Chapter 11
Thou silver deity of secret night,
Direct my footsteps through the woodland shade;
Thou conscious witness of unknown delight,
The Lover's guardian, and the Muse's aid!
By thy pale beams I solitary rove,
To thee my tender grief confide;
Serenely sweet you gild the silent grove,
My friend, my goddess, and my guide.
E'en thee, fair queen, from thy amazing height,
The charms of young Endymion drew;
Veil'd with the mantle of concealing night;
With all thy greatness and thy coldness too.
Lady Mary Wortley Montagu
If anyone had tried to tell Ginny just a few short weeks ago, that she would be in the situation she currently found herself in, that person would likely have experienced a sample of the bat bogey-hex.
She was struggling desperately to wrap her mind around how it could all come to this... how she could be here, and doing so willingly!
Because, really, she thought. The situation was insurmountably absurd.
And speaking of absurd, she found herself once again in front of an altar, staring down at it apprehensively, about to participate in some ancient ritual AGAIN.
Never again, after this. she thought.
But, the fact was, Ginny Weasley had run out of options. Tom Riddle had bound her to him, yet no one had quite understood the extent of it. And now she was here, her hand on Draco Malfoy's arm, about to surrender the last precious thing she had, in the hopes of freeing herself from Tom.
The pair stood in front of the altar, and Nevanthi appeared. She was dressed in a long cloak, muttering to herself. Ginny surveyed the scene around her.
It really was beautiful; the darkness of the forest lit by candle and fairy lights, the moon shining down on the altar, and the handmaidens and Nevanthi dressed in traditional robes. She wondered how similar this scene was to the ancient Beltane rituals long ago, when the young witches and wizards who had just come of age came to celebrate. She looked down at her hand, studying the painted runes and wondering their meaning.
She looked at the boy who's arm she held. He was looking down at the altar, brow furrowed in thought. The moon light reflected off his blonde head, and his lashes cast shadows on his face. She thought of what a mystery he was, a puzzle that she held in her hands but struggled to put together, and wasn't sure she ever would.
Who would have thought, this boy, who had been horribly wicked, could save a life? Could save her life? This boy had only been regarded with hatred and contempt from Harry and her family. Who would have thought that despite all his wrongs, all his misdeeds, all the darkness that had plagued him, that he could have possibly been capable of something selfless... giving up everything for the welfare of another?
For me.
Her nerves began to calm. Draco Malfoy was many things, but after everything they had been through together, she found herself believing in him. She basked in the warmth of her thoughts as Nevanthi pulled out her wand, beckoning the two of them closer. Ginny felt Draco stiffen slightly, but he led the two of them forward. As they stepped up to the altar, Nevanthi handed Draco a small, wooden box that seemed to have had centuries of wear and tear.
Ginny had a sudden irrational fear.
"Oh, no," she moaned in fear, pointing to the box that Draco held, "that- that's not a ring, is it?"
Draco looked at her in surprise, his eyes slightly wide. Ginny turned to Nevanthi in a panic. "This- this isn't a marriage, right? It's just a bonding ceremony, isn't it?"
Nevanthi laughed, her eyes sparkling, bringing a hand to her mouth. Draco let out a sound of annoyed exasperation.
"Good Lord, Weasley," he admonished, rolling his eyes, "I don't know whether to laugh or feel incredibly offended. This is just a bonding ceremony, to enhance the power that your... purity, will release. Don't you worry, you needn't soil the Weasley name with any legal ties to me. But, really now, did you have to have such a repulsed look on your face when you said the word 'marriage'? I mean, I'm not an ogre, for Merlin's sake. Besides, you haven't even signed the loads of necessary financial paperwork that would entail... though I suppose at this point all I'm good for is the cloak on my back."
Ginny should have laughed at her own stupidity, but she was so relieved all she could do was sigh. After all, it had been a valid concern...
