1000 Words

Chapter Eight:
You Want Me to Agree?

"It is not power that corrupts but fear. The fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it, and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it."

– Aun San Suu Kyi

I know I must be dreaming. I know beyond anything, that I am dreaming. Dreaming because I know that there isn't any possible way that this…little girl is any part of me or in my dream or that Tom would send a little girl to do his dirty work. He may be a coward, and may just charm his way like a con artist, but he is not going to send a little child to do his work. Tom does have some dignity. He would send his soul, or someone much more deviant.

"Excuse me?" I ask, blinking again.

The little girl in front of me isn't transparent…yet she is. This girl looks very ill. She could be a doll plucked from a collection. She has curly blonde hair, the bright yellow; not like Luna's which is dusty but glowing yellow and not Draco's ever bleach snow blonde, that is silky smooth. A bright, but yet pastel yellow that fits on a manikin, but the intense Sunday white hat helps the blonde hair almost stay in place. One of those children hats that could blow away with a simple breeze of wind, but they never do blow away.

I blink again as the girl's porcelain hand covers her mouth, she has on Sunday gloves. They have lace around the wrist, but the cloth hand prevents anything from touching her skin. She is absolutely…I suppose…adorable yet fragile. She just giggles softly. Her pastel blue eyes are watching me. She doesn't seem as if she is a ghost…and a poltergeist seems unlikely. Is this a spell?

"You are funny."

Not liking the change of my dream. I raise my hand, fire ignites, and I'm…lost. Never before has my gift been activated in a dream at such free will…this definitely is not Tom's doing.

"I would say thanks…but I'm not trying to be amusing." I let the fire disappear, watching her carefully. This is a bit…wary. I step forward, the grass does nothing, and she just stands there, by the arc of roses. They are deep blood red, brilliant and never fading. This place reminds me of a muggle fairy tale… Alice in Wonderland, I believe. "Who are you?"

"Call me…" She smiles politely her light laughter spilling from her lips still, "Princess."

I refrain from trying to reply to a- Then where is the queen, Alice? - But I can be nice. I'm still not sure if this is my dream or some sort of manifestation. "Okay Princess…" I stay put, watching her, she doesn't move, there is no breeze, the child just stands, barely 4' in height. Her white socks coming to her knees, and her white shoes, it all comes together with her nice, Sunday white-I'm not sure what is up with all the white- dress. It has lace around the trim of the hem and around her shoulders and neck line. "Are you the one who has called me here?"

Princess moves and sways from heel to toe, her elegant glove hands going behind her back, she has an innocent yet playful smile on her face. "Maybe…"

"I'll take that as a yes, what do you want?" I am not in the mood to be in dream world, nor am I in the mood to deal with anyone not telling me the reason they want to invade my dreams.

I seem to have a lot of this going on.

Immediately the girl stops swaying, her eyes are still playful; she raises a hand and shakes her finger at me. "You didn't answer my question, so why will I answer yours?"

I can tell this will not be going anywhere unless she gets her way. This is not going to be fun. This trick of questions back and forth is a Slytherin trick, and I'm wondering what else she has under her sleeves. "Okay…no I'd rather not play a game…but I will if you answer my question."

A childish pout crosses the girl's lip. I refuse to even think of calling her Princess. Maybe brat is more like it. "If I answer, you will play with me?"

I pause. "Answer all my questions, and I will play with you."

"No," The girl shakes her head, "You play with me first, and I might answer your questions." I frown slightly; this is not what I had in mind.

"Princess…" I warn this is getting nowhere; I refuse to play a game with a child! No less in my dream! But a child I refuse to play with during any circumstances. I have too much to do and I'm positive Serverus is having kittens.

Princess skips over to her tea set, apparently she isn't as sick as I thought, and sits down in an empty, but cushion chair, she adjusted herself comfortable, before pouring herself some tea. "Either you play with me or I keep you here until you're boring."

