Author's Note - I found a great story on this site called Forbidden Choice. As much as I loved it, I started thinking about how I would tell the story myself. I wanted to change a few things and add some points of view. I contacted the original author and asked permission to use her storyline along with details and even sentences. She graciously agreed. Please check out the original concept and story - Forbidden Choice by JKBrimera. A huge Thank You to her for allowing me to use her story and giving me the courage to post my take.

Wow! What a crazy last chapter! Ginny's secret is out, Draco asked for help, and Seamus kissed Millicent?! What else is in store? Read on to find out!

Chapter 21 -

"The last charm we're going to talk about today is considered very advanced magic. Many qualified witches and wizards have difficulty with it," said Professor Flitwick peering down at the class from his perch on top of a chair.

Immediately everyone in the room perked up. Harry and Ron who had been playing with one of Fred and George's Fake Wands, immediately stopped trying to stab each other. Draco looked up from his notes he had just been taking on Containment Charms. Meanwhile, Ginny stopped drumming her fingers on the desk from boredom to look up at the Professor.

"As you have learned in your Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Dementors and Lethifolds are some of the darkest creatures to roam this earth. They feed on happy memories to render us humans to drown in sorrow and sadness. They can also consume a person's soul leaving their victims in a permanent vegetative state otherwise known as an empty shell," Professor Flitwick continued.

"The only known charm to work against them is called the Patronus Charm. When you perform it successfully, it will drive them off as the Patronus acts as a shield which they feed off of. Now we've seen Dementors in this part of the world before, but can anyone tell me where Lethifolds are typically found?"

Hermione's hand immediately shot up in the air. "Yes Miss Granger?"

"Lethifolds or Living Shroud's are a very rare species and can only be found in tropical regions," Hermione stated sounding like a textbook like usual.

"Very good! 10 points to Gryffindor." Ginny saw Draco roll his eyes in disgust. Ginny smirked and stifled a laugh.

"A successful Patronus can take on one of two forms: a non-corporeal and a corporeal. For homework, I want 2 rolls of parchment on the correct incantation to use, the difference between a corporeal and non-corporeal Patronus, and what forms they can take. That'll be all." Professor Flitwick had dismissed them.

"What kind of form can a Patronus take? Draco mumbled to himself. He and Ginny were in an empty classroom working on Professor Flitwick's latest assignment during a free period.

"Well, they can be any animal really. I mean I've seen a phoenix, a stag, cats, dogs, even an otter," said Ginny looking up from the textbook.

"And what would yours be?"

"Better than yours, I expect. Yours would probably be massive, with horns, and sharp teeth."

Draco rolled his eyes. "And you think yours would be better than that? ...I suppose you can do it then?" Draco asked his voice with a touch of envy.

"Yea, I can. I practiced it a few times, " Ginny said embarrassed. Ginny's cheeks were turning bright pink and she looked away. Draco was curious when she had practiced it and why she was slowly turning into a tomato, but then shook himself mentally. Judging by her reaction, it was probably safer not to ask.

Ginny didn't want to bring up the fact that several in the class could actually produce a Patronus having learned from Harry in the D.A. before the war broke out. Bringing up Harry's name or anything to do with the war would have been sure to start an argument or something though. After taking a breath she turned, studying him. Draco wondered what she was thinking when she finally said, "Come on. I can show you if you want."

Draco considered her for a moment and stood up shrugging. "O.k. what do I have to do?"

"Well, you have to think of a memory. A happy memory. You have to let the memory consume you as you say the incantation.

"Expecto Patronum?" Draco asked.

"Yes. Focus on the memory, point your wand, and then say the words."

"O.k." Draco closed his eyes for a moment trying to think of a happy memory. Once he settled on one he opened his eyes, stood tall and took position before saying, "Expecto Patronum."

Ginny watched him anticipating, but nothing happened. Draco cleared his throat and tried again. "Expecto Patronum." Again, nothing happened.

"Are you concentrating on your memory?"

"Of course I am!" said Draco frustrated.

"Maybe the memory isn't strong enough? Perhaps you need to try a different one," suggested Ginny tentatively.

Draco stood there a moment fuming at her. Finally he sighed and closed his eyes again, racking his brain. "O.k. I think I got it now. Expecto Patronum!" A small silver wisp appeared from his wand for a moment and then waned.

"Not bad. That's a start at least. I mean most fully fledged wizards can't even produce a non-corporeal one," Ginny offered.

