DISCLAIMER: All of the characters and places here are owned and copyrighted by JK Rowling.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
The idea of Dr. Thomas Riddle is not my own. I actually borrowed it, with her permission, from MochaButterfly's fic All You Need Is Love... which I am so deeply grateful for! Please do read all her fics... she is truly one of the BEST!
I also would like to thank all my beta-readers: Pat & reiko for helping me with some of the scenes (you guys are my guardian angels! thanks so much!!!), Animagus_Steph & Fred for patiently fixing my grammars (you two are the BEST at what you do! thanks!!!), and Clairvoyant_Snake, Nida Amhed & Rosandra May for making sure that it was a fun-filled read (your opinions are so precious to me!) I LOVE ALL OF YOU SO VERY MUCH!!! ::gives warm hugs & kisses to everybody!!!::
Before i go, I forgot to clarify that this is a purely Muggle AU fic... meaning, they're all Muggles and yes, Draco and Ginny don't know each other before their 1st meeting at the library. Anyhow, I hope this fact doesn't discourage you guys from reading my story... i do promise to make it as good as possible! ;p
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Chapter Two
"Draco, my boy! Why so gloomy?" Adrian Pucey asked, sitting next to him on the parlor. "The beer can't be that bad?" he asked, more like shouted, amid the loud music booming from the enormous speakers idly situated in the four corners of the posh fraternity house. He momentarily looked away from him as his green eyes followed two skimpily clad college tarts walking past them. He turned to Draco and grinned.
"Hmm, smell that Draco?" he asked while sniffing lightly. "It's the smell of freedom, gentle perfume, women," he stopped and grinned at him evilly, "sex," he concluded, chuckling.
Draco smirked. "I'm sure," he said with mild sarcasm, his metal gray eyes riveting towards the two women who caught Adrian's eyes. Surmising them to be 'too blonde' and 'too brunette' for his taste, he turned to Adrian's inquiring gaze.
"No, the beer's fine. It's my day that isn't." He started swinging his bottle between his fingers. Instead of going home after school and finish off his thesis proposal, he decided to drop by one of the frat houses situated near Durmstrang. He needed a distraction.
A distraction from her.
"Cheer up, lad! We're not here to mope," the other man said, shaking his head and patting him on the back. "We're here to PARTY!" he shouted, much to the delight of the throng. He then stood up and started 'freak' dancing, sandwiched in between a pair of blondes who couldn't even stop giggling. Adrian caught his eye and pointed at the brunette woman who was eyeing him quite suggestively. When he gave him a thumbs-up sign, Draco shook his head, simply lit a smoke, drew hard and stared at the crowd. He was in no mood to party. Still, yesterday's events seemed to haunt him relentlessly.
Why can't I get her out of my mind! Draco hissed to himself, taking another swig at his beer. Rubbing his still-sore cheek, he couldn't help at admire the young girl's spunk.
WHAT THE HELL'S WRONG WITH YOU??? First you banged my legs, stepped on my-
I told you to stay away from me.
Draco, nevertheless found himself smiling. He took another drag, filling his lungs with the delicious smoke. The little redhead was definitely something worth 'exploring' for. Wonder how tough she could be in bed, he thought, blowing a cloud of smoke in front of him, momentarily blurring his face from everybody else.
Dismissing such thoughts, he looked at his watch and sighed. He took one last pull and smoothly threw the finished fag on the already dirty floor, his right foot thumping on it automatically. He knew that the night was young and there were still over a dozen cases of beer to be finished but like the 'great' student he was, he still needed to finish off his proposal. He was about to stand up when a sensuous drawl seemed to have caught him off track.
"Going somewhere, Draco?"
Draco turned from his seat only to find a beautiful brunette standing before him. He eyed her from head to foot and judging from her black slinky dress, he quickly decided that she was absolutely stunning. He smirked as she bent down a little to give him a small glimpse of her generous bosom, her fingers started caressing his arm. Upon seeing the small butterfly tattoo on the upper right side of her breast, he let out a wanton smile.
"Blaise, Blaise, Blaise. What did I do to deserve your utmost attention?"
Taking that as a willing invitation, Blaise Zabini smiled and sat close beside him. Then out of the blue, she began stroking his chest. Draco raised one eyebrow, his expression still harboring feelings of boredom mixed with subtle interest.
"Not much," she replied in that soft purring voice of hers. Then she let her fingers undo the first two buttons of his shirt, Draco not stopping her. "You seemed to be bored. Is there something wrong?" she asked while her expert fingers began creeping up and down against the smooth skin of his lean chest.
Draco found himself licking his lips, his eyes settling from her eyes to her chest. "Nothing's wrong. I'm just a tad bit knackered," he stressed, his sense of vision not leaving her supple breasts. He took on a deep breath upon feeling her hands slowly dipping sensuously down his body.
When Blaise felt the rising heat from his voice, she let out a soft but coquettish laugh. She quickly took her hand out, much to Draco's disappointment. "Oh too bad. Adrian's party wearing you off?" she teased as Draco fought to keep a straight face. "I'm not knackered yet," she added meaningfully.
He found himself smiling at this. "Then what do you suggest we do to pass the time?" he asked, his voice already rasping. He just had this feeling where this would lead to.
"Come up with me," said Blaise simply.
Draco chuckled at this. "Are you always this straight forward?" he asked as the woman started taking his hand and giving it light kisses. Suddenly, a pleasurable hiss came out his lips when Blaise took one of his fingers and placed it inside her mouth.
"I wouldn't call it being straight forward," she said after a moment, finally letting go of Draco's hand. "I just know what I want."
"Knowing is not enough," said Draco, as his eyes landed on the packed dance floor only to see Adrian already having a snogging contest with one of the totties he was dancing with earlier. He took another stick from his pack and deftly placed it in between his lips. He was about to light it when Blaise suddenly took the stick away from his mouth, distracting him.
"And I get what I want," she drawled, tossing it on the floor.
Draco smirked arrogantly. "Maybe this time I might be able to prove you wrong," he quipped.
"Try me."
He stared at her for a long time. He has a thesis proposal waiting for him at home. It was due for next week and he hadn't even got to do half of it. He was currently under probation and was trying hard not to get on his mum's nerves- especially at this moment. Then he would have to be up extra early tomorrow morning for that blasted community service he was obligated to do, by law and by word and doing so, meant he had to see her again.
"Her!" his brain hissed, remembering the almost homicidal, BLIND woman who nearly cost him his life and not to mention, his only 'happiness.'
At the sudden thought of her, Draco's eyes narrowed. He smiled and picked himself up from the couch. As he had said, the night was still young anyway. "Yeah," he drawled while the woman gave him a winning but humorless smile. "All right then."
He put his arm over her shoulders and led her upstairs.
Like a virgin
Touched for the first time...
"Damn you, Creevey!" Ginny grumbled, groping sleepily towards the radio alarm clock by her nightstand. Grabbing the clock, she angrily threw it toward the wall across her chamber.
"Hey! You better watch where you're throwing that thing," Neville Longbottom warned, catching it after he shielded his face from it. "Did the bedbugs bite you or something?"
"HAH! Tell Colin to stay away from my alarm clock!" she shouted, tossing the covers aside. "The last thing I want to hear first thing in the morning is some over-rated downright pathetic 80s pop trash!" Ginny tugged her hair senseless as the lyrics of the songs rambled through her head.
Like a virgin
where you heart beats
next to mine...
"ARRHH!!! I HATE THAT SONG!!!"
"Sshh! Will you quiet down?! We wouldn't want to wake all the ghouls and have them lurking about the castle now, would we?" Neville hissed, looking towards the corridors outside her chamber. Seeing nobody coming out, he went back in. Ginny was now searching under her bed for her cane. Picking it up (which was lying near her bedside table), he handed it to her. "You never change, do you Gin? Always the litterbug."
"Thanks Nev… NEVILLE!" she shrieked, clutching her cane then jumping back to her covers. "What the bloody hell are you doing in my chamber!"
"Well, hullo to you too!" he replied sarcastically. Arh!!! You dolt, why did you just say that! She'd probably think you're mad at her! Every since he started his volunteer work, he had developed a massive crush on her. Unfortunately though... he didn't have the guts to tell her that. Just try to be nice and formal. He then moved towards her night table and placed the clock back to its rightful place. "Vice Director Snape strictly told me to wake you up, in case you plan to 'skip' your sessions today."
