Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the plot, and if I forget this on the other pages, and you insist on seeing this, then just come back to this chapter!
By the way... thanks to my one reviewer! I appreciate you reading this, and hope more people do, and enjoy it. Here you go...
Draco hurried back to his common room, cursing at himself and frightening off innocent looking first years. For the first time in two years, Draco had smiled. A true smile- with no trace of a sneer in it. The second he had seen Ginny, all thoughts of revenge had flown out of his mind. Draco loved her personality. One minute she was biting your head off, and the next she was blushing, and the moment after that she was making deals and joking with you.
Yet he was an idiot. He had revealed more to her than anyone else in the world- even his mother. H had spoken words that could get him killed if the wrong ears heard them. Yes, Ginny Weasley was much too dangerous, and he vowed to stay away from her. And that annoying voice in his head said, "You weren't able to keep your last vow, so how will you keep this one?"
To put it nicely, he told it to "shut up."
"Ginny," Ron snarled as soon as she entered the common room. "What the heck were you doing with Malfoy in the library?" The room went still. Hermione was trying to no avail to calm Ron down. "Shut up, Herm! Ginny, first you two were fighting, then smiling and laughing! If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you fancy him!"
"You prat, do you think it's any of your business?" Ron opened his mouth, but was unable to get a word out. "My god, Ron, let's start by being honest! Why don't you tell me what you and Hermione have been doing for the past five months and I'll tell you what Malfoy and I were doing!"
Ron blanched. Ginny never talked to him like this. A seething Ginny gave him one last glare before going to her dorm, and Hermione followed suit after hitting Ron on the head and repeating, "you prat!"
Ron sulked for a while, but eventually apologized a week later when he didn't see Ginny and Draco around each other. Ginny let him beg a little- he had to learn he couldn't treat her like that. But as she hated fighting with anyone, much less her brother, she forgave him the next day.
Ginny had another side to her: curiosity. She loved hearing details of things that were none of her business- which is why she knew how Pansy Parkinson had charmed her body to make some parts... larger, and how Collin Creevy talked to himself in what he thought was a "sexy" voice every morning in front of his mirror. So naturally, she wanted to know what his take was about him becoming a death eater, and why he felt he didn't share the same qualities as Lucius.
She looked for the opportune time to grab him. Two weeks later, just as she was going to enter Transfiguration, she saw Draco passing in the empty hall and grabbed his arm. He swung around and threw her off, and she was rushed into a statue behind her. She gasped as she felt her wrist snap. Nausea wanted to overcome her, but nothing was going to deter her from questioning Draco. "Hey," she said. "Can we talk?" He looked at her hand, which still hadn't moved, and Ginny quickly snapped it back.
"I have Potions, Weasel," Draco drawled.
"Oh come on, it's not like Snape will yell at you for being late or anything. I'm going to get so busted by McGonagall if I'm not in there in a minute."
"In that case," Draco said and leaned back, "shoot."
Ginny took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. "How come you don't want to be a death eater?"
Draco stood back up, turning to leave. "Wonderful chat, weasel, but I must be going now."
Remembering the few weeks before how he had slipped when he got angry, Ginny had an idea. She twirled him around and punched him on the bicep. "You are like you're father, you- you- ferret! Egotistical, selfish, prejudice-"
"Don't you say that again! I've told you I'm nothing like my father!"
"Really? They why do you act like him?" He closed his eyes.
"My father likes to kill people! What kind of bastard would do that?"
"You, ferret, will be soon, if the rumors are true!" Draco was seething. He couldn't hold onto his temper any longer.
"I- HATE- VOLDEMORT!"
Ginny shouted, "WELL YOU'VE SURE AS HELL FOOLED EVERYONE!"
"ARE YOU KIDDING? I'D- I'D RATHER MARRY POTTER THAN JOIN VOLDEMORT!"
Ginny stared, then abruptly dissolved into fits of giggle. Draco colored and opened his mouth to say something when Professor McGonagall popped her head out of the classroom.
"That's enough, both of you! 15 points from both Gryffindor and Slytherin, and detention tomorrow night! Now, get to class!"
Draco gave Ginny one last glare before heading out of sight.
"Now Miss Weasley, I suggest you join class or-" She stopped suddenly at the sight of Ginny's green- tinged face. "Are you alright?"
"Hospital- wing!" Ginny gasped, and the professor flew her to see Madam Pomfrey.
Ginny felt better it had been healed and she had been given a pain- relieving potion, but was told she was to stay until before dinner to make sure it would be fine. Forty-five minutes later, she heard the door open behind her.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy," Madam Pomfrey greeted him. Ginny gave a barely audible gasp and slowly edged her curtains forward. "Isn't class still going on?"
"Professor Snape let me out early," Draco replied smoothly. "Wanted me to give you these Advanced Pain Relieving Potions."
"Thank you, dear. These will come in very handy, what with all of the aches and pains we've been getting in here. It probably would have been better to use this on Miss Weasley over there, but no matter. I'll put these away."
Draco's thoughts had stopped on Ginny's name, and as soon as Madam Pomfrey disappeared he threw back Ginny's hangings, which she had managed to inconspicuously draw forward to her waist. He just stared at her wrist, an unreadable expression on his face. Finally he looked up and said, "If you hadn't startled me, you wouldn't be there now."
Ginny rolled her eyes, but inwardly smiled. She knew that that was the best apology she was going to get. She suddenly grinned at him, a bright grin that lit up her eyes and gave Draco chills all over. "Just tell me it didn't feel good to get that out.
Draco almost smiled, but instead narrowed his eyes. "If the wrong person finds out what I've told you, it'd be less than an hour before you were dead."
Ginny snorted. "Who would I tell, Ron?" Noting his seriousness, she allowed him one sentence. "I won't say a word. Scouts honor," she added and held up her hand. Draco shook his head and turned to leave, stopping for a moment at the door. He hesitated, "I- I-"
"Yes?" An amused Ginny asked.
"I- I'll see you in detention," he mumbled before stalking away. Ginny grinned, knowing full well he had been trying to apologize.
She, Ginny Weasley, had been the one he, Draco Malfoy, had opened up the slightest to. She wondered how much more she could get from him. Ginny didn't dare analyze his behavior towards her; either he was setting her up for something, or, perhaps...
She wouldn't go there.
For someone with a healing bone, Ginny was in a very good mood. She sat next to Ron at dinner and said, "Hey big bro."
"Ginny! Are you all right?" A concerned Ron asked.
"I'm fine!" Ginny insisted, not looking any of the trio in the eye. "I, er- fell down the stairs."
Ron shrugged and Hermione smiled, but Harry didn't look convinced.
I'd rather marry Harry than join Voldemort...
Ginny burst out laughing, and as everyone turned to her she covered her mouth.
"What's so funny?"
Ginny was shaking uncontrollably. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and calmed herself down. She opened her eyes to face three people looking at her as if she'd cracked. "Nothing- I just remembered something... long story."
Ginny looked at the Slytherin table, where Draco was staring intensely at her. She was about to blush; instead, she gave him a sly smile and mouthed, "I'd rather marry Potter than join Voldemort."
"You wouldn't," he mouthed back.
