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

CH. 4 Aftershock

Draco jumped off the bed and stood facing Ron.

"There are a lot of things about me you don't know." Draco stated calmly. I can see the strain on his face to keep his tone friendly.

"Yea, I'm starting to get that." Ron commented and started towards him. Draco didn't move a muscle and Ron moved right past him. Ron sat on the edge of my bed. He reached out and took my hand in his. I didn't react to stop him.

"I came to check on you." He said softly.

"I take it mum sent you?" I ask Ron, the annoyance clear in my tone.

"No she didn't, although I wouldn't put it past her. I was thinking and as much as I hate to say it, you are right Gin. I have to trust you to make your own choices. I'm sorry for how I acted it wasn't fair to you. You don't need that kind of negative influence in your life right now. I am sorry." Ron apologized blushing a bright red all the way down to the roots of his hair. I personally think that sounds a lot more like something Hermione would say then Ron but I'll take it.

"It's ok Ron. I understand what a shock this is to you. It was just as big of a shock to me." I reason with him and give him a weak smile. He returns it and looks up to see the IV bag hanging above my head. He looks back at me. His eyes lock on mine and I see the fear and pain etched into them.

"Gin, I-" He starts again, his voice wavering, but I raise my hand to stop him.

"I know." I say and he moves closer to me. I wrap my free arm around his shoulders. The instant I touch him a wall breaks and I feel him bury his face in my shoulder. I can feel his body shaking and I know he is crying. I feel my own tears fall slowly and I grip him tighter. I don't even notice the others slip out and give us our space. I am too wrapped up in sharing this time with my brother.

Hermione/Harry/Draco POV

They slip out of Ginny's area and find some chairs by the front door to the Hospital Wing. The silence among the three of them is as thick as pumpkin soup.

"So, you and Ginny huh?" Hermione asks Draco politely trying to make conversation.

"Yes" came Draco's short reply.

"How long?" Harry demanded.

"Since the first week of the term." Draco said running his hand through his hair. "I guess you want to hear the story huh?" Harry and Hermione leaned towards him their eyes bright with excitement. Draco sighed and dove into the story of how they started and just how easy it was to fall in love with her.

Ginny POV

Ron had stopped crying and I was wiping my tears away. We were quiet now just enjoying each other's company.

"It is going to take a while Gin, but if you are really sure you want to be with ferret boy then I will do my best to be accepting." Ron grumbled out and I let out a squeal of joy.

"Trust me Ron, I have never been so sure of anything ever." I was flying high over the moon when Madame Pomfrey walked in.

"Well hello Mr. Weasley I didn't know you had arrived. Ginny it is so nice to see that you have visitors." Madame Pomfrey was quick to remove the IV and between her and Ron they eased me to the edge of the bed. "Now remember, it's ok to feel faint or dizzy so take your time and don't rush."

"Yes Madame Pomfrey." I respond, I know the side effects and sometimes I feel like she forgets this isn't my first time. She gave me a slight nod and then she was gone. Harry, Hermione, and Draco had let themselves back in at this point. Before I could say anything Draco was at my side. He slipped one hand into mine and let the other rest on my lower back.

"Are you ok?" He asked being as gentle as possible.

"Yes, bloody hell I'm just dizzy I'm not invalid." I say annoyed. I know Draco means well and he just cares about me, but really I wish he wouldn't treat me like a china doll.

I slid my legs over the edge of the bed so my feet were resting on the floor. With Draco on one side and Ron on the other they helped me get shakily to my feet. I grinned and kissed each of their cheeks. Hermione handed me my bag, but Draco swooped in and slid it over his shoulder. He beamed at me and I gave him a thankful smile.

"Come to dinner with me?" Draco asked offering out his arm as any gentleman would do.

"Of course." I gave my best I don't feel like crap at all smiles and we made our way to the door.

"Malfoy!" Ron shouted out after us. We turned and I tightened my grip on his arm.

"Yes." He responded not backing down.

"We are going to need to talk later. How about 9 tonight at the Astronomy Tower?" Ron said and Harry had a smug look about him.

"Sounds good but we better make it more like 9:30, I'll need to make sure Ginny gets back to her common room alright." Draco responded, fighting for a little bit of control.

