Disclaimer: not mine, not mine
A/N* yeah I know I said I'd post every Monday and I was getting pretty good with the whole once a week routine but you guys have been so very good with the reviews this one is here three days early (or two, depending on when ffnet uploaded it) ^_^ read over chapter nine and realized it was kinda forced so I shall make necessary revisions when I have the time, I promise.
Chapter 10. Want What You Can't Have
The peace and solitude Ginny had found her first visit to Diagon Alley with Draco no longer existed. As the weeks progressed, the imminent close of summer drew nearer, and wizards and witches alike found themselves shopping to avoid the crowds. However, the ironic thing was that the "crowd" evidently felt the same way, and this particular day Diagon Alley was packed.
Draco was in a sullen mood; he'd not spoken more than two words to her the entire day, those two being, "Sod off." He wasn't even up to his normal standards, insulting her, if even, with a measley phrase she'd flung in his face countless times. And the god-awful thing about the entire ordeal was that he was embarassed-yes, he, Draco Malfoy, was embarassed.
He'd already botched things up by confessing to her what he felt, or a nuance of what he felt. For crissakes, he thought, I've never revealed so much of my feelings to anyone before. Emotions were weak, and Malfoys certainly were not. And he'd gone and let that bloody Weasley know that the kiss had affected him. As if his momentary lapse of judgement wasn't bad enough, she had walked away. For Draco, she might as well have laughed in his face, it was a shame really, downright disgusting and humiliating.
The new Nimbus broom glinted from the store window, and Draco paused to admire it. But even the sleek polished wood couldn't take his mind off Ginny. Why did she walk away? The question repeated itself in his end incessantly, driving him near the brink of insanity. He couldn't figure it out; normal girls would swoon if a guy had spoken such words. Add the fact that the guy was Draco, and half the female population would be melting into puddles of mindless jelly.
Ginny's not a normal girl, a small voice in the back of his head shouted. He swallowed. That much was true, Draco admitted silently. It wasn't just because she had the guts to stand up to him either, no, mousy Granger and her tacky Harry did just the same. There was something about the fire in those scalding brown eyes that rose a growling heat to flame inside him.
Normally, Draco would chalk it up to raging male hormones, but that was another problem. He never let women best him; Lucius had taught him to think with his head at all times, rather than some other body part. "I am thinking with my head," Draco said to himself, scowling at his reflection from which he could already see Lucius berating him.
No, you aren't, that same small voice said. Draco glanced back to the window, his silver eyes confused and angry. "Then what," he muttered, "am I thinking with." An elderly woman near him shot him a terrified look and scatted away, either because she thought him a lunatic or because she recognized that prominent Malfoy face.
Ignoring her, he continued to stare blankly at himself, unable to concede why he had acted so. It would only be a matter of time before he realized what everyone else already had.
He, Draco Malfoy, had been thinking with his heart.
~*~
Ginny had never been inside Kathryn's Gowns and Robes before, but there was a first time for everything. As she predicted, the place carried an air of elegance, wealth, and prestige, and normally she'd be intimidated by such a store but today, Ginny Weasley was in a horrid mood and ready to bulldoze anything that stood in her way.
The shopkeeper was tall and slender, in her early twenties, and probably one of the most beautiful witches Ginny had ever met. With her long mahogany curls and dark sapphire eyes, she complemented the snub and sophisticated aura of the store better than Malfoy could have done himself, and eyed Ginny with unrestrained disdain.
"Welcome to Kathryn's," she said forcedly. "I'm Kathryn."
"You're Kathryn Morgan?" Ginny asked. "But this store has been here for decades now."
"Kathryn Morgan-Dague," She corrected. "Kathryn Morgan was my great- great grandmother. What do you want?"
Ginny blinked, taken aback. "I was looking for a dress, actually."
"Well the used clothes shop is just around the corner, maybe you want to try there instead," Kathryn replied snidely.
"How kind of you, but I'll be fine here," Ginny said sweetly, refusing to let a snob like Kathryn best her and scanning the store inconspicuously. Her gaze landed on a dark blue ballgown in a shade so deep it resembled black, and she gasped. "I actually wanted to try that one on," She said, gesturing to the gown.
