Warning: Disturbing information of a sexual nature regarding Lucius Malfoy. Also a disturbing revelation about Draco and Ginny. But this is Go back and reread the Chapter entitled War Wounds to figure out what happened.
Chapter 26
Disturbing Revelations
"What are you doing here, Parvati?" Ron eyed his sister-in-law warily as he led Pansy into the Ministry's interrogation room. Despite the fact that Parvati was his wife's sister, he had only seen her in passing, during Quidditch games, covering ministry events. Parvati hadn't set foot in the London home he shared with Padma since the day Anjali was born.
"The press has every right to be here." Parvati snapped. "If you deny me access to these proceedings you are in violation of laws put forth by our esteemed Minister Of Magic.
Pansy's eyes locked with the other woman's before quickly looking away. Pansy hesitated before taking a seat offered to her by a Ministry official. Ron put a calming hand on her shoulder to still her shaking. "She's a reporter! You told me, Weasley, there would be no reporters!"
Parvati couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped her lips at the former Slytherin's apparent nervousness, "I can assure Miss Parkinson, I am only here to report the news unbiased and fairly."
"Just like your articles on my nephew?"
The room full of Ministry officials milling about became deathly quiet. Ron didn't need the extra attention. Not when it might cause Pansy Parkinson to refuse access to her memories.
Ron beckoned one of the junior Aurors who was more than eager to help a great war hero. Ron glanced at the badge on the Auror's cloak. "Addison's your name?"
"Yes, sir."
"Could you start retrieving Miss Parkinson's memories into the Pensieve?"
"Absolutely sir!" the young Auror nodded.
"Carry on, please, " Ron said to the crowd of Ministry employees as he grabbed Parvati a bit roughly out of her chair. "Excuse us. Family discussion here." He led her away to a far corner, away from prying eyes and an apprehensive Parkinson.
Parvati wrenched her arm free. "It's my job to inform the public of all angles and you know that!"
"He's no dark wizard!" Ron threw back, "Maybe if you spent time with your sister and the rest of the family you'd realize that."
"Family?" Parvati questioned, her hands resting on a nearby desk as if she needed the extra support. "Death Eaters murdered my husband. They left me a widow with anewborn son to raise. He's my only family now."
"Padma loves Alex. Anjali adores him. They miss you Parvati. You and your son don't have to be alone." Ron reached out to Parvati, only to have her take a step back. "Don't deny your son the rest of his family over a grudge. How long are you going to allow this hate to eat you alive?"
Parvati straightened herself to come eye to eye with Ron. "You and Harry let Neville's killer walk free! Why should bloody Draco Malfoy be allowed to have a normal life when he's denied that to so many of us, to you! "
"Parvati, he hasn't led a normal life. He's been separated from his son for twelve years! I won't stand for Alex to suffer a minute longer."
"That boy caused my son to be expelled!"
Ron should have been surprised to hear that Neville's son, Sunil, had taken part in Alex's beating. But he wasn't. Parvati had allowed Ron to take his nephew to Canons games and similar father son activities. No one would ever replace Neville, but as Sunil's uncle, Ron felt it was his duty to help his nephew out in any way he could. From the few times he was around the young boy,the first thing Ron noticed was his anger. Throwing tantrums if he didn't get his way. Lashing out at others around him. "Is that how you honor Neville's memory, by teaching Sunil to harm a defenseless boy? Neville abhorred violence unless it was absolutely necessary."
Parvati answered softly, her eyes contemplative. "Yes, yes, I know."
"I don't want to argue with you, Parvati. Regardless of how you feel, you are my family. I won't prevent you from being here, but I want your word that you won't let past hurts color what you see here. Unbiased, just like you said. Do I have your word?"
Parvati nodded. "Of course."
"Auror Weasley." Ron turned away from Parvati at the sound of his name. "Auror Weasley." Ron ignored the incessant calling from Auror Addison for the moment, his attention focused on Pansy who sat slumped over in her chair. Snapping his fingers at a nearby ministry worker, he ordered food and drink brought immediately for Pansy. The retrieval had most obviously been draining. Ron couldn't help but be a little worried. Only the worst memories left one completely spent. Ron was becoming more than afraid to find out what lay hidden. He had prepared himself for the worst. It was war and that was to be expected, but it didn't mean he was ready.
"What did you need to tell me Addison?" Ron asked when he felt Pansy was properly taken care of, finally giving his full attention to the younger Auror.
"The pensieve is ready for viewing, sir."
***
Ginny stared out over Hogwarts in amazement. The early morning sun gleamed off the Hogwarts castle in golden hues, adding warmth to the grey exterior, and the neatly clipped grounds were a deep, fresh emerald green only seen in this part of Scotland. Everything looked beautiful, which wrecked havoc with the bittersweet emotions coursing through her. She could still feel Draco's drugging kisses and worshipful touches. If only Draco could be with her, then this day indeed would be perfect.
