Warning: This chapter contains some content not suitable for people under sixteen.
The Midnight Hour
CHAPTER SIXTEEN: No One Else
Her eyes fluttered open and were met with darkness and a vague figure leaning over her. A hand came down to caress her face softly, and a calming hush was cooed. She squinted through the darkness.
"Severus?" She whispered, the hand on her cheek froze.
"What?" Came a familiar voice. The lamp on her bedside table switched on and light stung her eyes, she peered through the brightness to see Harry Potter looking down at her questioningly.
Ginny froze as her chocolate eyes met emerald. Harry continued to look at her, and she felt as though she had to answer him soon before he got any ideas. Her head pounded as she tried to find a solution, but her brain wouldn't allow her to.
"Harry…" she croaked "I…." He put a finger to her lips and smiled sympathetically.
"It's okay Ginny." He whispered "Professor Snape carried you up here. But I am with you now." He placed a hand lovingly on her shoulder and she tried to sit up, only to fall back on her pillow helplessly.
"What happened?" She muttered Harry smiled at her.
"Macintyre and Petrovic hit you and you fell off your broom. You fell a good distance too. I am surprised you look as good as you do. But, then again, you always look good." He said with a laugh, Ginny frowned.
"Snape carried me?" She asked, Harry nodded.
"Sorry, I was about to pick you up but he pushed me out of the way." Harry spat bitterly. Ginny's heart skipped a beat as she imagined Severus carrying her through the castle.
"S'ok…. The game?" She asked, Harry grinned and lifted the quidditch trophy from beside the bed, Ginny managed a smile.
"I caught the snitch from under Malfoy's nose. That bastard never learns. We won two hundred and sixty to forty." Ginny laughed "Ovell and Robins played a mean game after your fall." Harry grinned, pleased.
"How long have I been asleep?" she asked, Harry smiled and brushed her cheek
"Two days." He told her, she tried to furrow her eyebrows, but it hurt too much.
"Ron has already tried to murder Macintyre and Petrovic." Harry laughed.
"You helped." Hazel said as she walked up behind Harry, Ginny smiled at her friend.
"Harry, Pomfrey says you need to get some sleep." Hazel said, Harry nodded and left slowly, Hazel took his seat.
"How long has he been here?" Ginny asked Hazel shrugged.
"I don't know exactly, but every time I have come in he has been here." Hazel laughed. "He like you heaps." Ginny decided not to grace that comment with an answer.
"Severus?" She asked, Hazel gagged.
"Snape, you mean?" Hazel laughed "I haven't seen him here, but I know he brought you up here. He pushed Harry out of the way to get to you. He looked angrier than he did that time in third year when you set his robes on fire by accident." Ginny gave her friend an awkward smile as Hazel leant closer to her. "Really Ginny, I don't think he could risk coming here too often, think about how suspicious it would look. And him carrying you up here was bad enough, a few people have even commented on it." Hazel rubbed her friends arm and Ginny looked away. Madam Pomfrey bustled over and took out her wand, casting numerous spells and checking Ginny's temperature.
"How are you feeling dear?" Madam Pomfrey asked, Ginny shrugged.
"Eh. Alright." She replied, Madam Pomfrey smiled at her.
"It is lucky Professor Snape got you up here as quickly as you did." She told her "You should be right to return to classes in a few days." Ginny nodded and the medi-witch walked over to another patient.
"Ron and Harry were so pissed off after the match, Gin." Hazel laughed "They were about to murder Malfoy - and the rest of the Slytherin team, but McGonagall stepped in and told them not to lower themselves." Ginny laughed.
"Have you seen them around lately?" Ginny asked, telling herself that she would plan her revenge when she felt better.
"I think Snape suspended Macintyre and Petrovic, well, at least that it what people are saying. A lot of people are surprised that he got so angry. And apparently, after the game, he went into the change room and told them off. I think that he pretended it was because of house reputation." Hazel said, Ginny nodded and yawned, a searing pain shot through her jaw and she brought her hand up to rub it. "It was broken, as well as some of your ribs and you had a concussion as well. Not the mention the shiners all over you!" Hazel grinned.
Ginny looked around the room, there was only one other person there with her, and by the looks of it they were only faking sickness. After five minutes Madam Pomfrey walked back over to Ginny and Hazel and told Hazel to go to her dormitory and let Ginny get some rest.
