Chapter 164

Ginny's Trial

Note from J.M. Jackson: So, whilst I'm publishing this Chapter today, I'm also publishing Chapter one of my new story, Harry Potter: The Creepy and the Kooky. It is a Harry Potter/Addams Family crossover that was requested by many, based on memes. Please do go over and enjoy that story as well.

As Lily led the way through the mindscape castle, she could see the distress on Ginny's face, and on Nagini's face. Her own trial was a nightmare, but thanks to Ginny and Nagini being there, supporting her, she found a strength she hadn't realised she had. It had given her more confidence for the rest of the trial.

The downside, however, was she knew that she had only faced half of a Horcrux. Nagini's trial was definitely going to be worse; her Horcrux was a whole one, and that meant it was going to be stronger. Lily was not looking forward to that, and she knew the others weren't either.

"What do you think we'll be facing?" Ginny asked. "I mean, I have a feeling, but it's not something I want to face again."

"We can take a few minutes to rest, if you want," Lily offered. Ginny nodded as they opened a classroom door, going in and sitting down.

"What do you think you'll be facing?" Nagini asked.

"I think it'll be another Voldemort, but when he was at Hogwarts," Ginny replied. She took a breath. "In my first year, Draco's dad had slipped me Voldemort's diary from when he was at Hogwarts, which he kept to ensure that the school would be attacked by a Basilisk. The Horcrux tried to kill me by draining my life and giving it to the Horcrux, which would have allowed him a new body."

"Sounds similar to what he did to Fleur's sister," Nagini said sadly. "I was forced to serve her as well, but she was always… more humane, I guess."

"She knows what love is, and I think she's struggling with that. She has a heart, more so than Voldemort, and I suspect it's giving her a different view. We might be able to use that," Lily mused.

"You're thinking we can try and sway her?" Nagini asked.

"To our side? No, that'll never happen. But if we can…" Lily's voice trailed off as an idea struck her.

"What? What are you thinking?" Ginny asked.

"I wonder, when we're out of here, if we can create a new mindscape, but in Nicollette's mind, and see if there's a way to get through to Nicollette and save her," Lily said.

"Hard to say. I mean, I don't know if there's anything left of Nicollette, but we could give it a shot," Nagini said. "I'd be happy to try."

"So would I, if we get the chance," Ginny said. "If we can save Nicollette, then that'll be a hell of a victory."

"You think we can?" Nagini asked.

"I hope so, and more often than not, hope is what we need," Lily replied. "We've already gotten here, and Dumbledore said that we weren't ready for this. I don't know if anyone has done this before, so we can look at this as an achievement. The harder we fight, the stronger we'll get."

"I love the confidence, Lily," Nagini smiled as she leant back in her chair. "You've got confidence, and you make everyone feel that confidence and strength."

"You think so?" Lily asked. Nagini chuckled softly.

"How is it that you don't have faith in yourself and your own importance yet? I know you don't like to be the centre of attention, but at the same time, you are an icon for the free wizarding world," Nagini told her. "You need to believe in that, and don't forget that the people need you to hope for a better future."

"Thank you, Nagini," Lily smiled softly. "I hate feeling low about myself, and I'm thankful to have your support. I mean, I don't want to have a big head. I want to help people, I really do, but at the same time, I don't want a big head."

"I think that's never something that'll happen," Ginny said, taking hold of Lily's hand. "I just hope that Sirius, Remus, and everyone else are doing okay."

"Do you think you'll be having this final battle soon?" Prime Minister Blair asked, as he sat at his desk, looking at Remus and Rufus. "I've got my teams ready to go, and we're keeping them hidden. The SAS are on standby, and whilst they still have questions about your world, they're prepared to do what they have to do."

"That's a strong showing of their training and respect to you that they're willing to do so," Rufus said. "How have they been working with Barty and Kingsley?"

"They were the main reason they believed me when I told them about your world, and they've all learnt a lot, I think. I've actually asked your Mr. Crouch to keep working with them after the war. I think by uniting our two worlds, we could make a great difference in bringing peace around," Blair said.

"I agree with you on that one, though there is always going to be a fine line to walk between war and peace," Remus said. "It's always going to be tricky."

"You're not wrong," Blair agreed, nodding as he took a sip of his tea. "How do you think the final battle will go?"

"Honestly? I don't know. But we might need your people before the final fight," Rufus said. "We think we've found a location that Riddle is using to imbibe magic into some of your people."

"Where?" Blair asked.

"Tintagel Castle. I know it's a heritage site, but they've used some magic to keep themselves hidden. It's linked to King Arthur in the muggle world, but for us, it's linked to Merlin, who is an important part of our history," Rufus said.

"Wait, Merlin was real?" Blair asked, his eyes widening. "There is a lot more I would like to ask."

