17. Merlin Bless this Child
Ginny's graduation came and went without much fuss, her family had all been there and had been overjoyed but these were dark times and happiness was scarce. Ginny hadn't minded so much. All her brothers (except Percy), Harry, Hermione, Arthur and Molly had come to the ceremony and then they had Apparated back to the Burrow from Hogsmeade where they had a special dinner to honour her graduation.
Ginny felt apprehensive, it had only been a few weeks since her graduation, the future was at her fingertips and she was overwhelmed and excited. She had immediately enrolled into the Auror Guild and demanded that she be allowed her freedom to share a flat with Luna in London. Molly had not been happy and had put up a fight for Ginny to stay at home but Ginny wouldn't hear of it. So with a lot of reasoning and a few verbal battles later, a teary eyed Molly reluctantly agreed to let Ginny go on the condition that she came home at least once a week.
Ginny grinned as she sat in her room packing her belongings. She was meeting with Luna in London today to move into their little flat in Diagon Alley and later she was to attend her first meeting as an official member of the Order of the Phoenix. A slight knock on her door tore her from her thoughts.
"Ginny, can I come in?" Ron asked.
"Yeah," Ginny said and opened her small bedroom door.
Ron grinned. "My, my, you're all grown up and leaving home. Need a hand?"
Ginny giggled. "I'm almost done, but you can help me carry them down though."
Ron nodded and sat himself down on her bed, "I'm coming with you, if that's alright. Fred and George wanted to come but that would only ensure some form of catastrophe!"
Ginny grinned. "Ah… I know why you want to come, I'm meeting up with Luna as well."
"Cheeky little bugger. Why can't you just accept that your big brother wants to make sure his only baby sister settles in alright?" Ron grinned sheepishly; his ears turned a distinct shade of red.
"If you say so." Ginny shrugged, her eyes twinkled playfully. "I'll let you come along if you promise to behave and not ravish my friend on the spot."
Ron rolled his eyes and picked up the largest bag. "Right then, I'll er- I'll wait for you downstairs," he muttered before heading for the door, his face had gone the colour of beetroot.
Ginny laughed after Ron had closed her door. It was almost pathetic really. Ron was almost 20 and still couldn't pluck up the courage to ask a girl he'd fancied for the past 2 years out. She shook her head in disbelief. There were some things about men she would never understand, not even her closest brother.
Many hugs and kisses later, a sobbing Molly saw her two youngest children off in the fireplace. They floo'd to Diagon Alley.
Ginny brushed the soot off her robes and stepped out of the Leaky Cauldron's grand fireplace. She immediately saw Luna waiting at a table reading the Quibbler. Grinning, she grabbed Ron and dragged him behind her.
"Luna!" Ginny grinned as she greeted her friend before turning to Ron, "My brother, Ron, I'm sure you remember him from Hogwarts. He's to be our carrier boy for the day, fancy that, eh?"
"It's quite nice you know and he's watching you again," Luna said brightly and gave Ron a broad smile.
Ginny rolled her eyes and shrugged, "Yeah ok, shall we?"
Ron frowned, "Who's watching Ginny?"
Luna looked at Ron as if he was asking the stupidest question in the world, "Malfoy of course."
Ginny's breath hitched and Ron's face darkened. "What on earth are you talking about, Luna?" Ginny groaned.
"He always watches you, ever since our second year. He was over by there a few moments ago, gone now though," Luna said back in a matter-of-fact voice. "Anyway, lets go." She shrugged.
Ginny sighed and followed Luna towards the exit while Ron glanced darkly around the Leaky Cauldron before following quickly.
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The flat wasn't big, but it was comfortable enough and within walking distance from the Leaky Caldron and Fred and George's joke shop. There was a small fire place Ron noticed and he would make sure that access was to be made restricted if it were connected up to the Floo Network.
"Well, this is my room." Ginny grinned as she shoved open one of the doors. Smiling devilishly she poked a hand towards the other door. "And that's Luna's."
Ron glared at Ginny before following her into her bedroom. "Cut it out," he hissed at his sister once her bedroom door was closed.
"Aw, my big brother can't handle a little bit of teasing?" Ginny giggled.
"Course I can," Ron snorted, "Just not in front of her. She'll know I like her then."
Ginny rolled her eyes as she started unpacking. "That's the whole point, you idiot. You never know, she could like you too."