"Okay Princess…this is not how this game is going to work." I pause slightly, "Fine…" If she is getting into Slytherin tendencies…than there is on point trying to overpower her or even try and be furious with the situation. "If you want me to play, answer one of my questions; how did you get here?"

Princess smiles calmly, taking a sip of her tea. "That is not the question you should be asking."

I can feel a silent panic rush over me. "I shouldn't, hm?" It is a bad thing when a child can sit in front of you and demand something, it is completely different when that said child cannot only outsmart you but know what is important and what is not. "Who sent you here?" I feel eerie trying to play question games with an eight year old.

She keeps her smile on, friendly as it seems, many people have masks. "The one that decided you need help."

"Help?" This definitely isn't helping. "Who says I need help?"

Princess gave no reply, only giving a slight incline of her head towards the cup of tea beside me, which is pouring itself, and then she twists her eyes from me to the chair. I did say I would play…taking a slight breath, I go and sit down, easily adjusting my cloak and take a seat. "Alright…you have me where you want me."

Princess slowly shakes her head, "You have to drink it."

I stare at the girl as if she has lost her mind. Not only is she in my whatever you want to call this… dream turn into a wrong physiological outlook on this…but she wants me to drink whatever this is- because it is not tea…this thing is crystal blue… without some questions? Is she out of her mind?

"What is this?"

Princess giggles staring at me in amusement. "It is not poison, if that is what you are thinking." That thought is put to rest…but it could be a million different things. After all…this is a Wizarding world.

"Why should I trust you?"

"Why should you not? We have a common interest." This throws me for a loop, but the look on her face tells me she is not going to give me any answers. None at all until I finish with this…liquid that is to be tea.

"Right…" Holding back on the instinct that I will die for taking this, I tip my head back and drink it. It does not have any taste, almost like something has just coated me from the inside out. I can see the very happy smile on the little girl's face. I suddenly wish I never took the liquid to my lips.

I can say nothing as a huge flush of pure, unhampered magic washes over my body. The wave is so similar to the ocean. The breeze that my Great Aunt Muriel enjoys so much…she was such a beautiful woman…so strong… strong and-

"Listen carefully now Virginia, you must never let words scorn your heart as they had mine." Tom…of all the people, Tom, my mind was drifting back to a memory of TOM! What in the world did that child think she was doing! When I get my hands on Princess-

"Tom, why are you doing this? I do not understand…"

Tom only feigned a smile, and I could still feel my heart skip a beat, that smile we both knew, was when our charade had to end. The charade of Tom caring and loving me, the charade that has been happening all year because Harry wanted to be the bloody Hero of the day, to save the damsel that really wasn't the damsel, and kill the villain whom was never a villain in the first place. I loved Tom…I still do now, even though he has hurt me… Tom gave me more than I could ever image that day.

"You will not understand many things I do, I have given you what I can…and for my final gift, I give you something I would never share with anyone. My throne until I die." I frown watching the memory. I don't really remember this part…I remember feeling so weak that my body falls, I remember him only chuckling, and it was such a sad but smug sound. One that almost made me realize things were not going to be as painless as I hoped my final moments would be.

Tom Riddle was never going to kill me, he was going to end my life as Ginevra Molly Weasley. Riddle was going to give me everything that he himself could not do as a spirit; he lied to Harry when he rushed in. I could tell, I was so very conscious, but the pain that tore at my very core hurt so badly…hurt…the pain…it was almost like the inferno hell flames, to eat inside of you.

They say the Dementor's Kiss was painful because it was tearing and sucking your soul out at such a pace that it was almost as if you were being skinned alive. I would like to imagine that this was the same pain, but it wasn't. Even now I know it has no comparison to the Kiss that is shared. The fusing of magic, of pure magic being forced into the body, into the core of your very being, to have it build and strengthen, to change, to mold, and to accept it inside of you is the hardest thing. I remember it being so painful that I dug my nails into my palm so hard, my robe sleeved hiding my hand, I could feel my blood pooling gently there. As my mind blanked out, I could faintly here Tom, playing his charade so well…

Tom...

