Author: .Pixels

Title: Camp HORROR

Disclaimer: I don't own the HP series.

- This is the last chapter. Thank you all for being there with encouragement and support. Hope you will enjoy this.

A.N: Yes, this is the exciting last chapter for this story! Hope you will enjoy it as this is the chapter that pretty much explains all the shadowy parts. But don't worry, there's still Goyle's final plan that's yet to be revealed before everything can end.

P.S. Read the last author's note at the end of the chapter for the final wrap-up/"biography" of the story if you're interested in where the idea and names came from. It's just a final note that provides a little interesting info. Do enjoy and don't forget to drop off a review :D

Chapter Twenty

I'm Not Your Puppet

"I don't think so, Weasley."

Ginny met Gregory Goyle's cool stare, perplexed. She blew a strand of hair out of her face in frustration. She was neither in the mood nor had time to dally around here with Goyle trying to get into her good book. She didn't want to be made to feel guilty about not "giving him a chance" to prove himself either.

"Listen, Goy-Gregory. I'm tired and I just want to go home. So please, step out of the way."

Goyle let out a terrifying crazy laugh. "You are beautiful," he said grinning from ear to ear. "No wonder the Malfoy prat was so taken with you. I must say so myself, if you weren't a disgusting red-headed Weasley, I would've considered you as well."

Ginny took a step back in shock. She had definitely not expected that.

"W-What?" Anger flared up. "How dare you talk to me like that, Goyle. Get out of my way!"

Goyle intercepted swiftly and stopped her. There was a brief struggle but Goyle had no problem in pushing Ginny to the ground and subduing her.

"I think we might've misunderstood each other," Goyle snarled. "When I say you can leave then you can leave. I have not said it yet."

"Wh-What?" Ginny whispered. Was he crazy?

"Now," Goyle continued on with a hint more of delight. "I don't come bearing all ill-will. I do have a… present for you."

"I don't want it," Ginny replied coldly.

"What?" Goyle feigned a look of hurt. "You haven't even seen what it is. Or more precisely, what it can do."

He grinned down at her, still pinned to the leaf-covered ground. "Come on, Ginny, I know you are at least a little bit curious."

"No," Ginny held stubbornly, wiggling to get free.

"Pity," Goyle snorted. With one hand, he took out his wand and stunned her.

"Can you stop stomping around like a huge elephant?" Malfoy called through clenched teeth.

It was a miracle that they weren't punching each other out since they had headed out to find the Wolves. Ron, on the other hand, was voicing his displeasure at having to work with Malfoy by taking it out on any twigs or branches he could get his hands on.

"Shut up," Ron retorted as he stomped and successfully broke an innocent branch lying in his path.

"You're being stupid and maybe that's why the Shadow Wolves haven't appeared yet," Malfoy told him. Ron just glared.

They were in the Black Forest and were trudging around looking for any sign of orange fur or a certain long-haired redhead.

Suddenly, stepping out behind a tree, an orange-coated wolf appeared. "This is a surprise," Ooda said. "I wasn't expecting anyone to be coming back this early."

Ron gave a muffled yell but stayed where he was. Malfoy smirked and asked, "Where's Ginny?"

Ooda looked surprised. "She just left not very long ago to find her brother-"

"Which is me," Ron cut in.

"You two must have just missed her then."

Ginny woke up in a dark tent, bound to a wooden chair of some kind. Her whole back was aching as if she had been in one position too long. Some dirty gag was tied around her mouth as well.

It took a bit for the fact to sink in that Goyle had kidnapped her and tied her somewhere. The only thing she could guess was that they were, at least, still in Camp Hogwarts.

Ginny started to struggle but the thick rope dug into her wrists painfully. She thought ruefully how Goyle sure knew how to tie a knot.

Behind her, someone stirred.

"Awake, are we now?" his all too familiar voice asked.

Malfoy was frowning. How had they missed her? Why did he have such bad luck?

"…if only you had kept your eyes peeled," Ron was busy saying. "We would probably have spotted her instead of coming all this way and now going back."

They crossed over the river again and Malfoy replied with, "Why didn't you see her then?" To that, Ron temporarily had nothing to say.

Goyle approached her and untied the gag.

"What do you want," Ginny asked.

He took his time in pulling up another chair in front of her, sat down and smiled. "We have lots to talk about and what was I supposed to do?" He lifted his hands in mock helplessness. "You were bent on leaving; I couldn't have that, now could I?"

Ginny said nothing but glared.

He sighed and ran his fingers through his long brown hair. "Story time. Where to start?"

"How about at the beginning?" Ginny muttered sourly. She couldn't help herself.

Goyle grinned at her. "That first day when I met you at camp, I genuinely did like you, Weasley. You were vibrant, beautiful, and very much alive. I liked that."

Ginny snorted.

"Believe it or not," he continued unperturbed, "I did want to be your friend… until you decided to meddle in things that were best left alone."

"What?" Ginny asked confused. "I did not."

"Well, maybe you did unknowingly, but it messed up my plans big time."

"Like what?" she asked coldly.

"Like when Malfoy should have died in his tent alone."

Goyle leaned back in his chair, his face a mask devoid of emotion, but he was not as good as Malfoy at the act. Ginny could see a nerve twitching just below his jaw. He was very angry.

Ginny stared. "You were the one who tried to kill Draco when Neville went missing?"

Goyle leaned forward again and gently tilted Ginny's face towards him. "Yes, yes I did. And I would have succeeded if you hadn't gone and cured him of it."

Ginny gave a short burst of laughter. "If I recall correctly, Goyle," she exclaimed, "You were no A student in Potions. In fact, you pretty much sucked."

He shrugged, refusing to act to her provocation. "People can learn, study hard, and become very good at it."

"You… study?" Now she laughed for real. "Please."

Goyle frowned. "Why are you provoking me, Weasley? You want me to end your pathetic miserable life? Because I assure you, I am very capable of doing so."

There was a pause and she replied, "If you wanted to, you would have already. What is it that you really want from me?"

"We have all the time in the world," Goyle informed her. "I told you I wanted to chat and chat we will." He raised one finger. "That was one of the times you foiled my plan, the second time," he raised his second finger, "was when Malfoy decided to pair up with you to search for Longbottom. I had the perfect trap set up for him and he was going to walk right into it if it weren't for you."

"It's not perfect if Malfoy decided to not fall into it, now is it?"

