Chapter 4
The next few days finally passed and suddenly it was the day before the Quidditch match. All afternoon classes, as well as detention, Quidditch practice and Astronomy classes were cancelled. Peeves had gone on a rampage, plugging up toilets on several upper floors, causing flooding on the lower floors and in the dungeons. He had also released all of Hagrid's magical creatures, had caused an explosion in the potions lab and uprooted many of Professor Sprout's herbology specimens.
The resulting chaos had teachers, prefects, and even the ghosts scurrying everywhere, trying to recapture creatures, save plants, and generally restore order. The students were given a picnic lunch on the castle lawn and told to stay out of the forest, out of the castle, and out of trouble until they were called back in.
With the picnic lunch and the unusually warm weather for late October, the day had a sort of holiday atmosphere. Students were playing games on the lawn, strolling around the lake, or just sitting and talking. Some of the more adventurous (and amorous) were strolling near Hagrid's hut, the outbuildings, and on the far side of the lake, looking for secluded niches to pass the afternoon in.
Ginny had been wandering aimlessly around the castle walls, wanting to avoid Ron and Harry, and of course, Malfoy. Hermione was with the other prefects, and wasn't available for chatting. Natalie had finally landed her man; she and Dean were sharing lunch in the shadow of a nearly leafless tree. As she walked, not really looking where she was going, Ginny saw that she had wandered 'round the far side of the castle. She had never been here before, as it was rather close to the Forbidden Forest, but as she looked about, the forest seemed far enough away to not be dangerous. There were some scattered trees growing near the wall, but without their leaves, they appeared thin and unthreatening. Ginny gazed around with pleasure. The leaves on the ground cushioned her footsteps, the ivy growing on the castle wall seemed to hold the sun's warmth and radiate it back. As Ginny walked further, she gasped in delight.
In the side of the castle wall, well disguised by the curve of the wall and the hanging ivy, a stone bench had been carved into the wall itself. The whole thing was recessed and nearly invisible until one was practically standing in front of it. It was large, about five feet wide and perhaps four feet deep. The walls of the little alcove arched together to meet about five feet above the bench. Ivy trailed partially over the opening, making it even more secluded. Smiling, Ginny shrugged off her book bag and pulled out her wand. She thrust the wand into the corners of the stone seat to make sure there were no spiders, centipedes, or other pests, then sat on the bench. It was warm from the afternoon sun. She scooted back and pulled her legs in, reclining cross-ways with her back to one of the side walls and her legs stretched out in front of her.
She loved this secret little bench, and absently wondered how long it had been since anyone else had discovered it. No one would bother her here and she could pass at least one afternoon without worrying about avoiding Malfoy. Taking her copy of "Quidditch Strategies" and a quill from her bag, she promptly lost herself in making notes the previous day's practice.
Draco had watched Ginny drift toward the corner of the castle. She looked around (probably making sure he wasn't following her) then disappeared around the side of the castle toward the Forbidden Forest. Draco had been very careful to stay out of sight until she was safely around the corner. He moved from behind one of the large trees on the lawn and casually walked in the direction she had taken. He also looked around to be certain he wasn't being watched (wouldn't do to have big brother come crashing in unexpectedly), then he disappeared around the same corner. He had seen Potter and Ron Weasley, along with some other Gryffindors, feeding the giant squid in the lake. Granger and the other prefects were still running around chasing animals and mopping up messes. He didn't think he would have to worry about anyone following him.
Once around the corner, he paused. The ivy grew thick on the side of the castle. About forty or fifty feet away, the Forbidden Forest began, with only a few thinly scattered trees coming near the wall itself. He imagined that in the spring and summer this would look like a great, green tunnel. But the trees had lost most of their leaves, making the path look a little desolate, despite the warm sun and the bright ivy.
Draco didn't see Weasley on the path ahead of him, but he moved ahead slowly and quietly, just the same. He knew she was ahead somewhere, though the curve of the castle wall was probably preventing him from spotting her. Besides, she was a Gryff and being a good little Gryff, she would never enter the Forbidden Forest without permission. He smirked slightly. Good little Gryffs didn't crash Quidditch practices, either, he told himself. But the very next day, at Slytherin's practice, there were Weasley and Creevey, sitting where they had been the evening before.
He had wanted to yell at her, to threaten her and scare her away, but he knew that she just wouldn't be intimidated. Not wanting an embarrassing repeat of the previous day, he had calmly approached (although it had done his heart good to see Creevey cringe and back up) and asked her what she was doing. She just as calmly explained that by her reckoning her team was still owed another half hour. The look on her face had been maddening. She didn't look the least nervous, just calm, waiting for his reaction. It took enormous effort, but he merely nodded and told her that if she were still there in thirty-one minutes, he'd carry her out of the stands himself. She had flushed at that, but that was all. Draco had been angry, yes, but impressed as well. She was not at all like any other girl he knew.
Now, knowing that she was somewhere up ahead, Draco smiled. He would certainly surprise her, and this time he'd make sure she didn't get away.
After a few minutes had passed, he began to wonder if she hadn't, after all, gotten away. Maybe he'd missed a path that led back to the lawn. No, he would have noticed something like that, and besides, to pass unseen, she would have had to enter the Forbidden Forest. Good Gryff or not, he didn't think she would go in there alone. He pushed on a bit more, then smiled. He heard humming (singing, too?) from up ahead. He continued, even more stealthily than before. Now he heard words and recognized her voice.
