Hey everyone! Thank you SO much for reviewing my chapters, it means more to me than you'll ever know. Since I love seeing individual thanks on a story I reviewed, I'm going to do the same for every chapter…even thought it takes longer every time (THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!)
Soccer Angel: That review was so great, I really appreciate it. Always better to get a good comment rather than a bad one, I couldn't agree more!! Thank you!!
Lee Velviet: yay thank you! I tried to get Draco in character, that took awhile, Ginny's harder since we know so little about her…
The Dark Faerie: hey that's cool as long as you reviewed!!! **grins** looking forward to hearing from you soon and THANK YOU for the lovely compliments.
Nupil: The side plot will come into play in this chapter actually, so thank you for asking! I don't think the sins have an order, I'm not Catholic (=D), and I'm making up the order. Makes the plot easier for me to write.
Bellus-qui: I don't know why, even though JK never mentions Blaise in the books, she annoys the hell out of me! Might just be the name…thank you very much for reviewing for me.
JediHermione: no, it's not, we need to be inside both of our lovely character's heads at the moment, and I don't think we'll just be in one at all, even.
Lady in white: thank you so much! Oh, and I really like your pen name! Very…well whatever it is, it's cool!
Txt-eva: D/G is my favorite action too, obviously. Glad to see other D/G shippers!
Casper: Ok ok! I'll update my other story; I don't want to be hurt (SWAAAAAN!!!! LoL!)! As for my humor…I try. =)
Cherries: much appreciated! **tips non-existent hat**
Evil Slytherin Child: the Seven Deadly Sins rock! Me and my friends are going to be them next year for Halloween (there are seven of us); I'm Sloth. Go figure.
Dannie7: sorry if I cut that scene a little short, I was running out of time! Don't worry, I'll try and get another one in this story, promise!
Kimberly4270: why thank you milady! Of course I'll continue soon, I have no life. *grin*
Icecoolers: thank you so much! I just kind of thought if would work, so…there ya go!
Rivendell: I never saw that movie, I really do want to now though. You're right, this is so much fun! Our actions reflect the Sins more than we think…
Slytherin hot chick: LoL, didn't really think about Draco's costume to be honest, so…ooh idea!
SINCE I HAVE MADE A MISTAKE, I HEREBY DECLARE A CONTEST!!!
Basically, I messed up; mentioned Ginny's costume and not Draco's, so! Along with your review (because you WILL review!!! LoL), please submit a costume idea for Draco. It will come into play later in the story!! Be original. Thank you!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own Harry Potter…or Ginny Weasley…or Ron Weasley…or Hermione Granger...or Draco Malfoy…although damn I wish I did…the only person/thing I own in this whole thing is Melody Brown, and I can't be sure JK Rowling didn't use her already, come to think of it…
Now, let's get on with it!
PRIDE
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(Ginny's POV)
I woke up, shaking. Looking at my watch, I saw the blinking red numbers flashing 3:24 angrily me. I sighed in frustration and leaned back on my pillows, still propped up from when I had collapsed there the night before.
"What a horrible nightmare," I said sighing. Getting up, I roughly pulled on a pink sweater that complimented my hair nicely and jean flares. I love that sweater! Splashing my face once, I pulled on my warmest cloak. It was time to go for one of those walks.
In my trunk was something that not even my family or closest friends know I have. An Invisibility Cloak, folded neatly and discreetly at the bottom, hidden by books. I pulled it out and held it to my cheek, smelling the familiar smell of cherries and vanilla. It's a wonderful smell. It's one of my guiltiest pleasures and one of my favorite things in the world; it lets me go anywhere and everywhere. I know I should've given it back, but I just couldn't.
I got it in my first year. Its Tom Riddle's actually. I shivered. Even thinking about him makes my skin crawl and I always have to look over my shoulder for his handsome and terrifying face. He told me to go to a painting, the one I fell asleep outside actually, and then say the charm. Behind the painting was a vault, and in the vault was his old cloak. IT smelled of him, so when he died I charmed it to smell like me. I sat on my heels, remembering when I got it.