"What sessions?" Ginny asked quizzically.
"Your reading session." he answered, tidying up some of her CDs scattered on the floor. "Jesus, Gin! Do you ever clean your room at all?!"
Oh! THAT session.
Ginny yawned and went back to sleep. "Tell him I'm sick." Which I will be, if I end up breathing the same air with that stupid prat!
Neville gaped at her sleeping form. Snape will kill me if he finds out about this! "Oh no! Don't you do this to me!" Pulling off the covers, he suddenly stopped and gulped.
"Hey! Give that back! Can't you see I'm trying to get some kip here!" Ginny retorted, tugging her covers furiously. "Damn it Nev, since when did you became Snape's lap dog!"
Neville merely stared at her for he didn't notice how short her boxers were- and how her breasts were partially "exposed" over the spaghetti-strapped top she was wearing. He turned away and blushed sheepishly. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to… I'm gonna to leave now!" He then went towards the door.
Great Gin! Scare to poor bloke off! "Wait!" Ginny called, causing Neville to jump. "Don't go. You know, I think I should be the one who should apologize to you. What I just did was totally and utterly rude of me." She stepped out of the bed, and started searching for him. "Umm… Nev, where are you?"
He slowly moved towards her, yet still kept his distance. "I'm at your right. Really Gin, I still have some…"
"You can't leave now!" Taking his wrist, she quickly dragged him towards her wardrobe. "Since Colin's not here, and I'm still pissed off with what he did, you have to help me get dressed."
"WHAT!" he croaked, his face burning with embarrassment and trying desperately not to imagine her naked in front of him.
Ginny giggled at his response. "It's not like that! You're just gonna help me choose the clothes I'm going to wear. Believe me, I have no plans of walking out of here with mismatched socks." She opened up her dresser to reveal an array of garments ranging from a simple white frock to a zebra-striped asymmetric top. "Pick what you like and we'll start from there."
Her reassuring smile made him relax a bit. He'd never "dressed" a woman before, since he spent his whole childhood living with his grandmother- and she never needed his help at all! He had always been proud of how she was able to raise him on her own. Her love for doing menial housework from cleaning the house to cooking meals had influenced him in taking a career in hotel management. He wanted everybody to experience that sort of 'homely' atmosphere that he has grown to love and cherish. Now, the challenge of picking the perfect outfit for the prettiest girl in all of Hogwarts was something he didn't train for.
"Gin, how come you have tons of clothes, though I don't remember ever seeing you going out much?" he inquired, scanning all her clothes. It seemed every divider in her wardrobe had a Braille label on it, indicating what color and clothing is stored.
"Oh. Hermione usually buys them for me. She insists on doing it, since she keeps telling me I dress like a boy. Sometimes, Colin buys me a few things online. I think all my leather skirts were his idea."
"First he dresses you up, now he buys you clothes??? Damn. And I thought the guy was 'straight'."
"Hey! Colin's not poofed!!! And if you ever say that to me again, I'll-"
"Jeez Gin, can't you take a joke when you hear one?" Neville quipped. "Besides, I know how tight the two of you are. That's why Snape can't stand the sight of you guys wreaking havoc all over the place." After much consideration, he picked up a nice peasant top and a short denim skirt. "Let's see how look you in this outfit. And try wearing it with these old white sandals of yours."
Ginny looked abruptly at him. "Oh. Thanks Neville." Holding all her clothes, she walked towards a pair of avant-garde screens she used as her changing area. "I'll be done in a sec."
Neville then sighed tiredly, taking a seat on her bed and surveyed the area. Her chamber walls were hand-painted on canvas from floor to ceiling, in a repetitive design of a folded patterned drapery hung under the dado of oak with carved roundels decorated in antique rose and blue. The fireplace and chimneypiece were as close to the authentic 10th century style- hole in the roof above a central hearth - as prudence and fear of a disastrous fire would permit. In the center of the room hung a beautiful 18th century chandelier, which had a gold-leafed wrought iron frame and variety of rare hand-cut French crystal bells and Czechoslovakian prisms and beads. The whole place looked fit for a princess! The only things of modern luxury in it were her stacks of CDs on an old rattan boxed rack, Braille books piled across her study desk, and a compact CD component she got from Colin's parents for Christmas. But the thing that bothered him the most was the well-cushioned rocking chair situated near her beautifully draped window, overlooking the London skyline.
"I didn't know you like to stare by the window." He teased, looking out of her window. "Been spying on Stan lately?"
"Oh yeah! I've been trying to snog that guy for ages," She said sardonically, as she moved towards him. "So, how do I look?"
Neville turned and flushed once more. She decided to let her hair down, causing its curly tips to fall just below her breasts. The skirt truly emphasized her long legs, making her look quite taller that what she seemed. Even the sandals made her look more feminine than her usual black leather boots she always favored.
Hesitating at first, but nonetheless giving in, he went up to her and slightly tugged the sleeves of her blouse to reveal her bare shoulders. "Perfect." he whispered.
She smiled, and gave him a peck on the cheek, making his face turn scarlet. "Thank you, Mr. Longbottom. Your services will no longer be needed." Using the walking stick she was holding, she swanned toward her night table to pick up her favorite lilac sunglasses.
It's now or never, Longbottom! Just go for it! Crossing his fingers, he took a deep breath and stood behind her. "Wudyugooutwime?"
He was standing so close to her that Ginny suddenly jumped. Looking puzzled, she turned to him. "What?"
"I was kinda… um… you know… er… thinking maybe… well… I could…"
"Neville, what's up?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern. "You seem kinda nervous," She then placed her hand on his forehand. "You're not sick, are you?"
He grabbed her hand and gave it a tight squeeze. "Would you go out with me tomorrow?" he simply blurted out. "There's this new jazz band playing outside this pub called The Three Broomsticks and I was wondering if you'd like to go with me."
She giggled, making his stomach lurch. "Why not. After what you did for me today, how could I ever say 'NO' to you." she said sweetly.
"Really?" he stammered, feeling nauseous all of the sudden. Did she say "Yes"? Oh God…
She sighed, pulling her hand from his grip and tousled his hair a bit. "Meet me at the main foyer at around six-ish. And I promise not to bring Colin along… though it might cause a tiff between the two of us."
Neville couldn't believe what he just heard. He wanted so much to give her a big hug right about now! Suddenly, his knees began to wobble from sheer joy. Oh God! I think I'm going to faint!
"Nev, you sure you're all right?"
"Yeah!" he exclaimed, straightening himself up. "My pen kinda fell off." He then took out a handkerchief and wiped off the sweat from his face. Good thing she didn't notice how nervous I was! "You're off to the library, right?"
"Yes. I'm supposed to go to my reading session, just like what you told me earlier." she replied, controlling herself not to giggle. Not that she really fancied him… but he was such a dear, she couldn't possibly turn him down. Then again, she wasn't in the mood to go out either.
How long has it been since I last gone out on a date? Six months? A year? Damn! Now he's making me feel nervy all of the sudden…
"Right. Well, since I was planning to pop in Vice Director Snape's office, why don't I escort you to the library. I was kinda hoping you'd pick out a few books I need to borrow for my report on Renaissance dining and table manners."
"Okay." She then went ahead to the door, with him close by her side. As they walked along the corridors, Neville couldn't help but stare at her serene face, looking calm and composed.
I wonder what's she's thinking right now? He thought. She probably thinks I'm some charity case that she has to put up with. Damn it! Why am I such a nitwit!
Ginny wasn't thinking about her date at all- she was more preoccupied with her reader. Every since their first meeting, she appeared to be a bit ratty all of the sudden. Just the mere thought of his scent drove her off her trolley! And that sneering drawl of his! ARH! she hissed to herself, not letting Neville sense what's going through her head. She'd thought of countless reasons why she loathed him: his supposed good looks (silver-blond hair with gray eyes… now what kind of bloody color is that?), rich disposition (he goes to a prestigious univ for Christ's sake!) or his "charming" personality (which lead to his "downfall" so to speak). But alas, the truth of the manner is…
He reminded me of HIM. And I'm not going to make that mistake again…
"So tell me about this reader of yours?" Neville asked, clearly disrupting her thoughts. "I hear from some of the ladies that he's quite a charmer."
