Chapter 3: Molly's Dragen

"I'll look to like if looking liking move. But no more days will I endart mine eye than your consent gives strength to make if fly." -William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

It was a normal summer holiday tradition. Hermione would always accompany her parents to her grandparent's house for a few weeks. Normally this was a great time. She'd enjoy neighborhood outings with the other children her age; go to the swimming hole with her cousins. And the shops were amazing.

But the world around her was preparing for war. So instead of going out and enjoying the things she normally did, Hermione had taken books with her in preparation of the next school year. Not only did she have her NEWTs when school was ending, she took a great deal more Defense Against the Dark Arts books than were required by her course.

Although normally she was greatly against the more dangerous curses and hexes, she had to agree with Ron and Harry that a tickling charm wouldn't exactly slow down a Death Eater, never mind You-Know-Who.

But on top of all the researching and studying, she was counting down the days. Yes, it was true that she always counted down until school would start. But she had a few other countdowns as well. There were two days left until Ron would be joining her for a few weeks. And then there was one month until Harry's birthday.

This year they were all planning a big celebration. She, Ron, Harry, Ginny, Neville and Luna would be spending the day together going to the theatre and other such wholly entertaining muggle activities. But that evening they'd be having a party for Harry. All the Weasleys would be there as well as a few more friends from school.

Fred and George would be supplying the decorations and party favors from their shop. Hermione decided she'd stay a good distance away from the favors.

She had taken a break from rereading Practical Defensive Magic and its use Against the Dark Arts to write a response to Ginny's letter that had arrived earlier that morning. Ginny had written about the beach, the house, and the parties they had gone to. She really sounded like she was enjoying herself.

Hermione frowned. Ginny was having a good time. There really was no reason she shouldn't be. And there was really nothing Hermione could write back that wouldn't bore Ginny. So instead she told her about any new plans for Harry's party. And then about what her and Ron planned to do on his visit to see her this summer.

Hermione finished her letter, rolled the parchment and sealed it with wax. The tawny owl Ginny had barrowed from Natalie was perched on the mantle in the family room hooting quietly. Hermione fastened the letter to his ankle, gave him a treat and sent her on the way.

As she headed back to her books, Hermione decided it was time she enjoyed her summer as well. There'd be plenty of time to read and research later. So she closed the half a dozen books sprawled out over the tables and couch and headed out to see her cousins.

---

Hermione paced the entry anxiously. She wasn't really sure how Ron would be arriving. Her grandparent's fireplace wasn't part of the Floo Network since they were muggles. And she was in a very muggle neighborhood.

She quickened her pace without realizing, twirling a strand of her hair absently with her finger. Chewing her bottom lip as well, she was a sight for sore eyes. Today she'd be introducing her boyfriend to her family (all muggles) for the first time.

Her parents had met Ron in passing many times through all their years at school together and all the times she had stayed at The Burrow. But then, he had not been her boyfriend.

"Looks like you're waiting for someone."

Hermione stopped abruptly when the familiarly amused voice intruded her thoughts. A smile curled her lips naturally at the sight of Ron standing just inside the door, a bag in one hand and an old spoon in the other. He had apparently come by Portkey.

She walked to him shaking her head. He dropped the items in his hands and wrapped her in a hug. She clung go him tightly. It had been twenty-nine days since she had seen him; twenty-nine days since he had held her close to him.

Hermione felt him running one hand soothingly up and down her back as his face buried in her hair. It made her smile. Ron had always loved to smell her hair, said it always reminded him of their first year, when she'd walk by in such a hurry, he'd get a lingering scent of her that stayed with him for hours.

Ron chuckled. "I take it you missed me?"

"What makes you think that?" She asked.

"Oh, it could be how very tightly you're holding me. I'm not going to disappear you know."

"You might." She whispered.

He gently shook his head; face still nestled in her hair. "Never," he whispered back, his lips close to her ear.

His breath that close to her neck sent chills down her spine. She pulled back to him. Their eyes locked as his lips lowered to meet hers. No sooner had they met than a throat clearing to her right made them jump apart.

