A/N: Hey guys, I'm so very sorry this is later than normal! I had a few emergent things come up and unfortunately they required most of my attention. I hope you like this chapter! I'll admit, I don't feel like it's my best, and probably because I've been horribly distracted, but I do hope you enjoy it! Read and Review! Let me know what you think!

Chapter 10:

Surprise!

"It's inappropriate!"

"They're just sleeping Madam Pomfrey."

"This is my hospital wing! This sort of behavior is inexcusable!"

"I understand very well, but as you can see, they are only sleeping. Perhaps Miss Weasley was simply trying to comfort Mr. Malfoy. After all, re-growing bones is a painful and lengthy process, as I'm sure you are well aware."

"Yes, but Dumbledore, you cannot allow this kind of behavior, really!"

"They are children Madam Pomfrey... let them rest. They are both still severely injured. I would hate to wake them when they are sleeping so peacefully, considering they both must've been in such agonizing pain. Why don't we go to your office and have a nice cup of hot cocoa until they wake. Hmm? I do hope the house elves make them with those tiny marshmallows! Do you like marshmallows in your cocoa Madam Pomfrey?"

Draco listened carefully as the footsteps faded away along with Madam Pomfreys objections and Dumbledore's cheerful talk of hot cocoa. 'That was close...' He sighed and relaxed a little, still very much aware of the warm body his other arm held gently to his side.

'That was a close one..." His eyes snapped to what he thought was a sleeping Ginny Weasley. Her face was laying gently on his shoulder and smiling weakly up at him.

"Wh-"

"Just don't. I've given up on trying to figure this out Malfoy. Just let it go, I'm in too much pain to deal with it right now." And with that, she snuggled back into his shoulder, completely ignoring any responses he might have had. So instead of complaining, or simply moving (His ribs were still much too sore for that kind of movement) He rolled his eyes and relaxed. Laying on his back he stared up at the ceiling, gently holding her against his side. He wasn't quite sure how they had gotten into this position, but her body heat seemed to help ease his pain, and he assumed the same was for her. So for the moment, he decided to just leave the questions for later.

He attempted to recall the night before, but it all seemed a bit fuzzy. 'Must've been that potion...' His brows furrowed in confusion. He definitely remembered taking the potion, the warmth of the fire Ginny had made and he fact that Ginny had, once again, beaten him at wizards chess. However, that was pretty much all he remembered. There was a faint memory of immense pain followed by warmth, but that was all. He must've fallen asleep after the last game. How Ginny had managed to crawl into his bed however, was a complete mystery to him.

When he was sure that she was asleep again, he braved a glance at her. Her shirt was fully pulled down this time, but he could see the rumpled form of bandages on her shoulder. 'Potter will pay for this...' he thought vehemently while scowling at the wound. He wasn't entirely sure why he felt the need to protect her, so he told himself it was just a good excuse to get back at Potter.

He watched her sleep for a little while, frowning when she would whimper in pain at the slightest movement. To be honest, he wasn't in as much pain as before, but he was feeling extremely bored. Sighing again he turned to look out the window. 'How long is Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey planning on letting us sleep like this?' He thought in annoyance. It's not like he wanted to get in trouble, or be caught laying in bed with Wea-

Ginny shifted next to him, a scowl on her face. Draco's brows raised. 'I don't even know if she can actually read minds... but in her sleep too? This is ridiculous... you're imagining things Draco! Get ahold of yourself!'

"Where is she?! She was here last night!" Potter's panicked voice broke the silence in the room.

"Madam Pomfrey!" Came Weasleys voice. Draco's eyes snapped to the curtain blocking them from the rest of the ward.

"Shhhh! This is the hospital wing! There are people resting you know!" Hermiones hushed but equally loud voice reprimanded them.

He felt Ginny move beside him, her eyes wide. Not entirely sure what he was going to do, he simply placed a finger against his lips, motioning for her to keep quiet. He gently released his arm from around her and quietly got up from the bed. He motioned for her to follow him. 'Where can we go? Can't let them see us like this...' Ginny watched him curiously but did as he asked. She gingerly stood up from the bed and followed him.

Draco looked behind the curtain to see Harry Potter with his wand drawn, Ron Weasley looking nervous and worried while Hermione Granger was speaking quickly and with what seemed to be an extremely stern voice. They had all quieted down, except Potter of course, who was frantically now pulled aside curtain's wand's aimed at whatever student was unfortunate enough to be laying there.