Hah! That's a laugh. "Some rich bloke named Draco Malfoy. Colin says he's goes to Durm-"
"DRACO MALFOY! As in Draco Edward Malfoy of the Malfoy Estates." He gawped, making her stop and turned her attention to him.
"Yeah. The one and only. You know him?" she asked. It'd be quite interesting to know more about that despicable prat other than his much-gloated CV.
"Know him? He literally RUINED my whole life!" Neville snapped, causing Ginny to back off a bit. "We used to go to the same school when I was young, and all he would do is taunt and laugh at how pudgy and insanely chinless I was. One time, he shoved me across the corridors when I accidentally stumbled on his science project. It was totally one of the most embarrassing moments of my life…"
Neville rambled on and on all the way to the library about how much that "superficial inconsiderately inhuman prat made him the laughing stock of all of London High." At that point, Ginny's head was spinning from too much noise… or too much of everything. She then grabbed his arm (luckily, he still stayed by her right side) and calmed him down.
"Look Neville, I know how you feel… and to tell you what, I totally agree with you. He's definitely a disgusting little prick!"
"THANK YOU! I've been trying to convince them that he's always up to no-good… but no! Nobody paid attention-"
"I got your point, Neville. And don't worry, I won't let him get on my nerves." she winked, giving him a nice squeeze. "Besides, he can't harm me as long as I have this-" she said, pointing at her forehead. "- and this." she added, raising her walking stick.
Neville chuckled, seeing the little dents on her cane. He then told her the books that he needed and where they were located ("It's in the middle of the topmost shelf, you wouldn't miss it!"). Before leaving, he held her hand and brushed his lips on it, thanking her for their date tomorrow and assuring her of the great time they'll be having.
"I simply can't wait." she mused, finally letting go of his hand, as she heard his footsteps heading the opposite direction. Breathing deeply, she took her matchbox, put her hand up to her face as though she was coughing and took another hit on the cocaine. She needed the edge if she wanted to keep up with him. She then turned and faced the double doors leading to the library… hoping to God that he already left and headed for the tunnel. Clutching her cane firmly, she heaved a sigh and pushed the doors.
"Why am I here again?" Draco muttered, pinching off his cigarette and dropping it in what appeared to be an ancient ashtray. His head was smarting with a hangover the size of a boulder, not to mention his body was still sore from last night's "rendezvous". Even his mother was a pain-in-the-arse. He recalled the row they had a while ago.
"Mum, I can't go today! My head is throbbing and I have a pap-"
"Don't you dare split hairs on me, young man! If you hadn't gone home hammered and zonked off your wits, we wouldn't be having this little chitchat. Now get up before I drag you out of this room myself."
Picking up his fourth smoke of the day, he lit it up and gave it a puff. Much as he hated being here, he also has his reasons why he planned on staying much longer than he should.
He wanted to see her.
It wasn't because she fascinated him- he just wanted to see if she still had that pulsating effect that was so damn annoying and captivating at the same time. Even rogering a scrummy talent like Blaise wasn't enough to keep his mind from wondering off to some place much more enticing… with a certain redhead in mind. This girl was definitely a threat to whatever reputation he had worked so hard to establish. Draco Malfoy doesn't fawn over women- they fawn over him… and he planned to keep it that way.
With his legs stretched across the coffee table in front of him, he leaned back at the couch he was sitting on, and started thinking of ways to wind her up. He could always tell her that her whole face looked like a pile of grime or that her clothes are far worse than those of his chambermaids…
"If you plan on burning down the whole place, I'd be well chuffed if you started off with Snapey's office just down the hall."
He sighed and was ready for his long and insulting speech.
Big mistake.
Instead of his planned travesty, he gazed at her with utter disbelief. All treachery disintegrated right before him as she strolled pass him and stomped her way towards the window upfront to open them. The skirt truly made certain that her legs were indeed as slender and sexy as how he'd imagine it. Her shoulders were white and smooth, with just a dash of freckles to add to the allure. Even her feet were a tad bit small and dainty, making him want to go up to her and give her a nice arousing foot massage.
God, I think I'm gonna have a stiffy todger right this minute!!!
"Well now, I didn't expect you to return to this place…" she scoffed, slowing tapping her way towards the medieval armour. "… especially after what I did to you last time."
Draco was too mesmerized by her, that he didn't notice that she was already making a mockery of him. He smirked and took one last drag. "I wasn't planning to… but then I decided that I'd would have been so daft to pass an opportunity to rag you all day. It was either that or a bunch of research work l should have started swotting a long time ago. I choose the former."
This made Ginny turn and glare at him. She was too browned off by this bloody plonker, she could have thrown a huge wobbly at him. "Seems to me you've been a bad student lately. Why, has Durmstrang been driving you crackers with all your stuffy paperwork? Or did that just prove to me that your brilliant A-level scores were just a huge fib?"
Draco gritted his teeth, trying hard not to lose his temper. Who did she think she is, prying into his life like that! He then shook his head and clapped. "You have impressed me again, Miss Weasley! I didn't know you were such a damn good snut! If I knew you were interested in me, I would have answered every single question you'd have liked to ask me… for a certain cost that is."
Why, you slimy little prick! "Let's put it this way… if ever I face an 'opponent,' I like to be prepared…." she said casually, deciding not to open the tunnel after all. At this point of the conversation, this bloke was definitely getting on her nerves. And what the bloody hell is a snut! "… it's better to have the upper hand early on in the game, rather than be stomped in the end."
"The way I see it, you don't play by the rules," he leered, making an effort to stare at her legs as she slowly took a seat right across him. Damn those lovely thighs of hers! "I know I shouldn't be mean but… checking out one's CV is clearly way out of line."
She slightly crossed her legs and beamed at him. "Well, I didn't do it intentionally. A dear mate of mine was nice enough to do the dirty on you. And to be honest, I'm a bit gobsmacked myself! Who would think that an egotistical prat like yourself would be one of the most promising young men this side of the Atlantic. Pretty ironic, isn't?"
"Hardly. I worked my way up the ladder, just like any lad my age… and believe me, the perks of the job are quite rewarding." Draco drawled, bending his neck just so he could take a mere glimpse at her knickers. Let's see now… cotton or lace?
"If you intend on gawping at my legs, you might as well have the decency to ask for my permission," Ginny replied sarcastically, grabbing at a cushion pillow by her side and placing it on her lap. "It's totally Neanderthal of you."
"How can you say I was doing such a thing?" he demanded, straightening himself up. He knew for a fact that she was making a bluff on him… and he would never gonna fall for it.
"I could feel your breath heaving quite beastly just above my knee." she smiled, infuriating him further. "Let me point out one thing for you, Malfoy… just because I'm blind doesn't necessarily mean I let pervs like you take advantage of me." Though she hated it, it felt kinda flattering to be given such a look.
She just wished it came from someone else.
Draco crossed his arms and gave her a stare. He had to admit that "peeking" at her was indeed something he wouldn't normally do (he was raised to be a gentleman), but the temptation was so intoxicating, he just couldn't control it anymore! "Fine. If that's what you think I did," he drawled, dithering whether he should save his last stick for later. "Although, I still think it's unfair of you to know a bit of myself when I hardly even know anything about you."
"Don't worry, I'll ask Colin to make me a webpage so you can just surf for it."
"That's not what I meant!" And who the bugger is Colin?
"I know. Unfortunately though, there's nothing to tell. I'm just your ordinary disabled English citizen, just like everybody else in this institute."
"I could hardly classify you as 'ordinary.' A little dippy is something I would describe about you, maybe." He hissed, finally deciding to light it after all. Seeing her tense up a bit, made him smirk. He took one long breath and planned for his next move.
Ginny started counting from one to ten in her head, simply to calm herself up. God, I could just kill this bloody bastard right about now! Sighing, she closed her eyes and opened them almost instantly. "Alright, you can ask me anything you want- but I'll only answer those deemed necessary."
Hole in one! Draco stretched his arms and placed his hands behind his head. "Let's start with the basics. What's your full name?"
"Virginia Claire Weasley."
"Age?"
"18 years old."
"How long have you been here?"
"Thirteen years of my life."
"That's quite a long time," he said, feeling more anxious than ever. He then stood up and started pacing. He used to do this when he was 'interrogating' someone. "I reckon you're an orphan, since this is more or less a shelter for people like you."
Ginny merely nodded, snapping her fingers- a habit she developed whenever she felt a tad wound up. "Actually, I have a brother who's still alive." "Really? And where is this brother of yours?"
