Chapter 3 - [ Opening Up and Shattered Glass ]

The next two days went by the same. Ginny would ask questions and Draco would pretend she wasn't there. He just has to be so hard doesn't he? Sometimes he can really get on my nerves, Ginny thought as she sat at the Gryffindor table eating her dinner. She thought about a conversation they had the night before.

"Look, if it's that personal then tell me. I might be acting noisy, but I'm trying to help you! I know how it's like, to want someone to talk to…hey I wrote to an evil diary that wrote back to me during about all of my first year."

"IT'S THAT PERSONAL!!! LEAVE ME ALONE! DROP THE WHOLE DAMN THING ALRIGHT!?" Draco exploded at her.

"I can't! I'm sorry! Please Draco…tell me. Let me in. Tell me the truth about why you're so cold inside and then you can lie to me all you want." Ginny beseeched.

"How about not." He replied flatly

"Fine, how about a deal then. You do this one thing for me and then I'll pay you back somehow. I still owe you that last favor; I'll add this one onto it." Draco didn't reply. Ginny sighed, "I'll take that as a no."

"Don't," Draco said, "I'll think about it."

Ginny smiled, "Thanks."

Ginny snapped out off her reverie when she heard Harry's voice calling her, "Ginny? Hello, Ginny?"

"What?" Ginny looked up confused.

"You barely ate anything and you have patrolling, you never know what will happen and you'll need all you strength."

Ginny smile and stood up, "Thanks Harry, but I'm fine. I think I'll be going now."

"You sure?" he asked again

"Yep." Then, she left the Great Hall.

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Draco was already out by the lake by the time Ginny got there. He seemed to sense Ginny and turned around to see her walking towards him.

"Hey." She called out; he gave a simple nod, "Let's go?"

He began to walk and Ginny took it as a yes. He let the wind blow his silvery strands of hair from his eyes. He had been thinking a lot the past days, it was more then he usual did. He knew what it was all about though, it was about her. Her desperate need to get in, her desperate need to understand. It drove him as crazy as it drove her. But, if there was one possible person to understand him, it would mostly be her. He hardly knew her, he knew that she had been teased a lot, mostly by him, and she lived in the shadows of most people, but he really didn't know her.

Things were going crazy in his head. Things were going crazy in his life. He was pretty much living hell on earth. She was right though, the things she said; she said that he needed to let someone in. It was completely true. He felt lonely for years, almost to the point of suicide. Of course, he would only come out with a few cuts and bruises not being able to fully go on with it. Something always held him back, it was the thought that someone out there would be able to understand him, and he was thinking that he just about found her.

"Weasley," He paused, not knowing if he should continue. "I was thinking of what you said yesterday."

"Really?" she smiled, "but, if you don't want to, you don't have to. I'll always be here though."

"I've been through hell all my life. Even as a child. I've hurt myself and I've hurt others in the process. I remember I was about to jump off the astronomy tower one day, you know, just to give everyone a break. While I stood there, about to jump, I was interrupted by a ghost. He told me not to do it and that I had so much to live for. I shook my head in reply and said that I would just bring the world so much more pain if I stayed. He told me that I might, but he said that somewhere, I would bring someone perfect happiness and that I should continue to hold on. Then, he left. I thought about it and walked back to the common room."

"Did you really believe him?" Ginny asked.

"No. I didn't" He said slowly, "The next day I went back, and I jumped. But, some student, I think a hufflepuff, saved me. I don't know why she did it, she just did. It was like an instant reaction when she saw me jump; she used the levitating charm on me. After that I wondered if I would every do that for someone."

"People are very much like that. They just can't see someone die. Maybe if someone did die, they wouldn't care. But if your actually there, there to witness the persons last few seconds on earth, then the feelings become unbearable."

"You speak from experience?" he asked, "I mean, you don't have to…well…you know, tell me."

She shook her head, "No, it's okay I will." A tear slipped down one of Ginny's eyes, in which she quickly brushed away. She took a deep breath. "When I was 14 my parents sent me to this magic camp place during the summer. It was great. I met so many new people and learned so many new things. I think that was one of the few times I was actually happy. I found a true friend there, her name was Lana. She was great, really funny and nice."

"So…what happened?" Draco asked.

"Well, it was during the last week of the camp. She had gotten in a fight with her boyfriend, who was also attending the camp. He accused her of cheating with someone. I didn't know who he was. I doubt she really did either. Two days after the major fight, I walked into them having another one." Ginny tried to keep her voice steady, with no luck whatsoever.

"He killed her didn't he?"

"Right there, in front of me. I still don't…I don't understand. It wasn't fair, how could he?" The tears were flowing freely down her cheeks.

"Some people, just don't think before they act. It wasn't your fault Ginny." He tried as best as he could to comfort her.

