Title: Happy? Me? Of course.
A/N: Hello again. I'm finally done with the last chapter, and here you have it! I'm really sorry it took me so long, but please don't be mad at me.
I really appreciated that so many offered to beta read this chapter. especially thanks to Sailor Mars.
The first chapters of this story are being edited by Emmy (thank you too), and soon all the chapters will be up, but without any annoying spelling mistakes from my part. hehe.
Oh, and all the reviews! *smiles happily* THANK YOU! I love reading them!
Now I'm gonna stop this babble. On with the story already.
Chapter 10: Fine
~*~*~*~ Harry's POV ~*~*~*~
I never meant to hear all those things I heard. I really didn't. But when I walked past that door, and heard her voice, I just couldn't stop myself. I had to know what, who and why she was talking. It isn't my fault, that every time I hear her voice, I just follow it without knowing why, or how. So as quietly as possible I stopped outside the door to that abandoned classroom where I heard the voices coming from. But if I'd known exactly what I was about to hear, I would *never* have stayed to listen. I really wouldn't have. Because now I knew things I really didn't want to know, and what I knew made me feel bad. Feel bad about the things I'd done to Malfoy the Git, and that wasn't a good thing! That was actually a very bad thing if you're Harry Potter.
But the fact was, I *had* stayed, and I *had* heard everything. So now I *did* feel bad about it.
Great. Perfect. Just what I need right now. I leaned back against my pillow, and went through everything from the beginning, trying to clear my mind.
~*~*~*~
I had just been walking back to the common room from a very hard quidditch practise. Just as I was climbing the stairs to the third floor, I heard voices coming from an abandoned classroom. Tired as I was, I ignored it, and kept on walking. All I really wanted was a hot shower and a long night of sleep. Sleep. yes, that sounded like a good idea. But I hadn't walked for long when I heard *whose* voice it was.
~"Okay, I promise to listen, if you promise you'll talk."~
Yup. That was her voice all right. Her sweet, beautiful voice.
~"I really don't think you want to hear, but sure. Just don't go and blame me when you don't wanna be with me anymore."~
Oh. Great, Malfoy the Git, and his not so sweet and beautiful voice.
~"I promise. Besides, I don't think anything you say to me can make me not wanna be with you."~
She said that to the wrong guy. I'd do practically anything to be in there instead of Malfoy. Life's not fair.
~"Yeah, whatever. "~
Draco answered nonchantly, but I could clearly hear that he was more than satisfied with her answer.
~*~*~*~ Draco's POV ~*~*~*~
I didn't say anything for a while, trying to sort out my thoughts. It was a lot of things I needed to tell her, but I didn't know where to start.
I could start by telling her about that time 'she' pushed me down the stairs, and then afterwards claiming it was only an accident. Or the time when she 'dropped' the pillow over my head, and then had no idea how I could end up unconscious for three hours after the incident happened. It was nothing out of the ordinary that she did those things, it happened almost every day. When I was younger I couldn't defend myself, and when I got older I didn't defend myself.
I turned to look at Ginny. She was sitting there, with my arms wrapped around her shoulders protectively, looking so worried. She was worried about me. I squeezed her shoulder gently, and took a deep breath.
It wasn't my father who gave me the scars I have on my body. I know that's what I let people think, because telling the truth would be to humiliating. Beaten up by a girl? Doesn't even matter that she's my mother, a girl is always a girl. And boys don't get beaten up by girls.
I'll just try my best explaining this to Ginny.to my Ginny.
~*~*~*~ Ginny's POV ~*~*~*~
When he started his tale, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. His father didn't have much to do with anything, really. It was his mother. all the time, it was his mother. How can a mother hate her child? The son she's brought to life. why would she want to hurt him? Why would she want him dead?
He told me about the things she'd done to him, and I was sure that was going to give me nightmares for quite some time. But I could feel him relaxing, open up. The hard look in his eyes disappeared almost completely after a while, and it was the first time he looked at as if I was the most important thing in the world. In his world. If he only knew he's the most important thing in my world, too. I hate seeing him in pain. He says I take the pain away from him, if only for a while. I wish I could take away the pain from him permanently.
~*~*~*~ Harry's POV ~*~*~*~
He's getting the Dark Mark the day after graduation. It's not a choice he has; it's just something that's going to happen. He'll be living the same life his father has. He'll help Voldemort killing muggles. He'll be like one of the Nazis during World War II.
