Author's Tidbit: Holy Crap! I do believe this is the fastest I have ever posted another chapter. Lol I don't know what ever came over me! I just had an idea…started writing…and was still writing 6 hours later. Hopefully my muse will continue to stick around…(though I have seen some random web searches for Atlantic City on my computer…little bugger…) I know it's shorter than others, but this really is a stand-alone. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: The answer is NO!

Chapter 10: Forgiveness is divine.

October 29th

Draco looked back down at her and her breath caught. The candle flickered over his features, highlighting his forehead, his cheekbones, his lips. His mouth quirked slightly at the corners, "What else was I to do…?" he whispered back, "That what friends are for, right?" A flash of something passed through his eyes, too quick for Ginny to catch.

Ginny couldn't stop staring, his eyes were so dark in the candlelight. As her eyes drifted towards his mouth, he leaned closer to her and brushed a kiss on her forehead. Ginny's eyes locked with his as he pulled back up. She unconsciously licked her lips, and Draco nearly groaned. Her hand snaked up to the back of his neck, and gently pulled him forward. Lips close; their breaths mingling together, Draco leaned forward that last inch and kissed her. It was a sweet kiss, almost innocent. Ginny was amazed by the tenderness she felt in the kiss. They pulled away slightly and looked at each other. Speechless, Ginny tried to think of something to say that was not abominably stupid.

The morning sun peaked through the window, reflecting off the sun catchers, throwing blue, green, and red splashes across the walls. Ginny sighed and rolled over in her sleep, directly into a bright ray shining on her bed. She stirred and opened her eyes, her dream of Draco filling her thoughts. Yawning as she slowly sat up, she thought back over her time with him. Maybe he was telling the truth… she stared down at the bracelet. It glowed purple with blue and pink streaks spiraling through. Seeing the slant of the sunrays through the window, she thought, Good Lord, what time is it? Glancing around quickly, she grabbed a pair of jeans, threw on an old t-shirt, and padded barefoot down to the kitchen. Her mum was bustling around, happily preparing breakfast. Pots, pans, utensils and food were flying around the small room, chopping here and sizzling there. Rubbing her eyes, Ginny made her way to the pot of tea sitting off to the side and poured herself a cup.

"Good morning dear!" Mrs. Weasley said brightly as Ginny plopped herself down at the table.

"G'morning." She mumbled back. Ginny was not a morning person.

Mrs. Weasley glanced back over to her and pouted slightly, "Are you sure you can't spend one more day Ginny? I didn't get to spend as much time with you as I would have liked…"

Nursing her tea, Ginny grimaced, "I'm sorry Mum, but I have to do a few things for the Twins before I go back to school." She lied. "Perhaps next break?"

Her mum sighed and forced a smile, "Ok dear. I hope so…"

Just then Ginny's dad walked in and sniffed appreciatively "Ah… Biscuits and kippers… My favorite!" He strode over to Mrs. Weasley and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Good Morning Luv."

Mrs. Weasley blushed prettily and motioned for him to sit.

He sat down and opened the Daily Prophet that was waiting for him as Mrs. Weasley brought him a cup of tea. "And how are you this fine morning?" he asked Ginny, smiling.

She smiled back, "I'm fine Dad."

"Pity you couldn't stay longer."

"Ginny needs to run a few errands for the boys, but she said may come on her next break." Mrs. Weasley said, glancing hopefully at Ginny.

Ginny opened her mouth to respond when the Trio came down the stairs. Greeting were passed all around as everyone situated themselves at the table. Hermione gave her a condescending once-over. "What is that?" She sneered, pointing to Ginny's bracelet.

In unison, everyone turned, focusing on Ginny, who just shrugged and mumbled, "A gift from a friend."

"Well that's nice!" beamed Mrs. Weasley, while Hermione just gave Ginny a glare and muttered just loud enough for her to overhear, "Probably from one of her numerous 'boyfriends'…"

Ginny's bracelet turned to black as she gritted her teeth and turned her attention to the breakfast her Mum was serving.

Halfway through breakfast, everyone was startled when a silver patronus burst through the kitchen door. "A meeting is to commence at this location in a half hours time." It stated, and then left as quickly as it came.

Mrs. Weasley quickly bustled the teens out of the room while she and her husband prepped for the unexpected visitors.

