Author's Note: I hope the story isn't boring you. Reviews are much appreciated, I get more inspired when I get to hear from you. Well anyway, here's Chapter 16!
Chapter 16
"Harry, please don't do anything stupid," Ginny told Harry as they entered the lifts in the Ministry. When Ginny had suddenly appeared at Harry's doorstep last night, eyes shining with unshed tears and face etched with sorrow and anger, he immediately felt extremely furious at Draco, expecially when Ginny explained to him and Cho in between sobs, what she had just seen. Seeing Ginny suffer and break down like that made both Harry and Cho's heart heavy with sympathy and Harry had vowed from that moment on, that he would be giving Draco Malfoy twice the pain he had caused Ginny.
Harry pretended not to hear Ginny and kept his gaze directly on the gate of the lifts; determined to give Draco if not a good beating; anything that would cause him pain. Ginny sighed, knowing that she wouldn't be able to dissuade Harry from what he wanted to do. She was angry, no, furious at Draco and right now, she felt nothing but loathe for him and she wanted him to hurt as much as she did. She just didn't want to make a scene and cause a riot in the ministry that would cost their jobs.
The lifts moved a little too fast for Ginny's liking for they were now at the Auror Department's floor and before she could even take a step towards the gate, Harry had already opened it and zoomed past her, his heels clicking loudly on the floor, fast and fading until she heard his muffled yell of "Where's Malfoy?" She silently prayed that Draco wasn't there yet and after taking a deep breath, she walked to their office.
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"Where's Malfoy?" Harry yelled, barging into the office. Tonks looked up at him with a confused look through her open door from her desk in her office while Ron, who was looking very irate that his ears were red, didn't even look up at him.
"The bloody git resigned," Ron muttered. Harry looked at him with disbelief as he felt Ginny stand next to him.
"Excellent!" she exclaimed, making Ron look up at her, confused. It was excellent because then, Ginny wouldn't have to see the face of that sodding git and he wouldn't have to get beaten by Harry and no scene would be caused..
"He sent me a letter of resignation by owl this morning," she said. Harry's eyebrows rose in surprise as he glanced at Ginny, who was looking like she couldn't care less. "He said he was going to reestablish Malfoy Corporation."
Ron snorted. "One hell of a corporation that'll turn out to be."
Ginny resisted the urge to glare and snap back at Ron. It was too early in the morning and she wasn't exactly in for anymore fighting and she felt extremely relieved that Draco wasn't there anymore. The weight on her chest lightened and she was finally able to breathe. She looked at Harry, who was looking vey disappointed at not having to be able to give Malfoy what he deserved. Instead, she walked over to her desk, tidying up the scrolls of parchment that were scattered on her desk.
Tonks ignored Ron's comment as she summoned a roll of parchment from her desk.
"I've got an assignment for you," Tonks said. Harry and Ron looked up immediately, while Ginny just went on with tidying up her desk, waiting for Tonks to tell them the assignment. It was probably just another search they had to do for clues on the Malfoy-Lestrange case. Ginny's lack of interest and enthusiasm did not go unnoticed by Tonks who raised her eyebrows and stared inquisitively at the red-head. When Tonks did not begin speaking, Ginny finally looked up at them, who seemed to be staring at her. She stared back, her mouth hanging open slightly, thinking of what to say or do and when she didn't say anything, Tonks cleared her throat and spoke.
"The Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures has given us a report on the rapid decrease in the number of unicorns and phoenixes in the Forbidden Forest," she said, unrolling the parchment and spreading it on Harry's desk, showing them a set of statictics. The three senior aurors interest were sparked as they all huddled around Harry's desk, scanning the report. There was indeed a rapid drop in the number of these creatures. What was more intriguing was the fact that these two creatures had properties that seemed to coincide with each other; healing properties and life preservatuon.
A shudder ran through Ginny's spine. She knew only one person who had used unicorn blood to preserve his life; but that person had been long gone. The thought of the Dark Lord still alive and recuperating ran through her mind as she shuddered for the second time and the hair on her nape rose at its ends. She shook her head and focused on the report in front of her, trying to dismiss the horrible thought. Little did she know that the same thoughts were running through the minds of the other three people that were with her in the room.
"I think," Tonks began. "that this information could be related to the Malfoy-Lestrange case. They might be in hiding, killing these creatures for reasons we don't know," she said.