"He's around. Next question." She said, flatly.
Draco wanted to know more about this 'brother' of hers and why the bloody hell he hadn't come to retrieve her yet. He must be dead poor… or too thick to think of getting her out of here in the first place! "Moving on, why are you here?"
"Isn't it pretty obvious?" she taunted, waving her finger dully over her eyes.
"That's not it, dopey! I'm asking you why you are blind?" he chided, going back to his seat. He kept noticing how she kept snapping her fingers… much to his annoyance.
"Car accident."
"Define car accident."
"How does bugger off sound to you?" Ginny gritted, gripping her cane with utmost contempt. One wrong move mate, and you're…
"Fair enough I suppose," Draco's mind was moving elsewhere as she started twirling her hair, clearly stating that she's about to burst in a mad frenzy. Nice hair. Luscious breasts. Curvy legs… "Are you a virgin?"
The question caught Ginny by surprise. "WHAT!?!" she exclaimed, furrowing her brow. Did he just ask me that?
"Where do you like to get your oats? On the bed or does a nice comfy sofa would do? Perhaps a duvet along the common-"
"Jesus." Ginny suddenly stood up and strode towards the bookshelves. If I stay one more minute with this nutter…
"Oy! I'm not done yet…"
"Oh we're so through with this whole exchange!" she jeered, dragging the shelves' built-in ladder. "Now if you'll excuse me… I HAVE WORK TO DO!"
Draco chuckled and walked towards her. Seeing her pull the old, rusty thing towards the middle shelf was a delight worth indulging. I wonder if banging her on the ladder would be a tad bit horny for my taste. "You better watch those steps. Seems to me they're about to break off."
Ginny rolled her eyes, and climbed up, taking one step at a time. Dear God, what I'm going to do to get rid of him! "The steps are perfectly fine. So why don't you do me a huge favor and-"
Before she could finish her sentence, one of the steps cracked and left her feet hanging in mid-air. Sad to say, this made her lose her grip.
"Watch out!" Draco called, catching her as she stumbled backward from the ladder. Although he was able to reach her, the impact of the fall made him lose his footing, thus sending them both to the floor.
"Ouch!" he gritted, grabbing the back of his head. He could feel his hair getting a bit damp and sticky to the touch. Shit! This is going to cost me alot of bloody stitches.
"Oh God, are you all right?" Ginny asked. She was too shocked at what happened that she didn't notice that she was literally on top of him. She tried standing up but it looked as though they were both 'entangled' at the moment.
"Yeah. I'm fine." Draco hissed. Looking up, he caught a glance of her face just inches away from his. Since her sunglasses fell off, he got to see her eyes for the first time. Expecting them to be dry and cloudy, what he got instead were a pair of warm, beautiful brown eyes. He even got a whiff of her hair, which gave a hint of lavender and jasmine. With their bodies so close together, he could feel himself tensing up… especially between his…
"Good." Ginny replied, pushing herself up. Draco silently cursed at himself. You're a huge idiot, you know that! You could have had her there but no! You're too slow to even respond to your natural urges! Sitting there beside him, she looked at him and started reaching for his head.
Draco, in response, took her wrist. "What are you doing?"
"I wanna see if you have bump on your head."
"I said I'm fine," he exclaimed, denying the massive pain he was in. "Besides, what good would it do if you- HEY!"
Ginny, getting completely impatient with him, yanked his hair and pulled his head downward. With her fingers caressing it, she started to feel the depth of his wound. "Oh my God! Your head's bleeding like mad! Are you feeling dizzy? Do you need an aspirin or something?"
"No! What I need for you to do is just shut up!" Draco sneered. He considered insulting her, telling her that it was her fault he got himself into this mess in the first place…
God, her hands are so soft!
Draco began to wonder what was going on with him. Never in his life had he been so enamored by someone that he's willing to make a fool of himself. Not only was she trying to test the standards on his well being, she also managed to bend it to her favor.
She is slowly becoming a threat to him… and she didn't even know it!
Ginny released her grip and wiped the blood off her hands with her shirt. "Look, we need to put something on the wound to stop it from bleeding." She thought for awhile, then decided to do the one thing she'd never imagined she'd say to him- "Take off your shirt."
His first reaction was shock, then it turned to something else… "Honey, as much as I want to shag you, I don't think I'm physically capa-"
Ginny growled in utter disgust. "It's for your bloody thick skull, you fucking bastard!!!" One… two… three…
Draco gaped at her angered state. "Have you gone mental? Do you have any idea how much this Armani shirt costs?"
"What? You plan on bleeding yourself to death?"
"I don't want to but there is no way I'm going to ruin this shirt!"
Ginny then placed both her hands on her face and started swearing to herself. It's your bloody fault why he's hurt… so you better do something, her blasted conscience kept screaming at her. Desperately seeking solace from this predicament she's in, she heaved a sigh and did what seemed necessary at that point. I can't believe I'm going to do this…
"Fine." she said, pulling her blouse off her. Without even thinking, she balled it around her hand, and threw it at him. "Try this then." The shirt flew into his face since Draco didn't have time to catch it- he was still stunned by what she just did. He quickly removed her shirt from his face and gazed at her, arms crossed across her chest completely pissed beyond words. This made him… smile. Though he wished she were completely topless, her silky black bandeau was the next best thing… but those well-toned abs of hers- clearly made up for all the torment she caused him. Placing her shirt on his bloodied wound, he started fantasizing her under his spell, abiding every desire he could crave for…
"We best head off to hospital wing to check that wound." Ginny uttered, sounding both calm and irritated. He probably thinks I'm the biggest trollop in all of London! Damn it! Like I'm gonna shag him senseless!
"What?" he replied quizzically, not taking his eyes off her.
Oh my God- he just did! "Arsehole!" she muttered, quickly standing up. Suddenly, she winced in pain as she tried to move her right foot. The pain was so unbearable, she had to sit down again. Clutching it, she forced herself not to cry. Don't you dare let him see you like this…
Draco, seeing her gripping her sore foot, went up to her. "Here, let me have a look." Without waiting for her response, he crouched right in front of her, and gently massaged it. "Hey! That tickles." Ginny giggled, suppressing her laugh.
"Hold still. I'm trying to keep it from swelling."
Ginny bit her lip as his hands slowly stroked her foot. Though his touch was a bit firm, it had affected her in such a way that it felt as if he had caressed her for a long time. She shivered a little, giving her a sense of fear and desire she vowed never to experience again… she quickly withdrew her foot from his hold.
"What's up?" Draco asked, surprised by her reaction. Although his only intention was to soothe her pain, the subtlety of his touch towards her foot excited him in a way he himself hadn't felt in a very long time.
"The pain's gone." Ginny answered almost instantaneously, willing herself to stand up once more. Feeling the numbness of her foot, she slowly paced herself forward. "Wait… where are my glasses?"
Draco tried to warn her but it was too late… a loud crack echoed across the room as she accidentally stepped on the now broken sunglasses. The whole scene made him smirk and decided to stand up as well and pick up her cane beside him.
"Blast it! That was my favorite pair!" Ginny cried, groping at it as she crouched on the floor. "I'm so totally browned off with everything that's happened!" Aghast, she threw the shattered pieces towards the fireplace, which astonishingly landed on the logs inside it.
Draco approached her and handed her cane. "If you ask me, I say you do away with those pesky glasses of yours."
"And why would you say that?" Ginny probed, reluctantly thanking him for her cane. "Because I couldn't afford those really expensive ones that I'm sure you fancy a lot."
He smirked at her reply and edged his way towards her and whispered "No, because your eyes are too beautiful to be hidden in such wretched things. You should leave them as they are." He flounced his way to the couch and picked up his trench coat. "You should wear this…. unless you want men drooling all over you, that is."
Ginny took the coat he offered and murmured her thanks. She was completely caught off guard by what he said to her. Did he just gave me a compliment? She suddenly felt like a bit apprehensive… threatened. She needed a hit, but she didn't want him to catch her take a snort at it. She could almost feel her shakes crawling all over her skin. God, not again!?! Please not again…
"You all right?" Draco placed his hand on her arms, which she wrapped around her chest. He could feel herself stiffen as if his fingers burned through her skin. "Jesus, you're shaking like a mad leaf!"
