A Ghostly Curse

A/N: I know, I know… I don’t update near often enough. Forgive me. . .

Disclaimer... Of course, I don't own anything you recognize. I didn't create the world... I only like to play in it!

Quick note for LaBib: The charm Mud worked was simple actually. It locks Lucius and Hermione in his chambers with no way out and the only ones from outside that can come in are Mud and Crooks. (The reason is because Hermione was still trying to tell Lucius that he didn't really want her and would tire of her. He decided that the best way to prove that he truly loved her was to lock himself in the chambers with her for a month.) Damn... Makes me wish I was Hermione! ROFLMBO! Did that recap help?

~~~

Chapter 16

The house elf cowered in the corner, watching in dismal horror as the black headed witch proceeded to tear the place to shreds. Screaming and cursing, she went on and on. Her plan had been foiled. Her idea for revenge snuffed out as if it was the magic of a novice. The poor elf worried that the witch might anger his Mistress enough to make her show her true self.

Spitting out an angry last curse, Bella drew herself up to her full height and turned dark eyes to Nagini, who watched her with an air of semi-amused boredom. Sliding gracefully to the snake, the witch stroked her head with what one might believe was true affection.

“Oh, Nagini!” Bella sighed. “What am I to do? All I want is to repay Malfoy for his ever so considerate betrayal.” Her bottom lip protruded in a pout. “Is that too much to ask?”

When the snake turned its eyes to Bella and stuck its tongue out in apparent agreement, Bella smiled. “Yes, of course I know. You want revenge as much as I do.” She took on a sympathetic expression as she whispered, “He has that filthy little Mudblood whore locked away in that suite with him while we share our sorrow and misery over the loss of the one we held so dear.” Her face flushed as she asked the snake, “Now does that seem fair?”

Nagini looked Bella over before turning from her and slithering away from her in silent spite. She had always hated this witch. Yes, she mourned the loss of her Wizard, but this slut was acting as if she was suffering the loss of a lover. Nagini hissed, As if! That hag had no idea!

The only times Tom had ever taken Bella to his bed was when Nagini was unable to shift into her witch form. It was a secret Tom had guarded well for her. In exchange, she had given him her complete and utter loyalty.

The secret was that Nagini was cursed to only be able to assume her woman’s form during the times of the New Moon. As a result, there were few times that she and her lover could be together. She had accepted Tom’s substitute for her during those times when he needed to waste off some of his energy, but this bitch was beginning to really be too much!

Curling herself into a tight coil, Nagini warned herself to bide her time. Soon enough she would retaliate against the ones that were truly deserving. With a last look at the now sulking witch, Nagini closed her eyes and willed herself to calm. All in good time, Tom. I promise, my love.

~~

Ginny opened the door to her room that evening and made her way down the stairs. She had dressed in her finest robes in an attempt to illicit any kind of response from her husband. Pain lanced through her heart as she thought of how happy they had once been together. Happiness at the expense of a friend could hardly be considered happiness, could it?

Squaring her shoulders, she proceeded down the spiral staircase. There was nothing she could do. No time turner to change Hermione’s lot in life. A small smile graced her lips as she thought of the message Draco had sent.

Lucius was freed and had taken Hermione to his private rooms and refused to release her until she realized that they were made for each other. It was about time. Hermione deserved happiness more than anyone. She deserved it and with Lucius, she might very well have finally found it.

As she neared the landing, she noticed first the scent of Lavender. It filled her senses and soothed her nerves. Next, she realized how dim the lights were. Frowning, she wondered why she hadn’t noticed it before.

Before her was a single candle, hovering before her. As she approached it, it moved slowly out of her reach and she heard a soft musical voice whisper, “This way, my lady. Follow the flame to find your treat.”

Slowly and a bit reluctantly, Ginny followed the candle as it floated across the room to the entrance into the dining area. Soft harp music played and candles lit the room in an elaborate way.

The dining room seemed to have lost it’s table and chairs. In their place was a large emerald green blanket, spread out with a feast of fresh fruits and vegetables set out over it. Shrimp that was chilled had been set there as well.

She was astounded at what she saw. Her heart skipped a beat when Severus stepped out of the shadows with a large bouquet in hand of red roses, with lavender, jasmine and honeysuckle woven through them.

Severus was dressed in a simple white shirt that was open, revealing the moderate sprinkle of chest hair that had always made Ginny crazy. In place of his usual slacks was a comfortable, yet trim jeans. His hair was left loose tonight. One eye was partially hidden by his hair that had grown well past his shoulders.

Suddenly self conscious in his presence, her hands wrapped protectively around her waist. “Severus, what is all of this? What’s going on?”