"...I was patient. I wrote back. I was sympathetic, I was kind. Ginny simply loved me... 'No one's ever understood me like you, Tom... I'm so glad I've got this diary to confide in... It's like a friend I can carry around in my pocket'... If I say it myself, Harry, I've always been able to charm the people I needed."

Tom…

Tom never charmed me…that was why it hurt to know when he really was using me in the end in that battle. I would have died for him if he had never left me, if he had shown me… but I knew in the loneliest darkness, my powers would always be my comfort. Only I could comfort myself. It was what you taught me Tom.

What I didn't expect was to see the battle before me. Harry having to run from the Basilisk. I had to watch as that blasted Phoenix came in to save Harry from Tom. I had to watch as the diary lay right within my grasp but I was too weak, too fragile, to get it. I had to watch as Harry pulled a sword from the hat. I had to sit there and watch the whole bloody thing and I swear if I ever knew anger, this would be one form I never knew I could feel. I watch as Harry stabs the diary.

The diary which I loved…the diary which Dumbledore has, that fool! The Diary…I realize then, the Diary is still within the castle…the Diary though it may not contain the complete soul anymore, or magic it once held, still may contain some. Nothing is ever completely removed, nothing is ever destroyed, nothing is created out of nothing, and we do not make something from nothing. We only alter what we have.

I watch as the blood ink rushes down, down and down, almost as if a stream to a river. The blood ink mingles with the blood on the ground, my robe…

Tom…what am I seeing? Tom would have explained…but I do not understand. Does this mean our blood mixed? I know physically I have gone through changes since second year. I thought it was from our magic core…my magic core, to have it mixed. I could not be a complete Weasley because he had given part of himself to me. I no longer had freckles. My hair has darkened considerably now, that I think about it. My hair has not been that shade of scarlet in quite some time…

What the hell is going on with me? None of this makes sense, first I black out, then I get sent to this poltergeist, and now I'm seeing a memory. Yes…perfect, just what I would like to see and not understand. Is anyone else with me on this?

A childish giggle erupts and I mentally groan, not again. No no no, not again. "We are not done yet."

"Princess when I get my hand on you!"

The little girl's voice only giggled; apparently I really wasn't going to get out of here any time soon. Whoever said your mind was your only enemy has never met a girl that could mess with it!

I glance around cautiously; apparently this is something like what Harry experienced reading the Diary and learning of a memory. Only difference in my case is that I have this really bright light I need to follow…how odd is that, I have no idea. Besides maybe the fact the calendar is pointing to the first of the month. That could be something.

Following this bright light I look up, I was in Dumbledore's office. Of course… I don't think this is my memories. You can probably wonder why I even think something like that, but look at it this way, when I look around I see portraits that are covered, why would Dumbledore do that? I watch as the old face that used to hold a calm and gentle light, a light that I once trusted, his twisted enthusiasm to get people to be under his wing was not there.

Those twinkling eyes were gone…disappeared into a look of panic, fear, and a cold calculating look, as if he was resolved to do something no matter the cost…can something truly change someone so well? So long…why would anyone want to…?

My breath catches in my throat as I see a potion picked up from the desk, apparently it was very important. It was in a black bottle, a large one at that, one that Madam Pomfrey would need to use…except I've never seen her with a black vile. Pomfrey is always so strict on it…and it isn't even labeled. The cork is not completely put in, so it must have been hurriedly bottled, meaning it was definitely not from the hospital wing. Pomfrey would never have allowed a vile of anything from her office not be properly labeled, marked, corked, and given, even to the Headmaster. Pomfrey adored her job with such a passion and seriousness that you would think she had hundreds of children wondering around and safety hazards to watch out for.

