There For You
Chapter 15: The Riddle House
Author's Note: Ok, someone (shortywithbrains) pointed out that they were surprised Hermione didn't suggest getting Dumbledore last chapter so I went back and added that in. I meant to before but forgot so it's in there now if anyone wants to read it. It's at the very end of the chapter so it isn't hard to find. Also, it's pointless complaining about the cliffhangers I do because I'm not stopping! These areas of the fic where they're in the Riddle House are just going to have to have cliffhangers! Get used to it! Telling me I'm evil and you hate cliffies does nothing! So, please just skip that part in reviews and tell me your opinion on the actual chapter content, not "I hate Cliffhangers!" Yeah, I already know. But, thanks for the reviews! I really loved them all! I updated fast too! I'm proud of myself because I haven't been able to post this quickly in awhile!
The trio landed in a heap on a hard, wooden floor. Harry spat out some dust and waited for Ron to get off his legs. They stood up slowly, taking in the large house around them. They were standing in the middle of a large living room. The furniture was covered with dust with the exception of areas where people must have sat. The floor also had a layer of dust but footprints made paths through it leading to the kitchen at the left, a hallway ahead of them, and a flight of stairs beside the hall. Spider webs filled every corner and Ron shrank slightly at the sight. There were no lights on but small candles sat on a coffee table beside them and a few burned on the kitchen table.
"Be ready," Harry said quietly, pulling out his wand. They other two did the same. Lights could be seen in a room upstairs and laughter rang in it. A voice said something they couldn't understand and terrible screaming erupted through the halls.
"Ginny!" Harry gasped. "That's her!" It was the same scream he had heard in his dream the night before. He ran as quietly as he could up the stairs with the other two following behind. They crept to the room and peered in the partially opened door. She had stopped screaming and Harry saw her lying on the floor in the fetal position, moaning and crying. Her arm was draped over her head and Death Eaters surrounded her, laughing and talking to each other. Lucius Malfoy stood closest to Ginny, his wand pointed down at her.
"Does that hurt? Not quite? Alright then," he said low and mockingly. "Crucio!" She screamed again, her body writhing uncontrollably and Harry almost burst through the door to her but Hermione grabbed his shirt quickly.
"Wait," she whispered and pulled him away from the door. They walked around the corner and huddled together.
"We can't just run in on a bunch of Death Eaters," Hermione said quietly. "We don't even know where V.You-Know-Who is," she finished. She didn't feel like she could say his name when they were in his house, probably very close to him. Harry nodded and glanced back at the door where Ginny had ceased shrieking. He didn't hear crying either and wondered what was happening.
"We need a plan," Ron said. "Like a distraction to get the Death Eaters out of the room." They nodded in agreement.
"Why don't Ron and I go downstairs and figure out something and when they leave the room, you can go in and get her. If anyone stays in there with her, you could stun them or something," Hermione suggested.
"Ok, that's good. Hey, take this," Harry said and pulled out a ball of almost transparent rope.
"What the hell is that?" Ron asked.
"Rope from the twins to trip Malfoy and stuff but I've never been able to do it. I keep some in my pocket though in case. Maybe you could tie it across the stairs and they'll fall down when they leave the room!"
"All right, we'll go tie it and make a noise to lure them away," Hermione said, pulling Ron down the staircase. As they descended, Harry crept back over to the door. Ginny had passed out by then and was breathing shallowly. Lucius had stepped back into the circle of Death Eaters and another that Harry recognized as MacNair, the executioner from third year, slowly walked to her.
"Too bad we can't have a bit of fun with her if you know what I mean," he said gruffly, crouching down beside her and pulling her shirt up a bit. "Be nice to put her to some good use." Harry balled his hands into fists.
"You can get girls anywhere," Lucius replied hatefully. "She isn't here for that. You touch her again and I won't hesitate to kill you. No one would miss your revolting face." MacNair glared at him but moved away from Ginny's body.
"Well, she's not awake anymore. What are we supposed to do now?"
"We're waiting for Potter! Now shut up! I don't want to hear another word out of you!" So they knew he was coming. He heard a creak down the hall and looked around sharply. He didn't see anyone but kept his ears open. A Death Eater Harry didn't recognize laughed loudly and Ginny stirred. Longing to touch her, he inched closer to the door.
*
Ron and Hermione went back to the living room.
"Ok," Hermione said. "Let's put a piece of rope in the middle of the stairs and close to the bottom." She pulled a long section of it and felt how strong it was. "This is some tough stuff." Ron took it from her and bit through it. She blinked.
"That works. Or we could have cut it with a wand," she said obviously. He shrugged. They cut another piece and tied them from banister to banister in the center and third to last stair.
"Now, a noise," Hermione said. Ron jogged over to the kitchen and began opening and closing the cupboards.
