***EDITED!!! ~~A/N: Okay I finally went back and edited this chapter. I put
in a little about the Marurader's Map so it would be more clear...(ahem I
forgot to put it in when I first posted! Sorry! Don't hate me!) The whole
explanation is actually in chapter 6, so keep reading the story to get the
total picture. So if this is your first time reading my fic, you get this
all new awesome edited version! Yay! Anyhoot, hope this explains everything
a bit better. And don't forget to review!
Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. So haha! You can't sue me.
A/N: Okay so this is my first fic, (you probably will realize that after reading this chapter as it's not that great) but I promise that the story does get better. I actually like the chapters I'm working on. So don't give up on me!! I'd love reviews. Especially encouraging reviews!
Piercing the Darkness
Chapter 1- Unthinkable
"Watch it Granger!" Draco Malfoy spat at Hermione. "I don't need filth like you touching my robes!"
Hermione had been carrying a very large stack of books she had just checked out in the library, when she ran right into Malfoy in the corridor. Her books tumbled to the floor, a couple of them landing hard on Malfoy's foot. He cursed and kicked one out of reach when Hermione stooped down to gather them up. There wasn't any doubt that a vicious reaction between Harry, Ron, and Draco would occur. And so it did.
"Go pick that up Malfoy!" Harry said in his most threatening voice.
Students in the corridor stopped to stare.
"Since when have you been given the authority to tell me what to do?" Draco sneered.
In an outraged tone, Ron joined in.
"You're the one who bumped into Hermione, so you are going to pick up those books!
"Weasley, you'll be rich before I ever do anything for that Mudblood!"
With a murderous glint in their eyes, Harry and Ron reached for their wands, while Hermione protested.
"Malfoy is not worth getting into trouble again! Just let's go."
Ginny, who was watching all of this from afar, couldn't take it anymore. She was tired of it. Almost every other day Harry, Ron, and Malfoy got into some kind of fight, weather it be a fistfight or jinxing one another using magic. 'They're in their sixth year now. They should be acting a little bit more grown up.' Ginny thought to herself. Harry and Ron spent most of their free time in detention because of these fights, but Malfoy never got into trouble. Filch usually finds them fighting, but for some unexplainable reason Filch seemed to have taken a liking to Malfoy. So Malfoy got off easy. She knew that he had probably bumped into Hermione on purpose, just for a chance to get Ron and Harry into trouble, and this time, Ginny wasn't going to allow it to happen. She pushed her way through a startled Ron and Harry, and went to stand in front of Malfoy.
"Go to hell Malfoy."
Malfoy looked at her as if she were scum.
"See you there sweetie!"
Then Ginny did the unthinkable. She punched him in the stomach with as much force as she could muster. Malfoy stumbled back clutching his stomach with a look of surprise and pain on his face. But she wasn't through yet- just as he was about to get his breath back, she punched him hard in the face. She had aimed for his nose, but missed and got him on the lip instead, which split open and started bleeding pretty badly. Ron and Harry had started laughing hysterically; Hermione stood there with a shocked look on her face, and Ginny stood in front of Malfoy, very happy with herself for being so brave as to hit him, but also very scared at what his reaction might be. Malfoy finally regained his composure and hissed at her,
"Trying to show off for Potter? Think punching me will make him like you?"
Ginny could feel her face turn red.
"I am not trying to show off for Harry! I don't like Harry that way!" She shouted at Malfoy. It was the truth too. "I'm tired of seeing you all fight, and I'm tired of seeing my brother in detention all of the time just because of you!"
Malfoy had hit a nerve. Ginny was mad. No, she wasn't just mad, she looked like she was capable of murder.
"You'll pay for that Weasley!" Draco said while pointing to his bleeding lip.
"You come within fifty meters of her Malfoy, and you'll be sorry." Harry retorted.
Ginny felt so warm inside to hear Harry stick up for her like that. Yes, she had gotten over her crush on him, and they were just good friends now, but it was still nice to have him defending her. Malfoy glared at Harry and then turned to face Ginny. He gave her a threatening look before walking off. Ginny felt her stomach turn. He didn't look too happy with her.
"You did great Ginny! Did you see the look of horror on his face when you punched him in the stomach?" Ron was patting Ginny on the back as if she had just won some kind of special award. " Showed that slimy git you did. People will be talking about that for a while!"
