Chapter 3
It would be lying to say that Ginny was not astounded to see Malfoy standing at her bedroom door, actually complying to Dumbledore's instructions. But, being that she was out to prove she was every bit as good as Draco was, all she did was walk out into the living room and plop down on the sofa. Draco wanted very much to sit on the far side of the room, be he knew this would not be practical, because given the size of the room if he had they would be yelling everything they voiced, possibly for the whole world to hear. Not that he intended on telling her anything important enough to need to be kept secret, but it was a Malfoy pride thing. He briefly considered sitting on the floor, but dismissed that thought almost before it formed. A Malfoy did not sit on the floor. Especially if there was a Weasley in the room. There forth, Draco Malfoy ended up in the Scarlet armchair next to the couch.
"Look what the great wizards of the world have been reduced to." He muttered. "Mudblood Loving Fools."
"What was that?" demanded Ginny sharply.
"Nothing Weasley…Did I not tell you we needed to start this?"
"Of course Master Malfoy." Ginny's tone now dripped with sarcasm.
A tension filled silence filled the room
……………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………..
Um……………………….
At that moment, a splendid bird Ginny recognized as Fawkes the Phoenix swooped into the room caring a parchment with Dumbledore's own seal on it. Ginny quickly took the parchment, gave Fawkes a quick kiss on the beak and watched him fly back towards the castle, then read it aloud. (A\N- This same letter was sent to all the groups, the parts that glimmer are personal messages read only by the letter holder)
"Dear Students,
Due to the difficult nature of this assignment, your teachers and I have composed a list information for you to disclose from your roommate(s) We all hope this helps. Please remember these are only conversation starters. If you have any questions, hesitate to contact me, ask the others! Enjoy yourselves!
-Professor Albus Dumbledore" Ginny paused and turned to the second sheet of parchment, on which was written:
"Middle Names, Likes and Dislikes, Pets, Fears, Thoughts, Family, Secrets and Birthdays" then, in smaller glowing letters "Discuss stereotypes etc."
"Well then." Ginny said as she finished, "that helps."
"Let's see…" stated Harry as he looked over the parchment Dumbledore had sent.
"Well, Middle names. Funny isn't it? I was going to ask you guys about those."
"I don't think it's funny." Said Ron sullenly.
"Oh!" exclaimed Hermione, "that means you'll have to start then."
"No way!" exclaimed Ron
"Ronald I will soon know what your middle name is Weasley!" said Hermione, "I will not be getting a bad grade on this cause you are embarrassed."
"Herm?" began Harry, "I don't think we're really getting graded on this per say."
"Still." Said Hermione. She pulled out her wand to put a tickle charm on Ron, and then threw her wand haphazardly aside as she decided to do this the 'muggle' way instead.
"Ok! Ok!" laughed Ron finally. His voice dropped so low Harry had to lean in to hear it. "Edgar."
Harry snorted. "Ronald Edgar Weasley?"
"Hey I never claimed it sounded good!" Said Ron defensively.
"Who were you named after?" asked Hermione.
"Hmmm…my great uncle twice removed…or the doctor…or the guy who saved Charlie's life…" he stopped as he realized Harry and Hermione were looking at him quite strangely. "Hey, when you've got six sons you kinda run out of boy names…gosh were we all glad Gin was a girl."
"I bet."
Ron shook his head. "Ok, how about you 'Mione?"
Hermione shrugged. "Nicole. It's a real popular name in the muggle world."
"And of course we all know Harry is," Ron coughed, "Harrold James Potter!"
"Applause! Applause!" teased Hermione.
"Hmmph!" Harry replied, pretending to be annoyed.
He looked back at the list "Likes and Dislikes…We've pretty much got that covered don't we?"
Hermione nodded. "Both you boys like Food, Quidditch, Chess and Trouble…Ron hates Spiders, you both hate potions, Snape, Slytherins, Harry hates Voldmort, Ron is scared of him…" she was still ticking things off when Ron interrupted her.
"And Hermione likes books, the library, dressing up sometimes…and.." he looked slyly at her, "Lockhart."
"I do not!" giggle shrieked Hermione
"And hates trolls." Finished Harry
"This is really much to easy." Said Hermione crossing off the items as they discussed them. Let's go on to secrets." She looked at the boys eagerly. "Anyone want to start?"
Harry and Ron exchanged a glance.
"Well-"began Harry, "would you look at the time."
"I bet its time for lunch." Continued Ron.
Hermione looked at the morning sun outside her window. "You guys it can't be past-" but her objections echoed in an empty room. Both boys had flown the coop.
"Ok." Said Ginny. "Middle names. My full name is Virginia Rose Weasley. Which is fairly interesting actually, considering how I feel about roses and…" She stopped quite suddenly, turning scarlet. The relationship between Ginny and roses was something quite personal and, in her opinion, very romantic. This however, was not something she felt like reveling to many people, especially a bored and sneering Draco Malfoy.
