Chapter 6
For the seventh time in his life, Arthur Weasley sat in a room in Saint Mungos, holding a red-haired newborn.
Each of his children had been different, and each of his children had been special. When he had held Bill for the first time, he was filled with shock and fear of being a new parent. With Charlie, they were excited and anxious for the transition of parents of one child to handling two. By the time Percy came around, he and Molly felt they had nearly mastered child rearing. That resolve was severely tested with Fred and George. When the twins were born, he and Molly had looked at each other with a 'what on earth have we gotten ourselves into' look. When Ron was born, there was so much relief at his health and safety, and of Molly's good health as well. After six children, Arthur had truly felt he and Molly could handle anything. But now, as he held yet another bundled infant in his arms, he felt an emotion he never would have guessed as he held his own child:
Sorrow.
When Molly had announced she had become pregnant once again, Arthur had plastered a wide smile across his face as they embraced. He hugged and kissed his wife, and tried to give her the most convincing appearance of joy at the news. But it was all a front, for the cold hand of fate placed an icy grip on his heart, squeezing out any shred of real happiness he might have felt. He saw the surprise and delight in his wife's eyes when they found out they were to have a daughter, and as each day of her pregnancy came and went, he found himself unable to confess his covenant to her.
As her pregnancy progressed, he continued to delay the revelation, delay the pain, all the while knowing that there would be no escape from the consequences of his agreement with the immortals. The days passed and Molly's belly grew, and every day Arthur convinced himself to wait, and allow his wife one more day of happiness. Each time he would be about to tell her, the words wouldn't come, and the emotions were suffocating. He became convinced that once Molly had learned of what he had done, she would be lost to him forever. The thought only further encouraged his procrastination.
And now, he had delayed so long that Molly had delivered his daughter, a very piece of his own heart, that he now held in his arms. She was healthy. She was perfect. She was beautiful. This tiny angel in his arms would belong to him for only a decade, before she would be taken from him. The sorrow and grief rose up around him, squeezing the breath from his lungs. He could wait no longer, Molly had to know, and delaying the knowledge was doing her no favors.
Arthur looked up from his sleeping daughter, to his wife who lay in bed, smiling at him, and he wondered if this would be the last time that she would look at him with so much love in her eyes. After he told her, she would surely never love him the same. He felt a prickling sensation in his eyes, and his vision blurred as they filled with tears. He looked down and cleared his throat, willing the words to come.
"Molly," he managed, his voice choking with emotion, "I need to tell you something." He managed to meet her eyes, and watched her smile falter.
"Arthur?" she sat up straighter in the bed, voice filled with concern. "What is it? What's wrong?"
Arthur swallowed thickly, unable to hold his wife's gaze. He stared down at the beautiful babe sleeping, tiny fists curled around her face.
He looked up. He had already waited too long. He was simply delaying the inevitable.
"Molly," he repeated, "I've done something."
Molly began to look frightened.
"Arthur," she said with a slight tremble in her voice, "Are you alright? You're scaring me."
He squeezed his eyes closed, holding his daughter closer, fighting against the grief that threatened to incapacitate him.
"Molly, I've done something terrible."
X
Bill Weasley shuffled nervously around his tent.
It had been several years since he had spoken with his former headmaster, and now he would be meeting with him shortly. The prospect had him feeling like an eleven-year-old again. Albus Dumbledore had written him the week prior, asking to meet and have a discussion regarding Ginny. His letter hadn't provided any details about the discussion, but he was convinced that the elderly wizard would try to convince him to send Ginny back to Hogwarts. He couldn't help the feeling that once Dumbledore arrived, he would be put under scrutiny. The thought made him feel slightly defensive, as he felt that he had done well as Ginny's guardian for the last few years. It had been an adjustment at first, being only a few years out of school himself, to take over Ginny's tutoring while balancing his career with curse-breaking in Egypt. His current career choice required that they move around the desert frequently, hence the magical tent, and sometimes Bill worried about the lack of socialization with her peers that the isolation created… but he smiled as he pictured Ginny now. She had done so well, been so resilient despite it all. She had been well-disciplined in her studies despite her unorthodox situation, and Bill looked back on their time spent together the last few years with great affection.