"Hazel, are you coming back tomorrow?" Ginny asked, Hazel nodded. "When you do can you please bring me a book to read and the silver compact container in the bottom of my trunk?"
"Make-up Ginny?" Hazel rolled her eyes before turning and leaving the room.
Madam Pomfrey put out the light on Ginny's table and walked away, drawing the curtains around her bed. Ginny turned her head to the side and closed her eyes drifting into a peaceful sleep.
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Ginny smiled stirred in her sleep when she felt someone clasp her hand. She opened her eyes slowly and looked around. She couldn't see anyone and but knew for a fact that something had a hold of her hand.
"Who is there?" she whispered, a finger was put against her lips.
"Harry?" She whispered.
"What?" She heard Severus' voice and silently cursed herself.
"Harry came by earlier tonight and did the exact same thing. Sorry." She squinted through the darkness hoping to see Severus. "Where are you?" She whispered.
"Next to the bed." He replied softly, she smiled.
"Why can't I see you?" She inquired. Severus gave a quiet laugh.
"I am under the effect of an invisibility potion." He explained caressing her face carefully; she managed a smile.
"Thankyou for bringing me here."
"No problem, my love." He hissed, she could tell his face was inches from hers. After a few charged seconds his invisible lips collided with hers and they kissed passionately. When he pulled away from her she smiled.
"It is interesting kissing an invisible man." She giggled; he smoothed her hair down and kissed her forehead.
"It is good to see you awake." He hissed into her ear as he planted a kiss on her cheek. "You've been out for a while. Two days. I have to say I was pretty worried."
"Oh, please Severus, you can not get rid of me that easily." She lifted her hand to find his cheek and cupped it lovingly. "I hear Slytherin lost miserably." She mocked.
"They deserved to." Severus said, voice firm. "I suspended Macintyre and Petrovic. Malfoy has detention for a very long time and the others are banned from Hogsmede visits." Ginny whistled.
"Pretty tough penalties my dear." She cooed, Severus shrugged his invisible shoulders and tried to keep his anger from rising again.
"They have to learn that just because they are being beaten they don't have to resort to violence. It is not good for the house reputation." He said, Ginny smiled.
"Oh, so it wasn't anything personal then?" She scoffed.
"Well, maybe just a wee bit." He said before kissing her again. Ginny closed her eyes and let the warmth of his lips kiss away her pain. He wrapped his arms around her and she winced as he nudged one of her still tender ribs. "I love you."
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The next day at lunch time Hazel, Harry, Ron and Hermione walked into the hospital wing, Ginny was happy to have some company, and the items which she had asked Hazel to bring.
"How have you been feeling sis?" Ron asked.
"Not too bad ickle Ronniekins, yourself?" He blushed at the named but smiled nonetheless.
"Not too bad. Have a tonne of homework though, Snape's been in a foul mood lately." Ron laughed.
"Yeah," Harry added "I think he has finally had it with Slytherin antics. He actually took some points of his own house yesterday." Hermione grinned.
"Here." Hazel handed her a small bag containing a novel and her compact.
"Thanks bud." Ginny said, leaning over to put it in her bedside table draw. "So, have I missed much?" Ginny asked.
"Well, you've got quiet a bit of work to catch up on." Hazel said with a frown.
"And you missed one hell of a party after the match." Ron said pulling Hermione to his side, Ginny rolled her eyes, not wanting to know how the party was for Ron.
"Felicity is back. She wanted me to tell you that she is sorry she hasn't come to see you yet, but she doesn't feel like going near a hospital bed." Hazel laughed.
"Apart from that nothing has happened." Harry said, rolling his eyes at his two friends so only Ginny could see.
"So. That's it. That was you last ever school quidditch game Harry, how does it feel?" Ginny asked. Harry shrugged.
"Eh, alright. I think McGonagall is tossing up who to choose as team captain next year. I'll put a good word in for you." Harry said with a grin making Ginny laugh.
"Thanks Harry, I'd appreciate it." Hermione looked at her watch.
"Oh, we'd best be off. We have to meet Du-" she stopped remembering Hazel's presence "McGonagall." She tugged on Harry's robes and they left the room. Hazel sat on the edge of Ginny's bed and looked at her.
"Severus came by last night." Ginny told her friend with a smile, Hazel looked confused.
