What do I say?

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Summary: Ginny is sick and with so very little time left she embarks on a relationship in a rather weird place. Can Draco find a way to save her before the only woman he has every truly been in love with dies in his arms? D/G

Chapter One-What Do I Say

It was strange today, sitting in the Great Hall. I felt the familiar burning sensation of somebody staring straight at me. I didn't know it was you at least not at first. I'm looking around the room now. I glance from table to table trying to determine who it is that is glaring so intensely at me. When I feel your gaze shift I finally look away letting my eyes settle back down on my eggs and bacon. I wait. I munch softly on my bacon pretending to be in deep conversation with my housemate next to me, Louise Avana. In my opinion she is extremely dull witted and annoying. I think she can tell I am not really listening to her summer and how her muggle father taught her dog how to open a refrigerator and grab him a drink. I nod and plaster a fake smile on my face.

"O yes that sounds just amazing Louise." I say trying to convince her and whoever is staring that I do care about her stupid dog and his dumb tricks. Her face lights up as she continues to gush about his amazing abilities and keen sense of smell.

"Don't you think it is just amazing Ginny? I mean dogs are just so smart and they just pick up on so much!" She continues on for a while longer. At this point I'm ready to just forget the whole thing when I feel it again, that strong gaze of yours. I am faster than you this time. My eyes glance up just in time to meet your steel grey eyes. That look, that look you give me was the same one we shared in the broom closet just a week ago.

Flashback:

His hands were smooth has they moved up my back, his kiss was rough and he held me there with his lips. I couldn't pull away. I should, I need to. This is getting too far, I can't start feel for him. No, get your head in the game Weasley. I shake it off and throw myself into the kiss. Needless to say, I didn't stop it.

"Red, we need to talk about what is happening here." Draco said. He grabbed my wrist and pulled me in for a kiss. It was soft and sweet. It was very different than what had happened moments ago.

"Draco, I thought we knew what this was. We are shagging, just shagging." I said adjusting his tie and making it look perfect. He pushed his hand through is perfect blonde hair.

"I just want to make sure you are feeling the same as before." He said bending down to grab her tie.

"Why would it change?" I asked raising my eyebrow at him.

"Why did you start this Red?" Draco asked staring intently.

"I am dying Draco. I am dying and I just want to enjoy my life while I can because one of these days I won't be living." Ginny said letting the secret she has kept hidden flow from her lips.

"We are all dying Red but that does-"

"No Draco, I mean I'm sick. I have this thing called a tumor. It is in my brain and I am taking special drugs to try and kill it but so far nothing. All the drugs do is make me sick and I have these horrible pains in my head. The Healers do not think I have more than 6 months to a year if the tumor doesn't shrink. So I just want this to be sex because we can't ever be anything else because I am dying." I explained I knew I was crying. I could feel the tears rolling down my face. Draco just stood there and stared at me. Then he did the strangest thing and reached out to me. He pulled me into this bone crushing hug. He held me so tightly, never before had he held me so tightly.

"Who all knows?" He asked me. I wrap my arms around him and hold him so tightly.

"My family, the teachers and very few friends." I tell him. "Please don't tell anybody." I am pleading with him. I look up at his steel gray eyes. I saw this look in his eyes a look he has never given me.

"O Ginny, I would never tell." He breathed out in a hushed whisper and kissed me. We then started on round two.

End of Flashback

I never knew just how bad I would feel after, or how alive I felt during it. I knew our little relationship had to end soon. Then again I'm not sure I even consider this a relationship. Whatever it is I am enjoying myself to much to stop. Last time, well that was so close. I can't believe we weren't caught. It is getting to risky and we are getting to comfortable with each other. It is time to end it. What started out as an innocent and somewhat hasty kiss outside of the potions room as really spiraled into something I don't know if I can handle. No, it is time to say goodbye. I'll tell him tonight just one more time couldn't hurt. My housemates are getting up and leaving the 6th years have started heading to class. I better follow them. I don't want to be the late one.

I grab up my bag and race for the door to the potions room. My head is spinning and I need some fresh air quick. The all too familiar feelings of a migraine have begun to fill my senses. As I race out of the dungeons I slam right into a man. Those two arms I have grown so accustomed to wrap around me. I stutter out a thank you as I raise my eyes to meet his. I know him, I would know the feel of this arms anywhere. I would know the light touch he uses with me, the smell of his skin and that slight wood smell from the wood burning fireplace in his dorm. I know him. I feel so safe and so normal for just a moment. Sadly that moment is fleeting and I have to remain me. I have to keep that barrier right where it is. I tear my eyes from his gaze, mumble a quick thank you again and an apology and rush away before he is forced to make a harsh comment that I know I am unable to bear, and he is unable to mean.

