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Face of Death	By : dweek Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Voldemort/Ginny Views: 5282 -:- 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
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Ginny-
When I wake from the pain, I can tell right away there is something wrong. I’m not where I’m supposed to be. There is too much light. I’m on a bed, not on the floor of a dungeon or even the house with the rebels. This isn’t Harry’s bed either it doesn’t smell like him.
Opening my eyes slowly I find myself in a small but clean bedroom. The smells of fresh cool air and pine fill my lungs as I take a breath. They already moved me to the cottage Hermione had mentioned. Slipping out of bed, I see a note propped up against the box Harry had taken my wand from.
I’ll be back later to check on you.
~Harry
I frown at the note and set it aside. I have to wonder how long I was out. I’ve woken with the absolute certainty of what had happened when I cursed Harry. My wand was made to punish me if I moved against Tom. It is obvious that just like my marriage bond the wand thinks Harry is Tom.
I laugh as the first time the wand backfires I was doing something Tom would approve of. I can still feel a lingering ache in my joints from the Cruciatus curse. It must have been designed to cut off as soon as I blacked out. But then how did they move me so easily?
I sigh and open the box to see what else Hermione had packed just for something to keep me from thinking about my friends. Friends who think it is just fine to use me even more badly than the Darkest Wizard of our time.
On top of odds and ends I don’t really care anything for is my journal. The one Daphne gave me so long ago. I half smile half grimace at the book. It had helped me to work through my feelings for Tom. I’m thankful Hermione never deemed to read it, as I am sure if she had than I would be in a locked room and not a cottage all alone.
Looking through the box some more I find a quill and ink before setting the box aside so I can sit at the desk it had been sitting on.
I frown down at the book before opening it. This mundane book has been a friend for the last year of my life, it just feels right to catalog the events of the past week.
I feel more trapped now than ever. There was a time back in the beginning of my confinement in the castle that I had no rights at all. And somehow, I feel more powerless now. At least during that time there were those around me to listen. Daphne and even Tom seemed like they cared about what I had to say. It may have been an illusion, or a manipulation, but it was a comforting one.
Now I have been secluded away from everyone I know because my friends see me as nothing more than a distraction at best, and a traitor at worst.
I am a traitor. Because now no matter what side I choose, I have to betray a man that I love. I am a traitor to the side of light because I want to go home back. I want to be with a man that isn’t afraid of hurting me. I want to work towards changing this new regime from the inside. I am a traitor because I want to keep all my friends and family safe. I’m glad I could help give Harry back his life. I am happy in his arms. I like the smell of him on my sheets.
Hermione says that what I feel for Tom isn’t real. She says I have something muggles call Stockholm syndrome. In fact, I spent the whole day after my wedding listening to Hermione go into great detail about what that was and why I needed to fight it. I have a feeling it was something she had been holding in for the months we were together.
I look down at what I’ve written so far before I hear a door open and close. I shut the book quickly and hide it at the bottom of the box before standing and turning to face Harry as he enters the room. I don’t know why I feel the need to hide it from him but it makes me feel better to keep it to myself.
He puts his hands up with a grimace as he enters the room. “I think it is best if you don’t curse me.” He said but didn’t move any closer. “Do you know what happened?”
“My wand is cursed.” I say getting to my feet but leaving the distance between us. “So that I couldn’t use it against…”
“Him.” Harry finishes with a deep frown. “I think I am going to get a bit tired of magical things thinking we are the same person.” He said with a sigh before moving slowly towards me. “But I guess there are some advantages.” He adds before reaching out and taking my hand.
The only reason he could touch me like this after my bond to Tom was because the bond acknowledged him as if he were Tom.
“You wouldn’t add the fact that it seems I am punished for cursing you with this wand?” I ask motioning to the red instrument by my bed.
He frowns pulling me closer into his embrace and kissing the top of my head. “Ginny you looked like you were being tortured; do you really think I would have wanted you to pay that price just because I pissed you off?” He asks looking into my face with concern in his eyes.
“No.” I say with a sigh resting my head against his chest.
“I’m never going to let anyone hurt you again.” He said running his hand up and down my back gently.
I pull out of his arms and shake my head. “Is that who you want me to be?” I ask annoyance flaring once again. “Some fragile thing?”
“No.” He says ready for my attack. “No. I didn’t mean it like that.” He adds quickly putting up his hand. “I just mean that. Ginny I know everything they did to save me. I made Ron tell me what happened to you.”
I can’t have this conversation with him so I head for the door to the bedroom, but he steps in my way.
“I’ve banished them. I had to wait. I had to make sure everyone knew I wasn’t doing it purely for you. But those men are no longer members of my army.” He tells me with a hard expression.
“They helped save you.” I counter, just this morning I was bitter about the freedom they had, and now I’m fighting to keep them?
“I don’t agree with the tactics the leadership chose to use in order to save me. But if they had simply followed Ron’s orders then maybe they could have stayed. But they went out of their way to hurt you Ginny. They have no place at my side.”