Hermione fixed her hair hurriedly, not that it had been messed up at all and looked to her grandmother.

She stood smiling at the two of them.

"Grandmother, this is Ron Weasley."

"It's a pleasure." She said. "I've heard so much about you, dear."

"Thank you." Ron said.

Hermione felt herself blush.

"It's great to finally meet you as well." Ron finished.

The three stood quietly waiting for someone to make the next move. It was Hermione who finally broke the silence after not being able to handle the embarrassment of being caught in a kiss by her grandmother. "I'm going to show Ron to his room." She said and headed for the door with Ron in her wake.

They climbed the stairs silently to the second floor as she pointed out rooms as she went. "This is the room my cousins Bently and Kenja are staying in. The lavatory, my parent's room and this will be yours. My grandparent's are right next door." Hermione pushed open the door and headed for the window across the room.

He crept up behind her and snaked his arms around her waist. "Where's your room?"

Hermione had no more than felt the blush than heard the voice behind her say tersely, "at the end of the hall."

Hermione again leapt from Ron's arms as they both turned to see the visitor. The boy stood almost as tall as Ron with dark brown hair and hard blue eyes. Where Ron was lanky, this boy was proportioned to fit the stereotype perfectly as the average male shape.

"This is my cousin, Bently." Hermione introduced. "And this is Ron."

"Her older cousin." Bently said.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes, my older cousin, Bently. And that's my younger cousin Kenja." She said about the boy who had just joined Bently in the doorway.

The two were obviously brothers. They looked very much alike except in body. Kenja was several inches shorter and a lot better toned.

Ron gave them each a nod, with a smile, in return to their glares.

"Grandfather would like the two of you down stairs for lunch." Kenja informed. "Right away."

Hermione walked to them. "Yes, alright. We'll be down in a minute." She said as she pushed them out and turned to Ron.

"You think they like me?" He asked with half a smirk.

Hermione laughed. "Don't worry about them."

Ron walked to her and took her hand in his. "I don't know much about muggle stuff." He said as they headed for the door. "Only what my father tells us. And you know what that's like."

"Don't worry about it. They all know we're not muggles."

"Really?" He asked, surprised.

"Yes. I figured it'd be hard to hide it if I wanted to make a career in our world. So I decided to tell them after our second year."

"They believed you?"

"Not right away. But I brought many proofs. And now they're quite used to it."

They entered the all-season-room where the family was gathered. The two boys, Hermione's parents and Grandmother Ron recognized. There was an older gentleman who he assumed was her grandfather and a man and woman who looked remarkably like Kenja and Bently were most likely their parents.

Ron and Hermione took their seats between her father and Kenja. The rest of the introductions were made and they sat eating quietly for a while.

Soon enough conversation began, asking Ron about school and his plans for the future. Hermione's parents asked about his family and about their friends. When Harry was mentioned, Hermione quickly intervened. It was apparent not everyone knew all about Harry Potter.

It was during a conversation about Hermione's parents' careers that Bently cut in to ask. "So, Ron, what are your intentions with our cousin?"

"Bently!" his mother said, horrified. "That's a little rude."

"No. That's ok, Mrs. Granger." Ron said, giving the boys a slightly smug look. "My only intentions are to make Hermione happy, no matter what that entails."

Hermione felt her cheeks redden faintly as her eyes averted anyone else's and concentrated on her plate of crumbs. She felt Ron's hand grasp hers under the table and give a small squeeze, which she returned.

"That's very nice to hear, dear." Grandmother Granger said with a warm smile to Ron and a stern look to Bently.

Hermione was finally able to pull Ron away from her family after their meal. They walked along the path in the small park down the road from the house.

"I think eventually they'll stop grilling you." Hermione said. "They've just never met anyone else from the magical world. I hope you don't get offended."

"It's alright. I don't mind." He answered back.

"And my cousins will back off eventually too. Or I give you permission to hex them. I believe the Hives Hex would work. Or we could just langlock them."

Ron chuckled and pulled her around to face him. "Hermione Granger, are you suggesting I hex some defenseless muggles?"