Almost as if he was an entirely different person, he closed the distance between them and leaned down to tenderly kiss her cheek. He drew back and met her gaze with tears in his own. The emotion showed on his face openly. His voice, when it came, was a whisper. “It has been brought to my attention that I have become a man who only wants that which I cannot have. Meanwhile, I’ve completely forgotten to take notice and appreciate the things I already have.”

“I have neglected you, Ginny. For that, I am sorry. I have no right to ask your forgiveness, but I would plead instead that I could be given the chance to make it up to you.” His voice broke as Ginny stepped back from him.

Her arms crossed instinctively across her belly. “I know that I am ugly to you like this, Severus.” her head lowered as she fought to keep her tears at bay. “I understand that. I only hope that when the baby is born--”

He reached out, grasping her and pulling her closer even as he let his free hand caress her swollen belly in a way he had never touched her since she’d found out she was with child. “It isn’t you or our child I find repulsive.” He shook his head. “I’m simply…” he paused as he searched for the right words to make her see the depth of his emotional turmoil. “Ginny. I was a spy.” He released her and sunk down on his knees before her.

“I’m a hateful, ugly, greasy old git, with no sense of humor, and next to NO patience.” His lip trembled with emotion as he let his tears fall freely. “What if I’m a disappointment to our child?” He raised his hands in a gesture of nervous surrender. “What if he hates me?”

Seeing Severus in such a state of insecurity and knowing that he hated to let anyone see his weaknesses, Ginny fell to her knees beside him. “Our child, be it boy or girl will love you. Just as I do. Surely you know that, Severus?”

Giving himself over to his pain, he gathered her into his arms and sobbed. “I don’t deserve your love. I don’t deserve anyone’s love! I’m no better than a monster! Look what I did to you?” he questioned softly. “Look what I’ve done to Hermione!”

Pulling back, Ginny wiped his tears away with his hand. “When you asked Hermione to marry you, did you intend to cause her pain?” When he shook his head, she continued. “Did you love me when you asked me to marry you?”

He clasped her small hand in his and choked out the words. “I love you still. As mean and hateful and completely unworthy of you as I am, I still love you!”

Smiling, she pulled his hand to rest on her extended belly. Almost immediately, there was a strong kick beneath his hand. A look of awe crept across his features as he brought his other hand to touch her gently.

Sighing, she whispered, “Then, quit dwelling on the past and look at us now. Look at the life growing inside me.” Emotion choked her own voice when she added, “a life we created together, through our love.”

Cradling him as he held to her belly and whispered loving words to their child for the very first time, Ginny thanked the heavens for whatever miracle had brought her husband back to her. It was all she had ever wanted.

~~

Draco sat by the fire, pondering what Mud had told him. He had immediately set to work casting the appropriate wards to keep anyone who might do harm away. He worried, however that what he was doing was not enough.

Angelica seemed to pick up on his worry. “Call on Severus,” she said simply. “He can help.

Rolling his eyes, he shook his head. “And run the risk of Uncle Snape wanting time in your knickers as payment?” He scowled. “I think not!

Smiling at the fierce way he refused, she tried again. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that. Not anymore.” she moved to sit in front of him, giving him little choice but to look her in the eyes. “Besides, he needs to know about this threat. Bella is practically out of hiding! That is something that everyone should know.”

Draco nodded, even as he closed his eyes, trying to block out the memory of his aunt’s last words to him. The memory was so concise, so clear that it was hard for him to stay calm. He worried that she would be contacting him soon. It was a feeling that nagged deep in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He didn‘t dare tell Angelica. He wanted to, but for some reason, he just couldn‘t bring himself to tell her. It would only worry her, and he was worried enough for the both of them right now. “Alright, I’ll do it. I’ll contact him first thing in the morning.”

Angelica gave him a curious look. “Why not now?”

Reaching out and grabbing her, swiftly pulling her into his lap, he chuckled. “Because no one is getting through the wards tonight. And besides, if I’m right,” he tickled her ribs making her squirm and giggle just a bit. “Uncle Severus is eating some humble pie right about now. And I wouldn’t want to rob Ginevra of any of that , would you?”

Sighing as she turned to get more comfortable in Draco’s lap, Angelica nodded. “Yes, I can imagine that you are probably very right.” she pulled him into a deep kiss before releasing him. “Okay, we’ll Floo them in the morning.”

~~~

Later that night, as most in the house of Malfoy slept, Draco lay awake staring blindly into the night. The last words Aunt Bellatrix had spoke to him, ringing in his ears. “If all else fails, Draco dear, you’ll help me, won’t you? Tell your dear ole daddy nighty night as you put out ‘is lights!”

Tell dear ole’ Daddy Nighty Night as you put out ‘is lights!!!

~~~

A/N: 10 points to anyone who can guess what’s going on with Draco! And What about Nagini? I mean, who knew? Sorry this was a chapter without Lucius and Hermione, but there have to be a few of them here and there to help us get over the hump and closer to the end of the tale.

Probably three or four more chapters now.