I chew on my bottom lip unsure how I feel about this. Without the protection of the DA how long before those men, are found by Tom? I look back to Harry suddenly realizing that is his plan. “You’ve turned them over to Tom?” I ask taking a step back.
“Not directly. But really it is only a matter of time before they are caught.” He says without emotion. “If you're really so worried for them maybe you’ve earned that name the papers have stuck you with.”
“Do you know what he will do to them if he finds out they are the ones who attacked me? Do you know what I had to do to protect their identities?” I ask angrily.
“He’ll do what I can’t.” Harry says pulling himself up to full height.
“He’ll make them beg for death.” I say watching the cold calculation in Harry’s eyes.
“Exactly.” He says nodding once.
“This isn’t you Harry. You don’t do this.” I tell him shaking my head. “Not this.” I repeat taking a step back from him.
“This is war Ginny, and I can’t trust them to follow orders. And you don’t get protected when you hurt people for the fun of it.”
“It would have been kinder to kill them.” I snap.
“I’m not that nice anymore.” He shoots back with such venom I’m stunned in place.
Luna-
Standing in the doorway to the room that used to be Ginny’s I can’t help but feel cold and numb. They’ve removed all her things from the space. A remote part of me hopes they have just found a new place in the castle, but the main part of me just feels cold and numb at the look of my own future.
I haven’t been permitted to leave Hogwarts or even the Chamber of Secrets, so Blaise has gone back home to tell the elves and collect what belongings I may need here. In these moments, alone I can't help but think how I have become the Dark Lord’s weapon.
“I can read people as easily as most read books.” The Dark Lord’s voice rings out from behind me, but I don’t jump or tremble at his approach, but merely turn to face him. I am too numb to fear him. “What did you mean? Do you have some sort of legilimency as well?” He asks and I shake my head.
“I read their colors.” I say, as the potion still seems to be affecting my answers. “I think some would call it auras.”
He looks at me with great interest a slow smile making his face look more dark than happy. “You will use these gifts for my benefit.” He orders reaching out and taking my chin in his grasp. “You will make a divine little pet for me I think.”
“You’re trying to frighten me.” I tell him as I am in no mood to put on any sort of mask for anyone. “Why do you need me frightened when you have already taken my future away?”
“A bold little dove. I wonder now why I haven’t given you more attention.” He says looking past me into the empty room for a moment.
“Because I wasn’t very important.” I tell him with a shrug trying to look back into the room as well. “The only times we interacted was to use me as a tool against others. Trapping me in the Malfoy’s dungeon to use against my father, threatening to rape me to use against Draco. These are the only times we have met.”
“Who knew about your prophecies before today?” He asks looking back at me with a frown. His hand moves down to my wrist as he moves me away from Ginny’s room.
“I don’t want to tell you that.” I tell him shaking my head.
“But you are going to.” The Dark Lord says moving us down the hall where I have never been.
“No I’m not.” I say firmly trying to pull back out of his grasp. I smile to see the potion’s influence is starting to wane.
“You belong to me now little girl. Do you really want to make this harder on yourself than it will already be?” He asks trying to intimidate me and tightening his hold on my wrist.
“Have you officially taken my citizenship?” I ask still too numb be intimidated.
“Do you want me to?” He asks looking into my eyes for signs of fear.
“My Lord if you do what you are thinking, you are going to truly lose her. Having a mistress is one thing, breaking one of the few friends she has left is a completely different thing.”
“Do you really think I have ever cared about my wife’s desires? Do you really think she has ever been more than just another pawn for me to move?”
“I don’t think these things. I know them.” I say boldly. “As I know she will try to get back here. She didn’t want Harry to die, but she didn’t want to go with him either.”
He pushes me back by my wrist making me fall to the ground a few feet from him. “You are a fool.” He hisses drawing his wand smoothly.
“You want me to be your oracle. Then I will always tell you the truth. But if you punish me for that truth than I will have no choice but to find a way out. Then you will have no oracle.”
“There is no way out girl.” He says lowering his wand.
“I’m a very smart girl; there is a thousand ways I can find death in this castle.” I tell him before closing my eyes and waiting for his curse.
There is a long moment where the coldness of the stone under me is all I can feel. Then warm fingers push my chin up and I open my eyes to see him crouching beside me. “Take the unbreakable vow to only ever tell me the truth, and I will only take you as my mistress in name only.”
I blink at the sudden shift in him tilting my head as I wonder about this change. Another predatory smile graces his face at my confusion.
“Though we will give the Prophet a few pictures of how much I use you. I want her to think I bed you regularly and that you like it.” He adds coldly. “Only your husband may know the truth.”
“Yes my Lord.” I agree still stunned before he leans in and kisses me as if he is sealing this bargain in such a way. His hand moved to my hair and he tightens his hold on my locks as he takes what he wants from my lips. I can’t help but admit he is a fine kisser, but it has no fire for me like when I kiss Blaise.