Only, Malfoy doesn't hate muggles. He doesn't know enough about them to hate them. Everything he says, everything he does, it's just an echo of what his father and mother has been telling him his whole youth. Brainwashing him.
I hate him. how can I not? I don't want to feel sympathy for him. He doesn't deserve it. Even if his mother's been trying to kill him, been using the Cruciatus curse on him whenever she thought he was too annoying, it doesn't give him the right do to all the things he's done! My childhood wasn't the happiest. I grew up with. Dursley's. they locked me into a bloody cupboard for years! I don't go around assaulting people because of it. But. maybe there is a difference. Maybe it's in the genes. My parents were the greatest, according to Sirius and professor Lupin. And Malfoy's parents. well.
It was scary seeing Malfoy like this. He was actually vulnerable, something I thought he couldn't be.
I still hate him, though. But now I think I'm starting to understand.
~*~*~*~ Draco's POV ~*~*~*~
Ginny moves closer to me, and I feel the wetness on my robe from her tears. I kiss her cheek, and ask her what's wrong.
She looks up at me with those big, amazing eyes, and whisper "I'm just crying the tears you refuse to cry."
I try to wipe away her tears with my hand, but she only smiles at me.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
I haven't told her everything. A person can only take so much at the time. She knows there's more for me to tell her, but I know she'll be patient. It's hard to talk about it, but that's something I'm not even going to admit to her.
She takes a Chocolate frog from the pocket of her robes, and put it on my knee. Confused, it tries to jump away, but she grabs it and gives it to me.
"I've heard chocolate's supposed to make you feel happier."
God, I love her.
~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~
"Earth to Harry! Wake up!" Ron yelled, and waved his hand in front of Harry's face. It was a couple of hours later, and the trio were sitting in the common room, doing homework, as most of the students.
"What?" Harry asked annoyed, and shook his head.
"I've been trying to talk to for 10 minutes now, where were you? Harry Potter - land?" Ron asked, just as annoyed, but was given a stern glare from Hermione.
"No, I was just. thinking."
"Did it hurt?" Ron muttered, but Harry didn't hear him.
"What were you thinking about, Harry?" Hermione asked, after having hit Ron in the head for his stupidity.
"Ginny."
"Why are you thinking about my sister in that way?" Ron asked, and gazed Harry suspiciously.
"What way, Ron?"
"You know!"
"No, I don't know! What way are we talking about?"
"Well. that way!"
"Now, what makes you think I'm thinking about your sister like that?"
"Because you had that."
"Stop it! Seriously, you two are acting like babies!" Hermione interrupted, after getting bored with their conversation. "Harry, please tell us what you are talking about, then maybe, hopefully, Ron will shut up."
"I resent that!" Ron said, but was once again cut off by Hermione.
"Ron, shut up!"
Harry sighed, and leaned back in the couch. "I saw Ginny earlier today. She was with Malfoy, like she usually is these days, and I overheard them talking."
"Harry, it's not very nice to listen to other peoples conversations!" Hermione said, sounding very shocked that her friend could do something that ill mannered.
"Who cares about that? What was he doing with my sister?!" Ron asked furiously.
"Oh, Ron, you know perfectly well what they're doing together! Stop pretending you don't!"
Ron crossed his arms over his chest, and sulked.
"Well, it wasn't what they were doing that bothered me the most, even though that bothered me too. It was more what they were talking about." Harry said calmly, as if he hadn't even noticed his friends little fuss.
Hermione and Ron turned their attention back to Harry.
"So, what were they talking about?" Ron asked.
"I'm not sure I should tell you, 'because I'm not even supposed to know about this."
"Harry, you're starting to worry me. What were they talking about?"
Harry sat quiet for a while, biting his under lip, before he answered. "They were talking about Malfoy. It doesn't even matter *what* he said. I just think. Ron, you should just get a grip and stop avoiding your sister. She won't be leaving Malfoy, and I'm not so sure I even think she should..."
"What?! You can't be serious! We're talking about *Malfoy* here!"
"Yes, I know that Ron. But still. Can't you just trust me on this? He won't hurt her."
Ron opened his mouth, only to close it again. Not coming up with anything else to say, he sighed in defeat and looked at Harry. "Fine! I trust you, but if something happens."
"I'll be the first to hit myself in the head. hard!" Harry said, laughing.
Ron smiled, "You better."