"That's not exactly loud," she said, feeling annoyed and worried. He scoffed at her.
"I know that! I'm looking for plates to smash! Here!" He pulled down a stack of glass dishes and set them on the long, dusty counter. "Should I drop them now?"
"Wait!" Hermione had just spotted Ginny's bracelet, still lying on the floor where they had arrived. "We can't just leave it there. It's our only way back to Hogwarts. Even if Harry gets Ginny and brings her down, how can we all get together to touch it?"
"Too bad we don't know how to make a portkey." Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Well, I've read about it and I know the spell but it's pretty advanced magic. I don't think I could do it yet."
"You can do a Protean Charm (from OotP, the D.A. coin thing). It's worth a try." She picked up a tattered book from a nearby bookshelf and took out her wand. She looked at it for a moment and said, "Portus." The book glowed blue and shook in her hand before lying still again. Ron grinned. "See?" Hermione beamed and pushed Ginny's bracelet to the wall with the book and laid it on the ground. She was about to get another when a loud voice spoke from upstairs.
"Come on, we need to drop them," Ron said anxiously. Hermione nodded and followed him back into the kitchen after setting the book back on the shelf.
"Ron," she said softly, taking his arm. He turned, looking down at her questioningly.
"This is the kind of situation I've been dreading." A few tears slid down her cheeks. "Just know that I love you."
"Hermione, don't speak like that," he said and held her hand. "Nothing's going to happen to us. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you."
"You can't make that sort of promise."
"Yes, I can. We're going to get out of here, all of us. Now let's go make some noise. Time to face them again."
"Ron, as they fall down the stairs, stun them. Some may be knocked out by the impact. Then bind their bodies. When they're all out, we can tie them up with the rest of the rope." He nodded and took the stack of plates over by the staircase.
"We can break them here and hide on the side while they run down. He picked up a plate in each hand. She followed suit and they raised the glass over their heads.
"On three. One, two, three!" Ron said and they let the plates smash to the floor. As each one left their hands, they picked up another and another until the stack was gone.
Harry heard a loud clatter of what sounded like glass below and a few Death Eaters cursed loudly. He ran around a corner as they walked to the door and left the room to see what had happened. Lucius was the first one out and Harry felt hatred surge through him. Once everyone had left, he tiptoed to the door and entered a small, bare room devoid of furniture. A light dimly shone overhead. Harry ran to Ginny and sat beside her on the floor. He took her in his arms and wiped her hair away from her face.
"Ginny," he said urgently. "Ginny, wake up! Please!" He rocked her back and forth, feeling his throat contract and tears form in his eyes. Her body was freezing. "Please, Ginny, I need you to wake up. Please," he sobbed. "I'm sorry for everything that's happened. I'm sorry for kissing Cho. I'm sorry you had to go through this. I'm sorry, Ginny, I'm so sorry. Ginny." His tears overflowed and dropped onto her pale face. He buried his face in her neck and shook her slightly. "Ginny, come back to me, please." He knew she was still alive by the small amount of breath he felt against his face but it wasn't much. He sobbed again and felt her head move. He sat up quickly and looked down into her face.
"Ginny? Ginny wake up, please wake up. It's Harry. I'm here, Ginny." Her eyes fluttered for a moment before opening. He exhaled in relief and caressed her face lovingly.
"Oh thank you, thank you so much." She stared at him but her eyes were unfocused.
"Harry?" she said meekly. She moaned in pain. "Harry. Harry, I hurt." She sounded so pitiful.
"I know," he choked. "I know, I'm so sorry." She tried to touch his cheek but couldn't do it and whimpered.
"You came. Why did you come, Harry?" Another pained whimper escaped her and he tried to hold her more comfortably.
"Why? Ginny, I love you. Of course I came." Her eyes were now in focus but she was having trouble keeping them open. He kissed her forehead and rubbed her cold arms.
"I'm so cold," she cried. He set her down gently and pulled off his robes. Even with his jumper on, he felt how cool the house was. He wrapped the robes around her body as carefully as he could but she moaned frequently.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "Is that better?" She nodded slightly. Harry remembered he had to figure out a way out of there. The only way was to carry her. He hoped Ron and Hermione were ok.
"Ok, we have to get out," he said softly. He slid one arm under her knees and the other around her upper back. She forced herself to wrap her arms around his neck. She could feel her last bit of strength ebbing away. He took a deep breath and pushed himself up to his feet. Her body was slipping a bit and he shifted her to a better hold.
"How can we get out, Harry? Where are the Death Eaters?" she whispered.
"It's ok, Ron and Hermione are taking care of them. We're going to get out. Don't worry about it. Just save your strength, ok? And stay awake; you have to stay awake for me. Can you do that?" She nodded and tightened her hold on his neck. He felt her shivering and wished he could warm her better.