"Yeah, that was probably the most embarrassing thing to happen to Malfoy since his great ferret incident. Being hit by a girl and all." Harry said
Ron snickered.
Hermione had finally gotten over her shock at actually seeing Ginny hit Malfoy, and she was looking very worried,
"I don't know about this Ron. Malfoy looked really ticked. What if he really tries to hurt Ginny?"
Harry looked at Ron who was starting to look a little worried and then over at Ginny who paled a little at Hermione's comment.
"We'll just have to make sure that he doesn't. Ginny you stick close to us for a while, Okay?" Harry tried to sound as reassuring as possible.
"Alright."
She was very happy to comply, she loved hanging out with them. Plus, being with them would make her feel much safer until Malfoy cooled off a little. She was a little frightened of Malfoy with his family being into all the Dark Arts stuff. Although she didn't think he would try something as stupid as to hurt a girl who was younger than him. He would be suspended for sure, or maybe even expelled! Feeling contented with herself, Ginny headed back to Gryfindor Tower with the others.
******
Ginny did as Harry said, and stayed near them over the next couple of days. She had been thoroughly enjoying it too. It's not like they had ever purposefully left her out or ignored her, Hermione was always there for Ginny if she needed help with her homework. And Ron and Harry had always been there to share a few laughs with, but she always felt a little left out when she was with all three of them. They had been through things together that she couldn't relate with.
Ginny sat in the Common Room listening to Hermione help Ron and Harry with Snape's extra potion homework that he had given the Gryfindors for no particular reason. This was getting rather boring, so she went up to her Dormitory to find a book to read. She started searching through her stack of books, but found nothing interesting. She was about to go back down to ask Hermione if she had any good books, when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her hair needed to be combed badly. The book forgotten, Ginny sighed and grabbed her brush.
As she pulled the brush through her hair she studied her reflection. She seemed to finally be outgrowing her freckles, because they were beginning to fade. Her skin wasn't as pale as it used to be either. Ginny supposed that was because she had spent a great deal of the summer outdoors in the sun. Her hair was just as red as ever, although the sun had given it some gold streaks. Ginny was a very pretty girl, although it didn't really matter that much to her. She had never been self-obsessed with her body like some girls she had met. She thought it was ridiculous to be constantly worried about how you look. Just then she heard Ron's voice from the Common Room calling to her and interrupting her thoughts.
"Ginny, we're gonna go get some lunch! Do you want to come?"
"I'll catch up in a minute, you all go ahead."
"Okay, but don't be too long."
She heard them leave through the portrait hole. She hurriedly brushed through the rest of her hair and tried a couple of styles with it, but ended up just letting it hang down straight.
When she got through the portrait hole, she didn't see anyone and assumed everyone was in the Great Hall eating lunch. So Ginny headed in that direction, her stomach rumbling a reminder that she had skipped breakfast because she had gotten up late that morning. As she was walking down the corridor, she heard quick footsteps behind her. Turning around to see who it was, she met Draco Malfoy's cold gray eyes, and from the look he gave her she realized that he had not forgotten their little incident. His footsteps got quicker and he was getting closer. Ginny increased her speed too, only to have him break into a brisk jog. She knew she would never be able to outrun him. He did have a very fit body. So she turned a corner and threw open the door to the nearest classroom then closed it quickly, hoping that Malfoy hadn't seen her after she'd gone around the corner.
******
This is my chance. Draco thought to himself. He had just seen the youngest Weasley walking down the hall. He had been waiting until he saw her alone to..well to do whatever he decided to do to her for punching him. It had been very embarrassing, being hit by a girl, especially a younger girl who just happened to be related to Potter's best friend. He was catching up to her now, she was about to turn the corner, and then he would be able to grab her. Draco turned the corner and saw that she was gone, but then he heard a door close on the right side of the hall. He ran up to the first door on that side, and threw it open. She was standing against the wall on the other side of the room with her wand in her hand looking terrified. He whipped out his wand.
"EXPELLIARMUS!"
Ginny's wand flew out of her hand right into Draco's.
******
"Feeling brave now Weasley? Want to try punching me again?" Draco said in a drawling voice
He was walking steadily towards her. Ginny was inching her way along the wall trying to get as far away as possible. Suddenly he flew at her, pushing her against the wall with his body. His face was right next to hers. Ginny could feel his hot breath on her as he spoke in a sarcastic tone.
