Chapter 13

A/N: Thank you to all of you who continue to read and review. This is a HUGE chapter. I hope you all enjoy it! Thanks also to my wonderful beta, Shellsnapeluver!

***

Minerva worked feverishly to transfigure the perfect outfit for Ginny to wear to meet Voldemort. As she placed the final touches on the dress, Professors Snape and Dumbledore reiterated the plan several times to get Ginny to remember exactly how she was to react when Lucius came to take her to Voldemort.

The general plan was for Ginny to go to Hogsmeade, where she would let Lucius Malfoy place her under the Imperius Curse and take her to Tom's side.

"It's a ridiculous plan," snapped Harry as he tried to soothe his girlfriend. The young witch was having a difficult time knowing soon she would be in Tom's presence again. "Can Lucius be that stupid?"

Professor Snape was irritated. He did not want Potter involved in this, but Miss Weasley had insisted she could not go through with the plan unless Harry knew all the details.

Severus shrugged. "Depends on how desperate he is. He has to be anxious to make the Dark Lord happy. Especially after all that happened the night I was outed."

Minerva finished the dress and laid it on the young girl's bed. She kissed her on the forehead for luck and left the room without a word. Ginny touched the material of the dress gingerly and finally picked it up.

"Excuse me," she said demurely. "I must go change."

After Ginny had left, the wizards began to talk amongst themselves.

"How do we prepare her?" whispered Harry as his eyes darted between Snape and Dumbledore. "She was trembling earlier."

Snape stood with his arms crossed, not looking at Potter or Dumbledore, but at the closed bathroom door where Ginny was on the other side. "Let me talk to her alone. She needs to understand her part and how to play it," he whispered calmly.

Harry made to argue, but Dumbledore hushed him. "Harry, Professor Snape knows what he is doing. Let's leave him to it," the older wizard said gently as he placed a firm hand on the young man's shoulder.

Harry left, but Severus knew he wanted to stay. He knew the boy didn't trust him to be alone with his witch, but it couldn't be helped. Severus knew he was the only one who could prepare the young woman fully for the reality that lay ahead.

***

When Ginny emerged from the bathroom, she looked around quickly and said, "Where is Harry?"

Snape stood by the door and explained as he began to walk slowly towards her. "Potter and the Headmaster left. I think it would be prudent for you to become relaxed and mentally prepared for tonight. You need to be calm and confident. You can do this Miss Weasley," he said in a soothing voice.

"You heard what we said?" he asked quietly.

Ginny fidgeted with her dress. "It's hard not to. This isn't the largest room in the world," she retorted as she looked around her.

Snape regarded the young redhead in her new dress. She looked quite lovely. She would be perfect. "Nevertheless, it has kept you and everyone around you safe. The sooner we finish with this nightmare, the safer we'll all sleep tonight," he said coolly.

He sat on the bed and gestured for her to join him. "Ginevra," he whispered softly, "tonight, you must remember to play your part. You must resist Lucius when he first abducts you. When he tells you what he plans to do with you, you must become calm. If you cease to resist when he tells you that you are going to see the Dark Lord, he may forgo placing you under the Imperius Curse. Lucius hates to do more work than is necessary. You will use that to your advantage. It would be wise for you to act eager and happy to be reunited with the Dark Lord."

He placed his hands inside his robes and drew out a crystal phial. "Do you know what this is?" he asked.

Ginny shook her head.

"This is a mild lust potion that I have manipulated, and yes, it is Dark magic. The true look of the Dark Lord would repulse you since the wizard you remember was the once young and handsome Tom Riddle. He is no more like that young man. He is more serpent than man and revolting to behold. You CANNOT under any circumstances show your revulsion, so I have concocted a potion to bypass the problem.

"Now, you will drink this, and it will make him desirable in your eyes. You will only see the young Tom Riddle you knew in your dreams and as a young child. However, you will still remain in control of your senses. You must compel him to tell you about the Horcruxes, Ginevra. We already know of the Diary, the Ring, the Locket, and one other I cannot reveal to you. There are three more. Three missing ones that we do not know."

He wrapped a hand around her waist, pulling her to him tenderly to help aid her to accept him pouring the liquid into her mouth. He swept his strong hand behind the nape of her neck, and her head succumbed to his touch. Her pink lips opened and he raised the phial to her mouth. As she swallowed the clear liquid, her trusting brown eyes searched out his black ones. He cradled her mind in his and helped her to ease into the transition.

