Chapter Nine
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Draco spent the night at Pansy's bed side. He woke the next morning with a stiff neck and the coarse fabric of his jacket imprinted on his cheek.
He looked up to see his cousin was already up. She smiled wanly at him. He reached out and squeezed her hand.
Hermione and Ginny were up as well. Once again, Draco marveled at Ginny's apparent calm. She was taking this well.
Dumbledore entered, looking no less grim than he had last night. Draco could see why Voldemort feared this man.
"Miss Weasley, Miss Granger, Miss Parkinson. Words can not express what an outrage this is. Steps are being taken to catch the perpetrators. We are doing all we can. Your parents have been notified and we will understand if you wish to be removed from this school. We believe the men responsible entered through the Forbidden Forrest. It is a little known fact that from there you can Apparate into the castle. few are foolish enough to try it. The Portkeys are allowed on the campus, despite the events of a few years ago."
Dumbledore paused here. "Would you like to see your families?"
The girls nodded and Pomfrey opened the doors. Molly and Arthur were first, rushing to Ginny. Rick and Rebecca Parkinson rushed to their daughter. Evelyn and Thomas Granger sat on their daughter's bed, holding her hand.
Ginny and her parents talked in hushed voices. Draco caught snatches of the conversation as Pansy and her mother cried.
"...found us..."
"...turst him? I mean his family..."
"...saved me. That's all I have to say on that." Ginny ended forcefully. Arthur turned from his daughter as her brothers hurried over. He stood and faced Draco. Draco felt compelled to stand. Arthur held out his hand. Draco hesitated then took it.
"Thank you. For finding my daughter."
He was followed by the remainder of the Weasley Boys. The twins shook his hands in perfect unison, their normally jovial faces set in lines of gratitude. The oldest clapped Draco on the back. Ron stood before him for a moment. For a second Draco thought he wasn't going to shake his hand. Then he clasped his hand, his eyes saying more than words ever could. Despite his past, he and Ron were now at an understanding.
Ginny flashed him a half smile before her brothers swarmed on her again.
Draco watched them. Such an amazing family. He wondered what it was like to be part of that family.
After about half an hour, the family members were bustled out by Pomfrey. Draco took his leave then as well. It was Sunday and he had no homework, but Pansy still insisted he leave for a bit. She promised him she would be fine. Her glance at Hermione while she said this did not escape him.
He started to lunch, when Fred and George caught up with him. A table had been set up for the families.
"Hey mate. Come join us."
Draco was struck dumb for a moment. Then he nodded.
(A/N: And so Draco gets accepted. I love this chapter. Really I do. Thanks oddles to Eowthirenn and Leigh Alexandra for correcting my spelling on Pomfrey.
To apparentheir91- Not pregnant.
To babyb- Chapter Ten will reveal all!
To hffpffchick- glad you like!
To hbubound- Will do!