When he pulls back, there is amusement in his eyes. “You should go tell Lord Zabini this deal, you both will come to my rooms in an hour’s time to finish our bargain.”
“I don’t…” I start but he shakes his head and points back down the hall.
“I think he went that way.” He says standing to his full height.
My eyes widening at his words I realize what the kiss was actually for now. Getting to my feet, I rush back towards where the Dark Lord pointed. He is almost to the stairs out of the chamber when I see Blaise again.
“Blaise!” I call breathlessly making him stop.
“He doesn’t waste time.” He says sounding hurt.
“It was just a kiss.” I tell him catching up to him and trying to take his hand. He pulled it out of my reach and wouldn’t even look at me.
“You’re not jealous?” I asked not really thinking to look at his colors just then. He was hurt and I couldn’t really understand why.
“No.” He said in a tone I didn’t understand.
“Then tell me what is wrong. You know I don’t want to be here.” I tell him before I look closer at him, taking in his colors for the first time. He was surrounded in shame and pain and it made me force myself into his arms.
“I hurt you.” He said softly allowing his arms to wrap around me. “I hurt you and it gave him more reason to take you away.” His arms tightened then, pulling me into him. “I couldn’t protect you Luna. I don’t know what to do.”
With my face buried in his chest, I didn’t answer for a long time. I was afraid after all, with him here to melt some of the numbness I could tell the fear was there waiting to crash over me.
“I’ve made a deal.” I tell him softly against his firm chest. “I will take the unbreakable vow to always tell him the truth, and in return he won’t…” I couldn’t think of words horrible enough to explain what I was shaking from.
Blaise stiffened around me all the more. “You’re playing a very dangerous game.” He tells me as if I don’t already know that.
“It was the only move we had.” I remind him looking up into his face. “What did I say? What was this prophecy anyway?” I ask, as I had not been aware enough at the time to know the words coming from my own lips.
“As the year dies the Serpent's new heir will be born. If left in the hands of the adversary the mother will come to the same fate as the last.”
Daphne-
I’m settling down for the night unable to think of much other than the lonely ache in my heart where Draco used to be. I know it is for the best, but I didn’t realize it would hurt so much so soon. I remind myself once again that it is not just the best for me, but also the best for him if we are parted.
Soon after, I extinguish the candles in my room and slip into the bed alone. My sheet still smell of him, and I don’t know if I will miss the smell when it is gone, or if I should drive it away now to make things easier.
Turning in my bed, I notice something odd at my desk and sit up. The top drawer of my desk seems to be emitting a light. I frown at it trying to think of what it could be when I realize the only thing it could be.
I’m not sure how I make it across the room as I trip over everything to pull the drawer open and grasp the glowing book in my hand. It is charmed to glow every time Ginny has written something new. I hadn’t even realized she took the other book with her. My mouth goes dry as I flip to the newest entry.
My eyes take in every word and my pulse quickens as I read about how much she wants to come home. Even with Harry alive and well, she loves the Dark Lord. I smile, running my fingers down the page as I start to tear up knowing my Lady still worries for me. I’m not alone.
I read the entry a few times, as I try to decide my best action. I could take the book to my Lord and show him how she wants to come back to him. I frown as it also says she enjoys Potter’s touch.
The spelled journals are capable of sending messages both ways, but I’ve never used the function before, as I didn’t want her to know that I was reading. How mad would she be if I revealed this so we could somehow get her home?
Sitting down I know I would rather risk Ginny’s wrath than the Dark Lord’s any day of the week.
Dear my Lady Mercy,
Forgive me that I have tricked you in this way. The journal I gave you back before we were actually friends is a two-way message book. I needed insight and this was a way of gaining it. I swear I have not read any entry in many months, but when I saw that there was a new one my hope was too much not to read it.
Everyone here is alive… Draco and Adrian are on castle duty. Your family is being kept in the upper dungeons. The Dark Lord doesn’t wish to risk them joining you. Millicent is fine, she has been given work as the Headmaster’s assistant, and Tracey I think is still alive. But I don’t think he is torturing anyone, well maybe Tracey. I’m not sure how long they will be safe unless you return.
Tell me how I can serve you best my Lady,
~Daphne
I frown down at the words and quickly close the book before I can think twice about what I’ve just done. I clutch it to my chest taking it to bed with me without really thinking about it. It now contains all my hope. If I can only get her back, then maybe I won’t have to be alone after all.

The next morning I choose a large purse so that I can bring the book with me when I go out with Antonin. He wants to show me something today, and has even gotten permission from the Dark Lord to take me out of Hogwarts to do so.
I dress in my best casual robes and spend a long while on my hair, face, and nails. I make myself into the perfect little pureblood beauty he is looking for in a wife.
My work doesn’t go unnoticed as I meet him in the front hall of the castle. His eyes travel over my form, appraising me like some hippogriff he plans to buy.
