Chapter 11 (Halloween and Everything Else)

Disclaimer: I am not J.K. Rowling; I own nothing. So sad!

Halloween went by quickly and everyone, even the professors loved the decorations. I was glad that I could help make Halloween special for everyone. Things were really great. Homework and classes were on schedule, despite my queasiness towards N.E.W.T.s. And my personal life was going really well. For once, I felt somewhat balanced and I was really loving it. November was now upon us all, and everyone was anxiously anticipating Christmas.

It was now the middle of the very first week in November. To me, November always seemed to fly very quickly. I used to feel very good about that. But I was savoring my time at Hogwarts, I thought as I was looking into my mirror.

"That boy has put a smile on your face, hasn't he?" asked my annoying mirror.

"Hush. And don't you dare tell Hermione. I will smash you." I threatened.

The mirror just humphed at me, as if I wouldn't dare. But the mirror knew that I would break it into pieces. Despite our little quarrels, I loved the mirror and the mirror loved me.

Treading down the stairs and out of the portrait hole, I had missed breakfast but that was alright. I headed straight to potions, for once excited because I would see Draco. But I knew that I couldn't really look at him. I had only looked at him twice, and that was when entering the class and when leaving. The looks were never long, less than a millisecond. We had to be careful…for his sake and mine.

After leaving Draco's room, I thought he was being dramatic about all of the fights going on at Hogwarts. You know, just making a very big deal out of nothing. But, I soon found out that, underneath the surface he was right. Something was very, very wrong.

Last week, 16 Gryffindors, 10 Ravenclaws, 14 Hufflepuffs and 12 Slytherins alone were sent to the Hospital Wing. Out of those 52 students, fifteen were critically injured. Things were getting so bad that people were wondering if the Governors were going to intefere at Hogwarts, which rarely happened. The attacks were clearly orchestrated by the Slytherins. They were planned very well, and they clearly sent messages. Colin and I were already victims of the attacks. Luckily, the Trio, Neville and Luna were currently impervious to them.

Colin and I were docking points from left to right, assigning detentions but no one cared. Everyone was so on about house pride and loyalty to ones house. Or everyone was on about their bloodline, whether pure or not. Things at Hogwarts were definitely dangerous.

It got so bad that even the Ravenclaws, AND the Hufflepuffs, were ignoring the consequences of dueling. The Slytherin's spells were so vicious, so life-threatening that Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were forced to duel to save their lives. Even first years were being attacked. They were so frightened that they all walked in groups.

The classes flew by that day, and before we all knew it, Thursday afternoon was upon us. Friday would be here tomorrow and I felt thrilled at that thought. Colin, Neville, Luna and the Trio were all sitting near me, with Seamus and Dean, talking to Ron about Quidditch and, in Dean's case, soccer.

Colin wanted me to try some of Hogwarts marmalade, for some reason unbeknownst to me. I did and I had to admit that it was very good. Looking at Colin, I saw that he had this expression on his face, worthy of Dumbledore. Actually, it was so much like Dumbledore that it was very frightening. After dinner was finished, I told them all that I was "heading to the library right quick and that I'd be up to the common room in like half an hour or so". They bought it, and I headed to see Draco.

He wasn't really in the best of his worse moods tonight.

"Why do you let that mudblood touch you?" he gritted out.

"Colin, is a muggleborn, Malfoy. NOT a mudblood. He is my friend, as well as Hermione. If you can't get over your prejudice bullshit, then there won't be an us anymore." I yelled at him.

"You can't change me, Weasel." he sneered.

"Like I'd waste my time." I said, rolling my eyes.

"Look, I accept you the way you are, for who you are. That's the beauty about us being together. We know who the other really is. And I don't like your friends either, but you don't hear me calling them names, now do you?" I asked, trying to speak rationally.

"Like you wouldn't curse Pansy or Blaise." he sneered. I sighed. Sometimes he was too difficult.

"Only if they did something worthy of being cursed. Colin and Hermione have never done anything to deserve that, especially from you. You would like them, really." I said, wrapping my arms around his waist.