Kathryn rolled her eyes, obviously wanting to decline but not having much other choice. Gently she removed the garmet from its backing and shoved it at Ginny. "I'm guessing you're a student," she sneered, "So you can't use magic. You can change in back, the mirror is in the front, and I'll be upstairs."
"Why thank you," Ginny mocked.
"Don't even think about stealing it," Kathryn added before disappearing up the stairs.
Ginny made a face. She dealt enough with Kathryn's kind at Hogwarts, and she could bet her life that Kathryn would've been in Slytherin. She shimmied into the dress easily, the silken material feeling rich and luxurious against her skin. It was such a gorgeous gown, and immediately she regretted trying it on as she knew there was no way in hell a Weasley could afford it.
"I love it," she breathed. "It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen."
She faced the mirror, admiring the clean lines the gown fell to her feet in and feeling rather naked, as she'd never worn a dress with such thin straps before before. But it was still so beautiful, she thought wistfully. There was a sudden movement behind her, and Ginny snapped around, ready to glare down Kathryn. This was the first thing that had appeased her all day, and she was certainly not about to let some snot ruin it for her.
Only it wasn't Kathryn.
Draco Malfoy's stormy gray eyes bore into her. "Well look at you," was all he said.
"How long have you been there?" Ginny demanded.
"Long enough to see you talking to yourself," he chuckled, scanning her quickly. "And you think I'm the vain one."
She pinked. "Didn't your mother tell you it's rude to stare?" She sputtered.
"Most girls like it when I stare," He said slowly with a sardonical grin.
Ginny swiveled around and faced her reflection once more. "So to what honor do I owe the fact that you've decided not to ignore me anymore?" She changed the subject, meeting his eyes through the mirror. There was a few seconds of silence, and she added a little more harshly, "Answer my question."
"Do you plan on wearing that thing all day? You know you can't afford it," Draco smirked. She rolled her eyes, not quite bothered by his comment. Glancing at the gown one more time, she stepped down and flounced towards the changing room.
"Answer my question, Malfoy," she repeated.
Draco followed her. "When did I ignore you?"
"This morning! All of today," Ginny said exasperatedly, glaring at him before she yanked the curtain shut.
"On the contrary," he snickered, "I believe I did speak to you."
There was a rustle as Ginny struggled with her dress. "I hardly count what you said 'speaking', Malfoy," she finally said, her breath labored.
"Don't kill yourself in there," Draco smirked.
"Bloody zipper," she muttered. "Bloody no magic rule. Oh bloody, bloody hell." Draco stifled a snort, and after a noisy bang, he found himself staring down at a very irritated redhead who was evidently still in her dress. "I can't get the damn zipper down," she said quite plainly.
"I knew Weasleys were slow on the uptake, but I never thought I'd see the day when they forgot how to manage clothes," Draco couldn't resist saying.
"Can you not be a bint for just a second?" Ginny snapped, frustrated and fed up. "Just, help me undo this zipper." She turned around and swept her hair in front of her shoulders, waiting expectantly.
Draco was paralyzed momentarily as he stood facing the partially unzipped dress, breathless at the sight of the creamy expanse of her skin and the teasing white lace that peeked out from her bra. "Do you plan on making me wear this all day?" She mimicked his voice, and he nearly rolled his eyes.
He stepped closer, one hand on the small of her back and the other resting loosely upon her hip. "Would you mind?" He half-whispered, his breath tickling her ear. She gasped as in one sudden movent his hand moved deftly to the zipper and yanked, hard.
Ginny spun around, meeting his eyes quizzically. "It's a beautiful dress," she replied before returning to the dressing room, "And one that I've been reminded I could never afford."
Through the thin fabric of the curtain he could see her silhouette moving. "Is it the dress," he said softly, "or the person who wears it?"
She stopped dressing abruptly, evidently frozen as she contemplated his words. Then she was in motion again, nimble fingers buttoning up her blouse as she said in a trembling voice, "Malfoy, we need to talk."
He smiled, and though she couldn't see him, she saw the smile- the trademark, catlike grin that stretched his lips thin and revealed imperceptibly white teeth. "What do you think we're doing right now?" He said.
The curtain snapped open, and Ginny stood shadowed in the frame of the small room. "You know what I mean," she exclaimed, her brown eyes glistening with aggravation.