"He can't be alive. He was burnt to ashes," Harry stated.
"There's no way you could rise from your own ashes, right?" Ron asked, looking worried.
"We're going to have to ask the Magical Law Enforcement Department about that. That kind of magic must be banned," Tonks said. "Let's hope there isn't because this could mean the rise of another war."
"But I destroyed all his horcruxes," Harry exclaimed. "He can't have made another one."
"Harry, let's not jump into conclusions yet." Tonks said.
"But this is critical information!" Harry argued.
"I know," Tonks said, exasperated. "But we have no tangible proof that the Dark Lord is indeed alive and using all these creatures to preserve his life."
"So what are we going to have to do?" Ron asked.
"Send the best team of Aurors and probably some members of the Order to investigate in the Forbidden Forest," Tonks said. "We'll go with Mad-Eye Moody and Remus tomorrow."
The three immediately brightened at the mention of Mad-Eye Moody and Remus. It had been a long time since they last met and what good way to reunite than to go on a little hunting and investigation trip, just like old times? They had always enjoyed Mad-Eye and Remus' company, the two had always been there for them even through the toughest times of the war and the fact that they had all fought and survived the war together somehow brought them closer to each other. Also, going into the Forbidden Forest meant that they had to go to Hogwarts. This thrilled them even more because this meant that they would be able to see their biggest friend: Hagrid.
As Harry, Ron and Tonks discussed the investigation that was going to take place tomorrow, Ginny couldn't help but think whether Draco really knew nothing about his father's whereabouts and doings.
The brightness of the sun's rays that were shining through the windows of Draco's office seemed to be mocking him as he sat behind his desk, feeling gloomy and dull. He had now given up everything that he had tried hard to gain, his girlfriend, his job at the ministry and most of all, himself. What was the purpose of this all anyway? He was being asked to lead the Death Eaters alongside the Dark Lord to conquer the wizarding world; the exact opposite of what he wanted. He didn't want to serve the Dark Lord again, especially now that he had betrayed him once. The Dark Lord was sure to give him a difficult and excruciating time and was not going to let him off easy; which is why he was given the task of leadership.
He took a sip from the glass of whisky in his right hand. He had recently been finding solace in alcohol; it numbed the pain and emptiness he felt inside of him. Although temporary, the alcohol was able to erase all thoughts and images of the one person he can't keep his mind off. The one person that used to see the best in him but now hated him and probably wanted to kill him for causing her all the pain she was feeling. Although he knew she was strong and very impulsive, a small voice inside his head keeps telling him he had really hurt her to her core. He groaned and closed his eyes, not wanting to think about it anymore.
Just then, a shuffling noise from the fireplace made him open his eyes and look up to see a dark, italian, good-looking man who was embellished in dark robes that impressed Draco. A smile crept up his face as he stood up and approached the man with open arms.
"Blaise, my man," he said as the two old friends hugged, patting each other's backs.
"How are you, mate? Its been a long time," Blaise said as they pulled away.
"Yeah, yeah, it has been quite awhile," Draco said, leading his friend to the sitting room of his office. They sat down on sofas opposite each other. "Whisky?"
"Only the best you've got," Blaise said, smirking.
Draco grinned. "Of course," he said as he poured two glasses of whisky and handed the other to Blaise.
"So, how was it living with the Weaselette?" Blaise smirked. Draco almost spit out his whisky. He fought the urge to groan. This was the last thing he wanted to talk about but this was Blaise Zabini he was talking to. The closest he had to a friend.
"Hell," Draco replied. He knew that he would have received a good smack on the head if Ginny were there with him. "We've broken up though," Draco added, shrugging as he did so to give Blaise the impression that the break-up meant nothing to him. Blaise looked at his friend in disbelief.
"You shagged Ginny Weasley?" he asked incredulously. Draco cringed at his friend's choice of words but shrugged again. "Well she's not that bad looking anyway. I'd shag her."
Draco stared at him. Blaise's eyes grew as wide as saucers.
"You fell in love with her!" Blaise exclaimed, a knowing grin playing at his lips.
"What? No!" Draco argued quickly.
"No way, man. You're in love with her, I can see and feel it," Blaise said. "No need to be ashamed, mate. Ginny's not bad," he added.
"I'm not ashamed," Draco said.