"No, Malfoy, you are no Ogre, but I admit that I'm relieved all the same." She gestured to Nevanthi. "I suppose I just ruined the moment, forgive me."
Nevanthi only smiled and shook her head. She waved her hand to the box that had been so off-putting to Ginny, and Draco opened it. Inside was on old, worn locket. It was gold with a similar chain, and had appeared to be almost as old as the box it was kept in. Draco nodded at the locket, and looked up at Nevanthi.
"Thank you," he said softly. "I didn't have anything- anything meaningful to give her."
Nevanthi nodded, and gestured to the altar. Draco must have known what he was doing because he placed it down gently, the gold chain sliding through his fingers. As the three gazed at the necklace, Nevanthi slowly withdrew a small dagger. Ginny felt her nerves flare up again violently.
Blood. Why does there always have to be blood?
She clenched her jaw, stifling her anxiety.
I am never doing a bloody ritual ever, EVER, again...
Nevanthi grasped Draco's hand, and he opened his palm to her. She brought down the tip of the dagger to his pointer finger, breaking the skin. He held his finger aloft as she set down the dagger, and a single drop of blood began to gather on his pale skin, looking black in the moonlight. Nevanthi muttered a few words with her eyes closed, and something that looked like a ribbon of fabric began to seep out of the wand and onto the altar. She gave the wand a flourish and the fabric was released from the wand. She grabbed Draco's hand, and in one motion, smeared the drop of blood that had been on his finger across the cloth.
As Ginny stared, Nevanthi used her wand to gather the fabric as it rolled itself into a small bundle. Then she magically opened the locket, placing the bundle gently inside. The ball of fabric fit perfectly inside, and it closed with a tiny click when Nevanthi placed her hand on it. She gestured to Draco, who took the golden necklace and placed it in his pocket.
Unsure what to think of this strange ritual, and hoping and praying that she hadn't just been a part of something dark, Ginny looked between the two of them for the next step. Nevanthi turned to her with a warm smile, and encouragement in her piercing blue eyes.
"Ginevra," she said gently, "This will put you on the right path."
Ginny gulped, but nodded her understanding. Draco held her arm, and together they walked further into the forest in silence, neither daring to utter a word.
Draco led Ginny by the hand as they walked in silence down a winding path, darkness shrouding both of them. Draco's grip on her hand was firm, and his footsteps were confident. Ginny hoped Draco couldn't feel her hand trembling, and was grateful for the silence as they walked, for she feared her voice would crack. As he led her deeper into the forest, she couldn't help but think that she was being led to her destiny.
Or perhaps her doom...
She looked down at the grip he had on her small hand, and held his hand tighter both to calm herself and to ward off the fears seeping into her mind. She shivered, but that was surely due to the chill that the evening was bringing. Ahead she saw dim lights, and as they approached, they were in another small clearing.
She could tell there were several charms and wards on the clearing, for when she stepped over the threshold, she immediately felt a blanket of warmth surround her, and the outside noises of the forest became muffled. In the clearing there was soft, green grass, lit by several enchanted candles that appeared to withstand the breeze of the outside air. Amongst the grass was an array of soft pillows and blankets, and what looked like a small end table with a wash basin.
It looked so lovely, so warm and inviting, but it was hard for Ginny to notice when her heart was pounding so hard that she could feel it in her throat.
She turned to Draco, wondering if his heart was racing also. He was staring at the bed as well. After a few moments he turned to her. His face was closed and unreadable but his silver eyes were reflecting the candles and fairy lights as he looked at her intently. He reached up and gently lowered her hood.
His eyes not leaving hers, he reached into his pocket and pulled out the locket, the gold chain laced between his fingers.
"Turn around." he commanded.
Ginny obeyed. She felt his hand at her neck and he swept her hair to the side. His hands came around and he clasped the locket around her, before prompting her to turn back around. She faced him, noting how close they stood together. She tried to take calming breaths, praying that her nerves weren't going to mess the whole bloody thing up.