"You're supposed to be a bit more polite to your elders. Punching is not very lady-like."
She felt chills run down her spine. Her mouth felt like it was glued together. 'Oh why didn't I walk with Ron and the others to the Great Hall?' She was scared of what Malfoy might do to her. But why was she scared? He was just a loser with a big ego who liked to scare little girls. 'And a handsome one at that.' No that came out all wrong! Ginny had to say something to get these thoughts out of her head.
"You were never exactly polite or gentleman-like to me or anyone else for that matter! And what do you mean 'your elders'? You are only a year older than I am! Of course, you are very immature for your age."
Ginny almost slapped herself. That had all come out very fast. Malfoy smirked, and in a smooth but icy tone he said,
"You know, you're a very beautiful girl," he took his finger and moved it gently down the side of Ginny's face. She shivered. "And I'd really hate to ruin such a pretty face."
Now Ginny was officially freaking out. Malfoy stepped away from her and started running his wand through his fingers threateningly.
"Malfoy maybe you need to get some help." She said. "I mean I'm really sorry if your experiencing mental problems. Have you ever thought about meeting with a psychiatrist? I hear they can be a lot of help."
"What are you talking about? I'm only wasting my time dealing with you because you need to know that no one can make a fool out of a Malfoy and get away with it!"
His voice was rising, and Ginny was beginning to believe he was truly going insane.
Draco had to pause to regain his self-control. She was such an annoying pest! Then Draco remembered a spell. He smirked and pointed his wand at Ginny, who immediately recoiled against the wall.
"Malfoy please. Let's just discuss this in a calm manner. There's no reason to hurt anyone."
Draco rolled his eyes. He was getting tired of her talking to him like he was insane. But then again maybe he was..just a little.
"Abindeno!" he shouted
Ginny closed her eyes, waiting for the pain. Still waiting. Waiting. No pain. She slowly opened her eyes, to see Draco staring at her with an amused expression. She checked to make sure her hair wasn't purple or something stupid like that, but there wasn't anything wrong with her appearance either. She laughed out loud.
"Er- I think you're spell was a dud."
Malfoy just stood there, an evil grin lingering on his face.
"Wrong Weasley."
What does he mean 'wrong'? What kind of spell was that anyway?
"Well I'm certainly not experiencing anything like the pain you felt when I punched you!"
Ginny hoped this statement had punctured his ego. But she had had enough. She desperately wanted out.
She moved to try and get around Malfoy, but was shocked. Literally shocked. A surge of lightning flew through her body, and she yelled out in pain. Malfoy had her trapped in some kind of invisible electric cage! (Ginny had learned about electricity in Muggle Studies.)
Malfoy laughed
"I like that spell. And you know what? It can't be reversed without a wand!"
He twirled Ginny's wand around.
"Have a nice day!" And he turned to leave.
"Malfoy don't you dare leave me like this! I'll have you expelled when I get out of here!" Ginny yelled at his retreating back.
Malfoy paused in the doorway, glaring.
"If Weasley. If you get out of here."
He slammed the door and was gone.
******
Draco stood outside the Potion's classroom. He was a bit early, and there weren't many people waiting besides him. He inwardly laughed while imagining Potter, Weasley, and Granger frantically searching for precious Ginny. They would be quite worried when she didn't show up for lunch. So they would most likely run up to Gryfindor Tower looking for her, then they would come down here and start questioning and blaming him. He was right. A few minutes later Ron, Harry, and Hermione came running up, all of them looking very flustered. Ron went up to Malfoy and started yelling in his face.
"Where is she? What the heck have you done to her!?!"
"Calm down Weasley. I have no idea what you are talking about!" Draco said in a sarcastic tone, with an evil grin.
"Yes you do Malfoy. It's very evident by that sickening grin on your face!" Harry said, clearly exasperated.
"We'll go right to Dumbledore if you don't tell us where Ginny is!" Hermione was getting very angry.
"Granger, I still have no idea what you all are carrying on about, but I do know one thing, you have nothing against me. So go on to Dumbledore and try to blame things on me. But without any proof, I don't think you'll get very far!"
"We- we don't need proof," Ron said uncertainly "Dumbledore will believe us! So before you get into trouble Malfoy just tell us where she is!"
Draco smirked. "I don't know where your stupid little sister is, but if you find her let me know. I still have some unfinished business with her."