“You look lovely today my sweet.” He says as he takes my arm and kisses my hand.
“It isn’t often I get to go out these days.” I tell him in a pleasant tone.
“And from the scene the Malfoy boy made last night in the village I take it you have broken it off with him?” Antonin asks amused with himself.
“Scene?” I ask unable to keep the worry from my voice.
His grasp on my arm got a little tighter as we moved towards the front gates. “He was more than a little drunk, making out with any pureblood twit in the place.”
“Oh.” I say with a slight shrug. “I’m sure he has been wanting to do that publicly for a while.” I say trying to sound unconcerned, but thankful he wasn’t hurt. “Where are we going anyway?” I ask turning my thoughts away from Draco.
“It’s a surprise.” Antonin said smugly. “Just hold on tight once we are off the grounds.” He added patting my hand pleasantly.
I moved closer to him as he Apparated us both to the middle of a small square. Looking around it was easy to tell that we were in one of the many small clusters of wizarding homes in London. It was hard to tell which one as many of them looked very similar.
The buildings were brownstones, and very well kept. The square was lush and green. These were the sorts of homes only the wizard elite kept in London. I wondered whom exactly we were visiting and why he wouldn’t tell me.
Still holding my arm Antonin smiled and led me to the closest house. The front walk was well groomed, and yellow roses climbed a trellis arching over the door.
“Whose house is this?” I ask curiously and he only smiles as he opens the door without knocking. “Yours?” I add in wonder as he pulls me into the empty building.
“Ours. Well it will be once we are married.” He says looking at me expectantly.
Looking around for a moment, I assess the ground floor. The building is full of light, with white walls and wonderfully designed moldings that add elegance. “It’s beautiful.” I say turning to him with a smile. I moved to him as he expects and kiss his lips, showing my excitement.
“I’m glad you like it.” He tells me his fingers reaching up to brush over my face. “You will be staying here when you’re not working. I think it is safer that way. Don’t you?” He asks and I wonder if he means that I will be safe from the Dark Lord or from Draco.
“Yes.” I tell him never letting my pleasant smile drop. If he wished to play these games now, who was I to refuse.
“There’s an elf called Rosy, and I bought a mudblood to help with housework. You did not seem like the type to do such things yourself.” He says casually, but I know he is testing me. I worked very hard to protect muggle-borns for my Lady, and he wants to know what I will think of owning one.
“Male or female?” I ask without any real concern.
“Male. He is scrawny now, but if you put him to some good work, I am sure we can strengthen him up. He’ll be delivered here tomorrow.”
“You trust me alone with a man?” I ask amused but not really giving him a chance to answer as I walk into the sitting room.
“I trust you alone with a boy. He’s barely sixteen, and he’s small for his age. I don’t really think I have anything to worry about.”
“I could teach him to be a man.” I say trying to push his buttons because I had nothing better to do.
“If fucking some mudblood amuses you than I don’t really care as long as my children look nothing like him.” Antonin answers boredly. “But if you are going to act like a slag than we are going to have to rethink our wedding contract.”
I sigh rolling my eyes at him and shaking my head. “I would never actually fuck one of them.” I say before turning to face him. “If you don’t want me to be a bored house witch, what do you want?” I ask still unclear in my standing with him.
“I thought I would get you a job at the Ministry. They’ll underestimate you, think you are just there to decorate the place, and then you are going to take their jobs one by one. Once you have enough influence to actually be useful to me, I’ll reward you by finding you an appropriate lover.”
“So nothing has changed but the fact you have power over me now?” I ask moving to the wide front windows.
“Exactly. I want a useful wife.” He says as I can hear him coming up behind me. “It is just a bonus I have more power over you at the start.” Antonin adds pushing blond curls from my neck.
“And if my Lady returns?” I ask thinking about the book in my bag.
“Do you think he will give her back even a small measure of the power she had before?” He asks with a chuckle, his lips brushing against the back of my neck. “She will be little more than his whore when he takes her back.”
“And if she returns on her own?” I ask trying not to tense as he presses the heat of his chest against my back.
“You’re a child if you think it will happen like that. She has her rebel prince; she was never on our side really.”
Before I can answer him, he shifts and twists me around so my back is against the glass of the window. I look up at him with fearful eyes before he takes my lips more roughly than he has ever dared to touch me before.
My heart hammers in my chest as he presses himself hard against my smaller form. It takes all my will to give into his desire, to not fight or scream in the fear I’ve blocked off in my mind. He knows how I feel about rough play and he is doing this to scare me.
Ginny-
That night I dream of pain. I know Riddle is playing with me, spinning me around, tossing me about, I feel hands all over me but the images never stop for me to focus. This is the first night I’ve slept alone since my marriage and Riddle seems to be having his fun.
When I feel as if I am going to puke he stops everything so suddenly, but I’m still dizzy and off balance, even in this dream place. I fall to my knees in a dark room and I hear a deep evil laughter. But this laugh isn’t Riddle and it isn’t Tom. This is Harry’s laugh, but somehow it had been twisted into something dark and wrong.