"When we're done with this war, I'll be happy to help you learn more," Rufus smiled. "I know we've spoken a lot more this year than we did last year, and I appreciate you meeting me covertly like this in your home."

"I, and Sheri, understand the need for secrecy, especially at this time. It has been difficult to focus at times on anything else, since we are at war, but this secret… it's not one I've liked keeping from everyone," Blair admitted.

"I know. But we need to, if we're going to keep people safe. The only reason Riddle hasn't openly declared war on you and your people is because of the secrecy," Remus said. "It's the second war I've been involved in, and I hope it will be the last. There's so much that we need to do if we want the world to be better, but I have to believe we can do this."

"As do I, Remus, as do I," Blair said. "I'll dispatch the SAS teams with Crouch and Shacklebolt to Tintagel Castle. If we can stop them from doing this, then it'll help. Is there magic there?"

"There is a magical nexus there, yes. Not as powerful as most, but certainly powerful enough to allow Riddle to be doing this, and making more of his pawns," Rufus agreed.

"And how's Lily doing?" Blair asked. Remus sighed.

"She's still in a Coma, but we're hoping she'll be okay. We've got the best people we have trying to help her, but she's strong, and if anyone can beat this, it's her," Remus replied. He just hoped he was right about that.

As Lily, Ginny, and Nagini reached the second floor, Ginny sighed, shaking her head as she felt angry and a little nervous. "I knew it," she said bitterly.

"Yeah, I know," Lily took Ginny's hand. "But you've got this. You need to lead us."

"I appreciate your support so much, love," Ginny smiled, kissing Lily, before they reached the entrance to the girl's bathroom.

"So this is where the Basilisk was hiding?" Nagini asked.

"Sorta. This is the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets, or rather, the entrance to the entrance," Lily confirmed. "Slytherin built it when he was here, wanting his beast to one day cleanse Hogwarts of all but pure bloods."

"That's disgusting," Nagini scorned, her eyes narrowing.

"Tell me about it. Hermione was petrified by the creature; she figured out what creature was in the chamber, and then she was able to look around corners with a mirror," Lily replied.

"I spent months not knowing what was going on, and by the time I figured out it was me being used by Voldemort, it was too late for me to do anything," Ginny said sadly.

"It wasn't your fault, Ginny. You thought you had a friend, and we know what he's like; he'll do whatever he can to get what he wants. He even charmed Slughorn, as we know, to find out more about Horcruxes," Lily told her, holding her hand. "You've grown a lot since your first year, and you are one of the most powerful witches in the world. I know you can do this."

"This is why I'm glad I have you, Lily," Ginny smiled as the three of them walked into the bathroom, looking around. For a fleeting moment, Lily had expected to see Moaning Myrtle come out one of the toilet stalls, before remembering that they wouldn't see anyone except for Voldemort.

Ginny stepped up to the toilet that had the symbol of a snake on it, and took a breath, before looking at Lily.

"Just tell it to open," Lily prompted. Ginny nodded, facing the sink.

"Open up," Ginny hissed in Parseltongue. For a moment, nothing happened, before the sound of gears moving filled the room, and the sink began to lower down into the ground, revealing the tunnel that would lead to the entrance of the Chamber.

"Here we go," Ginny said, before being the first to leap into the tunnel.

"Okay, this is disgusting," Nagini said, as the three of them carefully walked over the skulls and bones of all the dead creatures that littered the area. "How are the animals here? I mean, the door there is sealed, so the Basilisk wouldn't be able to do this."

"And yet there was also a snakeskin when I came down here," Lily said. "I think the door could open anytime for the Basilisk, or there was a way for it to come out here but wasn't allowed to leave this area unless directed to do so. I think Slytherin would want it to behave and make a protection spell so it couldn't leave unless directed to do so by someone who spoke Parseltongue."

"Makes sense," Nagini agreed, as they stood in front of the door to the chamber. Ginny repeated the same command as before, to open the door, with the metal snakes on the door moving so it could open.

"Okay, so, we're about to face Voldemort when he was a teen, and chances are, the Basilisk. I'm not sure how to kill it though," Lily said, frowning.

"How did you manage before?" Nagini asked.

"I had the Sword of Gryffindor," Lily replied.

"Was it magical?" Nagini frowned thoughtfully as she rubbed her chin.

"No, I don't think so," Lily replied. "Goblin made, but not magical."

"Good," Nagini waved her wand, with several bones coming together, and breaking down into dust before reforming into the shape of a sword. She did the same again two more times, making three swords. "These aren't as good as Goblin made swords, but they'll do in a pinch."

"That's awesome," Ginny complimented, taking one of the three swords. Nagini waved her wand again, creating three sheaths out of the snakeskin that was on the floor, making straps so they could each wear them on their backs.

