Where Two Paths Meet

Disclaimer: I don’t own any of the Harry Potter story or characters.

A/N: Thankyou to everyone who has reviewed so far.

Chapter 14: Deception

Selina walked down the empty corridors with a small smirk playing on her face. She was a bit disappointed that Draco had spoiled her fun but she knew she would have to have ended it eventually.

Selina pushed open the doors and walked into the large hall. Her eyes rested briefly on the paintings of women on the wall before they fell on a large statue of a woman made of pure gold. In the golden woman’s hands was a large bowl, also made of gold. She could the see the fire dancing on the surface of the bowl as candles surrounding the wall reflected on the water. With a flick of her wrist the candles surrounding the walls dimmed to allow a soft light to fill the room.

Walking swiftly, Selina stopped at the bowl, which was more of an altar, and closed her eyes in preparation for what she had to do. Pulling out a bronze dagger, she ran the sharp edge slowly down her hand until crimson blood spilled from the slice in her flesh. She held her hand over a golden bowl and started chanting softly, as the blood fused with the water. The candles changed into a blood red, giving an eerie light to the room.

Selina looked around quickly to make sure no one was watching and knelt down at the altar. “Master I am here.” She said in a soft voice.

The altar flashed with a red light sending swirls of smoke billowing form the crimson waters. A figure began to shape in the strange smoke. An extremely handsome man with piercing blue eyes and long black hair stared down at Selina, who was kneeling humbly at his feet. His fine lips curled into a small smile but his eyes did not soften.

“What news do you have for me?” He said in a smooth voice, a voice which oozed with superiority.

“The Dragon Rider has come just like you said.” Selina answered, her face firmly looking at the ground.

“And the Potter boy? Is he here too?” The man asked.

Selina nodded. “Yes Master. He is here.”

“Good. You have done well, Selina.” The man said smiling, his hand stroking his chin in thought at the new possibilities available to him now that he had found out what he wanted.

“Yes Master.” Selina said eagerly, relieved that she had said what he wanted to hear. “They are already beginning to mistrust each other. I should be able to get the Dragon Rider on our side soon.”

“We don’t have time.” The man snapped, his strange blue eyes fastening themselves on Selina’s face. “I didn’t put you there to play friendly housekeeper with them. Use your charms and if that doesn’t work, then force him.” The man hissed.

Selina nodded, feeling rather offended but too frightened to say anything. Suddenly she remembered what she had wanted to say.

“Master?” Selina said hesitantly.

“Yes, what is it?”

“A girl is with them. She is wearing the crimson rose. Do you think she could be the Seer?”

The man’s eyes lit up, giving him an almost excited expression. “You say she wears the crimson rose? Interesting… Leave her for me. Do what you want with the others. But do not harm the Potter boy. We need him for the bargain.”

Selina bowed her head. “Yes Master.”

The man vanished from the smoke and the flames turned back to orange.
Selina stood up and quickly left the room, a twisted smile curling her luscious lips.

“All paths will be revealed.” She said half laughing. “They will never know what hit them.”

OOOOOOOOOOOOO

Draco sat up in his bed and sighed. He gazed about the luxurious room and suddenly felt very strange. This room was much like his own room at home, with its silk sheets and fine paintings, but there was no feeling of security here. In this room he felt vulnerable and somehow weak, like it was a deceptive sort of prison.

Draco sighed and pushed the blankets of his body, running his hands through his silvery blond hair in frustration. He had an odd feeling something bad was going to happen but he couldn’t quite place it. Too worried to go back to sleep, Draco decided he would go check up on Ginny and keep his mind of things.

Standing up he walked out of the room and crossed the hall to Ginny’s room. Opening the door slowly, Draco looked through the room. He could see Ginny’s face resting against her pillow. Her pale skin shone with a silvery glow as the moon shone through the open windows and her long fiery hair tumbled around her against the white silk pillows.

Draco walked closer and smiled slowly to himself. She looked so sweet curled up in a warm ball under the blankets. Her face was relaxed and peaceful and he could almost see her sly little smile curving its way up her cheek. Suddenly Draco felt very strange indeed. A warm feeling that had nothing to do with the weather was growing inside him. Something he had never felt before, and yet, somehow he knew what it

was.

“Ginny.” Draco whispered softly as he sat down on her bed and gently stroked her hair. Ginny moved slightly and opened her eyes groggily.

“Draco?” She said in surprise, her eyes widening as they saw him so close to her.

Draco quickly stood up, finally realising how close he had been to her. He suddenly felt awkward and a little embarrassed. He wanted to look at her, to gaze into her chestnut eyes and see the life sparkling within them but he was too ashamed to be so open about his feelings. He hated to think of what she would say if he ever admitted how he felt about her.

“Draco!” Ginny exclaimed, as she pushed the covers off her and threw herself into his arms.

Draco staggered back a bit in surprise. She was quite petite but he had not been prepared for the embrace. The warm feelings inside him intensified as she clung to him. Draco couldn’t help but notice how right it felt to hold her in his arms. It was like she belonged there. He softly stroked her long hair and smiled down at her, forgetting all about his shame and embarrassment in the naturalness of his emotions.