"Well… I just want your stay to be good and if they're going to try to bully you all the time-"

She never got to finish due to the kiss that silenced her. She smiled against his lips and when they broke away, he said, "They can 'grill me' as much as they want and at the end of the conversation, no matter how grueling, I will always be happy to be here with you."

It made her want to cry. "Oh, Ron. I'm so glad you're here." She hugged him again.

Running his hands through her hair he said, "There's nowhere else I'd rather be."


Being that Paradise Island was part of America; the majority of wizards who owned property were American. Therefore, the celebrations that took place there were largely American traditions or holidays.

Tonight was the Fourth of July, America's 'Independence Day' as it was commonly called. The Back Field was designated for a large barbeque, and 'fun and games for all ages' was what the flyers were shouting. And later when the sun went down, the tradition of fireworks would litter the sky.

It had been almost two weeks since the bon fire and still he had yet to meet the redhead. His intensions had been that he'd meet and seduce her that night, but her friends and other American wizard blokes who drooled over her constantly surrounded her. Their eyes had kept meeting throughout the night, magnetically pulled to each other every so often.

Since then he'd constantly watched her on the beach, his desire to have her growing more each day. The girl was never left alone. Tonight, he vowed, would be different.

He took special care to dress and perfect his appearance. Black trousers, black trainers and an unbuttoned black shirt baring his faultless sculpted torso and abs. His hair he let fall whichever way it dropped and he had magically painted his face in red, white and blue, as everyone's would be tonight.

Draco left exceptionally early to arrive at Back Field. He needed to scout it out, learn all the stations where the 'fun and games' were to be played, evaluated the different foods being prepared and investigated the best areas to woo his girl under the fireworks.

Back Field was already buzzing with activity when he had arrived and by the time he was done his research, the girl that was his pray had arrived with her five mates.

She looked exceptionally sexy tonight. Her hair pulled back in a simple long ponytail that still fell past her shoulders. Her face was painted with blue stars on a red and white background. She wore a short black skirt and only a black bikini top. It was a nice top, one he looked forward to untying.

The pack was tightly knit together and though the fact made him frown, that would not deter him tonight. He would lure her out of the group and she would willingly give him all of her attention. He'd bid his time and wait close by.

Draco didn't have to wait long. Three of the girls had gone off towards the food line they'd be in for quite some time. The other two headed for a group of face paint artists. That left the redhead all alone at one of the games.

He walked up to the small crowd gathered around this particular game. She watched for a long while until setting a sickle on the counter to give it a go. She lost but laughed the whole time at the mess she had created. The merry sound made Draco grin. And when she turned abruptly, she ran into him. Literally.

"Oh, I'm sorry- you!" she said as recognition swept across her face.

"You." Draco said in amusement.

"You've been following me." She accused.

"I have." He admitted.

"Why?"

"Because you're beautiful." Draco said charmingly. Even under the face paint he could tell she had blushed.

"Th-thank you."

Her voice being so quiet and unsure made him realize she wasn't complimented very often. Out of his pocket he drew a sickle and placed it on the counter behind her. "What's your favorite plush?" He asked.

"I can win it on my own." She said, her tone changing to defiance.

Draco smirked. "Of course you can. But I want to win it for you." He was sure her eyes would have narrowed had he not added, "Exquisiteness such as yourself should be spoiled at all times." Again he suspected a blush.

Draco turned and in a few smooth motions he had won the first level prize. He chose a bright purple dolphin, its underside sparkled silver and it stood approximately nine meters in height. He handed it to her.

A shy smile spread across young features. "How'd you know this was my favorite?"

"A calculated guess."

She held it to her, admiring its softness before looking back to him. "Again, thank you."

"Have I won the honor of your company tonight?" He asked giving her his best charming smile.

Even through the paint it must have its effects because she said yes. He offered her his arm to escort her to another silly game. "What can I call you?"

"Molly."

"Dragen."

She looked to him with a questioning look. "That's original."

"Yes, well, my parents have a dark sense of humor."

She smiled. "Very strong. Dangerous. Mysterious… I like it."

"I assure you, Molly, though I may be all those things, you have yet to see my best traits."

