Chapter 9: The Holidays
Ginny could barely feel the warmth of her mum's arms. She didn't hear what her father was saying to her. She couldn't even feel any joy at finally being with her parents. Instead, all she managed was a quiet "they took her." She watched her father's face pale and felt her mum's fingers dig painfully into her. "Who?"
She looked around the train platform, half expecting to see them. There must have been half a dozen men standing around. They were silent and still, their presence being enough to keep everyone quiet and subdued. But the two men weren't there. The two men who had barged into their compartment, petrified her before she could think to do anything, and then grabbed Luna. For most of the train ride home, Ginny had been unable to move so much as a muscle, waiting for the spell to wear off. When it finally did, all Ginny could do was continue to sit in her seat and cry. She had thought to go find Neville or Seamus or anyone at all, before realizing it would help nothing. It would only spoil their Christmas. Luna was gone. They had taken her.
"Home, please. Just take me home." Her parents sent worried looks at each other, before doing just that. It would have been braver to stay perhaps, but she couldn't do it. She couldn't handle anyone coming up to her to wish her happy holidays. She couldn't be there when Luna's father realized his daughter was never coming off the train. And as stupid as it sounded, she couldn't handle having Draco ignore her. It would have been idiotic and embarrassing to actually act on it, but all she wanted was to cling to him and have him hold her as she cried.
He understood what being taken by Death Eaters meant. He would be able to tell her what Luna was likely to face. He might even be able to figure out why they had gone after Luna of all people. And he wouldn't judge her for the selfish feeling of relief she had that it hadn't been her.
The Burrow seemed much too quiet. Fred and George would be home in time for dinner, but were currently out with other Order members, performing basic protection wards on any area that seemed a likely target for an attack. The goal of the season was to stop any large scale attacks on wizards or muggles. To somehow ensure everyone could have a safe and quiet Christmas. With that, came thoughts of how Luna would be spending Christmas, and Ginny burst into tears.
Once she was able to explain what had happened, her parents were only able to offer her the thin reassurance that Luna was unlikely to be killed. They hadn't had any reports of death eaters killing an underage witch or wizard, and knowing who was killed was one of the Order's biggest priorities these days. She was told all about Pottermore; a radio station operating in secret that gave advice on how to be quietly rebellious, as well as provide a complete list of all those missing or dead. As her father told her that Fred and George were working as correspondents for it, she felt equal parts proud and terrified.
Being home, it was impossible to ignore the fact that her family was spread out. She couldn't help but worry that it made them more vulnerable. Charlie was still in Romania, working to keep foreign wizards from joining the death eaters. Bill was shut up in a heavily protected cottage when not at work. Fred and George were spreading themselves much too thin, trying to help the Order while also trying to keep their joke shop up and running. Percy seemed to be so deeply entrenched in the Ministry, it wasn't even safe for her father to ask him how he was when the two saw each other at work. And then of course there was Ron. If ever it was found out that he wasn't upstairs dying of Spattergroit, they would all be immediately arrested.
Yet incredibly, her mother continued on with traditions. In the four days leading up to Christmas, Ginny spent hours in the kitchen, helping make mince pies, figgy pudding, and all the other seasonal favorites. Ginny helped decorate the house and trim the tree. They kept the wireless on, all the well known songs floating through the house. On Christmas, Bill and Fleur came over, and they all opened presents. George, Fred, Ginny, Bill, and Fleur all donned their knitted sweaters and ignored the fact that Ron's was under the tree. Percy and Charlie had received theirs via owl post, as would have Ron if her father hadn't stepped in. It was he who had convinced her mum that trying to send gifts to Ron, Harry and Hermione could put them at risk. A risk that no amount of Christmas cheer was worth. After eating a Christmas feast and opening Christmas crackers, they drank wassail, toasting every Order member they could think of.
