Disclaimer: Who thinks I'm J.K. Rowlings?

A/N: Sorry for the delay, here's the chapter.

Chapter 14: Reunited

"Ginny, Ginny!"

Ginny was walking towards the Great Hall. It was already lunchtime. She turned around towards the person calling her. It was Dennis Creevy.

"Hello Dennis. What's wrong?" Ginny asked.

Dennis was breathing hard by the time he was standing next to her.

"Take a breath. Why are you running?" Ginny asked.

"Okay…they're here," Dennis told her.

"Who's here?"

"Malfoy and Harry. They're in the hospital wing. Nobody could get inside because Hagrid is guarding the door."

Ginny put her hands on Dennis' shoulders and shook him, "Don't lie to me Dennis. Are you telling the truth?"

"Why would I lie about something like this? Go to him Ginny. You're Malfoy's girlfriend, I think Hagrid will make an exception."

Ginny smiled before she ran off to the hospital wing. Dennis watched her run away. He was glad that Malfoy, Harry and Neville were back. Everything had been so gloomy without them. Quidditch matches and Hogsmeade visits were temporarily cancelled. This was also the first time in a month that Dennis thought he saw Ginny smile.

Ginny pushed her way through the crowd in front of the hospital wing. She tried to wave at Hagrid, but he was too busy trying to tell everyone to leave.

"Hagrid!" Ginny yelled.

Hagrid still did not hear her. Luckily, Lavendar and Pavarti saw her. They pushed people out of the way so Ginny could get through which caused everyone to glare at them.

"Thank you so much Lavendar," Ginny told her.

"No problem Ginny. I'm sure you can't wait to see him," Lavendar commented.

Ginny nodded. Hagrid saw her and greeted her. Everyone protested when he let her through.

Ginny closed the door behind her and was greeted by Ron.

"Quite a crowd out there," he said, "I was wondering when you'd get here."

"Draco doesn't even know half the people out there," Ginny said, "Is he really here?"

Ron smiled and Ginny tried to look over his shoulder for a better look.

"Madame Pomfrey, I'm fine. We're not hungry, we already ate two bowls of porridge," Draco complained.

"Nonsense, you three are all skin and bones. Don't complain, just eat," Madam Pomfrey said sternly. She turned and went back to her office.

"Hey, Weasley. Do you want this thing?" Draco asked. Lifting up a spoon of porridge and tilted it to let the glob fall back into the bowl.

Ginny stepped around Ron and the image that greeted Draco caused him to suck in his breath. She looked different, more beautiful even. He set the bowl aside on the table next to his bed.

Ginny couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Draco. She was about to cry but stopped herself. Draco didn't like people crying in front of him. As she walked towards him, she remembered how lonely she felt without him. When she reached his bed, she just stood in front of him. She pictured this day many times in her head. She had a whole speech ready to tell him how much she missed him and to tell him her feelings. She was ready to return his feelings for her; she was ready to tell him that she loved him back.

She couldn't do any of the things she planned. She just stood there staring at him. She noticed that Madame Pomfrey was correct; he did get skinnier.

Draco smiled at her. He reached out to cup her cheek. Ginny put a hand over his, she broke down and hugged him. Draco hugged her back and pulled her close. He pulled her onto his bed and leaned back onto the headboard still holding her and he buried his face in her hair. He leaned into her ear.

"I missed you," he whispered.

Ginny leaned back to look at his face. She traced his lips with her finger and leaned in to kiss him.

Ron's eyes widened as Ginny kissed Draco. He was about to walk over to the two until Hermione grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Leave them Ron."

"But Hermione, he's kissing her," Ron whined, "I have to stop him."

"You don't have to do anything. They haven't seen each other in over a month. You know how miserable Ginny was without him. Let them spend time together."

Ron reluctantly watched his sister kiss Malfoy. He walked towards Harry.

"Hey mate, you'd think that there was nobody else in the room the way those two are acting," Ron commented, still mad at the fact that his sister kissed Malfoy. They finished kissing and Ginny was still hugging Draco.