"When we find her there better not be a hair missing out of her head! I'm sick of your shi-"
But Harry was interrupted as Snape approached.
"A problem Mr. Malfoy?" Snape asked questioningly, looking from Draco to Harry.
"No Professor, I was just giving Potter here some quidditch tips."
Harry glared at Malfoy, but couldn't say anything. Malfoy was right in saying that they didn't have any proof against him.
"Well that's good. Potter needs all the help he can get." Snape said giving Harry an icy stare.
Harry wanted to cuss Snape and Malfoy out right there, but Gryffindor meant too much to him, he wasn't about to loose fifty points. So Harry, Ron, and Hermione grudgingly followed Snape into class.
******
Ginny couldn't move. She had already been partially electrocuted about five times. To her back there was a wall, and to her front and sides there was that stupid spell that Malfoy put on her. She couldn't even sit down, the spell would shock her if she tried. So there she was, stuck standing up, and without food, for who knows how long. She had tried yelling for help, but gave up that idea when she heard her voice bounce off the wall. Malfoy must have put a silencing charm on the room. What a stupid jerk!" Ginny wasn't going to let him get away with this. When she got out of here, she would get him back. But then Malfoy's last words flew into her head. 'If Weasley. If you get out of here.' It struck Ginny then. What if Malfoy didn't come back? This classroom wasn't used anymore. It could take weeks for someone to find her! Her life was practically in Malfoy's hands. And she knew that couldn't be good.
******
"Harry! What about the Maurader's Map!?" Ron asked excitedly as they walked back from their Care of Magical Creatures class with Hagrid. "We could look on the map. It would probably show where Ginny is!"
"Don't you remember Ron?" Hermione asked before Harry had time to reply. "Professor McGonagal took it from Harry the night she caught him out of bed."
"Oh yeah... Why did she have to take it!? And why hasn't she given it back?!"
"I don't know Ron." Harry replied. "She seems to think that everything I own has some kind of dark magic related to it, and she wanted to check it over with Dumbledore."
"Ugh, why can't teachers just mind their own business?" Ron asked disgustedly.
"Ron, you know Professor McGonagal is just trying to keep Harry safe."
Ron didn't reply, which Harry thought was probably for the best. He didn't think he could stand to listen to another one of his and Hermione's arguments.
They searched the castle all through dinnertime, and as late as they were allowed to stay out, and still Ginny hadn't shown up. Harry had found out from Colin Creevy that Ginny hadn't been in any of her classes after lunch. They all knew she would never purposefully skip a class. Exhausted they finally headed back to the Common Room, hoping that Ginny would be there ready to explain where she had been. She wasn't. Ron started blaming himself.
"I shouldn't have left her. I should have made her walk to lunch with us."
Hermione looked as though she were about to cry.
"I swear, if Malfoy did anything to Ginny...this is all my fault. She was sticking up for me when she punched him."
"It's no one's fault." Harry said soothingly. "Cept Malfoy's maybe." He went over and took Hermione into his arms.
"We don't even know for sure if it was Malfoy. She could have, er lost her way or something. This is a huge castle." But even as he said it, Harry seriously doubted it.
Ron looked over at the couple hugging and smiled for the first time in hours. Harry and Hermione looked so sweet together. Ginny would be jealous. But thinking about Ginny made Ron's head and heart ache.
Harry looked over at Ron.
"If she doesn't show up by tomorrow morning we'll tell Professor McGonagal. She'll help us find her."
Ron nodded. Harry noticed a glazed look in his eyes and worry etched on his face.
Not knowing what else to do, Ron headed to his dormitory to try and get some sleep.
Harry was about to follow, but then he turned his head and found himself staring into Hermione's eyes. He still had her clutched in his arms. 'She's so beautiful.' He thought. It was then that Harry realized that he loved her. He had always loved her, but hadn't let himself admit it because of Ron. He had thought that Ron liked Hermione, and he hadn't wanted to hurt his friend. But standing here, in the soft glow of the fire, with Hermione in his arms, he knew he couldn't hold back his feelings anymore. Ron would have to deal.
"Harry?"
Hermione's voice interrupted Harry's thoughts. He gazed deeper into her enchanting eyes.
"Shh."
