Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Face of War	By : dweek Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Voldemort/Ginny Views: 19603 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
A/N- We are coming up on the end of this story. For anyone who is interested after I finish posting on this story I plan to start posting on my halloween story Moon Guard. As always a huge thanks to my beta Eclectic Pet!

Kain- You had so much to say in your last review! It gave me a chuckle when you started out saying you would save this after for this week, then ended up having to go check it out on my site. I can't really respond to any of your notes on it here as it wouldn't be fair to those who have not read it yet. As for you comments about chapter 12... Well the auction did happen, only there was no Dark Lord of consort to oversee it. As for Ginny's maids, I think there will always be strife between them.. but we will see.

Ginny-
When I open my eyes in the dim light of my room it is a moment before I remember what today was. I sit up taking in a slow breath and rubbing my face as I realize I must have woken early. None of my ladies are here yet and there isn’t even light from under Hermione’s door. I slip out of bed knowing I won’t, and really shouldn’t go back to sleep now.
Looking around as if I would catch some specter watching me I walk over to the full length mirror on my wardrobe and look into my own eyes. I remember the look in Fleur's eyes the morning she married my brother, and I see no trace of it in my own. I do find an excitement there, but it isn’t as bright or shining as it had been with her.
Pulling back I take my whole self in. I run my fingers over unmarked skin and find myself frowning. He hasn’t touched me for a while, and made doubly sure every previous injury was healed perfectly. He wants me prestine for our wedding day, and I wonder how he would react if I marked my own skin?
I hear a door open behind me and know it is too play to do anything about the fantasy now. I still smile as I look to the blond to have been a vital source of support in my time in this room.
“That was my last night here.” I tell her looking to the bed. “Do you think Tracey will be moved down here tonight?”
Daphne smiles at me and shakes her head. “I think she will be moving out tonight.” She says with a smirk as she walks towards me. “Are you ready to start all this?” She asks knowing I can get overwhelmed with preparations for these big gatherings.
“Not really.” I say with a sigh and shake my head.
“Well the first few hours will be relaxing I promise.” She says soothingly. “There is a special bath you have to soak in for the ritual, but you can just relax and have some tea while you do that.”
I nod thinking tea would probably be wonderful in this moment. “How about breakfast?” I ask surprising her as I haven’t had an appetite in weeks.
I wide smile spreads across her lips before she answers. “You can have anything you want, I’ll arrange it.” She says before disappearing into the bathroom.
I sit down at my desk and start to think about what would keep my energy up the best. I’m still drumming my fingers a few minutes later when Daphne appears in the main room once again.
“It’s ready, do you need any help, or should I do get tea and order food?” She asks leaving the bathroom door open for me.
“I think I can handle it, you could bring me waffles with butter and jam and bangers?” I ask and can’t help but smile as her glee with my request. “It’s only that I know today is going to be long.” I tell her not wanting her to get her hopes up.
“Of course.” She says trying to restrain herself and failing.
With a shake of my head I enter the bathroom and disrobe so that I can climb into the hot smelly bath. It doesn’t smell bad exactly, just very sharp. Part of me is glad for the smell because I know there is no way I will be able to fall asleep with it around me. Though after a few minutes it does lull me into a dazed almost hypnotic state.
I’m not sure how much time has passed when the bathroom door opens. Looking up I expect it is Daphne with the tea, so when I see Tracey standing in my bathroom I’m a bit confused.
“You don’t usually wake this early.” I tell her as if she didn’t know.
“Today is a special day.” She says in a much too cheerful tone. She walks over to me slowly and sits down on the edge of the huge bathtub. “Did you know that there is no way to reverse the marriage rite he chose for today?” She asks me as if it is a part of a conversation we were already having.
“I think I knew that.” At least I figured it was true.
“It also doesn’t permit those involved to kill one another.” She says her smile becomes wider as she pushes some hair back from my face.
“I didn’t know that.” I tell her shaking my head as I feel a sharp pull at my scalp. ‘Why did you do that?” I ask leaning away from the invading hand.
I can see a few gleams of auburn between her fingers. “No reason.” She says looking down at the bath. “This is a part of the prep.” She says sniffing the air. “I think it’s time you got out.”
“Daphne said I would be in here for a while.” I tell her very confused as she messes with a bag at her side.
“Well there has been a little change in her plans.” Tracey says smugly before pulling out a clear flask if muddy green liquid.
“That’s Polyjuice Potion.” I say remembering it from mom brewing it last year.
Tracey just smiles at me and drops my hair into the potion. I try to get up, but my limbs are heavy with whatever is in the bath. “Tracey you don’t want this.” I tell her shaking my head as I realize now what her plan has to be.
“Oh, but I do.” She tells me before taking a few swigs. She makes a face as it goes down and shakes her head. “He’s going to get rid of me tonight. I’ll be nothing, but this way, I’ll be his wife and there won’t be anything he can do about that.” She says rushing to the loo as the sudden desire to puke overtakes her.
“Tracey, he’ll know before it’s done and he’ll kill you.” I tell her shaking my head still wishing I had more to stop her than words. When she turns to face me again her body is already transforming into a new shape. “I’m sure he will set you up with a respectable life.”
“I don’t want a respectable life!” She snaps holding her wand out in sudden fury. It is odd to see that anger on my face directed at me. “I want a life a true greatness!”
I swallow thickly, my new wand sitting on my bedside table. I had gotten lax in my own rooms, thinking nothing could hurt me here. No one would let me get hurt in the safety of my room. I suddenly realize that there has to be a guard posted at my door.
“HELP!” I scream still trying to push past the heaviness that has settled into me. I can move hands and fingers, but little else. “PL-” I am cut off as she hits me with a silencing spell.
She loves quickly to shrug her clothes and grabs my robe as I hear the outside door open.
“My Lady? Are you okay?” It is Adrian’s voice who asks which only makes her smile.