"They're never going to let us sit in on these meetings are they…" Harry scoffed as they sat in the living room, listening for the arrivals of The Order. Hermione just rolled her eyes as Ron looked on in resignation.

Ginny meanwhile, had no inclination to be in their presence. She turned and went up the stairs to her room. She opened her window and whistled for Merlin then turned to her trunk and started packing, wanting to be out of here as soon as possible. Hearing rustling behind her she leaned over and grabbed Merlin's cage and then turned to the window, but was startled to see the large black eagle owl again. He hopped inside the window, landing gracefully on her desk and stuck out his foot for her to retrieve the note attached. She walked hesitantly over and gently removed it.

Dear Ginevra,

I hope you like the bracelet. I am assuming you did, being that you did not send it back…or hunt me down and hex off my balls. I was wondering if you had a moment to spare, that we could talk. Please send a response, the owl will wait.

Forever Yours,

Draco

Ginny chuckled to herself at the 'hexing' comment. Little bugger knows me too well… She sighed and sat in the chair at her desk staring at the bracelet. It was white with green streaks. Her mind made up, she turned and pulled out a sheet of parchment.

Yes. I can meet with you. When and where did you have in mind?

She attached the note to the owl and gave him a treat before he took off. Not long after, Merlin popped in and she lifted up the small cage. Giving her a disgruntled look, Merlin hopped into the cage. Chuckling, Ginny quickly packed up her trunk and tossed on her cloak. Just as she was about to step out of her room, the eagle owl returned. She took the note off it leg.

Tomorrow. 4 o'clock. Your place.

She quickly scribbled a reply and sent it back. She gathered up her things and headed downstairs to the floo.

"…So if what you're saying is true, Voldemort is planning an invasion of Hogwarts by the end of this year…" Lupin said stunned.

"That's what our sources tell us." Snape replied.

"But this is preposterous!" Mrs. Weasley burst out, "How can he possibly imagine getting into the school, it's the most secure place in all of England!"

Whispers and remarks came all around from the other members. Snape smirked. "The information my…partner and I found… leads us to believe that the Dark Lord intends to use the Vanishing Cabinet as his entry…"

"But Draco Malfoy was the one who originally purchased the cabinet hence he can be the only one who can activate it…" Tonks interrupted.

"Exactly." Snape grimaced (it was not a pretty sight), "And especially with the young Malfoy's interest in the Weasley girl…"

"WHAT?" both Weasley parents exclaimed.

Snape sighed, "Draco has been entering her dreams using Somnium Socius…" More mumbles and whispering from the members.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley glared, "And where were you Severus?" they demanded, "Why couldn't you stop it."

"Because they're soul mates." He gritted out.

Silence spread through out the small kitchen, everyone stunned at this development. "Are you sure?" Kingsley whispered to Snape.

"Dead certain. And you can be assured that once the Dark Lord learns of this he will attempt to obtain Miss Weasley in order to use her against Draco."

More whispering and murmurs circulated the room as they discussed what they could do to protect the two younglings.

Outside, listening through the cracked window of the kitchen, Hermione and Harry sat, leaning against the wall of the house. Hermione turned to Harry and grinned, "Plan B." She stated simply. Harry just grinned back as they both stealthily crept from the house.

The air rushed around her as she spun from one fireplace to another. Ginny had tentatively knocked on the kitchen door earlier to say goodbye to her parents. Both of them had latched on to her in a death grip, hugging her fiercely. Okay… After much promising of visiting again the next Holiday, Ginny flooed back to the Twins. She stepped out of the hearth, to stand directly in front of Fred and George, who, legs spread and arms crossed, pointed in unison to the couch. Uh-oh… Ginny released Merlin who immediately flew off to places unknown, and then turned and sat as directed.

She cleared her throat, glancing between the two, "It went fairly well," She hesitantly started, "I didn't hex anyone…"

Fred and George each took a seat next to her. "Would you like to know what happened while you were gone?" Fred smiled.

Shite! Not that smile, that's the 'I'm going to dance in your entrails' smile...What happened? "Uh…no?"

George leaned back, grabbed a shoebox from behind the couch, and plopped it into Ginny's lap. "We have been bombarded by owls for the last 24 hours thanks to your 'groveling' boyfriend.