~*~*~*~
So, the next day Ron went to search for Malfoy. He'd promise Harry. And for Harry's sake, he was at least willing to *try* and trust Malfoy. Harry had offered to come with Ron and talk to Malfoy, but Ron had assured him it was all right. He didn't want his friends to think he was scared or something. Because he wasn't. not much anyway.
Ron stopped outside the entrance, and looked around. He'd been walking around the castle for an hour, and still he hadn't found them. This was ridiculous. They had to be somewhere!
Just as he was about to give up, he saw something moving in the corner of his eye. He looked that way, and finally he saw them. They were sitting behind a big tree by the lake. No wonder he almost didn't see them, they were partly hidden by that large tree.
Ron felt his hand getting sweaty, and considered for a while the possibility about running back to the dorm, and hide under his bed. He *really* didn't like the idea about talking to Malfoy. Or Draco. He should probably call him Draco from now on. Damn.
He took a deep breath, gathered some of that Gryffindor spirit he was supposed to have, and walked down towards the tree.
~*~*~*~
Ginny laughed, "No, it's true! I promise!"
Draco shook his head, "No way! You would never do anything like that!"
Ginny smiled, "But I did. And I would do it again!"
"So you mean to tell me, that you, Ginny Weasley, probably the most innocent person I've ever met, put spiders in your brother's bed? Just because he took your toys?" Draco asked, not quite believing it.
They were lying on their stomachs, facing the lake. They were talking about nicer things than Draco's past, though. Ginny tried to convince Draco that she hadn't always been so shy, and well. boring. But he refused to believe her.
A thought occurred to Draco, and he smiled evilly. "Hey wait! If Ron took your toys, doesn't that mean that Ron played with *dolls*?" The thought was just too much for Draco, and he started to laugh so hard his stomach ached.
"No! Actually, Ginny had these cool Quidditch- figures. They had their own broomsticks, and if you threw them out into the air, they flew! Ron said, fascinated.
Draco stopped laughing, and looked up.
"Ron? What are you doing here?" Ginny asked surprised, and hurried to sit up properly.
Ron bit his lip nervously. "Um. I. I kind of need to talk to you."
Ginny shook her head. "If it's about you don't want me and Draco to."
"No! No, it's not that! It's quite the opposite. actually."
Draco looked confused. "What? All of a sudden you *want* us to be together? Have you gone mental or something?"
Ron glared at him, and turned back to Ginny. "I need to talk to Malfoy. Just for a second. And I promise not to say anything. stupid."
"I believe that's impossible." Draco muttered.
Ron ignored Draco, and gave Ginny a pleading look. "Please?"
Confused, Ginny stood up. "Okay, I guess. Just don't kill each other!" she said before she walked away.
Draco, still lying down on the grass, looked up at Ron. "Well, if you're gonna talk then talk. Don't just stand there."
Ron sat down, as far away from him as possible, but still close enough so Ginny wouldn't hear them.
"I just wanted to let you know that. that it's okay. I mean with you and Ginny."
Draco raised an eyebrow, "Geez, how very kind of you." he said sarcastically.
"Shut up, at least I'm trying here!" Ron snapped. He was starting to lose his temper. Well, Ron lost his temper almost all the time, but that wasn't the point. "Now, listen to what I have to say, all right?"
Draco sighed. "Yeah, whatever."
"I *really* don't like you, and I probably never will. But I'm willing to forget that for Ginny's sake. But only if you do the same." Ron said.
Draco frowned. This was not happening.
"Are you serious?"
"Um.. Yes."
Draco hesitated. He could agree to this. It would be best for everyone if he did. But Draco didn't like to do things for others. Draco was selfish. And a Slytherin. Slytherin's didn't do nice things. And this was a nice thing. So he really should just give Ron a big punch and laugh at him for even suggesting such thing.
He looked over his shoulder and saw Ginny. She was, for some mysterious reason, petting the giant squid. It looked quite comfortable under her hands.
Draco almost chuckled, but controlled himself.
He sighed and turned back to Ron, "It's a deal."
~*~*~*~ Seven months later - Ginny's POV ~*~*~*~
It's the last day of my fifth year at Hogwarts. We'll be leaving soon, and I'm packing the last of my things. It feels kind of sad. This year has been a good year. Confusing, but good.
After Desdemona left, and Ron had that mysterious talk with Draco, everything seemed to be fine. They didn't fight anymore. My confidence has grown, much thanks to Miranda and Draco. What would I do without the two of them?