"I'll save you Ginny! If that Death Eater Malfoy took you or harms you in any way, I'll make him pay!" Draco glanced back at Ginny and was instantly surprised to see her seething in anger. Smirking, he whispered,

"Looks like your boyfriend is a little jealous, eh Ginerva?" Ginny looked murderous. Draco's smirk fell ever so slightly. Before he knew what was happening she stormed past him. Keeping himself well hid behind the curtain he watched as she stormed right up to him.

Ginny was filled with the urgent need to pummel Harry Potter. She was in immense amounts of pain because of him, with a good chance of severe scarring. He immobilized her ability to play quidditch and now he was acting as if he had to protect her! The nerve of him! Love potion be damned! She was not a helpless little girl!

"Harry James Potter! How dare you scream like this in here! There are other students injured or sick! Honestly! Pointing your wand at them because you think I was kidnapped?!" Ginny stomped angrily, each step taking her closer to Harry until she was jabbing a finger into his chest with each word. What was disturbing however, was the shining smile that he was giving her the whole time. Instead of unnerving her, it fueled her rage towards him.

"Ginny! I'm so glad you are safe! If you weren't kidnapped by death eaters, then where were you?" He leaned in still grinning.

"Gin... are you ok?" Ginny gave her brother Ron a quick and gentle smile.

"I'm fine Ron, thank you for worrying about me, you too Hermione." Hermione gave her a weak smile in return while Ron still seemed nervous. "Harry however... I'm tired of this! Obviously, Hermione has gotten over it, but you! How can you be so ridiculously entrapped by this stupid potion for so long?!"

"I may be able to answer that for you Miss Weasley." Ginny froze. Turning to face the calm and amused voice behind her, she was not all that surprised to see Dumbledore smiling down at her.

"Professor Dumbledore sir?" Hermione said questioningly. "What potion is she talking about?"

"Miss Granger, I'm glad to see you've returned to normal as well. To explain would take much too long, but to put it simply, Fred and George Weasley's Scheme 'Operation Chocolate Love' had affected more than expected. However, I believe we can correct the problem now." Ginny rolled her eyes at the scheme name. but when she glanced back at the others they were staring at Dumbledore as if he were speaking another language.

"Excuse me sir... did you say... Operation Chocolate Love?" Hermione asked hesitantly sounding hopeful that she was wrong, which would be a first on her part.

"Yes Miss Granger, you heard me correctly. However, the Potion affects one's own personal feelings. I'm afraid Harry must've had a rather large dose of it, and because of his natural affection for Miss Weasley it has caused him to react a little differently that normal." Dumbledore gave harry a sad smile, clasping his hands behind his back.

"A little differently!? Dumbledore! He's chased me down the hallways and has made my first week here absolutely miserable! And don't forget, the whole reason I'm in here is because he tried to kill Malfoy!

"Yes Miss weasley, I certaintly understand your dismay, but it will all be better soon." With that said, he gestured for Madam Pomfrey, who was apparently standing off to the side with a stern look. She was obviously very upset with everyone shouting in her hospital wing.

Madam Pomfrey gently grabbed hold of Harry's arm and pulled him away to the back of the hospital wing.

"What? I'm fine Dumbledore! I'm just trying to protect Ginny! That Death Eater Malfoy tried to kidnap her! I only cast that spell because he deserved it!" Ginny shook her head gritting her teeth. 'I was never in danger... and even if I was I can handle myself... that git!'

"Now, I believe we are done with all this excitement. Ginerva here will need some more rest. As for you two, I believe classes have started already, I think it would be best to go on ahead without Harry. He will be fine after some much needed medical attention from Madam Pomfrey." Hermione and Ron glanced at each other before nodding at Dumbledore and leaving quickly. Although, it looked more like Hermione dragging Ron behind her lecturing him about causing scenes and being late for classes.

Ginny heard a clatter from behind Dumbledore. As she leaned to one side to see what caused the noise she saw Madam Pomfreys cart being pushed over by Harry, who looked furious. He seemed to be attempting to escape her grasp. It didn't work, however, as Madam Pomfrey was apparently very agile, or just very used to students running away from medicine.

"Don't worry, he'll be fine. Harry just needs a good dose of medicine and some rest." Ginny looked up at Dumbledore who was giving her a warm smile. "You should consider getting some more rest yourself, I do suggest your own bed this time though, no need to get Madam Pomfrey more unsettled than she already is." Ginny's eyes grew wide and her face felt like it was on fire. Ginny hid her face in her hands, mortified and mumbling through them her excuses.

