§
"Mommy, why does daddy have to go to war?" Big blue eyes asked.
Between rolling the pastry she explained. "To protect us, the ones he loves."
"Oh...Mommy, why do people try to hurt us? Did we do something wrong?" She sat at the table, tiny legs swinging.
The woman smiled, tucking a strand of chocolate hair behind her ear. "No, the other solders are only trying to protect someone else."
The girl frowned, scrunching her face. "But I thought the other men were bad."
Her mother placed the pie into the oven. "They protect someone bad. That is why good people fight each other, Jesse. They love someone much they would die for them. But even bad people have someone to love them, to protect them."
"Even bad people can be loved—protected?"
"Aha, and even bad people can protect... and love."
§
Another branch crackled under his feet, making Harry's hand clench on the wand. The thin stick of wood was feeling pretty useless in his hand.
Not edgy now, are we? The wizard asked himself, smiling grimly. The sun had long ago faded to the interlocking foliage of the Dark Forest. He could only guess at the time.
Time is running out, but I should be nearing the portkey soon. Voldemort wants me to find it, after all.
Captivating green eyes scanned the area of gloomy glade. It was a monotony of despondent darkness and death; bare trees, crackled leaves, sickening yellow water, a red ball.
Red ball?
Sure enough the rogue quaffle was sitting calmly on a rotten log. Without a doubt, black-haired youth knew he had found the portkey. However his finger pressed to the lost toy did not react so he assumed it was not yet time. Sitting in the silence led the chosen one to think about what he was doing, or to be more precise, for whom.
Ginny...
The hue of the ball reminded him of her long locks and beaming smile, of the afternoons spent playing Quidditch together. It also reminded why he could never have a girlfriend until Voldemort was gone.
I'm sorry Gin, it's all my fault. Stay safe... if something happened to you...
He forced his thoughts away from the dark imagination of fear. He had to keep as calm as possible. Just focus on getting there, rescuing Ginny, then running back...
To where? Portkeys only work one way.
He frowned at the thought. This ill-planned mission seemed to be falling apart already. And the suffocating atmosphere was doing nothing to help that.
I could try to apparate away with her.
And where would you go? You can't disapparate or apparate on Hogwarts grounds.
The Burrow?
Lovely, lead the Death Eaters to kill the rest of the Weasley family. How about just going to the Grimmauld Place and showing them where the order is hiding?
Well then what do you suggest? The seeker demanded of his inner-self.
Going back to the castle and waiting for Blair to sort things out.
...Ginny would be dead by then.
And what will your death do to save her?
I'm going. He told the persona firmly.
Going to do what? If you wanted suicide there are easier options. The snarky voice was reminiscent of Blair and Hermione.
Joke all you want, I will find someway to save her.
Before the inner voice could rebuttal, the familiar pull around his navel brought him back to the world.
The voice gave a mental sigh. Too late, we're dead.
§
Aidan shifted uncomfortably against the wall again. His charge's words were unsettling. Her swift brown eyes seemed to pick up on the movement, but she said no more about it.
"A living martyr? What an oxymoron." He pushed haughty disbelief in place of actual doubt, hesitation that would kill him.
However the prisoner met him with a sharp rebuttal. "Harry lives for us. He trains to fight Voldemort, pushes himself to protect the ones he cares about...He gives his life for us everyday. Because of that, Harry brings us hope and faith."
Her eyes smoldered with resolve."Hope and faith to defy Voldemort even if it costs us our lives. After all, that is the sacrifice he makes everyday."
The future death eater winced again at the name of the wizard, but didn't mention it. Instead his evergreen eyes turned to her, trying to conceal the hungry curiosity.
"Do you really believe that? Ginny, I thought you were smart."
At this the captive winked and smiled again while fiddling with a rock. "I am, thank you very much. I would be one hell of an idiot to not believe in Harry after all he's done."