As he crept closer, he saw the small seat set into the wall. From this angle, all he could see was the far end of the seat and the girl's tennis shoe clad feet. He continued slowly forward and could see she was lounging across the seat, scribbling in that book she always carried. The words of the song now came to him. It wasn't a familiar song; it didn't even sound British.
'Don't you draw the Queen of Diamonds, boy, She'll beat you if she's able You know the Queen of Hearts is always your best bet'
She was singing about a card game? Draco must have made some sort of sound because the singing stopped abruptly. He saw her stop writing as well and knew the next step would be for her to sit up and look around. Well, he wasn't going to be able to surprise her now, he thought and strode forward.
"Very nice, Weasley, do continue!"
Malfoy sauntered to her seat, giving her an insolent little clap and wearing his usual smirk. Ginny felt herself blush. Was he going to make fun of her singing? She was embarrassed, but, as usual when Malfoy was around, she was also angry. He always seemed to have her at a disadvantage. She moved to swing her legs around to get up, but before she got the chance, he plopped himself down next to her feet and pulled his own up. He snugged them in next to her buttocks and leaned back, arms crossed, grinning at her.
"What are you doing here, Malfoy?" Ginny demanded.
He hadn't been here thirty seconds, and she already wanted to scratch his eyes out. She slammed her book and tried to shove it into the bag that was wedged between their bodies, but missed. The book fell to the seat and Ginny made a grab for it. Malfoy was quicker, and plucked it from the seat before she could get her hand on it.
"Give it back, Malfoy, and get off my seat!" Ginny made a lunge for the book but Malfoy pulled it just out of her reach.
"Where are your manners, Weasley? Didn't your mother teach you to share?" Malfoy's voice was prim and dry as any teacher, but his expression said he was enjoying this very much.
Still holding the book out of Ginny's reach, Malfoy said, "Now shove over, Weasley. I'm about to fall off!"
He didn't wait for her to comply, but started sliding closer to her. She could either stay where she was and get sat on or move. She moved. Now Ginny realized she was trapped unless she wanted to crawl over Malfoy to get out of the niche. Instead, she crossed her arms, jutted out her chin and stared stonily ahead.
Malfoy looked at her and was a little surprised to find that even with that stubborn look on her face, he still found her disturbingly attractive.
"Temper, temper, Weasley." He wagged a finger at her. "You know, your face will freeze like that if you keep on scowling at me."
"What do you want, Malfoy," she snapped, then took a deep breath. She wanted to be in control, she didn't want Malfoy to see how much he discomposed her. "Besides to annoy me, I mean," she added.
Malfoy grinned wickedly.
"Are you going to break my nose, like you threatened to, Weasley?" he asked her in a mocking tone.
Ginny threw him a glare.
He put a false hurt look on his face.
"I came all the way out here just to be alone with you and you accuse me of wanting to annoy you." He dramatically threw one arm across his forehead. "Oh, what hurt, what anguish, what tragedy..."
"What a pile of crap!" Ginny interjected.
Draco grinned again and said, "Yes, but it was inspired crap, wasn't it?"
Ginny rolled her eyes and said, "The only reason you're here is to get even for something your twisted little brain imagines I've done to you," Ginny accused tartly.
"Me? Get even? You wound me, Weasley!" Draco shook his head pityingly. "Can't you believe that I just wanted to spend some time alone with an attractive young woman?
"Really?" Ginny jeered. "And will she be along soon? I'll be glad to vacate so you two can be alone together. Now, if you'd just move..."
He looked taken aback for a second, but Ginny cut off any reply he might have made.
"What was it, anyway, Malfoy? What did I do? Didn't I run away fast enough to suit you? Didn't I act frightened enough to please you? Or was it that I didn't sigh whenever you graced my presence and bat my eyelashes at you like that Parkinson girl does?"
"Pansy bats her eyelashes?" His bantering tone didn't improve Ginny's mood. "I never noticed! Why don't you show me what it looks like, Weasley? Then, I'll recognize it next time she does it."
He looked hopefully at Ginny, who let out a disgusted sort of "Hmph" sound and looked away.
"No?" Draco gave her a disappointed look. "Well, then, I suppose since you're going to ignore me, I'll have to keep myself amused. What are you forever scribbling in this book, anyway? Love letters to all your boyfriends?"
He said the last a bit harshly, but she didn't seem to notice. He opened the book to the first page, and had just begun to scan the cramped scrawl. He was totally unprepared for her to hurl herself at him, trying to grab the book from his grasp. She nearly toppled him from the bench, but Draco had the presence of mind to stuff the book down the neck of his robe. Now on her knees beside him, she looked in frustration at the lump the book made on his chest. Her cheeks were red and she was breathing heavily from anger.
"Why, Weasley, you look a bit annoyed," Draco taunted. He finally had her, he thought triumphantly. "Do you want your book back? You're certainly welcome to come get it yourself. I won't even try to stop you."
He was enjoying baiting her. He had no interest in what was scribbled in the book (although Potter's name better not be in there), but it was an excellent tool to make her furious. Now she would know the frustration and rage he'd been feeling lately.
"Don't want to come get it?" Draco placed a hand to his chest, lightly tapping the robe-covered book. "It should make interesting bedtime reading, don't you think?"
His smug smile vanished as Ginny lunged again, this time with fists flying.
