Chapter 42
Chapter 42
Ginny walks into the room and rushes into her fathers arms. ‘Ginevra I’m so glad I could meet with you before I had to leave.’
As they pull apart he notices they are not alone. ‘Oh, Mr. Malfoy, I didn't know you were joining us.’
‘I’m not, Sir. I was just walking her here.’
‘Dad, we have become friends.’
‘Alright, nice to meet you, it’s always nice to meet my children’s friends.’
‘Nice to meet you as well.’ looking at Ginny he says, ‘I will see you later in the library?’
‘Sure see you then. What's going on? Is mum here too?’
‘No, I am alone. I have many things to tell you in a short time, but always remember I love you and I always will.’
‘O… kay… What's going on?’
‘I promise to tell you the whole story at some point but for right now Molly has been arrested. I'm guessing that Ronald has as well by now. You were adopted as were the twins and charlie. And I am not Ronalds father.’
‘I… I… don’t even know… what part of… that… to ask you about.’
‘Molly and Ron were arrested for different reasons none of which has anything to do with you.’
‘Ok…’
‘Charlie was born to Gideon Prewitt. When he went missing we took him in. He has accepted his Lordship as of this week.’
‘Ok.’
‘The twins' father is Regulus Black.’
‘Seriously? No wonder they cause so much mischief, they are related to Sirius.’
‘True and as for yourself -long sigh- we have no idea who your parents were but we will find out one way or another. Can Lyra complete that potion again?’
‘I’m sure she can, I will help her with it.’
‘Good. We will get you the ingredients. Several batches may be needed.’
‘Who-?’
Arthur cuts her off. ‘We can discuss all that later alright?’
‘I understand. Anything else?’
‘Not that I am aware of but like I said we will talk more soon.’
Ginny hugs her father, ‘Thank you for everything. Will I still see you over the holidays?’
‘Even if we have found your parents by then I will ask that you come home to me and we can visit them together until you are more comfortable. But remember you will always be welcome in my home, no matter where I will reside.’
‘Are you moving?’
‘Probably. I don’t think I can enter that house again.’
Seeing the tears in his eyes, Ginny hugs her father again.
‘Don’t cry, everything will be ok.’
‘Eventually? I’m sure it will be. As soon as my divorce is final I will be able to move forward.’
‘Div-?’
‘Guess I did miss something. Molly has kept me under potion since before we started dating and will be charged accordingly.’
‘I’m so sorry, daddy.’
‘Don’t worry about me ok? All of your brothers are helping me get through it. We will be fine even if half of you change your names.’ He tries to smile but the sadness continues to emanate from him.
‘No matter our names you know we will always come visit.’
With a smile he hugs her close. ‘Thank you Gin. Now, tell me about the Malfoy boy?’
Ginny blushes.
‘I thought so. Does he feel the same?’
‘I think he might.’
‘Make him earn it ok?’
‘I will.’
‘Good girl. I have to go now. I need to tell your brothers what happened here.’
‘Bye daddy. Be safe.’
‘I will, you too. Go find that boy I’m sure he wants to know everything is ok.‘
Ginny places a kiss on his cheek and leaves the room.
*,*
Draco leaves the room with an uneasy feeling. Walking down the hall he looks around for a place to wait for her. Seeing a cozy looking window seat he pulls out a book to read. Every other minute he looks back down the hall. Draco is several classrooms away from where he left her but wishes he could know if everything was alright.
Finally he gives up on the book and pulls out a piece of parchment. He begins to sketch Ginny from memory, Merlin knows he has spent enough time memorizing her beautiful face. As he draws he loses track of the time. Frowning at the parchment, Draco knows that he is just not getting the shape of her eyes right. Suddenly he hears footsteps down the hall.
Looking up he sees Ginny close the door to the classroom and walk down the hall away from him. Something is not right. She walks stiffly away with her head down. Quickly he shoves everything back in his bag and swiftly walks down the hall. Before he can pass the classroom the door opens again.
‘Mr. Malfoy.’
‘Sir?’
‘You were waiting for her, weren’t you?’
‘Yes sir. Is-’ he clears his throat, ‘Is she-?’
‘No I don’t imagine she can be ok right now. Unfortunately I had many distressing things to tell her and not enough time to explain them in full detail.’
‘That must be hard on the both of you.’
‘It is. Just check on her ok? Let her know that she is not alone. She may need to talk about everything to process it.’
‘I understand sir. I was planning on checking on her.’
‘Good, good. I must be going. Many more things to be done before the day can be over.’
Draco puts his hand on Arthur’s shoulder. ‘I have no idea what is going on but if you need aid contact my father. Tell him that I asked. You’re not alone either.’
‘I couldn’t possibly-’
‘‘Hermione is family. She speaks highly of you, not so much of your wife-’
Arthur chuckles. ‘My wife. Such a strange concept after today.’
