I am sooooooooooo sorry to everyone that read this story and couldn't wait for me to update. I really let you guys down. I have just been so busy with my life right now that I could not find time to update this story. I am going to though and I am proud to say that I did. I am deeply sorry because I get disappointed too when the stories I really like never get updated. It has almost been a year! So to get this thing out even quicker, I am not having this beta read, so please excuse all the mistakes and don't kill me!! Now on with the story!!! Disclaimer: I don't own any of the J.K Rowling's characters. Only mine.

Anything for Love

I left the Hospital Wing the day before the dance. I was getting scared that Draco wasn't going to ask me. Yet, I have no idea why. We are already a couple, so why wouldn't he ask me to go to the Ball with him? I guess I am just a little nervous. Draco can be really strange and complex sometimes. I should just stop worrying.
The day went on and the classes seemed to drag on and on. The day seemed to last way too long. Each hour seemed to be a year in which I aged and aged, my youth being sucked out of me. Finally I found myself sitting in my last class, the sweet sound of the bell filtering into my ears. I escaped into the hallway full of life. The only thing that kept me going was the thought of Draco asking me to the ball. Somehow I knew that he would ask me. It was just this feeling inside of me, kind of like an instinct, that just kept thumping out the words, 'He will ask you." All I could do was listen to the rhythm and hope. Oh, god, hope.
I entered the Slytherin Common Room and started talking with Katie for a while. Draco was not there. A few minutes later though, I felt his presence behind me. He rested his hands on my shoulders and whispered gently into my ears, "Can I talk to you?"
"Okay", I answered in a small voice. As I followed him out to the hallway, the constant thumping of my heart and my worries pounded together controlling my mind. It's a miracle that I made out still standing.
"I wanted to ask you something." I stared up at him in interest. This could be it.
"Yes, Draco, what is it?" Oh, this could very well be it.
"I wanted to know if you could help me with some of my homework." I cast my eyes down to the floor.
"Oh yeah, sure, Draco, sure", I said distractedly. I really thought he was going to ask me to the ball.
"Great!" He kissed me on the cheek. "Look, I have to go, see you in a bit."
"Yeah", I watched him leave, still not believing what I heard. If he didn't ask me now, he wasn't ever going to. Before he turned the corner though, he faced me. "Oh, and Ginny, you are going to the Ball with me, right?" He winked at me and smiled. "You didn't think that I wouldn't ask, did you?" "Oh, no, I knew---well, I'll go with you sure thing." I blushed a little I could feel it. Now all my worrying just felt completely ridiculous. He smiled one more time and turned the corner. I ran into the Common Room and straight to Katie. "Guess what?" She looked up from the book she was reading. "What?" "Draco is taking me to the Ball!! I am going with him!! Oh, could this day get any better?" "Well I was wondering when he would get around to doing. You guys are perfect for each other." She smiled at me. She was such a great friend. I don't think if could ever find any else like her, except for Jill of course. "Yeah, we are going to make everyone faint when we walk in together. I just hope that Ron doesn't throw a fit and make too big of a scene." "I doubt it. He never really showed any interest in who you dated before. And besides, as long as you are happy, what does it matter to him who the guy is. If he's any kind of brother, he'll notice that. All you have to worry about is Harry." I shook my head. He could be dangerous, I knew, but I didn't think that Harry would go bananas in front of everyone, including Dumbledore. Harry just had these time periods when he was so angry he could barely control himself. "If Harry tried anything, I would never speak to him again." Katie nodded. "Damn right!' We both laughed and my worries about everything faded. I could only enjoy this day for so long. In my room, we were getting ready for the ball. "So, who are you going with?" Katie looked up at me and I poked her, prodding for the unwilling information. She liked to very secretive sometimes. A little too secretive if you ask me. She needed to be a little bit more open. I knew she trusted me, but being in Slytherin, I don't think she is too used to sharing her feelings. "Okay, okay! I am going with...Dean!" "Oh .hot!" We both giggled. "When did this happen? Have I been too wrapped up in my own world to worry about my best gal pal? I am extremely sorry Katie." And I was. "It's alright, Gin, I understand what you were going through. I knew you would come back. So, we started dating as soon as Christmas break. Then a couple of days ago he asked me if I would go to the Ball with him. I said yes and here I am." "Okay, let me see your dress." I knew she had been dying to show it to me. I could see it in her eyes every time the word ball was used. She got up to go to her closet. She pulled out a beautiful, long, navy blue dress. It was sparkly and silky and the same time. It matched her crystal blue eyes wonderfully. She would look stunning. "Oh, Katie, it's beautiful!" "Isn't it? I have a necklace and bracelet to match!! And shoes, don't forget shoes!" I smiled. Wait. bracelet? I totally forgot about the charm bracelet that fell off on the day of the Quidditch match. What was Draco going to say when I wasn't wearing it? Oh, man. There's only one hour before he Ball! There's not time to look for it now. Too bad, it would have matched so nicely with my dress. I just have to tell him and hope he doesn't get too upset with me!