"I thought that the hospital wing closed at eight." She said Ginny shrugged her response.
"He has his ways. He did suspend Macintyre and Petrovic. Malfoy apparently has detentions as well. Imagine that, hey? Daddy's boy scrubbing dungeon floors. We should get Colin to take a photo." Hazel's face soured at the mention of Colin's name. "Everything alright in paradise?" Ginny asked. Hazel shrugged.
"Yeah… well, no. We had an argument. Nothing big, I just don't want to talk about him right now." Ginny nodded and poked her friend in the ribs.
"What has potions class been like without me?" Ginny asked.
"Ron was right." Hazel stated evenly "Snape has been a bit shirty since the game. I think people are choosing to see it as him being annoyed with the Slytherin team. You know Kyrrin? Yeah, well she said that he was just annoyed because his pet student was knocked out. The little tramp got detention." Hazel grinned from ear to ear and Ginny wished that she hadn't fallen off her broom.
"This has drawn quiet a bit of attention I guess." Ginny said, Hazel nodded, and Ginny looked at the window by her bed. "I don't know how much longer we can hide it." Ginny whispered, Hazel put her hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Just a little over a year longer, Gin, then you will be out of school." Hazel said. Ginny sighed.
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Three days later Ginny was free to leave the hospital wing. With quiet a few bruises and some occasional discomfort she was glad to be going. She welcomed the sight of her dormitory more than ever and revelled in the fact that Madam Pomfrey had forbidden her from doing homework, to ease the stress of returning back to school life. It was to her relief that by the time she was released, the school had begun to get over what happened at the match. That was old news now. She looked forward to the potions lesson she had scheduled first thing in the morning as she laid back on her bed. She fell into a restful sleep.
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Ginny woke in the morning to the sound of frantic discussion in her dormitory. She opened her eyes and looked around to see her dorm-mates huddled in the middle of the room around something, most likely their topic of debate.
"Hey, what's going on?" She asked, Hazel turned to her and held up a copy of the Daily Prophet. Ginny jumped out of bed and walked over to Hazel, taking the paper out of her hand. She gasped as she read the headline.
Indonesia Attacked by Dark Lord.
"When did you get this?" Ginny asked, she begun to read the paper as Hazel told her that Ginny's owl dropped it on Hazel's bed earlier that morning.
"I think that my mum sent it." Ginny said. A group of Death Eaters had attacked a magical market in Jakarta, killing thirty-five people. As Ginny read a few words became highlighted. She looked up at Hazel, who was reading over her shoulder, to see if she saw it too. She didn't.
"The recent attack on Jakarta, in Indonesia, presumably an order of he who must not be named, remains one of the most prolific massacres in the past twenty years.
'We shall rise from the ashes of this disaster like a phoenix.' Stated the brave minister of magic, Kim Sudiyoko. The Ministry of Magic in Jakarta has now become the headquarters for the fight against the so-named 'Dark Army' for Indonesia. The country has formed nine separate departments, each specialising in separate areas of magic. The department now had over a hundred and thirtyaurors under it's employment and are sure that they will be able to handle another attack if need be.
An international summit will be held this Tuesday, where all of the leaders of magical ministries will come together to discuss the rise of the Dark Lord. All magical folk are asked to remain calm under the stress of the recent attacks. In this time of darkness people are advised to be responsible and sensible. It is important that a normal lifestyle is maintained, even under present conditions."
Ginny looked over the article once more, her mind piecing together the highlighted words and letters. Order of the Phoenix headquarters nine thirty Tuesday ask Severus. She understood immediately. She rolled the paper up and stood up, her friends looking at her questioningly.
"Ginny?" Hazel asked cautiously.
"I have to go and show Ron." She said towards her bedside table, she opened the draw and took the compact out of it before leaving the room. Halfway down the stairs she stopped to look around, and when she was sure she was alone she opened the mirror and called for Severus. Sure enough he appeared a split second later.
"Come to dungeon classroom six." He told her before disappearing, she snapped the mirror shut before jogging the rest of the way.
Slightly out of breath Ginny stopped outside dungeon six. In all of her time at Hogwarts she had only ever been in there once, and only to clean it. The room was largely abandoned, but it was apparently only used for one potion that was taught to students in the seventh year. She pushed the door open to see Snape, McGonagall, Ron, Harry and Hermione sitting in the middle of the room. There was one vacant seat which she walked over to.