Soon Draco. I have faith that you'll be free soon.
She waited patiently for her students to arrive, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her son. Ginny wanted to wrap Alex in her arms and tell him she loved him. She had loved Draco, there was no doubt in her mind. The real and tangible proof was their son. Of course being the good mother that Ginny was striving to be, she would wait until class was dismissed to hug Alex. The last thing Ginny was sure he needed in front of his friends was a hug from his mother.
She didn't have to wait for long. "Mum?"
Ginny turned around to watch her son trudge slowly towards her. "I have an exciting lesson planned today. We'll even play Quidditch. What do you think?"
Alex nodded, his eyes downcast.
"Is something wrong?" Ginny gently lifted his chin with a finger and looked into his eyes, "Did those boys hit you again? Because if they did, so help me Alex, they will beg for the Crucio."
"No, Mum." Alex sighed.
"Are you telling me the truth, Alex?"
The young boy simply answered, "Yes."
Ginny didn't buy it. She could tell her son was troubled. Was it worries about his father or those bullies that had accosted him not so long ago? Ginny couldn't tell. She rested the back of her hand against Alex's forehead. "Do you feel ok?"
Ginny was more than surprised when Alex threw his arms around her, but welcomed him with her own hug. "I missed you mum. I was worried when you weren't at breakfast but I'm glad you're ok."
"I should have told you, honey," Ginny said still holding onto Alex tight. "I went to visit your father this morning."
Alex pulled away from her slightly, a small smile appearing on his face, "Did you kiss him?"
"Yes, " Ginny answered, hoping her blush didn't give any other information away. Either he got that mischievous streak from her brothers Fred and George or he was more of a Malfoy than she thought.
"One more question, Mum."
Ginny didn't like the sound of that. All it took was one look at her son's adorable face and she found herself saying yes when she should have said no. Did this boy know how much he could get away with? How was it that her mum managed to raise such an unspoiled child? Had she raised Alex from the beginning, Ginny was sure he would be a little brat for she would have denied him nothing. "Yes, Alex?"
Her son shot her a smirk that was altogether too familiar. "Did you do anything more than kiss him?"
Ginny was sure she was blushing from head to toe. "I'm not going to answer that. Now be a good boy and help me prepare for class. We still have a good fifteen minutes before the rest of your classmates arrive. There's brooms in the shed that need serviced before we begin the lessons."
He was a smart boy, but just this once, Ginny prayed to the gods that he hadn't a clue about what activities went beyond kissing. Again Ginny was wrong. Alex could be heard singing in the shed, "I'm going to have a sister. I'm going to have a sister."
Ginny swung the door open trying to sound as authoritative as her ownmum, "Shut it you, and get to work." She ordered, slamming the broom shed door behind her.
For a moment she thought it had worked as the sounds of silence met her ears. Perhaps she had been a bit harsh? Maybe she ought not to have yelled. Ginny backtracked about to apologize when a new chant reached her ears, "I'm going to have a brother. I'm going to have a brother."
Suddenly Ginny realized a very important detail. Or, in her case the lack of one. She hadn't used a contraceptive charm.
***
(In the pensieve)
"I think you should wait for the Minister," Addison recommended as Ron prodded the contents of the pensieve with his finger. "He should be here in less than an hour."
"My nephew has waited long enough for his father. The minister will understand." Ron watched the silvery substance of the pensieve begin to swirl rapidly. The liquid within the pensieve was becoming clearer, revealing a dark corridor which Ron instantly recognized as Mors Mortis, the Death Eater stronghold.
He was ready to plunge himself into its depths, but it was Parkinson who placed a hand on his shoulder, holding him back. "It's best that you don't go alone."
"I think I can handle this Parkinson."
"You'll need me to explain things."
Ron gave a grudging nod. "Ready when you are Parkinson."
Pansy plunged headfirst into the pensieve with Ron following. They both felt themselves falling, falling, as if it would never end. Suddenly it stopped. Pansy and Ron found themselves in a silent corridor, save for a young man's wretching.
"Mummy!" Draco cried. Sickness overcame him as he fell to his knees, vomit covering the floor. "Mummy."
Draco Malfoy's face and robe was covered with bits of what must have been his breakfast. Had it been any other time, Ron would have laughed. A fine intimidating Death Eater Malfoy made when he couldn't even control his own stomach, calling out for his mother, no less. But the terrified look on Pansy's face told him there would be no laughter here.
"Musn't be weak. Musn't be weak." Draco muttered running off.
