Dancing with the Unknown Soldier

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Author's note: Hey guys, just a little something I wrote. It's kind of a companion piece to my other story and kind of a lengthened songfic. That doesn't mean you have to read my other one but I hope you do because I need the constructive criticism on both pieces. A bit dark but there is a bit of romance I promise. Oh! I used two songs, one for Ginny and one for Draco. Ginny's is the one on the top and it's `Dancing with the Devil Tonight' by Breaking Benjamin. Draco's is on the bottom and it's `Unknown Soldier' by breaking Benjamin. Alright well enjoy and review please!! The next chapter might be a little bit. Love you all! - Gilksey

Warning: the cruciatus is used a lot so don't freak out.

Dancing with an Unknown Soldier

His shoes clicked against the cold cobblestone down an endless hallway. The torches on the walls cast an eerie glow against his pale skin. He knew where he was going, many months doing nothing but wonder will do that to someone. He was on his way to question a prisoner his master had recently captured. He knew not of who it was or why she needed to be questioned but he dared not to defy his Lord.

He walked until he found two doors on opposite sides of the hall. He grabbed the handle for the one on his left. Upon entering he found two guards on either side of the door both he knew by name. The prisoner was chained by the wrists and ankles to the wall. She was curled in a ball trying desperately to remove the bag over her head.

“Welcome son.” His father smirked at him from his post to the right of the door. “The dark lord has a gift for you. A little plaything if you will. Only two rules. One you don't kill her, at least until the Dark Lord says otherwise. And two, you are to clean up whatever mess you make when you're finished. Oh and any information she gives you, you are to report directly to me or Snape. Understood?”

“Perfectly father. Now may I take off the bag? I wish to look into the eyes of the little wench as I `question' her.” He smiled evilly up at his father.

“Of course but I'd rather not see the little blood traitor's face. I don't want that filth so much as breathing my air. Dolohov.” The boy's father left quickly, followed by the other guard who looked as though he wanted to stay and throw her around a little himself.

“Now you filthy creature, lets get a look at you.” He slowly removed the bag. Shock spread across his features for a quick second before he could compose himself. “Well if it isn't the youngest weasel. I must say I'm surprised Voldemort didn't kill you already.” Little Ginny Weasley, he thought, pathetic little girl. She looked up at him, hate burning in her eyes. She was dressed in her school robes, but they seemed to be torn in places and covered with dirt. Her forehead was slick with sweat from the small bag, and she had bruises and a few cuts in various places.

As much as he hated to admit it, she had grown up in the last few months. Her hair had deepened in color and had to be a good few inches below her shoulders now. He couldn't tell whether or not she had heightened as she was still in a ball. He couldn't help but notice that she had also filled out a little more.

“I could say the same for you ferret.” She smirked up at him. She knew she struck a nerve when his golden brow twitched. She had watched him watch her. The one thing she just couldn't wrap her mind around was it looked almost appreciative. “In fact I would have to say I'm surprised you've even lasted this long without shitting in your trousers.”

“Well well well the little weasel's got spunk. Although I can't help but wonder why you're quivering in fear, what with all that Gryiffindor courage and such.” His eyes challenged her to continue.

“Are you that cold-blooded you can't tell it's absolutely freezing in here? Or are you just as stupid as that wretched ogre you call a father? Now tell me how did that oaf get out of Azkaban? Blackmail? Bribery? Oh wait I know! He made a few, let's call them friends, and promised them riches and his little boy's virtue when they got him out? Hmm? Am I close yet?” She knew she'd gone a bit far, but who the bloody hell cares? She's being held captive!

“You best hold your tongue wench! Or would you rather me make you scream with it?” Before she could blink, his wand was pointing down at her face, threateningly.

“Do whatever you want Malfoy, but I promise you. I won't scream for the likes of you.” She glared defiantly at him as she watched his lips form the word of the spell.

