do."

"Draco had a harder life than many would ever imagine. I would think you could have picked up on that from his work within the Order."

"He still acts entitled."

"Draco will always act that way. It is in his nature. But he was never spoiled- well, not spoiled the way you were."

Ginny furrowed her brow, "I was never spoiled."

"Spoiled with love- Draco never even knew the word."

"But his father-"

"Was a cruel vindictive man," Severus finished, "Draco was never rewarded for his accomplishments- only his father's expectations. Did you know Draco was the best Charms student I had ever seen?"

Ginny shook her head, "No, I always thought Hermione-"

"Exam scores and grades are not the way to judge a student's ability. Miss Granger may have scored higher, but she would never have the natural ability with a wand Draco seemed to possess. His mother's grace and his father's passion combined to create a boy who could weave a spell better than any wizard of his age. He could have been great- he still could be great, if only he was encouraged. But Lucius seemed to believe the only things that mattered were hexes and curses."

"He will teach Charms at Hogwarts."

"Yes," said the Potions master, "And it is probably the most fulfilling thing he will ever do."

Ginny looked down again, "I never knew."

"Many people don't. Many people would never ask."

Silence.

"They say you want the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts," Ginny broke in.

Severus looked at her a moment, "I did for a time, but Potions suits me better."

"Which do you prefer?"

"Potions- by far," he said, "You feel in control when you are brewing a potion. There is no worry, no pain. Everything is timed and precise. You don't have to take things into account like who is around the next corner and what hex would be best used against them… It's calming. It's art- in a way."

"Then why did you want Defense Against the Dark Arts? Why not keep your place as Potions master?"

Severus looked at her a moment, almost searching her eyes for the answer, "I felt it my duty," he started off slowly, "to prepare the students for what was to come."

Ginny frowned, looking sullen, "I do not believe anything could have prepared us."

Severus nodded, knowing the truth it held, "I have many regrets now." She was looking away, "I could have saved you."

"What?"

"I saw what you were becoming. You were on the same path as I once was- alone, isolated, thought to be weird- unusual. It was the same for me."

Her eyes met his, "I was accepted."

"As was I."

"He promised to give me power. He promised to help me- to make them understand. I was going to show them all," she said, her voice cracking, "I would be beautiful and clever and smart. They would be jealous."

"Were they?"

"They didn't live long enough to be jealous." Mist was brewing in her eyes.

Severus found his head shaking once more, "They never did."

A tear ran down her cheek, "I wanted her to live long enough. She's still alive."

"Who?"

"Hermione."

Black eyes looked dull and neutral to a situation that would have horrified most, "It was you. You tortured her."

"I meant to kill her too." More tears plucked down her paling cheeks.

He understood.

"But she always had the upper hand," Ginny shook, trying not to cry, "She was always one step ahead. She was always better."

Severus's thoughts drifted to James Potter. Yes, he understood.

"Even now, locked away in that- that nuthouse, she's better than me!" she sobbed, "Because even if she is insane, and even if she is mad- she will always be the better person!"

She reached a pale hand to her mouth, trying to bite off her crying. She stood up quickly and made a move to grab her plate, "Excuse me," she choked, trying to get out as fast as possible, but Severus was on his toes. He went around the table, taking her by the arm. She swung into him, her nose finding a crook between his arm and shoulder. He could feel her sobbing against him and for a moment, had no idea what to do. Slowly, but surely, he wrapped his arms around her, smoothing down the red hair. Her hands stayed on his chest, ringing in his robes.

She seemed so small and frail tucked under his chin, so unlike the strong woman she had shown herself to be. In too many ways, she was like him. In too many ways, he understood her pain. In too many ways, he was beginning to care.

His old self would have pushed her away, insulted her, yelled. But he could not do that now. He had changed. Everyone had changed. And it was the war that had done it.

He could have stepped back, but as a changed man, he only held her tighter. Regardless of who he was and who she was, Severus Snape was letting Virginia Weasley creep into his heart.

Something that was entirely unheard of.

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A/N- I have to thank all my glorious, glorious reviewers for doing their thing- reviewing! It puts this dumb smile on my face whenever I get a new word from you guys. I'm an addict!

Thank you all for your kind words as well. Everything is good now so writing should be back at a normal pace. It was a real cheer up to hear you guys' words of sympathy.

Kelli ox- I don't think I have ever been more flattered. Your review was so motivating and made me really think about this next chapter. Thank you so much!

Terra Rose- Thank you so much! I always felt that there was so much more to Ginny that Rowling was letting on and decided to take that idea for a spin with this story. Yes, it does seem like Harry is a bit off? But like you said I really felt like the war changed everyone, and I was trying to take some of the attitude he showed in OotP to new heights. You'll understand more about his new role later on, I daresay… Gah, spelling errors… I'm afraid I gave up on finding a beta for this one. Everybody is too afraid of the ship!

Thank you all soooooooo soooooo sooooo much once again! I WUV you guys! Please give me your input- what you like, what you hate, so on so forth. I love some good opinions!

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE REVIEW!