Harry would have chuckled at Ron if he were happy at the moment. He was staring at the wall in front of him.

"Harry, are you all right?" Ron asked.

Harry turned away from Ron and asked him to leave him alone.

Ron just stared at Harry, "Are you sure you're all right Harry?"

"I said, leave me alone!"

Madam Pomfrey rushed out of her office at Harry's outburst. Ginny sat up and Draco looked over to Ron and Harry.

"Ron, it's best you leave him alone," Draco told him, "Harry is fine. Don't worry about him."

Ron nodded and walked away from Harry's bed. Harry turned around towards Ron.

"I'm sorry," He told him.

"It's fine, I'll be in the common room if anyone needs me," Ron told him and he left. Hermione followed Ron out.

Harry lied down on his bed and closed his eyes.

"Is he really okay?" Ginny asked Draco.

Draco looked sadly at Ginny and shook his head.

"So many things happened this past month. Someone died and she was close to Harry," Draco explained.

"Oh my gosh," Ginny exclaimed, "How is he taking it?"

"I don't know. From what I heard, he loved her."

"He must be heart-broken," Ginny commented.

Draco nodded in agreement. Ginny reached out, held on of his hands and squeezed it. She smiled at Draco and he smiled back.

"Draco, I have to tell you something," Ginny told him.

"What is it?"

She took in a breath before continuing, "I'm in love with you."

Draco was shocked; her brother told him that she was 'falling' in love not she was in love.

"When you disappeared, I missed you so much. I thought of you everyday, even when I slept…"

"You must have had good dreams," Draco joked.

"Draco, let me finish. Yes, you were in my dreams. They were good dreams because that was the only time we were together. When I wake up I look forward to seeing you in the Great Hall, and then I remember that Voldemort took you. Whenever I think of something it always seems to focus back on you. I realized after two weeks that I do love you," Ginny told him.

Draco kissed Ginny on the forehead, "Ginny…I have something to tell you…"

"Ms. Weasley," Madam Pomfrey came out of her office, "I'm afraid I'm going to ask you to leave. My patient needs to rest. You can come back after dinner."

"I have to go Draco," Ginny told him.

"I'll see you later," Draco replied.

Ginny squeezed Draco's hand one last time and left the Hospital Wing.

"And you," Madame Pomfrey pointed, "Finish your porridge."

Draco nodded and took his bowl. He couldn't believe what he was about to do. He was about to tell Ginny about Darien. He didn't know whether to tell her or not. Will she be mad at him? Draco decided not to risk the chance. He will explain to her at a better time. Right now everything is a bit shaky. Now he just needs to find the right time. He decided to think about it later, right now he needs rest. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Unknown to Draco, Neville saw everything that was exchanged between him and Ginny. Neville was glaring at him.

"You don't deserve her," Neville said quietly.

*_*_*_*_*

"Let's Paarrty!"

"Get off the table," Hermione yelled.

The music in the common room was booming. She was sure they could hear it in the dungeons.

"Turn the music down!" Hermione told Fred.

"Hey do you want butterbeer?" Someone offered her.

Katie Bell put a hand on Hermione's shoulder, "Hermione let them enjoy

themselves. It no use trying to control them."

Katie walked away. Hermione sat down on a couch next to Ron. She was surprised to see him happily talking to Draco. Ginny was sitting on Draco's lap. Hermione thought that Ron would have protested, but he didn't seem to mind.

Neville was in the middle of the common room surrounded by people asking him what it was like to be a prisoner. Hermione thought that he seemed happy being the center of attention.

Harry was sitting alone in a corner. After he yelled at George everyone agreed that they should leave him alone.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?"

Everyone looked towards the voice. They saw Harry was yelling at George again.

"Why are you moping around Harry? Celebrate," George told him.

"I don't even know why I'm down here. I can't stand the noise. I don't even know why we're celebrating. There is nothing to celebrate!" Harry yelled and he stormed out of the common room and went to the boy's dorm. Everyone was surprised at Harry's outburst.

"I have to talk to him," Draco told Ginny.

Ginny nodded and let Draco go after Harry.

