Chapter 12:

The Call

The door opened and a girl walked in with her long black hair covering her face from view. Her clothes clung to her sickly thin body, her skin pale against the contrast of her dark hair. She moved and stood beside Dumbledore. Her head lulled for a minute before she looked up at the table.

Her hair moved away from her face, her eyes were sunken and dark bags under her eyes made the brownness of them even duller than ever. A split bottom lip and a large dark bruise covered her right cheek. Her neck had bruises in the form of hand prints like someone had tried to strangle her.

Her left arm bore the dark mark, covered in crescent nail marks and chunks of skin missing. Blood dried upon the skin. The top of her right shoulder showed marks that looked like a whip had been used against her back. Her white shirt was bright red in the back. Blood was dripping down her right arm.

Bruises littered randomly across her body. She stood, tall and without emotion, looking over the people at the table. Everyone was alive and healthy. A bittersweet smile flashed before her face turned to its icy expression.

"Kalya did the unthinkable. Draco was told that he was able to be a Death Eater but to prove is faith he would have to kill me. He would have to take my life by the end of his Sixth year so that Voldemort could trust him. Kalya had stepped forward, offering her left arm and memories that proved she had our trust. She showed Voldemort that he could trust her, and we trusted her. He accepted her and Draco under his faith in Kalya. For if Draco set one foot out of line, not only would he die, so would she.

They are trying to break her in. Show her what it's like in their world. She has adapted well, but they enjoy tormenting her. They abuse her because Voldemort allows it. She is only use to him if she learns to control herself. Her emotions, her body. She seems dead to this world, but her emotions are there. Hidden behind her perfect mask.

She had brought us a lot of news we wouldn't have had otherwise. She does it because she wants to, has to for her own peace of mind."

"I feel pain," Kalya looked up at Dumbledore, "I protect you, daily."

With her voice less hoarse then when Ginny had last seen her she continued, "Draco was to kill Dumbledore. If he was dead, we would never stand a chance. He would gain power faster and we wouldn't be ready. I took my place amongst them filled with hate and anger. We needed to be a step ahead of them. I had to do this, to protect everyone, to save them.

Pain is all I can feel. They fill my head with words, words that don't affect me. They destroy me. They rip me apart by tearing what I have left of my mind and soul that is mine. They use me to do what they want. I have to do as they say or I'm branded a traitor.

My faith in you to stop them is strong. I'm waiting for my moment, to step further into Voldemort's circle. To be his right hand lady so that he will trust me with information I can use against him.

There is only one problem. I'm losing myself. I'm losing the girl I was. I'm starting to not feel emotions. I'm locking my memories away and living in the pain and hate that they breed inside your mind. My body is here, my mind is gone. My soul is being taken.

I know my part and I won't fell that. I can't feel emotions. Happiness is but a faint memory that I can't recall. I'm around dementors everyday and they feed on me, constantly. I am losing myself in this war and I can't find my way back. I need human interaction.

I need to be around people. People who show emotion and remorse for killing and death," tears began to fall, "death as I've seen it. People withering in pain and dying at the hands of those around me. I need help and this is my last chance."

Molly had wrapped her arm around Ginny's wrist keeping her in place. Ginny yanked hard and broke free from her mother's grip and quickly embraced Kalya. Ignoring the pain, Kalya wrapped her arms around Ginny's waist enjoying the feel of the girl's body against hers.

For a moment she felt her happiness return. She couldn't believe that the girl she cared so much about her still loved her even after she heard her, seen her. Ginny buried her face in Kalya's neck breathing in the smell of her, mixed with blood and sweat.

"Ginny," Molly cried out, "I don't want you around her."

Ginny pulled away slighting and turned to her mum, "She isn't a bad person mum! She is doing this to protect us. She cares about all of us, and I don't care what you say. I'm sixteen! I only have a year till I'm seventeen and I will do what I have to. Kalya needs me and you can't keep me from her."

Molly went to yell out at her daughter's defiance but was stopped when Kalya spoke, "Do you still consider me your girlfriend?"

"Of course I do," Ginny told her honestly.

"Molly, I know your scared for your daughter. I have fought tooth and nail to keep my memories to myself. Voldemort doesn't know of my relationship with your daughter. I gave her protection from him, her ring and necklace, I gave them to her. Protection charms against all spells. Even going as far as protecting against the killing curse three times.

But, a spell I didn't tell her about on her necklace protects her against Voldemort. He can look through every memory he wants, any of them and he will not be able to see her. She is hidden from him, no matter what he tried on my mind; he wouldn't be able to find her in there at all. Like she never existed to me, but my memories remain unaffected to me."

Ginny smiled at her, no matter what her mum said, Ginny wanted to be with Kalya, she needed her.

"How do I know your telling the truth," Molly asked.

Kalya looked at Snape, "I knew this would be questioned, did you bring what I asked you to?"