He nearly glared me to death.

"You would! Just promise to be somewhat amiable." I said, squeezing a bit tighter.

"Fine, but I don't like it and I still don't like them. Creevey!" he spat.

Shaking my head, I felt that I had accomplished enough for one day. Sitting there, we talked, did our homework and made-out. Soon afterward, I left. Although I had stayed with Draco for well over two hours, I was happy about that.

Walking into the common room, Colin looked up.

"I thought you said half an hour, Gin. It was almost three." said Colin worriedly.

I sighed. I knew that he really cared but he wasn't my father.

"I was reading a book on some defense spells. I got carried away, it was that good." I said, plopping down next to him.

There was silence. A very uncomfortable silence.

"Who is he?" asked Colin with some amusement in his eyes.

"What?" I asked, somewhat astonished.

His eyes were brimming with knowledge, like he knew. Maybe he did.

"Cut the crap, Gin. I know you. Now, who is he?" he asked patiently, with a slight edge in his voice.

I didn't answer all that quickly.

"I know it isn't Harry, because…well, I just know its not him. It's not Dean, Seamus, Corner, Boot, even though he really likes you. Tell me, I won't tell." he said honestly.

"Colin, I trust that you won't tell. I'm more worried about your…judgment of the guy. Just know that-he makes me-very close to happy. Is that good enough, for now at least?" I said, really wanting to end this discussion with Colin. It felt really odd talking about this with him.

He nodded. "Good," and I sighed with relief.

We began working on more homework. It took us a good two hours and a half, but we were done. Then, at around 11:45pm, Colin and I went patrolling. Luckily, nothing heavy was going down tonight, so that ended in like another hour and a half. We walked back to the commons, where I plopped down and Colin headed up the boys staircase. That's when I heard someone trudging down the staircase, moments after Colin had disappeared.

"Did you forget something, Colin?" I said, while turning around and seeing Harry.

He came and sat next to me, picking up a book and riffling through it momentarily. Then, he set it back down and grabbed my hand, but I jerked it away.

"Harry, stop. STOP, okay! You know, I know what I want now. I don't want to hurt you, really. I DON'T! You have to stop this, RIGHT NOW! You and I will never be together like that again, do you hear me?" I finished heatedly.

Harry put up a silencing charm, before I'd wake up everyone.

"Ginny, I've tried over and over to explain about why I ended things between us. Why can't you forgive me?" he fumed, just as hotly as I had yelled at him.

"Because, this has nothing to do with you and I taking a break. I don't feel for you like I used to, Harry. For me, that no longer exists as powerfully as it once did. I'm sorry, but I can't do this-do us." I said, shaking my head at him.

There was a long, long pause that seemed like it would last forever and for all eternity.

"So," he said, then stopped. "You're just-not going to give us another shot at all. I'm just supposed to what…be content to lose you. I wont!" He raged at me.

His eyes were a hard, shocking emerald now. I knew that he loved me, but love was not good enough. I just couldn't. I knew Harry had lost so much, and I didn't want him to feel like he was losing me. But he and I would never work now. He had to know that.

"Harry, listen. If you and I were to get together now, marry and have kids, the whole shebang-we'd be miserable. We wouldn't be happy." I said to him. He had a look of shock on his face, like the thought of not being happy with me was ludicrous.

"I wouldn't be happy, Harry. And I would grow to hate you, and everything associated with you, until I had completely poisoned our relationship beyond repair. I don't want that for us, Harry. I finally know my love for you, and its not what you want. That's not what you deserve, and you deserve so much, you do. I can't give you what you want. I don't think I ever could have been able to do that for you. I'm sorry, but you need to move on. That's what's good for you, Harry. I'm sorry." I finished quietly.

He looked at me, as if he were seeing me clearly for the first time ever. A look of hurt and disgust was written across his face. He just bowed his head, shaking it all the while, then looking back at me-angry, and then he left.