She steps out into my room slowly closing the door firmly behind herself. “Sorry I panicked, I couldn’t get the door open.” She says with much too much pout to sound like me.
“The bathroom door?” He asks sounding both confused and concerned. “Where is Tracey?”
“Using the loo.” She says and I can hear movement as a well as a second door opening.
“What were you screaming about Ginny?” Hermione asks sounding half asleep but still worried.
I try my hardest to slosh around in the tub, but every muscle works as if it is moving through mud.
“Nothing. Go back to bed.” She snaps. “Just wedding jitters.”
No one seems to move in the other room before I hear yet another door open. I can’t help but laugh to myself as her plan has to be completly fucked by this point. She didn’t seem to really think any of this through.
“Ginny?” Daphne asks slowly sounding the most confused of all. “How are you standing right now?”
“What do you mean?” Tracey asks snidely. “I’m getting ready for my wedding.”
“I know, and there is enough Jambu in the bath I made for you to keep you from living an arm easily.” She says and I have to agree with her as it takes all of my focus scratch my own nose.
“A Jambu bath?” Hermione asks sounding a little panicked.
“Jambu, yarrow, mint, and valerian.” Daphne explains. “It is a cleansing bath in prep for the ritual. I put her in it myself.”
“How are you still walking?” Hermione asks sounding more calm. Maybe the mix of things is more healthy than just the Jambu alone?
“I got right out, it stank. I don’t want to stink on my wedding day.” She says forcibly.
“O-okay.” Daphne starts still sounding as if she knows something is off. “I promise you won’t stink later on. There will be a cleansing shower to wash the bath away. Lets just get you back in, and then you can have your tea.”
“You can’t go in there!” Tracey snaps again when I hear the door handle move.
“Tracey is in the loo.” Adrian says helpfully.
“Tracey?” Daphne says knocking on the door making me laugh silently. This ridiculous play was now how I imagined my wedding day to start.
“She wasn’t feeling well, I should go check on her.” Tracey says obviously trying to get everyone away from the door.
“No need, I’ll do it.” Daphne says sounding suddenly cold as she opens the door.
Before she can move inside I hear it slam shut and there is sounds of bodies tussling.
“What is wrong with her?” Adrian asks sounding truly worried for me.
“My guess?” Hermione cuts in sounding cold herself and much closer to the door than she had been before. “I think she is realizing it was a dumb plan from the start.” She says before pushing the bathroom door open and looking around it to find me still lying sleepily in the bath.
I must look really out of it because she walks over to check me for a pulse. When she feels my steady heart she lets out a low breath of air. “Thank merlin.” She says turning back to the outer door.
“How did you really think this was going to work Tracey?” Daphne asks sounding as if she was about to laugh or cry. “How is Ginny?” She asks sounding more than amused.
“Very relaxed in that bath.” Hermione says from the doorway. “Though I’m not sure was she isn’t talking, do you think the bath is restricting her voice?” She asks sounding doubtful.
I shake my head, but it happens so slowly I don’t think the woman in the room with me even notices.
“It shouldn’t, maybe silencing spell?” Daphne offers and I hear a grunt in answer from Tracey I presume.
Hermione glances back to me and I nod just as slowly as I had been shaking my head. I see her eyes move from my face to my body. I realize the green skull and snake must show vibrantly on my pelvic bone with no other marks around it. She looks to the floor a moment later as if it hurts to see it then turns to the door.
“Silencing spell.” Hermione agrees moving out of Daphne’s way.
“Sorry my lady, I should have thought of how vulnerable you would be like this.” She says before countering the spell Tracey had placed on me.
“She’s an idiot.” I say letting out a slow breath. “Tea? Sit her on the sofa until the juice wears off.” I say having too many thoughts at once. “We can’t tell him what she tried.”
“My Lady we can’t keep this from him, she would have killed you.” Daphne says frozen to her spot.
“He’ll torture and kill her Daphne.” I tell her as if she didn’t know.
“I know but…” She shakes her head before placing a teacup in my hand. “Drink this, you should feel a bit more awake.” She says changing the subject instead.
Some time later after the bath has been watched from me, and a lovely breakfast fills my stomach I find I have a spare moment to sit down and look at myself as Tracey sits looking glum.
“If we tell the Dark Lord what you tried this morning he would kill you, and I don’t think he would make it quick.” I tell her with a frown as the other women busy themselves with prep. “So what are we going to do with you?” I ask feeling nothing but pity for the girl in front of me.
“It isn’t fair.” She says in her own voice, which is very odd coming from my mouth. “I’m three times the witch you are, he wouldn’t have to punish me like he does you. Why doesn’t he want me?” She asks shaking her head as it made no sense.
I take in a slow breath. “Tracey, I’m one small part of a plan he has for conquer the world. I’m a step, he isn’t marrying me because of who I am. He is marrying me for what I represent. We do not represent the same things.”
“Yeah right. He loves you. Why else would it always be your name on his lips?” She asks sounding angry now.
I look at her silently and it takes a moment before I realize the entire room is silent.
Luna-
I look down at the two packages sitting on the table in front of me. Both are wrapped in vibrant red paper that has been spelled to resist any kind of detection spell. They are untraceable back to myself or any of those who helped create what is inside of them. One is addressed to The Dark Lord and Lady, and the other’s tag simply says Ginny.
Blaise has given me some distance since he found out the truth. He has slept in his own room and we have only spoken about the magazine. It feels cold after how heated it had been between us since the wedding, but right now it was for the best.
I slip the small of the two packages into my purse that I plan to use today then I pick up the larger of the two and take it down the hall. Looking around I make sure my husband is no where in sight when I open the door to the next room.
Closing the door behind me I look at Death cloak standing in the middle of the room as if it is already filled with a person. With a sigh I walk over to a small set of drawers and withdrew his wand as I put my own away. I have to deliver the soul trap to Ronald, and I can’t do it as myself.
