Not So Secret Love

Chapter 13: Ginny's Secret

Disclaimer: Oh how I wish I did own Harry Potter, but of course I do not.

I awoke the next morning confused as to why I was in the room I knew so well. How did I get into Ginny's room? Shouldn't I be dead from the freezing cold? Who had saved me? Quickly my thoughts were stamped by a soft whimpering in the corner. Not being able to move my whole body yet (who knew being nearly frozen could take so much out of one person?), I looked over to the noise and saw Ginny sitting in a corner, her head was against her knees. "What's wrong?" I managed to barely whisper.

Ginny looked up and smiled sadly. "Everything...It's all messed up...I'm so stupid 'Mione. Why did I do it?" I look at her with confusion. What had happened? Did her and Dean break up? No. They were too close to break up now. Just a week ago Ginny was saying how she felt like she was finally in love. I was finally able to pull myself and sit up. But no sooner had I sat up, Ginny was forcing me back down. "Mum say's you can't sit up for another day, and you can't walk for another two. I'm the only one staying with you, seeings as the train left about two hours ago. When your able to walk again both of us will go back to school. Until then Malfoy...sorry Draco will be bringing us our homework." I smiled at her.

But this didn't answer why she was crying. "Ginny...what's wrong?" I repeat, hoping to get a straight answer. She looked at her wall sadly.

"It's my fault... Hermione... I know Jeriko. When you had told me about him... I didn't realize it was the same one. Oh Hermione... he wasn't a muggle. His father is well, my uncle. This is all my fault. I was really close to Jeriko... and he told me about this really smart, pretty girl he met over the summer. And he was thrilled because this is his first year out of school. He said he was so upset that she was leaving that he broke up with her and right away he felt horrible about his choice. So I told him to try to get in contact with this girl. He said she thought he was a muggle. I suggested he see her over break, but in the meantime to make a photoalbum of pictures taken over the summer. Well, he recently owled me, saying that she had a boyfriend now and didn't seem like she was completely over him though. So I told him to try to talk some sense into her. That maybe he could get her to see that he really loved her... But I had no idea...he never mentioned the girls name. I pushed him... Everything would have been fine if I didn't get involved. I'm so sorry Hermione." She once again burst into tears. I rubbed her arm and told her everything was ok until she calmed back down.

"I just... I can't believe he's dead... he's really gone. Of course I don't blame you Hermione. But why did you do it? I know you must have had a good reason. Hermione Granger doesn't go around muttering the killing curse at every few random people." Ginny looked at me, her eyes filled with questions. Not to mention dispair. I killed one of her best friends.

I sighed as I started. "He was at my house when I went to go talk to my father. He just... wouldn't leave me alone. My father was egging him on. Oh Ginny I was so terrified. If I would have known you knew him I wouldn't have done it. But I just... couldn't handle it. He was too close to me... I was scared he would do something to me... So I panicked and the next thing I know I'm staring at his lifeless body and running out the door. I just...didn't know what to do. How did I get here anyways?" I realized no one had explained who brought me, or even found me. Ginny looked slightly happier at this question.

"Your lover boy." she said in a girly, perky voice. "He said it wasn't safe to keep you at the Manor so he brought you up here. He found you in a field nearly frozen about three hours after you...Well you know. He came back later that night to give you a note. It's under your pillow, I didn't read it I swear!" She looked completely guilty as I gave her a look to say 'right and I'm the queen of England'. "Ok, so I read it... But there was nothing good in it." rolling her eyes, she got the letter out for me and laid on her bed to relax.

My Dearest Hermione,

I am not mad at you in any way for killing him. I'm actually quite proud of you. I never knew my little Hermione would have the courage to do something like that. Regardless, I will need to speak with you about this because no matter how much it may have been needed at that point in time, I know you know other curses that would have been so much better. You could have simply frozen him and gotten me. Therefore, I am also dissapointed in you.

And even more so because I found you in the snow. It was almost as if you wanted to kill yourself after you had done this. Well I kind of did... I don't want to lose someone like you to that. So, I'm glad I found you in time. But you're going to have to promise to never do that again.

That guy wasn't worth your time and energy and you know it. But oh well, we can't change what happened now. Get better soon, I will check on you tomorrow before the train leaves and if you haven't awoken by then expect me around dinner time. We need to talk about this.

Love, Draco.

"Hermione?" Ginny asked with a slight worry in her voice.

"What is it Ginny?" I ask with a soft tone.

She sat up and starting playing with her hair nervously. "You love Draco right?" I nodded. "Well...Have you guys...you know...yet?" I looked at her shocked by her words.