‘Pardon?’
‘I’ll not be with my wife,’ he spits the word out, ‘much longer if I can help it.’
‘My condolences, please contact my father, he can help. Maybe we can mend this rift between our families. For Ginny’s sake if for no other reason.’
‘I will think about it, son. Thank you. Now go find her. I don’t think she needs to be alone right now.’
‘Of course.’ Draco turns to walk away.
‘You know you will have to meet all her brothers at some point?’
‘I think I am up for the challenge, sir.’
With a small laugh Arthur walks away down the hall back to McGonagall’s office. Draco hurrys in the direction he saw Ginny last.
*.*
Ginny leaves the classroom and just walks. Not looking at where she is feeling rather numb. Her thoughts race over everything she just learned. The main thing in her mind is that she doesn't know who she is. There is no name.
She doesnt know her parents. Doesn't know if they are alive or dead. Does she have any siblings? Are her parents followers of you-know-who? Which side of this conflict is the “dark side”? Kidnaping children seems to be a very dark offense.
But then everything she has ever been taught is wrong? No dad taught me right. I know how to think and analyze the situation. Mu— Molly was wrong, she wasn't honest or faithful. Lost in thought she finds herself looking at the pitch through the window.
Suddenly Ginny realizes she is not alone. A firm hand grabs her elbow and turns her slowly. His other hand brushes her bangs from her eyes. She hadn't noticed they were in her line of vision.
‘Red, I've finally found you. I looked all over the castle.’ He slides his hands down to hers and threads their fingers together.
Blinking slowly, Ginny looks up into his eyes. He looks so worried.
‘Dray? Whats-?’
‘I'm fine. I came to see how you were. Your father seemed as preoccupied as you look. Do you want to talk about it?’
‘You saw dad?’
‘Yeah, we spoke for a few minutes but it was enough that I lost you and had to start looking all over the castle.’
‘Oh, I’m sor-’
‘No stop, you have nothing to be sorry for.’ Draco pulls her into his arms. ‘I'm here for you ok?’
‘Do you want to walk some more or sit for a bit?’
Looking around Ginny smirks. ‘Actually I have an idea.’ Reluctantly she pulls away from his warm embrace and grabs his hand again. ‘Come with me.’
Ginny walks to the end of the hall and places both hands on the wall. Looking at her he follows her actions.
‘Now push your magic into the wall. We need a private place to relax.’
They both push magic keeping those words on their minds. Draco gasps when he feels Hogwarts push back against his magic. Without warning the wall between them becomes a simple door. Ginny grins and opens the door.
Stepping inside, Draco sees a modest fireplace next to a comfortable looking chaise lounge, the room is positioned to look out the large window. If he looks into the distance he can see the lake.
‘How?’
‘Luna knows many secrets.’
‘Say no more.’
After they are seated comfortably Ginny leans into his side and he places an arm around her shoulder. ‘Tell me what happened, Red?’ Draco whispers.
Ginny begins to tell him everything she learned. Once she gets it all out she is crying into his chest, his arms are wrapped tightly around her holding her close.
‘I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner, Red. I'm here now and we can stay here as long as you need.’
Ginny nods and snuggles closer. She drifts to sleep once her cries have subsided.
‘Sleep well, Red.’ Draco kisses her temple and relaxes into the cushion further. Sooner than he expected he drifts to sleep as well.
*.*
As Travers and Snape walk toward the gates in silence they pass a young boy.
‘Hello Professor, hello Lord Travers.’
‘You remembered? I didn’t think it would be that memorable.’
‘Your visit made that class more interesting than it ever has been.’
‘In that case thank you for taking the time to talk to me.’
Collin nods before being called away by his classmate.
‘Binns class?’
‘Yeah, I wanted to get a feel for the class and how useful it was. I believe I spoke with him and a classmate, the youngest Weasley, I think.’
‘Ah. I see.’
‘Hello Professor.’
‘Such an interactive walk this is, I didn’t realize you were this popular Severus.’
‘I’m not, normally.’
Travers snickers.
‘I am Lord Travers.
‘Nice to meet you My Lord. I am Luna Lovegood. When I saw you coming, I had to talk to you.’
‘Oh really? Do tell.’
‘You will find him. The wait is nearly at an end.’
‘What do you mean?’
Luna blinks and looks at Snape.
‘Professor, hello, I didn't see you there.’
‘You called us over, tell me what you meant a moment ago.’
‘A moment ago? I was sitting here waiting for the thestrals.’
‘Come Tav. You need to report to the board.’
‘I must know what she meant.’
Snape pulls Travers away, ‘you will get nothing more from her. She doesn't know what she said.’
‘That’s not possible.’
‘It is. I will tell you more later. Now go.’
Travers steps forward and apparates away.
*.*