A/N: Thanks so much to everyone who's been reading and reviewing! I love you guys! I just thought I'd take the opportunity to answer a few questions and concerns:

I am truly sorry for the lack of D/G action so far. I do have an excuse…well a couple actually. First, you should know from N&S (and if you haven't read Nemesis & Savior, you should) that I don't jump right into the D/G relationship, it just isn't natural. They've hated each other for (in this fic) about 24 years (I think…I forget how old I actually made them), they wouldn't just jump into bed together. Second, I think they've had a lot to worry about without a sexual relationship. And third, and this one is completely my fault, I just keep coming up with new things that need to happen before they "consummate the relationship". That said, you might want to look out for the next chapter…

As for the violence which the summary promises, I'm not altogether sure it's coming. I had planned on some violence, but so far the kidnappers have been surprisingly nonviolent. I guess we'll just have to see what happens.

Also, yes, I have been dropping clues. Whether there are enough of them for you to figure it out is anyone's guess. This is my first mystery fic so I'm not sure I'm very good at dropping hints. I think that it could be figured out at this point, but then I'm the one writing it, I've known what was going to happen all along. Go ahead and guess, just know that I'm not about to reveal anything until it comes out in the story. ;)

I think that's it, actually. Sorry for the long A/N. Here's chapter 14, enjoy!

Diagon Alley felt so much different with Draco here. All the fear she'd been feeling lately evaporated. She felt…carefree…almost.

She stopped at the apparition platforms and watched him stroll up. The man was so arrogant. But in a completely sexy way. Although, the way she was beginning to accept, even enjoy, his presence was beginning to scare her. She'd barely put up a fight back there at the bar, she'd just rolled over and let continue the rumors that she was his. The strange part was that it had been freeing; having someone else to watch out for her, not always having to take care of herself. She'd been alone for so long, and before that, with Brody.

"What?" Draco asked as he came up to her.

"Nothing." She shook her head. It didn't matter how secure he made her feel, he still wasn't sleeping over, she told herself. "Shall we?" He nodded and took her arm and allowed her to apparate them both to her foyer.

"You're not staying over," she told him as they mounted the stairs.

"Red," he sighed. "I'll sleep on your couch."

"No. I've been living alone for this long. Besides, how could they possibly get into my flat with all the wards and enchantments?"

"I don't know." He opened the door to her floor. "How did they get the note in?"

"How did you?" She countered, one eyebrow cocked.

"Shit," he swore and whipped out his cell phone. She watched him hit 2, then send and put the phone to his ear. "It's a spell Blaise invented," he said quickly. "Like a cross between banishing and apparition, I don't know exactly how it works. Yeah, Blaise?" He said into the phone. "That spell you taught me, the one to get letters and things into warded places, did you show it to anyone else?" He was quiet for a moment, his face going from tense to horrified. "Shit." He shook his head at something Blaise had said. "No. I don't know." He paused. "Yeah, we will. You too." Then he hung up and looked at her.

"What?" He took out his wand and grabbed her keys from her.

"I'll tell you inside."

"Malfoy, you're not…"

"Hold that thought, Red." He followed the same protocol as earlier, searching each room, then re-warding the door. "Sit," he said.

She sat on the sofa and he sat in the armchair facing her. "Blaise's spell, the one I've been using, he's taught it to quite a few people; some old friends from school; a whole bunch of ministry people including some in magical transportation, unspeakables, and aurors; also, some foreign wizards at a convention he went to." He paused and looked down at his hands. "I was hoping, once I made the connection, that it'd narrow the list but it doesn't really. All the people Blaise taught it to could have taught it to other people, and…" He sighed.

"Couldn't we ask around at the ministry?" Ginny asked. "Make a list of people who know it?"

He looked up at her. "It's a good idea, Red, but if these people really used that spell to get the note into your flat, they'd hardly admit to knowing it." She looked down at her hands in her lap. She heard him rise from his chair and felt him sit beside her. "We'll find them, Red. I promise, and I won't let anything happen to you in the process." She leaned into his shoulder. He was so broad and strong and solid. He made her want to crawl up into a ball and let him take care of her.

