Chapter Fourteen
Professor Dumbledore gave Draco a strange look. Draco wished he could accuse the old man of gloating, but the look was almost anguished. As though he were truly sorry about the scene that had just happened. Draco looked away quickly, feeling something he hadn't felt in years. Tears were stinging his eyes. He angrily brushed them away, determined not to let the old bastard see him cry. He was a Malfoy, by the Fates! He did not cry! He glared up at the Headmaster, but the man was no longer there. Draco let his expression relax and felt a mixture of anger and reluctant gratitude engulf him. Dumbledore must have left to give him time to compose himself. He was angry that he needed the time, but couldn't help feeling grateful that he wouldn't humiliate himself in front of the Headmaster. Draco may have thrown off his father's influence, but throwing off the teachings of a lifetime would take much, much longer.
He stared ahead, trying to think of what he was going to say to Bill Weasley. He hated to admit that Bill had pegged him, understanding that by not accepting Voldemort's mark, Draco had as good as declared himself as a non-follower. That didn't mean he was a traitor, though. He would lend his strength, his talent and his magic to Bill Weasley's cause, not because he believed in it, but because he no longer believed in his own father's cause. But he would not betray the people he'd grown up with. Crabbe and Goyle aside (their actions against Virginia had given them a one-way ticket to Azkaban or some other prison facility anyway) there were many Slytherins who felt as he did. They weren't evil; they just wanted to keep their community pure. He would fight to the death, if need be, but he would not inform on anyone.
As Draco was pondering what would happen to him now, Bill Weasley entered the room. The tall young man closed the door behind him. Draco looked up questioningly. Wasn't Dumbledore going to be in on this, too?
Bill pulled a chair closer to Draco's bed and sat, stretching his long, lean legs out in front of him. He lightly clasped his hands over his mid- section. Bill studied Draco as he had earlier, but there was something different in his expression; something Draco couldn't read.
Draco leaned back into the pillows more comfortably and thought idly how much Virginia looked like her brother without looking the least bit masculine. Suddenly Bill smiled.
"Yeah, I know. We take after our dad. The rest of 'em take after Mum."
Startled at having his thoughts read so accurately, Draco snapped, "And what about Percy the Prig? Who does he take after?"
Instead of bristling, Bill chuckled. "Is that what they call him? It fits. He's a git and a prig, but he's basically a good man. Takes after our uncle Roland, though. Ro's a Squibb and an accountant, so we don't talk about him much."
In spite of himself, Draco felt a smile forming on his lips. He tried to stifle it.
"A Squibb in the illustrious Weasley family?" He rolled his eyes heavenward. "'Fates! What has this world come to? Maybe you'd better back off a bit, it might be catching!"
Bill chuckled again. "Too late. I'd say that unless you're as pathetic at snogging as you are at insults, you're already infected."
Draco felt his cheeks grow warm. Was Bill Weasley actually sitting there, calmly asking if he and Virginia had been kissing? Or was he trying to find out whether Draco had tried to take advantage of his sister? Draco lowered his brows.
"And I'd say you should keep your long, Weasley nose out of my business," Draco answered, his voice hard and flat.
Now Bill rolled his eyes. "By Merlin, Malfoy, you're touchier than a dragon with an icicle up his arse! Nice, by the way, not to, er, kiss and tell. I half expected some snide comment slandering my sister. Half expected to have to knock your bloody teeth in. You're definite NOT the person I expected, given what Ron and Ginny have written about you."
Draco was about to sneer at Bill's ability to 'knock his teeth in', but the mention of Virginia's name brought him up short. He asked before he could stop himself.
"Virginia wrote about me?"
Then he wanted to kick himself. But he was in for another surprise. Bill didn't gloat. He smiled, but it was a friendly smile.
"Hmmm," he said in a musing tone. "What exactly did Ginny write? Ah, yes, I remember." Bill slanted Draco a look full of mischief. "She called you 'brute', 'bully', 'sneering, superior swine', 'stupid git', and 'arrogant pig'." He paused to consider again. "Know what I told her?"
"That you'd knock my bloody teeth in first chance you got?" Draco answered with a smirk. He wasn't really interested in what Bill had told Virginia. Probably something like 'tell your Head of House' or 'have Ron beat him up'.
Bill grinned, the mischief still glinting in his eyes.
"I told her it sounded like you were suffering from a bad case of raging hormones. I told her she should corner you and give you a big kick in the arse, or a big kiss on the lips. You'd either follow her around, completely hooked, or avoid her like she was insane. Either way, it couldn't hurt." Bill looked down and said in a mock-mournful tone, "Her reply wasn't fit for mixed company, though."
Draco couldn't reply. He could only blink stupidly at Bill. There had to be something wrong with the man. He advised his only sister to KISS the monster who was terrorizing her? Was he mad? Apparently not, part of his brain whispered. All it had taken was a bit of fudge and a hand knitted sweater and Draco had been done for. Or maybe it had been the knee in the groin? Either way, he had to think that Bill was probably right. Maybe he had been interested in Virginia since bumping into her on the train, but being a Weasley, he hadn't known how to approach her. And with him being a Malfoy, his pride probably wouldn't have let him admit he found her attractive, anyway.
He wished he had time to consider this, but all the mischief had left Weasley's face. The man was watching him and it was making Draco uncomfortable. What was Weasley up to? Was he waiting for some sort of positive response? Waiting for a declaration of undying love for his sister? Whatever it was, Bill finally seemed to give up waiting. He straightened and leaned forward in his chair.
"All right, Malfoy. Enough of this. You asked me to come, I'm here. Have you made a decision?"
Draco straightened too, at least as well as he could. He remembered Virginia's strong hands helping him sit up in the first place and prayed this Weasley wouldn't try to help him. Bill just watched, his face impassive. At least that made it easier to begin.
"I'll join you and you're band of 'merry men' or 'jolly johnnies' or whatever you call yourselves. I personally think you're all insane, but as my father also seems to be mad as a hatter, insanity must run in my family. We'll probably all be killed and not a soul left to mourn us, but that's just fine with me."
Bill didn't say anything at first. He tilted his head to the side and gave Draco a speculative look. Then he sat back and stretched out again.
"You know, Malfoy, even though you're only, what? Seventeen?" he paused, an eyebrow raised.
"Eighteen, last month," Draco supplied
"Right. Even though you're only eighteen and still in school, I think you have a better understanding of the situation than half the grown men I've met. Many of us will die. Many of us seem mad. It might seem futile to fight so awesome and imposing an enemy. But we will fight. And I think we'll win. I'll be glad to have you join us, but I want you to think about it seriously."
Bill paused for a moment, considering his next words.
"You know my brother Ron hates you. As do most of his friends. And I understand you've given them ample reason to."
Draco felt his face tighten. He hated Ron, too. As he'd hated all the Weasleys; instinctively, instantly. Until recently. With most of them, he figured the feeling would fade as he got older, but he would always hate Ron. He'd always thought of Ron as Potter's sidekick; poor, pathetic, always second best. He would always be the personification of everyone Draco had been taught to feel superior to. No matter how much everything else in his life changed, there was just too much between them for Draco to believe he would ever come to tolerate the youngest Weasley boy. The thoughts flashed through his head in an instant and he banished them just as quickly. While Bill Weasley might tolerate his interest in Virginia, Draco doubted he would approve of his feelings about Ron. Besides, the man was too damned good at guessing what Draco was thinking.
Bill watched his expression closely, but when it was obvious Draco wasn't going to respond, he continued.
"Don't get me wrong. Ron has his own problems, and his opinion of you doesn't really matter to me. I just want you to understand that most people have a certain perception of you. When they find you've saved my sister, risking your own life to do it, they'll start coming round. But you're going to have a hard time of it, at first. The people you'll be working with, most of them, have suffered because of your father, and they're just not going to accept you at first."
"Hell with them, then," Draco said flatly. "I'm not trying to win a popularity contest."
Bill held a hand up and continued. "Just hear me out. I WANT you to join us. I thought, and still think you'll be very important in our victory. I just want you to go into this with your eyes open. People are going to dislike and distrust you at first. Some of them, unfortunately, are never going to accept you. The friends you have now are going to call you a traitor, and your family might cast you off, as well."
Draco felt his mouth go dry. He'd known these things instinctively, but hearing Bill say them so calmly brought them home as nothing else had. He made himself shrug.