"Give it BACK, you arrogant, sodding git!" Ginny aimed a blow at his nose and he barely had time to block it. Another came, in the ribs and surprisingly painful. He realized he could be in serious trouble if he didn't do something, quick.
He reached out, ducking another fist aimed at his face, and wrapped his arms around her, pinning hers to her sides. He pulled her hard against him, preventing her from lashing out.
"Let me go!" she hissed through gritted teeth.
Ginny tried to jerk free, but, as she was now practically lying on top of Malfoy, she had no leverage. The color left her face as she realized how suggestive their position was. She looked at Malfoy and her face flamed. He was looking at her, but she had never seen this expression on his face before. He looked as thought he was in a trance. His eyes were hazy and dark as he stared at her. For once, there was no sneer on his face. And his lips were very slightly parted. Ginny suddenly felt dazed, herself. She couldn't seem to move.
Draco loosened his hold on Ginny only to slide one hand into her hair, twining his fingers through the short locks. The other slid to her back and slowly pulled her closer to him. Ginny felt helpless to stop him. Her hands, now free, moved up to splay against his chest. He saw the confusion on her face, confusion that was probably mirrored in his own. This wasn't what he'd planned when he'd followed her.
"Let me go, Draco, please," she whispered, weakly.
She hated the weakness. She hated that she really didn't want him to let her go. Malfoy heard desperation in her voice, and nearly did let her go. But then he looked at her mouth, trembling slightly, so close. He pulled her closer. She smells so good, he thought.
Ginny felt him pull her even closer. He's going to kiss me, she thought wildly, anticipation and anxiety warring in her. Just one kiss, it would be okay. But he despised her and her family. Why would he want to kiss her? To humiliate her? To make her the joke of the Slytherin Common Room? Would he blow up this one kiss into a sordid episode?
Their lips were nearly touching when Ginny recovered her wits. She heaved herself off Malfoy's chest and tried to clamber over him. Malfoy had to scramble to prevent her knees from doing serious personal injury to certain parts of his anatomy. He tried to get a hold on her shoulders, wanting to pull her back into his arms.
"NO!" she cried, pulling away and stumbling clear of his reach. She stood with her back to him; eyes squeezed shut to keep herself from crying.
Malfoy jumped up and grabbed her shoulders, roughly turning her to face him. Ginny tried to pull away again, but he was stronger than she, and furious as well.
"Damn it, Weasley, what was that all about?" he roared. Still holding her shoulders, he shook her, making her open her eyes and look at him.
Her eyes were still confused, but now there was something else that he couldn't quite name.
"By the gods, Weasley, you damn near maimed me. What the hell did you think I was going to do? I only tried to kiss you, not rape you!"
He let go of her shoulders and ran a shaking hand through his hair. Ginny didn't say anything. She had her eyes lowered now, staring at her tightly clenched hands.
Malfoy laid his hand on her shoulder, uttering an oath at the way she flinched from his touch. He shook her again and said sharply, "Just a damned kiss, Weasley. You act like I'm bloody contagious!"
Ginny looked up, a single tear sliding down her face. Malfoy recoiled as though he had been struck.
"Please, just let me go," she whispered quietly. He looked at her with an unreadable expression, but made no move to touch her again. She grabbed her book bag from the ground where it had fallen and fled.
Ginny felt humiliated and outraged as she snuck back into the castle and headed for Gryffindor tower. She was humiliated at how easily Malfoy had managed her. He hadn't used soft words and flattery, but the effect was the same. He had practically wrapped her around his finger. The outrage, though, had saved her. Malfoy didn't give a damn about her. He despised her and, considering her several recent incidents of publicly embarrassing him, he probably felt he had good reasons to. But to pretend that he had been attracted to her, to put that horrible, beautiful, captivated look on his face and act as though he really wanted to be there, with her in his arms, was cruel. She wasn't leading him on; she wasn't flirting. She had tried to avoid him. He had sought her out repeatedly, to taunt and tease her. Ginny reasoned that when he hadn't been able to intimidate or frighten her, he decided to use different tactics. Maybe trick her into believing he liked her, then casually dump her? Or get her into a compromising situation and have his friends find them?
A small voice in Ginny's head argued that she was being unfair, that she hadn't given him a chance. She squelched the voice ruthlessly. She reminded herself of her recent encounters with him and his repeated attempts to browbeat her. This was only one more effort to harass her. The small voice went away but only after reminding her that she was confused and upset and needed to think.
As Ginny prepared to mount one of the many sets of stairs leading to Gryffindor Tower, she heard a commotion ahead and the sound of some of the professors' voices approaching. She backed up and slipped into an empty classroom along the corridor. Leaning against the door, she decided that with all the teachers running about, she'd better wait here until order was restored.
Draco watched her go, almost running back along the path toward the front of the castle. He did nothing to stop her, but felt torn. Part of him wanted to run after her, but to do what? Apologize, he told himself. He would apologize and maybe that hurt, frightened look would go away. He could promise to leave her alone if that was what she wanted. But would she listen? She despised him; that was obvious. How did he let this happen, he wondered. He had only meant to tease her a bit, to see if he could get her flustered again. It bothered him that she had caused him to lose control of himself. The other part of him, the nasty, self-serving part of him reminded him that he was a Malfoy and he didn't apologize, especially not to Muggle-loving Gryffindors. And Malfoys didn't promise to be good, either. If she wanted to go so badly, the voice reasoned, let her. He had only tried to steal a kiss. What was so wrong with that? Had he suddenly grown horns and warts? There were lots of girls who wouldn't mind kissing him. She wasn't the only girl in school.