I walked down the hallway quickly, my small shoes making a steady clicking against the stone floor. I remembered what Tom had said, and his instructions.
Outside the Great hall and down the right hallway is a painting. Its some wizards having a picnic. Now, if you say "Magic Toast" it will open up to be the Hufflepuff Common Room. They never change the password because no one wants to go in. However, if you say "Riddliarium" and lift the painting, there will be a vault. Just bring whatever's in that vault back up here. Do you understand me Ginny? This is really important, it's my gift to you.
Oh, a present Tom! You're so kind…of course, I'll just go and get it right now.
That's a good girl.
"Miss Weasley?" I looked up, startled, and saw Professor McGonagall standing there in front of me.
"Yes Professor?"
"Shouldn't you be in Potions right now?" Oh yeah. I fidgeted.
"Of course, I was…just coming back from the Hospital Wing."
"Oh. Very well then." She walked away. I sighed in relief and hurried up to the painting Tom had described. The people in the happy picture were laughing and drinking wine, some nibbling on biscuits.
"You're not a Hufflepuff!" A very drunk man said, standing up and swaying on the spot.
"No," I said quickly. "But ummm…." Finding nothing else to say, I just intoned, "Riddliarium" and then lifted the painting up. I heard the man say, "Great Scot, haven't heard anyone else use that spell for at least fifty years!"
In the vault was a cloak. It was spectacular, all silvery and flowing, like water. I took it out carefully in awe, and put it on for a try. Where were my feet?!? I shrieked and the painting flew back down.
"Calm down dear," a kindly looking woman said from her spot near a tree. "The boy who's vault this is used this to sneak into the kitchens. I'm sure it's not dangerous." I nodded and then walked back to Gryffindor Common Room, marveling at how I couldn't see anything. I got up to my dorm, and took out my diary.
I've got it Tom! It's marvelous, thank you so very much!
I knew you'd like it.
Oh I do!
I shuddered, remembering how happy I was knowing that Tom cared enough to give me something so precious. I was so stupid and gullible! Throwing the cloak over my shoulders, I watched as my hair vanished and sighed happily. I looked where Melody Brown and the rest of my friends were sleeping, and quietly snuck out.
The common room was quiet, and I was just tiptoeing through when all of a sudden I hear a squeal. I whipped my head around and almost burst out into giggles.
"Hermione shut up!" Ron said, popping his head above the sofa head. I collapsed on the floor, delirious with laughter. Hermione crawled back on the couch.
"Well sorry Ronald, but I fell off!" she snapped, fixing her disheveled hair irritably. I gasped for breath and crawled to the Fat Lady as they started making out again. I opened the portrait, waking the Fat Lady up, and walked silently in my slippers to the Entrance Hall.
Silence. I padded my way to the huge double doors and opened them adding a Silencing Charm just in case they creaked. They closed behind me and I ran happily down the steps and fell into a pile of red leaves. I love autumn; the colors, the smells, the vibrant life! My birthday's November 24 actually, and Mum likes to say that I got my hair color from the Japanese maple outside the hospital window. That's just silly though, we all know that it's just the Weasley genes.
I lay there in the leaves, breathing heavily, snuggling up to the Cloak in deep thought. Why did he kiss me? I don't even know or like the stupid git for God's sakes, and then he just comes up to me and kisses me out of nowhere? Insanity, that's what it is. Maybe the Imperius curse. Acting on his father's orders? No, he hates my family…which is ridiculous of course. We Weasleys are incredibly congenial. Who wouldn't like us? I rolled over and got a leaf in my mouth. I spit it out in disgust. Gross.
The double doors opened, and I glanced down at my watch. 4:34. Who the hell would be coming out at this time of day? I looked curiously. No one. I sighed in relief and breathed in the sweet and spicy smell of fall.
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(Draco's POV)
My cloak wrapped tightly around me, I walked cautiously out the front doors. I don't usually like walking, in fact I think it's a waste of time, but I woke up early and I need to do some extra credit for that great oaf Hagrid's class. No doubt he'll be snoring his abnormally large head off in that hut of his (it's four thirty in the morning for crying out loud!), and I really need to get in that pumpkin patch of his. Hopefully his dog will be with him too.
