Muggle Year
by Virgi Ca
Chapter 27: Regrets in Time
A/N: Phew.... I'm not dead yet, don't worry.
The normal version without any weird signs (if any) and pictures drawn: http://muggleyear.wildimagination.net
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They stared at each other, holding their breaths unconsciously. This was not happening, this was totally out of reality!
Voices from outside snapped her back to attention before she could say a word while Draco continued to stare at her silently, not seeming to care whether he would be caught or not, sneaking into the girl¡¦s dormitory at two in the morning.
The oak door flung open and Ron¡¦s voice rang into the room, followed by some noise frm various Gryffindors, and then Professor McGonagal.
¡¥Ginny? Is anything wrong?¡¦ Ron cried, charging forward. He had the experience of being attacked at night by Sirius Black back in third year and he wouldn¡¦t let anything happen to his little sister.
¡¥Oh no!¡¦ Virginia cursed under her breathe. Springing up, she grabbed Draco by the shoulder¡¦s and pushed him down onto the bed on his back.
¡¥ Virginia , what are you ¡V ¡¥
¡¥Shut up!¡¦ Virginia hissed, covering his mouth, not evening noticing him calling her ¡¥ Virginia ¡¦. Pulling up the covers again, she threw herself face down on top of him, covering her head with the thick blanket she had summoned quickly from her trunk, covering Draco completely. The blankets were very thick and fluffy so it was quite hard to tell whether there was more than one person inside.
Just as the both of them were covered up, the curtains¡¦ were ripped open and in came Ron¡¦s head sticking inside.
¡¥Are you okay Ginny?¡¦ Harry asked anxiously, looking strangely at the bundle on the bed. It was already summer and very hot, no one would still be using those blankets.
Breathing hard, Virginia stuck her head out slightly, revealing only her eyes and nose. ¡¥I¡¦m sorry¡K I, uh, I had a nightmare and¡K¡¦ She wasn¡¦t lying, well not entirely, she did have a nightmare before she saw Draco right on top of her.
Professor McGonagal gave out a sigh of relief.
Adela rolled her eyes and marched forward, putting her hands on her hips. ¡¥Please Weasley, put a silencing charm on your bed if you can¡¦t keep your bloody mouth shut in your sleep, we have to sleep if you haven¡¦t noticed this by now. You bet you don¡¦t know how many times you¡¦ve woken us up when you come back from your bloody research, barging into the room and slamming doors. For your information, some people have to have enough rest for the coming show, unlike you.¡¦
Eyebrows twitching, Virginia was about to sit up and glare at Adela when she felt a hand clutch the side of her waist. Biting her lips, she leaned into the bed again, her heart slamming against rib cage as she felt Draco¡¦s warm breath on her chest.
¡¥I thought she was your roommate Adela.¡¦ Ron said, twisting his eyebrows in disapproval. ¡¥Are you always like that to Ginny?¡¦
Adela snorted. ¡¥Do you really think your little sister here is that of a goody two shoe? She comes back late at two or three, hell knows what she¡¦s doing outside, maybe shagging with some Slytherin, or maybe Draco Malfoy, who knows? She said so herself before.¡¦
This time, Draco wanted to sit up but Virginia pushed him down further into the soft bed, pulling the covers up again.
¡¥Don¡¦t say that about my sister Adela, she¡¦s not like that.¡¦ Ron seethed.
Adela raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms. ¡¥And you think you haven¡¦t heard about the rumors flying around school huh?¡¦
¡¥What rumors?¡¦ Harry asked carefully.
Evelyne swallowed hard and nudged Geraldine, who bit her lip. ¡¥Adela, you really shouldn¡¦t ¡V ¡¥
¡¥You really think I¡¦m afraid of you Weasley¡¦s because you have like so many people?¡¦ Adela snarled. ¡¥Really, the rumors have been flying around since the break at London , how Ron and Hermione have relations¡K how Adrian wanted Ginny from Malfoy, how Malfoy ¡V ¡¥
¡¥Enough!¡¦ Professor McGonagal shouted, catching the attention of everyone. ¡¥Everyone back to their dormitories and if I hear one more word before sunrise, detention for all Gryffindors!¡¦
At that, everyone scrambled out of the fifth year girl¡¦s dormitory while Adela still mumbled under her breath, glaring at Virginia . Before climbing into bed, she tossed her curly hair back over her shoulder and looked at Virginia . ¡¥You know what Gin, nobody¡¦s fond of you, you might not notice but people think you are so arrogant.¡¦
Like me. Draco thought as he felt Virginia freeze in place.
It took a few minutes before the room was in total silence again. Soundlessly, Virginia pushed away the covers again, letting Draco sit up. Reaching for her wand on her side table, she cast a silencing charm and then picked up the invisibility cloak that was lying at the side of her bed, thanking the gods that nobody found out about it. All this time she had her heard lowered, not daring to the meet the sharp gray eyes that were watching her every move all this time, as if they were glowing in the moonlight.
¡¥What are you doing here?¡¦ Virginia asked quietly, trying her best not to look at Draco. She shifted uncomfortably, trying to make some space between them, they were after all, in the same bed, wouldn¡¦t do much good about the rumors Adela was referring to.
After a long period of silence, when Virginia almost thought Draco had apprated from her bed, he spoke. ¡¥You come back past midnight every night?¡¦
That was an unexpected question, but Virginia answered anyway. ¡¥Yes, well¡K I did have some work to ¡V ¡¥
¡¥No one ever asked you to continue the dark mark research.¡¦ Draco said curtly, lowering his eyes, immediately regretting his words. He didn¡¦t know why, but his cool was slowly slipping away by the sight of her tired form.
Virginia looked up with wide eyes, then looked away again, her eyes trembling slightly, cursing herself for the tears that were threatening to slide down again. Why did she act so uncontrolled whenever Draco Malfoy was around? It was like that everytime, why was she such a failure?
Taking a deep breath, she looked up at him hard with narrowed eyes, successfully suppressing the emotions that were rushing up at the sight of Draco¡¦s dark gray eyes, those eyes that were so familiar, yet so far away. ¡¥What do you want?¡¦ she repeated, but in an equally curt voice.
Draco wasn¡¦t dumb and heard the obvious rejection in her voice. Taking a small breath, he started over again, but was cut off before he could even open his mouth.
¡¥Certainly you wouldn¡¦t want to associate with some one who possesses the Dark Mark now would you.¡¦ Virginia continued bitterly, her red lips in a thin line.
¡¥What do you mean?¡¦
¡¥What do I mean?¡¦ Virginia repeated. Shaking her head with a small but bitter smile on her lips, she turned her back to him and looked out into the dark that had turned moonless in just a few minutes. It suddenly seemed so unpleasant, even dreadful, especially to the ones who have an equally dreadful mood. The moon seemed like a graveyard now.
Draco looked at her back, feeling it so vulnerable and far. Since when was there a distance between them ever since they really got to know each other? He didn¡¦t feel any when they were working together, he had been close to her than anybody in the world, except for maybe his mother, what had made such a wide gap between them?
You, IDIOT. Draco¡¦s mind screamed.
¡¥If you really want to know why I¡¦m still working so hard, not having fun like everyone else, then here¡¦s your answer Mr. Malfoy.¡¦ Virginia said in a low voice, turning slightly. ¡¥I want to lose myself into anything, anything just to make me forget about you.¡¦
Draco lifted his eyebrows, his lips turning into a very thin line.
Virginia bit he rlip and looked away, holding back the tears. She was strong, very strong, she could put down anything, but¡K but why was she feeling like a hundred weights have fallen over her heart when the thought of Draco disappearing from her life?
¡¥You really want to forget me?¡¦ Draco asked hoarsly.