Her jailer gazed deeply for another breath before turning away hastily. "Hm, you're such a child. There are no heroes in this world, no morales. It's a big-fish-eat-little-fish society and I intend to be the big fish."
The Weasley daughter seemed to consider this for a moment, a finger on her chin in thought. "But no matter what, a bigger fish would come along... I would rather die for a better world then live in that one."
The older blinked at her response, allowing open confusion before checking himself moodily. "Hah, you're so naive."
"And you're in denial."
The young man cocked an eyebrow. "Denial of what?"
The orange-haired girl gave a pretend sigh. "Of the fact that you are actually a decent person and not a mad murderer."
His frown deepened. "Shut up. What the hell would you know about me?"
The chaser rolled her eyes. "Enough to know that you're not as bad as the rest of them."
Water dripped from the roof of the cave to the rock floor, causing a timely splash. The space was darkening from oddly lit to dull gloom, speaking of an end to the day. All animals had been frightened out of the place long before the two lone figures entered. The atmosphere was thick, yet not hostile. Rather it was tense with challenge and change.
"I am a coward, Ginny. I value my own life too much." Aidan admitted bitterly, boring at his own callused palms.
But the witch was hardly blinked at this confession. "Everyone sane fears death. It's people like Harry that make us realize, however, that there are worse punishments than death."
Drip, the water played its countable tune in leeway of the silence.
"Like what?"
The girl shut her eyes, reminiscing over something her prison keeper could not see.
"Like loosing someone you love. Like hurting innocent people by your own stupidity. Like loosing the one battle you needed to win after winning the many that never mattered. Those punishments are so much worse then death."
The wizard scoffed. "And why is that?"
The pretty 5th year gave an off-handed shrug. "At least you don't feel the pain after you die."
Aidan was silent for a long stretch and Ginervia almost counted their conversation over.
"Will he come for you?"
"Yes."
"...They'll kill him. The Potter kid is still too young and too weak."
"He'll find a way."
"Why?"
"He's Harry Potter."
§
To say that Tom Riddle was surprised by the sudden appearance of a certain fire haired woman would have been a lie. But to say that he was happy would have been sacrilegious.
"What do you want Blair?" He demanded in scathing, slippery tones.
Golden eyes were rolled as she stepped through the window, not bothering to shut it afterward.
"Don't be moody Tom, it's irksome."
Crimson eyes narrowed. "Do not play games with me, Aduru."
Kryeen momentarily forgot why she was here at the sound of her title. "You have no idea what you are playing at Tom, summoning Draeg! You damn fool, he'll kill you!"
The Dark Lord smiled spitefully through thin lips. "You're afraid of him, little Blair. My vampire is stronger than you; I saw the fight."
The small reservoirs of the immortals patience were sapped.
Note to self: Mortals suck.
Nearly screeching with rage, the erotic woman gripped the nearest object—an antique table—and hurled it at him. Without flinching the feared wizard broke it into fragments with his wand. Before the dust had cleared, the Eposis had him pinned against a wall, ignoring the serpent spell biting into her shoulder and causing a considerable amount of blood to fall to the ground.
"I would have killed Draeg if he had not run, I would remind you! Coward, Tom—that is you! What the hell do you need a child for? Is one boy really that hard for you to kill or are you just afraid like the worthless bastard you are?"
However the magicked snake on her shoulder suddenly grew larger and the professor was forced to relinquish her hold or have her head bitten off.
"Why do you care so much about Potter?" The snake asked with slitted eyes, wary of her response.
No way in hell was anyone else dragging the truth out of her today. "Why do you? Fear of a little, weak, boy? Pathetic!"
"His fate is entwined with mine. I will kill that child tonight." The most feared man of his time replied coldly, grinning dangerously.
The DADA instructor snorted. "You or your Death Eaters?"
Venom was laced in with his low tone. "I will kill him."
