A/N: Hey all, sorry it took so long for me to update, I really did try. This was a hard chapter, believe it or not. I really hope that you like it because I think that I worked pretty hard on it.
Disclaimer: Don't own anything that matters.
Chapter 9
By: VirtualFaerie
Draco looked at her, still calculating, and it spilled out of his throat and onto his tongue before he could stop it. "Because I could."
Ginny's eyes widened, her jaw clenched, eyebrows lowered. "You really are a cold-hearted bastard." She brought up her knee, hit his groin, hard, and slapped him as she stormed out of the ballroom. How disappointing. But what did she think he was going to say? Did she think he was going to profess his love and start spouting flowery poetry? Heck no. That was definitely something that he wouldn't do. She should have known he probably only wanted a thrill; wanted a quick kiss. Hey!-Why not get one from the bloody nanny?
She stomped up the stairs, not even giving a thought to Raven and slammed her door as she went into her room. She peeled off the white suit and locked herself in the bathroom. She sat on the floor and cried. Ginny wasn't really sure what else to do. All he had done was kiss her; she shouldn't have expected anything from it. It was completely pointless. She should have just let it alone.
Resting her head on her knees she sighed loudly. There wasn't anything that she could do now. But life was going to be hell living in the same house with him. She would leave if it wasn't for Raven. She couldn't just leave Raven here with him, with an old nanny who wouldn't know how to let the little girl have fun. She cried heavier, feeling the salty tears roll down her cheeks and onto her knees. There was nothing she could do now; there was definitely no way that she could go back. But it wasn't her fault. If he hadn't kissed her this would have never happened. Never.
She got up and looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes and nose were red, and her hair was messed up. She ran her fingers through her hair and slumped against the counter. There was nothing she could do. She was totally helpless in this whole situation and she didn't like it. It was driving her crazy. She just wanted to erase the whole thing from her memory.
Seeing Colin's letter sitting on the counter, she picked it up and smiled. At least she had Colin to look forward to; nice sensible Colin who would never do anything like this to her. Colin was nervous about kissing her, Colin asked her to musicals, Colin cared about her, and Colin was a friend. She was so lucky to have Colin; someone dependable, someone who hadn't changed and was as predictable as the seasons.
She turned on the faucet and let the cold-water fall over her hands. She caught some in her palms and splashed it on her face. She rubbed her eyes and looked back at her reflection. Not her best, but it was better than before. She brought her necklace out from under her shirt and fingered the charm. For luck, she told herself.
Merlin knew she needed it.
-_-
Because I could.
Those words were going to haunt him.
Draco groaned. Damn, it hurt. He was slumped against the wall with his eyes shut. It hurt. She couldn't believe that she did that. Or maybe he could, he was just surprised. He wouldn't be surprised if she left now. It wouldn't surprise him at all.
He couldn't believe he said that. What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he have said something that wouldn't have made her so mad? Why not something like, "Because you're beautiful."
Wait. Did he just think that she was beautiful? He shook his head violently. No, he didn't, it was just the pain. The pain was making him delirious. He wasn't thinking clearly. But still, he should have thought of something gentler to say. Life was going to be hell now. He was mad and he knew that she had to be mad. You couldn't get away with saying something like that to a woman and not have her be mad at you. It just didn't work that way.
Hopkins poked his head into the room. "Master Malfoy?" he called out carefully. Obviously he had heard something.
"What?" Draco muttered ill temperedly. Why did Hopkins have to bother him now?
"Would you be liking something sir?"
"Ice. Get me lots of ice," he said opening his eyes and looking at the nervous house-elf. Hopkins darted back and shut the door.
Maybe…he thought, just maybe I love her. No…yes…no…. No I don't, he decided. He sighed loudly; there really was no denying it. He wouldn't be feeling so lousy for saying what he did if he didn't care for her at least a little bit. There was no way.
Okay, he thought, there's a step in a new direction. I have feelings for a Weasley. I'm an idiot. A big, big idiot. What am I going to do?
Hopkins scurried across the room and set a tub of ice in front of Draco and some hand towels. He bowed and rushed out of the room. Draco rolled his eyes; let the stupid house elf be scared of him. See if he cared. He might as well make everyone else miserable since he was. He wasn't going to let everyone else be happy while he was upset. No, everyone was going to suffer with him. And he wasn't going to have it any other way.
He stood up and picked up the tub of ice and hand towels. He walked with a slight limp out of the ballroom and to the closest library. He took off his white suit and slouched on a couch.
Everyone should be miserable if he was.
-_-
Ginny came out of the bathroom and paced her room. What was she going to do now? She wasn't comfortable in this house anymore. Ginny got her bag out of her closet and began to pull her clothes off their hangers to pack. She stopped and thought of Raven. It wouldn't be fair to Raven to just leave her alone there with Draco, especially if it was likely that he would be in a sour mood. She sighed unhappily and pulled on a clean robe. She got out her wand and made up her mind.
She was going home. Even if it was only for the evening she was going. She wasn't going to worry about Raven, she would be fine with Ms. Wells and Draco wouldn't do anything to her. She just needed to go home and sort through some things in peace, or in as much peace as she could have in her messed up life.
Waving her wand she disappeared and reappeared in her mother's homey kitchen. It was warm and the smell of fresh baked cookies permeated the air. Her mother was at the counter, wiping flour up with a dishcloth. Mrs. Weasley turned around and saw her daughter. She smiled happily and rushed over to her, wrapping her up in a big bone-crushing motherly hug.
"Hi mom," Ginny said tiredly, smiling wanly at her happy mother.
"Hey darling, I'm so glad you came. Guess who's here?" She clasped her hands and nodded towards the living room. Ginny turned around and walked through the door.
Sprawled on the couch with his feet hanging over the edge was Harry Potter; her famous Boy-Who-Lived. He ran his hand through his hair and turned to look at her. His bright green eyes sparkled from under his glasses and a big grin spread across his face. He got up off the couch and gave her a hug and peck on the forehead. "Hey Gins, I was hoping that I would get to see you."
Ginny faked a smile; there was something different about Harry. She wasn't sure what it was. But she knew that he was missing something. "Hi Harry," she said looking up at him and kissing his cheek; nothing. Why was she feeling nothing when she kissed him? She was supposed to feel fireworks, her toes were supposed to tingle. But they didn't. What was wrong? "Glad to see you," she said half-heartedly.
He peered at her concerned, "What's wrong?" He asked quietly, his eyes darting to the kitchen door to see if Mrs. Weasley was listening. She wasn't.
Ginny shrugged and looked away, "Nothing."
"Bull."