¡¥Can I not? Do I have a choice?¡¦ Virginia asked in a trembling voice, glaring at her through watery eyes. ¡¥You were the one who said that you didn¡¦t want me to interfere with your life! You were the one who believed that I was the one who cast the dark mark, you were the one who hurt me so much that I almost couldn¡¦t heal myself! Do you know how I felt when I saw you walking past me as if I were a nobody? Do you know how I felt when I saw you all hot around Pansy Parkinson? Before all this I thought I had finally found a place where I could belong to, but I was just so, so wrong¡K¡¦
Draco so wanted to just hug her, kiss her, kiss her from all the pain that he had caused her and tell her that nothing had happened, that he was still the Draco Malfoy she could belong to¡K but he couldn¡¦t. What he had done to her was simply unforgivable, how could he ever make things up? What could he do?
Nothing.
He was about to leave the bed when Virginia suddenly opened her mouth again.
¡¥ Adrian was right.¡¦ She whispered, her black hair falling over her face. ¡¥What do I see in you? You¡¦ve done nothing but tear me apart, what more do you want? Do you know how I lived for these past months? I¡¦ve been stared at like a monster when I walked down hallways, I¡¦ve been criticized behind my back, I¡¦ve been irritated by my own dormmates, not a word of comfort from my ¡§friends¡¨, no time from my brothers because of the musical.
¡¥What more pain can a sixteen year old stand? I¡¦m just a sixteen year old, a girl that should be doing what girls should do and not worry about things and people around her. I¡¦ve been living like that ever since my first year, being looked at with fear, and now, when I thought my year would be great, would be one of the best, and it was taken away from me again. Everything! I thought I had my family, I thought I had Charlie, Lesley! I thought I had Ron, I had friends, had Yvette, had you! I thought I had a chance to prove to myself that I was worthwhile, that I was capable in doing something different from others, that I was able to be Gladys Winifred, be the female lead that everyone wanted to be. But what do I get? A total disappointment! Because of something I didn¡¦t do, I take the credit for ruining the peace of the school, I take the responsiblitiy for something that I didn¡¦t do at all! Even you! The one that I thought knew me best, rejected me, abandoned me¡K¡¦
Lowering his eyebrows, Draco bit his lowering lip, looking away the whole time. Yes, he admitted that he was the one who disappointed her the most, but was it really the end, between them, like he had said so firmly back then?
¡¥I really, really just thought that I had found my shelter, someone that I could depend on, someone that could protect me from the lonliness that had dominated me for the past five years. Adrian asked what I saw in you that made me reject everyone, including him, and that was my answer, because I saw that you really cared about me, but I guess that was all a lie.¡¦
No! Draco screamed mentally, turning his head abruptly to look at her. She was going away, far away, like he was no longer able to reach for her, like he did so many times before.
¡¥You¡¦ve done everything you wished for, what more do you want?¡¦ Virginia whispered in total dispair, turning to look into his eyes pleadingly. He saw the hopelessness in her eyes, it was dreadful¡K simply dreadful.
Maybe it was wrong, maybe it was wrong to find her again, maybe everything was wrong from the very first moment when they crashed into each other outside the studio, when they worked endless hours in the infirmary, when they kissed¡K
Draco¡¦s thin lips curved into a small smile. That kiss would dominate his dreams day and night, he never forgot how sweet and soft her lips were, he acted like a little boy getting a chance to taste his first lollipop. They were innocent, so innocent and clean he would be damned if he ever let anyone touch them¡K but he couldn¡¦t stop that.
Just once, just one more time, and he¡¦d be through with everything.
Reaching out a hand, he brushed away some some dark hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. She didn¡¦t resist, she didn¡¦t pull away from him, but just stared back at him silently with her chocolate brown eyes. His cold fingers slid past her cheeks and across her red lips, he felt them clearly, like he was touching sweet cotton candy.
Very slowly he pulled her towards him and he lowered his head, breathing upon her lips. He could feel her racing heart beat, he was aware of the conflicting emotions in her eyes, he knew everything¡K
¡¥Do you love me?¡¦ he asked in a soft whisper. Brown eyes widened as he lowered his head without warning, claiming her lips that were a dream to him. It was till now that he realized just how much he missed those lips that moved against his, how comfortable they felt, as if he was born to be kissed by her, to be embraced by her.
It felt so right, so right that she couldn¡¦t resist at all. His hands were warm and comforting, his lips were smooth as they moved on hers. As if her body wasn¡¦t hers, she relaxed and let herself sink, sink into his world. Her arms held him tight, wanting to feel more of him, as if he would disappear in any minute, any second. She felt herself being lowered onto the bed, her back hitting the cool fluffy sheets, his lips leaving hers as they started their way down.
They were getting carried away, but she found that she didn¡¦t care at all. If this was a dream, she never wanted to wake up again, if this was unreality, then she would be willing to live in such an unrealistic world. At this very moment, nothing mattered, nothing mattered but him¡K they were like before, Draco and Virginia. Nothing had happened, they were still happily enjoying each other¡¦s presents, happily sharing what they had between them.
Oh how she hoped this was reality¡K
Did she love him?
More than anything in the world.
¡¥I guess this is your answer.¡¦ Draco¡¦s voice whispered, his lips brushing against the back of her ear, his warm breath on her sensitive skin.
Virginia opened her eyes slowly as she felt Draco¡¦s warmth leave her, the shelter she had hoped to have for so long disappearing from her.
Soundlessly, Draco left the bed and knelt down, picking up the invisibility cloak he had used to sneak into the Gryffindor Tower .
¡¥Give this back to Potter.¡¦ He said quietly, handing it to her, his gray eyes shadowed in darkness. ¡¥He left it in the library.¡¦
Silence again as Virginia took it mechanically.
Not looking at her anymore, he lifted up the draps and walked out, disappearing into the darkness.
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Did I hurt you that much Ginny? Did I? I haven¡¦t seen you happy ever since, would going back into time make you smile again? I¡¦ll do anything for you, I swear¡K¡¦
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Was this going to be the end of both of them? Would there be nothing between them after that? He was walking away, far away. Wasn¡¦t this what she wanted? She wanted to forget about him, all these days she¡¦s been willing herself to forget about him. Forget about his smile, his frowns, his laughter, his kiss¡K
Then why¡K why was her heart breaking, why did she feel as if nothing was left for her, that he was abandoning her, that he was leaving her¡K
But do you want him to leave, despite all the things he¡¦s done? A little voice asked inside her mind.
¡¥No¡K NO!¡¦ Virginia cried, ripping the curtains down with all her strength, the sound of cloth being teared apart ringing through the darkness. Ignoring the string of curses, she threw open the door and flew down the stairs three at a time, tripping over her feet at the base of the staircase.
The fire was still crackling despite the time and weather, creating background music for the mysterious night.
He was gone, really gone. The look of despair in his eyes told her that they could never go back to the happy times before¡K never.
¡¥Why? Why does this have to happen to me?¡¦ Virginia whispered, looking down, hair dropping down, blocking her vision. Unwelcomed heat rised in her eyes, her world becoming blurry as hot tears started streaming down her face, over her neck¡K I thought I said I wouldn¡¦t cry again¡K why?
Why?
¡¥Ginny.¡¦
Virginia turned, in hope of anything, but only found bright eyes staring at her in the darkness, facial expressions completely hidden by the darkness.
¡¥I believe that cloak is mine.¡¦
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¡¥Care to enlighten me dear old brother?¡¦
Snape raised his eyebrows and looked up from his papers, surprised to find his younger brother Sean Snape leaning against the wall of his office, wearing muggle clothings.
¡¥What in the world are you doing, wearing those wretched clothes.¡¦ Snape demanded, wringling his nose in disgust.
¡¥I was just back from a mission and decided to choke some answer from my dear brother before I went back to the States.¡¦ Sean said in strong American accent.
Snape snorted. ¡¥Still can¡¦t get away from that bloody accent of yours. How long have you been on this trip, ten years?¡¦
Sean shrugged. ¡¥Don¡¦t know, haven¡¦t counted in a long time, I quite like my job you know.¡¦
¡¥Right.¡¦ Snape snarled, turning back to his papers. ¡¥I¡¦m just so very glad that Dumbledore didn¡¦t want me to be the one after my trial, I was just grateful to get out of those bloody hands of Voldemort.¡¦
¡¥Oooo,¡¦ Sean shivered sarcstically, ¡¥you said his name!¡¦
¡¥Shut up.¡¦ Snape said without even looking up.