The teacher turned halfway, fingers burning carelessly through the wall she pressed against. "You know, Tom, had you not stupped as low as summoning Draeg I might have allied with you."
Flaring eyes smirked at the slight tightening of his tall, lean frame. Powerful, she would grudgingly admit, human she would play at, male she could work with. Continuing on with teasing nonchalance she spoke.
"But I cannot join forces with my enemies' friends. It is a shame really, to have to help that old geezer. But you had your chance Tom."
The woman let out a taunting sigh.
"Too bad. You were my first choice, but with all of this trickery I would rather just blow a few heads off. Death Eaters or Order of Phoenix, it doesn't matter to me. So I think tonight... you should tell your sheep to stay the hell away from me when I get the girl."
Voldemort hissed in anger, waving his wand in a complex pattern that drew thick, deep wounds all around her flesh. But Blair just laughed as she walked out the door.
"I'll play with you some other time Tom." Damn that hurt! It's a good thing he has no idea how much that actually effects me.
And with a swish of an iron-colored lock, the death dealer was out of the room.
Now if only to find the two brats and leave.
§
Ron and Hermione had split apart and were currently dashing through the halls of their school. The Weasley brother turned a left corner at the Great Hall, running down the long hallway. Up a set of stairs, and even with continuous Quidditch practice he was beginning to get worn. Turning right, he came upon a forgettable wooden door. Panting, the red head pounded on the door.
"Professor Lupin! Professor we need your help! Pr—" The door opened abruptly and the person yelling went down with a thud.
"Ron, what is wrong?" An alarmed, though not as haggard, Remus asked from the doorway.
Catching his breath, the 6th year began to talk in rapid phrases.
"They took Gin... Harry going... got to stop him... Death Eaters."
However it was enough for the former werewolf to understand the message. He paled at first, then frowned and gripped the Gryffindor firmly by the elbow to keep him from sliding to the floor.
"Has Dumbledore been informed of this?"
The youngest brother nodded. "Hermione..."
§
Swift feet bounded through up the flight of moving stairs, catching a ledge before the temperamental house working had a chance to rearrange itself. A crowd of students passed by her, and Granger never slowed her pace, cutting through them with a flash of her Prefect Badge. Curly hair flying passed her cheek, robe wavering at her ankle, the witch made her way through the second landing and proceeded to the third, taking a sharp left turn. Lips pursued in frustration, she scaled the stairs until meeting two stone gargoyles. Her clear, crisp voice rang out the password and the two fat stone warriors hobbled out of her way.
"Professor," The clever 6th year called as she rapped smartly on the wooden door of the oval office.
There were low voices and small scuffles from inside the room.
"Professor, I need to talk to you immediately. It's about Har—" The brunette began again just as the door swung open to reveal a pair of starry blue eyes.
"Ms. Granger, whatever brings you to my office? You should be in your class now." His patient voice helped ease her grating nerves a little.
"I am sorry Professor, but it is Harry." Her warm cocoa eyes were darkened with worry and slight anger.
She had not forgotten what exactly her best friend had done to her, and was still smarting from it. But their bond went too deep to be broken by some trivial form of thick-headed salvation. After all, the girl knew why he had done it.
"What seems to be the problem, Ms. Granger?" Dumbledore asked with an amount of calm seriousness.
With a deep breath Hermione launched into the explanation. "He received a letter this morning and acted really anxious afterward. He skipped class and was trying to get out of the doors when Professor Blair intervened and..."
"Professor Kryeen was there?" The great wizard asked sharply, though not angrily.
Swallowing, the bookworm nodded. "Yes... and then we found out that the Death Eaters had caught Ginny Weasley and were using her as bait to lure Harry there. He of course..."
"Wanted to go save Ms. Weasley." Albus knew, looking grave and worried from the drawing lines across his face.
She nodded. "But Professor Blair said that it would... only get him killed and that she would go talk to Voldemort. She asked us to make sure Harry didn't try anything stupid but as soon as she was out of sight, he jinxed us."