Bill heard the familiar pop of apparition, and opened the door of his tent. He ushered in his headmaster politely, leading him to the large sitting area of the magical tent, where he had set out tea. Dumbledore casually surveyed his surroundings, taking in the spacious rooms of the tent and the eclectic décor.
"Ah, Bill, this is quite lovely indeed. You've made a splendid home here. I especially love the Quidditch posters."
Bill chuckled as the pair sat down and he poured the tea. "Yes, well, that is Ginny's work. A quidditch fanatic, that one is. Perhaps even more so than my brother Ron, if you can believe it. I keep the brooms locked up, but twice I've caught her flying, and those are just the times she's been caught. I honestly don't know how she does it! She was devastated that the family went to the Quidditch World Cup without her, sulked about it for days! Heart breaking to see it. Although, I do think it was for the best..." He faltered slightly, remembering his father mentioning that the Malfoys had attended the event. He shuddered inwardly as hundreds of horrible scenarios passed through his mind.
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Indeed. For the best." He clasped his hands in his lap, and looked at Bill through his half-moon spectacles, and Bill was relieved to find warmth there instead of scrutiny.
"Well Bill, I'll get right to it, shall I?" he smiled kindly. "How is Ginevra doing? How is this arrangement working for the both of you?"
Bill smiled, setting his cup down.
"She is wonderful, Headmaster." he said fondly, "She is growing to love Egypt. She is surpassing my expectations in her studies, and I anticipate she will do very well when we send for her O.W.L.S."
Bill leaned forward, his voice quieting a bit.
"Most importantly, she is happy. I look at her face, and I see her... the Ginny she was before, you know?Before- all that happened to her. She still has occasional nightmares, but they aren't near as bad as before. And for a while, when she first got here, she thought she saw him a couple times. Scared the wits out of her, but it was always just a tourist. The snakes used to bother her as well, but not so much anymore, she's gotten used to them. Mum and Dad have noticed a change as well. She's growing and maturing beautifully. I think this really was the best thing for her."
Dumbledore smiled and nodded. His eyes traveled towards a picture on the mantle. Within the frame was a photograph of Bill and Ginny. Bill's arm was around her shoulder in a hug as they stood in front of ancient ruins. Both had bright smiles. Ginny's eyes were sparkling, her hair waving slightly in the desert wind.
"She's lovely Bill. I know this must have been quite the sacrifice on your part, you're just a young man yourself! I'm sure raising your sister was quite unexpected, not exactly what one pictures as the life of a bachelor, but I must say you've done beautifully."
Bill nodded, a sense of pride welling up in him. "Thank you, sir."
Dumbledore nodded back.
"But now, I must ask you, Bill," he said, his voice hesitating just slightly, "do you think Miss Weasley is ready to come back to Hogwarts? It is my understanding that there have been no further troubles in regards to the Malfoy family, and of course, Draco Malfoy is still banned from the school. Returning to school I feel could benefit her greatly. She could have more socialization and endless resources for taking her N.E.W.T.S. But as you are her guardian, I will take your opinion of the matter quite seriously."
Bill sighed, leaning back in his chair.
"I don't know, sir." he said, rubbing his face with his hands. "She's come so far since she's been here. But going back to school? I'm not sure she's ready. What if the nightmares come back? She still gets nervous in crowds, they bother her... and she's only just started letting us hug her again. Teenagers can be cruel, and what if they ask the wrong questions or get too close? I'm just afraid that-"
Dumbledore raised a hand, silencing him. "Relax dear boy, I understand you feel very protective of her. I am certainly not expecting you to make a final decision right now. All I ask is that you speak to her. I trust your opinion, Bill. If you both feel that she is not ready yet, we can wait yet a few more years. I certainly wouldn't want to undo any progress you feel like she's made."
Bill nodded. "Thank you, sir. I'll talk with her."
As Dumbledore nodded in agreement, a pop was heard outside and the door to the tent opened, revealing Arthur Weasley's head. He looked at Dumbledore with slight apprehension.