It wasn't one of the hardest things I had to do thankfully, but it wasn't the easy task to accomplish. He had to know. In the end, Harry would be more than fine. He'd be happy and all would be well. In my heart, I knew that I was doing us both a favor, by letting him go. After the hell of a day that I had already underwent, I decided that I needed to go to bed. It was 1:30AM on a Friday morning. I hoped I would easily be able to go to sleep.

Surprisingly, I went to sleep but I missed breakfast again. All in all, I was in a rush. I had a class at eight in the morning. I woke up at 7:45AM. I had to hurry, shower and get to class in fifteen minutes. It wasn't easy, but luckily, it was able to be done timely.

At least my classes weren't as hectic today. In stead of having all of my classes from eight to four thirty, I only had four classes that lasted until two o'clock. For this, I was eternally grateful and headed to Potions.

Looking at Colin, he was laughing at how I had run into class.

"Shut up, Colin." I snapped. He only laughed harder.

Then, we continued to make the assigned potion. It was going to be a long class, since this morning was double potions but it was all right.

"Hey, I saw Harry come down last night." said Colin tentatively. "How did he take it?" Colin continued.

"He didn't like it all that well, and I can't blame him for that. But it had to be done." I finished mildly.

He nodded, understanding exactly how I felt about the whole ordeal.

"Ginny, are you sure that you know what you're doing? Because you better." he said worriedly and very seriously.

Sighing, I looked at him steadily. "Trust me, Colin. I know exactly what I'm doing."

And for the rest of Potions, we were silent. I knew everyone would act stupid over me breaking precious Harry Potter's heart. I understood that he had been through so much pain and disappointments. But being with him, seriously being with him in a serious relationship, might one day lead to the biggest disappointment of both of our lives. My decision to end what was between us was completely right. And I didn't care what other people thought about it. Other people weren't us, so they could just BUT OUT.

Looking behind me, I could feel daggers being glared into my back. And sure enough, it was Ron and it was Harry. And here we go. At the end of two hours, Potions was finally over. I knew that as soon as I exited the dungeon, one of them would start. And sure enough:

"GINNY. What is wrong with you?" asked Ron, who had grabbed my elbow and jerked me to look at him.

"Ron, STAY OUT OF THIS. This has nothing to do with you." I screeched.

People were watching now, and I absolutely hated making scenes.

"The hell it does! How could you do that to Harry, Ginny? YOU GO AND FIX IT, RIGHT NOW!" He roared at me.

Professor Slughorn was now in the dungeons.

"Mr. Weasley, lower your voice this instance, boy." he said scandalized, then went back into his class.

Sighing, I stormed past him, with Ron still screeching like the idiot he really was, at my back.

Transfiguration was thankfully one hour, so was Arithmancy and D.A.D.A. Next was a bit of a stop at the kitchens, I was so hungry, and then finally Charms. I was done. I decided to use the Room of Requirement to access Draco's room. Upon entering, I threw my stuff down on the unused sofa, out of the three he already had in the room, and I plopped down on his bed, just waiting. It wasn't long before I fell asleep.

I needed the sleep. I hadn't been sleeping much this week at all, I had been way too busy. Finally, things felt like they were slowing down and I was feeling very relieved. But tomorrow we had Quidditch practice, and I knew that was going to be awkward for Harry, for me and probably for everyone unfortunate enough to be around us. But these thoughts didn't jolt me out of my sleep. It was a hand that was caressing my head, running its cold fingers through my hair.

"How'd you sleep? You looked gorgeous." he said huskily, kissing my mouth.

I eagerly responded and pulled him closer to me, deepening the kiss. He squeezed my waist and brought me closer to him, kissing me more thoroughly than I ever thought was possible.

"I slept great. Thanks for letting me borrow the bed." I said, kissing him more aggressively.

"Anytime. I think I'm going to keep you here, more." he said huskier. I laughed and immediately sat up, against his attempt to pull me back down.

"I saw the fight and I've heard the rumors. You told Potter you weren't interested anymore. Good. Talk to me, Ginevra." he said patiently, for once understandingly.

He was really in a good mood. Perhaps, I should lay on his bed more often, I thought.