He held her to him and stroked her hair, while whispering against her ear. "You must allow him to seduce you, Ginevra, yet hold back. You are a pure-blood and deserve a virgin's wedding. I want you to promise him everything he asks of you, no matter how frightening or embarrassing. Promise him children...powerful children. Remind him you come from good stock; your mother bore six sons before you. You will do the same. You will reign next to him and be his confidant. He desires to control you and make you his slave. You will not understand this. He will not tell you of it nor shall he be honest about his intentions. You will be obedient. If you must, let him touch you, and follow your instincts. Touch him if you feel it will get you the information we need. He is already using you. Use him in return.

"Let him know you are a virgin. Let him experience the pain of want. He will understand your rights as a pure-blood. You deserve a virgin's wedding. Do not allow your innocence stop you from speaking words that until now you have only whispered in the dark. He is all encompassing darkness, and there is no good or love in him. Do not forget. His ability to charm is of legend. He is a master in the art of seduction. However, you shall be the stronger. Turn his charm against him. Use his strength to become his weakness."

Overcome with the sensuous words being poured into her ear, Ginny turned to the man whose voice was making her burn and yearn for lust and power. She kissed him, opening her mouth to taste his. He was slow, letting her find her way before he responded and matched her eagerness to search out his mouth, lips and tongue. She pushed her breasts into his chest as she took over, trying to see if she could do this...if she could tempt a powerful, older wizard. She was so grateful he was allowing her to explore and feel out her way before tenderly pulling away.

"You are ready, Ginevra," he whispered. "Just like that, respond only to Tom. He is the one from whom you require answers. Do you understand?"

Her mind was so fuzzy, and all she could see was her Tom. He was leading her away. "Tom, don't send me away," she moaned as she skimmed a hand down his wool frock coat to cup his manhood. Severus' hand grasped her wrist and stopped her from touching him intimately.

"I'm not Tom," he whispered as he passed a hand over her face. You will see him soon. Now go."

***

As Ginny made her way into Hogsmeade with the rest of the sixth-years who had been given "special permission" to go out and have an evening in the village, she began to feel strangely light and calm. The haze of Professor Snape looking like Tom went away like a fog that had lifted from her eyes. She couldn't believe she had kissed Snape and tried to seduce him. She fairly shuddered in remembering.

She didn't know why she had been gifted with such a dress. It was the palest of greens, like a silvery, mint silk with a matching wrap to stave off the evening spring chill. She loved how the pearl bead work on the bodice had looked in the mirror. Her red hair was loose and long down her back. She had thought to pull it up, but Snape had insisted she remain simply her lovely self. She wore the lightest of powders and the lightest of lip-gloss to shine her lips. She felt like an elfin princess in her small ballet flats that matched the silvery hue of her dress. The other girls declared she was gorgeous, and how could Harry not be jealous with her leaving the castle wearing such a dress?

Ginny drifted along with her classmates, smiling and chatting, but she wasn't there, really. She was waiting, waiting for Tom, so she could see him again.

She and a couple of girlfriends stopped off at the Three Broomsticks, and after drinking a glass of butterbeer, she excused herself and went to the loo where she was followed by a hooded man.

Lucius Malfoy.

His covering could not mask the blond hair peeking from out of the black material. She made to scream, but he clamped a hand over her face. He picked her up and Apparated into a glen.

He stood her on her feet and, with a wave of his wand that he took from his cane, he vanished his black robes. He was elegantly dressed and looked every bit the gentleman.

"Ginevra," he whispered. "You have nothing to fear from me." His hand dropped from her mouth, and she shook with fear. "Look around you, Ginevra." He waved his hand gracefully around them. "This is what you have been born for, not that hovel in a filthy wasteland. You are a pure-blood, and I have come to bring you to your rightful station. The Dark Lord has waited for you. You are now old enough to be his consort."

Ginny's face relaxed. "Tom?" she asked weakly. "Tom is waiting for me?" she whispered.

Lucius smiled as he caressed her glossy, red hair. "Yes, that's right. He's waiting me to bring you to him. He has longed for you for so many years. Now, you and he will finally be reunited. How does that make you feel?" he asked with concern in his tone.

Ginny smiled. "I've dreamt of this moment. I..." She dropped her face and closed her mouth.

Lucius looked at her with pity. His grey eyes were forlorn in their expression. "Oh, Miss Weasley, you can tell me. I am the Dark Lord's most trusted servant. Soon, I shall be your servant as well as my wife and son. Entrust me with your secrets," he said soothingly.

Ginny whispered as she raised her head. "I have very intense dreams of him. He comes in my dreams, into my mind, and we reminisce about what we once had and what we could have again. He does things... makes me feel things."

"You do so long for him in return your feelings don't you?" Lucius whispered as he stroked her hand delicately.