I gulp in the fresh air as I hit the front lawn. The spinning in my brain has righted for just a moment. Then out of nowhere I feel that urge. I move as quickly as I can behind some nearby shrubbery as I allow for the flow of vomit to exit my body. I've been sick like this for a few months now. I keep telling myself that the healers said all of this was normal. That this is what happens when you go through chemotherapy. I never knew that this existed. I never would have known of these dreadful things that plagued muggles all the time. It was so rare for them to form in wizards and witches. If only she had known that the last time she rode her broom would change her forever.

Flashback:

Summer vacation had just started and the whole family was gathered at the Weasley home. Bill and Fleur had even come all the way from France to be there. Fleur was getting rounder as they eagerly expected their first child. The twins decided a nice welcome home game was in order and the Weasley seven plus Harry headed out to their homemade pitch in the back garden. At the sound of the game whistle Ginny lifted into the air and the game begun.

I raced through the air. I always loved the air whipping my long red hair around. Ron was hovering in front of our makeshift quidditch goals. I could hear the faint calls of my parents and Hermione on the ground cheering for me. I couldn't help but laugh and grip the quaffle tighter racing towards Ron. I could see the goal I was aiming for. I set it directly in my sights. I didn't even see the bludger come rushing out of left field. I do remember the loud crack it made when it snapped the front of my broom in half. The moment of fright when I knew I was quickly losing control of the broom. I remember the ground coming faster and faster and I remember feeling powerless to stop it. The smash I made when I hit the grass that was painful. I can still smell the wet grass as I pushed myself up. Trying to calm everybody and tell them I was alright. It wasn't until Hermione pointed out the very large bruise already forming on my side that I had a twinge of worry. I just pushed it off and told them if I was ever going to play for a real team then I needed to prepare to go down a time or two.

We didn't play again for the rest of the summer after that. Two weeks went by and not only did the bruise not go away but it got worse. Finally mum forced dad to take me to the hospital. We sat in the waiting room waiting for a healer to call my name.

"Ginerva Weasley" a pale blonde healer called from the doorway. I stood up slowly and walked towards her. Mum put an arm around my shoulder and gave me a light squeeze and dad walked behind us. We followed the healer into a cold sterile room. After I was settled on the cold table I looked over at my mum.

"Excuse me, will you be giving us Ginny's results?" Mum asked staring intently at the pale blonde.

"No, the head healer shall be in just a moment. I'll go check on her status." With the last statement she hurried out of the room. There was an eerie quiet that settled over the room. It only took five minutes before the head healer arrived by those moments seemed like hours.

"Good Afternoon, my name is Healer Johns. I am here to give you the results of the test we ran when you got here. I am afraid I have some regretful news." She said calmly and laid a soft hand on my knee.

"I'm sorry what does regretful news mean exactly?" Mum asked tears springing to her eyes.

"Well, Ginny has a very rare condition in the Wizarding world. She has a tumor in her brain." Healer Johns began to explain.

"A tumor?" asked dad softly.

"Yes it is a mass. It is in her brain and is growing. That is what has been causing the headaches and the bruise not healing. Now from the images that we have we can see it is quite invasive." Healer Johns continued to explain it and explain the treatment. I continued to stare straight ahead. After she explained that in order to get the tumor out we needed to shrink it. The best way to do that was to use chemotherapy to shrink it. They continued to talk about me. I finally decided to interject.

"Healer Johns, when will be begin this treatment?" I asked.

"Well Ginny, I think it is best to start immediately." Healer Johns continued to talk about it. Towards the end of the conversation I agreed and we started treatment that afternoon.

End of Flashback

The air was calming. It was quiet outside. A slight chill was in the air. The end of October was approaching fast. I stood slowly resting my back against the cold stone of the castle. I heard a noise and my gaze shifted to my right. Draco was pushing his way behind the bush I was hiding behind.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him.

"I came to check on you." He said a little shy. He noticed the vomit and concerned filled his eyes. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, of course. I have been through this before. Why do you care even care Draco." I asked feeling anger building.

"You know why I care." He said. I back away, trying to avoid all contact with him. All I am really thinking about is brushing my teeth. He however looks like he has something else on his mind.