"Oh! Dumbledore, I was hoping we would catch you while you were here." Arthur lifted the rest of the tent flap, revealing Molly at his side.
Bill stood and ushered them into the tent, giving his mum a kiss on the cheek. "Mum, Dad, good to see you. Tea?"
Arthur waved him off, standing with his arm around Molly, who was looking uncharacteristically solemn. Arthur himself looked wary and nervous.
"No Bill, I'm afraid we're here to talk to you. Well, both of you, I should say. I'm afraid it's long overdue but that hardly matters now and- well I mean, with Dumbledore here, seems as good a time as any-"
"Dad," Bill chuckled, "out with it, will you?"
A heavy silence filled the tent, and Bill's chuckle fell. His parent's awkward and glum stance pushed any thoughts of a causal visit out of the realm of possibility. His mother stood wringing her hands nervously, and fathers face was pale. He hadn't seen his mum and dad look this in years. Not since...
"What's happened?" He demanded. Dumbledore straightened up in his chair, his expression turning grave, but curious.
Molly stepped forward, looking between Dumbledore and Bill.
"Nothing has happened. Yet... but Bill, Professor, we have something to tell you." Molly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes again, they were glassy with emotion.
"There's something you need to know about Ginny."
X
"Fascinating…"
Miles away, Fourteen-year-old Ginny Weasley sat kneeling in the warm sand. The hot sun was on her back, but the sand beneath her knees had cooled from the slight shadows cast by the ruins that lie around her. She was leaning so far forward that she was in danger of faceplanting into the dirt. She peered intently at her discovery on the ground, which at first glance appeared to be a flattened, wrinkled, leather bag. Surrounding her were miles of tumbling and decrepit stone walls, their ancient ceilings long gone, winding around roads that had been unused for thousands of years.
Ginny had finished her school lessons hours ago, and had earned her free time. She had raced to grab her backpack and hat to make her way quickly to her destination. Save flying, she was allowing herself to indulge in one of her favorite ways to pass the time.
Over the last few years, Ginny had met several of Bill's coworkers and associates, but had never spent more time than she absolutely had to with those she did not know well. She was comfortable and content with solitude, but she found she was beginning to open up slowly to more social interaction in her life, albeit in very small doses. She had surprised herself (and Bill) when one of his muggle associates, an archeologist, had invited her to come to the Siwa Oasis ruins that he and Bill were working on together, and she had not declined the invitation. She further surprised herself (and Bill again) when she thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and said yes to a second invitation.
Now, weeks later, Ginny was enraptured by Siwa Oasis. While Bill worked, Ginny explored the ruins with awe and admiration. She wandered and explored for hours. She found herself putting together pieces of the past, imagining what life was like in this desert city thousands of years ago. She found ancient pottery, inscriptions and writings from ancient muggles and wizards alike, and other clues left from the past. It was like putting together a puzzle, with the pieces broken and scattered about.
"Find something Ginny?" A pleasant voice from behind her spoke.
Ginny turned around, a sparkle of excitement in her eyes.
"Dr Muthusamy, I think I may have found something, I think it's an animal. Maybe a cat?"
Dr. Muthusamy knelt down and examined the small leathery lump in front of Ginny.
"Ah, perhaps a gift for Bastet? The wrappings are there, slightly disintegrated it looks like… and it's missing its outer casing. Could be left over from someone digging about for valuables… We'll have Naz take this to radiology and see what we've got."
Ginny nodded as the man shouted for his son, still giddy from the find. It was rare at this location to find much more than stones and pottery, let alone a mummified animal. The wrappings on it were quite torn, and no outer casing of the animal was to be seen, but it was still an exciting find nonetheless.
Young Naz came over to collect the find. He occasionally worked the sites with his father, and seemed friendly enough, but Ginny kept her distance. He was fifteen, tanned, with dark eyes and hair like his father. He smiled kindly at Ginny as he came over, but he kept several feet distance in between them. Ginny wondered if Bill warned him to give her space. She liked Naz, but that was probably because he never got too close.