"I know," she said weakly. Apparently now was when the fear caught up. He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close. "You can stay on the couch," she told him quietly.

"Whatever you want," he said against her hair. "Whatever you want."

When she couldn't keep her eyes open, Draco sent her into the bathroom to get ready for bed. When she came out, Draco was still sitting on the sofa. His eyes widened as he took her in.

"Good God, Red. I know you're not very wealthy, but I thought you could at least afford clothes." She looked down at her pink plaid boxer shorts and white tank top.

"They're pajamas," she said defensively.

"They're underwear," he sighed, standing and crossing the room. "But no matter. It's just a good thing I have some self control." Her stomach flip-flopped as he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. "Sweet dreams, Red." Then he walked back to the couch and she headed into the bedroom, leaving the door open a crack.

Ginny woke up the next morning with a warm weight against her back and across her hips. It had been a long time since she'd had a man in her bed and she had forgotten how nice it was to wake up next to another warm body. She shifted slightly to look up at Draco's face. His eyes were still closed. The tense look he'd worn lately was gone. He was sleeping so peacefully. Well that just wasn't fair.

"Malfoy!" She shouted. He sprang up like a cat out of hell, his hand going to the bedside table where he'd left his wand. Then he caught sight of her lying there grinning at him and his eyes narrowed.

"Why, you little…"

"What are you doing in my bed, Malfoy?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "I specifically remember you starting out on the couch."

"I did." He stretched, drawing Ginny's attention to his bare chest. Oh, God, was she in trouble. "But damnit, Red, you've got the tiniest couch ever. A guy's gotta have stretching room." She could see his point. His six foot frame would hardly fit on her five foot couch, but really, he was in her bed and half naked and his blonde hair was all mussed up and she was kind of afraid she was drooling.

"No matter," he said, rising from the bed. God, he looked tasty in just his grey boxers, the exact color of his eyes, slung low on his hips. "I've got to go take a shower, so you can have the bed to yourself." He grabbed his t-shirt from the night before and tossed it to her. "Put that on before Zabini gets here," he said with a grin. "Wouldn't want the man to get distracted."

She rolled her eyes but pulled the shirt on all the same. It smelled of him; the lingering scent of his cologne, the musky mix of alcohol and pipe smoke from the Lethe, and a warm, rich scent that was entirely Draco. She watched as he exited the bedroom en route to his shower, then sank back into bed, pulled the shirt up to her nose and fell back to sleep.

"Is that Draco's shirt?" Blaise was sitting on the sofa when Ginny finally came out of the bedroom an hour or so later. She took one look at his wide smirk and groaned.

"It's not what you're thinking."

"No?" He stood and followed her into the kitchen. "And what am I thinking?"

"He gave it to me this morning. He said I should wear it while you're here so you don't get distracted. Apparently, my pajamas look like underwear." Blaise crossed his arms and leaned back against the counter.

"Distracted? Right. I'm sure that was his main concern." Ginny filled a pot with water, placed it on the stove and aimed a heating spell at it. "And don't even tell me that he slept on the couch. Because that couch," he said, hooking a thumb over his shoulder, "has not been slept on." Ginny took the hot water from the stove and poured two cups of tea.

"He didn't fit."

Blaise smiled and nodded. "Of course he didn't. And I suppose he mysteriously forgot how to cast an englarging spell." Ginny took a sip of her tea and stared at him. She hadn't thought of that. "Face it, Ginevra, he wanted to be in your bed. And this," he tugged on the sleeve of her overlarge t-shirt, "is because Draco Malfoy does not like to share."

She stood there speechless until Blaise chuckled. "He's got you too, doesn't he?"

She blinked up at him. "No. He does not. And I don't belong to him. If I want to run around this place naked, I will."

Blaise shook his head. "I'd rather you not, darlin'. If Drake walks in and finds you naked…No, I rather like my balls just where they are."

She gritted her teeth and shook her head. "Let's change the subject, shall we?" She asked tightly.