"Sit, Ginevra." McGonagall commanded, Ginny nodded and did as she was told. "Now that you are all here, Professor Snape and myself are sure that you have received news of the attacks in Jakarta. As you know, this is the second attack of this calibre in the southern hemisphere. It has become evident that the war has truly begun." The four students looked at each other mournfully, and Ginny avoided Severus' eyes.
"As you should have figured out," Severus drawled, Ginny's heart beat faster at the sound of his voice "there will be a meeting about the recent attacks at the Headquarters of the Order of the Pheonix at nine-thirty on Tuesday night." His eyes scanned over the students. "Your parents," He begun, looking at Ron and Ginny "have requested that you all attend. You will all meet Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore and myself at Hagrid's hut at nine on Tuesday evening." He looked at Harry. "I am sure you have no problem sneaking around, but I do urge you not to get caught."
"That's right. We also expect you to keep the rendezvous secret, and we also want you to remember that you are not to talk about the Order of the Pheonix in anyway." Ginny looked at the strict professor who smiled at her, and the other students. "You are dismissed." Ginny looked at Severus, his eyes flickered with recognition. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny stood and walked out of the room.
"You alright Gin?" Ron asked, Ginny shrugged.
"I guess so." She replied, Harry wrapped his arm around her shoulders comfortingly. She patted his hand. "I'm right, thanks Harry." She said before shrugging him off, he smiled sadly to himself.
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Half an hour later Ginny was sitting at the breakfast table with her friends, a subdued mood filled the Great Hall, it was filled with the sound of morbid whispers instead of cheerful laughing. Ginny had no doubt that some of the students were related to victims of the attacks, and Felicity looked terrified, having lived through a similar attack herself. Just as she picked up a piece of toast a letter dropped onto her plate. She bit the toast and freed her hands to open the letter. 'My office, seven', it was Severus writing. Ginny smiled to herself and scrunched the paper up before putting it into her pocket.
"Who was that from?" Hazel asked.
"Fred and George… it was a joke." Ginny said, Hazel looked at her questioningly, Ginny sighed before reciting a joke they had told her years ago. "Two peanuts were walking down the street. One was assaulted." Hazel rolled her eyes and gave a small laugh before turning her attentions back to her breakfast.
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Ginny knocked on Severus' office door.
"Enter." Came his muffled voice, she pushed the door open and his eyes raised to meet hers, he greeted her with a smile and motioned for her to take a seat.
"How are you my love muffin?" She asked, he smiled and put his hands on the desk for her to hold.
"I asked you here to tell you something rather serious." He said, Ginny frowned and clasped his hands. "It was going to be discussed on Tuesday evening, but everyone else knows… you, on the other hand, don't. I wanted to tell you before Tuesday so you could be prepared." Ginny nodded and bit her lip, bracing herself for what ever was to come. "Questions have been raised as to your brother's, Percy's, allegiance." Ginny gasped. As much of a bastard as Percy was, she would never have thought that he would be evil, seduced by the dark side.
"But…" Ginny begun, but words failed her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, Severus brought a hand up to caress her cheek.
"I haven't been able to confirm it yet, but there have been rumours that he has pledged his life to the Dark Lord." A tear escaped Ginny's eye and she shook her head defiantly. Severus rose out of his seat and walked around his desk to stand beside her, embracing her softly. "My love, war makes people do strange things. I should know. We are not sure about Percy yet, but we will soon find out. People can easily be seduced by the promise of refuge, I am sure that, if he has turned, it is the only reason." Ginny shook her head, angrily now.
"He was always drawn to power." She hissed "He is a selfish bastard, only concerned about his own well being." She said, Severus squatted down, and looked into her eyes. Ginny hiccuped and turned away from him. "Don't tell me." She croaked, he grabbed her face in his hands and turned her to look at his, she refused to meet his eyes.
"We still have to find out." He whispered, he kissed her on the lips softly. "Dumbledore has asked me to do it." Ginny's tears begun to flow more freely, she shook her head.
"You cant!" She said firmly "You have already gone once. Let someone else do it." It was Severus' turn to shake his head.
"There is no one else." He told her, she leapt out of her seat and into his arms. "This wont be the end. Two days, maximum. I will be back before you notice I have gone." Ginny sobbed into his robes.