"I know. It's just, the guilt and the anger and the emotions. It hurts." She said quietly

"Yea, I know." He responded. There was a silence between them. Ginny wiped the tears from her eyes, determined to be strong.

"Do you know what its like to grow up when everyone wants you to be just like someone else?" asked Draco, trying to change the subject.

"Everyday." She whispered hoarsely.

"How do you deal?" he questioned.

"Life is too short to be someone else. You weren't put on this world to be the exact remake of someone of the past. So, I just be who I really am, me. If I were to act like someone I'm not, life would be too complicated and to tell you the truth, I don't think I would survive." There was a pause. Draco thought of what he should say next, he wasn't really good at this whole 'heart to heart' thing.

He sighed, "I wish it was that simply."

"No one said that life would be simple." She replied, "You just got to find someway to keep calm, something to make your life worth living. Or maybe even someone." She stuffed her hands into her jacket. She was shaking, was it cold out or was it Draco? She wondered.

"I was thinking about that favor you owe me." He told her.

She looked up at him, "So, what can I do for you?"

Draco thought about it once again for a few seconds. Then he stated his request, "Make sure you keep me from killing myself."

Ginny looked back toward where they were walking, "Will do Draco…will do."

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It had already been a month since the beginning of school and Ginny was in Transfiguration, which had to be the most boring class in the world. Or at least that was what Ginny thought. To sit there and listen to McGonagall talk would have been exciting if she actually cared. She had better things to do, like talk to Draco. For some reason, her whole life now revolved around him. She always found comfort and excitement when talking to Draco.

Then she heard McGonagall's voice relieve her, "Class you may be dismissed. Miss Weasley, come here for a minute." She gritted her teeth, but obeyed.

"Yes Professor?" she asked

"It's nearing the end of the month; I probably suspect you've had enough of Draco. You shall be switching partners next week; you'll have Harry Potter the next month and your brother the following." She stated

"Oh…alright" Ginny was a bit sad, she actually liked being with Draco. She wondered how things would go with Harry. Leaving the class room, she continued on with her class.

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Ginny hugged her sweater a little closer for warmth. It was chilly outside. Her surroundings were quiet and dark. She spotted Draco at his usual lake spot and went over to him.

"Hey." She greeted, not winning a reply, "You know about next week? You have my brother."

"I know." He said

"I was a bit upset when McGonagall told me; it's been great talking to you. I think we really understand each other. It's been a great month." Ginny sighed.

"Yeah, well I've been thinking. You still owe me."

"Still haven't forgotten I see…" Ginny rolled her eyes

"I don't forget easily, but anyways, I was thinking…I'd rather have you as a partner other then Weasley…the other Weasley I mean…so maybe you could talk to Professor McGonagall?"

"Do you think she'd let us?" Ginny asked

"Well, why don't you make up something that you think me and your brother wouldn't be such a good team. It is true…"

"Alright, it's a deal." Ginny smiled and they continued to watch out.

After the night shift was over, Ginny walked back to her dorm. She thought about what Draco said. Did he want her as his partner, or did he just not want her brother? The thoughts confused her, but she would have Draco as a partner. She would talk to McGonagall in the morning, she thought. Hopefully the trio won't suspect something. She got to her bed and pleasantly slept, resting for the next day.

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Day came soon enough. She dragged herself out of bed and got dressed. She walked to breakfast. She glanced over to the Slytherin table before taking her seat. Draco looked like he didn't get much sleep. He looked troubled; she took a mental note to ask him about it later. She sat down next to Harry.

"You hear the good news?" he asked.

"Huh?" she looked at him.

"We're partnered up this month. McGonagall told you right?"

"Oh, yea…" she remembered, "Actually Harry, I don't think we're going to be partnered up. I think it's going to be Draco and me again. Sorry Harry."

"What do you mean? McGonagall told me…" he said confused.

"Yea I know what she told you. It's just…" Ginny paused thinking of what to say, "I don't really think Draco and Ron would be such a good idea. You know what I'm talking about…instead of protecting each other they'd probably kill each other first."

Harry laughed, "Yeah, that's right. But, are you sure you want to partner up with him again? I could save you the torture and get him as my partner instead."

"No it's alright. I can handle him." She nervously smiled and went back to her breakfast.

"Whatever you say" he turned back to Hermione and Ron's conversation.

After breakfast, Ginny went out to seek Professor McGonagall. She finally found her in her classroom grading papers.

"Professor?" she knocked on the door.

"Yes? Come in." Ginny opened the door and went up to Professor McGonagall.

"I was wondering, if you couldn't change the partners for this month…and the months after that. I was hoping Draco and I could be partnered up for the rest of the year. I really don't think he would get along with Harry or Ron. I think it's really for the best…" she took a breath and waited for her Professor to answer.