*_*_*_*_*

Draco opened the door to the 5th year dormitories. Harry was sitting in front of the window.

"Potter what are you doing moping here. There's a party going on in the common room."

"Does Elena's death mean anything to you?" Harry asked turning around.

"Elena was like a sister to me and her death is hurting me as much as it's hurting you, but I don't go around moping. Are you going to be like this the rest of you're life? We're only fifteen and Elena knew that. You are Harry Potter; you are destined to do great stuff with your life. Elena wanted to give you that chance. She already sold hers."

Harry stood and walked towards Draco, "What did you just say."

"I didn't say anything."

Harry continued to advance on Draco, "What do you know? Tell me!"

Harry pushed Draco against the wall. He was glaring at him.

"Voldemort knew about the plan. He and Elena worked together. She told him she would stay if he frees us. Voldemort left the castle to make the escape seem real. She was not supposed to die," Draco told him.

Harry backed away from him. It makes sense, all of it. The brooms and the wands, Voldemort gave them to her. How could she do this? They could have thought of another plan. I wouldn't have cared how long it would have taken, Harry thought, as long as you were included.

He went back to his seat by the window.

"Potter."

Harry turned to face Draco. Draco took off the chain he was wearing and he handed it to Harry.

"Elena wanted me to give you this when we got back here. Something to remember her by. It's her family seal incase you were wondering."

Harry took the ring necklace from him. He looked at the ring dangling on it.

"It was always to big for her to wear it on her finger so she wore it on a chain," Draco told him, "You could wear it either way."

'Did you know you were going to die Elena?' Harry thought.

"It's been in her family for ages, passed down from boy to boy. Her family only bore girls and it was given to her."

Harry took the ring off the chain and put it on his finger.

'I don't need a ring to remember you Elena. You will always be a part of me.'

"Potter, are you all right? Everyone is worried about you."

"What? Do you guys think I'll actually kill myself over this? Elena wouldn't have liked that. She had a thing against people who commit suicide. But that doesn't mean I'm over her. It doesn't mean that I'll go on with my life acting as if she never existed," Harry said.

"We're not expecting you to act like that. I guess some people out there are worried about the suicide thing," Draco told him.

"How did you do it?" Harry asked.

"Do what?"

"Get over your parents so quickly. You saw them die in front of you."

Draco closed his eyes. He hasn't thought of his parents in a long time. He has been busy with thinking of ways to get closer to Ginny. There was also the fact that they were taken prisoners by Voldemort. Draco opened his eyes.

"Are you asking how I can act okay? I guess I've been preoccupied. I haven't thought of my parents in a long time. I have a life to live, I'm sure they understand. I'm not telling you to busy yourself to forget about her, just… I don't know. You'll never forget about her, I'm sure of that. Just try to get on with your life. We have the OWL's this year and Quidditch matches to play. I guess there isn't anything else if you don't want to talk, I'll leave you then."

Draco headed towards the door.

"Malfoy."

Draco looked back at Harry.

"Thanks for talking to me," Harry told him.

"Anytime Potter," Draco told him.

*_*_*_*_*

"Harry seems to be getting better," Ginny commented.

Draco and Ginny fell back to their usual routine. They were watching the sunset together.

"I guess," Draco said. He nuzzled her neck. Ginny giggled.

"That tickles."

Draco stopped and lay down on the grass bringing Ginny down with him.

"Why are you so quiet?" Ginny asked.

Draco pulled Ginny closer to him, "I'm just thinking about my parents."

"Oh."

"I just realized that I haven't thought of them in such a long time. What kind of son am I? How could I forget about them so quickly?"

"Draco, you're a great son. I'm sure your parents are proud, you're a Prefect."

Draco quieted down at that. He didn't want to trouble Ginny any further. At least she thinks that he was a great son.

Draco sat up and looked out the lake, and at Ginny. He was surprised to see that she was watching him.

"Draco, winter break is coming up. Do you have anything planned? My parents want us home and I was wondering if you would like to come."

"I'm sorry Ginny, I can't. This is going to be my first Christmas with my grandparents, they want me to spend it with them."