"Good idea." Blaise raised his teacup to her. Ginny smiled and set her own cup down on the table, then moved to the stove to make them each toast with jam. Finally, they sat at the table. "So," Blaise began. "New topic. Oh I know, let's talk about Luna."

"Luna?" Ginny asked, looking up from her toast. "What about her?"

"Does she have a boyfriend or a…girlfriend?" He asked. Ginny nearly spat out the sip of tea she'd just taken. She swallowed carefully.

"What?"

Blaise shrugged. "She's nice and sweet and cute. I was just wondering if she's also available." Ginny nodded slowly.

"Yes, yes she is."

"Wonderful." Blaise smiled and rubbed his hands together.

"Right…yeah. Just be good to her, okay?" Ginny said, setting down her tea cup. "She's been through enough lately."

"I know." Blaise said seriously. "And I won't hurt her."

"Good."

They were silent while they finished their toast, and then Ginny looked up at him. "Do you know of an ex-auror called Sal? He was fired because he broke some rules and a boy died." At least, that's what she'd caught from what he and Draco had said the night before. Blaise seemed to think.

"Probably Salvatore Saloney. People call him Sal. He was on a case a few years ago when Drake was still on the force. Apparently, he ignored some protocol or other and started firing off unforgiveables. An innocent boy was killed." Ginny could feel her eyes wide with shock.

"How did he not go to Azkaban?" She asked. Blaise shrugged.

"Got off on some technicality. I don't really know. Why?"

"He was at the Lethe last night. He wanted me to get my father to consider giving him the head auror job if he wins. He pretty much said that Dairen Lewis has already promised it to him if he wins."

Blaise rubbed his jaw. "That's interesting."

"Is it?"

"Yes." He didn't elaborate, so Ginny picked up their empty cups and saucers and brought them to the sink, all the while wondering how Draco was doing.

Draco surveyed Brody from across the room. He was not what you'd expect from a woman-beater. He was shorter than Draco, about 5'9" and soft around the edges. His brown hair stuck out at odd angles. He was seated behind a desk, reading something, his square wire-rimmed spectacles sliding down his nose. Draco pushed off from the doorway and walked over to his cubicle. He stood there silently until Brody looked up.

"Can I help you?" The man asked, taking off his glasses and setting them on top of the file he'd been reading.

"Draco Malfoy." Draco said shortly. Brody slowly pushed back his chair and stood.

"Brody Mellovich," he said, extending a hand. Draco ignored it.

"I wondered if I might have a word," he said evenly. "In private."

Brody's eyes narrowed, but he nodded and led the way through a maze of cubicles to the empty staff room. He shut the door then turned to Draco. "Now, what is this about?" Draco didn't reply, but took out his wand to lock the door and cast a silencing charm. "Excuse me…" Brody took a step towards him.

"This is about Ginny," Draco said, keeping his face and his voice devoid of any emotion. Brody took two steps back and leaned against the counter.

"What about her?"

"I want you to leave her alone," Draco said calmly. Best to get straight to the point, best not to pussy-foot around the issue.

Brody's eyes narrowed. "What? What the hell are you talking about?"

"I think you know what I'm talking about Mellovich."

"No, I don't. I haven't seen Ginny in nearly a year and a half," he said, crossing his arms. "The last time I saw her was at a ministry function and we barely spoke two words to each other. Her brother didn't leave her side the entire time." He snorted. "Who the fuck are you anyway?"

Draco smiled grimly. "A friend." He caught Brody's eye and silently thought the spell for legilimensy. Random images flashed though his mind.

A boy of about six, crying in his bed. The same boy at 11, being kissed by his mother, a scarlet steam engine in the background. A young man standing over a blonde girl who was crying. Ginny at a sink washing dishes by hand. Ginny turning away, eyes downcast. Ginny on the floor, eyes wide, hand to the side of her face.

The images continued until Draco was sick to his stomach, but there were no images of Ginny after the ministry gala Brody had mentioned. Draco ended the spell and contemplated the man before him. The dumb fuck didn't even know that his mind had been invaded.

"Is she in some kind of trouble?" Brody asked. Draco shrugged noncommittally.