Damn Ginny Weasley, anyway, he thought. He shouldn't even be having this conversation with himself. Never, he vowed, never would he have anything to do with that red-haired menace again. He took a step forward when something thumped to the ground at his feet. As he looked down at the object he suddenly realized that he would have a slight problem with this vow...He still had her book.
Dinner Friday night was almost as chaotic as the events of the afternoon. Everyone wanted to know what exactly had happened, why Peeves had gone berserk, what would happen to him now. The prefects tried to maintain discipline at their tables, but were having a hard time of it. Even the teachers, sitting wearily at the head table, were distracted. It wasn't surprising that none of the Gryffindors seemed to notice that Ginny was unusually quiet. She barely touched her food and, although she tried to stop herself, she kept glancing at the Slytherin table. Malfoy wasn't there. Just as well, she told herself, she didn't want him around making her feel more of a fool than she already did. She really hated the way she had been acting lately. She wasn't normally such a harpy. But, Malfoy seemed to have brought out a side of her she didn't realize was there. A hard, no-nonsense of her side that appalled and fascinated her at the same time. There was no denying this new side of her was no wimp. This other Ginny would not let Ron bully her although he had been doing all her life. She shook her head, still unsure whether this other aspect of her personality was a good thing or a bad thing. She just didn't know.
Ginny let the conversation roll over her and was relieved when dinner was over and the students began to mill out of the Great Hall and head back to their Common Rooms.
When she entered the Gryffindor Common Room, Ginny saw Dean waving her over to a table where most of the team was assembled. Sighing, she walked over and sat next to Natalie.
As soon as he had everyone's attention, Dean spoke.
"All right, gang, I know it's still early, but we have an important game tomorrow. I want to go over our game plan, then I want you all to hit the sack."
He pulled his notebook from his pocket and leafed through the pages.
"Ummm, Ginny, I don't have the notes you made at Slytherin's practice the other day. Do you have those handy?"
Ginny froze, her face pale. Her book! Malfoy still had it!
"Ginny? Hello, are you there?" Dean gave her an odd look.
Ginny blinked and looked at him.
"The, uh, notes, yes, uh..." She thought quickly. "I, uh, well, I think I left them in one of my classes this morning."
Colin looked sharply at her when she said this.
"Gee, Gin, didn't you take your Quidditch book with you when they released classes?" he asked.
Colin knew she had. He remembered her exiting the class just ahead of him and pausing in the doorway to put the book into her bag before walking out.
"Uh, no, I think I might have left it on the floor next to my chair. But," she added when she saw Dean's concerned expression, "since no one's been at classes since, it's probably still there."
Ducking so she wouldn't have to see the look on Colin's face, Ginny thought, oh, great, now you're lying to your teammates!
Now Dean looked definitely annoyed.
"Right, then," he said shortly. "Why don't you tell us what you remember?"
Together with Colin, Ginny gave a brief account of the second Slytherin practice they had watched.
"We couldn't really learn much," Colin said apologetically. "Malfoy was just keeping 'em at drills while we were there."
Dean looked a bit disgusted, but nodded.
"I'd've done the same. Well, here's the plan for tomorrow, then."
He briskly outlined the strategy he had developed and took a few questions. Finally he sent everyone to bed.
"Get lots of rest and be ready for tomorrow!"
Ron stepped directly in front of Ginny as she began to rise from her chair.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
Ginny looked up and saw nothing but concern in his face.
She smiled weakly and said, "Hopefully nothing I can't handle. But, thanks for asking."
Ron felt a surge of anger, but keeping Hermione's advice in mind, he stifled it.
"Well, if you need ANYthing, Gin, you know..."
Ginny cut him off. "I know, Ron. If I need any help, you will be the first one I come to." She then did something that surprised them both. She gave him a big hug, something she hadn't done in years.
Just before she let him go, she whispered, "Thanks for caring."
Ginny climbed up the steps alone, Natalie being delayed saying good night to Dean. I'm going to toss and turn all night, she thought. As she prepared for bed, she gently stroked the sleeve of the scarlet Quidditch team robe hanging near her bed. She wanted to rest and not think about Malfoy and what had happened earlier. She did not want to think about how gently he had held her for a few moments, and how he made her feel beautiful. She shivered again as she remembered the way he looked just before he almost kissed her. She knew her troubles would be over quickly if she told Ron what had happened. He would be after Malfoy's blood. But she was fifteen now, and she couldn't hide behind her brothers the rest of her life. She had to handle Malfoy herself. You should have let him kiss you, the voice in her head said. Yeah, right, she answered. And prove to him, if he needed any more proof, just how well he could manipulate her? Give him something to joke about in the Slytherin Common Room?
No way, she thought to herself bitterly. She may be skinny and gawky and not very pretty, but she was a Weasley and Weasleys didn't just roll over for anyone, especially not a Malfoy. Angry now, Ginny decided she was going to play like a demon tomorrow and make sure Gryffindor beat the crap out of Slytherin. Malfoy might be able to wreak havoc on her personal life, but she was going to make him pay on the Quidditch pitch!
Ginny lay down, a strange, hard smile on her lips, and fell fast asleep.