Of course we are in Hogwarts, and we do have to watch out for some things now a day. There would be no way he has a potion from Severus. Severus would much rather take his head and mount it on a wall then allow Dumbledore to mess him over again. First Lilly and now a potion...what is this potion for…and why is he being so secretive?

"To St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries." A dash of powder and he disappeared. Why would he need to go to that ward?

"Time to come out, Virginia, You have found the answers that you have sought and yet not know. Take heed that few may ever help you, and even fewer can be trusted. Know that you have one of the strongest powers in this home. Awake now Virginia."

My eyes shot open and my body sky rocketed, I ignored the hands that reached out to stop me. I could not breathe, my head was pounding and everything there just everything… everything beyond my own reasonable sane mind was trying to tear me apart limb from limb. I felt a hand shove me back. Without even a thought I reacted the only way I ever would.

I sneered, my eyes snapping to the arm as my body lit within its own confines keeping me from the touches of anyone that was around me. I couldn't react, this wasn't happening, whatever was suppose to be around me, whatever was touching me-

"Virginia!"

My dark red locks twisted as I looked over, my eyes narrowing more through the flames, a dark figured stared at me. I could hear the hissing of the fire around me, turning slowly I look over at the frosted ice that hit my barrier with far more power than I had ever imagined. They were hitting the roaring flame that were being tamed, quiet, sitting, laying, the fires that were licking my skin, to bring me back to that of the reality that I know and treasure…

"Rosso?" (Red?)

My eyes narrowed at the frost that was breaching my fire. Ice? Who in the world would have winter? Someone was relying on winter to calm me…and it was working…except that deep Italian voice was drawing me to a place of certain calm…of safety…

"Virginia, lower your shield."

"Don't touch me." I answered immediately, I cannot help that. I do not want to be touched. I do not want to be forced, I don't even wish to be talked to at this point, and my head is still trying to make things through…

"All right Red let down your shield."

I glanced at the ice hand, its owner hadn't spoke, but I slowly dropped my fire and the hand was slowly taken back. I only stared at the bleach blonde hair that only moments ago I would have sworn belonged to a poltergeist that had trapped me in my mind. Blonde… the blonde in his hair was not the same as hers…it was so…snow like…

"Snow…"

Draco's deep smoldering silver eyes seemed amused, hiding his own worries maybe, and I have no idea yet. Reading him is always the hardest. "Le chaton, êtes-vous de retour avec nous?" (Kitten, are you back with us?) I only blinked several times; I'm not exactly fluent in these languages here. Be that it may be that my Great Aunt is from England, but I really needed to pick some other languages up.

"…Draco?" I was worried, what if this was another trick, of course I had the use of my abilities back in my dream as well…just this time I have no idea what in the world people are planning.

"Oui." (Yes)

My head twisted, I caught sight of another pair of silver eyes watching me, and even dark choral, even brown staring at me with such a twisted concern fa-

"Oh thank Salazar!" Irma cried as she completely ignored my words and threw her arms around me and held me. I only stiffened up, staring at the women down at me. I know that I have never had this as a memory…Irma had always been proud of her inner strength and control.

"Mum?"

"Severus Snape get over here and make sure she-"

"No!" I snap, shoving her away and quickly standing. I only realize now that my cloak has been stripped from me, exposing my regular clothes…great, the clothes of course for school. My regular Gryffindor uniform, of course that did not matter at this point. The only thing was that I find my friends. "No. There is not going to be anything done to me." I snap out, looking at Irma who looks hurt.

"What happened to you, Virginia?" The cold, and amused tone was definitely belonging to Lucius, only one person had the nerve to look so absolutely smug in a situation such as this. This was not something I of course wanted to deal with…but seeing as he owed me a few answers-

"How long as Dumbledore been visiting the St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries ward?"