"Ginny? Hurry up, we're gonna be late!"
"I'm coming!"
I closed my suitcase, and put it next to my bed.
"Ginny, have you talked to Draco yet? He's waiting for you at the lake." Miranda told me as she packed her books.
I felt my cheeks turn red, and I smiled to myself. I still had hard to believe my luck.
"No, I'm on my way down there now." I said and walked towards the door.
"Are you gonna sit with him on the train?"
I shook my head, "No, apparently he has to sit with his housemates." I muttered and closed the door behind me. The common room was in chaos; everybody running around trying to find old socks and other things they'd lost during the year. It was only two hours before the train would leave, and I don't think I've ever seen my housemates this stressed,
I smiled to myself as I walked down the stairs. I knew I wouldn't see Draco for over three months, there was no way they'd led him visit my house over the summer, but still I felt optimistic. We'd always have owls. And when the summer was over, we'd be together again.
I exited the castle and walked down to our tree. He was already sitting there, waiting for me.
"Hey." I said and sat down next to him.
He turned and smiled, discreetly taking my hand and squeezing it.
"Have you been here long?" I asked.
"No, just a few minutes." He said, and rested his head against the tree behind us.
I rested my head against his shoulder, and closed my eyes. I might as well enjoy this last hour.
~*~*~*~ Draco's POV ~*~*~*~
I've been dreading this moment for so long. We'll be going home soon. And I have to spend another delightful summer in the mansion. It was easier before, before I met Ginny, to be at home and to be around the people I've been around my whole life. But now when I know how life could've been, if I'd been born in the right family, it all feels very bitter. and unfair.
But I'll have one more year with Ginny, if I'm lucky, before this happy bubble I've been living in, will be crushed. Then it's time for the Dark Mark, and no one escapes the Dark Mark. Especially not now when the Dark Lord is getting his powers back.
Unless.
I should just ask her now.
"Ginny?" I asked quietly, and almost wish she didn't hear me. But she did, and she turns her head up to look at me.
"Yes Draco?"
"I was just thinking about. about next year." I said tentative.
She nodded, and silently motioning for me to carry on.
"Professor Dumbledore talked to me for a couple of weeks ago. He said he needed my help, in the war against Vol. You- know- who. He said he'd help me hide from my family and Voldemort, if only I was ready to go over to the 'good' side."
"He said that they'll have to put me in hiding about a week before my graduation."
She didn't answer me, probably expecting me to continue.
"What about us?" she asked quietly, and I looked at her again. Yes, what about us.
"Do you think we'll still be together a year from now?" I asked her, trying to keep any emotion from showing in my voice.
She nodded, "Yes, I do. I hope so, anyway."
"Well then, if we're still together then, will you hide with me?" I asked.
She turned away, and looked out over the lake like she always did when she was in deep thought. I could only imagine what was going through her mind at that moment. I wished against all hope that she'd say 'of course Draco, of course I'll hide with you', but I couldn't let myself believe it.
Finally, she turned back to me, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Yes Draco, I'll go into hiding with you. After my graduation, I'll come to you."
I let out a breath I wasn't even aware I'd been holding, and hugged her tightly.
She laughed softy, and hugged me back. "See, everything will be just fine."
I pulled away from her, and frowned. "*I'm* supposed to be comforting *you*, not the other way around! This is not normal!"
Ginny kept smiling, and crawled up in my lap, "You've never been a normal boy, you know." She said and nodded her head.
"I don't hear you complaining." I muttered and crossed my arms over my chest.
Ginny laughed and kissed me, "Stop sulking! I love you even if you're a freak."
I almost blushed. Almost. "I love you too." I whispered before I could stop myself.
Ginny froze in my arms, and she looked at me with big surprised eyes. She seemed to be in deep thought, before she managed to stutter out "D-did you just say what I think you said?"
I licked my lips uncomfortably, and tried to decide whether or not I should tell her that of course I meant it, or if I should just laugh it off and tell her that she was beginning to hallucinate. But before I knew what I was doing I was leaning over and gently brushing my lips against hers. She responded somewhat warily, and I silently wondered if I'd just made a complete fool out of myself.
She pulled back and smiled, "See, *now* I'm happy!"
And so everything was fine.
~*~*~*~
The End.
Sequel? Hm, don't know. what do you think?
And please leave a review before you go *smile *
//Chhaya
.