“Crucio!” Pain. Lots of pain. Like she's never known it before coursed through her entire being. Her eyes snapped shut and her mouth dropped open. His smirk widened for what he knew would come next. “Scream little weasel. No one can hear you.” Her body writhed on the floor in torment, fists slamming down on the cold stone all around her. Her chains were smashing against everything, music to his ears. However, against all the pain, all the noise, he could still hear her whisper as her eyes focused on him.

“I will never scream for you, Draco.” And the pain stopped. Draco dropped his wand in disbelief. She was a stubborn piece of filth but he had to give her credit. She was strong. Stronger then he was. He'd always scream every time.

“You will scream for me. Maybe not today, but you will. Mark my words.” His shoes clicked against the cobblestone as he walked down the endless hallway.

Here I stand,

Helpless and left for dead.
Close your eyes,

So many days go by.
Easy to find what's wrong,

Harder to find what's right

*

Border line, dead inside.

I don't mind, falling to pieces

Count me in, violent

Let's begin, feeding the sickness.

How do I simplify,

Dislocate - the enemy's on the way.

The stench was beginning to become unbearable. It smelled as if rotting corpses were in the room with her. Young Ginny Weasley, being held captive. It's been a week since Draco's first encounter with her. Since that day he'd created a routine. He'd come every morning with just enough food to survive for the day. He'd return around midday and would perform the cruciatus on her repeatedly until dark then he'd leave for the night.

She started to realize that every time he performed the curse, it was only for a short period of time. Even though he made up for it in frequency, it usually only lasted just a few seconds. That and he always let her rest a bit before the next stream of curses. He had told her it was so she could regain her breath to scream for him, but she saw through his fib. She knew from Harry's experience, that to perform that unforgivable you had to truly want to cause them pain. Otherwise it would only last a second or two. As she had thought about this late one night, she realized that if she wanted to make it out of here alive she needed to get to Draco. Not just getting him angry, no. She needed to get under his skin, get him to trust her, at the very least want her. She needed him to change sides and if what Harry said about his flinch with Dumbledore, then it shouldn't take too long. And so little Ginny planned, and devised her scheme to perfection as she waited for pain to return once again.

Draco was impressed. She was strong and anyone to deny that would be lying through they're teeth. Whenever he himself was treated to the curse had screamed out in agony. His cries would echo off the cold grimy walls. The pain would course through his veins, pulsating dangerously, as though he would explode at any time. Except it would never let him. It held it all in, the explosion of needles would stay contained inside his body. When his father had started training his emotions he was unfortunate enough to endure the pain on countless occasions. Each sign of emotion, each scream would cost him more of it.

He could hardly believe that a Weasley no less, could last so long. Draco had even spoken to his aunt Bellatrix about it. Her eyes widened only slightly before she too composed herself.

“Well just let me at her for a bit love. I'll make her scream and them some.” Her smirk was of evil perfection, causing even a Malfoy to shiver a bit. He knew not to give Ginny too much credit. He knew his curses were gradually quickening in length. They weren't lasting as long as they should be, and he knew why too. Should a wizard or witch cast the cruciatus curse they must want to truly cause their target excruciating pain. In his own conclusion, he realized he didn't want to cause her pain and for the life of him he couldn't figure out why. He was contemplating some more on it to himself as he walked in to her chamber for their afternoon session.

“Good afternoon weasel.” He was infuriated at himself for the sudden flare of appreciation he received upon entering the room. It being one of those rare occasions where he would find her already standing, showing of her long milky legs.

“Still alive ferret? When will your `dark lord' get some brains and just be done with you?” Her eyes taunting him; challenging him. Her plan had begun.

“About the same time you learn your place and shut that mouth of yours I presume. Looks like I'll be sticking around for a while love.” He smirked in retaliation.

“Whatever. Let's get on with this then, I've things to do.” He had to stop himself from laughing out loud, managing a slight chuckle as he looked around her room. Bare except for the chains and the platter with her food.