"What does it matter? I'm as good as dead to my family now, and I've never had what YOU would consider friends, anyway."
His voice trembled only slightly, but it didn't break.
Bill nodded. "Right, then. In a few days, as soon as you're recovered-," he began, but was interrupted.
"Hell with that!" Draco said harshly. "I'll join you but I want a few things from you first."
Bill had begun to stand, but he sat again and leaned forward, elbows on knees, waiting. Draco knew he wasn't really in a position to bargain, but if Weasley didn't know it, too bad. Besides, what he was going to ask wasn't really unreasonable.
"First, I want to leave soon, today. I'm well enough to travel, and I heal fast. If I'm not worried, you shouldn't be."
Bill considered, then nodded. "Fine. I'm leaving in a few hours, so if you think you can stay on your broom for a full night's riding, you're welcome to follow me. What else?"
"I have to owl my mother. She has to get out of the house before my fa- before he gets home. And I need to buy her some time."
"What do you mean, 'buy her some time'?"
"She hasn't any money of her own. She has to have time to sell some things, get enough together to take care of herself, without my, er, that man stopping her." Here, Draco bit his lip, knowing his mother to be useless without someone stronger to think for her. He'd do it himself, but he was going with Bill. Maybe he should postpone joining Bill, just find out where to show up.
"Look, Malfoy, I don't have a problem with that. I even think my father could come up with something on your, er, him," he amended hastily at Draco's look. "But I've met your mother. No offense, she's probably the most beautiful woman I've seen, but she is a bit," Bill paused, not knowing how Malfoy would take what he was going to say.
Draco knew what Weasley was trying to say and probably would have been offended, had he not been thinking the same thing.
"I think the word you're looking for is 'hopeless'," Draco said with only a small bit of acid in his voice.
"Well, no, not hopeless," Bill answered. "Just, er, inexperienced? She's never taken care of herself, has she?"
Draco shook his head. It was definitely a problem. Both of them sat, thinking, for several minutes
"I have an idea, but I'm not sure it would answer," Bill said finally.
"I haven't much choice, have I?" Draco snapped, then sighed. "Sorry, I'm just worried about her. What's your idea?"
"I, er, know Ginny told you about the bad blood between our families. I still don't know exactly what happened myself, and I get the idea Ginny was only told so she could," he gave Draco a half-hearted grin, "avoid you."
Heat spread over Draco's cheeks. He had no doubt that that was what Mrs. Weasley had in mind, little good it had done.
"Anyway, I wonder whether my mum would consider taking your mum in hand, helping her out and getting her safely away from your-her husband. Would you object?"
Draco hadn't even considered it. He couldn't imagine Molly Weasley would want anything to do with the Malfoys at all, much less actually help one of them.
"Would she?" Draco asked, not bothering to hide his disbelief.
"Good question," Bill admitted. "I'll send her an owl right away. If she doesn't, I'll find someone who will. Someone I trust, so you won't be worried."
Again, Draco felt an overwhelming surge of anger and gratitude. He hated feeling grateful to someone he had felt he was superior to. But even in this short period of time, he was growing to respect this particular Weasley. Two out of nine wasn't bad, he thought.
With great difficulty, he gritted, "Thank you."
"Welcome," Bill answered, not making a fuss over the thanks. "I'll get on it straight away."
"Wait," Draco said, lifting a hand as though trying to hold Bill back. "Just one more thing."
Again, Bill settled back into his chair.
"Shoot."
"I have some personal things to take care of, you know. Pack, set my owl free, that sort of thing. When I'm done, before we go, I'd like to see Virginia for a few minutes. Alone."
Bill looked resigned. "I thought you might ask. I didn't know you'd be going so fast and I told her you might want to see her. Unfortunately, she just had a sleeping draught, so she might be asleep. I-er,"
He paused, looking embarrassed. "Look, Malfoy, just be careful with her. She's a very special person, but I think you know that."
Draco nodded, surprised. He'd thought Weasley might refuse to let him see Virginia, or try to warn him off, but he didn't do either. He was just worried, as Draco would have been in his place. But he also seemed to know Draco wouldn't hurt her. Bill stood and paused for a second, as though waiting for other demands. Finally, he said, "I'll have Madam P send in your clothes as soon as she gets them," and he was off.
Draco lay back, exhausted. He was surprised that Weasley hadn't objected to him seeing his sister alone. If it had been Ron, he would have tried to take Draco's head off, he was sure. He hadn't been looking forward to saying goodbye to Virginia. He had no idea what her reaction would be, but now he would never know. She was asleep and didn't plan on seeing her once he left Hogwarts. Hell, he'd probably be dead within a year, so it didn't really matter. Besides, he'd had little to offer her in the first place, but now he had nothing. No family, no friends, no money, nothing. And how could he really expect her to forgive and forget everything he and his father had done to her and her family? Part of him was still disgusted with himself for feeling anything for her in the first place. But that part of him had lost much of its power. He might feel disgusted with himself, but he didn't care.
After a few minutes, though, Draco sighed and pulled himself up into a sitting position again. He could feel his strength coming back, though very slowly. He needed to mentally compose the letter to his mother, encouraging her to trust whoever Bill Weasley sent to her and not to worry about him. He wasn't looking forward to going back to Slytherin, though. Not very many things remained secret in a place like Hogwarts, so the rumours would already be flying. He might be in for a very unfriendly reception. He started to get out of the bed, but Medic Timmons walked in at that moment with a large box in his hands.
"Professor Snape brought these for you," the medic said through stiff lips. "There are some clothes, shoes, and writing paper. He has the rest of your things in his office."
Draco eyed the stocky, good-looking Magical Healing teacher, wondering at his attitude. Draco knew Virginia was one of his favorite students, so he wondered if the medic blamed him for Virginia's hospitalization. Not that he would be surprised. Draco blamed himself. But, the medic's expression wasn't one of blame or censure. He actually looked angry and jealous. Jealous? Was it possible that the man cared about Virginia as something more than a student?
Timmons dropped the box on one of the chairs and stood back, practically glaring at Draco. He had his arms crossed aggressively over his chest, and Draco imagined that he might have been a back up Beater, as well as a medi- wizard for the Falmouth Falcons. He certainly had the build for it. Draco stood shakily, his entire body one large ache. He made his way to the chair and pulled out trousers, tee shirt and white school shirt. Lifting his hands to the hem of the hospital scrub shirt he was wearing, he gave the medic a hard look.
"I assume I'm allowed to dress in privacy?" he asked, his voice only a bit sarcastic.
The medic gave a snort of disgust and stomped out of the room. Draco pulled the cotton shirt over his head, wincing at the pain in his ribs. Crabbe hadn't held back, that was certain. He glanced down at the spectacular display of bruises covering his chest and abdomen. He knew the internal damage was mostly healed, bones and large organs more important to fix than soft tissue damage. But the bruising was secondary, and Madam Pomfrey probably hadn't been too concerned about it at present. With a sigh, Draco pulled his tee shirt on, then carefully stepped into the trousers. As he was buttoning the shirt, he considered the medic again. The man was only a few years older than Draco, probably what girls would consider attractive. But this was ridiculous. He was a teacher. What business did a teacher have being attracted to one of his students? And what was he doing here anyway? Wasn't he supposed to be on holiday right now?
When Draco had added socks, shoes, tie and robe, he took some of the writing paper and the pre-inked quill from the box and pulled one of the chairs up to the bedside table. Sitting down, he pushed aside his worries about the medic and considered what to say to his mother. After a moment, he began writing. The letter to his mother was difficult to write, and Draco had to try several times before he had one he was happy with. He'd told his mother briefly that he'd had a falling out with Lucius that could rebound on her. He urged her to take anything of value she had, along with whatever clothing she needed and find somewhere safe to hole up. He said he had a friend named 'Bill' that could be trusted. Bill would send someone to help her get things together. Draco would send Archimedes to her to keep, but she shouldn't use her to send owls, as Archimedes was very distinctive. Draco told her he was going away for a while and he would send her the details later. He closed the letter sending his love, and hoping she wouldn't worry. He sealed the letter, feeling like he was sealing off his past life as well.