By all appearances, it was as good of a Christmas as could be expected. And yet Ginny couldn't shake the feeling that it was all a farce. That they were all just going through the motions, not knowing what else to do. When it was time for Bill and Fleur to leave, they were hugged tightly by everyone, told repeatedly to be careful, and to keep in touch. It was as she was clutching tightly to Fleur that Ginny realized how much she cared about her sister-in-law. They would never be best friends. But her intense dislike for her was gone. If anything happened to Fleur, it would crush Bill and she never wanted her brother to experience tragedy again. Being marred by Greyback was enough for a life time.
She was planning to go to bed early. A feeling of tiredness had been clinging to her all day. But as if sensing her ennui, Fred and George hauled her into the family room, intent on cheering her up. They emptied their pockets, joke shop products spilling out in a loud, colorful mess. It was long after midnight by the time Ginny went to bed, her cheeks sore from laughter. It was when she opened her bedroom door though that a sense of joy jolted through her. Lying on her bed was a letter. A letter charmed to smell like baking pumpkin. It was Luna's signature.
The letter would be blank if one didn't know the incantation to match the smell. Amidst all of Luna's strange beliefs, it was often overlooked that she was a Ravenclaw for a reason. The girl was smarter and more skilled than almost anyone realized. Ginny snatched the letter up, yanked her wand out, and muttered "niffler nibbles". The letter glowed for a second before the smell evaporated, the blank parchment filling up with ink.
Tears sprung to her eyes before she even began reading. It was Luna's handwriting. The words were written neatly, the letter free from splotches that would have indicated tears or blood. She took a deep breath and tried to focus.
Ginny,
The first thing I need to tell you is I am safe. It seems I am to be a hostage, but otherwise I've been left alone. They're upset because daddy has been publishing articles against them, and believe he will stop if they have me. I hope he doesn't . That he continues to write the truth, no matter how unpopular it is. It's what he's always done after all. Tell everyone I'm sorry, that I never meant to leave. Please don't worry about me. Let daddy know I love him if you can, and tell him I don't care what happens to me. Tell him to keep writing his articles, and not to be scared.
-Luna
I almost forgot. He wanted me to tell you to stay safe and he hopes you had a Happy Christmas.
She sat down on the bed and held the letter in trembling hands. Luna was a hostage. Brave, kind, unselfish Luna. Wanting her father to keep writing articles in support of Harry, even at the expense of herself. Luna had managed to hide her fear well, but not quite. You didn't go asking your friends to tell your father you loved him unless you didn't plan to see him for a very, very, long time. Unless you were worried you would never see him alive again. But how had Luna gotten the letter out in the first place? It made sense that the death eaters would have had her write a letter to her father to confirm that she was indeed their hostage. But they wouldn't have let her write to a friend. Especially not a letter where she was encouraging her father to not give in to them. Ginny knew the answer was in the last line.
But how had he managed it? Why would he take that risk? Wherever Luna was, Draco was there too. Or had been at some point. And he had managed to what? Sneak parchment, quill and ink to Luna? To send her letter out using an owl he knew wouldn't be checked? Why would he do it? Why would he risk himself, even if the risk had been minimal?
She put the letter down on her end table and lay on her bed. He had done it for her. The thought made her heart beat faster. She was thrilled, scared, happy, and crying quietly. He had known the relief she would experience, knowing Luna was alive and safe. This letter was the best Christmas present she could have received. She fell victim to an overwhelming wave of desire to have him next to her. To be able to hug him tightly, kiss him, feel the peace and security of his arms around her. She didn't bother fighting her feelings. There was no point in telling herself not to think about him. She had come to accept that she was falling in love with him. It wasn't just a crush. It wasn't just physical attraction. It was different than anything she had ever experienced.
