Chapter Four – One Piece at a Time
Ginevra raised an exquisite eyebrow and let out a throaty, husky laugh. "You really want to make this watertight, don't you, Kingsley? Very well, yes, I have been and am currently a Death Eater, or as we prefer, the Knights of Walpurgis. It's much more…refined, don't you think?"
Harry gasped audibly, her admission knifing through him. "Sir, can I have a word with you in private before this continues?" Shacklebolt looked at him curiously, but slowly nodded his head. The Head Auror waved his wand to tighten the chains and stood up.
"Lady Malfoy, we will be right back." He turned and walked out of the door with Harry following. Once they were in the hall, he cast a Muffliato charm and looked at the young man standing before him. "Well, Mr. Potter? I'm sure you have a good reason for interrupting this interrogation before it actually got off the ground?"
Harry had the good grace to look abashed and actually scuffed the floor with his toe. "Sir, shouldn't we be testing her for the Imperius curse first? Before we start looking for a confession, I mean?"
The large dark man looked thoughtful for a moment. "Harry," he said almost gently, "Are you sure you're not too close to this? Look, I know your history with the Weasley family and with Ginerva, too. If you're going to have issues, I will replace you." The last sentence came out hard and cold. Harry blinked and looked a little flustered.
"Kingsley, I've known her since she was ten years old, or I thought I knew her. She wasn't raised with this 'Blood Purity' bullshit, none of the Weasleys were. She loved her family and friends more than anything in the world and look at what Voldemort did to them. Her father, Bill, George…" His voice trailed off. "It must be an Imperius, sir; I can't believe she'd…"
"You can't believe she'd willingly kill for an ideal that you find abhorrent, Potter? You find it difficult to comprehend that the sweet young lady who bravely waved you off to find the things you needed to destroy Voldemort would turn around and embrace the very beliefs that made his rise possible? And even better become not only the wife of one of your greatest rivals but his able helpmeet in every possible way? Outstripping even the cruelty of her aunt by marriage?" Shacklebolt's voice was angry and cold, ruthlessly interrupting Harry's weak protestations of Ginny's innocence. "I know you want her to be innocent, Potter, everyone who knows the Weasley family does. We all remember her as a young girl, filled with light and goodness, but from what I've seen over the past decade, that young lady is dead and gone and in her place is a cold, calculating murderess dedicated to one thing. Pureblood rule. Those are the facts, my boy, and it's high time you face them. Besides, you are forgetting one very important thing. Any hex that affects free will or any type of disillusionment charm would have been broken the moment she stepped through the front door of this facility. Therefore, I suggest that you abandon this foolish notion of yours and either get with the program or I will replace you. I do not need to test her for an Imperious. If she had been under one for the past decade, don't you think her reactions would be quite different from those she has exhibited to date? Well?"
Harry slumped against the wall, head bowed. "You're right, sir. I guess I chose to let my feelings interfere with the facts." He raised his head, emerald eyes glittering with tears and rage. "I'm sorry, sir, if you feel it necessary to replace me, I will understand. However, I feel that I owe it to her family to be present and to find out what happened to Ginny Weasley that turned her into Lady Ginevra Malfoy."
Shacklebolt nodded his head and said, "As long as you can keep your emotions out of this, son, you stay, but the minute you let them get out of hand, you're off this case. Am I perfectly clear? Good, now, let's go back inside and get those answers." He dismissed the Muffliato charm with a wave of his wand and both men reentered the interrogation room.
The petite redhead sat in the chair, her arms chained, in a gray prison robe, still looking as calm and collected as if she sat at the head of her own dining room table entertaining the crème de la crème of the wizarding world. She tilted her head and a smirk twisted her face. "Got all of those pesky doubts out of your system now, Potter? Did you have yourself a good little cry on dear Kingsley's shoulder about it? Blah blah blah, something about innocence lost?"
The two Aurors sat down and adjusted their robes. "Lady Malfoy", Shacklebolt began, "Let's get back to the business at hand, shall we? I'm sure it can't be very comfortable sitting there like that. Now, you've admitted to being a Death Eater, am I correct?"
"Of course you are, dear Kingsley." She all but cooed.
"And when and from whom did you receive your Dark Mark?"
"Immediately following my wedding to Draco…" Here, her voice trailed off wistfully.
"Would you care to elaborate on how you received it and from whom, Lady Malfoy?"
"Of course." she said simply and she began.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Milord, you may kiss your bride." Draco's lips captured hers and she finally felt the wild magic that came with a true pureblood marriage. Her entire body tingled and for a moment, the world fell away.