As she struggled to control her breathing, Draco reached down and enclosed the locket in his hands. He brought it to his lips, closing his eyes. He let it linger there a moment before releasing it, letting it settle between her breasts. Ginny felt the warmth of the metal against her skin. She brought a hand to the locket, its presence filling her with warmth and peace.
"It doesn't feel like dark magic." she whispered.
He touched her chin with a finger. "Thats because it isn't."
She looked at him quizzically. "But there was blood, your blood. That has to be dark magic, doesn't it?"
"Dark magic is cruel," he whispered, "it is selfish. But this..." His finger moved from her chin back down to her hand which held the precious amulet. "This is me giving a part of myself to you, just as you are giving a part of yourself to me."
Ginny contemplated the meaning of his words. A lump rose in her throat, and she could only nod in understanding. He brought his hand to her cheek, his thumb tracing the soft skin. She marveled at the tender gesture, so very unlike the cold Draco Malfoy.
"Don't be afraid." He murmured.
"I'm not." she said, unconvincingly.
He brought his forehead down to rest on hers, and she felt the breath of his words hitting her lips.
"Ginny."
His grip on her was almost painful, but she found herself gripping him just as hard as the sound of her first name escaped his lips. He hesitated, then brought his wand out, pointing it to her abdomen. A soft glow left his wand, encircling her navel before disappearing. She didn't need to ask what it was, but was grateful all the same that it was done. He pocketed his wand before putting his hands on her again, holding her like she might flee from him at any moment.
"Ginny," he said quietly, and that exquisite vulnerability was back in his eyes, making her insides melt. His cold mask was gone, and she was willing to do just about anything to keep it away. "I would be lying to you if I said that I didn't desperately want this... That I haven't imagined it, that I haven't dared hope I could have you. But I did imagine, and I did hope. I dreamt of you surrendering completely to me. I have spent hours wondering what it would feel like to see and know every part of you, to fill myself with you, to become one with you... I'm not good, not good at all. I'm horribly selfish. I feel like if you don't let me have you tonight, something terrible will happen. Ginny, I want to take you and keep you all to myself. I want you to be mine completely. I want to make you feel things you've never felt, I want to give you pleasure. I want to show you how wonderful this can be, show you the extraordinary things your body is capable of feeling, something you could never hope to have with Tom Riddle, or even with Potter."
One of his hands snaked around her neck, tangling into her hair. The movement caused a thrill to coarse through her. She felt the walls of protection within her begin to crumble.
"I don't know what you've done to me," he said, his voice low and husky, "But I find myself going against everything I was ever taught, everything I have ever believed... I'm casting all of it aside because inexplicably I find myself willing to do just about anything for you. If you wish me to walk away now, it will be the hardest thing I have ever done, but I will do it, I swear it. Please, I'm begging you, if you don't want this, you have to tell me right now, right this minute, because my control right now is tenuous at best. If you offer yourself to me, I am not going to be able to stop."
Ginny took a shaky breath. She knew she was on the precipice of something great, something that would cause a cascade of effects that would forever alter both of their lives. She had imagined this moment would be someone else, a certain dark-haired someone else. She had imagined it hundreds, even thousands of times. But that boy was not here. That boy was gone. He had a destiny to fulfill, she understood, but having that destiny meant that she could never be the most important thing in his life. It meant secrets. It meant being left behind, cast aside. But the blonde boy in front of her, he hadn't left her, hadn't cast her aside. He looked at her with a pleading look in his silver eyes and she knew, she knew, that he would do anything for her, and nothing would stop him. She licked her lip nervously before leaning into him.
"Kiss me."
He let out a shaky breath of relief, and a flicker of a smile graced his face. Ginny felt one of his lean arms wrap itself around her waist. His other hand went to her face, his thumb on her cheek and his fingers reaching into her hair. He pulled her to him, his arm holding her tightly. His lips touched down on her own. His heated skin moved across hers and she willed her body to relax and open up to him.