Goyle grunted. "And to add on to all the trouble, that dumb girl Parkinson goes and loses Longbottom. Dumbledore joining the camp was not part of my plans and he could have absolutely destroyed my chance."

"When I was with the Shadow Wolves," Ginny muttered. "I saw Neville and he told me that Crabbe and another guy had been tormenting him. I should've known right then it was you."

"All is well though; I have you right in the palm of my hand." Goyle smiled handsomely.

"I would never, never do anything for you," Ginny retorted icily.

Goyle stood up and stretched. "That's where you're wrong."

He moved to the back of the tent and Ginny hurt clinking and rustling. She struggled again trying to loosen up the rope but it still wouldn't budge. She could feel the course fabric cutting into her tender skin. She gritted her teeth and continued to struggle.

Goyle reappeared in front of her holding a vial of liquid.

"What is that?" Ginny asked hesitantly.

He beamed down at her. "This is my masterpiece."

"A potion?"

"Of course. I fed Parkinson my prototype which wasn't good enough. Wore off after a few hours and had to be taken again. But this," he gestured to the vial in his hand, "This is the completed version."

Ginny squirmed. "What does it do?"

"You will be my puppet and ultimately the weapon I use to kill both Malfoy and Potter."

Fear gripped her and she renewed her energy at struggling to set herself free. If only she could just slip a hand out of the knot…

"You will obey everything I say, and nothing that anyone does will break the hold. Even if your stupid brother tries to sacrifice his life to help you, nothing will come of it. This is my masterpiece."

"No!"

Goyle smiled sinisterly and advanced on her. He grabbed her hair and tugged it back mercilessly. With one swift yank and a muttered spell, he forced Ginny to take the potion without so much as a fight.

"What do you mean you haven't seen her?" Malfoy shouted losing all control of his outwardly cool act.

They had made their way back to the camp and Cho had just informed Ron and Draco that she had not seen Ginny.

"What I mean, Malfoy," Cho replied crossly, "is that I haven't seen Ginny yet!"

"B-B-But," Ron spluttered. "The Wolf said she'd come back. She should've made it back before us."

"Maybe we should ask around," Cho suggested. "Oh, there's 'Mione. We could ask-"

Before she could finish the sentence, Malfoy was already intercepting and questioning Hermione.

Hermione had not seen Ginny either.

"Malfoy, would you stop yelling at me!" Hermione exclaimed with frustration. "This Camp is huge. Maybe I just haven't seen her come back."

Malfoy was in the midst of retorting with something cruel but was cut off by Harry who strode over to see what the commotion was about.

"What's going on?" he asked.

"Harry," Ron said relieved. "Surely you've seen Ginny return? It'd make sense if she came to find you first."

Malfoy gritted his teeth but said nothing.

Harry looked confused and shook his head. "I haven't seen Ginny."

With that comment, panic ensued. No one had seen Ginny.

For the next half hour, the gang commenced searching for her. For the first time ever, Malfoy and Ron shared a similar goal. By this time, they were both so used to each other's annoying company that they even managed to work together.

It wasn't until sunset until they found her.

More correctly, she walked into the tent they were having a meeting in where they were busy gridding out the campsite grounds they had already searched. She had lifted the tent flap and calmly walked in.

"Ginny!" Ron was on his feet before anyone else could react. He approached his younger sister and gave her a relieved hug. She did not return the enthusiasm at all. She stood silently at the tent entrance.

"Gin, what's wrong? Where've you been? We've all been terribly worried," Hermione exclaimed.

"Bloody hell, Ginevra," Ron exploded beside her. "We have all been worried about you. You could at least tell us where you were going for all those hours!"

Harry stood up and went up to Ginny. "Where've you been, Gin?" he asked gently.

Malfoy felt a sharp stab of pain in his chest when Ginny turned and looked up at Harry. He clenched his fist but kept quiet. He was the most surprised when Ginny turned her attention to him and said two words, "Come, Draco."

He stood up without question. Whatever the reason, wherever she'd been, it was him that she wanted. Not her brother. Not Potter. He approached her and she slipped her hand into his. She felt cold and distant.

"I don't think so, Malfoy," Ron cut in, pushing him away. Ron turned to his sister and said, "You're not coming in here and just leaving with that prat."

"What's wrong, Ginny?" Cho repeated the question on everyone's mind. She was acting distant, cold, and unapproachable and no one seemed to know why.

"Come," Ginny pleaded reaching out for Malfoy again. Her beautiful brown eyes yearning and pleading.

Malfoy was speechless and he couldn't resist, he took her hand. He would go with her.

"Now wait just a minute," Harry intervened before Ron could get a chance. He took Ginny's hands in his, successfully blocking out Malfoy. "Where are you going, Gin?"

Ginny would not reply. She tried dodging Harry but he was persistent in blocking Malfoy from her.

"Something's wrong," Hermione whispered scared.

Being Ron, he turned towards Malfoy and accused him. "What have you done to Ginny?"

Draco just smirked. "It's clear she wants me. Now, if you'll excuse us-"

"I don't think so," Harry cut in, his emerald eyes flashing with anger. "You've already had amble enough time alone with Ginny. Too much for any of our liking, and I speak for everyone in this room."

Malfoy stared coldly at Harry. "Ginny is mine. She's free to make her own choices and she chooses to be with me. There is nothing you can do."

Cho sighed. "Would you just give it up, Malfoy? I admit I thought it was cute before but what Ginny's been through… it's just too much. You are not the one for her."

"And who are you to say who is for who?" Draco replied rounding up on her.

"Your father is," Ron muttered quietly.

The room went silent. Even Draco could say nothing.

"Isn't that true?" Ron continued coolly. "Even if Ginny did choose you. Even if you did love my sister with all your heart. Why would it matter? Your father would never allow it."

Malfoy couldn't find a retort. His father was a man of power and wealth. What Ron had said so bluntly was true.

"Why continue this façade?" Ron tugged Ginny towards him. "Ginny doesn't deserve to be treated as your toy, Malfoy. This game you're playing, aren't you tired of it yet?"

"I-It's not a game…" he whispered.

"If you really loved Ginny," Hermione added. "You would let her go."

Suddenly the tent was not bright enough, too small, and a little difficult to breathe in. The thought of losing Ginny was unbearable.

"No!" he uttered. He was not going to lose her. He would fight for her. He would die for her. His father could disapprove but she was his life now and he could not and would not go on without her in his life.

He made a grab for Ginny which Ron lunged and blocked.