Ron shrugged. "Right then, I'll leave you to it. The meeting is at 9, be sharpish," he said sternly before ruffling Ginny's hair and Disapparating.
Ginny strolled out of her room into the small all-in-one kitchen, living and dining room to find Luna slaving away over a stove. A tall counter on which lay flowers and a bowl of fruit sectioned off the kitchen from the living and dining area.
"Ron said he'd come over and fit in some Muggle appliances with Dad," Ginny said as she grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl.
"Muggles live so strangely. Elle's moved in with Blaise, did you know?" Luna replied.
Ginny frowned. "Is that so? She never mentioned it to me."
"Nor me really, but she said it in passing, and she let slip that Malfoy is always visiting them."
Ginny let out a hiss of annoyance. "When will she see that those two are dangerous?"
Luna shrugged. "They're not as bad as they seem."
"Next thing you're going to tell me that they're Slytherins dumped in the wrong house!" Ginny snorted. "You don't know what Malfoys are capable of."
"Well, you cant judge a book by its cover, you know," Luna huffed, "besides, nothing is written in stone, a person can change if he has reason to, and quite frankly I would say that Draco Malfoy has a lot of reason."
Ginny raised an inquisitive eyebrow. "And what would you know about Draco Malfoy?"
"Nothing whatsoever, it's just a feeling though," Luna replied before extinguishing the fire with her wand, pulling out two plates and turning to Ginny. "Hungry?"
Ginny grinned. "Always am."
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It had been an old workhouse converted into a shabby orphanage. Even in the darkness it was evident that the exterior was in great need of a new coat of paint. So, this was once the home of the Dark Lord, this was where it had all started, Draco thought in amusement. Slowly he made his way to the front door, stopping only briefly to stare at the starless sky and place on his mask before turning the door knob.
Neglected and unsupervised, young children sat around playing with old scruffy toys and a few stared up at him as he strode towards the closed office door, their eyes wide and innocent, and full of sorrow. Draco walked passed them, stepping over some shabby discarded toys and ignored the children. They continued to stare after him as he closed the office door behind him and blinked at the series of green flashes that came from the gap under the door. A few seconds later, the door reopened and he stood before them, a long smooth and thin black stick in his hand.
Closing his eyes he raised his wand. "Say goodnight," he whispered hoarsely; his voice cracked with pain as one by one they fell back lifeless on the floor, most of them with their eyes still wide open in shock. Some of their eyes were squeezed shut, and their arms still clutched their tattered toys, as if they were their only lifeline… as if there was no tomorrow…
He stood for a long time staring down at nothing; his eyes glazed over behind the mask, his stomach churned but he forced down his repulsion and fought back the bile rising in his throat. This was nothing like killing adults, nothing at all like killing adults.
A sniffle made him spin around, his wand at the ready and he found himself face to face with a small girl no older than 4 years old. She stood still staring at him, a small old tattered and grubby looking stuffed toy rabbit clutched to her breast. Long deep red locks of hair hung in pigtails just touching her shoulders, innocent dark brown eyes stared up at him. His stomach clenched into a tight knot and his heart pounded in is chest. The only thing missing were the freckles.
Sorcha Silverwing was scrawled on the name tag pinned to her threadbare dress. Draco pocketed his wand and knelt down in front of her. "Come Sorcha…" he extended his hand.
The little girl smiled shyly and stepped forward slowly putting her small delicate hand in his.
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Ginny, Luna and Molly pottered around the kitchen at 12 Grimmauld place waiting for the meeting to start when the news hit them. Bill, Remus, Hermione and Neville burst into the kitchen their faces grave. Hermione had tears in her eyes and Neville was as pale as a ghost.
"Dear Godric, what in Merlin's name has happened to you all?" Molly fussed over Neville, forcefully plopping him into a chair and ushered everyone to sit before seeing to Hermione, hunched over the sink being sick.
Ginny hurriedly put the kettle on and looked questioningly at Bill and Remus. "What's happened?" she asked.
Bill sighed heavily. "There's been an attack…"
Molly stiffened. "Was anyone hurt? Where's Ron and Harry!?"
"It was the Phantom," Neville choked.
"The children… my God… the poor children…" Hermione sobbed from the sink and threw up once more.
"Remus… Bill?" Ginny said cutting Molly off before she could go hysterical.