"I'm fine." Ginny hissed, releasing herself from his hold and walking towards the door. Draco stared at her retreating form, puzzled.
They reached the hospital wing in silence, both making no attempt to speak. Draco, holding the blouse onto his wound, started to feel lightheaded from too much blood loss. He leaned over the wall and heaved silently. You're not going to faint, you idiot!
"Is everything okay?" Ginny asked, not hearing his footsteps from behind her. Her shakes were gone and she was finally able to calm herself. She then turned back, and tapped her way till she reached his foot. When he didn't respond to her answer, she flustered. "Draco?"
"I just got a bit woozy, that's all," he murmured, feeling totally disgusted at his state. He moved passed her but it seemed his body wouldn't agree with him - he stumbled forward.
Sensing that he was about to faint, Ginny hooked her arm over his and placed it on her shoulders. "Okay, we really need to get you settled in." Carrying him, she guided their way towards a huge white room filled with bed bunks and linen curtains on the windows. As like any hospital, the whole place was packed with doctors, nurses, volunteers… and your usual noisy patients waiting anxiously to be taken care of. "Will somebody please help us?!"
Heeding to her call, a young dark man with dread locks and wearing a white doctor's smock approached them. "Ginny, what the bloody hell happened to him?!" He inspected, seeing all the blood coming out of his soaked shirt. When he was about to check his wound, Draco mumbled "I can very well stand up on his own, thank you very much!"
"He hit his head dead hard against the library floor," she said, paying no attention to the fact that his weight added up to the pain on her sore foot. "Lee, believe me it was purely an accident."
"And it's all your blasted fault!" Draco leered, standing up. He felt totally embarrassed and angry at his 'weakness'. He took a step back and sat on the nearest bench by the door.
"I said I'm sorry!" Ginny folded her cane and groped her way towards Draco's side. "Lee, what will it be?"
Lee Jordan, one of the chief medical assistants, went up to Draco and scanned his wound. He then placed his hands over it, making his patient wince in pain. "Judging from the size of his concussion, I'd say four or five stitches will have to do."
"Five stitches?!" Draco grumbled. The one thing that irritated him the most was a needle piercing through his skin. "Damn, I hate needles!"
Ginny squirmed in her seat, feeling guilty all of the sudden. She obviously loathed the guy- but not to that extent. "I'm really sorry. I never meant for this to hap-"
"Yeah right." Draco stood up and was instructed by Lee to head to the nearest examination room. Seeing him depart, Lee sat next to Ginny and stared at her. "Okay, tell me what really happened?"
"Lee, I told you… it was an accident." Ginny replied, unconsciously twisting her two hands nervously. "I was trying to pick up one of the books on top of the shelf, when one of the steps of the ladder suddenly broke off. I slipped, and thankful enough, he was there to catch me." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I really am sorry for him."
"Cut the act, Gin! Colin already told me how much you hate that arse!"
Ginny turned to him incredulously. I'm gonna kill you, Creevey! She sighed and sulked heavily. "Okay, so I'm not totally sorry for what happened to him. But can you blame me?! That man is a walking embodiment of the word git and prat, all in one nifty package!" She shook her head due to her sudden outburst. "I can't believe I just said that. Is he gonna be okay?"
Lee chuckled at how utterly puerile she could be. "Nothing this handsome medic can't do. Although I have to admit… that blood-soaked blouse of yours will be of no use to you anymore."
Ginny sighed. "That bad, huh?" She closed her eyes briefly, then frowned. "How did you know it was my blouse?"
Lee tapped her shoulder and stood. "Well, I presumed he wouldn't dare ruin his silk shirt over some wound of his." He paced himself towards the operating room. "Or maybe he just fancied the pants off you."
"Lee…"
"Say, have you been working out lately…"
"Lee!"
"… because those abs of yours are truly to die for-"
"Jesus, Lee!" Ginny shrieked, wrapping her coat closely.
"And one more thing… you should wear skirts more often. Makes us fiery blokes bite your arm off for a change!"
"I swear to God, I'd kill you if you don't shut your-"
Lee never got to hear the end of her sentence- he was laughing too hard as he entered the examination room, leaving her completed pissed off.
"What's taking him so long?" Draco pondered impatiently, legs dangling over the edge of his bed. The examination room was big; its floors tiled in white, making the stonewalls of the castle look primitive in nature. One corner of the room was filled with medical equipment and supplies while the other side had posters of animals and flowers. Draco felt like he was in a children's nursery all of the sudden. One of the nurses handed him some painkillers to numb the pain as the young medic from outside came in, laughing like a mad man. This place is a huge loony bin!
"I tell you, that Ginny is one hell of a firecracker!" he chuckled, as he examined Draco's medical chart handed to him by the nurse. "How is he?"
"Pretty stable I should say. Except for that huge gash on his head, he's as strong as a horse."
"I heard that!" Draco barked, annoyed at the fact that they're discussing him as if he wasn't in the room. He hated being ignored.
"And a nasty temper to boot," Lee said, eyeing him. He then told the nurse to leave and check on his other patients. "This might take a while."
"Oy! I think you guys should check on Wea- Virginia," Draco called out to the retreating nurse. "I reckon she sprained her right ankle."
I guess that's why she's been limping her way to the door. "Have Penelope check up on her," he instructed. The nurse left urgently, leaving a dead silence all over the room. Lee approached his patient and looked over his chart. "Need to verify some information here. Your name?"
"Draco Edward Malfoy"
"Age?"
"19"
"Where are you from?"
"What is this? An interrogation?" Draco leered, the drugs slowly making him completely nauseous. He rubbed his temples, completely wound up over the whole thing.
"No. Just wanted to make sure you still have your memory intact," Lee said flatly, writing the words complete arsehole! over his analysis on the patient. "A major head trauma like yours could cause temporary memory loss."
"Well, my memory's fine," Draco frowned, eyeing the medic which utmost caution. "Are you really a doctor? Seems to me you're about my age."
"Let's just say I'm a modern-day Doogie Howser," he smiled. He moved towards a metal table filled with medical equipment and took out a pair of latex gloves, a sterilized needle and some sutures of non-absorbable Prolene. "Went to univ at age 15; graduated in 3 years tops… and now on my third year of med school. You could check out my CV for further clarifications."
"Look, I just don't want some tard know-it-all sewing cross stitches on my head," Draco quipped, as Lee started disinfecting his wound. "It's bad enough I've been mauled over by some she-wolf."
"A beautiful she-wolf indeed!" Lee corrected, inserting the needle along the wound edge. Draco grimace in pain, yet didn't dare show it. "Hey, you ain't the first lad that got whacked in the head. I heard she beat the crap out off Colin once when he tried to steal one of her knickers for some bloke I know. I reckon he owed the guy some money."
God! Who the hell is that blasted idiot! "Is this Colin guy her boyfriend?" Draco asked. He wasn't interested if he was… but he was kinda curious as to what type of man she fancied.
"Nah! The guy's been her best mate for ages. They're known around here for their silly antics and occasional filching in the Mess Hall," Lee began adding the final touches to the stitch. "Although some of the people here told me that they've been 'disappearing' a lot this past couple of months, if you know what I mean."
Draco thought for awhile about what he just said. It was quite obvious that he was referring to the hidden passageways but then he didn't suspect that Ginny had someone else sharing her 'secret'. "He's probably rogering her like hell." he griped, feeling outraged at the thought of her making out with someone else. I guess she's not a virgin after all.
"I doubt it," Putting the last knot on his stitch, Lee then cut off the excess suture and told Draco that he's done for the day.
Draco stared at him, confused. "What?"
Lee handed him a doctor's receipt instructing him to go get some prescription drugs by the chemist down the street from the institute. "Tell them Doc Jords insists that they give you a discount… not that you need it, that is."
Draco took the piece of paper, jumped off the bed and headed for the door. "I'll keep that in mind."
"Hey Malfoy, one last thought," Lee reminded. Draco stepped back in. "Don't go hurting that girl. You don't know shit of what she's been through."
Draco furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"
"Just don't let the kid get to you, okay? She really is a nice girl." he replied, removing his gloves and throwing it to the tin.
Draco smirked at him and opened the door. "I'll keep that in mind."
"All done," Penelope Clearwater assured Ginny, placing an ankle brace on her right foot. "You'll be able to walk without it in a day or two."
