Hey!! This chapter 11!! Yeah! Okay, everybody and everything you recognize belongs to J.K Rowling. Anything else, including the plot is mine. I hope all u guys like this chapter! Draco and Ginny are FINALLY together! YAY! But it is not over… I would like to make a very big apology. In the last chapter I informed you that this chapter would include the ball. But, it does not and I made a horrible mistake. I hope all of you can forgive me! But, I promise that next chapter will definitely be the ball. I am sorry again.
Crystals and QuidditchAs we walked into the common room, many faces stared at us. Katie was in the corner smiling, shaking her head. I personally thought that it was going to be impossible. The endless weeks and days, never getting closer but, rather further away. No, this was definitely a dream come true. Then, after I thought nothing could spoil this moment panic hit me square in the face. A terrible feeling swept over me, consuming each and every part of my optimism.
"Draco!" He sensed my urgency and the smile that was on his face slowly started to fade, and was replaced with concerned eyes and a grim expression.
"What? What's the matter, Gin?"
"Draco, I am playing you in a Quidditch match tomorrow!" He relaxed and his grin returned once again.
"Oh, is that it? Jeez, you scared me!! I was afraid you were having second thoughts!" I had to laugh at my own stupidity.
"Okay, so it is not that serious but, what are we going to do?"
He looked at me a moment and said skeptically, "Well, I guess we have to act like we hate each other again. No one in my house is going to say anything; they are too ashamed of me… I hope." I eyed him.
"Besides", he added more cheerfully, "I really don't think any of the Slytherins are going to fraternize with the Gryffindors just because of me. God!", he raised his hands up into the air, "All we need is for your brother to find out!"
I smiled at him. The plan was a little shaky, but I supposed it would have to do. Draco was in spite of everything, was doing all he could and I couldn't love him more for it. Suddenly I got this urge to pay him back for helping me. For being kind to the person he is suppose to hate so much. For going against everything he was taught as a Slytherin. And, endangering himself for the sake of love; the love I thought he was incapable of having. A couple months ago I was wondering if he really did have a heart. Now, I feel it every time I walk into the same room.
I had an idea! I could show him something that I am positive he will like. I glanced at the huge, luxurious clock that hung over the fireplace. It was only 9:30. Great! "Draco, I want to show you something. Can you get your invisibility cloak?" Three minutes later we slipped unnoticed out of the common room.
Since the cloak was only made for one person, we were very close. Though, by the way Draco was breathing on my neck and had his hand around my waist, I don't think he was bothered to say the least. I lead him out of the massive castle and onto the grounds.
"Ginny, where are we going?" Draco asked from behind me, whispering sweetly in my ear.
"I'm not telling. It's a surprise, you will just have to wait and see!" I said mysteriously. He stopped asking me after a while, realizing that he wasn't going to pry any information out of me.
After a little bit of walking we had reached the edge of the forbidden forest. It was just a little after Christmas and there was still a small layer of white on the ground, surrounded by giant pine trees. Each a deep green color, standing tall and proud. I led Draco onto a slightly indented path on the soft ground of the forest.
After walking for about ten more minutes, the snow-white footprints, the only evidence that the castle truly existed past what seemed miles and miles of pines, I finally stopped walking and turned to face Draco. He had the cloak in one hand and was swatting a poor moth that had flown into his face. I shook my head. "Draco, for heaven sakes it's just a moth!" I said while giggling hysterically at the face he made. I carefully cupped the unfortunate moth in my hands and let it go away from Draco, who was most likely going to kill it. I stopped laughing when an unsympathetic smirk came onto his face when the moth flew into a shining spider web, woven between two branches. I glared at him and he put his hands up in surrender and took the moth from the spider web and let it go a few feet away. He looked at me as if to say, 'Are you happy now?' I smiled. "Close your eyes! And keep them closed!" He obeyed only after he gave me a strange look. "Just do it!" I ordered impatiently. I took one of his cold hands and placed them in my warm one. Then, I led him unknowingly off the path. I guided him into what appeared to be a huge cave. Only it wasn't a cave because it had all walls and no roof. So, the moon's beams came in, lighting every hidden corner and crevasse. It was very spacious and in the middle was a flat boulder, which I had sat on many times before. "Okay, open them!" I said happily.
"Oh, wow, Ginny! It is so beautiful!" he whispered softly. In the walls of the "cave" crystals stuck out of the wall, creating little rainbows on the dark surfaces of the rock.