Raising his eyebrows, Sean leaned forward and looked at what he was grading. ¡¥Oh ho! Ginny Weasley¡¦s paper!¡¦ with lightening speed, he snatched it from Snape, who cursed loudly and glared at his brother.
¡¥I have exactly three days to grade those papers before I hand them to them to the Department of Education, so will you please give them back to me?¡¦ Snape said impatiently.
¡¥Touche.¡¦ Sean teased, scanning down Virginia ¡¦s potions exam paper. ¡¥I thought she was in sixth year potions, why in the hell do you need to send this to the Department of Education?¡¦
Snape shrugged. ¡¥How in the bloody hell would I know? McGonagal requested it, much to my opposition since I know that old coot is up to something, but non the less, I have to give this in along with her O.W.L. papers and practical assessments.¡¦
¡¥O.W.L.? You mean she had to do two exams?¡¦ Sean exclaimed, slamming the paper down again.
¡¥She seemed quite willing to.¡¦ Snape said absentmindedly.
¡¥I see you¡¦ve taken a liking in this little Gryffindor.¡¦ Sean said slyly.
¡¥Care to enlighten me on the understanding of that statement?¡¦ Snape shot back, putting down his quill.
¡¥Well first thing,¡¦ Sean started, ¡¥you never really yell at her in the way you yell at Potter and Longbottom, second, you give her everything to do, which is something quite unusual for something so important. You trust her, when you haven¡¦t really done that in quite some time.¡¦
Snape shrugged again. ¡¥She is a talented Potions student, I must say that myself, although I hate to admit it since she is a Gryffindor. She had been working very well throughout the year, and to my understanding, she had been working even harder for the past three months. I would not be surprised at all if she had already finished her seventh year potions, let alone sixth year.¡¦
¡¥All for who? I wonder?¡¦ Sean rubbed his chin, ¡¥better not be dear old Draco.¡¦
¡¥Who would you think?¡¦ Snape said, rolling his eyes, ¡¥he¡¦s the only one who has the Dark Mark in Hogwarts, excluding me and you.¡¦
¡¥Maybe.¡¦ Sean picked up a flask and started examinating it. ¡¥So, back to what I was here for, what exactly do you have in mind about Adrian Bradley?¡¦
Snape stopped writing and put down his quill, sighing loudly as he leaned back, rubbing the side of his head. ¡¥One word - clever.¡¦
Sean raised his eyebrows silently, urging him to continue. ¡¥That wasn¡¦t any surprise.¡¦
¡¥If there¡¦s anything fishy, he¡¦s being very clever in covering his tracks.¡¦ Snape continued.
¡¥Odd for a sixteen year old, don¡¦t you think?¡¦ Sean said in a low voice.
¡¥Oh I doubt that Sean.¡¦ Snape said quickly.
Sean looked at him in surprise. ¡¥Doubt what?¡¦
¡¥I, for one, never really understood why Dumbledore wanted me to pick him up from Azkaban.¡¦ Snape continued, ignoring Sean¡¦s question. ¡¥He¡¦s obviously not a normal prisoner, being thrown into jail at the age of thirteen, let alone being a normal sixth year.¡¦
Sitting at the side of the desk, Sean crossed his arms. ¡¥There had been a lot of suspicion in the Death Eater¡¦s Ring about little Adrian Bradley since he was thrown into jail three years ago. There was never a trial and Cornelius Fudge never said anything about his imprisonment, am I correct? To my information at the Law Enforcement department, there was no file for Adrian Bradley, it was as if he was thrown into jail for no reason at all, even innocent.¡¦
¡¥Innocent?¡¦ Snape snorted, ¡¥don¡¦t talk to me about innocent, that boy is nothing close to innocent I¡¦m telling you.¡¦
¡¥And how?¡¦ Sean smirked, ¡¥it¡¦s not you, making predictions like Trelawney.¡¦
¡¥It¡¦s something I felt all this time, his eyes, they are piercing, like he wants to kill someone with them, and yet¡K¡¦ Snape¡¦s voice trailed off as he looked sideways.
¡¥What?¡¦ Sean said impatiently.
Snape narrowed his eyes. ¡¥He has his eyes fixed on someone else.¡¦
Sean widened his eyes in surprise and uncrossed his arms. ¡¥Who?¡¦
¡¥Ginny Weasley.¡¦
Sean almost lost balance of himself as he took hold of the corner to steady himself. ¡¥Ginny Weasley? Why?¡¦
Snape looked at him with amused eyes. ¡¥I don¡¦t know, I just noticed it some time ago. His eyes never really leave her.¡¦
Sean nodded, holding his forehead. ¡¥Why would he have any interest in that little Weasley?¡¦
Snape lowered his eyebrows and looked at his brother meaningfully. ¡¥You never know.¡¦
Sighing, Sean shook his head and straightened himself. ¡¥Better keep a good eye on him, Cornelius Fudge is already very cautious of his actions, especially when he¡¦s the male lead in that stupid theatre production.¡¦
Snape raised his eyebrows in response.
¡¥Okay okay¡K¡¦ Sean raised his arms in surrenderment, ¡¥I know I like watching those stuff, but you can¡¦t help it when someone as sissy as him doing the male lead, he should be doing the female lead in my opinion.¡¦
Snape leaned back again. ¡¥You¡¦re playing fire Sean, you know that.¡¦
Sean shrugged. ¡¥I know, I like this way of life, being different people. You have to admit this job far suits me more than you ¡V who¡¦s there!¡¦ he suddenly shouted, a hand knive appearing in his hands. With a wave, the knive had firmly stuck itself onto the steel wall where a shadow had disappeared. Rushing forward, he looked out but found the hallway deserted.
¡¥Relax. I know who it is.¡¦ Snape said calmly, picking up his quill again.
¡¥Who?¡¦
¡¥No one.¡¦ Snape answered, scanning down another examination paper marked ¡¥Draco Malfoy¡¦. ¡¥Just a student I happen to know¡K know very well in fact, and there¡¦s nothing to hide from him either, he¡¦ll know sooner or later, it won¡¦t kill.¡¦
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A pair of gray eyes emerged from the darkness, glowing in the moonlight.
¡¥I always knew there was something up with Adrian Bradley.¡¦ Draco whispered, looking out the window. Reaching into his robe pockets, he took out a bright red opal clung to a black string.
This was the red opal that had been around Virginia ¡¦s neck for the past ten months, he had stole it from her back in her room. He felt a secret inside it, something that would break the curse inside him.
And I¡¦m going to find out what.
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¡¥Enter.¡¦ Snape commanded in his usually low voice when a knock was heard from the door.
Opening the door soundlessly, Virginia walked in and shut the door behind her quietly, her head lowered as she walked forward, holding a stack of books in her hands. They were some Potions reference borrowed from Snape personally and she had to return them before the school left for the Great Magical Stadium, which was three days later.
¡¥Your books professor.¡¦ Virginia said quietly, placing them on the demonstration bench.
¡¥Did no one teach you about basic manners Weasley? Do look at people when you talk.¡¦ Snape snarled, looking up from his desk. The Slytherins below all snickered, some were even whispering and pointing at her when she entered.
¡¥Sorry professor.¡¦ Virginia replied, looking up slightly, her black hair falling to the sides.
Snape¡¦s eyebrows twisted together in disapproval. ¡¥Why are you wearing those bloody muggle sunglasses around in school?¡¦
¡¥Huh?¡¦ Virginia lifted her sunglasses she brought with her. ¡¥I, uh, didn¡¦t sleep well last night and have a little eye infection so I had to cover them up since they¡¦re quite horrible.¡¦
¡¥I can imagine.¡¦ Snape smirked, then waved his hands. ¡¥Get out of my sight.¡¦
Maybe I should do something with my puffy eyes. Virginia thought. They were like eggs this morning from the crying last night.