The next few days finally passed and suddenly it was the day before the Quidditch match. All afternoon classes, as well as detention, Quidditch practice and Astronomy classes were cancelled. Peeves had gone on a rampage, plugging up toilets on several upper floors, causing flooding on the lower floors and in the dungeons. He had also released all of Hagrid's magical creatures, had caused an explosion in the potions lab and uprooted many of Professor Sprout's herbology specimens.
The resulting chaos had teachers, prefects, and even the ghosts scurrying everywhere, trying to recapture creatures, save plants, and generally restore order. The students were given a picnic lunch on the castle lawn and told to stay out of the forest, out of the castle, and out of trouble until they were called back in.
With the picnic lunch and the unusually warm weather for late October, the day had a sort of holiday atmosphere. Students were playing games on the lawn, strolling around the lake, or just sitting and talking. Some of the more adventurous (and amorous) were strolling near Hagrid's hut, the outbuildings, and on the far side of the lake, looking for secluded niches to pass the afternoon in.
Ginny had been wandering aimlessly around the castle walls, wanting to avoid Ron and Harry, and of course, Malfoy. Hermione was with the other prefects, and wasn't available for chatting. Natalie had finally landed her man; she and Dean were sharing lunch in the shadow of a nearly leafless tree. As she walked, not really looking where she was going, Ginny saw that she had wandered 'round the far side of the castle. She had never been here before, as it was rather close to the Forbidden Forest, but as she looked about, the forest seemed far enough away to not be dangerous. There were some scattered trees growing near the wall, but without their leaves, they appeared thin and unthreatening. Ginny gazed around with pleasure. The leaves on the ground cushioned her footsteps, the ivy growing on the castle wall seemed to hold the sun's warmth and radiate it back. As Ginny walked further, she gasped in delight.
In the side of the castle wall, well disguised by the curve of the wall and the hanging ivy, a stone bench had been carved into the wall itself. The whole thing was recessed and nearly invisible until one was practically standing in front of it. It was large, about five feet wide and perhaps four feet deep. The walls of the little alcove arched together to meet about five feet above the bench. Ivy trailed partially over the opening, making it even more secluded. Smiling, Ginny shrugged off her book bag and pulled out her wand. She thrust the wand into the corners of the stone seat to make sure there were no spiders, centipedes, or other pests, then sat on the bench. It was warm from the afternoon sun. She scooted back and pulled her legs in, reclining cross-ways with her back to one of the side walls and her legs stretched out in front of her.
She loved this secret little bench, and absently wondered how long it had been since anyone else had discovered it. No one would bother her here and she could pass at least one afternoon without worrying about avoiding Malfoy. Taking her copy of "Quidditch Strategies" and a quill from her bag, she promptly lost herself in making notes the previous day's practice.
Draco had watched Ginny drift toward the corner of the castle. She looked around (probably making sure he wasn't following her) then disappeared around the side of the castle toward the Forbidden Forest. Draco had been very careful to stay out of sight until she was safely around the corner. He moved from behind one of the large trees on the lawn and casually walked in the direction she had taken. He also looked around to be certain he wasn't being watched (wouldn't do to have big brother come crashing in unexpectedly), then he disappeared around the same corner. He had seen Potter and Ron Weasley, along with some other Gryffindors, feeding the giant squid in the lake. Granger and the other prefects were still running around chasing animals and mopping up messes. He didn't think he would have to worry about anyone following him.
Once around the corner, he paused. The ivy grew thick on the side of the castle. About forty or fifty feet away, the Forbidden Forest began, with only a few thinly scattered trees coming near the wall itself. He imagined that in the spring and summer this would look like a great, green tunnel. But the trees had lost most of their leaves, making the path look a little desolate, despite the warm sun and the bright ivy.
Draco didn't see Weasley on the path ahead of him, but he moved ahead slowly and quietly, just the same. He knew she was ahead somewhere, though the curve of the castle wall was probably preventing him from spotting her. Besides, she was a Gryff and being a good little Gryff, she would never enter the Forbidden Forest without permission. He smirked slightly. Good little Gryffs didn't crash Quidditch practices, either, he told himself. But the very next day, at Slytherin's practice, there were Weasley and Creevey, sitting where they had been the evening before.
He had wanted to yell at her, to threaten her and scare her away, but he knew that she just wouldn't be intimidated. Not wanting an embarrassing repeat of the previous day, he had calmly approached (although it had done his heart good to see Creevey cringe and back up) and asked her what she was doing. She just as calmly explained that by her reckoning her team was still owed another half hour. The look on her face had been maddening. She didn't look the least nervous, just calm, waiting for his reaction. It took enormous effort, but he merely nodded and told her that if she were still there in thirty-one minutes, he'd carry her out of the stands himself. She had flushed at that, but that was all. Draco had been angry, yes, but impressed as well. She was not at all like any other girl he knew.
Now, knowing that she was somewhere up ahead, Draco smiled. He would certainly surprise her, and this time he'd make sure she didn't get away.
After a few minutes had passed, he began to wonder if she hadn't, after all, gotten away. Maybe he'd missed a path that led back to the lawn. No, he would have noticed something like that, and besides, to pass unseen, she would have had to enter the Forbidden Forest. Good Gryff or not, he didn't think she would go in there alone. He pushed on a bit more, then smiled. He heard humming (singing, too?) from up ahead. He continued, even more stealthily than before. Now he heard words and recognized her voice.