Harry had been like a fantasy. He was a hero, a legend. Him finally paying attention to her had left her awe struck. Those few weeks they were together, she had felt so lucky to be the one he touched, he kissed. She could remember being incredibly happy when she was with him, always trying her best to look cute and act pleasant. Prove to him that she could be the perfect girl; never rude, mean, impatient, insecure, needy. She had thought that was what love must be like. With Michael and eventually Dean, she had stopped caring what they thought of her. She had been impatient with them, annoyed with them, and sure having a boyfriend meant having to endure being bored and uncomfortable with declarations of love. Breaking up with Michael and Dean had been a relief.
With Draco, it was all different. She longed to be around him, learn more about him. Knowing he cared about her was anything but annoying. And her desire for him was undeniable. It wasn't like with Harry; she wasn't giddy and putting her best foot forward all the time. She was just herself. She didn't mind Draco seeing her flawed and vulnerable because she knew he was too. Draco had seen her angry, sad, bitter, scared, selfish. And he still liked her. Maybe if she had spent more time with Harry she would have gotten a chance to know him better and be more comfortable with him, but she hadn't. He still seemed larger than life and overwhelming. There was a fear that she would never be good enough for Harry, or rather, that she would spend her whole life trying to be. Harry didn't know her, not really. Not the way that Draco had gotten to know her.
She went to sleep that night pondering what to do about Luna's letter, and woke up determined. Luna had asked her to do one thing. As her friend, how could Ginny do anything else but visit Luna's father? In times past, Ginny might have simply walked out of the Burrow. She would only have to tell her mum she'd be back in an hour or two, and promise not to go too far. In times like these? There was no way she could go as far as the shed without informing her mum first.
She could have cobbled together a lie, but even she could admit that it seemed safer to have people know where you were. So she told a half truth, omitting the letter. Her mum would want to see it, and how would she explain the last line? Even without seeing the letter, her mum might be suspicious of the letter. Wonder how it had gotten to Ginny. If it was a trick of some sort. In the end, she told her mum that she needed to see Luna's father simply because she felt horrible. That she knew his Christmas must have been awful, and that thinking about him all alone was heart breaking. Her mum had agreed with tears in her eyes, and gone about packing up a basket of baked goods. Having her mum insist on coming along threw Ginny for a loop, but she couldn't think of any reason to object.
Xenophilius Lovegood had never appeared particularly normal. But even so, his appearance was startling. His eyes were bloodshot and his robes looked as if he had been sleeping in them. Judging by the smell, he hadn't bathed in days. Ginny watched her mum's eyes harden in determination. She barged her way in, ignoring Xenophilius' protests and demands that they leave. She watched her mum bully him into the tub, and then turn around and begin scrubbing the counters clean. "Ginny dear, go grab his sheets and any clothes that appear to need washing. Open a window as well, this place needs some fresh air no matter how cold."
By the time he was washed and dressed, laundry was being done in the corner, the fireplace was crackling, and the two Weasley women were making soup. Ginny stayed silent, focusing on chopping vegetables, while her mum talked. "Simply giving up on life is never the answer. If Pandora could see you now, she'd be so disappointed. How do you expect to get Luna back by wallowing like this? It won't do. She's underage and a pureblood. They wouldn't just kill her. You'll get her back somehow." Ginny couldn't help but wonder if her mum was reassuring Luna's father, or reassuring herself.
More than ever before, Ginny was realizing how strong her mum was. Her sons were all in various levels of danger. Nothing about the future seemed guaranteed. The Ministry was issuing terrifying decrees and conducting internal investigations with dire consequences. Attacks and threats were an ever present possibility. Hostages were being taken. And yet her mum was determined to have people fed and taken care of. For them to continue living and enjoy as much of life as they could.
They stayed for over an hour, making sure the sheets were dry and back on his bed, that he had a meal for dinner, and that he wasn't about to do anything crazy. In that time, Ginny managed to sneak away to use the loo, and used the opportunity to tear off the bottom line of the letter. She then slipped the letter to him when saying goodbye, and hoped it brought him some comfort.