“The only thing you need to be doing is screaming. Crucio!” Three seconds of a throbbing chaos, of erratic daggers trying to escape from within her. She couldn't describe it accurately enough. She imagined it would be heartbreak for a romantic's first love, like the swift, blunt rip of a lettuce head about to be eaten.

He watched her writhe like a pair of snakes fighting for food. A look of awe at her willpower yet anger of same. She slammed her fists, kicked her legs, he thought he even heard the crunch of a bone and still nothing past her lips but her ragged breaths.

“Draco. Why are you here?” He looked incredulously at her.

“My Lord gave orders for me to do so. Not that it's of any concern to you.”

“No. Why are you here on this side of the war?” Her voice was soft.

“No reason you need to know about.” He was angered with her for questioning him. For trying to understand him. “Crucio!” It was the longest yet. Seven long seconds of torture for the young witch. When he released her she was breathing deeply, eyes wide with something close to fear. It was working. He continued casting and casting until he was as tired as she. By now the moon would be near its peak.

She was exhausted and pain still hummed throughout her body. All she could think about was that she had almost screamed. She was so close to screaming, he had to have noticed. He had to have noticed and yet, he stopped. She took advantage of this turn in events to resume her questions.

“If you won't answer that then at least answer me this, Why are you doing this? Have you no heart? Do you hate everyone that much?” He flinched at her questions. She struck deeper than either would have thought. His eyes softened and glazed over as he thought deep into his memories.

“No Ginny. I don't hate everyone. I do love, rarely but I do.” He turned to leave.

“Who is it?” It was almost impossible to hear her as she had lowered her voice even further for fear of breaking his trance.

“The only one to not be tempted by the evil ways of my family.” He turned halfway to look at her from the corner of his eye. “My sister.” And with that he left. Thinking to himself that he really needed to cast some sort of charm. The stench was beginning to become unbearable.

I believe in you,

I can show you

That I can see right

Through all your empty lies.

I won't stay long,

In this world so wrong.

*

Show me

what it's like

To dream in

Black and white,

So I can leave

This world tonight

-->

Author's Note: I AM SO SORRY!!! I can't believe it took me this long!! Please please please forgive me? Anyway I tried my hardest to make this a nice long one for you guys! Sort of a peace offering? Anyway I need some help. As you all know, this is a companion piece to (untitled yet). Now so far this story hasn't happened yet. What I need from you guys is suggestions on how Ginny gets kidnapped? She has to be back at Hogwarts and I'd rather no one died during it please. I mean its okay if someone does but I would kind of rather they didn't it's already angsty enough. So please help me out even if I don't deserve it for taking this long. I promise to try my hardest to upload again soon just bear with me. Love you all terribly! Gilksey <3

How could he have let this happen?! He had nearly told her the entirety of his deepest secrets. He was ashamed with himself, and strangely he felt a bit relieved. Some deep part of him wanted her to know. Some part wanted her to care and understand why he did all these things to her. He didn't want to. She had to know that by now!

He sighed to himself. Ginny was getting to him, getting under his skin and he was letting her. He wanted her to. This more than even Voldemort scared him.

As he reached her cell door he stopped. He wasn't sure if he could hurt her again. He wasn't sure if he should go in and do as ordered or just leave.

“Draco?” Her gentle voice reached through the door and broke what resolve he had. He opened the door and walked in closing it again behind him. Should he speak? Should he wait for her to speak? Should he be his old cruel self? Or should he be who she saw the other day? For once in his life he didn't know what to do.

Ginny was contemplating about the same thing. She didn't know what he was going to do or what she would do in return. Should they go back to familiar ground and hate each other? Or should they risk going further in what they knew could be dangerous for both. So he stood his ground at his place in front of the door and she stayed clutching her knees to her chest at the back wall. Both unsure of themselves and of what to do.

Ginny stood as Draco placed her plate of food in the corner.

“I almost screamed you know.” She spoke to his back as he was now facing the door.