I padded my way across the grounds and made my way towards the little wooden hut. Remembering the last time I went there with the Cloak, I smirked. Spying is never much fun unless something illegal is witnessed, and seeing Hagrid with a dragon was sweet indeed. I foolishly let it slip in surprise though when I saw the thing hatch, it's not usual you know, and I got detention with Potter, Granger and Longbottom. The only thing that could've made that torture worse would be…hmmm, let me see…encountering a strangely horrifying cloaked figure at the dead of night sucking blood from the side of a unicorn! Oh wait- that happened too!
All in all, that was a bad day.
I finally get to the blasted pumpkin patch and I soften as I see my Niffler waiting for me there. Hagrid decided to do extensive study on them this year, and I have to admit that I didn't mind too much. I like Nifflers; they're rather cuddly little things, but you won't catch me telling anybody that anytime soon. I secretly named mine Persephone after that Greek myth about the girl who was condemned to living in Hell half the year. I have a passion for Greek mythology; those Muggles were so stupid they thought it was real, but it makes for a way to pass time with.
"Hi Pers," I said softly, stroking her furry head. She could sense my presence, animals are very smart. Smarter than humans I think anyway. I knelt down and let her eat the biscuit I had brought down for her, and while she ate it happily I sat there being pensive. Being up that early in the morning will do that to you.
I thought back to the night before. I had kissed her. I know why I did it, pure lust obviously. I mean, I'm Draco Malfoy, I'm used to getting what I want when I want it, and yesterday it was Virginia Weasley. I figured I'd kiss her and dump her, like my usual. Pansy was first, she was good for a ride, then Blaise, and then Marina…I counted them off in my head and stopped after maybe fifteen. It's hard to keep track when you don't bother to find out their names. But with her it was different somehow…very frightening. It's weird you know, when something unexpected comes along and ruins all your plans. My plans were based solely on getting my kiss and promptly leaving. That's basically what I did too, but what was different here was that…oh I don't know. You're slowly but surely losing it Malfoy, I said shaking my head and patting Persephone absently, you need a good stiff drink or something. I snickered and got up giving Persephone a last biscuit and then went back up to the castle.
So help me God, I will keep away from Virginia Weasley as long as possible. I'm safe from anyone ever finding out, I know that for sure; her brother will blow his top if she ever lets him know. I just don't want to have to deal with her right now. She's a Weasley, and Malfoys shouldn't have to deal with filth like her. She's not filth and you know it, a small voice reprimanded me sternly. I told it to shut up and it pouted. I have too much dignity to let her bring me down, or let her do anything to me for that matter, I said to myself firmly, pushing the doors open again as I walked back into the Entrance Hall and up to the Slytherin Common Room. I'm a fucking Malfoy, she's a lowly Weasley. Hell, she should be thanking me for kisser her, God knows every other girl is lusting after one. Yes, I think to myself decidedly, but with a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, she's damned lucky for last night. She should be grateful.
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(Ginny's POV)
Breakfast was starting, and as I walked in, I could hear the buzz of curious students. What the hell? I looked around and saw the Slytherins smirking at me, Hufflepuffs just plain staring, the Ravenclaws were scrutinizing me closely, and the Gryffindors were gazing at me weirdly. I slid in next to Melody and whispered, "What's going on?"
She giggled. Melody has a very lilting laugh, and these huge blue eyes that just suck you in. I hate her for those eyes, and her gorgeous black curly hair, but love her for everything else. She's a pretty good friend, as far as friends go. "Parvati just broke up with Harry, and the rumor is that he's going to ask you out!" My stomach lurched unpleasantly.
"Since when has he ever liked me?" I hissed to her, grabbing a roll and breaking it apart.
"Dunno," Melody said shrugging. "Butter?"
"What? Oh yes please," I said taking the butter from her. I bit my lip and looked up. Coincidentally, I was seated almost directly across from where Malfoy was sitting at the Slytherin table. He was talking to Blaise casually and she was listening with rapt attention. I tore my eyes away, suddenly feeling very nauseous.