A/N: Hello again. I'm finally done with the last chapter, and here you have it! I'm really sorry it took me so long, but please don't be mad at me.
I really appreciated that so many offered to beta read this chapter. especially thanks to Sailor Mars.
The first chapters of this story are being edited by Emmy (thank you too), and soon all the chapters will be up, but without any annoying spelling mistakes from my part. hehe.
Oh, and all the reviews! *smiles happily* THANK YOU! I love reading them!
Now I'm gonna stop this babble. On with the story already.
Chapter 10: Fine
~*~*~*~ Harry's POV ~*~*~*~
I never meant to hear all those things I heard. I really didn't. But when I walked past that door, and heard her voice, I just couldn't stop myself. I had to know what, who and why she was talking. It isn't my fault, that every time I hear her voice, I just follow it without knowing why, or how. So as quietly as possible I stopped outside the door to that abandoned classroom where I heard the voices coming from. But if I'd known exactly what I was about to hear, I would *never* have stayed to listen. I really wouldn't have. Because now I knew things I really didn't want to know, and what I knew made me feel bad. Feel bad about the things I'd done to Malfoy the Git, and that wasn't a good thing! That was actually a very bad thing if you're Harry Potter.
But the fact was, I *had* stayed, and I *had* heard everything. So now I *did* feel bad about it.
Great. Perfect. Just what I need right now. I leaned back against my pillow, and went through everything from the beginning, trying to clear my mind.
~*~*~*~
I had just been walking back to the common room from a very hard quidditch practise. Just as I was climbing the stairs to the third floor, I heard voices coming from an abandoned classroom. Tired as I was, I ignored it, and kept on walking. All I really wanted was a hot shower and a long night of sleep. Sleep. yes, that sounded like a good idea. But I hadn't walked for long when I heard *whose* voice it was.
~"Okay, I promise to listen, if you promise you'll talk."~
Yup. That was her voice all right. Her sweet, beautiful voice.
~"I really don't think you want to hear, but sure. Just don't go and blame me when you don't wanna be with me anymore."~
Oh. Great, Malfoy the Git, and his not so sweet and beautiful voice.
~"I promise. Besides, I don't think anything you say to me can make me not wanna be with you."~
She said that to the wrong guy. I'd do practically anything to be in there instead of Malfoy. Life's not fair.
~"Yeah, whatever. "~
Draco answered nonchantly, but I could clearly hear that he was more than satisfied with her answer.
~*~*~*~ Draco's POV ~*~*~*~
I didn't say anything for a while, trying to sort out my thoughts. It was a lot of things I needed to tell her, but I didn't know where to start.
I could start by telling her about that time 'she' pushed me down the stairs, and then afterwards claiming it was only an accident. Or the time when she 'dropped' the pillow over my head, and then had no idea how I could end up unconscious for three hours after the incident happened. It was nothing out of the ordinary that she did those things, it happened almost every day. When I was younger I couldn't defend myself, and when I got older I didn't defend myself.
I turned to look at Ginny. She was sitting there, with my arms wrapped around her shoulders protectively, looking so worried. She was worried about me. I squeezed her shoulder gently, and took a deep breath.
It wasn't my father who gave me the scars I have on my body. I know that's what I let people think, because telling the truth would be to humiliating. Beaten up by a girl? Doesn't even matter that she's my mother, a girl is always a girl. And boys don't get beaten up by girls.
I'll just try my best explaining this to Ginny.to my Ginny.
~*~*~*~ Ginny's POV ~*~*~*~
When he started his tale, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. His father didn't have much to do with anything, really. It was his mother. all the time, it was his mother. How can a mother hate her child? The son she's brought to life. why would she want to hurt him? Why would she want him dead?
He told me about the things she'd done to him, and I was sure that was going to give me nightmares for quite some time. But I could feel him relaxing, open up. The hard look in his eyes disappeared almost completely after a while, and it was the first time he looked at as if I was the most important thing in the world. In his world. If he only knew he's the most important thing in my world, too. I hate seeing him in pain. He says I take the pain away from him, if only for a while. I wish I could take away the pain from him permanently.
~*~*~*~ Harry's POV ~*~*~*~
He's getting the Dark Mark the day after graduation. It's not a choice he has; it's just something that's going to happen. He'll be living the same life his father has. He'll help Voldemort killing muggles. He'll be like one of the Nazis during World War II.
