Alex and Ginny

[Ginny Weasley]

Ginny leaned back against the soft cushions of the sofa as she considered the question.

"All of us? Very rarely, it's to risky these days for us all to be missing at once," she admitted at last. "Though those of us that can try to arrange some kind of meeting weekly, usually for defence lessons, sometimes just to discuss issues or plans. People present pass on the information to those that couldn't make it. We have a room that usually has someone coming or going in there as well so its a general way to keep contact."

[Alexander Chevalier]

"I see," Alex nodded, considering her words a moment. So, Neville Longbottom had taken lead on this then? The boy had certainly grown a great deal in the past year. He was the most unlikely of them all. He looked to her, "have you made any plans so far?"

[Ginny Weasley]

Her shrewd gaze flickered to his face at the question as she hitched her shoulder again.

"So far most of what we've been doing is damage control. Getting people ready for when the battle finds us, treating those that get on the wrong side of one of the psychopath's wands, drawing attention to ourselves where we can to protect the younger years that kind of stuff, though we sabotage where we can - particularly if it gets someone off a hook - literally in some cases. But small scale currently."

"We're preparing for bigger though," she added, tone serious. "When the time is right we need to be able to take the school back... We're in touch with the resistance on the outside, liasing with them where we can so they are keeping us as abrest as they can about their end of things. We'll need their help if we can ever pull this off... Until then we're looking at smuggling out some of the more in danger students, but again, we need to know that their families are safe the other end first and the resistance is ready to take them after we get them off the grounds."

[Alexander Chevalier]

"That makes sense," Alex replied with a nod. This was even bigger than he thought. It certainly helped their odds to have some outside support. It seemed a solid enough plan and they had already made preparations for taking care of things in the meantime. To the best of their ability, at least. It was all going to come colliding in the end, he suspected, a full-out battle.

He never would've even imagined this happening before, much less being an established part of it. He looked to Ginny with a small smile, "kind of inspires that hope, doesn't it? Just to talk over it and...speculate over the day on which we can actually do something about this mess."

[Ginny Weasley]

Mar 6, 2014 2:48:22 GMT -5 Amycus Carrow said:

Mar 4, 2014 19:48:33 GMT -5 Alexander Chevalier said:

"That makes sense," Alex replied with a nod. This was even bigger than he thought. It certainly helped their odds to have some outside support. It seemed a solid enough plan and they had already made preparations for taking care of things in the meantime. To the best of their ability, at least. It was all going to come colliding in the end, he suspected, a full-out battle.

He never would've even imagined this happening before, much less being an established part of it. He looked to Ginny with a small smile, "kind of inspires that hope, doesn't it? Just to talk over it and...speculate over the day on which we can actually do something about this mess."

Her own smile was bright in return, her eyes lighting up with the very hope he mentioned, hope and a burning sense of belief.

"Gives you a reason to keep going in this hell," she agreed softly. "I don't know how I'd cope if there wasn't some way to fight back that I could focus on honestly. A lot of us here feel the same. The DA is what keeps us sane in all the madness."

"What about you?" she asked, changing the question slightly as her expression turned curious. "Your friend certainly seems to be gathering a lot of attention, but how are you getting on? Still flying under the radar or is anyone looking your way yet?"

[Alexander Chevalier]

Alex observed the significant change in her demeanor. All uncertainty, trace of distrust and caution completely absent. She was no longer withholding anything from him. He smiled, happy to have been able to ensure her of his loyalty. He had only seen glimpses of this side of her before, simmering beneath the surface. Now, she openly displayed it and he found that it really did entirely suit her.

As for her next question...he paused to consider this. Should he inform her of his latest run-in with Alecto Carrow? He had no doubt that Ginny would sincerely listen, offer advice and whatnot. However, he also he figured he shouldn't worry her over the matter. He needed to sort it out for himself first, after all.

He shook his head, "no, nothing of note. Though, I'm sure you noticed how the Carrow woman has taken to using me as leverage against Caden? He...certainly does draw a lot of attention to himself. I've warned him about that too." He shrugged, "I just don't think he'll ever listen. He really does try his best to look out for me though, and I do appreciate that. I'm just, you know, a little worried about him."

[Ginny Weasley]

"Yeah," she agreed with a long sigh, mind flicking back to the problem that was Alecto Carrow. "I did. And now that she's found out it works to curb him, she's gonna keep using it I can promise you... And watch out with that. Once someone catches her fancy for whatever reason she likes to target them all the more. If you want my advice keep your head down and do everything you can to appear disinteresting."