As he crept closer, he saw the small seat set into the wall. From this angle, all he could see was the far end of the seat and the girl's tennis shoe clad feet. He continued slowly forward and could see she was lounging across the seat, scribbling in that book she always carried. The words of the song now came to him. It wasn't a familiar song; it didn't even sound British.
'Don't you draw the Queen of Diamonds, boy, She'll beat you if she's able You know the Queen of Hearts is always your best bet'
She was singing about a card game? Draco must have made some sort of sound because the singing stopped abruptly. He saw her stop writing as well and knew the next step would be for her to sit up and look around. Well, he wasn't going to be able to surprise her now, he thought and strode forward.
"Very nice, Weasley, do continue!"
Malfoy sauntered to her seat, giving her an insolent little clap and wearing his usual smirk. Ginny felt herself blush. Was he going to make fun of her singing? She was embarrassed, but, as usual when Malfoy was around, she was also angry. He always seemed to have her at a disadvantage. She moved to swing her legs around to get up, but before she got the chance, he plopped himself down next to her feet and pulled his own up. He snugged them in next to her buttocks and leaned back, arms crossed, grinning at her.
"What are you doing here, Malfoy?" Ginny demanded.
He hadn't been here thirty seconds, and she already wanted to scratch his eyes out. She slammed her book and tried to shove it into the bag that was wedged between their bodies, but missed. The book fell to the seat and Ginny made a grab for it. Malfoy was quicker, and plucked it from the seat before she could get her hand on it.
"Give it back, Malfoy, and get off my seat!" Ginny made a lunge for the book but Malfoy pulled it just out of her reach.
"Where are your manners, Weasley? Didn't your mother teach you to share?" Malfoy's voice was prim and dry as any teacher, but his expression said he was enjoying this very much.
Still holding the book out of Ginny's reach, Malfoy said, "Now shove over, Weasley. I'm about to fall off!"
He didn't wait for her to comply, but started sliding closer to her. She could either stay where she was and get sat on or move. She moved. Now Ginny realized she was trapped unless she wanted to crawl over Malfoy to get out of the niche. Instead, she crossed her arms, jutted out her chin and stared stonily ahead.
Malfoy looked at her and was a little surprised to find that even with that stubborn look on her face, he still found her disturbingly attractive.
"Temper, temper, Weasley." He wagged a finger at her. "You know, your face will freeze like that if you keep on scowling at me."
"What do you want, Malfoy," she snapped, then took a deep breath. She wanted to be in control, she didn't want Malfoy to see how much he discomposed her. "Besides to annoy me, I mean," she added.
Malfoy grinned wickedly.
"Are you going to break my nose, like you threatened to, Weasley?" he asked her in a mocking tone.
Ginny threw him a glare.
He put a false hurt look on his face.
"I came all the way out here just to be alone with you and you accuse me of wanting to annoy you." He dramatically threw one arm across his forehead. "Oh, what hurt, what anguish, what tragedy..."
"What a pile of crap!" Ginny interjected.
Draco grinned again and said, "Yes, but it was inspired crap, wasn't it?"
Ginny rolled her eyes and said, "The only reason you're here is to get even for something your twisted little brain imagines I've done to you," Ginny accused tartly.
"Me? Get even? You wound me, Weasley!" Draco shook his head pityingly. "Can't you believe that I just wanted to spend some time alone with an attractive young woman?
"Really?" Ginny jeered. "And will she be along soon? I'll be glad to vacate so you two can be alone together. Now, if you'd just move..."
He looked taken aback for a second, but Ginny cut off any reply he might have made.
"What was it, anyway, Malfoy? What did I do? Didn't I run away fast enough to suit you? Didn't I act frightened enough to please you? Or was it that I didn't sigh whenever you graced my presence and bat my eyelashes at you like that Parkinson girl does?"
"Pansy bats her eyelashes?" His bantering tone didn't improve Ginny's mood. "I never noticed! Why don't you show me what it looks like, Weasley? Then, I'll recognize it next time she does it."
He looked hopefully at Ginny, who let out a disgusted sort of "Hmph" sound and looked away.
"No?" Draco gave her a disappointed look. "Well, then, I suppose since you're going to ignore me, I'll have to keep myself amused. What are you forever scribbling in this book, anyway? Love letters to all your boyfriends?"
He said the last a bit harshly, but she didn't seem to notice. He opened the book to the first page, and had just begun to scan the cramped scrawl. He was totally unprepared for her to hurl herself at him, trying to grab the book from his grasp. She nearly toppled him from the bench, but Draco had the presence of mind to stuff the book down the neck of his robe. Now on her knees beside him, she looked in frustration at the lump the book made on his chest. Her cheeks were red and she was breathing heavily from anger.
"Why, Weasley, you look a bit annoyed," Draco taunted. He finally had her, he thought triumphantly. "Do you want your book back? You're certainly welcome to come get it yourself. I won't even try to stop you."
He was enjoying baiting her. He had no interest in what was scribbled in the book (although Potter's name better not be in there), but it was an excellent tool to make her furious. Now she would know the frustration and rage he'd been feeling lately.
"Don't want to come get it?" Draco placed a hand to his chest, lightly tapping the robe-covered book. "It should make interesting bedtime reading, don't you think?"
His smug smile vanished as Ginny lunged again, this time with fists flying.