"Thomas." Draco's short stiff reply made Ginny's babbling seem even sillier.
"After Voldemort." Gasped Ginny.
"You say that like it's a bad thing Weasel." Drawled Malfoy. "I almost forgot my...roommate was the heir of Slytherin." He chuckled. "Don't pretend you don't think I should be named after him. Devilishly handsome fellow."
Ginny glared, "Come off it Malfoy. You look like a fair haired vampire." Draco just smirked at her. Was this boy ever ruffled?
(*AN-I am aware this is getting slow…so I'm gonna skip ahead a little bit…if it turns out I've moved to fast, let me know.*)
For our characters, the first week of term passed in much the same way the first two days had. Every night, Harry, Ron, and Hermione would sit around the fireplace and chat, sometimes about personal things such as the items on the list, sometimes about trivial things such as the horrible smell of Prof. Twelawny's tower, (someone had set off a rotten egg charm in the smoky atmosphere, and as it could not be traced in the environment, the bug-like clarivolent could do nothing about the smell) or Quidditch tryouts, which would be taking place very soon. Ron and Harry were still managing to hide their own secrets from Hermione and each other, and eventually, the young witch, feeling she was out numbered, had given up pressing them. Dumbledore had been pleased enough with their responses to his assignment, and she had her own secrets to hide, and a lot of reading to do. Dumbledore had yet to speak with Ron about Ginny, and it was obvious this was straining him. Sometimes he was downright sweet to Hermione, other times he was a total jerk Harry was more or less—well, Harryish….but their was sometimes a glint in his eyes that caused his friends to wonder if their wasn't a little something going on with the boy who lived.
In a cottage not too far away, the week had been spent in a cross between arguing and silence. Since the day Draco and Ginny had learned each others full names their had not been much progress on the subject, since Draco had insulted that evening and Ginny had refused to discuss anything further with him. Dumbledore had not yet returned to the cottage, and to tell you the truth, Draco was beginning to become slightly anxious about missing next weeks Quidditch tryouts. Not that he let on of course. In fact, such was the atmosphere in this cottage that this could have been the end of this boring tale. But in fact, because of a few events that picked up exactly one week since the implementation of the living arrangement, not only was this the only the beginning, but also the point where this picks up.
"Alright." Said Draco grudgingly. "Let's get back to this assignment sh-stuff. I refuse to lose my place on the Quidditch team because of a poor little rodent."
"It's getting old Malfoy. In fact, it was born old Malfoy."
"Just give me the topic Weasel."
"Likes and Dislikes."
"Easy. I like: Death, anything brand name, curses, power, drama, potions, and Quidditch. I hate: Transfiguration, Potty and Co., kittens, Mudbloods, Muggles, and Muggle-Lovers…"
"I get the idea Malfoy. You hate almost everything."
"And you Weasel. Did I mention you?"
"Yes, well. I dislike-Deatheaters, dark magic, , potions, Divination…oh never mind. And you Malfoy. Did I mention you?"
"Get your own material Weasel."
"I like: books, family and friends, poetry, muggle stuff, roses…hanging out with my brothers…and…" she faltered. "Quidditch and drama."
Malfoy gawked slightly. (Ever so slightly) I do not have something in common with a Weasel. I do not.
And with that thought, he got up and left Ginny to her own, just as confused thoughts. Why did I mention that?
A few days later, Draco woke up with an annoying nervous feeling in his stomach. The Quidditch tryouts started in less than an hour, and Dumbledore had yet to come back to the cottage. He had to admit he was almost relived when, right after breakfast, Dumbledore swept into the cottage…riding…an old warn Silver Arrow. Ginny almost choked on her porridge she was laughing so hard, and Draco's smirk had a relenting, semi amused tint to it.
"Mister Malfoy." Began Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling, but his mouth deathly serious. "I've been watching the activities in this cabin for quite sometime…and I am very sorry to say that at this time I must continue to enforce your punishment." Draco felt his annoyance change to an even more annoying sense of disappointment that flashed in his eyes for only a split second before they became unreadable gray pools once again. He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it just as quickly. Malfoys did not reckon with muggle-lovers. Of course, usually not reckoning with meant crushing to a pulp and doing what you wanted to anyway, but even Draco knew that course of action would not work this time. It was a Malfoy pride thing.
Now, Ginny had been watching this brief exchange, the mirth long since faded from her face. She had seen what Draco had not even known he had shown, and the brief disappointment she had seen in his eyes had sent her into a whirlwind of confusion. Why would he show emotion about Quidditch, this cold and remote boy who could discuss death and destruction and the Dark Lord without bating an eyelid? Why did the fact that this upset him bother her in the slightest? And what, if anything at all, could she do about the situation? Infact, the reason behind Draco's feelings for (I can not say love for, because even now the boy did not really love anything) Quidditch would not be revealed until much later. Ginny quickly realized however why this made such an impression on her. It was the first time he had shown any kind of feeling (besides hate) toward anything for any period of time. And Ginny was a person who believed that things should be felt, weather the emotion was happiness, sadness, joy or utter despair. Just feeling was important. Besides, Dumbledore had told her to keep an eye on Draco, and in her kind, somewhat pitying, and yet still annoyed and despising heart, this made him somewhat her responsibility.