“I know.” His voice was so soft she thought she may have imagined it.

“Why did you stop?” She wanted to know, needed to know.

“I don't think I could've handled it if you screamed for me.” He turned to face her with defiance in his silver blue eyes. He faltered for a second when she gave him a sincere and grateful smile. It amazed him how with just her smile he felt infinitely better. He felt more relaxed and more caring. He felt like a new man with that smile.

“Thank you Draco.” She placed her hand on his forearm in thanks. He was startled at how cold she was. He was surprised she wasn't blue.

Fear gripped her as she felt his wand stabbing her gut. He felt ashamed that he'd cause someone as much fear as his father. As he cast the warming charm on her however, relief and admiration filled her. She lightly squeezed his arm and he felt a shiver run through his spine and a sense of loss as her touch left him.

It surprised her how much she cared when she saw the hurt in his eyes. She reveled in the fact that he missed her touch.

“What do we do now?” A brief look of confusion passed through his eyes before she took the liberty to explain further. “Do we go back to curses and snide remarks? Back to more pain and hatred? What do we do Draco?” Her words affected him so much more then he would ever care to admit. As much as he tried to raise his wand and curse her to tears, it wouldn't move. As much as he attempted to open his mouth with a condescending jest, it wouldn't allow it. As to what `it' was he had no idea but for now he'd admit defeat. He hung his head and stepped closer to her as he spoke.

“I can't hurt you Ginny. I tried but it didn't work. I know you know that. I don't know why and to be honest it frustrates me to no end, but I can't seem to hurt you. So I won't.” She could feel his cool breath on her bare arm. She could see to the depths of his being through his upturned eyes. Not gray and lifeless as she used to believe but bright silver with flecks of blue and green mixed in. Those eyes will be the death of me, she thought to herself. Whether she meant that literally or metaphorically was to remain unanswered. Instead she looked up at him, forcing his eyes to lock on hers.

“If I do something will you be mad?” His lips twitched upward a bit, and his eyes held curiosity and something else.

“I don't know. I guess it depends on what you're planning on doing.” She gave him a small smile and suddenly there was no space between them. Her arms were around him and her head was on his shoulder. He panicked slightly and tensed up to the point where he could have passed off as a wooden board. “What are you doing?” His voice quivered and he cursed himself for it. Her arms tightened slightly as she spoke.

“I'm hugging you.” Her voice held amusement, and somehow that relaxed him a bit.

“Why?” He all but whispered. Again she tightened her hold, as if she were afraid he'd disappear.

“You seemed like you needed one. So, I'm giving you one.”

“Well what do I do?” He could practically feel her smile against his shoulder.

“You could always hug me back, I guess.”

“How?” He sounded so vulnerable just then, she realized why just a second after. She was so shocked she released him and took a step back. Her arms were still holding him a bit which he was happy for.

“You've never been hugged before have you?” He looked down ashamed as he shook his head. She grabbed his chin and brought his eyes back up to hers. “Hey, don't worry about it. Just put your arms around me too okay?” He nodded. He did as he was told as she wrapped her arms around him once again. Suddenly he felt oddly comforted. He enjoyed this `hugging' thing. It made him feel wanted, and appreciated. It made him feel visible maybe even … loved?

He liked this feeling. He wanted more. Draco pulled Ginny tighter into his arms, holding her, almost crushing her against him. To say Ginny was surprised was an understatement. She gasped at his sudden urgent need to be closer. She felt him shudder against her.

Is there a leak in here? She thought to herself as she felt moisture against her neck. Draco shuddered again and she realized there was no leak, it was Draco. He was crying!

“Draco? Are you okay?” She moved to step back, to look at him but he held her tighter, almost painfully.

“No, don't. Just s-stay please.” She did. Held him closer, began rubbing random patterns into his back.