"Well, Miss Weasley, it's not really my decision. I don't know what would be the best. I'll talk to the headmaster though, and get back to you. Okay?"

Ginny nodded and gave her thanks. Then, she left and bumped into Draco.

"Hey." She addressed to him

"You talk to the Professor?" he asked bluntly

"Yea, she said she had to ask Dumbledore."

"Alright." He turned to leave, but Ginny called him back.

"Draco," she looked worriedly at him, "Are you alright? You don't look to good. Maybe you should get some rest or something."

"I'm fine." Was all he said, then he left. Ginny frowned; she knew something had to be wrong. But, she wouldn't push him. He's already troubled.

To be honest, Draco was not alright as he left Ginny standing there. But, he couldn't let her in. This had to be the one thing he had to keep secret from everyone, other then Dumbledore that is. She wouldn't understand, nor would anyone else. He got back to his bedroom and shut the door. Most of his fellow roommates were thankfully out. He took out the thing he dreaded the most. It was a letter, from his father. He read it over again.

To my son,

It's already time, isn't it? You're already in your seventh year and you're becoming a man. Strong and powerful, just like a Malfoy should be. So, I believe it is time for you to follow in my footsteps and become a death eater. You'll be informed more later once we get you from the school. I've heard of the patrols the students have been doing this year. It's perfect; we'll meet you near the forest and get you from there. Be prepared because I cannot tell you when I'm coming.

- Lucius Malfoy

He stuffed the paper in his pocket and went over to a mirror. Carefully examining his tired face he thought about what to do. He most likely should go and tell Dumbledore, but this was the one thing his father wanted him to do. After this, his father would think of him as the greatest son. But, was he willing to risk everything to join the dark lord? He shook his head and grabbed a glass vase. Raising it up high, he dropped it and it shattered into millions of pieces. Just like his life, feelings, and broken family.

He wondered, was it possible to put all the pieces together? He left the room going to find somewhere quiet and solitary.

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"Yes?" Dumbledore looked up from the papers of his desk to the lady at the door.

"Well, Headmaster, Miss Weasley has a request. She requests that she keeps Mr. Malfoy as her partner. I do remember you saying you wanted to keep a rotation with them." McGonagall said.

"She may keep him, Minerva. You may wonder why I'm changing the rules now. I never really wanted the rotation, I just needed them to decide on there own. You may wonder why I have the youngest Weasley in so much danger."

"I do." She said.

"Well, Ginny may not be able to fight and defend herself, but she has a reason. You know who Draco's father is right?"

"Of course, Lucius Malfoy." She seemed confused by the questions

"Do you know what he does?" he questioned

"Why, he's…" she hesitated with the answer.

"A death eater," he finished the sentence for her and continued, "and I do believe that Draco will follow in his footsteps, most children do.

"But, there are probably more then a dozen students whose parents are death eaters. Why should we just center on Draco?" she asked.

"Draco has had a very rough life and a very rough childhood. The one thing Draco would probably want is to please his father and give him the son he always wanted. If that means turning over to Voldermort then so be it, he probably thinks there nothing else to live for anyways." He replied.

"What does that have to do with Ginny?"

"All these years of being at this school I've noticed something. Draco would never befriend anyone because he believes no one understands him. But someone does, Ginny Weasley. Ginny has always been overshadowed by everyone and left out and hurt, just like him. She's never had any real friends and neither has he, but once they find each other, it could be the greatest thing to happen to both of them." By the time he stopped talking his eyes twinkled. Yes, he was a very strange person, Dumbledore. But, most geniuses are very strange people.

A/N: Hello my good people! I thought, maybe I could get in a new chapter really quick before I leave. So, here you go! I'm still not used to the formatting so sorry if how it looks sucks. Also, Sorry I totally neglected my past reviewers. I feel so bad, but it was 5 in the morning when I uploaded that and I was really tired so I didn't write a long Authors notes. So here you go:

Aelys: Thanks so much, yes I am pretty sure I shall continue it.

xangelcrisisx: Yeah, hopefully things will get better for our favorite red head and I don't really like harry…I think he is very stupid! ^_^ And to answer your question, I think you mean OOC which means out of character, or the character isn't acting the way he/she would act regularly in the book/game/movie/etc. and A/U means alternate universe, or slightly different from the regular 'world' in which the characters are in.

Shock-a-lot: Thanks for reviewing and recommending it. I'll try my best to update often.

Impressed: thank you…well, I hope I get a lot of reviews.

Okie dokie people…I just want to say I love reviews! I'm new to writing fanfiction and believe me when I say I checked my inbox for mail every 5 minutes. Reviews make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Hehe. Well, I don't think I'll be able to add another chapter before I leave so I'll see you all in a week. ~ Gin