More plot for you guys 😊. You can blame my love for Halsey for this chapter, because I've been listening to one of her songs on repeat and it gave me an idea. The song is both above and below. I felt like surprising you guys with another chapter today!.... Also kiasmias promised me a cookie if I uploaded.

When Ginny opened her eyes, she expected to feel Harry's comforting warmth from beside her. Instead, she was cold and alone.

The sun wasn't out, which was good because that meant they might be able to sneak back to the castle, but Ginny somehow felt something was out of place.

She stood, glancing around for Harry. He wasn't there, and it felt like his emotions were blocked off from her, so she assumed he'd gone back to the castle. But deep in her mind she knew he wouldn't have left her out there alone, not at night, and not without her knowing.

Ginny crawled out of the small clearing, heading back towards the castle with sure steps. The cold air bit her arms and stung her eyes as she practically ran. She felt like a little girl, running from the darkness in hopes that the light would keep her safe.

Story of my life. She thought sarcastically, crossing her arms and shivering. Suddenly, she wished she'd worn a longer sleeved shirt.

The castle looked dark ahead of her, not at all like she knew it to be. There was no light at all, and the usual warmth was gone. It was cold and abandoned. Ginny's heart stopped when she saw the chunks missing from its walls, debris scattered everywhere. She knew it was a dream, but it still hurt to see this castle destroyed.

Swallowing the lump of terror forming in her throat, Ginny took determined steps towards the doors. This was a dream. They couldn't hurt her in a dream, and she knew that she wouldn't wake up if she didn't get it over with. But somehow, she also knew that they could hurt her. They could scar her, both emotionally and physically.

When she opened the doors, Ginny expected to see broken hallways and chunks of rock, which were there, but they were overpowered by everything else.

A stench filled the air and Ginny choked back tears as she stumbled through the halls. Limbs seemed to grab at her ankles as she tried to avoid stepping on them, tried to avoid looking into their eyes.

Finally passing into where the main stairwell was, Ginny glanced around, still breathing through her mouth in hopes to dampen the odor. She tried not to look at the red on the floor.

A short ways away, Ginny saw a square of light on the floor. Curious, she took a step towards it, then thought better. She stood and waited.

Smart girl

Panic tore at Ginny's heart as she whirled towards the voice. Subconsciously taking a few steps back. There was no one there, just complete darkness, like someone had suddenly flipped a switch.

Summoning all of her might, Ginny glared into the corridor. "Where are you?" The calm tone of her voice surprised her, considering she had to keep her knees locked so her legs wouldn't tremble.

Over here The voice said it casually, almost like it was obvious. Ginny glanced around, but saw nothing. Wait, here. And that's when he stepped into her line of sight, a shadow covering his face as he kept his hands locked behind his back beside the square of light.

Her throat suddenly became dry and all nerve drained out of her, but Ginny still stood with a stiff spine, her fists balled at her sides.

Nice to see you again. Really. Again Ginny wanted to run towards the light so she wouldn't be in the dark, but also didn't want him to be able to see her anymore than he already could. Another disadvantage of the Bond, you matured faster, and Ginny was already way ahead of most other thirteen year old girls. It didn't help that Weasley girls were naturally tall and slim.

I've missed you. The man announced, shifting on his feet. Nausea rocked through Ginny as he said that. I mean, our last talk was quite enjoyable, but it was mostly just a social call, now we get to the fun.

Ginny stepped back slightly, and the man sighed, shaking his head.

My employer still only wants me here to torture you, which is a shame, but it will do. Suddenly, a sharp pain hit Ginny's side and she flinched, silently refusing to show how much it hurt. Strong one, huh? I like you. The pain went away and Ginny sagged slightly, making the man's face move in what Ginny figured was a grin.

So, that's not your weak spot huh? Let's see about this. Spots danced in Ginny's vision as a fire erupted in her chest, she gasped loudly, her knees buckling. The pain went away quickly, and the man looked to start towards her, but stepped back. That's enough now...

Ginny stood up, a tear escaping her eye. "Are you done?" She asked angrily. The man clicked his tongue a few times and shook his head.

I suppose.... Ginny glanced towards the light, unsure of what it was for. Oh, that's for later on. We're already out of time.

"Why are you doing this?" Ginny asked, anger building in her chest. The man paused.

Because... That's what I was told... It is the right thing... Ginny scoffed at his wavering voice.

"You're just a puppet aren't you? Whose the one pulling the strings, though?" She could practically hear the man's breathing.

I'm not the puppet. I'm the master.

"You're the marionette. Admit it. You're hurting me because someone told you to, not because you want to."

Of course I don't want to torture you. But it's my decision.

"If you don't want to hurt me, then stop." Ginny suggested, surprised by how easily the man was swaying.

Suddenly warm air was down her neck and Ginny felt chills go down her spine. Terror. The man was right behind her, but again she really couldn't turn her neck to see him.

You just need to shut up, love.

Ginny started to retort, but her throat was tightening.

Now, run along to your boyfriend. Tell him that he can never save you, and tell him that when you die, it'll be at my hand. Tell him that the world is going to be ruled by You Know Who, and that he'll be broken for the rest of his sorry, worthless life. Tell him I-

Ginny suddenly tumbled backwards, and everything was black.

///

Harry woke up, the wind whistling through his hair as he breathed slowly and deliberately. His favorite scent, flowers, filled his nose as he sat up, stretching his arms above him. Ginny was laying beside him, looking beautiful in the morning light. Her face was slightly twisted, like she was having a bad dream.

Harry, being the concerned boyfriend he was, placed a hand over her shoulder. Dim light swirled around his fingers and her eyes opened at his touch. At first, she looked shocked and scared as she looked around, then her eyes drifted towards his hand and suddenly she cried out.

"Harry! We have to sleep together! That's the solution!" Harry swore that his face was redder than ever.

"W-what?" He stuttered, unable to form a sentence. Ginny must have realized what that sounded like, and quickly back tracked.

"I mean, I was having a nightmare and it wasn't over yet, when you touched me I woke up." She explained, her ears red. Even though he was embarrassed, Harry smiled at how adorable she was when blushing. "Stop it." She ordered, covering her pink cheeks with her palms. Harry laughed lightly and took her wrists, kissing both of her cheeks.

"Blimey I'm lucky." He decided, looking her in the eyes. Ginny seemed to shiver, for a reason other than what Harry thought. A memory played in her mind of a pair of lips over her ear as it said that Harry was just that. She pushed the memory away.

Ginny took his face in her hands and kissed him, smiling softly at him. "I'm lucky too." She pointed out, swiping some hair from out of his eyes.

"Not as lucky as me. I mean, you're the best Bond Mate I could ever ask for. You're beautiful, funny, independent, and understanding. And those are just a few. I could go on forever about your eyes, about your emotions, about pretty much everything about you." Ginny's cheeks felt hot as he continued, so she decided to stop him.

"Harry, I'm not perfect like you make me sound like."

"You are, though. All of your flaws aren't really flaws. They're quirks that make me lov- like you even more." Harry caught his slip up, ignoring Ginny's slightly baffled expression.

"I could go on about you as well, Mr Potter, but I think we'll need to get going or we'll be murdered by the professors." Harry laughed and stood, helping Ginny up before they both set off back to the castle that hadn't been destroyed and still had the warm feeling around it.

If only it could stay that way.