Thank you to all my reviewers, particularly Deranged Elegance, whose name is very fitting. I'm sorry my chpaters aren't longer but there's only so much I can write.

Chapter 8

On the Monday after Draco's Death Eater meeting, both he and Ginny had lessons all day and so didn't find time to speak to each other until after dinner that night. Draco caught Ginny's eye from across the room and nodded in the direction of the door. Ginny told Ron she was going to bed early because she was tired and walked out of the Great Hall to find Draco. He was leaning against the doorframe waiting for her, his silver blond hair reflecting the light from the moon that was shining in through the window. She walked over to him slowly, her knees having gone slightly weak at the sight of him. He took hold of her hand and led her outside into the grounds where the cold December wind made Ginny shiver slightly. Draco stopped under a tree and sat down, leaning aginst the trunk. Ginny sat down next to him letting go of his hand. He turned to face her, taking her head in his hands and kissed her lips gently, before taking a deep breath and beginning.

"I know this is not going to be pleasant for you to hear, but I feel like I need to tell you."

"It's ok. I want you to tell me. I want to help you."

"You already have."

Ginny's brow wrinkled in confusion. He took hold of her hand again and began to tell her everything that had happened and how he had felt. By the time he had finished Ginny was crying. She felt scared for him but at the same time happy and touched that he thought it was she who had saved him. Draco gently wiped her tears away with his thumb.

"You have to tell Dumbledore."

"I know. I just wanted to tell you first."

Draco had already decided, while still at Malfoy Manor, that he would tell Dumbledore. It was the only way out. He had realised his father didn't love him or even care about him. The only thing that mattered to Lucius was status. Even with this realisation, it was still going to be hard for Draco to tell Dumbledore.

But I know that I have to do it.

"Will you come with me?"

Ginny nodded and Draco wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her tightly aginst him.

They walked back into the school and as they crossed the Entrance Hall they were surprised to see Professor Dumbledore appear from the door to the Great Hall. He had just finshed his evening meal and was talking with Professor McGonagall.

"Professor Dumbledore?" Draco began sounding much more condident than he actually felt.

Dumbledore turned and looked straight into Draco's eyes over his half moon glasses.

"Yes, Draco."

"Please could I talk to you about my father?"

He placed a strong emphasis on the last word but it seemed Dumbledore had already guessed what this was about.

"Of course. Would you like Miss Weasley to accompany us?" he said, glancing at Ginny, half hidden behind Draco but still holding his hand.

"Yes, please."

"Very well. Follow me."

Dumbledore led them to his office and conjured a sofa for them both to sit on. He sat down on the chair behind his desk, put the tips of his fingers together and gazed at the two students sat in front of him.

"What is it you want to tell me, Draco?"

Draco, gripping Ginny's hand tightly, began to tell the story for the second time that night. When he had finished Dumbledore remained silent for a while as though in deep thought.

Then he said, "I have been expecting you to be initiated soon but I did not expect you to come to me. I misjudged you, Draco, and for that I sincerely apologise. I hope you can forgive me." Draco nodded his forgiveness. He knew that many people would be surprised at him turning aginst his father and the dark side.

"This information is very helpful but I'm afraid you will now be in great danger."

"I know. I wanted to ask you what I should do. Can you help me?"

"Of course. You already have the help of Ginny, and you may stay at Hogwarts for the Christmas holidays. While you stay in these grounds, no one will be able to harm you. Perhaps Miss Weasley should also stay behind as a precaution."

Ginny nodded and Dumbledore continued.

"We will decide what to do for the summer holidays when the time comes. But for now, there is no need for either of you to worry. Now, I think it is time for both of you to go to bed and get some sleep."

Ginny and Draco left Dumbledore's office feeling much happier. Draco put his arm round Ginny's shoulders as they made their way towards the Gryffindor Tower. At the toop of the stairs Draco stopped and turned to face Ginny.

"I've just remembered. It's the Yule Ball next week."

Ginny's eyes lit up and sparkled in the dim light of the corridor.

"Mmmhmm."

"So, would you like to come to the ball with me?" he asked quietly, staring, aparantly fascinated, at the floor.

Ginny grinned and flung her arms around his neck hugging him tightly.

"I'll take that as a yes then," mumbled Draco as he kissed her neck and jaw line until he reached her mouth.

He dragged his tongue between her lips, which immediately opened to allow him in. Their tongues explored each other passionately, while Draco wrapped his arms around her pulling them closer together and Ginny entwined her fingers in his silky silver hair.

Eventually they pulled apart and in between Ginny's soft fleeting kisses, Draco managed to say, "I'll pick you up here at 7 o' clock."

Ginny sighed against him, pulled back and nodded. Draco kissed her one last time and retreated to his private room for a cold shower.