The rest of the holidays were spent passing time inside the Burrow. With her brothers and father at work most days, Ginny had plenty of time with her mum. For the most part, they avoided talking about unpleasant things, trying their best to focus on the positive. How Ginny's Quidditch games had gone, how she was handling NEWT classes. Overall, it was a peaceful holiday.
The only thing that broke through the façade of a normal Christmas holiday was the radio, which her father and brothers insisted on listening to every night. Ginny was secretly pleased with this, feeling like she was finally being let in on what the Order was doing. She had never been allowed to be at meetings, and her parents liked to keep her as ignorant as possible. Pottermore at least let her glimpse into what the Order was doing. Even if it was depressing. Even if it did frighten her that the most active group against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was reduced to hiding underground, collecting information, and putting on secret broadcasts. In a way, Pottermore felt like the last breath of a dying cause.
While her father and brothers offered commentary or lamentations most nights, her mum stayed conspicuously silent about anything heard on the radio. So it was a complete shock on New Year's when her mum let out a gasp. The rest of the family all turned to look at her in concern. The news of the night had been that a muggleborn by the name of Fiona Blackwater had been caught after months on the run.
Her mum wiped a tear off of her cheek, and shook her head fiercely. "Never mind me; I just haven't heard that name in years." Mr. Weasely scrunched up his brow and stared at his wife. While he knew a fair amount of people from work that his wife didn't, it was rare that she knew someone he didn't. "Our year?" At his wife's nod, he tried very hard to think back. "I think I might remember her. Hufflepuff, sort of chubby? Wasn't her name Peters or something?"
Mrs. Weasley sniffed. "Patterson. Fiona Patterson. I kept in touch with her when the kids were little. She had a baby girl about the same age as Charlie." It wasn't often that Ginny saw her dad angry. But she did know the signs. His mouth had thinned and his eyes had narrowed. She saw her mother was avoiding his gaze, and suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
"You kept in touch with a muggleborn?" Her mum finally looked at him, and she snapped. "She had been my friend! I know we had agreed not to take risks, that we were going to keep ourselves and our kids safe, but I just couldn't ignore her letter. She reached out to me Arthur. Ten years after I had all but abandoned her."
She knew her and her brothers were all shocked. It was George who asked the question though. "Abandoned her?" Mrs. Weasley's anger was replaced with a look of shame as she met her children's eyes. And then courageously, she decided they ought to know.
"While your father and I were growing up, there were a lot of changes occurring, and a lot of backlash. The Ministry was trying to be more progressive, and a lot of people didn't like it. It's likely what pushed a lot of people to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Muggleborns are an example of that. When we were little, it seemed everyone agreed on muggleborns. They were a bit odd and you needed to help them learn the right way to act, but they were mostly seen as harmless. They had proven themselves to be above the muggles, and it was our duty to help them live in our world. They would hold low level, but decent jobs, and contribute to society. There was a tolerance for them, until suddenly a few started to climb the ranks.
I was in my fourth year when Leach became the first muggle born Minister of Magic. That's the first memory I have of anyone actually hating the muggleborns. Suddenly the muggleborn students were being hexed, targeted in a way they never had been before. It was that year that my cousin hexed my friend Fiona and left her in a tree overnight. When I confronted him about it, he told me she had been seen using some muggle thing to write with, and he had only been teaching her a lesson. He told me the muggleborns were forgetting their place; that they had to be brought down a peg. I didn't know what to do. I didn't want to get in trouble, and so I started avoiding her."
Ginny leaned over and gave her mum a side hug. Everyone was silent for a while. Then her mum got up to get some biscuits and tea, and they lapsed into a conversation about the snow that was falling outside. It was a strange weight to bear; this guilt for being pureblooded. For knowing that if you just stayed quiet, played by the rules, you'd be fine. Well, at least as long as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named didn't take an interest in you. She remembered Draco's descriptions of his summer, and shivered. What if Harry failed? What if they couldn't figure out a way to defeat him?