"Over my dead body!" Ron was yelling as Malfoy tried to push him away.

It was at this time that Goyle decided conveniently to enter the tent. Wands were immediately drawn and the fight between Ron and Malfoy immediately ended.

"You sure are stupid to show up here," Cho spat out. Her wand was pointing straight at his heart.

Goyle laughed heartily. He raised his hands in mock surrender showing the group that he had no wand. "Let's not be so hasty, shall we?" he suggested.

"You're wanted for attempted murder among many other crimes you've committed here," Hermione informed him frostily.

He shrugged. "Honestly, I just came here to finish a job."

"What? To kill me?" Harry asked a little amused.

"Well, yes. You and the Malfoy over there," Goyle replied good-naturedly.

Malfoy grinned. "Oh yes. With no wand, and let's see here. If you were even clever enough to learn how to count, you'd realize it's six against one. You're outnumbered."

Goyle made a face. "You were always one to look down on others, but you counted wrong. It's actually two against five."

"Back up outside the tent? I'd suggest bringing something like ten rather than just one."

"And that's where you're wrong again," Goyle said smugly. "You see, all I need is one more person on my side."

"Yeah? Who is that," Ron demanded to know.

They followed Goyle's gaze. It landed on Ginny who had stood motionlessly and wordlessly beside her brother the whole time.

"Ginny," Goyle called.

She looked at him and walked to stand beside him.

"Ginny?" Ron whispered shocked.

"What did you do to her!" Cho yelled angrily.

Hermione gaped. "It must be the same thing he used on Pansy."

"You touch one hair on her head, and I will kill you," Harry warned.

Goyle smiled at the group. "First off, I would like to tell you that if you kill me, you kill Ginny automatically. You see," he gestured towards Hermione, "the mudblood is right. It is the same thing I used on Parkinson but this one is better and much more complicated to break. I've linked me and beautiful Ginny here together." He slung an arm around Ginny and she obediently moved closer. "You hurt me, you hurt her."

Malfoy growled.

"What do you want?" Harry asked.

"Lower your wands," Goyle instructed. When no one moved, he turned to Ginny and said, "Tell them, my sweet."

"Lower your wands," she repeated softly.

Not knowing what else to do, they slowly did. Goyle turned to Ginny again and said, "Now tell them what I want next."

"Come… with me, Draco… Harry…"

"Ginny!" Ron was roaring. "Snap out of it!"

Goyle, however, was grinning from ear to ear gleefully. He gave Ginny a little push towards Draco's direction and she obediently went over to Draco.

"Draco," she asked in a small voice. "Won't you come with me?"

Malfoy did not know what to do. All he could think of was that he would kill Goyle but then how he could not kill Goyle because it would harm Ginny. Glancing from Ginny to Goyle, he made up his mind. He slipped his hand into her cold ones and said, "Yes, you don't need to ask. I would go with you anywhere."

"How sweet," Goyle exclaimed. "Now Potter, Ginny. Ask Potter."

Ginny turned towards Harry and looked into his green eyes, her brown ones strangely dull. "Harry, will you come too?"

Harry stood frozen. He didn't know what to do. If he went with Ginny, there was bound to be a trap of some sort that Goyle had prepared beforehand. But what if he didn't go? Would Goyle end Ginny's life? Could he do that with just a potion? Maybe he should buy more time, or send Cho to notify Dumbledore.

"Anytime now, Potter," Goyle interrupted his train of thoughts, a little impatiently.

Harry raised his wand again and pointed it at Goyle. "Or I could just stun you here right now and we can break the spell while you're out cold."

Goyle laughed gleefully. "Always the one to try to be the hero. Well, I'll let you know that I thought of that. If I lose consciousness, the spell will automatically kick in and end her life. Simple as that."

"Impossible," Hermione whispered, wide-eyed.

"Willing to bet the Weasley's life on it?" Goyle asked. "Or maybe you should just ask Malfoy over there if the Dark Arts can accomplish something like this."

The room fell silent as no one spoke. Even Ron was speechless with worry.

"Well, Potter? Are you going to answer Ginny or do we have to do something reckless?" Goyle hinted.

"Are you afraid," Malfoy muttered, trying to provoke Harry.

Harry didn't answer Malfoy but after a few more minutes of contemplation, he nodded. "Yes, I'll go."

"Fantastic," Goyle smirked.

Ginny repeated softly, "Fantastic."

"You can either leave your wands here or put them in your pockets. Stop pointing them at me, and follow me." He turned, lifted the tent flap and was out.

Ginny immediately followed with Malfoy trailing just a little behind.

"You can't go," Cho whispered desperately. "It'll be dangerous!"

Harry gave her a small smile. "I got to. Ginny's life is at stake. And plus, at least I still have my wand. It'll be okay."

"Harry…" Ron said.

"Don't say it. She's your sister and my friend, I'll get her back," Harry answered.

Hermione gave Harry a quick hug. "We'll let Dumbledore know…"

And with that, Harry was out the tent and following the three ahead of him.

They were trampling through the forest, Goyle leading the party confidently. He even whistled now and then. Ginny followed Goyle just a few steps behind and never said a word no matter how Malfoy or Harry tried to talk to her.

Malfoy and Harry lagged behind, carrying out a small conversation without Goyle hearing.

"What are we going to do?"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"It means I don't know."

"How can you not know? You always have a plan!

"But I don't now! You should know since you know Dark Arts and how to break something like this better than I do."

"I've never heard of anything like this, and you should know, being the one to defeat the Dark Lord and everything."

Harry glared at Malfoy who was equally coldly staring back.

"This is getting us nowhere, Malfoy! I suggest you think harder."

"I am thinking!"

"Ginny's life is at stake here."

"I know that!"

"That Goyle is a crazy maniac."

"Damn it. I can't believe he had a chance to pull something off like this."

"Do something!"

"What do I do!"

"Do you think he's telling the truth? About the link between him and Ginny?"

"It's possible… but I don't know."

"Testing it out is out of the question as well."

"Yeah…"

"Well, you gotta be sure he's telling the truth. If he's not, we can just zap him now and get Gin back."

"I said I don't know!"

"What have you learned about the Dark Arts?"

Malfoy glared. "Who says I'm an expert of the Dark Arts? Stop assuming so."

"You're not then?"

"I never said that either."

"Then, for crying out loud, what are you saying? Do you know or do you not know?"

"I'm thinking…"

"Think faster!"