That done, he rose and picked up his wand. Placing the wand and letter in his pocket, he moved to the door and opened it. He knew Virginia's bed would be in the main part of the wing. Most of the beds were empty, but two beds near the isolation room were occupied. There were prefects standing conspicuously across the hall from the beds, and the patients appeared to be bound to their beds. As he got closer, he saw that it was Greg Goyle and Vincent Crabbe. Crabbe seemed to be sleeping. His face was swathed in bandages with small slits for the eyes. Goyle was propped on his side, breathing heavily, with strange tubes coming out of his mouth. One of the tubes seemed to be draining the saliva from his mouth, but the other appeared empty. Probably oxygen, he thought. What could be healed magically had probably been done, but there were some things that just had to heal in the old fashioned way.
Draco glanced at the prefects, a Ravenclaw and a Hufflepuff. He wondered why Granger wasn't here, but considering what these two did to another Gryffindor female, he wasn't surprised. The prefects watched him suspiciously, but didn't stop him. He continued on to the bed with the curtains drawn around it. Peeking in, he saw Virginia curled up on her side, apparently deeply asleep.
Draco hesitated for a moment, wondering if he shouldn't just leave her a note. She wouldn't hear what he had to say anyway, and just looking at her made his insides knot up again. His feet took the decision away from his brain when they started moving to her bedside.
She was asleep, her lips parted slightly, her short curls tumbled about her face. She was very pale, the freckles on her nose and cheeks standing out in stark relief. But she was beautiful. He really couldn't blame Timmons if he was attracted to her. She was brilliant in the man's field, strong and brave, and would become more beautiful with maturity. Draco reached out and brushed one curl away from her cheek. She sighed and rolled onto her back.
"I'm leaving," he told her softly, knowing she didn't hear. "I wish I could stay here, with you, but I can't. I'm not the same person I was a week ago, but I don't know who I am, and I don't know what will happen to me. I just wanted to let you know that wherever I am, whatever I do, you'll always be there. I-," he stopped, unable to continue.
I'll just give her a kiss on the forehead, he thought to himself. Just one small kiss. Then I'll go. He leaned over but her eyes fluttered open a bit at that moment. Draco's heart pounded. She was awake! But, no, her eyes were unfocused. She was still asleep.
"Draco?" Her voice was soft and slurred; she was talking in her sleep.
"Yes, love," he answered, wishing his heart would stop pounding. He leaned farther still, but instead of kissing her forehead, he brushed her lips with his.
She sighed, her arms coming up to wrap around her neck. The hazy gaze suddenly focused and she smiled.
"You're really here," she breathed.
Draco tried to pull away. If he stayed now, he'd never be able to leave on his own. She wouldn't let go, though.
"We haven't had our 'discussion' yet," she chided. Her voice was still slurred and sleepy, but her grip was strong.
"We'll have to put it off a bit, love," he told her gently.
"No, I don't think so," she insisted. Tightening her arms, she pulled him down again and pulled his lips to hers.
Gods, he thought, clumsily sitting on the bed and gathering her into his arms. How could he ever leave now? Then he nearly gasped with pleasure when she pushed his lips open with hers and pushed her tongue into his mouth. Draco held her more firmly and opened more widely for her. She made a soft purring sound in her throat as her tongue moved smoothly over his. Then, his head spinning, Draco thrust his tongue into her mouth, doing what she'd done, caressing the soft warmth he found. Her hands began to move restlessly over his back, caressing, pulling him closer.
Draco broke away from her mouth to rain kisses down her soft, arched neck. He swallowed hard when he saw the two fading bruises at the base of her throat and reverently kissed each one.
"I promise," he whispered huskily, "I'll never, ever hurt you again."
She sighed again, and slowly her arms relaxed. Draco watched as the eyes became unfocused again and she sank back into the pillows.
She gave him a last, tired smile, then she was asleep.
Draco stared at her for a moment, looking from her face with its still healing bruises and sticking plaster, to the evidence of his own violent treatment of her on her throat. He swallowed, still feeling her lips on his, making him lightheaded. But he looked at her injuries and felt his stomach knot up. Draco shook his head and suddenly realized what Bill had been telling him. Even if he, Bill, didn't object to his sister's interest in him, the rest of her family and all of her friends would. If he tried to stay with her, he would only hurt her. She would be torn between her family and him. That would tear her apart, and eventually that would kill any feelings she had for him. He couldn't bear to be responsible for a breach with her family. He could care less about them, but he did care about her. He couldn't do it. He had to leave.
Draco stood, pain wracking his heart as he turned away. He walked through the curtains, and back to his room to wait for Bill. Ginny never saw him at Hogwarts again.
Ginny woke suddenly, feeling a presence beside her. Looking up, she saw her brother, Bill, standing next to her and watching the curtains intently.
She sat up and the book on the Hippocratic Institute slid from her lap onto the floor with a loud bang. Bill jumped like a scalded cat and spun around so fast, Ginny started laughing.
"Lord, Gin, are you trying to scare me to death?" he demanded when he saw what had caused the noise.
"Sorry, Bill. I forgot the book was there! What are you doing? You look like you're on guard or something!"
Bill smiled weakly, putting a hand over his pounding heart.
"I am, sort of. Lucius Malfoy's coming to visit his son, and I'm just making sure he doesn't take a detour."
Ginny felt her skin crawl. She'd had no idea Lucius Malfoy was even in the school. But why would he come to see her? Had he already heard about Draco's interest? She was about to ask when they heard footsteps hurrying up the corridor. Then a silky, sneering voice, so like his son's, was heard.
"Don't think I'm letting him get away with this. You have no right to keep me away from my son. And I will speak with that little tramp who caused this or heads will roll!"
Ginny's eyes grew wide and she looked at Bill. "Am I the tramp he's talking about?" she whispered.
Bill's face was flushed and angry, but he nodded. When the voice receded in the distance, Bill pulled up a chair and sat down with her.
"I better tell you, Gin. Lucius Malfoy's not happy with you. He even tried to lay his hands on you when you were brought in. If I hadn't been here, he might have, too. Anyway, I busted him in the face and thought he was out for a while. Then they brought Draco in, but the healers were still working on you. Lucius took the opportunity to start in on him! That man is a piece of work. Pure bastard. And I don't want him anywhere near you. The things he said."
Bill stopped, as though he'd already said too much. Ginny tried to get him to elaborate, but he wouldn't.
"But," he finally said, "I will say that listening to that bloody bastard, I'm a lot more impressed with your Draco than I was before. To have THAT as a father, and still do the right thing by you, well, I'm surprised."
Then Bill got down to business. He wanted the complete, unvarnished, and unedited version of what happened. He also wanted to know what her plans were.
After a few false starts, Ginny told him everything. He mused for a moment, then said, "Well, better not tell Mum your sweater's ruined. And don't mention the fudge, either. She'll flip."
Ginny had been looking very dejected, but he grinned at her. "Should have taken my advice, luv. A good kick in the arse, or a good kiss on the lips would have straightened things out all right and tight."
Ginny managed a weak smile before he grew serious. "You understand that neither of you can stay here, right? You should go to the Hippo Institute, Gin, you'd be great there. And Malfoy-Draco, could be very useful to our cause."
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked suspiciously.
Bill sighed. "I guess I better explain," he said. "But you can't let any of this out!"
He explained what he and his recruits were doing, infiltration, espionage, prepositioning people in case of war. He'd been working on this for over a year, but they felt that war would break out soon.
"Draco's a good man, or he will be with time. But if he stays here, he won't be able to change."
"Are you saying you plan on sending him lord knows where, to maybe be killed, or maimed? For your cause?"
Ginny could feel the tears and tried to control them, but even though she knew Bill was probably right, she didn't want to believe him.
"He's not even graduated, Bill! And he CAN change! I know it! Why do you have to take him away now?"
Bill came over and held her hand. "It's still his choice, luv, and he hasn't made a decision, but I think it would be best for him and you right now. And, besides, it's not just him. You have to leave, too. Do you really think this can be kept a secret? And once it gets out, every enemy Dad has will be screaming for your blood! Every enemy Malfoy has will be screaming for his son's blood. There will be a war, but I don't want our family to be the cause. Ginny," he paused, then continued more gently, "you're wasted here. There's nothing they can teach you that would be more helpful than advanced medical training. You're good at it, always have been.
"Even," he added with a small smile, "when us boys would rough each other up. You were just a little thing, but you'd heal us up, and never tell Mum!"
Tears were coursing down Ginny's cheeks, but she nodded. She knew he was right. That didn't mean she had to like it.
"Will I get to say goodbye?" she asked her brother.
