Title: Angel Standing By (Walk Away)
Author:
Amanda Mancini (thefreakygeek@hotmail.com)
Rating:
PG-13
Genre:
Romance/Drama
Summary:
"I know exactly what it's like to try to make someone notice you, to wish they'd just give you a little praise to show they cared. But no matter what you do, no matter how hard you try, he'll never notice, and he'll never care."
Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling, Publishers, and Warner Bros. The song Angel Standing By belongs to Jewel. Idea of 'grunge style robes' for the Weird Sisters is from Heidi's Surfeit of Curses and used without permission. No profit is being made from this piece of fanfiction.
Author's Note: Dedicated to Sabrina Rosa Rodin, still my favourite cousin, as well as all the members of DracoGinnyFanfic and Penumbra_fic for their help and support.

Angel Standing by (Walk Away)
Chapter III: Unveil The mask

"Oh, hello Hagrid. Awfully chilly day, isn't it?"

Hagrid wheeled around but smiled when he saw it was just Ginny there. "Yeh startled me!" he chuckled as he gave a look around. "I've had so many other things on meh mind, I haven't had the time ter notice the weather... It looks like winter's finally on it's way. Where're yeh off ter on a day like this?"

"Just for a walk." She smiled and nodded politely as the half-giant made his excuses, that he couldn't talk and was on his way, and Ginny was okay with that. To tell the truth, she was used to it and actually liked the time alone. This really was her favourite season at Hogwarts, when there was only a bit of powdery snow on the ground and the grass was still poking through. All the trees' branches were a frosty silver and everytime there'd be a gust of wind, the snow would fly into the air into your hair and eyelashes. For Ginny, it was all so refreshing and there was nothing she enjoyed more then taking a walk on the school grounds and sit by the lake for a while, even if it took a quarter-hour to get there. And as she climbed her favourite tree -a giant elm- and sat on the branch that almost held her over the lake, she had a perfect view of the flying Gryffindors practicing in the Quidditch Pitch, particularly a certain seeker who was flying far above the rest.

~

For the beginning of December, the weather was surprisingly mild, not many bothered to take the time to notice that. They'd been far too busy thinking about other things. The last month had been spent learning all sorts of charms and transfigurations that would help them with their costumes. There was one that they'd be using on their masks that would stop others from recognising your voice, and a simmilar one for your face should you not have a very large mask. Unfortunately, the teachers assured that they would be immune to these spells and would severely penalize those who didn't follow the rules. It still sent chills up Ginny's spine when she heard Fred and George whispering about how 'useful' those spells would be...

~

"Oh Ginny, you have to come with me!" Hermione had said.

"Oh... what's wrong with Ron?" I'd answered her. "Or Harry? Why me?"

"You know I can't take them to look at girls' clothes!" she'd laughed back. "I need a female opinion, and you're the only other girl I'd ever talk to about these kinds of things!"

"Hermione, I'm no good at choosing robes! You know I've never had the chance to pick nice ones before!"

"You helped me get ready for the Yule Ball last year, and everything turned out perfect! Well, almost..." she'd added as an after-thought, "but i couldn't have done it without you. Please? Come with me?"

I couldn't help but blush. It was hard to believe that Hermione Granger needed help with anything, let alone considered me a friend. But I was flattered.

"Oh, alright," I had groaned.

Only a few hours later I found myself, completely speechless, in Hogsmeade with her in front of the Gladrags building. A blond, lanky witch by the name of Batty Croaker who smelled unusually like cake mix had led us inside through mazes of colorful hallways, past doors that read "Fall Colours", "Fall Textures", and "Left-Over Maple Syrup." I'd even peeked in one that looked like it had the grunge-syle clothes the Weird Sisters had worn last year.

Finally, we were lead through a door labeled 'Hogwarts Students' . Inside, it looked an awful lot like Madam Malkin's only much much larger, with rows and rows of fabrics that could have outnumbered the shelves in Howarts Library. And that's saying something.

"So," Batty had said. "Which of you two will I be outfitting today?" Almost hesitantly, 'Mione raised her hand and was whisked through the different aisles, Hermione pulling me close behind, showing us hundreds of photos and samples of what could be our 'dream costume.'