"Ginny?" I looked up into the famed emerald gaze of Harry Potter.
"Harry," I said, looking down at my roll.
"Could I talk to you please?"
"Ummm…sure," I replied, getting up and following him out of the Great Hall. I saw dozens of girls stare after me enviously, and I even saw a Hufflepuff fourth year burst into tears. I looked at Harry's back, which now seemed a lot more interesting. We got to the Entrance Hall and he turned around, and to my horror, I noticed that he was nervous.
"So what was it you needed to ask me about?" I asked casually, leaning against the stair barrier. He fidgeted with his hands.
"Err…I was hoping you could…help me?" He asked pleadingly, looking into my eyes. That old wave of love hit me like a tsunami.
"Yes?" I asked, urging him on gently and eagerly. He hesitated and then blurted-
"Could you help me ask out your friend, you know, Melody?" Oh God, the pain. My intestines just…shriveled up and burnt alive, I could feel them sizzling. Harry watched me curiously. "Are you ok Gin?" I snapped to attention.
"No. No I'm not," I said slowly, sitting on the stairs. He looked at me, puzzled.
"What's wrong?"
"What's wrong? What's WRONG?" I screamed painfully. He looked thunderstruck.
"Um, Gin, I think they can hear us in there…" he nodded his head towards the Great Hall where it had grown silent.
"I DON'T CARE IF THEY CAN HEAR ME!" I bellowed, the tears cascading down my face. "What the HELL is your problem Harry? Just because you defeated some evil Lord doesn't mean you can't have any regard for people's feelings!"
"What are you babbling on about?" he asked angrily, adjusting his glasses. I saw Malcolm Creevey poke his head around the doorway and snap a picture. I didn't even care.
"Harry, for six years I've loved you. LOVED you! And you didn't even care to notice. You just went around with Ron and Hermione, defeating evil and all that shit!" I shrieked, my red flushing the traditional Weasley red. "Then, when everyone's saying that you might have seen me for something more than Ron's little sister, when they all say you might…" I gulped painfully, "ask me out or something, you ask me about someone else! I'm sick of you Harry Potter-you and your inflated ego! I'm sick of you strutting down the halls with some girl on your arm like she's a trophy! I'm sick of you telling your ever so interesting stories of defeating You-Know-Who in the common room like your some sort of martyr! I'm sick of loving you!" I paused for a gasp of breath and then hissed, "Malfoy was right about you. Famous Harry Potter being a prat and showing off all the bloody time! Who thought you'd go and prove him right?" I buried my head in my hands and sobbed. There was a pregnant pause, and then-
Applause. Someone was clapping for me. I look up venomously, seeing all of the Slytherin's ugly faces creaking into delirious grins. Their sworn enemy had just been taken down by a small, insignificant Weasley-taken down by a fellow Gryffindor. They have twisted minds, that's for sure.
Without another word, Harry walked up the stairs and disappeared around a corner. Ron and Hermione came running out, holding hands as usual, and ran up the stairs after him. They didn't even bother to check on little Ginny of course. What a stupid idea.
I very nearly ran after them, bawling, but held back. I have more dignity than that.
For twenty minutes afterward, even as everyone pushed past me cat calling and whistling when breakfast had ended, I stayed on that marble step, crying.
I hate men. They make you cry too much. First Draco and now Harry.
My, the world is one big ironic crapheap.
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(Draco's POV)
I had managed to get a couple more hours of sleep before breakfast was to start. I went down with Blaise Zabini and her giggling group of airheads, pretending to be interested in their talk about hair and nails. What boring useless shit that stuff is. I settled into my usual seat in the middle of the Slytherin table and picked up a mug of coffee. Looking up, I realized that everyone was whispering, and that one name kept coming up: Ginny Weasley. I almost dropped the mug I was so surprised. Did they find out? I thought in a panic, how did they know? I'll just deny everything…
I nudged Blaise. "What's going on?" She giggled. I hate giggling, but I waited patiently.
"Potter's just been dumped. He's going to ask out the Weasley wench." She grinned nastily and my stomach plummeted. That idiot, asking her out? I thought. Whoa. And I care because….I don't! Good riddance. They'll make a great couple.