"If Mal-Draco has any say, I'm sure you'll be seeing him," Bill assured her.
Just then, Medic Timmons pushed through the curtains. He was carrying a tray with a mug of liquid, and looked extremely concerned.
"How are you feeling, Gin-Miss Weasley?" he asked with a quick glance a Bill. Then he moved to the bedside and put the tray down.
"I'm feeling better, sir," Ginny said with a small sniffle. She wiped her eyes quickly, not liking her teacher to see her crying. "But what are you doing here? I thought you were on holiday?"
"I was the last teacher to see Malfoy," the medic's voice hardened slightly, "before he disappeared. Professor Dumbledore called me back this morning."
He took her hand and chafed it between his. "You're still very cold. You need to get rest. I've brought a mild draught that will help you sleep."
Ginny lowered her brows in confusion at his voice, first angry, then tender. She pulled her hand away, somehow feeling uncomfortable with this man who was, until that moment, her favorite teacher. She was missing something, but didn't know what it was.
She looked at Bill, seeing his expression was also confused. He looked from Ginny to the medic, then widened his eyes. He opened his mouth, but there was a commotion outside the curtains. Professor Snape pulled the cloth back and glared at Bill.
"I'm taking this-person," he motioned to Lucius Malfoy's still struggling form floating in the air behind him, "to the headmaster's office. I think you will be summoned soon enough. When I'm finished with this-garbage-I will collect Draco's things and leave them with the healer."
The curtain was yanked shut and they heard Professor Snape and his charge move back up the aisle and out of the ward. Ginny turned wide eyes on Bill.
"What did he mean, 'collecting Draco's things'? Are you-," she paused, seeing Bill's concerned look. "Er, are they taking him to prison? They can't! HE SAVED MY LIFE!"
Bill glanced at the medic, looking uncomfortable. Ginny looked at him, too, noticing that he looked outraged.
"Prison is where that guttersnipe belongs," he muttered. "He nearly caused you to be killed! I hope he gets the kiss!"
Both Bill and Ginny looked shocked at the mention of the most dread punishment that could be inflicted. A Dementor's Kiss left the victim alive but brainless and soulless. But most of the Dementors had already thrown in with the Dark Lord, so it was a groundless fear. Ginny shuddered anyway, and Bill glared at the medic.
"Would you excuse us? I want to speak with my sister alone."
"But, her medicine-," he began.
"I'll make sure she takes it," Bill said firmly.
Timmons turned to Ginny, but Bill cut him off.
"I only have a short time. Now, please?"
Timmons could do nothing but go.
"Okay, Gin, you know what we discussed with Mal-Draco. I think he may have decided to come with me. But don't worry, Severus is just collecting his things so he doesn't have to go back to Slytherin. He won't be ready to travel for a few days, so you should be able to see him. And I hope you remember-."
There was a discrete cough outside the cubicle and Professor Dumbledore entered. "Young Mr. Malfoy would like to see you," he told Bill.
"Damn," Bill said quietly. "Gin, just try to keep in mind what's best for everyone right now. Now, take your draught, luv, and I'll be off."
He lifted the mug and watched while Ginny drained the contents. He smiled at the face she pulled and gave her a peck on the cheek.
"See you later, luv. Now get some rest."
Ginny lay back and watched as the Headmaster and Bill left her alone. Her eyelids grew heavy and she felt a wonderful languor spread over her. The sleeping draught might be mild, but it worked fast. Ginny was asleep within minutes.
The next she knew, Ginny heard a voice. She couldn't make out the words, they seemed to be coming from a great distance. But the voice was Draco's. He was here! But she couldn't see him. Her whole body seemed heavy and slow, and she couldn't seem to speak. Then she realized she was asleep. She had to wake up. Something told her it was very important that she wake up, now! Ginny fought the lazy warmth that was surrounding her, and forced her mind to work. Open your eyes, you lazy cow, she ordered herself.
Her eyelids fluttered, but she still couldn't see clearly. She felt warm lips touch hers and electricity shot through her. She opened her eyes a bit more and saw Draco's thin, hard face just above her.
"You're really here!" she breathed as joy filled her.
He was trying to pull away from her, but Ginny wasn't about to let him go. Not on your life, she thought ferociously.
"We haven't had our 'discussion' yet," she chided. Her voice sounded slurred and weak, but she wasn't about to let him off that easily.
"We'll have to put it off a bit, love." He'd called her 'love', Ginny thought happily. And his voice was so tender!
"No, I don't think so." Ginny tightened her arms.
Her lips touched his and it was like magic! She wanted more, but the medicine she'd drunk was already creeping back, trying to pull her back into sleep. No, she thought desperately, pulling Draco closer, kissing him harder. Then he kissed her back, a deep, desperate kiss that left Ginny breathless. Too soon, he pulled his lips away, but he only moved them to her throat. Ginny felt the rumbling moan in her throat and couldn't believe that sexy, sultry sound came from her.
He kissed the base of her throat, then whispered in a strangled, husky voice, "I promise I'll never, ever hurt you again."
Ginny sighed happily. Stay with me, she thought, wondering if she'd actually said the words. But it didn't matter. She would tell him later. Then, finally, she sank back into sleep.
The hospital wing was dark when Ginny woke, but she felt a deep, searing sense of loss. She remembered Draco coming to her, kissing her. She remembered he'd said something to her before she woke, but couldn't make out the words. But something was wrong. He'd been here, kissing her, but something didn't fit. Ginny reached up to yank at the uncomfortable neck of her hospital gown and it hit her. He'd been fully dressed! He hadn't been in hospital scrubs, but neatly dressed in pants, shirt and robe! He was leaving!
Throwing back the blankets, Ginny shot out of the bed. She hurried past the prefects, still guarding their charges, and toward the isolation room. By the time she got to the door, she was moving at a dead run and panting heavily. The door was open. Ginny burst into the room, suddenly relieved to see the candle burning. They wouldn't leave a candle burning in an empty room. Then she stopped. The room wasn't empty. Professor Dumbledore was sitting in one of the chairs, looking at her sadly. He motioned to one of the chairs and said, "I thought you'd come. Please sit, we have to discuss your future."
Five days later, Ginny was standing on the platform of the Hogsmeade station, waiting for the weekly supply train from London. Ariel had arrived the day after Draco had left, and had stood staunchly at her bedside while Ron had railed at her. Oddly, though, when Harry tried to add his own condemnation, it was Ron, and not Ariel, who had put him in his place.
"This is a family matter, Harry!" Ron had hissed. "And just because you and Cho had a fight, doesn't give you a right to sniff round my sister! So back off!"
Harry had retreated in affronted silence, and Ron had finally calmed down a bit. Hearing his own harsh words from Harry's mouth seemed to have put things into perspective. He'd finally convinced Ariel to let him talk with Ginny privately.
"Look, Ginny," he had said finally, "If you'd only told me he was bothering you, none of this would have happened. I'd have taken care of Malfoy."
Ginny had sighed. How could she explain that Ron never needed anyone to tell him when Harry or Hermione were distressed, so it hurt terribly that she, his own sister, should have had to spell it out for him. And there was no way he would understand that even after what had happened, what she'd been through directly or indirectly at Draco's hands, she felt such a strong attachment that it was tearing her up. At her continued silence, Ron had awkwardly taken her hand and tried to comfort her.
"Its for the best that he left, Gin, you'll see," he had assured her.
Ginny remained in hospital for the next three days and spent her last day at Hogwarts packing and avoiding everyone except Ariel. The tall black girl stayed by her side, comforting Ginny with her presence. She didn't offer any empty platitudes, she just was there. Ginny was extremely grateful. Ron and Ariel were the only students Ginny allowed to see her off. Finally, with tears and promises to write, Ginny boarded a carriage to Hogsmeade Station and never entered Hogwarts again.
At the station, Ginny went over her plans. She would travel back to London, where her parents would meet her. They would take her to the Ministry of Magic, the Department of Magical Travel, where she would use a special port key to transport her and her belongings to the Hippocratic Institute. Then her new life would begin. Ginny looked back only once. She saw the castle in the distance and coldly turned her back on it. She remembered the last words Draco had ever said to her. "I promise I'll never, ever hurt you again."
The train had unloaded and was getting ready to pull away, when Ginny finally boarded.
"You lied, Draco Malfoy," she whispered. Then she buried her face in her hands and cried.