Stunned, she opened the box to see letters upon letters sent from Draco.

"Oh…and those came with them." Fred smirked as he pointed to a large bouquet of white and pink roses.

"But…" Ginny stammered, "But I just spoke to him, he owled me at the Burrow…"

"Only because we finally told him were you were…" George started.

"And that if he was to send another flower here, we'd make good on our promise." Fred finished.

"What promise?" Ginny's eyes narrowed, looking from one brother to the other.

"Nothing to worry yourself over, we just had a 'man-to-man' talk." George grinned.

She rolled her eyes; yeah…I can imagine…I am pretty sure limbs came into the picture…

"Now." Fred stared intently at her, "Please tell me you're going to actually sit down and talk with him?"

"Yes, he asked to meet here tomorrow at 4."

"Good!" George grinned again, "Then we shall make ourselves scarce at that time…How was your visit with Mum and Dad?"

Slightly taken aback by the abrupt change of subject, Ginny answered without thinking, "Mum and dad were great, Harry and Hermione sucked, and Ron went ballistic thinking I was 'turning into a Slytherin'…" Fred and George doubled over in laughter, "Well I'm glad I'm not the only one who got amusement out of it." She smirked.

"Bloody Hell! Are you serious? He actually said that?" Fred roared as he held onto his side.

"Yeah…apparently it was Merlin who put him over the edge. Personally I think it was Hermione…" she grumbled.

"Huh?" George asked, confused.

She sighed, "Ron thought that because I am refusing to change seats during meals at school, being mates with the Slytherins, and on top of that having a falcon…leads him to believe that I am becoming one of 'them'."

Fred snorted and George raised an eyebrow at her, "Stupid git…"

They chatted for a long while after that, and all through dinner. Before Ginny knew it, she was yawning; and excused herself to go to bed. Crawling between the sheets, she thought back to the notes and flowers Draco had sent. She fell asleep with a smile on her face.

October 30th

The doorbell chimed and Ginny looked up from her essay that she was almost finished with. The Twins had left not 30 minutes ago, intending to give her and Draco some privacy. She put the teakettle on and then opened the door. Draco stood outside, looking elegant as usual.

"Come in.," she said as she held the door wide open.

Draco walked in and looked around him, eyeing the odd muggle artifacts scattered around the living room, "Interesting place." He said as he ran a finger over the top of a rotary telephone. He cleared his throat and turned to face her, "Thank you for agreeing to see me."

Ginny nodded and motioned for him to join her in the kitchen. "Tea?" she asked as she poured a cup for herself.

"Yes please." He replied, sitting at the table.

Nodding again, she poured a cup for him. "Honey?" Draco nodded back and Ginny added the sweetener to both cups. "Why did you send it?" she asked as she dumped the contents of a small vial into one of the cups and handed it to him.

Having not seen what she did, Draco took a sip and sighed knowing what 'it' she was referring to, "Because it reminded me of you."

She raised an eyebrow, "How so?" she leaned against the counter and sipped her own.

"I saw you in the dress shop with Pansy, Millie and Loo…Luna… You were arguing about the black dress, and I couldn't help but smile. You overcame the hatred between our houses, you stood up for us against all others with courage and respect, and you put yourself on the line to save someone who, at that time, was considered an enemy. You are ever changing, always flowing, conforming to a new scenario, but still retaining your sense of self, your spirit…and that's when it hit me." He whispered as he stared intently into his cup.

"What did?"

"That I love you." He stated, looking up to meet her stunned gaze. "I know you probably don't believe me." He stood up and slowly walked towards her. "I know you're probably thinking that I'm using the Aristophanes rose as an excuse…" they stood inches apart, Draco looking deeply into her eyes, "And I know you slipped Veritas Serum into my tea." He smirked as her eyes widened in shock.

He leaned forward the last inch and took her lips in a searing kiss. Groaning, Ginny slid her hands up his arms and encircled his neck. He ran his hands up and down her back, caressing everything they touched, then gripped her waist and hauled her closer to him.

"Draco…" she sighed as he nibbled his way down her neck.

"Do you forgive me?" he ran a hand up and cupped her breast, gently kneading the swollen flesh.