"Watch me," she replied, and turned to Harry. "You know Harry, I heard something very interesting this morning. I was conversing with-"
In a flash, Draco was out of his chair. He grabbed Ginny out of hers and practically dragged her out of the hall. She turned back to Harry, where he, Ron, and Hermione were looking on in shock and fury, and shouted, "Tell you later!"
Draco pulled her through a couple of corridors, into a closet, and lit his wand. He motioned for her to be quiet as Ron went stomping through the halls..."...he think he's doing? Like I won't pound..." and they heard the other two following, saying, "...won't do any good to..."
As silence enfolded them again, Draco smirked. "The only one with a dab of common sense, that Granger. She's right- it wouldn't do any good to fight me, as he'd lose."
Ginny's face heated a little. "He could knock you flat in a second." But as she looked at him, she wasn't so sure she believed that. Draco caught her glance.
"Oh, give me a break, Weasel. I saw you-"
"I assume you brought me in her for a reason?" Ginny interrupted.
"What the hell did you think you were doing? If you had said that, Harry could tell- I don't know, Voldemort or someone."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Draco! You mean to tell me that you got angry out of your own safety, and not because, to put it lightly, it'd make you look like a fool?"
"Yes!" Draco seethed, taking her by the shoulders. "I don't want to be killed, and I've told you enough to have 20 people want me dead."
"Sorry," Ginny said since he wanted to hear it. "But really, tell me you don't think that you marrying Harry is a bit on the hysterical side." He thought for a second, and his face flushed a deeper red than ever before. Ginny laughed and opened the closet door. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. But I will someday!" She added as she slammed the door and darted around the corner. Draco flung it open after her, but gave up as she was nowhere to be seen. He headed slowly to his tower.
Neither of them noticed the bushy haired girl, who had been heading back in search of her back, frozen in her tracks.
Ginny couldn't concentrate on her homework that night; she kept turning back to Draco in her mind. He teased others, for one, because he was brought up that way, and maybe... to make himself feel secure? His life at home had to be bad. Ginny wondered what his childhood was like.
Ginny finally gave up trying to do her homework. She threw her pen down and got up. Maybe Ron wanted to play chess or something. Luckily, Ron had cooled down earlier, thanks to Ginny's Memory Charm. She figured it was the only way to keep Draco- or herself, for that matter- alive.
Ron was whooping everyone at chess, and Ginny noticed Harry and Hermione talking secretively in the corner. She was about to join Ron when Hermione waved her over. "Hey guys, what's going on?"
"Ginny," Hermione said, glancing at Harry. "We need to talk to you in private."
"Um... o.k." Ginny didn't have a good feeling about this, but she followed them into an empty classroom anyway.
"You see Ginny-"
"Hermione saw you and Draco," Harry interrupted flatly. Ginny snorted. Way to beat around the bush. "And we would both like to know what you were doing with a slimy git like that!"
Ginny sighed. "I was teasing him about something he said, so he got mad. I told him I wouldn't say a word. End of story. And you guys," she couldn't help adding, "he's not as bad as you think he is."
"Like hell he isn't," Harry muttered angrily.
"How do you know so much about him anyway?" Hermione asked.
"I-" Ginny cursed to herself, knowing that after she said this there would be eyes on her forever. "I'm not allowed to tell."
"Ginny," Harry said slowly. "I think this might be a plot of his or his fathers, or Voldemort's. I think... I think he's using you to get to me."
Ginny could have laughed. "Give me a break, Harry. Why on Earth would he do that?"
"Snap out of it, Gin," Hermione said. "The same thing happened in your first year."
"Just stop it, ok?" shrieked Ginny, covering her ears. She couldn't take it anymore. Tears fell down her face without her even realizing it. "I know him better than you, and he wouldn't do that! He's- just leave me alone!" With that, she flew back to the Tower and into her dormitory.
Hermione sank back into her chair and Harry put his head in his hands. "Great. Just great. This is perfect."
"Maybe she's right. I mean," added Hermione hastily as Harry glared at her, " we don't know him except for his behavior towards us, and who says it's not a cover?"
Harry was adamant. "Not likely! I know it has something to do with Voldemort getting Ginny, I just know it." He turned towards Hermione. "The only option would be to keep them away from each other. But how would we do that?"
"I think," said Hermione thoughtfully, "that what you said might have done the trick. If something happens to them to bring them closer together, (Harry looked sick at the thought) Ginny may take what you said to heart."
Harry grumbled, but accepted the only choice they had for the time being.
Late that night, in a place far from Hogwarts, a death eater and a dark lord were discussing the former's son.
"I'm positive Draco has no objections to joining you... I've exposed him to the torturing of muggles- yes, I know I should have started earlier my Lord, please forgive me- and he said he would get a great pleasure out of doing it. I found no falsehood in his voice nor attitude."
"Be that as it may, Lucius," the other replied silkily, "I have foreseen an obstacle in his path." At this, the death eater's face filled with astonishment. Voldemort smiled contemptuously. "Cant figure it out, can you? Well, I'll give you a few hints. It's a female..."
"I can assure you, all the girls that Draco would be interested in would love-"
"Oh, but this female is different," Voldemort cut in, eyes glittering. "Fiery red temper, so full of goodness it's sickening, and... she's not in Slytherin." Lucius was still confused, and Voldemort sighed. "Honestly, I must start picking followers with brains. I'll spell it out for you: W-E-A-S-L-E-Y; G-I-N-N-Y."
Lucius sat dumbfounded. His son with a mudblood- lover? Since when did snakes mingle with lions? "Not in a million years," he said without thinking.."
"Oh?" Voldemort's tone was amused, but his eyes flashed dangerously. "Have you suddenly gained powers that I'm not aware of, Lucius? If you have, please inform me now."
Lucius immediately got down on one knee and bade forgiveness.
"Yes, Lucius. I wouldn't kill you even if I wanted to. I have a better idea." And his eyes glittered maliciously as he revealed his ingenious plot.
Back in Hogwarts, Harry Potter woke up sweating. He quickly turned to his last sheet of parchment and wrote down what he had dreamt. Then he went back to bed, reminding himself over and over to give the sheet to Dumbledore first thing in the morning. He woke up the next morning and went downstairs without a second glance- all of last night forgotten.
Ginny woke up and groaned. She had detention tonight! It was her first one ever. McGonagall told her at lunch to report to Hagrid's hut at 8:00, so five minutes to she set out. "Hullo, Hagrid," she said somewhat glumly.
Hagrid noticed and replied, "Ah, cheer up, you. Got a surprise for yeh. Remember those blas' ended skrewts back 'en your 3rth year?"
"Yes," she replied cautiously.
"Well, I've decided ter reintroduce them to the younger classes! Isn't that great?"
Ginny was luckily saved from answering by Draco, who chose that moment to arrive.
"What did I miss?" He asked, raising his eyebrows.
Hagrid smiled, a full grin as he said, "We're goin' in ter the forest to catch the blas' ended skrewts that got loose three years ago. Two of yer favorite things, Malfoy!"
Draco's face was set, which Ginny noticed meant he was annoyed, and his eyes had that angry glint. But he quickly fixed his smirk back on and replied," Yeah, just as much as you favor Azkaban, Hagrid."