She shut her eyes, refusing to look at him. What was she supposed to say? Hey, Draco Malfoy kisses me and I'm angry. No. "I said nothing. Please don't ask me. I came home to get away."
He still didn't leave her alone. "It's Malfoy isn't it?"
Harry surprised her, "What?"
"I know you're working for him. I've known since I saw the clipping your mother showed me. His address is common knowledge to aurors." Harry said still looking at the door.
Ginny rolled her eyes, and tried to push past him. "Don't worry about it."
He grabbed her shoulders and looked at her pensively. "What do you mean don't worry about it? Ginny, I'm worried…."
"I can't take care of myself; it's none of your business."
"Has he hurt you?" Harry asked.
"No," she said and ran up the stairs to her room, locking the door behind her. She didn't want to talk to Harry right now; especially since he was so set on knowing her personal business, which had absolutely nothing to do with him. Why the sudden curiosity? She flopped over onto her bed and stared at the ceiling.
Why haven't I ever had a canopy? She thought, totally randomly. She remembered that whenever she was a kid that she always wanted a canopy bed, just like the princesses had. But she never got one. She wanted a pink one with white ruffles. There wasn't one; all that was there was a curiously brown stained ceiling.
She shook her head, no thinking about ceilings and canopies, she told herself; wondering if she had finally lost her mind. It certainly seemed so since she actually let Draco Malfoy kiss her the night before, and didn't say anything about it until a little while ago. Her brain must have finally died; there was no thinking. She didn't know what to think anymore. If he hadn't said, because I could, would she still have kissed him? Did she want him to kiss her? Yes, of course she did. You couldn't get kisses like that just anywhere. She hit her forehead with a flat palm. Why was she thinking things like that? It was Malfoy for Merlin's sake. She wasn't supposed to feel that way when he kissed her. Why did she let herself even think, or hope that he had actually meant something by it?
Kicking her shoes off, she turned on her stomach and buried her face in her pillow. She couldn't breathe, so she turned her head only to see Colin's picture on her corkboard. She hadn't remembered putting it up, but she must have…her brain was definitely resting with lilies.
It was a picture of her and Colin in their sixth year, sitting but the lake with their arms around each other. They both looked so happy in that picture that Ginny wanted to be sick. Smiling and winking and jumping…sixteen was such a ditzy age for her. She groaned and turned her head the other way, deciding the she preferred to look out the window at the rain, then at the cheerful photo.
-_-
Sitting with his legs stretched out in front of him, on a couch in the library, Draco was staring out the window at the rain as well. He was trying to decide on a wise thing to say to Ginny; something that wouldn't give her a reason to permanently handicap him. So far he had could come up with absolutely nothing that would insure that his appendages would remain intact. And that wasn't very comforting.
"Mr. Malfoy!" Draco winced and covered his ears and looked into the red face of Miss Wells. "What do you want? Can't you see I'm busy?" he snarled.
"I can't find Miss Weasley." Raven was holding onto Miss Wells' leg looking like she was having entirely too much fun being dragged around to know what was going on.
Draco rolled his eyes and turned back to the window, "Surprise, surprise." He had been expecting this. It was inevitable; she was going to leave. And it was all because of his recently enlarge mouth, one that didn't know the correct things to say..
Miss Wells was shocked. "What did you say sir?"
He gave her an annoyed glance, "Go away, you're bothering me." She just looked at him. "Get out!" he snapped. "And take the kid with you!" Raven wasn't so happy anymore; her hero had just called her a kid, and it wasn't in good context. Raven frowned; her hopes for Ginny and Draco now seemed to be going down the drain. A lone tear trekked down her face as Miss Wells hurried out of the room, pulling Raven behind her.
Sighing and looking back to the window, a place that was very useful while thinking, Draco thought of what he was going to do now. Getting a new nanny sounded like it should be number one on his list. But of course it wasn't. Number one was the incessant nagging of the thought that he needed to make amends with Ginny. Never before had he felt the need to do this, but having already recognized the fact that he did indeed have feelings for this certain female Weasley, it was something that must be done. Sure he was an idiot for the feelings, but it wasn't like he could just tell them to go away and they would. Nope, feelings don't work like that; they have a mind of their own.
The door opened again. It was Miss Wells…again. "What do you want?" Draco said so coldly it could have frozen the sun. He was that angry and agitated.
"Miss Weasley is back."
"That's nice. Get me some coffee."
-_-
The following week was probably the grumpiest and most dismal week in Malfoy/Weasley history. Not a word passed between Ginny and Draco. They stayed away from each other, and when they were in the same room by chance, one left without a word. The entire staff of the mansion was seriously considering quitting, except for Hopkins because he loved being a house elf as house elves do.
Being around Draco was like being in the fiery pits of hell. You were yelled at constantly, and snapped at to go bring him coffee. Something he thought would calm his nerves but only served to make him more restless.
Ginny and Raven stayed in the second floor library. Draco didn't come in there for any reason at all. Not even when he realized he had left the book that he was currently reading in there. No way was he going to go anywhere near Ginny. He couldn't, he wouldn't know what was going to come out of his mouth and he didn't know what her reaction to
On Thursday the doorbell rang and Hopkins ran to answer it. Standing at the door was a very stressed looking Harry Potter. Hopkins called Ginny down to him.
Ginny wasn't happy to see him at all. "What?"
He blinked, "I was sent to come and check on you."
"By motherly forces I assume?" Ginny stepped outside.
"Also by brotherly forces as well," Harry said looking at his watch. Ginny noticed.
"You can go. I'm fine; I don't need you checking up on me. So do us both a favor and don't bother." She said callously.
Harry looked at her deeply alarmed. "What's gotten into you?"
Ginny's face showed absolutely no emotion. "Since when have you cared?" She walked back inside, slamming the door with a satisfying bang in Harry's face.
Draco appeared at her elbow, "Who was that?"
"You're best friend," Ginny said sarcastically. "Potter."
He nodded and left. There wasn't much to say between them. That was the most civil conversation that had been had in the past few days.
Then came time for the musical with non-confusing Colin.
Raven was perched on Ginny's bed, watching as she went through her closet looking for something to wear. Raven had a look of distaste on her face; her arms were crossed and her lips pouting. She obviously didn't want Ginny to go on this date.
"Are you sure you really like this Golin guy?" she asked, hope evident in her voice.
Ginny turned to face Raven and smiled, "It's Colin and yes, I'm sure that I like him. Are you okay Raven? You seem a bit…sad about something." Raven started mumbling under her breath. "What was that?" Ginny asked; her back now turned to the dark faced little girl.
"Nothing," Raven muttered flopping back on the bed. She started up at the canopy with a thoughtful face.