"It might be possible since he is controlling her somehow."

"So what are we concluding?"

"He's probably telling the truth."

"Okay… so if we kill him, Ginny gets killed. If we stun or knock him unconscious, Ginny gets killed. Where does that leave us?"

"Well, there's a reason why most wizards never use this kind of magic when they concoct something."

"Meaning?"

"Making someone a puppet is bound to go wrong. Just like how making love potions will always backfire, this is the same thing. You don't mess with someone's heart."

"Right… but his potion seems to working FINE."

"I know that!"

"So what you just concluded was a bunch of bull! He obviously managed to pull it off."

"I know! I'm surprised that he managed to do something like this."

"Will you stop being surprised and start working on an executable plan?"

"I am! You should come up with something too."

There was a long stretch of silence.

"Think of anything yet?"

"…No."

"We have to save Ginny."

"I know that! Why do you keep stating the obvious!"

"Listen, Malfoy. Maybe if we just tie him up or freeze him without him losing conscious…"

"I thought of that already. He must have a way around that too."

"What then?"

Malfoy felt like strangling Harry. "I don't know."

Harry was on the verge of stunning Malfoy himself. If they didn't come up with a workable plan, things were going to end badly.

They had split up to look for Dumbledore. They had to let him know what was happening before it was too late.

Ooda sat on his haunches looking at the rising moon. He still had the letter Nillia left for Sly. He stood up and shook his fur out. It was time to let Sly know what had happened and deliver the letter.

They arrived in the small clearing, its circle illuminated by moonlight. Goyle stood just in the shadows, smiling to himself. He couldn't believe it. Tonight, he would be able to orchestrate a painful death for the two of his enemies.

He watched as Harry and Draco entered the clearing with Ginny in the middle and his smile grew into a terrible grin. This place was good. Isolated from the rest of the camp, hard enough to find, and far enough that screams of pain wouldn't reach anyone. Perfect for a torturous death.

Ginny agilely slipped both of their wands out of their pockets and into her hands. Both of the boys had no time to react before their wands were in the hands of Goyle.

"I expected it to be harder," Goyle exclaimed now laughing as he threw the two wands away. "But it's like taking candy from a baby. This Weasley sure is useful, isn't she?"

Malfoy lunged towards Goyle but Harry held him back just in time. Goyle guffawed.

"What should I do first to torment you, Malfoy?" he asked. He glanced at Ginny. "I've heard from Krista that you seem to have fallen in love. At first I didn't believe it, but now…" He shrugged and pulled Ginny towards him. "A little advice for you, Malfoy. You should never have taken interest in this girl. We all know her love for Potter over there."

"Don't let him get to you," Harry muttered. "Ginny and I are just good friends, nothing more."

But Malfoy couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. He knew Ginny had secretly loved Potter at Hogwarts. Knowing that hurt and he clenched his fist.

"Good friends?" Goyle whispered in a mock tone. He turned to Ginny and commanded, "Go give Potter a kiss."

Harry was shocked while Malfoy immediately reacted. Over his dead body. Goyle took out his wand and fired it at Malfoy, successfully knocking him down with pain.

"I want you to watch, Malfoy."

Harry was still shocked as Ginny approached him. She tiptoed in for the kiss. He could smell her sweet scent wafting over him but he moved away.

Goyle shook his head disapprovingly. "Do that again, Potter, and I will make Ginny feel pain like she has never felt before."

This time he stood still and let her kiss him.

"Kiss him like you mean it."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss sweetly. Harry tried to remain loft, but Ginny was sweet and soft even when puppeteered by Goyle.

"Potter!" Malfoy warned in frustration as he watched him wrap an arm around her waist. "I'll kill you."

Goyle squatted down, a happy glint in his eye. "Do it."

But Malfoy did not move. He gritted his teeth and looked away, a sharp pain pounding at his chest. Even though he knew it wasn't really Ginny actively doing it on her own, in his mind it was still Ginny. The Ginny who only belonged to him was now in the arms of Potter.

"Tell Potter how much you love him, Weasley."

Draco didn't want to hear the words. "Ginny…" he was almost pleading. "Please."

She did not react at all to Draco. Instead, she said, "I love you, Harry. I love you a lot."

Harry stood very still, unsure what to do. Goyle leapt up joyfully and handed Ginny her wand.

"Now, Weasley. I want you to aim this at Malfoy and let him feel real pain."

She wrapped her fingers around her wand and slowly turned to face Draco. She raised her wand even as Harry was telling her no, and fired it. Within moments, Draco was crumpled on the floor, cringing in pain.

"Again," Goyle instructed, and Ginny complied. Although Harry pretty much didn't care what happened to Malfoy, he couldn't let Ginny continue cruelly doing what she was doing. There was a chance her spells could kill Malfoy.

"Stop!" he yelled in an effort to gain Ginny's attention. She paid no heed to him and whispered the spell again.

However, he did catch Goyle's attention. "Potter is jealous. Don't forget about him."

Obediently, Ginny turned towards Harry. A spark of light flew out from her wand and Harry fell to the floor, writhing in pain.

"Don't stop," Goyle whispered gleefully, and Ginny obeyed.

Malfoy lay on the cold damp forest floor, just barely hanging onto consciousness. His whole body was throbbing with pain but he forced himself to slowly sit up. He needed to come up with a plan, but what could he do?

Harry was crying out now, trying to dodge the next spell but Ginny's aim was accurate and brutally emotionless. Goyle, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. He was bursting with mal intent, a frightening grin plastered onto his face. Now and then he would murmur something to Ginny.

Harry used whatever energy he had left and charged at Malfoy, knocking him down. Goyle was temporarily surprised at this sudden outburst and the spells stopped momentarily.

"L-Listen," Harry whispered urgently taking the opportunity to talk to Malfoy without being overheard. "I have a plan."

Draco stared at Harry in shock but also in relief. Finally, they would be doing something. "What is it?"

Before Harry could relay on his plan, Goyle was dragging him away.

"Just trust me," Harry mouthed as Goyle was saying, "Chatting, are we?"

"I know why you're doing this," Harry managed to say.

Goyle lifted an eyebrow in mild surprise. "You do, do you?"

"You're making Malfoy pay for what his father did… how his father managed to escape but yours was imprisoned."

Goyle went strangely tense. Harry had hit a nerve.

"Why are you saying this?"