I wish I could have had Nicolas do it, but he left with Ron three days ago to start and prepare the potion for Harry’s resurrection. I have to wonder if the old man will survive casting the magic that is needed for such an act, but I have an odd feeling he doesn’t plan to.
Once I have his wand I walk over to the cloak and step inside. I feel myself being surrounded by the darkness of it and it feels comforting in a different kind of way. Right now I am not myself, I am Death.
When Ronald shows at our meeting place he does not appear alone. There is a second wizard with him, this one dressed in some kind of uniform, maybe a waiter, or footman?
“He will be taking the package?” I ask holding the red wrapped parcel out to the two of them.
“As well as retrieving it after the ritual.” Ronald says sounding a bit hollow.
“Does he know what he is carrying?” I ask turning to the man that couldn’t be older than his early twenties. He seems so young to me as I look at him and it takes me a moment to remind myself that I’m only seventeen.
“We think it is better for him to not know everything. For his safety as well as packages.” Ronald says before I can say too much.
“Very well. I have already given the other piece to the operative with instructions on what is needed.” I say talking about myself.
“Do we really need to use her?” He asks sending the boy away so we can talk freely.
“We’ve been over this, she is the only one who can get in to see Ginny before the ritual. It will look in no way odd for her to give Ginny a gift before her friends wedding.” I remind him.
“Maybe we should use Ginny, we already have several in place for the exit, I could…” He starts but I’m already shaking my head.
“She is the only one who will be close enough. The others already have enough to do.” I tell him again. “They can do this. They are both stronger than you give them credit for.”
“Don’t you think I know that?!” He asks suddenly angry. “They're all strong. Ginny, Luna, Hermione, I’m surrounded my strong intelligent women. I just-I’m not strong enough to lose them.” He says making me frown. “I don’t think you would understand, I don’t believe you have anyone.”
“You would be surprised.” I tell him before turning to walk away. “If all goes well we will see each other in the clearing tonight.” I call back before I Apparate away.
I’m just closing the door to the cloak’s room when I feel a warm hand on my back.
“Is that where you keep it?” Blaise asks with a soft whisper against my ear. “This other you?”
I nod slowly and I feel him wrap both arms around my waist from behind. I relax into his chest and wonder at how much I have missed this closeness to him.
“So you were already out this morning?” He asks resting his chin on my shoulder.
“Yes.” I say deciding I won’t lie to him any longer.
“I won’t ask the details.” He says which makes me frown and turn my head to look up at him.
“Why not?” I ask confused that he hasn’t turned me in or even really interested me fully himself.
“Because you are safer the less people know. It is my pure luck I found out, so I trust you to keep your own secrets.” He says kissing my neck before taking my hand. “But if we want to get there early enough that you can wish her well than we need to get in the shower.” He adds leading me back towards my room.
“So you’re not mad at me any more?” I ask once we are disrobing. It becomes more and more clear he plans for us to share this shower.
“I wasn’t mad at you exactly. I was just figuring out how this marriage was going to work for me. When it happened I never really thought about you having your own life and goals.” He says a little sheepishly. “Beyond the magazine, I didn’t..” He shakes his head again as he moves towards me.
I have to admire how beautiful his nude form is. His dark skin is smooth and unmarked. His chest and stomach are sculpted, but without the true definition of someone who works out too much. He is always so confident in his body, as if he knows exactly how perfect he is.
I still blush when he looks at me. I feel scrawny and underdeveloped next to him, sickly pale with messy hair.
“I love that.” He says tracing a finger down my cheek, then neck and chest. “It is such a pretty pink.” He tells me as he looks over my skin. I realise he is talking about the blush and flush all the more which makes him chuckle. “When are you going to stop being so shy?”
“No one has ever said I was shy.” I tell before he leans down and kisses my lips.
“Maybe only when it comes to your body.” He says once the kiss is broken. His hand moves to my hips and he guides me back step by step until the floor changes from carpet to tile under my feet. “I love you know.” He adds after a moment. “I feel like I’m taking a virgin every time, you are just so innocent.”
“I don’t think you’ve left me much sexual innocence.” I say as he leans past me to turn on the shower.
Once we are both under the steaming water he makes love to me with his mouth. He kisses every inch of my skin with great care. When his tongue presses into the deepest parts of myself I can’t help but call his name like a prayer.
I lose time as we finally come together under the falling water. His body joined with mine, making me feel as if I am finally a complete soul, as if this was the only thing I didn’t even know I was missing.
I cry out his name again before I feel the haze press down on me. “Love’s choice…” I start before he covers my mouth with his and kisses the rest of the words away.
After we both take our time to recover we actually get to the business of getting cleaned then dressed, neither of us saying a thing about any of it.
“Why did you stop me?” I finally ask once we are walking up towards Hogwarts.
“I didn’t want the future.” He says in a low voice. “I wanted to be in that moment a little longer.” He adds looking over to me with a slight smile. “I’m going to go mingle, you go see her.” He adds kissing my cheek before heading towards the Great Hall.
I’m lost in thoughts of that moment as I head down to the Chamber and her rooms there. When I am faced with two redheaded guards outside her room I can’t help but smile up at Bill and Charlie Weasley.
“She wrote that you two had joined her guard.” I say glad something good had come out of her attack.
“Yeah, it’s all very…” Bill starts shaking his head. “I feel like we should be doing something better than protecting this door today.” He says running fingers through long hair.
I smile at him sadly understanding how he must feel. “But you are keeping your family safe, that is the important thing. I understand that.” I tell him looking to the ground, unsure how these men judge who I appear to be now.
“I saw you slipped an article into the magazine about Tribbles.” Charlie says as if he wants to cheer me up. “Our dads would have loved it.” He adds as he put a hand on my shoulder.