"What do you think? Should I wear this one?" When Raven looked to Ginny she saw that she had on the green robe, probably the only appropriate thing she had to wear. Raven's mouth fell open and she clapped her hand over it.
Shaking her head she said, "No, no, no…." She slid down the side of the bed, walked to the closet and started yanking on a wooly gray robe. It came down, hanger and all and Raven thrust it in Ginny's direction. "That's better," she said approvingly, while Ginny eyed the robe dubiously.
"Uh—Raven, I don't think so. Besides, this is a winter robe." She said mildly.
Raven let out an exasperated sigh, "You'll probably get cold in there!" she said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
The corners of Ginny's mouth quirked up in a smile, "Well, I guess it could be okay." Raven nodded enthusiastically. "It just needs a little work."
Raven frowned, "What do you mean?"
Ginny shrugged, "You'll see." Then she walked into the bathroom with the frumpy robes and her wand.
Raven jumped back onto the bed again and made herself comfortable. She knew how long her mother took in the bathroom and prepared herself for a long wait.
It was a good thing she did, because Ginny didn't emerge from the bathroom for twenty minutes. When she came out Raven was engrossed in a game of imaginary hopscotch and was singing nursery rhymes as she hopped all about the room in hopscotch patterns.
Raven whirled around, tearing herself from her game to look at Ginny. She gasped. Somehow Ginny had managed to transfigure the ugly robes into a stunning black dress. The dress was silky and hung to her, emphasizing every curve to make her appear more voluptuous.
Raven shook her head furiously, "Uh-uh, there's no way you're leaving the house in that, Dinny!" she half shouted. She stood steadfast at the door, shaking her head again. "Nuh-uh."
Rolling her eyes, Ginny said, "It doesn't matter because I'm not leaving yet anyways. I still have to do my hair and makeup." She turned on her heel and stalked into the bathroom, casting a playful grin in Raven's direction.
Raven plopped herself down on he floor in front of the door and crossed her arms. There was no way she was going to let that Colin guy see her like that. He might start to think that Ginny liked him.
Peering at her reflection in the mirror, Ginny gave her curls a bounce. She had her hair down and curled; her hair went down to the small of her back and looked like locks of silk. She was wearing her gold necklace with the heart pendant and gold hoop earrings. Sighing, Ginny decided that what she saw would have to do.
She stepped out of the bathroom and pulled some black heels from her closet, conscious of the angry looks she was getting from Raven. She pulled on the shoes and stoop up, smoothing her dress and facing Raven, who was still sitting in front of the door.
"Okay Raven, the game is over. I have to go now." Raven just stared up at her defiantly. "I'm serious Raven," Ginny said warningly. "Now please move." No reaction from Raven. "Don't make me move you," a stone face. "I'll tell Draco," she tried with no luck.
Ginny put her hands under Raven's arms and lifted her out of the way. She opened the door and started out, then realized that one of her legs was noticeably heavier than the other. Raven was sitting on Ginny's foot, holding her leg tightly.
"Raven," she scolded, "Get off my leg."
"No."
"Now Raven."
Raven's reply was an insistent, "No."
"I'm not kidding."
"Me neither."
Just then, they both turned and saw Draco coming their way. He stopped dead in his tracks, one eyebrow shot up as he looked at Ginny. Just seeing her all dressed up, or just seeing her at all made that twinge that had been a dull throb in his heart, become a searing pain. She looked like an angel, despite the fact that she had a four-year-old clinging to her leg. That's when he remembered that she was supposed to be going somewhere with Creevey.
"So," he smirked, walking closer to them. "Planning to go on that big date with her," he cast a pointed look in Raven's direction, "Attached to your leg?"
"No," she scowled, "I was trying to get her off."
"Oh?" he asked peevishly. "Why do that? She adds to that costume of yours."
She put her hands on her hips, "You could at least help me get her off," she said crossly.
He crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at Raven leisurely. "I could, but," he stifled a yawn with his hand, "I just so tired."
"Fine then, I don't need your help." Ginny said starting to tug at Raven's hands. Raven held on tightly, refusing to move. Raven's cheeks were flushed and her jaw was set in a frown as she watched Ginny try to pull her off, just tightening her grip as she did so. "Raven," she said anxiously, "If you don't get off now then I'll be late, and extremely angry."
Raven didn't respond; she just stuck her nose up in the air insolently. "Raven," Ginny pleaded, "Please get off before I have to do something drastic," still nothing from the stubborn four-year old.
"You asked for it," Ginny asked, walking into her room, her left leg slowed down because of Raven. Draco watched them with an amused smirk and followed to the door of Ginny's room. She was riffling through a drawer noisily, when she had finally found the object of pursuit, her wand, she held it up in the air with a triumphant, "Aha!"
Raven looked up at her doubtfully, "What are you going to do with that?" she asked slowly.
One corner of Ginny's lip curled up, "That's for me to know, and you to find out, the hard way." She held up her wand and started whispering something softly. Draco, standing at the door strained his ears to hear the words that her lips were forming. When she was done she grinned and lifted the tip of her wand up in the air slightly, and with it Raven's bottom lifted slightly off of her foot. She moved up higher and higher until Raven's rear end was suspended in mid-air.
Raven let out a squeal and looked over at Draco frightened. He was to busy laughing to notice. Moving her wand some more she guided Raven to the bed and plopped her down smack-dab in the center of it. Raven glared at her and said, "You're going to be sorry you did that."
Ginny lifted an eyebrow, "Oh really?"
Raven pursed her lips and nodded, "Yes."
Draco was still doubled over laughing as Ginny grabbed her purse and left the room. When he looked up he saw that Raven's insolent demeanor had vanished, her eyes were watery and her lower lip was trembling. "Drakey," she said in a shaky voice, "I didn' want Dinny to go."
He immediately sobered up and sat on the edge of the bed. "I could tell, but you really shouldn't do things like that," he said trying to hide a smile.
"But Drakey, she went out on a date with the Golin guy," Raven said sadly. "I don't like the Golin guy."
Draco shook his head, "It doesn't matter if you like him or not, Ginny does and that's what matters. If she wants to date a poor obnoxious reporter, then that's her business.
"But I didn't want her too!" She said as she crossed her arms and stomped her foot. Draco reached out and pulled Raven onto his lap and gave her a reassuring hug.
"Raven," he said suavely. "If he's what Ginny wants we have to let her have him."
"Nuh-uh," she said quietly, "Drakey, you could fix it."
"No I can't."
"Yes you can!" she argued, glaring up at him.
"I can't Raven," he said closing his eyes, then he added softly, "It's too late, besides it would never work."
