Heh, hello all. Wow - thanks for all the reviews! They're great! I love the name Sorcha, and Siobhan, actually I like most Celtic names. I am really sorry that my updates are a bit random, it's getting more and more difficult to find time to write as I'm having to coordinate so many things in my life at the moment. Sorry if anyone got a bit lost, I am aware of some loops and glitches and even some cliché's… but they will be rectified in later and more suitable chapters. Big thanks to my beta Elise for being so patient with me and giving me her honest opinions and questioning anything that's a bit shady!
Just to forewarn you - I'm off to Greece in 2 and a half weeks for a wedding and might be offline for a month or two… I wont stop writing but be patient (as you have all been so far already).
Thanks again!
18. Witch of His Sins
Ginny sighed as she glanced out of the window. It was strange to be on a train bound for Scotland but it not to arrive at Hogwarts. Ron hadn't been happy at all; none of the Weasleys had been happy for her to go to Glasgow on her own. Though they knew she would be visiting Eleanor (ostensibly), Ginny's real reason was to go and sniff out Draco Malfoy's whereabouts. It was beginning to really peeve her. She had spent a good three weeks trying to reason with her family to see things her way and when they finally had it had taken another three weeks to organise everything. No one else except Luna could visit Eleanor without raising suspicion, and Luna couldn't go because she had writing classes. It would seem strange if she were to miss her first (and most important) classes. The Order had insisted things be done the muggle way and in an informal unplanned way, she was a Weasley after all so therefore she would have to go about doing things in a Weasley way - cheap, rushed and haphazardly.
Ron had made her promise to stay out of trouble and to send Pig the minute she had arrived at her hotel. Smiling, Ginny opened her book and continued reading a Muggle romance. It was almost pointless; the raids and attacks conducted by the Phantom and the Death Eaters had already exposed magic to Muggle Britain. Although most Muggles were still in denial, they were subconsciously aware of its existence, and unless prepared to defend oneself against a group of Muggles a single witch or wizard would still hide their identities.
Had Ginny taken the time to look around her she would have noticed a dark haired man with dangerous deep blue eyes staring curiously at her. He watched her closely as she nodded off, watched her as she awoke a few hours later as the train driver announced their premature arrival to Glasgow, watched her as she collected her belongings hastily and stepped off the train. If only she had looked back as she walked towards her Hotel she would've known she was being followed and changed course. If only…
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Draco groaned as he stared back at his reflection. He wasn't sleeping enough; it was evident by the rings under his eyes and his mother would scold him for it when he saw her. He'd 'arrived home' a few days ago and had decided to stay at the Manor in Wiltshire rather than his flat in Knockturn. A slight knock on his bedroom doors made him hastily shove on his bathrobe and leave his bathroom.
Albert stood waiting patiently as Draco threw open his bedroom doors and bowed, "Master Draco, Lady Malfoy requests your presence in milady's sitting room, sir."
Draco sighed and nodded. "I'll be there shortly."
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"Mother," Draco said softly as he entered his mother's sitting room.
Narcissa smiled. "Come and sit by me, Draco."
Draco nodded and seated himself by his mother. "You seem happy."
"I've reason to be; your father's gone to Glasgow." Narcissa sighed. "I should feel guilty for wishing him away as I do, Draco, but I don't."
Draco stiffened and took his mothers hand in his. "And you shouldn't…" he said softly, "Why has father gone to Glasgow?"
"I don't know. Zabini floo'd this evening. I only caught little of their conversation, as you know I always leave your father to his affairs," Narcissa said somewhat bitterly, "Apparently the Weasley girl is in Glasgow and Zabini saw her. Your father Apparated there a few moments ago."
Narcissa frowned as Draco's grip tightened on her hand. "Draco?"
Draco raised his mothers hand gently to his lips and placed it back on her lap. "Mother," he said softly, "send my apologies to Severus, I won't be meeting him. he'll know what I mean."
Draco stood and bowed before striding hastily from the room. Narcissa stared after her son's heated exit and smiled wistfully. "A Weasley…"
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Ginny sighed gratefully as the hot water cascaded over her naked body. Muggles may not know the second thing about magic but they sure as hell knew how to live. The hotel was nice and situated in the heart of Glasgow, Ron had made sure that she was in a place with easy access to anything she might need. Ginny smiled sadly, if only he would trust her. She knew he worried, and that in his opinion, he had reason to.