With a barely audible sigh, she found herself melting into him, and her body responding with fervor. She held him just as tightly as he held her. She allowed herself to enjoy each touch, feeling the press of both of his hands on her body, and let her own hands move freely. One palm ran over his chest, where she could feel the racing of his heart beneath her touch.
His soul is pierced with many wounds, but you have the power to heal them.
And he will heal mine, she thought. His arms held her impossibly tighter. She broke the kiss in her need for air, and Draco took the opportunity of her arched neck to taste her there. His gentle lips moving across her skin began to ignite a deep need within her, a need to uncover all his secrets, to shine a light in all the shadowy places, see every part of him, and in turn, lay herself bare to him.
His lips back on hers, he brought a hand to the clasp of her cloak, and it fell to the ground in a dark puddle. The moonlight gleamed off her pale limbs, contrasting darkly with the painted runes on her body. Despite the warming charms, she shivered as the night air caressed her skin.
Draco moved back and looked at her for a long time. His gaze moved from her lips to the locket, to her white gown, to her eyes. He moved a hand back into her hair and whispered something. As he did, he ran his fingers down the crimson locks, and Ginny felt the braids and feather release, leaving her hair in long, loose waves.
The glint in his eye was smoldering as his hand ran down her hair. His breathing became sharper and heavier. He ran his hands up her arms, fingers moving along her flesh. Ginny felt a tightness in her core, and they both stilled their movements as their eyes locked. He wasn't moving, but there was a great something exchanging between them. Stars were falling, planets were aligning, and there was a great pull between them. Something in Ginny snapped, and she launched herself into Draco, crashing her lips onto his. She wound her hands into his hair, pulling him to her. The great need was growing within her, and it spurred her into passion. The need was turning into a flame and it was consuming her.
Whether it was herself or Draco, or both, she wasn't sure, but as they moved their lips together feverishly, they began backing towards the bedding on the forest floor. Draco's hands moved to her shoulders slipping first one then both sleeves of the gown off of her, before it fell silently to the forest floor, leaving her only in bra and knickers. He held Ginny gently by the wrists as she sat on the bed. Draco removed his shirt exposing his chest to her, before sitting down on the bed next to her. He placed a hand on each of her thighs, sliding them up and down. He did so with such control and softness that it was likely to drive her mad. She had an inferno raging within her, and she wanted to know that he felt it to. She kissed him fiercely, her patience running out. She tugged slightly on his hair and he released a groan, the only sign so far that he was in any worse shape than she was. He was touching her hair, her face, her thighs, but she wanted, no she had to have more, and for god's sake when was he going to get on with it?
"Draco," she gasped, willing him to see the burning desire inside her. She was seeking something. She needed the ferocity and intensity of their previous encounters. "Please, I- I need more. I need more right now!"
She wasn't sure if it was a result of the ritual, the result of her attraction and fascination with him that had built over the last weeks, or the fact that the last year of her life had been filled with nothing but painful sorrow and loneliness, completely devoid of life and passion, but she was utterly convinced that nothing in the world was more important than being with him this night.
He said nothing, breathing heavily, his silver eyes locked on hers.
"Draco," she repeated, eyes blazing, "touch me."
That was all he needed. The careful, controlled movements, the gentle caresses, the calculated touches, they all snapped with her words. Draco launched himself forward, pinning her down on the bed. A growl escaped his throat as he held her hands above her head, and began devouring the mounds of flesh that were spilling over her lacy bra. His lips, his mouth, his tongue, he was touching and kissing and tasting, and, oh, if only he would hurry up and just take the damn thing off!
As if hearing her thoughts, Draco raised her up to a seated position. As his fingers lowered the thin straps, his lips followed suit, moving across her collarbone and shoulder as he began divesting her of the garment. He reached behind her and expertly undid the clasp, and Ginny felt the warm air of the night hit her bared skin. For a moment, he just looked at her, hands digging into her thighs as he once again took in the site of her, her breasts bare with the locket nestled between them.