Professor Dumbledore gave Draco a strange look. Draco wished he could accuse the old man of gloating, but the look was almost anguished. As though he were truly sorry about the scene that had just happened. Draco looked away quickly, feeling something he hadn't felt in years. Tears were stinging his eyes. He angrily brushed them away, determined not to let the old bastard see him cry. He was a Malfoy, by the Fates! He did not cry! He glared up at the Headmaster, but the man was no longer there. Draco let his expression relax and felt a mixture of anger and reluctant gratitude engulf him. Dumbledore must have left to give him time to compose himself. He was angry that he needed the time, but couldn't help feeling grateful that he wouldn't humiliate himself in front of the Headmaster. Draco may have thrown off his father's influence, but throwing off the teachings of a lifetime would take much, much longer.
He stared ahead, trying to think of what he was going to say to Bill Weasley. He hated to admit that Bill had pegged him, understanding that by not accepting Voldemort's mark, Draco had as good as declared himself as a non-follower. That didn't mean he was a traitor, though. He would lend his strength, his talent and his magic to Bill Weasley's cause, not because he believed in it, but because he no longer believed in his own father's cause. But he would not betray the people he'd grown up with. Crabbe and Goyle aside (their actions against Virginia had given them a one-way ticket to Azkaban or some other prison facility anyway) there were many Slytherins who felt as he did. They weren't evil; they just wanted to keep their community pure. He would fight to the death, if need be, but he would not inform on anyone.
As Draco was pondering what would happen to him now, Bill Weasley entered the room. The tall young man closed the door behind him. Draco looked up questioningly. Wasn't Dumbledore going to be in on this, too?
Bill pulled a chair closer to Draco's bed and sat, stretching his long, lean legs out in front of him. He lightly clasped his hands over his mid- section. Bill studied Draco as he had earlier, but there was something different in his expression; something Draco couldn't read.
Draco leaned back into the pillows more comfortably and thought idly how much Virginia looked like her brother without looking the least bit masculine. Suddenly Bill smiled.
"Yeah, I know. We take after our dad. The rest of 'em take after Mum."
Startled at having his thoughts read so accurately, Draco snapped, "And what about Percy the Prig? Who does he take after?"
Instead of bristling, Bill chuckled. "Is that what they call him? It fits. He's a git and a prig, but he's basically a good man. Takes after our uncle Roland, though. Ro's a Squibb and an accountant, so we don't talk about him much."
In spite of himself, Draco felt a smile forming on his lips. He tried to stifle it.
"A Squibb in the illustrious Weasley family?" He rolled his eyes heavenward. "'Fates! What has this world come to? Maybe you'd better back off a bit, it might be catching!"
Bill chuckled again. "Too late. I'd say that unless you're as pathetic at snogging as you are at insults, you're already infected."
Draco felt his cheeks grow warm. Was Bill Weasley actually sitting there, calmly asking if he and Virginia had been kissing? Or was he trying to find out whether Draco had tried to take advantage of his sister? Draco lowered his brows.
"And I'd say you should keep your long, Weasley nose out of my business," Draco answered, his voice hard and flat.
Now Bill rolled his eyes. "By Merlin, Malfoy, you're touchier than a dragon with an icicle up his arse! Nice, by the way, not to, er, kiss and tell. I half expected some snide comment slandering my sister. Half expected to have to knock your bloody teeth in. You're definite NOT the person I expected, given what Ron and Ginny have written about you."
Draco was about to sneer at Bill's ability to 'knock his teeth in', but the mention of Virginia's name brought him up short. He asked before he could stop himself.
"Virginia wrote about me?"
Then he wanted to kick himself. But he was in for another surprise. Bill didn't gloat. He smiled, but it was a friendly smile.
"Hmmm," he said in a musing tone. "What exactly did Ginny write? Ah, yes, I remember." Bill slanted Draco a look full of mischief. "She called you 'brute', 'bully', 'sneering, superior swine', 'stupid git', and 'arrogant pig'." He paused to consider again. "Know what I told her?"
"That you'd knock my bloody teeth in first chance you got?" Draco answered with a smirk. He wasn't really interested in what Bill had told Virginia. Probably something like 'tell your Head of House' or 'have Ron beat him up'.
Bill grinned, the mischief still glinting in his eyes.
"I told her it sounded like you were suffering from a bad case of raging hormones. I told her she should corner you and give you a big kick in the arse, or a big kiss on the lips. You'd either follow her around, completely hooked, or avoid her like she was insane. Either way, it couldn't hurt." Bill looked down and said in a mock-mournful tone, "Her reply wasn't fit for mixed company, though."
Draco couldn't reply. He could only blink stupidly at Bill. There had to be something wrong with the man. He advised his only sister to KISS the monster who was terrorizing her? Was he mad? Apparently not, part of his brain whispered. All it had taken was a bit of fudge and a hand knitted sweater and Draco had been done for. Or maybe it had been the knee in the groin? Either way, he had to think that Bill was probably right. Maybe he had been interested in Virginia since bumping into her on the train, but being a Weasley, he hadn't known how to approach her. And with him being a Malfoy, his pride probably wouldn't have let him admit he found her attractive, anyway.
He wished he had time to consider this, but all the mischief had left Weasley's face. The man was watching him and it was making Draco uncomfortable. What was Weasley up to? Was he waiting for some sort of positive response? Waiting for a declaration of undying love for his sister? Whatever it was, Bill finally seemed to give up waiting. He straightened and leaned forward in his chair.
"All right, Malfoy. Enough of this. You asked me to come, I'm here. Have you made a decision?"
Draco straightened too, at least as well as he could. He remembered Virginia's strong hands helping him sit up in the first place and prayed this Weasley wouldn't try to help him. Bill just watched, his face impassive. At least that made it easier to begin.
"I'll join you and you're band of 'merry men' or 'jolly johnnies' or whatever you call yourselves. I personally think you're all insane, but as my father also seems to be mad as a hatter, insanity must run in my family. We'll probably all be killed and not a soul left to mourn us, but that's just fine with me."
Bill didn't say anything at first. He tilted his head to the side and gave Draco a speculative look. Then he sat back and stretched out again.
"You know, Malfoy, even though you're only, what? Seventeen?" he paused, an eyebrow raised.
"Eighteen, last month," Draco supplied
"Right. Even though you're only eighteen and still in school, I think you have a better understanding of the situation than half the grown men I've met. Many of us will die. Many of us seem mad. It might seem futile to fight so awesome and imposing an enemy. But we will fight. And I think we'll win. I'll be glad to have you join us, but I want you to think about it seriously."
Bill paused for a moment, considering his next words.
"You know my brother Ron hates you. As do most of his friends. And I understand you've given them ample reason to."
Draco felt his face tighten. He hated Ron, too. As he'd hated all the Weasleys; instinctively, instantly. Until recently. With most of them, he figured the feeling would fade as he got older, but he would always hate Ron. He'd always thought of Ron as Potter's sidekick; poor, pathetic, always second best. He would always be the personification of everyone Draco had been taught to feel superior to. No matter how much everything else in his life changed, there was just too much between them for Draco to believe he would ever come to tolerate the youngest Weasley boy. The thoughts flashed through his head in an instant and he banished them just as quickly. While Bill Weasley might tolerate his interest in Virginia, Draco doubted he would approve of his feelings about Ron. Besides, the man was too damned good at guessing what Draco was thinking.
Bill watched his expression closely, but when it was obvious Draco wasn't going to respond, he continued.
"Don't get me wrong. Ron has his own problems, and his opinion of you doesn't really matter to me. I just want you to understand that most people have a certain perception of you. When they find you've saved my sister, risking your own life to do it, they'll start coming round. But you're going to have a hard time of it, at first. The people you'll be working with, most of them, have suffered because of your father, and they're just not going to accept you at first."
"Hell with them, then," Draco said flatly. "I'm not trying to win a popularity contest."
Bill held a hand up and continued. "Just hear me out. I WANT you to join us. I thought, and still think you'll be very important in our victory. I just want you to go into this with your eyes open. People are going to dislike and distrust you at first. Some of them, unfortunately, are never going to accept you. The friends you have now are going to call you a traitor, and your family might cast you off, as well."
Draco felt his mouth go dry. He'd known these things instinctively, but hearing Bill say them so calmly brought them home as nothing else had. He made himself shrug.