When turning, her arm accidentally hit a flask on the bench and it hit the ground, crashing into a thousand of pieces, startling everyone, well, almost everyone.
Snape frowned, Virginia had never been that careless before, but now she was like standing on her head.
Shaking slightly, Virginia knelt down, attempting to pick up broken glasses, but instead cut herself, two fingers dripping blood onto the stone floor.
¡¥Weasley!¡¨ Snape bellowed, snapping Virginia from her deep thoughts. Virginia looked up, her brown eyes hidden behind tinted glass.
¡¥I¡¦m sorry professor.¡¦ She said calmly, standing up. Taking out her wand, she pointed at the poor glass pieces and muttered a spell where the pieces flew into the rubbish bin at the far end of the room. Bowing her head slightly, she put back her wand into her robe pockets. ¡¥I¡¦ll be going Professor.¡¦
Impatiently, Snape waved his hands, signaling her to go and stop disturbing her class, but when she reached the door, Snape suddenly looked up again, but this time fixing his dark eyes on Draco who was sitting at the far end, head down with his eyes on a big black leather book. Noticing that he had not been startled by the whole incident, the Potions Master frowned again. ¡¥Watch your step Weasley, and do go to the hospital wing to get that bloody hand fixed.¡¦
¡¥Yes Professor.¡¦ Virginia said in a small voice.
¡¥And one more thing.¡¦ Snape said, turning to look at her back. Virginia turned slightly without any sound, like a ghost floating in the air. Snape pointed at his own eyes. ¡¥Take those wretched muggle sunglasses off.¡¦
Raising her eyesbrows, she nodded and reached for her eyes with trembling hands, taking them off slowly with a lowered head, then turned and left, slipping past the wooden door.
Confident that she had left, Draco lifted up his head and looked into Snape¡¦s eyes, narrowing his own gray ones.
Smirking, Snape stood up. ¡¥Now class¡K¡¦
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¡¥I ¡V I¡¦m sorry, did I wake you up Harry?¡¦
¡¥Not exactly, I was waiting here for you Ginny.¡¦
¡¥For ¡V for me?¡¦
¡¥I¡¦m not that dumb Ginny, I saw my invisibility cloak beside your bed.¡¦
¡¥Oh¡K¡¦
¡¥You were crying Ginny.¡¦
¡¥Huh? I ¡V I wasn¡¦t crying¡K¡¦
¡¥Is it that hard to admit to yourself, admit that sometimes you¡¦re weak Ginny?¡¦
¡¥I ¡V I don¡¦t know what you¡¦re talking about.¡¦
¡¥You¡¦re hiding yourself Ginny, hiding yourself behind that strong mask of yours. I maybe oblivious of your other incidents with Malfoy, but I can still see the pain behind your acts, especially your Hermione-like ways of study for the past three months.¡¦
¡¥Really¡K am I really that obvious?¡¦
¡¥I don¡¦t know about others, but I know that for a someone that cares about you, its more than obvious.¡¦
¡¥¡KDo you care about me?¡¦
¡¥Why would you think I¡¦d not care about you?¡¦
¡¥Because¡K¡¦
¡¥Because?¡¦
¡¥I¡K I don¡¦t know, I just felt so ¡V ¡¥
¡¥You just felt so. Sometimes I just wonder if I¡¦m not treating you well. Or should I say I¡¦ve never really treated you well? Why do you always reject people that should be the closest to you? Why do you always have to hide behind that bloody mask of yours, even to your family?¡¦
¡¥I reject people¡K Adrian said the exact same thing ago.¡¦
¡¥ Adrian ?¡¦
¡¥He asked me why I rejected him, rejected others, he said it was because of Draco Malfoy¡K¡¦
¡¥Really¡K¡¦
¡¥Aren¡¦t ¡V aren¡¦t you mad, or disappointed that I, Ginny Weasley, am associating with Malfoy the deadly family enemy of the Weasley¡¦s?¡¦
¡¥To tell you the truth, I see nothing in him that suits you Ginny, but then again, that maybe due to the fact that I don¡¦t know you well enough. Tell me Ginny, what do you see in him? Do you know him well enough to make you reject others?¡¦
¡¥I don¡¦t know¡K I just don¡¦t know! I should be hating him with everything I have! He¡¦s hurt me so much, I really don¡¦t know what has supported me through for these three bloody months! I¡¦ve been working over hours, trying to lose myself in anything just to forget about him! Forget about his eyes! They¡K¡¦
¡¥They seem to see right through you.¡¦
¡¥How did you?¡¦
¡¥I can feel it Ginny. For all these years, from the first day I saw you at King¡¦s Cross, I knew you were one that didn¡¦t like to be seen through, and one that likes to hide herself. Before whenever you saw me, you¡¦d just run away, because you didn¡¦t want me to know that you had a crush on me, but then again it just turned out so obvious.¡¦
¡¥Really¡K¡¦
¡¥I saw him go.¡¦
¡¥Him?¡¦
¡¥Malfoy. I saw him go through the secret door, looked bloody furious.¡¦
¡¥¡K¡K¡¦
¡¥I¡¦ve ruined everything, we¡¦ve ruined everything that had been between us. Maybe the ¡§bond¡¨ between us was just to weak, I¡¦ve always wondered if there was a bond at all.¡¦
¡¥But do you regret?¡¦
¡¥I¡K¡K¡¦
¡¥Do you regret the things you¡¦ve done? With Malfoy, with the production.¡¦
¡¥I just don¡¦t know¡K I don¡¦t know¡K¡¦
¡¥Ginny¡K¡¦
¡¥I don¡¦t know Harry! Its been too much for me! What have I done wrong to deserve all this pain? For all this time I just wanted to be a normal nobody! But this year as been more than enough for me to stand! I just¡K¡¦
¡¥Shh¡K cry it out, just cry it out if it makes you feel better¡K I¡¦ll always be here if you need me¡K¡¦
¡¥Cry¡K is it a sign of weakness?¡¦ Virginia whispered, slowing down her footsteps as she walked through the quite corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It seemed as if everything had suddenly come so unfamiliar to her, the place where she had considered as second home for five whole years.
Harry¡¦s words still rang in her head. He had been the last she¡¦d expect to give her any comfort. Over the years her crush had developed into nothing, she hadn¡¦t really considered him as even a friend since he was always busy with Hermione and Ron.
He¡¦s right, I¡¦ve been hiding myself in a shell, behind a mask for so long. Virginia thought, closing her eyes. I¡¦ve been pretending to be strong, but am I really that strong?
She doubted that.
For once, just once, she wanted to do something big, something brilliant¡K
She didn¡¦t know where she was going until her feet stopped and she looked up.
Shouldn¡¦t she hate this place? But no matter how much she hated to admit, she missed it, the place where her hopes and dreams were granted, and taken away.
¡¥How long have I not danced?¡¦ Virginia asked herself, pushing open the double doors and into the studio¡¦s bright light. The light stung her eyes, and she felt that she didn¡¦t belong here at all.
Thinking back, it had already been more than three months since she had danced. She felt like she was being exiled from the sport, ever since that command from Cornelius Fudge. She never really liked that man, always up to something behind those friendly eyes of his.
Strange how things can change so quickly. Virginia thought, gazing around the magnificent studio. She was willing to bet her everything that this was farmost the best dance studio in the whole of England . The studio was deserted, for reasons she didn¡¦t know. The rustling sound of the fountains gave one a very comfortable feeling, the lights hitting on the walls seemed to make the studio seem even larger. All the props were already sent to the Great Stadium for the performance in three days and the costumes were already packed.
She had used to love dancing, it was one of the only things she knew that could entertain herself. She still remembered times when she sneaked into the Chamber of Secrets just to be alone by herself and Myrtle¡¦s continuous cries and pleads, wanting to stop her from going into that wretched place.
