Author: Rockygirl
(Originally Posted May 24, 2004)
There's a speculation that has run rampant in fandom for some time, and that is that Ginny Weasley is still haunted by the voice of Tom Riddle, and that he's never left her thoughts.
I find the possibility intriguing, as well as Riddled (pardon the pun) with opportunity. The potential to add alot of depth to her character is immense, as is the potential to actually make her "turn from the light", so to speak. Many have used this possibility to write angst laden fanfics of a Ginny who hides her "true nature", a girl/woman who has a secret alliance with those who would destroy Harry Potter and his allies. Some have even said that Harry's inattention exacerbated this fall from grace. Yet others have used it as a basis to add complexity, and give our youngest Weasley an understanding of evil and pain beyond her years. This in turn forms the basis of romantic attachments. One to Draco Malfoy, who would look upon her inner turmoil as something attractive and easily dominated, or perhaps he would see someone who would understand his own darkness. The other is to Harry Potter who, in seeing her spirit rise above the darkness that others might have succumbed to, finally learns to appreciate the strength and beauty of a girl he has heretofore dismissed. Someone who would, again, understand the darkness that permeates a soul tormented with guilt.
I will admit my own selfish reasons for liking this idea are because of the potential attachment to our favorite Ferret. But what are the chances that Riddle still resides in the subconcious of the youngest Weasley? With the destruction of the diary it was assumed that all traces of his younger self were destroyed. But is it that simple? We know Ginny had a terrible reaction to the presence of Dementors aboard the Hogwarts Express, and I think it can be reasonably assumed that this was due to the ordeal she suffered in her second year. But was this reaction due to the ghostly memories, or did the whispers of a dreaded enemy momentarily grow stronger?
With the advent of Order of the Phoenix I think we can safely say that she doesn't outwardly appear to be suffering any ill affects, but the theory that this increases her understanding of Harry has turned out to be true. In fact, she was repeatedly one of the few characters who could snap him out of his rages and back to reality. Her calm manner as she questioned Harry about whether or not he'd been possessed spoke volumes on how much she's matured and learned, but her cool reply of "Lucky you" when Harry mentioned he'd forgotten her own ordeal suggests she still suffers on some level. Understandable considering what she went through, but vague enough to leave us wondering just how much it still affects her.
I myself hope it's small, as Ginny has always been one of my favorite characters. But what do you think is possible, or likely?
Posted by Madmaxime at February 21, 2005 12:07 AM