It wasn't that she didn't like being touched, she mentally assured herself, she was just… so damn sensitive to it, like her nerve endings were on fire. It had taken a long time before she let her family hug her, and it had started out terribly. Charlie had patted her shoulder good naturedly a few days after the incident with Malfoy, and she had flinched and shrieked loudly at the contact. Sometime later, Fred and George had tugged on her hair while teasing her, and she inexplicably pulled her wand on them and burst into tears, with the two of them staring at her helplessly. To add to her confusion, she found she didn't mind it at all when her mum showed her affection. Her mum held her and kissed her cheeks and Ginny welcomed the comfort. It seemed the only time that touch put her out of sorts was when it was coming from a male, and the thought filled her with shame. It was getting better though, she reminded herself. Though she still tended to stiffen slightly when she received a hug from her family, she no longer had the instinctive reaction to flinch or screech at the contact.
In fact, lots of things were getting better, now that she really thought about it. She was learning to love the desert, learning to love the heat, learning to navigate her new (though slightly odd) life, and she found herself smiling.
She was happy.
Still smiling to herself, she accompanied Dr. Muthusamy as they began to exit the site. Winding through decrepit alleyways of ancient stones, Ginny suddenly felt a deep rumbling beneath her feet. Dr Muthusamy beckoned the group out of the site, until they were safely on the outskirts. Turning back around, they watched as a distant tower crumbled and fell, sending up a cloud of dust into the air.
The group stood and watched, transfixed for a few moments. It wasn't uncommon to have the old walls give way and crumble, and it was even more common now as the area had experienced several small earthquakes and their resulting aftershocks. This was why Bill only allowed Ginny at this site, owing to the fact that the ceilings of most of the buildings had disappeared long ago, making it relatively safe.
"Ginny! GINNY!"
She jumped and turned when she heard Bill's frantic calls. He was running full speed towards the group. She watched him as he skidded to a halt in front of her, putting his hands on her shoulders. His eyes were wide with fear and he looked Ginny up and down, searching for injuries. She put a calming hand on his arm.
"Bill, settle down! It was another collapse on the south side. We weren't anywhere near it."
But Bill was still looking at her as if he was deciding whether or not she was real. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times before he spoke.
"Gin, I- I thought..."
He trailed off. Ginny couldn't understand the fear that seemed to be overpowering him. There was a tension in the silence between him.
"You thought what, Bill? That I'd been flattened to a pancake?" she smiled, hoping to break the tension. "Relax, you look like you just walked through Nearly-Headless Nick."
Bill took a deep breath and nodded, but he didn't smile at her humor. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, leading her away from the group.
"Time to go home Gin-Bug."
Ginny turned and waved to Dr. Muthusamy and Naz, giving them what she hoped was an apologetic smile.
What on earth was that about?
X
Later at home, she and Bill sat down at the dinner table, and the awkward heaviness between them was back. Ginny pushed her food around her plate, and she noticed Bill hadn't taken a single bite of his.
"Bill," Ginny started gently, "care to share what's been bothering you?"
"Hm?" He murmured, not looking up.
"You're just being... odd. In fact, you've been odd ever since mum and dad visited the other day."
"Have not!" He snapped.
"Have too!" she shouted. "You nearly had a full-blown panic attack when the tower collapsed and I wasn't anywhere near it. You've never freaked out like that before, and there have been dozens of collapses. Why was this time different? What did mum and dad say to you?"
Bill placed his fork on the table, folding his arms with a sigh.
"Look Ginny, I was just worried because... well you seem to just have... bad luck. A lot of bad things have happened to you, so you're right, I panicked. I don't like you going with Dr. Muthusamy and Naz. He's a muggle and if something were to happen..."
"You've never had a problem with that before! What changed?"
"Well, I just... it's not safe and I don't want you doing it anymore. Mum and dad think I'm letting you be too reckless around the dig sites."
Without a word, Ginny slammed her napkin on the table, and stormed to her bedroom in a huff, collapsing on her bed.
Bad luck.
Well, it wasn't entirely untrue… she had certainly had her share of unfortunate events.
Cursing Bill, she smothered a frustrated groan into her pillow.
X
"This is where I found it."