"Then why'd you break up with her?" Blaise asked.
"It's a long and complicated story. You'd get bored," Draco said, waving a hand in the air dismissively. But Blaise was not dettered. He raised an eyebrow.
"Try me."
Draco sighed. He knew there was no way he was going to get of this. He was glad though, that his friendship and closeness with Blaise never changed. He took a deep breath and the next thing he knew, he was spilling the whole truth to Blaise; even those about the Dark Lord. And when he finished speaking, Blaise had on an expression that was vaguely similar to that of Cho's when he had told her the truth.
"The Dark Lord is alive?" he asked, all interest in his and Ginny's relationship evaporated. This was scary news.
"Unfortunately, yes," Draco replied.
"And you're going to serve him right?"
"Unfortunately, yes," Draco repeated.
"And you need to get your company up and running? Why?" Blaise asked.
"Just because," Draco said.
"And you need my help?" Blaise asked, a smile playing at his lips.
"Yes," Draco said. "But only temporarily," he added quickly.
"And in return, you spare me from the Dark Lord, right?" Blaise asked, his expression grave and serious. Blaise had never sided with the Dark Side. In fact, he had fought with Draco in the war with the Order.
"I can't guarantee that," Draco said slowly and when he saw the paled and stoic expression on Blaise's face, he chuckled. "Of course I will, Blaise."
Blaise gave a sigh of relief and grinned. "That's settled then."
Soon, Draco and Blaise were talking business and after hours of discussion, they came down an agreement that suited both. They were to be business partners for the meantime and 70 percent of the profits would go to Draco and Blaise gets 30 percent, since he had his own business anyway. After drawing up contracts and signing them, the two shook hands and after friendly goodbyes, Blaise left, reasoning that he had a meeting to go to.
Draco felt a sense of pride and fulfillment as he rolled up the contracts and locked it in the drawer of his desk. He had always wanted to run Malfoy Corporations. He was sure his father wouldn't mind. Draco was going to inherit it anyway; he was just getting a headstart. He was even hoping that his father would feel a tad proud of him bt shook his head, knowing that it would never happened. Draco had spent most of his life trying to impress his father and trying to convince him that he was the perfect son but Lucius seemed to always find mistakes in him. He finished the remaining whisky in his glass and a knock sounded on the door and in came Pansy, all dressed up and holding her Death Eater robes in her right arm.
"Draco, why aren't you ready yet? You're supposed to be at Salazar Slytherin's Manor in thirty minutes!" Pansy shrieked. Draco cringed in irritation.
"Do you have to shriek like a banshee all the time?" he snapped, making Pansy sniff and cross her arms. "Wait here," he demanded as he apparated into his bedroom and walked into his bathroom to take a quick shower. After that, he dressed in all black clothes and finally put on his black Death Eater robes. The material felt hard and heavy on his body as he examined his reflection in his mirror, looking satisfied at his good looks but scowling at the robes which seemed to taunt him.
Draco and Pansy apparated in front of the tall, iron gates of Salazar Slytherin's Mansion. It was already dark but the two couldn't help but be in awe as they stared up the huge and exquisitely gothic mansion. Two death eaters came clambering up to them to open the gate, followed by Lucius Malfoy who, like Draco, wasn't wearing his mask. Lucius led them up to the stone pathway and into the dark, elegant foyer of the manor where Lucius halted and turned to face Draco.
"The Dark Lord awaits you in the Great Hall," Lucius said. "Do not keep him waiting."
Draco gave him a curt nod, feeling hateful towards his father. He began walking towards the double oak doors that stood in front of him. He had never been here before but there was something strong and powerful that was pulling towards those doors. He halted in front of the doors and suddenly, they swung open to their own accord. The air suddenly felt cold and the hair at his nape were standing on end. He entered the hall which was lit only by candles that burnt blue flames, giving the hall a cold and dungeon-like look. He shuddered against his own will. He looked around and saw at the center of the hall, two lines of Death Eaters lined up until the other end of the room, where he assumed the Dark Lord was waiting. He couldn't see from here for the Hall was as big as the quidditch pitch in Hogwarts.