“Thanks, am I allowed in?” I ask looking past them to Ginny’s door.
“We’ve got to check the purse.” Bill says sounding regretful.
“Don’t worry about it, I want her safe too.” I say handing it over so they can look through the bits and things I keep there.
Charlie frowns at the small gift and casts a few spells on it before putting it back in the purse. I smile both at his caution and the fact the paper worked.
“Okay, you’re safe.” They say before opening the door for me.
I put a big smile on my face before I walk into the very busy room. Ginny isn’t exactly dressed yet, though it would still be early for that for her. All the girls but Hermione are getting nails, both feet and hands, gone over my an absolute army of elves.
“Luna!” Ginny calls shaking elves away from her hands and feet so she can get up to greet me.
“I was hoping to catch you at a quiet moment.” I say looking around at how many witnesses there are in the room now.
“They’re almost done.” She says as she hugs me tightly as if she needs contact to calm herself.
“Do you think we could talk alone after?” I ask looking to all her maids. “Maybe you me and Hermione, like old times?” I ask trying to seem calm about it.
Ginny lets the elves lead her back to her seat then so that can finish up their work. “That would actually be pretty lovely.” She says looking about to burst with nerves.
“I have things Millicent and I should go get and organize, but I’m not sure what we can do about Tracey.” Daphne cuts in obviously trying to help. So I must have pulled off casual.
“Lock her in my room and put a sound ward up. Should have done it this morning.” Hermione says glaring at the silent blond.
I know I’ve missed something now. Tracey always seems to be a bit of extra trouble, but never to this degree.
“Perfect.” Daphne says with a nod. “We still need to get her ready for the ritual, Ginny needs three maids there.”
Hermione shakes her head and sighs. “That’s too dangerous. Isn’t there anyone else you can get? I know why you can’t use me but…” Hermione glances over in my direction. “What about Luna? She’s pureblood and a loyalist. Everyone knows Ginny and her are friends.”
I swallow thinking how me being a part of the ritual will affect any plans for today and decide it is safe if Hermione’s suggestion goes any further.
“Why does tracey need to be replaced?” I ask looking around the room a bit confused.
“Only because she tried to kill our Lady and take her place this morning.” Millicent says in a cold tone as she glares at the blond next to her.
“Oh.” I say looking at the dead woman myself. “I can step in, could someone send a message to my husband?” I ask not wanting Tracey in the rite any more than the others in the room.
“If we replace her he’ll ask why.” Ginny protests, making me frown.
“We would rather risk her safety than yours. The maid’s parts aren’t that complicated, but they are in a position to hurt you.” Daphne points out, clearly liking the idea of no longer using Tracey.
Ginny shakes her head with a sigh. “Fine.” She says and I am suddenly pulled down into a chair by the elves who had been working on Tracey’s nails.
“Bill!” Daphne calls out to the guards. When they open the door the older one looks inside.
“Yeah?” He asks seeming not very happy about answering to Daphne.
“Can you two lock Tracey into Hermione’s room for now. I’m sure there are those who will wish to talk to her after the ritual.”
“Wait, I need a few things.” Hermione says going into her room as the men come in to take custody of the very sick looking Slytherin.
When Hermione exits with an armful of books I can’t help but laugh. “I need something to do while you all are…” She glances to Ginny and shakes her head.
It isn’t too long after that that the elves finish up and Daphne and Millicent leave us so I can talk to Ginny alone. Once we are all sure no one is about I cast another ward on both Hermione’s door and the one leading to the hall.
“I have something for you.” I say feeling a lump form in my stomach.
“You didn’t have to get me anything.” Ginny says shaking her head.
“Are we really pretending like today is something to celebrate?” Hermione says coldly.
I swallow thickly and look up at the two Gryffindors. “By the end of today I think we will be celebrating.” I tell them feeling more nervous than I thought I would. Maybe it’s that I don’t have the mask to protect me here.
“What?” They both ask looking at me in confusion.
“Open it.” I tell her thrusting the red package into Ginny’s hands.
She frowns but does as I ask, opening the small glass and gold device. We made it as small as possible so she could hide it during the rite.
“It looks like a syringe, but with no plunger.” Hermione says with a deep frown.
“They need the Dark Lord’s blood.” I tell the women looking from one to the other. “If you stab him in the leg it will get enough for the potion.” I tell Ginny who is still frowning at the device. “But it has to be after the ritual is done, after Harry’s soul is gone.”
“What?” Ginny looks up in alarm and I realize she didn’t know what the ritual would do to Harry.
I look from one girl to the other. “This wedding rite was designed to push whatever is left of Harry out and destroy him.”
“Those little…” Hermione growls looking like she is about to punch something.
“The rebels have made plans so that he won’t be destroyed.” I tell them slowly, not knowing how much I should keep back at this point. “But to make it all work they need the Dark Lord’s blood.”
Hermione stops in her tracks a moment before turning back slowly to face me. “But they need it after Harry is gone?” She asks again and I can see her intellect working on the problem.
“I’m not exactly sure how it all works.” I tell him and realize I getting much better at lying that I’m completely comfortable with. “They just said they frownd a way to keep Harry from being destroyed and they need you to take the Dark Lord’s blood.” I say before looking around once more before taking a final breath. “It may also be a good idea to have a bit of a bag packed…” I add looking at Hermione.
“They are coming for us?” Hermione says getting to her feet.
“Again I’m not sure of the exact plan, but they have a way of getting down here and they plan to take her out of the Great Hall.” I say looking to a very pale Ginny.
She shakes her head looking down at the device. “I can do this part for Harry, but I don’t want anyone…” She starts before I take her arm.
“Ginny you have to go with them. I don’t know what the Dark Lord will do after you take his blood.” I remind her softly.
She chews on her lower lip and nods slowly, though I am not completely convinced we won’t have to stun her.