"Then again," she offered wryly, hand lifting to push her locks from her face as she quirked him an ironic smile, "its a little hypocritical of me to tell anyone to keep their head down I suppose. Not exactly great at it myself."

At the mention of Caden, the tilt of Ginny's lips turned rueful, though her eyes were considering as her mind turned to the gobby Ravenclaw.

"I know what you mean... How that boy is not in Gryffindor I don't know," she joked lightly before her expression smoothed out into something more contemplative. "You're right though... he's got a hell of a lot of heart, but he's going to end up getting himself killed if he doesn't learn to curb it a bit more."

[Alexander Chevalier]

"Yes," Alex smirked as he observed Ginny. "You certainly know how to get right under their skin. Had me very worried about you before Caden distracted Lestrange with that explosion. Again, it was foolish of him but also effective. His methods always somehow end up working for him, though they also often get him hurt."

He sighed and tilted his head, "But he does have a lot of heart. He's...one of the best people I know. Always so sincere, loyal and positive. I owe him for a lot."

[Ginny Weasley]

"It's a gift," she offered wryly back at him, shooting him a sidelong look of amusement. "A painful, unfonrtunate gift."

Her eyes considered the boy before her as he spoke of his friend, assessing and curious as she mulled over his words, the half hidden emotion in his tone and on his features.

"He means a lot to you," she obsereved.

[Alexander Chevalier]

"He does," Alex responded to her with a nod and a smile. "He's always been there for me." He saw that assessing gleam within her eyes and noted the certainty within her tone. She was so very sure of herself. It was definitely nice to see.

[Ginny Weasley]

"Tell me about him?" she asked, tone curious as her eyes continued to pass over his face taking in the nuances. She was curious for her own sake - Alex didn't seem the type to warm to many people; oh she was sure polite and pleasant as he was that he had a lot of 'friends', but she doubted many could claim to really know the boy. The relationship between Caden and the stoic Ravenclaw however seemed genuinely affectionate. It was warming to see in these troubled times.

More than that however, there was the possibility here for another recruit and that was always good. Caden, frankly, reminded her of her twin brothers. Gobby, fun loving and a little hard headed but good natured underneath. If that likeness carried as far as she suspected it might, then he was the kind of person that would be invaluable to the distraction part of their upcoming plans.

[Alexander Chevalier]

"Well..." Alex considered the rather open-ended question. What to say about him? "He's always been very understanding and optimistic." He shook his head, "I mean, no matter how bad things get, he always tries to focus on the best. I can get into some pretty low moods, down on myself and everything and he just...picks me back up again. He's the closest thing to a sibling I've ever had. I can tell him anything."

He lowered his eyes, "and, as you've noticed on several different occasions, he won't hesitate to shoulder the punishment for other people. And the thing is...he's strong enough to take it. No matter what, he'll always be the same positive Caden. Also..." he smiled. It was actually nice to be able to share all of this with Ginny. Being on the same side, it was safe to disclose all of this to her.

"I really admire how he can be so composed. His views are the same as yours and mine, but he so effortlessly hides that. He attracts attention to himself just being him. It has nothing to do with his outlook. He's so good at suppressing it when he needs to."

[Ginny Weasley]

Ginny's smile was fond and genuine as the boy spoke, her warm gaze resting on his face as she considered his words.

"You know its a shame, I rather think he'd have got on great with Fred and George," she offered ruefully after he finished shaking her head. "They are much the same... It's nice though. I'm glad you have someone like that in your life. You're right, he is something else."

"Do you think he would be interested in joining us as well?" the question was given frankly, though her expression made it clear that Alex was free to be honest- it was a question, not an offer or ultimatum. She'd *like* to recruit the other boy, but Alex knew him better than anyone. She'd go with his instincts on this.

[Alexander Chevalier]

Alex was momentarily surprised before it eased into genuine appreciation. Ginny was trusting him on this. He'd only been recruited himself a short time ago and already she was looking to his advice on this. He smiled and tilted his head. To have someone so entirely trust him...it was strange but assuring. She was such a good person.

"Yeah, actually," he nodded. "I think he'd be a good recruit for us. He can definitely handle it and his loyalty is exceedingly commendable. In the entire time I've known him, he's..." his own eyes lowered slightly, "never wavered."