"Draco, please, save something for later tonight. Besides, this day is not yet done. Thank you, Mr. Switchhill, for your ability to be here on such short notice. You will be well rewarded." This last was directed at the man standing before the couple. He nodded his head and quickly left the drawing room. Lucius Malfoy turned back to the newlyweds and he surveyed them with a critical eye. "Ginevra, Narcissa will take you to your old room to prepare for what comes next."
"Of course, Lord Malfoy."
"Ginevra, please, call me Father or at least Lucius. We are now family and within the walls of Malfoy Manor, there are no titles." She nodded quickly and made to step away from her husband and follow her new mother-in-law.
Draco held her back and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Don't be so nervous, little flame. You've waited long enough for this and after tonight, you will finally understand what it truly means to be a Malfoy." He kissed her lips softly. "You are so beautiful, my darling, and I'm so proud of you. I love you, Ginevra." He squeezed her hand gently.
She looked up into the mercury pools of his eyes and for a moment thought her heart would burst. "I love you, too, Draco. You have made me the happiest woman in the world." She squeezed back and turned to follow the regal blonde waiting for her at the drawing room door.
The women walked up the grand staircase and down a long corridor to what had been Ginevra's rooms. Once there, the elder woman clapped her hands briskly and a house elf appeared with a low bow, her ears brushing the floor.
"Topsy, will you arrange for a bath, a light lunch for us both and see that the appropriate ceremonial robes are laid out for Mrs. Malfoy? I will also need mine laid out in my chambers as well."
"Certainly, Lady Malfoy. If Topsy may, ma'am, Topsy is very happy that Miss Ginevra is now a Malfoy."
"Of course you are, Topsy. We all are. Now, hurry, we do not have time to waste. There are important things to accomplish before this evening. "
The wizened creature bowed low again and disappeared with a loud pop.
Narcissa turned to the young woman standing by a chair in the sitting area. "Ginevra, please go bathe. Once you are done, we have lunch and I will explain what will happen next." The red head blanched a little at the older woman's words, but nodded her head and made to go to the attached bathroom.
"Ginevra," Narcissa said softly, "please don't be afraid. A few moments of pain and afterwards, the world will be yours." She paused and then went on. "I admit I was not pleased when Draco first brought you here. I was unable to see past your familial name and your hair colour but my dear, you have proved my prejudices wrong at every turn. You are a perfect match for my son. Welcome to the family, darling."
Ginevra felt tears well up in her eyes and she whispered a thank you before hurrying off to bathe.
After a luxurious bath, Ginevra wrapped her hair in a towel and put on her bath robe. She went back into the sitting area, where Narcissa was waiting with trays of food laid out neatly on the small table in front of her.
Narcissa gestured for her to sit and when she had seated herself and both women had begun to eat, the older woman spoke.
"Now, in an hour, the final stage of your initiation will take place. After you're dressed, we will proceed to the Malfoy sacred grove where you will swear your allegiance to the Cause. Then you will receive the Dark Mark and take your place in Pureblood Society, as befitting the wife of a Malfoy."
She paused and eyed her plate thoughtfully. "Being a Malfoy is not easy, Ginevra, but you have had some taste of that. I know that you were raised in…a less than optimal environment, but your ability to adapt to our world has been impressive. I have no doubts that you will be able to handle yourself with grace no matter the situation." The redhead blushed and started to protest but her mother-in-law raised a hand and continued. "After the ceremony, I want you to come back and rest. Tonight will be a very long and a very important night for you. I'm fairly sure that my son will have other ideas on how to spend this time, but I highly recommend you take the opportunity to rest." Narcissa's eyes sparkled as she watched the younger woman blush an even brighter shade of red than before. "I know, darling, but the ceremony will take a lot out of you and it's imperative that you shine tonight. Great Circe, look at the time! We have to get you ready."
She clapped her hands and once again Topsy appeared before them. "Topsy, dress Mrs. Malfoy and make sure she is presentable for the ceremony. Ginevra, I will meet you at the stairs in 30 minutes. Do not fret, child. I'll be right at your side and so will your husband. You have nothing to worry about." She exited the room and Ginevra was left alone with her own thoughts.
She got up and walked into her dressing room where the diminutive little servant was waiting. She sat down at her dressing table, smiling softly to herself. Today was the last time she'd use these rooms. Tonight, she'd sleep in her marriage bed. With her husband. The house elf kept up a constant stream of chatter as she brushed out Ginevra's hair and applied the lightest touch of make up to her lovely face. When she was finished, and her charge was clothed in the simple but elegant black robe, Topsy hopped off the stool she had been standing on and bowed low. "All is finished, Mrs. Malfoy. Lady is waiting for you now."