"I don't feel bad for what I decided about Harry and I. It was right and I know that. I don't regret it. It's just Ron and his stupidity, along with everyone else. You can't break Wonder-Boy's heart and get away with it." I finished bitterly. He smirked.

"I can't believe you just insulted Potter. Come here." he said, taking me into his arms and kissing me.

"You know whenever you come in here, Ginevra, you must lock the door. Otherwise, I may not be able to get here in time to protect you from a threat. Just don't forget." he said softly in my ear.

"Oh, bloody hell. I'm sorry, I was just so angry." I said hurriedly.

"It's okay. Just make sure it doesn't happen again." he whispered, slightly biting my neck. I squirmed because he bit a little hard, and he chuckled wickedly.

"What are you, like a vampire or something?" I asked, slightly irritated.

"No, you're just delectable." I could feel his smirk at the back of my neck. And he kissed me again.

"Ginevra, I can tell something is wrong. Talk to me." he said, agitated.

"Draco, the more intimate I am with you, the further I feel away from my friends." I said dejectedly. "Please, don't be angry. You told me to talk to you." I said hastily.

"I'm not angry. At least you told me the truth." he said, and I could sense that he really appreciated my honesty, which surprised me greatly.

Learning so much about the complex Draco Malfoy would surprise a lot of people. He was just that…unreadable.

"It's going to be hard, but I'm here." he gritted out and I nodded, knowing that it took a lot for him to divulge something like that.

"It's four thirty, Draco. I better go. I'm starving. I'm surprised I was able to sleep on an empty stomach." I said, truly astonished.

"Aren't you used to that?" asked Draco with a smirk. I glared at him.

"You jerk, you will never change. And WHAT did I say about taking digs at my family." I screeched.

He laughed coldly, stood up and jerked me near him. He kissed me, and I calmed considerably.

"Ginerva, I couldn't resist that one; you did set yourself up for that one. Besides, I won't change." he said, kissing me again-making me weak all over.

"I've got to go, Draco. I'll see you tomorrow." I laughed and kissed him bye.

Walking into the Great Hall for dinner, I was absolutely radiant. I was happy and I was determined to not let anyone ruin that for me. That's why I decided to have dinner much earlier than the usual. Then, I would go to my dormitory and stay there until I was asleep.

"What are you so happy about, Ginny?" asked Hermione inquisitively.

Looking at her, I could tell that she was more than slightly suspicious.

"I'm just so happy about being ahead in my homework. It feels really, really great." I said, telling a half truth. I was done with my homework, but that wasn't why I was so happy. But I knew anything to do with academics would effectively distract Hermione. And it did.

"Yeah, that is great. I still have one essay left to do. Oh well." she said, sighing. I knew what was coming up after her pause.

"Ginny, I understand why you decided on what you decided between you and Harry." she said hurriedly. I laughed, smiling at Hermione. This was truly unexpected.

"Well, thanks Hermione. I know he doesn't understand. He thinks we'd be perfect for one another, but I just know that we wouldn't work out. I really appreciate you…trying to look at it from my perspective." I sighed.

"I know how Harry and Ron can make you feel when you go against them, and what they think is right. And I trust you. You're a big…you're a woman." she finished, nodding her head. I smiled at her, appreciating this rare moment with Hermione Granger.

"If you want, I can try and distract Ron and Harry, giving you enough borrowed time to get to the commons and barricade yourself in the girl's dorm." she said, with a rare smirk on her face.

Who knew Hermione Granger smirked?

"I really want to take you up on that offer. But, I know I have to face my brother and I'd rather do that sooner. Besides, I don't feel like hiding for the rest of my weekend." I said.

She nodded, and as soon as that was said and done, Harry and Ron entered the hall and sat next to Hermione. Ron immediately began grilling me.

"Before you even get started, Ron, I will not change my mind. I really thought about my decision. What the hell would make you think I would take something so important to me that likely?" I roared at him. "I fully know what I did and what I chose. Respect it, get over it, and shut UP." I finished.