"I-I'm sorry sir! I promise you, we didn't do anything! We couldn't sleep so I thought we could play a game of chess, and we must've just fallen asleep!"

"No harm was done. But as I said, You should probably go rest in your own bed for now." Dumbledore gently guided Ginny back to her bed, which she was grateful for, considering she was too embarrassed to look at him. After making sure that she was settled back into the bed, he turned to leave.

"Rest well Ginerva." She watched as he walked away. Sighing once he was out of sight, she quickly realized how much her anger had taken out of her. Tired, and still very much irritated, she decided to close her eyes to try and relax, maybe get some more rest as the headmaster had suggested.

"Well that was definitely interesting." Her eyes snapped open. Standing at the foot of her bed was none other than Draco Malfoy.

"Where did you come from?!" She watched as he crossed his arms and smirked.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Ginny rolled her eyes and relaxed back into her bed. He's not worth the energy.

"What do you want Malfoy?" She watched as he continued to smirk and walk around her bed to sit in the chair nearby.

"So it's back to Malfoy? And here I thought we were on a fist name basis. I mean, we have shared a bed together, what? is it three times now?" Ginny refused to acknowledge him, so instead of replying she simply looked up at the ceiling.

"Aww, come on... I'd say we are at least friends by now." Sighing, she finally turned to look at his satisfied smirk.

"Fine... we're...friends..." Ginny felt a cold chill run through her. This could not be a good sign by any means.

"Great! Now that we've settled that, I suggest that we meet again tonight in my room." He sat back in the chair looking dignified, which personally Ginny found hilarious given his current condition. His hair was a mess from just waking up, He was wearing no shirt and covered in bandages and bruising, and yet, here he sat looking regal as ever. She couldn't help it, she snorted.

"What? I'm being serious." He gave her a concerned look.

"N-no, not that! You just look so ridiculous!" She continued to laugh, holding her side as it burst into pain at the movement. Draco was watching still looking very concerned, if not contemplating her sanity.

"I don't look ridiculous, if anyone looks ridiculous right now, it's you. Seriously, you're laughing like a mad man." He sat up straighter and crossed his arms again. At that moment however, they heard a screeching sound. Looking past the curtains Ginny could see Harry looking as though he were riding a chair down the isle way. He waved a hand in the air and screamed 'Yee-Haw!'

"Ok... So maybe Potter will take the crown for this one." Ginny snorted.

"He's just under the influence of Fred and George's love potion. It 's just making him act a little bonkers is all."

"A little? Didn't I hear you blow up not that long ago about him attempting to kill me?" She watched as he tilted his head at her in curiosity. She frowned.

"Well, yeah, but... Whatever, he'll be fine and then everything will finally go back to normal."

"Whatever you consider normal... So, meet me at my room tonight then?" He asked hopefully. She eyed him suspiciously.

"What do you mean your room? You don't expect me to go into Slytherin do you?" He gave her a questioning look which only made her more confused.

"No... I'm talking about my room... the one I found that you keep coming in and making yourself at home in." He rolled his eyes as if this should've been obvious to her. Ginny raised a brow and smirked.

"You mean the room of requirement? That's not your room. That's every one's room. It appears to those who need it most. You must've needed it for it to appear to you like that, but it doesn't make it your room." Ginny watched smugly as his eyes narrowed.

"I found it first, so it's mine. However, you are completely ignoring my question again. Are you going to meet me at the room tonight or not?" Ginny laid back and eyed him. He seemed irritated, but that small bit of hopefulness was still there. Why did he want me to go so badly?

"Why?"

"Why what?" He asked her irritably. She sighed.

"Why do you want me to go so badly?" He looked as though he was contemplating his answer before finally speaking.

"Because I enjoy your company, and It's got to be better hanging out with me than a bunch of snooty Gryffindor's like Granger." He sneered at Hermione's name, but seemed genuine about the rest. Ginny's smirk faded into a soft smile.

"Alright, I'll go. But you better bring food from the kitchens, and if you can, some more Ogdens Firewhiskey?" She added the last part wistfully. He laughed and stood, seemingly satisfied with her answer.

"You really are a bit of an alcoholic, aren't you Ginny." He said cheekily.

"I'm not an alcoholic! You drink just as much as I do you prat!" Ginny exclaimed throwing one of her fluffy pillows at him as he dodged past her curtain.