Ron knitted his eyebrows in confusion. "What put Malfoy in such a state? Did he run into a hippogriff again?"
Ron didn't expect Pansy to snap back. "This is not time for jokes Weasley! You would…" Pansy's voice became softer tearing her eyes away from Ron's, "you will do the same."
A much younger looking Pansy stepped out into the dim light of the hall from where she stood hidden. Creeping along the passage she slowly retraced Draco's footsteps to the door.
Ron stilled at the sound of the love he had buried long ago. "Ronald."
"Turn the damn doorknob!" he yelled at the younger girl.
"She can't hear you, Weasley." Pansy reminded him. "In due time she will open the door, and you will have to prepare yourself for the worst. Do you understand?"
Pansy took a deep breath watching her past self open the door in an event that would change her life. "Just what made you so scared, Draco?" a younger Pansy whispered, as she flattened herself against the stone wallin order to remain hidden, peering through the darkness of the cell.
The answer was given soon enough.
"No!" Ron ran towards Luna, "Keep your bloody hands off her! Don't you dare touch her!" He fell backwards as if an invisible force were preventing him from being with Luna. "Luna! Luna!" Ron yelled until his voice became hoarse. "I'm here!"
"Weasley, stop!" Pansy shouted after him, as Ron tried to kick and pound the barrier in vain.
Ron's hands were beginning to bruise, trying in vain to reach back into the past. "I have to save her! Please let me save her."
"You know the rules. You can't go farther than my memories allow." Pansy was already holding onto a shaking Ron who had collapsed onto the floor. He covered his ears, screaming in pain as Lucius took his fiancée mind, body and soul in front of him.
Lucius spat out each word, with every thrust,"Your- fiancée - will- be- dead -soon- my- precious- little -bint."
She was splayed across a table, Lucius covering her from behind. His one hand pulling her hair and slamming her face repeatedly while the other pulled her tighter against him. Ron could see the wounds that crisscrossed her body, bite marks across her breasts, blood on her thighs and bruises on her back and buttocks.
"Take your bloody hands off her!" Ron's commands would be to no avail.
Ron closed his eyes, allowing Pansy to rock him back and forth as if he was a child. "I can't watch this anymore!" he sobbed. "Ican't save her! I can't save her!"
Pansy held Ron closer to her,whispering words of comfort in his ear as Lucius own groans and harsh, ugly sounds became louder. In a matter of minutes, it was finished. Lucius threw Luna like a rag doll to the floor.
"I'll be back my pretty, " he said while pulling up his trousers. When Luna went to reach for her dress,Lucius grabbed it from her. "I prefer you naked, my dear."
Still, Luna said nothing as Lucius dragged her to a far wall, chaining her against it. Lucius walked past them, heading towards the door, not aware that the younger Pansy was hidden in the shadows, but a few feet away. Ron lunged for him as he drew closer, yelling curses that were twelve years too late.
"You can't leave her like this!" he screamed after Lucius. Pansy went to Ron, folding the weary man into her arms. "She'll be cold. So very cold." He wept against Pansy's shoulders. She could feel Ron's body quaking against hers, as if the war itself were being waged inside. "Please let me save her. Please Pansy."
Pansy had prided herself on her ability to hold onto her emotions. It was what irked her husband most of all, and why she always beat him at card games, but what made it difficult for her to have relationships apart from her husband. He wanted his wife to have friends, to go out with the girls for a few drinks after work. But she didn't have friends. She was too cold, too frigid she had heard her fellow doctors say. It was a way to keep the hurt away. She had mastered it during the war. She never cried tears of sadness or happiness.
But she was crying now. The vulnerability in his eyes broke her heart. Ron's voice, when he spoke, was like something tearing.
"I never told her I loved her."
She held him tight, rubbing his back and absorbing his pain. "Luna knows." Pansy remembered how the Lovegood girl spoke in the darkness of the cell, as if she was talking to someone other than her. Luna was an intelligent girl, though she thought her a bit off for conversing with a person who was not there. But perhaps she never was as crazy as Pansy thought. Perhaps Luna knew that one day Ron would need saving himself.
Despite the physical and sexual abuse Luna had suffered, she seemed to be in her own world. "Ronald."
Ron looked up from the blur of tears. It seemed as if even through space and time Luna could see him. Her eyes seemed to connect with his. But it wasn't possible, was it?
"I love you, Luna, " he whispered, though knowing she would never be able to hear him.
It made it all the harder when Luna answered back, "I love you, Ronald Weasley."
***
"Professor Potter is a much better instructor than Death Eater Malfoy."