What were they doing as a society? Pinning all their hopes on a wizard that just came of age months ago. It was ridiculous. If they could just manage to put old grudges aside, work together. The problem was, who would have the leverage once the violence stopped? There had to be some way to compromise. Without it, they were only going to end up in some sort of war again even if Harry did succeed.
Five days later, Ginny found herself hugging her parents tightly, getting ready to board the train that would take her back to school. Part of her was anxious to see if Luna would be back. Maybe they had only taken her for the holidays in order to keep her from seeing her father. It was possible. And even if Luna wasn't back, at least she'd be able to ask Draco what had happened. At the thought of him, she began to smile, and had to remind herself to stop. This was not a time to be happy. This was a time to be worried.
Boarding the train, she walked up and down the length of it, checking for signs of Luna's trunk. It was nowhere. She was just about to go find Neville, when she saw Millicent's head pop out of a compartment three doors down. Ginny stood there while Millicent mentioned something about the loo to her companions, shut the door, and walked directly over to her. She was smiling and looked excited as she motioned Ginny into an empty compartment. What in Merlin's name? Hesitantly, Ginny followed her in and closed the door.
Millicent didn't waste any time. "I hoped I would see you. Good news, you don't have to pretend to be with Draco anymore. Over the holidays, my grandfather gave me something. Don't ask what, I can't say, but it will protect me from Crabbe or any other boy who tries anything with me." Ginny could only stare at her. "Are you sure?" Millicent beamed and nodded. And because she really was happy for the older girl, Ginny smiled back. Ginny had never seen her so happy, so carefree. "That's wonderful Millicent." She knew whatever Millicent had gotten must be full of dark magic. It was likely illegal. But if it worked, Ginny really didn't care. Good for her. Maybe having some dark artifacts in the family wasn't such a bad idea, no matter what the official law was.
Millicent was now busy digging a vial out of her robe pocket, and Ginny took it stunned. It was a tiny vial of Felix Felicis. Ten drops at most, barely a sip. It must have cost a fortune. "In case you ever need it. Thanks for everything Ginny. Maybe someday, well, I'll see you around." And with that, Millicent was gone and Ginny was left standing there, gaping at the vial in her hand. Where had she gotten it from? There were many rich and powerful wizards and witches who would kill to have this, especially in current circumstances. And Millicent had just gifted it. Gifted it to her. Feeling faint, she sat down.
Well, Millicent was definitely grateful towards her. A feeling of guilt wormed its way in. She didn't really deserve this. Sure, she had been called names, been tormented, and had nearly been raped. But overall, she realized that her plan to help Millicent had actually been the best thing to happen to her all year. Even without the excuse of it helping anyone, Ginny had no plans to stop seeing Draco. In fact, in a perfect world, he would come through that compartment door right now and they would spend the entire train ride together.
She stared at the door, wondering if just maybe there was a chance, and then sighed as nothing happened. No doubt he was with his friends somewhere, and assumed she was as well. And she should be. Getting up, Ginny made her way back down the corridor until she spotted the familiar trunks.
They made room for her, and Ginny let them all speak first. Of course they all knew Luna had disappeared; Pottermore had reported it a week ago. But they didn't know why. When finally there was a pause in conversation, Ginny told them about visiting Luna's dad. She added that it was from that visit that she learned what she had. Ginny thought it seemed reasonable. She related to her friends that Luna's father had gotten a letter, and that he had told her and her mum all the relevant information. Everyone was of course relieved to hear that Luna hadn't been hurt, but the worry was much greater than the relief. Would they hurt her? Was taking hostages going to become a normal thing? How could they work to make sure no one else got taken away?