By the time December 13th and Ginny's own Gladrags appointment rolled around, Ginny had given her costume a lot of thought. And because she'd already seen what was being offered, she could clearly see it in her mind. Gladiola Hankypuff turned to be a... erm.. much calmer person then Miss. Croaker.Younger too, which made Ginny feel all the more confident about how she'd turn out. She couldn't help but grin stupidly as she adjusted her halo, straightened her wings, and span around making the flowy silver white fabric of her robes fan out just like the dresses of the spanish dancers she'd seen in a photo Gladiola showed her.

"You look absolutely gorgeous," Gladiola admired, eyes twinkling. And for the first time ever, Ginny actually felt it.

~

The evening of the 21st had come quickly and Ginny had miraculously managed to keep her costume a secret. What she really wanted to do was surprise everyone at the ball. She couldn't wait to see their faces when they found out it was her. Sure, Ron and Hermione tried to get it out of her, and Ginny was worried that maybe 'Mione felt hurt since she hadn't invited her to Gladrags, but that'd hadn't been the intention.

Hermione did end up seeing Ginny's costume before the ball. Ginny needed help when she'd accidentally gotten one of her wings stuck in the zipper of her robes.

"Great Merlin, Ginny! You look amazing!" she'd exclaimed after they got the 'disaster' sorted out. Ginny felt her face turn all sorts of colors and was glad that all of the other fourth year girls had left early. "And your mask!" Hermione gushed, picking it up and holding it to her face. "It goes wonderfully with your wings! These feathers are so adorable!"

"Stop it, Herm," she muttered as the fifth year returned the mask, smiling.

"Are you almost ready? As soon as I find my shoes, I'm done."

"Did you check under the bed?" Ginny joked as she turned to look at herself in the mirror, charming her mask to hover in front of her face. It really was a nice costume, when she thought about it, and made her look prettier than she actually was (probably because the mask hid those awful freckles and the dress made her body look fuller) but there was still something wrong...

"Well?"

"Um, Herm, I'll meet you down at the ball later. I've got to do something about my hair."

"Gin, no one will recognise your red hair once the spells have been put into place."

"But Herm, I'll know."

"Alright," Hermione accepted, not quite understanding. "I'll see you later then."

From her reflection in the mirror, Ginny watched Hermione leave the room after pulling a pair of brown shoes from under her bed. Ginny crept over to the door and pressed her ear against it, waiting a few moments, hearing her friend hum a tune as she left the emptycommon room through the portrait.

Yes, finally, she thought to herself as she treked out of hers into the fifth year dorm, to a bed belonging to a girl named Parvarti Patil. From underneath it she pulled out a stack of Teen Witch magazines that she remembered hearing Hermione complain about.

"Alright," Ginny whisered to herself resolutly. "There's got to be something useful in here."

Ginny settled on charming her hair to match her costume; a shining platinum-blond. Twisting it back and pinning it up, she finaly felt ready to go.

The merry sound of bells could be heard all around the school, accompanied by music as you got closer to the Great Hall. An orchestra of wood sprites were playing a series of Christmas carrols with their flutes and string instruments. So the ball had started already... Ginny began to walk faster.

Upon entering the Great Hall, Ginny realised just how different the ball would be this year. The tables had been pushed along the sides of the room bearing bowls and plates filled with various finger foods and drinks. Near them were small tables that could only seat four at the most. By the looks of it, there wouldn't be a large meal, they'd just be munching on things all night.

The decorations were stupefying, and there was no better way to describe it. Glittering garlands cascaded across the ceiling and mistletoe with wings was flying through the air, just waiting to hover above two unsuspecting "victims". Tables were covered in shimmering red, green, and white cloths with Saint Nick and Evergreen center pieces. The hall was dim and most of the light came from the enchanted starlit ceiling.

Ginny entered in awe, slowly taking in all the different costumes, each as beautiful and elaborate as the next. Two impressive looking knights with some red hair sticking out from under their helmets were poking each other with dull spears. Actually, as you may have guessed, these were Fred and George Weasley's costumes but Ginny, being enchanted, didn't realize that. Nor did anyone else. Next to them was a brightly colored court jester who would tap one on the shoulder with a loud 'tang!' only so the harassed night would blame the other. Not far away from them was.. a large yellow canary! No, Ginny realised after taking a second look, I was someone dressed as a toad who had eaten a canary cream.