"But I want you and Dinny to be together, I'll never see her again if she marries Golin," Raven said snuggling into Draco's chest.
"Raven, Ginny loves you, I'm sure that you'll see her even if she does marry Golin."
She jerked back from him like he was fire; "No she won't! You're going to let Golin take her away! You won't even try to stop him!" she shouted and fled the room. Draco watched her leave and heard the door to her room slam.
He put his head in his hands and sighed, "What have I gotten myself into?" he asked wearily.
-_-
Ginny apparated to her parent's house and waited for Colin. Getting him to pick her up at Draco's house meant there might be an unnecessary confrontation. The last thing she wanted was for Draco to pick a fight with Colin. It would probably be okay for him to drop her off though, it would probably be late and Draco would already be in bed.
She appeared in the kitchen were her mother was cleaning up dishes. She glanced back at Ginny and her face lit up. "Ginny dear!" she gushed wiping her hands off on a hand towel. "Darling, I'm so glad that you've come home! You know, you're father is home tonight. We could all visit and…" she stopped as she noticed what Ginny was wearing. She frowned and said, "Why are you dressed like that?"
Ginny smiled, "I'm going on a date. You like?" She twirled around and looked at her mother hopefully.
"Oh…" she breathed, "Honey, you just look so…beautiful and grown up." She said thickly, tears in her eyes.
"Mother…" Ginny said blushing.
Suddenly her mother's nostalgic manner disappeared and was replaced with a curious one. "Who is it that you're going out on this date with?"
"Colin."
Mrs. Weasley clapped her hands together, "I knew it! I knew it! I just knew that you liked him as more that a friend, even though you told me you didn't!" She grinned at Ginny delightedly and wrapped her arms around her for a hug. The doorbell rang and Ginny pulled back from her mother's embrace.
"That's him mother," she said smiling, "I'll see you sometime soon." She gave her mother a peck on the cheek and went to answer the door.
Colin was standing there, as expected, wearing a suit and holding a single red rose in his hand. Ginny gasped--a rose? He looked up at her and smiled warmly, "Hello Ginny," he held the rose up to her, "this is for you."
"Oh thank you!" Ginny said taking the rose from him. She looked at it hesitantly and then back toward him. "Maybe you should step inside for a moment while I go put this in water real quick," she held the door open from him as he stepped in and guided him to the living room, "I'll be just a second," she said walking into the kitchen.
Her mother looked at her as she walked back in with the rose. "Oh Ginny!" she said excitedly.
Ginny shot her a look, "Mother! He's right out there," she whispered.
Mrs. Weasley put her hand over her mouth and mumbled, "Sorry." Then her eyes lit up, as if she remembered something. "Ginny, there's something that I've wanted to tell you."
"What?" she asked looking up from the vase that she was filling up at the sink.
"The clock, the one in the living room-" she was cut off by Ginny setting the vase on the counter loudly.
She gave her mother a pleading look and said, "I'm sorry mom, I really am, could we can talk about this later?"
Mrs. Weasley nodded and Ginny quickly left the kitchen.
-_-
Colin took Ginny to a small, but fancy French restaurant a few blocks from the Theater. At first Colin was quiet, but then he began chatting about seemingly everything he could think of. Ginny found herself nodding politely and smiling in between mouthfuls.
"This is a really nice place, we'll have to come her again." Ginny smiled. "It's getting late Ginny, we should probably get going, we can stop back afterwards for dessert, would you like that?"
"I'm too full for dessert now anyway, besides, I'm anxious to get to the Theater."
Colin opened the door for Ginny and they walked toward the Theater. As they walked along Colin tentatively reached out and held Ginny's hand. When they arrived at the Theater Ginny was overwhelmed by the ornate architecture and the elaborate paintings that covered the ceilings. It was all so beautiful. They showed their tickets to the usher and were lead up the stairs and to seats in the first row of the Mezzanine. "Are you glad you came?" Colin asked smiling at her.
Ginny nodded, "Yes, I can't wait for it to start." Ginny opened up her Playbill and read about the show and cast. Colin started drumming his fingers on the armrest. Ginny glanced down at his fingers. "The playbill's interesting, you should take a look at it."
"Sure." Colin opened his playbill and Ginny went back to reading hers only to be distracted by the sound of Colin wringing and tapping his Playbill. Ginny went back to reading, but was becoming increasingly annoyed. The Theater was becoming full and the orchestra started tuning their instruments. The house lights dimmed and the Theater became quiet.
The curtains opened and the prologue started with the auction of items from the Paris Opera House. A large chandelier was next on the auction block. The man lit the chandelier and there was a small explosion, the organ and orchestra blared and the chandelier rocked and swayed as it was raised over the crowd to the ceiling. It hung from the ceiling, burning brightly as the curtain closed and opened to the first act. Ginny was enthralled by it all.
Her reverie was broken during the middle of the first act by the drumming of Colin's fingers against her armrest. She leaned her head in his direction and whispered, "Please stop".
He looked at her and then down to his fingers, "This?" he asked holding them up and wiggling them. She nodded shortly, "Oh, yes, sorry." He said meekly, slouching in his seat a little.
The curtain came down and the intermission was announced. Ginny watched as people around her got up and went into the lobby. She sighed happily and then became aware of the drumming of fingers. She looked at Colin and he stopped. "I don't know about you, but I'd like to get something to drink." She said.
"Yeah, that sounds good." He held out his hand and helped her out of her seat. "I think I might get some wine, what would you like?"
"Wine sounds great," Ginny said as they started down the stairs towards the lobby. They went to the bar and Colin asked for two glasses of red wine. The cute bartender smiled at Ginny and winked. She quickly looked the other way and took a sip of her wine. Couldn't he tell that she was on a date? "Come on," Ginny said touching Colin's arm, "Let's go over to the kiosk and see what they're selling."
They walked over to the crowded kiosk. She savored her wine as she looked at the merchandise. Colin just sort of hung around at her elbow like a bored child. Ginny turned to Colin; he clearly wasn't enjoying himself. She smiled, "I suppose we should make or way back to our seats."
Colin smiled, "That sounds good, you finished with your wine?"
"Ginny! Ginny!" someone said behind her. She turned around and was met with the curious face of Mr. Murphy. Oh Merlin, she thought.
A/N: Yeah, yeah, I know, another cliffy, but those are just the perfect places to end chapters. Don't you think?
One more thing that I'd like to mention: almost all of the Phantom part is attributed to Natalie, the most fantabulous of beta readers, for I know nothing about going to plays/musicals or things like that.
Thanks to everyone that reviewed! I would thank you all individually, but that would take me a while and I figured that you might want this chapter out ASAP.