"Ron came? And Hermione?"
"Yeah, they're downstairs." He walked toward the door but was forced back by a woman stepping into the room. Her face was no longer bony and pale like it had been the year before. He immediately recognized her as Bellatrix Lestrange, the woman he had met in the Department of Mysteries. Anger surged through him as he looked upon the person who had taken Sirius from him. She smirked evilly at him and stepped closer. He backed away with Ginny defensively.
"Well, if it isn't little Potter," she said cuttingly. "And he has his little girlfriend too. Ahhh." Ginny opened her eyes to look at the face of the austere voice.
"Get away from us!" he shouted at her. She laughed wickedly.
"I can leave but it won't get you out any faster. He is coming."
"Who? Voldemort? I've faced him before and I can face him again!" Despite the strength in his voice and conviction of his words, he truly hoped Voldemort wouldn't come. He also knew it was pointless to hope.
"But what about your little girly here? You're going to fight like that?" She shrieked with mirth. "You're a boy! You could never match The Dark Lord! With or without her!"
"Get out of my way!" He came forward and pushed past her. A dark figure came into view and Voldemort himself walked into the room. Harry's head felt like it would explode with the fire he felt surging through his scar. The pain was so intense, he easily could have fallen over but willed himself to fight it. He still had to keep hold of Ginny and passing out on Voldemort was the last thing he needed to do. He took deep breaths and groaned as his head throbbed uncomfortably. Ginny's body became heavier. She was falling asleep. He shifted her again and whispered, "No, Ginny, stay awake, stay with me." She moaned and he shook her slightly. Her eyes opened and she looked at the figure in the doorway. Her body froze in horror and he turned her so she couldn't see him anymore. Voldemort laughed.
"Hello, Harry Potter. I am pleased you have come."
*
Footsteps banged over Ron and Hermione's heads and they heard people running down the stairs. Shrieks and yells echoed through the room as they began to roll down and Ron and Hermione ran around to stun them. Lucius Malfoy saw them and hurriedly pulled out his wand, sending a stunning spell to Ron as he slid down but Ron dodged it. Malfoy leapt at Hermione, who was closer to him, taking her to the ground. She tried to get away but he took hold of her arms above her head, pressing them to the floor. As he lifted his wand, Ron leapt on him causing the pair to roll off of her. Another Death Eater aimed at Ron's back and Hermione called out his name. A jet of light sped toward Ron's back but he rolled onto his back making the spell hit Malfoy. Ron pushed him off and stood quickly. Hermione stunned the Death Eater as a short but strong-looking man ran toward her. She raced through the living room to the kitchen, dodging spells as she went. He kept a close distance as they ran and she pushed small, wooden chairs between them. He reached out to grab her when she slid under the table causing him to fall into it in enough time for her to stand and stun him. The moment he was hit, a hex hit her. She doubled over in pain. Ron's eyes widened and he threw an old lamp from a table beside him at the wizard, hitting him square in the face. The man fell backwards over the invisible rope and banged the back of his skull on a stair. When Ron released the lamp, he sent a spell to another Death Eater who was ready to curse Hermione's bent form. Finally, all had been knocked out and lay in various places on the floor and stairs. Ron rushed over to Hermione. She was holding her stomach tightly, her head on the dusty floor, and breathing rapidly.
"Hermione, what is it? What'd they do to you?" He took her arms and tried to pull her up. She shook her head and cried out.
"Wait, Ron, don't!" He searched her anxiously but couldn't find any marks on her body.
"Well, what is it?!"
"I don't know.oh.it hurts in my stomach. I don't know what it is."
"How does it hurt? Can't you even sit up?" The pain subsided and she lifted her head slowly.
"Are you alright?"
"It still hurts but not as bad," she answered. "It felt like.I don't know.being stabbed or like something was eating my insides. It's hard to explain."
"But it's gone now?"
"Well, not totally. I still feel it but not with the same intensity." He took her hands and helped her stand.
"Let's tie them up," she said. They rolled the bodies down the rest of the steps and bound the Death Eaters with the rope. She had to stop at times when the pain would increase again. He made to help her but she waved him off. When they were finished, they shoved the bodies to the side of the stairs to give Harry room to bring Ginny down. Ron made sure to give Lucius an extra kick as he moved him.
"So.what do we do now?" Ron asked as he took the rope off the middle of the stairs.
"Wait I suppose," she replied. He noticed she was shaking and wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm alright," she told him. They heard a shout above and looked to the top of the stairs.
"Should we go?" Ron asked uneasily.
"Probably." Holding hands, they quietly walked up the stairs and hid on the side of the door. They looked inside and saw Bellatrix talking to Harry as he held Ginny in his arms.
"It's her!" Hermione hissed. Ron covered her mouth and listened to their conversation. A moment later, they saw movement at the end of the hall and went around the corner.