With a certain amount of arrogance in her voice, Molly answered, "I look forward to it," as she swayed beside him.

---

The night proved to be a warm one. Draco brought Molly around to all the games, treated her to dinner and danced with her in front of a small stage holding a live band.

It surprised him how much he was enjoying her company. She wasn't just another pretty face –figuratively speaking since hers was covered in paint- but the girl was intelligent. And feisty. He loved it. He hadn't heard himself laugh as often as he was tonight. Draco was actually having fun.

"I have a perfect place where we can watch the fireworks." He said.

"Really?" She asked, her eyes sparkling.

He had always thought that was just some strange overly exaggerated expression –eyes sparkling. He had never seen it before. And yet, Molly's did constantly. It was such an amazing and beautiful sight he had strived to see it repeatedly throughout the night. This being the fourth time sent a strange surge through his body –a surge that he actually liked.

"Yes. Come, I'll bring you." Draco walked with Molly on his arm.

Leaving the Back Field they were passing a trinket stand with many flashing things catching Molly's eye. He kept seeing her glance to them, but even as they were passing, she didn't pull him to stop.

Draco smiled. "Wait here for a moment."

Molly smiled sweetly and gave him a single nod. Draco went one step further. He turned her so her back was toward the stand. "Don't move."

She gave him a curious look and took a step to the side.

He gave her a mock stern look. "Promise!"

"I promise." She giggled.

Draco made his way to the stand and glanced over all the jewelry until one caught his eye. It was a chrome chain ending in two claws clutching a round black stone. Atop sat a sea nymph, its small hands holding onto a talon of each claw, wings spread and hair falling messily around her, covering that which was inappropriate.

Draco knew that was the one. He paid, read the small tag telling the buyer about the charm and went back to Molly. From behind her, Draco fastened the necklace around her neck as his fingers slid across smooth creamy skin.

An unfamiliar feeling churned in his stomach before he turned her around to face him, not willing to examine the felling. Molly fingered the pendant and brought it up to see it more clearly.

"Are you familiar with Greek mythology?" He asked.

Molly shook her head.

"This is the sea nymph Salmakis, who fell so passionately in love with Hermaphroditus, son of Hermes and Aphrodite that she pulled him into her pool where their bodies merged into one. Her pool happens to be a mine of onyx buts it's said that she protects her treasure with 'chrome claws.'"

"It's beautiful." Molly exclaimed, breath-taken. She looked up to him, her eyes flashing as if stars resided there. "Thank you, Dragen."

Draco smiled at the plain appreciation in her voice and the beauty in her painted smile. He attempted to play it off cool as that same surge passed through him. "'Tis a mere token." And he took her hand, leading her to his perfect viewing place.

A single colored 'flower' in the sky gave the warning that the show would start in five minutes. Draco hurried his pace a little so they'd be in time to see the whole thing.

On a largely deserted beach not too far from the field, was a gazebo with a small flat top. Draco used a Hover Charm to raise them both to the top where he performed a Conjuring Spell and a blanket appeared folded at their feet. He spread it out and placed a Cushioning Charm on the roof before he lead Molly to sit.

They watched the fireworks as they lay back on the blanket. Later they still sat, Molly leaning against his side, head resting on his shoulder and his arm around the back of her, hand brushing the satin smooth skin of her side.

They had been talking for what seemed to be hours when Molly yawned and finally decided it was time she returned home. Draco stood and pulled her up, standing inches in front of her, his arms on her waist.

"Can I be honest with you?" He asked, eyes searching hers.

Molly nodded.

"I had every intension of seducing you tonight. But at some point my only goal was to keep you smiling."

There was an inner voice that told him that was not only the corniest thing he had ever said, it was also the corniest he had ever heard. And though he wanted to scowl at himself, the smile on Molly's face drowned out that voice completely.

"I'm relieved you didn't try. My judgment isn't always best but I'm very good with hexes when my conscience is finally heard."

"Can I walk you home?"

Molly smiled. "I was hoping you would."

----

They had walked hand-in-hand to the front side of Natalie's home. When Dragen had first approached her, she had had every intension of making him know how rude he was to stare at her so openly but his charm got the better of her.