Only, Malfoy doesn't hate muggles. He doesn't know enough about them to hate them. Everything he says, everything he does, it's just an echo of what his father and mother has been telling him his whole youth. Brainwashing him.
I hate him. how can I not? I don't want to feel sympathy for him. He doesn't deserve it. Even if his mother's been trying to kill him, been using the Cruciatus curse on him whenever she thought he was too annoying, it doesn't give him the right do to all the things he's done! My childhood wasn't the happiest. I grew up with. Dursley's. they locked me into a bloody cupboard for years! I don't go around assaulting people because of it. But. maybe there is a difference. Maybe it's in the genes. My parents were the greatest, according to Sirius and professor Lupin. And Malfoy's parents. well.
It was scary seeing Malfoy like this. He was actually vulnerable, something I thought he couldn't be.
I still hate him, though. But now I think I'm starting to understand.
~*~*~*~ Draco's POV ~*~*~*~
Ginny moves closer to me, and I feel the wetness on my robe from her tears. I kiss her cheek, and ask her what's wrong.
She looks up at me with those big, amazing eyes, and whisper "I'm just crying the tears you refuse to cry."
I try to wipe away her tears with my hand, but she only smiles at me.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
I haven't told her everything. A person can only take so much at the time. She knows there's more for me to tell her, but I know she'll be patient. It's hard to talk about it, but that's something I'm not even going to admit to her.
She takes a Chocolate frog from the pocket of her robes, and put it on my knee. Confused, it tries to jump away, but she grabs it and gives it to me.
"I've heard chocolate's supposed to make you feel happier."
God, I love her.
~*~*~*~
~*~*~*~
"Earth to Harry! Wake up!" Ron yelled, and waved his hand in front of Harry's face. It was a couple of hours later, and the trio were sitting in the common room, doing homework, as most of the students.
"What?" Harry asked annoyed, and shook his head.
"I've been trying to talk to for 10 minutes now, where were you? Harry Potter - land?" Ron asked, just as annoyed, but was given a stern glare from Hermione.
"No, I was just. thinking."
"Did it hurt?" Ron muttered, but Harry didn't hear him.
"What were you thinking about, Harry?" Hermione asked, after having hit Ron in the head for his stupidity.
"Ginny."
"Why are you thinking about my sister in that way?" Ron asked, and gazed Harry suspiciously.
"What way, Ron?"
"You know!"
"No, I don't know! What way are we talking about?"
"Well. that way!"
"Now, what makes you think I'm thinking about your sister like that?"
"Because you had that."
"Stop it! Seriously, you two are acting like babies!" Hermione interrupted, after getting bored with their conversation. "Harry, please tell us what you are talking about, then maybe, hopefully, Ron will shut up."
"I resent that!" Ron said, but was once again cut off by Hermione.
"Ron, shut up!"
Harry sighed, and leaned back in the couch. "I saw Ginny earlier today. She was with Malfoy, like she usually is these days, and I overheard them talking."
"Harry, it's not very nice to listen to other peoples conversations!" Hermione said, sounding very shocked that her friend could do something that ill mannered.
"Who cares about that? What was he doing with my sister?!" Ron asked furiously.
"Oh, Ron, you know perfectly well what they're doing together! Stop pretending you don't!"
Ron crossed his arms over his chest, and sulked.
"Well, it wasn't what they were doing that bothered me the most, even though that bothered me too. It was more what they were talking about." Harry said calmly, as if he hadn't even noticed his friends little fuss.
Hermione and Ron turned their attention back to Harry.
"So, what were they talking about?" Ron asked.
"I'm not sure I should tell you, 'because I'm not even supposed to know about this."
"Harry, you're starting to worry me. What were they talking about?"
Harry sat quiet for a while, biting his under lip, before he answered. "They were talking about Malfoy. It doesn't even matter *what* he said. I just think. Ron, you should just get a grip and stop avoiding your sister. She won't be leaving Malfoy, and I'm not so sure I even think she should..."
"What?! You can't be serious! We're talking about *Malfoy* here!"
"Yes, I know that Ron. But still. Can't you just trust me on this? He won't hurt her."
Ron opened his mouth, only to close it again. Not coming up with anything else to say, he sighed in defeat and looked at Harry. "Fine! I trust you, but if something happens."
"I'll be the first to hit myself in the head. hard!" Harry said, laughing.
Ron smiled, "You better."