The Headmaster contemplated for a short moment. "Where is Professor Kryeen now?"
The muggle-born took all her restrain to keep from fidgeting. "She went after him."
The old man stroked his beard thoughtfully. "If Professor Kryeen is indeed following Harry than there is little worry that harm will come to him for now. However we must not risk both of their healths to a group of dark wizards. Thank you for informing me Ms. Granger. May I assume Mr. Weasley has been informed prior to this?"
"Of course."
§
As the last Potter walked, he contemplated the item juggling between his fingers. Voldemort had sent it with the letter to confirm that he had indeed stolen away Ginny Weasley. It was a very simple, very sentimental item.
The bronze chain glittered in the twilight as he strode toward the ominous shadows in the valley. The lone charm was a thumb-sized golden replica of the snitch, pearl wings magicked to flutter slightly against the necklace. Green eyes filled with remorse as he remembered the day he gave it to her.
"Nice work Harry!" She exclaimed, brushing the sweat-laden red locks from her forehead.
"Er... yeah, thanks." He replied, distractedly.
The chaser quirked an eyebrow. "What's with you?"
The self-annotated hero rubbed a hand through his black hair nervously as he looked at the pretty, albeit dirty, girl.
"Well when I was in Hogsmeade last week I just kinda saw this thing..." The boy-who-lived began nervously.
His companion smirked teasingly. "This thing? The Harry Potter is all worried about 'this thing'?"
Despite himself, the older teen laughed and blushed a little. "Shut up Gin!"
"Then spill it!" His best friend's sister pretended to pout, hands on her hips.
I fight against Voldemort, fly 2,000 feet above the air, and have private lessons with a partially deranged immortal. I can do this! The green-eyed wizard told himself. However, Death Eaters were looking quite nice about now.
"Well it is just a little thing but it is kind of nice and I thought—" Fantastic, I'm the babbling-moron-who-lived.
"Harry..." The Gryffindor 5th year began slowly. "Are you dying?"
Yes! Ah... I'm melting...
"No..." The seeker replied, baffled by her sudden question.
"Kill someone?"
"...No,"
"Sleep with a banshee?"
"What?" He had every right to be completely defensive. What ludicrous question was that?
However the younger witch was smiling, hazel eyes filled with laughter. "Well then whatever it is, it can't be that bad now, can it?"
Grinning, the scarred boy felt almost all nervousness leave his system. So with a single deep breath and thankful that the sun was so bright in the deep blue sky and it was a clear, if cold day; he pulled out a necklace.
"Ithoughthatyoumightlikeit." Almost all nervousness, was the key phrase.
However Ginny was too tranfixed on the item that had been placed in her hand. The bronze tone of the chain complimented her auburn hair and fair skin tone. The tiny golden snitch at the end, fluttering lazily in her palm, glimmered in her eye's reflection.
"Harry it's...amazing." The awe in her voice heated his cheeks, but a stupid smile was still pasted there.
"I just thought you might like it."
The youngest Weasley looked thoughtfully at her friend before pulling the chain onto her neck and fastening it there. "I have a thank you present, but you have to close you eyes."
Giving her a bemused look, the chosen one shut both eyes and waited with a strange knot in his stomach.
The gentle pressure of something smooth and light touched his lips.
"So, you actually came." A familiar, falsely velvet voice reached to him from the memories. An angry chartreuse gaze fell on the speaker.
"Lucius, you escaped. Too bad." The youth replied coldly.
An ugly sneer fell across his haughty palette. With a wave of pale fingers, two robed figures emerged from the trees.
"We are to take you to the Dark Lord. You will die tonight, Potter."
§
A/N: Come on, there had to be some underlying motive to Voldemort going after Ginny instead of Ron or Hermione... Oh, and let's also see if someone can catch another little plot bunny that these flashbacks and the letter mean! Review to save the writer from horrible AP classes!