Remus nodded, his face ashen. "The Old Orphanage… 38 children and 3 staff have been murdered with the killing curse. We believe it was indeed the Phantom, if not Voldemort himself. Tonks, Ron, Harry, Charlie and Arthur are there as we speak."
Molly gasped, her hand went to her chest in shock. "Merlin! Oh Dear Merlin!" she whispered, tears filling her eyes.
"The meeting, mum, that's what we're here waiting for," Bill said quietly, his eyes fixed on Ginny, whose face was pale. "Dumbledore's on his way…"
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"Drake?" Blaise asked in surprise as he opened the door for his friend and stepped aside for Draco to enter. it was strange that Draco had rung the front door bell - he normally Apparated into the living room. Draco was the only person outside the Zabini family besides Eleanor who had Apparating access to Blaise's flat in Glasgow.
He had removed his mask before… at his own peril and let the child see him. "I need a favour," Draco muttered as he stepped forward.
"What?" Blaise asked softly.
Draco side-stepped and revealed Sorcha. "She needs somewhere to stay. Until I can take her off your hands."
Blaise nodded and ushered them both towards the living room, "Wait here Drake. I know naught about children."
Draco and Sorcha sat in silence on the couch in Blaise's living room. Why in Merlin's name had he spared this child? Blaise walked back in with none other than Eleanor Blackwood following close behind.
Draco stood and bowed slightly before turning an inquisitive glance at Blaise who smiled sheepishly. "Eleanor, I'm sure you remember Draco?"
Eleanor smiled faintly. "I do, and it's a pleasure meeting you again, Draco."
"The pleasure is mine," he said quietly and inclined his head before turning to Blaise. "I must be going soon, Blaise, I trespass on you only for as long as necessary. Her name is Sorcha… Sorcha Silverwing."
Blaise nodded as Eleanor seated herself next to Sorcha and spoke little sweet nothings to the child. Blaise moved to stand closer to Draco, out of earshot of Eleanor. "What in Salazar's name have you done, Drake?"
"A word," Draco muttered.
Blaise nodded and turned to Eleanor. "I'll be with you in a moment, lass, take her to the guest room." Eleanor stared questioningly at Blaise for a few brief moments and without a word led Sorcha out of the room.
Blaise made his way to his study and opened the door for Draco to enter. "What in Merlin's name is this, Drake?"
Draco sighed. "I've little time to talk, Blaise, and this is neither the time nor the place, keep the girl secret. I'll return for her as soon as I can. I'll transfer funds, find and buy a remote house under a Muggle name in the mountains of Switzerland."
Blaise frowned. "Drake," he said softly.
Draco nodded and slowly pulled his mask out of his pocket. Blaise stared at the mask for a long time before turning to his friend, "I guessed as much, aye… 'twould be no other than you, Drake. This is a burden I canna help ye bear."
"I know Blaise, and I wouldn't have you do so," Draco said softly fully appreciating the trust and understanding his friend gave him. "You'll read it in the papers tomorrow and you'll understand why the girl must remain secret. I failed the Dark Lord tonight though he needn't know."
"Aye… go, Drake, the girl will be safe," Blaise said.
Draco nodded and Dissaparated.
Blaise sat down and sighed heavily. There was no question about why Draco had spared the child; he knew what Draco had done without even having to wait for tomorrow's Daily Prophet. Sorcha was a spitting image of Ginevra Weasley.
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Draco entered the Throne Room, his cloak billowing out behind him. Three Death Eaters stood with their heads bowed before Voldemort.
"Aah, my Dark Phantom, you've returned," he hissed gleefully before turning his hateful red eyes to the three Death Eaters. "Go! And don't fail me!"
The three Death Eaters bowed hastily before scuttling out. Draco smirked. They were Rubastian, Crabbe and his own father.
Draco knelt before Voldemort as the Throne Room door closed. "My Lord, it has been done," he said coolly.
Voldemort laughed. "Yes! Aah, My Dark Phantom you've never failed me yet! Voldemort has great plans, great honours for you, young Drakkus!"
"My Lord." Draco bowed respectfully. "My life is yours."
"The Dark Lord knows, Phantom!" Voldemort rasped, "and Voldemort rewards his loyal supporters! You will be honoured beyond your dreams, Drakkus! You will be my vessel to birth the Child of Legacy! You are complete now, Phantom, worthy to bear this honour. Voldemort has made you the vital ingredient for the future of Darkness!"
Draco bowed again, keeping all his feelings and questions in check. "Darkness guides me, my Lord."