"You could get hurt." She whispered, scared. He kissed her forehead.
"We need to know." He explained softly. She threw her arms into the air.
"Who cares? If that selfish arsehole wants to join the dark side let him! Please Severus, don't do this to me again." She gripped his shoulders tightly and he leant forward, kissing her again.
"I have to." He replied, her tense body loosened and she sunk to the floor. "It is important that I go my love. I go out of necessity, not choice. I wish nothing more than to be here with you. I wish that I could spend every waking moment with my arms wrapped around you. I promise I will return." He brought her head onto his lap and stroked her hair lovingly, she cried.
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Ginny sat at the table in the drawing room of Grimmauld Place soberly. The members of the order were seated around the magically extended table as well. It was the first time that she had ever been to one of their meetings. Her mother was sitting directly across from her, eyes hollow and distant. Dumbledore cleared his throat.
"I welcome you all here tonight, on this rather dark night. We are gathered here to discuss the recent string of attacks in the southern hemisphere, and the fate of some of our beloved friends and family." His eyes rested upon Molly. "I want you all to remember that we have, in our company, young Ginevra Weasley, so I do not wish to discuss anything more than what I have outlined." He smiled at Ginny, she looked away and her eyes fell on Fred and George, who looked more serious than she had ever seen them before. Dumbledore continued to talk about the attacks on Australia and Indonesia, and Ginny was made more aware of the war. She had not realised that it was so serious and widespread. Dumbledore talked about the inflating number of Death Eaters worldwide, the number in Europe alone had tripled.
Severus sat beside Dumbledore, watching Ginny, feeling sorry for his lover. He could not imagine the thoughts running through her mind right now. It was a lot of information for someone so young and innocent. But, he knew for a fact that she was much more mature than he gave her credit. He caught her eyes and she managed a weak smile. His heart ached at the thought of leaving her. His new mission required him to go to Malfoy Manor, the headquarters of the Death Eaters, to figure out who the new Death Eaters were, and to discover whether Percy Weasley was one of them. He was sure that Percy held much valuable information about the Weasley family, and their relationship with Albus Dumbledore that Voldemort would find incredibly useful. He had no desire to go on the mission, but knew it to be of critical importance.
He sat listening to Albus talk for half an hour longer before he heard his own name thrown into the conversation.
"As most of you are aware, I have asked Severus to go undercover again to gain information on the newest additions to the death eater family, in order to maintain our security. He will be leaving on late tomorrow evening and returning sometime on Friday. I ask you to keep this mission a secret, but I have told you so that you are aware of the seriousness of our situation. Now, more than ever, it is important to maintain secrecy about the order, we never know who hides ill motives. I am hoping that this mission, however, will shed some light upon the extent of the Death Eater recruitment and the safety of the order." He looked around and smiled "You all look tired. I urge you to get some sleep." His eyes twinkled their mysterious blue and the members filed into the corridor. Severus stayed behind.
"When will we return to Hogwarts?" He asked the headmaster, Dumbledore shook his head. "You are all much to tired to take that trip this evening, there is plenty of room here. You and the students will be staying here, Minerva and myself will return to Hogwarts and gather all you need for your departure tomorrow. Sleep well Severus.' Dumbledore said before rising, Severus followed cue and they walked out of the room together.
Ginny sat on her bed and brushed her hair. She looked around the dull room and let out a sigh. There was a quiet knock on her door and her mother opened it.
"Ginny dear… how are you?" asked the older Weasley. Ginny smiled at her mother.
"I'm fine thankyou." Molly was about to reply but was interrupted by Severus, Ginny listened carefully to their conversation.
"You can stay in that room, third door to the right." Molly told Severus "The bed is made, and there is a bathroom just down the hall."
"Thankyou Molly." He said quietly before walking out of Ginny's sight.
"So, are you sure you are alright sweetheart?" Molly asked, Ginny nodded and blew her mother a kiss.
"Just tired thanks mum." She told her before settling down in her bed. The door was shut and closed her eyes.
Half an hour later Ginny rose out of bed and slid her feet into her slippers. She crept over to the door and opened it the tiniest amount, with just enough room to look into the corridor. It was empty. She stepped outside, shutting the door quietly behind her. When she was in the hall she followed the directions her mother gave Severus. When she reached the third door on the right she opened it slowly, hoping not to alarm Severus. She opened it just enough to slide through and then shut it behind her.