“Shh. don't worry, I'm here Draco. I'm here.” He fell to his knee's and brought Ginny down with him. She didn't mind. Instead she sat up against the wall and held him to her chest. She offered comforting words and soft caresses. It made him cry harder, and in return she held him tighter. She was slowly falling for him and it scared her. It scared her so much that she started crying to. She cried for him, she cried. Because of him she cried. Thanks to him she cried. When they were both settled he raised his head and smiled at her. It took her breathe away.

“Thank you Ginny. I needed that.” The smile still hadn't faded in the least. In fact it seemed to grow. Or was that just because he was moving closer? Why was he moving closer? Was he going to kiss her? Ginny's breathe hitched as her thoughts circled in her head and still he moved closer. There was no doubt he was about to kiss her.

About to but not quite.

Just then there was a knock on the door.

“Mr. Malfoy the Dark Lord wishes to see you. As in now!” His eyes never left hers.

“I'm on my way. You're dismissed.” They heard a grumble and threats as the death eater's steps disappeared.

“I better go. He probably wants to know if I've gotten any information out of you. He mostly wants to know Harry's weaknesses or his plans even his whereabouts would suffice.”

“Why would I know any of that? We're not that close. Well not anymore.” Draco looked at her curiously, angered even?

“What? Aren't you two together?” He sounded urgent. What was going on?

“No, we broke up just before the funeral. We've barely spoken since. IS that why I'm here? As bait?!” Draco's eyes widened and his face fell.

“You shouldn't have told me that. Oh Merlin! Now he's going to hurt you, or kill you! AH!! Why did you tell me that!?”

“What are you talking about?! Just don't tell him!”

“It's not that simple. I have to go. I'm so sorry Ginny. I'll try my best.” With that he left. Not answering a single panicked question that left her lips.

Draco walked down the hall and into Voldemort's chamber. Expecting the worst and praying for the best.

“You wished to see me my lord?” He kneeled before his master dreading what he was sure to come.

“Have you received any information from that wretched blood traitor?”

“Not yet sir. I'm sure she'll break soon though.” His voice wavered even to his own ears.

“Draco, my son. Why are you saying such lies to me?” He kept his face down, trying to hide his eyes.

“I would never do such a thing my Lord. It would be a stupid and risky attempt. One which I'm sure you'd never fall for, having such brilliance as you do.”

“Don't. Lie. To. ME! Look at me!” Even before Draco's head was raised, the spell was cast. “Legilimens!”

Ginny was holding him, smiling at him. He was about to kiss her.
Ginny smiled in amusement as she hugged him. He felt so safe and loved. He hugged her back. He was crying, so was she.

“We broke up just before the funeral. We've barely spoken since.” Draco was yelling at her for telling him that.

“I'm here as bait?!”

“TRAITOR!” The images stopped and the pain began! Voldemort knew. He knew and now he was going to kill the both of them. He cried out as the pain consumed him!

“GINNY!!” How could he have let this happen?!

As Say goodbye,

We dance with the devil tonight.
Don't you dare look at him in the eye,

As we dance with the devil tonight?

*

Full of fear,
Ever clear.
I'll be here,
Fighting forever.

Curious,

Venomous.

For Ginny. That's all he knew anymore. That's all he did. He took the curse over and over again for Ginny. As long as Voldemort was distracted with him, he'd leave Ginny alone. Ginny. Ginny. Ginny. That's all he thought about as the pain thrummed in his veins, as the nuclear bomb within him exploded. Ginny. Ginny. Ginny. He needed to protect her even if it meant this blinding torture, this endless agony. He screamed and screamed until he coughed up blood from his dried insides. Then it stopped, the pain, the blood. Even the screaming. For a moment, just a moment he thought he was dead. Then he heard something that made his heart drop, his insides squirm and his head scream in protest.

“Bring me the girl!” Draco wanted to kill him. He wanted to run to scream to fight! But he couldn't. He tried and tried but he couldn't bring his body to move.

Seconds after the order, the death eater came back with a struggling, fighting Ginny. When she saw where she was going she faltered.