“You do seem to like them wicked.” Riddle says sounding amused, but not yet showing himself. In fact, I am still in complete darkness. The only way I know I’m not just floating in nothing is the fact that I can feel the stone against my knee.
“Harry’s a good man.” I counter as I work to gain focus in this dream.
“He was a good man once, but you never spread your legs for him back then.” Riddle mocked and I heard the twisted laugh once more. “Now he is willing to throw fools to a viper.” He added with approval. “We can work with this.”
“I’m not going to talk about this with you.” I tell him finally covering my face with my hands.
“We need to make plans. I’ve told you before that our fates are joined. I will not fail because you are being stupid.” Riddle hissed closer to me. “If I punish you tonight no one will be around to save you. You will live in the pain until I will it to stop. Is that what you want?”
My breath caught as I realized how right he was. Tom and Daphne know these dreams were dangerous. Now without sleeping potions, or even their support, I’m subject to his whims.
His face comes into view, his smile wide as he appears out of the darkness so close to me I could touch him.
“You understand your position.” He says running fingers down my cheek as I turn away from him. “So don’t make me punish you.”
“What do you want?” I ask my heart beating rapidly as I turn my face away from his touch.
“We want power.” Riddle says jerking my chin back so I have to look him in the eyes. “Harry is a new way to gain that power. If he takes out the Dark Empire than we can stand at his side as we would have stood at Lord Voldemort’s.”
“What if I want to go back? What if I would rather stand next to Tom?” I ask softly knowing I can’t keep things from this being inside my mind. “I mean I’m so much more useful to the people at Tom’s side. Harry hardly lets me do anything.”
“Is that the real reason you want to go home?” He asks mocking my thoughts. He moves forward so I have to lean back to stay out of his way when I don’t answer. “Do you really think I don’t know how much you desire your Dark Lord’s touch? How much you want him to hurt you?”
I fall back into the darkness in a way that can only happen in dreams. I feel myself scream as winds rush past me and I wonder if Riddle is going to kill me this time. When I hit the bed it hurts like I have really fallen a great distance, but nothing actually feels broken.
It is a moment before I realize I can see the room he had placed me in and I grimace as my body reacts favorably to being in Tom’s bedroom once again.
“Tell the truth my sweet, and we can get past this.” He says pouring two snifters of whiskey with his back to me. “I’ll even reward you if you are honest with me.”
“Reward?” I ask sitting up slowly as I can feel the pain in my bones.
“Yes.” He says turning and giving me that charming mask that made me fall in love with him back when I was a child. “You’ll like it.”
I swallow looking down at my knees and take in a slow breath. “I feel safer with Tom than I have with Harry.” I tell him blushing from the shame of it.
“Of course you do. Voldemort knows you better than anyone alive does. He has seen your true core of being.” He explains as he sits next to me on the black comforter. “Harry only knows the girl you were before you were forced to become a Queen. He only knows silly Ginny Weasley who gets in over her head because she can’t stand not to fight for what she feels is right.”
I feel his fingers tuck hair behind my ear and run slowly down the column of my neck. “Harry can learn these things. We can teach him.”
“Why are you so keen to stay? I thought you would be all about getting back.” I tell him taking the glass he offers and holding it between both my hands.
“It is true that if given a choice I think we would be better off with Lord Voldemort, standing next to him as his Queen. But that is not an option right now, so we must work on becoming Harry’s Queen as well.” He says tipping the glass up so that I have to drink some. It is odd how the taste burns as if I am really drinking the spicy alcohol. Everything about these dreams are always odd.
“What’s my reward?” I ask looking up at him before taking another sip.
He just smiles at me and pats my cheek for a moment. “You get to wake up.”
I sit up in bed with a start. The rough cotton sheets and hard mattress feeling so different from Tom’s dream room that I don’t know where I am for a moment. When I come to my senses, the room is filled with the dark blue light of twilight.
Knowing I shouldn’t press my luck and try for sleep, I get out of bed and head over to the box. I have some idea of recording the dream in my journal when I find that it is glowing. With a deep frown and a nervous feeling, I pull it from its hiding place and sit at the small desk.
I slowly flip through the pages that have recorded my life for the last year, worried about what I will find in a journal I thought was safe, was my friend. When I come to an entry that is not in my handwriting, I quickly throw the book at the opposite wall.
Digging my fingers into my scalp, I realize I’m shaking, as an avalanche of emotions want to bury me. How could I have fallen for a trap once again? How could Riddle have gotten into the book? What am I going to do without the solace it had provided me with these long months?
I know I am on the edge of breaking into a thousand unknowable pieces and it is a hard and painful fight to keep it from happening. I know that if I let myself break now, with no one here to anchor me, I will never return.