Please review!!!!!!!!!
Disclaimer: Don't own anything that matters.
By: VirtualFaerie
Draco looked at her, still calculating, and it spilled out of his throat and onto his tongue before he could stop it. "Because I could."
Ginny's eyes widened, her jaw clenched, eyebrows lowered. "You really are a cold-hearted bastard." She brought up her knee, hit his groin, hard, and slapped him as she stormed out of the ballroom. How disappointing. But what did she think he was going to say? Did she think he was going to profess his love and start spouting flowery poetry? Heck no. That was definitely something that he wouldn't do. She should have known he probably only wanted a thrill; wanted a quick kiss. Hey!-Why not get one from the bloody nanny?
She stomped up the stairs, not even giving a thought to Raven and slammed her door as she went into her room. She peeled off the white suit and locked herself in the bathroom. She sat on the floor and cried. Ginny wasn't really sure what else to do. All he had done was kiss her; she shouldn't have expected anything from it. It was completely pointless. She should have just let it alone.
Resting her head on her knees she sighed loudly. There wasn't anything that she could do now. But life was going to be hell living in the same house with him. She would leave if it wasn't for Raven. She couldn't just leave Raven here with him, with an old nanny who wouldn't know how to let the little girl have fun. She cried heavier, feeling the salty tears roll down her cheeks and onto her knees. There was nothing she could do now; there was definitely no way that she could go back. But it wasn't her fault. If he hadn't kissed her this would have never happened. Never.
She got up and looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes and nose were red, and her hair was messed up. She ran her fingers through her hair and slumped against the counter. There was nothing she could do. She was totally helpless in this whole situation and she didn't like it. It was driving her crazy. She just wanted to erase the whole thing from her memory.
Seeing Colin's letter sitting on the counter, she picked it up and smiled. At least she had Colin to look forward to; nice sensible Colin who would never do anything like this to her. Colin was nervous about kissing her, Colin asked her to musicals, Colin cared about her, and Colin was a friend. She was so lucky to have Colin; someone dependable, someone who hadn't changed and was as predictable as the seasons.
She turned on the faucet and let the cold-water fall over her hands. She caught some in her palms and splashed it on her face. She rubbed her eyes and looked back at her reflection. Not her best, but it was better than before. She brought her necklace out from under her shirt and fingered the charm. For luck, she told herself.
Merlin knew she needed it.
-_-
Because I could.
Those words were going to haunt him.
Draco groaned. Damn, it hurt. He was slumped against the wall with his eyes shut. It hurt. She couldn't believe that she did that. Or maybe he could, he was just surprised. He wouldn't be surprised if she left now. It wouldn't surprise him at all.
He couldn't believe he said that. What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he have said something that wouldn't have made her so mad? Why not something like, "Because you're beautiful."
Wait. Did he just think that she was beautiful? He shook his head violently. No, he didn't, it was just the pain. The pain was making him delirious. He wasn't thinking clearly. But still, he should have thought of something gentler to say. Life was going to be hell now. He was mad and he knew that she had to be mad. You couldn't get away with saying something like that to a woman and not have her be mad at you. It just didn't work that way.
Hopkins poked his head into the room. "Master Malfoy?" he called out carefully. Obviously he had heard something.
"What?" Draco muttered ill temperedly. Why did Hopkins have to bother him now?
"Would you be liking something sir?"
"Ice. Get me lots of ice," he said opening his eyes and looking at the nervous house-elf. Hopkins darted back and shut the door.
Maybe…he thought, just maybe I love her. No…yes…no…. No I don't, he decided. He sighed loudly; there really was no denying it. He wouldn't be feeling so lousy for saying what he did if he didn't care for her at least a little bit. There was no way.
Okay, he thought, there's a step in a new direction. I have feelings for a Weasley. I'm an idiot. A big, big idiot. What am I going to do?
Hopkins scurried across the room and set a tub of ice in front of Draco and some hand towels. He bowed and rushed out of the room. Draco rolled his eyes; let the stupid house elf be scared of him. See if he cared. He might as well make everyone else miserable since he was. He wasn't going to let everyone else be happy while he was upset. No, everyone was going to suffer with him. And he wasn't going to have it any other way.
He stood up and picked up the tub of ice and hand towels. He walked with a slight limp out of the ballroom and to the closest library. He took off his white suit and slouched on a couch.
Everyone should be miserable if he was.
-_-
Ginny came out of the bathroom and paced her room. What was she going to do now? She wasn't comfortable in this house anymore. Ginny got her bag out of her closet and began to pull her clothes off their hangers to pack. She stopped and thought of Raven. It wouldn't be fair to Raven to just leave her alone there with Draco, especially if it was likely that he would be in a sour mood. She sighed unhappily and pulled on a clean robe. She got out her wand and made up her mind.
She was going home. Even if it was only for the evening she was going. She wasn't going to worry about Raven, she would be fine with Ms. Wells and Draco wouldn't do anything to her. She just needed to go home and sort through some things in peace, or in as much peace as she could have in her messed up life.
Waving her wand she disappeared and reappeared in her mother's homey kitchen. It was warm and the smell of fresh baked cookies permeated the air. Her mother was at the counter, wiping flour up with a dishcloth. Mrs. Weasley turned around and saw her daughter. She smiled happily and rushed over to her, wrapping her up in a big bone-crushing motherly hug.
"Hi mom," Ginny said tiredly, smiling wanly at her happy mother.
"Hey darling, I'm so glad you came. Guess who's here?" She clasped her hands and nodded towards the living room. Ginny turned around and walked through the door.
Sprawled on the couch with his feet hanging over the edge was Harry Potter; her famous Boy-Who-Lived. He ran his hand through his hair and turned to look at her. His bright green eyes sparkled from under his glasses and a big grin spread across his face. He got up off the couch and gave her a hug and peck on the forehead. "Hey Gins, I was hoping that I would get to see you."
Ginny faked a smile; there was something different about Harry. She wasn't sure what it was. But she knew that he was missing something. "Hi Harry," she said looking up at him and kissing his cheek; nothing. Why was she feeling nothing when she kissed him? She was supposed to feel fireworks, her toes were supposed to tingle. But they didn't. What was wrong? "Glad to see you," she said half-heartedly.
He peered at her concerned, "What's wrong?" He asked quietly, his eyes darting to the kitchen door to see if Mrs. Weasley was listening. She wasn't.
Ginny shrugged and looked away, "Nothing."
"Bull."
She shut her eyes, refusing to look at him. What was she supposed to say? Hey, Draco Malfoy kisses me and I'm angry. No. "I said nothing. Please don't ask me. I came home to get away."