I was getting ready for the Ball. I just couldn't stop thinking about how nice the evening was going to be. I knew she would love what I bought her. I can't believe that after all that has happened to us, we still love each other. If you told me at the beginning of the school year that I would be head over heals for a Weasley, I would have laughed in your face. I guess I really have Dumbledore to thank for this. Him and his wacky plan I have Ginny to thank too.
You know I think that people are just so busy worrying about the giant cliff that lies ahead, that they don't see the small cracks that could just as easily destroy them. Ginny showed me this. She fixed my eyes so I saw all the details, not just the outlines. She fixed my heart so I could feel love instead of hate. She fixed me and I don't know how she did it. I don't know how she was able to melt my cold exterior. You know, I think after everyone denied her of truth, including myself, when she opened the Chamber of Secrets that she decided to never become one of those people. You know, the kind of people who believe in only what they see and not what they feel. I can't imagine what Ginny went through. She is such a strong human - being. When I look back on what I said and did to her when we were younger, I lose sleep over it, thinking that one day she'll decide that she doesn't want to be with me and I am not worth it after all. When I look into the mirror, I see someone who has a reason to live and be happy. I am no longer the person that I used to be. Well, it's time for the Ball. I am meeting Ginny at the bottom of the stairs. Sometimes I can't even believe that I was once so cold.

I walked around the last corner before I set eyes on Ginny. I almost stopped dead in my tracks. She looked like a goddess. She was wearing a black dress. It had no straps. It was silky and went all the way to the floor. It hugged her in all the right places and showed off a person whose looks matched her personality, both beautiful. She had on black gloves that stood out beautifully on her pale skin and reached all the way to her elbows. Then, I looked up at her face. Her hair was in an elegant bun. She had a few blood red curls framing her face, like a picture. She had a small snake clip in her hair. I knew she wore it for me. She was wearing small heart earrings. She didn't wear too much make-up which I loved. I hate girls that glob on the make-up. Her pretty green eyes were framed with black. She had on a light lip gloss. She looked amazing. I walked up to her. She smiled nervously. "Ginny, you look beautiful."
"Really?" I nodded. I saw her glance at her wrist and rub it apprehensively. She must have realized that she didn't have her charm bracelet anymore. At least, that's what she thought.