By the time, I get the trembling shards of my being back into a human form I see the sun has moved rightfully into the horizon, bring golds and reds to light the hills outside my window. I take in a slow breath and walk across the room to retrieve the book and look to see exactly what had happened.
I feel numb as I read Daphne’s note. It takes me several times before I understand the meaning of the words. Things make a little more since now if I really thought about how nice she was to give me the book in the first place. I knew back then there must have been a reason, and now I know what it was.
Though I wonder about something as I look at the note and I feel much better than I had before knowing it is only a communication device. The fact she gives me news of my brothers and my people somehow calms me more than I understand.
I am still thinking about the note when I make my breakfast. When Harry comes to visit me, he says I seem distracted and I know it is because of Daphne’s note. It isn’t until after lunch when he leaves that I go back to it and read it one last time.
She didn’t say how she was doing. She gave me information about all those who I care for, but not herself. I frown at this, and I lie to myself saying it is the only reason I will write her back.
Luna-
I look into red eyes as I grasp the Dark Lord’s hand. It is odd as I look into the face that was once Harry’s and I see no trace of my friend left. Many say it frightens them to see their hero commit such evil, but I honestly can’t see it. I don’t see my friend at all any longer.
I feel the warmth of the spell as Blaise touches his wand to our linked hands.
“Will you, Luna, agree to never tell anyone outside of this room the truth of our sexual relationship?” The Dark Lord asks seeming almost bored.
“I will.” I agree as a wire-like strand wraps around our hands.
“And will you agree to always tell me when you have spoken a prophecy?”
“I will.” I say as another strand wraps around us.
“And will you agree to always tell me the truth?” He asks his last question.
“I will.” I say and the third and final strand tightens around our hands until they seep into our very skin.
The Dark Lord’s hand tightens on mine and he pulls me a bit closer to him so I can see nothing but those red eyes. “You may go.” He says and I know he isn’t talking to me.
“But you said you wouldn’t…” Blaise starts but Voldemort cuts him off.
“I have questions to ask of your wife. That you have no need to hear.” The man says without taking his eyes off mine. “You may come back in the morning to see your wife; she is safe under my protection.”
“Y-yes my Lord.” Blaise says and I know he will worry.
Once the door is closed, I swallow. “That wasn’t very nice of you.” I tell him because there are very few people that tell this man the whole truth.
“He pushes too much. If he hadn’t questioned I would have let him sleep here.” Voldemort says coldly. “Tell me Luna does my wife actually love me?” He asks a bit sarcastically, but I can tell there is rawness under the bravado.
“Yes.” I tell him simply.
“I forbid you to tell anyone I asked.” He says finally letting go of my hand. “Tomorrow afternoon I have a council meeting. You will join me there as my oracle.”
“Yes my Lord.” I say staying in the kneeling position as he stands. “What happened to your mother my Lord?” I ask because I need to know how bad things would be for Ginny if she stayed with Harry.
“She died soon after my birth.” He says without feeling.
“Then we really need to get Ginny back.” I tell him frowning, maybe I can get a message to Harry.
“Are you so sure I’m not the adversary?” He asks looking down to me hiding his fear behind amusement.
“She is having your heir.” I tell him simply.
He nods to this moving to the door without another word.

The next morning Blaise arrives with breakfast. The moment we are in private his hands start to run over my form as if he’s checking me for injuries.
“He didn’t touch me.” I comfort him as I lean into his form. He sighs and pulls me closer.
“You know this means we can’t even run away.” He says under his breath. “I’ve tried to think of all sorts of ways of getting around your vow. But how can you plan an escape without him finding out?”
“Wait for him to loosen his hold.” I tell him softly looking up into beautiful worried eyes. “I’ve only promised to tell the truth, not the whole truth. It is a dangerous game, but maybe I will be able to get useful information. He is having me attend a council meeting today.”
My husband laughs humorlessly as he looks down at me. “You are serious? You want to try to use this against him? You want to be a spy right under his nose? How do you plan on getting this information to those who can use it?” He presses darkly.
“I’ll save it until I can roam free again.” I tell him leaning back into his form. “Do you really expect me to stop being who I am?”
He sighs before kissing the top of my head. “No. Which is why I also brought some work for you. I didn’t think you would want me to take over the Quibbler by myself.” He says trying to sound as if he is teasing.
“Later.” I tell him blushing slightly. “We have our own heir to keep working on.”
His smile lightens at the idea, as I had meant it to. Leaning down he kisses me softly while moving me back towards the bed. We make love with heat and fire, soothing the pain of the day before as we take comfort in each other. The comfort lasts me until I step into the great council room among wizards that are twice my age.
I was given a long heavy gown to wear to this meeting and it feels like a costume more than clothes. But as I caught sight of the way those within look at me, I wonder if it has a meaning I do not know.
“Come here my sweet.” The Dark Lord calls coldly. No one in the room believes he has any affection for me.
I move to him bowing before the great chair as he sits above all others. I notice a small stool next to him carved with foxes and I frown.
