Where
did you go
When you kissed me good-night
You didn't walk
home
The same way you did last-night
You
were dancing with me
But I saw you flirting with her
Were all
the pretty words you whispered to me
meant for her, meant for her
Mama
said you were bad
And I should leave you alone
You had a
playboys reputation
With all the girls you know
So
I got to know
Just where I belong
Am I just another girl
Are
you leading me on, leading me on
Lyrics by Sapphires "Who Do You Love?" These are for the Ginny/Keifer part of the story.
Chapter Seven
The cool brown dim lights above the bar flickered and hummed. The redheaded girl who had entered with her boyfriend were both wearing outfits of sexy styles. The redhead, Ginny was in a short cut green shirt, and tight black jeans; the latter, Keifer had a black silk shirt, and ironed pressed blue jeans.
They sat at red bar stools and Keifer ordered two neon green liquids for the both of them from a surly bartender in a suit of black and white.
The bar was older, a western feel not that retro dance that you saw in the movies. There was peanut shells and the outer layer of nut skin lying across the cracked dammar varnished tiled floor. The lights were almost too faded to be useful anymore, and were on the edge of going out.
A couple across the bar stools joked openly about their new Aunt Carol, who had been too "sick" lately to operate a hair brush. Ginny and Keifer ignored these conversations, listening intently for the exact one's they were looking for.
An hour passed and Ginny was taking her third shot of green liquid. Her all too clear brain told her that it was nothing but watered down sugar with an ounce of something vulgar. She wretched her tongue as she put back another.
They hadn't yet found who they were looking for, but they still didn't want to leave yet.
Maybe I should order something stronger, Ginny thought. Maybe it looked like she was too young to be approached. Because that was what they were after: people to approach them, but not just any people – Death Eaters.
Suddenly, Ginny looked over to speak to Keifer, and found him not there at all. She searched around and found him talking to some 'babe' (would have been Ron's words to describe her), in a red cocktail dress.
She frowned at the girls almost too small figure and buttercup blonde hair that was giving her an almost angelic glow.
She shouldn't have been jealous, because she knew this was only part of the plan. But she just couldn't shake the frustration and bitterness she had at finding out the Death Eater was so gorgeous.
She listened intently to Keifer's conversation with her, and her ears irked as she heard him call her 'Sweetness.'
Ginny glanced over at them, and then gritted her teeth quietly.
'Sweetness' didn't seem too interested in Keifer as her slender wrist laid across the counter near her pink drink. Her hands were enveloped in white lace gloves and her almost silver-liquid eyes cautioned up to Keifer's face as he cocked his head to flirt with her.
It's going to be alright, she told herself.
Keifer almost touched his knees to the woman's, giving 'Sweetness' a smile that normally knocks her breath clean out. If it wasn't for the girl's eyes, nothing would have given it away that Sweetness was curious to know Keifer.
"I'm Yarley, Cassie Yarley," Cassie said, extending her hand.
"Keifer Pax," he said. "Can I buy you another drink?"
The night wore on and still Ginny was tormented by her boyfriend hitting on Cassie for Order work. If only she could have found someone to talk to first. It wasn't that she didn't trust Keifer. He just looked so sincere while he was acting away with this woman, and it made her a little uneasy.
"How does coffee in the morning sound, beautiful?" Keifer asked her as the night started to end.
"Sounds like bliss," Cassie said lightly.
"Sounds like bliss," Ginny mocked under her breath. She hated this woman already.
"Actually..." Yarley trailed off. "I probably shouldn't, my boyfriend probably wouldn't be too happy..."
"Boyfriend huh?" Keifer said, surprised.
Yes! Ginny thought joyously.
"Well, that's just as well, I guess," Keifer shrugged. "My girlfriend probably wouldn't be too pleased either."
Ginny's head spun to him. That wasn't supposed to be a part of the plan.
Cassie laughed. "Girlfriend, huh?" she mimicked him. "Well, I guess that's how it is."
"I suppose." Keifer shrugged. "What do you say to coffee anyway? You bring your boyfriend, and I'll bring my girlfriend."
"Well, you see," Cassie started. "I'd love to do that, only my boyfriend won't be able to make it. He's more of my, how do you say...on-call boyfriend. We're not exactly together in the fullest sense."
"Well, even so, I'm sure we'd love to have your company," Keifer said through a smile. "My girlfriend would probably love you."