Sheathing her sword, Lily looked at Nagini, then Ginny. "Be careful, and we need to cast a spell as soon as we see the snake, to take out its eyes."

"The Conjunctivitis curse should do the trick," Nagini suggested.

"Good thing we trained for that one during my fourth year," Lily chuckled nervously. "I had to use it against a Dragon."

"That's one way to deal with a dragon. I want to know how else you managed to defeat a dragon to be honest," Nagini said.

"Just had to get past it," Lily said, as Ginny led the way through the tunnel. They all stopped speaking as they saw the end of the tunnel, leading to the large area where Lily had faced the Basilisk.

"Remember, we're right here with you Ginny, and we believe in you," Lily assured Ginny, smiling at her. Ginny nodded, leading the way towards the large stone bust of Salazar Slytherin. As they reached the pool of water in front of the bust, they looked around, before stepping back as a column of smoke began to rise from the ground, a chilling laugh rising with it.

All three of them held their wands, ready to fight, as the smoke became the shape of Tom Riddle when he was at Hogwarts, a cold smirk on his face as he appeared, and Lily could sense he was excited.

"So, the stupid blood traitor appears with Potter and another traitor," Riddle said, looking at them. "Oh yes, thanks to Weasley's mind, I know all about you, Nagini."

"We know all about you as well," Nagini replied calmly. "A coward who doesn't know what it is to be loved."

"And having to use magic to charm teachers because he knows he isn't as charming as he wants to be. I suppose that would explain why anyone liked you, Tom. Needing magic to be liked because you were just a spoilt brat," Lily added. Riddle's smirk faded.

"You think you have some power over me, child? You are a deluded boy who thinks himself better than everyone else," Riddle countered.

"Why is it that you always revert to transphobic behaviour when you know you're losing? Not exactly showing confidence, is it?" Ginny taunted.

"As if you would know confidence, little girl," Riddle snapped back. "Oh Tom, I already wish I wasn't here. People keep teasing me because I'm wearing second-hand robes, and using second-hand books," he taunted. "Fred and George keep teasing me, and if I can't stand up to them, how can I get Harry to even notice me?"

Lily saw Ginny blushing and looking down at the ground.

"She did get me to notice her though," Lily replied. "And now she and I are going to be married."

Riddle laughed at that. "Two freaks getting married? You really think you'll be able to survive long enough? Or that you'll even survive me? I'll destroy you all, and I think I'll take all your bodies for my own. Oh, can you imagine the looks when the so called saviours of the wizarding world turn around and conquer it?" Riddle laughed.

"If you could, you would have already, you sick bastard," Lily replied bitterly. "We're not going to let you win."

"Your dear Ginny already did though, once before," Riddle said. "No one's understood me like you, Tom. I'm so glad I've got your diary to confide in, it's like having a friend in my pocket."

"Yeah, you tried saying that crap to me before, back in the actual chamber," Lily said, taking Ginny's hand.

"But he did beat me," Ginny said softly.

"No, he didn't, because you tried to throw the diary away. If it hadn't of been for me, you'd have never gotten the diary back," Lily admitted. "Because I found it after Myrtle was flooding the toilet, and I was stupid enough to write in it."

"I…" Ginny said, meeting Lily's gaze.

"No, you won't blame yourself. I was stupid enough to listen to him, when I should have gotten rid of the bloody thing. This is how he wins, by making people feel less about themselves, but you are so amazing. I've seen your strength, and I love you Ginny. I can't wait to marry you, and we're going to have our family, and see the world at peace," Lily insisted.

"She's right, Ginny. You can do this. You have to prove to yourself that you are better than that piece of crap right there," Nagini added. Ginny nodded, stepping forward, just as Riddle spoke in Parseltongue.

"We'll handle the Basilisk, you deal with Riddle," Lily said, as she and Nagini ran towards the massive snake, hitting it with a spell to lead it away from Ginny.

Lily and Nagini both entered the tunnel, and turned, firing spells at the Basilisk. As they did, they both turned back and ran, exiting through the metal door, leading to the entrance area.

"We need to make sure we don't look into its eyes," Lily said.

"Yeah, figured that one out," Nagini replied, as they both headed in different directions. The Basilisk began to move from the doorway, looking around the entrance area.

"Where's Fawkes when you need him?" Lily quipped, shaking her head.

"Back in the real…" Nagini began but froze as she and Lily both heard a strange cry. Looking up, Lily's eyes widened as she saw Fawkes flying down, and straight at the Basilisk, immediately pecking away at the massive snake's eyes, just like he had done in the real world.

"Okay, how did that happen?" Nagini asked.

"We'll figure it out later," Lily said, firing several curses at the snake.

"I've got an idea," Nagini said. "Keep the thing busy and focused on you."