"Oh my." Hermione clutched her chest as Lord Voldemort slowly glided down the corridor and into the room. Hermione looked at Ron with wide, frightened eyes and he gulped. Harry and Ginny were cornered.
Author's Note: Another cliffy, blah, blah, blah. I know, I'm mean, I'm evil, why would I do that, etc. Sorry for the sarcasm but I really don't feel bad doing it. I think I have a valid reason for stopping at the places I do. So, on a nicer note: Er, nevermind, I don't have anything happy or nice to report for future chapters. I don't want to give anything away so, until next chapter! I won't wait a month or anything before updating, promise!
Individuals:
Mione Weasley: Thank you very much! I updated quick, huh? Lol, I get mad when I wait so long too. And thanks, I try to make them creative but I don't always like this chapter.
Bballgirl02: I know, I'm sorry! And another cliffy!
Weasleypotter: Thanks, that's nice of you to say! I have a bit of action but not that much. I didn't have a huge Death Eater/R/H fight cuz I know I couldn't make a really good one since I don't know that many spells and stuff. Yeah, I suppose they were pretty civilized but it's only because I didn't want a huge scene between them to attract attention from teachers and Harry was in a hurry to find out about Ginny. Lol, I thought it'd be great for Ginny to get back at Cho. Even though she's mad at Harry, she loves him and knew Cho was flirting with him before. Glad you like where I took it. True, I seem very nice like that like I would never kill anyone. Don't let that make you think it couldn't happen. I can answer that question. It's not Ginny's point of view. It's sometimes Harry, sometimes R/H, and sometimes both. Lol.
Ron's Best Mate: I know, cliffhanger! Oh no! Lol. Thanks! I'll explain how Malfoy knew soon.
DistelMalfoy: Lol, that's ok. I understand. Sometimes it's hard keeping track. I don't want to get rid of you so now I expect a review for every chapter!!! Lol, just kidding. You don't have to review at all if you don't want to. Glad you're reading again though!
Loli-chick336: Thank you! Glad you liked the lines! I know, I know, cliffhangers are evil.
Sexy seeker: I know, I'm very evil but after reading this chapter, where else could I have cut it off? It would have sounded weird some where else. Thank you very much!
Goldfish r yummy: Thanks. Why the cliffhanger? Honestly, it was necessary. After reading this chapter, where else could I have cut it?
Hp/charmed obsessed: Interesting theory but nope, it was a portkey. Ginny is not at school. Do you go to mugglenet.com at all? I think you'd like the Quibbler column because you always come up with ideas that are very interesting.
Sweetale777: Thank you very, very much!!
Shortywithbrains: Thanks! And thank you for reminding me about Hermione. I honestly meant to put that in but forgot in my haste to finish the chapter. Thanks again!
Tom-Feltons-Hot: I know, I was excited! True, I did have a lot of fluff but I felt it still had a plot going though it truly has one now.
Line-from Denmark: Thank you very much! Yes, the worst definitely happened. And thank you! I'm glad you agree with me about the chapter end! Everyone keeps commenting on my evilness in making it a cliffy! It was the best spot for the end! I updated quick huh?
Magnolia Lane: Thank you so much! Yay! I can't wait for your story to start! Please, get it up soon!
KrisKG: Lol, I understand why you'd hate her but I made her do that for a reason. Thanks! Glad you liked it! Congratulations!
Becca202: Thank you very much! I will explain Malfoy's knowledge soon. I'm actually not sure if Harry will talk to Lavender about it. I'm not completely sure what's going to happen after the Voldy stuff is over either, lol. I've got a lot of complications going on in my head right now with the end part of the story. Anyway, thanks!
Cheese Diva: I love you so much! You always give me awesome, long reviews! Thank you very much, like times a thousand! Well, I guess he did technically help them out but not out of the kindness of his heart or anything. I'll talk about Malfoy (Draco) next chapter so you'll understand his involvement. And you never let me down with your reviews! Thank you again!
Penelope Richmond: Thanks! I know, I know, cliffies are bad, etc. Thanks again!
Bellalovesron: Thank you! Glad you liked it and my timing even though most people hate that I had a cliffy. I updated pretty quick, huh? Of course I'll keep e-mailing you! You have to too! Lol!
Miss prongs: Ok.why am I mean to you? Because of the cliffhanger?
David Ken: Lol, I'm definitely not the best one out there but thank you for the compliment anyway. That's really flattering! You're pretty damn good yourself! And I'm glad you liked the chapter! I really tried to make this one good too, hope I succeeded. I want you to update but I promise, I understand why you can't right now. Homework sucks and can really get in the way of updating. Thankfully, I haven't had much to do this week. So, just post when you can! I'll be waiting patiently and excitedly!