"Professor Dumbledore?" Ginny asked softly. "Are you sure you can't bend the rules a little bit for the Quidditch tryouts?" Draco made no sign he had heard her request, but Dumbledore turned his clear blue eyes from the boy to her.
"Are you asking me to Miss Weasley?" asked Dumbledore.
"Well sir," began Ginny, looking only the slightest bit flushed, "I would really like to see Harry and Ron tryout for the team…My brother's never been on the team before sir…"
"And never will be." Said Draco meanly with a sneer. Ginny glared at him, and seriously considered telling Dumbledore to forget about it. She kept her mouth shut however, and looked at the professor expectantly.
"I'll tell you what Miss Weasley." Dumbledore said. "You may both go to the Quidditch tryouts….if you both tryout."
Ginny paled. "Is something the matter Miss Weasley?" asked Dumbledore, concern evident in his voice. "I was under the impression that those brothers of yours had you playing Quidditch since you were born?"
"Oh, yes sir. It's just…I'd much rather watch…and…whenever we play we have to play really close to the ground so that the Muggles in the village don't get suspicious…so I mean I know the rules…and I enjoy the game…but…"
"But?" Dumbledore prompted kindly.
"But—I'm scared of heights." Ginny looked guiltily at Draco once again, and once again saw the smallest flash of regret. "Oh screw it." She said softly. "Yikes, sorry professor Dumbledore…I'll tryout."
And so it happened that Draco and Ginny ended up on the Quidditch field that morning, both absolutely silent. Hufflepuff had already had their tryouts when they arrived, and Ravenclaw was halfway through theirs. Despite what Ginny had told Dumbledore, she really had no desire to see her brother or either of his friends. She still felt a slight betrayal from the events that had commenced on the train ride, although she knew in her heart that it hadn't been nearly as big a deal as she had made it out to be Ron and Harry however, were searching for Ginny and before she knew what was happening her brother had her in a hug so tight she was sure her face turned 15 shades of purple.
"Are you ok? Has Malfoy hurt you? How badly have you hurt him? Should I write Mum? Do you need me and Harry to do something?"
Ginny laughed slightly. "No Ron."
"Are you upset with us still Gin?" asked Harry.
Ginny sighed. Even now it was hard to stay upset with the two of them. "A little." She said stubbornly.
Ron looked pained. "I'm sorry Ginny. I really am. I didn't mean…it's just that…I wanted…I didn't want…I'll make it up to you." He finished finally.
Ginny sighed. "Whatever. Good luck anyways." She sighed again and kissed them both quickly on the cheek. "I've gotta tryout too."
"Gin-" began Ron, but his protest was lost in Madame Hooch's whistle, and the annocement that the Gryfindors could now mount their brooms. There was a rustle of broom and cloak, and the players to be rose high into the sky in one corner of the stadium, where most of them enjoyed watching the rest of the Ravenclaw tryouts from a birds eye view, except for Ron, who was watching Ginny out of one eye, and Hermione, who was in the stands, from the other.
Harry of course, played phenomenally, except for a single moment twenty minutes in when a cloud blocked the sun, and similarly a dark look crossed his otherwise joyful face. Ron was surprisingly good as well; he possessed amazing Keeper skills, even if he had been hopeless at boxing…and of course the fact that he had Hermione in the stands to impress gave him an extra amount of talent as well. Everyone, especially Ginny, was pleased that she seemed to be holding her own rather well, every once in a while forgetting the ground was hundreds (?) of feet below her, and her broom only shaking slightly. It wasn't till the very end of practice that anything went wrong. The Slytherins had already begun to hover far above the field when Ginny accidentally took a prolonged look down at the ground. Almost at once her hands (and therefore her broom) began shaking, and with only that warning she began to plummet towards the ground. Ron let out a strangled cry and dove down after her, followed closely by Harry, but it was Draco Malfoy himself who caught her. Draco had been sitting almost lazily on his broom before he saw her falling, and without any thoughts he had dove down to get her. The moment he sat her unharmed on the ground he began to regret his rash action. There was a smattering of applause from the remaining Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. The Slytherins were extremely perturbed that one of their own (particularly Draco) had saved a Gryfindor, and although all of the Gryfindors were glad Ginny was safe, did her hero have to be a Slytherin? (Particularly Draco again)
About an hour later
"I am pleased to announce," began Madame Hooch, "This years Quidditch teams.