"So you do it then," said Draco grudgingly.

Ginny gave him an exasperated look, but stood and walked over to the center of the classroom. There she took her stance while thinking of a memory to use. She cleared her mind focusing on her memory and drew her wand. "Expecto Patronum," she said cleary.

Something big, bright, and silver filled the room. Draco's jaw dropped as it cantered around the room and back to Ginny before disappearing. "Wow. What was that?" Draco was clearly impressed.

"My patronus. A Pegasus."

"Yea, I noticed the wings. What was your memory?" he asked curiously.

"What was yours?" she asked defensively.

Just then the bell sounded to end the period and Draco inwardly sighed in relief.

"Oops. No time to continue. I have to get to my next class." Draco walked over to the desk where his stuff lay. He threw everything into his bag. "We'll have to practice later."

Draco dashed quickly out of the classroom leaving Ginny there pondering what he had been thinking.

Ginny gave a hesitant knock on the door. She hopped up and down on the balls of her feet, to get warm. The dungeons were cold at night and she wished that she had thought to put on a jumper before visiting the Slytherin common room. She would have to remember that for next time.

Her breath came in harsh spurts, echoing around the empty corridor. Adrenaline surged through her veins. I will not turn around. I will not turn around. The chant became a mantra, and she clenched her sweaty palms. I will not turn around...

The door swung open.

Ginny gave a squeak, her gaze falling to the floor afraid to see who answered. Blaise Zabini leaned against the doorjamb, his arms crossed over his bare chest. Pajama bottoms were slung low on his hips. He looked almost amused at her reaction, and the corners of his mouth twisted into a smirk.

"Lost, Gin?"

Ginny looked up embarrassed. Her cheeks were on fire. "Um, no. I uh, was hoping Draco was around, but obviously you're all asleep. I'll just go."

Ginny wheeled around quickly, hurrying in the same direction that she had come. It was only when Blaise called her name that she turned around. He was definitely smirking now. "It's fine," he said. "Draco's been in a foul mood anyway; he could use a bit of a cheering up." Blaise winked.

"Thanks," Ginny sighed. "I owe you, Blaise."

"Go quickly. And don't let Pansy see you," the tall boy warned. "Otherwise she'll have both our heads."

Ginny trailed Blaise into the common room. It was virtually deserted save for a few neatly stacked textbooks on one of the tables. A fire burned low in the embellished grate, spitting flames of emerald green. Everything in the room was decorated in black and silver; sleek, presumably expensive furniture was placed strategically through the room.

Ginny let out a low whistle.

"I don't know if I'm impressed or intimidated," she admitted.

Blaise shrugged. "Both, probably."

She followed him down a short corridor to a very blank dark wooden door. It was sunk into the wall and rimmed with silver, but otherwise bore no decoration. Ginny thought of her door in Gryffindor Tower; it was plastered with photos of friends and family for those who shared the dorm, and spells to make colourful lights turn on when someone entered. The door stared at her blank and empty.

"This is Draco's room?" she asked.

Blaise nodded. "And mine."

"Oh." Ginny bit her lip. She realized with acute embarrassment that Blaise would probably be there listening to the conversation and that was the last thing she wanted. "Were you sleeping? We can go somewhere else or…"

"It's fine," Blaise said, waving a hand as she began to protest. "I have a Potions essay I have to finish anyways. You can wait in there for him."

Ginny frowned. "He's not here?"

"He went outside for a walk. Probably to sulk about something," Blaise explained, looking torn between amusement and genuine concern. "You know how he can be."

Ginny nodded. She did know how Draco got when he was in foul mood and it wasn't pretty: he became obsessed with whatever task was on hand. Ginny had seen him sort his books and papers by subject and date, brew an entire chapter worth of potions, and polish the entire Slytherin team's collection of brooms by hand.

"Thanks." Ginny's hand was already on the door handle. Blaise began to walk away when she called out. "And Blaise?"

"Yeah?"

"Choose some decorations or something for your door," she advised him. "I've seen what Luna is planning and it's horrifying."

Ginny slipped into the room, cutting off the sound of Blaise's laughter as she closed the door. The bedroom was as bare as the door had been; two beds lay neatly against the wall, a green blanket folded neatly on each. A closed silver truck emblazoned with the respective family's crest stood at the foot of each bed. The room bore no windows as it was underground, and low lamps provided a dim green cast. It was neat and tidy and other than the trunks, Ginny saw nothing personal to show anyone actually lived there.