Harry held up a hand. "Look, you have nothing against Ginny, let her go. You have Malfoy, and I promise you that if you let Ginny go, I won't go anywhere either."

Goyle smirked. "Nice try, Potter. But I already have both of you. There's no need to let her go and you're in no spot to negotiate."

"Dumbledore must be looking for us by now. Let Ginny go to them, that way you can distract them while finishing up here. You'll still end up winning."

Goyle tipped his head to the side, thinking about Harry's proposition.

"Look, you can further torture Malfoy instead of giving instructions to Ginny to do it. You can do it yourself and feel the satisfaction," Harry supplied a bit too enthusiastically. Malfoy frowned. If the plan consisted of Goyle firing magical curses at him then this was no plan at all!

Goyle was still uncertain about this but was wavering. Harry threw Malfoy an urgent look that seemed to say, Do you understand!

And then it hit him. He understood, and he knew what he needed to do to save Ginny. He gave Harry a curt nod to signal he understood the situation and the plan now.

"Actually, I refuse your idea, Potter. But good try," Goyle said finally after some thought. He then issued another order to Ginny to hurt Malfoy with her magic and she obeyed. Draco cried out in pain as another brilliant string of light hit his body.

Harry took the opportunity and leapt up, aching all over. He used every ounce of his remaining strengthen and took full advantage of Goyle's distraction at watching Malfoy cringe in pain. With a battle-like cry, he rammed Goyle over and started to punch him on the ground.

Goyle grunted and tried to shake Harry off but he was persistent and kept on the assault. Ginny stood silently to the side, watching emotionlessly.

"Weasley!" Goyle huffed out, trying to spit out the blood gathering in his mouth.

"Malfoy!" Harry yelled. He couldn't keep this up. Goyle was stronger and had not just spent the last few minutes in torture.

Draco grunted and rolled over onto his stomach. The pain pounding in his head just wouldn't shut up. There were patches of black in his vision and he felt a sharp throbbing but he managed to crawl a few paces.

"Accio!" he muttered. His wand, which Goyle had carelessly thrown away, flew right into his hand.

"Protect me, Weasley!" Goyle was now screaming in panic. He managed to throw Harry off and lunged for his wand, only to be pulled back by Harry in another fist-fight.

Ginny stepped promptly in front of Goyle to block anything that Draco would decide to hurl that way.

"Get outta the way, Ginny," Draco whispered. Behind her slender figure, Goyle was punching Harry mercilessly. He watched as Goyle made another attempt to retrieve his wand only to have Harry foil it again.

"KILL HIM!" Goyle screamed. "KILL MALFOY!"

Ginny slowly raised her wand. She felt her arm lift by itself and felt her mind concentrate on a killing curse. But she didn't want this. She didn't will this. Not Draco. She fought it but it was no use. There was a slight moment of hesitation but the spell was simply too powerful.

With her wand aimed straight at him, the words left her mouth.

It all happened too fast. Ginny fired the spell, but the slight hesitation had bought Harry valuable time. He slammed into Ginny with as much energy as he had left. Her wand hand fired the spell uselessly into the sky, missing Malfoy just by inches. She fell onto the cold forest floor as her wand fell out of her hand.

Harry lost consciousness on top of her and even though her body would not obey what she was telling it to do, she could clearly see Goyle wiping the blood away from his eyes and crawling towards his wand.

Each had bought each other valuable seconds. Ginny's small hesitation had bought Harry enough time to save Malfoy's life. And Harry's redirection of the deadly spell had bought Malfoy enough time to gather his thoughts and get to his feet.

Now as Goyle crawled to his wand, Malfoy half limped, half walked over. He stepped on the wand moments before Goyle could get to it and pointed his wand at Goyle's forehead.

"It's over for you, Goyle."

Goyle froze, pale with fear as beads of blood hung on his brow. His face was already starting to bruise. He lifted his head slowly and looked Malfoy in the eye.

"I'm still winning as long as I have the Weasley. You kill me, you kill Ginny. Do it. Do it! It will be like killing her with your own hand!"

When Draco did not say or do anything except stare, Goyle pulled himself into a sitting position.

Ginny felt like screaming at the prat. Just kill Goyle! She wouldn't blame him. She did not want to be a puppet anymore. Not anymore.

"Grab your wand," Goyle instructed Ginny as he spat blood out of his mouth.

Ginny pushed Harry off of her and reached for her wand.

No! she was crying in her head. No!

"If you don't do something, Malfoy, then I will."

Still Draco did nothing. He did not know what to do. His beautiful grey eyes darted between Goyle and Ginny, trying to come up with something that would save her.

"First off," Goyle murmured. "I will instruct her to kill Potter. I think that would please us both."

"Break the spell, Goyle, or I will kill you."

"And risk losing her forever? I don't think so."

"She would rather die than be the one who kills Potter."

"But the important question is, are you willing to kill her for what she wants?" Goyle smirked. "I bet not. So… Ginny… raise your wand and kill –"

Shock filled Goyle's eyes as his hands flew to his throat. He tried to cough but no sound came out. As realization dawned on his features, panic and fear replaced shock.

Ginny stood to the side, her wand raised and ready but did not move otherwise.

"I figured this was how you controlled Ginny," Malfoy said after a moment had passed and he knew he had guessed successfully the way to counter the puppet spell. "You used your voice to control her."

Goyle froze, unable to think of anything to do.

Just in time, Ron and Dumbledore entered the little clearing with Hermione, Cho and McGonagall right behind.

When seeing he had truly lost, Goyle slumped down, losing what little determination he had left.

"This is interesting…" Dumbledore commented a bit of surprise in his tone.

McGonagall rushed to Harry with Cho following behind to treat his wounds. Leaving Dumbledore to guard Goyle, Malfoy rushed towards Ginny. Ron was already beside her, holding her hand.

Whatever they said or did, Ginny was unresponsive. Although they had shut Goyle's voice up, his spell was not broken.

"How do we break it," Ron demanded to know. Goyle would not say, his eyes said as much, and they could not risk giving back his voice to give him a chance to use Ginny to do what he wanted.

"I've been thinking about this," Dumbledore explained. "And I believe that the way to break this spell may be as simple as how a love potion spell is broken."

"How do you break a love potion spell?" Ron wanted to know.

"If the one she loves gives her a kiss, the spell breaks," Hermione replied. "Or so they say," she added, blushing.

Dumbledore nodded. "That's why it's never wise to try to capture someone's heart with a spell."