Everyone starred, I couldn't take it…the only people that were in that ward that I could even begin to think of, that would allow anyone straight entry made me nervous. What if Dumbledore was attacking patients- Neville's parents? - Neville…

"Oh bloody hell!" In any point in time I would have probably not been so wacky, and my mind would not have been so absolutely unnerved, and trying to gather itself, but I swear I feel as if I just woke up from coma, that I had been thrown into a hell, and just let out to get my own thoughts together before being sucked into a life of hell once more. No time to breathe, not time to think, just to act.

A cold hand reached out and grabbed my wrist, carefully yanking me into enclosed arms. "That is quite enough, Virginia. You have given everyone quite a scare...I believe it is time you tell us what is going on."

I glance up at Draco; his eyes were in resolve, resolve of the situation of what was going to be done. What was in need to be done? I only shifted as he held me tighter. No chance in getting out.

"Was it Tom, Virginia?" Severus finally asked calmly, as everyone started to move about the room to get comfortable and of course cover the exits. Blaise was standing next to Draco, gently running his fingertips over my arm.

"No…Tom didn't send me to…" To what, would be a great question? Tom would not have sat there and throw me for a loop, and that stupid girl…everyone waited patiently for me to continue. Obviously this was not a choice. Having been pulled from that world was making me gather myself at an alarming rate, and the question… I glance at Lucius whom only stared.

"Dumbledore has only been going to the hospital once a mouth, every year for almost 17 years. May I inquire as to why this is important?"

I nip my bottom lip, leaning against Draco as if I had no strength left in me. Tom could be put on pause. Dumbledore made me worry. If only I had seen what was inside of that potion bottle…if only I could know some of the ingredients. Bottles could be used for anything, no matter the color.

"Deep breaths now, Red, you cannot pass out on us again." Blaise reminded me gently, and I took one, trying to keep my wits and not pass out again.

Draco, of course, decided that he would much rather prefer sitting me down, on his lap, dragging Blaise with him. I was on- the couch? - What I was lying on earlier. Apparently we had made it to the Dungeon's common room…rather Severus's room. Teachers always did have the most interesting things to carry on about.

"Dumbledore." It was easy, why would I need to inquire? Dumbledore. Something was terribly wrong with Dumbledore and I am ready to strangle the man! "I think Dumbledore is poisoning someone."

THIS caught everyone's attention…okay how do I come up with the reason for this I have no idea.

"Just…hear me out okay?" This was going to take a while? Trust who I tell this too? Who else could I? Severus would never have let anyone touch me without trusting them. That trust alone makes me give mine. I trust him with more than I can ever believe. Severus Snape was the man that started to save me from Molly…from everyone.

This was going to be a long night…

The next thing I have ever known was the arms of comfort. I was awake and moving around class to class. Zombies would seem livelier than me. Of course that was probably putting things lightly. I have been sitting here watching things move and play with the short expectancy for something to come out and jump me! I have taken the time to completely avoid any and all Slytherins as possible…including Luna and Neville. I don't know how to respond to them. They have been so worried.

The only thing left to even talk about was what happened the night Draco and Blaise stole me away. What was I suppose to tell them? "Hey! No, I had a great night. You see Draco and Blaise might be interesting but I got attacked by this weird poltergeist that I have no idea where it came from! Sent me a vision of your parents, Neville. You'll never guess what I have been looking into!" I would bet my life that the conversation would turn into a huge war zone within seconds…

Neville and Luna respect my design though…they also understand I need time alone, after the first two days of hiding, they firmly left me alone, even in class. They sat with me, but we didn't talk…it was all just comforting. Time did fly. Making sure I hadn't seen sign of Dumbledore-which meant not eating in the hall- and his golden trio- meaning disappearing quickly and appearing quite literally on time- to every class possible. No time to chat, talk, or even argue. Not without teachers taking points, or detentions. No one needed those at this point because in another day we would be having the quidditch match, Slytherin vs. Gryffindor and everyone was enthused to see it.

As for right now, what am I doing, you may ask. It is a real simple answer. I am reading my book while I pace along the dungeons. Why the Dungeons? It is lunch and no one is in the dungeons, not even the Slytherins because they value their time to be able to go outside before the snow falls. It is only the last week of October, and everyone is getting ready for the Halloween Feast and dance. Dumbledore is doing something different this year.