Zabini was trying to egg him on and Alex refused to let him. Not listening! Alex reminded himself. It wouldn't do to get into a fight the first day back at classes, especially inUncle Harry's presence. He had at least one thing to be happy about today and wouldn't let Zabini ruin it. It was a small feeling he had, but a strong one. His mum was going to have a baby, even if she didn't quite know it yet. Perhaps she would be the redhead girl from his dreams.
"Now can anyone tell me what this creature is?" With a swish of Harry's wand, a cage appeared. Inside was a beautiful exotic bird, which appeared to be sleeping inside.
Alex raised his hand. It was a Fwooper, he would know such a brightly colored bird anywhere. He had seen this particular birdwhen he traveled on a safari to Africa with his grandparents.
Harry nodded his head towards his nephew. "Yes, Alex?"
"Trying to be another teacher's pet!" whispered Zabini. "Daddy's not here Malweasel. Afraid this time it won't be so easy to kiss up to the professor!"
Students from his own house joined in Zabini's chanting of teacher's pet, save for Casey Wood.
"Teacher's Pet! Teacher's Pet!"
"Quiet!" Harry commanded to the rest of the class before turning his attention back to Alex. "Do you know the answer?"
A piece of paper sailed through the air, bouncing off his head. With trembling fingers Alex picked the note off the ground and opened it. No one likes a know it all! - it read.
Harry's forehead furrowed as his gaze drifted to the Gryffindors where the flying paper had originated, then landed back on Alex with a hint of sympathy. "Alex, is there something you'd like to tell me?
Slowly, Alex lowered his hand. "I don't know the answer is all, Professor," Alex lied. His chances for friendship were slipping through his fingers like sand. Perhaps if he didn't draw so much attention to himself the others wouldn't hate him so much. Alex made a vow just then. He would never allow his future sister to suffer the loneliness he felt. He would see to that.
"Alex!" Casey shook her head in disappointment. "You do so know what that creature is! Why don't you tell Professor Potter?"
"I have no idea what that ugly bird is and I don'tparticularly care." Another lie. Alex loved all sorts of creatures, more than potions and more than Defense Against The Dark Arts , though he'd never tell his father that. He had a feeling his father wouldn't be pleased.
"So if everyone jumps off their brooms in midair, will you do the same thing?" Casey admonished.
"Of course not!" Alex was becoming a little exasperated at Casey's questions and wished that for once she would leave him be. He turned away from her to study the sleeping bird at the front of the classroom. No longer was it sleeping. Alex braced for the worst, covering his ears.
"Afraid of a little birdie?" Zabini snorted in laughter.
Any laughter soon died the minute the Fwooper opened its beak. He watched as Uncle Harry calmly put in Muggle earplugs as the rest of the class screamed in fright. Desks were thrown to the floor, students rushed to the door, only to find it locked, as the bird sang its song of terror.
Alex couldn't help but smile. A harmless bird was simply singing, yet his classmates thought it was the end of the wizarding world. They were getting exactly what they deserved, every last one of them. Except for Casey. He had forgotten to tell Casey to cover her ears. "Help me!" She had fallen to the floor in panic, sobbing at an imagined monster. "It's coming to get me!"
He dropped to his knees in front of Casey, trying to calm her but to no avail. "There's nothing to be afraid of Casey. It's just a bird. The Fwooper is still in its cage. The bird can't get you. It wouldn't harm you even if it could. "
"It's coming closer! Please Alex, save me!"
Without hesitating he drew his wand and pointed it at the Fwooper. "Silencio!"
Immediately the room went still. Tired students were everywhere, slumping over their desks and against the wall. Casey threw her arms around Alex, crying into his shoulder. He allowed her that much.
"So, Alex," Harry said tapping his wand against the table. "You didn't know, eh?"
The little white lie -only meant as a chance to escape the incessant teasing now felt like a rock the size of Stonehenge in the pit of Alex's stomach. "Will points be taken away, Professor Potter?"
"No, not from you." Before Alex had a chance to grab his note and destroy it, Uncle Harry shouted, "Accio, note!" After a quick read, he floated the parchment paper towards the rest of his classmates. "Until the person who wrote this note confesses, I shall take away points every day from both Gryffindor and Slytherin."
"Professor Potter, no, really, it's nothing. It's just a joke." Couldn't Uncle Harry see that doing this would only make things harder for him? He didn't even want to know how Samuel and Lawrence would take this bit of news. Gryffindor was so close to winning the House Cup. If they lost, the blame would be on him.
"Anyone?" Harryoffered up again but no one answered. "Fine then. That's twenty points from both houses. Class dismissed!"
The students rushed out, the chanting of Teacher's Pet still floating in the air.
"Please Professor." Slowly he removed himself from Casey, telling the young girl that he would meet up with her in Charms class. When Alex was sure the room was empty save for him and Harry Potter, he resumed pleading with his uncle to be lenient on his housemates.