"Give it BACK, you arrogant, sodding git!" Ginny aimed a blow at his nose and he barely had time to block it. Another came, in the ribs and surprisingly painful. He realized he could be in serious trouble if he didn't do something, quick.
He reached out, ducking another fist aimed at his face, and wrapped his arms around her, pinning hers to her sides. He pulled her hard against him, preventing her from lashing out.
"Let me go!" she hissed through gritted teeth.
Ginny tried to jerk free, but, as she was now practically lying on top of Malfoy, she had no leverage. The color left her face as she realized how suggestive their position was. She looked at Malfoy and her face flamed. He was looking at her, but she had never seen this expression on his face before. He looked as thought he was in a trance. His eyes were hazy and dark as he stared at her. For once, there was no sneer on his face. And his lips were very slightly parted. Ginny suddenly felt dazed, herself. She couldn't seem to move.
Draco loosened his hold on Ginny only to slide one hand into her hair, twining his fingers through the short locks. The other slid to her back and slowly pulled her closer to him. Ginny felt helpless to stop him. Her hands, now free, moved up to splay against his chest. He saw the confusion on her face, confusion that was probably mirrored in his own. This wasn't what he'd planned when he'd followed her.
"Let me go, Draco, please," she whispered, weakly.
She hated the weakness. She hated that she really didn't want him to let her go. Malfoy heard desperation in her voice, and nearly did let her go. But then he looked at her mouth, trembling slightly, so close. He pulled her closer. She smells so good, he thought.
Ginny felt him pull her even closer. He's going to kiss me, she thought wildly, anticipation and anxiety warring in her. Just one kiss, it would be okay. But he despised her and her family. Why would he want to kiss her? To humiliate her? To make her the joke of the Slytherin Common Room? Would he blow up this one kiss into a sordid episode?
Their lips were nearly touching when Ginny recovered her wits. She heaved herself off Malfoy's chest and tried to clamber over him. Malfoy had to scramble to prevent her knees from doing serious personal injury to certain parts of his anatomy. He tried to get a hold on her shoulders, wanting to pull her back into his arms.
"NO!" she cried, pulling away and stumbling clear of his reach. She stood with her back to him; eyes squeezed shut to keep herself from crying.
Malfoy jumped up and grabbed her shoulders, roughly turning her to face him. Ginny tried to pull away again, but he was stronger than she, and furious as well.
"Damn it, Weasley, what was that all about?" he roared. Still holding her shoulders, he shook her, making her open her eyes and look at him.
Her eyes were still confused, but now there was something else that he couldn't quite name.
"By the gods, Weasley, you damn near maimed me. What the hell did you think I was going to do? I only tried to kiss you, not rape you!"
He let go of her shoulders and ran a shaking hand through his hair. Ginny didn't say anything. She had her eyes lowered now, staring at her tightly clenched hands.
Malfoy laid his hand on her shoulder, uttering an oath at the way she flinched from his touch. He shook her again and said sharply, "Just a damned kiss, Weasley. You act like I'm bloody contagious!"
Ginny looked up, a single tear sliding down her face. Malfoy recoiled as though he had been struck.
"Please, just let me go," she whispered quietly. He looked at her with an unreadable expression, but made no move to touch her again. She grabbed her book bag from the ground where it had fallen and fled.
Ginny felt humiliated and outraged as she snuck back into the castle and headed for Gryffindor tower. She was humiliated at how easily Malfoy had managed her. He hadn't used soft words and flattery, but the effect was the same. He had practically wrapped her around his finger. The outrage, though, had saved her. Malfoy didn't give a damn about her. He despised her and, considering her several recent incidents of publicly embarrassing him, he probably felt he had good reasons to. But to pretend that he had been attracted to her, to put that horrible, beautiful, captivated look on his face and act as though he really wanted to be there, with her in his arms, was cruel. She wasn't leading him on; she wasn't flirting. She had tried to avoid him. He had sought her out repeatedly, to taunt and tease her. Ginny reasoned that when he hadn't been able to intimidate or frighten her, he decided to use different tactics. Maybe trick her into believing he liked her, then casually dump her? Or get her into a compromising situation and have his friends find them?
A small voice in Ginny's head argued that she was being unfair, that she hadn't given him a chance. She squelched the voice ruthlessly. She reminded herself of her recent encounters with him and his repeated attempts to browbeat her. This was only one more effort to harass her. The small voice went away but only after reminding her that she was confused and upset and needed to think.
As Ginny prepared to mount one of the many sets of stairs leading to Gryffindor Tower, she heard a commotion ahead and the sound of some of the professors' voices approaching. She backed up and slipped into an empty classroom along the corridor. Leaning against the door, she decided that with all the teachers running about, she'd better wait here until order was restored.
Draco watched her go, almost running back along the path toward the front of the castle. He did nothing to stop her, but felt torn. Part of him wanted to run after her, but to do what? Apologize, he told himself. He would apologize and maybe that hurt, frightened look would go away. He could promise to leave her alone if that was what she wanted. But would she listen? She despised him; that was obvious. How did he let this happen, he wondered. He had only meant to tease her a bit, to see if he could get her flustered again. It bothered him that she had caused him to lose control of himself. The other part of him, the nasty, self-serving part of him reminded him that he was a Malfoy and he didn't apologize, especially not to Muggle-loving Gryffindors. And Malfoys didn't promise to be good, either. If she wanted to go so badly, the voice reasoned, let her. He had only tried to steal a kiss. What was so wrong with that? Had he suddenly grown horns and warts? There were lots of girls who wouldn't mind kissing him. She wasn't the only girl in school.
