Summary: The tragic death of their daughter has brought the Weasley family to do the unthinkable: bring Ginny back to life. Yet the risen Ginny is no longer the sweet girl they knew and loved. With the help of one Draco Malfoy, she lives the life she was condemned not to live since birth… and learns the ways of the darker side in the Wizarding community.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters.
Contra Mundum Chapter Three: Setting the Stage By: Lillian
"The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do."
-John Holt
Draco had had enough with the confrontations, had enough with the accusations, had enough of the questionings, and had enough of the unfulfilled responsibilities. As he made himself king on his giant bed, head propped under many down pillows of various sizes, he crossed his legs, as well as his arms, and stared at his father's imposing glance lazily and sulkily.
Ginny sat on the edge of his bed, a mere wisp of a girl, who dared to defile his room with her unexpected presence. She looked worried, which was quite a surprise from the girl's other previous expression, which had happened to be just a bland façade of someone who was dumb-stricken. No, let him rephrase, of a person who didn't remember her past, nor wished to remember it. Ginny was a weird one. He couldn't quite figure out what was her real personality. He knew her as a shy girl at first, who had her moments of the Weasley temper. Then during his fifth year, the girl had started dating like crazy, flinging herself from one hormonal male to the next. Yes, Ginny Weasley was an odd one.
"Let's start from the beginning, shall we?" Father's crisp voice flowed through his ears, sending shivers down his spine. He couldn't help but feel the fear lolling off of him and the Weasley girl. He scoffed. She should be afraid, that silly girl. Father hated all Weasleys, especially the girl's father. It was foolish of her to come so early, especially since father hadn't calmed down yet.
Father directed his attention on the girl, looking her up and down, a sneer permanently placed on his narrow face. "However did you die, girl?" he asked, sounding as if he was accusing the girl on purposely dying and bringing his family into this big mess.
Ginny responded in her now typical deadpanned voice. "Easy, I just did." Her eyes widened a bit when she saw Father reach inside his robes. Draco grinned, despite the fact he was in trouble himself.
"Answer my questions until I'm satisfied with your answers. If you do not answer them, or I see you're telling lies, I shall give you this." In his hand was a vial containing clear liquid that could only be one thing: Veritaserum. Ginny seemed to notice this too but seemed unfazed. Her shoulders were still tense though, letting her enemies know that she was secretly scared.
"My family and I were visiting my brother at a dragon reserve. We were playing Quidditch when all of the sudden, a wild dragon broke loose. I died then, I suppose. It's all a blur to me."
"Ginevra dear," Mother spoke up softly. "Why have you been locking yourself in your rooms, not talking to your family members?" This obviously flustered Mother since she didn't know how to solve the girl's behavior problems.
Ginny however just shrugged. "I don't wish to talk to them no longer. They pulled me away. I was wrenched out of that happy place where I felt only peace and joy. Upon seeing their dirty faces, fear and rage filled my veins. I didn't know them as my family at the time, but my feelings in my past life were brought over to this one."
Lucius smirked. Draco looked on, worried. His father was up to something, it seemed. It was definitely not good for the littlest Weasley.
"So," Father drawled. "You wish to… separate yourself from your family?"
A frown marred the girl's face. "As far as I know, I have no family. Their Ginny died in that freak Quidditch accident. I'm just a stolen soul brought back to earth."
"But you are Ginny Weasley, correct?"
"Yes," she replied.
"And why do you wish to stay with us instead of your fa-I mean, instead of the Weasleys?" This time, it was Mother speaking.
She blinked up at them but said no more. Ginny Weasley was back to acting dead. Her shoulders were slumped and her back was slouching. Color seemed to fade away from her face, making her look as pale as any other Malfoy. Her once vibrant brown eyes went back to being dull brown orbs, as if seeing nothing and anything. Yes, it was Ginny Weasley, the once dead girl, now dead again and breathing.
Draco, out of curiosity, moved over to her and poked her arm. She let out no emotion of feeling it.
Father was confused. "What happened to her?" He looked at Mother, who had a grim look on her face.
"I'm beginning to think she does this as a defense mechanism. As for what happened, she hiding inside herself. She must have realized all she was saying and found herself disturbed for telling us."