"Shit!" she groaned. She had meant to send Pig with a message as soon as she got to the hotel. Grabbing a towel off the rack and wrapping it around her, Ginny rushed to grab a quill and parchment and scribbled a note saying that all was well.
"Take this to Ron, Pig. He should be at the Burrow if not at Headquarters," she muttered as she tied the rolled scroll to Pigs leg.
As Pig fluttered from her wrist into the night Ginny sighed gratefully for the cool air on her face. Her room overlooked the hotel's small garden contained by a low brick wall and bordered with a large park. Gazing out into the dark trees Ginny gasped, her hand froze and clutched tightly on the handle of the window. Just beyond the wall in the dark shadowy park where the fir trees were stood three dark figures. She almost couldn't make them out against the darkness. Hastily shutting the window, Ginny went for her wand and immediately cast protective wards around her room.
Her hands shook. Get a grip, woman, she scolded. One dark wizard she could handle, three was a different story. The wards would stop unwanted visitors but it only protected her room. If the Death Eaters decided to burn down the hotel she would be exposed. Ginny shuddered. Kidnappings and disappearances were common now in these dark times (not to mention deaths), and the Death Eaters weren't known to hesitate killing Muggles. Peering out of the curtains she had just drawn, she glanced at the spot where she had seen the figures only to find that it was empty… save the shadows of the trees. Ginny frowned, had she been imagining it? Were the shadows playing tricks on her mind? Suddenly a valiant adventure to Glasgow to find out about Draco Malfoy didn't seem like such a good idea anymore, but she was a Gryffindor. She'd not fail. What would her brothers say if she ran home scared because she thought she saw three dark figures in a park? Besides, they could've been Muggles and she was being overdramatic and overreacting. She had taken the necessary precautions by throwing up protective wards.
Shaking her head and chuckling Ginny grabbed her Muggle romance novel and went to bed.
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Draco hated Apparating long distances, it was dangerous and used a lot of magical energy and was physically draining. It was comforting to know that his father would also be feeling the same strain on his magical and physical powers, as would Rubastian and Crabbe, and because of it Ginny would be safe - for tonight.
Stupid girl, Draco cursed Ginny as he made his way to Blaise's flat. This was all Eleanor's fault for being so careless.
"Drake?" a ruffled looking Blaise opened the door of his apartment and frowned. "Do you know what the time is?"
Draco smirked. "Not interrupting your nocturnal activities am I, Blaise?"
Blaise stepped aside and grinned sheepishly. "Your timing is as damned as you are. What brings you?"
"Your Eleanor's indirectly caused my Weaslette to put herself in my father's path, that's what brings me," Draco muttered as Blaise shut the door behind him and they made their way to the study. "How's the girl?"
"Quiet, hasn't spoken a word. Eleanor's getting frustrated," Blaise replied.
Draco nodded. "I'll be taking her off your hands soon, Blaise, go back to your business."
Blaise grinned. "Aye, you know your way around and your room is made."
Draco nodded as Blaise left the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Sighing Draco helped himself to Blaise's supply of imported Italian dark red wine. He knew he should sleep but couldn't, Ginevra was in immediate danger and there was nothing he could do but wait for her to come to Eleanor. If Lucius were to snatch her he would wait for Ginny to finish conducting her business. His father was extremely cautious and certainly no fool. He didn't know Ginny's reason for coming to Glasgow and so Lucius would wait for the night before Ginny would return to London. The train journey was a good 10 hours or so and taking her then would prolong the time of which Ginny would be noticed missing.
Draining his glass, Draco made his way towards his bedroom. He stopped as he passed the guest room, hesitating slightly, Draco turned the doorknob. The room was slightly lit by pale moonlight. Sorcha lay sound asleep in her bed with the covers drawn up to her chin. Draco marvelled at her peace and innocence as she suckled on her own tongue. Draco lifted a hand to stroke her hair out of her face but stopped himself. He had no right; Merlin, he could've killed her that night. Shuddering, Draco withdrew his hand and left the room silently. He'd force himself to sleep for now, let himself fall into his dreams where his sweet Ginevra accused him of all his sins, the sins he willingly committed in her name - for the Dark Lord's trust, to ensure her safety, and to condemn himself to the fiery pits of hell.
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"Who was it?" Eleanor asked as Blaise slipped back into bed behind her.
"Drake," Blaise breathed as he nuzzled her neck his hand rested on her hips and moved to caress her thighs, "where were we?"
Eleanor placed her hand on top of Blaise's. "Did he come for Sorcha?"