Daphne-
The moment we leave Ginny’s room I send Millicent to go and let Blaise know that Luna will be joining the wedding party. I know he will be wondering by now what is taking her so long and I really wouldn’t like her to come on my errand.
I head further down the hall until I meet the two fully masked Death Eaters outside of the Dark Lord’s door.
“I need to speak to him about some changes.” I tell them a little nervous about how he will take changes to his plans at the last minute.
The first thing that hits me as I enter the room is a metallic almost coppery smell. I find the Dark Lord standing stark naked in the middle of his floor as two female attendants pain careful runes all over his body. With the way the red paint is drying brown I have a good idea what the smell is, and I can’t help my stomach from turning.
“What changes?” He asks without moving or even opening his eyes to look at me.
“I don’t trust your Mistress to be one of the maids attending Ginny today.” I start knowing my Lady will be pissed when she finds out I came right to him.
“Do you have a good reason, or have you just grown to dislike her that much?” The Dark Lord asks sounding bored by this already.
“She tried to kill Ginny this morning and take her place in the ritual.” I tell him trying to sound as casual as I can.
“WHAT!?” He growls moving suddenly and ruining some of the intercut work. “Why wasn’t I contacted immediately?” He asks his wand suddenly in his hand. Where the hell did it come from?
“My Lady was worried you would overreact and we have it perfectly under control. Tracey is locked in Hermione’s room as we speak. Lady Radcliff has volunteered to take Tracey’s place.” I say bowing my head.
He clinches his hand around the wand for a long time before he turns back to stand where he had been in the first place. The women clean the ruined marks off carefully and start from where the runes are well placed.
“I will deal with the brat after my honeymoon.” He says after a long while of silence. “The Lovegood girl will be fine. Take Antonin to retrieve Miss Davis from the mudblood’s room and escort her down to a more hospitable cell.”
“Yes my Lord.” I say with a bow, taking his words as a dismissal it takes me a moment to realize that one of the masked men outside must be Dolohov.
The moment I’m in the hall he slips off his mask and smiles at me. “Funny meeting you here.” He says offering me his arm as if we are out for a sunday walk.
“You are attending the Dark Lord today?” I ask even though that is obvious.
“I volunteered when I found out you would be attending the.. humm we will have to find something good to call her once she is his wife.” He says thoughtfully.
“No, I don’t think the Dark Lord will take a liking to hearing his wife called His Slut, or whore.” I say nodding slowly.
“Ah yes, Malfoy made that slip last night.” Dolohov says with a slight from.
“Is he okay?” I ask knowing he must mean Draco’s father since I had been with Draco at the time.
“He will be. Nothing permanent, and he has already had an heir so it really isn’t that big of a deal.” He says but I can see the shiver that goes up his spine.
“She isn’t really dark..” I say not wishing to think about Lucius at the moment.
“No, though there has been a new name going around. Nott started it.” Antonin says thoughtfully. “Senior, I mean. The son is being held for now.”
“What is he calling her?” I ask unsure if I really want to know.
“He says it is something the Dark Lord said to him, and it has stuck in his head.” He explains stopping me a few doors down from Ginny’s.
“What is it?” I ask again very curious now.
“Lady Mercy.” He says with a funny kind of smile. “You know many of his followers were sceptical when he first took that boy’s body. They thought it would change him and weaken him, but if anything it has made him stronger. He’s kind of odd around her though. Nott said the Dark Lord told him that she was his mercy and he had known of his own.”
“I don’t think that was exactly what he said, but pretty close.” I tell him remembering that day. “I think she is going to hate the name, but it is fitting.” I say thinking about the way they are together.
I feel his finger on my chin as he tilts my face to look up into his eyes.
“You know we would make an excellent team. You should just agree to marry me.” He says making me flush a bit in surprise.
“Already jumping to that stage?” I ask as he takes a step towards me.
“You’ve been ignoring my messages for months. I’m ready for a wife Daphne, we would make each other more powerful with the union.” He says backing me into the wall. “Say yes, we can tell our children we got engaged on the Lord’s wedding day.”
“I need to think. What about…” I start and he covers my mouth with his hand.
“If this is really what worries you, you may have a lover as long as my children don’t come out with platnum blond hair. I don’t want to be talked about, you have to make a very public break with him so people know who you belong to.”
I nod slowly as I think over those conditions. It would be a good match, and I can see what he means when he says it would serve both our goals, but I can’t bring myself to say yes just yet.
“Give me time. A week?” I ask looking at him so I can at least talk to Draco about what this offer could mean.
“Fine, a week.” He says stepping back from me and offering his arm once again. “Though I would like to point out I just had you pressed against a wall.” He adds smugly.
Ginny-
I stand perfectly still blocking out the world as the two beautiful women paint runes in blood all over my body. I note after a while their work is focused on areas like my stomach breasts and legs. Places that will not show over the dress that was chosen for me. I wonder if that was one of the requirements of the dress?
“I think I’m going to be sick.” I can’t help but say to the other women in the room.
“Just don’t think about it.” Daphne offers helpfully. “Once they dry I’ve been told you won’t even be able to smell them.” She adds after a moment.
“When can I wash them off?” I ask not for the first time wondering whose blood they were using.
“Umm…” Daphne starts like there is something that she really doesn’t want to tell me. “Well I’m sure the Dark Lord will let you shower right after the consummation.” She says though I can tell by the tone of her voice that isn’t actually an answer to my question.
“When will they wash off?” I ask opening my eyes to look at the girl.
“They’ll fade after a month or so.” Luna cuts in seeing that Daphne didn’t want to answer. “Mine did, though this isn’t exactly the same.” She adds with a frown.
“Most will fade after a month or so.” Daphne agrees sighing. “A few mark you as married and will never go away. This is a blood tieing more than a normal marriage rite.”
“That is pretty dark magic even for him?” Hermione says getting up to inspect the women’s work.