Ginny moaned and threw her head back as fiery sensations coursed through her body.

"Do you forgive me luv?" Draco whispered again as his other hand skirted the waistband of her jeans, causing her to shiver.

"Yes…Yes I forgive you…" Ginny panted softly, "Love you…too."

Draco groaned and fiercely kissed her again. She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck and hooked her legs around his lean waist. Not expecting the extra weight, he stumbled back and hit the wall. Ginny giggled and clamped her legs tighter. "I need you Draco…" she whispered into his ear, and left slow hot kisses up his neck to his ear.

"Gods…Ginny." Draco moaned. He gently tilted her face towards his, "Are you sure luv?"

At her nod, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her again. However, this time the kiss was different, and Ginny felt it in her bones, an explosion of heat burst from her core, setting her limbs on fire. Draco carried her out of the kitchen, "Where is it?"

Knowing what he wanted, she whispered in his ear again, and he carried her up the stairs to her bedroom. Setting her down in the middle of the bed, he rose up and pulled off his shirt, muscles rippling with his movements. Ginny watched him, entranced as she unbuttoned her own. Pretty soon, clothes were strewn all over the floor and they lay naked on her bed, legs entwined. Kissing her soft mouth, Draco slid his hand down and caressed her core, sliding a finger inside to stroke her from within. Ginny moaned and deepened the kiss. He made his way down her neck nibbling and kissing as he went, all the way to her chest. Ginny arched her back; moaning as he paid homage to her breasts, she ran a hand up his back raking her nails lightly. Wrapping her legs around his hips and felt the tip of him pause at her entrance.

"Now Draco…" she panted, "Please…"

Draco entered her with one swift stroke and Ginny cried out. He gritted his teeth as he waited for her muscles to adjust to his size. Gods…She so tight… He peppered her face with sweet kisses as he gradually felt her relax. Pulling his hips back until only his head was inside, he thrust forward again and locked his lips to hers as he continued to thrust into her moist heat.

Ginny was thrilled by the feelings strumming through her body, she couldn't get enough. Spiking her fingers in Draco's hair, she tugged and arched her back, whispering frantically, trying to get him to go faster. Draco pulled away, and Ginny whimpered as she felt the loss, he sat back on his knees and gently tugged her to sit on top of him. Grinning, Ginny straddled him and slowly lowered herself onto him, taking him in inch by delicious inch. Draco groaned, "You're killing me luv…"

Smirking, Ginny rose up and down, clenching her inner muscles, avidly watching the play of emotions on Draco's face. "Love you…" She whispered as she framed his face with her hands and explored his mouth with her own. One of her hands snaked down and cupped his balls, caressing and squeezing lightly.

Draco snapped. He growled as he gripped her hips and slammed them down on his own, his own hips thrusting up at the same time. Ginny cried out, her breasts bouncing with every movement. He pumped into her furiously feeling her muscles clench tightly around him. She was close.

"Draco…" she moaned, "Ahh…I'm going to…." She broke apart in him arms practically screaming in her ecstasy. Draco could not look away from her radiant face as she reached her climax. He thrust hard a few more times and then groaned as he came hard shortly after her, pouring his essence inside her.

Spent, they wrapped their arms around each other and lay down on the bed, content in the closeness of body and mind. Draco stroked her back and he listened to her breathing slow. "Merlin, Gin…I think I've died and gone to heaven…"

Ginny giggled and snuggled closer, hooking her leg over his hip. She glanced at her bracelet, watching as it glowed a brilliant red, and then turned to a bright pink; she smiled. "Me too…" she whispered, as they drifted off to sleep.

October 31st

There are not many times in Draco's life that he truly felt fear. He feared for his mother, but that's because his father was a royal git who liked to prey on those weaker than him. He feared Voldemort, but that's normal compared to most people. On the morning after his confession of his love for Ginny…Draco truly felt fear. He awoke slowly, sighing with contentment as he felt Ginny's gorgeous body pressed up against his own. He ran a hand up and down her thigh and felt her stirring from her deep slumber. She moaned and wrapped her arm around him. Draco grinned, Perhaps a little morning wake up call… Just as he was about to kiss her, he felt two wands dig into the back of his neck. He froze and slowly rolled over to see her brothers glaring daggers at him. Or not… He cleared his throat and plastered a look of innocent confusion on his face. "Gentleman…to what do we owe this honor?"