"We are just shagging Draco. There is no need for you to rush out here like some knight looking to rescue a damsel. I don't need your protection. What will your housemates say if they discover that you are shagging a Weasley, or even worse consoling one?" The anger I feel is seeping into my words. I know that he doesn't hate me. I know he doesn't care about my blood status. I know that it all comes from his father. I know all of this from the way he holds me at night. The sweet nothings he whispers in my ear and that look. It is the same look we shared in the broom closet, the great hall at breakfast and several nights in the past. I know all of this and yet I can't stop the anger. I am so mad all the time. How do I explain it's because I want things I'll never get? I can't. I have to just be mad. I am hoping I'll push him away. I can't have him hurt.

"You and I both know it is more than that Red. Stop lying to yourself and let me care about you." He demands taking a step towards me.

"I can't." I squeak out. The tears have started pooling in my eyes again. When is he going to let this go. He knows the truth here. I push out from behind the bush and he follows me still several steps behind me.

"Fine, you don't want me to care about you. I am going to break some news to you but, you don't get to make that choice. I am not going to stop caring just because you don't want me too. I am so into you Red. I never thought this would happen. When you kissed me outside the potions class I never saw this happening. Sure I knew by the heat of that kiss that there would be more, plenty more. I thought that we would shag a few times and move on from each other. The last thing I ever thought would happen would be for me to fall so madly in love with you that I can't sleep if I don't kiss you goodnight. I didn't know that every second I spent with you would push me further into your arms. I didn't know that your smile was addicting or that when your eyes glisten when you talk about quidditch it would make me melt. How was I supposed to know that you were the funniest, sweetest, most kind hearted person I would ever meet? How was I supposed to know that I would fall in love with you! I get it Red, I do. You are dying and don't want anything serious. I mean I get it. I however am not dying and I want to spend the rest of my days with you. I will not let you slip away from me. I won't. You don't get to die and you do not get to leave me here without you. No I won't let that happen. So ok Gin you can keep at arms distance. You can say you are just trying to protect me. It is too late for that. I am hooked. I'm yours. I love you my sweet, darling, perfect little Red and I am not going anywhere." Draco stood there breathing heavily after his speech. He just stared at me. I know he is waiting for an answer. I just can't stop the tears that now flow freely.

"You love me?" I manage to choke out. He is crosses the short distance between us in a matter of seconds. His arms wrapped around and held me to him. My head resting on his chest and he tucked my head under his chin. I could feel his body shaking as he gripped me tight.

"My perfect Red, I'll do anything and everything for you. I will keep you alive. I will not let you die. I am going to find a cure for this. I am going to find somebody who can help you. You are my everything. I am going to rock your world. I am never letting go. I am it. You are it. You are the one I want. Nothing, nobody in heaven, hell or on this earth is going to keep me from you. You have the power Red. Please Red, let me have you. We will get through this." He pulled away and looked at me.

"Red?" He whispered. I stare into his eyes and I can see the truth behind his words. I know he waiting on an answer from me. I cry harder.

"Oh Draco, I am sorry. I should have ended this a long time ago. " I said. I felt his heart shatter. I felt him start to pull away. "What are you doing?" I asked.

"You want me to go right?" He said to me. His eyes averted my gaze looking everywhere but me.

"NO! I don't want you to go. I love you! I just don't want you hurt and now you will be." I exclaimed tightening hold on him.

"You want me to stay?" He whispers.

"Until my last breath." I tell him. His eyes light up and he places a sweet kiss right on my lips.

"If I have my way, that won't be for a very long time Gin." He claimed.

"I hope your right Draco." I respond. I know I love him. I have known for a while. We have shared very heartfelt conversations.

"We Malfoys are rarely wrong Ginny." He replied with that soft smirk coming to his lips. "We should get out of here. Let's head down to my dorm." His light kisses trail up my neck ending with a soft bite on my ear lobe.

"O yes, I think that would be best." I smile and he leads me towards the castle.

Ron/Hermione/Harry POV

Ginny just disappeared after running into Malfoy. Shortly after her departure he followed her. Hermione being the concerned friend she was insisted they go find Ginny.

"Ron I am telling you they came out here." Harry exclaimed looking around for the youngest Weasley.

"I don't see her anywhere Harry." Ron replied. Right as they were about to go inside they heard Ginny talking to somebody. They quietly move over to hear what they were saying. The golden trio stayed quiet and listen to Ginny speak her peace. When she stormed out of the bush and made a break towards the castle the trio dove into the bush she and Malfoy had just vacated. They listened intently as Draco bared his soul to Ginny.

"OMG! Malfoy just told Ginny he loved her." Ron exclaimed trying to free himself from the bush to go save his sister. Hermione grabbed the arms of both boys.

"Shhh listen, he is explaining" Hermione insists on silence and continues to listen to Malfoy spill. After Ginny and Draco talk and disappear into the castle Hermione looks at the boys. "Well that was new news." She said slowly.