"Isn't it? I found this one-day in my second year. I came here a lot before I met Jillian. It was my getaway, you know. Where I could pretend I wasn't Ginny Weasley, that I hadn't opened the chamber of secrets. I was a princess. I had to wait here for my handsome prince to rescue me. Then, we would fall in love and – and we would live h-happily ever after." (A/N Isn't that sad? When I wrote this I almost cried!) I was crying.
"Gin! What's the matter?"
"It's just I am so happy. Here I am, a princess. And you are my handsome prince. You rescued me from myself. You saved me from Pansy and from thinking that all Slytherins are bad. You saved me from hate. I just hope that we live happily ever after."
"Aww, Gin! Of course we will. I love you and no matter what happens I will always love you!" He reached down and brushed a tear off my face. Then, he slowly bent down and kissed my nose. I laughed and brought my lips to his. As soon as his lips brushed mine, I got the feeling that I only get when he kisses me. I run my hands through his hair as he pressed his hand to my cheek. After what seems like hours, I finally pulled away, only a little and say quietly, "It's getting late. Maybe we should start heading back." Draco looked at me and then took my hand.
"Whatever you say, luv." I smiled at the nickname. Warmness spread through me, all the way to my heart. We walked all the way back to the common room, letting the silence talk for us. I will be dreading the Quidditch game but I will know that he loves me. I said good night to Draco and before I could walk into my room, he hugged me and planted a kiss on my fore head.
"Ginny, thank you. That was wonderful." Then, he went into his room. I fell asleep that night replaying his kisses over and over again in my mind. He loves me! A Slytherin loves a Gryffindor. Draco loves me. It was truly a dream come true.
* * * * * * * *
I woke up groggily. I was tired. Then, it suddenly all came back and I remembered what had happened last night. It was wonderful. I finally had Ginny. She was mine. And to think, I almost let her go; let her get away. I shook my head. Had Potter had his head too far up his ass to see Ginny? What a fool. Well, I don't have to worry about that anymore. Winning Ginny is like winning a thousand Quidditch matches and beating Harry again and again. No, Ginny is truly priceless. All I have to worry about is the Quidditch match. I got up out of bed and got dressed. I had to make just a few minor adjustments before the game.
I slowly walked into the Great Hall. Ginny had not arrived yet but Crabbe and Goyle were already stuffing their faces. I shook my head. They never stopped. Then, I saw Harry. He was sitting by his self at the Gryffindor table. He looked up and narrowed his eyes at me. I looked around. Other than Crabbe and Goyle no one was in the Hall. Too fast for Potter to realize what was happening I had him by the collar up against the wall. "Don't you dare touch Ginny again! Got it?" He looked at me wide eyed. I shook him. "I said got it?" I said fiercely. My voice was vicious. My eyes were cold, dark, and unforgiving. Harry shook his head and I dropped him to the floor. I watched him slide to the cold, hard stone.
As I was walking away I heard his faint voice say, "Why? Why you?"
I turned around. I said clearly and truly, "Because I saw her when you didn't. I walked and laughed with her when you wouldn't. I saved her when you couldn't." Then I turned hastily and marched over to the Slytherin table. I didn't worry about him saying anything because he would be too shocked and embarrassed to even think about loosing anything to a Slytherin, let alone Ginny's heart.
The Hall was crowding when I spotted Ginny. She yawned and sat down beside me. "Good morning, my sleeping beauty." She smiled and grabbed my hand under the table. "Good luck today, Ginny."
"You too, Draco!" I looked around the Slytherin table. Everyone looked down at the table, as if some ancient writing started to come through. They were all ashamed and I didn't care. They could believe whatever they wanted. It is time they started to think for themselves instead of having someone think for them. Just because you are sorted into Slytherin doesn't mean that you have to be bad. You be whatever it is that you are, and you are whatever you want to be. I think that everyone needs to start thinking for themselves. I felt someone's eyes on me. I looked up from my breakfast to see Pansy glaring at me. I smirked at her. She was going to hate this! Wonderful. I love making her mad. I said good- bye to Ginny. The game was in half an hour so I had to make my way to the pitch and change into my Quidditch uniform.
Soon, the stands were filled up and Madam Hooch blew her whistle. The game had begun.