"I wouldn't deny you something you requested," Snape pulled out a vial, "Viratruth serum."

She gently grabbed the bottle and drank down the liquid. They all started asking basic questions like, what was her name, who was her parents, who was her brother, where did she go to school, and then they began asking more personal questions.

She explained everything from how she had chosen to get the dark mark to everything she had done from him. Explaining how he hadn't made her kill any muggles or anyone at all, but she had watched as they tortured people and killed them.

"I think I can trust you," Arthur stated, "just one question, what do you really feel for my daughter?"

"I love her," Kalya stated, no question in her voice, "I explained a long time ago why I liked her and why I wanted to be with her. Ginny is everything I've been looking for and I don't want anyone else. I've waited for her, hoping to be with her again. I couldn't stop loving her, and I never will."

"Okay," Arthur nodded.

"That's it Arthur," Molly's shrill voice sounded.

"She is telling the truth Molly, she loves our daughter and wants to be with her no matter what. Why fight it when she is on our side and Ginny will just go behind our back and date her anyways," Arthur and Molly started fighting.

"Let's get you some healing," Dumbledore steered Kalya from the room with Ginny following behind.

Ginny woke up to the harsh sunlight shining in her face. Trying to cover her eyes she rolled away from the light. She couldn't stop the smile that was brought to her lips by the sight of her girlfriend lying next to her. She looked so peaceful in her sleep. Her eyes closed and no emotion on her face, but no icy mask.

Her mum had finally conceded to Arthur and allowed Ginny to see Kalya again. After she had been healed the girls had gone upstairs. Kalya encouraged Ginny to tell her about all her pain and problems, insisting she didn't talk about her own. They had fallen asleep in each other's arms while talking.

Ginny frowned at the fact that neither had changed into their pajamas and her jean pants were making her legs uncomfortable. She didn't want to wake Kalya by getting up but she really needed to change her clothes and get ready for the morning before her mum came rushing upstairs and busted down her door.

Molly had told her that Kalya needed to sleep in her own room because she was afraid they would go to fast into a sexual relationship if they shared a room. Arthur didn't voice what he thought about them sharing a room. Ginny and Kalya hadn't meant to fall asleep but they had kept talking until they both fell asleep having missed each other.

She was up, showered and dressed. Walking back to her room she found Kalya missing. Wondering downstairs she sat in the dining room. A few minutes later, Kalya changed and showered walked into the room with her face void of emotion, but not icy.

"Good morning," Ginny called.

"Good morning," Kalya's smile a former shadow of the smiles she used to give.

They began eating breakfast with light talk and soft tones. Their mood didn't damper when the Trio walked in and began eating at the other end of the table. Only when the two Slytherin boys joined them did the girls notice the tense air around the room.

"Are you feeling better," Draco asked sitting next to Kalya.

"Much better, thanks."

"She wasn't eating but every few days, maybe you can get her to gain some weight," Blaise nodded to Ginny.

"I'll try my best," Ginny nodded back, "Was it by choice or force?"

"Choice," Kalya stated, "I lost my appetite. Mostly due to depression and anger."

Ginny frowned.

"Don't be upset about it, Weasley. Sometimes we all have different ways of handling things," Draco shrugged.

"By practically killing oneself," Ginny asked.

"Let's not fight. I know I was stupid, I just couldn't make myself eat. I would throw up if I tried to," Kalya waved it away.

"It's great hearing her talk, it's been so long," Blaise smiled, "and she actually looked happy."

"You call that looking happy," Ron huffed.

"Happy for someone who hasn't showed emotion in a very long time," Blaise reiterated.

"No, I won't stand for all of you snapping at each other and being rude. Not now, not here, not when I'm just starting to feel better. I don't need this pressure," Kalya pushed Blaise.

"Oi, don't get mad at me, it's not my fault."

"Just ignore him if you have to, please. I wish you all would just get along," Kalya frowned.

"Now, off that subject. Blaise, what happened with your family," Ginny asked.

"Nothing really. Just got disowned," Blaise shrugged.

"My dad thinks I'm such a great son for being chosen by the 'dark lord'," Draco mocked.

"Then why are you here," Ginny asked.

"Easy, he went to jail at the beginning of last year, so I have nowhere to stay that will keep my mother out of danger."

"She really is a nice lady, she just fell in love with the wrong guy," Kalya attempted to smile.

"Well, look at my mum. Married seven times and widowed every time because they were all Death Eaters," Blaise sighed.

Ginny's eyes widen and the concern started to show through on her face. They all knew she was scared, but she wasn't about to let that fear get in the way of her being with her girlfriend.

"No, different topic. I don't want to discuss this right now," Kalya said sharply.

"Will you ever want to discuss this with me," Ginny's hurt expression told them she felt left out.

"I will if I make it out of this war alive," Kalya said curtly, "I wish not to discuss this type of life with someone as innocent as you."