He still didn't leave her alone. "It's Malfoy isn't it?"
Harry surprised her, "What?"
"I know you're working for him. I've known since I saw the clipping your mother showed me. His address is common knowledge to aurors." Harry said still looking at the door.
Ginny rolled her eyes, and tried to push past him. "Don't worry about it."
He grabbed her shoulders and looked at her pensively. "What do you mean don't worry about it? Ginny, I'm worried…."
"I can't take care of myself; it's none of your business."
"Has he hurt you?" Harry asked.
"No," she said and ran up the stairs to her room, locking the door behind her. She didn't want to talk to Harry right now; especially since he was so set on knowing her personal business, which had absolutely nothing to do with him. Why the sudden curiosity? She flopped over onto her bed and stared at the ceiling.
Why haven't I ever had a canopy? She thought, totally randomly. She remembered that whenever she was a kid that she always wanted a canopy bed, just like the princesses had. But she never got one. She wanted a pink one with white ruffles. There wasn't one; all that was there was a curiously brown stained ceiling.
She shook her head, no thinking about ceilings and canopies, she told herself; wondering if she had finally lost her mind. It certainly seemed so since she actually let Draco Malfoy kiss her the night before, and didn't say anything about it until a little while ago. Her brain must have finally died; there was no thinking. She didn't know what to think anymore. If he hadn't said, because I could, would she still have kissed him? Did she want him to kiss her? Yes, of course she did. You couldn't get kisses like that just anywhere. She hit her forehead with a flat palm. Why was she thinking things like that? It was Malfoy for Merlin's sake. She wasn't supposed to feel that way when he kissed her. Why did she let herself even think, or hope that he had actually meant something by it?
Kicking her shoes off, she turned on her stomach and buried her face in her pillow. She couldn't breathe, so she turned her head only to see Colin's picture on her corkboard. She hadn't remembered putting it up, but she must have…her brain was definitely resting with lilies.
It was a picture of her and Colin in their sixth year, sitting but the lake with their arms around each other. They both looked so happy in that picture that Ginny wanted to be sick. Smiling and winking and jumping…sixteen was such a ditzy age for her. She groaned and turned her head the other way, deciding the she preferred to look out the window at the rain, then at the cheerful photo.
-_-
Sitting with his legs stretched out in front of him, on a couch in the library, Draco was staring out the window at the rain as well. He was trying to decide on a wise thing to say to Ginny; something that wouldn't give her a reason to permanently handicap him. So far he had could come up with absolutely nothing that would insure that his appendages would remain intact. And that wasn't very comforting.
"Mr. Malfoy!" Draco winced and covered his ears and looked into the red face of Miss Wells. "What do you want? Can't you see I'm busy?" he snarled.
"I can't find Miss Weasley." Raven was holding onto Miss Wells' leg looking like she was having entirely too much fun being dragged around to know what was going on.
Draco rolled his eyes and turned back to the window, "Surprise, surprise." He had been expecting this. It was inevitable; she was going to leave. And it was all because of his recently enlarge mouth, one that didn't know the correct things to say..
Miss Wells was shocked. "What did you say sir?"
He gave her an annoyed glance, "Go away, you're bothering me." She just looked at him. "Get out!" he snapped. "And take the kid with you!" Raven wasn't so happy anymore; her hero had just called her a kid, and it wasn't in good context. Raven frowned; her hopes for Ginny and Draco now seemed to be going down the drain. A lone tear trekked down her face as Miss Wells hurried out of the room, pulling Raven behind her.
Sighing and looking back to the window, a place that was very useful while thinking, Draco thought of what he was going to do now. Getting a new nanny sounded like it should be number one on his list. But of course it wasn't. Number one was the incessant nagging of the thought that he needed to make amends with Ginny. Never before had he felt the need to do this, but having already recognized the fact that he did indeed have feelings for this certain female Weasley, it was something that must be done. Sure he was an idiot for the feelings, but it wasn't like he could just tell them to go away and they would. Nope, feelings don't work like that; they have a mind of their own.
The door opened again. It was Miss Wells…again. "What do you want?" Draco said so coldly it could have frozen the sun. He was that angry and agitated.
"Miss Weasley is back."
"That's nice. Get me some coffee."
-_-
The following week was probably the grumpiest and most dismal week in Malfoy/Weasley history. Not a word passed between Ginny and Draco. They stayed away from each other, and when they were in the same room by chance, one left without a word. The entire staff of the mansion was seriously considering quitting, except for Hopkins because he loved being a house elf as house elves do.
Being around Draco was like being in the fiery pits of hell. You were yelled at constantly, and snapped at to go bring him coffee. Something he thought would calm his nerves but only served to make him more restless.
Ginny and Raven stayed in the second floor library. Draco didn't come in there for any reason at all. Not even when he realized he had left the book that he was currently reading in there. No way was he going to go anywhere near Ginny. He couldn't, he wouldn't know what was going to come out of his mouth and he didn't know what her reaction to
On Thursday the doorbell rang and Hopkins ran to answer it. Standing at the door was a very stressed looking Harry Potter. Hopkins called Ginny down to him.
Ginny wasn't happy to see him at all. "What?"
He blinked, "I was sent to come and check on you."
"By motherly forces I assume?" Ginny stepped outside.
"Also by brotherly forces as well," Harry said looking at his watch. Ginny noticed.
"You can go. I'm fine; I don't need you checking up on me. So do us both a favor and don't bother." She said callously.
Harry looked at her deeply alarmed. "What's gotten into you?"
Ginny's face showed absolutely no emotion. "Since when have you cared?" She walked back inside, slamming the door with a satisfying bang in Harry's face.
Draco appeared at her elbow, "Who was that?"
"You're best friend," Ginny said sarcastically. "Potter."
He nodded and left. There wasn't much to say between them. That was the most civil conversation that had been had in the past few days.
Then came time for the musical with non-confusing Colin.
Raven was perched on Ginny's bed, watching as she went through her closet looking for something to wear. Raven had a look of distaste on her face; her arms were crossed and her lips pouting. She obviously didn't want Ginny to go on this date.
"Are you sure you really like this Golin guy?" she asked, hope evident in her voice.
Ginny turned to face Raven and smiled, "It's Colin and yes, I'm sure that I like him. Are you okay Raven? You seem a bit…sad about something." Raven started mumbling under her breath. "What was that?" Ginny asked; her back now turned to the dark faced little girl.
"Nothing," Raven muttered flopping back on the bed. She started up at the canopy with a thoughtful face.
