Hey everyone. Here's the next chapter of my story. If you're just going to flame my story, please don't review, because when you flame something you look like a moron. =(
Anyway, this story deals with some religious talk. If you don't believe in God, or are offended by God, DON'T read this. *rolls eyes and thinks another reason to be flamed*
Here's a review I wanted to talk about:
Monika, Thank God you've never been abused. It's a horrible thing. I'm glad you think my story teaches a lot. It makes me feel like I've done something right. Don't worry, Ginny will get through it. She's stronger than she looks. I had a great vacation. How was yours? Hope it was fun for ya.
Hehe, I can't tell you if Draco likes her. You have to read and find out what they do. You'll get answers in this chapter, though. I know, the people who flame me, or anyone, are idiots. Honestly, it's like can't you state your opinion in a civil way? It's funny; all flames start with this is not a flame. LOL I'm glad to see you agree. I'm also glad you're enjoying my story. At this point, I think maybe you're the only one who likes my story. I love ya!!! hehe Honestly, though, it's good to get a nice review. Thank you for reviewing, you saved me from the flames!
Learning To Cope
Chapter 6
Draco had tried to talk to Ginny almost every day of the three months that had pasted, but every time he had tried to get close to her it seemed as if one of her friends popped up next to her. Ron would just glare at him and ask Ginny if he was causing her any problems. Hermione would come over and pretend he wasn't there and ask Ginny if she wanted to do homework with her. Harry would just make a rude comment about the room starting to smell or something and lead Ginny out.
It seemed as if Ginny had been spending all of her time that wasn't in class with Harry. They could often be seen walking down the halls together hand in hand while Harry carried her books with a goofy grin on his face. Ginny tried not to think too much of it, though. She knew Harry was just being nice because of what happened to her.
There were only two weeks left before Christmas break and a trip to Hogsmeade had been planned for the upcoming weekend. It would be the last trip to Hogsmeade before Christmas. Almost everyone was going on that trip to get their gifts for loved ones and friends.
For the past week, Ginny had been feeling under the weather. Madam Pomfrey said it was just some side effects of the medication and she would be fine soon. Harry thought the trip to Hogsmeade would make Ginny feel better.
On the Friday before the trip, Harry and Ginny were in the common room sitting together. He was holding her hand gingerly. She felt so cold and looked so pale. Because she looked so pale, her freckles stood out more than usually. "You feeling any better, Gin?" Harry asked knowing the answer.
"No, but thank you for asking," Ginny said.
"Are you going to Hogsmeade tomorrow?" Harry asked hopefully.
"No, I don't think so. I talked to Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore before breakfast and they both agreed I should stay here," Ginny said.
"Oh," Harry said sadly.
"Harry, don't worry about me. I bet you're tired of playing nursemaid to me. Always carrying my books, holding my hand, giving me snacks, and all that other nice stuff you've been doing for me. I do appreciate it, but I don't want you fussing over me. I know you're just doing it to be nice. You need to think of yourself for once. Stop trying to be everyone's hero," Ginny said wishing he had the feelings she had for him.
Harry looked at her sadly. He had liked her for a long time. The only reason he never tried anything was he didn't want to ruin his friendship with Ron. He couldn't believe Ginny didn't know he really cared for her.
"Well, what if I told you I wasn't just being nice? What if I told you I really cared about you and you were special to me? What would you say then?" Harry asked.
A smile graced Ginny's face and she said, "Then, I'd say you're really special to me and I really care about you, and I'm glad you feel the same about me."
Harry smiled at her warmly. He wanted to lean down and kiss her badly, but he knew in his heart she wasn't ready for that type of affection, yet. He just leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Ginny Weasley, I love you."
Ginny began to blush and cry. She hugged him tightly and said, "Oh, Harry. I love you, too."
Harry hugged her back tightly and said, "I was afraid you didn't feel the same way I did about you."
Ginny pulled away from the hug and said, "How could you not know?"
"Well, the way you were acting and what you just said. I thought you didn't want me around," Harry said.
"I'm so stupid. I almost pushed you away. I only said those things because I truly thought you were just trying to be a hero and do the right thing. Just to make me feel better. I didn't know you really felt that way," Ginny said.
Harry smiled and took her hand. "Well, now we knew the truth," he said.