"I'm not as innocent as you think," Ginny snapped.

"You have yet to see death, Ginny. You will see it in due time at the time of the real war, but I will not burden you with this," Kalya's voice left no room for arguing.

"Weasley, it's better this way. The things we have seen and done," Draco paused, "Could make even the strongest grown man go insane."

Silence filled the room. The Trio was tense watching the three Slytherin's from the other side of the table. They had long since finished their breakfast but refused to leave Ginny alone in a room with them, even if they had proven themselves to be on their side.

"It will be just the four of us at school this year then," Ginny sighed.

"Would seem that way, wouldn't it?"

"What do you mean Draco?"

"We might not be joining you," Blaise stated.

"At least, Blaise will not," Kalya stated, "it would be unwise and unsafe for him to be in the school."

"What's going on," Hermione asked suddenly.

"We aren't allowed to say," Draco shrugged.

"If Dumbledore thought it was important, he would have said something," Kalya pointed out, "You guys won't be joining us at school so you won't have to worry."

"My sister will be joining you there, I have to worry."

"I would never allow any harm to come to Ginny, even if it means losing my life to protect her," Kalya challenged him.

"Do you even know what love is," Harry snapped.

"Are you just bitter because you don't want Ginny to be in the same type of relationship you are in? Because you know how painful it can be and how hard it is?"

"Harry, you're dating someone," Hermione asked confused.

"Ginny doesn't understand the full extent of the pain that this kind of relationship involves," Harry glowered.

"No, maybe I don't, but Kalya is worth it," Ginny stared the green eye boy in the face, "Whoever it is you are with, aren't they worth it? Are you trying to tell me I should give up on Kalya because suddenly her life became complicated and made it difficult for us to be together?"

"That's exactly what I'm saying," Harry cried out, "Ginny you will lay awake at night, wondering if their okay. Hoping that the war turns out right and that their life isn't taken by Voldemort. Praying that at the end of the war everything will be okay and you can be with them."

"It's a price I'm willing to pay," Ginny pleaded, "You have to understand that I am not willing to give up my love for her."

"I understand how hard it is to try and give up. I haven't been able to, but the sooner you give up the less pain you'll feel," Harry sighed.

"Harry," Kalya called out causing his eyes to snap to her's, "I love that you care so deeply for Ginny. It reassures me that I'm not the only one out there trying to protect her and her family. I know that no matter what this war holds for us, we still have our love to keep us going. It's what makes us different then Voldemort."

"We have love to hold us together," Harry nodded.

"Now that, that is settled, I think I should go lay down," Kalya swayed on her feet.

Noticing Ginny's look Draco stated, "It's a side effect from taking the Sleepless Drought for the last six months. She gets tired easy now that she no longer takes them."

"Six months," Hermione asked shocked, "You're lucky to be alive."

"I pray every day to keep my life with me so I may enjoy a happy one after this is over," Kalya smiled weakly.

Kalya slept through lunch, waking up in time for diner. Walking down the stairs she walked into the dining room which was full of the Weasley family, Harry, Hermione and Sirius.

"How is my daughter on this very fine night," Sirius asked happily as she sat in-between him and Ginny.

"Feeling a little fatigued but that's to be expected. How are you," Kalya replied.

"I'm doing amazing now that you are here and I don't have to worry," Sirius smiled.

Kalya dropped her head against the table mumbling, "I'm not hungry."

"You must eat," Draco called from the other side of the table, gaining everyone's attention.

"I don't want to," Kalya murmured.

"Wanting to and having to are two different things," Blaise sighed.

"I can't eat."

"Try," Ginny encouraged.

"I feel like I'm going to be sick," Kalya turned pale, her face flushing and sweat appearing on her skin.

Suddenly she stood up tipping her chair over, grabbing at her left forearm as the pain seared into her. Her arm had been healed since she had been here and no one had seen her pick at the mark. No one knew even when she did it.

Her finger nails began to dig into her flesh bring blood to the surface as she tried to dig the ink from her skin. Draco moved around the table and tried pulling her hand from her arm. Her jaw was clenched holding in the scream of pain from Voldemort's call.

Blood began to drip to the floor as she tore a chunk of skin from her arm. Draco finally pulled her hand away from her bloodied arm and held her still. Her whole body shaking at the force in which she was exerting to try and get to her arm.

"He is calling, we will be back…. Soon," Draco ended as they disapparated with a crack.

The room stood silence after the two had left. She had never acted that way, so savage and scared. The look on her face had brought fear to everyone at the table. Molly moved through her shock and cleaned up the blood that had spilt on the floor. Righting the chair that had fallen, she dismissed everyone from the room.

Hours later found the group talking quietly in the living room. The shock from the scene in the kitchen was just starting to wear off. Everyone was waiting for the two teens to apparate. Ginny was taking it the hardest; she kept glancing around hoping they would come back soon.