Ginny quietly took a seat where the Ravenclaw table normally would have been, looking at the couples who were already dancing. For a moment, Ginny thought that maybe she should have gotten a date beforehand, even though it was against the point. At least she wouldn't have sat there, feeling lonely with nothing to do.

It was then that she noticed the three figures sitting where the Gryffindor table normally was and right away recognised Hermione in her 'Maid Marian' costume. She was holding hands with someone who seemed to be dressed as a minstrel, holding a mandolin in his other hand. Ginny smiled half hoping it was Ron, since she knew how long they'd had a crush on each other. But only half hoped, since she didn't want to have to admit that her brother had worn tights to the masquerade ball. It was at these times she didn't understand Hermione and her.. um.. tastes...

Ginny stood and straightened her dress, deciding that she might as well 'introduce' herself to them so she wouldn't waste the night by herself. A flash of red from their direction suddenly caught her attention and Ginny looked up. It seemed as though someone had noticed her. A wave. Someone was waving to hear, wearing the most beautiful costume she'd seen so far. He (It has to be a he, she reasoned, with a body like that) wore deep red robes that were almost glowing in red and orange, even blue in some parts. Fine, long feathers cascaded down his back, shimmering with flames even though nothing was actually burning. The blazing copper and gold beaked mask looked straight at her, and the phionex waved.

Wow, Ginny thought stupidly as she waved back. That must be Harry. It made more sense that he'd recognise her since he was the one who gave her the idea for a costume.

Harry nudged Ron-in-tights in the side and pointed in her direction. Hermione finally turned away fro him to see why his mouth was hanging open. As soon as she saw Ginny, she gave her a thumbs-up as Ron just looked at her, flabbergasted.

I wish I knew what he was thinking. Ginny didn't think she's ever recieved a compliment from her brother but the sight of him gaping at her like that made it all worthwhile. She sighed, relieved, when he (and Hemione, and Harry) began walking towards her. If he tells me to change, I'm going to kill him. The idea of them actually wanting to spend time with her made her feel all tingly, just because she remembered how they hadn't really cared at the beginning of the year.

It took her a few seconds to realise that she wasn't imagining the tingly feeling. Shivers ran up Ginny's spine and she turned her head to see that someone was tracing the outlike of her wings. She could actually feel their breath at the back of her neck. Turing completely, she found herself to face with an elegant scarlet Chinese Fireball. The mask had a crown of golden spikes and from it, in a voice she couldn't recognise, came:

"Could I have this dance?"

Startled by the costume, Ginny took a step away from him. Dance? she thought. No, I'm going to dance with Harry tonight. But Harry wasn't there. In fact, Hermione and Ron had dissapeared and Harry was was talking to someone dressed as a large peacock- complete with a few too many feathers sprouting from their rear. Ginny felt herself flush. There's goes that idea.

Without a second thought, she turned back to the dragon and extended her hand. "I would love to," she answered and allowed him to ead her onto the dance floor.

By then a band had begun to play, although they were masked too. Ginny couldn't recognise them, but swore they sounded fammiliar. Funny, how the harder she tried to remember where she'd heard them, the more she seemed to forget. They were playing a waltz, and suddenly Ginny started feeling nervous.She'd never really danced before except a few times with Bill when he was learning to impress the girls. She needn't have bothered, of course. All she had to do was follow her partner's lead. He was a much better dancer than Neville and it almost felt natural as they glided across the floor.

"Do you dance much?" Ginny asked him as the song changed to a slower one. He slid both his arms around her waist, and so having no other place to put her arms, she awkwardly held his shoulders.

"I would often when I was younger," he said. "My parents made me take lessons. I hated it then, but in the end it was worth it, I guess."

"Oh." How was she supposed to answer that?

"You look beautiful tonight," he said after a moment's silence, pulling her closer to his chest (or maybe it was just Ginny's imagination.) "You should wear such nice things more often."

"How do you know what I normally wear?"

The dragon chuckled. "You normally wear Hogwarts robes like the rest of us but I haven't seen anyone who's caught my eye like you have tonight."

Ginny felt her face burn. "Well, you know those schoo, robes" she said, stifling a giggle. "They don't do much for the figure."

"Or the view," he laughed, twirling her around.

"Who are you?" she asked out of the blue as she settled back into his arms, suddenly concious of this stranger she was dancing with.

"You're supposed to wait until the end of the ball," he answered sounding surprised.

"I know, but can't I find out sooner?" she teased, knowing she sounded nosy.