Harry placed a finger to her lips. He pulled her closer and brought his lips down on hers. All of Harry's emotions that he had been holding back for years flowed through this kiss. There were no words needed to express how he felt about her. Hermione returned the kiss with just as much feeling. She felt all her troubles wash away for the moment; she felt nothing but Harry and his love for her. Her first kiss, and the best.
To Be Continued.
Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. So haha! You can't sue me.
A/N: Okay so this is my first fic, (you probably will realize that after reading this chapter as it's not that great) but I promise that the story does get better. I actually like the chapters I'm working on. So don't give up on me!! I'd love reviews. Especially encouraging reviews!
Piercing the Darkness
Chapter 1- Unthinkable
"Watch it Granger!" Draco Malfoy spat at Hermione. "I don't need filth like you touching my robes!"
Hermione had been carrying a very large stack of books she had just checked out in the library, when she ran right into Malfoy in the corridor. Her books tumbled to the floor, a couple of them landing hard on Malfoy's foot. He cursed and kicked one out of reach when Hermione stooped down to gather them up. There wasn't any doubt that a vicious reaction between Harry, Ron, and Draco would occur. And so it did.
"Go pick that up Malfoy!" Harry said in his most threatening voice.
Students in the corridor stopped to stare.
"Since when have you been given the authority to tell me what to do?" Draco sneered.
In an outraged tone, Ron joined in.
"You're the one who bumped into Hermione, so you are going to pick up those books!
"Weasley, you'll be rich before I ever do anything for that Mudblood!"
With a murderous glint in their eyes, Harry and Ron reached for their wands, while Hermione protested.
"Malfoy is not worth getting into trouble again! Just let's go."
Ginny, who was watching all of this from afar, couldn't take it anymore. She was tired of it. Almost every other day Harry, Ron, and Malfoy got into some kind of fight, weather it be a fistfight or jinxing one another using magic. 'They're in their sixth year now. They should be acting a little bit more grown up.' Ginny thought to herself. Harry and Ron spent most of their free time in detention because of these fights, but Malfoy never got into trouble. Filch usually finds them fighting, but for some unexplainable reason Filch seemed to have taken a liking to Malfoy. So Malfoy got off easy. She knew that he had probably bumped into Hermione on purpose, just for a chance to get Ron and Harry into trouble, and this time, Ginny wasn't going to allow it to happen. She pushed her way through a startled Ron and Harry, and went to stand in front of Malfoy.
"Go to hell Malfoy."
Malfoy looked at her as if she were scum.
"See you there sweetie!"
Then Ginny did the unthinkable. She punched him in the stomach with as much force as she could muster. Malfoy stumbled back clutching his stomach with a look of surprise and pain on his face. But she wasn't through yet- just as he was about to get his breath back, she punched him hard in the face. She had aimed for his nose, but missed and got him on the lip instead, which split open and started bleeding pretty badly. Ron and Harry had started laughing hysterically; Hermione stood there with a shocked look on her face, and Ginny stood in front of Malfoy, very happy with herself for being so brave as to hit him, but also very scared at what his reaction might be. Malfoy finally regained his composure and hissed at her,
"Trying to show off for Potter? Think punching me will make him like you?"
Ginny could feel her face turn red.
"I am not trying to show off for Harry! I don't like Harry that way!" She shouted at Malfoy. It was the truth too. "I'm tired of seeing you all fight, and I'm tired of seeing my brother in detention all of the time just because of you!"
Malfoy had hit a nerve. Ginny was mad. No, she wasn't just mad, she looked like she was capable of murder.
"You'll pay for that Weasley!" Draco said while pointing to his bleeding lip.
"You come within fifty meters of her Malfoy, and you'll be sorry." Harry retorted.
Ginny felt so warm inside to hear Harry stick up for her like that. Yes, she had gotten over her crush on him, and they were just good friends now, but it was still nice to have him defending her. Malfoy glared at Harry and then turned to face Ginny. He gave her a threatening look before walking off. Ginny felt her stomach turn. He didn't look too happy with her.
"You did great Ginny! Did you see the look of horror on his face when you punched him in the stomach?" Ron was patting Ginny on the back as if she had just won some kind of special award. " Showed that slimy git you did. People will be talking about that for a while!"
"Yeah, that was probably the most embarrassing thing to happen to Malfoy since his great ferret incident. Being hit by a girl and all." Harry said
Ron snickered.