Chapter 15: The Riddle House
Author's Note: Ok, someone (shortywithbrains) pointed out that they were surprised Hermione didn't suggest getting Dumbledore last chapter so I went back and added that in. I meant to before but forgot so it's in there now if anyone wants to read it. It's at the very end of the chapter so it isn't hard to find. Also, it's pointless complaining about the cliffhangers I do because I'm not stopping! These areas of the fic where they're in the Riddle House are just going to have to have cliffhangers! Get used to it! Telling me I'm evil and you hate cliffies does nothing! So, please just skip that part in reviews and tell me your opinion on the actual chapter content, not "I hate Cliffhangers!" Yeah, I already know. But, thanks for the reviews! I really loved them all! I updated fast too! I'm proud of myself because I haven't been able to post this quickly in awhile!
The trio landed in a heap on a hard, wooden floor. Harry spat out some dust and waited for Ron to get off his legs. They stood up slowly, taking in the large house around them. They were standing in the middle of a large living room. The furniture was covered with dust with the exception of areas where people must have sat. The floor also had a layer of dust but footprints made paths through it leading to the kitchen at the left, a hallway ahead of them, and a flight of stairs beside the hall. Spider webs filled every corner and Ron shrank slightly at the sight. There were no lights on but small candles sat on a coffee table beside them and a few burned on the kitchen table.
"Be ready," Harry said quietly, pulling out his wand. They other two did the same. Lights could be seen in a room upstairs and laughter rang in it. A voice said something they couldn't understand and terrible screaming erupted through the halls.
"Ginny!" Harry gasped. "That's her!" It was the same scream he had heard in his dream the night before. He ran as quietly as he could up the stairs with the other two following behind. They crept to the room and peered in the partially opened door. She had stopped screaming and Harry saw her lying on the floor in the fetal position, moaning and crying. Her arm was draped over her head and Death Eaters surrounded her, laughing and talking to each other. Lucius Malfoy stood closest to Ginny, his wand pointed down at her.
"Does that hurt? Not quite? Alright then," he said low and mockingly. "Crucio!" She screamed again, her body writhing uncontrollably and Harry almost burst through the door to her but Hermione grabbed his shirt quickly.
"Wait," she whispered and pulled him away from the door. They walked around the corner and huddled together.
"We can't just run in on a bunch of Death Eaters," Hermione said quietly. "We don't even know where V.You-Know-Who is," she finished. She didn't feel like she could say his name when they were in his house, probably very close to him. Harry nodded and glanced back at the door where Ginny had ceased shrieking. He didn't hear crying either and wondered what was happening.
"We need a plan," Ron said. "Like a distraction to get the Death Eaters out of the room." They nodded in agreement.
"Why don't Ron and I go downstairs and figure out something and when they leave the room, you can go in and get her. If anyone stays in there with her, you could stun them or something," Hermione suggested.
"Ok, that's good. Hey, take this," Harry said and pulled out a ball of almost transparent rope.
"What the hell is that?" Ron asked.
"Rope from the twins to trip Malfoy and stuff but I've never been able to do it. I keep some in my pocket though in case. Maybe you could tie it across the stairs and they'll fall down when they leave the room!"
"All right, we'll go tie it and make a noise to lure them away," Hermione said, pulling Ron down the staircase. As they descended, Harry crept back over to the door. Ginny had passed out by then and was breathing shallowly. Lucius had stepped back into the circle of Death Eaters and another that Harry recognized as MacNair, the executioner from third year, slowly walked to her.
"Too bad we can't have a bit of fun with her if you know what I mean," he said gruffly, crouching down beside her and pulling her shirt up a bit. "Be nice to put her to some good use." Harry balled his hands into fists.
"You can get girls anywhere," Lucius replied hatefully. "She isn't here for that. You touch her again and I won't hesitate to kill you. No one would miss your revolting face." MacNair glared at him but moved away from Ginny's body.
"Well, she's not awake anymore. What are we supposed to do now?"
"We're waiting for Potter! Now shut up! I don't want to hear another word out of you!" So they knew he was coming. He heard a creak down the hall and looked around sharply. He didn't see anyone but kept his ears open. A Death Eater Harry didn't recognize laughed loudly and Ginny stirred. Longing to touch her, he inched closer to the door.
*
Ron and Hermione went back to the living room.
"Ok," Hermione said. "Let's put a piece of rope in the middle of the stairs and close to the bottom." She pulled a long section of it and felt how strong it was. "This is some tough stuff." Ron took it from her and bit through it. She blinked.
"That works. Or we could have cut it with a wand," she said obviously. He shrugged. They cut another piece and tied them from banister to banister in the center and third to last stair.
"Now, a noise," Hermione said. Ron jogged over to the kitchen and began opening and closing the cupboards.