Hufflepuff
Seeker- Evan Hodgeson
Chasers-Susan Bones, Hannah Abbot, Justin Flinchflechy
Beaters- Margot Benson, Ernie McMillian
Keeper- Kevin Whitby
Captain-Ernie McMillian
Ravenclaw
Seeker-Cho Chang
Chasers- Stewart Ackerley, Padma Patil, Jason Moon
Beaters- Lisa Turpin, Orla Quirke
Keeper-Terry Boot
Captain-Terry Boot
Slytherin
Seeker-Draco Malfoy
Chasers- Blaise Zambini, Graham Pritchard, Samual Macnair
Beaters- Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode
Keeper- Morag MacDougal
Captain- Draco Malfoy
Gryfindor
Seeker- Harry Potter
Chasers- Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell…" Her booming voice trailed off and she looked at Dumbledore curiously. The aged professor, tottering around on his old broomstick, nodded at her, and she continued.
"Ginny Weasley.
Beaters-Fred Weasley, George Weasley
Keeper- Ron Weasley
Captain-Harry Potter"
She rolled up her scroll and walked away. Only then, amidst both cheering and snide comments, did anyone realize that little Ginny Weasley had fainted.
She woke up a little while later in the hospital wing, to the amused and belittling eyes of Draco Malfoy.
"What are you doing here Malfoy?" She demanded.
"Laughing at you Weasel." Drawled Malfoy. "Only you could fall off your stupid broomstick, faint when positions were being read, be afraid of heights, and still make the house team."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Why'd you catch me Malfoy?" she demanded flatly.
"You suddenly resembled a snitch Weasel, and I swore this year I would catch the snitch before that idiot Potter." He laughed, but it had a heavy fake ring to it. "Don't start flattering yourself Weasel. It's a Malfoy-"
"Pride thing." Finished Ginny. "I KNOW! I swear, that Malfoy pride will be your downfall."
"Draco laughed his hollow laugh again. "Something more than pride will be my downfall Weasel, don't worry." He rubbed the back of his neck absentmindedly, and even from where Ginny was laying she could see a large deep purple bruise spreading across his neck to the base of his blond head.
"Malfoy…" she said slowly… "I thought you said Dumbledore healed all your injuries last week during our fight."
"Only the ones he saw Weasel." Draco told her darkly.
"I didn't really scratch or hit you hard enough to draw blood that day did I Malfoy?"
"You think you could have actually drawn that blood by yourself Weasley? Ha. That was an old wound."
Ginny's eyes were clouded with concern. "Does your father do that to you Malfoy?" she asked suddenly.
Malfoy gave her yet another of his fake laughs. "No Weasel. I think that's one of those stereotypes we are supposed to discuss. Don't try to make me into one of your Gryfindor pity cases. You're just talking about things you're to dumb to understand." And with that, he turned gracefully on his heel and stalked out of the hospital wing.
Halfway back to the cottage, he passed Ron, who was on his way to the infirmary, having just now been granted permission to go. When he saw Draco he stopped the shorter boy and shoved him against the wall.
"You're lucky you caught her ferret boy." Ron said, his voice dangerously low. "She's the only sister I've got, and if you do anything to my her…and I mean anything Malfoy… I will personally see to your demise."
No one but Draco could look unfazed with a livid taller boys elbow in his solar plexus (?) but Draco was as cool as a cucumber. "Stuff it Weasley." He said coldly, and then pushed Ron out of the way and continued on his way.
A/N-And here is chapter three…I hope I'm not leaving anything out, since it is currently one thirty in the morning. Lots of little tiny important things were presented in this chapter. Do you know what they were? Please note that Draco and Ginny currently still hate each other… and if they are suddenly a little out of character…its just circumstance right now…but I had to speed up a little bit…or I wouldn't go anywhere! Also, Please note this chapter would have been up sooner had it not been for ff.nets stupid breakdown. Sigh. Anyway, thank you to my wonderful reviewers (All 14 of you!!! Yay!!) Especially those of you who reviewed twice. I will thank you individually eventually, but at the moment, I don't have my review list. Maybe next chapter. In response to 1-or rather 2-reviews (you know who you are) I would love to try your challenges, where can I find them? Also, I'm not sure I want this to be a higher rated fic, since I don't have a lot of experience, even in this level of fic writing. (Perhaps on another fic) I will however, be thrilled to use at least one of your ideas (if you don't mind, it will be coming up soon) and I am glad for yours, and any other help I might get. As always, let me know any ideas, complaints, comments you have. Those of you who have ventured into my other fics, I will be updating them also. Well, this is the longest AN I've ever written, so I'm gonna stop now.