"What do you think? Should I wear this one?" When Raven looked to Ginny she saw that she had on the green robe, probably the only appropriate thing she had to wear. Raven's mouth fell open and she clapped her hand over it.
Shaking her head she said, "No, no, no…." She slid down the side of the bed, walked to the closet and started yanking on a wooly gray robe. It came down, hanger and all and Raven thrust it in Ginny's direction. "That's better," she said approvingly, while Ginny eyed the robe dubiously.
"Uh—Raven, I don't think so. Besides, this is a winter robe." She said mildly.
Raven let out an exasperated sigh, "You'll probably get cold in there!" she said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
The corners of Ginny's mouth quirked up in a smile, "Well, I guess it could be okay." Raven nodded enthusiastically. "It just needs a little work."
Raven frowned, "What do you mean?"
Ginny shrugged, "You'll see." Then she walked into the bathroom with the frumpy robes and her wand.
Raven jumped back onto the bed again and made herself comfortable. She knew how long her mother took in the bathroom and prepared herself for a long wait.
It was a good thing she did, because Ginny didn't emerge from the bathroom for twenty minutes. When she came out Raven was engrossed in a game of imaginary hopscotch and was singing nursery rhymes as she hopped all about the room in hopscotch patterns.
Raven whirled around, tearing herself from her game to look at Ginny. She gasped. Somehow Ginny had managed to transfigure the ugly robes into a stunning black dress. The dress was silky and hung to her, emphasizing every curve to make her appear more voluptuous.
Raven shook her head furiously, "Uh-uh, there's no way you're leaving the house in that, Dinny!" she half shouted. She stood steadfast at the door, shaking her head again. "Nuh-uh."
Rolling her eyes, Ginny said, "It doesn't matter because I'm not leaving yet anyways. I still have to do my hair and makeup." She turned on her heel and stalked into the bathroom, casting a playful grin in Raven's direction.
Raven plopped herself down on he floor in front of the door and crossed her arms. There was no way she was going to let that Colin guy see her like that. He might start to think that Ginny liked him.
Peering at her reflection in the mirror, Ginny gave her curls a bounce. She had her hair down and curled; her hair went down to the small of her back and looked like locks of silk. She was wearing her gold necklace with the heart pendant and gold hoop earrings. Sighing, Ginny decided that what she saw would have to do.
She stepped out of the bathroom and pulled some black heels from her closet, conscious of the angry looks she was getting from Raven. She pulled on the shoes and stoop up, smoothing her dress and facing Raven, who was still sitting in front of the door.
"Okay Raven, the game is over. I have to go now." Raven just stared up at her defiantly. "I'm serious Raven," Ginny said warningly. "Now please move." No reaction from Raven. "Don't make me move you," a stone face. "I'll tell Draco," she tried with no luck.
Ginny put her hands under Raven's arms and lifted her out of the way. She opened the door and started out, then realized that one of her legs was noticeably heavier than the other. Raven was sitting on Ginny's foot, holding her leg tightly.
"Raven," she scolded, "Get off my leg."
"No."
"Now Raven."
Raven's reply was an insistent, "No."
"I'm not kidding."
"Me neither."
Just then, they both turned and saw Draco coming their way. He stopped dead in his tracks, one eyebrow shot up as he looked at Ginny. Just seeing her all dressed up, or just seeing her at all made that twinge that had been a dull throb in his heart, become a searing pain. She looked like an angel, despite the fact that she had a four-year-old clinging to her leg. That's when he remembered that she was supposed to be going somewhere with Creevey.
"So," he smirked, walking closer to them. "Planning to go on that big date with her," he cast a pointed look in Raven's direction, "Attached to your leg?"
"No," she scowled, "I was trying to get her off."
"Oh?" he asked peevishly. "Why do that? She adds to that costume of yours."
She put her hands on her hips, "You could at least help me get her off," she said crossly.
He crossed his arms over his chest and looked down at Raven leisurely. "I could, but," he stifled a yawn with his hand, "I just so tired."
"Fine then, I don't need your help." Ginny said starting to tug at Raven's hands. Raven held on tightly, refusing to move. Raven's cheeks were flushed and her jaw was set in a frown as she watched Ginny try to pull her off, just tightening her grip as she did so. "Raven," she said anxiously, "If you don't get off now then I'll be late, and extremely angry."
Raven didn't respond; she just stuck her nose up in the air insolently. "Raven," Ginny pleaded, "Please get off before I have to do something drastic," still nothing from the stubborn four-year old.
"You asked for it," Ginny asked, walking into her room, her left leg slowed down because of Raven. Draco watched them with an amused smirk and followed to the door of Ginny's room. She was riffling through a drawer noisily, when she had finally found the object of pursuit, her wand, she held it up in the air with a triumphant, "Aha!"
Raven looked up at her doubtfully, "What are you going to do with that?" she asked slowly.
One corner of Ginny's lip curled up, "That's for me to know, and you to find out, the hard way." She held up her wand and started whispering something softly. Draco, standing at the door strained his ears to hear the words that her lips were forming. When she was done she grinned and lifted the tip of her wand up in the air slightly, and with it Raven's bottom lifted slightly off of her foot. She moved up higher and higher until Raven's rear end was suspended in mid-air.
Raven let out a squeal and looked over at Draco frightened. He was to busy laughing to notice. Moving her wand some more she guided Raven to the bed and plopped her down smack-dab in the center of it. Raven glared at her and said, "You're going to be sorry you did that."
Ginny lifted an eyebrow, "Oh really?"
Raven pursed her lips and nodded, "Yes."
Draco was still doubled over laughing as Ginny grabbed her purse and left the room. When he looked up he saw that Raven's insolent demeanor had vanished, her eyes were watery and her lower lip was trembling. "Drakey," she said in a shaky voice, "I didn' want Dinny to go."
He immediately sobered up and sat on the edge of the bed. "I could tell, but you really shouldn't do things like that," he said trying to hide a smile.
"But Drakey, she went out on a date with the Golin guy," Raven said sadly. "I don't like the Golin guy."
Draco shook his head, "It doesn't matter if you like him or not, Ginny does and that's what matters. If she wants to date a poor obnoxious reporter, then that's her business.
"But I didn't want her too!" She said as she crossed her arms and stomped her foot. Draco reached out and pulled Raven onto his lap and gave her a reassuring hug.
"Raven," he said suavely. "If he's what Ginny wants we have to let her have him."
"Nuh-uh," she said quietly, "Drakey, you could fix it."
"No I can't."
"Yes you can!" she argued, glaring up at him.
"I can't Raven," he said closing his eyes, then he added softly, "It's too late, besides it would never work."
"But I want you and Dinny to be together, I'll never see her again if she marries Golin," Raven said snuggling into Draco's chest.