¡¥I think I should apologize to Myrtle.¡¦ She muttered, letting her fingers trail across the soft materials of the costumes that hung on racks, prepared to be sent away. Lifting her head, slowly, she looked at her reflection in the big full length wall mirror.
It seems I¡¦ve really gone dead. Virginia thought, touching her face. Her face was very white and pale, and her newly ¡¥painted¡¦ hair only contrasted more of its unnatural whiteness. Her eyes were still a bit red and puffy from last night and her seemed to be very thin.
In the past, she would dance because she wanted to relief herself from the stress and despair that dominated her all the time, but now it just seems useless, because she had lost all hope in dancing.
Could it be the truth that I¡¦ve given up dancing once in for all? Virginia thought, turning away from her reflection. It seemed as if all interest had been sucked away from her, gone because of the betrayal she felt.
Will time never come back? Is it that ruthless? She had lost her original life, her peaceful life that she so loved¡K
¡¥Time will never come back Virginia Weasley, you know it.¡¦ She whispered to herself, looking up. Her eyes widened in surprise when she spotted her locker. Quickly, she rushed to it, her heart beating fast without any particular reason. Placing her pale hand on the handle, she pulled open the door, revealing her dancing gear that had been lying there since March, abandoned.
Taking out her green and silver leotard, she smoothed it out, gazing at it with a soft smile. She still remembered the time when Lesley had bought it for her, along with the the dance shoes and training suit. She had treated them like it were her life during the start of the year, but now it was left here to feed dust.
Will I never dance again? Virginia thought, hugging the garments to herself, kneeling down. When was the time that she didn¡¦t think about it ever since Lesley taught her the first dance step back when she was still thirteen? She had fallen in love with it, and yet she had given it up so easily just because of one little mistake that wasn¡¦t even caused by her.
¡¥Ginny? Is that you?¡¦
Virginia looked up, clutching her leotard to her chest tightly. ¡¥Lesley?¡¦
¡¥I thought it was you.¡¦ Leasley smiled. ¡¥What are you doing here? Don¡¦t you have classes?¡¦
Virginia shook her head. ¡¥It¡¦s Potions and I¡¦m free from it. I was just wandering around the school and stumbled across the studio.¡¦
¡¥Thing¡¦s have changed a lot haven¡¦t they?¡¦ Lesley said lightly, looking around.
¡¥I know.¡¦ Virginia said in a low voice.
Eyeing the clothes in Virginia ¡¦s hands, Lesley leaned against the lockers and looked at her favorite Weasley. ¡¥So, what do you want to do?¡¦
¡¥Me? I¡K¡¦ Virginia looked away, biting her lower lip.
Lesley looked up and sighed exaggeratingly. ¡¥I haven¡¦t had privaet lessons in a long time.¡¦ She turned and grinned at Virginia . ¡¥Care to have one with me now?¡¦
Virginia widened her eyes. ¡¥Now? I ¡V I don¡¦t think so, I mean, I haven¡¦t danced for so long¡K¡¦
Lesley pursed her lips. ¡¥That¡¦s why you need a refreshening lesson!¡¦ She then proceeded to push the fidgeting girl into onc of the changing cubics.
¡¥But Lesley ¡V ¡¥
¡¥No buts!¡¦ Lesley interrupted warily, pulling the curtain shut.
¡¥Okay¡K¡¦ came the reluctant reply from the other side.
Lesley smiled softly at her reply and took a deep breath, exhaling loudly as she leaned against a few boxes stacked up that were being ready to delivery to the Great Stadium in a while. Looking around, a sudden surge of feelings rushed through her. This had been the place where Virginia had finally made herself known to people again, and yet she took away her rights to show her talents. She had asked herself over and over again, why she didn¡¦t insist that the female lead remained unchanged. She had felt so guilty afterwards, and much more moody too, which she felt most sorry for her students.
¡¥Guess I¡¦m not professional at all.¡¦ Lesley whispered to herself, grinning. But at least everything¡¦s settled, I just hope everything goes alright.
¡¥Lesley¡K¡¦ a small voice called her.
Lesley looked up and smiled at Virginia, who was looking a bit red. It was till now that she had noticed just how low-cut the leotard could be.
¡¥You still have the best figure Ginny.¡¦ Lesley smiled broadly, taking her hand as she led her to the bars in front of the huge wall mirrors.
¡¥A good figure?¡¦ Virginia repeated, looking at her in bewilderment. ¡¥How could I have a good figure when I¡¦m so thin?¡¦
Lesley raised her eyebrows and examined her from head to toe. ¡¥No, you have quite a standard one, even Felicity says so. Remember that time at the Three Broomsticks?¡¦
Virginia rolled her eyes. ¡¥How on earth could I forget about that incident? She and Yvette dressed me up like some freak with all the make-up and that ¡V that revealing top!¡¦
¡¥Come on, the crowd was quite tongue-tied when they found out that it was you though.¡¦ Lesley laughed, reaching her hands to hold on the bar.
¡¥Desire driven boys.¡¦ Virginia muttered, stretching out her left leg. She winced at the pressure, realizing for the first time in three months that she had not done much sports and her legs felt a bit painful at the stretching.
¡¥So what have you done for the past three months? I heard from McGonagal that you¡¦ve been doing quite hard work with your subjects.¡¦ Lesley commented, leaning back to stretch her torso.
¡¥All the same.¡¦ Virginia replied lightly, wanting to avoid the subject, which she successfully did.
¡¥Really.¡¦ Lesley grinned at her in the mirror. ¡¥You look quite cool in black hair, you know that?¡¦
Virginia examined herself in the mirror and touched her hair. ¡¥Really? Thanks to my prat twin brothers then. ¡¥
Lesley laughed. ¡¥Don¡¦t be such a bad sport, they were just playing around.¡¦
¡¥Fooling around is more like it.¡¦ Virginia muttered, sliding down onto the floor, reaching behind her back to lift her leg up over her head.
Lesley looked at Virginia for a moment, then slide to the floor with her. ¡¥You know what Ginny?¡¦
¡¥What?¡¦
¡¥We¡¦ve missed you.¡¦
Virginia turned her head abruptly and stared at her instructor with wide eyes. ¡¥Wha ¡V what did you just say.¡¦
Lesley looked at her with serious eyes. ¡¥We all missed you, everyone. Everyone felt so uncomfortable when I announced that the female lead would be changed.¡¦
[flashback]
¡¥WHAT? You¡¦ve got to be kidding Lesley.¡¦
Lesley sighed, shaking her head. ¡¥No I¡¦m not Parvati.¡¦
Yvette dropped to the floor with a thud. ¡¥But why Lesley? It¡¦s not really because of ¡V ¡¥
¡¥I don¡¦t know.¡¦ Lesley cut in, her voice tired from the day¡¦s work.
¡¥How come?¡¦ Geraldine demanded. ¡¥I mean, changing it now? How about the work Ginny had put in? Huh? For nothing?¡¦
¡¥Yeah.¡¦ Seamus agreed, ¡¥who¡¦s decision was this?¡¦
Spencer shook his head. ¡¥It wasn¡¦t a decision, it was an order.¡¦
¡¥From who?¡¦ Draco asked in a dangerously low voice, his arms crossed.
¡¥Cornelius Fudge.¡¦ Lesley seethed, clutching her fists. ¡¥I would have given that bloody git a piece of my mind if it weren¡¦t for Charlie stopping me.¡¦
¡¥But what would we do?¡¦ Myra asked, eyeing the furious choreographer. ¡¥I mean, we only have about five months to go, would it be even possible to make a replacement?¡¦
¡¥It¡¦s possible, everything¡¦s possible.¡¦ Spencer muttered.