I've Been forgetting to put my disclaimer up, but any of you who think I own Harry Potter are sadly mistaken. He is not mine, although sometimes I wish Draco and Ron were. Sigh. Good night everybody…See ya next chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~CR~
It would be lying to say that Ginny was not astounded to see Malfoy standing at her bedroom door, actually complying to Dumbledore's instructions. But, being that she was out to prove she was every bit as good as Draco was, all she did was walk out into the living room and plop down on the sofa. Draco wanted very much to sit on the far side of the room, be he knew this would not be practical, because given the size of the room if he had they would be yelling everything they voiced, possibly for the whole world to hear. Not that he intended on telling her anything important enough to need to be kept secret, but it was a Malfoy pride thing. He briefly considered sitting on the floor, but dismissed that thought almost before it formed. A Malfoy did not sit on the floor. Especially if there was a Weasley in the room. There forth, Draco Malfoy ended up in the Scarlet armchair next to the couch.
"Look what the great wizards of the world have been reduced to." He muttered. "Mudblood Loving Fools."
"What was that?" demanded Ginny sharply.
"Nothing Weasley…Did I not tell you we needed to start this?"
"Of course Master Malfoy." Ginny's tone now dripped with sarcasm.
A tension filled silence filled the room
……………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………..
Um……………………….
At that moment, a splendid bird Ginny recognized as Fawkes the Phoenix swooped into the room caring a parchment with Dumbledore's own seal on it. Ginny quickly took the parchment, gave Fawkes a quick kiss on the beak and watched him fly back towards the castle, then read it aloud. (A\N- This same letter was sent to all the groups, the parts that glimmer are personal messages read only by the letter holder)
"Dear Students,
Due to the difficult nature of this assignment, your teachers and I have composed a list information for you to disclose from your roommate(s) We all hope this helps. Please remember these are only conversation starters. If you have any questions, hesitate to contact me, ask the others! Enjoy yourselves!
-Professor Albus Dumbledore" Ginny paused and turned to the second sheet of parchment, on which was written:
"Middle Names, Likes and Dislikes, Pets, Fears, Thoughts, Family, Secrets and Birthdays" then, in smaller glowing letters "Discuss stereotypes etc."
"Well then." Ginny said as she finished, "that helps."
"Let's see…" stated Harry as he looked over the parchment Dumbledore had sent.
"Well, Middle names. Funny isn't it? I was going to ask you guys about those."
"I don't think it's funny." Said Ron sullenly.
"Oh!" exclaimed Hermione, "that means you'll have to start then."
"No way!" exclaimed Ron
"Ronald I will soon know what your middle name is Weasley!" said Hermione, "I will not be getting a bad grade on this cause you are embarrassed."
"Herm?" began Harry, "I don't think we're really getting graded on this per say."
"Still." Said Hermione. She pulled out her wand to put a tickle charm on Ron, and then threw her wand haphazardly aside as she decided to do this the 'muggle' way instead.
"Ok! Ok!" laughed Ron finally. His voice dropped so low Harry had to lean in to hear it. "Edgar."
Harry snorted. "Ronald Edgar Weasley?"
"Hey I never claimed it sounded good!" Said Ron defensively.
"Who were you named after?" asked Hermione.
"Hmmm…my great uncle twice removed…or the doctor…or the guy who saved Charlie's life…" he stopped as he realized Harry and Hermione were looking at him quite strangely. "Hey, when you've got six sons you kinda run out of boy names…gosh were we all glad Gin was a girl."
"I bet."
Ron shook his head. "Ok, how about you 'Mione?"
Hermione shrugged. "Nicole. It's a real popular name in the muggle world."
"And of course we all know Harry is," Ron coughed, "Harrold James Potter!"
"Applause! Applause!" teased Hermione.
"Hmmph!" Harry replied, pretending to be annoyed.
He looked back at the list "Likes and Dislikes…We've pretty much got that covered don't we?"
Hermione nodded. "Both you boys like Food, Quidditch, Chess and Trouble…Ron hates Spiders, you both hate potions, Snape, Slytherins, Harry hates Voldmort, Ron is scared of him…" she was still ticking things off when Ron interrupted her.
"And Hermione likes books, the library, dressing up sometimes…and.." he looked slyly at her, "Lockhart."
"I do not!" giggle shrieked Hermione
"And hates trolls." Finished Harry
"This is really much to easy." Said Hermione crossing off the items as they discussed them. Let's go on to secrets." She looked at the boys eagerly. "Anyone want to start?"
Harry and Ron exchanged a glance.
"Well-"began Harry, "would you look at the time."
"I bet its time for lunch." Continued Ron.
Hermione looked at the morning sun outside her window. "You guys it can't be past-" but her objections echoed in an empty room. Both boys had flown the coop.
"Ok." Said Ginny. "Middle names. My full name is Virginia Rose Weasley. Which is fairly interesting actually, considering how I feel about roses and…" She stopped quite suddenly, turning scarlet. The relationship between Ginny and roses was something quite personal and, in her opinion, very romantic. This however, was not something she felt like reveling to many people, especially a bored and sneering Draco Malfoy.