"Well, Harry's unconscious," Ron stubbornly exclaimed loudly and pointedly meant for Draco to hear.

"He's already kissed her," Draco answered bitterly to Ron. "So obviously a kiss isn't going to work."

"Why don't you give it a shot, Malfoy?" Cho said quietly.

The group went very silent. Even Ron had nothing to say.

"I don't think it'll work. She… I'm not the one she loves."

Dumbledore lifted his arms in what appeared to be a shrug. "There are no more ideas, Mr. Malfoy."

"Yeah…" Ron blurted out, habit unable to be broken. "I have to say I agree with Malfoy on this one. Ginny doesn't even like him."

"Do you have a better idea, Ronald Weasley?" McGonagall declared sharply.

"Just try," Cho said. "If you really love Ginny, I'm sure she'd return those feelings as well."

"Cho!" Ron protested.

What did he have to lose? If she did not respond to him and later the spell was broken by someone else, he would be happy for her. It would hurt but he would be happy for her. He looked at her, his heart pounding in both fear and happiness.

He reached out and gently pulled her into his arms. He looked into her beautiful doleful brown eyes, the light sprinkle of freckles on her fair skin, and the way that lock of red hair fell over her eyes. And he knew he was in love with her, and that he would always be whether she loved him back or not.

Hesitantly, he tipped her chin up and closed the distance between their lips. She always tasted like chocolate and smelled like summer. He liked that. He liked that a lot.

He closed his eyes and deepened the kiss but she was cold and passive. Ginny stood still.

The truth sank in: he was not the one, and it hurt more than anything. It hurt much worse than he had imagined. He tried to gather his composure. He should've known this was what was going to happen. He should've known that someone so beautiful would not have chosen him. He gave her one last kiss and made to pull away.

Then he felt fingers behind the nape of his neck, pulling him back. He opened his eyes in shock and met Ginny's animated ones. There were tears in her eyes as she slowly regained control of her own body. She felt them overwhelm her. She had watched him be unsure, watched the hurt play across his usually cold expression, and she had been so afraid that she would never get to tell him how much she really loved him. She had been afraid that she wouldn't be able to do this. And she kissed him like she had never done before.

"I love you," she whispered to him. "And it has always been you. Always."

Ooda found Sly sitting on the big boulders overlooking the horizon, alone.

He agilely leapt from one stone to the other until he was sitting beside the young boy. Even without looking at him, Ooda could feel the sadness emanating from him.

"How are you coping?" Ooda asked quietly.

Sly sniffled and in a brave tone replied, "I'm fine. I'd like to be alone if you don't mind."

Ooda bowed his head. "You feel it?"

Sly closed his eyes and after a while he answered, "Yes. She's really gone. Dead… I can feel it."

"The immortality curse has been lifted as well."

"Yes."

Another lapse of silence passed as the two sat on the boulder, looking to the vast expanse of night sky.

"You know," Sly mumbled breaking the silence. "It's strange. After I felt her death, I realized I didn't hate her as much as I once thought."

Ooda put a paw on Sly's shoulder, comforting. "She might have done some things wrong, but she never stopped loving you, her son."

"I know…"

"And that's why she left you this." Ooda dropped the letter into Sly's lap.

Sly didn't touch the white envelop in his lap but only looked at it.

Ooda stood up and shook out his fur. "Read it whenever you're ready to." He gave the boy one last look and leapt away, leaving Sly alone with his thoughts.

Slowly and gingerly, Sly picked up the letter that Nillia had left him. He lay down on the rock and stared up into the sky, tears falling from his eyes.

He would read it one day…

But for now, he already knew what it was going to say. The curse was broken and he was free to live his life like he had always wished.

I love you too…Mom…

They were gathered in front of the train station, bags packed and waiting for the train. Most importantly, they were ready to go back home.

Ginny slipped her hand into Malfoy's and huddled closer in the early autumn cold. Draco smiled down at her. He had never been this happy in his life.

Ron stood behind them, pouting. He was still getting used to the idea that Ginny may really be in love with Malfoy. Hermione stood next to him, smiling at how happy the two were. She could never have imagined this would be how it turned out.

Harry stood on Ron's other side, leaning on a crutch with Cho beside him. He had spent a few days resting at a hospital and had only been released today. They were all taking the train on Harry's behalf since he couldn't operate a broom just yet. Harry was not at all pleased with how things turned out. He was absolutely glowering at Malfoy's back, scowling.

The large black train rumbled into the station and came to an eventual stop, hissing and whistling. The gang got their bags and started to board the train. As soon as Ginny was out of hearing range, Harry caught Draco in a steel grip by the arm.

"If you think saving Ginny and going through all that has made it alright for you and Ginny to be together, you better think again," Harry hissed.

Draco smirked. "Ginny is mine now," he said slowly for Harry's benefit. "And no matter what you do, you're not getting in between us." He shook off Harry's grip and stepped onto the train.

"What was that about?" Ginny wanted to know as he ushered her down the narrow train aisle.

"Nothing," Draco replied planting a kiss on top of her head. "We're in number 214."

"We'll be in 205 down here if you need anything!" Ron yelled from behind them. "I mean, if you need anything, Gin. Any-"

Ginny smiled back at her brother. "We'll be fine, Ron," she giggled as she pulled Draco by the shirt down the aisle.

Hermione pushed Ron into the cabin room as they were getting looks of curiosity from the other passengers. Ron tried to resist just a bit longer to watch his sister disappear into the line of passengers.

"You know you can't always be looking out for her."

"I know." Ron sighed.

Harry, on the other hand, had not given up that easily. He marched down the aisle as best as he could, pulling Cho with him. He had even fought the man at the ticket counter for the closest number to 214. He had gotten 210.

"I don't think this is a good idea," Cho muttered to herself. She watched as Ginny and Draco entered 214, closing the door.

Harry and her entered 210. It was a small room capable of seating two people with only one window. There was barely any space to move around. After Harry had put the bags under the seat, he said, "We need to do something about this situation."

"Situation?"

"He's obviously using her for something."

Cho put a hand on Harry's arm and forced him to sit down. "You know a different Malfoy than the one Ginny has come to know. And in all honesty, I don't think that he would go as far as putting his life in danger just to use Ginny."

"It must be his father or something… Lucius might be pressuring him to make a move… you know Malfoy, Cho. You know he's most likely up to something."

Cho looked doubtful. "It's true that his father is going to be a problem later on, but…" she trailed off. What if Harry was right?