Noticing the angry vibes between the two, Ginny stepped in. "Um, Hagrid? Isn't the forest... dangerous?"
Draco rolled his eyes. "Duh, Weasley, why do you think it's off limits?"
Ginny smacked him and asked Hagrid what they were supposed to do.
"Well, once yeh see one, take yer wand out and petrify them. The send them to my hut. All right?"
They shook their heads. "Now, I want you two the stay on the outskirts of the forest. I'm going ter go in deeper- I've been there before. If yeh need my help, send up red sparks. Let's start, then."
Draco tried to keep his distance from Ginny, but it was impossible when he saw how frightened she was. "Come on," he sneered. "You're not afraid of a little darkness, are you?" Ginny glared at him and replied, "of course not- I'm only frightened of what's in the darkness."
Draco snickered, but inside he thought she had a right to be. Heck, his experience in the forest was the most frightening thing to ever happen to him. Well, the second most, actually.
They were silent for a bit as they collected skrewts. As they were becoming harder to find, Ginny asked, "Why do you keep everyone out?"
Draco was silent for so long that Ginny didn't think he was going to answer. She was going to suggest going back when he replied, "I've never felt the need to let anyone in before."
"But you need someone in your life!" Ginny exclaimed. Draco couldn't help but notice the passion in her eyes when she said that. He looked her straight in the eye.
"I've never needed someone until now."
Ginny blushed and said," Well, maybe-" she stopped and closed her eyes for a second, then opened them and yelled, "Duck, Draco! Now!!!"
Bewildered, Draco fell flat on the ground as a flash flew right over him.
Harry and Ron wanted to take a break and sneak to Hogsmeade for a drink, and breaking her first rule in over a year, Hermione obliged.
"Excellent!" Harry said, and ran to get his cloak and map. "Be right back."
Once he got them, they stepped outside the common room, and Hermione reminded Harry to make sure no one was up and about. He scanned it, put it away, and said, "Nope, all clear," before quickly pulling it out again for a second glance. "What the-" and he tore out of the room, leaving his two friends stunned behind.
"What was that all about?" Hermione asked.
"Dunno," Ron replied, and picked up the map that Harry had dropped. He looked at it quickly, then passed it to Hermione and took off at a sprint.
Hermione looked down, shrieked, and started speed- walking as fast as she could. "Oh, screw the rules!" She sighed exasperatedly, and started running.
Draco didn't have time to absorb the shock that he had been one step away from being attacked. If it weren't for Ginny- wait, Ginny!"
Ginny was standing up, wand high above her head as she shouted "Repricallum!" Immediately a shield covered her and Draco, allowing spells inside the bubble to be shot out, but not in. She rushed over to Draco and helped him up. "Are you o.k?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," he snapped. He started forward. "I'm going after that-"
"NO, Draco!" Ginny shouted as spells bounced harmlessly off the shield. "Let's send sparks- telling them to surround this place- the attacker won't be able to get out.
Draco couldn't help but agree, half torn between admiring her control and the fact that a girl was saving his butt. As Ginny shot the sparks up, the figure crept closer to them. Draco noticed the movement out of the corner of his eye and noticed a silver hand. "Hey!" he shouted, and Ginny turned to see his hand draw the words in smoke: Don't worry... I'll be back- before he vanished.
Draco sighed with relief, but Ginny shrieked and fell to the ground. "Did you see him?" she sobbed. "How did he do that? Hogwarts is supposed to be un-apparatable!" She started shivering uncontrollably, and Draco understood how she had been able to stay so calm in that situation. She knew what she had to do and did it, but the reality of the situation came back to her twice as bad after. Silent tears started streaming down her face, and before he knew what he was doing, he pulled her into himself. She gladly accepted his shoulder, and he held her until her sobs died down. "It's o.k., Dumbledore will be able to figure it out."
Ginny sat up slightly and sniffled, saying, "I thought you hated Professor Dumbledore." She looked quizzically into his eyes.
"Not hate... just despise greatly." She giggled, and looked into his eyes. It was one of those times they looked misty blue. Draco lifted a finger to her cheek and traced her jaw line. His eyes were searching hers longingly. "Thank you," he whispered.
"For what?" an astonished Ginny asked.
"For saving me," Draco replied. Somehow, she got the feeling that he meant it in more than one way.
"Anytime," she whispered, not entirely sure of how she answered him, and half closed her eyes. She felt that almost magnetic pull between him again, and knew he did too. The closer she got to him, the faster time seemed to slow... and she knew this time that she would not be able to pull away.
Draco's breath caught in his throat. He had never wanted to kiss someone so much in his life. She was a warm front and he was a cold front; there was no way they could avoid the storm... they both drew closer and stopped an inch away from each other. Draco could feel her rapid breathes on his lips, and a little groan escaped him; in a split second his lips would be on hers, kissing them as though he'd never get another chance.
But that split second never came, for they heard Harry, Ron, and Hermione close behind them.
Draco let out a much bigger groan and pulled away, standing up. He helped a confused Ginny up, and they walked towards the voices.
"Where- is- he?" Harry panted.
"Where is wh- oh! You mean they guy who attacked us?" Harry nodded vigorously.
"We scared him off," Ginny replied. "Or, she added slyly, "I should say that I-"
"Oh, shut up," Draco scowled at her. Ron laughed cruelly, but Harry was too involved with his map that Hermione handed to him. "Crap! He's gone already."
Ginny was about to ask how he knew this when Hagrid came tumbling through the trees. "What happened? I saw yer spell, and I got here as fast as I could."
"Someone attacked us, Hagrid," Ginny stated quietly. Hagrid looked thunderstruck. "They what? How could someone have gotten past- never mind. Follow me, you two, and you-" he pointed to the trio. "What're you three doin' here? Getting inter more trouble, I suppose. Get to yer tower now, go on."
"But I need to see Dumbledore too!" Harry protested, and Draco gave a snort of disbelief. "What was that, Malfoy?" he glared.
"Oh, nothing," Draco replied. "But are you sure it's Dumbledore you want to see?" Draco sneered, with a glance towards Ginny.
Harry got red in the face and was about to retort when Hagrid interrupted. "Enough of that. Hurry on to Dumbledore now."
They were silent all the way in. Ginny stopped suddenly. "Um... do you guys even know the way to Dumbledore's office?" They just kept on walking, presumably either ignoring or not hearing her. They reached the Gargoyle statue and both boys said at the same time, "Drooble's Best Blowing Gum." The door opened, but both boys sat there glaring at each other.
"Um... are you going to go in?" Ginny asked. Nobody moved. She brushed past them, purposely muttering, "children" loud enough for them to hear.
"Hey, I heard that!" they cried simultaneously, and Ginny laughed.
Dumbledore awaited them, sitting gravely at his desk. He stood up to greet them. "Ah, Mr. Malfoy; Mr. Potter; Miss Weasley. Have a seat. Now," he went on as they sat, "I hear you all have something to tell me. Miss Weasley, why don't you start off, and feel free to add anything, Mr. Malfoy."