"Soon, Drakkus, soon you will have your prize. Ginevra will be brought back to me, Phantom! She will bear my Child of Legacy! What better prize to be honoured with other than my own Queen of Darkness!" Voldemort cackled. "An old and ancient recipe for success, Drakkus and Voldemort always succeeds. Phantom, take leave and have young Malfoy join the ranks and gatherings."
Draco was almost beyond himself for control but he bowed and left the room. Only when he was in the private solace of his chambers did he let out a sigh of resignation, his father, Crabbe and Rubastian had been sent to capture Ginevra. Groaning heavily Draco headed for the bathroom and took his ritual shower.
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The kitchen was buzzing with voices filled with anger and hatred. Ginny looked around her in shock as members of the Order related what they had witnessed of the massacre of orphaned children.
Harry was quiet, as was Ron and Neville; Hermione burrowed her head in her arms and quietly sobbed as Tonks patted her back in attempt to comfort her. Dumbledore sat gravely at the head of the table. Other members talked among themselves, no one noticed the kitchen door open and close softly as a dark cloaked and hooded figure stepped in and took his place by Snape's side.
Ginny frowned. She had always known that Snape was part of the order, but no one had told her he had a companion. She'd ask one of her brothers later.
Draco had entered as quietly as possible, his heart hung heavily in his chest as he knew what the topic of conversation would be. Seeing his old mentor standing at their usual spot at the back of the room in the shadows he made his way towards him.
"You're late," Snape muttered.
Draco nodded slightly before hissing, "I was occupied."
He felt a pair of eyes study him, not unusual as members of the Order were always watching him cautiously and suspiciously, but these eyes were different. Glancing around from under his hood Draco froze, Ginevra Weasley was sitting staring at him.
"Yes, Miss Weasley has joined the order, as has Miss Lovegood," Snape muttered softly, his voice coated with amusement. "Did you really think anyone could have stopped her?"
Draco let out a hiss of annoyance. "Stupid little bint. She doesn't know what she's signing herself up for."
"And you do?" Snape asked softly.
Draco frowned. "I don't know how many times I have to say this, but I have my reasons."
The room went silent; Dumbledore stood to speak, "This is a grave ordeal, but there is nothing we can do to bring back the lives of those children."
"It was Voldemort, has to be," Charlie croaked, "the orphanage was where he grew up."
Draco noticed Potter's jaw clench tightly the muscles in his thin face flexing and releasing in spasms of anger.
"The only person from Hogwarts we have not been able to trace is Draco Malfoy, and we have reason to believe that if Voldemort is not the Dark Phantom, then he is," Bill muttered.
Draco's eyes, along with most of the other peoples eyes snapped to Ginevra Weasley as she let out a choked hiss, coughing a few times to clear her throat she stared back at everyone. Her face was red with embarrassment. "Malfoy's been seen in Glasgow and I-"
Ron stood. "No, Ginny, I forbid it," he said darkly cutting Ginny off before she had even finished. Ron knew exactly what she was proposing and he'd be damned if he'd let it happen.
Ginny frowned. "Please, Ron, he was seen visiting Blaise Zabini. Eleanor's moved in with him, Luna told me."
Dumbledore smiled and his eyes twinkled mischievously. "Then it would seem convenient if Ginevra soon paid Miss Blackwood a visit in Glasgow without raising any suspicion."
Before any of the Weasleys could voice their protests the kitchen door opened to reveal Kingsley who inclined his head slightly and headed straight for his seat besides Remus. "One child is unaccounted for, a three year old witch, Sorcha Silverwing."
Dumbledore frowned and his gaze hardened in concentration. Following his gaze, Ginny realised that it was focused on Snape's companion. Glancing around to see if anyone else had noticed, Ginny met with the deep green orbs of Harry. He smiled at her faintly and nodded slightly before forcing his eyes to focus elsewhere. So, Harry also knew that Dumbledore communicated mind-to-mind with Snape's companion, Ginny mused. Strange that no one else did, she thought to herself as she glanced around the room.
"Who else knows of this information, Kingsley?" Dumbledore asked.
"No one yet, I have the records with me," Kingsley replied and withdrew a book from inside his cloak.
Dumbledore nodded, "This piece of information is not to leave this room and must be kept secret - even from the Ministry."
If anyone thought the order was strange they did not voice their opinion, instead everyone fell silent.
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