"Draco? DRACO!" Blaise yelled, and I started.
"What?"
She giggled again. "Come on silly, you dozed off for a second there!" I smirked.
"Just need my morning coffee is all," I said, taking a generous gulp. Muggles knew what they were doing when they invented this stuff.
I look over to the Gryffindor table and see Potter standing up, talking to a figure in a black cloak, red hair covering her tiny head. I chug some coffee as I watch, my eyes narrowing despite myself. She gets up and starts to follow him out, and a Hufflepuff girl starts bawling her eyes out. Curiously, I feel like doing the same thing myself. Blaise grins nastily next to me.
"Looks like it's true then," she says smirking. I look over at her, and her ruby red lips that were once so alluring are just…red. I look at her face; her once irresistibly sexy violet eyes are dull and unpleasant. I shiver, and pour myself more coffee. I need to wake up, I think miserably, adding sugar to my mug.
There's a silence as everyone strains to hear Potter and Weasley talking. Then, all of a sudden, something happens that no one could have predicted. The little vixen starts letting him have it!
"I DON'T CARE IF THEY CAN HEAR ME!" comes her voice, noticeably furious. I raise my eyebrow and watch as that little slime Creevey takes a picture. I must ask for a copy. "What the HELL is your problem Harry? Just because you defeated some evil Lord doesn't mean you can't have any regard for people's feelings!" I snicker. Right in one love, I think sipping my coffee, still listening as well as the rest of the Great Hall. We hear Harry mumbling something, obviously trying to calm her down, but hell she's as mad as my father was when Voldemort was killed. I take great satisfaction in knowing that he's not going to be able to stop her tirade now.
"Harry, for six years I've loved you. LOVED you! And you didn't even care to notice. You just went around with Ron and Hermione, defeating evil and all that shit!" Nice to know that somebody else gets my point, my head says happily. I look up and down my table and note that they're all listening in gleefully…this is as fun for them as it is for me. The rest of the school is looking shell shocked, and Weasley and Granger are looking furious. But she's not done yet.
"Then, when everyone's saying that you might have seen me for something more than Ron's little sister, when they all say you might…ask me out or something, you ask me about someone else!" That's got to hurt, I think, letting my pride down for a second to sympathize. It's quickly put back up. I look across to where her friend…Harmony was it? I can't remember, but she's a tasty little dish…is sitting, and she looks positively terrified. Bet it was her, I think wisely, adding some sugar to my coffee nonchalantly. "I'm sick of you Harry Potter-you and your inflated ego! I'm sick of you strutting down the halls with some girl on your arm like she's a trophy! I'm sick of you telling your ever so interesting stories of defeating You-Know-Who in the common room like your some sort of martyr! And most of all, I'm sick of loving you!" There's a collective gasp as this little confession is uttered. My heart clenches up, but my head thinks, why is this a surprise? It's been so obvious ever since her first day that she adores the insufferable beast. I jump when I hear my name.
"Malfoy was right about you. Famous Harry Potter being a prat and showing off all the bloody time! Who thought you'd go and prove him right?" I smirk as everyone turns to look at me, and after a little time of having glares and appreciative glances thrown my way, I bring my hands together and start to clap. The entire body of Slytherins join in, so when I stop abruptly no on notices. Even some Ravenclaws have come into our little tribute for her speech. The Hufflepuffs are joining in too; they haven't quite forgiven him for the Triwizard Tournament. The Gryffindors have their hands clamped firmly at their sides, and Granger and Weasley are running out of the Hall already, undoubtedly to go and find Potter. I inch closer to the door, and below the clapping I can hear her muffled sobs.
"That was almost too good to be true!" Blaise says happily before shoving a piece of waffle into her mouth.
"Yeah," I say halfheartedly, actually wondering if she was all right.
Later, we all file out, everyone chattering excitedly about the day's events. They shuffle past her small, rejected form, whistling and cheering. She ignores them, and turns her head. The tears have made a mark on her freckled cheeks.
I turn my head and walk up the stairs avoiding her face. What in Merlin's names is she doing to me?
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