"You know my Ginny." He'd meant to say 'our Ginny', but the thought of Ginny ever having belonged to this creep made him want to hurt someone. He liked the sound of 'my Ginny', though. Probably a bit too much.

"I'm sorry for what I did to her," Brody was saying, but his face was caught in a sneer.

"Tell it to someone who believes it," Draco hissed.

"I can't believe I let her go." Brody sighed.

Draco was on him in a moment, towering over him. "Let her go? You fucking bastard. You're lucky I don't Avada you right now, but I'd rather not go to Azkaban."

"You don't deserve her either," Brody said, sounding braver than he looked. "At least I loved her."

Draco stepped back. His mind was screaming at him to leave before he did something like kill the bastard. His body was telling him to lay the guy flat. "You know what? You're right. I don't deserve her. But at least I don't beat her. Does it make you feel like a man, Mellovich?" He pulled his fist back quickly and caught Brody hard in the stomach. The other man doubled over. "You feel like a man now?" Draco grabbed Brody's hair and yanked him up until they were face to face. "I'll tell you now, you piece of shit, you go near her ever again and I might accidentally use you as target practice. You got me?" He allowed himself one more punch to the gut, then let go roughly, turned and left the room.

Draco took out his phone once he was on the street outside the ministry building. It wasn't far to Ginny's flat so he'd decided to walk. Perhaps the fresh air would help clear his mind and take the edge off his rage.

He looked down at his phone and contemplated who to call. He just wanted to check in with Blaise and Ginny. He should just call Blaise and get a quick report. Instead, he hit number 3, then send.

It took her a moment to answer the phone, and in that moment, Draco feared the worst. Then her cheerful voice came over the line.

"Hello, Malfoy." He breathed again.

"Hey. How're you guys doing?"

"Some bodyguard you sent me. The guy can't even beat me at Wizard's chess."

Draco laughed, his tension slowly evaporating. It was so good to hear her voice. "Well, let's do take into account who your brother is. Best played game at Hogwarts and all that rot."

"I suppose I did learn a thing or two," she replied in a haughty voice. "Where are you?"

"I'm on my way to your flat. I decided to walk."

She gasped. "The great Draco Malfoy is walking. I'd never have dreamed of it."

"No?" He said with a smile. "And what do I do in your dreams?"

She was silent for a moment and he imagined her pretty mouth open, her eyes wide in indignation. Then she said calmly, "Actually, Malfoy, you'll be disappointed to know that you don't feature in any of my dreams."

Draco snorted. "Right." Before she could protest, he went on. "I'll be there in five minutes. The password's 'denial'."

"Whatever," she said and hung up. Draco smiled to himself as he shut his phone.

"Brody's not behind it," Draco stated evenly as he walked into the flat. Ginny thought she heard disappointment in his voice.

"Okay," she said softly. He looked over at her.

"You're not going to ask how I know?"

She shook her head. "I trust you." He looked a little stunned. She wasn't sure why, she'd told him that before.

"Right." He finally nodded.

"Now what?" Blaise asked.

"I don't know." Draco sighed, running a hand through his blonde locks. Ginny's fingers itched to do it for him. Was his hair as soft as it looked? "Any ideas?" He asked Blaise. Blaise looked thoughtful for a moment, then he shook his head.

Draco sat on the arm of the couch next to Ginny, his hand finding its way to the base of her neck. "Well, if you get an idea, call me, yeah?" Draco said to Blaise. Ginny shivered as his fingers traced patterns on her nape.

"Yeah," Blaise said. "I'll think on it. I've got to go though. I'm going to see Luna before they release her." He smiled at Ginny.

"Wait," she said as he headed to the door. "I thought you were my bodyguard." Blaise smiled, opened the door, and stepped outside, closing the door behind him.

"It's my turn to guard your body, Red," Draco said softly, his fingers massaging her neck in a way that made her tingle from head to toe. She looked up at him, perched beside her, a grin on his pretty face. Oh boy.

A/N: So there you go! Thanks for reading and don't forget to let me know what you thought!