He was beyond sweet and refused to let her pay for anything. Dragen insisted on spoiling her throughout the night. His touch sent shivers through her and his smile gave her butterflies. And there were certain glances that instantly cause her to blush.

The nymph necklace was so gorgeous that she had to stop herself from launching into his arms and snogging him senseless. There were quite a few times that night that her self control was tested. Certain ways he moved caused her to want to reach out and run her fingers over his chest.

But it wasn't until he kissed her cheek when dropping her off at 'home' that the guilt spilt over the flood gates. Harry was her boyfriend and here she was spending hours with another, who she allowed to escort her around as if she was his girl. She had accepted a quite expensive necklace –she was sure with the size of the onyx alone- and sat for a long time with his arm around her as they talked.

"There she is!" Laura called. The others hurried in.

"Where have you been?!" Santanna demanded while attempting to hide a smirk.

Ginny couldn't keep the smile from her face. And through the guilt laid on her like a blanket, this enchanted night's happiness glowed from her.

Nova crawled over the couch and grabbed her arm, dragging her over. She allowed the girl with a devilish smirk to lead her and she sat as everyone else did.

"Spill." Nova said hugging a pillow, smile still dancing.

Ginny recapped everything in as much detail as she could recall as they all stayed up until the sun rose, talking and giggling like little school girls. There they spent the night.

----

Ginny lay on the deck looking up at the stars a week and a half later. Guilt was not something she was used to feeling. And yet, it was a permanent resident upon her heart as she wrote to Harry each night. Her friends tried to tell her not to worry about it and just to have fun. Harry would never know. And still, it was during the calm of the night that Ginny felt the worst. Especially now as she waited for 1130 to arrive. Why did she agree to this?

---Flashback---

Hurricane season and a very large Hurricane Mead was over the Island full force. But that couldn't stop Ginny from her promise. With her friend's pets still out doing their own thing, most likely taking shelter from the storm, Ginny had to brave it and go to the Island Owlry. She didn't mind though. She always wanted to dance in the rain, though it wasn't just rain and she wasn't dancing.

It was almost around the time of sundown, if the sun had been visible at all through the storm clouds. She wore only a hooded muggle sweatshirt over her shorts with flip flops on. Although even with hood on, it was a pointless gesture. She was wet to her bones within minutes of stepping outside.

Ginny was on her way back passing the house opposite the side of hers next to Dragen's when he came around the side of the house.

"Molly." He called.

She didn't hear him but she had spotted him so she stopped to wait for him to catch up. He stood in front of her with a hooded cloak over him, soaked just like she was.

"What are you doing out here?" Ginny yelled.

Dragen pointed to the side of his house. Water was building up next to a window to what she presumed would be the basement. "Sealing the window from the outside too. Double reinforcement. You?" He shouted over the pounding of the rain.

"Owlry." She called back.

Ginny tried to make out his face but the wind was so loud and rain so thick, she could barely see past her nose. A wave of relief washed over her, which was somewhat a surprise.

"I want to see you again."

Ginny bit her lower lip. She knew she shouldn't and while that thought swam around in her mind she nodded. "One condition."

Dragen nodded. "Anything."

"I know this sounds stupid but I want to keep our faces hidden. I'm not ready to accept that this is real."

"Ok. My house is really dark. Come over later. No lights."

"Are you going to try and seduce me?"

Dragen laughed. "If you want me to, yes."

"Not tonight, but I'll keep that option in mind."

He nodded. "1130?"

Ginny nodded.

---End Flashback---

She had been there three times now in the last week and a half. And as far as she knew, no one noticed her absence.

Dragen had been a perfect gentleman. Lights stayed out and he a certain distance away unless prompted by her. They had only talked. The entire few hours together and they only talked.

Ginny saw her clock change to 1130. She stood, pulled her hood up and crossed from her patio to his where he had left the door open six inches. She knocked lightly once and crept in before shutting the door. She moved into the shadows and waited.

"Dragen?" She called.

There was no answer for a minute until a little hand clutched hers. Ginny jumped jerking her hand.