Getting off of the train, Ginny drifted away from the others and scanned the crowd for a head of platinum blond hair. There. Maneuvering between people and trunks, she was nearly to him when he spotted her. She stood still and tried to keep from smiling. He blinked, and then he was walking straight towards her. He hadn't even said anything to his friends. Just left them. He didn't slow down either. Walking right up to her, he grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her. The force of it sent a surge of lust right through her. Ginny's trunk thudded to the ground, her hands tangling in his hair as she kissed back. Two weeks of emotion was poured into their snogging. His other arm was now around her waist, yanking her into him, and she wished desperately they were in her room. That they had a bed he could throw her on and do something about this hot, deep need she felt.
An involuntary sound of protest came out as he pulled away from her. With one hand he was levitating their trunks, and with the other, he was dragging her towards the nearest empty carriage. She followed him, choosing not to complain that his grip around her wrist was a little too tight to be comfortable. He let go, opening the door for her, and she clambered in. The second the door was closed, he was on her again. The carriages weren't large enough for standing or lying down, and as much as they didn't want to stop, they needed to rearrange. Ginny shoved him onto the bench, before climbing up to straddle him. It wasn't long before his hands had found their way under her robes and she was rubbing herself against his erection. His body went still as she reached down and undid his trousers. And then he resumed kissing her neck, his hands squeezing her hips. "You sure?"
Ginny nodded and yanked at his waistband, only stopping once his cock had enough room to spring free. Seeing it hard and ready only made her hornier. She had never been on top before. Never ridden him. Yet in this small carriage, there didn't seem to be any other way. She got up and quickly shimmied out of her knickers, before hiking up her robes and skirt, and sinking back down onto him. They moaned in tandem, each of them more than happy to have his cock back in her. And then they began to move.
It wasn't quite as nice as they were used to. Ginny could feel her knees digging into the bench, and her thighs were burning from the strain of going up and down. Restricted to thrusting upwards, Draco's range of movement was limited, leading to less powerful strokes. Still, it felt wonderful to be together again. The carriage jostled along towards the castle, the only hint of what was happening inside being the fogged up window.
Post coitus, Ginny continued to straddle his lap, leaning into him. His arms were encircling her waist. Part of her didn't want to spoil the moment. But it couldn't be much longer until they arrived at Hogwarts, and who knew when they'd get to talk again? "Do you know if Luna is still alright?" He tightened his hold around her and kissed the top of her head. The gesture was so sweet, so caring, that Ginny couldn't help but wonder if maybe he was falling in love with her too.
"I'm sure she'll be fine. As long as her father doesn't do anything stupid." Ginny tensed at that, and disappointment flooded through her. Was that really all he was going to tell her? No reassurances of having seen her? No hints as to where she was? Ginny knew he was holding back. That he could tell her more. It wasn't like she needed him to commit treason; she just wanted to know about her friend. Especially as his last words sunk in. Luna's father. Oh, how could she have been so stupid? She needed to find a way to save Luna. Her father was very likely to do something to infuriate them. She should never have given him that letter. What if he followed Luna's plea? Allowed his daughter to be sacrificed for the cause?
She had to press for information. "She's fine? So she's not in a dungeon somewhere? I thought so. Probably some remote house, one with a secret keeper, yeah?" She knew it had been risky. Much too direct. Still, it was a surprise when his grip tightened and he whispered harshly in her ear. "Are you honestly doing this? Trying to pump me for information?" His voice had an angry edge to it. Her breath hitched and her body tensed, but her voice remained calm. "It's Luna, Draco. I know you might not know it, but she's my oldest friend outside of family. We've known each other since we were little. Same age, neighbors, you know how it goes." She waited in silence, hoping he wouldn't let this come between them. Wouldn't let the war eclipse whatever they felt for each other. She had never asked him for specifics about the Death Eaters, and he had never asked her for specifics about the Order. It had been a silent, unspoken rule. Not to use the other to pry for information. Finally, he loosened his grip. He sighed into her shoulder, and Ginny relaxed.