"Alright, 9:30 it is." Harry agreed for Ron and Draco nodded. In understanding.

"I'll see you there." Draco replied, he had a tight lipped smile and he tried to lead me away.

"Now wait one min-" I started in on Ron and Harry but Draco's chuckling stopped me.

"Love, its fine. I'll explain later. Come on I have something for you and the longer we wait here the less time we are going to have to enjoy it." Draco continued to pull me away. I looked over my shoulder at the three of them and shot warning glares at both Ron and Harry. Ron returned my glare with a grin and Harry sheepishly looked away.

"Alright, but we will talk about this later." I replied sounding a lot like my mother when she was scolding the boys.

"Yes love." Draco murmured softly and out the door we went.

Ron/Harry/Hermione POV

Ron looked over at Harry and gave a mischievous grin the twins would envy.

"I think it might be time to send some owls. Think the boys can get here before 9:30 tonight?" Ron asked.

"I think if we went right now and explained as much as we can as fast as we can I think we might have a chance." Harry responded and they started off towards the Owlery.

"Now wait a moment you two. Ginny is going to freak when she finds out you two called for reinforcements." Hermione stated as always being the voice of reason.

"Herms, as her older brothers and in Harry's case brother by proxy, it is our duty to ensure he knows what is acceptable to do with OUR little sister. This is standard guy talk. Don't worry he is going to walk out unscathed. You just have to keep Gin occupied." Ron explained and Harry nodded.

"Yea don't worry Hermione, none of us want to get Gin in a really foul mood. Have you seen her bat boogey hex?" Harry laughed. Ron leaned in and gave Hermione a quick peck on the cheek. Then he and Harry sprinted off to the Owerly.

"Those two are idiots." Hermione grumbled to nobody and headed to the library.

Ginny POV

"Love, not that I am embarrassed to be seen with you but what if somebody sees us sneaking around together?" I asked as Draco led me towards the Great Hall.

"Don't worry Red, everybody will be in class for at least twenty minutes. Once we reach the main hall we will separate. I'll go first. Make sure you meet me on the far end of the lake in 20 minutes. Do you think you can make it that far? I know after your treatment you can be a little, well unsteady." Draco explained. I can hear the worry in his voice towards the end of his plan.

"Yes love, I'll be fine." I reassure him. We continue the walk in silence. He takes it slow. I know he is allowing me as much time as possible to recover before releasing me on my own. We come up to the Great Hall. He kisses me softly and pulls away. I give him a smile and he sends me a wink in return before slipping out the door. I wait several minutes before following him out. Neither one of us noticed the person hiding in the shadows.

Pansy Parkinson POV

I watch as my future husband walks down the stairs with that blood traitor on his arm. What game is he playing at? I can't believe he would for any reason allow that nasty dirty Gryffindor touch him. I can't allow this to happen. It looks like I will need to contact his father. No no no, this will just not do. I head off to my common room I have an owl to send.

Harry/Ron POV

"Alright I think that is all five of them." Harry replied sending off the last letter attached to a brown school owl.

"Five?" Ron asked.

"Yes I sent Fred and George their own letters in the off chance they aren't together." Harry replied stretching.

"Oh good call. Do you think Gin will be mad at us?" Ron asked as he and Harry headed to get dinner.

"I am sure the Ferret is explaining it all to her." Harry grinned.

"Hey, I talked to Gin. I promised I would try to accept Malfoy which means so do you. So no more name calling ok. We have to try and make this work for her. I mean in case she, well you know." Ron exclaimed getting a little choked up on the last part. He always gets choked up when it comes to Gin's illness.

"Yea, I get it. Ok I'll stop. You are really taking this serious huh?" Harry asked seriously.

"Only for Gin." Ron replied and they walked the rest of the way to the Great Hall in silence.

Ginny POV

I walked swiftly to the far side of the lake. I spot Draco standing by what looks like an entrance to a cave. He look comfortable there alone in his thoughts. He is distracted in this moment. I don't think I have ever seen him this distracted before. As I get closer to him he becomes aware of my presence. He turns to me and gives me one of those rare smiles that nobody else gets.