Ginny really wanted Draco to spend Christmas with her. She didn't want to be separated from him again. One month was enough.

"What about the last three days of break? If it's okay with your parents," Draco suggested.

Ginny smiled, "Of course it's okay with my parents. Mum wants to meet you."

"Why do your parents want you back? People tell me that you guys usually stay here in the castle during break."

"Our parents miss us. Besides, they said there's a special occasion. The new Minister of Magic is going to have a Christmas party or something. Dad and him are friends and he wants to introduce us to him."

"New Minister of Magic? When did this happen?" Draco asked, "What happened to Fudge?"

"Oh, this happened when you guys were gone. Fudge got killed in a Death Eater attack. The Ministry went crazy; they didn't know who to replace him. Dad suggested some retired Auror who has been living in the muggle world for years. Apparently he helped bring down Voldemort. They thought he could help the ministry now. What was his name…I remember, it is Landon Dupre."

Draco froze at this. Grandfather, the new minister? Why in the world would he accept the offer? Draco thought that his grandparents have nothing to do with the wizarding world anymore. Draco didn't even know that some people knew his grandparents were even alive.

"Sickle for your thoughts?" Ginny asked.

Draco shook his head, "Um…nothing. I was just thinking about my grandparents."

Draco decided just to surprise Ginny during the party. He's Landon's grandson so he'll be there, right? Draco stood up and dusted his pants. He held out a hand for Ginny and she took it. He helped her up. He told her it was already dark and her brother might get worried. Together they walked to Gryffindor tower. They stopped in front of the portrait of the Fat Lady and Ginny turned towards Draco.

"So, are you headed back to the dungeons?" Ginny asked.

"Actually, I don't sleep down there. I have my own room."

Ginny was surprised when he said that. She never knew about that and she has known him for more than two months and they were also going out.

Ginny kissed Draco on the cheek and entered the portrait hole. Ginny saw Hermione sitting by the fire reading Hogwarts A History for the hundredth time. She walked towards her and sat down next to her.

"Hermione."

Hermione put her book down and smiled at her, "You just came back with Draco?"

"Yes. Did you know he has his own room?" Ginny asked. She remembered Draco telling her that they became friends during the summer.

"Sure, it's by the portrait of Merlin in the east side of the castle. Why? Did he bring you there?" Hermione asked.

"No, he just mentioned it when we were at the lake. I didn't even know he has his own room until today. Has Draco ever taken you there?" Ginny asked. She was curious.

Hermione didn't know what to say. What would Ginny think if she were to say yes? She couldn't believe Draco had never mentioned it at least once. Hermione had been in Draco's room so many times. She first went there about a week into school.

"I've been there a few times," Hermione said.

"Oh,"

"Tell you what. How about we surprise him in the morning? He never changes the password to his room. It's kind of funny to see him in the morning without his clothes on."

Ginny's eyes widened after she heard what Hermione said. Exactly how close have the two become?

"I didn't mean it that way. I meant his school clothes. Do you know how long the guy takes to get ready?" Hermione asked.

Ginny just shook her head. The more she spends time with Draco the more she finds out how little she knows about him.

Ginny smiled at Hermione, "Yeah, why don't we surprise him."

Ginny and Hermione talked for a few minutes. Mostly about her and Ron. Ginny told Hermione she was going to bed and said good night. She went to her room and changed into some sleeping clothes. She got on her bed and pulled the covers up. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Dream Sequence

Gwenivere opened the door to Darien's room. She was surprised to see it was plain. It didn't have the grandeur she was expecting of a noble's room. It had a smell to it that she couldn't figure out. She saw a painting by the window and walked to it. It was a painting of the village. It was not like the paintings she sees in the church or anywhere she has been. It looked exactly like the village and it was very detailed. There was also something in the colors; it had feelings. She touched the painting and felt the paint beneath her finger. The door opened and she turned around.

"What are you doing here?"

Gwenivere pulled her hand away from the painting upon seeing Darien.

"Lord Darien, I'm sorry. I was just looking at the painting."