"Lie down." he whispered, licking his bottom lip.
She obeyed, instinctively raising her arms above her head and keeping them there. She didn't need to reach for him because he was already there, lips frantically moving across hers, his hair falling into his face. She could feel the heat of his breath on her. Then his hands were on her, really on her this time. He held her breasts in each hand, touching every part of them. Then his mouth replaced his hands and Ginny was sure she had never felt anything so bloody fantastic in her life.
"Do you like that?" he breathed against her.
"No, no, I love it- don't stop, please!"
She felt his breath hitch against her before obliging her request. She writhed and arched into him, while his body pressed her further down into the soft bed.
More, she thought, feeling his tongue slide against her, I need more...
She wrapped her legs around Draco as he licked and suckled her skin. She needed more, to feel more of him. As she tightened her legs around him, she could feel his hardness pressing against her. She rubbed herself against it, and even through her underwear it sent a jolt of pleasure through her. Draco released an animalistic grunt, and then began rubbing himself against her. The friction and tension were building inside her, and she knew something wonderful was about to happen. Draco stopped and pulled back, and in the darkness and gentle candlelight, she saw him remove the rest of his clothes. He leaned forward, dropping a kiss on her thigh, before grabbing a hold of her knickers. He pulled them down, his eyes clouded with lust. But instead of replacing his position on top of her, he lay beside her, propping his head up with his arm. She watched him as he studied her naked form unabashedly, running his free hand across her abdomen, tracing her navel.
"You are so beautiful." he whispered, and his voice took on a tone of urgency. "You're mine, all mine. There's no room for Tom Riddle anymore, there's only me. He can't hold you anymore. He can never have what you are about to give me. Never."
He kissed her with a renewed vigor, allowing his hand to travel between her legs. Ginny broke the kiss with a gasp, feeling his fingers exploring her. He gently and expertly touched her, stimulating the tender flesh. She felt a wetness, and when Draco began rubbing himself against her thigh, she knew he felt it too. The tension inside her was building to a tremendous high. She once again felt that great something inside of her that was locked in a cage. Her fire and passion that she had lost over the last year, it was struggling harder than ever before to be released, and it was so close, the lock was coming apart, the door was almost opening...
Then she felt Draco's fingers explore deeper, move inside her, and the cage within her was shattered. Her body coiled and released, muscles clenching and releasing, every cell rejoicing. Her cries of ecstasy echoed throughout their safe haven, heard only by the ears of her lover. His blonde head kissed and nipped at her neck, and he moved on top of her.
Still feeling the ripples of her release, she moaned as he entered her. There was a brief sting of pain, but as quickly as it came it was gone. She wrapped her arms around Draco, urging him to move. He slid in and out of her, whispering his desire for her in her ear. She was flooded with the sensations of him, of being filled by him, his body on top of hers, the sweat coming off of their entwined bodies.
Nothing has ever been more right than this, she thought, running her hands up his back.
Their pale limbs tangled in the moonlight, and she continued writhing beneath him. She knew it would end too soon, so she savored every moment, every gasp, every touch of his flesh. His rhythm became faster, and less controlled, his breathing erratic. She felt her own tension mounting once more. The cage had been shattered, yes, but now, she was flying. His body moving on her and inside her, his hot breath ragged in her ear, his hands gripping her hair and her hip to the point of pain, the hardness of his limbs and muscles... The waves of pleasure gave her wings, and she was soaring to unimaginable heights. She cried out in delight, and with a surge of strength that had long since been hidden from her, grabbed Draco and flipped him onto his back, climbing on top of him.