"What does it matter? I'm as good as dead to my family now, and I've never had what YOU would consider friends, anyway."
His voice trembled only slightly, but it didn't break.
Bill nodded. "Right, then. In a few days, as soon as you're recovered-," he began, but was interrupted.
"Hell with that!" Draco said harshly. "I'll join you but I want a few things from you first."
Bill had begun to stand, but he sat again and leaned forward, elbows on knees, waiting. Draco knew he wasn't really in a position to bargain, but if Weasley didn't know it, too bad. Besides, what he was going to ask wasn't really unreasonable.
"First, I want to leave soon, today. I'm well enough to travel, and I heal fast. If I'm not worried, you shouldn't be."
Bill considered, then nodded. "Fine. I'm leaving in a few hours, so if you think you can stay on your broom for a full night's riding, you're welcome to follow me. What else?"
"I have to owl my mother. She has to get out of the house before my fa- before he gets home. And I need to buy her some time."
"What do you mean, 'buy her some time'?"
"She hasn't any money of her own. She has to have time to sell some things, get enough together to take care of herself, without my, er, that man stopping her." Here, Draco bit his lip, knowing his mother to be useless without someone stronger to think for her. He'd do it himself, but he was going with Bill. Maybe he should postpone joining Bill, just find out where to show up.
"Look, Malfoy, I don't have a problem with that. I even think my father could come up with something on your, er, him," he amended hastily at Draco's look. "But I've met your mother. No offense, she's probably the most beautiful woman I've seen, but she is a bit," Bill paused, not knowing how Malfoy would take what he was going to say.
Draco knew what Weasley was trying to say and probably would have been offended, had he not been thinking the same thing.
"I think the word you're looking for is 'hopeless'," Draco said with only a small bit of acid in his voice.
"Well, no, not hopeless," Bill answered. "Just, er, inexperienced? She's never taken care of herself, has she?"
Draco shook his head. It was definitely a problem. Both of them sat, thinking, for several minutes
"I have an idea, but I'm not sure it would answer," Bill said finally.
"I haven't much choice, have I?" Draco snapped, then sighed. "Sorry, I'm just worried about her. What's your idea?"
"I, er, know Ginny told you about the bad blood between our families. I still don't know exactly what happened myself, and I get the idea Ginny was only told so she could," he gave Draco a half-hearted grin, "avoid you."
Heat spread over Draco's cheeks. He had no doubt that that was what Mrs. Weasley had in mind, little good it had done.
"Anyway, I wonder whether my mum would consider taking your mum in hand, helping her out and getting her safely away from your-her husband. Would you object?"
Draco hadn't even considered it. He couldn't imagine Molly Weasley would want anything to do with the Malfoys at all, much less actually help one of them.
"Would she?" Draco asked, not bothering to hide his disbelief.
"Good question," Bill admitted. "I'll send her an owl right away. If she doesn't, I'll find someone who will. Someone I trust, so you won't be worried."
Again, Draco felt an overwhelming surge of anger and gratitude. He hated feeling grateful to someone he had felt he was superior to. But even in this short period of time, he was growing to respect this particular Weasley. Two out of nine wasn't bad, he thought.
With great difficulty, he gritted, "Thank you."
"Welcome," Bill answered, not making a fuss over the thanks. "I'll get on it straight away."
"Wait," Draco said, lifting a hand as though trying to hold Bill back. "Just one more thing."
Again, Bill settled back into his chair.
"Shoot."
"I have some personal things to take care of, you know. Pack, set my owl free, that sort of thing. When I'm done, before we go, I'd like to see Virginia for a few minutes. Alone."
Bill looked resigned. "I thought you might ask. I didn't know you'd be going so fast and I told her you might want to see her. Unfortunately, she just had a sleeping draught, so she might be asleep. I-er,"
He paused, looking embarrassed. "Look, Malfoy, just be careful with her. She's a very special person, but I think you know that."
Draco nodded, surprised. He'd thought Weasley might refuse to let him see Virginia, or try to warn him off, but he didn't do either. He was just worried, as Draco would have been in his place. But he also seemed to know Draco wouldn't hurt her. Bill stood and paused for a second, as though waiting for other demands. Finally, he said, "I'll have Madam P send in your clothes as soon as she gets them," and he was off.
Draco lay back, exhausted. He was surprised that Weasley hadn't objected to him seeing his sister alone. If it had been Ron, he would have tried to take Draco's head off, he was sure. He hadn't been looking forward to saying goodbye to Virginia. He had no idea what her reaction would be, but now he would never know. She was asleep and didn't plan on seeing her once he left Hogwarts. Hell, he'd probably be dead within a year, so it didn't really matter. Besides, he'd had little to offer her in the first place, but now he had nothing. No family, no friends, no money, nothing. And how could he really expect her to forgive and forget everything he and his father had done to her and her family? Part of him was still disgusted with himself for feeling anything for her in the first place. But that part of him had lost much of its power. He might feel disgusted with himself, but he didn't care.
After a few minutes, though, Draco sighed and pulled himself up into a sitting position again. He could feel his strength coming back, though very slowly. He needed to mentally compose the letter to his mother, encouraging her to trust whoever Bill Weasley sent to her and not to worry about him. He wasn't looking forward to going back to Slytherin, though. Not very many things remained secret in a place like Hogwarts, so the rumours would already be flying. He might be in for a very unfriendly reception. He started to get out of the bed, but Medic Timmons walked in at that moment with a large box in his hands.
"Professor Snape brought these for you," the medic said through stiff lips. "There are some clothes, shoes, and writing paper. He has the rest of your things in his office."
Draco eyed the stocky, good-looking Magical Healing teacher, wondering at his attitude. Draco knew Virginia was one of his favorite students, so he wondered if the medic blamed him for Virginia's hospitalization. Not that he would be surprised. Draco blamed himself. But, the medic's expression wasn't one of blame or censure. He actually looked angry and jealous. Jealous? Was it possible that the man cared about Virginia as something more than a student?
Timmons dropped the box on one of the chairs and stood back, practically glaring at Draco. He had his arms crossed aggressively over his chest, and Draco imagined that he might have been a back up Beater, as well as a medi- wizard for the Falmouth Falcons. He certainly had the build for it. Draco stood shakily, his entire body one large ache. He made his way to the chair and pulled out trousers, tee shirt and white school shirt. Lifting his hands to the hem of the hospital scrub shirt he was wearing, he gave the medic a hard look.
"I assume I'm allowed to dress in privacy?" he asked, his voice only a bit sarcastic.
The medic gave a snort of disgust and stomped out of the room. Draco pulled the cotton shirt over his head, wincing at the pain in his ribs. Crabbe hadn't held back, that was certain. He glanced down at the spectacular display of bruises covering his chest and abdomen. He knew the internal damage was mostly healed, bones and large organs more important to fix than soft tissue damage. But the bruising was secondary, and Madam Pomfrey probably hadn't been too concerned about it at present. With a sigh, Draco pulled his tee shirt on, then carefully stepped into the trousers. As he was buttoning the shirt, he considered the medic again. The man was only a few years older than Draco, probably what girls would consider attractive. But this was ridiculous. He was a teacher. What business did a teacher have being attracted to one of his students? And what was he doing here anyway? Wasn't he supposed to be on holiday right now?
When Draco had added socks, shoes, tie and robe, he took some of the writing paper and the pre-inked quill from the box and pulled one of the chairs up to the bedside table. Sitting down, he pushed aside his worries about the medic and considered what to say to his mother. After a moment, he began writing. The letter to his mother was difficult to write, and Draco had to try several times before he had one he was happy with. He'd told his mother briefly that he'd had a falling out with Lucius that could rebound on her. He urged her to take anything of value she had, along with whatever clothing she needed and find somewhere safe to hole up. He said he had a friend named 'Bill' that could be trusted. Bill would send someone to help her get things together. Draco would send Archimedes to her to keep, but she shouldn't use her to send owls, as Archimedes was very distinctive. Draco told her he was going away for a while and he would send her the details later. He closed the letter sending his love, and hoping she wouldn't worry. He sealed the letter, feeling like he was sealing off his past life as well.