But Uncle Harry stayed firm. "I'm sorry Alex, but this has to be done."
Alex said nothing. He simply turned around and walked away. If only he hadn't raised his hand in the first place. He sighed, slowly turning the knob of the door.
"Alex, when it's just me and you, call me Uncle Harry. Anytime you want to talk, I'm always available, okay?"
Alex nodded and managed a smile, but his insides still felt quivery. Right outside the DADA door lay people who hated him. People who wanted to hurt him. Harry Potter had saved the world from Voldemort but Alex didn't know if this same man could save him from the rest of Hogwarts.
***
There was a time for secrets. Ginny was no longer fond of keeping them.
Ginny told herself it wasn't possible, even though it was. How many times had they made love? Once, twice? Or had it been three times? She hadn't thought about casting a contraceptive charm before entering Azkaban. As far as a pregnancy prevention potion, Ginny hadn't time to even look at other men - she was far too busy trying to get to know her son.
She had called off the rest of her classes. It was useless to try and focus when all she could think about was the potential life inside of her. Hermione hadn't questioned why, simply giving her the day off, though concern was evident in her eyes. She could have gone to Madame Pomfrey and known in a matter of seconds. Ginny wanted, no, she needed family around her.
The first person she owled was her mother. Mere seconds had passed before Molly arrived via Portkey. "What's wrong Ginny? Is Alex ok?"
Would she be angry? Upset? Would her mum think how incredibly stupid she had been to become pregnant once again by a man everyone already deemed as guilty?
"I think I'm pregnant," she confessed to her mother, not truly knowing what she was feeling but crying just the same.
Molly simply wrapped her arms around Ginny, "Babies are always happy occasions. Don't be frightened." She asked Ginny for a few potions ingredients she would need. "I've done this plenty of times dear." Ginny led her mother to an empty potions classroom where Molly immediately made herself at home.
"Just like making a pot of tea." Molly offered an assuring smile at her daughter while a potion started to brew. "This potion can confirm pregnancy an hour after um…" Molly paused and it was evident to Ginny she was trying to come up with a word other than sex, "… well, after a blessed life begins!"
"I'm sorry mum. I - I wasn't thinking. I went to visit Draco and…" Ginny's voice broke, "I'm so sorry to disappoint you."
Molly took a break from stirring the cauldron and hurried to her daughter's side. "Disappoint me? Nonsense! Stop those tears this instant Ginny. Too many tears will cause a moody child. We musn't have that."
Ginny was starting to feel a wild mixture of panic and fear. This wasn't the most opportune time to find herself with child, especially with Draco in Azkaban. "Mum, what will people think? I- I might give birth to another child who will grow up without his father. How could I be so selfish?"
Molly wiped at a tear streaking down her daughter's cheek. "First off, I have never cared about what anyone else thinks and neither should you. Second, I have faith in the Wizengamot. They'll free him, Ginny. Your father will do what is right. As far as being selfish, you couldn't be more wrong. You are loving, kind, and a wonderful mother if I do say so myself. Plus you are giving me another grandbaby. If anyone is selfish, it's me. I've been so lonely these past months without Alex. It would be nice to have another child to spoil."
Ginny closed her eyes against the wash of emotions. The person she held most dear had been conceived in the worst of times. Alex may not have been planned, but he was wanted and loved. Just as this baby would be. Ginny had missed out on experiencing her pregnancy with Alex. A pain she would never quite recover from. Her time with her son during those nine months had been robbed from her. She hadn't even experienced her own son's birth. It was as if a piece of Ginny was taken, leaving her feeling incomplete. Here she stood now with her hand on her still flat belly, hoping she was pregnant and too terrified to admit it. She would not miss out on this child.
"Looks like the potion is ready." Molly removed herself from her daughter, pouring the liquid into a separate vial. "Drink every last bit. As soon as you are finished,I'll begin the confirmation spell."
Ginny did as instructed. As soon as she was finished, Molly pointed her wand at Ginny's belly, beginning the confirmation spell. Ginny closed her eyes, feeling the ancient magic surrounding her, flowing through her. She could hear a baby's laughter and its cries. She could feel the small infant in her arms and Ginny never wanted to let go. When she opened her eyes, her arms were empty, yet it felt so real. Was she dreaming? Had it just been her imagination?
Life was a series of unexpected events. Ginny had awoken from a coma to find her life irrevocably changed. What was once unwelcome, Ginny could not imagine her life without. Alex was unexpected, but he was what Ginny needed. Her life was about to take yet another surprise turn.
"Congratulations honey, you're having a baby."
Ginny didn't have to ask her mother to hold her. Molly instinctively hugged herdaughter, whispering how everything would be alright. "No worries, Ginny. If you worry too much you'll have a nervous baby. No nervous Weasley grandchildren, okay, my sweet Ginevra?"