"But why is she like that?" Father said, waving his hand in the girl's direction. Draco poked her again for good measure.
Mother led Father out the door like a child. "Now dear," she cooed, "Let the young Miss Weasley rest. You've exhausted her with your questions."
"But-," Father began, ever so confused. Mother just shook her head as they both walked into the hall. She turned back to smile at Draco, then shut the door.
Again, Draco poked her. This time however, Ginny poked him back, a sly smirk on her face.
"Weasley, you're weird, now get out of my room."
"But I thought you said we're sharing?"
He pushed her off the bed once again, Ginny landing on the carpeted floor with a non-too-painful thud.
"I hate when you do that," she said, rubbing at her forehead.
"And I hate you, now get out."
Ginny folded her arms, looking like a silly little girl trying to be a haughty princess. "That is not how you're supposed to treat house guests."
Draco decided to take a different route. "Ginny," he said sweetly. "I know this one room that I'm sure you'll love. It's pink and all girls like pink…" he trailed off.
Ginny shook her head, never moving from her spot on the floor. "I don't like pink. Too girly for me."
"The blue room then?" he suggested.
"Too boyish."
"Purple?"
"Too majestic."
"Yellow?"
She wrinkled her nose. "Too happy."
"Red? Like your infamous hair?"
Ginny tugged at her said locks. "Nah."
"Bollocks! You'll never get out of my room, will you?" Draco said, exasperated.
"You never said green," Ginny pointed out. "I like sea foam green."
Then go into one of the bloody guest rooms. It'll set to your specific standards."
Ginny bit the bottom of her lip. "Are you sure I can't just stay here?"
Draco began to smirk. "You want to be with me that badly? I know I'm irresistible…"
Ginny's innocent eyes started to widen. "Excuse me?" Her voice squeaked.
"I see through your ploy now, Ginevra Weasley. You can stay here as long as you like," his voice drawled as he got off the bed and crouched down next to her. His face was mere millimeters away from hers, his breath tickling her skin. "So what do you say?" he asked as he began to nibble on her ear, sending the girl into near panic.
"I say I got to go now, Malfoy," Ginny said hurriedly as she pulled away from him and hurriedly stuffed her belongings into her bag, just before she ran out of the room in fright.
Draco smirked. The littlest Weasley may have dated all those blokes at school, but she still was pure. He chuckled. That had been easy, easier than he had imagined. A look of horror crossed his face when he realized his actions. "Ugh, need mouth wash, now!"
~~~
Somehow, his sanity remained intact after several close encounters with the Weasley girl throughout yesterday. Mother had taken a liking to the girl, treating her like a pet… as weird as that might sound. Dinner had been bearable. Mother had thought it best to teach the Weasley actual table manners. At least she was smart, unlike her dolt of a brother. She picked up fast on which eating utensil to use, and so-called polite conversations. What he meant by polite conversation was that Ginny Weasley didn't speak. Maybe a mumbled response of 'thank you', but other than that, she was relatively silent.
He caught her looking at him once, her cheeks reddening at being caught. It was a sick thought: Ginevra Weasley having a crush on him. He had no need of Potter's leftovers, even if Potter himself very dated the redhead. Still, he showered the girl with his infamous smirks and suggestive winks. Ginny would sink deeper into her chair, trying to hide from him. She got a scolding from Father for that. 'No slouching,' he remembered Father saying.
After dinner, Mother forced him to show Ginny to her suite. He unwillingly complied after the warning glance Mother sent him. He led the Weasley to the suite farthest from his own set of rooms, even if the girl was to be rooming in his wing.
Ginny's awed face made him feel smug for some reason as the girl launched herself on the bed. She then began jumping on her bed, something he himself would never do. She invited him to join her. He sent a disgusted look in her direction, then immediately left to his own rooms. He made sure to slam her doors before entering the hallway. It was his way of showing the Weasley girl how welcomed or more like unwelcome she was at Malfoy Manor.
He had woken up the next morning, fully expecting for things to go his way. He planned on a full breakfast, maybe get a bit of homework done, then he'd go out into the meadow out back to improve his seeker skills.
