I've decided to do something different. From here on out, this story is dedicated to all the girls out there who have faced their own personal Voldemorts.

But in happier news: I got reviews:D:D

Aliesha: Congratulations! Have a broomstick shaped cookie! I promise by the time you're done eating it, you'll feel right as rain and ready to leave another review. As for Xandrew, I kept seeing HoYay between the two during the last season of Buffy, so I decided that they should get a move on and get together. Oh, and I never liked Kennedy so I tossed her down a plot hole.

ele: Thanks! Dru is such a treat to write and ol' Voldy's such a challenge. I'm glad someone who isn't me was satisfied with the way that turned out.

Dannii: Thanks for the encouragement!

Gaia: Thankfully, my muse is making up for lost time. I'm a lean, mean, chapter-writing machine! However, if I ever get stuck, I'll be sure to drop you a line!

Thank you guys for all the reviews. Please, keep them coming!

The common room was quiet as Ginny and Hermoine returned from their meeting with Dumbledore and the Americans. In his usual quiet understanding, Dumbledore had allowed the girls the rest of the afternoon off, to give them time to absorb the shocking news.

"Unbelievable." Ginny exclaimed as she flopped down by the fireplace. "It's just unbelievable!"

Hermoine regarded her friend from the chair across from her. "What other explanation is there, Gin?" she asked her friend. "Think about it -"

"I don't want to." Ginny pouted.

"We sent Malfoy flying." Hermoine continued. "You and I both know that before we got this power, our combined strength maybe could've gotten him to back up a few steps. Face it, Gin. They were right and we are Slayers." She sighed, and ran a hand through her bushy chestnut locks. Slowly, a smile crept across her face. "It was pretty funny, though." she said mischievously.

Ginny was forced to agree. "I just wish I could be there when he gets back to the dungeons." she said, grinning. "Big, bad, son-of-a-Death-Eater, beaten up a by a pair of little girls."

The girls shared a quiet laugh. "Maybe being a Slayer won't be all that bad." Ginny conceded. "And if we occasionally flex our muscles in Malfoy's general direction..." she trailed off, her face a picture of mock innocence.

Hermoine chuckled. "I don't think they can fault us that." she said. "But I want to read up on our new condition with those books Mr. Giles lent me." She hoisted her book bag onto the table and began lovingly setting the books out. "I want to know exactly what's required of us, what we can do, what American vampires look like." She sighed dreamily at all the new knowledge about to fill her head.

Ginny, however, rolled her eyes. "Well, I for one just want to sleep." she said, yawning. "Nothing helps new information take hold like a good nap." She turned on her heel and headed for the stairs to her dorm. "So we're going to save the world." she said, pausing on the stairs. "That's just...neat!"

Some time later, Ginny awoke from her brief slumber. She stretched out on her bed, luxuriating in the dreamy weightlessness of being in between sleep and total awareness. She had been dreaming of flying high above the Quidditch patch with a boy whose face she couldn't see. They soared away from Hogwarts to a beautiful garden with high hedges and a crystal fountain where they landed and kissed. Ginny smiled; it was the first time in years that Voldemort hadn't been a central figure in her subconscious.

Slowly, through the haze of relaxation, Ginny became aware of a shape at the end of her bed. "Alright, Hermoine." she said groggily. "Tell me what fantastic new discovery you've made about Slayer power."

The shape snorted. "Slayer? Interesting."

Ginny sat bolt upright, for the shape was none other than Tom Riddle, Lord Voldemort himself. He smiled at her. "Pleasant dreams, Virginia?" he asked politely.

Ginny scrambled out of her bed. "How the hell did you get in here?" she screamed.

"Now really, there's need to shout, Virginia." Tom drawled. "I may only be a projection but I can hear you quite clearly." He smiled, amused by his own wit.

Ginny edged slowly towards him. "You're not really with me?" she whispered. She squinted and ran her hand through his midsection. "You're not real." she concluded.

Tom sighed. "Oh?" He reached up and smoothed a lock of red hair behind Ginny's ear, causing her to gasp and stiffen. "I'm very real. I'm also in control of this little meeting. I can touch you, kiss you, or curse you depending on how well you follow my instructions." He leaned in and nipped her earlobe. "You were always so good at that." he murmured as his tongue lightly traced the concave of her ear.

Closing her eyes, Ginny let the sensation wash over her. It was deliciously wicked to have him near her again, to let him reawaken her hunger as his lips brushed her neck. She felt, more than heard the voice telling her to let him take control again. Control...control...she knew she had to remember something about control...

Suddenly, her anger resurfaced and her eyes snapped open. "Get out of here." she growled. "Murderer."

Tom's face darkened. "I would be less inclined to throw petty labels about if I were you, Virginia." he said, his velvety voice dangerously low. "You committed more than a few crimes when we were together, or do you not remember?" He sneered at the fear and recognition that was beginning to show in her eyes. "Yes, all those innocent Mudbloods could have died because of acts you committed. How does it feel to know you are responsible for your own best friend's petrification?"

Ginny swallowed hard and fought to keep her gaze and her voice level. "I was only a child!" she hissed. "You took advantage and you used me! If anyone is responsible for her suffering, it's you!"

Tom roared and leveled his wand at Ginny's heart "You may think you have power," he snarled. "But those Americans won't be able to save you when I decide your time has come!"

Ginny paled a shade, and groaned inwardly as her eyes slid down to regard Tom's wand. If what he said was true, then all he had to was say the words and she'd be a pile of ashes. But if he was lying...surely there were spells that could have fooled her into feeling his touch...

Ginny closed blinked hard and forced her gaze back up to Tom's eyes, which were now black with rage and dark power. Then it hit her: power. She had power. She wasn't eleven years old anymore. She smirked. "I won't need them." she said, willing the courage to back up her words. "I can take care of myself just fine."

Tom's eyes darkened even further. "Then let's see what this new and improved Virginia can do." He poked his wand harder into Ginny's chest. "CRUCIO!"

As usual, let me know what you think!