He puffed out his chest and lifted his chin high in the air as he began walking in between the two lines of Death Eaters, not bothering to put the hood of his robes on nor his mask. Much to his surprise and delight, the Death Eaters began bowing low as he passed them. His heart swelled with pride and with every step he took, he became braver and braver, walking with more dignity and courage. He could see the Dark Lord now, standing in his snake-like form, tall and powerful. Draco realized now that the power that he was feeling in the room was emanating from the Dark Lord. He walked on and halted when he was inches away from the Dark Lord. Draco thought he would feel terrified and scared when he had to face the Dark Lord but now that he was here, all he was feeling was determination and anger. He tried to empty his mind of thought, knowing that the Dark Lord was a very skilled Legilimens. The last thing Draco wanted was the Dark Lord using his thoughts and emotions against him. He paused and bowed his head saying, "My lord."
Voldemort looked at him, scrutinizing his every move. "Rise, my servant," he commanded and Draco immediately obeyed but kept his head bowed down. "I trust you know why you are here?"
"Yes, my lord," Draco replied. "I am here to serve you."
Voldemort looked pleased. "Very well," he said. "Your Dark Mark will be reembedded tonight, in front of all the Death Eaters. You will be above all of them. You will be my right hand and together, we will lead them into victory. Do you accept this task, Draco Malfoy?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Excellent," Voldemort exclaimed."But first, you will have to pass my test. Bring in the girl," he commanded, his voice loud and clear.
Draco's head snapped up as he heard what Voldemort had said. Girl? What girl? he thought nervously and suddenly, he heard the opening of doors and the sounds of a struggle. He whipped around and from this distance, he could make out the form of two Death eaters who appeared to be dragging someone behind them by the arms. He squinted against the darkness to see clearly and as they came closer, Draco's heart began pounding against his chest, feeling extremely anxious. He knew that head of red hair anywhere. His heart felt like it was being squeezed and he couldn't breathe. A lump formed in his throat as he looked at Ginny Weasley, whose wrists were bound behind her back and her screams and yells silenced by the silencing charm cast over her. He looked at her beaten and bloodied body, the scrathes and bruises on her neck and face and Draco immediately had a sick feeling in his gut as the two death eaters shoved her body in front of her. Draco wanted so badly to free her and just take her away from here but he knew he couldn't. He looked away from her pleading eyes, glistening with unshed tears and turned instead to glare at the Dark Lord.
"This was not part of our agreement!" Draco yelled.
Voldemort looked at him with confusion. "What agreement?" he asked in a sickeningly sweet voice.
"Lucius said that you would leave her alone if I did what you asked," Draco said angrily.
"That was what Lucius said, not what I said," Voldemort said sternly.
"Free her if I pass the test," Draco demanded.
"And if not?"
"I'll kill her myself." he said, not really thinking. He had to try everything that would get Ginny out of here.
Voldemort approached him slowly. "As as irresistable as your offer sounds, I'm afraid I cannot agree to your terms."
"Why not?" Draco yelled.
"Because killing her yourself," Voldemort paused for effect, "is the test that you have to pass."
Draco's eyes widened in shock. He can't kill her. If he killed her now then all his efforts to protect her was all useless.
"What?" he asked incredulously.
"You are aware, Draco, that if you refuse to do this test, I will kill her myself. I will kill her slowly and in the most excruciating way I can. While you, have the option to take away her life as quickly and painless as possible." Voldemort glared at Draco intently, challenging him. "Kill her."
Draco's mind raced. He had put Ginny in this mess and he would get her out of it. He can't put her into more suffering than she was already in. His chest tightened, suffocating him and a lump formed in his throat. His heart was pounding against his chest so hard that he thought it might burst right then and there. Adrenaline was pumping in his veins as he heard the blood rushing in his ears. He could barely move, he was perspiring like hell and he had a sick feeling in his gut and he felt like his heart was being torn into little pieces.
He closed his eyes, fighting the tears that were threatening to fall from his eyes, as he slowly turned around to face Ginny. He didn't dare open his eyes in fear of what he might see in Ginny's eyes. He could already feel her crying, feel her screaming and pleading, feel her fear and most of all, he could feel the loathe and hate emanating from her core. He raised his wand, tears steadily streaming down his face, unable to control them any longer.
"Kill her now!" Voldemort yelled angrily and commandingly, shaking Draco to his core as his eyes shot open. He knew immediately that he was going to die of regret and sorrow after this.
Disclaimer; Copyright of JK Rowling.