"Yes," she admitted softly. "Please, I need to see him!"

Lucius took her arm and enfolded it within his own. Ginny walked into the gardens of Malfoy Manor. Evening shade and dark butterfly bushes were lush and fragrant around her. The two peacocks she knew the Malfoys kept as pets lazily strutted along the manicured lawn.

"Your gardens are charming," she whispered.

"Soon," he drawled, "all of this will be yours. Everything I own, I willingly give to the Dark Lord."

He led her up the stairs and brought her inside the lavish manor. Crystal and silver shone from every surface. The lighting created a sense of warm and welcome. She turned to Lucius and inquired, "Am I acceptable? My dress, is it appropriate?"

Lucius smoothed her hair lightly and said with a shining smile, "You are the picture of loveliness. The Dark Lord will be most pleased."

"Where is he?" she asked eagerly.

"Allow me to lead you," he offered with a slight bow.

Lucius walked Ginny upstairs where the Dark Lord's bedroom was located. Ginny noticed his unease.

"Is there a problem?" she asked.

"No, my dear, I just need to go see if the Dark Lord is prepared for you," he said with a strained smile.

He tapped on the door, and it swung open of its own accord. Tom was alone, wearing a dark green and silver robe that swept the floor as he walked. He turned, and Ginny saw him look towards Lucius. She only could see her Tom, her wonderful, handsome Tom.

"My Lord," Lucius said as he bowed.

"Is she here?" Voldemort snapped angrily.

"Just outside. I wanted to make sure you were alone," he said uncomfortably.

Voldemort smiled cruelly. "Afraid of Bellatrix ruining the evening?"

Lucius nodded. "More or less. The last thing we need is for fucking Bellatrix to frighten off the young woman."

Voldemort laughed coldly. "No matter. I am the master here. Now, bring me my bride," he said commandingly.

Ginny stepped back from where she was eavesdropping and bypassed Lucius as she came inside with her arms reaching out for him.

"Tom," she whispered as she dashed to him. "I missed you, so!"

She began to feel afraid. She pulled out of his arms and said worriedly, "Tom, aren't you pleased to see me?"

"You are pleased to see me?" he asked coolly.

"Oh, yes," she replied.

He kept his eyes on her. "Leave us, Lucius," he snapped.

"Very good, my Lord," Lucius whispered.

Ginny heard the door click shut, and Tom took her face into his hands. "I cannot stop thinking of you, my pet. You are going to remain with me. Has Lucius told you?" he asked.

"Oh, yes," she answered.

His thumbs stroked her pink cheeks. "You will never leave me, Ginevra. Never. Do you understand?" he asked, looking at her intensely.

"Yes, Tom, I understand," she accepted.

He pulled her to him and kissed her passionately. She closed her eyes and remembered all the dreams and promises he had made. She felt desperate for him, yet Snape's voice was nagging her brain. Tom was kissing her neck and sliding his hand over her body.

"Tom," Ginny whispered, "If I am to be your consort, we must share more of our minds. I loved it when we wrote to each other, you were pouring yourself into me, and I was pouring myself into you. You told me you wanted me to save you, Tom. I want to help you. I want to do everything and anything you need."

"You do, Ginny?" he whispered as he glided a hand across one of her breasts. Her nipple reacted to the touch, and she choked out a whimper she was trying to hide.

He laughed darkly as he whispered against her lips, "I have found a hidden treasure." He urged the hardening point to rise and react to his touch. However, Ginny remained focused.

"We must be powerful," she said as she pushed his lips from her. She looked into his eyes, the dark brown eyes that called her from deep inside. "You and I will create a new breed of wizards. We will be indestructible and prevailing. No one can stop us. Not Dumbledore or Snape...no one!"

She began to stroke his neck and chest delicately. "I want you to open your mind to me, let us share again what we once did," she whispered.

He kissed her hard and desperately. "Only if you give me your innocence. I need to possess you," he hissed.

"I am a virgin and a pure-blood. You cannot expect me to give up what is owed me!" she replied frantically.

"Of course," he replied. Then without warning, he tore the dress off her and threw her on the bed. She scrambled to get away, but Tom was lying completely on top of her.

Terrified, Ginny screamed, "No! Not like this. Don't, please!"

"Be still!" he snapped. He pushed her thighs apart and lightly touched her small curls covering her sex. He pushed one finger inside her and rotated it around.

"Yes, my bride," he groaned as he brushed her lips with his own. "You are pure. I can feel you around my finger. You will learn to satisfy me, and in return, I will bring you all the pleasure you deserve." Ginny stiffened as he continued to explore her barrier. She was petrified he was going to break her and make her bleed.