“You okay?” Draco asked gently.

Ginny clung to him tighter, pushing her face into his shoulder. He could feel her nails digging into his back but right now he didn’t care. She was safe and she was alive, that was all that mattered.

“I thought I was going to die.” Ginny said sniffing slightly.

“You’re alright now, Ginny.” Draco said pulling her closer to him. He was still a little surprised at how easy it was to comfort her now. He remembered the uncomfortable feeling she used to feel around her but now it was all different. She was his friend, and right now she was all he cared about.

Ginny sighed deeply and burrowed her head even more into his chest.

“Draco I have to tell you something.”

“What?” Draco said curiously, pulling himself away to look at her face. He could see the trouble in her eyes and wondered what was worrying her. Whatever it was, he knew that he wanted to help her.

“When I was unconscious I had a dream. I was falling though dark mist. Voices were calling me but I couldn’t understand them. I remember the intense confusion and terror that I felt. As I was falling, I remember thinking that this was the end. I knew I was going to die.” Ginny laughed slightly and continued. “ It’s strange to think that in my last thoughts I was wondering if I would ever see you again. Not my family, or my friends, but you. I called out to you, hoping that somehow you would hear me.”

Ginny closed her eyes, tears gathering at her lashes, slipping one by one down her pale cheeks. “I was so scared that I would never see you. Never hear your voice. I called and called but you didn’t answer… I felt so alone.”

Ginny looked up into Draco’s face and noticed his expression. He didn’t appear to be angry but then he didn’t appear to be pleased by what she had said either. Ginny felt a little ashamed of being so open but somehow she knew that she had done the right thing.

“You don’t have to say anything.” Ginny said softly trying to get rid of the awkwardness that had suddenly filled the room, as she wiped her tears away. “I just thought you should know.”

“It was just a dream Ginny.” Draco said soothingly.

Ginny laughed shakily. She was relieved that he had said something but now she realised he thought she was just being silly.

“You think I’m stupid, don’t you? For being so scared.”

Draco took Ginny’s face in his hands gently. She suddenly felt her heart beating double time as she looked up into his face. His eyes were swirling with an emotion she had never really seen on him before. It was calming and made her feel safe by just looking into his eyes.

“Ginny.” Draco said softly. “I promise I will never leave you. I will always be here to protect you. So don’t be scared Ginny.” Draco whispered, pulling her close to him.

Ginny sighed in content. She could barely believe what she was hearing but felt all her worries slipping away with those simple words. It was much the same feeling she had felt the day she had collapsed into his arms, only this time, he wanted her to be there. Smiling to herself Ginny closed her eyes and leaned against his shoulder. “I know…” She whispered, glad to know that she meant those words.

Ginny didn’t know how long they stood like that, each wrapped in each other‘s embrace. All Ginny knew was that night something had changed between them. She could never see Draco as the selfish boy who tormented her brother and his friends. She could never see him as the Death Eater who helped kill Dumbledore. All she saw was Draco, the boy who she could not bare to be apart from. The boy who made all her worries disappear just with his presence. The boy that she cared for so much that it hurt. Draco was no longer her enemy. He was the boy she loved…

“I should go now.” Draco said, gently pulling himself away.

Ginny looked at him pleadingly. She didn’t want to see him go so soon. It seemed like years had passed since the day she had fallen unconscious from the poison.

“Stay with me. Please?”

“I can’t Ginny.” Draco sighed, looking genuinely disappointed that he was not able to stay with her.

“Please Draco. I just don’t want to be alone.” Ginny whispered as she grabbed his hand. It was all she could do. She could only hope that he would see her need for him right now. That she just needed to be near him.

Draco looked into her pleading eyes and silently nodded. Ginny felt a wave of relief sweep over her, knowing that tonight she would not have to face the nightmares alone. Tonight Draco would be there to comfort her and hold her.

Ginny crawled back into the bed, leading Draco by the hand. She felt him lay down next to her, and gazed at his face. He was taring at the roof with a frown on his face.

“What’s wrong?” Ginny asked curiously.

“You’re brother will kill me if he finds out about this.”

Ginny chuckled and snuggled down next to him. “Don’t worry about him.”

Draco smiled to himself and placed an arm around her as he lay on his back. “Goodnight Ginny.”

“Goodnight Draco.”

OOOOOOOOOOOO

The next morning Ginny awoke to feeling strong arms wrapped around her. The warmth of his body was very comfortable and she smiled and snuggled closer to him, knowing that he had indeed kept his promise and had not left her.

She opened one eye and noticed he was watching her, a small smile on his face.

“You know I should probably leave. They’ll have a fit if they see me here, and I would imagine they will be in soon to check on you.” Draco said thoughtfully.

“Just a little longer.” Ginny said snuggling even closer.

“WHAT IS GOING ON?” Ron bellowed from the doorway.

Ginny and Draco sat up quickly and unluckily for Ginny, Draco’s cloak which had unfastened itself when she was asleep, fell off, revealing her lack of clothing.