That done, he rose and picked up his wand. Placing the wand and letter in his pocket, he moved to the door and opened it. He knew Virginia's bed would be in the main part of the wing. Most of the beds were empty, but two beds near the isolation room were occupied. There were prefects standing conspicuously across the hall from the beds, and the patients appeared to be bound to their beds. As he got closer, he saw that it was Greg Goyle and Vincent Crabbe. Crabbe seemed to be sleeping. His face was swathed in bandages with small slits for the eyes. Goyle was propped on his side, breathing heavily, with strange tubes coming out of his mouth. One of the tubes seemed to be draining the saliva from his mouth, but the other appeared empty. Probably oxygen, he thought. What could be healed magically had probably been done, but there were some things that just had to heal in the old fashioned way.
Draco glanced at the prefects, a Ravenclaw and a Hufflepuff. He wondered why Granger wasn't here, but considering what these two did to another Gryffindor female, he wasn't surprised. The prefects watched him suspiciously, but didn't stop him. He continued on to the bed with the curtains drawn around it. Peeking in, he saw Virginia curled up on her side, apparently deeply asleep.
Draco hesitated for a moment, wondering if he shouldn't just leave her a note. She wouldn't hear what he had to say anyway, and just looking at her made his insides knot up again. His feet took the decision away from his brain when they started moving to her bedside.
She was asleep, her lips parted slightly, her short curls tumbled about her face. She was very pale, the freckles on her nose and cheeks standing out in stark relief. But she was beautiful. He really couldn't blame Timmons if he was attracted to her. She was brilliant in the man's field, strong and brave, and would become more beautiful with maturity. Draco reached out and brushed one curl away from her cheek. She sighed and rolled onto her back.
"I'm leaving," he told her softly, knowing she didn't hear. "I wish I could stay here, with you, but I can't. I'm not the same person I was a week ago, but I don't know who I am, and I don't know what will happen to me. I just wanted to let you know that wherever I am, whatever I do, you'll always be there. I-," he stopped, unable to continue.
I'll just give her a kiss on the forehead, he thought to himself. Just one small kiss. Then I'll go. He leaned over but her eyes fluttered open a bit at that moment. Draco's heart pounded. She was awake! But, no, her eyes were unfocused. She was still asleep.
"Draco?" Her voice was soft and slurred; she was talking in her sleep.
"Yes, love," he answered, wishing his heart would stop pounding. He leaned farther still, but instead of kissing her forehead, he brushed her lips with his.
She sighed, her arms coming up to wrap around her neck. The hazy gaze suddenly focused and she smiled.
"You're really here," she breathed.
Draco tried to pull away. If he stayed now, he'd never be able to leave on his own. She wouldn't let go, though.
"We haven't had our 'discussion' yet," she chided. Her voice was still slurred and sleepy, but her grip was strong.
"We'll have to put it off a bit, love," he told her gently.
"No, I don't think so," she insisted. Tightening her arms, she pulled him down again and pulled his lips to hers.
Gods, he thought, clumsily sitting on the bed and gathering her into his arms. How could he ever leave now? Then he nearly gasped with pleasure when she pushed his lips open with hers and pushed her tongue into his mouth. Draco held her more firmly and opened more widely for her. She made a soft purring sound in her throat as her tongue moved smoothly over his. Then, his head spinning, Draco thrust his tongue into her mouth, doing what she'd done, caressing the soft warmth he found. Her hands began to move restlessly over his back, caressing, pulling him closer.
Draco broke away from her mouth to rain kisses down her soft, arched neck. He swallowed hard when he saw the two fading bruises at the base of her throat and reverently kissed each one.
"I promise," he whispered huskily, "I'll never, ever hurt you again."
She sighed again, and slowly her arms relaxed. Draco watched as the eyes became unfocused again and she sank back into the pillows.
She gave him a last, tired smile, then she was asleep.
Draco stared at her for a moment, looking from her face with its still healing bruises and sticking plaster, to the evidence of his own violent treatment of her on her throat. He swallowed, still feeling her lips on his, making him lightheaded. But he looked at her injuries and felt his stomach knot up. Draco shook his head and suddenly realized what Bill had been telling him. Even if he, Bill, didn't object to his sister's interest in him, the rest of her family and all of her friends would. If he tried to stay with her, he would only hurt her. She would be torn between her family and him. That would tear her apart, and eventually that would kill any feelings she had for him. He couldn't bear to be responsible for a breach with her family. He could care less about them, but he did care about her. He couldn't do it. He had to leave.
Draco stood, pain wracking his heart as he turned away. He walked through the curtains, and back to his room to wait for Bill. Ginny never saw him at Hogwarts again.
Ginny woke suddenly, feeling a presence beside her. Looking up, she saw her brother, Bill, standing next to her and watching the curtains intently.
She sat up and the book on the Hippocratic Institute slid from her lap onto the floor with a loud bang. Bill jumped like a scalded cat and spun around so fast, Ginny started laughing.
"Lord, Gin, are you trying to scare me to death?" he demanded when he saw what had caused the noise.
"Sorry, Bill. I forgot the book was there! What are you doing? You look like you're on guard or something!"
Bill smiled weakly, putting a hand over his pounding heart.
"I am, sort of. Lucius Malfoy's coming to visit his son, and I'm just making sure he doesn't take a detour."
Ginny felt her skin crawl. She'd had no idea Lucius Malfoy was even in the school. But why would he come to see her? Had he already heard about Draco's interest? She was about to ask when they heard footsteps hurrying up the corridor. Then a silky, sneering voice, so like his son's, was heard.
"Don't think I'm letting him get away with this. You have no right to keep me away from my son. And I will speak with that little tramp who caused this or heads will roll!"
Ginny's eyes grew wide and she looked at Bill. "Am I the tramp he's talking about?" she whispered.
Bill's face was flushed and angry, but he nodded. When the voice receded in the distance, Bill pulled up a chair and sat down with her.
"I better tell you, Gin. Lucius Malfoy's not happy with you. He even tried to lay his hands on you when you were brought in. If I hadn't been here, he might have, too. Anyway, I busted him in the face and thought he was out for a while. Then they brought Draco in, but the healers were still working on you. Lucius took the opportunity to start in on him! That man is a piece of work. Pure bastard. And I don't want him anywhere near you. The things he said."
Bill stopped, as though he'd already said too much. Ginny tried to get him to elaborate, but he wouldn't.
"But," he finally said, "I will say that listening to that bloody bastard, I'm a lot more impressed with your Draco than I was before. To have THAT as a father, and still do the right thing by you, well, I'm surprised."
Then Bill got down to business. He wanted the complete, unvarnished, and unedited version of what happened. He also wanted to know what her plans were.
After a few false starts, Ginny told him everything. He mused for a moment, then said, "Well, better not tell Mum your sweater's ruined. And don't mention the fudge, either. She'll flip."
Ginny had been looking very dejected, but he grinned at her. "Should have taken my advice, luv. A good kick in the arse, or a good kiss on the lips would have straightened things out all right and tight."
Ginny managed a weak smile before he grew serious. "You understand that neither of you can stay here, right? You should go to the Hippo Institute, Gin, you'd be great there. And Malfoy-Draco, could be very useful to our cause."
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked suspiciously.
Bill sighed. "I guess I better explain," he said. "But you can't let any of this out!"
He explained what he and his recruits were doing, infiltration, espionage, prepositioning people in case of war. He'd been working on this for over a year, but they felt that war would break out soon.
"Draco's a good man, or he will be with time. But if he stays here, he won't be able to change."
"Are you saying you plan on sending him lord knows where, to maybe be killed, or maimed? For your cause?"
Ginny could feel the tears and tried to control them, but even though she knew Bill was probably right, she didn't want to believe him.
"He's not even graduated, Bill! And he CAN change! I know it! Why do you have to take him away now?"
Bill came over and held her hand. "It's still his choice, luv, and he hasn't made a decision, but I think it would be best for him and you right now. And, besides, it's not just him. You have to leave, too. Do you really think this can be kept a secret? And once it gets out, every enemy Dad has will be screaming for your blood! Every enemy Malfoy has will be screaming for his son's blood. There will be a war, but I don't want our family to be the cause. Ginny," he paused, then continued more gently, "you're wasted here. There's nothing they can teach you that would be more helpful than advanced medical training. You're good at it, always have been.
"Even," he added with a small smile, "when us boys would rough each other up. You were just a little thing, but you'd heal us up, and never tell Mum!"
Tears were coursing down Ginny's cheeks, but she nodded. She knew he was right. That didn't mean she had to like it.
"Will I get to say goodbye?" she asked her brother.