Hermione had finally gotten over her shock at actually seeing Ginny hit Malfoy, and she was looking very worried,
"I don't know about this Ron. Malfoy looked really ticked. What if he really tries to hurt Ginny?"
Harry looked at Ron who was starting to look a little worried and then over at Ginny who paled a little at Hermione's comment.
"We'll just have to make sure that he doesn't. Ginny you stick close to us for a while, Okay?" Harry tried to sound as reassuring as possible.
"Alright."
She was very happy to comply, she loved hanging out with them. Plus, being with them would make her feel much safer until Malfoy cooled off a little. She was a little frightened of Malfoy with his family being into all the Dark Arts stuff. Although she didn't think he would try something as stupid as to hurt a girl who was younger than him. He would be suspended for sure, or maybe even expelled! Feeling contented with herself, Ginny headed back to Gryfindor Tower with the others.
******
Ginny did as Harry said, and stayed near them over the next couple of days. She had been thoroughly enjoying it too. It's not like they had ever purposefully left her out or ignored her, Hermione was always there for Ginny if she needed help with her homework. And Ron and Harry had always been there to share a few laughs with, but she always felt a little left out when she was with all three of them. They had been through things together that she couldn't relate with.
Ginny sat in the Common Room listening to Hermione help Ron and Harry with Snape's extra potion homework that he had given the Gryfindors for no particular reason. This was getting rather boring, so she went up to her Dormitory to find a book to read. She started searching through her stack of books, but found nothing interesting. She was about to go back down to ask Hermione if she had any good books, when she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her hair needed to be combed badly. The book forgotten, Ginny sighed and grabbed her brush.
As she pulled the brush through her hair she studied her reflection. She seemed to finally be outgrowing her freckles, because they were beginning to fade. Her skin wasn't as pale as it used to be either. Ginny supposed that was because she had spent a great deal of the summer outdoors in the sun. Her hair was just as red as ever, although the sun had given it some gold streaks. Ginny was a very pretty girl, although it didn't really matter that much to her. She had never been self-obsessed with her body like some girls she had met. She thought it was ridiculous to be constantly worried about how you look. Just then she heard Ron's voice from the Common Room calling to her and interrupting her thoughts.
"Ginny, we're gonna go get some lunch! Do you want to come?"
"I'll catch up in a minute, you all go ahead."
"Okay, but don't be too long."
She heard them leave through the portrait hole. She hurriedly brushed through the rest of her hair and tried a couple of styles with it, but ended up just letting it hang down straight.
When she got through the portrait hole, she didn't see anyone and assumed everyone was in the Great Hall eating lunch. So Ginny headed in that direction, her stomach rumbling a reminder that she had skipped breakfast because she had gotten up late that morning. As she was walking down the corridor, she heard quick footsteps behind her. Turning around to see who it was, she met Draco Malfoy's cold gray eyes, and from the look he gave her she realized that he had not forgotten their little incident. His footsteps got quicker and he was getting closer. Ginny increased her speed too, only to have him break into a brisk jog. She knew she would never be able to outrun him. He did have a very fit body. So she turned a corner and threw open the door to the nearest classroom then closed it quickly, hoping that Malfoy hadn't seen her after she'd gone around the corner.
******
This is my chance. Draco thought to himself. He had just seen the youngest Weasley walking down the hall. He had been waiting until he saw her alone to..well to do whatever he decided to do to her for punching him. It had been very embarrassing, being hit by a girl, especially a younger girl who just happened to be related to Potter's best friend. He was catching up to her now, she was about to turn the corner, and then he would be able to grab her. Draco turned the corner and saw that she was gone, but then he heard a door close on the right side of the hall. He ran up to the first door on that side, and threw it open. She was standing against the wall on the other side of the room with her wand in her hand looking terrified. He whipped out his wand.
"EXPELLIARMUS!"
Ginny's wand flew out of her hand right into Draco's.
******
"Feeling brave now Weasley? Want to try punching me again?" Draco said in a drawling voice
He was walking steadily towards her. Ginny was inching her way along the wall trying to get as far away as possible. Suddenly he flew at her, pushing her against the wall with his body. His face was right next to hers. Ginny could feel his hot breath on her as he spoke in a sarcastic tone.
"You're supposed to be a bit more polite to your elders. Punching is not very lady-like."