"I can't believe it, my sister and Malfoy. They are shagging!" Ron hollered looking quiet disgruntled.

"Ron, I don't think they are just shagging. It sounds like Ginny really loves him, and he loves her." Harry said slowly, gaging the reaction of his best friend.

"What do I do?" Ron asked. He looked over and Hermione for guidance.

Ginny POV

Draco and I split before heading to his room. Sadly the student rushing to class reminded us that we too had to make appearances. Nobody seemed to notice us together. We split quietly. As I make my way to potions I let my mind wander. I think of it. I think that if there is anybody that can make it happen it would be him. He would be the one to find the cure for my condition. I enter the room just after class starts. Snape glares at me as I slide into my seat.

"20 point from Gryffindor and detention tonight at 7pm sharp Ms. Weasley." Snape drawled before writing the text book pages on the board. Of course I thought and lugged the advanced potions book from my bag. It hit the desk with a loud thud and Snapped whirled around eyes locking onto me, "make that 30 point." He added before turning smugly back to the board. I could hear the groans of my fellow classmates. They don't blame me just Snape. Everybody hates him well except for Slytherin. Draco loves his godfather. I wonder what Snape would do if he ever found out the things I do with his godson. That thought brings a smile to my face and I turn to the page indicated on the board.

"Ms. Weasley please come to my desk." Snape's voice rang out over the sounds of stools scrapping and bags being packed. I huffed up to the front of the class.

"Yes, Professor?" I asked quietly staring him straight in the eye. He waited patiently until each student had left the room.

"Ms. Weasley I didn't think to ask if you had your um, treatments tonight at the hospital wing?" Snape asked and for a fleeting moment I thought I saw a look of concern in his eyes.

"No Professor, my next treatment is tomorrow afternoon while the rest of the students are still in their classes." I said. It was no secret that Snape knew. To the best of my knowledge the entire teaching staff had been made aware of the tumor slowing taking over my brain.

"Well, I made this potion for you. It is to quell the sickness that comes after it. It may not cure it entirely. I have never actually tried it myself, but with your help maybe we can work toward something to actually fix it." Snape pushed a vial towards me filled with a thick crimson liquid.

"Thank you." I managed. This was a shock to me and tears filled my eyes. I never would have thought Snape would take the time to do something this nice for me.

"You shouldn't have to go through this." He said to me. There was a moment of silence between the two of us. It was a fleeting moment and immediately following he said, "Don't forget. 7pm right here."

"Yes Professor, and thank you again." I clutched he vial in tightly in my hand and scuttled out the door and the second year Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs began filling the room.

The rest of my day passed smoothly. I did notice that when I sat down in advanced arithmancy with Hermione she seemed very off, almost like she didn't know what to say to me. She spent the entire class with her nose so far into her text book I was certain she was actually touching the pages with her nose. Dinner was just as weird. Harry refused to make eye contact and Ron kept acting like he had something to say then changing his mind.

I ate quickly knowing that I had detention right after. I left the great hall with the Ron quick on my heels.

"Gin, wait I need to talk to you." Ron called out. I spun and looked at him.

"Well talk fast. I have to get to detention with Snape." I explained readjusting my bag.

"Let's go in here." He motioned to an empty classroom and led the way. I followed confused as to what was going on.

"Ok, we are here. What is going on?" I ask cautious as to where this is going.

"I know about you and that Slytherin scum." Ron fumed.

"Excuse me?" I asked trying to play it off.

"You heard me Ginny. I overheard your conversation after breakfast today." He hollered at me.

"You overheard me? How could you have overheard me when you should have been heading to Charms?" I yelled back.

"We saw you leaving the castle and we saw him follow you. We wanted to make sure you were ok. Then we heard him profess his love to you and then you tell him you love him too. He knows Gin? How long has this been going on?" Ron was adamant.

"The first week I kissed him in front of the potions room. Yes he knows and yes Ron I do love him." I figure at this point it can't help me to lie so I just go with the truth.

"The first week, how?" He asked I could see he was not going to calm down anytime soon.

"I left my book in the potions classroom and it was late, probably about 8 by the time I realized it. I snuck down to the potions room and he was there. It just kind of happened. Then it kept happening and then well, you know the rest. I won't lie to you and tell you that I am sorry. I do love him. He is not as bad as we thought. He is just as pressured by his family to join Voldemort as we are to fight against him. So try to be understanding. You can be mad as you want Ronald. I am not ending it. So get on board or get off." I yelled. I rushed out of the room. As it was I was already late for my detention. What a great way to start my first detention of the year.

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Alright people, tell a lady what you think?

~Ashtin