"What are you doing in my room? You can roam the manor as you please, but my room is one place you are forbidden to enter. No one comes in here except for me. Get out!"

"Lord Darien…I'm sorry…I was asked to clean the chambers…I…"

"Get out! Get out now!"

Darien walked to her and grabbed her arm. His grip was hard and Gwenivere bit her lip to keep from yelling out. He pulled her and when he reached the door he practically threw her out. He slammed the door behind her.

Gwenivere was sitting against the wall. Tears were slowing falling down her face. She never meant any harm. She didn't know what went through her mind to make her go in that room. She didn't know how many times Clarissa warned her to stay away from this wing. Clarissa warned her to avoid Darien at any cause; they told her he was having problems.

Henry was troubled to see Gwenivere crying. He immediately rushed to her side. He bent down next to her.

"Gwenivere, what happened? Why are you crying? Did somebody hurt you?" Henry asked. He looked behind him and recognized the door to Darien's room.

"Did Darien do anything to you?"

Gwenivere shook her head, "No Lord Henry. It was my fault. I entered his room."

"He does not have the right to cause you to shed tears," Henry said. He turned and entered Darien's room. He closed the door behind him. He saw Darien looking out the window.

"What have you done to her?" Henry yelled.

Darien turned to face him, "I have not done a thing. I just made her leave my room. She knew it was forbidden and yet she entered. I told you she could not be trusted."

"That does not give you a right to harm her!"

Darien walked towards him, "What is she to you? How many times have I warned you to stay away from her?"

"My relations with her are none of your concern."

"As is mine with her. Leave my room now, or I will be forced to take actions." Darien had his wand pointed at him in less then a second.

"If you harm her, I will come after you," Henry threatened and he left.

"What has the girl done to you my friend?" Darien said to nobody.

*_*_*_*_*

"Gwenivere, you have to help us," Clarissa said. She pushed a bowl of hot water in her hands. Gwenivere was in the kitchen, helping with the cooking.

"What is wrong?" She asked.

"Lord Darien is sick. Everyone is busy making preparations for the party. Justina wants you to nurse him to health."

Gwenivere nearly dropped the bowl, "You cannot expect me to go in his room."

"Please Gwenivere. You are the only one available. I'm sorry if you cannot visit your family, but you are needed here. I will help bring the soup."

Clarissa and Gwenivere walked to Darien's room together. Clarissa told her what she was to do. Gwenivere dredged spending time alone with Darien. Ever since the day he found her in his room, she had been avoiding him as much as possible.

Clarissa opened the door and let Gwenivere in first. The room was dark and it was hard to see a thing. Clarissa lit a candle and set it next to Darien's bed. Gwenivere saw that he looked paler than usual. Clarissa set the soup on the bedside table. She brought a chair next to Darien's bed. She led Gwenivere to the chair and set the bowl on the table. She left Gwenivere alone and closed the door behind her.

Gwenivere stared at the door and regretted her luck. She looked on the bed at Darien. He looked different somehow. She brought her hand to his face and pushed his hair out of the way. Suddenly he grabbed her hand. Gwenivere was startled.

"What are you doing here? I thought I told you never to come here again."

"Lord Darien, you are sick. I have come to nurse you to health."

"I am not sick. I would know if I am. I just have a light headache."

Gwenivere put her hand on his forehead. It was burning. She ignored his protests about being sick. She submerged a towel in the bowl of water. She took it out and squeezed the water. She brought the towel to his forehead.

Darien watched her. He was surprised that she was even in his room. He thought he did everything to make her stay away from him, but it didn't work since she's right there.

"Why have you agreed to do this?" Darien asked.

"I was told to do so. Are you hungry?" She asked. She put the towel in the bowl. When he didn't answer she just took the soup and she started to feed it to him. She started to feed him the soup. She was surprised when he didn't say anything. He finished the bowl without saying anything to her. She turned to leave and Darien grabbed her hand.

"Thank you."

Gwenivere smiled, "You are welcome."

*_*_*_*_*

Gwenivere walked down the hallway of Darien's room. The door to his room opened and Darien came outside.