Instead, his mood changed, and he was holding her, gently stroking her naked breasts with his fingertips. "We are connected, you and I. You are in my blood. My word is law. If I say we are married, it shall make it so. You are in me, Ginevra. I feel you closer to me than any woman has ever been. I long to feel myself inside you."

Ginny kept her body close to his. "I want to please you, and I want to know everything about you. Open your mind to me, Tom," she whispered against his cheek.

"I will tell you everything," he said desperately, "I must have you, Ginny."

"Tell me about your deepest secrets of immortality. I want to stay with you forever," she said as she began to stroke the length of his erection though the silky fabric of his robe. She easily shifted the robe open, licked her index finger, and slid it down the shaft. "Tell me first how to be immortal like you, and I shall do more than this," she whispered seductively.

She teased and fed his lust as he whispered to her all of the secrets of his madness. As he was nearing the end of his confession, he spoke of splintering her soul, of making her his equal in every way. As he grew more eager, she began to stroke him, and he choked on his desire and roared out an explosive orgasm that left him weak and near sleep.

He cupped her face, and as he slipped into slumber, he whispered, "You are mine."

"And you are mine," she whispered as watched him close his eyes to sleep.

She hastily repaired her dress and stole out of the bedroom quietly, padding her way cautiously down the stairs.

"Lucius!" she hissed "Lucius!"

A house-elf popped in front of her and bowed gravely. "I am being Mr. Malfoy's most personal house-elf. Is Miss requiring him?"

Ginny swallowed and drew her wrap closer to her. "Yes, I need him now," she whispered. The house-elf popped away, and she nervously put her shoes back on while she waited. She hid herself in a corner and watched as Lucius came walking down the corridor.

"My dear!" he said concernedly. "Has something gone amiss? Where is His Lordship?"

"Shh," she said calmly. "He's sleeping. I think he... overexerted himself. I have many things to do. My mother and father must be informed, and a wedding must be planned at the soonest possible date."

Lucius smiled and bowed gracefully as he took Ginny's hand in his own. "My Lady, I am yours to command," he said as he gave her the customary kiss one inch above her skin.

Ginny was a poor witch. Nevertheless, she was a pure-blood and knew the traditions and expectations of her.

Ginny was growing anxious. "Lucius, I must depart. If my mother were to discover I was alone for so long with my fiancé, I would be in so much trouble. Not that my family will approve of my marriage to Tom, of course, but the proprieties must be observed. I must remain a virgin on my wedding night in order for there to be no whisperings behind my back," she said urgently.

She went to open the door when the small house-elf popped in front of her opening it for her.

"My Lady," said Lucius, "No one would dare to insult or even speak of such a delicate matter concerning your marital bed," he reasoned.

"Be that as it may, Lucius, there are fools amongst the Death Eaters. I do not want to see anyone dead on my wedding day because of a stupid comment at the wrong place and time. All of the old rules must be observed. The bridal sheet must be shown to the guests as proof of my purity taken. Now, let's go to the Burrow," she said authoritatively.

She swept out the door as if she owned it herself and waited for Lucius to take her arm. She could tell he was very reluctant to depart, but he had to comply with the Dark Lord's intended. Ginny smirked inwardly at her ability to read his mind so clearly. His emotions were so obvious on his face.

***

Lucius took her to the Burrow where the house was already vacant. He walked around in the darkness and finally lit his wand. He looked panicked and unsure of himself.

"My Lady, there seems to be no one about," he said in confusion. Ginny glanced around and found the Portkey that would take her away from this nightmare laying right on the mantle where Harry told her it would be.

"Don't worry, Lucius," she said calmly. "Many times my family must go to their Order meetings...and no, Lucius, I cannot tell you the location," She saw the glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I'm not the Secret-Keeper."

Lucius shrugged. "You cannot blame me for trying," he said amiably.

"Please sit, Lucius," she said. "I will need to wait I suppose for their return. Hopefully, it shall only be Mum and Dad returning, and not my brothers." She turned to face him. "Are you sure you want to confront the Weasley clan?" she asked, hoping to frighten him away.

"Oh, no," he said pleasantly as he ran a hand across a sofa chair, looking for dust. "I wouldn't dream of leaving you alone with so many people who would attempt to interfere with the Dark Lord's plan."

Ginny was growing increasingly nervous. He was becoming suspicious. Soon, he would realize this was all a ruse and then force her back into his Manor and lock her up with Tom, who would rape her without any remorse or conscious.

She let a nice distance grow between them and then she swiftly snatched the Portkey, activating it, and was transported straight into Dumbledore's office.