"Took you long enough." He grins and reaches out his hand to me. I shiver and take his hand. He pulls me in for a deep kiss. He draws me into the cave and I am hit with a blast of warm air. "I put a heating charm on the cave, come on." I smile at Draco and allow him to lead me into the cave.

Weasley Boy's POV

Upon receiving the owl from Ron, Bill decided a trip to Hogwarts was indeed something that needed to occur. Bill contacted his brothers and they all agreed. Bill offered to reach out the Headmaster and would owl them with his response.

"Good Evening Mr. Weasley." Professor Dumbledore greeted Bill, his head settled in the green flames. The twinkle in his eye lead Bill to believe Professor Dumbledore was expecting word from him.

"Good Evening Professor, would you be willing to allow for my brothers and I to make a trip this evening to visit our sister?" Bill asked.

"I do feel that the young Ms. Weasley could use some friendly company. If you would be willing I can set the family suite up for your family to use for the night. I am sure you will be tired after the discussion with Mr. Malfoy of course." Dumbledore grinned at Bill through the green flames

"That would be perfect, thank you Professor." Bill responded embarrassed. With a nod Dumbledore closed the connection. With that information Bill sent word to his brothers informing them to meet him at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmede. Bill strode into the three broomsticks to find Charlie already seated at the bar with two empty shot glasses in front of him. He motioned over to Bill. He settled into the chair next to Charlie.

"A Malfoy?" Charlie asked swirling the amber fluid in his glass. Bill motioned to the bar maid for his own fire whisky.

"I know, What is she thinking?" Bill replied slamming his drink as soon as he received it and motioned for a second.

"Trying to catch up?" Charlie laughed.

"This is not a laughing matter." Bill replied.

"I know, but Bill we need to be rational. Ginny is big girl." Charlie began to reason.

"She may be a big girl but with her condition she is fragile." Bill replied swinging back his second drink and ordering a third.

"You might want to slow down with those." Charlie warned.

"Shut up." Bill replied, ignoring his advice.

"In all seriousness, I think we need to take a minute and remember that this is her choice. I am going to stand by her on this." Charlie continued. "I think you should too. She is going to need our help, oh and I wouldn't tell her she is fragile. I think we both know that won't go over well."

"I agree." Bill finished off his last drink just as Fred and George entered the bar.

"Good Evening gentleman, where is Percy?" Fred asks looking around the bar.

"Looks like he is just arriving." Charlie points out the window to where a very flustered looking Percy is standing outside the bar. He finished his third drink in one gulp.

"Let's go boys." Bill said and the four of them headed out to meet Percy.

Moving swiftly across the grounds the five eldest Weasley boys had one thing on their minds, Ginny. Ron and Harry were waiting for them in the Great Hall. Ron led them away to an empty classroom off of the first corridor.

"So should we ask you how you let this happen?" George unleashed on Ron.

"Hey, what was I supposed to do?" Ro exclaimed, backing away from the twins.

"Oh I don't know, George what do you think?" Fred asked cracking his knuckles in a menacing way.

"I would think not letting our one and only baby sister date the Spawn of Satan would be a good thing to do!" George exclaimed.

"Just what game does he think he is playing!" exclaimed Percy.

"Now boy's, we need to listen to what Ron and Harry have to say." Charlie stepped in between the brothers. He was clearly the calmest of them all.

"Yes boys, let us take a seat." With a wave of his wand Bill pulled over seven chairs and Ron sunk happily into his. Harry coughed and nudged Ron. Ron took a deep breath and dove into the story.

"Malfoy loves Gin, or at least he claims he does." Ron began. There was a chorus of 'bullocks' from the twins and Percy but Charlie shot them a look that would rival Mrs. Weasley. "Anyway, according to Gin it started what at the beginning of term. She claims he hasn't pushed her into it and that he knows everything. We heard him profess his love to her. It was actually pretty gooey and gross, wasn't it Harry?"

"Yea, had I not heard it for myself I never would have imagined him capable of those words." Harry tried to flatten his messy hair as he spoke.

"Anyway well, they are together now and I wouldn't recommend telling Gin your thoughts because she won't take it well. I called you all here to have our talk with the boy. He is expecting to meet myself and Harry at 9:30 tonight at the Astronomy tower and I figured you would want to be a part of this." Ron finished looking hopefully over at Bill.