"Yes, mum." Ginny managed a smile through her tears, placing a protective hand over her abdomen. Though the child was still in the womb, Ginny already knew how much she loved it. Just as she had loved Alex the moment she learned she was carrying him.
Another time, another place but Ginny could feel the same emotions reaching out to her. She stared into the past, a half smile tugging at her mouth.
She could feel Draco's cheek pressing against her own, she could see Snape waving his wand performing the exact spell her mum had performed. She was drifting in and out of consciousness, wondering if perhaps death would be visiting her soon.
"She's with child." It was Snape's voice that brought her out of the darkness. "She's with child."
"I'm going to have a baby."
It was her mother's voice that drew Ginny out of her reverie. "Are you ok Ginny?"
Ginny hugged her mother, her saddened countenance changed to one of joy. "I remember being pregnant with Alex mum. I remember my son."
***
Ron's sobbing grew quieter after awhile. Pansy knew Ron's pain must be unbearable. It had been for her. She watched her younger self tentatively approach Luna Lovegood and drape her cloak across the broken girl's body.
"Thank you, " Luna whispered hoarsely, at the same time, Ron turned to his comfort her and echoed the same sentiments.
"You didn't have to help her but you did. Thank you, Pansy, " Ron wept into her shoulder, "Thank you."
Pansy shook her head as if tossing off the gratitude she felt she didn't deserve. "I was a woman much longer than I was a Death Eater Weasley."
Ron straightened himself within Pansy's arms. "Stop making excuses Parkinson. You are a good person, you truly are."
"Parkinson." The familiar voice of the potions professor interrupted them both and caused the past Pansy to jump in surprise.
"Professor Snape, I was just…I mean, she was cold, you won't tell will you?"
Professor Snape would only roll his eyes. "You are a female Parkinson. It does not surprise me that as the weaker sex, you would feel the need to do such a deed. I will forgive you of this weakness if you will remove Lovegood's chains."
Pansy did as she was told, Professor Snape stood nearby catching the battered girl as she collapsed from the wall and into his arms.
"I need to make Lovegood presentable for Lucius. Retrieve the Weasley girl from Draco and bring her to me, I have a few errands I need to have her attend to while I am with Lovegood."
"Certainly Professor," Pansy nodded. Ron and the elder Pansy shadowed her former self down the corridor as Snape began healing charms. It was the last of the spells that gave him pause. Ron had to take one last look at a love he lost too soon, despite Pansy's objections to keep moving. The younger Pansy had stilled, looking back as well.
It would be the Professor that Ron most detested at Hogwarts that would make Luna's last days bearable. Professor Snape pointed his wand at the young woman, softly whispering, "Obliviate."
***
Alex knew something was wrong by the way Paz arched her back and started to hiss. Alex eyed the hallway warily, but there was no one. "What's wrong, girl?"
The hall was eerily silent for midday as he made his way to charms class. Almost fifteen minutes late Alex ran down the hallway with Paz close behind, hissing the whole way. He glanced around at his surroundings nervously, still there was not a soul in sight. "There's no one Paz. Stop it, you're making me nervous."
"Petrificus Totalis," came a whisper, so quiet Alex didn't know if he had actually heard it or if it was just his imagination gone wild.
He turned around to see his kneazle frozen. Alex's eyes darted along the hallway to see nothing but emptiness. He scooped up his kneazle in his arms and stood defiantly, "I'm not afraid of you!" his voice echoed down the corridor. "Make yourself known!"
Nothing but silence surrounded Alex.
"I won't have you hurt my friends!" Alex said rubbing the fur of his very stillcompanion. "Stop being a coward and face me!"
"We'll be more than happy to oblige, Malfoy, " came the sinister whisper. Duncan McCain seemed to step out from nowhere followed by his Gryffindor accomplice Lawrence.
"Invisibility cloak." Lawrence towering over Alex by nearly a foot, shoved the younger boy into the wall, the solid body of Paz falling to the floor. "A Death Eater invisibility cloak. Spoils of war. I have word that my uncles dragged it off your Death Eater grandfather's body."
"Bloody liar!" Alex spat, feeling his face start to redden in anger.
"Perhaps," Duncan added, "Perhaps we are, because I think it was dragged off that whore you call a mother. Word is she was found screwing both Malfoys and she liked it, a lot in fact. She was begging your granddaddy for more."
It hurt Alex to think of what his grandfather had done. Lucius Malfoy had hurt his mother, but it was not her fault. How dare they twist what happened to his mum! "Don't ever call my mother a whore!"
"Traitor Professor Weasley was. Sleeping with Death Eater Draco Malfoy. Telling him all the Order's secrets. What an absolute slut she was."