"You have exactly 5 minutes to get dressed and out of this bed or you will never procreate…ever." Fred snarled, and the Twin's stalked out of the room.

Sighing, Draco rolled back over and brushed a hand through Ginny's hair, pulling it back behind her ear. "Time to wake up luv…our secret's out." He leaned in and placed a kiss on her cheek.

Ginny stirred and opened her eyes to see Draco slightly above her. She smiled and hooked a hand around the back of his neck, pulling him in for a passionate kiss.

Draco groaned as he felt his body respond to hers. He pulled away and grimaced, "I'm sorry luv, but your brothers were just here and they want me out in 5 minutes."

"What?" She asked aghast, sitting up in bed.

"Your brothers were here and were very specific in what they would do to me if I did not leave this bed in 5 minutes." Draco smiled at the sight of her; the sheet lay on her lap, baring the rest of her to his heated gaze.

Ginny flipped the sheet back and quickly threw on clothes. Draco dressed as well. "Bloody Hell…I'm so sorry Draco…" she whispered, caressing his face.

"No worries…They were bound to find out sooner or later." He took a deep breath, "Ready to face the world?"

Nodding, Ginny took his offered hand, and together, they walked down the stairs to confront the pissed off Twins.

After much arguing, the Twin's finally relented. In truth, their anger calmed down as soon as they saw how much Draco truly cared for Ginny. After begrudgingly giving their blessing, they headed off to their shop, leaving Draco and Ginny alone again.

"I hate to leave, but I have to head home. My mother has a function she wants me to attend with her and I have to prep for returning to Hogwarts." Draco sighed. He and Ginny were cuddle up on the couch; they had been talking for nearly two hours. "Wait for me on the train?"

"Of course..." She leaned up and placed a kiss on his lips, "I'll endeavor to anticipate our next 'meeting'" she winked.

Chuckling, Draco gathered his cloak and gave Ginny a kiss goodbye.

November 1st

The platform was crowded as student and parents swarmed all over the place. Ginny fought her way through the throng, looking around for her friends. Seeing Pansy and Millie near one of the doors, she hailed them and pushed her way through.

"How was your break?" Pansy asked as she embraced Ginny in a hug.

"Emotionally exhausting, but extremely rewarding…" Ginny smirked.

Millie and Pansy exchanged looks, and turned in unison to Ginny, "Merlin Ginny! Did you finally have it out with Draco then?" Millie asked excitedly.

Ginny opened her mouth to answer when a hand grabbed her arm and turned her forcefully around.

"What did I say about hanging with Slytherins?" Ron exclaimed, Harry and Hermione directly behind him.

Ginny scoffed, "And what did I say about other people's influences..?" she growled at him, giving a pointed look at the two behind him.

"You WILL NOT have anything to do with them Ginny…I FORBID IT!" He gripped her arm painfully and Ginny winced. The next thing she knew, Ron's hand was ripped from her arm and was flung back so hard he crashed into Harry and Hermione, landing on his arse. A pair of broad shoulders blocked her view.

"If you ever lay a hand on my girlfriend again, I will personally hex off all protruding parts of your body." An angry voice snarled.

Ron scrambled up and gaped in abject horror, "G-Girlfriend?" Harry and Hermione's jaws had dropped, and sharing a telling glance, they tugged on Ron together trying to pull him away.

"Yes." Draco glared, "Girlfriend. And as her boyfriend, it is my duty to make sure she is safe and happy; and you do not provide any of those things."

Ron sputtered, but when Draco took a menacing step forward, he ran off with the other two.

"Girlfriend?" Ginny asked softly.

He turned around and gave her a sheepish look, "I know we only briefly touched on the subject before, but as it was in essence unspoken…okay, more like assumed…at least on my part…"

Ginny interrupted his spiel with a long and thorough kiss. Draco growled and wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly.

Squeals of happiness came from behind them, but they ignored it, too intent on each other. They finally broke apart though when Millie tapped Ginny's shoulder, "We've got to get on the train now, or they're going to leave with out us."

Hand in hand, they boarded the Hogwarts Express, not knowing just what kind of stir they caused.