"Will it make a difference?"

"No, not really, I don't think so..." she answered. Liar, she thought to herself. If this is really Colin or Neville, I think I'll be sick. He shook his head. "Could you give me some clues?"

The dragon looked down at her for a moment, then smiled. "What house are you in?" he asked gently.

"Gryffindor," she answered softly.

"I'm not," he said. "What year are you in?"

"Fouth," she answered, even quieter than before.

"I'm not," he repeated. She shivered as she felt his hand fall lowever onto her back. He leaned towards her face and Ginny closed her eyes, anticipating what was about to happen-

"Would you like to sit and have a drink?"

Drink?! Giinny's eyes snapped open, a flood of emotions ran through her. Dissapointment:I thought he was going to kiss me... Relief:I thought he was going to kiss me! Embarassment... but still, she nodded and wondered why she felt this way. She'd only just met him.

The dragon held out his elbow. Ginny took it and they made their way to the serving tables, browsing the cuisine.

"Ooh, olives," she heard him mutter as he threw three in his mouth.

"I've heard of those," Ginny said, picking up one of the round black things. "I've never tried them before."

"Well, taste one then," she was encouraged by his shoulder nudging hers. With a little hesitation, she popped it into her mouth.

"Urgh!" she groaned. After scouring the table for a napkin, she spat it out and threw it away.

"It's an aquired taste," the dragon drawled mockingly which for some reason made Ginny feel suddely defensive.

"Well, it's only the first time I tried it," she answered quietly.

"In that case, would you like another?" He teased, eating a few more himself. "Maybe you'll aquire it on the second try?"

"Er, no thanks," she decided, grinning. "I'm just going to have a pasty."

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Now I have olive breath. I'll have some butterbeer... Would you like some?"

"Yes please," Ginny chirped, happy the mood had lifted. She watched him step into a line-up near a table with two goblets when she heard a grunt behind her. Wheelinga round, Ginny found herself face to face with two people who were dressed as a troll and gargoyle. She wrinkled her nose. These lumbering idiots certainly fit the parts.

"Pansy," the troll said. "Where's Draco?"

"Pansy?" Ginny asked, unsure if he was addressing her. "I'll have you know that I'm no pansy..."

"Where did Draco go?" the gargoyle repeated.

"Draco? What are you talking about?"

"Pansy, you were just dancing with him!"

"And they think we're stupid," the troll muttered to his friend.

"I'm not Pansy!" Ginny suddenly realised who they were talking about a pug-faced Slytherin fifth year she remembered hearing Ron make fun of because she was always hanging around with-

"Then why was Draco dancing with you?" the gargoyle pondered out loud.

The troll looked around the dance floor. "Where's Pansy? And who are you?"

Ginny clenched her fists at her sides. "That is none of your buisness,"she articulated menacingly and stomped away to a secluded table on the other end of the hall. Sitting down, she rested her head in her hands unable to believe what she'd just learned. Those two in the ugly costumes must have been Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, those two oafs that were always hanging around with Malfoy... and they thought she was Pansy because she'd been dancing with him.

"Hey, are you alright? Why are you here? Look, about the olives I-"

Ginny looked up to see the dragon standing before her holding two filled goblets. Of course, a dragon. Count on Malfoy to be so self-absorbed. Only he'd have a costume that has to do with his name.

"-didn't mean it like that. They're just olives, really. Would you..." his voice dropped to a whisper. "Would you still like to dance?"

Ginny looked up at him for a moment. "Why do you care, really?" This was beyond olives now. "There are so many other girls to dance with here, why do you care if you hurt one's feelings? You don't know who I am."

"How do you know that?" he asked in monotone.

"You don't know me at all."

"No, I don't know you."

Ginny downed her drink in one gulp. "Yes."

Draco startled. "Yes what?"

Ginny held out her hand and gave a small smile. "I'd still like to dance with you." I just don't understand why.

An authentic smile spread across his face and he gently took her hand, holding it for a moment before he put down his still full goblet and leading her to dance.

Those are Draco Malfoy's arms around my waist.

That's Draco Malfoy holding me.

Malfoy. Malfoy. Malfoy

MalfoyMalfoyMalfoyMalfoyMalfoy.