"Who's there?" Severus hissed, she could vaguely see his figure, wand pointed at her.
"You don't want to curse me." She whispered back, when her eyes had better adjusted to the dark she walk over to him and kissed him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked quietly, she kissed him again.
"I wanted to see you." She said as though it was obvious. Severus shook his head.
"You shouldn't of come, I don't think it would look good if you were caught in my room." She took his wand and pointed it towards he door muttering a spell, the door clicked, it was now locked. She pointed his wand to the roof.
"Silencio." She put his wand on the bedside table and kissed him passionately. He pulled away from her and cupped her face.
"We shouldn't do this here." He breathed into her ear, hot words tickling her temptingly.
"I don't care. I want to spend some time with you before you leave." She hissed, walking him back to the bed, and then kissing him. "I love you." She said and he kissed her and wrapped his arms around her. As his hands explored her magnificent body he lowered her onto his bed. Her hands worked at unbuttoning his robes. He pulled away from her and lifted her shirt over her head before kissing her furiously. As they kissed, they slowly removed each other's clothes until Severus found his body on top of Ginny's, energized, eager to claim her as his own. As he lowered himself into her he hoped that this would not be the last time they made love.
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Ginny opened her eyes and looked around the room. Luckily, it was still very early in the morning, she would have time to get back to her own room before they were due to depart. She got out of bed, making sure not to wake Severus, and begun to gather her clothes, putting them on as she would find them. When she was properly dressed she turned to face Severus, she leant down and kissed him on the cheek before walking out of the room. She peered out of the room carefully and looked up and down the corridor, glad that no one was around. She stepped out of the room and shut the door behind her. Just as she had reached her own door she heard footsteps and looked up to see Harry.
"Heya Ginny!" He whispered with a small wave, she smiled back at him. "What are you doing up so early?" He asked her.
"Uh. Toilet… You?" She stammered, she was too tired to think up a proper response. He grinned.
"Can't sleep. Thought I would try and walk it off." He shrugged "Would you like to walk with me for a while?" Ginny shook her head.
"Thanks for the offer Harry, but I am too tired." She yawned, Harry nodded, and Ginny escaped into her room. Once she had shut the door she leant against it and thanked Merlin for her luck. That was a close one.
It felt as though Ginny had only just closed her eyes when her mother tapped on her door, telling her to wake up. Ginny got up and had a shower, which washed most of her grogginess away. She got into her school uniform, gathered a few belongings and walked out of her room. When she walked into the hall the bathroom door swung open and Severus stepped out. She gave him a sweet smile, which he returned before going back into his room. Ginny frowned and headed for the hall.
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Late that afternoon Ginny sat in the Gryffindor common room reading a novel that Hermione had given her. It wasn't terribly interesting, but it took her mind off the fact that she was not able to say goodbye to Severus. Hazel and Colin had just resolved what ever it was that they had argued about, and consequently, were snogging each other's brains out. Ron and Hermione were nowhere to be seen and Harry just stepped into the portrait hole. He spotted Ginny and walked straight towards her, she tried to look preoccupied with her book, but she wanted nothing more than someone to talk to.
"How are you doing?" Harry asked her, Ginny shrugged.
"Not too bad, thanks. Yourself?" Harry rolled his eyes.
"Disgusted. Hermione and Ron cant keep their hands off each other today. It isn't a pretty sight." He looked around to see no one was listening to their conversation. "I am sure things with Percy will be alright." He said, Ginny slammed her book shut.
"I don't care about him anymore. He can do whatever the hell he likes as long as he leaves the rest of the family out of it." She said although Harry didn't look convinced, and Ginny didn't completely believe herself either.
"Well, as soon as I hear and news at all I will tell you." He said.
"Thanks Potter."
"Potter?" Harry laughed.
"Yeah. Haven't called you that before. I think I'll stick to Harry though." Ginny said.
"Ok. Feel free. Only Slytherins and teachers call me Potter." He laughed, Ginny smiled.
"Harry, I don't think that I said thankyou for staying with me when I was in the hospital wing. Hazel told me you were there a lot. So, thanks." Ginny said. Harry smiled and looked into her eyes.