There were two desks in the room off to the side. One of them had a folded piece of parchment on it. It looked like it had been handled roughly and it looked out of place in this otherwise spotless room. Ginny drifted closer. The seal on the letter was a loopy M: Malfoy. Almost unbidden, Ginny's hands picked up the letter, and then she was reading it.

Draco,

I won't sugar coat it darling; I'm worried sick about you. I'm beginning to fear that all of Dumbledore's nonsense has been corroding your mind. My sources inform me that you have been seeing a lot of Ginerva Weasley. Draco, darling, you must remember where she comes from and what her family is. I don't understand your new friendship; you've expressed your dislike for the Weasley girl on more than one occasion.

Ginny took a moment to breathe. Her eyes stung, and she had to consciously remind herself that Draco hadn't seen his mother since the summer holiday. She, too, had disliked Draco then. Ginny began reading again, more cautiously this time.

I will make myself quite clear: I dislike the Weasley family, and I dislike the Weasley girl. They're improper and barbaric. If you're father was here… well, he would put an immediate end to this, Merlin rest his soul. Nevertheless, I insist that you avoid the Weasley girl.

Do write back soon, dear,

Mother

P.S. I received your most rent letter, and I couldn't agree more. The entire situation is unjust. I'm calling in every favour that I can to find you another arrangement. Perhaps we can have the Ministry reassign you with someone from Beauxbatons.

Ginny read the letter once more, her heart in her throat. Her eyes prickled painfully, and she scrubbed at them with the back of her hand. She wished she had never decided to come down here. She wished she had never read it, and now that she had, the words burned themselves on the backs of her eyelids. Ginny sunk down slowly on Draco's bed as if in shock.

Draco was going to find another arrangement. He didn't want to marry her; in fact, he'd rather take his chances and marry a complete stranger...

The door handle turned.

Draco wondered if he would ever sleep again. His bones felt like they were dissolving into dust, and he was vaguely aware of this as his walk had slowly become a lifeless shuffle. The night air had temporarily refreshed him, and Draco could smell the brine of the lake and the peppermint of winter clinging to his heavy cloak. His mind was still spinning from his thoughts as he returned to the Slytherin common room.

"Hey!" Blaise looked up from his spot at a table as Draco entered the common room. "You're back."

Draco threw his cloak over one of the chairs by the fire. "Unfortunately."

"How was the walk?"

"Disappointing," Draco grunted.

"How cheerful." Blaise set his quill down. There was an expression on Blaise's face that Draco had seen before; it was the same one Blaise wore when giving motivational speeches before a quidditch match. "Listen, mate…"

"Can it wait?" Draco was already moving towards the dorm room, his feet dragging like lead weights. "I'm exhausted."

"But -"

"Tomorrow," Draco interrupted. "I promise."

He trudged down the short length to the doorway. It was blissfully blank, just as he liked it. His hand was on the door when he heard a small thump. Draco opened the door and blinked. Ginny Weasley was sitting rigidly on his bed. Her fists were clenched and her long red hair was falling over her face hiding her expression.

"Ginny," he sighed. She was the last person Draco wanted to see right now, and he massaged his temples as his head gave a particularly painful throb. He wish that he had listed to what Blaise was trying to tell him. "Look, it's nice to see you and everything, but I'm not in the mood tonight. Can you…"

Draco cut off as he finally caught sight of her expression: guilt and regret. His eyes fell to her fist. For the first time, he noticed a bit of parchment sticking out like a budding flower, and he felt his heart sink further.

"Did you read it?" he asked.

Ginny suddenly jumped up and darted toward him. "Here." She forced the paper into his hand, wincing as if it was an animal that had just bitten her. "Take it."

The hurt was written all over her face, and Draco felt his heart solidify, turning into stone. His hand clenched into a frustrated fist. He should have hidden the letter in one of the desk drawers, or beneath his bed, or something. Hell, Draco reflected, he should have just burned it when it first came. Draco sighed and closed his eyes.

"Why," he ground out, "do you have to be so damn curious?"

"I don't know."

Her words came out as a mortified whisper, and his eyes snapped open. Ginny's arms were wrapped around herself, and she was biting her lip, just like she always did when she was nervous. The flickering green light cast shadows over her face and made it difficult for Draco to guess what she was thinking.