* * * * * * * * *
I kicked off the ground at the sound of Madam Hooch's shrill whistle. The wind blew my hair around and I felt free again. It was wonderful. Just before I could really get serious, Harry came up in front of me. I narrowed my eyes. "Ginny, I just wanted to say…"
"Say what?! That you're sorry? Because your not, I can tell! You always have to be the best don't you? Get everything you want! Well, you will never get me!" I said outraged and rushed off into the other direction. I flew high, up into the clouds. Then, suddenly, I couldn't move. My broom was being held. I turned and saw an angry Pansy glaring at me.
"Well, well, well. I warned you Weasley. I told you to leave him alone, but you wouldn't listen. Now, there is no one here to save you. Let me tell you that you don't deserve Draco. I do. He is mine! He loves me!" I stared at her. Then, I got angry as her words hit me square in the heart.
"You don't even know him! He loves me! He is in love with ME!" She laughed cruelly.
"How very confused you are, little Weasel," she looked at the charm bracelet that Draco had given me, "in fact, I don't think you need this anymore." She yanked the bracelet off, tearing a link right in half. Then, she threw it. I didn't see it because she put her hand on my arm blocking my vision. "Sorry Weasley, but it's either you or me… and I think it's you." Then, she pushed me roughly and before I could register what she was doing, I was off my broom, falling to the hard, merciless ground. I screamed. Tears were in my eyes. I am going to die. I can't. Just when I thought I would hit the rigid bottom, I landed in someone's arms.
* * * * * * * * *
The whistle blew and I saw Ginny race up toward the sky. Pansy followed her. This was going to be bad. I followed Ginny, but then I saw her and Potter talking… more like yelling. Then, she flew off and I saw pitiful Potter looking at her retreating back. Then, quickly, his head flicked to the right. I knew he saw the snitch. He dived, and so did I. But, instead of gold, I saw silver. I immediately realized it was Ginny's bracelet. I caught it in my hand. I pulled out of the dive. Potter could win, Ginny was in trouble. Suddenly, I heard her scream. I shoved the bracelet in my pocket and I dived, this time for Ginny.
She was falling at a rapid pace quicker than a Snitch. I leaned my whole body forward. I was gaining on her. Then, like a miracle I was able to get under her. She landed right in my arms. Her face was pale with lines of tears. She clung to me and she was shaking. Her face was leaning against my chest. "Oh, Draco. I was so scared."
"Shh, Ginny it's ok. I got you!" I rocked her back and forth, trying to calm her down. I gently landed on the ground with Ginny still in my arms. Abruptly, Dumbledore appeared at my side. He conjured up a stretcher for Ginny. As the stretcher lifted up off the ground, I took Ginny's hand in mine. I didn't care that the whole school was watching. Ginny came first.
I was walking silently next to Dumbledore as we made our way to the hospital wing. I lifted the unmoving Ginny off the stretcher and onto the bed. I took her hand in mine, gently rubbing her knuckles with my thumb. She seemed to have passed out between the landing and the journey to the hospital wing.
Dumbledore finally spoke, "Ah, Mr. Malfoy. Once again you have shocked me. You gave up winning to save Miss Weasley and I, as I am sure she too, am entirely grateful." I kept staring at Ginny not taking my eyes off her.
"I love her. Nothing else matters." Dumbledore smiled, a twinkle in his wise eyes.
"Draco." I turned around to face him. "I want you to know that I have complete trust in you." I knew this wasn't about Ginny anymore. It was about the whole Death Eater situation. I finally came to a conclusion. I would not become a Death Eater. Ginny was so much more important.
"I will not let you down, Professor."
"Good man." He patted me on the back.
"But, I will need your help in getting me away from my father."
Dumbledore shook his head knowingly, "All in good time." Just then, Madam Pomfrey came in. "Alright I need to tend to Ginny. Everybody out!" She eyed me holding Ginny's hand and I swear, I thought I saw a smile. "Well, you can come back later and stay as long as you like." Then, she turned her back an unspoken dismissal and I exited with Dumbledore.
"Now, I just need to ask you a few questions." I was sitting in Dumbledore's office. It was very comfortable and had an easy atmosphere, nothing like my fathers at home. The furniture here looked welcoming, but in my fathers office they looked cold and sinister. I shivered at the thought. Dumbledore interrupted my brain waves. "Okay, do you know who pushed Ginny?" I snorted. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow.
"Of course. It was Pansy Parkinson." Then I launched into the whole story. I told him everything that Pansy had said and did on Christmas Break, all the details crisp in my mind. When I was finished Dumbledore nodded and said, very distractedly, "Thank you, Mr. Malfoy."
"Anytime." I shook his hand and left to go back to the Hospital Wing.