He looked handsome as always. He wore black robes that were outlined in forest green. His hair was wild and gel-free, a look that would make any girl melt into a puddle on the floor. He looked so happy. I never knew someone like him could manage a smile like that. It showed all his white teeth. He told me I was beautiful! He searched my face with his mysterious eyes, a gleaming silver tonight. I had to tell him. "Draco I-" He put a finger to my lips.
"Shh, wait. I have something for you." He reached into his pocket and took out a black velvet box. My breath caught in my throat. He opened the box and I let out a cry of happiness. In the box lay my charm bracelet. "I believe this belongs to you." He took it out of the box and put it gently around my gloved wrist. I was so happy. I looked up into his glinting eyes.
"Oh, Draco, where did you find it?" He gave me a sly smile.
"It just happened to. drop into my hands one day." I smiled and captured his lips with mine. He pulled away. "Wait, I have something else."
"Draco, this is enough!"
"No, no, I was just returning a lost item to its owner." He pulled out a white box this time. He slowly opened it, his long pale fingers perfect in every way.
"Oh, Draco, it's beautiful!" It was a small silver heart. Inside was a diamond like stone. Or at least that's what it looked like. I then noticed that it was another charm. I turned it in my hand and on the back in small script was a D&G intertwined.
"Now we can be together forever. And that stone, it's one of the crystals from the cave you took me to." I almost cried.
"Draco Malfoy! You're going to make me screw up my make-up!" I pulled him into a fast kiss, but all my love was still in it. "Let's go, Draco, we are already ten minutes late!" He grabbed my hand and we walked down the stairs to a room I have never seen before.
It seemed to be made out of complete marble. It was truly elegant. There were giant windows reaching from the floor to the ceiling. Each was hung with either red, green, blue, or yellow curtains. There seemed to be a hundred tables lined up with every kind of food imaginable. There was a giant dance floor, surrounded by at least a hundred more small round tables for couples to sit at.
The light source for the room was a giant floating haze, like a setting sky, now and then emitting sparks of different colors. The whole room was just magnificent, with fairies flying around, bubbles floating gently around the students, and balloons of every shape imaginable. As soon as I stepped into the dwelling, only one foot in, I felt as if this would be a special night indeed.

I am so relieved the Ginny liked what I bought her. It means a lot to me. This Ball was supposed to be good. Only fifth years and up would be attending. We walked down the stairs to a marble landing which lead into the lighted Ball room. I could hear the music playing loudly.
We met Dumbledore at the entrance. He smiled and his eyes twinkled. I think he was very happy to see us together.
"Miss Weasley, Mr. Malfoy, so nice to see you both. together." He smiled. We stood in a small line behind some fifth years. Everyone was to be announced upon entering the room, just like in the high class of the England society. I took her hand as we started to make our journey down the stairs. I heard Dumbledore's loud voice behind us say, "Miss Ginny Weasley and Mr. Draco Malfoy." It seemed like everyone just stopped what they were doing. All the eyes were on us, staring in wonder and amazement. Ginny stood frozen on the second step. I gave her hand a light squeeze. She looked up at me and smiled. She took a deep breath and we continued our journey. Just three more steps. I looked out at the crowd. Ron who was at the very front, looked like he could kill and elephant and his face was as red as lava. The steps seemed to take hours to descend. Finally, we hit the glorious white marble.
I turned to Ginny, "Care to dance?"
She smiled. "Nothing would please me more." We both laughed. The music had become slow. We made our way to the center of the dance floor. She put her arms tightly around my neck. I put my hands around her waist, pulling her closer to me. Bubbles gently graced her face, making her giggle softly. She was the most stunning girl I have ever met in my life. Everyone was still staring at us. Then, Dean and Katie came onto the dance floor. Then, Jillian and Seamus also walked onto the floor. Soon, everyone was dancing and having a good time once again. Well, almost everyone.

I smiled. Once again Jillian and Katie saved me. They are so wonderful. I never want this dance to end because I know if it does, I'll have to face my brother and everyone else he's convinced into pulling me down. I held tight to Draco, and he seemed to know what I was worried about. He bent down low in my ear and whispered, "Don't worry about Ron." His breath on my ear sent chills cascading down my back. He still managed to take complete control of me. I hate that, but at the same time I love it. The song ended and all my worries were confronted. There, right behind Draco, stood the Dream Team, here to rescue poor, helpless Ginny. Well, I already have my hero and it's not Harry, no he is standing right next to me, where he belongs.