~*~*~*~
So, the next day Ron went to search for Malfoy. He'd promise Harry. And for Harry's sake, he was at least willing to *try* and trust Malfoy. Harry had offered to come with Ron and talk to Malfoy, but Ron had assured him it was all right. He didn't want his friends to think he was scared or something. Because he wasn't. not much anyway.
Ron stopped outside the entrance, and looked around. He'd been walking around the castle for an hour, and still he hadn't found them. This was ridiculous. They had to be somewhere!
Just as he was about to give up, he saw something moving in the corner of his eye. He looked that way, and finally he saw them. They were sitting behind a big tree by the lake. No wonder he almost didn't see them, they were partly hidden by that large tree.
Ron felt his hand getting sweaty, and considered for a while the possibility about running back to the dorm, and hide under his bed. He *really* didn't like the idea about talking to Malfoy. Or Draco. He should probably call him Draco from now on. Damn.
He took a deep breath, gathered some of that Gryffindor spirit he was supposed to have, and walked down towards the tree.
~*~*~*~
Ginny laughed, "No, it's true! I promise!"
Draco shook his head, "No way! You would never do anything like that!"
Ginny smiled, "But I did. And I would do it again!"
"So you mean to tell me, that you, Ginny Weasley, probably the most innocent person I've ever met, put spiders in your brother's bed? Just because he took your toys?" Draco asked, not quite believing it.
They were lying on their stomachs, facing the lake. They were talking about nicer things than Draco's past, though. Ginny tried to convince Draco that she hadn't always been so shy, and well. boring. But he refused to believe her.
A thought occurred to Draco, and he smiled evilly. "Hey wait! If Ron took your toys, doesn't that mean that Ron played with *dolls*?" The thought was just too much for Draco, and he started to laugh so hard his stomach ached.
"No! Actually, Ginny had these cool Quidditch- figures. They had their own broomsticks, and if you threw them out into the air, they flew! Ron said, fascinated.
Draco stopped laughing, and looked up.
"Ron? What are you doing here?" Ginny asked surprised, and hurried to sit up properly.
Ron bit his lip nervously. "Um. I. I kind of need to talk to you."
Ginny shook her head. "If it's about you don't want me and Draco to."
"No! No, it's not that! It's quite the opposite. actually."
Draco looked confused. "What? All of a sudden you *want* us to be together? Have you gone mental or something?"
Ron glared at him, and turned back to Ginny. "I need to talk to Malfoy. Just for a second. And I promise not to say anything. stupid."
"I believe that's impossible." Draco muttered.
Ron ignored Draco, and gave Ginny a pleading look. "Please?"
Confused, Ginny stood up. "Okay, I guess. Just don't kill each other!" she said before she walked away.
Draco, still lying down on the grass, looked up at Ron. "Well, if you're gonna talk then talk. Don't just stand there."
Ron sat down, as far away from him as possible, but still close enough so Ginny wouldn't hear them.
"I just wanted to let you know that. that it's okay. I mean with you and Ginny."
Draco raised an eyebrow, "Geez, how very kind of you." he said sarcastically.
"Shut up, at least I'm trying here!" Ron snapped. He was starting to lose his temper. Well, Ron lost his temper almost all the time, but that wasn't the point. "Now, listen to what I have to say, all right?"
Draco sighed. "Yeah, whatever."
"I *really* don't like you, and I probably never will. But I'm willing to forget that for Ginny's sake. But only if you do the same." Ron said.
Draco frowned. This was not happening.
"Are you serious?"
"Um.. Yes."
Draco hesitated. He could agree to this. It would be best for everyone if he did. But Draco didn't like to do things for others. Draco was selfish. And a Slytherin. Slytherin's didn't do nice things. And this was a nice thing. So he really should just give Ron a big punch and laugh at him for even suggesting such thing.
He looked over his shoulder and saw Ginny. She was, for some mysterious reason, petting the giant squid. It looked quite comfortable under her hands.
Draco almost chuckled, but controlled himself.
He sighed and turned back to Ron, "It's a deal."
~*~*~*~ Seven months later - Ginny's POV ~*~*~*~
It's the last day of my fifth year at Hogwarts. We'll be leaving soon, and I'm packing the last of my things. It feels kind of sad. This year has been a good year. Confusing, but good.
After Desdemona left, and Ron had that mysterious talk with Draco, everything seemed to be fine. They didn't fight anymore. My confidence has grown, much thanks to Miranda and Draco. What would I do without the two of them?