When I reached the door Madam Pomfrey was nowhere in site. So, I went to Ginny's bed. Her eyes ere still closed. I brushed her hair out of hr face and kissed her forehead. I might as well sleep here. I won't get much sleep if I go back to the common room. So, I sat in a chair across from Ginny's bed. "Goodnight, Ginny. Sleep well."
* * * * * * * * *
I woke up tiredly. Then, yesterday's events came rushing back and I opened my eyes wide. Where was I? I looked to the right and saw Madam Promfrey's office. I was in the hospital wing. I sat back down on my bed and relaxed. Then, I saw Draco sitting across from me. He was all stretched out and the chair looked way too small for him. His arms were crossed over his chest and his head was resting on one shoulder. The whole scene was so comical that I burst out laughing. This caused Draco to jump out of his sleep and fall flat on the floor. "What, who… GINNY!" My laughing didn't stop. In fact it only worsened.
"I…I am… (burst of laughter) sorry it's just (more laughter) you looked so… so (harder laughter) FUNNY!" He looked at me, a sly glint in his eyes. He stuck out his lower lip.
"Are you laughing at me? Ohh," he put his hand to his forehead dramatically, "you have hurt my feelings! I spend all night here in the hospital wing, worrying about you and all you do is laugh? That's it Virginia, that's the last time I worry about you. Here I am, worried sick, and I don't even get a thank you? It's not my fault that the chair is too small. All I was thinking about was you and if you thin…"
"You sound like Ron, you big baby." I interrupted. He stopped immediately.
"Oh, come now Virginia, I was only joking."
"Sure."
"I was!" He looked at me pleadingly. I had to give in.
"Oh all right! I believe you! Although… I have to admit, that was the spitting image of Ron."
"Please, Ginny! I will not be compared to him." I looked at him. He looked back at me determined.
"Fine. Forget I even said a thing! But, you didn't even ask me how I was feeling!" I pretended to wipe a tear away.
"Well, you didn't even give me a chance! Remember, you started telling me how much I reminded you of Weas… forget it. Lets start over." He walked over to my bed and took my hand in his. "Ginny," he said softly, "How are you feeing?" His eyes were soft and concerned.
"Much better! And thank you for catching me." I said cheerfully. I smiled at him and he smiled back. All of his white teeth showed.
"I am glad. That was quite a fall. You are lucky you have me. Potter didn't even take his eyes off the snitch! Just kept on going like he didn't even care!"
I looked him straight in the eyes, "And that is why I love you and not him." I poked him in the chest. "I am so lucky to have you."
"No, Gin, I am lucky to have you." And with that he kissed me.
Unknowingly to them, Madam Pomfrey had witness the whole scene and was smiling like a maniac. A Weasley and a Malfoy. Who would have thought?
I watched Draco reluctantly walk out of the hospital wing. He said that he had to go to classes but he would rather stay here, due to the fact that that was what Madam Pomfrey told him. But, before he left Draco told me that he would be back to visit me at lunch.
I sighed. I am so happy that I am alive. You never know how much life means until it is almost stolen from you, and you'll do anything to get it back.
* * * * * * * * *
So what did ya'all think? I know what you guys are thinking! Another scene where Draco catches Ginny! How unoriginal! And I totally agree! But, have you ever heard of a Ginny/Pansy fight up in the air on a broomstick? Maybe you have, but I haven't and I thought that, that would be pretty cool. A special thanks to my beta! She's the best! And I know she would love you forever if you read and reviewed one of her stories!
***IF U LIKED IT, JUST GIVE ME YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IN THE REVIEW AND I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN THE NEXT CHAPTER IS UP!! IF YOU ALREADY GAVE IT TO ME DON'T GIVE IT TO ME AGAIN... THANKS***
And, here are all you great people who reviewed! You guys are the greatest!
I am sorry but since it took me a long time to get out the last chapter I wanted to get this one out ever fast so I won't be doing individual thanks, but here are all the wonderful people.
Weasley Pride, elen, Azalai, Dragon Faerie, Kelsey McCartney, TheDarkMistress, merky, Faith McKay, A devilish Angel, Dragon Mage, Cait, Radcliffe, Gaberial's Angel, Tigerz, Angel, sarah, Moira-Angela Darling, Cactuskitty, Evil*Fairy, trisha, a reviewer with no name, dragonlover9, DrFoxyMoron, and last but not least, Riverchic1998! Yay! Ok thanks everybody!