Bull. Ginny grabbed another drink and took a gulp.
"It sounds lovely. I guess I can bring a friend and we can meet at the coffee shop in the center town, what do you say?"
"Eight o'clock?" Keifer asked.
"Perfect." She smiled, getting off the barstool. "I guess I will see you tomorrow at eight with your girlfriend."
"Bye, Cassie," he said, kissing her cheek.
Ginny's face turned bright red in jealousy even though she tried to stop herself.
Cassie left and Keifer headed her way, looking grim.
"You've been watching the whole time, love?" he asked.
Ginny nodded a little and shrugged. "I couldn't find anyone to talk to. She seems...nice."
Keifer laughed and kissed her softly on the lips. "Don't worry, Gin, you're the only one I want."
She smiled and took his hand in hers. They left the bar, leaving a substantial amount of tip behind.
"Next time, just buy the whole bottle, love," Keifer joked as they went through a set of bright red doors. They snapped shut behind them.
--
The engaged couple Ron and Hermione were seated at a small wooden table in their tiny dining/kitchen. The only appliances were a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee pot. It was their hotel room, to which they would be staying at for who knows how long.
They were drinking tea that Hermione had made magically, and they were nervously waiting for the phone to ring. Both of them wanted to speak, but it was against their better judgment.
They had been arguing for the last hour about Aiyana's so-called safe plan. Two of the upstairs neighbors had already complained about the noise (especially since it was now one in the morning). They had their downstairs neighbor hitting their floor with something heavy and they had the receptionist call them asking them to keep their noise down or they would be forced to get out.
Hermione was defending Aiyana's plan fully, even though she was still uncertain. She knew the Minister knew what she was doing most of the time.
Ron however had been saying that he thought Aiyana was out of her mind for coming up with the scheme. He didn't trust Keifer. He had a strange feeling that Ginny's boyfriend was going to get them all caught, or even killed. With Harry he had worried a lot less about his sister's safety, because when she was with his best friend, he at least knew she was protected.
I wonder if Malfoy is still being an arse? He grimaced at the thought of his best friend and worst enemy being together. He had liked it a lot better with Harry and Ginny. It was a lot less weird.
The phone rang and he jumped, Hermione snatched it up eagerly.
"Hello?" she said, clicking it over to speakerphone.
"Hey, it's Ginny," the littlest Weasley said.
"How'd it go?" Ron asked. Hermione shot him a look which clearly said, 'Clandestinely Ron, honestly. Keep everything under wraps.'
"It went alright; we managed to meet some new friends. We're meeting them for coffee tomorrow," she stressed the word friends for emphasis.
"Oh, good," Hermione said. "Which coffee place?"
"The one in center town, at eight," Ginny said, and then ambient sound was heard as she spoke to Keifer. "Yeah, we're leaving. Just hold on." She turned attention back to the phone. "I better go."
"Okay, bye," Hermione said.
"Be home soon," Ron said and Hermione hung up the phone.
"Well, that's good," Hermione said nodding assuredly.
"Do you think that they're actually...um..." Ron raised his eyebrows indicating what he meant.
"We can speak in here," Hermione said. "I've put warding spells all over, and Aiyana tested it herself."
Ron bit his lower lip. "Do you think they found Death Eaters then?"
"I hope so," Hermione said. "That was really fast, I'm surprised. But if these are Death Eaters then hopefully Keifer and Ginny can warm up to them."
Ron made a psh noise at this statement, but chose not to say anything regarding it. "Let's get some sleep, 'Mione."
"Alright," Hermione said sighing greatly. "I just have to do some work and I'll be right in."
Ron nodded, kissed her forehead and went to the queen sized bed with floral coverings.
--
There was a knock on their hotel room door. Hermione yawned greatly and slowly slipped her feet over the side of the bed.
"Who is it?" she asked through a yawn.
"Allie Aiyana, Ms. Granger," the voice said.
Hermione quickly pulled open the door to find the Minister of Magic in the hallway.
"Come in," she said.
Ron let out a loud snore from the bed.
"You might as well wake him too," Aiyana said with a soft smile.
Hermione nodded and quickly shook her fiancé awake.
"It's too early," Ron muttered.
"Aiyana is here," she said quickly.
Ron slowly sat up to see the Minister. "Oh."
He climbed out of bed and Hermione sat with the Minister in their tiny living room.