Days later, Bill had relented and allowed Ginny yet another excursion with Dr. Muthusamy and Naz. Ginny was excited to go back to where she had found the animal, which had turned out to be a mummified cat. Dr. Muthusamy shrugged his bag off his shoulder, and knelt down next to the wall.
"We should dig it out a bit, see if we can find any pieces of the casing."
A few hours later, the high sun on their backs, little other evidence was found, and the group decided to call it quits for the day. Desperately needing some shade and refreshment, Ginny and Naz shouldered their bags. Dr Muthusamy ushered them to leave, waving to an undisturbed pile of bricks.
"You two go on, I'm just going to take some samples of the materials here. I won't be long."
Ginny and Naz began navigating their way out of the ruins. There hadn't been a single collapse in days and Ginny wondered if she would be allowed more excursions. Her thoughts were interrupted by Naz's shy voice.
"So, you take wizard lessons huh?"
Ginny chuckled. "Lessons, yes. But you aren't to speak of it, remember?"
"Yes, yes, of course. Bill said that it was incredibly rare for Gringotts to employ a muggle. Almost unheard of even."
"I've certainly never heard of it. Your dad is rarity for sure."
"Yes well, he had to sign all sorts of contracts that he wouldn't breathe a word to anyone. I'm pretty sure he signed his life away. I've never seen so much parchment in my life."
"What happens if he tells? He told you, didn't he?"
"Well, I don't count I suppose, but I'm pretty sure the consequences would be very unpleasant. Probably behead him and stick his head on a pike."
Ginny laughed again. "The ministry might be ancient but even they aren't that barbaric."
Naz hummed in thought. "Disemboweled?"
"No... how about burned at the stake?"
"That's a cruel irony... how about mummified alive?"
"Now that would be the ultimate irony."
Naz suddenly stopped in his pace, and his eyes widened.
Ginny turned to him. His face was... off somehow.
"Naz, are you alright?"
But he didn't answer, nor did he look at her when she spoke. Instead, he collapsed to the ground with a moan.
"Naz!"
Ginny knelt next to his head, unsure of what to do. She looked at his face and saw his eyes glaze over, before rolling into the back of his head. She watched in horror as his body began furiously twitching and jerking in odd unnatural movements.
"Oh god." She cried.
Ginny watched helplessly as Naz appeared to struggle for air. She considered drawing her wand, but she hadn't the faintest clue what to do with it if she did. She had no idea what was happening, only that Naz was in desperate need of help.
"Dr. Muthusamy!" she screamed, "Help!"
Naz continued to twitch on the ground. Ginny screamed again for help, and as her scream ended Naz suddenly became deathly still. Ginny felt the waves of panic begin to sweep violently within her. Naz was not moving, his eyes were blank and partially open.
Dead... he was dead.
Tears began to fall down her face.
Dead.
She hardly noticed the frantic footsteps that came up behind her, until Dr. Muthusamy was right next to her, his hands clasping Naz's ashen face.
"We-we were just walking," she sobbed, "and we were talking and then he fell and started shaking..."
Dr. Muthusamy adjusted Naz's head so it was slightly tilted back, then put two fingers on his neck.
"He has severe epilepsy." He said simply, shocking Ginny with the calmness in his voice. He sat back across from Ginny. "Go get help. Go now!"
She didn't need told twice. Ginny sprang up from the ground and ran towards the small camp outside the dig site. A few workers stood sitting at a table drinking and talking amongst themselves. She hailed them and shouted for help, saying in what she hoped translated to 'hospital.' The workers ran for help, and Ginny ran back towards Dr. Muthusamy and Naz.
She skidded to a halt, and her jaw dropped a few inches at the sight that met her.
Naz's father stood above him on his knees, his palms pressed together on his sternum. In harsh, rhythmic movements, Dr Muthusamy was pressing down firmly on the boy's chest. If he hadn't already been dead, she was sure his father's arms pumping his chest would kill him. The movements were so powerful she was certain his ribs were breaking underneath them. Dr. Muthusamy paused his movements suddenly, tilting Naz's head back, clamping his nares closed and blowing air into his lungs.