"Gwenivere."

Gwenivere stopped walking and faced him, "Yes, Lord Darien?"

"Can I use you?"

"I beg your pardon."

Darien cleared his throat, "That did not come right. May I paint you?"

Gwenivere said yes before she could think about it. She didn't know what made her answer.

Darien smiled at her, "Thank you."

End of Dream Sequence

*_*_*_*_*

"Are you sure that he won't mind?" Ginny asked Hermione.

"I don't think so. I think he'll be happy to see this early in the morning," Hermione said, nudging her. Ginny shook her head at him.

They stopped at a painting of a woman.

"Good morning Julia," Hermione said.

"Good morning Miss Hermione. Are you here to see Sir Draco?" The painting asked.

"Uh yes. This is Ginny," Hermione said introducing her.

"Are you Miss Virginia? (Ginny nodded) Sir Draco talks a lot about you."

"He does?" Ginny asked.

"Yes, ma'am. He says good things of you. Do you two want to enter?"

"Oh yes, um… Raven's Creek," Hermione said the password.

Julia smiled at them and opened. Hermione went in first and then Ginny.

When Ginny came in the first color she saw was green. The room was filled with green, from the bed sheets to the curtains.

"He's not here," Ginny said. The bed was empty.

A door opened and Draco came in the room. Ginny blushed when she saw him and Draco's eyes widened. Draco was only wearing a towel around his waist and his hair was wet. Ginny figured that he just took a shower.

"I think this is my queue to leave," Hermione said winking at Ginny.

"I suggest you put on some clothes Draco," Hermione said before leaving out the portrait hole.

Ginny just stared at the portrait hole. She didn't know how to react at the situation. She didn't even know why she was nervous. She grew up with six boys in a house and some of them have morning rituals that would disturb many girls, Fred and George are one example. They would run around the house stark naked during New Years yelling as loud as they could.

Ginny didn't know whether to even look at Draco or follow after Hermione. Did she plan to leave her from the beginning?

She didn't turn around to look at him, "I'm sorry Draco. We just came to surprise you."

Draco chuckled, "I guess you must have been curious. Just don't turn around yet…Okay, you can turn now."

Ginny didn't know how red her face is now. Draco was wearing boxer shorts. Ginny could see he was enjoying doing this to her, making her nervous. Draco was now openly laughing at her. Ginny shook her head at him. She stopped when something caught her eye.

"What is that?" She asked.

"What is what?"

She advanced towards him, "That on your arm."

Draco remembered he wasn't wearing a shirt. He didn't think he ever told Ginny about the summer.

Ginny was now in front of him. She touched the Dark Mark.

"You're a Death Eater?"

Draco shook his head and went to his bed. He sat down and looked up at her.

"Do you know that is the most overused line I have ever heard? No, I am not a Death Eater," Draco answered. He hated it when people ask him that question; it made him remember that day.

Ginny sat down next to him, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't have a need to tell you. It's nothing important. I don't like talking about it."

"Nothing important? This kind of thing is more than nothing."

Draco stood up, "What did you want me to do? Bring up how I almost became a Death Eater while we're eating dinner? This is something that I want to forget, and telling everybody that crosses my way isn't going to help."

"Did you get it the same day your parents died?" Ginny suddenly asked.

Draco smiled sadly, "Yeah."

Ginny walked to him and hugged him. Draco hugged her back gratefully. He didn't know why he always felt relaxed when Ginny is holding him.

"I think you should put on some clothes now."

Draco chuckled, "Do you want to help me pick something out?"

A/N: That's all. I'm going to skip winter break. I started writing a chapter about it, but I realized that it was pointless. I'm going to start the next chapter in January.

Shameless plug: Go read my story Die Some Other Day while you guys are waiting for the next chapter. It's a Draco/Ginny fic, but if you guys are not into angst/drama it's not for you. All you Harry fans out there, don't be dissuaded by the summary.

Thank you: Thank you to my betas Francesca and Jen and thank you to everyone that reviewed.

Next Chapter: They're back from winter break. More Darien/Gwenivere interaction.