"That's not exactly loud," she said, feeling annoyed and worried. He scoffed at her.
"I know that! I'm looking for plates to smash! Here!" He pulled down a stack of glass dishes and set them on the long, dusty counter. "Should I drop them now?"
"Wait!" Hermione had just spotted Ginny's bracelet, still lying on the floor where they had arrived. "We can't just leave it there. It's our only way back to Hogwarts. Even if Harry gets Ginny and brings her down, how can we all get together to touch it?"
"Too bad we don't know how to make a portkey." Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Well, I've read about it and I know the spell but it's pretty advanced magic. I don't think I could do it yet."
"You can do a Protean Charm (from OotP, the D.A. coin thing). It's worth a try." She picked up a tattered book from a nearby bookshelf and took out her wand. She looked at it for a moment and said, "Portus." The book glowed blue and shook in her hand before lying still again. Ron grinned. "See?" Hermione beamed and pushed Ginny's bracelet to the wall with the book and laid it on the ground. She was about to get another when a loud voice spoke from upstairs.
"Come on, we need to drop them," Ron said anxiously. Hermione nodded and followed him back into the kitchen after setting the book back on the shelf.
"Ron," she said softly, taking his arm. He turned, looking down at her questioningly.
"This is the kind of situation I've been dreading." A few tears slid down her cheeks. "Just know that I love you."
"Hermione, don't speak like that," he said and held her hand. "Nothing's going to happen to us. I promise I won't let anyone hurt you."
"You can't make that sort of promise."
"Yes, I can. We're going to get out of here, all of us. Now let's go make some noise. Time to face them again."
"Ron, as they fall down the stairs, stun them. Some may be knocked out by the impact. Then bind their bodies. When they're all out, we can tie them up with the rest of the rope." He nodded and took the stack of plates over by the staircase.
"We can break them here and hide on the side while they run down. He picked up a plate in each hand. She followed suit and they raised the glass over their heads.
"On three. One, two, three!" Ron said and they let the plates smash to the floor. As each one left their hands, they picked up another and another until the stack was gone.
Harry heard a loud clatter of what sounded like glass below and a few Death Eaters cursed loudly. He ran around a corner as they walked to the door and left the room to see what had happened. Lucius was the first one out and Harry felt hatred surge through him. Once everyone had left, he tiptoed to the door and entered a small, bare room devoid of furniture. A light dimly shone overhead. Harry ran to Ginny and sat beside her on the floor. He took her in his arms and wiped her hair away from her face.
"Ginny," he said urgently. "Ginny, wake up! Please!" He rocked her back and forth, feeling his throat contract and tears form in his eyes. Her body was freezing. "Please, Ginny, I need you to wake up. Please," he sobbed. "I'm sorry for everything that's happened. I'm sorry for kissing Cho. I'm sorry you had to go through this. I'm sorry, Ginny, I'm so sorry. Ginny." His tears overflowed and dropped onto her pale face. He buried his face in her neck and shook her slightly. "Ginny, come back to me, please." He knew she was still alive by the small amount of breath he felt against his face but it wasn't much. He sobbed again and felt her head move. He sat up quickly and looked down into her face.
"Ginny? Ginny wake up, please wake up. It's Harry. I'm here, Ginny." Her eyes fluttered for a moment before opening. He exhaled in relief and caressed her face lovingly.
"Oh thank you, thank you so much." She stared at him but her eyes were unfocused.
"Harry?" she said meekly. She moaned in pain. "Harry. Harry, I hurt." She sounded so pitiful.
"I know," he choked. "I know, I'm so sorry." She tried to touch his cheek but couldn't do it and whimpered.
"You came. Why did you come, Harry?" Another pained whimper escaped her and he tried to hold her more comfortably.
"Why? Ginny, I love you. Of course I came." Her eyes were now in focus but she was having trouble keeping them open. He kissed her forehead and rubbed her cold arms.
"I'm so cold," she cried. He set her down gently and pulled off his robes. Even with his jumper on, he felt how cool the house was. He wrapped the robes around her body as carefully as he could but she moaned frequently.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "Is that better?" She nodded slightly. Harry remembered he had to figure out a way out of there. The only way was to carry her. He hoped Ron and Hermione were ok.
"Ok, we have to get out," he said softly. He slid one arm under her knees and the other around her upper back. She forced herself to wrap her arms around his neck. She could feel her last bit of strength ebbing away. He took a deep breath and pushed himself up to his feet. Her body was slipping a bit and he shifted her to a better hold.
"How can we get out, Harry? Where are the Death Eaters?" she whispered.
"It's ok, Ron and Hermione are taking care of them. We're going to get out. Don't worry about it. Just save your strength, ok? And stay awake; you have to stay awake for me. Can you do that?" She nodded and tightened her hold on his neck. He felt her shivering and wished he could warm her better.