“I’m realizing more and more that he really didn’t give me a lot of information about this wedding.” I say thinking about what was about to happen to Harry’s soul.
I wonder if I will still love Tom without the moments of Harry’s kindness seeping through. It will be a test of the last thread of sanity I have to cling to for my feelings for the evil man. I glance down at Hermione and wonder if she is right, and the reason I love him is more to do with some break than any real emotion.
“She can put the dress on now.” One of the women says as the two gather their things.
“Why are there so many runes for fertility?” Hermione asks with a frown as she examines my stomach.
The older of the two women look down at her as if she shouldn’t dare be so close to their work. “Lady Weasley is to be wife of the Dark Lord. The empire requires an heir.” She speaks in a tone that tells the entire room how she feels about the question and the person who asked it.
Hermione frowns and I know she is about to say something even more rude to the woman.
“Of course.” I say as I already knew Tom wanted a child from me. “You may go.” I tell the woman giving her a clear understanding of what I thought about her.
Once the women are gone Daphne and Luna help me into the dress and make sure the runes stay covered.
“You should have let me yell at that woman.” Hermione says with a sour face. “The empire requires an heir?” She says in a mocking tone. “Why would Voldemort want an heir? Has he given up on his quest for immortality?” She asks looking around to Daphne and me.
“I don’t think so.” Daphne answers thoughtfully as she fixes my hair.
“I think it is much more a statement of his own power, and a way to set an example for the masses.” I tell them stepping back from everyone to look at myself in the mirror. “I know all this anyway. We’ve talked about it already.”
“Even with the spells in place it isn’t a sure thing that you will get pregnant.” Daphne points out more for Hermione benefit than mine.
Before anyone can say another word the door opens and three silver masked Death Eaters stand in the hall. A cold stone drops into my stomach as I think about the small metal and glass device hidden deep within the folds of my dress.
I’m walk down the halls of Hogwarts looking straight ahead. My maids and Luna are each on the arm of one of the Death Eaters in front of me. Behind me are all of my guards. The halls are packed with people from every corner of the empire, but I try not to think of what they see when they look at me.
When we get to the Great Hall I see that is has been completely cleared out. The dias where the professors and staff eat is covered in boxes and gifts of all kinds. in the very center of the room Tom stands in black dress robes, looking to be every bit the shadow to the light of my dress.
I walk to him as was practiced the few times over the last week, and the Death Eaters and maids take their places around the painted circle. It is only the eight of us in the large room while the rest of the world waits outside for the bonding of their ruler.
With a long calming breath I kneel down on the stone floor in front of him and lower my head. I close my eyes as he starts to speak the dark and ancient spells that will kind me to him more tightly than I already am.
The rhythmic words lull me into a dazed kind of trace as I wait for it to be my moment. As the spell gathers power I feel a strange sort of tugging on my core, like a small stand is being teased from a large ball of yarn.
I feel him kneel down in front of me and I can’t help but look up into his beautiful red eyes. “You will be mine.” He says while the magic works its way around us and through us.
“I always have been.” I tell him before he takes my lips into a devouring kiss. I feel as he shifts me on top of his kneel form and suddenly he is inside of me.
I feel myself melt with him in a completely new way as he forced my unprepared body to take him with brutal force. I think briefly that I should be afraid of this, I should be broken for him because of what other men did, but I know he is not other men and he is only taking what already belongs to him.
I feel find myself on my back as I feel magic building up inside of me. I know with the magic encouraging the union neither of us will last long.
My hand moves into the folds of my dress to read my hand around what I know I must do. I won’t go with them in the end, but I will give them what they need to save Harry.
“VOLDEMORT!” I scream as his seed spills into me and my own pleasure crests with the power of the spell. I see a flicker of green pass over his eyes as I look up into him, then I see it disappear completely.
“He’s gone.” Tom pants in a pleased tone as he is still seated deep inside of me. “No one between us any more my pet.”
“No one” I agree leaning up to kiss him once more right before I drive the needle into the back of his shoulder. “But I still need to save him.” I add once I break from the kiss.
His eyes widen at what must be only a slight sting, but he quickly pushes me off of him. I keep his blood closed tightly in my hand while the most dangerous wizard in the world moves over me. I can see the fury in his eyes and I only hope the rebellion gets what they need after he kills me.
“I’m sorry, but I love you both.” I tell him and something flickers behind his eyes that I can read. Before he can react though the back doors to the chamber blow off their hendges. The eight of us look back as a floor of wizards all in red enter the room.
The Death Eaters move forward with hesitation to protect their sovereign. Even Daphne and Millicent get in the way as more come towards the center of the space. I wonder what they will do without wands.
“Daphne! Get my wife out of here.” Tom orders as he gets off of me and draws his own wand.
My friend rush back towards me and helps me to my feet. “It will be okay my Lady.” She says not sounding exactly convinced of that as several of the unknown wizards get past the line of defence.
None of them seem to care about causing Death Eater or even Tom harm, their only focus seems to be getting to me. When Daphne realizes this she pulls me as quickly towards the other side of the hall as our feet can take us.
We aren’t half way down the hall when one grabs me around the waist and pulls me back towards him.
“Funny meeting you again.” Michael says from behind a darkened hood. My blood goes cold as I freeze in his arms. “Think we should have some fun with your pretty maid too this time?” He asks as another grabs Daphne. “I’ve heard she’s used to rough play.”
“Corner let her go.” I hear a familiar voice that actually makes me want to cry. “You’re already on thin ice with me.”
“Just doing as directed Sir.” My captor says before pushing me towards the new man.
I look up at Ron, unable to see into the depth of his cloak I still know it’s him. “Take it.” I tell him when I find my voice. I press the blood into his hand as I try to move out of my brother’s reach.
“I’m taking you.” He says before takes my arm.