"If Mal-Draco has any say, I'm sure you'll be seeing him," Bill assured her.
Just then, Medic Timmons pushed through the curtains. He was carrying a tray with a mug of liquid, and looked extremely concerned.
"How are you feeling, Gin-Miss Weasley?" he asked with a quick glance a Bill. Then he moved to the bedside and put the tray down.
"I'm feeling better, sir," Ginny said with a small sniffle. She wiped her eyes quickly, not liking her teacher to see her crying. "But what are you doing here? I thought you were on holiday?"
"I was the last teacher to see Malfoy," the medic's voice hardened slightly, "before he disappeared. Professor Dumbledore called me back this morning."
He took her hand and chafed it between his. "You're still very cold. You need to get rest. I've brought a mild draught that will help you sleep."
Ginny lowered her brows in confusion at his voice, first angry, then tender. She pulled her hand away, somehow feeling uncomfortable with this man who was, until that moment, her favorite teacher. She was missing something, but didn't know what it was.
She looked at Bill, seeing his expression was also confused. He looked from Ginny to the medic, then widened his eyes. He opened his mouth, but there was a commotion outside the curtains. Professor Snape pulled the cloth back and glared at Bill.
"I'm taking this-person," he motioned to Lucius Malfoy's still struggling form floating in the air behind him, "to the headmaster's office. I think you will be summoned soon enough. When I'm finished with this-garbage-I will collect Draco's things and leave them with the healer."
The curtain was yanked shut and they heard Professor Snape and his charge move back up the aisle and out of the ward. Ginny turned wide eyes on Bill.
"What did he mean, 'collecting Draco's things'? Are you-," she paused, seeing Bill's concerned look. "Er, are they taking him to prison? They can't! HE SAVED MY LIFE!"
Bill glanced at the medic, looking uncomfortable. Ginny looked at him, too, noticing that he looked outraged.
"Prison is where that guttersnipe belongs," he muttered. "He nearly caused you to be killed! I hope he gets the kiss!"
Both Bill and Ginny looked shocked at the mention of the most dread punishment that could be inflicted. A Dementor's Kiss left the victim alive but brainless and soulless. But most of the Dementors had already thrown in with the Dark Lord, so it was a groundless fear. Ginny shuddered anyway, and Bill glared at the medic.
"Would you excuse us? I want to speak with my sister alone."
"But, her medicine-," he began.
"I'll make sure she takes it," Bill said firmly.
Timmons turned to Ginny, but Bill cut him off.
"I only have a short time. Now, please?"
Timmons could do nothing but go.
"Okay, Gin, you know what we discussed with Mal-Draco. I think he may have decided to come with me. But don't worry, Severus is just collecting his things so he doesn't have to go back to Slytherin. He won't be ready to travel for a few days, so you should be able to see him. And I hope you remember-."
There was a discrete cough outside the cubicle and Professor Dumbledore entered. "Young Mr. Malfoy would like to see you," he told Bill.
"Damn," Bill said quietly. "Gin, just try to keep in mind what's best for everyone right now. Now, take your draught, luv, and I'll be off."
He lifted the mug and watched while Ginny drained the contents. He smiled at the face she pulled and gave her a peck on the cheek.
"See you later, luv. Now get some rest."
Ginny lay back and watched as the Headmaster and Bill left her alone. Her eyelids grew heavy and she felt a wonderful languor spread over her. The sleeping draught might be mild, but it worked fast. Ginny was asleep within minutes.
The next she knew, Ginny heard a voice. She couldn't make out the words, they seemed to be coming from a great distance. But the voice was Draco's. He was here! But she couldn't see him. Her whole body seemed heavy and slow, and she couldn't seem to speak. Then she realized she was asleep. She had to wake up. Something told her it was very important that she wake up, now! Ginny fought the lazy warmth that was surrounding her, and forced her mind to work. Open your eyes, you lazy cow, she ordered herself.
Her eyelids fluttered, but she still couldn't see clearly. She felt warm lips touch hers and electricity shot through her. She opened her eyes a bit more and saw Draco's thin, hard face just above her.
"You're really here!" she breathed as joy filled her.
He was trying to pull away from her, but Ginny wasn't about to let him go. Not on your life, she thought ferociously.
"We haven't had our 'discussion' yet," she chided. Her voice sounded slurred and weak, but she wasn't about to let him off that easily.
"We'll have to put it off a bit, love." He'd called her 'love', Ginny thought happily. And his voice was so tender!
"No, I don't think so." Ginny tightened her arms.
Her lips touched his and it was like magic! She wanted more, but the medicine she'd drunk was already creeping back, trying to pull her back into sleep. No, she thought desperately, pulling Draco closer, kissing him harder. Then he kissed her back, a deep, desperate kiss that left Ginny breathless. Too soon, he pulled his lips away, but he only moved them to her throat. Ginny felt the rumbling moan in her throat and couldn't believe that sexy, sultry sound came from her.
He kissed the base of her throat, then whispered in a strangled, husky voice, "I promise I'll never, ever hurt you again."
Ginny sighed happily. Stay with me, she thought, wondering if she'd actually said the words. But it didn't matter. She would tell him later. Then, finally, she sank back into sleep.
The hospital wing was dark when Ginny woke, but she felt a deep, searing sense of loss. She remembered Draco coming to her, kissing her. She remembered he'd said something to her before she woke, but couldn't make out the words. But something was wrong. He'd been here, kissing her, but something didn't fit. Ginny reached up to yank at the uncomfortable neck of her hospital gown and it hit her. He'd been fully dressed! He hadn't been in hospital scrubs, but neatly dressed in pants, shirt and robe! He was leaving!
Throwing back the blankets, Ginny shot out of the bed. She hurried past the prefects, still guarding their charges, and toward the isolation room. By the time she got to the door, she was moving at a dead run and panting heavily. The door was open. Ginny burst into the room, suddenly relieved to see the candle burning. They wouldn't leave a candle burning in an empty room. Then she stopped. The room wasn't empty. Professor Dumbledore was sitting in one of the chairs, looking at her sadly. He motioned to one of the chairs and said, "I thought you'd come. Please sit, we have to discuss your future."
Five days later, Ginny was standing on the platform of the Hogsmeade station, waiting for the weekly supply train from London. Ariel had arrived the day after Draco had left, and had stood staunchly at her bedside while Ron had railed at her. Oddly, though, when Harry tried to add his own condemnation, it was Ron, and not Ariel, who had put him in his place.
"This is a family matter, Harry!" Ron had hissed. "And just because you and Cho had a fight, doesn't give you a right to sniff round my sister! So back off!"
Harry had retreated in affronted silence, and Ron had finally calmed down a bit. Hearing his own harsh words from Harry's mouth seemed to have put things into perspective. He'd finally convinced Ariel to let him talk with Ginny privately.
"Look, Ginny," he had said finally, "If you'd only told me he was bothering you, none of this would have happened. I'd have taken care of Malfoy."
Ginny had sighed. How could she explain that Ron never needed anyone to tell him when Harry or Hermione were distressed, so it hurt terribly that she, his own sister, should have had to spell it out for him. And there was no way he would understand that even after what had happened, what she'd been through directly or indirectly at Draco's hands, she felt such a strong attachment that it was tearing her up. At her continued silence, Ron had awkwardly taken her hand and tried to comfort her.
"Its for the best that he left, Gin, you'll see," he had assured her.
Ginny remained in hospital for the next three days and spent her last day at Hogwarts packing and avoiding everyone except Ariel. The tall black girl stayed by her side, comforting Ginny with her presence. She didn't offer any empty platitudes, she just was there. Ginny was extremely grateful. Ron and Ariel were the only students Ginny allowed to see her off. Finally, with tears and promises to write, Ginny boarded a carriage to Hogsmeade Station and never entered Hogwarts again.
At the station, Ginny went over her plans. She would travel back to London, where her parents would meet her. They would take her to the Ministry of Magic, the Department of Magical Travel, where she would use a special port key to transport her and her belongings to the Hippocratic Institute. Then her new life would begin. Ginny looked back only once. She saw the castle in the distance and coldly turned her back on it. She remembered the last words Draco had ever said to her. "I promise I'll never, ever hurt you again."
The train had unloaded and was getting ready to pull away, when Ginny finally boarded.
"You lied, Draco Malfoy," she whispered. Then she buried her face in her hands and cried.