So Ginny repeated their detention to him, up to the point where Draco was a spell's target. "Um..." she said nervously, looking at Harry. Dumbledore noticed and said, "Harry, would you mind stepping out side the door for a minute?"
Harry got up slowly, obviously annoyed. As soon as the door clicked shut, Ginny continued. "Well Professor, I suddenly had this feeling inside of me, and every part of me urged me to listen to it. I told Draco to duck, and as soon as he did, a spell flew over him."
Dumbledore stared at Ginny thoughtfully. "Very interesting, Miss Weasley. I'll find more on the matter and get back to you. Is that all?"
"Yeah, I guess so," Ginny replied and made a move to get up. Apparently, though, Draco still had something to add.
"Professor... I got a glimpse of the attacker."
In a second, Dumbledore was paying rapt attention to Draco. "I see... anything you wish to tell me?"
"Yes." Draco twiddled his thumbs nervously. "Well, I saw a silver hand- that needed no wand to do magic. I think-" he said slowly, uncomfortable under the intense stare of the headmaster," I think it was Wormtail."
Ginny had never seen Professor Dumbledore look as serious as he did at that moment- well, maybe at the end of the year feast in her 3rd year, but otherwise...
The headmaster sighed. "I feared as much. Thank you for your time. Best be off if you want any sleep tonight. And send Harry in," he called after them as they exited his office4. Harry and Draco shared what must have been their millionth glare, but Ginny was too preoccupied to notice.
"Draco, who is Wormtail?" Draco stopped and turned.
"I can't tell you that."
"But why not? I mean, come on. Don't I have a right to know who our attacker was?"
Draco exploded. "Ginny, do you ever drop anything?"
"Well, I-"
"Wait- don't answer that. Foolish girl, you never know when to shut it." He moved closer, forcing Ginny to move back, a mad glint in his eye. "Have you ever heard of the phrase, 'Curiosity killed the cat?'" he asked in a whisper. "Because if you have, I'd take heed of it. For if you don't, you may find yourself wanted dead by more than one person. Understand?"
Ginny was too frightened and awed to do anything but nod as he spun on his heels and walked away. She leaned back against the wall and sank to the floor, hugging her knees. Ginny was amazed. Never in her life had she met someone as contradictory as Draco. One minute he's spilling his secrets out; another he'll joke around; and the mask he puts on hides him from the rest of the students. With all that, he was still the scariest human on the planet. Ginny shivered, thinking of the look in his eyes when he'd cornered her. They'd had wanting of obedience and a passion, but most of all a fervent warning in them. Ginny sighed, not knowing if she should reach out to him more or just ignore the topic. By the way her gut felt, she could already guess what the answer would be. Draco was right- she was a freaking' foolish girl.
"Ginny?" She looked up to see Harry turn the corner. "What are you doing out her still?"
"Waiting," she fibbed. "I hate walking around the castle alone at night- especially when Peeves thinks it's funny to scare the heck out of you." Harry laughed, and they conversed little more as they headed to bed.
Neither Draco Malfoy nor Virginia Weasley slept peacefully that night. To anyone watching Ginny sleep, it looked like she was having fits. She'd let out a mutter, a slight scream, then relax. Finally around 3 in the morning she woke up and screamed at the top of her lungs.
In Draco's case, he was pacing his dormitory, much to the protests of his roommates. He was finally kicked out into the common room, where he continued to pace there. The one thing on his mind, and in the present was the one thing he feared most, was that they would use Virginia Weasley to gain power. Again.
He would not let it happen.
At breakfast the next morning, Draco tried to, as inconspicuously as he could, watch Ginny at breakfast. He glumly figured he may as well watch those smiles get flashed at others for the rest of his life, for he would not break his resolution. He wasn't too pleased, however, when Ginny didn't show up on time, but by the time the mail came he was worried. She always ate, heck, was finished eating by this time. His mind was so fixed on her that Pansy had to take his letter and start to open it before he knew he had one. He glanced at the envelope and dropped it.
It was from his father.
Picking it up again and knowing it would not be pleasant, he went to open it outside the Hall.
It read:
Draco,
I have heard of your little excursions with the Weasley girl, and I must say that I am greatly enlightened in the way you've gotten her to trust you. Wonderful job, although I must say, I do hope no personal feelings are involved, for the sake of her life.
Also, get your grades up boy! For heaven's sake, our Lord will not let slackers and disobedient people join him. I am ashamed of your 150% in Potions- that mudblood had 157%. I trust I do not need to remind you of your punishment to come if I do not see results. Mother says hello.
-Father
P.S. Next time, make our job a little easier by letting Wormtail stun you and take the girl.
Draco tore along the hall, and anger in his eyes that could not be described. He kept walking, not knowing where he was headed. In a room to the right, he heard the sobs of a female and rolled his eyes, but stopped when he realized whom they came from. He slowly walked up to the door and went in.
Her head was in her arms and tears littered the desk; heart-wrenching sobs came from her that she tried to muffle the moment she saw him.
"What happened?" he asked softly.
She broke down again. "Oh Draco, it was terrible! He- he- he told you to kill me but you wouldn't, and then he was controlling me again and there was nothing I could do! I tried, honestly, and he told me to- to- kill you!" She was taking deep breaths. Draco didn't know what to do, so he came over and patted her awkwardly on the back. She seemed to loosen and calm at his touch. "The instant before, I stopped, and he showed me visions of- of my second year..." she no longer tried to stop her sobs from coming, knowing it was useless. Finally they subsided, and feeling much better, she looked up to find Draco having what seemed to be an internal struggle. "At least it was only a dream," she sighed.
"Maybe it wasn't a dream." She looked up, not understanding as he continued. "Maybe I will be tortured, and be asked to kill you. What do you think I will choose, Ginny?" he taunted, his eyes not looking her in the face. "Death or life?"
She just looked at him. "Draco, what- what's gotten into you?"
"Remember what I told you yesterday?" he asked, moving closer. "Foolish girl. Did you actually think someone like me would go near someone like you without a reason?" He gave a cruel laugh.
Ginny saw red. "I hate you! I wish I'd never bothered caring at all!" Tears were falling again, this time silently. "Go away!" she screamed. "Now!"
And Ginny could have sworn she'd seen hurt in his eyes, but must have imagined it, because the look was replaced with something malicious. "My pleasure," he smirked, and swaggered away.
Ginny just sat there, feeling devoid of energy for almost an hour. As she got up to leave the room, she saw a crumpled note forgotten on the ground. She picked it up and read it. As she finished it, her lip quivered and more tears came. Any trace of doubt that had been lingering in her mind was erased.
Ginny ran blindly. She couldn't believe what an idiot she was- almost being taken advantage of a second time since at Hogwarts. The thing that angered her most was that Harry and Hermione had been right. Draco had read into her weakness like an open book, and she trusted him. Ginny gave another sob as she flew out of the castle doors and across the grounds.
Phewf, that took forever to type! Well, thanks so much to all my readers, and the next chapter should be up in no more than two weeks (hopefully less, it depends on how much time I have). Once again, if anyone knows how to keep the format on here, I'd be grateful!
BTW, the e-mail I have down is my parent's, and my name definitely isn't Paul (I'm female)!