"Thanks," Ginny tried twisting it to see if it still hurt. After feeling only a hint of discomfort, she leaned back toward the wall behind her and closed her eyes. "This has been a very long day."
"I could tell," She stood up and whispered to her ear. Her long black curls brushed the sides of Ginny's face. "By the way, that guy you brought in… the blonde one. Just to let you know, I think he's so devilishly handsome." Before Ginny could respond, she left and headed off, a wicked smile splattered all over her face.
"Damn, I hate my life." she muttered, placing her hands over her face. She had to admit that none of this would have happened if she didn't fall off that bloody ladder… but then again, he was the insufferable prat who just wouldn't leave her alone! Sensing that nobody was looking at her, she mimed a cough to cover a couple of additional hits. "What did I do to deserve this?" She was about to take another one when she heard someone call out her name.
"Ginny, what are you do- oh my God! What the hell happened to your foot?" His voice filled with concern as Ginny felt his hand rest on her ankle brace.
"Neville? Is that you?" she asked quizzically, stuffing her powder to her coat pocket. I thought he was assigned to Snape's office...
"Yeah. Damn it, can you walk? Wait, does this mean we have to cancel our-"
Ginny smiled. "Of course not. I'll be up and ready by the time you pick me up by the foyer."
Neville sighed, gazed at her one last time and stood up. "I'm glad. I guess I should be lea-"
"Why hullo, Longbottom." Draco sneered. "How nice to see you again."
Neville glared at him, but turned his attention back to Ginny… until it came to him… "You did this to her, didn't you?"
"What?"
"Neville, it's not what you th-" Ginny said, but he ignored her completely. Neville moved in within arm's length from Draco. Despite the fact that the man was a few inches taller than him and was physically more fit, he wasn't planning on backing out of this one.
"You're the one who broke her foot!" Neville retorted. All the anger that he summed up from the years of torment Malfoy caused him, started erupting through his mind.
"I don't have time for this." Draco smirked, pushing him aside. He wasn't in the mood to pick a fight with a guy deemed too 'unworthy' of his time.
"Is that what you do on your spare time now huh? Assaulting women who can't fight back." Neville was on a roll and this was the chance he'd been waiting for all his life. "Why, you're far pathetic than I thought."
Draco turned and took a menacing step forward. He stopped advancing suddenly when Lee moved in front of him and backed him toward the door.
"Let it slide Malfoy," he said warningly. Draco was now sizing him up. "This is a hospital, not a playground."
"Get out of my way," Draco hissed, clenching and unclenching his hands. "This is between me and him." He then shoved Lee across the wall and headed straight for Neville.
"I'm not scared of you. Not anymore." Neville leered, making a fierce stance of his own. Even though he felt a pang of fear in his insides, he wasn't going to let this man take him down. This ain't high school no more.
"You should because I'm gonna wipe that sorry face of yours to the ground." Without thinking, he swung his arm up and hit him hard against the face, making him stagger backwards. Gaining back his balance, Neville lunged forward and pushed him to the floor.
"STOP IT!" Ginny yelled. She was now standing up and trying to figure out where the two were, but the whole place was already in chaos. She could hear one of the medical volunteers grabbing Neville by the waist while Lee took on Draco. "Both of you… just let it GO!"
Draco struggled to free himself from Lee's hold. "You've got some nerve going up against me, Longbottom!"
"Yeah, well I'm not gonna let you go near her ever again, you fucking bastard!" Neville shouted, as he was shoved behind two other guys working at the hospital.
"I didn't do anything to her! She fell off the fucking ladder, you dumb arse!" Draco growled, wanting nothing more than to disfigure his horrid face. "If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be in this stupid mess in the first place!"
"Why you-"
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!"
Silence.
Ginny knew that snarl could only come from one person. She slowly began to unfold her cane.
A tall man with black shoulder-length hair entered the chamber eyeing everybody with disgust. "Do I have to repeat myself?" he snarled. His eyes roamed the area until he finally saw the person deemed 'responsible'. "You…" He approached Ginny and loomed over her. "Another one of your antics, Miss Weasley?"
She smirked, gripping her cane fiercely. "Jeez Snape, I didn't know that two men fighting over for my attention would make you so jealous," She moved closer to him and murmured. "But don't worry, you know very well that you're the only man in my life."
Everybody stood there stunned as Snape grabbed Ginny's arms and pinned her to the wall. "Your sense of humour is quite appalling, Miss Weasley," Snape jeered, his long nails digging deeper into her coat. Neville tried to reason with him but he was ordered to shut his mouth. He whimpered. Snape then faced her again. "As I was saying, perhaps throwing you in the dungeons would be a suitable punishment, don't you think."
Ginny grimaced in pain and fear, Snape clearly wasn't planning on letting her go. "Get your filthy claws off me!" She suddenly poked her cane on his foot, making him lose his grasp. Snape cursed at her and was about to slap her in the face when a hand seized him from behind. He turned his attention at the person who interrupted him, still holding his hand.
"With all due respect Mr. Snape, if you want to put the blame on somebody, you might as well look this way," Draco said, releasing his hold. "I was the one who started the fight, not her."
Snape glared at the young man before him. "Surely, Mr. Malfoy, a man of your stature would never stoop so slow as to rescue a troublemaker like her."
Draco merely smiled. "Since when did telling the truth become such a lie?"
"What's going on here, Severus?"
Snape glanced as a man wearing a medical coat approached him. He had with him some medical charts and was obviously unaware of the events that just took place. He grunted and gave Draco one last look. "Don't mess with me, boy. You don't know who you're up against." He then stormed out of the room and shouted at Neville to have an aspirin brought to his office immediately.
Neville panicked and went straight to the medical cabinet. Upon getting the aspirin, he quickly left and headed towards Snape's office.
Seeing that the vice director was already gone, everybody relaxed and began to go about with their work. Lee Jordan hurriedly walked up to the doctor who just arrived. "Dr. Riddle, I can explain everything-"
"You don't have to, Lee," he interrupted, handing the medical charts to him. "Have them brought to my office." Lee nodded sheepishly and left.
Draco, feeling completely exhausted, raked his hair and decided to get a drink by the water cooler near the nurse's station. Taking one long gulp from his cup, he slowly felt its coolness easing away his tension. Dumping it in the tin, he noticed that the doctor was in deep conversation with Ginny. He didn't want to pry but he could tell that Ginny was a bit agitated, nodding to everything he was saying to her. When he placed his hands over her arms, she began to shudder- just like what she did earlier in the library. He immediately went toward them.
The doctor glanced at him when he reached them. He smiled and offered his hand. "You must be Virginia's new reader. I've heard so many things about you."
Draco took it hesitantly. "I've made quite a buzz lately," He gave Ginny a quick look; she seemed relieved. That's odd… "Draco Malfoy."
"Dr. Thomas Riddle. I would like to apologize for Vice Director Snape's actions. He's been in a lot of stress lately."
Ginny smirked. "That's an understatement." Both men paid no attention to her.
"It's no problem really. Just hated the way he handled this young lady here," he quipped, giving Ginny a look-see. "If I remember correctly, you did a medical journal on the effects of Satanic Ritual Abuse to MPD patients."
Riddle beamed, letting go of Draco's handshake. Not many individuals his age found his work quite fascinating; it intrigued him nonetheless. "Why yes, I do believe I've published my work on it some years back. How were you able to get a copy of it?"
Draco shrugged. "I used it as research material for a paper I once did." He wanted to talk more but his wound started to throb again. He placed his hand over it "Damn."
"I think you should call it a day," Riddle turned to Ginny, who was already trying to grab Draco's arm. "It be best if you escort him to his car. Can you still drive home?"
Draco nodded. Seeing that they were on their way, Dr. Riddle gave Ginny his final instructions before he headed off to the next direction. He then glanced at her; her hands were beginning to tremble underneath his skin. "He's gone now."
Ginny sighed and left for the door, leaving Draco to catch up with her. Despite the ankle brace on her, she was still able to walk briskly. The tapping of her cane echoed throughout the corridors, making the throbbing of his head seemed worst. "Would you mind not tapping at all? Can't you see I'm dying from all your racket?!"
Tap. Tap. Tap.
"Weasley, please! Just put the fucking cane-"
Ginny faced him, hot tears rolling down her cheeks "Why can't you just SHUT THE HELL UP?!" Wiping her tears, she continued walking, the noise of her cane bellowing once more. She too was tired and hurt… and was very much afraid.