Bill stood silent gazing out the window to look upon the grounds below. Fred and George had their heads bent in whispers talking about their own plans for Draco. Percy looked uncomfortable and annoyed and Charlie seemed oddly quiet.

"I do agree that with the health condition Ginny is in we should make sure he understands the consequences of his actions." Bill said finally. Ron breathed a sigh of relief.

"Bill, we have to think of Ginny and she will feel when she discovers that all of her brothers have come to threaten the poor boy." said Charlie carefully.

"Poor boy? Charlie this is MALFOY we are talking about. His whole family is littered with Death Eaters. He is not just some poor boy." Roared Fred.

"Here here!" Called out George.

"He is just a child Fred! You can't judge him based on his father." Charlie replied.

"The hell I can't. I spent years here with that prat. He is just as vile and evil as his father." Fred declared standing to face Charlie his temper flaring.

"Now boys, we do need to tread carefully here. Gin is fragile and this, well if this is what she chooses then maybe we should go with it." Bill declares. Harry's face is settled in a stoic appearance and Ron sits silently.

"As much as I hate to say this, it is true. Ginny does seem really happy and from what we have seen he is treating her well." Harry remarked and Ron nodded along.

"It is true. Look we all know my feelings on Malfoy but we need to take this chance to see how it plays out, if not for us then for Gin. She seems really happy and right now she needs as much happiness as she can get." Ron explained.

"I am with Ron." Said Charlie.

"Well, we disagree big bro." George declared nodding to Fred who nodded along with him.

"Yea, we are going to go ahead and be against this." Fred agreed.

"I can't believe I am saying this but I have to agree with the twins." Percy agreed. "Malfoy is a total prat."

"Well let's take a vote. Those in favor of going along with Ginny in this raise your hand." Bill requested being the first to raise his hand. Charlie and Ron followed suit and lastly Harry raised his hand. "Sorry boys, you have been out voted."

"Fine, but just know we are not ok with this." Fred exclaimed glancing over at George, then grumpily slumped into his seat. Percy didn't say anything and started playing with his robe hem. George paced back and forth. The quiet that filed the room is stifling. Bill looked at his pocket watch.

"It is almost nine. We need to head up to the tower." Bill started towards the door.

"Bill, I thought we decided to let this be." Charlie remarked.

"Oh, I am going to support Ginny in this, but you best believe that I am going to remind Malfoy of the six er seven, sorry Harry, older brothers she has that he is going to answer to if he messes this up. You can come or not Charlie that is up to you, but I will be there." Bill declared and strode from the room. Fred and George followed immediately and Percy lastly. Ron glanced at Charlie and shrugged.

"We have to Charlie, she might die. I don't want her to be heartbroken on top of everything else. Come on Harry." Ron left with Harry in toe. Charlie ran his hand through his red locks and followed his brothers upstairs.

Ginny/Draco POV

Ginny and Draco had moved from the cave out by the lake. They were laying on a blanket starring up at the stars. Draco had charmed the blanket so the bitter wind was nothing more than a warm summer breeze. Their hands barely touched. Ginny just enjoyed the twinkling of the stars.

"Do you think you can handle my brother?" Ginny asked.

"Of course I can. Like I said love, this is what happens. It is just fine, I expected it. I won't be surprised to find all of your brothers there." Draco laughed.

"Oh, well I don't think you are going to have to worry about that. Bill is way too busy with Fleur. Ever since she became pregnant there has been no prying him away. Charlie is still in Romania so he will be out. Percy, good god, getting him to leave the ministry would be impossible. The twins however, you may have to deal with them." Ginny laughed.

"I think we should get going. I want to walk you up to the Great Hall at least." Draco said and started to get up. Ginny and Draco rose to clean up the area. Ginny folded the blanket while Draco waved his wand, sending the dirty dishes off to the kitchens.

"I think you underestimate how much they all love you. You are the only girl." Draco held his arm out to her and Ginny slipped her hand to rest in the crook of his elbow and together they walked towards the castle.