By the way... thanks to my one reviewer! I appreciate you reading this, and hope more people do, and enjoy it. Here you go...
Draco hurried back to his common room, cursing at himself and frightening off innocent looking first years. For the first time in two years, Draco had smiled. A true smile- with no trace of a sneer in it. The second he had seen Ginny, all thoughts of revenge had flown out of his mind. Draco loved her personality. One minute she was biting your head off, and the next she was blushing, and the moment after that she was making deals and joking with you.
Yet he was an idiot. He had revealed more to her than anyone else in the world- even his mother. H had spoken words that could get him killed if the wrong ears heard them. Yes, Ginny Weasley was much too dangerous, and he vowed to stay away from her. And that annoying voice in his head said, "You weren't able to keep your last vow, so how will you keep this one?"
To put it nicely, he told it to "shut up."
"Ginny," Ron snarled as soon as she entered the common room. "What the heck were you doing with Malfoy in the library?" The room went still. Hermione was trying to no avail to calm Ron down. "Shut up, Herm! Ginny, first you two were fighting, then smiling and laughing! If I didn't know any better, I'd swear you fancy him!"
"You prat, do you think it's any of your business?" Ron opened his mouth, but was unable to get a word out. "My god, Ron, let's start by being honest! Why don't you tell me what you and Hermione have been doing for the past five months and I'll tell you what Malfoy and I were doing!"
Ron blanched. Ginny never talked to him like this. A seething Ginny gave him one last glare before going to her dorm, and Hermione followed suit after hitting Ron on the head and repeating, "you prat!"
Ron sulked for a while, but eventually apologized a week later when he didn't see Ginny and Draco around each other. Ginny let him beg a little- he had to learn he couldn't treat her like that. But as she hated fighting with anyone, much less her brother, she forgave him the next day.
Ginny had another side to her: curiosity. She loved hearing details of things that were none of her business- which is why she knew how Pansy Parkinson had charmed her body to make some parts... larger, and how Collin Creevy talked to himself in what he thought was a "sexy" voice every morning in front of his mirror. So naturally, she wanted to know what his take was about him becoming a death eater, and why he felt he didn't share the same qualities as Lucius.
She looked for the opportune time to grab him. Two weeks later, just as she was going to enter Transfiguration, she saw Draco passing in the empty hall and grabbed his arm. He swung around and threw her off, and she was rushed into a statue behind her. She gasped as she felt her wrist snap. Nausea wanted to overcome her, but nothing was going to deter her from questioning Draco. "Hey," she said. "Can we talk?" He looked at her hand, which still hadn't moved, and Ginny quickly snapped it back.
"I have Potions, Weasel," Draco drawled.
"Oh come on, it's not like Snape will yell at you for being late or anything. I'm going to get so busted by McGonagall if I'm not in there in a minute."
"In that case," Draco said and leaned back, "shoot."
Ginny took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. "How come you don't want to be a death eater?"
Draco stood back up, turning to leave. "Wonderful chat, weasel, but I must be going now."
Remembering the few weeks before how he had slipped when he got angry, Ginny had an idea. She twirled him around and punched him on the bicep. "You are like you're father, you- you- ferret! Egotistical, selfish, prejudice-"
"Don't you say that again! I've told you I'm nothing like my father!"
"Really? They why do you act like him?" He closed his eyes.
"My father likes to kill people! What kind of bastard would do that?"
"You, ferret, will be soon, if the rumors are true!" Draco was seething. He couldn't hold onto his temper any longer.
"I- HATE- VOLDEMORT!"
Ginny shouted, "WELL YOU'VE SURE AS HELL FOOLED EVERYONE!"
"ARE YOU KIDDING? I'D- I'D RATHER MARRY POTTER THAN JOIN VOLDEMORT!"
Ginny stared, then abruptly dissolved into fits of giggle. Draco colored and opened his mouth to say something when Professor McGonagall popped her head out of the classroom.
"That's enough, both of you! 15 points from both Gryffindor and Slytherin, and detention tomorrow night! Now, get to class!"
Draco gave Ginny one last glare before heading out of sight.
"Now Miss Weasley, I suggest you join class or-" She stopped suddenly at the sight of Ginny's green- tinged face. "Are you alright?"
"Hospital- wing!" Ginny gasped, and the professor flew her to see Madam Pomfrey.
Ginny felt better it had been healed and she had been given a pain- relieving potion, but was told she was to stay until before dinner to make sure it would be fine. Forty-five minutes later, she heard the door open behind her.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy," Madam Pomfrey greeted him. Ginny gave a barely audible gasp and slowly edged her curtains forward. "Isn't class still going on?"
"Professor Snape let me out early," Draco replied smoothly. "Wanted me to give you these Advanced Pain Relieving Potions."
"Thank you, dear. These will come in very handy, what with all of the aches and pains we've been getting in here. It probably would have been better to use this on Miss Weasley over there, but no matter. I'll put these away."
Draco's thoughts had stopped on Ginny's name, and as soon as Madam Pomfrey disappeared he threw back Ginny's hangings, which she had managed to inconspicuously draw forward to her waist. He just stared at her wrist, an unreadable expression on his face. Finally he looked up and said, "If you hadn't startled me, you wouldn't be there now."
Ginny rolled her eyes, but inwardly smiled. She knew that that was the best apology she was going to get. She suddenly grinned at him, a bright grin that lit up her eyes and gave Draco chills all over. "Just tell me it didn't feel good to get that out.
Draco almost smiled, but instead narrowed his eyes. "If the wrong person finds out what I've told you, it'd be less than an hour before you were dead."
Ginny snorted. "Who would I tell, Ron?" Noting his seriousness, she allowed him one sentence. "I won't say a word. Scouts honor," she added and held up her hand. Draco shook his head and turned to leave, stopping for a moment at the door. He hesitated, "I- I-"
"Yes?" An amused Ginny asked.
"I- I'll see you in detention," he mumbled before stalking away. Ginny grinned, knowing full well he had been trying to apologize.
She, Ginny Weasley, had been the one he, Draco Malfoy, had opened up the slightest to. She wondered how much more she could get from him. Ginny didn't dare analyze his behavior towards her; either he was setting her up for something, or, perhaps...
She wouldn't go there.
For someone with a healing bone, Ginny was in a very good mood. She sat next to Ron at dinner and said, "Hey big bro."
"Ginny! Are you all right?" A concerned Ron asked.
"I'm fine!" Ginny insisted, not looking any of the trio in the eye. "I, er- fell down the stairs."
Ron shrugged and Hermione smiled, but Harry didn't look convinced.
I'd rather marry Harry than join Voldemort...
Ginny burst out laughing, and as everyone turned to her she covered her mouth.
"What's so funny?"
Ginny was shaking uncontrollably. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and calmed herself down. She opened her eyes to face three people looking at her as if she'd cracked. "Nothing- I just remembered something... long story."
Ginny looked at the Slytherin table, where Draco was staring intensely at her. She was about to blush; instead, she gave him a sly smile and mouthed, "I'd rather marry Potter than join Voldemort."
"You wouldn't," he mouthed back.