Sadly, it was not to be. Mother had dropped the dungbomb (not literally of course) after breakfast. "Draco," she said. "I'll be taking Miss Weasley out shopping today. I'd like for you to come."
Draco knew that tone of voice. It wasn't an invitation in the slightest, more like an order. His plans were dashed, and all because of the annoying Weaslette. He looked over to her, the girl's small smile sickening him. Inwardly, he groaned, but he did want that latest Wizarding robes he saw in the magazine… not that he'd ever admit to it of course.
So that's how Draco Malfoy found himself inside one of his mother's favorite boutiques, Ginny Weasley in the midst of the fashion storm, causing hell itself.
"I'm not too sure about this one, Mrs. Malfoy," Ginny Weasley said, staring into the full-length mirror with a look of uncertainty on her freckled face. The two of them had gotten closer since yesterday. Mother finally had a daughter to spoil rotten. Should he be jealous? He was starting to feel like it.
"Oh no, dear! Dark green robes suit your coloring." Mother eyed him plaintively. "Doesn't Ginevra look like a doll, Draco?"
He sighed and gave the expected answer. "Yes Mum, lovely." He went back to flipping through his Quidditch magazine, glancing up every once in awhile to take in Ginny's slowly growing transformation.
It wasn't like the girl needed a transformation, really. She had the aristocratic cheekbones, probably inherited from her mother's side. A little makeup would hide the girl's overabundance of freckles, although some men might find them attractive. Her coppery red hair was bound to have the men staring. Those naturally wavy locks were just begging to be touched… not that he wanted to touch her disgusting Weasley hair.
"Do you really think so?" she asked, a hopeful smile on her face.
He put on a fake smile, just to appease his mother. "Of course, Ginny. You look radiant." She grinned and nodded her head in approval. Mother seemed to be happy. Why should she be happy when she was spending her own money on the girl?
"I think that's enough to last you a week," Mother said. More like a year, but he dared not to say it out loud and irk his mother further. "All we need now is your dress robes for the ball we're holding this weekend."
Draco immediately stood up in shock. "You mean she'll be in attendance?" he sputtered. "What will everyone say when they see a Weasley in their midst?"
"Draco!" Mother said, abhorred. "Watch your manners, young man." Turning to Ginny, she gave the girl a comforting pat on her shoulder. "We'll polish Ginevra up into a proper little witch."
He shook his head. "Surely you wouldn't want to change, do you Weasley? You'll probably don't want to hang out with stuck up socialites, am I right?" He sneered.
Ginny, with her impish smile, could only laugh. "Why Malfoy, I'd be glad to take part in this ball of yours. What's it for exactly?"
"Summer Ball," he said lamely.
"Yes," Mother said, interrupting the two of them. "And Draco will gladly escort you to the ball. Do owl Miss Parkinson and tell her of the change, Draco."
Draco grinned at that. No more Parkinson whining into his ear. "Yes, Mother."
"Would you like me to invite your family, Ginevra?"
Ginny shook her head, her bouncy red curls moving across her face and back. "I rather not see them just yet."
"Off to Malfoy Manor then!" Mother said chirpily. At least he'd have his moment's peace once at home… or so he thought.
~~~
Ginny was living a fairy tale, literally. All she needed was her charming prince, who, quite frankly, wasn't that charming when talking to her. Decked out in her new robes that were made just for her, she stood in the midst of the daunting room so aptly named the Ballroom. It was huge with one large chandelier expanding throughout the enormous ceiling. Mirrors lined the walls, making the room appear bigger than it seemed. The room itself was enchanted to make guests feel enthralled with the room. And just like all those guests past and present, she was deep within the room's spell.
Draco, her so called Prince Charming, sat in front of a magnificent piano, playing one of the lesser-known Wizarding songs. She closed her eyes. She could almost feel the warm light of heaven's loving glow. Within the melodic tune, she could faintly hear the angels sing their love and devotion to their god. It was so beautiful, so peaceful, that it sent pleasurable shivers down her spine.
Yet the music had to end sometime; and it did as Draco slammed his fingers down on the keys, an off key noise deafening the room. Ginny's eyes immediately flew open in shock at hearing the discordant sound.
"What was that for?" she asked angrily. She was enjoying the music immensely, and he just had to ruin it for her.