Ginny was transfixed, her emotions were rapidly alternating between horror and fascination. The actions on the dead boy's body made no sense to her, and she flinched at how violent they seemed. She wished Bill were there.
Several things then happened at once. Two muggle medics appeared next to the group, rapidly unloading bags of unfamiliar objects. As if summoned by her thoughts, Bill suddenly appeared at Ginny's side, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and holding her tightly. At the same time, a great gasp and cough came from Naz's body, as he sucked in a deep breath.
Ginny could not believe what she was seeing.
He was alive.
Alive.
X
"Bill, I've never seen anything like it!"
Ginny was pacing around the tent in a frenzy, replaying the last few hours to Bill with fanfare. He sat quietly at the dining table, smiling at the waving arms and vibrant expressions of his sister.
"It was amazing!" she raved, continuing to pace, "He had no wand, no magic, and Naz was dead- Dead! And he just... brought him back. I thought he was killing him at first- except I knew he was dead. It was brilliant, Bill. It was like he was using magic, only it wasn't magic… "
"You sound like Dad." Bill chuckled. "Now get over here and sit. We need to do some transfiguration lessons. We'll count the last few hours as a weeks worth of muggle studies."
Ginny walked over and plopped down in the chair with very un-ladylike grace. Even with her annoyed posture, she still held a look of wonder on her face.
"Bill, can you imagine if someone like Dr Muthusamy worked with someone at Saint Mungos… it would be incredible, wouldn't it? We could learn from each other, maybe change the way we do things…"
"Like mind-healing?"
Ginny groaned. "Especially that!"
Bill placed his head in his hand, staring at Ginny affectionately. "Do we have a future healer in the family?"
"Maybe," Ginny smiled, "only if professional Quidditch is a let-down."
"Right." Said Bill, rolling his eyes.
As Bill began the lesson, he was interrupted by an owl landing in the middle of the dining table, its wings sending papers flying. Ginny gathered her papers and looked up.
"Who's that now?" she asked.
Bill opened the note that was attached to the small parcel. Without waiting for permission, Ginny reached over and grabbed the parcel to open it.
"Gin wait-"
She tore open the parcel, and promptly dropped it on the table as if it had burned her.
Lying innocently on the table was a small, colorful package tied with a ribbon. Across the top read 'Gunter Loden's Best Homemade Stroopwafels.' Her stomach plummeted to her feet, and her heart hammered in her chest. She backed away from the table, trying to stem the tide of volatile emotions threatening to engulf her.
"Bill," she asked shakily, avoiding his eyes. "Who sent that?"
He unfolded the parchment.
"It looks like- well, it was Aunt Muriel. She was just checking in on you."
"I don't like those anymore!" She said, a little louder than she meant to.
"I know Gin, but Aunt Muriel had no way of knowing that." He said gently.
Ginny took deep breaths, trying to control the nausea that was now rising in her. The walls of the tent were closing in on her. She had to get out of there.
"I feel ill…" She stammered, "I'm going to go lay down."
She didn't wait for a response from Bill, but he didn't stop her.
She immediately fled to her small room in the tent, and threw herself on the soft bed. She curled up inside her blankets, trying desperately to escape the memories that had been thrust upon her at the sight of that package.
The smell of sugar and bread wafting in the air
The loud and boisterous crowds
A hand clamped over her mouth
Another hand roaming her skin
Ginny closed the blankets around her tighter. I'm safe. I'm safe. I'm safe…
It was several hours before she calmed herself enough to fall into a fitful sleep.
Late that evening, Bill sat alone in the living area, a note in one hand and a bottle of fire whiskey in the other. He hoped Ginny had finally fallen asleep. He hadn't had the will power to drag her out of her room to finish her lessons today after seeing the parcel. She'd had a long day.
Bill sighed dejectedly as he took another look at the unsigned note in his hand, before tossing it into the flames of the small fireplace.
Before the flames could engulf it, the bold words were visible for a brief moment.
See you soon, Ginevra.