“That is not yours.” He says and quickly pulls me into his lap. I tense at being so close to him making him chuckle against my neck. “This way we can speak privately and they will think it’s only the whispers of lovers.”
“No one in this room thinks…” I start but his hand moves to my neck quickly cutting me off.
“They think I am intimidating you, they think I am making a point, and they are right. You will tell me if you notice anything odd about any of them.” He says; the hand that just threatened moving down my form as if this is a lover’s game.
The focus of the meeting is movement into Italy. Most of them show varying amounts of pride and fear depending on if they are talking about success or failure. This seems completely normal. Mrs. Lestrange is the only outlier. Throughout the entire meeting no matter what is being spoken of, she shows a mix of anger and obsession. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out she wants the man on the throne. I think she may even worship him.
“Why not take Bellatrix as your Mistress?” I ask unable to keep my question silent after an hour of her glaring at me.
“She is of the most use to me where she is.” He says simply. “And I have no desire for her any longer.”
“You did once?” I ask knowing I am probably pushing my luck.
“A very long time ago when she was a sweet young thing that enjoyed kneeling at her Lord’s feet.”
“I am sure she would still enjoy that.” I tell him making him pull me a bit closer to show me he still has control.
“Do you have anything useful to say?” He snaps not answering the question.
“They all seem loyal and honest my Lord.” I tell him coldly as I know our small conversation is now over.
Daphne-
Antonin only releases me after he has fully ravaged my lips. I find myself rushing to the loo so that I won’t have to show him my tears. Only when there is a locked door between us do I let my shaking form fall to my knees as the fear threatens to swallow me.
“You can do this, you can do this, you can do this.” I murmur to myself as I try to get my feelings back under control.
I had thrown the bag down in my haste for safety. As I shake there, finding it hard to even breathe something happens that gives me a pure shot of hope. The book I had not wanted to part with starts to glow and I know my Lady is actually answering my call.
Scrambling over to the book, I rip it open as tears of fear turn to those of joy. The words are still forming on the page and I try to ready myself for her anger.
Daphne, are you well?
I wait for a long moment as if I know something else must come after this simple and silly question. I look around the bathroom for a moment then back to the book, as I try to understand why she hasn’t written more. Why hasn’t she at least admonished me yet? Taking a quill from my bag, I decide that she is waiting for an answer.
I set my quill point down on the page as I think of many comforts I could tell her. Somehow, it seems wrong to lie even if it will make her feel better.
No. You left me alone.
I write the words shaking slightly as I wonder if this will at least get a reaction out of her.
I know. I’m sorry. I tried to stay. You should have told me about this book sooner.
I look down at the words and I’m already thinking of a reply when there is a pounding at the bathroom door.
“What are you doing in there?” Antonin asks as if he doesn’t know how much his little advance scared me.
“Fixing my makeup.” I tell him as I stand before writing one last quick message.
I know my Lady. I am truly sorry. I must go. I will write more later.
I quickly shoved the book back into my bag and fixed the small smudges made to my perfect mask before opening the door and smiling to him. Somehow, I feel much more at ease knowing I have spoken to my Lady.
He moves me a smile reaching out to pet my cheek. “I thought maybe I went too far when you rushed off like that.” He says as if he is sorry for scaring me.
“You did get dangerously close to frightening me Antonin.” I admit trying to remind him why he is the better choice than going my own way.
“You’re saying the Malfoy boy never kissed you like that?” He asks lightly as he lets his hand drop from my face and offers me his arm.
I take it and shake my head. “Not like that, no.” I tell him softly and honestly. Draco would never dream of using such force with me.
“Well then I will work to restrain myself around your beauty.” He tells me as if this is all some funny joke.
“Thank you.” I say as he leads me towards the front door. “Where are we going for lunch?”
Lunch in public with Antonin was a much easier affair. He was ever the gentleman and it was mostly about having us be seen together before the announcement of our engagement went public. It was a purely political move, and I understood those well.
Once I was back in the castle, I went straight to Draco’s room. I really didn’t care if anyone saw me. I needed to share my real news with someone, and he was the only one I could trust.
It took him longer than usual to answer the door. But when he opened it for me, he looked presentable enough.
“What were you doing?” I ask pushing past him into his room.
“I thought we weren’t speaking.” He says leaving the door open as he turns to watch me. “Aren’t we supposed to have a big row soon? Or is that now?” He asks looking out his room and seeing no one around.
“Can you please close the door I have something important to tell you.” I say annoyed that he is still being a brat about things that are really out of our control.
He sighs and closes the door before turning fully to me. “Okay, what?” He asks crossing his arms over his chest and not moving a step towards me.
“Our Lady has her journal!” I say pulling mine out of my bag and flipping to see if she responded to my last entry. “I’ve made contact.”
“You’ve what?” He asks rushing to my side to look in the journal as well.
“See she wrote this.” I point to her entry before she knew I could read it so he could see how much she wanted to come back. “So I wrote back to her.”