He was reminded of that interaction with Alecto in the Hospital Wing. He hadn't even begun to sort through it all and how he was actually feeling about it. His views and conviction to his side had remained unchanged, but she was still the same woman whom had tortured both Caden and possibly Ginny as well, among several others. And yet he was somehow intrigued by her. Why was that, exactly?

Ignoring it for the time being though, he smiled to the girl before him. "I definitely recommend him. I know you won't regret it."

[Ginny Weasley]

The faltering however did not go unmissed by Ginny, her gaze turning shrewd and her brows pulling down a fraction as she studied his face.

"What was that?" she asked him bluntly, though her voice remained light. "Whatever it was you were thinking there? What was it?"

For a moment he had looked... guilty... But why was unclear. Was it something to do with his relationship with Caden? If it was it wasn't really her business... but something about the exact moment he had hesitated, the comment on unwavering loyalty... it was concerning.

[Alexander Chevalier]

Alex sighed. Ginny was as perceptive as ever. He saw the concern in the way her brows creased together and he suddenly felt a little guilty for instilling that. He didn't want to give her a reason to doubt him. What could he say though? Would she understand it? She had trusted him so completely, he knew he owed her the same courtesy.

"It's...nothing you really need to worry about," he attempted to assure her with a small smile. It was all he was able to manage offering her at the moment. He considered how to go about this and decided on at least opening up to her about some of his concerns. "Ginny...have you ever wondered...what their perspective might be on all of this? The Death Eaters, Slytherins, everyone associated with the opposite side?"

[Ginny Weasley]

Her frown grew as she watched him, not entirely liking where this was going, but reminding herself to be fair - she was after all technically snogging a Death Eater supporter in her free time. That would seem bad to anyone that didn't intimately understand her situation.

"Of course," she said at last, shrugging her shoulders as she turned her attention to his words, face smoothing out again. "Any one with any intelligence has to wonder about the other perspective on something like war. Not everyone involved signed up because they are innately evil - honestly a lot signed up for ideals, just like we did, and while I'd be careful who I said this too, not everything that they believe is wrong or stems from an evil desire. They wanted to fight for what they believed is right for our people, and love or hate their views, you can't fault someone for wanting the best for our community. Its how they go about it thats the problem - like following a bloodthirsty madman, and torturing helpless muggles just for kicks. Like anything with war, what starts out as a honest desire for good, easily becomes corrupted and hijacked by people that just want to cause pain and misery. Not that I think for a moment that Voldemort was interested in the good of anyone but himself... but he's a persuasive man - very persuasive and smart enough to dress up his own agenda with other people's ideals."

Godric knew, she of all people knew how charming, how seductive and persuasive he could be. He'd talked his way into her head after all, for all she had just been a child at the time and he'd been a boy trapped in a book. Pushing aside those dark memories, Ginny refocused on their conversation again, her mind shifting instead to the blonde Slytherin that she had been keeping company with lately. All the things that neither of them could say or discuss with one another.

"Not everyone even gets to choose their own side in this war," the redhead offered, voice quietening a bit. "Some of us - a lot of us are railroaded. If your entire family is involved on one side you got no choice but to sign up as well, to try and protect them because the alternative is fighting against them or leaving them to their fates and how could anyone really do that? I was lucky, I believe in the side I was born to - I was born to the right side... but thats all it was. Luck. know that."

[Alexander Chevalier]

Alex smiled, a little comforted with what she said. She basically had the same idea about it all as he did. Their intentions and ideals might seem commendable, even...somewhat admirable, in Alecto's case. She had said she was not only doing this for herself but for future generations as well. However, the enjoyment she derived from harming her victims and her methods were not something he could so easily overlook. However...

"I wish there was another way," he replied then. "I do find that I don't see anything wrong with challenging how we're subject to live. Hidden away. But it can't be at the cost of becoming the very thing one is trying to defend against." With a sigh, he continued, "yes, being born to one side or another determines a lot. I was kind of born into both, actually. Two separate views. I basically had to develop my own sense of right and wrong."

He shook his head, "I hate to think that they were compelled into their own decision, one way or another, and eventually reached this point. Sacrificing their compassion and humane mindset in order to achieve what they absolutely believe to be right. They would've had to constantly suppress all sympathy, growing desensitized and eventually enjoy their methods. It's such an unfortunate thing to consider."