"Ron came? And Hermione?"
"Yeah, they're downstairs." He walked toward the door but was forced back by a woman stepping into the room. Her face was no longer bony and pale like it had been the year before. He immediately recognized her as Bellatrix Lestrange, the woman he had met in the Department of Mysteries. Anger surged through him as he looked upon the person who had taken Sirius from him. She smirked evilly at him and stepped closer. He backed away with Ginny defensively.
"Well, if it isn't little Potter," she said cuttingly. "And he has his little girlfriend too. Ahhh." Ginny opened her eyes to look at the face of the austere voice.
"Get away from us!" he shouted at her. She laughed wickedly.
"I can leave but it won't get you out any faster. He is coming."
"Who? Voldemort? I've faced him before and I can face him again!" Despite the strength in his voice and conviction of his words, he truly hoped Voldemort wouldn't come. He also knew it was pointless to hope.
"But what about your little girly here? You're going to fight like that?" She shrieked with mirth. "You're a boy! You could never match The Dark Lord! With or without her!"
"Get out of my way!" He came forward and pushed past her. A dark figure came into view and Voldemort himself walked into the room. Harry's head felt like it would explode with the fire he felt surging through his scar. The pain was so intense, he easily could have fallen over but willed himself to fight it. He still had to keep hold of Ginny and passing out on Voldemort was the last thing he needed to do. He took deep breaths and groaned as his head throbbed uncomfortably. Ginny's body became heavier. She was falling asleep. He shifted her again and whispered, "No, Ginny, stay awake, stay with me." She moaned and he shook her slightly. Her eyes opened and she looked at the figure in the doorway. Her body froze in horror and he turned her so she couldn't see him anymore. Voldemort laughed.
"Hello, Harry Potter. I am pleased you have come."
*
Footsteps banged over Ron and Hermione's heads and they heard people running down the stairs. Shrieks and yells echoed through the room as they began to roll down and Ron and Hermione ran around to stun them. Lucius Malfoy saw them and hurriedly pulled out his wand, sending a stunning spell to Ron as he slid down but Ron dodged it. Malfoy leapt at Hermione, who was closer to him, taking her to the ground. She tried to get away but he took hold of her arms above her head, pressing them to the floor. As he lifted his wand, Ron leapt on him causing the pair to roll off of her. Another Death Eater aimed at Ron's back and Hermione called out his name. A jet of light sped toward Ron's back but he rolled onto his back making the spell hit Malfoy. Ron pushed him off and stood quickly. Hermione stunned the Death Eater as a short but strong-looking man ran toward her. She raced through the living room to the kitchen, dodging spells as she went. He kept a close distance as they ran and she pushed small, wooden chairs between them. He reached out to grab her when she slid under the table causing him to fall into it in enough time for her to stand and stun him. The moment he was hit, a hex hit her. She doubled over in pain. Ron's eyes widened and he threw an old lamp from a table beside him at the wizard, hitting him square in the face. The man fell backwards over the invisible rope and banged the back of his skull on a stair. When Ron released the lamp, he sent a spell to another Death Eater who was ready to curse Hermione's bent form. Finally, all had been knocked out and lay in various places on the floor and stairs. Ron rushed over to Hermione. She was holding her stomach tightly, her head on the dusty floor, and breathing rapidly.
"Hermione, what is it? What'd they do to you?" He took her arms and tried to pull her up. She shook her head and cried out.
"Wait, Ron, don't!" He searched her anxiously but couldn't find any marks on her body.
"Well, what is it?!"
"I don't know.oh.it hurts in my stomach. I don't know what it is."
"How does it hurt? Can't you even sit up?" The pain subsided and she lifted her head slowly.
"Are you alright?"
"It still hurts but not as bad," she answered. "It felt like.I don't know.being stabbed or like something was eating my insides. It's hard to explain."
"But it's gone now?"
"Well, not totally. I still feel it but not with the same intensity." He took her hands and helped her stand.
"Let's tie them up," she said. They rolled the bodies down the rest of the steps and bound the Death Eaters with the rope. She had to stop at times when the pain would increase again. He made to help her but she waved him off. When they were finished, they shoved the bodies to the side of the stairs to give Harry room to bring Ginny down. Ron made sure to give Lucius an extra kick as he moved him.
"So.what do we do now?" Ron asked as he took the rope off the middle of the stairs.
"Wait I suppose," she replied. He noticed she was shaking and wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm alright," she told him. They heard a shout above and looked to the top of the stairs.
"Should we go?" Ron asked uneasily.
"Probably." Holding hands, they quietly walked up the stairs and hid on the side of the door. They looked inside and saw Bellatrix talking to Harry as he held Ginny in his arms.
"It's her!" Hermione hissed. Ron covered her mouth and listened to their conversation. A moment later, they saw movement at the end of the hall and went around the corner.