He pulled the book out of my hands so he could read over the short discussion we had had in the bathroom.
“You had to go?” He asks frowning at my last entry.
“I was with Dolohov when I noticed she had written back.” I tell him a bit nervously.
“Ah.” He grunts in a cold sort of way as he walks over to sit down at his desk.
“Did she respond?” I ask walking over to look over his shoulder.
If I don’t respond right away, it is probably because Harry is here checking on me.
I read the words frowning deeply as I try to understand their meaning.
“They have her secluded somewhere? Do you think only Potter checks on her?” Draco asks as we both read the short response.
“There is only one way to find out.” I tell him with a shrug.
“I can’t believe she wants to come back.” He murmurs under his breath as he shakes his head.
“Can’t you? Do you not know her at all?” I snap the book away from him feeling insulted for my Lady’s sake. “They’re not letting her be of any use. We are all in danger because she was taken away. She isn’t one to tolerate either of those things.”
“I just can’t imagine running back here if I had yo- If I had someone that I loved with me. Even if the rest of the world was in danger.”
“Well that is the difference between you and her, and that is what makes her a worthy leader. She doesn’t just care about her own happiness and safety.” I tell him trying to overlook his little slip.
“That’s all the better for us I guess.” He says playing with a quill on his desk so he doesn’t have to look at me.
“What should I say?” I ask getting comfortable on the end of his bed and settling the book in my lap.
“Ask her what she knows about her situation.” He offers without looking up.
I’m back my Lady. We should talk about where they have you. If you wish to come back, then you know your loyal household would do anything to help you.
After I write the words, I look up to Draco with a frown. “What if she does decide to stay with the rebels? Would you honor her wishes?” I ask trying to settle my own feelings on the subject.
Draco is quiet for a long time, and I spend it looking between him and the book on my lap.
“I think I would join her if she asked.” He says finally looking up into my eyes. “And hope with all my heart that you would do the same.”
“I would. If she asked.” I tell him in a soft voice. “But I don’t think she would. She sounds like a prisoner there; I don’t think we would be much better off.”
“You wouldn’t have to marry him.” Draco says the last word in disgust.
“You used to think he was a fine match for me.” I snap back at him.
“You said she left you alone.” He jumps to his feet and points to the book. “He makes you feel alone! I’m here!” He yells throwing his hands up in the air. “He’s taken you from me, and worse he’s taken me from you. You can’t control him and you have so little power now compared to him. Even if we do get our Lady back, how much power will she have compared to what we had built?”
I shake my head, it being my turn not to look at him. My throat tightens at his words and I want more than anything to tell him what happened this afternoon. But I’m afraid Draco would do something dangerous if he knew the kind of man Antonin was turning out to be.
Trying to think of something to say I am saved when Ginny starts to write back.
Harry just left. I need to find a better place to keep the book he almost saw it glowing. I don’t want you to risk yourself to save get me.
I see where she crosses out a word and shake my head as I feel all the more sure she needs to come back. I feel Draco sit next to me on the bed so he can read what is going on.
My Lady we are no safer just waiting to see what the Dark Lord will do in his anger. Let us help you.
I write the words before I notice Draco nodding in agreement with my statement. I smile, enjoying having him so close even though it really hasn’t been that long since we were together.
They moved me to a secluded cabin in a forest. All I know is that the weather hasn’t really changed much from where I was before. Harry is the only one who checks on me. About once a day I think, but this is only my second day here. Daphne I need you to keep an ear out if they capture any rebels. I want to know when they are found.
Draco and I frown at this last statement. So far, the rebels have been doing very well since they’ve really gotten organized. She seems so sure they will be captured soon it makes me wonder why.
Why do you think they will find rebels?
I write wondering if it can help us find her.
Harry kicked a few out of the DA for what they did to help revive him.
I blink completely dumbfounded at this and looked at Draco to see if he has the answer. I see him studying the words with a slight frown of his own.
“The ones who raped her.” He says glancing over to me. “If she had been untouched by all but our Lord, he could have used a more powerful ritual.”
I look down at the book again and wonder why she is still worried about scum like that. Shaking my head, I decide not to dwell for her sake.
I will let you know if we hear anything. Is there anything else you can tell us about where you are?
I sigh still thinking about the rebels and what they did to her. They were supposed to be the good guys, the heroes, how could they do something so horrid to save one man. I remember what she was like for weeks after. It was worse than what the Dark Lord had done to me. At least he is upfront about who he is, and what he wants.
Not really. But I still have my wand. Maybe I can try to send a signal. Try to find a good trackable spell. I don’t know if the taboo has been reinstated, but it would be better if it were something you could only track if you were looking for it. I would rather Draco come than some snatcher.
“It’s a good idea. I’ll look for something in my family library.” Draco says pulling away suddenly and getting to his feet. “Are you sure you should be here?”
“What?” I ask with a frown.
“You don’t think your fiancé might have you tracked?”
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Face of Death