"No, he didn't come for her yet, lass," Blaise murmured as he kissed behind her ear making Eleanor shiver, "but he'll come for her when he is ready."
"Blaise…" Eleanor sighed blissfully, "stop…" She sat up and stared down at him. "Why won't you tell me anything?"
Blaise sighed and propped himself up on his elbow. "I canna tell you anything, Elle. 'Tis not my place."
"I know - I can guess where Sorcha came from. Maybe it was just coincidence but I read the Dailey Prophet the day after Sorcha came," Eleanor whispered, her eyes fixed on Blaise. "I know that Draco has some form of interest in Ginny, and I'm not happy."
Blaise groaned and moved to kiss Eleanor, pulling her down on top of him. "Don't make me tell you, Elle. Draco plays his own games. I canna control what he does - I wouldn't want to, but don't make me worry about you. It's better to be ignorant for now."
Eleanor sighed and turned her back on Blaise. "Maybe its better I don't know about anything altogether, including you," she said softy.
Blaise groaned and pressed himself against her, wrapped his arm tightly around her and drew her into him. "Would it make you feel any better if I told you Drake feels for Ginevra like I feel for you?"
Eleanor turned to face Blaise in surprise. "No! But -"
Blaise pressed his lips against hers, cutting her off with a searing kiss, "Aye, he doesn't know it yet and I'll confirm nothing else, lass. Your guesses are probably right, but don't make me betray him, 'tis all I ask."
Eleanor chuckled. "I almost don't believe you! Fancy that. So that's why you were always asking after Ginny, I was getting worried."
"Jealous?" Blaise smirked against her lips.
"Of Ginny? Don't be ridiculous," Eleanor moaned against Blaise's lips as his hands snaked their way down her torso and caressed her inner thighs. "She'd never have you," she breathed.
"Nor I her." Blaise grinned. "Or Drake would see me a dead man," he said softly as Eleanor moaned and thrust against his probing fingers.
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Draco woke with a start. His senses keen and alert, he slid gracefully out of bed and made his way silently to his bedroom door. Opening his door slowly, Draco peered out, his wand ready in hand.
"Hello Sorcha," he said softly.
The little girl looked up at him and smiled sleepily before wrapping her arms around his leg. "Daddy," she mumbled sleepily.
Draco stared down in shock at the small girl clinging to his leg. Glancing up, Draco saw Blaise standing in the doorway of his bedroom regarding the pair with surprise.
"First I've heard her speak," Blaise muttered.
Draco frowned. "Did you hear what -"
"Aye, I did," Blaise replied in slight amusement.
Draco gently pried Sorcha's arms from his leg and picked her up. "What in Merlin's name shall I do with her?"
Blaise chuckled. "What a sight, Drake, I've never seen you so clueless. Take her back to bed."
Draco stared at Blaise as if he'd gone mad but shrugged and with Sorcha resting her head on his shoulder he made his way to her bedroom.
Blaise was waiting for him when he reappeared in the living room and they went to Blaise's study.
"She always wakes in the middle of the night and goes to your room," Blaise muttered, "She's a quiet child and not any hassle."
"You say that's the first she's spoken?" Draco asked.
Blaise nodded. "Aye, 'tis been, what, a month or two since you brought her here?" he asked, "And you've been here at least once a week since then."
Draco nodded slowly, "Something like that. Is the house ready?"
"It is, what is it for?"
"A precaution," Draco replied coolly.
Blaise frowned but said nothing further regarding the house he had bought in Switzerland under a Muggle name on Draco's behalf. "And your trip now?"
"My father, Crabbe and Rubastian were sent to capture Ginevra by the Dark Lord. Eleanor let slip to Lovegood that I was seen here and little Weaslette is playing detective," Draco said darkly. "Your father saw her on the train yesterday."
Blaise frowned. "Then Ginevra will be here soon to see Elle."
"I doubt my father will snatch her until it seems her business here is done… I need to be ready."
"You know, he'll have her anyway," Blaise said softly.
Draco closed his eyes for a few brief moments. "I know that Blaise. I'd rather be the one to bring her in myself than have my father's paws contaminate her."
Blaise shook his head in disbelief. "Either way, Drake, he'll have her if he wants her and there is naught you can do to stop it."
"Then I shall prolong it," Draco hissed.
"It's likely she'll see Sorcha when she comes, there's no other safe place for the child to go."
"I know that, but it's a chance we must take," Draco replied calmly.
Blaise laughed, "Tis not like you to take such chances."
"I have very little choice, she is the witch of my sins." Draco smirked.