"Thomas." Draco's short stiff reply made Ginny's babbling seem even sillier.
"After Voldemort." Gasped Ginny.
"You say that like it's a bad thing Weasel." Drawled Malfoy. "I almost forgot my...roommate was the heir of Slytherin." He chuckled. "Don't pretend you don't think I should be named after him. Devilishly handsome fellow."
Ginny glared, "Come off it Malfoy. You look like a fair haired vampire." Draco just smirked at her. Was this boy ever ruffled?
(*AN-I am aware this is getting slow…so I'm gonna skip ahead a little bit…if it turns out I've moved to fast, let me know.*)
For our characters, the first week of term passed in much the same way the first two days had. Every night, Harry, Ron, and Hermione would sit around the fireplace and chat, sometimes about personal things such as the items on the list, sometimes about trivial things such as the horrible smell of Prof. Twelawny's tower, (someone had set off a rotten egg charm in the smoky atmosphere, and as it could not be traced in the environment, the bug-like clarivolent could do nothing about the smell) or Quidditch tryouts, which would be taking place very soon. Ron and Harry were still managing to hide their own secrets from Hermione and each other, and eventually, the young witch, feeling she was out numbered, had given up pressing them. Dumbledore had been pleased enough with their responses to his assignment, and she had her own secrets to hide, and a lot of reading to do. Dumbledore had yet to speak with Ron about Ginny, and it was obvious this was straining him. Sometimes he was downright sweet to Hermione, other times he was a total jerk Harry was more or less—well, Harryish….but their was sometimes a glint in his eyes that caused his friends to wonder if their wasn't a little something going on with the boy who lived.
In a cottage not too far away, the week had been spent in a cross between arguing and silence. Since the day Draco and Ginny had learned each others full names their had not been much progress on the subject, since Draco had insulted that evening and Ginny had refused to discuss anything further with him. Dumbledore had not yet returned to the cottage, and to tell you the truth, Draco was beginning to become slightly anxious about missing next weeks Quidditch tryouts. Not that he let on of course. In fact, such was the atmosphere in this cottage that this could have been the end of this boring tale. But in fact, because of a few events that picked up exactly one week since the implementation of the living arrangement, not only was this the only the beginning, but also the point where this picks up.
"Alright." Said Draco grudgingly. "Let's get back to this assignment sh-stuff. I refuse to lose my place on the Quidditch team because of a poor little rodent."
"It's getting old Malfoy. In fact, it was born old Malfoy."
"Just give me the topic Weasel."
"Likes and Dislikes."
"Easy. I like: Death, anything brand name, curses, power, drama, potions, and Quidditch. I hate: Transfiguration, Potty and Co., kittens, Mudbloods, Muggles, and Muggle-Lovers…"
"I get the idea Malfoy. You hate almost everything."
"And you Weasel. Did I mention you?"
"Yes, well. I dislike-Deatheaters, dark magic, , potions, Divination…oh never mind. And you Malfoy. Did I mention you?"
"Get your own material Weasel."
"I like: books, family and friends, poetry, muggle stuff, roses…hanging out with my brothers…and…" she faltered. "Quidditch and drama."
Malfoy gawked slightly. (Ever so slightly) I do not have something in common with a Weasel. I do not.
And with that thought, he got up and left Ginny to her own, just as confused thoughts. Why did I mention that?
A few days later, Draco woke up with an annoying nervous feeling in his stomach. The Quidditch tryouts started in less than an hour, and Dumbledore had yet to come back to the cottage. He had to admit he was almost relived when, right after breakfast, Dumbledore swept into the cottage…riding…an old warn Silver Arrow. Ginny almost choked on her porridge she was laughing so hard, and Draco's smirk had a relenting, semi amused tint to it.
"Mister Malfoy." Began Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling, but his mouth deathly serious. "I've been watching the activities in this cabin for quite sometime…and I am very sorry to say that at this time I must continue to enforce your punishment." Draco felt his annoyance change to an even more annoying sense of disappointment that flashed in his eyes for only a split second before they became unreadable gray pools once again. He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it just as quickly. Malfoys did not reckon with muggle-lovers. Of course, usually not reckoning with meant crushing to a pulp and doing what you wanted to anyway, but even Draco knew that course of action would not work this time. It was a Malfoy pride thing.
Now, Ginny had been watching this brief exchange, the mirth long since faded from her face. She had seen what Draco had not even known he had shown, and the brief disappointment she had seen in his eyes had sent her into a whirlwind of confusion. Why would he show emotion about Quidditch, this cold and remote boy who could discuss death and destruction and the Dark Lord without bating an eyelid? Why did the fact that this upset him bother her in the slightest? And what, if anything at all, could she do about the situation? Infact, the reason behind Draco's feelings for (I can not say love for, because even now the boy did not really love anything) Quidditch would not be revealed until much later. Ginny quickly realized however why this made such an impression on her. It was the first time he had shown any kind of feeling (besides hate) toward anything for any period of time. And Ginny was a person who believed that things should be felt, weather the emotion was happiness, sadness, joy or utter despair. Just feeling was important. Besides, Dumbledore had told her to keep an eye on Draco, and in her kind, somewhat pitying, and yet still annoyed and despising heart, this made him somewhat her responsibility.