With strength that was uncommon for eleven year old boys but could easilybe acquired upon insult of one's mother, Alex broke free from Duncan and Lawrence's grip, whipping his wand towards them both.
"What's little goody two shoes Malfoy going to do?"
"Hurt you."
Duncan and Lawrence shared a laugh as if not quite believing that the usually quiet Gryffindorcould do any harm. "Mental you are Malfoy," Duncan said as he reached for his wand, only to find nothing at all in his cloak pocket. "Where's my wand?"
"Same place Lawrence's is. And by the way, the invisibility cloak is mine now!"
This time it was Alex's turn to shoot the both of them a smirk. He patted his pocket with the confiscated cloak all the while pointing all three wands at them with his other hand. He was getting quite a lot of practice doing this sort of thing. Alex had to admit to himself, he was getting quite good at it. "No one calls my mother names!" Alex said taking a step towards both boys. "My mum was a war hero. She suffered and almost died for ungrateful pricks like you!"
Duncan held out the palms of his hands in a protective measure, "If you hex us mate, you'll have a lot of points taken away. Your fellow Gryffs aren't going to be happy with you."
What had he to lose by hexing them? Absolutely nothing. "My fellow Gryffindors hate me already. So, it really doesn't matter," Alex replied calmly, taking another step closer as Lawrence and Duncan took a few steps back.
"You'll be sorry little Death Eater, " Lawrence hissed, which earned him a shove from Duncan.
"No, actually I think you will." Alex smiled waiting a bit until he saw down the corridor students being dismissed from classes. If he was going to get into trouble, he might as well make sure he had an audience. Nothing would be more embarrassing for the Gryiffindor Beater and the smug Duncan McCain. Alex shot his curse towards them watching in a combination of horror and accomplishment as furry bats covered both faces. Lawrence and Duncan flew down the hall screaming. Students laughter soon followed as they filled the hallway catching sight of the cursed Lawrence and Duncan.
"Wicked cool, cousin!" Edmund ran up to Alex through the crowd of students and patted Alex on the back. "Where'd you learn to do that?!"
"Well, Well, Well," came the familiar voice of Alex's Aunt Hermione, standing right behind him. "The apple surely doesn't fall far from the tree."
"I don't know where I learned it. I read it in a book somewhere." Alex whispered to Edmund as he reluctantly followed his aunt to her office, but not before offering the counter curse for Paz.
"Taking after your father, I suppose," Edmund whispered back, "Remember cousin, you have to use your Dark Arts skills for the good. Like conjuring your favorite cousins some chocolates!"
"Enough of that talk you two," Hermione ordered as they both the entrance to her office. "Edmund, I think you have studies to attend to. Alex and Paz can follow me."
Alex waved his goodbyes to his cousin, wishing he didn't have to be alone to face his Aunt's wrath. He wrung his hands nervously as Hermione chanted the Password. He slowly stepped into the spiral wooden staircase after her. "You're disappointed in me, Head Mistress?"
Hermione said nothing.
"They cornered me, Head Mistress. I had no choice."
Still, no words left Hermione's mouth.
Alex's face fell. Maybe, just maybe his Aunt thought what everyone else did. "I guess you think I'm just like my father."
"On the contrary," Hermione said softly as the staircase ceased its movement finally bringing both occupants to the Head Mistress office. "You are just like your mother."
"Like my mum?" Any further questions he had disappeared from his mind as he stepped into the Head Mistress's office. Alex was more than a little surprised to see not just his Mum but his grandma as well. Paz ran ahead of him, jumping onto his mother's lap, purring contentedly. "Mum, Grandma Weasley?" Were they brought up here to see his punishment? Was he being sent home like the others before him? His mum's face was red and Alex could make out the dried tears on her face. "Mum, are you okay?" Alex asked, almost afraid to hear the answer.
"Your mummy is fine, Alex. Just fine." Molly answered for her daughter. "I do think she has a bit of news to share with you."
Alex took the seat next to his mother. "Mum, why are you crying?" Ginny stroked Paz's fur, before gently setting the kneazle down to face her son. Alex didn't expect his mum to pull him out of his chair and almost suffocate him with a hug. Now he was convinced he wasn't here to be punished for his actions with Lawrence and Duncan. But if this was his mum's way of punishing him, he had the best mum in the world.
The next question was most unexpected. "Do you still want a sister or brother Alex?"
"Yes, Mum. I do." Alex nodded, ever more hopeful as more tears escaped from his mother's eyes. Dreams of a redheaded sister were stronger than ever. He was already talking to her in his dreams, finding out all sorts of things about her. She was scared of spiders, butloved chocolate,Quidditch and magical creatures. Yes, definitely his kind of sibling.