"Not gonna be a problem," Lily replied, as the snake was hissing and slithering towards her. Lily fired more curses at the snake, not seeing what Nagini was doing.

Standing clear, Nagini pulled out her sword, and took a breath, before using her wand to make the sword hover in the air. Aiming carefully, she moved it towards the front of the snake, whilst Lily was creating a shield to keep the snake back, which was barely working.

"Nagini, whatever you're gonna do, now would be the time to do it," Lily called out.

"Hey, ugly!" Nagini called out. The Basilisk turned and looked at her, hissing, but as it did, Nagini waved her wand upwards, making the bone sword fly upwards towards the open mouth. It impacted on the roof of the Basilisk's mouth, just as Lily took out one of the explosive potion vials, shaking it to activate it, before throwing it at the Basilisk's mouth. Lily grinned as the Basilisk swallowed the vial, before quickly creating a fresh shield, with Nagini doing the same, moments before the vial exploded, sending pieces of the Basilisk flying everywhere, with the rest of it burning into ash.

"Bloody hell Nagini, you were brilliant!" Lily complimented.

"Me? You were incredible," Nagini replied. "Where did you get the idea for that?"

"Uncle Sirius took me to see a muggle movie back in November called Starship Troopers. It was meant for eighteen year olds and over, but he did a little charm to let people think I was old enough. He said because I'm of age in the magical world, he didn't mind me seeing it, and there's a bit where they destroy a bug with a weapon called a grenade by throwing it down the things throat," Lily replied, chuckling.

"We should get back to Ginny," Nagini said. Lily nodded as the two of them headed back to the chamber.

Ginny waved her wand, sending another curse at Riddle, before moving out of the way and dodging his curse.

"You're too slow, Tom," Ginny taunted. "Not so tough when I'm awake to fight you, are ya?"

"You think you stand even a small chance against me?" Riddle taunted, throwing another curse towards Ginny, who rolled out of the way.

"I'd say so. You're not doing so well now, are you?" Ginny asked, as she ran around the pool, putting it between her and Riddle.

"That's where you're wrong," Riddle replied. He flicked his wand, causing a snake made of water to emerge from the pool. Ginny quickly created a shield as the snake came towards her, which causing the snake to evaporate into gas. Riddle laughed as he waved his wand again, sending shards of ice towards Ginny.

Before they could hit her, however, Fawkes flew towards her, sending a stream of fire at the ice, melting it immediately.

"Fawkes?" Ginny asked.

"That… that's impossible," Riddle seemed distracted as he noticed the phoenix. "Dumbledore is dead. How is…"

"Fawkes is my phoenix now, and we're connected. He's my guardian," Ginny replied, before sending a curse at Riddle. He was able to deflect it, but was sent flying as two more curses hit him, sending him against the wall.

"Lily! Nagini!" Ginny exclaimed happily.

"That Basilisk is toast," Lily said. "Nagini stabbed its mouth, and I threw an explosive potion down its throat. I wish I'd had one of them the first time."

"It was incredible," Nagini added. The three of them faced Riddle, who was forcing himself to stand up.

"You think you've won? You haven't won a thing," Riddle snarled angrily.

"That's where you're wrong, and that's why you'll always lose," Ginny said, stepping forward. "Because we've got each other, and you've got nothing, and no one. You'll always have nothing, and you'll always be nothing."

"I AM THE GREATEST WIZARD WHO EVER LIVED!" Riddle shouted angrily.

"No, you're just a sad, pathetic, little boy who needed a mother and love really badly. Instead of becoming someone great, you became a dark shadow, who's going to be brought into the light," Ginny said. "So long, Tom," she added, before waving her wand with the curse she knew she'd have to eventually use. "Avada Kedavra!"

The jet of green light shot out from her wand, and as Riddle turned to move, a circle of fire surrounded hit feet, keeping him in place as Fawkes cried out. Riddle tried to scream, but couldn't before the green light struck him, causing his entire body to explode, just as a shield of fire surrounded Lily, Ginny, Nagini, and Fawkes.

As the flames all died down, the group began to laugh and cheer, hugging each other, with Fawkes resting on Ginny's shoulder.

"We may not be in the real world, but I know you'll always be here, won't you Fawkes?" Ginny asked. Fawkes replied with a soft cry. Ginny kissed the bird's cheek, smiling. "Thank you, Fawkes. I love you too," Ginny said.

"You were brilliant, Fawkes. We'd have never survived without you," Lily complimented.

"Two down, one to go," Nagini said. Lily nodded.

"Yeah, and when we've finished, we'll make sure the real Voldemort follows soon after," she said, and felt good about her words, because she knew that all of them believed them. After all, how could they lose when they'd just beaten Voldemort twice?