"We need to make some minor adjustments to the plan," Aiyana said.
Ron sat next to Hermione, his eyes groggy.
"Apparently there have arisen a few complications. Voldemort knows who I am."
"Oh Merlin!" Hermione exclaimed. "What about Snape?"
"Severus Snape is fine for now," she said. "The Dark Lord still trusts him. But our plan will need a little tweaking if we're going to make this work."
If Ron would have been more awake Hermione knew he would have been arguing with Aiyana about her plan. But since he wasn't Hermione spoke first.
"Of course," Hermione said. "What did you have in mind?"
--
Eight o'clock sharp, Hermione, and Ron were already buried behind menus at the small coffee shop. Ginny and Keifer were sitting at the counter waiting for their new friends. Both couples made sure never to cross glances even though no one else was in the shop yet.
At 8:01 the front door opened with a bell chime. Hermione, who had the view of the door, peered over her menu to see a beautiful Caucasian woman accompanied by a stunningly handsome man. He was strongly built, perfectly tanned skin, long shaggy black hair, and goatee, and he was superbly dressed.
Oh my, Hermione thought. Are these the 'friends'?
"Keifer," the woman said.
"Hello Cassie! This is my girlfriend, Ginny, this must be your friend," Keifer said, shaking his hand.
"Killian Bowser," the man said, placing an arm around Cassie.
"Shall we get a table?" Cassie asked, smiling broadly.
"Of course," Keifer said.
The two alleged Death Eaters, Ginny and Keifer sat at a table. They ordered some coffees and Danishes and then began small talk.
"So, what exactly do you do?" Cassie asked Ginny.
"Oh, I'm training to be a MediWizard," she said.
Hermione and Ron both knew this was a lie, but not too far from the truth. Ginny was excellent at magical healing and if she wouldn't have been wrapped up in the Order's plans she probably would have been training to be a MediWizard.
"Healing?" Killian asked, looking her over.
It was now Ron who had the full view of them. He gave a small cough as if demanding he stop looking over his sister. They jumped as a waitress came over to them.
"Ready to order?" she asked.
"Oh, not yet," Hermione replied sweetly.
The waitress nodded and walked away.
"I'm in Home Decorating," Cassie said.
"She's amazing at it," Killian said proudly.
"Are you two together?" Ginny asked sounding not so casual.
Killian let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, not exactly. We're mostly friends."
"We're completely just friends," Cassie retorted. "He only wishes otherwise."
"And you two are together?" Killian asked, laughing.
"Yes, we are," Keifer said, putting a hand around Ginny possessively.
"Strange, that you would be flirting with Cassie all last night," Killian remarked.
Hermione twitched nervously. Were they going to be found out?
"Doesn't your girlfriend object to such behavior?" he asked with a sneer.
Ron's eyes peeked at Ginny who was looking rather nervous and uncomfortable.
"I, well, yes I don't particularly like it," she said. "But, we were fighting last night. He got a little carried away."
"I said I was sorry, love," Keifer said compassionately.
"Oh, nothing would have happened, Killian," Cassie said non-pulsed.
"Especially with you," he replied dryly.
Ginny and Keifer didn't know how to respond to their remarks at one another, so they stayed quiet, watching.
"So, what do you do, Keifer?" Killian asked, changing the subject.
"I'm an assistant for Allie Aiyana at the Ministry," Keifer told the story that Aiyana had made up for them.
"Assistant for the Minister?" he said impressed. "My, that's a good job. What's she like anyhow?"
"She's a crazy loon," replied Keifer swiftly. Again, this was the story that they had to go by. They had to pretend to distrust the Minister completely, but be in the inside circle, that was what the change of plans had been. Aiyana was known to be Dumbledore now, so they had to make it seem like they truly hated her.
"Yet you work for the crazy loon?" Cassie asked.
"It's good money," Keifer said. "And being on the inside of everything is thrilling in a sense."
"Like to live dangerously?" Killian asked, but his eyes were on Ginny.
"Um..." Ginny said. "It can be fun."
Ron balled up his fist and bit his lip.
"Are you ready to order?" the waitress asked, causing them both to jump again.
"Oh, no," Hermione shook her head.
The waitress stared for a moment, then closed her pad. "Alright, I'll give you some more time..."
"Have you two ever heard of 'the Din'? It's a night club at the far side of this city," Killian asked.