"See you tonight then. Rest well!" And with that he was gone. Exasperated, Ginny simply fell back into her bed, closing her eyes and shaking her head. 'Why does everything around me have to be so bloody hectic. Harry is off the wall bonkers, Hermione was abusing her time turner privlages, and worst of all... I'm friends with Draco Malfoy.' She shuddered at the thought. 'Things will go back to normal soon, and we'll stop hating each other again, I'll just go back to hanging out with Colin, Fred and George... It'll be fine.'

But deep down she knew something had definitely changed. The problem wasn't the change however, the problem was how much she didn't mind it.

Draco was feeling funny. 'Maybe I'm sick?' He felt bubbly... 'Damn it... did those weasley twins put something in my pumpkin juice?' He felt... dare I say it? Giddy. 'Bloody hell...'

"Draco... You're looking well this morning. For having two broken and three fractured ribs, along with a recently fixed broken nose, I'd assume you'd still be healing." Blaise Zabini said this as if he were just making conversation while buttering a muffin, not even glancing in Draco's direction. He scowled at him.

"I've healed just fine, thank you. You're looking rather decent yourself. Any particular reason?" He wasn't exaggerating. Blaise was dressed in black dress slacks, a black button down long sleeve dress shirt with a pristine white tie and silver cufflinks with his family crest engraved on them. His cloak was resting neatly on the bench next to him.

"Oh, nothing important really... Just a formal gathering. Here, this is for you." He held out a white envelope with deep red cursive handwritten letters. They simply spelled out his name 'Draco Malfoy'. Curiously he opened the letter while blaise took a bite out of his freshly buttered muffin. Draco felt his stomach drop and could feel the blood rushing from his face. It was the letter he had been told about. The letter he had hoped beyond all reason he would never receive.

To the unknowing onlooker, it simply looked like a dinner invitation, however, the mark at the bottom of the letter told him otherwise. It was an initiation ceremony, and he had been chosen.

"Why do you look so glum? I would have thought you would be excited. Isn't this what you want Draco? To follow in your fathers footsteps?" Blaise continued to concentrate on his muffin, talking to Draco in a very bored and uncaring tone.

"You know damn well I want nothing to do with my father Blaise! Who gave this to you?!" Draco seethed in anger. The mark at the bottom of the letter shimmered as the letter shook in his angered hands. Blaises eyebrows lifted but he still did not look at him.

"My mother of course. She's been in the habit of attending your mother's get-together's. I assume it's to find yet another wealthy husband, however, she may just enjoy your mothers company. She requested that I give the invitation to you. Your father has insisted you make the event." Draco stood from the table despite the fact he hadn't even touched his lunch.

"Make a choice Draco and make it soon before the choice is made for you." Draco watched as Blaise brushed the crumbs off his hand before looking up at him. His expression would be hard to read if you didn't know him. But Draco knew better. He wasn't angry with him, or irritated. Blaise was showing genuine concern beneath the harsh look he was giving him.

"I need to think. Thank you for delivering the invitation." He turned to leave but he felt a cool hand wrap around his wrist. Turning he saw Blaise staring at the ground while holding onto his wrist, gripping it tightly.

"I'm serious Draco. You know where I stand on the issue, but you need to make your own decisions. I know how you feel about your father and his... business. Think carefully, act swiftly." With those words he let go of his wrist and stood, picking up his neatly folded cloak and draping it over his arm. Looking up at Draco's face he smiled lightly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have gathering to attend, my mother is meeting me in Hogsmeade."

"When are you expected back?" Draco asked curiously, rubbing his wrist where Blaise had grabbed him. He was irritated by Blaise's reaction, but he understood the seriousness of what he was trying to say.

"Tomorrow night." He started to leave, then paused and turned back around smirking. "Say hello to the red head for me? That is where you're going right?" Draco threw the closest thing next to him at Blaise, which just so happened to be a bran muffin. Blaise simply ducked and it went flying past him.

"I'll take that as a yes. See you Malfoy." With that he turned and left the Great hall waving a hand over his shoulder. The great hall was nearly empty, however the students present were now giving Draco questioning looks. Now embarrassed, Draco simply stood tall and left the great hall, attempting to look dignified and respectable. As he got to the doors of the great hall however, he stepped in something squishy. Looking down, he was disgusted. He had stepped in the muffin he had previously thrown at Blaise, and to his horror, the remaining students in the great hall broke out in laughter. Sneering, he left quickly to go sulk in his room, or as Ginny had corrected him, the room of requirement.