"Watch me," she replied, and turned to Harry. "You know Harry, I heard something very interesting this morning. I was conversing with-"
In a flash, Draco was out of his chair. He grabbed Ginny out of hers and practically dragged her out of the hall. She turned back to Harry, where he, Ron, and Hermione were looking on in shock and fury, and shouted, "Tell you later!"
Draco pulled her through a couple of corridors, into a closet, and lit his wand. He motioned for her to be quiet as Ron went stomping through the halls..."...he think he's doing? Like I won't pound..." and they heard the other two following, saying, "...won't do any good to..."
As silence enfolded them again, Draco smirked. "The only one with a dab of common sense, that Granger. She's right- it wouldn't do any good to fight me, as he'd lose."
Ginny's face heated a little. "He could knock you flat in a second." But as she looked at him, she wasn't so sure she believed that. Draco caught her glance.
"Oh, give me a break, Weasel. I saw you-"
"I assume you brought me in her for a reason?" Ginny interrupted.
"What the hell did you think you were doing? If you had said that, Harry could tell- I don't know, Voldemort or someone."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Draco! You mean to tell me that you got angry out of your own safety, and not because, to put it lightly, it'd make you look like a fool?"
"Yes!" Draco seethed, taking her by the shoulders. "I don't want to be killed, and I've told you enough to have 20 people want me dead."
"Sorry," Ginny said since he wanted to hear it. "But really, tell me you don't think that you marrying Harry is a bit on the hysterical side." He thought for a second, and his face flushed a deeper red than ever before. Ginny laughed and opened the closet door. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. But I will someday!" She added as she slammed the door and darted around the corner. Draco flung it open after her, but gave up as she was nowhere to be seen. He headed slowly to his tower.
Neither of them noticed the bushy haired girl, who had been heading back in search of her back, frozen in her tracks.
Ginny couldn't concentrate on her homework that night; she kept turning back to Draco in her mind. He teased others, for one, because he was brought up that way, and maybe... to make himself feel secure? His life at home had to be bad. Ginny wondered what his childhood was like.
Ginny finally gave up trying to do her homework. She threw her pen down and got up. Maybe Ron wanted to play chess or something. Luckily, Ron had cooled down earlier, thanks to Ginny's Memory Charm. She figured it was the only way to keep Draco- or herself, for that matter- alive.
Ron was whooping everyone at chess, and Ginny noticed Harry and Hermione talking secretively in the corner. She was about to join Ron when Hermione waved her over. "Hey guys, what's going on?"
"Ginny," Hermione said, glancing at Harry. "We need to talk to you in private."
"Um... o.k." Ginny didn't have a good feeling about this, but she followed them into an empty classroom anyway.
"You see Ginny-"
"Hermione saw you and Draco," Harry interrupted flatly. Ginny snorted. Way to beat around the bush. "And we would both like to know what you were doing with a slimy git like that!"
Ginny sighed. "I was teasing him about something he said, so he got mad. I told him I wouldn't say a word. End of story. And you guys," she couldn't help adding, "he's not as bad as you think he is."
"Like hell he isn't," Harry muttered angrily.
"How do you know so much about him anyway?" Hermione asked.
"I-" Ginny cursed to herself, knowing that after she said this there would be eyes on her forever. "I'm not allowed to tell."
"Ginny," Harry said slowly. "I think this might be a plot of his or his fathers, or Voldemort's. I think... I think he's using you to get to me."
Ginny could have laughed. "Give me a break, Harry. Why on Earth would he do that?"
"Snap out of it, Gin," Hermione said. "The same thing happened in your first year."
"Just stop it, ok?" shrieked Ginny, covering her ears. She couldn't take it anymore. Tears fell down her face without her even realizing it. "I know him better than you, and he wouldn't do that! He's- just leave me alone!" With that, she flew back to the Tower and into her dormitory.
Hermione sank back into her chair and Harry put his head in his hands. "Great. Just great. This is perfect."
"Maybe she's right. I mean," added Hermione hastily as Harry glared at her, " we don't know him except for his behavior towards us, and who says it's not a cover?"
Harry was adamant. "Not likely! I know it has something to do with Voldemort getting Ginny, I just know it." He turned towards Hermione. "The only option would be to keep them away from each other. But how would we do that?"
"I think," said Hermione thoughtfully, "that what you said might have done the trick. If something happens to them to bring them closer together, (Harry looked sick at the thought) Ginny may take what you said to heart."
Harry grumbled, but accepted the only choice they had for the time being.
Late that night, in a place far from Hogwarts, a death eater and a dark lord were discussing the former's son.
"I'm positive Draco has no objections to joining you... I've exposed him to the torturing of muggles- yes, I know I should have started earlier my Lord, please forgive me- and he said he would get a great pleasure out of doing it. I found no falsehood in his voice nor attitude."
"Be that as it may, Lucius," the other replied silkily, "I have foreseen an obstacle in his path." At this, the death eater's face filled with astonishment. Voldemort smiled contemptuously. "Cant figure it out, can you? Well, I'll give you a few hints. It's a female..."
"I can assure you, all the girls that Draco would be interested in would love-"
"Oh, but this female is different," Voldemort cut in, eyes glittering. "Fiery red temper, so full of goodness it's sickening, and... she's not in Slytherin." Lucius was still confused, and Voldemort sighed. "Honestly, I must start picking followers with brains. I'll spell it out for you: W-E-A-S-L-E-Y; G-I-N-N-Y."
Lucius sat dumbfounded. His son with a mudblood- lover? Since when did snakes mingle with lions? "Not in a million years," he said without thinking.."
"Oh?" Voldemort's tone was amused, but his eyes flashed dangerously. "Have you suddenly gained powers that I'm not aware of, Lucius? If you have, please inform me now."
Lucius immediately got down on one knee and bade forgiveness.
"Yes, Lucius. I wouldn't kill you even if I wanted to. I have a better idea." And his eyes glittered maliciously as he revealed his ingenious plot.
Back in Hogwarts, Harry Potter woke up sweating. He quickly turned to his last sheet of parchment and wrote down what he had dreamt. Then he went back to bed, reminding himself over and over to give the sheet to Dumbledore first thing in the morning. He woke up the next morning and went downstairs without a second glance- all of last night forgotten.
Ginny woke up and groaned. She had detention tonight! It was her first one ever. McGonagall told her at lunch to report to Hagrid's hut at 8:00, so five minutes to she set out. "Hullo, Hagrid," she said somewhat glumly.
Hagrid noticed and replied, "Ah, cheer up, you. Got a surprise for yeh. Remember those blas' ended skrewts back 'en your 3rth year?"
"Yes," she replied cautiously.
"Well, I've decided ter reintroduce them to the younger classes! Isn't that great?"
Ginny was luckily saved from answering by Draco, who chose that moment to arrive.
"What did I miss?" He asked, raising his eyebrows.
Hagrid smiled, a full grin as he said, "We're goin' in ter the forest to catch the blas' ended skrewts that got loose three years ago. Two of yer favorite things, Malfoy!"
Draco's face was set, which Ginny noticed meant he was annoyed, and his eyes had that angry glint. But he quickly fixed his smirk back on and replied," Yeah, just as much as you favor Azkaban, Hagrid."
