39 | Aren't you forgetting something?
Tonight was a horrible time to die.
Malfoy raised his wand. This was how Ginny was going to die. In the Parkinson's dungeon. Surrounded by people she didn't even really know. Didn't love.
Merlin only knew what they would do with her body once she was dead.
Her family would never know the truth. Harry wouldn't either. God, if only she could tell them, and him, how much she loved them one more time. Tell them it wasn't their fault, that the world rubbed her the wrong way, still did. That maybe she wished she could've tried harder, not let the world get between them.
"Draco, remember the wards," Pansy pointed out.
Ginny's eyebrows rose. So there were wards.
"Right." He twirled his wand towards the ceiling and the room rippled. "Thank you, dear." His wand returned to Ginny's chest. She inhaled. Well, looked like the time has come. She looked up and met his eyes. His forehead furrowed and he looked down at her chin.
Coward.
"Think about what you're doing," the man said. Damn, she couldn't remember his name. Malfoy had said he was the Head Auror at MACUSA. Had he been introduced at the artifact reveal? Had Harry told her his name? She sighed. He shouldn't draw attention to himself.
"There's nothing to think about," Malfoy answered.
"I'm just saying if you kill her, she's dead, but if you wait, think on it a bit, maybe there's more you can get out of it," he added.
Malfoy frowned. "You're especially chatty."
The man snorted. "Yeah, I get that a lot." He paused a moment. "Think about it, man. If it's one thing I learned about Potter in the last week, it's that he takes on the weight of the world and his past, whether he likes to or not. And this woman, he loves her. If you kill her, he'll be tormented, sure, but go back to your original plan. That was pretty epic. A sure way to-"
"That's enough." Malfoy cut him off. "You're next. Talking isn't going to help either of your situations."
"Huh," the man muttered. "Talking always helps. Maybe if more people talked, shit wouldn't get all screwed up."
"Shut it," Pansy hissed.
Malfoy's wand dug into her chest, and she held back a wince.
The poor American. He'd gotten dragged into a situation that had nothing to do with him.
"Hey," she whispered.
"Shhh," Malfoy told her.
She ignored him, trying to look over her shoulder. "Sorry you're going to be killed by the two worst villains ever."
"Weasley!" Malfoy yelled.
The man laughed. "Yeah, there's gotta be better ways to die. Seriously."
Pansy's eyes shot to Malfoy, and Ginny bit back a laugh. He dug the tip of his wand deeper and she hissed. "Shut your mouth," he said through his teeth.
"Hey, that's no way to treat a lady."
Malfoy's eyes narrowed then he stomped around her. She tried to see but all she caught were the man's shiny shoes. "Malfoy-"
The man groaned as skin hit skin. "You uneducated swine-"
The man spit then said, "I prefer Jack, actually."
Another groan and a fist hitting skin. "Maybe you'll go first," Malfoy told him. "You and your big bloody mouth."
Ginny's eyes widened. No. "Malfoy. Wait. Hold on-"
"Shut up," Pansy said, coming to stand in front of her and grabbing her chin. Her nails dug into Ginny's skin. "Draco, darling. Get it over with. I'm growing bored with this."
Ginny struggled against the bindings and Pansy's grip. "Leave Jack alone," she told them. "He's innocent here."
"It's okay," Jack said but his words sounded a bit slurred. Her heart sped up. "Just let Sharp know that I'm sorry. That I-" Another hit came. "Shit. Fuck." He spit. "Go to hell, you fucker."
"You first," Malfoy said.
Jack sucked in a breath. Ginny fought against Pansy and the chair. No. He was innocent. He had nothing to do with this. They couldn't-
The door burst open behind Pansy. A man jumped forward and raised his wand. "Expelliarmus!"
"Harry!" she cried.
A wand clattered somewhere as Harry ran into the room. Pansy screamed, shielding her abdomen as she raised her wand as Malfoy came running around Ginny.
"Watch out!" Ginny yelled, fighting her restraints as Malfoy reached Harry and Pansy held her wand at Harry.
Ropes engulfed Malfoy, knocking him to the ground at Ginny's feet. Red light filled the room but it flashed against an invisible barrier and hit Pansy in the chest, knocking her to the floor. Ropes wrapped around her a moment later, and Harry stepped into the light before her.
Her heart caught in her throat.
"Took you long enough, Potter," Jack said then coughed.
Harry stepped towards her and caressed her cheek, mouth set in a firm line. "Are you okay?" he asked. She choked on her words but nodded. He exhaled and magicked away her bindings. He then moved around her to Jack. "Merlin's Beard. Are you okay?"
Jack snorted. "I think he broke a rib or two. Bastard." He exhaled. "Thanks."
Ginny got out of the chains and spun around just in time for Harry to take her in his arms. Jack slid down into the chair she'd been in and groaned.
"Let me go!" Malfoy yelled. They all stared at him. "You'll pay for this, Potter!"
"Silencio," Ginny tossed over her shoulder just as she threw her arms around Harry and kissed him. Harry. Harry. Her heart could sing. For the briefest of moments, she thought she'd never see him again. Thought this was the end and they'd never have the chance to live a beautiful, unbelievable life together.