But then it sunk in. We had been together offically for at least two months, but have known we liked each other for four. "Uhm...well...no. Why? Have you and Dean?"

She waved her hands quickly. "No! But... I think he wants to. I sort of do. But... theres still that part of me that misses Harry terribly. I know he wants me safe and such. It's just that, no one is anything like him. He's so brave and smart and courageous. Not to mention incredibly stong and handsome!" She giggled at her own words. "I miss him 'Mione. I really do." I got up far enough to hug my best friend in an understanding way.

"Well between you and I, he misses you too. He spoke to me about it a few days ago while you were in the shower. He hasn't dated anyone since you. Not to mention the fact that when he found out you and Dean were dating he nearly killed him. Doesn't help Dean too much that Ron him and Harry all have to share a dorm. A few times they've caught him talking to Neville about you. All good things of course." I added seing her horror-struck face. "Like the fact that if you guys ever break up he will be crushed, and that your the most beautiful girl in the world. Of course Harry couldn't disagree with him, but still. You know how Harry is when it comes to us girls." I laughed slightly finding it quite painful to do so.

"Thanks Hermione. But I think I'm going to go get a shower, you should rest up a bit before Draco comes. I suspect he would be quite angry with me if you look worn out." and with a small smile she left. Everything was so weird now. I was still in disbelief that I had actually killed the first boy to ever say he loved me. The first boy I ever loved... No I didn't love him. I was just excited at the concept of love thats all. Draco is my first love.

As my thoughts continued, I drifted off into a restless sleep.

DRACO'S POV

I floo'd into the Burrow to meet a buslting Mrs. Weasley. "Oh Draco, it's so nice to see you again. Thanks again from bringing Hermione back to us. I just can't believe she would ever do such a thing. You don't think You-Know-Who has anything to do with this do you?" I shook my head. I knew he wanted Hermione, but he wouldn't make her kill someone to get her. It wasn't logical. But then again he does have his weird ways. "Well alright. The girls are upstairs eating. I just took their dinners up. Are you hungry? Or thirsty?"

Once again I shook my head. "Thank you though. I just ate at the Great Hall. If I find out anything of this dealing with the Dark Lord, I will let you know. Just keep Hermione safe until we know what exactly happened." I was slightly more concerned about Hermione thinking that Voldemort would do that to her. He had the capability. It seemed a bit harsh though. Then again, it was Voldemort.

I ran up the steps to Ginny's room and opened the door. Both girls were giggling, and reading muggle magazines. I rolled my eyes and put their homework on Ginny's desk. "So ladies, how are we tonight?" Both jumped, clearly startled.

Ginny smiled. "I'm just lovely Draco, but I think I'm going to go write to Dean now, let him know that I'm still alive. Don't do anything I wouldn't!" With a wink she was gone with the two trays of eaten food.

Hermione tried to sit up, but I stopped her. "No sitting up yet. I don't want you straining yourself." I said sincerely.

"Draco, I'm fine. I swear... fiiiine I'll stay down." once again, my stirn face wins. "So how long are you staying?"

I sighed. "Only for twenty minutes...which now is fifteen. Which gives you just enough time to explain why you killed him." She winced.

For the next ten minutes she described exactly what happened, needing to pause once in awhile to keep herself from crying. "I'm sorry..." she said after finishing where I came in.

"It's not your fault. You just reacted in the only way you knew how. But, I'm partly to blame as well. See, I didn't know at the time... But I do know Jeriko. Hermione... he's a Death Eater. His family has been friends with mine for years. We used to spend hours and hours together when we were children. He's grown up horribly though. I should have warned you. I saw him the night before you killed him. He showed up in my room. Told me to not get too attatched to you. That your his property and his alone. I didn't understand what he meant. But I suppose the Dark Lord set him to get you... After all he's... Well nevermind. I need to go Hermione. Do you want me to stop by tomorrow to talk again?"

"Of course! But I want to hear more about Jeriko and Voldemort when you come tomorrow, so try to buy more time ok?" I nodded and kissed her forehead before running down the stairs. I knew I wouldn't be able to tell her more than I already had. It was too much already. Hopefully my suprise for her will side track her for the night.

As I waved goodbye to Ginny, I grabbed some floo powder and stepped into the great fireplace. "Dumbledore's office!"

AN: Well, with how many reviews and hits I've gotten on the last chapter I couldn't resist giving you guys another chapter! I might have another one tomorrow morning before I leave to the hospital but no promises! Thank you guys for your great support! This chapters for all the reviewers and dedicated readers