"Raven, Ginny loves you, I'm sure that you'll see her even if she does marry Golin."
She jerked back from him like he was fire; "No she won't! You're going to let Golin take her away! You won't even try to stop him!" she shouted and fled the room. Draco watched her leave and heard the door to her room slam.
He put his head in his hands and sighed, "What have I gotten myself into?" he asked wearily.
-_-
Ginny apparated to her parent's house and waited for Colin. Getting him to pick her up at Draco's house meant there might be an unnecessary confrontation. The last thing she wanted was for Draco to pick a fight with Colin. It would probably be okay for him to drop her off though, it would probably be late and Draco would already be in bed.
She appeared in the kitchen were her mother was cleaning up dishes. She glanced back at Ginny and her face lit up. "Ginny dear!" she gushed wiping her hands off on a hand towel. "Darling, I'm so glad that you've come home! You know, you're father is home tonight. We could all visit and…" she stopped as she noticed what Ginny was wearing. She frowned and said, "Why are you dressed like that?"
Ginny smiled, "I'm going on a date. You like?" She twirled around and looked at her mother hopefully.
"Oh…" she breathed, "Honey, you just look so…beautiful and grown up." She said thickly, tears in her eyes.
"Mother…" Ginny said blushing.
Suddenly her mother's nostalgic manner disappeared and was replaced with a curious one. "Who is it that you're going out on this date with?"
"Colin."
Mrs. Weasley clapped her hands together, "I knew it! I knew it! I just knew that you liked him as more that a friend, even though you told me you didn't!" She grinned at Ginny delightedly and wrapped her arms around her for a hug. The doorbell rang and Ginny pulled back from her mother's embrace.
"That's him mother," she said smiling, "I'll see you sometime soon." She gave her mother a peck on the cheek and went to answer the door.
Colin was standing there, as expected, wearing a suit and holding a single red rose in his hand. Ginny gasped--a rose? He looked up at her and smiled warmly, "Hello Ginny," he held the rose up to her, "this is for you."
"Oh thank you!" Ginny said taking the rose from him. She looked at it hesitantly and then back toward him. "Maybe you should step inside for a moment while I go put this in water real quick," she held the door open from him as he stepped in and guided him to the living room, "I'll be just a second," she said walking into the kitchen.
Her mother looked at her as she walked back in with the rose. "Oh Ginny!" she said excitedly.
Ginny shot her a look, "Mother! He's right out there," she whispered.
Mrs. Weasley put her hand over her mouth and mumbled, "Sorry." Then her eyes lit up, as if she remembered something. "Ginny, there's something that I've wanted to tell you."
"What?" she asked looking up from the vase that she was filling up at the sink.
"The clock, the one in the living room-" she was cut off by Ginny setting the vase on the counter loudly.
She gave her mother a pleading look and said, "I'm sorry mom, I really am, could we can talk about this later?"
Mrs. Weasley nodded and Ginny quickly left the kitchen.
-_-
Colin took Ginny to a small, but fancy French restaurant a few blocks from the Theater. At first Colin was quiet, but then he began chatting about seemingly everything he could think of. Ginny found herself nodding politely and smiling in between mouthfuls.
"This is a really nice place, we'll have to come her again." Ginny smiled. "It's getting late Ginny, we should probably get going, we can stop back afterwards for dessert, would you like that?"
"I'm too full for dessert now anyway, besides, I'm anxious to get to the Theater."
Colin opened the door for Ginny and they walked toward the Theater. As they walked along Colin tentatively reached out and held Ginny's hand. When they arrived at the Theater Ginny was overwhelmed by the ornate architecture and the elaborate paintings that covered the ceilings. It was all so beautiful. They showed their tickets to the usher and were lead up the stairs and to seats in the first row of the Mezzanine. "Are you glad you came?" Colin asked smiling at her.
Ginny nodded, "Yes, I can't wait for it to start." Ginny opened up her Playbill and read about the show and cast. Colin started drumming his fingers on the armrest. Ginny glanced down at his fingers. "The playbill's interesting, you should take a look at it."
"Sure." Colin opened his playbill and Ginny went back to reading hers only to be distracted by the sound of Colin wringing and tapping his Playbill. Ginny went back to reading, but was becoming increasingly annoyed. The Theater was becoming full and the orchestra started tuning their instruments. The house lights dimmed and the Theater became quiet.
The curtains opened and the prologue started with the auction of items from the Paris Opera House. A large chandelier was next on the auction block. The man lit the chandelier and there was a small explosion, the organ and orchestra blared and the chandelier rocked and swayed as it was raised over the crowd to the ceiling. It hung from the ceiling, burning brightly as the curtain closed and opened to the first act. Ginny was enthralled by it all.
Her reverie was broken during the middle of the first act by the drumming of Colin's fingers against her armrest. She leaned her head in his direction and whispered, "Please stop".
He looked at her and then down to his fingers, "This?" he asked holding them up and wiggling them. She nodded shortly, "Oh, yes, sorry." He said meekly, slouching in his seat a little.
The curtain came down and the intermission was announced. Ginny watched as people around her got up and went into the lobby. She sighed happily and then became aware of the drumming of fingers. She looked at Colin and he stopped. "I don't know about you, but I'd like to get something to drink." She said.
"Yeah, that sounds good." He held out his hand and helped her out of her seat. "I think I might get some wine, what would you like?"
"Wine sounds great," Ginny said as they started down the stairs towards the lobby. They went to the bar and Colin asked for two glasses of red wine. The cute bartender smiled at Ginny and winked. She quickly looked the other way and took a sip of her wine. Couldn't he tell that she was on a date? "Come on," Ginny said touching Colin's arm, "Let's go over to the kiosk and see what they're selling."
They walked over to the crowded kiosk. She savored her wine as she looked at the merchandise. Colin just sort of hung around at her elbow like a bored child. Ginny turned to Colin; he clearly wasn't enjoying himself. She smiled, "I suppose we should make or way back to our seats."
Colin smiled, "That sounds good, you finished with your wine?"
"Ginny! Ginny!" someone said behind her. She turned around and was met with the curious face of Mr. Murphy. Oh Merlin, she thought.
A/N: Yeah, yeah, I know, another cliffy, but those are just the perfect places to end chapters. Don't you think?
One more thing that I'd like to mention: almost all of the Phantom part is attributed to Natalie, the most fantabulous of beta readers, for I know nothing about going to plays/musicals or things like that.
Thanks to everyone that reviewed! I would thank you all individually, but that would take me a while and I figured that you might want this chapter out ASAP.
Please review!!!!!!!!!