"It is ok, Miss Molly. Master has asked Herma to escort Miss Molly to the library." Said a creaky little voice.

"Are you… Dragen's house elf?"

"Yes Miss. I is sorry to startle you. Please forgive Herma."

"Of course." Ginny said as she slowed her racing heart. Normally Dragen waited in the shadows for her, his hand catching hers and guiding her to their destination.

"Herma take you the long way so as not to trip in dark."

"Thank you Herma." Ginny said. This would definitely be easier if they'd just see each other's faces and she could get over her silly mind game of since he had no face, he wasn't really real. Therefore there was no reason to be guilty.

Soon she was seated in a chair and Herma's hand disappeared from her own. Ginny listened to the silence. It was broken by what sounded like someone crawling.

She laughed when she realized it was crawling she heard. Dragen had crawled to her and pulled her from the chair to join him on the floor.

"Hello beautiful." He said in her ear.

She could feel her heart beat quicken from his breath on her neck. "Evening my dark Dragen."

He kneeled in front of her. There was a rare silence between them. Normally they just dived into conversation.

"I feel I need to tell you something." Dragen said.

Ginny frowned. "But-"

She felt his finger brush her lips. "I want to tell you this because… I kinda… I've never had anyone I could talk to before. Will you let me talk to you?"

"Yes." She whispered.

She felt him move to sit next to her, his shoulder touching hers.

"I'm really not a nice guy. I'm actually a creep."

"Dragen, you've always been sweet to me."

He laughed, though it was a bitter sound. "I think you're idea of masking our identities… I think I- I've built this image of me that I'm some rough heartless guy. I'm better than everyone else. I'm horrible to everyone, mean just because I can be. So with you not seeing who I really am, I guess I don't feel like I have to be tough."

"So you're pretending to be… this?"

"No. But in the dark, I don't feel I need so many walls around me. I feel a little more… free to be how I want to be."

"Then you're fake to everyone else?"

"Well, not really. You see," Dragen moved to kneel in front of her again. He fumbled to get her hands and held them out, moving her left one about a foot above her knee he said "this is everyone around me." He moved her other hand above her head. "My parents raised me to believe that I'm up here while everyone else is far below me. That I'm a better breed than everyone. So I grew up believing that. And because of that, I may be up here, but I'm up here alone while I watch everyone down here have a life and friends, girlfriends, boyfriends. And I'm still here. Alone." Every time he said 'here' he moved a perspective hand.

"But then here you are. And though I may be up here, you are too. I don't feel so alone anymore."

"And when summers over?" Ginny asked.

"I'll be here. Alone."

His voice sounded sad as he let her hands go. Her heart went out to him. She reached for him and found his arm. Ginny pulled him to sit next to her and climbed over into his lap. She leaned against his chest. "Then let's enjoy our time together."

Dragen buried his face in her hair. "I've done some bad things, Molly. Really bad things. I've caused deaths and was supposed to kill someone important and… and lost my nerve."

"Are you a Death Eater?" Ginny asked feeling her voice tremble. And when it took him a moment to answer, she held her breath.

"No. But… almost. I almost became one. But I failed to kill him. He almost killed me. The Dark Lord, I mean."

Ginny swallowed. "And now?" She whispered.

"I don't know really." He said quietly. "And… I use women. All of them. I take what I want, almost always physical… and then don't speak to them again. I can smooth talk just about anyone. I can seduce… it's like a gift. I'm a creep."

"Why are you telling me this?" Ginny asked.

"I feel things with you I've never experienced before. Maybe I need to you hate me, too. Or maybe I just want you to tell me that it'll all be ok. Or that he's not going to kill me. Or I won't always be alone. Or I haven't hurt any of those women; they were all using me too."

Ginny had risen off him so she faced him and her eyes were where she assumed level with his. "Dragen?"

"Yes?" He said quietly.

"I'm not going to pretend you don't terrify me right now, because you really do. But if you tell me you don't want to be that person anymore, I'll believe you. And if you say you won't hurt me, I'll believe that too." She felt his hands grope in the dark to find her; they started right over her knees and made their way up to her waist.