X
A gentle snowdrift had placed itself upon the village of Hogsmeade. Harry, Ron and Hermione walked about the shops, enjoying the fresh air and a break from studying for O.W.L.s. The sky was cloudy and the air was sullen, and Harry felt it matched his current mood rather well… a mood that had seemed to plague him for the last several months.
Trudging slightly behind Ron and Hermione, who had their heads close together muttering, Harry looked around the street absentmindedly. Skimming over the shop fronts, his tired eyes came to rest on a dark alleyway. In the entrance of the alleyway, partially obscured in shadow, someone in a dark cloak stood leaning casually against the brick wall.
Harry slowed but did not stop, like his body hadn't caught up with his brain to process what he was seeing. He was sure that the image before him had to have been some kind of cruel mistake, and that his mind was playing tricks on him. He ran into a completely stopped Ron and Hermione, who he realized were staring at the same figure in horror. Hearing Hermione gasp softly and cover her mouth with her hand only confirmed that the figure was not a product of his imagination.
Draco Malfoy stood in the alleyway. Ominous, hood up, with that horrific smirk on his face. He was leaning against the wall, looking as calm as if any other passerby were staring at him. Though he was slightly taller and hair slightly longer than when Harry last saw him, his face was unmistakable. The black satin cloth was still over his eye, but it did nothing to hide the cold glint of malice in his good eye.
Harry felt anger and loathing replace his initial shock. Ron had already drawn his wand, pointing it straight at Malfoy, but Hermione's hand lay firmly on his arm in warning. Harry's head was swirling. What did the bastard want? Was he just here to taunt Ron? Why go through such trouble just to get a rise out of him? They had gone years without a word from the Malfoys, and Harry's brain scrambled to find a reason he would show up now.
Harry noted Draco's dark robes, and was instantly reminded of how Lucius had worn similar attire in the graveyard just last year. But surely Draco was much too young to be messing with the Death Eaters? Or perhaps he was just here with his father and it was unlucky coincidence that they had crossed paths?
Based on the now pleased expression of Draco, Harry somehow doubted this.
As Ron stood trembling with rage in front of him, Harry wondered briefly if Ron was about to charge. He was saved wondering when Malfoy began walking towards them. Harry withdrew his own wand instinctively, and Malfoy halted his approach at his movement. Ron and Hermione remained unmoving, as if afraid the slightest motion could set off an explosion.
Malfoy's smirk turned into an eerie smile.
"Weasley, Potter." He said smoothly. He pointedly ignored Hermione, glancing between Ron and Harry.
"What the hell are you doing here, Malfoy?" Ron snarled.
Malfoy gave a shrug, his hands casually in his pockets. Harry was unnerved by the fact he hadn't drawn his wand.
"Business."
"What business?" Ron demanded.
Draco's smile widened. Harry wanted to hex it off of him. It didn't matter if Draco was involved with the Death Eaters or not, he was evil. What he had done to Ginny… poor Ginny, who had to be sent away and isolated for her own protection. The boy in front of him was responsible for indescribable pain and suffering for the Weasleys, and Harry felt a rising darkness within him. He wanted Draco to suffer. He wanted him to feel pain. He wanted him to hurt… and something deep within was whispering to him to swat Draco like a fly…
It took all of Harry's willpower not to wave his wand at the unarmed boy, and as he calmed himself, he knew Draco was once again baiting them.
As the thought crossed his mind, Malfoy immediately sprang the trap for Ron.
"How's your sister, Weasley?" He leered.
"Ron stop!"
It took both Hermione and Harry to fully restrain Ron before he could curse or dismember Malfoy. They managed to hold him back, Ron huffing and finally relenting. Malfoy simply chuckled at the scuffle, still not bothering to draw his wand. Though Ron stopped fighting him, Harry still kept a firm grip on his arm.
"Come on," he leaned over muttering quietly, "he's getting some sick high out of this, let's go."
Ron shook off Harry and Hermione, and they began following him back towards the castle.
"I'm awfully lonely without her you know." Malfoy called out to their retreating forms.
Hermione clamped down on Ron's elbow.
"Don't turn around, that's what he wants." she said through gritted teeth. "Just keep walking."
They walked faster, but Malfoy called out again.