She felt chills run down her spine. Her mouth felt like it was glued together. 'Oh why didn't I walk with Ron and the others to the Great Hall?' She was scared of what Malfoy might do to her. But why was she scared? He was just a loser with a big ego who liked to scare little girls. 'And a handsome one at that.' No that came out all wrong! Ginny had to say something to get these thoughts out of her head.
"You were never exactly polite or gentleman-like to me or anyone else for that matter! And what do you mean 'your elders'? You are only a year older than I am! Of course, you are very immature for your age."
Ginny almost slapped herself. That had all come out very fast. Malfoy smirked, and in a smooth but icy tone he said,
"You know, you're a very beautiful girl," he took his finger and moved it gently down the side of Ginny's face. She shivered. "And I'd really hate to ruin such a pretty face."
Now Ginny was officially freaking out. Malfoy stepped away from her and started running his wand through his fingers threateningly.
"Malfoy maybe you need to get some help." She said. "I mean I'm really sorry if your experiencing mental problems. Have you ever thought about meeting with a psychiatrist? I hear they can be a lot of help."
"What are you talking about? I'm only wasting my time dealing with you because you need to know that no one can make a fool out of a Malfoy and get away with it!"
His voice was rising, and Ginny was beginning to believe he was truly going insane.
Draco had to pause to regain his self-control. She was such an annoying pest! Then Draco remembered a spell. He smirked and pointed his wand at Ginny, who immediately recoiled against the wall.
"Malfoy please. Let's just discuss this in a calm manner. There's no reason to hurt anyone."
Draco rolled his eyes. He was getting tired of her talking to him like he was insane. But then again maybe he was..just a little.
"Abindeno!" he shouted
Ginny closed her eyes, waiting for the pain. Still waiting. Waiting. No pain. She slowly opened her eyes, to see Draco staring at her with an amused expression. She checked to make sure her hair wasn't purple or something stupid like that, but there wasn't anything wrong with her appearance either. She laughed out loud.
"Er- I think you're spell was a dud."
Malfoy just stood there, an evil grin lingering on his face.
"Wrong Weasley."
What does he mean 'wrong'? What kind of spell was that anyway?
"Well I'm certainly not experiencing anything like the pain you felt when I punched you!"
Ginny hoped this statement had punctured his ego. But she had had enough. She desperately wanted out.
She moved to try and get around Malfoy, but was shocked. Literally shocked. A surge of lightning flew through her body, and she yelled out in pain. Malfoy had her trapped in some kind of invisible electric cage! (Ginny had learned about electricity in Muggle Studies.)
Malfoy laughed
"I like that spell. And you know what? It can't be reversed without a wand!"
He twirled Ginny's wand around.
"Have a nice day!" And he turned to leave.
"Malfoy don't you dare leave me like this! I'll have you expelled when I get out of here!" Ginny yelled at his retreating back.
Malfoy paused in the doorway, glaring.
"If Weasley. If you get out of here."
He slammed the door and was gone.
******
Draco stood outside the Potion's classroom. He was a bit early, and there weren't many people waiting besides him. He inwardly laughed while imagining Potter, Weasley, and Granger frantically searching for precious Ginny. They would be quite worried when she didn't show up for lunch. So they would most likely run up to Gryfindor Tower looking for her, then they would come down here and start questioning and blaming him. He was right. A few minutes later Ron, Harry, and Hermione came running up, all of them looking very flustered. Ron went up to Malfoy and started yelling in his face.
"Where is she? What the heck have you done to her!?!"
"Calm down Weasley. I have no idea what you are talking about!" Draco said in a sarcastic tone, with an evil grin.
"Yes you do Malfoy. It's very evident by that sickening grin on your face!" Harry said, clearly exasperated.
"We'll go right to Dumbledore if you don't tell us where Ginny is!" Hermione was getting very angry.
"Granger, I still have no idea what you all are carrying on about, but I do know one thing, you have nothing against me. So go on to Dumbledore and try to blame things on me. But without any proof, I don't think you'll get very far!"
"We- we don't need proof," Ron said uncertainly "Dumbledore will believe us! So before you get into trouble Malfoy just tell us where she is!"
Draco smirked. "I don't know where your stupid little sister is, but if you find her let me know. I still have some unfinished business with her."
"When we find her there better not be a hair missing out of her head! I'm sick of your shi-"
But Harry was interrupted as Snape approached.
"A problem Mr. Malfoy?" Snape asked questioningly, looking from Draco to Harry.