I broke apart from Draco, but I still held his hand in mine. Ron looked pretty calm for the situation we were in. "Ginny could you please explain this-this", he gestured wildly to Draco and myself.
"Ron, I am in love with Draco." His eyes went wide.
"Why Ginny? We," he pointed to Harry, Hermione, and himself,"have always shown you kindness. How could you turn so low? You betrayed me Ginny. I feel---"
"I betrayed you? I betrayed you? Listen Ron, you and your friends have showed me kindness, but that's about it. How would you feel waking up every day knowing that your presence and ideas..and, and feelings will never be acknowledged, never know? Knowing I'd never fit in. Knowing the secrets were just out of my reach. Ron, how could you say that?! You betrayed me. Blood is thicker than water, but I guess for you, water was. I was always second to your friends. So, I got my own. I am just so tired of pretending that my whole life is yours. I am tired of sacrificing my life, my thoughts, my actions, for you, someone who doesn't even appreciate it because he is too wrapped up in his own little perfect world to notice me, to notice that my life isn't quite so perfect. Then, I was sent to Slytherin. I am so happy with Draco! Can't you see that? Can't you just allow me this one happiness? You always took away my happiness without even realizing it! Could you just please give me this one back? You are my brother and even though I don't like you that much right now, I love you. I know you can't take away the past, but can you just change the future? For the rest of my life if you do nothing else, this would make up for everything. But, you have to decide right now, this moment, because you just can't put me through any more waiting, hoping, wishing, no more of any of it." He was silent for a moment thinking over all I had said in such a small amount of time. It seemed that all of this was very new to him. It seemed that I just woke him up from what ever dream world he was in. It seemed he didn't know what to do first. So, I think he did the thing that would mean the most to me at the time. He reached out his hand to Draco, and shook it. I was mad at him, but I smiled anyway. This was a very good start. For the first time in a very long time, the hole in my soul seemed to seal, just for a moment, and I felt completely full. He was finally paying me the attention that I deserved. And I know I deserved it.

"If you hurt her, I swear I will hunt you down and kill you myself." Then, he left to dance with Hermione, who looked quite startled, and looked like she didn't know whether to cry or laugh. Harry was still standing in from of me.
"Congratulations," he barely got out. He seemed angry beyond belief. Worse than Ron. He turned to Draco and said, "This isn't over. It's only the beginning." Then he turned and disappeared into the crowd. I couldn't help but think, oh, it's over alright!
I guess this night didn't go so bad, it could have been worse. I danced with Draco for the rest of the night with no interruptions. It was really a magical night. It seemed that everything was little brighter, a little more thrilling. Far from ordinary though. I don't think my life will be very ordinary again. As long, as I am with Draco, I guess it doesn't matter what my life will be like. When I looked up at the enchanted ceiling, I thought of how good it felt to tell Ron. I don't think I could have lived much longer with all that bottled up inside of me. But he is my brother and nothing could ever change that. I don't want him to change into someone else, I just want him to finally live up the brother I know he can be. The caring person I knew as a little girl is still in him, I know it. It's just a little.preoccupied. It's just going to take a little time.
I know there will be many people tomorrow who will turn their backs on me and that's fine. As long as those closest to me stay close. Because I want to please everyone, and make everyone happy, but I have to make sure I am happy first. We all have regrets and I just don't want to regret not doing something for myself because others wouldn't like it. My life is only for me. Only I can control my own destiny, even if I can't control the world in which my destiny lives. Right now, and I am sure for the rest of my life, my destiny has Draco Malfoy written all over it.

Well, that's it. That's the end of the story. I know I may have left a couple of things unfinished in it, but I just had to finish it this way. Depending on what all of you have to say about it, I might just write a short epilogue, into the future a couple of years. I do have to stress that it might be short, if you want me to get it up within a couple of days. All depends on you readers though. Now, I am ending this here because I am in the middle of writing a couple of new stories that haven't been posted yet. If you're interested in me emailing you when they happen to come out, just let me know. Thanks to everyone for making this a most memorable and fun first experience. All of you have helped me improve and continue my writing. It's been a fantastic journey I am sorry to leave. Cookies to everyone, Redbug.this is not the last you will see of me!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter. A lot of what you guys said inspired me to get cracking on this and finish it once and for all, so not to leave my lovely readers in awful suspense. I appreciate everything!