He turned a raging red color, and I could tell he was boiling with anger. But he paused and stuffed food down his throat. We all sat in silence, the four of us. Then, out of nowhere Ron just said:

"Fine."

Looking at him, I was really surprised. This was so unlike Ron. Astonished, I nodded.

"Well, I'm not fine with it, Gin. I won't give up." Harry said agitatedly.

"Yes, you will, Harry. My sister has made up her mind. Just leave it." Ron said, annoyed with the whole debacle, I could tell he was.

But I'd never heard him really speak to Harry like that. Especially, not in my defense. Harry fumed, got up and left. I didn't say anything. I just continued to eat my dinner.

Hermione, Ron and I then walked up to the common room, plopping down on the sofas and just sitting in remote silence for a good two minutes or so.

Then, Ron burst out with: "Gin, come play chess with me."

I followed him and sat down at the board, getting to a horrible start. I sighed. I was never a chess player.

"Do you know what you are doing, Ginny?" asked Ronald.

He was gazing at me with his shocking blue eyes. Only him and Bill had inherited our Dad's eyes, and they had dad's strength.

Annoyed that everyone kept asking me that, I sighed and nodded my head assertively.

"Ginny, I know." he said and moved his knight.

Looking up, my eyes immediately widened. I had to catch myself.

"Know. Know, what? Ron, what are you talking about?" I asked. My heartbeat was so fast, too fast.

"Don't play with me, Ginny. I don't like being played with." He gritted out, getting angrier and angrier by the second.

"You know, everyone must think I'm stupid or something. But I'm not. Why, Gin? Why him?" he asked a little heatedly.

Hermione was staring at us, concernedly. She could sense Ron's anger.

"Who, Ron? I don't know what you are talking about?" I said low. He slammed his hand down on the table.

"I've known about you two for nearly a month now. You and Malfoy. A Malfoy! Have you lost your mind?" he whispered deadly at me. His eyes were boring into mine.

"How?" I said weakly, not believing this.

"The way he looks at you. Even before this sick crap developed between you two, the way he'd look at you would always eat at me. He's been doing it for the longest. And then, I noticed the looks. Your behavior." He sighed. And he paused, seeming to calm down.

"He gets me. He understands, unlike anyone I've ever been with." I sighed on the brink of tears.

"I know who he is. I know who he really is, Ron. And although he's not good the way Harry is good, he's still better. NOW, for me! He's not tricking me. He's still nothing but an annoying ferret, who I sometimes want to kill. But he's not a monster. He's not his father." I finished, nodding my head at him, fighting the tears that threatened to spill.

Ron sighed again. I couldn't believe how unbelievably calm he was about all of this.

"Did you leave Harry for him?" he asked, his voice slightly quivering.

"No, I can't deal with Harry now." I said simply. He nodded and sighed.

"You're of age, Ginny. The years where I used to could scream and rage at you are over." he sighed, looking tired.

"I respect whatever you decide to do. But if you're going to do this, you better know what you are doing.When this all goes south-and it will go that way-I don't want to hear anything out of you. No crying, no nothing. And don't flare up at me, Ginny. I have a mind to write DAD and Mum. I'll write them all!" he yelled.

"You wouldn't dare," I said, shocked. I had not really seen this side of Ron before.

"Try me." he emphasized, then paused.

Getting up, he finished with, "Remember, when this goes south, I don't want to hear a thing from you." He nodded his head at me and left.

Looking up the staircase Ron had just walked up, my emotions over the whole ordeal were complex. I was glad Ron knew so that I didn't have to lie as much, and sneak around so much. And I was VERY relieved that he took to the news of Draco and I rationally, especially since its RON. But, how dare he say that what Draco and I have would end? He knows nothing about us. Nothing. And for that, he was wrong.

~Please Review~

Special thanx goes out to Gryffindor-Girl15. I'm happy that you think my story amazing. Since I want you to keep reading, I can't tell you exactly what's going to happen next. But, I will say that things are about to get even more hectic for Ginny. Poor Girl.