I flip the page and almost scream when I feel a body pull me from behind, hand over my mouth into a dark corner. My book drops to the floor. I reach for my wand, but can already feel one poking me in the back rather painfully. This was not going to be an interesting fight.

Out of hope I was wishing it was maybe one of the Slytherins, or maybe Neville and Luna doing something to get back at me for ignoring them. "I've been looking everywhere for you sis."

Yeah…my luck just ran out. Cat just got caught by curiosity. I'm dead. "What do you think you are doing down here? Avoiding your little lovers now?'

I hold back a growl. I do not want to attack Ronald; I really do not want to do that. What Dumbledore knows and can know is a dangerous weapon against me. Meaning I am very well limited in what I can do.

"Hello darling."

Son of a bloody bitch! I look up, feeling my body tense. I'm alone in the dungeons, in the darkened dungeons, with Potter and a damn Weasley…

This…is not a good thing.

PoisonSeductress: Hello Everyone! Oh god have I missed my readers, reviewers and even those that just read and don' review. I am so terribly sorry for the late response. School has started up, work load has increased, and well…it is high school. Senior year is not an easy task. Whoever said it was easy needs to be hexed in the face. None the less. I have gotten over this writing hump! I am trying to write as many chapters now within my breaks as possible! I do hope you all trust me and get back into reading. With the school year starting it is sort of hard to keep up with good old fashion reviews huh?

Thank you all again. Your reviews, favorites, and author alerts have made me quite pleased to keep going. I am still without a beta. So I am terribly sorry for any and every mistake grammar wise and vocabulary wise. If anyone wants to volunteer please send me a message. I do try and do this on my own.

I also want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope we all get fat and plump! No… not really, enjoy your family time! Free time, all that good things. This is about 9 pages of writing, not my longest, but I am trying to get things done darlings. I truly am.

3 Wishes: I am glad you are enjoying this. I'm throwing a few more puzzles out there, but trust me within the next two to three chapters, things within these small forming groups are starting to get solved. By Solved, I do mean you are going to be getting answers and of course more puzzles!

I want you to know that your reviews do actually help me mold my chapters. What you do not understand I try very hard to clear up in the next chapter. I did not address yours as well as I would have hoped- but I think I did enforce your thoughts on her abilities… or at least one of them.

They were researching something…I did say it, briefly but I have made it a huge point in this chapter as well. Neville was researching his parents. Remember that in prior chapters Neville has actually allowed a certain Black to go free…

I look forward to your next review! Thank you and I hope you enjoyed it.

Chibi-Kyuubi-Chan: Hello! I'm actually going to say this first. I LOVE your name! Anyway, I'm in a rather good mood, it has taken me hours of planning to get this thing done. I know that the last chapter was quite confusing. I did allow things to be a bit more mysterious with Virginia through the middle, but I hope this actually clears it up.

Something has a hold of Virginia…now we just have to figure out what now, don't we? Well. I hope you enjoy the chapter and I hope I do not disappoint you! Thank you for the review ;) See you next time.

Hogwartsismydrug: Okay… I have to admit I feel horrible for not updating every mouth like I wanted to. You are right I need to start setting deadlines for myself, but I have always been a bit of a procrastinator. I actually had about 3 pages of this chapter written up before your review went through. I just lost my spark. It was just my time to take a break from Harry Potter. I got myself involved in a few things.

School mainly, but who isn't? College right around the corner and just high-school drama that no one needs to get involved with, I am just dealing with a number of personal issues within myself, so this was a nice way to start expanding again.

I am enthused that I have met your expectations. I hope you are happy with this one! I'm off to my next chapter now. Look for it! It will most likely be up in December. I have a big idea on what I want done next chapter. Big ideas, just how to get there without rushing.

Thank you for your review!