"What the hell are we doing?" Ginny felt a wave of unease at his question. At his tone. Did he regret this? Did he think they had both gone mad? She knew she was being stupid. That logically, what they were doing didn't make sense. Still, she felt hurt at hearing him voice the question out loud. She didn't want to say it. And yet, at the same time she didn't want to be with him if he didn't feel the same way she did. She had to let him choose. "We can stop this if you want. Millicent talked to me on the train; her grandfather gave her something to protect herself. She doesn't need us anymore." Her voice had come out shaky, but she successfully kept from tearing up. If he wanted to leave, then she would just have to find a way to move on.
He stared at her, brow furrowed in confusion. "Doesn't need…she hasn't needed us for over a month. Has she? I thought she and Daphne and you sorted all that." She just stared back at him, realization slowly sinking in. He didn't know about the blackmail or about it only being effective if they continued to be together. That meant that he hadn't been doing any of this for Millicent since mid-November. From his point of view, they had been in a relationship with no ulterior motives. The only issue he had been concerned about, was convincing everyone that he hadn't gone soft or switched sides. Making them believe that he still thought of her as a blood traitor and an enemy, only good for fucking.
Before either of them could say anything else, the carriage stopped and the door popped open, letting them know they had arrived. They could now hear the noise of other students. More importantly, one of those students could now walk by and see as well as hear them. Ginny snatched her knickers off of the floor to stuff into her robe pocket, grabbed her trunk, and headed out of the carriage. Hopefully no one had seen that. She knew Draco must be fastening his trousers, and really hoped no one saw that. Having that part of him be for her eyes only suited her just fine.
Shoving all thoughts aside, she caught back up with her fellow Gryffindors, blocking out the stares and whispers that followed her. You'd think they'd have tired of gossiping about her by now. She knew what they were saying. The worst part was, they weren't exactly wrong. A part of her still couldn't believe what she was doing. Her mum would either cry uncontrollably or yell loudly enough to make the ceiling shake if she found out what Ginny had been up to. Her father would be disappointed. Her brothers would be furious. Ginny knew with absolute certainty that she would never have been able to let the school think she was sleeping with anyone, much less Malfoy, if Ron had been at Hogwarts. Ron would have hexed them into oblivion or sent himself to the Hospital Wing trying.
Not to mention without her bedroom of solitary confinement, the threat of being caught would have loomed large on her mind. Last year, two seventh-year Ravenclaws had been caught. They had lost 75 house points each, been given a month's worth of detention, and the boy had received a Howler meaning the parents had been notified. Of course in that case, the two had been dating since fifth year and the Howler had been more about not protecting his girlfriend's reputation than anything else.
Dinner was a strange affair, people happy to see friends again, while also rather upset at having to leave loving families for life under the Carrows. Still, dinner was better than what she knew was coming. Isolation and loneliness. Although it was a Sunday, Ginny knew she would be alone tonight. There would be no way for him to go to bed early without rousing suspicion.
Later that night, Ginny found herself staring at her ceiling, unable to sleep. And then a sob wracked her body. She curled up into a fetal position and cried, wishing terribly that he was here. That he didn't come to her only when he could do it secretly. That she could be his priority. She knew she wanted something impossible. She knew he had to appear loyal to the Dark Lord and his ideals. But she couldn't seem to make her heart understand logic.
She was in much too deep. She knew it. She had fucked him in that carriage with no birth control, and she didn't even regret it. She had known what she was doing at the time. Some subconscious decision had been made that she didn't want to think too much about. But she knew it was dangerous. That she was playing with fire. And he had the power to burn her. She had never felt so helpless, so dependent on a boy. Even with Harry, she had been able to keep her guard up and her heart protected, knowing he was likely to go off and leave her. Maybe it was because it seemed like she had nothing to lose. Maybe it was because she never thought she'd actually fall for him. But she hadn't protected herself well enough. She was in love, and it was terrifying.