"But how will we ever get past this if one side doesn't give in and reach out to the other, openly conveying understanding? Even so far as forgiving all fault? Not accepting, by any means, but offering something they might not expect. A regard that is absent of anger and one that is willing to try and reach some sort of...compromising solution."

He smiled somewhat humorlessly and glanced down, "as improbable as that is. It's mostly just wishful thinking. Still...it's an endless cycle at this point, isn't it? I mean, we're seeing where it started with some of our own classmates. They're forced into these things and...I hate to think that they'll only end up in the same position someday." He considered Pansy Parkinson here and her own hesitance to join the ranks. It was her duty, she had said and considered her own opinion of the matter entirely meaningless.

[Ginny Weasley]

Ginny let out a long breath, hand lifting up to brush her fringe back from her face as she took a moment to consider his words.

"It is sad," she agreed at last, voice soft. "That's the truth of it though... I didn't used to see it like that, but this years been a real eye opener for me. If you pick their side, willing or not, then you've got the choice of either failing and possibly taking everyone you care about with you when you fall... or giving up that last little scrap of humanity in you until you're just like them. Takes a hell of a person to manage to walk that line and still come out with anything worthwhile in tact... and honestly even then I don't know how much longer it could last."

Walking a rope, Draco called it. To her it was more walking a knife edge... She feared for him, she really did. Honestly she didn't see how much longer he could keep it up in the grand scheme of things, but her heart ached at the thought. If things didn't break soon, sooner or later Draco would be called out and then... then he would either likely find himself dead... or finally have to stop pretending and really become one of them. Neither outcome was good.

Licking her suddenly dry lips, Ginny pushed that thought away, reaching out for her now fairly cold tea to take a large swallow, to cover her little moment of over emotion there.

"It's not fair that we have to live in secrecy, but short of moving away and creating our own totally seperate society I don't really see how else to over come it. They will fear us, just like we fear creatures, and creatures fear wizards. We're all afraid of something different, that's just human nature. We can't fault them for that when we're just as guilty of it," she offered at last shaking her head. "And as for the other side... you're right. We do need forgiveness. It was the lack of forgiveness from the first war that kept us all so separate and let this one happen. We need to heal and move on... To stop thinking of it as them and us and just all be wizards together again. But for that to happen the war has to end. And the war lives and dies with Voldemort and Harry. Only once one of them is dead really can the outcome - whatever it is, really be accepted and the future planned from there."

The redhead paused to offer him a rueful quirk of her lips.

"Lets hope for all our sakes that its Harry that comes out alive, or we might all be loosing that last little shreds of humanity from our souls."

[Alexander Chevalier]

Alex listened to Ginny intently. As always, she conveyed a great deal of wisdom within her words. She saw things so very clearly. She was more open-minded than he had previously given her credit for. They were all seeing things differently than they used to. They had to.

He smiled, "fear is part of everyone. However, you can't really be courageous without it, can you? But you make a strong point. We have to get through what's before us right now in order to move on to the healing phase. One day at a time." He tilted his head, "is Harry with the resistance from outside? I was assuming he was up to something, considering he decided on skipping this year. It was definitely a wise decision, on his part."

His smile grew a little, "even if he doesn't come through though...we should absolutely try to hold onto that humanity. Of everything else, and no matter what we might be forced into doing, that's the one thing we should always try and keep, even if it's hidden. It's the only way we can still be reached, isn't it?"

[Ginny Weasley]

Ginny offered him a small slightly wistful smile.

"You're right I guess - my dad always said bravery wasn't about not being scared, bravery was about being the most scared you've ever been and doing the right thing anyway."

Funny how what had seemed like just a sweet, if slightly corny sentiment made to make you feel better as a kid suddenly seemed a lot deeper than she ever gave it credit for when the world all went to hell. Then again, the same could be said for her dad - she'd always thought of him as a sweet, honest, but frankly ineffectual man. Now here he was fighting in the Order next to all the other heros. Deeper than she ever gave him credit for indeed.

"Harry is still fighting the war," she said at last eyes shifting back up to Alexander. "There are things that need done that he has to be in the shadows to do, and thats where he is right now. So we let the Death Eaters jeer and say he's run away, we do what we can to draw their attention to us or act like we're loosing hope, but he is absolutely still part of the resistance, and when he's ready he'll show back up."