"Professor Dumbledore?" Ginny asked softly. "Are you sure you can't bend the rules a little bit for the Quidditch tryouts?" Draco made no sign he had heard her request, but Dumbledore turned his clear blue eyes from the boy to her.
"Are you asking me to Miss Weasley?" asked Dumbledore.
"Well sir," began Ginny, looking only the slightest bit flushed, "I would really like to see Harry and Ron tryout for the team…My brother's never been on the team before sir…"
"And never will be." Said Draco meanly with a sneer. Ginny glared at him, and seriously considered telling Dumbledore to forget about it. She kept her mouth shut however, and looked at the professor expectantly.
"I'll tell you what Miss Weasley." Dumbledore said. "You may both go to the Quidditch tryouts….if you both tryout."
Ginny paled. "Is something the matter Miss Weasley?" asked Dumbledore, concern evident in his voice. "I was under the impression that those brothers of yours had you playing Quidditch since you were born?"
"Oh, yes sir. It's just…I'd much rather watch…and…whenever we play we have to play really close to the ground so that the Muggles in the village don't get suspicious…so I mean I know the rules…and I enjoy the game…but…"
"But?" Dumbledore prompted kindly.
"But—I'm scared of heights." Ginny looked guiltily at Draco once again, and once again saw the smallest flash of regret. "Oh screw it." She said softly. "Yikes, sorry professor Dumbledore…I'll tryout."
And so it happened that Draco and Ginny ended up on the Quidditch field that morning, both absolutely silent. Hufflepuff had already had their tryouts when they arrived, and Ravenclaw was halfway through theirs. Despite what Ginny had told Dumbledore, she really had no desire to see her brother or either of his friends. She still felt a slight betrayal from the events that had commenced on the train ride, although she knew in her heart that it hadn't been nearly as big a deal as she had made it out to be Ron and Harry however, were searching for Ginny and before she knew what was happening her brother had her in a hug so tight she was sure her face turned 15 shades of purple.
"Are you ok? Has Malfoy hurt you? How badly have you hurt him? Should I write Mum? Do you need me and Harry to do something?"
Ginny laughed slightly. "No Ron."
"Are you upset with us still Gin?" asked Harry.
Ginny sighed. Even now it was hard to stay upset with the two of them. "A little." She said stubbornly.
Ron looked pained. "I'm sorry Ginny. I really am. I didn't mean…it's just that…I wanted…I didn't want…I'll make it up to you." He finished finally.
Ginny sighed. "Whatever. Good luck anyways." She sighed again and kissed them both quickly on the cheek. "I've gotta tryout too."
"Gin-" began Ron, but his protest was lost in Madame Hooch's whistle, and the annocement that the Gryfindors could now mount their brooms. There was a rustle of broom and cloak, and the players to be rose high into the sky in one corner of the stadium, where most of them enjoyed watching the rest of the Ravenclaw tryouts from a birds eye view, except for Ron, who was watching Ginny out of one eye, and Hermione, who was in the stands, from the other.
Harry of course, played phenomenally, except for a single moment twenty minutes in when a cloud blocked the sun, and similarly a dark look crossed his otherwise joyful face. Ron was surprisingly good as well; he possessed amazing Keeper skills, even if he had been hopeless at boxing…and of course the fact that he had Hermione in the stands to impress gave him an extra amount of talent as well. Everyone, especially Ginny, was pleased that she seemed to be holding her own rather well, every once in a while forgetting the ground was hundreds (?) of feet below her, and her broom only shaking slightly. It wasn't till the very end of practice that anything went wrong. The Slytherins had already begun to hover far above the field when Ginny accidentally took a prolonged look down at the ground. Almost at once her hands (and therefore her broom) began shaking, and with only that warning she began to plummet towards the ground. Ron let out a strangled cry and dove down after her, followed closely by Harry, but it was Draco Malfoy himself who caught her. Draco had been sitting almost lazily on his broom before he saw her falling, and without any thoughts he had dove down to get her. The moment he sat her unharmed on the ground he began to regret his rash action. There was a smattering of applause from the remaining Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. The Slytherins were extremely perturbed that one of their own (particularly Draco) had saved a Gryfindor, and although all of the Gryfindors were glad Ginny was safe, did her hero have to be a Slytherin? (Particularly Draco again)
About an hour later
"I am pleased to announce," began Madame Hooch, "This years Quidditch teams.