He folded his arms stubbornly. "Mother said to play for an hour. If you haven't noticed, an hour has passed already."
She sighed in exasperation. "But your playing was so soothing. Can't you play a little bit more?"
"No," was his response.
"Can't you just pretend to enjoy my company?" Ginny asked, frustrated. Ever since that night in the forest, she had been drawn to the blond haired boy. His aura was so bright, a blinding white light that was most prominent to look like wings. The other auras though, the ones belonging to her family… she shivered. They had been changed that night. They insisted it was she, her who had been changed, and maybe she did but at least her change was not for the worse. Their souls were so dark, desperate, reaching out for the evil to answer their pleas. "Just let me die," she said and thought at the same time, as if responding to her family's quiet pleas for her to stay alive.
Draco shook his head. "You're an odd one, Weasley. I won't have your life tainting my soul, nor will I have your grubby family calling out for my help to raise their baby girl to life again."
Ginny shook herself out of her thoughts. She couldn't keep her mind to focus at times. It was frustrating, especially when dealing with Malfoy. A playful side always came out when with the boy, but a darker part of her soul was telling her to act a different way. To act like a morbid person, like a dead person. She was dead once….
"Weasley?" Draco called out. It was too late though. Once again, Ginny was drawn into the inner musings of her mind. He poked her. "Oh, Weasley?" He waved his hand in front of her face. He carefully looked into her brown eyes, noticing the way they seemed unfocused, clouded with confusion somehow. "Weasley, snap out of it!" he ordered.
And for some reason, she did. Ginny stared straight out at him. She tried to remember what it was they were discussing, but could only recall a dark feeling deep in her chest. "Yes?" she asked as she took a step back from Draco. He was standing too close to her for her comfort.
He took a step forward, a look of concern on his handsome features. "Are you alright, Weaslette? Should I call the doctor?"
Ginny laughed and shook her head. She had no need for a doctor. Physically, she was fine. "Would that be wise?" she said. "I may not exactly be normal… even to Wizarding standards."
He nodded his head. "Too true. Look Weasley," he began. "Mother wished me to teach you how to dance. Do you feel up to it now?"
She was surprised that he even offered. A few minutes before, he looked about dying to leave her presence.
"I already know how to dance, Malfoy. As long as you lead, I can follow," she said. She may have come from a not so well off family like the Malfoys, but her mother had the right idea to teach her only daughter how to dance properly like a true lady.
Draco looked dubious. "Let's have a practice run then, shall we? I hope you can dance without music."
Ginny shrugged. "Why don't you hum a tune? That might be more helpful."
Draco sneered. "Malfoys don't hum."
It seemed he was back to his normal self. She was getting slightly worried at his odd behavior before, although it was a nice change. She placed her hand on his shoulder, then her other inside his surprisingly warm hand. She felt his other hand on the small of her back.
"Right foot back," he ordered. "Then left foot-."
"I know that already," she interrupted him. She followed his lead as gracefully as he glided across the dance floor. He twirled her around a few times; trying to keep her on her toes, and ended their practice dance with a low dip.
"You're good," he said grudgingly. "But there's room for improvement."
She nodded. "Thanks."
There was a moment of silence between the two of them. Ginny bit her lower lip, wishing her confidence would pop up.
"I better go now," he said.
"No, please stay," she said without thinking.
"Why should I, Ginny?" he asked. He had his hands inside his pockets, the famous Malfoy sneer on his face. Yet there was something about his eyes. It was almost as if his eyes were begging for her to come up with a feasible reason on him staying. Sadly, no words could be formed as she looked at him.
He turned around in disgust. "See you at dinner, Weasley."
And just like that, whatever connection they had formed was severed.
~~~
Author's Notes: Thanks so much for reading. I made this chapter three pages longer than usual. Also gave a little more insight on Ginny's perspective. Admittedly, I wasn't quite sure about Ginny's new attitude and behavior. How does one act once they're forced to come back from the dead? ^_^; Next chapter: small amounts of L/N and D/G mush and the preparations for the ball. Maybe I'll add the ball scene in there. Depends on the reviews… ^_~ Please review and tell me what you think. Any suggestions or questions are welcomed.