“I can’t Ron.” I say in a soft voice, not wishing to advertise to anyone that my brother is here. “I belong here now, but get the others; our brothers, Hermione, save them all if you can.”
“No Ginny, you don’t.” Ron says before he casts a quick stunner in my direction and the whole world goes dark.
Luna-
I watch as one of the DA stuns Ginny and catches her before she hits the ground. Since the fighting has broken out around me I have been very careful to stay out of both Death Eater and the DA’s way. I watch all around me as the large number of DA easily overtake the Death Eaters, but they are careful to cause no real harm.
Lord Voldemort is not so easily subdued and is taking on at least ten of the group by himself. I move back against the wall and take it all in as the plan seems to go perfectly. When Ginny has been taken from the room the rest retreat slowly to give the one holding her time to get out of the castle.
Not wishing to seem like a spy, the moment the room is more clear of flying spells I start making a run for the far door. I know that there are many more Death Eaters and other loyalists on the other side, but by the time I get to it it will be too late for them to stop the DA’s goals.
When I pull the large door open I don’t really have to fake the panic on my face. I’m still worried about those who went after Hermione and those still retreating from the castle.
All of Ginny’s guards stand on the other side of the door and I don’t know how to tell them to run for it.
“They took her!” I say instead pointing towards the now far door.
When I look back I see the Dark Lord casting spells to break the ward the DA put up as they left.
“No.” I hear Draco say as the entire guard rushes forward to go after their lost lady.
Not wishing to draw any more attention to myself I move through teh crowd to find Blaise. He is leaning against a wall in the back. As always he looks utterly relaxed even though the rest of teh guests are in a panic.
When I eyes meet me reaches out and pulls me into his arms before whispering softly in my ear. “What happened?”
“They took her. They came in force and took Ginny.” I tell him making myself sound as shocked as I could.
“Did you know?” He asks obviously not buying the act.
I nod slightly but only because I promised myself I wouldn’t lie to him any longer. He knew the truth about me, but he was keeping it to himself.
“Anything traceable back to you?” He asks pulling me closely as if he was just a loving husband comforting his scared wife.
Luna shook her head into his neck. “No. I’ve stayed out of most of the workings today.” I tell him as I take in a deep breath. “But I’m sure if they don’t get her back…”
“...they will question everyone here, starting with those at the rite.” Blaise says frowning as he thinks about how much danger she is in. “Luna, if he questions you himself…” He starts looking around like he wanted to get her out of there.
“Than I will put my best face on it.” I say pressing herself back against him as if their closeness would give me the strength that she needed.
“It’s very hard to lie to him.” He says softly as his hand pet over the back of her dress.
“We can always hope he is too busy.” I tell him and close the world out while we wait to see what will happen next.
It is a good hour before the guests are rounded up and separated into groups so they can be questioned. When the Death Eater comes to take me from him Blaise doesn’t move an inch.
“She’s my wife, I’m going with her.” He says giving the men a look I can’t see.
After that he keeps his arm around me as we are led back into the Great Hall. I see Daphne and Millicent kneeling near the edge of the room and I wonder for the first time what will happen to them.
The Dark Lord sits in the center of the room watching us as she draw closer.
“Lady Zabini.” He says as we approach.
“My Lord.” I answer with as much frightened respect as I can muster.
“As you probably realize by now my wife is gone.” He says coldly.
“Yes my Lord, I saw them stun her.” I say trying to keep as close to the truth as I could.
“Really? Miss Greengrass says the same, that they had to force her to go with them.” He says thoughtfully.
I glance over at Daphne before looking to the floor. Her colors are mostly those of fear, and Millicent looks the same. I wonder if it is to do with their questioning or if they are worried for their futures.
“Yes my Lord.” I confirm again. “When I could I could get across the room safely I went to get the other guards.” I tell nervously.
“So you are the one you opened the main chamber door?” He asks as if he really didn’t know how that happened.
“Yes my Lord.”
“It is a pity that it was too little, too late.” He says regretfully. “Or was that a part of the plan?”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t do more my Lord, but we were told to leave our wands in Ginny’s room” I tell him glancing up at him fearfully.
He is surrounded all the more tightly by darkness, but now it doesn’t shift as it did. I see colors in the darkness that I could not tell before. He’s angry of course but he is also very worried and the two emotions are fighting against one another for dominance.
“You love her…” I can’t help letting the words slip as I have the revelation.
The Dark Lord chuckles giving me a mocking smile. “I don’t love Lady Zabini.” He tells him simply looking at me over once more. “You were once a member of the DA back before the final battle.”
“Yes my Lord.” I say as I feel Blaise’s arm tighten around my shoulder.
“Now you help to spread my words with your father’s magazine.” He says like he just read this in some kind of report. “How did changing sides so dramatically feel?”
“I didn’t want Death Eaters with their hands all over my father’s work.” I tell him honestly. “I won’t try to say that I don’t have sympathies towards those I feel deserve their freedom. There is nothing wrong with Muggleborns. What there is something wrong with is a group who would rape a woman out of vengeance and then kidnap her from her wedding.”
“What if she went willingly, she seemed to be working with them.” The Dark Lord says to gauge my reaction.
“Not from what I saw my Lord!” I tell him in a panic.
“She took something very important from me, something that can be used as a weapon against me. She told me herself she still loves Potter.”
“Harry’s dead.” I say as my eyes start to water.
“Look into my eyes Lady Zabini.” He says finally.
Even though I knew this had to be coming my stomach still drops as I look up at him. Instead of putting up a wall like so many of the books say, I let him enter my mind freely but work to shift my thoughts in ways to give him the wrong information.
When he starts to look at what I have been doing that day I shift my thoughts randomly between sitting in Ginny’s room and making love to my husband. He chuckles at this before trying to move into dark parts of my mind.