Ron gaped like a fish when he saw Ginny was only wearing her underwear, and since Draco always slept shirtless, this was a bad combination. His eyes flashed with fury as he put two and two together as only Ron could.

“I DON’T BELIVE IT. I TRUSTED YOU!” Ron screamed at Draco, though Ginny wondered if he was including her in that too. She realised that if she didn’t try calm him down he might start trying to strangle Draco soon. Ron was very overprotective.

“Ron, calm down. It’s not what you think.” Ginny tried to reason, but Ron refused to listen. He was much like Mrs Weasley when he got in his stride.

“GINNY, HOW DARE YOU ACT THIS WAY WITH MALFOY!”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Draco asked annoyed, clearly offended by what Ron was not so subtly implying.

Ginny gave Draco a look, telling him to stay out of this, and turned back to Ron. “Ron please be quiet. You don’t know what you are talking about. Draco was just comforting me.”

Ron raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic expression on his face. “Yes I’m sure he was doing a lot of comforting.”

Ginny groaned realising Ron was never going to understand. To make things worse, she could see Draco trying to stifle his laughter. She knew it was of course ridiculous what Ron was saying but Draco wasn’t helping the situation, he was only succeeding in aggravating Ron more.

Hermione walked in bleary eyed and yawning slightly. “Ron what is all the…” Hermione’s eyes fell on Ginny and Draco wearing practically nothing in the bed and she gasped. “Oh my goodness.”

Ginny rolled her eyes. “Look it’s not what you think. Honestly what do you think I am?”

Ron looked at her shrewdly. “Do you really want me to answer that?”

Hermione let out a squeak of surprise and gave Ron a warning glare.
Ron looked at her and glared right back.

"Oh Ron, calm down." Hermione snapped, clearly fed up with Ron’s impulsive accusations.

“My sister is sleeping with Malfoy!” Ron spat at Hermione. “I’m not just going to calm down and forget about it, and I‘d ask you to stay out my business, and my sister‘s business too.” With one final glare at the Draco and Ginny, Ron stormed out of the room, slamming the door so hard that it bounced right back and hit the wall.

Hermione frowned at the open door and sighed.

“I’m sorry about Ron…” Ginny said quietly. She didn’t really understand why Ron was being so rude to Hermione, but she knew it was best just to stay out of those arguments.

Hermione ignored Ginny’s words and turned to Draco. “Selina wants you to come down for breakfast.” She said, before leaving the room, shutting the door softly behind her.

“Well, that went well…” Draco said looking at Ginny, with a blank expression.

Ginny burst out laughing, not being able to contain her amusement any longer. She couldn’t believe what Ron had said. It really was too silly for words.

“Ron is so ridiculous sometimes.” Ginny said still laughing.

Draco nodded, as he laughed with her. “Clearly.”

Ginny smiled slightly and looked down at the bed. Suddenly she realised she was only in her underwear, something that had previously not occurred to her. It seemed Draco had noticed too.

“Umm, I think I should get dressed.” Ginny said blushing.

Draco nodded, trying to hide his own pink tinged cheeks.

“I’ll go.” he said awkwardly.

Ginny nodded and waited till he left the room before falling back onto the bed with a small sigh. She couldn’t stop the smile that crept to her lips as she realised that she spent the night in Draco’s arms and even when Ron got angry at him, he still behaved appropriately. Now she could freely like him, knowing that he liked her back.

Lost in day dreams, Ginny didn’t notice the door open or hear the footsteps coming towards her.

“Finally, you are awake my sleeping beauty.”

Ginny opened her eyes and screamed as she saw someone standing over her but the hand was already across her mouth muffling the noise.

“Don’t be frightened. I promise to take good care of you.”

Ginny’s eyes widened in fear and she tried to call out for help, but it was too late. They had already disapparated.

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Draco sat down at the long dinner table where Ron and Hermione were already seated and started to eat the food before him. Ron kept shooting threatening glances at Draco and Hermione kept giving them sidelong glances as she tried not to laugh at the whole situation.
The doors flew open and Selina walked in wearing an enticing black silk dress. Draco nearly rolled his eyes. The woman certainly knew how to use her body to an advantage but after spending a night with Ginny, it seemed that her charm had no effect on him anymore.

Selina walked slowly forward and stopped to face them, a dangerous smile on her red lips. She sat down at the table and watched them through her blue eyes.

“How’s the soup?” She said softly.

Hermione was looking at the soup with a strange expression on her face. “I…I don’t feel so well.” She said. “Ugh” She gasped and fell off the chair.

Ron clutched a hand to his stomach and slipped off the chair, “W-what’s going on?” He gasped.

Draco felt a sudden feeling overcome him. It was painful and seemed to be twisting his whole insides. He watched as Selina’s face leered over him. Her beautiful face slowly came in and out of focus. Darkness was swarming in front of his eyes, and he began to feel a heaviness descending over his body.

Selina smiled triumphantly, all traces of beauty gone on her face to be replaced by an ugly, evil look.

“Your paths end here, in death.”

Draco closed his eyes, hearing Selina’s cruel laughter echoing in his head before he lost consciousness.