Felicity threw her hands up. ¡¥This is ridiculous! How could the female lead be changed without any warning? I mean, how about the work the workshop has done? How about the work Ginny has done? Didn¡¦t you say anything about it Lesley? Spencer?¡¦
¡¥We did!¡¦ Lesley cried, racking her blonde hair. ¡¥But it was no use! Fudge had threatened to stop the production if we didn¡¦t change Ginny!¡¦
¡¥Too busy saving his own bloody ass.¡¦ Fred muttered.
¡¥That bloody prat.¡¦ George snarled.
¡¥What about Ginny? Has he never thought about her feelings?¡¦ Yvette asked, looking up with her bright hazel eyes. ¡¥I mean, come on! There¡¦s no one more suitable than her! Doesn¡¦t he know that she had made so much effort in making the best of this opportunity? Doing this to her will only hurt her! Hurt her in a way no one would be able to imagine!¡¦ As if proving her point, she grabbed a parchment which was sighed ¡§Virginia Weasley¡¨ on the desk.
¡¥Look at this!¡¦ Yvette commanded, unrolling the scroll. The parchment was scribbled heavily with black ink in Virginia ¡¦s unique yet elegant handwriting.
Lesley reached for the parchment with trembling hands and unrolled it further, looking at it speechlessly. Marks and symbols were written all over the creamed colored heavy paper.
¡¥She¡¦s been working over this script for god knows how many times! She wants to make her roll perfect! That¡¦s what she had told me. Before anyone had even started to take a serious look at their lines, she¡¦s already recited the whole thing! Where could you find such an actress? Huh? Outter space?¡¦ Yvette cried, bitting her lips to prevent her tears from spilling.
¡¥Yvette.¡¦ Barlow said hoarsly, wrapping his arms around her. ¡¥Nobody wants this to happen, and the last one would be Lesley.¡¦
¡¥Ginny¡K¡¦ Lawrence shook his head as he scanned down the old parchment over Lesley¡¦s shoulder.
¡¥Ron! Calm down!¡¦ a voice shouted from outside in the corridor as footsteps neared, and after a few seconds, the door of the ¡¥Dialogue Den¡¦ burst open and in came a flushed Ron Weasley and behind her was Hermione and Harry, followed by Charlie who was obviously chasing them down.
¡¥Lesley, you have to do something.¡¦ Ron insisted. ¡¥Ginny can¡¦t do without the role, I mean, what would you feel if you were in her shoes? She¡¦s been unnoticed long enough and this is her chance to prove herself and you are taking it away from her!¡¦
¡¥It¡¦s not her fault Ron.¡¦ Lawrence said harshly, ¡¥no one wants this to happen!¡¦
¡¥Do something before they officially announce it!¡¦ Hermione cried, clutching her first to her chest.
¡¥We ¡V ¡¥ Spencer looked away, unable to comprehend anthing.
¡¥Lesley, you¡¦re the one who understands most about just what Ginny has done and what her abilities are, you have to help her!¡¦ Harry said, biting his lips. ¡¥Please!¡¦
Lesley dropped down onto the couch, bitting her lips so hard blood started to seep through. ¡¥I¡¦m sorry, I can¡¦t¡K I¡¦ve tried to persuade them but¡K¡¦
The den was silent again except for the tense atmosphere, which was not just audible, but almost visible.
[end of flashback]
¡¥Is ¡V is it true?¡¦ Virginia asked in a trembling voice, staring at Lesley with her big chocolate eyes.
¡¥It¡¦s true.¡¦ Lesley nodded, grinning. ¡¥You may not notice, but you have people who care about you, you¡¦re just too hidden by your own lack of confidence to see. I know people may have neglected you for the past few months, but they still care about you, especially your brothers.¡¦
¡¥Really?¡¦
Lesley laughed. ¡¥Of course! What do you think brother¡¦s are for?¡¦
¡@
_____________________________________________________________________________
¡¥Ginny! What are you doing here?¡¦ Ron exclaimed when her little sister walked into the Great Hall, a small smile playing on her lips.
¡¥Am I not welcomed?¡¦ Virginia asked, raising her eyebrows, ¡¥Afterall, I am a Gryffindor and besides, I haven¡¦t really had a decent meal for some time.¡¦
¡¥Who said you weren¡¦t welcomed!¡¦ Fred exclaimed, jumping up.
¡¥You are, afterall, our little sister!¡¦ George mimicked, raising his eyebrows and he pulled her onto the bench, sandwiching her between him and Fred.
¡¥Guys!¡¦ Virginia laughed as the two pulled a plate in front of her and started piling up food.
¡¥Here you go Gin! Tomatoes!¡¦
¡¥Chicken breast!¡¦
¡¥Salad with thousand sauce!¡¦
¡¥Beef!¡¦
¡¥Mashed Potatoes!¡¦
¡¥Pumpkin Juice!¡¦
¡¥Speghetti with meat sauce!¡¦
¡¥Fresh Black Forest Cake!¡¦
¡¥And¡K¡¦
¡¥Guys! I can¡¦t eat that much!¡¦ Virginia protested, laughing as the twins proceeded to dump food onto her plate, piling it up till her chin.
¡¥Can¡¦t do Gin, you¡¦ve as thin as bone!¡¦ George argued, stuffing a spoonful of mashed potatoes into her mouth.
¡¥Yup Gin! If you don¡¦t get looking like a normal human being then our dear mother would have our heads!¡¦ Fred added, breaking a carrot stick and stuffing it into either side of her mouth. The scene was quite comical with Ginny¡¦s mouth ¡¥inflated¡¦.
The other¡¦s laughed as Fred and George continued to feed their ¡¥little¡¦ sister.
Harry raised his eyebrows, lifting her cup of pumpkin juice to his lips. ¡¥You two are going to get her killed before getting her stuffed!¡¦
Virginia nodded fiercely, gulping down the rest of the food. But before she could find her voice again, Ron¡¦s dirty hand came after her, stuffing a big chocolate frog into her mouth, chocolate bits smudged at the side of her mouth.
Myra burst into laughed, followed by the rest again.
¡¥Gods!¡¦ Virginia cried, finally gulping in everything. ¡¥I¡¦ll be in the hospital wing if you three keep on stuffing stuff into my mouth!¡¦
¡¥You¡¦re always there Gin, mind as well.¡¦ George grinned evilly, holding up a spoonful of strawberry mousse with a glint in his green eyes.
Virginia slapped her mouth shut with both hands, shaking her head violently.
¡¥So what are you down here?¡¦ Hermione asked curiously, munching on some fresh celery.
¡¥Well,¡¦ Virginia took a deep breath, preventing herself from suffocating, ¡¥I¡¦ve decided to give myself a little break since I¡¦ve been working non stop for so long.¡¦
¡¥Finally found out the real meaning of life haven¡¦t you Gin? We¡¦re proud of you!¡¦ Fred cried, a hankerchief appearing in his hands as he started to wipe away fake tears.
¡¥Cut it off!¡¦ Virginia laughed.
¡¥You¡¦ve finally come,¡¦ George said, then proceeded to give his sister a big hug, followed by his twin brother and Ron.
¡¥Welcome home.¡¦ Ron said, smiling down at his little sister. ¡¥to Gryffindor.¡¦
Virginia gave them a big smile and hugged them back. ¡¥I¡¦m back!¡¦
_____________________________________________________________________________
¡¥Draco Malfoy.¡¦
Draco looked up sharply but met darkness. He had been wandering down some dark corridors underground after dinner to clear off his mind and it was already ten thirty .
¡¥Who is it?¡¦ Draco said in a low voice.
¡¥Over here.¡¦ The voice was from behind and when Draco turned, he met face to face with his long time nemesis, Harry Potter.
Draco snorted, ¡¥what are you doing here Potter?¡¦
¡¥And what are you doing here Malfoy?¡¦ Harry shot back, crossing his arms.
¡¥That is none of your business Potter and as I may remind you, I am a prefect.¡¦ Draco snarled, ¡¥whereas you, are not, and may be punished by me.¡¦
¡¥Do you have to be such a total brat?¡¦ Harry asked, furrowing his eyebrows.
¡¥Try me.¡¦ Draco smirked.