"No, is it nice?" Keifer asked.
"It's very nice, and extremely selective. We just happen to know how to get in. What would you say to accompanying us next week?" Killian asked them.
"We'd love to," Ginny said.
"Good," Killian said with a grin. "We'll be looking forward to it."
--
Draco fled the scene, appearing inside what seemed like a large bedroom. It was richly furnished and well decorated. But to his surprise, it was not empty of spirit (because they certainly weren't human).
"Mister Draco L. Malfoy?" the spirit looking person asked.
The spirit was female and she was glowing, she had flowing long crimson hair, and beautiful piercing green eyes. The eyes seemed familiar somehow, and he couldn't help but think of Harry. Maybe that was because of how guilty he was feeling that just the sight of green eyes made him feel awful.
"Yes," he said, swallowing hard.
She smiled almost gravely and at the same time radiantly and proudly.
"No wonder," she whispered softly. "You are very beautiful."
This confused the former Slytherin greatly. "Err, I know, thanks?"
She laughed, and her voice seemed to echo and haunt him. "So very like James."
"James?" he asked. He knew that name, but not well. Who was she talking about?
"Oh, I am sorry," she said. "Business first of course." She stood up, her long golden dress falling down around her in cloud like waves. "I am a Demigod here at the Honored Land. Missus Rowena Ravenclaw told me you would like to speak with me. You have a request?"
Draco blinked; he didn't want to deal with this right now. He just wanted to bang his head against something. He wanted to stop feeling awful about kissing Slytherin. How would Harry forgive what he had done?
"I...missus Ravenclaw was mistaken. I just want to be left alone."
"Are you sure?" The Demigod looked at him sharply. "She seemed very adamant that I go to you now."
"Well, as I said, she was mistaken," he huffed.
"So very like James," she whispered again. "Stubborn."
His eyes flash in annoyance. "Listen lady, I don't know who the hell James is, or who you are. And frankly I couldn't give a damn. So get out of here." His usual Malfoy drawl was very prominent in his voice.
"Don't give a damn?" She rose herself up. "I very well say you should give a damn!"
He cocked an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? Why's that?"
"You may not know who I am, but I very well know who you are. And this is not the sort of FIRST IMPRESSION you'd like to make on me!" her voice boomed against the walls.
"You're a Demigod, big whoop. I'm Draco Malfoy! I can make whatever first impression I want."
Her lips curled and in a strange sense it reminded him of a cat that was about to pounce.
"I'm going to offer you one last chance, Mister Malfoy. And that's only because of your relationship with my son. Would you like to make a request with the Demigods or not?"
Draco did a double take, and stared at her in awe. Harry? She was Harry's mother!
Oh bloody hell! He realized he had probably just ruined any chances of being accepted into their family.
"I...I'm sorry, I didn't realize," he trailed off, feeling deeply embarrassed.
"Just be glad you're not speaking with my husband," Lily said sternly.
"I'm sorry," he stumbled out again. He couldn't believe he was speaking to Harry's mother. "I do have a request."
"Well, speak already," she said, eyes softening.
"I would like to speak with erm the Victims of the Veil," he recalled.
"For what purpose?"
"I would like to talk to them about being stuck in both realms, and if they could help me out."
She frowned greatly and cocked her head in a manner that reminded him greatly of Harry. "Help you with what exactly?"
"I'm stuck in both worlds. I'm waking up in one world and then the other," he explained.
"You mean...You're on Earth also?" she asked.
He nodded. "Yes, Harry is taking care of me there." His heart panged. "I had my memory gone until just a few moments ago."
Her eyes grew wide and then she blurted in a not-so-serene way, "Can I ask you to do something for me?"
"You want me to tell Harry hello?"
"No," she shook her head. "Well...no. I can't do that to him, he doesn't need a reminder that we are still gone. Just...I want you to keep him away from the war for a while. Tell Aiyana that I wish him to have more time than she plans. Can you do that?"
He just nodded in agreement.
"Thank you," she said with a smile. "Now, you want to visit behind the veil. Very well, I can do that for you." She looked up for a moment, raising her hands. "Also, I'm sure Padfoot will ask you to send a message along as well, but be weary, I don't know if Harry can handle all of it at once. Good luck." She clapped her hands.
He opened his mouth to ask who Padfoot was, but before he could say anything he found the ground rushing up to meet him, and everything growing eerily black.