He ran his hands up and down her body as she moved on top of him, her head tipped back, eyes closed. She felt powerful... more powerful than she had ever felt in her life. She chanced a glance down at Draco, and he seemed incapable of doing anything else but hold her hips, watching her move on top of him. His eyes were hooded with lust and pleasure as he watched her. His mouth was partly open as his breathing came is gasps, and his cheeks were flushed. Seeing him like this, Ginny never wanted anything more in her entire life than she wanted him at this moment. She had never felt more free, never felt so alive, and she again tipped her head back, thanking the gods that she was capable of feeling such pleasure and joy. As she reveled in their love-making, the runes on their limbs began to glow, and the locket on her chest burned to near-scorching. The glow of the runes became brighter and brighter, looking almost like tiny flames on their pale bodies.
Draco's hands suddenly darted out, pulling her down so she lay on top of him, her breasts flush against his chest. He thrust his hips up to her, groaning in her ear. He thrust and thrust and spilled into her. As he made his last few movements inside of her, Ginny collapsed on him fully, resting her head on his chest. They were utterly spent. The runes on their bodies gave a final, almighty glow, and then disappeared. The ink was completely gone, leaving the skin behind it spotless.
Ginny lay on Draco's chest, struggling to catch her breath. She felt the drumming of Draco's heart underneath her cheek, finally beginning to slow down. His arms stayed wrapped around her, one hand stroking her hair. She was so warm, so exhausted, so sated in every way... Draco shifted, and she slid to the side of him, and he cradled her head in his shoulder, her legs still intertwined with his.
"How did that feel, Ginny?" Draco whispered to her, moving her hair off her sweat-covered forehead.
Ginny felt the gentle rise and fall of Draco's chest, felt his hand in her hair, and the warmth of his body wrapped up in hers. She adjusted her head so she could look up at the night sky, where an array of stars twinkled down at her. A smile of great peace and satisfaction spread across her tired face.
"It felt like flying."
X
Draco did not sleep that night.
He spent hours staring at the girl wrapped up in his arms. He touched her hair, her face, her lips, all gently enough not to wake her. He hardly dared believe it, but she was his, he had made her his. She didn't belong to Tom, or Harry fucking Potter, or any other... she belonged to him. A swell of triumph rose within him, but as the minutes ticked by, he found fear creeping into the back of his mind. He dared not sleep, lest they not wake before dawn, and at dawn the protective spells provided by Nevanthi would expire.
Now, dawn was fast approaching. He lowered his head, and nuzzled the shoulder of the beautiful creature before him.
"Ginny," he whispered, "we have to go."
Ginny turned her face into his chest and groaned, her tousled hair falling all around her.
"Just a lil' longer..." she mumbled.
"I'm afraid not, the protective spells will lift soon. You don't want to be caught starkers in the middle of the woods, do you?"
Ginny grumbled and sat up. "I hate mornings." she growled. The sheet fell away from her, exposing the amulet she wore and her bare breasts, and she gave a little squeak, grabbing the blanket and covering herself. Draco watched her bemusedly as an array of emotions flitted across her face, the memories of the night before quickly playing out. She held a hand to her head, eyes wide.
"Draco, did it work?"
Draco held her clothes out to her. "Only one way to find out. But really, we do need to get going. Quickly."
He watched Ginny get dressed, and when she turned around Draco held out her cloak. He put it around her shoulders and clasped it up for her, tucking her hair into her hood. He could tell she was biting back the comment that she was perfectly capable of putting the cloak on herself, but he didn't care. When he did up the clasp, he let his fingers linger a little too long on her neck, and she blushed.
The pair dressed and made their way hand in hand back to the run-down cottage, where Ginny immediately began gathering items to cook a breakfast. Draco left her to rummage in the kitchen, while he went back to the master bedroom. He used his foot to feel for the loose floorboard, where he had hidden a hand-mirror. Feeling a brief wave of dread, he brought it with him to the kitchen.
What if it didn't work, and Tom instantly discovered where they were? There were no other safe houses he could use...
The pair ate in silence, both occasionally shooting nervous glances at each other and at the mirror that lay face-down on the table. The air was filled with apprehension, though Draco wasn't quite sure if it was the events of last night, or whether or not they were about to find out if their plan had failed.