Narrowing his eyes, Harry lunged forward and punched Draco squarely in the stomach, making him fall onto the cold stone ground.
¡¥What the ¡V ¡¥ Draco cursed, holding his stomach but was stopped when Harry hauled him up by the collar, slamming him against the wall under a candle light.
¡¥What have you done to Ginny?¡¦ Harry demanded.
Draco smirked. ¡¥So this is about your little ex-admire, what, you jealous Potter?¡¦
Harry shook Draco violently. ¡¥I¡¦m asking you, what have you done to Ginny last night!¡¦ he roared.
¡¥And what does that have to do with you Potter!¡¦ Draco roared back, shoving him away. ¡¥What is between me and her is only between me and her! No one can interfere or step into it, so just bug off and mind your own god damn fucking business!¡¦
Heaving slightly, Harry clenched his teeth, glaring at Draco with his bright green eyes. ¡¥Ginny may seem happy now, but if you break up that fragile happiness, I will personally make you pay Malfoy, make sure of that!¡¦
Draco rolled his eyes. ¡¥Like you can.¡¦ As if replying his words, a fist came flying out of nowhere, aiming for his jaw, but Draco saw it and reacted quickly, dodging with his body leaned back as he caught the arm and shoved Harry away from him again.
¡¥I will never understand what Ginny sees in you.¡¦ Harry scowled, balancing himself against the wall. ¡¥I can¡¦t see just why Ginny is so into you, what does she see in you that makes her reject others?¡¦
Draco narrowed his stormy gray eyes, reducing them to thin slits as he turned slowly, facing the boy who lived. ¡¥She¡¦s not into me, at least not now, not ever.¡¦ With that, he turned and too a step, but stopped when Harry opened his mouth again.
¡¥You don¡¦t deserve her Malfoy, you don¡¦t deserve her at all. She deserves someone that would care about her unconditionally, but can you do that? I admit that you¡¦ve changed around Ginny, that you¡¦re different around her, but does that mean you would give her all the attention and care she longed for? If you did, then she wouldn¡¦t have cried herself to sleep last night on my shoulder. You don¡¦t deserve her Malfoy, you don¡¦t deserve to be loved, when Ginny has fallen for you so deeply.¡¦
Draco glared at Harry¡¦s retreating back hard until it turned the corner and disappeared. Rubbing his stomach, he slid to the floor against the stone wall. ¡¥Damn that Potter is strong.¡¦ He cursed, racking his blonde hair recklessly, dropping his head onto his knees.
¡¥Adrian asked what I saw in you that made me reject everyone, including him, and that was my answer, because I saw that you really cared about me, but I guess that was all a lie.¡¦
I care about your, I really care about you. Draco thought, holding his forehead with one palm, glaring down at the floor hard. But what could he do? She was closing on him, closing on everyone! She was rejecting him, trying hard to forget about him, forget about times they had together, totally forgetting the exist of Draco Malfoy.
¡¥I want to lose myself into anything, anything just to make me forget about you.¡¦
He¡¦d given up, totally given up. There was no way he could do anything to turn back time, turn back to the happy times when nothing worried them.
They couldn¡¦t¡K
What¡¦s the use of regretting now? Nothing helps. Draco thought, closing his eyes.
I¡¦ve lost her already.
_____________________________________________________________________________
¡¥Draco¡K¡¦
¡¥I thought I¡¦d never find you.¡¦
¡¥Huh?¡¦
¡¥Sweet Dreams.¡¦
¡@
_____________________________________________________________________________
¡¥Ginny? What are you doing here?¡¦ Moaning Myrtle asked as she floated down from the basins where she had been sitting.
¡¥Hi Myrtle, aren¡¦t you going?¡¦ Virginia asked, smiling slightly.
¡¥I will, since all the ghosts are invited.¡¦ Myrtle said excitedly. She hadn¡¦t been out of Hogwarts ever since her death fifty-five years ago. Theoratically speaking they weren¡¦t allowed to go out of the Hogwarts grounds, but they were permitted by special request from Dumbledore.
¡¥You better go then, the cast has already gone this morning by floo.¡¦ Virginia said.
¡¥Okay!¡¦ Myrtle said in her high pitched voice, then eyed the huge leather bound black book in her hands. ¡¥What¡¦s that you¡¦ve got?¡¦
¡¥Oh, I was just reading it in the library.¡¦ Virginia explained lightly, giving her a small grin.
Myrtle shrugged. ¡¥Suit yourself, see you at the Stadium!¡¦
¡¥See you too¡K when you get back.¡¦ Virginia whispered softly as she watched Myrtle float out of the washroom, humming to herself in her horrible voice. I¡¦ve never seen her that happy before. She thought, turning to the series of basins. She carrassed the one with a snake carved on the tap before opening it, revealing the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets.
It was till now that she had realized just how stinky and disgusting this place could be. Being the Chamber built by Salazar Slytherin, it was ironic on why a Gryffindor like her was to be the one controlled by Tom Riddle and then open the Chamber, she never really understood why Gryffindor and Slytherin had such a deep misunderstanding and hatred between them.
But then again, not everything could be explained, or we¡¦d live like hell, trying to break all the codes of life. Virginia thought as she opened the door to the Chamber at the end of the tunnel.
Walking to the small pool at the end of the ¡§room¡¨, she stood at the very edge and looked at herself in the still water, her reflection staring back at her.
What have I done wrong?
[flashback]
¡¥Miss Weasley.¡¦ A low coarse voice called her. Virginia looked up from her seat in the Gryffindor common room, a place where she hadn¡¦t been for some time, along with some other Gryffindors and her three brothers.
¡¥Yes Mr. Filch.¡¦ Virginia acknowledge, feeling disgusted inside. She never really liked this man, no one ever really liked him at all, always barging on people and threatening to use his ¡§frequently oiled chains¡¨.
¡¥The headmaster would like to see you in his office.¡¦ Filch said, Mrs. Norris at his left foot, staring up at Virginia with her bright yellow eyes.
¡¥Now?¡¦ Virginia wrinkled her eyebrows.
¡¥Yes.¡¦ Filch replied impatiently, then turned, letting the portrait shut behind his back.
The other Gryffindors looked at Virginia curiously. ¡¥What¡¦ve you done Ginny?¡¦ Seamus asked, pawing his sandy blonde hair.
¡¥Yeah, Dumbledore never summons any student into his office by Filch, he usually does it in person.¡¦ Harry reasoned, ¡¥is there something wrong?¡¦
Virginia shrugged. ¡¥I have no idea, maybe someone else wants to find me.¡¦
¡¥Well, you better go before McGonagal comes by herself and drags you up.¡¦ Fred said seriously, the mischief glint not leaving the corner of his eyes.
Rolling her eyes, Virginia closed the hard covered book with a thud and wacked Fred in the head, earning a considerably loud but satisfying ¡¥Ouch¡¦ from him.
I wonder why Dumbledore¡¦s calling me. Virginia thought as he followed Filch up the stairs. A lot of students were curious to what their headmaster¡¦s office looked like, she included. The first time she was in there wasn¡¦t a very pleasant scene, but she was one of the few students that was ever summoned inside. It wasn¡¦t that Dumbledore didn¡¦t welcome students into his office, but it was just a known fact that no one would go in without a reason, thus creating the mystery.
Virginia blinked as when she saw Professor McGonagal standing at the entrance of the headmaster¡¦s office, a grim look on her wrinkling face.
¡¥Ah, Filch, thank you for escorting Ms. Weasley.¡¦ Professor McGonagal said in a tight voice, tilting her head slightly. ¡¥That will do for now.¡¦
Looking down at Virginia with his bright cat-like eyes, he snorted slightly, then turned and walked away in his crooked form.
¡¥I heard that Professor Dumbledore wanted to see me, is there ¡V ¡¥ Virginia started, but was cut off in mid-sentence.
¡¥Yes, the Headmaster wants to see you Ginny.¡¦ Professor McGonagal said curtly, as if she was mad at someone.
