Thread: Harry Potter and What Really Happened After Voldemort (solvaris & darkangel76)

Ginny's dark eyes widened as the light glinted off of Draco's teeth...no, his fangs! She stood there, her breath catching in her throat before she finally managed to swallow. Meanwhile, Hermione kept her gaze entirely fixed upon the Slytherin. Wand held up, she was poised and ready for anything. As it was, Hermione held the best edge when it came to magic and dueling. She'd seen just how far her friend had comethanks to the DA and, of course, Harrymastering wandless spells and who knew what else! Ginny knew for sure that if it could be done, Hermione would find a way to do it. Luna just smiled, her blue eyes drifting back to the mirror. It was obvious where Draco was supposed to be standing, though not so much as a shadow darkened the reflective glass. She wondered just how Hermione had known. She supposed if she hadn't been so infatuated with snarffles the past few weeks, she very well might have picked up on just what it was that Draco had somehow become. But it hardly mattered. Snarffles were far more interesting than the biggest bully at Hogwarts. For a moment, she thought on Neville and how, despite his fears and dislike of Draco, he always managed to stand up for himself. It was a pity that he didn't see his own bravery for what it was, though she knew somewhere deeply buried inside it burned with the fiercest of flames. After all, why else would the Sorting Hat have donned him in red and gold? Unable to tear her eyes away from the sharp pointed teeth, Ginny had to dig a little deeper for her resolve. Never had she been gladder that her brother had decided to remain outside. Of course, Hermione hadn't been thrilled, but now that she was realizing just how out of her element she felt...she couldn't have been happier about the current circumstance. Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione stood there, proud and confident...the epitome of Gryffindor. And what was she? At that very moment, she had to wonder. But this was Draco...fallen heir to the Malfoy name. His family and status were nothing now in the wizarding world. He was just like the rest of them. Trying to cope and survive. She doesn't need to, Ginny finally managed. None of us do. Her eyes were fixed on Draco's teeth. Completely unaware, she tugged on a stray red tendril that fell over her shoulder. Hermione remained the picture of confidence, her expression urging Ginny on. You'll help us because you need people. You need to know that you exist for a purpose. She paused just then remembering those biting words he'd spit out at her in Diagon Alley. That others can look up to you. Luna started to hum at that moment, the soft melody quite soothing to anyone who cared to listen. But if you don't want that, then we don't need you, Ginny tried her best not to wince. She was lying right then and she knew it. We...we've never needed you. Hermione wanted to shout out in encouragement as Ginny spoke her share. She was sure that if Ron had seen things with his own eyes, he'd have been proud. And stunned. But the git had to make things difficult, then that was always his way. Ginny looked at Draco with defiance etched all across her freckled face. She wasn't about to back down now. Not when so much was at stake. Her brother, her best friend...they missed Harry. And, as much as she didn't want to admit it, the wizarding world needed him too. Now, if only Ron and Hermione would ease up a little. But they wouldn't. Not unless she told them news that would rip out their hearts. No. No. It wasn't worth it. So what'll it be, Malfoy? Ginny asked, deliberately addressing Draco by his last name. She licked her lips, the tiny pink tip of her tongue sneaking out so that she could wet them. She felt nervous again, her heart speeding up as a pretty flush washed over her skin. We won't ask again.