"Right." Her voice was strained. "I'll just be going, then."

Ginny pushed past him towards the door. As she passed, Draco felt something on his shoulder, and he touched the fabric of his cloak incredulously. She wasn't… surely she wasn't…

"Ginny?" he stared at her. "You're not… crying?"

"No."

Her voice cracked. Draco's heart twisted painfully, and he was by her side in a second. His arms ached. He wanted to hold her, to crush him to his chest and reassure her that it would be okay. But Ginny would hate him for it; surely, if Draco was the one causing her pain, he was the last person she wanted to comfort him. He arms hung uselessly at his side.

"For Merlin's sake," he murmured. His voice came out rough and unsteady. "Talk to me, Gin."

"Why?" She had ducked her head which made Draco desperate to see her expression; he was lost unless he could see what she was thinking. Ginny's words were like arrows to his heart. "You're not supposed to talk to me."

"That doesn't matter."

"Doesn't it?" Her voice had lost its usual ferocity, replaced with an aching sadness that cut Draco to the bone. She was calm, resigned. "I don't regret reading that letter. At least I know for sure your mother hates me."

Draco flinched. He wasn't going to lie to her; Narcissa did hate Ginny. Not that he had been expecting otherwise, but Draco hoped she would at least accept the situation with grace. However, it seemed that Narcissa was prepared to fight tooth and nail until the Ministry relented. Even though his father was gone, they still held power with some high ranking Ministry officials. Draco couldn't help but think Narcissa would force him to marry someone else instead of Ginny; or worse, that Draco would be given the choice to choose Ginny or his claim to the Manor.

"You're quiet because it's true," Ginny whispered. "Your mother hates me. You both hate me."

Draco's mouth fell open. There was no accusation in her words, only a dull resignation. Ginny truly thought that he hated her. He could feel the tension hanging in the air, a thick mushroom cloud, and his shoulders slumped. "Ginny, I don't hate you."

"Then explain the part about the new arrangement." Ginny gestured to the letter. "Because I don't understand." She sat stiffly back on the bed looking up at him.

"I sent that letter to my mother right after the announcement." Draco grimaced, remembering the event; the common room had been in an uproar. Blaise had been shattering bottles and Pansy had been sobbing into a sofa cushion. Draco had remained shackled to his desk, a calm island in the midst of the storm. He had bled the ink onto the page. "I was angry."

"We all were."

"Exactly." He sat down on the bed beside her, massaging his temples again. "I thought that you'd understand how desperate I was."

"But surely…" Ginny bit her lip. She looked torn between wanting to believe him and yet unable to let herself. "It's been months since the announcement. You last letter must have been more recent."

"I told you." His voice came out taught. "My mother never writes, and I reciprocate the warm sentiments."

It was horribly ironic, Draco reflected, that Narcissa chose to write at the precise moment he had wished that she would remain silent. His mouth twisted upwards in grim amusement. Ginny was studying his face very carefully, the same way that he had seen her study her Charms spells; it was both unnerving and strangely attractive.

"You feel differently now, then," she observed. It wasn't a question. "We're friends." Something about that last word made Draco want to cringe, but he nodded nonetheless.

"Blaise wouldn't have let you into the room otherwise."

There was a moment of silence as Ginny digested this. To his surprise, she let her head fall onto his shoulder. Draco stiffened, but immediately relaxed. He could smell the vanilla coming off her hair in waves, her breathing was warm and steady. A fire started in the pit of Draco's stomach and he was suddenly more upset than ever that she had used the word friends.

"I always feel so lost," she whispered. "I don't know what we're doing. Is it even possible for a Slytherin and a Gryffindor to be friends?"

"I don't know." His mouth felt dry, and Draco was relieved that his voice came out steady. "But I'm willing to find out."

Ginny tilted her head sideways to look at him. "Did you write your mum back?"

"Yeah." Draco snorted. "I told her if she couldn't be bothered to write back for so long, then it was certainly none of her business. Besides," he continued more seriously, "nobody is allowed to insult you but me."

"You're a git," Ginny told him, but she was smiling. A bubble of relief expanded in Draco's chest. Ginny cleared her throat uncertainly. "Well… I should go back to the tower before Ron storms down here with an army in tow."

Draco scoffed. "I'd like to see him try."

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*Note - I know in the movies Ginny's Patronus is a Horse, but it's not listed in the books and I thought she deserved something more grand than a regular horse. Let me know what you think!