"The way I see it," Harry explained his eyes flashing, "Is that his father sent him out to do something. He accomplished that… as we can see Gin is completely enamored by him. What he didn't expect was that he would actually start to like her."

"I don't know, Harry… that sounds a little…"

"Ron's coming to accept the fact, but she's my friend. I got to warn her. She doesn't need to get hurt anymore than she already has."

"I know, Harry. But have you seen Malfoy's face when he's with her? He's absolutely happy. Glowing even!"

"Part act, part real."

Now Cho was slightly more convinced. Some people really did not just change overnight, and with Malfoy, one could never be too sure. "What do we do?" she asked wide-eyed.

"Do you need help with those bags?" she asked.

"What? Don't insult me, Weasley," he replied smirking. Effortlessly, he shoved them under the seats. "There. See?"

"You know you can ask me for help now and then," she whispered seductively.

"H-" He cleared his throat. "Help? What kind?"

"Like this," she mumbled as she pulled him closer, kissing his neck. She tiptoed to kiss his lips. He deepened the kiss, not letting her go.

With one hand in his now tousled hair, Ginny used the other to brush away the blond hair falling into his eyes. "I love you, Malfoy."

"I love you too," he replied huskily and kissed her again. He felt her fingers slip under his cloak to start to unbutton his shirt underneath.

"Are you sure?" he whispered. "This is a crowded train."

"I'll be quiet," she promised slyly, "…if you can."

He groaned and kissed her fingers. "Your …brother would kill me," he muttered but he did not stop.

She planted butterfly kisses along his neck and untied the string holding the cloak around his neck. The cloak slipped and fell onto the floor. She then worked on the last few buttons of his shirt, slowly and teasingly.

"You need more practice at this," he whispered into her hair.

Undoing the last button, she knelt down and wedged her fingers into his belt, tugging him closer. She kissed his stomach and felt his muscles tighten underneath her fingertips. "Nope," she replied back.

He groaned as Ginny teased him with kisses. He dug his fingers into her soft red hair, one hand on the window glass. "Stop, you're driving me crazy."

Ginny giggled and stood up, kissing his mouth. "How am I driving you crazy, Malfoy?" she whispered into his ear as she kicked off her shoes. She tiptoed on one leg and wrapped the other around his waist.

He stroked her thigh and his hand slipped under the skirt she was wearing. She gasped and he took the opportunity to smirk and explore deeper.

Her head dipped in pleasure as he mercilessly pinned her to the window, one hand dropping his pants.

Ginny playfully struggled against him but she was no match for him. He grabbed her other ankle and wrapped that leg around his waist too.

In turn, she nipped at his neck playfully sending a wave of heat and passion through him. His touch was feather-light against her, teasing and she arched into him. She could feel his arousal through the fabric between them as their hips touched and moved against each other. He touched her hair, her neck, her heaving chest, and her stomach, trying to caress every inch of her.

Lifting an eyebrow he asked, "Are you sure about this?"

"No," she whispered staring into the depths of his grey eyes. "I have never been sure about anything since the moment I met you." She then sealed it with a kiss, her fingers leaving a hot trail down his throat.

He groaned. He loved her so much he wondered how it was possible.

Gently, he relieved her of the rest of her clothes and positioned himself in front of her. She let her fingers glide down his chest as he pushed into her, his mouth seizing hers in a crushing needy kiss.

She let a small whimper of pleasure as he held still, his breathing hard. He could feel her clench down on him; she was so soft against him.

Unable to hold still any longer, he pushed deeper as she muffled her cry against his neck.

"Draco!"

"I thought you were going to be quiet," he groaned as he started to move against her, taking in everything about her: her body pressed against his, her whimpers of pleasure, and her scent.

She could feel the cool window pane pressed against her back. She gave up herself entirely to him as he had his way with her.

She closed her eyes and enjoyed the pleasure coursing through her body as he drove in and out, whispering her name in her hair, his fingers caressing and surprisingly gentle.

"Ginny," Malfoy groaned as her legs tightened around his waist.

They collapsed onto the floor, breathing heavily. He used his body to shield her against the small tumble so that she ended up on top of him. She could hear his heart pounding in his chest as she closed her eyes, living in the moment.

He was playing with her red hair that he had come to love when someone knocked on the train door.

"Tickets!" the man behind the door yelled in. "I need to see your tickets!"

He groaned. A perfectly good moment ruined. Ginny was busy scrambling off of him and pulling on her clothes, blushing. She turned and threw him his clothes.

"Hurry," she hissed at him as he lazed around.

"Help me," he whined as he grabbed her hand and pulled her close.

She couldn't help but grin up at him as she buttoned his shirt up. She then turned around and threw him his pants and belt.

"Open up 214!"

Ginny opened the door as soon as Malfoy was just left with adjusting the belt. She showed the man their two tickets.

Scowling, the man punched the tickets and left.

Behind him, Cho stood patiently waiting, shocking Ginny.

"Cho! What are you doing here?"

Cho hesitated and then said, "Harry wants to talk to you, Ginny."

Draco appeared at the door wearing a frown. "Absolutely not," he spat out meanly.

Ginny turned to Draco, frowning. He coughed, catching himself and his tone.

"Okay," Ginny replied to Cho. She turned to Draco and gave him a small hug. "This won't take long."

She left Cho and Draco in the room, closing the door behind her.

Harry was in room 210, sitting on the seat, and waiting for her. Ginny knocked and came in, closing the door behind her.

She took her seat across from Harry and waited for him expectantly to begin the conversation.

Harry shifted uncomfortably under her regard and cleared his throat. "We need to talk about something important."

Ginny nodded. "I'm listening, Harry."

His green eyes met her brown eyes briefly before he started to fiddle with his hands. "It's about Malfoy. I disapprove of you and him together."

"Why?"

Harry looked exasperated. "Why? Because he's a prat, that's why! He's playing you… s-spinning all these lies a-and-"

Ginny sighed and slouched in her seat. "Harry," she whispered softly. "Do you think I'm stupid enough to fall for his lies? Is that what you think of me?"

Harry blinked. "What… no! Of course not!" He leaned forward and took her hands into his. "I'm just looking out for you, offering you a new perspective."