His fingers were in her hair, on her face. "I love you," he whispered against her lips. "Merlin, I love you so much."
"I love you too." She kissed him again, desperately. Needed the confirmation that he was here. He was real. God, she couldn't believe she could kiss him. What if- No, she told herself. She was alive. She couldn't think about the what-ifs.
"I don't know what I'd do if I lost you." He pulled back and caressed her cheek. "I can't even..." His voice trailed off, eyes wet.
"I'm safe," she told him. "I'm safe."
He hugged her. "Please, listen to me next time. If I lost you, Ginny..."
She'd been careless throughout this job, and she almost got herself killed, Harry and Jack too. She peeked at the man, who leaned back in the chair, eyes closed, hand against her side. If the roles had been reversed and Harry almost died, again? What would she have done? Bitterness rose inside of her and she hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"If you two don't mind, I think I need to see a healer," Jack spoke up.
They jumped apart, and Harry rushed to his side. "Sorry."
Jack grinned, but it was lined with pain. "Trust me, I get it." He coughed again and wiped his bloody mouth.
Harry helped him up. "Ginny, take him." She rushed over and slid under his arm, trying to hold him up. Harry walked over to a struggling Malfoy and pulled something out of the man's pocket. He handed them over.
Ginny and Jack's wands.
Ginny smiled and slipped Jack's into his suit pocket. She glanced at Pansy, but unfortunately, she was still unconscious from the stunning spell she'd thrown at Harry. Merlin, she wished she could make her suffer. Maybe just a little bit.
"Ginny," Harry said.
She blinked, glancing up.
"She's out. Leave her alone."
"I don't know," Jack piped in. "She's an evil little thing. I say get some licks in. I won't tell."
Ginny snickered.
"Stop it, you two," Harry ordered.
Ginny glanced at Pansy one more time. The witch would've killed her then gone back to her birthday ball without a second thought.
"Stop struggling, dammit," Harry hissed. Ginny glanced over. Malfoy glared at her, a dark look in his eyes. Mouth moving but no words coming out. "Smart idea on the silencing charm."
"The man loved the sound of his own voice," Jack said, shaking his head.
Harry pulled Malfoy to his feet, and Ginny turned them towards him. She met his gaze, a grin forming on her lips. "Interesting turn of events, don't you think?" She grabbed his collar, bringing his face close. "I'll be quick about it." She knocked her head forward, headbutting him.
"Holy shit!" Jack laughed.
"Ginny!" Harry cried.
Blood gushed out of Malfoy's nose, down his lips to his chin. Dripped on his impeccable suit.
Pain vibrated through her head, but she didn't care. It was worth it. "Rot in hell, you bastard, for lying to me, for using me, for trying to kill me and Harry and Jack. I'd kill you, but that's just not me. I'd prefer you rot in Azkaban for the rest of your miserable life. Wouldn't it be interesting for not only you and your fiancee to be there, but for your child to be born there?"
He burned with fury.
"Child?" Harry glanced at Pansy. "She'll need to see a healer too."
Ginny shrugged, turning with Jack. They were halfway to the door when Harry called her name. They both looked back to see Harry watching them with an odd expression.
"Yes?" she asked.
"Aren't you-" He glanced from Ginny to Jack to Malfoy. "Aren't you forgetting something?"
She peeked at Jack. "I don't- I don't think so." They were alive. Malfoy and Pansy were down. She was safe.
Harry shook his head, a smile forming on his lips, and pointed at the unconscious Pansy and bleeding Malfoy.
She looked at Jack. "I think I've done everything?" Was she missing something else?
Harry laughed, pushing up his glasses. "Okay, Ginny. When Parkinson comes to and the silencing charm is off Malfoy, they're going to have a lot to say about you." He glanced at Jack.
Jack raised his hands and winced. He held his side. "I won't say anything. I swear. Please don't obliviate me."
"Oh." Ginny stared at Malfoy, who glared at her. If they said anything, she would be locked away in Azkaban for years. What would she do then? She pursed her lips then pointed her wand at Pansy. "Obliviate!" Then she turned her wand on Malfoy, who's eyes widened. "Payback's a witch."
"Ginny!" Harry said, but she hardly heard him.
She raised her wand to Malfoy's forehead and grinned. "Obliviate!" she said and watched the recognition slip from his eyes.
*
Ahhhhh! I'm sorry this took a little longer than usual, but here it is. I hope you enjoyed it. Thoughts? Anyway, the plan is for just two more parts, maybe three, but we'll see. The end is here, people! DO NOT PANIC! There is plenty more in the BAD UNIVERSE to come. I promise.
While waiting for the next chapter, why don't you guys share your favorite character in the BAD series?? I'd love to see who resonated with you!
And, as always, thank you so much for your patience and support. Without you, BAD wouldn't be here. So, thank you, thank you, thank you. I appreciate every single one of you so much.
Also, remember, stay safe and healthy and kind. Always.
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