"No Professor, I was just giving Potter here some quidditch tips."
Harry glared at Malfoy, but couldn't say anything. Malfoy was right in saying that they didn't have any proof against him.
"Well that's good. Potter needs all the help he can get." Snape said giving Harry an icy stare.
Harry wanted to cuss Snape and Malfoy out right there, but Gryffindor meant too much to him, he wasn't about to loose fifty points. So Harry, Ron, and Hermione grudgingly followed Snape into class.
******
Ginny couldn't move. She had already been partially electrocuted about five times. To her back there was a wall, and to her front and sides there was that stupid spell that Malfoy put on her. She couldn't even sit down, the spell would shock her if she tried. So there she was, stuck standing up, and without food, for who knows how long. She had tried yelling for help, but gave up that idea when she heard her voice bounce off the wall. Malfoy must have put a silencing charm on the room. What a stupid jerk!" Ginny wasn't going to let him get away with this. When she got out of here, she would get him back. But then Malfoy's last words flew into her head. 'If Weasley. If you get out of here.' It struck Ginny then. What if Malfoy didn't come back? This classroom wasn't used anymore. It could take weeks for someone to find her! Her life was practically in Malfoy's hands. And she knew that couldn't be good.
******
"Harry! What about the Maurader's Map!?" Ron asked excitedly as they walked back from their Care of Magical Creatures class with Hagrid. "We could look on the map. It would probably show where Ginny is!"
"Don't you remember Ron?" Hermione asked before Harry had time to reply. "Professor McGonagal took it from Harry the night she caught him out of bed."
"Oh yeah... Why did she have to take it!? And why hasn't she given it back?!"
"I don't know Ron." Harry replied. "She seems to think that everything I own has some kind of dark magic related to it, and she wanted to check it over with Dumbledore."
"Ugh, why can't teachers just mind their own business?" Ron asked disgustedly.
"Ron, you know Professor McGonagal is just trying to keep Harry safe."
Ron didn't reply, which Harry thought was probably for the best. He didn't think he could stand to listen to another one of his and Hermione's arguments.
They searched the castle all through dinnertime, and as late as they were allowed to stay out, and still Ginny hadn't shown up. Harry had found out from Colin Creevy that Ginny hadn't been in any of her classes after lunch. They all knew she would never purposefully skip a class. Exhausted they finally headed back to the Common Room, hoping that Ginny would be there ready to explain where she had been. She wasn't. Ron started blaming himself.
"I shouldn't have left her. I should have made her walk to lunch with us."
Hermione looked as though she were about to cry.
"I swear, if Malfoy did anything to Ginny...this is all my fault. She was sticking up for me when she punched him."
"It's no one's fault." Harry said soothingly. "Cept Malfoy's maybe." He went over and took Hermione into his arms.
"We don't even know for sure if it was Malfoy. She could have, er lost her way or something. This is a huge castle." But even as he said it, Harry seriously doubted it.
Ron looked over at the couple hugging and smiled for the first time in hours. Harry and Hermione looked so sweet together. Ginny would be jealous. But thinking about Ginny made Ron's head and heart ache.
Harry looked over at Ron.
"If she doesn't show up by tomorrow morning we'll tell Professor McGonagal. She'll help us find her."
Ron nodded. Harry noticed a glazed look in his eyes and worry etched on his face.
Not knowing what else to do, Ron headed to his dormitory to try and get some sleep.
Harry was about to follow, but then he turned his head and found himself staring into Hermione's eyes. He still had her clutched in his arms. 'She's so beautiful.' He thought. It was then that Harry realized that he loved her. He had always loved her, but hadn't let himself admit it because of Ron. He had thought that Ron liked Hermione, and he hadn't wanted to hurt his friend. But standing here, in the soft glow of the fire, with Hermione in his arms, he knew he couldn't hold back his feelings anymore. Ron would have to deal.
"Harry?"
Hermione's voice interrupted Harry's thoughts. He gazed deeper into her enchanting eyes.
"Shh."
Harry placed a finger to her lips. He pulled her closer and brought his lips down on hers. All of Harry's emotions that he had been holding back for years flowed through this kiss. There were no words needed to express how he felt about her. Hermione returned the kiss with just as much feeling. She felt all her troubles wash away for the moment; she felt nothing but Harry and his love for her. Her first kiss, and the best.
To Be Continued.