"It was no problem, really." He waved his hand dismissively. "I still like you." He added as an afterthought, Ginny tried not to look to shocked about the sudden confession. "I hated seeing you hurt in the hospital wing." He inched closer to her, his breathing became erratic.
"Well, thanks again." Ginny said loudly, sitting back in her chair. It was now Harry's turn to look shocked, or rather, embarrassed.
"Ginny." He said scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "Don't get annoyed at my asking this, but, are you going out with anyone?" He asked, hoping to find an end to the confusion. Ginny wished nothing more than to be able to tell him of her love affair with the potions master, she wanted to tell every one, get it off her chest.
"No." She lied. Harry looked away from her. "I just… At the moment I don't think I could deal with a relationship. I have enough to worry about." She said. "And so do you Harry, you have even more to worry about than I do. You have the N.E.W.T.S and Merlin knows what else. I just couldn't fathom starting a relationship with the wizarding world the way it is now." She added, he shrugged and looked at his watch.
"Oh, sorry." He stood up quickly "I have a meeting with… er, Hagrid. Yeah. So, I have to go and meet him now. Well…. Bye." He walked out of the common room briskly and Ginny shut her eyes. It just kept getting harder.
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Ginny sat in her potions lesson, which was taken over by Professor McGonagall. Every time she looked to the front of the room she expected to see Severus, but when she spotted McGonagall's deep emerald robes she couldn't help but let out a disappointed sigh.
"He's sick Ginny, that's all. Maybe you could sneak out to see him." Hazel said dropping some grass roots into her potion. Ginny shrugged. "He'll be fine. Don't worry so much." Ginny nodded and put more effort into chopping slicing her ginger.
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Severus walked into the dining room, ready to take a meal with the death eaters. There were about thirty other people in the room seated at the table, most of which were the newer members, members of the outer circle. Lord Voldemort was seated at the head of the table, and either side of his was Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy. He took the last remaining seat and Voldemort cleared his throat, a dark, raspy echo filled the elaborate room.
"I welcome my newest servants to the table of two of my longest serving Death Eaters. I am sure you will serve me well, and do your duties according to my wishes." Voldemort hissed, Severus looked at the degenerated man, wishing him to shrivel up and turn into ash. Voldemort tapped a single, spindly finger on the table and food filled the plates. Severus looked down at what seemed to be a magnificent roast dinner. He picked up his fork and begun to eat slowly. He took a look around at the occupants of the table. He didn't recognize any of the people except for two. His stomach dropped when he saw the flaming red Weasley hair that he had come to cherish, but only, it was Percy's – not Ginny's. Seated to the right of Percy was the striking woman he had met at Hogwarts when she was a student at Beauxbatons. Fluer's long golden hair was tied neatly at the nape of her neck, as she ate and talked to Percy. Severus was sure that she and Bill Weasley had a relationship, but by the look of things, she had a secret affair with the disgraced Weasley. It pained him to see such innocent people serving Voldemort. As he chewed on a crispy potato he dreaded having to tell Ginny that one of her brothers had strayed from the light. Percy looked up from his meal and gave Severus a nod of acknowledgement. Severus nodded back curtly and continued to eat his meal, taking refuge in the knowledge that he would soon have Ginny in his arms again.
After dinner a desert of apple pie and cream was served. If Severus was able to ignore who provided him with the meal he was then able to enjoy it. The food was amazing, but not as good as Molly Weasley's. Before the evening meal was called to a halt Voldemort raised his wine glass to make a toast, the rest of the people at the table whipped up their glasses.
"To Thailand!" He said in what could only be described as a cheerful tone. Severus relied to the toast and gulped down the rest of his wine.
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Ginny awoke to a newspaper falling on her head. She opened her eyes and rubbed her forehead where the paper had hit before sitting up and reading the article on the front page. Bangkok in Ruins, she took a deep breath in as she read.
"…As a recent addition to the list of cities attacked by the dark side, Thailand's capital city has had to deal with the wide-spread destruction of their Magical shopping district, as well as the murder of over fifteen innocent muggles. In the attack thirty-five wizards and witches perished. Now, more than ever, the wizarding folk are subjected to world-wide threat of destruction.