He could see Ginny was far away in thought, but he stifled the dozens of questions whirling in his mind, the words left unsaid after what had transpired between them.
Draco cleared his throat. "Well, are you ready to see if this worked?"
Ginny was clutching her tea white-knuckled, a flicker of fear shadowing her face.
"Y-yes. Let's try."
"Alright then." Draco handed her the mirror, and Ginny's hand trembled slightly as she took it.
"Ok," Ginny breathed, flipping the mirror over and looking directly into it, seeing her reflection. "I'll just look for a few minutes then, yes?"
Draco nodded, and Ginny stared at her reflection. Minutes ticked by, but her sparkling brown eyes never clouded. Draco stared at her as well, looking for any sign of abnormality, but as five and then ten minutes went by, she looked over at him questioningly.
"Did anything happen?"
"No, but... how much time do you think has passed?" he asked.
She shrugged. "I'm not sure, maybe ten minutes or so?"
Draco's heart leapt into his throat.
It worked, it had to have worked...
Trying very hard to suppress his excitement, he grabbed her hand and pulled her up from the table. "One more thing to check, I think."
He pulled her out the front door, almost in a run. Together they rushed to edge of the property, where he could see the barrier of the wards he had erected. It sparkled innocently back at him, but most importantly, as they looked all around themselves, there were no Death Eaters. No Tom. Not a soul could be seen for miles.
Draco turned to Ginny, who also looked like she didn't dare to hope for the best.
"He's not here," she said, her excitement showing through, "and I don't- I'm not trying to escape... I'm me... I'm still me!"
She brought her hands to her face, and smiled widely. It was a beautiful site.
"Draco, I- I think it worked! It worked!"
In a very un-Malfoy-like move, Draco let out a whoop of victory. He reached for Ginny and swung her around, her laugh ringing out around them. He dropped her back down, holding her close, unable to keep the grin off his face.
She looked up at him in glee. Draco couldn't believe his luck. For a moment, all he could think about was the face in front of him, and how someone so sweet and lovely could possibly believe he deserved such a radiant smile. His eyes dropped to her lips, and he leaned down to her, pulling her tightly to him. There was still much unsaid between them, but surely after all they had been through, he could kiss her now. Ginny answered his question by wrapping her arms around his neck and bringing her lips to his. They moved against each other gently, softly, none of the urgency from the night before. Ginny briefly broke the kiss, whispering a soft thank you against his lips, before returning quickly to his mouth.
Draco had told her she belonged to him, and he knew she would not leave him, but...
Could he kiss her whenever he wanted now? Could he touch her again? Would she let him make love to her again and again? Did she-
CRACK.
The couple broke apart at the violent noise of apparition, and Draco felt the blood freeze in his veins.
They were found.
One arm holding Ginny tightly, he drew his wand and whipped around to look at the barrier to see if Tom had indeed found them again.
The couple froze in shock at what they saw. Standing just outside the barrier, was a tall red-head. A pale, freckled, hand reached through the magical barrier. The hand had a large cut across the palm, and was dripping blood. An arm and a body followed suit, and the figure stepped completely inside the magical barrier.
The red-head looked down at his palm.
"It worked..." he murmured; eyes wide in disbelief. Then he looked up at the couple, who were still frozen in shock, and paled.
Ron Weasley stood before them, wand now drawn and pointing threateningly. Draco opened his mouth to speak, to explain-
CRACK.
CRACK.
Two more figures apparated to the barrier, flanking Ron Weasley. Both figures immediately drew their wands towards Draco. One had bushy, brown hair; eyes narrowed in concentration. The other had a mop of black hair, and as his green eyes met Draco, his gaze was positively murderous.
Draco stubbornly refused to lower his wand, his arm tightening around Ginny's waist, who's mouth was hanging open, eyes wide. She wobbled like she might faint and Draco prayed desperately that she could keep it together.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione surrounded them, and they looked ready for bloodshed.
x