He can obviously tell I’m hiding something, so I give him embarrassing tidbits at a time. When I got drunk that first time with Blaise. The way I felt when he was threatening to rape me in front of Draco. When I was afraid and drugged at Rookwood’s mercy.
“Wait.” He says finding something interesting in the moment. “When did you last see him little dove?” He asks under his breath.
I flush as my mind skips to the day on the street and I try to push it anywhere else. He pushes back against this and makes me relive the memory a few times before he shakes his head and passes out of my mind.
“Your wife’s killed one of my Death Eater.” He says looking to Blaise.
“I’m sorry my Lord.” I say falling to my knees to keep the focus off of Blaise. “I didn’t mean to, my magic got away from me. I didn’t mean to.”
“I know child.” He says coldly with a shake of his head. “I’m not completely unreasonable it was obvious in your memory that it was an accident. What was not an accident was the actions of my other Death Eater. But I have no time to deal with this today. Take her home, get her out of my sight.”
With those words I work very hard to constrain the floor of relief in me. When the door closes behind us I slump into Blaise arms and he holds me all the closer.
“We need to get home.” He says softly as he leads me down the long path to the gates. “I’m very proud of you, not many can keep things from him.” He says though I can still tell he is afraid.
“But it isn’t over.” I say thinking there will be further investigation into Rookwood.
“No, it isn’t over.” Blaise agrees kissing the top of my head.
Daphne-
“Funny meeting you again.” One of the red clad men says as he tightens his hold on Ginny. I can tell by the way she stills she knows and fears him. “Think we should have some fun with your pretty maid too this time?” He asks as another figure grabs me from behind, there are just too many of them. “I’ve heard she’s used to rough play.”
I know they are just trying to scare us. There really isn’t time to do what he is suggesting and make it out of here alive. But it still sends a cold chill through me to think about.
“Corner let her go.” Another figure says with authority. “You’re already on thin ice with me.”
“Just doing as directed Sir.” Corner says before he tosses Ginny at the woman man.
She looks up at him as if she is seeing a ghost. “Take it.” She says pressing something into his hand.
“I’m taking you.” He answers as he take hold of her arms.
“I can’t Ron.” I hear her say ever so softly. “I belong here now, but get the others; our brothers, Hermione, save them all if you can.”
“No Ginny, you don’t.” Is all he says before he casts a stunner on her and she slumps in his arms.
“Leave that one, we don’t need her.” Ron says to my captor and the man thrusts me roughly to the ground.
Without a wand and in a stupid gown I struggle to my feet and try to run after Ron and my Lady. I don’t know what will happen if they take her out of here. It doesn’t feel safe for her or me so I aim to tackle him. Several more red figures move in my way once he is passed the main line.
I dodge several spells before a leg locking curse hits be dead on and I fall to the ground. I close my eyes in defeat and wait for it all to end.
“You were supposed to get her out.” The Dark Lord says as he kicks my prone form with his foot.
I whimper and close my eyes tightly. “I’m sorry my Lord, they overpowered us.” I tell him softly.
“You mean overpowered you.” He says snidely. “I’m sure my wife is happy to be rid of me.”
“She wanted to stay my Lord. They had to stun her to carry her out.” I tell him wondering why he ever cares.
“After what she took it is smarter of her to run.” He says leaning down over me and turning my chin so I have to look up into his eyes. “Did you know about any of these plans Daphne?” He asks as I feel him enter my mind without warning or care. Memories of the past few days flashed through my mind as he looked for some connection that simply wasn’t there.
He watches the moments of the battle over and over again before he pulls away suddenly. When he was done with me he tossed me back towards the ground and stalked away. Itw as Millicent who undid the spells and helped me over to the wall as he and his Death Eaters decided what to do next.
“Do you think she is okay?” Milly asks sounding more than worried for our Lady.
“It was her brother. I think she is safe for now at least.” I tell her not thinking the same was true for us.
When the Lovegood girl is brought in with Blaise I stiffen a moment before I force myself to relax. He won’t be looking for her abilities I remind myself but I still can’t watch as he questions her.
When I look up again the girl is gone and another Death Eater approaches him in a panic. I hear the man say mudblood and I know Hermione must be gone as well.
“What are we going to do?” I ask myself more than the girl beside me.
“Ready her rooms for her return.” Millicent says firmly. “He won’t let her stay away for. She is his wife now.”
I smile at that and shake my head. Who would have thought the day Ginny tired herself to the Dark Lord would be the day she would find some kind of freedom?
Millicent and me sit there for a long time, watching as Death Eaters and others come and go. First all the guests at here for the wedding a questioned and some are even led away. I feel Milly shift next to me many times as we sit uncomfortably on the floor. Our wands were still in Draco’s custody, but I haven’t seen him or any of Ginny’s guards for that matter. My mind starts to swim around new dark places as I wonder if they are being punished for her escape.
When someone pushes a warm porcelain cup into my hands I look up in surprise. I hadn’t even noticed the man approach. Dolohov is crouched down in front of me, trying to look into my eyes.
“Worried?” He asks still kindly.
“The men who attacked my Lady just kidnapped her, how should I be?” I ask feeling it was important to reiterate with anyone I could that Ginny was taken against her will.
“You really think she didn’t want this Daphne?” He asks sounding slightly amused.
“I know she didn’t, she told him her place was here.” I tell him with a deep frown. “She wouldn’t leave us if she had a choice.” I say glancing over to the Dark Lord I start to wonder about my own punishment. Would he keep up his end of the deal with Ginny? Were Draco and I still under her protection?
As if reading my mind Antonin brushes some hair from my face and sighs. “I would protect you.” He says softly before getting up and rejoining the group around the Dark Lord.
“He’ll find her Daphne.” Milly says firmly. “Those evil outcasts will not be able to keep our queen.”

I can’t help but laugh at the girl’s word choice. “We’ll see.” I tell her before drinking the tea that had been given to me.
- 12
- 13
- 14
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Face of War