"I don't. I know they love me. These days they take every chance to tell me." Ginny replied quietly. They strolled in silence. As they approached the castle Ginny drew away.

"I wish we could walk in there hand in hand. I want so badly to declare you mine in front of everybody." Draco murmured kissing Ginny softly on the forehead.

"You do know I am not scared of your father right?" Ginny replied, knowing Draco's fear for her safely is the only thing keeping their relationship a secret.

"I know, but Red I am scared for you. One day I swear we can be just as everybody else." Draco eyes were pleading with her to understand.

"I know love, I'll wait." Ginny beamed.

"Good, I am worth the wait." Draco replied smugly.

"I know". Ginny whispered. With a fast kiss on the lips Ginny darted into the castle and was gone before Draco entered into the entrance hall.

Ginny POV

I head back towards the common room, my head is swimming. How I wish we could be like everybody else. I know his fears though. He is terrified his father will find out and do something to me. I don't know what exactly he can do to me. I am already dying. I am so wrapped up in my own head I don't hear the figure approaching behind me.

"Well if it isn't the slutty Weasel." Pansy Parkinson's shrill voice filled the corridor. I groan and turn to face her.

"Whatever could you want Parkinson? I have places to be" I say annoyed.

"Don't worry I'll make this quick. Stay away from my Draco." Pansy declared.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." I lie.

"Bullocks, I watched the two of you sneak off onto the grounds. I don't know how long or why, I am sure he is just using you. I am giving you the chance to stop this. If you continue to go after my future husband I will tell his father. I have the letter ready to go. So go ahead and try me." Pansy replied smugly.

"Ok one, Parkinson I don't know what you are talking about. Two, even if I was doing something with Malfoy I am not scared of his father. The sooner you understand that Parkinson the better off we will be. Do you understand that?" I said rather forcibly and strode right past Parkinson and on to my common room. I was still fuming as I approached the fat lady.

"Password" She asked.

"Filtered seeds." I say and she swung open. I glide into the common room to find Hermione bent over her books writing an essay. She glances up and her eyes met mine. I move to sit in the chair next to her.

"The boys of attempting to scare Draco?" She asked me. I give a sad smile and nod softly.

"Yes, Draco said it was ok and he totally expected it." I explained.

"Ron said he would say that." Hermione grinned at me.

"Well, I am going to bed. Do me a favor and give Ron a hateful glare from me?" I ask.

"Of course." Hermione replied and then dove back into her essay.

Draco POV

I pick up the pace towards Gryffindor common room. I can hear Ginny talking to somebody I come skidding to a stop and lean closer to the voices so I can hear.

"Don't worry I'll make this quick. Stay away from my Draco." I hear Parkinson threaten.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Ginny replies I can hear the lie dripping from her voice.

"Bullocks. I watched the two of you sneak off onto the grounds. I don't know how long or why, I am sure he is just using you. I am giving you the chance to stop this. If you continue to go after my future husband I will tell his father. I have the letter ready to go. So go ahead and try me." Pansy replied smugly. Anger starts to build in my chest, I am going to tear her head off. Nobody threatens my girl.

"Ok one, Parkinson I don't know what you are talking about. Two, even if I was doing something with Malfoy I am not scared of his father. The sooner you understand that Parkinson the better off we will be. Do you understand that?" Ginny exclaimed. I can hear how upset she is. I strain to hear what Parkinson said back, but I don't hear anything. I straighten myself up and stride around the corner. I see Parkinson turn to storm off in my direction. She caught sight of me and I know what she is thinking.

"Hello Draco." She purred and sauntered up to me.

"Cut the crap Parkinson." I hollered.

"Draco-" She starts to wine.

"Let me explain something to you so you understand. What is going on between Weasley and I is between Weasley and I. Why don't you try minding your own business? If you take it upon yourself to contact my father in regards this matter I will find out and you will regret. Do you understand me." I make my threat clear to her; my voice filled with hatred.

"Draco plea-" She started again and I put my hand up and stepped closer to appear more menacing.

"Listen to me Parkinson, back off. I won't tell you again." I warn and turn my heel and stride from the corridor. I still have to meet Weasley and Potter and that just seems like so much fun.

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Well, what do we think? Go Review and let me know!