"He will come through," the words were spoken with conviction, Ginny's face calm and a small fond quirk of her lips as her mind turned towards her ex. "Cockroach blood him. Couldn't be killed even if he wanted to."

It was a flip reply, but a joke that the DA clung too - and really with his monsterous luck it wasn't a far cry from the truth. Every one needed their hope after all.

"But yeah," she added eyes shifting back to Alex's. "No matter what happens, we don't give up. We'll do whatever we can to keep our humanity."

[Alexander Chevalier]

"Your dad sounds like he has a lot of strength, it's no wonder where you derived that trait," Alex observed her with a great deal of respect. He then observed the way she spoke of Harry, so confident in his ability to pull through. It was true though, the boy had a knack for keeping himself alive. Being 'The boy who lived' and all. They were basically just stalling for time, holding out until he would arrive and finally put an end to this oppression. "I don't know if any of us will ever be the same after this," Alex mused then with a tilt of his head, "I think this whole situation is revealing and forcing us to come to terms with out true selves."

[Ginny Weasley]

"War is a wound, doesn't matter what side you're on or how else you look at it, its a big gaping ugly wound," the redhead agreed ruefully, leaning back in her seat, shooting Alex a sidelong look. "Another one of dad's... and thanks. He does... I'm only just seeiing that myself to be honest. Funny how war changes your perspective on everything and everyone. You're right I expect. None of us ever will be the same."

There was a sadness to that really, a whistfulness as she remembered those carefree summers at the Burrow with Harry and Hermione and her brothers. That innocence she had used to hold where all that mattered was house points and winning quidditch and not loosing face in front of the Slytherins. It almost seemed another life time ago. None of them were children any more really. And they never would be again.

"How have you changed?" she asked him at last, glancing over.

[Alexander Chevalier]

"Well," Alex responded, smile widening at the gratitude he still felt towards the girl. "You've inspired me into actually doing something about all of this. I was always on the sidelines, silently disapproving but never having a direction to follow. My only goal was returning home to my mother. Now...I don't think I could ever just abandon any of you in the state our world's in. Even if this continues beyond these walls, I want to help support you. In summation, you've given me something to fight for. Something to believe in. I feel like this is absolutely the right thing to do."

He shook his head, "I've never been so strongly assured of anything before. Caden always had my back, taking the blame and protecting me. I want to return the favor. I won't become like my father, following in his footsteps of not standing up for my beliefs. I've discovered that this is what I want to do with my life, protect and defend what's right."

[Ginny Weasley]

Ginny gave a sheepish chuckle at his words, cheeks pinking a little in a blush at the high credit he seemed inclined to give her.

"I don't know if I'm really the one to have done that," she protested shaking her head, hand coming up to take a hold of the back of her neck. "You've always been a good guy Alex, you'd have gotten there in the end - Caden would have dragged you there if nothing else."

She shot him a crooked smile.

"All I did was give you a prod towards the door, thats all."

[Alexander Chevalier]

"Well, I'm extremely grateful to you, all the same," Alex responded, observing the humble expression on her face. Did she not realize how inspiring she was? "I'm sure you're right, about Caden I mean. However, he doesn't really ever challenge me into being any certain way. He's just very supportive, always patiently waiting and trusting that I'll get there on my own. Which, I suppose it's possible I might've at some point."

[Ginny Weasley]

"Don't be," she insisted, dropping her hand down to reach over and pat his. "I didn't do anything, not really. I have faith in your ability to wind up on the right track whatever happened, even if you don't."

"Now moving on," Ginny ordered, flashing him a brief, still slightly uncomfortable smile as she moved to stand. "First up, more tea?"

[Alexander Chevalier]

"Sure," Alex accepted the offer with a nod. He tilted his head, marveling at the fact that she had more faith in him than he did in himself. She was cautious but, when she trusted, she trusted completely. It was a wonderful balance.

[Ginny Weasley]

"Rightey-ho," the Gryffindor offered cheerilly, happy to move away from that last conversation as she gathered up their cups and moved back to refresh them from the pot. "So, you think you can sound out Caden then? See if he's interested? If he is we can arrange somewhere to talk privately."

[Alexander Chevalier]

"Yeah, definitely," Alex responded with an affirmative nod. "I'll let you know what he says. I have no doubt, though, that he'll be very interested in the idea. It'll be nice, too, having him in on this with us."