"Why should I?" he shouted. After everything he did to ensure her safety, he still ended up being the villain in the whole fiasco. "You know, I risked my arse trying to rescue you-"
She stopped walking. "Rescue?" She wanted to laugh at what he just said. She couldn't. "Are you saying that I should thank you for 'rescuing' me from Snape? Wait, let me guess, this is the part wherein the damsel in distress suddenly gives her knight in shining armour a big kiss on the lips and they lived happily ever after, right?"
Draco went towards her, fumed. He grabbed her by the arms, and found himself shaking her like a rag doll. "I am sick and tired of your fucking crap, you know that?"
"Let me go." her voice croaked, tears building up in her eyes. Oh my God, he sounded just like him!
"Maybe he was right after all. Maybe you deserved to be slapped in the face…"
"I said let me go!"
"Because you're nothing more than a worthless piece of…"
"LET ME GO!"
"SHUT UP!" Draco, blinded by rage, struck her in the face. She fell to the floor, blood flowing all over her mouth.
After that, everything stood still. Even her sobs were nothing more than mere whispers. Not a single sound came between then. It was absolutely quiet. A deafening kind.
Draco, his hand trembling, stared at her fallen form. That was all he could do. He just stared at her. Oh no… what have I done?
Ginny couldn't move. She didn't want to. Her tongue felt the warm blood cruise out of her mouth; It scared her. She was being taken to that place again. She could almost hear it. His voice. Come here, baby. Daddy's gonna make it all go away…
Draco panicked. She just lay there, not moving. Like a corpse. He quickly kneeled to her side. "Jesus, Ginny I'm-" he said, his fingers clutching her arm.
"NO!" Ginny screamed, slowly sitting up and backing herself against the wall. Her whole body was shaking tremendously. She wrapped her arms around her, and began rocking back and forth. I mustn't run away… I mustn't run away…
Draco stared at her swollen face as tears continued to come. She looked terrified. Lost. He wanted to wipe them away, to tell her that he was sorry and that he never met to hurt her. He took a chance and tried reaching for her face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"
Ginny shielded her hands over her face, expecting another blow. "Please don't hurt me," she sobbed, sounding almost child-like. She wasn't hearing Draco's voice- not anymore. He was near; she could feel him just around the corner, watching her. Telling her that she'd been a bad girl. That she need to be punished. You've been a very VERY bad girl… "I promise not to do it again. I promise…" she babbled on and on. But he wouldn't stop. Then she heard it; the sound of his belt being snapped three times.
One…
Two…
Three…
"Damn it, Weasley!" Draco shouted, gently shaking her again. "Snap out of it!" But she didn't stop. She still murmured like a little kid, begging for forgiveness over something she did. He didn't know what to do anymore. He was scared. He wanted to run away.
And that was exactly what he did. He let her go and just ran away, her quiet sobs resonating all over the place like a chant that wouldn't end.
"You sure you know where we're going?" Ron Weasley asked, staring at the corridors back and forth. It wasn't like it was his first time in Hogwarts, but the place was so huge, it would take a lifetime trying to memorize every single direction there was. "Of course I do. I work here, remember?" Hermione prompted, frowning at him. "The library is just around this corner…"
"Told you not to doubt her." Harry Potter kidded, giving Ron a slight push on the shoulders as Hermione walked past them. Unlike his tall redheaded friend, his hair was dark and unruly, and a few inches shorter than him. They met a couple of years ago at a pizza place Ron was working at near the community college he went to. Since then, they've been the best of friends.
Plus the fact that he actually fancied his sister a lot.
"Fine," Ron said, scratching his head at his remark. "I guess I'm a bit excited to see her, that's all. It's been weeks since I last visited."
"Trouble with work?"
Ron grunted. "That blasted Amos won't give me a day-off! Said he needed me on the job since all that rest of his crew are a bunch of loonies!" He began clenching and unclenching his fist- a habit he developed whenever he felt angry or anxious. "If I didn't need the money that much-"
"You would have left and found another job," Harry interrupted, clearly understanding his friend's predicament. He wasn't rich either but at least he had someone supporting him. Ron never finished school and had to start working the minute he came back to London. He wanted to help but he insisted that he wanted to make it work on his own. "You don't have to tell me that. So, how's the campaign going?"
Ron stuffed his hands onto his pockets and lowered his head. "Couldn't get any worse. They said that I was incompetent and that she deserves to stay here till I'm able enough to support her both financially and emotionally," He shook his head in disbelief. "For ten years, I didn't get to see her. I wasn't even allowed to write to her. And now that I finally have a job and a place to stay, they still fucking think that I'm worthless! Damn it, she's my sister! I'm the only family she has left! They can't just take her away from me again. Not this time."
Harry placed his hand on Ron's shoulder. "It'll work out for the best, you'll see," He then noticed a small package Ron was carrying under his arm. "Is that a present for her?"
Ron scratched his head again, embarrassed. "Hermione told me she fancies eating sweets. I'd thought I'd surprise with a box of chocolates," He took it out and stared at it. "I guess she'll always be my little girl."
"You're right about that," He was able to ask him something when Hermione yelled at them to hurry up. They chuckled as they quickened their pace. "I can't believe you're going out with her."
"What can I say?" Ron winked. "A man like me deserves someone like her, don't you think?"
"Hardly." Harry laughed, punching Ron on the arm. They were still kidding around when they heard someone crying from across another corridor. Judging from the sound of her sobs, both of them could tell that it was a little girl. "Maybe somebody got hurt?"
"Let's go find out," Ron said, already heading towards it, with Harry following close by. He couldn't explain it, but he felt something was wrong with this picture. Like a bad dream that he couldn't shake off. But all his fears suddenly exploded when he caught a glimpse of the girl's hair. It was red and fiery.
Just like his.
"Ginny!" he called out, running as quickly as he could toward her. She was still sitting on the floor, hugging her knees up to her chest. Her face was buried behind her long hair, all wet and stringy. He immediately kneeled before her. "Oh my God. Gin, are you alright?"
Ginny looked up at the sound of his voice. A shaft of panic dug into her belly, as she felt him close beside her. She didn't want him to see her like this. "Ron?" she whimpered.
"I'm right here." Ron hugged, brushing his lips over her forehead. When he wiped her tears away, he noticed the bruise on her mouth. Ginny shook her head but Ron grabbed her chin and gaze at it. "Who did this to you?" he barked.
Ginny jumped. "I- I don't…" She placed her hands over her head and started babbling again. God, my head hurts! Please make it go away…
"Ginny, did somebody tried to attack you?" he asked, still looking at her bruise. He also noticed that she wasn't wearing any shirt under her trench coat. Pictures of an assailant hurting her fogged his mind. "Ginny, please-"
"What's going on here?" Harry asked, catching his breath. Seeing Ginny's state, he quickly turned his attention to Ron. "What happened to her?"
"That's what I like to know," Ron said grimly. He gently rubbed his hands over Ginny's shoulders to calm her down. "Look, you can tell me who is it, Gin? There's nothing to be afraid of."
"It's just… I don't remember anything right now," she cried, fighting back her tears. Tired and distraught, she hugged her brother tightly, feeling safe under his embrace. "I'm so sorry."
Ron held her tight, not letting her go. "It's all right, sweetie. Everything's gonna be fine, trust me," He knew for a fact that moments like these were enough of a reason for him to take her home. "I'm not going anywhere."
Hermione arrived on the scene minutes after. "What happened-" she asked, but was hushed by Harry to keep quiet. He stood up and pulled her aside. "You have to go to hospital wing and get a doctor here immediately."
Hermione gaped at him, glancing at the two siblings. "Did something bad happen to her?"
"We're not sure. She doesn't remember anything," Harry replied. "All I know is that she has a huge bruise on her face and her foot's on an ankle brace."
"It's because of the fall she had at the library," She took Harry's arm frantically, her eyes filled with worry. "You think she's been-"
"Calm down, Herm," Harry said, placing his hands over her shoulders. "We need you to go get some help, all right?"
Hermione sighed, giving him a faint smile. She left and went toward the hospital wing. Harry then approached Ron. "Help is on the way. I told Hermione to get a doctor right over."
"No!" Ginny shrieked, moving away from Ron's hold. "There's no need for a doctor. I'm fine now."