"Ginny? Hurry up, we're gonna be late!"
"I'm coming!"
I closed my suitcase, and put it next to my bed.
"Ginny, have you talked to Draco yet? He's waiting for you at the lake." Miranda told me as she packed her books.
I felt my cheeks turn red, and I smiled to myself. I still had hard to believe my luck.
"No, I'm on my way down there now." I said and walked towards the door.
"Are you gonna sit with him on the train?"
I shook my head, "No, apparently he has to sit with his housemates." I muttered and closed the door behind me. The common room was in chaos; everybody running around trying to find old socks and other things they'd lost during the year. It was only two hours before the train would leave, and I don't think I've ever seen my housemates this stressed,
I smiled to myself as I walked down the stairs. I knew I wouldn't see Draco for over three months, there was no way they'd led him visit my house over the summer, but still I felt optimistic. We'd always have owls. And when the summer was over, we'd be together again.
I exited the castle and walked down to our tree. He was already sitting there, waiting for me.
"Hey." I said and sat down next to him.
He turned and smiled, discreetly taking my hand and squeezing it.
"Have you been here long?" I asked.
"No, just a few minutes." He said, and rested his head against the tree behind us.
I rested my head against his shoulder, and closed my eyes. I might as well enjoy this last hour.
~*~*~*~ Draco's POV ~*~*~*~
I've been dreading this moment for so long. We'll be going home soon. And I have to spend another delightful summer in the mansion. It was easier before, before I met Ginny, to be at home and to be around the people I've been around my whole life. But now when I know how life could've been, if I'd been born in the right family, it all feels very bitter. and unfair.
But I'll have one more year with Ginny, if I'm lucky, before this happy bubble I've been living in, will be crushed. Then it's time for the Dark Mark, and no one escapes the Dark Mark. Especially not now when the Dark Lord is getting his powers back.
Unless.
I should just ask her now.
"Ginny?" I asked quietly, and almost wish she didn't hear me. But she did, and she turns her head up to look at me.
"Yes Draco?"
"I was just thinking about. about next year." I said tentative.
She nodded, and silently motioning for me to carry on.
"Professor Dumbledore talked to me for a couple of weeks ago. He said he needed my help, in the war against Vol. You- know- who. He said he'd help me hide from my family and Voldemort, if only I was ready to go over to the 'good' side."
"He said that they'll have to put me in hiding about a week before my graduation."
She didn't answer me, probably expecting me to continue.
"What about us?" she asked quietly, and I looked at her again. Yes, what about us.
"Do you think we'll still be together a year from now?" I asked her, trying to keep any emotion from showing in my voice.
She nodded, "Yes, I do. I hope so, anyway."
"Well then, if we're still together then, will you hide with me?" I asked.
She turned away, and looked out over the lake like she always did when she was in deep thought. I could only imagine what was going through her mind at that moment. I wished against all hope that she'd say 'of course Draco, of course I'll hide with you', but I couldn't let myself believe it.
Finally, she turned back to me, and a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Yes Draco, I'll go into hiding with you. After my graduation, I'll come to you."
I let out a breath I wasn't even aware I'd been holding, and hugged her tightly.
She laughed softy, and hugged me back. "See, everything will be just fine."
I pulled away from her, and frowned. "*I'm* supposed to be comforting *you*, not the other way around! This is not normal!"
Ginny kept smiling, and crawled up in my lap, "You've never been a normal boy, you know." She said and nodded her head.
"I don't hear you complaining." I muttered and crossed my arms over my chest.
Ginny laughed and kissed me, "Stop sulking! I love you even if you're a freak."
I almost blushed. Almost. "I love you too." I whispered before I could stop myself.
Ginny froze in my arms, and she looked at me with big surprised eyes. She seemed to be in deep thought, before she managed to stutter out "D-did you just say what I think you said?"
I licked my lips uncomfortably, and tried to decide whether or not I should tell her that of course I meant it, or if I should just laugh it off and tell her that she was beginning to hallucinate. But before I knew what I was doing I was leaning over and gently brushing my lips against hers. She responded somewhat warily, and I silently wondered if I'd just made a complete fool out of myself.
She pulled back and smiled, "See, *now* I'm happy!"
And so everything was fine.
~*~*~*~
The End.
Sequel? Hm, don't know. what do you think?
And please leave a review before you go *smile *
//Chhaya
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