"Has she gotten used to the heat yet? I hear Egypt is positively dreadful in the summer…"
The trio stopped dead, though none of them turned around. Harry felt as though he had been doused with ice water. He hadn't seen Ginny since she had left, but he had thought he was one of the only ones besides the Weasleys who knew she was in Egypt.
He knew where she was. He could find her.
Memories suddenly accosted him, horrible images seared into his mind…
Screams.
Ginny, her clothes torn, Malfoy leaning over her.
Her bruised and bloody face looking up at him.
Beautiful brown eyes full of pain…
Harry felt his fists beginning to shake.
"Personally, I like the heat," Malfoy said loudly, "It gives her that beautiful flush in her cheeks. I can imagine she must work up a nice sweat over there with- now what's his name? The Curse-Breaker."
Harry heard a roaring in his ears, and he saw stars. He was no longer aware of his surroundings, only the sick, disgusting words coming out of Malfoy's mouth.
"I hope she hasn't been out in the sun too much though," he called again. "I want that skin to be just as soft as I remember it when I have her."
In a blind rage, Harry whirled around. A massive blast of sparks exploded from the trio as all three of them sent curses at Malfoy simultaneously. There was a loud explosion at the entrance of the alleyway, and Harry was thrown backwards with the energy.
Blinking the fuzziness and dust out of his eyes, Harry slowly began to sit up. Ron and Hermione had been thrown back as well, and he vaguely registered Ron helping Hermione to her feet.
Dust and debris littered the air around him. He started sitting up, and glanced down at the alleyway where he, Ron and Hermione had aimed their spells. As the dust and debris settled, he could make out two figures. Lucius Malfoy stood next to his son, his wand aloft and wielding a magical shield, which had evidently blocked all three spells. Draco stood casually next to his father, and to Harry's disappointment, was completely unharmed. Harry stood and brushed himself off. Lucius lowered his wand, breaking the shield.
Lucius placed a hand on Draco's shoulder, and the pair disappeared.
Harry looked at Ron, who was clutching his head in frustration. Hermione was attempting to comfort him with a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"It will be fine, Ron." She said, with the smallest quiver in her voice. "No one creates better wards than Bill, he knows what he's doing. Ginny is well-protected. Besides, Egypt is massive, its nearly 100,000 square kilometers, and they are constantly on the move. I mean the odds alone…"
She trailed off, and Harry prayed her words would prove right. Ron and his family had had enough to deal with. Ginny had been through enough… but Malfoy seemed unnaturally preoccupied with the youngest Weasley despite the consequences.
Harry cursed under his breath.
Trouble with Draco Malfoy was clearly far from over.
X
Draco looked sideways at his father as they entered Malfoy Manor.
"What did the Dark Lord say?"
"What I told you he would. He said you're still too young. In a few years, he may reconsider, but the answer is final for now."
Draco narrowed his eyes, making Lucius scoff at him.
"You have much to learn before you take the mark, Draco." Lucius said lazily. "You must be ready for the honor. You will have years to enjoy the fruits of your labor."
"I want it now." Draco growled through gritted teeth.
"You need to be a man first."
"I am!" Draco snapped.
"And once you are," Lucius continued, ignoring the outburst, "if you prove yourself worthy, prove yourself loyal, you will be rewarded. He will give you anything you desire."
"Yes, Father."
Draco smiled wickedly as he walked away.
"I'm counting on it."
X
Arthur and Molly Weasley lay wide awake in bed, despite the lateness of the hour. The Burrow was eerily silent, apart from the whispering couple.
"Arthur, did we do the right thing? Telling Bill?"
"Of course," Arthur sighed. "it was right to tell him. And Dumbledore too I think."
"Do you think we should have told Ginny?" Molly asked.
"I don't know how to answer that Molly." Arthur answered miserably. "I think about it day and night. Wondering if she'll ever forgive us for keeping it from her… but how would we tell her? What would we tell her? I can't destroy her life like that…"
"You're right Arthur, I don't know how we would, or what we could say…"
Arthur wrapped his arms around his wife.
"How?" He whispered.
"How do you tell your only daughter she's going to die?"