As usual, Cornelius Fudge, England's minister for magic, has remained tight-lipped about the attacks, and all attempts that are being made to stop He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named…"
Ginny put the paper down on her lap and rubbed her eyes. First Australia, then Indonesia and not Thailand. It is easy to see that Voldemort was trying to intimidate people into surrender, Ginny could only guess that China or India were next on his list, as he slowly made his way to England, his home. She put her head in her hands and her thoughts drifted to Severus, hoping with all of her heart that he was safe.
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On Friday after dinner Ginny sat in the Great Hall for as long as she possible could. She had eaten her dinner early and stayed around to talk to anyone she knew, using it as an excuse to hope to see Severus when he returned. She waited in the hall, hour after hour, hollow conversation after hollow conversation, wishing with all of her heart to see Severus stride through the oak double doors. Every time the doors were pushed open she looked over, only do be disappointed time and time again when she saw a student skip into the hall. It was only when all of the crockery disappeared and there was only one professor left at the staff table that she decided to leave. It was well after seven o'clock and she doubted that she would see him if he did return at this time. Severely disheartened and increasingly worried, Ginny made her way up to her dormitory, decided that she should probably get some sleep.
Ginny was shaken out of a nightmare by the harsh whispers of Hermione, she looked up to meet her eyes and Hermione leant close to her.
"Get your dressing gown. We have to go." Hermione muttered hissed.
"What? Where?" Ginny asked, Hermione put a finger to her lips and threw Ginny her dressing gown. Ginny got out of bed and tugged it on, following Hermione nervously out of the room.
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A/N: Well, another chapter over and done. This one didn't take so long to update, hope you are happy with it. I am still in the week break before my test, and most of my time has been spent on the computer typing this up.
Thankyou ever so much for your reviews, they make me feel so special! I don't have any exciting news today, so I apologise, but hopefully I will have some next time I update. My life contains a monumental lack of excitement, but then again, if it was to busy I would probably be annoyed with it!
Oh, and just a random question, are there any Aussies reading this?
Kime… About that cookie, I like the chocolate flavoured ones with white chocolate chip. Got any of them? Hehehe…. Mmmm, cookies. Oh, and by the way, I have finally figured out if/if not and when/when not someone will/will not die! So exciting squeal.
krista… You are not going to fail your test, or at least you didn't. Either way you will do fine. Sorry, but your email didn't appear on the review, so I cant email you, but if you want you can do an author search for Atalanta Zora and you will find some of my OLD stories. Don't be alarmed though, a few are pretty shocking. :) Happy reading to you!
Anglic Bladez… As I can gather from the books, Harry can be pretty daft sometimes, so he really just thought what he wanted to think. This chapter is pretty, well, I don't know. I am sure you know what I mean. Well, thanks for the reviews, and rest assured, there is more to come!
Andelique Collins… We didn't hear too much about what happened to Severus in his rage in this chapter, but I am pretty sure next chapter will reveal some of that. Thanks for reading my story and for your reviews! Ta!
Something – L1k3 – LAuGhTeR… Yes, a very hard name indeed, but I will keep at it. Wow, an obsession you say? feels special. Hmmm, about Harry (and the rest of the wizarding world) I cannot say much, but much to my amazement, the story has moved along a lot slower than I thought, I originally wanted it to be fifteen or so chapters, but I still have so much to write. So, sorry, but I think your in for a long haul! Thanks for reading and reviewing! Oh, and by the way, 4 comes after 5… well, in my mind anyway!
I Love Nerds 919… Thanks for your review. I hope that this chapter was as good as the last!
maddudewalking… You have a happy dance? Wow! So do I! How cool! Pats on back. Here is the next chapter for ya, hope its ok. And don't say your weird, I think you are wonderful! I love the word nymphomaniac, I also like pyromaniac, narcissistic and necrophiliac…. I don't know why, but I just like them. Maybe I can include them some time!
HarryGinnyfan23… I know, I want to bash the living daylights out of Mr. Perdy-Pants Malfoy too. Takes out stick DIE DRACO!
sparklemonkey… You are Aussie too? How thoroughly exhilarating! My formal is next Friday night and I am so excited, mind you, my mother is making my dress and let me just say that it is pretty far from complete sheepish grin. I am not doing anything for schoolies thought. And by this Friday my exams will be over! WAHOOO! And so begins the long wait for Uni acceptance letters and the HSC marks and UAI's… Did you apply for uni or TAFE or anything? Ahh well, wish you all the best of luck!
Lots of Love,
Sinister Spiders