Every step pounded the truth in her ears. He'd spin her around during a fast song and for a moment it'd give her a thrill, but then she'd remember who she was with. She wanted to enjoy herself, but couldn't. She was enjoying herself, but it made her feel as though she was committing some crime. It was complicated, and what made it worse was that he held her gently like he knew something was wrong. If only he knew...

Ginny felt her stomach turn when Professor Dumbledore stood at the head table. It seemed that the headmaster too had worn a costume, although he hadn't worn a mask to hide his identity.

"The night has come to an end-" he began. Ginny could hardly believe that the ball had gone so fast. It had just started so well and then... "-and it looks as though we have all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves." The Great Hall applauded. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he continued. "First, I would like to thank our mystery performers for an excellent show. Perhaps you'd like to reveal your secret identities?" They nodded and the hall burst into amazed cheers as the band called Bad Karma left the stage. "Now," Dumbledore continued. "To the part most of us have been waiting for. You may now unveil your masks!"

He'd said the magic words they'd all been waiting for, and suddenly it was the last last thing Ginny wanted to hear. She'd imagined herself pulling off her mask as soon as the headmaster gave the word, just like the many people around her. Ginny was completely oblivious to the shreiks and whoops of surprise that wre going on. All she was focused on was the person in fornt of her. The dragon hadn't removed his mask either.

Ginny was happy that everyone else was too involved in thier own affairs to notice them. And how close they were standing together. The dragon smiled, raising a hand to the side of her face and edge of her mask.

"May I?" he asked. Ginny nodded shakilly. In an agonizingly slow motion, the dragon lightly tapped her mask with his wand whispering 'Finite Incantum' and it fell right into his hands. He looked at it for a few moments before looking up at Ginny's revealed face.

Don't blush, damn it, don't blush. That was it. She shut her eyes and braced herself for the dreaded reaction that was sure to come when he learned he'd been dancing with a Weasley.

You can imagine her surprise when she felt his arm encircle her waist.

"I like you best with red hair," he breathed as he ran his lips over her ear and pushed a white strand away. Ginny's eyes opened in complete shock. The dragon... Draco just bowed and walked away, dissapeared into the crowd.

He didn't even take off his mask, she thought, half angrilly.

And it was only as she was hanging her costume up in her wardrobe did she realise that he still had hers.

Special thanks to those who reviewed chapter two and gave me the motivation to keep writing: Rebecca, tennis, no idea, Sunshine, AthenaetVenus, GoddessofRainbows, Clem&Co., Hermione A. Snape, Ophie, Lulu, pheonixGrl***, and phoenix girl.

Julise: "is ginny going to end up spending all her time with draco at the dance and not know who he was???? that would be really cool!!!!" - Well, it kind of turned another way, didn't it? Should make for an interesting confrontation next chapter...

medea: "is harry gonna fall for ginny?? if he duz make her break his heart and get with draco... sorry but i don't like harry for being mean to ginny... " - I don't know if I'm going to make this a Harry/Ginny/Draco triangle yet. I know that really have a good set up for it, but I think I just might make a lot of serious crushing on Ginny's part... Lots of anger from Ron in either case, and a swearing!angry!Ron is always a good laugh!

prefer not to say: "in response to your summary it might not be the guy not noticing or caring, it might be that he's too shy to say that he cares or embaressed at showing his feelings or it could be he's scared of trying since he doesn't know for sure if you like him. I should know cause thats how I am." - Aw, that was nice to share.. are you an H/G shipper! (No, no, please don't egg this reviewer D/G shippers.) A few people actually kind of misinterpretted what I meant in the summary. You see, this is something Draco says at the end of chapter one. Someone mentioned it sounded slashy, and I was sorry to dissapoint them. He was referring to his father when he said "I know exactly what it's like to try to make someone notice you, to wish they'd just give you a little praise to show they cared. But no matter what you do, no matter how hard you try, he'll never notice, and he'll never care." Ginny just didn't know it at the time. It'll come.

AliEnChiCk: "Very well written, not TOO much fluff too quickly; that can get annoying. You've got it down perfectly. What will happen in the next chapter? Will Ginny take Harry's advice and become an angel?" - ell, I guess so, eh? I dislike to quick fluff as well and I think this fic is going to be a bit more lengthly then I planned... I do have a plot in mind, though! Woohoo!

Weirdest Review: "This old man! He played tick-tack on my chin!!" from split personalities we are. Um, thanks for reviewing.