“Draco? Draco?! What have you done to him?! DRACO!” She fought harder against her guard, her restrictions. She wanted to be by him, comforting him, with him. She needed to get to Draco.

“He can't hear you. He's close to death now. Don't worry you can join him momentarily, I just want a little fun before you go.” His smirk disgusted her to no end. It made his slit-like red eyes, glow with a ferocious need for pain. “My dear Ginevra, how long has it been since we last spoke?” He signaled for her guard to release her. She was now standing on her own in the center of the room. Draco was about 15 feet away from here. There was no way they could get out of this. She didn't have her wand and as far as she knew neither did he. The doors were blocked all around them and there were no windows. It didn't look like Draco could move, and she knew she couldn't carry him. It was hopeless.

“I'd have to say about 5 years Tom. Tell me how's Mummy dearest?” She smirked at his obvious anger and humiliation. She felt the pain before the words reached her ears. As before she didn't scream. She was so silent Draco thought she was either dead or she made a run for it. When he looked up to her writhing form he yelled out.

“NO! Ginny! Leave her alone you bastard!!” He whipped out his hidden wand and cast the curse just as silently as Voldemort had. “Crucio.” It hit its target! Ginny's movement's stopped, Voldemort's cry filled the room and Draco became a dead man walking. When his curse stopped all eyes were on him. All eyes filled with awe and pity. Even Tom's eyes held a bit of awe, mostly though he was somewhat shocked.

“Never knew you had it in you. I must say I'm quite impressed. You managed to catch me off guard and harm me. However minuet still, caused some damage.” His claps filled the deathly silent chamber. “But as impressed as I am I can't let you encourage this disobedience can I?” Before Draco could so much as blink his wand was summoned into Voldemort's hands. “Say goodbye Ginevra. Avada Kedavra!” Draco had never seen someone move as fast as Ginny had. As the last syllable left his lips Ginny tackled Draco out of the way. The killing curse instead hit the death eater previously behind him.

Tom was furious! How dare these insolent blood traitors humiliate him in front of his minions! “Crucio!” Ginny covered Draco's body with her own and took the pain. Draco had suffered enough for her. She didn't scream, she would never scream for these bastards instead she whispered loving words to Draco as wave after wave of pain swept throughout her.

“Draco … Draco I love you … I love you Draco. Draco it hurts. It hurts.” Even as she convulsed and twitched in agony, she watched the emotions swirl in Draco's eyes.

“Ginny. Love, listen to me. I know. I know it hurts, don't worry it'll stop I promise. I'll make it stop. Ginny listen to me. I love you Ginny. I love you too. Stay with me Ginny. You have to stay please.” She gave him a sad smile. She whispered into his ear, quiet enough that he had to strain to hear her.

“Always.” Then the pain stopped. She was free of it. Ginny collapsed onto Draco, who held her close to him, protectively.

“Ah, young love. Pitiful creatures. Love is a foolish thing. Only gets you killed, destroys you. There is no need for love here. Power is the only thing desired here, power that will be mine, that is mine. You two are standing in my way. Don't fret that won't last long. All I need is another little look-see in your mind dear Ginevra. Legilimens.” Draco and Ginny were both too tired to move, to dodge or block. It hit Ginny quickly; images and thoughts filled her mind and Tom's also. She glared through the images at him trying her best to block him out.

Draco grabbed the previously living guards' wand and cast another crucio at Voldemort. This time however, it was stopped and deflected back at Draco. Pain once again consumed him. Unimaginable, excruciating pain filled his entire being. And yet, for the first time in his life, he didn't scream. He didn't yell or shout or threaten. He merely smiled sadly and whispered, “For Ginny.”

Trembling,

Crawling across my skin.
Feeling your cold dead eyes,

Stealing the life of mine

*

You'll find me
Climbing to heaven.
Never mind,
Turn back time.
You'll be fine - I will get left behind.

-->