"Perfect as usual, Topsy, thank you. Will you make sure that my gown is ready for tonight?"
"But of course, ma'am. Once again, welcome to the family Malfoy, ma'am"
Ginevra nodded and walked out of the suite to go and meet Narcissa. The older woman was waiting serenely at the bottom of the stairs and she smiled warmly when she saw her daughter-in-law descending the grand staircase.
"Exactly on time and lovely as usual, my dear. Shall we go? The others are waiting in the grove."
Together, they walked out of the French doors that overlooked the extensive gardens. As they strolled along the well manicured paths that lead to the Malfoy ancestral grove, Narcissa took advantage of the opportunity to further explain the upcoming ceremony.
"When we enter the grove, you must not speak until directly addressed. As our leader, Lucius will be leading the ceremony, but your position as his son's wife will not make it easier for you. Oh, don't worry, my dear, there will be no further tests." The older woman hurried to explain as she noticed the younger's face turning pale. "You have more than proved yourself. However, the giving of the Dark Mark is painful, both for the recipient and the sponsors."
"S-sponors?" Ginevra's voice was only slightly tremulous.
"Silly me, I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I?" Narcissa's voice held but a hint of self-reproach. "Back to the ceremony. When we reach the entrance of the grove, we will wait until you are summoned. When they summon us, you need to remove your robe…"
"Excuse me?" The redhead's voice was calm and low.
"Yes, Ginevra, you will undergo this ceremony naked, between a male sponsor and a female sponsor. You are being reborn into a new plane of existence and as such, must enter into your new state of being unclothed and in the presence of the man and woman that have given you the most guidance towards this new life as well as the leadership of the Knights of Walpurgis. Your sponsors will be me and your husband.
Lucius will ask who your sponsors are. Then Draco and I will give answer. Lucius will then ask who seeks admittance. When he asks you this, you will say that you, Ginevra Molly Malfoy, does. He will then question your motives for joining. After the questions are done, there will be an opportunity for the members of the Council to put forth any objections. Once again, you are to remain silent unless you are directly addressed. Draco and I will handle any other situations. Now is not the time for your famed spirit, my dear. "
Ginvera nodded her head once in acceptance and the older woman gave a slight smile. She knew how difficult it had been over the years for her young protégé, reining in the famous (infamous?) Weasley temper.
The blonde woman continued, "After any objections have been dealt with, Lucius will perform the Vow and the charm to give you the Mark. Then your sponsors will dress you and the Council will recognize you as a full member individually. You will offer your gratitude to each Council member as they recognize you. Nothing elaborate, mind you, just a simple 'Thank you' will suffice. That will conclude the ceremony. Just follow our lead and all should be well. Do you have any questions?"
"No, Narcissa, as usual, your explanations are clear and concise." Her voice was clear and, Narcissa was pleased to note, steady. This young woman never failed to impress her. Even with the knowledge that there would be pain involved, there was no hesitation in her. Draco had indeed done very well.
A few moments of walking in contemplative silence and they reached the entrance to the Malfoy Ancestral Grove. Narcissa helped Ginevra disrobe and Ginevra was thankful that it was June and not January. When the robe was neatly folded, shrunken, and placed in a pouch at Narcissa's waist, the older woman knocked three times at the door then stood back and waited patiently.
The door opened and a man stood there, the hood of his black robe covering his face. His voice was flat and emotionless when he spoke. "Is there one who seeks entrance to this Sacred Grove?"
"There is." came Narcissa's reply.
"For what purpose does this one seek entrance?"
"To put herself forth for admittance to the Knights of Walpurgis."
"Is her blood pure?"
"Yes."
"In the name of the High Council, I bid you both to enter the Sacred Grove."
The two women stepped through the door and as she passed under the arched stone doorway with the Malfoy crest carved at the apex of the arch, Ginevra felt a tingle start at the top of her head and pass entirely through her body. She looked questioningly at Narcissa and the older woman whispered "Blood status charm."
They passed the ring of trees and emerged into a small sunlit field with a large stone altar in the center. Lucius Malfoy stood before the altar flanked by what Ginevra assumed was the Council. Draco stood with his back to them, facing Lucius, the sun turning his blonde hair to platinum. Narcissa led Ginevra up to Draco's side and dropped a graceful curtsy to Lucius. He acknowledged the three people standing before him and began to speak.
"Who has brought this woman before us seeking entrance in to the honorable Knights of Walpurgis?"
Draco took one step forward and said, "I have, my Lord, her husband." Ginevra shivered slightly at his words.
Narcissa then took one step forward and said, "I have, my Lord, her mentor and tutor."