"Oh my." Hermione clutched her chest as Lord Voldemort slowly glided down the corridor and into the room. Hermione looked at Ron with wide, frightened eyes and he gulped. Harry and Ginny were cornered.
Author's Note: Another cliffy, blah, blah, blah. I know, I'm mean, I'm evil, why would I do that, etc. Sorry for the sarcasm but I really don't feel bad doing it. I think I have a valid reason for stopping at the places I do. So, on a nicer note: Er, nevermind, I don't have anything happy or nice to report for future chapters. I don't want to give anything away so, until next chapter! I won't wait a month or anything before updating, promise!
Individuals:
Mione Weasley: Thank you very much! I updated quick, huh? Lol, I get mad when I wait so long too. And thanks, I try to make them creative but I don't always like this chapter.
Bballgirl02: I know, I'm sorry! And another cliffy!
Weasleypotter: Thanks, that's nice of you to say! I have a bit of action but not that much. I didn't have a huge Death Eater/R/H fight cuz I know I couldn't make a really good one since I don't know that many spells and stuff. Yeah, I suppose they were pretty civilized but it's only because I didn't want a huge scene between them to attract attention from teachers and Harry was in a hurry to find out about Ginny. Lol, I thought it'd be great for Ginny to get back at Cho. Even though she's mad at Harry, she loves him and knew Cho was flirting with him before. Glad you like where I took it. True, I seem very nice like that like I would never kill anyone. Don't let that make you think it couldn't happen. I can answer that question. It's not Ginny's point of view. It's sometimes Harry, sometimes R/H, and sometimes both. Lol.
Ron's Best Mate: I know, cliffhanger! Oh no! Lol. Thanks! I'll explain how Malfoy knew soon.
DistelMalfoy: Lol, that's ok. I understand. Sometimes it's hard keeping track. I don't want to get rid of you so now I expect a review for every chapter!!! Lol, just kidding. You don't have to review at all if you don't want to. Glad you're reading again though!
Loli-chick336: Thank you! Glad you liked the lines! I know, I know, cliffhangers are evil.
Sexy seeker: I know, I'm very evil but after reading this chapter, where else could I have cut it off? It would have sounded weird some where else. Thank you very much!
Goldfish r yummy: Thanks. Why the cliffhanger? Honestly, it was necessary. After reading this chapter, where else could I have cut it?
Hp/charmed obsessed: Interesting theory but nope, it was a portkey. Ginny is not at school. Do you go to mugglenet.com at all? I think you'd like the Quibbler column because you always come up with ideas that are very interesting.
Sweetale777: Thank you very, very much!!
Shortywithbrains: Thanks! And thank you for reminding me about Hermione. I honestly meant to put that in but forgot in my haste to finish the chapter. Thanks again!
Tom-Feltons-Hot: I know, I was excited! True, I did have a lot of fluff but I felt it still had a plot going though it truly has one now.
Line-from Denmark: Thank you very much! Yes, the worst definitely happened. And thank you! I'm glad you agree with me about the chapter end! Everyone keeps commenting on my evilness in making it a cliffy! It was the best spot for the end! I updated quick huh?
Magnolia Lane: Thank you so much! Yay! I can't wait for your story to start! Please, get it up soon!
KrisKG: Lol, I understand why you'd hate her but I made her do that for a reason. Thanks! Glad you liked it! Congratulations!
Becca202: Thank you very much! I will explain Malfoy's knowledge soon. I'm actually not sure if Harry will talk to Lavender about it. I'm not completely sure what's going to happen after the Voldy stuff is over either, lol. I've got a lot of complications going on in my head right now with the end part of the story. Anyway, thanks!
Cheese Diva: I love you so much! You always give me awesome, long reviews! Thank you very much, like times a thousand! Well, I guess he did technically help them out but not out of the kindness of his heart or anything. I'll talk about Malfoy (Draco) next chapter so you'll understand his involvement. And you never let me down with your reviews! Thank you again!
Penelope Richmond: Thanks! I know, I know, cliffies are bad, etc. Thanks again!
Bellalovesron: Thank you! Glad you liked it and my timing even though most people hate that I had a cliffy. I updated pretty quick, huh? Of course I'll keep e-mailing you! You have to too! Lol!
Miss prongs: Ok.why am I mean to you? Because of the cliffhanger?
David Ken: Lol, I'm definitely not the best one out there but thank you for the compliment anyway. That's really flattering! You're pretty damn good yourself! And I'm glad you liked the chapter! I really tried to make this one good too, hope I succeeded. I want you to update but I promise, I understand why you can't right now. Homework sucks and can really get in the way of updating. Thankfully, I haven't had much to do this week. So, just post when you can! I'll be waiting patiently and excitedly!