Ron and Harry exchanged worried glances. Harry came over and sat by her side. "Gin, he's just gonna look at-"
"I said I'm fine!" she insisted, giving Harry a mean glare. She turned to Ron and pleaded. "Please Ron, I just need to go to my room and get some sleep."
Ron furrowed his brow, peering through her brown eyes with caution. "You sure?"
"I'm sure," she assured him, giving his arm a nice squeeze. "Nothing a nice nap couldn't cure."
Damn, she's so stubborn! Ron groaned, rubbing his temples. "Okay. I'll take you to your room BUT I still want a doctor see you just in case something's wrong."
Ginny smiled and hugged him again. "I miss you," she whispered onto his ear.
"Me too." Ron picked her up in his arms and carried her. Just as they were about to leave, Hermione returned with Dr. Riddle. The doctor promptly instructed that she be brought to her room so he can examine her there. With Hermione leading the way, Harry, handed to Ron the package he brought. "You forgot to give her these."
Ron smirked and snatched it from him. When Ginny asked what it was, he blushed. "It's just a little present for you. Hermione told me you like to eat chocolates a lot."
Ginny chuckled, kissing her brother on the cheeks. "Ta."
By now, Ron's ears were already beet red. "You're welcome," He glared at Harry, who couldn't help but chortle at his expense. "How come you didn't go with Hermione?"
"And miss this great Weasley moment? Never." Harry joked, as they all walked to the main hallway, relieved that the day had finally come to a close.
10:30 pm. That's what my alarm clock says.
Yet I still lay awake in my bed, wondering. Dreaming. It's hard not to think of her as just a mere fantasy when everything you've seen is real. Her long, soft hair; her sweet scent; those beautiful brown eyes; her pretty face. A goddess. That's what she was. And she's mine…
My baby. My beautiful baby.
But today was different- she was different. I could see it in her eyes how sad she was. How scared and fractured her heart had become. It was like somebody stabbed her and the wound pierced through my body. No matter how much she smiled, it was still laced with pain and despair. As if she was trying to hide something from me. But then I do know one thing…
She was always a terrible liar.
I stood up, walked to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of beer. On my way back, I picked up a picture of her sitting on top of my desk. It was a beautiful picture. She had her hair down this time, the wind caressing it. Her skin was wrapped in a nice white dress, just like those nymphs dancing along the forest. But the one thing that captivated me was her smile. It was a nice smile.
A real smile.
"Why would you lie to me, Virginia?"
I traced my fingers over her delicate mouth. I used to place it there to keep her quiet whenever she couldn't stop talking on and on about her little adventures.
Oh how I love her dearly. I would always try to make her laugh and smile whenever I got the chance. That became my job.
My life.
And now she's turning away from me. She wouldn't let me in anymore. Why would she do that, I thought. Did I do something wrong? Did I hurt her?
But why would I hurt her, when I've dedicated my life to give her everything her heart desires. Why can't she feel it?
Why can't she be mine forever?
I took the picture with me to my bed and placed on the pillow by my side. I wanted her to be near me at all times. It's how it was meant to be. I was about to go to sleep when I began to wonder how things would be if...
"So how is she?"
"What?" I grumbled, rubbing the sleep off my eyes.
"You know what the fuck I'm talking about. How IS she?"
"Relax, man! Jeez, from the tone of your voice it seems you love her more than I do," I smirked, taking a swig at what's left of my beer. "Someone attacked her. And left her alone in the corridors."
"You useless son of a bitch, how could you let this happen! Where were you when it happened? And don't you drink your fuckin' beer when I'm talking to you boy."
"Ah, give me a break! I wasn't there, all right? Jesus! If I were there I would have protected her."
"That's what's you're supposed to do, Motherfucker! You were supposed to fucking protect her at all cost!"
I lay down in bed once more and glanced at her picture. It was still smiling at me. "I'm not her guardian angel. Not anymore."
"You stupid idiot! What's gotten into you! I told you to take good care of her. But no, you fucking HAD to get a life and you fucking HAD to forget her…"
"I would never do that to her!" I exclaimed, peering through the mirror right in front of me. I was surprised to see my face in it. I was a mess. "She's mine you hear me!"
"Well then, you should keep what's yours to yourself. We wouldn't want some fuckin' bastard taking her away from you."
"What do you want me to do, huh? Kill the piece of shit that did this to her? Is that it?" I bellowed, my reflection glaring back at me.
Silence.
I stood up, went towards the bath and washed my face. I was slowly starting to feel tired and weary over this whole exchange.
"Why not? You've fuckin' killed people before… Don't tell me you've gotten soft now."
"That was different-"
"No it wasn't. They deserved to die, just like that stupid motherfucker who tried to smash her pretty face."
My knuckles turned white at the mere mention of it. Her pretty face destroyed. Like a porcelain doll shoved to the floor, its face shattered into tiny pieces. "I won't let that happen-"
"Then what the fuck are you waiting for? Go out there and find the fucking bastard…"
"Shut up! I'm trying to think," I began pacing the room in circles. The place was dark but the lights from the outside floated right before me, making ghostly dances. Such enchanting dances. I wonder if she dances a lot in the dark? "It has to be planned. There's no need for me to be reckless. But first…" I walked towards my cupboard and picked out an old baseball bat. I stared for it for awhile, enjoying the feel of the metal. "… I need to practice my swing."
"Damn it!" Neville griped, kicking a pebble off the sidewalk. It was already passed 10, but his boss at the restaurant said he should stay longer tonight. He didn't mind the work- the money was quite tempting, especially with his grandmother getting too old to help out with the expenses. But the events that occurred that day still haunted him.
"You are such a loser, Longbottom!" he mumbled, pounding his forehead with his fist. He knew he was no match for Malfoy yet he insisted on being the hero for a change. Snape wasn't too happy about the whole thing either. He kept shouting at him for making quite a scene, thus almost losing his job at the Institute.
All because he wanted to impress her.
"Not that she'd noticed it," he said, glumly. When he visited her in her room before he left, Hermione told her that she was asleep and couldn't be disturbed. "I wonder if she still wants to go out with me?" He walked quickly towards a dark alley as heavy rain began to pour. It was a shortcut he used to take as a kid.
It was also the perfect getaway from the thugs that liked to beat him a lot.
Neville chuckled. He could still remember the sound of those boys cursing him as they started throwing rocks at him. Even then, he was always a good runner. That's what he does for a living- he runs away from everybody. Like some fucking coward.
Maybe Ginny's right… I'm nothing more that just Snape's lap dog! Neville was about to kick a can of Campbells out of his way when he heard footsteps following him. He turned around. He was alone. All he could see was a huge dumpster blocking his view from the street. He nearly jumped in fright as a cat leaped across his face, scratching hysterically. He took it by the tail and threw it to the ground. It screeched viciously at him, then ran away.
"Stupid cat," Neville said, touching the scratches it left on his cheeks. He could tell that his face was bleeding. "God, this is gonna hurt."
"Indeed." A voice from behind hissed.
Neville never got to see who is was. All he could remember was the hard blow that knocked him from behind. And the blood-filled water that soaked his face. He glanced up at his assailant but he couldn't see its face. Only its shadow towering over him, raising a baseball bat over its head. He closed his eyes and waited. He was going to die that night.
He only wished he could have said goodbye to her.
I watched as the young man die in front of me. I peered through at his disfigured face, wondering if I had met him before. But then I couldn't tell from all the blood and rain that was flowing over him. He was such a pitiful sight.
But he was well worth the kill.
"I guess you didn't lose it after all…. That's one dead motherfucker! Man, you seem to out do yourself every time. Them fucking cops would think it was a fucking robbery. Hey, give me his watch! I think it would look good on me."
I smiled. The whole experience turned into a guilty pleasure I felt a long time ago. Suddenly, their faces were smeared into his face. Anger swept through me; I pounded his face once more, enjoying myself with every wrath I pulled out of my body.
"You know what? They did deserve to die." I heaved, completely impressed with my work.
"You seem to be fucking happy about it. Now that's the bad ass you that I know."
It took quite some time before my body could relax from it all. My clothes were now drenched in blood; its smell reeked all over my skin, the wonderful perfume from the dead.
I kinda liked it.
"Oh, enough about this pathetic arsehole! So tell me, how does it feel?"
I gripped my bat tightly, deciding whether I should throw it away or keep it locked up in my cupboard- in case I need it again.
"Just like old times."