Ginny knew he was just trying to do what was right but she had fallen in love with Malfoy, regretted it, fought it, and ended up still in love. She had doubted and suspected him over the days they had been together, insecure and unsure. She no longer wanted to be that person. She had made a decision and she would not spend the rest of her life second guessing herself. It was too tiring. She didn't want to spend every single second of her life wondering if at one point Malfoy would get tired of her, get bored of plain Ginny Weasley, and leave. She didn't want that. She took a chance and she was going to stick by it.

"I know, Harry," she told him. "I know. But Ron has accepted it by now, you should too."

Harry muttered, "Ron's only tired of telling you for the moment…"

"No," Ginny insisted. "He's accepted. Draco has saved my life and for that I'm grateful."

"Grateful doesn't mean you need to love him! To be with him!"

Ginny tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. "Grateful was the wrong word. I'm in love, Harry. I've never felt this way before. I'm happy. Won't you be happy for me too?"

Harry sighed and leaned back, exhausted with everything that had happened in the recent couple of days. "I am happy for you, Gin. You're the younger sister of my best friend. Of course I want the best for you… but Malfoy… his father… his family will make your life miserable. I'm sorry to say this out loud, but once he's done with you, he'll make you miserable."

Ginny smiled kindly. "I know that."

Harry was startled. "You know it? Then… why…?"

She shrugged. "I don't know how to explain it. It's just…" she paused searching for the right words to make Harry understand. "It's just the Malfoy you know is the Malfoy everyone knows… The one that I've come to know is the real Draco Malfoy underneath it all."

Harry frowned, wavering. Could it be possible? In the past few days, the prat had indeed displayed an astonishing amount of courage and kindness. Was it true?

"I can see you're still doubtful," Ginny continued. "But when it all comes down to it, this is my decision, Harry. If you are my friend, you'd accept it. I don't know if it's the right or wrong decision, but I've made it. I don't want to spend all my time wasted wondering if it was the correct one."

She stood up. "I love him that I know now. And if I somehow could see into the future and see that I did end up miserable, I would do all of this in a heartbeat. I wouldn't change a thing."

"Ginny…"

"You're a good friend, Harry," Ginny whispered. "I saw you fight that ticket seller for room 210." She giggled. "That was very thoughtful but I've made my choice. You don't need to agree or understand, but will you be happy for me at the very least?"

Harry was beat. "If he hurts you…"

"I know." Ginny flashed him a grin. "You and Ron will take care of it."

Harry ran a hand through his already tousled black hair. "I'm happy for you."

Smiling, Ginny leaned over and planted a small kiss on Harry's temple. At one time she had thought she loved him but Malfoy had shown her what love really was. She did love Harry but it was the same kind of love she felt for her brother and she understood that now.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Malfoy was attempting to pace around the little tiny train cabin.

Cho was very annoyed. Her legs were up on the seat or else he would be stomping on them. She could tell the blond Slytherin was wrought with worry.

"Can you just sit down?" Cho exclaimed after he had tripped over one of the suitcase handles. "Can't you see there's no space to do your pacing!"

Scowling, Draco plopped onto the chair opposite of Cho. "What is Potter up to?"

"Whatever do you mean?" Cho replied sweetly back.

Draco growled and stared out the window. He had no doubt that Potter was trying to convince Ginny that he was the wrong choice. He had gone through a lot and had at times wondered if he was. But when he had nearly lost Ginny, he knew deep down inside that no matter what, he'd always take care of her.

Cho remained silent on the opposite side, having nothing to say to him. She did study him now and then out of curiosity.

"What is taking so long!" he snarled. As the minutes dragged on, he became increasingly worried. He knew Ginny had her doubts about him. What if Potter managed to turn her against him? He clenched and unclenched his fist, his heart racing.

The sound of the door opening had both of them turning to look. Ginny stood at the doorway, smiling.

"All done now," she told Cho. "The announcement just went on. We're about to leave the station."

Cho stood up. "All yours," she told Ginny with a grin as she slipped out of the room.

Ginny entered and closed the door. Malfoy sat on the seat, looking expectantly at her. Was she going to tell him that she no longer wanted to be with him? The suspense was killing him.

To his surprise, Ginny curled down beside him, cuddling. She looked at his expression and said, "Why so shocked? You didn't think a few words could persuade me from coming back, did you?"

"N-No," Draco replied very unconvincingly.

Ginny giggled. "I never knew you were such a bad liar, Malfoy."

"I'm not," he protested as he wrapped his arm around Ginny's shoulder.

The train whistled twice and they felt it start moving. They watched as the station shifted and disappeared out of sight as the train pulled out of the station.

"Are you going to miss all the adventure?" Draco asked her after a while.

She sat up and looked into his grey eyes mischievously. "Miss it? I think we're already setting out on a new one."

"Which one?"

"Meeting your parents," she whispered as she gave him a kiss.

He smirked.

"Yes, that's going to be one great big adventure, alright." He leaned down and returned her kiss slowly.

"…And I'll be there with you every step of the way."

Author's Note: Wow, after so many years and it's finally come to a conclusion. My very first fanfic that I started has now concluded after numerous battles and such. It's almost teary-eyed. I apologize for the slow update of the last chapter as well as the length. Previously, I thought splitting it into two chapters would be good enough but now I think that maybe three chapters would have evened out the length a bit. Anyhow, what's done is done. I really hope you enjoyed this fic as much I have writing it. I've learned a lot on the way and hopefully improve on it in the future.

I'd like to give a big shout-out to all my reviewers. Thank you for your reviews. They were nice and they let me know that there were other people (besides myself, haha) that liked this story. I had always wanted to do a story on adventure of some sort, exploration or an unexplainable race of something. And here it is ;]

The Shadow Wolves are a real group who patrol on the borders stopping drug trafficking. I read their name off a Reader's Digest a loooong time ago and loved the name. So that's where it came from.
Ooda Booda came from a reviewer's suggestion. Thank you very much for that. I liked the name and used it xD

Now what else is there… hmmm. I apologize for not delving into the kids that were living in the Wolves' Realm. I had initially wanted to make it as that if there were no Hogwarts that separated them into different Houses, all of them would have gotten very well along. That's what I was aiming for but I didn't get time to explore that concept as much as I would have liked.

Thank you once again to reviewers for the reviews, the encouragements, and the faves. It means a lot to me. And if you're one of those lurker-reader types, now's an awesome chance to drop off one last review for me to let me know how I did. Be kind, it is my first fic that I battled over the course of a few years to completion.

Now that I've completed this one, I'm spending all my energy into the second fic I have lined up. Thank you for all your support ^-^ Thank you again!

The End