Ginny smiled and yawned. "I'm feeling tired," she said drowsily.
"Want me to walk you to your room?" Harry asked.
Ginny nodded. Harry got up and helped Ginny up. Hand in hand, they went down to the fifth year's girl dormitory. She pulled down the covers and got into the bed. Harry tucked her and kissed her forehead. "Good night, Ginny," he said smiling.
"Good night, Harry. I love you," Ginny replied.
"I love you, too. Sweet dreams," he said.
She closed her eyes and began to drift off into sleep. Harry smiled and left the room.
The next morning, Ginny was awoken by a tapping sound. She looked around her room and everyone was gone. "There all at the Hogsmeade trip," she thought. The tapping grew louder and Ginny looked over at her window. An eagle owl was tapping at it furiously. She opened her window and the owl flow in.
"Hello there," Ginny said to the owl.
It hooted back indignantly and it showed her his leg, which had a letter tied to it. Ginny reached over and untied the letter. The owl hooted again. "You want something, don't you?" Ginny asked.
The owl gave another hoot. As if to say, "Yes, I do."
Ginny looked over to her nightstand. There lay the breakfast Harry put there every weekend morning. Allowing her and the baby to sleep in. She smiled at the thought of Harry and picked up a half slice of toast. She gave it to the owl. He hooted in delight and ate it. Ginny gently patted him on the head before he took off and left the room.
She unfurled the letter that was in her hand. The piece of parchment read:
Dear Ginny,
Word travels fast. I heard you will not be attending the trip to Hogsmeade today. Neither will I. I've been trying to talk to you for the past three months, but your friends will not allow me to. I feel this is my only chance to speak with you. I know I have wronged you, and I am sorry. I want to make amends in person. Please meet me outside by the fountain today at noon. I'll understand if you don't show up.
Hoping You'll Forgive Me,
Draco Malfoy
Ginny gasped as she read the signature. How could he expect her to meet him without anyone else around after what he did to her? Was he crazy? How could she ever forgive him after what he did to her? Could anyone ever be forgiven for raping another person?
Ginny remember the first time anyone had really hurt her. It couldn't compare to being raped, but it did hurt her. When Ginny was four years old, she wanted nothing more than a doll. Any doll would do, but her parents couldn't afford it. All she got to play with was her brother's old toys. One day, her father came home with a large gift wrapped in shiny purple paper. He gave it to Ginny and the whole family gathered around to watch her open it. Removing the paper showed a box with a doll inside. The doll was beautiful. She had red hair and brown eyes like Ginny. Ginny was in love with it. After she took it out of the box, she never put it down. The doll did everything with her. It even took a bath with her.
Ginny was in bliss with her new doll, until one day. Fred asked if he could play with her doll. Reluctantly, Ginny gave him the doll. To her horror, he ripped the doll's head off. Ginny started crying and couldn't stop. Of course, Fred was scolded, but Ginny didn't care. She was mad at him and vowed never to forgive him.
A week had passed and Ginny still hadn't talked to Fred. Her mother was concerned and told her something she would never forget. Mrs. Weasley told Ginny that Fred was a sheep. Gone a stray. That God forgives those who want to be forgiven, and so should she. Also, that it wasn't worth being mad over. That we should all have forgiveness in our hearts.
Sitting in bed looking at the letter, Ginny thought of the words her mother had told her so long ago. Was Draco a sheep gone a stray, too? Was he truly looking for forgiveness? Should she forgive him and move on?
A small sigh come from her mouth as she folded the letter in half and put it aside on top of her nightstand. She decided she would make her decision on a full stomach. Ginny reached one and began to eat the breakfast Harry had left for her.
After showering and getting dresses, Ginny had decided that she was unsure as to whether or not she would forgive Draco, but she had decided she would hear him out. Everyone deserves to be heard out, right?
As Ginny brushed her wet hair, she looked at the clock on her nightstand. It was 11:30. "Might as well get going now," Ginny thought. She started to walk out of her room. She felt very nervous. She was sure her breakfast was to come up again, but she kept walking, until she reached the grounds where the fountain stood.
Standing in front of the fountain was Draco. "I'm glad you decided to come," he said. He sounded different. Usually, his voice had this evil drawl to it, but now it was softer calmer.