"I'm going to have a baby, Alex."
***
"Out of my way, Greg!" the younger Pansy ordered .
Goyle shook his head, "I wouldn't go in there if I were you Pans, Draco's busy."
"I said move it!"
"It's not for ladies eyes…"
First her father wouldn't have her on the battlefield just because she was a woman, now Greg was preventing her from entering Draco's chambers. What could possibly be worse than what she had just seen? She needed to get Weasley and bring her to Snape. Most importantly this would give her some alone time with her fiancée. She had spent so much time apart from Draco who was kept busy overseeing one of the many prison wings assigned to him by Lucius Malfoy.. It would be nice to finally see Draco, have him hold her and tell her everything would be alright. If Draco said it, she would believe that soon this madness would be over. She pushed Goyle aside, carefully opening the door to Draco's chambers.
The present Pansy watched the horror appear on the face of her past self and Ron. Pansy felt her throat tighten at the sight of the Weasley girl, her hair being twisted and pulled by Draco as he forced Ginny to take more of his member into her mouth. She could see the tears at the corner of the girl's eyes as she struggled to keep up with his demands.
Draco's eyes were screwed shut, his moans almost drowning out Ron's angry shouts.
"Why didn't you tell me, Parkinson!" Ron screamed, falling to the floor, pounding his fists into the concrete. "Why!"
Immediately Pansy went to Ron trying to subdue him from causing further injury to his rapidly bruised hands. "I tried to tell you, Ron," Pansy whispered as if the others might hear. "I tried to tell you what I knew wouldn't help your nephew."
Ron slowly raised his shaking head to watch his own trembling sister reach for Draco Malfoy's wand as he let out one final cry of completion. She stood over the now slumped over Draco. Though her whispering was faint, Ron could make out the words of the hated curse.
"Avada Kedav…"
The younger Pansy crept forward grabbing the wand from Ginny, preventing the utterance of the forbidden curse. Ginny let out a cry as the wand was torn from her hands.
Before Ron could question, Pansy answered. "I still loved him. I don't know why, but at that time I did. Foolish I know. I should have let her finish it. I wanted her to finish it. "
"My gods," Ron sighed heavily, his voice filled with anguish, "Ginny wanted to kill Malfoy. My gods. She wanted to kill him."
Suddenly both Ron and Pansy felt the familiar pull of being taken out of the pensive. Tired with emotion, neither fought the sensation. Ron wearily faced his father. Ron had expected his father to scold him for going in by himself, but his grief must have shown on his face. It didn't matter that the room was full of Aurors and Ministry officials. Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley simply led his son into a nearby empty room, enfolding his son into his arms.
Ron was supposed to give a report, but the only words he was able to utter were Luna and Ginny. Arthur gave Ron strict instructions to eat and rest. Ministry officials would be doing the rest. Ron nodded in agreement, finally following his father out to the conference room filled with Aurors and Ministry Officials who were trying their best to prod information out of Pansy. All the questions didn't seem to phase Pansy. She simply ignored them, forgot they were there. Ron wondered if that was a skill she had learned through the years. But what Ron had seen, he could never forget.
"Don't go in Dad," Ron pleaded. "Please don't."
"I must," Arthur said, waving over his advisors to follow.
In a few minutes with most of the room immersed in the pensieve, all was quiet except for the tapping of a quill on a nearby desk.
"What did you see, Ron?" Parvati asked, her tone holding a slight note of mockery. "Did you witness love at first sight for Malfoy and your sister?"
"Shut it!" Pansy snapped. "You're a reporter, Parvati. I'm sure you can deduce with your keen observation skills that Mr. Weasley is upset. Why don't you leave him alone and wait for the others to give a report. I'm sure you can't wait to hear what will sell out the Prophet tomorrow!" Pansy stood up from her chair, exiting the room but not before slamming the door behind her.
"I gather what you two saw didn't go well, " Parvati said derisively.
"Why don't you see for yourself!" Ron jumped out of his chair dragginga struggling Parvati to the pensieve, dunking her head into the silvery contents. The madness had only just begun for Ron. He pointed a finger to one of the Auror's in the room.
"Addison."
Yes, sir!" Addison said jumping to attention.
"Bind me."
"Excuse me, Auror Weasley?"
"Bind me."
"Why sir?"
"I need you to take me to visit Draco Malfoy in Azkaban. I will have no control when I see this prisoner. If no bonds are placed on me, I will hurt him. Now do as I say and bind me!"
To be continued
Ron visits Draco in prison. The trial begins.
More info: Before you guys send me hate mail…no Draco did not force Ginny to do what Ron thinks. Just remember things are not always how they appear. War made them both Ginny and Draco do things they would never have done.