Noticing the angry vibes between the two, Ginny stepped in. "Um, Hagrid? Isn't the forest... dangerous?"
Draco rolled his eyes. "Duh, Weasley, why do you think it's off limits?"
Ginny smacked him and asked Hagrid what they were supposed to do.
"Well, once yeh see one, take yer wand out and petrify them. The send them to my hut. All right?"
They shook their heads. "Now, I want you two the stay on the outskirts of the forest. I'm going ter go in deeper- I've been there before. If yeh need my help, send up red sparks. Let's start, then."
Draco tried to keep his distance from Ginny, but it was impossible when he saw how frightened she was. "Come on," he sneered. "You're not afraid of a little darkness, are you?" Ginny glared at him and replied, "of course not- I'm only frightened of what's in the darkness."
Draco snickered, but inside he thought she had a right to be. Heck, his experience in the forest was the most frightening thing to ever happen to him. Well, the second most, actually.
They were silent for a bit as they collected skrewts. As they were becoming harder to find, Ginny asked, "Why do you keep everyone out?"
Draco was silent for so long that Ginny didn't think he was going to answer. She was going to suggest going back when he replied, "I've never felt the need to let anyone in before."
"But you need someone in your life!" Ginny exclaimed. Draco couldn't help but notice the passion in her eyes when she said that. He looked her straight in the eye.
"I've never needed someone until now."
Ginny blushed and said," Well, maybe-" she stopped and closed her eyes for a second, then opened them and yelled, "Duck, Draco! Now!!!"
Bewildered, Draco fell flat on the ground as a flash flew right over him.
Harry and Ron wanted to take a break and sneak to Hogsmeade for a drink, and breaking her first rule in over a year, Hermione obliged.
"Excellent!" Harry said, and ran to get his cloak and map. "Be right back."
Once he got them, they stepped outside the common room, and Hermione reminded Harry to make sure no one was up and about. He scanned it, put it away, and said, "Nope, all clear," before quickly pulling it out again for a second glance. "What the-" and he tore out of the room, leaving his two friends stunned behind.
"What was that all about?" Hermione asked.
"Dunno," Ron replied, and picked up the map that Harry had dropped. He looked at it quickly, then passed it to Hermione and took off at a sprint.
Hermione looked down, shrieked, and started speed- walking as fast as she could. "Oh, screw the rules!" She sighed exasperatedly, and started running.
Draco didn't have time to absorb the shock that he had been one step away from being attacked. If it weren't for Ginny- wait, Ginny!"
Ginny was standing up, wand high above her head as she shouted "Repricallum!" Immediately a shield covered her and Draco, allowing spells inside the bubble to be shot out, but not in. She rushed over to Draco and helped him up. "Are you o.k?"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine," he snapped. He started forward. "I'm going after that-"
"NO, Draco!" Ginny shouted as spells bounced harmlessly off the shield. "Let's send sparks- telling them to surround this place- the attacker won't be able to get out.
Draco couldn't help but agree, half torn between admiring her control and the fact that a girl was saving his butt. As Ginny shot the sparks up, the figure crept closer to them. Draco noticed the movement out of the corner of his eye and noticed a silver hand. "Hey!" he shouted, and Ginny turned to see his hand draw the words in smoke: Don't worry... I'll be back- before he vanished.
Draco sighed with relief, but Ginny shrieked and fell to the ground. "Did you see him?" she sobbed. "How did he do that? Hogwarts is supposed to be un-apparatable!" She started shivering uncontrollably, and Draco understood how she had been able to stay so calm in that situation. She knew what she had to do and did it, but the reality of the situation came back to her twice as bad after. Silent tears started streaming down her face, and before he knew what he was doing, he pulled her into himself. She gladly accepted his shoulder, and he held her until her sobs died down. "It's o.k., Dumbledore will be able to figure it out."
Ginny sat up slightly and sniffled, saying, "I thought you hated Professor Dumbledore." She looked quizzically into his eyes.
"Not hate... just despise greatly." She giggled, and looked into his eyes. It was one of those times they looked misty blue. Draco lifted a finger to her cheek and traced her jaw line. His eyes were searching hers longingly. "Thank you," he whispered.
"For what?" an astonished Ginny asked.
"For saving me," Draco replied. Somehow, she got the feeling that he meant it in more than one way.
"Anytime," she whispered, not entirely sure of how she answered him, and half closed her eyes. She felt that almost magnetic pull between him again, and knew he did too. The closer she got to him, the faster time seemed to slow... and she knew this time that she would not be able to pull away.
Draco's breath caught in his throat. He had never wanted to kiss someone so much in his life. She was a warm front and he was a cold front; there was no way they could avoid the storm... they both drew closer and stopped an inch away from each other. Draco could feel her rapid breathes on his lips, and a little groan escaped him; in a split second his lips would be on hers, kissing them as though he'd never get another chance.
But that split second never came, for they heard Harry, Ron, and Hermione close behind them.
Draco let out a much bigger groan and pulled away, standing up. He helped a confused Ginny up, and they walked towards the voices.
"Where- is- he?" Harry panted.
"Where is wh- oh! You mean they guy who attacked us?" Harry nodded vigorously.
"We scared him off," Ginny replied. "Or, she added slyly, "I should say that I-"
"Oh, shut up," Draco scowled at her. Ron laughed cruelly, but Harry was too involved with his map that Hermione handed to him. "Crap! He's gone already."
Ginny was about to ask how he knew this when Hagrid came tumbling through the trees. "What happened? I saw yer spell, and I got here as fast as I could."
"Someone attacked us, Hagrid," Ginny stated quietly. Hagrid looked thunderstruck. "They what? How could someone have gotten past- never mind. Follow me, you two, and you-" he pointed to the trio. "What're you three doin' here? Getting inter more trouble, I suppose. Get to yer tower now, go on."
"But I need to see Dumbledore too!" Harry protested, and Draco gave a snort of disbelief. "What was that, Malfoy?" he glared.
"Oh, nothing," Draco replied. "But are you sure it's Dumbledore you want to see?" Draco sneered, with a glance towards Ginny.
Harry got red in the face and was about to retort when Hagrid interrupted. "Enough of that. Hurry on to Dumbledore now."
They were silent all the way in. Ginny stopped suddenly. "Um... do you guys even know the way to Dumbledore's office?" They just kept on walking, presumably either ignoring or not hearing her. They reached the Gargoyle statue and both boys said at the same time, "Drooble's Best Blowing Gum." The door opened, but both boys sat there glaring at each other.
"Um... are you going to go in?" Ginny asked. Nobody moved. She brushed past them, purposely muttering, "children" loud enough for them to hear.
"Hey, I heard that!" they cried simultaneously, and Ginny laughed.
Dumbledore awaited them, sitting gravely at his desk. He stood up to greet them. "Ah, Mr. Malfoy; Mr. Potter; Miss Weasley. Have a seat. Now," he went on as they sat, "I hear you all have something to tell me. Miss Weasley, why don't you start off, and feel free to add anything, Mr. Malfoy."