"I promise I'll never do anything to hurt you. And I don't want to be that person anymore. But how do you be something new after you've been one way for so long? I don't know how to be any other way."

She did believe him. He's had ample opportunity to hurt her and he'd never so much as touched her. Besides friendly gestures which she welcomed.

He pulled her into him and wrapped his arms around her. "My father is in Azkaban. I've used Unforgivable Curses. I'm afraid the people who claim to be my friends are only there for power reasons. I say and do things just to be spiteful. I haven't seen my mother since I got here and I'm a spoiled rich boy who's used to always getting what I want but only in material things –only what gold can buy because I'm absolutely miserable. Please, Molly, stay with me tonight."

His arms were wrapped around her so tight it was like he was trying to prevent her from fading away. She'd never heard someone talk the way he did. His life… even from an outsider looking in seemed so depressing. He was scared, scared of the things he did. And if he felt how he sounded, he's always scared of what tomorrow will bring.

"I'll stay."

"Just till the sun comes up."

Ginny nodded. They never said another word and for hours their position didn't change. She still sat upon his lap where he had pulled her down in a tight embrace, his face still buried in her neck. He clung to her like she was the air he needed to breathe.

When Ginny woke up hours later, it was barely starting to get light out. They were lying on the floor covered in thick furry blankets.

Ginny sat up. She felt for Dragen, her hand brushing his.

"Molly?" He whispered.

"It's almost morning." She answered back quietly.

"Then go."

Ginny nodded knowing he couldn't see her. She got to her feet and started for the door. There were the slightest traces of light coming down the hall that she could follow to get out.

"Will you come back?" Dragen asked as she reached the doorway.

"I'm going home for a couple days for my brother's wedding. But when I come back."

"Three nights?"

"Yea. 1130. I'll be here."

"I'll be waiting."

Ginny followed the light until she found the front door. Once outside she ran across the grass to her own 'home,' crept inside and shut the door as silently as she could. Turning around she leaned back and closed her eyes. Ginny wasn't sure how long she had stood there but when she opened her eyes, five very tired girls were looking at her.

"Are you ok, Ginny?" Orla asked.

She felt her face scrunch a little. "I don't really know."

"Do you wanna talk?" Nova asked.

Ginny nodded, and then shook her head only to nod again. She sighed.

"We've all promised that what goes on here doesn't leave our circle." Laura said. "We won't ever repeat anything we talk about."

"Promise?" Ginny asked in a voice she didn't recognize as her own.

"Promise." They all agreed.

It was a few hours later that Ginny finished recapping.

"So you've been going over there all week?" Laura asked.

"I told you she wasn't in bed that night." Orla said. "Of course, I did think it was a dream."

"I know this is kinda off topic, but, what about Harry?" Natalie asked.

"I know." Ginny gave a miserable sigh. "I mean, I don't know. It's not like I've cheated on him. Dragen and I have only talked."

"Cheating is in the eyes of the beholder." Orla said.

"He might not consider it cheating, but maybe betrayal." Natalie said.

"Do you think I should stop seeing Dragen?"

"No." Nova said before anyone could answer. Several of the girls gave her a frown. "Gin, it sounds like he needs someone right now and for whatever reason, he's turned to you. Besides, you're both well aware that when summers over, it's over. And Harry's none the wiser."

"May I point out that Dragen did confess to being a seducer? He takes what he wants from women. This may be his way of breaking Ginny down." Santanna said.

"But he might just be asking for help." Nova said.

"We should also take in to account Ginny's feelings." Laura said. "She's admitted to some kind of feelings when in his company. So is it wise that she keeps temptation in front of her?"

"Is it right if she turns her back on someone who clearly needs help? What if this is him reaching for someone to prevent him from turning completely dark?" Nova said.

It was a very strange situation. This must be how it feels to catch people talking about you behind your back. Their discussion was as if she weren't even there. On the other hand, they'd come up with points she hadn't thought over.

When mid morning came, they were still very heatedly talking about Ginny's 'predicament,' as they called it. Even as they all lay down to nap, having been awake for many hours, there were still random arguments floating around.


-LC