Virginia raised her eyebrows, but didn¡¦t say anything in response. She followed Professor McGonagal soundlessly as they were transported up the stairs towards Dumbledore¡¦s office.
She found out soon enough why.
¡¥Miss Weasley.¡¦ Dumbledore greeted, the spark lost in his eyes, something very frequent for the past year, causing Virginia to wonder if she was the one who caused it. Cornelius Fudge was standing near the window beside Fawkes¡¦ cage, looking at Virginia in ultimate disgust.
¡¥Yes Professor.¡¦ Virginia said, lowering her eyes at Cornelius Fudge in return. She really hated Cornelius Fudge.
¡¥Well,¡¦ Dumbledore shifted slightly in his seat, a gesture of uncomfort which was really rare for the old man because he always presented himself with great confidence.
¡¥Dumbledore, do be quick, we still have a lot to do today.¡¦ Cornelius Fudge said impatiently, clutching his bowl hat. Professor McGonagal glared at the Minister of Magic.
¡¥Yes Professor.¡¦ Virginia said in a calm voice, despite the fact that her heart was beating like hell.
¡¥Well, it would be best if you didn¡¦t go to the show.¡¦ Dumbledore said finally, but reluctantly.
Virginia raised her eyebrows. ¡¥Why?¡¦
¡¥Why?¡¦ Cornelius Fudge spat. ¡¥Because the incident three months ago has gotten itself into the ears of the other ministers, that¡¦s why.¡¦
Virginia just looked at Cornelius Fudge with her brown eyes.
¡¥I have spent my time dealing with the Ministry enough and I have decided that forbidding you to come to the stadium would be the best way to solve the problem and shut the mouths of those men.¡¦ Cornelius continued.
¡¥Will I be the only one?¡¦ Virginia asked in a soft voice, turning to Professor Dumbledore again.
¡¥Yes, but Filch would be here too, so you can refer to him if anything happens. And of course some ghosts will be around too.¡¦ Professor McGonagal replied.
¡¥Very well.¡¦ Virginia said, bowing her head slightly. Cornelius Fudge looked surprised at her calm response.
¡¥Ginny, aren¡¦t you ¡V ¡¥ McGonagal started, but stopped when Virginia shook her head, smiling bitterly.
¡¥There¡¦s no use to anyway Professor.¡¦ Virginia whispered, ¡¥I¡¦m used to being left alone.¡¦
[end of flashback]
_____________________________________________________________________________
¡@
¡¥Get that bloody corset in place damn it!¡¦ Felicity yelled through the huge dressing room. She was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, barking orders left and right for the past four hours. ¡¥The shows gonna start in five hours! We need to get things going!¡¦
¡¥Calm down Felicity!¡¦ Dolores cried, juggling some small props in her arms as she ran past some dancers who were half dressed, almost tripping when she bumped into a hard chest.
¡¥Watch it Dolores!¡¦ Montague snarled, holding her still, ¡¥we don¡¦t need you running around now!¡¦
¡¥Like you¡¦re such a great help!¡¦ Dolores snapped, glaring at Montague, then procceded to drag her best friend through the door onto the stage.
¡¥Okay, I want all dancers ready, dressed and all in fifteen minuts for the second last run for the first and last scene, is that clear?¡¦ Lesley shouted, sticking her head from the door that connected to the main stage.
¡¥Okay, wait a sec Lesley!¡¦ Felicity cried, ¡¥I still have three dancers to go, and some still have to apply more make-up.¡¦
¡¥We¡¦ll see how they look in the lights first.¡¦ Lesley said, ¡¥but I need everyone ready in their costumes first, fifteen minutes! Understood?¡¦
A series of ¡¥yes¡¦ could be heard echoing through the noisy room as the people started to rush around again. It seemed as if everyone was in a nervous state, everyone except for one in the room.
¡¥Can you be at least a bit nervous about the show? After all, it is your first shot at all this muggle stuff.¡¦ Pucey said as he handed Draco a glass of water.
Draco shrugged as he looked into his reflection in the glass of water, then at the mirror in front of him, then closed his eyes and gulped the whole thing down. ¡¥There¡¦s no use doing so since it won¡¦t do any good.¡¦ He said, handing Pucey the now empty glass.
¡¥I can¡¦t say you¡¦re wrong.¡¦ Pucey agreed, ¡¥but really Draco, you¡¦re being overly calm.¡¦
¡¥Am I?¡¦ Draco said in a flat voice, crossing his arms again. How he hated to wear this stuff, a jagged oversize shirt, wrinkled trousers and worst of all, a huge ring earring on his left ear. He looked so like a pirate.
¡¥How did I get myself into this?¡¦ Draco wondered for the nth time, looking up at the ceiling.
¡¥Good question.¡¦ Pucey said dryly as he caught a pair of baggy pants from Alain Juppe.
¡¥I need to use that in the second scene, keep that in for me please!¡¦ Alain shouted as he rushed through the door with Edonard and Beau tailing behind him.
¡¥Yeah.¡¦ Pucey called back.
¡¥I guess I¡¦ll be going out as well.¡¦ Draco said, sighing loudly.
¡¥I see you¡¦re not really in the mood Draco.¡¦ Pucey smirked, ¡¥still worried?¡¦
¡¥About what?¡¦ Draco shot back, glaring at his Quidditch captain with narrowed eyes.
Pucey shrugged. ¡¥I don¡¦t know, maybe a certain someone that was forced to stay at Hogwarts?¡¦
¡¥Drop it Pucey.¡¦ Draco said in a dangerously low tone.
¡¥What would you do if I don¡¦t, huh?¡¦ Pucey challenged.
¡¥You ¡V ¡¥
¡¥Where in the hell is Adrian ?¡¦ Spencer shouted from the stage.
A scream could be heard, followed by chaotic footsteps. The door flew open and in came Lawrence , with a white Faith behind him.
¡¥Is something wrong?¡¦ Felicity asked carefully, gulping a lump down her throat.
¡¥We have a major problem.¡¦
_____________________________________________________________________________
¡¥I know I have to accept the fact, but even this? Maybe its just too much for me.¡¦ Virginia whispered to herself as she leaned back against the pool, sighing at the heated water.
But think on the bright side, you have Hogwarts to yourself for two whole days! Virginia ¡¦s mind screamed bitterly.
¡¥What¡¦s the use in have a school to yourself?¡¦ Virginia muttered under her breath, wiping away some wet black hair from her eyes.
There¡¦s no use Virginia , you¡¦re just pathetic, totally pathetic.
Sighing, she dodged herself into the hot steamy water, shaking away all unhappy thoughts from her head. She was going to forget about them, forget about everything for these two days, she was going to be free.
Surfacing again, she took in deep breaths, looking down at her reflection in the water.
¡¥ Virginia .¡¦
End of Chapter 27
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A/N: Gods, I haven't written a real Author's Notes in some time, owing to the fact that after I've done all the writing and encoding, I've already dropped dead, unconscious, and as such, couldn't write anything about the chapter.
Well, till now, everything should be in place, and to tell everyone of my precious readers, there's three more chapters till the end of the whole story, and yes, I've deliberately made the suspense unbearable for you guys, just to keep you people interested in the whole story, I must say that I'm good and making people wait, and wait... and wait.. and then get bombarded, of course.
This chapter has been especially hard to write, in fact the last few chapters, starting from when the Dark Mark appeared on the wall, was hard to write because I had to make Draco hate Ginny, which I'm telling you, was just way too fun!! But hard as well. A lot of emotion has been expressed through their thoughts, and I had fun developing them too, although it meant a lot of thinking throughout the writing and referring to the previous chapters now and then.
I know people are wondering whether Ginny will get the female lead back, and well if you want to know... then stay tuned for the next chapter.
Toodles!!
Be kind and review! Email me at virginialo@wildimagination.net if you got any questions! You can also leave any messages on my site's message board: http://pub92.ezboard.com/bwildimaginationworks
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