Ghostly Curse

Ch 16

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.