Lucius then looked directly at Ginevra. "Come forward, child."
Ginevra walked one step forward and both Draco and Narcissa put a hand in the small of her back to propel her one step further. Lucius looked down at her and she thought she saw a hint of a smile.
"Who comes before the Council of the Knights of Walpurgis seeking admittance to our noble Cause?"
"I do, my Lord, Ginevra Molly Malfoy."
"Why do you wish to join us, Ginevra Molly Malfoy?"
"To further the cause of Blood Purity in the Magical World and to preserve our most ancient and noble cultural traditions."
Lucius nodded very slightly and said, "Members of the Council, before us stands Ginevra Molly Malfoy, who desires to join our Cause. Are there any members present who can show just cause so as to deny her application?"
There was a brief pause before the member of Council answered as one, "No, my Lord."
Lucius spoke again, "Ginevra Molly Malfoy, as there are no objections to your application, I hereby grant you full membership into the Knights of Walpurgis with all of the responsibilities and privileges attached. Give me your hand please. Narcissa?"
Ginevra held her hand out and Lucius took it in his. Narcissa walked around until she stood to the right of both people. She took out her wand, touched the tip to the joined hands and Lucius spoke.
"Ginevra Molly Malfoy, will you swear undying loyalty to the Knights of Walpurgis?"
"I will." she said as the first flame wrapped around their joined hands.
"Will you swear to never betray our Cause or your fellow members?"
"I will." The second flame snaked a fiery path around both hands.
"Will you strive until your final breath to preserve the ideals of Blood Purity and fight to keep our world free of half-breed and Muggle-borns?"
"I will." Ginvera said as the final flame joined the two previous flames, forming a golden chain around their two hands.
Narcissa gave their hands a final tap and the golden chain sank into the skin of the two participants.
"The Vow is made." proclaimed Lucius to the onlookers. "Are you ready to receive your Mark, Ginerva?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Kneel before me, Ginerva. Draco, Narcissa, take your places, please." Her two sponsors stood behind her as she knelt and placed their hands on her shoulders.
"Your left arm, if you will, Ginevra."
She held out her left arm and was pleased to note that it was steady, despite the full-blown dragons in her stomach.
Lucuis took her arm and touched the tip of his wand to her forearm. Afterwards, she could never recall the exact words he spoke, but as he spoke them, she felt her forearm begin to heat up. The heat turned to pain and it began to wend its way up her and spread throughout her body. As she struggled not to scream, she vaguely heard twin gasps from Draco and Narcissa. She could feel her body start to shake and just before she was sure she was going to collapse, the pain was gone. Sweat was rolling down her face and body and her muscles ached. Narcissa draped her robe gently over her shoulder and helped her stand.
Lucius looked pleased and said, "Council, I present our newest member, Ginevra Malfoy." There was a quiet round of applause and murmured words of welcome and congratulations. "Narcissa, please take Ginevra to her room to refresh herself and rest. Draco, will you meet me in the study?"
Two blonde heads nodded and Narcissa led Ginevra out of the grove.
Lady Malfoy stopped talking and sat back in her chair, eyes bright, though if it was from joy or grief, Harry wasn't sure.
Kingsley Shacklebolt sat for a moment in silence while the Quick Quotes Quill finished its work. When it was done, he looked thoughtfully at the woman before him. "Thank you for your cooperation, Lady Malfoy." He took out his pocket watch and checked the time. "It is almost noon. I will have the guards return you to your cell for lunch. After you've eaten, we'll continue."
Harry got up and went to the door to summon the guards. When they came in, he released Ginevra from her restraints and she walked regally out the door.
When she was gone, Harry looked at the Head Auror. "Kingsley…" He stopped for a second and then changed his mind on what he was going to say. "Do you have any idea when she'll be allowed visitors? I'm sure the Weaselys would like to know."
"Not until we're further along in the interrogation. I'm not sure it would be a good idea in any case."
Harry nodded. "I just wanted to be able to tell Ron something when he asks. They are all worried and hungry for information."
"I'm sure they are. I know I would be if I were in their shoes. Harry, let's go get something to eat and take our minds off this business for an hour or so." He gathered up the papers on the table and the two men walked out into the corridor and headed towards the prison's small cafeteria.
In her cell, Ginevra Malfoy sat at the rough table, playing aimlessly with the food on the plate before her. Thinking about that day had dredged up so many memories. Memories she wasn't sure she was ready to face.
A/N: Whew, what a chapter! This story will be mainly told in flashbacks and they may not all be in chronological order. As usual, reviews are loved, flames are ignored, and I hope you enjoy!