Hufflepuff
Seeker- Evan Hodgeson
Chasers-Susan Bones, Hannah Abbot, Justin Flinchflechy
Beaters- Margot Benson, Ernie McMillian
Keeper- Kevin Whitby
Captain-Ernie McMillian
Ravenclaw
Seeker-Cho Chang
Chasers- Stewart Ackerley, Padma Patil, Jason Moon
Beaters- Lisa Turpin, Orla Quirke
Keeper-Terry Boot
Captain-Terry Boot
Slytherin
Seeker-Draco Malfoy
Chasers- Blaise Zambini, Graham Pritchard, Samual Macnair
Beaters- Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode
Keeper- Morag MacDougal
Captain- Draco Malfoy
Gryfindor
Seeker- Harry Potter
Chasers- Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell…" Her booming voice trailed off and she looked at Dumbledore curiously. The aged professor, tottering around on his old broomstick, nodded at her, and she continued.
"Ginny Weasley.
Beaters-Fred Weasley, George Weasley
Keeper- Ron Weasley
Captain-Harry Potter"
She rolled up her scroll and walked away. Only then, amidst both cheering and snide comments, did anyone realize that little Ginny Weasley had fainted.
She woke up a little while later in the hospital wing, to the amused and belittling eyes of Draco Malfoy.
"What are you doing here Malfoy?" She demanded.
"Laughing at you Weasel." Drawled Malfoy. "Only you could fall off your stupid broomstick, faint when positions were being read, be afraid of heights, and still make the house team."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Why'd you catch me Malfoy?" she demanded flatly.
"You suddenly resembled a snitch Weasel, and I swore this year I would catch the snitch before that idiot Potter." He laughed, but it had a heavy fake ring to it. "Don't start flattering yourself Weasel. It's a Malfoy-"
"Pride thing." Finished Ginny. "I KNOW! I swear, that Malfoy pride will be your downfall."
"Draco laughed his hollow laugh again. "Something more than pride will be my downfall Weasel, don't worry." He rubbed the back of his neck absentmindedly, and even from where Ginny was laying she could see a large deep purple bruise spreading across his neck to the base of his blond head.
"Malfoy…" she said slowly… "I thought you said Dumbledore healed all your injuries last week during our fight."
"Only the ones he saw Weasel." Draco told her darkly.
"I didn't really scratch or hit you hard enough to draw blood that day did I Malfoy?"
"You think you could have actually drawn that blood by yourself Weasley? Ha. That was an old wound."
Ginny's eyes were clouded with concern. "Does your father do that to you Malfoy?" she asked suddenly.
Malfoy gave her yet another of his fake laughs. "No Weasel. I think that's one of those stereotypes we are supposed to discuss. Don't try to make me into one of your Gryfindor pity cases. You're just talking about things you're to dumb to understand." And with that, he turned gracefully on his heel and stalked out of the hospital wing.
Halfway back to the cottage, he passed Ron, who was on his way to the infirmary, having just now been granted permission to go. When he saw Draco he stopped the shorter boy and shoved him against the wall.
"You're lucky you caught her ferret boy." Ron said, his voice dangerously low. "She's the only sister I've got, and if you do anything to my her…and I mean anything Malfoy… I will personally see to your demise."
No one but Draco could look unfazed with a livid taller boys elbow in his solar plexus (?) but Draco was as cool as a cucumber. "Stuff it Weasley." He said coldly, and then pushed Ron out of the way and continued on his way.
A/N-And here is chapter three…I hope I'm not leaving anything out, since it is currently one thirty in the morning. Lots of little tiny important things were presented in this chapter. Do you know what they were? Please note that Draco and Ginny currently still hate each other… and if they are suddenly a little out of character…its just circumstance right now…but I had to speed up a little bit…or I wouldn't go anywhere! Also, Please note this chapter would have been up sooner had it not been for ff.nets stupid breakdown. Sigh. Anyway, thank you to my wonderful reviewers (All 14 of you!!! Yay!!) Especially those of you who reviewed twice. I will thank you individually eventually, but at the moment, I don't have my review list. Maybe next chapter. In response to 1-or rather 2-reviews (you know who you are) I would love to try your challenges, where can I find them? Also, I'm not sure I want this to be a higher rated fic, since I don't have a lot of experience, even in this level of fic writing. (Perhaps on another fic) I will however, be thrilled to use at least one of your ideas (if you don't mind, it will be coming up soon) and I am glad for yours, and any other help I might get. As always, let me know any ideas, complaints, comments you have. Those of you who have ventured into my other fics, I will be updating them also. Well, this is the longest AN I've ever written, so I'm gonna stop now.
I've Been forgetting to put my disclaimer up, but any of you who think I own Harry Potter are sadly mistaken. He is not mine, although sometimes I wish Draco and Ron were. Sigh. Good night everybody…See ya next chapter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~CR~