Ginny just looked over at him. Unsure of what to do or say. So many thoughts were running through her head. Most of which were telling her to turn around and leave.
"Aren't you going to come closer?" Draco asked softly. Ginny was standing about three feet away from him.
"No," was all Ginny said firmly. "Why couldn't I have said no to him before? Why did I just find my voice now?" Ginny though and began to cry.
Draco looked over at her and felt bad. He walked over to her and said, "Ginny, don't cry. Don't cry."
Ginny looked up at him. Her brown eyes were red from crying. "How can you tell me not to cry? Huh? After what you did to me, I haven't enough tears to justify it," she said.
"I'm sorry, Ginny. I'm really sorry. I was drunk. I didn't mean to do. I am sorry," Draco said.
"Why did you do it? How could you? How could you tell me I deserved it?" Ginny asked hysterically.
"I was drunk. I know that doesn't justify it, but that's why I did it. Before I raped you, every night I'd get drunk and fuck the nearest girl. Before you, they were all willing. It made me feel loved, but you showed me I was wrong. That I was just wasting my life. Then, you told me I gave you HIV. I didn't even know I had it before then. I went to Dumbledore to get tested, and I don't have HIV. I have AIDS. Now, I'm going for treatments," Draco said.
Ginny looked over at him and said, "Why exactly should I forgive you?"
"Because I am truly sorry for what I did. I know I can never make it up to you, but I will try if you let me. You showed me the errors of my way, Ginny. If it weren't for you, I would have died a month ago without treatments. Ginny, I love you. I've always had feelings for you. That's partly why I did what I did," Draco said.
Ginny thought for a moment before saying, "I understand why you raped me. It doesn't make it any better or justify it, but I understand. Because of the person I am, and the faith I have in God, I will forgive you. I still think you're a horrible person, though and don't return those feelings for you."
"I didn't expect you to return my feelings," Draco said honestly.
"There's something I have to tell you," Ginny said.
"What?" Draco asked.
"I'm pregnant," Ginny said.
"Is it mine?" Draco asked.
"Biologically, yes, but you have no right to it. And if you love me like you say you do, you'll leave me and baby alone. You won't tell anyone it's yours," Ginny said.
Draco looked at her for a moment. As if considering what she had just said. "I understand. I'll respect your wishes, but I want you to know I would like to be apart of the baby's life."
"No, not now. I don't think you should be in my child's life. Maybe my opinion will change, but for now, I want you to stay out of my child's life," Ginny said.
Draco nodded and said, "Alright, I understand. Just think about letting me in the baby's life, ok?"
"I will," Ginny said.
Draco kissed her gently on the cheek and walked away. Ginny sat down on the fountain and said aloud, "Do I want Draco Malfoy in my baby's life?
Harry was looking admiring at a case full of rings. "What do you think of them, Ron?" he asked looking to his side.
"Ummm… Harry, I think those are girl's rings," Ron said looking at the case.
"I know that. I want to buy one for Ginny. Which one do you like?" Harry asked.
"Why are you buying a ring for Ginny?" Ron asked.
Harry looked at Ron and said, "Ron, I love Ginny and I want to marry her. I'm going to propose on Christmas."
"Are you sure, Harry? I mean you and Ginny would be great together, but you're both so young," Ron said.
"I know and I don't care. I love her. She's the love of my life. I love her and the baby and I want to be the baby's daddy," Harry said.
"Are you sure you want to take care of the baby?" Ron asked shocked.
"I'm positive," Harry said grinning.
Ron looked at him in disbelief and said, "If Hermione was pregnant by someone else, she'd never see me again."
"It's not like she choose to be, Ron. You know that, " Harry scolded.
"I know," Ron said feeling bad.
"Anyway, which ring do you like?" Harry asked.
"I like the ruby one," Ron said point to a ring that had a huge ruby in the middle and a bunch of small diamonds around it. (To see what it looked like click the link.)
"That's a nice one, but I like this one," Harry said pointing to a ring that had an emerald in the middle and two diamonds on the both sides of it. (To see what it looked like click here )
"Yes, that is nice," Ron commented.
"How much is that one?" Harry asked the clerk.
"800 galleons," he replied.
Harry took out his money and Ron said, "You're crazy."
"Yes, crazy in love," Harry said.