So Ginny repeated their detention to him, up to the point where Draco was a spell's target. "Um..." she said nervously, looking at Harry. Dumbledore noticed and said, "Harry, would you mind stepping out side the door for a minute?"
Harry got up slowly, obviously annoyed. As soon as the door clicked shut, Ginny continued. "Well Professor, I suddenly had this feeling inside of me, and every part of me urged me to listen to it. I told Draco to duck, and as soon as he did, a spell flew over him."
Dumbledore stared at Ginny thoughtfully. "Very interesting, Miss Weasley. I'll find more on the matter and get back to you. Is that all?"
"Yeah, I guess so," Ginny replied and made a move to get up. Apparently, though, Draco still had something to add.
"Professor... I got a glimpse of the attacker."
In a second, Dumbledore was paying rapt attention to Draco. "I see... anything you wish to tell me?"
"Yes." Draco twiddled his thumbs nervously. "Well, I saw a silver hand- that needed no wand to do magic. I think-" he said slowly, uncomfortable under the intense stare of the headmaster," I think it was Wormtail."
Ginny had never seen Professor Dumbledore look as serious as he did at that moment- well, maybe at the end of the year feast in her 3rd year, but otherwise...
The headmaster sighed. "I feared as much. Thank you for your time. Best be off if you want any sleep tonight. And send Harry in," he called after them as they exited his office4. Harry and Draco shared what must have been their millionth glare, but Ginny was too preoccupied to notice.
"Draco, who is Wormtail?" Draco stopped and turned.
"I can't tell you that."
"But why not? I mean, come on. Don't I have a right to know who our attacker was?"
Draco exploded. "Ginny, do you ever drop anything?"
"Well, I-"
"Wait- don't answer that. Foolish girl, you never know when to shut it." He moved closer, forcing Ginny to move back, a mad glint in his eye. "Have you ever heard of the phrase, 'Curiosity killed the cat?'" he asked in a whisper. "Because if you have, I'd take heed of it. For if you don't, you may find yourself wanted dead by more than one person. Understand?"
Ginny was too frightened and awed to do anything but nod as he spun on his heels and walked away. She leaned back against the wall and sank to the floor, hugging her knees. Ginny was amazed. Never in her life had she met someone as contradictory as Draco. One minute he's spilling his secrets out; another he'll joke around; and the mask he puts on hides him from the rest of the students. With all that, he was still the scariest human on the planet. Ginny shivered, thinking of the look in his eyes when he'd cornered her. They'd had wanting of obedience and a passion, but most of all a fervent warning in them. Ginny sighed, not knowing if she should reach out to him more or just ignore the topic. By the way her gut felt, she could already guess what the answer would be. Draco was right- she was a freaking' foolish girl.
"Ginny?" She looked up to see Harry turn the corner. "What are you doing out her still?"
"Waiting," she fibbed. "I hate walking around the castle alone at night- especially when Peeves thinks it's funny to scare the heck out of you." Harry laughed, and they conversed little more as they headed to bed.
Neither Draco Malfoy nor Virginia Weasley slept peacefully that night. To anyone watching Ginny sleep, it looked like she was having fits. She'd let out a mutter, a slight scream, then relax. Finally around 3 in the morning she woke up and screamed at the top of her lungs.
In Draco's case, he was pacing his dormitory, much to the protests of his roommates. He was finally kicked out into the common room, where he continued to pace there. The one thing on his mind, and in the present was the one thing he feared most, was that they would use Virginia Weasley to gain power. Again.
He would not let it happen.
At breakfast the next morning, Draco tried to, as inconspicuously as he could, watch Ginny at breakfast. He glumly figured he may as well watch those smiles get flashed at others for the rest of his life, for he would not break his resolution. He wasn't too pleased, however, when Ginny didn't show up on time, but by the time the mail came he was worried. She always ate, heck, was finished eating by this time. His mind was so fixed on her that Pansy had to take his letter and start to open it before he knew he had one. He glanced at the envelope and dropped it.
It was from his father.
Picking it up again and knowing it would not be pleasant, he went to open it outside the Hall.
It read:
Draco,
I have heard of your little excursions with the Weasley girl, and I must say that I am greatly enlightened in the way you've gotten her to trust you. Wonderful job, although I must say, I do hope no personal feelings are involved, for the sake of her life.
Also, get your grades up boy! For heaven's sake, our Lord will not let slackers and disobedient people join him. I am ashamed of your 150% in Potions- that mudblood had 157%. I trust I do not need to remind you of your punishment to come if I do not see results. Mother says hello.
-Father
P.S. Next time, make our job a little easier by letting Wormtail stun you and take the girl.
Draco tore along the hall, and anger in his eyes that could not be described. He kept walking, not knowing where he was headed. In a room to the right, he heard the sobs of a female and rolled his eyes, but stopped when he realized whom they came from. He slowly walked up to the door and went in.
Her head was in her arms and tears littered the desk; heart-wrenching sobs came from her that she tried to muffle the moment she saw him.
"What happened?" he asked softly.
She broke down again. "Oh Draco, it was terrible! He- he- he told you to kill me but you wouldn't, and then he was controlling me again and there was nothing I could do! I tried, honestly, and he told me to- to- kill you!" She was taking deep breaths. Draco didn't know what to do, so he came over and patted her awkwardly on the back. She seemed to loosen and calm at his touch. "The instant before, I stopped, and he showed me visions of- of my second year..." she no longer tried to stop her sobs from coming, knowing it was useless. Finally they subsided, and feeling much better, she looked up to find Draco having what seemed to be an internal struggle. "At least it was only a dream," she sighed.
"Maybe it wasn't a dream." She looked up, not understanding as he continued. "Maybe I will be tortured, and be asked to kill you. What do you think I will choose, Ginny?" he taunted, his eyes not looking her in the face. "Death or life?"
She just looked at him. "Draco, what- what's gotten into you?"
"Remember what I told you yesterday?" he asked, moving closer. "Foolish girl. Did you actually think someone like me would go near someone like you without a reason?" He gave a cruel laugh.
Ginny saw red. "I hate you! I wish I'd never bothered caring at all!" Tears were falling again, this time silently. "Go away!" she screamed. "Now!"
And Ginny could have sworn she'd seen hurt in his eyes, but must have imagined it, because the look was replaced with something malicious. "My pleasure," he smirked, and swaggered away.
Ginny just sat there, feeling devoid of energy for almost an hour. As she got up to leave the room, she saw a crumpled note forgotten on the ground. She picked it up and read it. As she finished it, her lip quivered and more tears came. Any trace of doubt that had been lingering in her mind was erased.
Ginny ran blindly. She couldn't believe what an idiot she was- almost being taken advantage of a second time since at Hogwarts. The thing that angered her most was that Harry and Hermione had been right. Draco had read into her weakness like an open book, and she trusted him. Ginny gave another sob as she flew out of the castle doors and across the grounds.
Phewf, that took forever to type! Well, thanks so much to all my readers, and the next chapter should be up in no more than two weeks (hopefully less, it depends on how much time I have). Once again, if anyone knows how to keep the format on here, I'd be grateful!
BTW, the e-mail I have down is my parent's, and my name definitely isn't Paul (I'm female)!