Damn Ginny Weasley, anyway, he thought. He shouldn't even be having this conversation with himself. Never, he vowed, never would he have anything to do with that red-haired menace again. He took a step forward when something thumped to the ground at his feet. As he looked down at the object he suddenly realized that he would have a slight problem with this vow...He still had her book.
Dinner Friday night was almost as chaotic as the events of the afternoon. Everyone wanted to know what exactly had happened, why Peeves had gone berserk, what would happen to him now. The prefects tried to maintain discipline at their tables, but were having a hard time of it. Even the teachers, sitting wearily at the head table, were distracted. It wasn't surprising that none of the Gryffindors seemed to notice that Ginny was unusually quiet. She barely touched her food and, although she tried to stop herself, she kept glancing at the Slytherin table. Malfoy wasn't there. Just as well, she told herself, she didn't want him around making her feel more of a fool than she already did. She really hated the way she had been acting lately. She wasn't normally such a harpy. But, Malfoy seemed to have brought out a side of her she didn't realize was there. A hard, no-nonsense of her side that appalled and fascinated her at the same time. There was no denying this new side of her was no wimp. This other Ginny would not let Ron bully her although he had been doing all her life. She shook her head, still unsure whether this other aspect of her personality was a good thing or a bad thing. She just didn't know.
Ginny let the conversation roll over her and was relieved when dinner was over and the students began to mill out of the Great Hall and head back to their Common Rooms.
When she entered the Gryffindor Common Room, Ginny saw Dean waving her over to a table where most of the team was assembled. Sighing, she walked over and sat next to Natalie.
As soon as he had everyone's attention, Dean spoke.
"All right, gang, I know it's still early, but we have an important game tomorrow. I want to go over our game plan, then I want you all to hit the sack."
He pulled his notebook from his pocket and leafed through the pages.
"Ummm, Ginny, I don't have the notes you made at Slytherin's practice the other day. Do you have those handy?"
Ginny froze, her face pale. Her book! Malfoy still had it!
"Ginny? Hello, are you there?" Dean gave her an odd look.
Ginny blinked and looked at him.
"The, uh, notes, yes, uh..." She thought quickly. "I, uh, well, I think I left them in one of my classes this morning."
Colin looked sharply at her when she said this.
"Gee, Gin, didn't you take your Quidditch book with you when they released classes?" he asked.
Colin knew she had. He remembered her exiting the class just ahead of him and pausing in the doorway to put the book into her bag before walking out.
"Uh, no, I think I might have left it on the floor next to my chair. But," she added when she saw Dean's concerned expression, "since no one's been at classes since, it's probably still there."
Ducking so she wouldn't have to see the look on Colin's face, Ginny thought, oh, great, now you're lying to your teammates!
Now Dean looked definitely annoyed.
"Right, then," he said shortly. "Why don't you tell us what you remember?"
Together with Colin, Ginny gave a brief account of the second Slytherin practice they had watched.
"We couldn't really learn much," Colin said apologetically. "Malfoy was just keeping 'em at drills while we were there."
Dean looked a bit disgusted, but nodded.
"I'd've done the same. Well, here's the plan for tomorrow, then."
He briskly outlined the strategy he had developed and took a few questions. Finally he sent everyone to bed.
"Get lots of rest and be ready for tomorrow!"
Ron stepped directly in front of Ginny as she began to rise from her chair.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
Ginny looked up and saw nothing but concern in his face.
She smiled weakly and said, "Hopefully nothing I can't handle. But, thanks for asking."
Ron felt a surge of anger, but keeping Hermione's advice in mind, he stifled it.
"Well, if you need ANYthing, Gin, you know..."
Ginny cut him off. "I know, Ron. If I need any help, you will be the first one I come to." She then did something that surprised them both. She gave him a big hug, something she hadn't done in years.
Just before she let him go, she whispered, "Thanks for caring."
Ginny climbed up the steps alone, Natalie being delayed saying good night to Dean. I'm going to toss and turn all night, she thought. As she prepared for bed, she gently stroked the sleeve of the scarlet Quidditch team robe hanging near her bed. She wanted to rest and not think about Malfoy and what had happened earlier. She did not want to think about how gently he had held her for a few moments, and how he made her feel beautiful. She shivered again as she remembered the way he looked just before he almost kissed her. She knew her troubles would be over quickly if she told Ron what had happened. He would be after Malfoy's blood. But she was fifteen now, and she couldn't hide behind her brothers the rest of her life. She had to handle Malfoy herself. You should have let him kiss you, the voice in her head said. Yeah, right, she answered. And prove to him, if he needed any more proof, just how well he could manipulate her? Give him something to joke about in the Slytherin Common Room?
No way, she thought to herself bitterly. She may be skinny and gawky and not very pretty, but she was a Weasley and Weasleys didn't just roll over for anyone, especially not a Malfoy. Angry now, Ginny decided she was going to play like a demon tomorrow and make sure Gryffindor beat the crap out of Slytherin. Malfoy might be able to wreak havoc on her personal life, but she was going to make him pay on the Quidditch pitch!
Ginny lay down, a strange, hard smile on her lips, and fell fast asleep.