"Do I," he responded, cold, hard, serious, and vulnerable all at the same time. It wasn't a question.
"I do hope you're done with that dress," Kathryn's voice came from the top of the stairs, "because if you wear it any longer you're going to bloody contaminate it." The soft tap of her shoes against the oak grew louder as she neared them. "And for crissakes-"
She stopped suddenly, her blue eyes filled wide with surprise and shock as she saw Draco. "You were saying?" He prompted, mildly interested.
"Mister Malfoy," she recovered, alarm replaced with a dazzling smile, one that had undoubtedly trapped many men in her web before. "I wasn't expecting you here."
"I realized," he replied easily. "I came in while you were upstairs. And do call me Draco."
"Draco," Kathryn purred, "It suits you."
"I suppose," he chuckled. "Is my mother's dress ready?"
"Um," Kathryn flustered, "I do believe so." Ginny nearly laughed as she watched the elegant woman trip over herself to please Draco. Unfortunately, Kathryn caught the snicker forming on her lips. "And why are you still here?" She asked frostily, "You're polluting the air."
"My my, aren't we feeling vicious," Draco said with a laugh.
"Draco," Kathryn said, "Do you know who this little rat is? She's a Weasley, she's a muggle-lover-"
"And she's with me," Draco finished firmly. "My maid, actually," he amended at her horrified expression. Ginny's grateful smile immediately changed to a scowl.
"Oh," Kathryn said. "That explains it."
"Malfoy, meet me by Olivanders when this prick gets your order," Ginny interrupted, unable to stand Kathryn for a second longer. She stormed past him and out the door, lingering for one last glance of the dress she would never have.
Draco almost went after her.
~*~
"That went well, don't you think?" Draco said in a tone that could've been cherry if it hadn't been coming from him.
Ginny glared at him. "I think you took long enough in there," she returned shortly, swiftly climbing to her feet.
He shrugged. "Mother's orders."
She narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Are you sure it had nothing to do with a certain gorgeous brunette named Kathryn? Oh Draco," she mocked in a falsetto, "that name so suits you."
"I thought you hated her," Draco smirked.
"I do, but I'm not going to lie," she replied simply.
"Oh, well, been there, done her," Draco said.
Ginny shot him a scathing look. "You are such a. . .manwhore. You really are, Malfoy. Tell me your kidding, please."
"Well, I've never been able to deny the ladies what they want," he began. Her irritated expression however, gave him reason to stop and admit sheepishly, "She's too old for me."
"Oh." There was an uncomfortable silence.
Draco was beginning to think that honesty was not quite what everyone made it out to be. It was due time to avert the subject. "You said you wanted to talk?"
"Not here," Ginny said quickly. Without thinking, she reached out and grabbed his hand, slightly dragging him behind her into the nearest pub and then feeling surprised that he'd let her.
Draco took in the noisy alcoholists, the din so consistent it might as well have been white noise, and wrinkled his nose. "You sure we're supposed to be in here, Weasley?" He asked dubiously.
"I know it doesn't exactly live up to your class standards," Ginny replied, more amused than sarcastic. At the mirthful, twinkling smile he tossed her, Ginny's palm grew warm and clammy, and she was suddenly self- conscious of his cool grip. Dropping his hand sharply she flushed, but he didn't seem to notice. "Anyways," she added, "it'll have to do."
He didn't even blink, finding them a small, isolated table away from the oblivious butterbeer-guzzlers that provided them with at least some privacy. Waving a witch over, he asked for some tea and tilted his head at Ginny in silent question. She shook her head despite the dryness in her throat. "So," he said once they were settled, "Go ahead, talk."
"Hey, why is it that I'm the one who-" Ginny began, but then stopped and took a deep breath. "Never mind," she said, shaking her head. "Okay, well, I thought we should talk about what happened the other day."
Draco crinkled his brow. "Which other day are you talking about? Considering how old we are, there's a lot of them."
The chair protested in loud squeaks when Ginny shifted uncomfortably. "Malfoy," she sighed, "you have problems."
He raised an eyebrow, feigning hurt. "Well, if this is what you mean by talking, I'd say we were talking back at that shop."
"You know," Ginny said softly, ignoring him,"You're not the only one who has trouble. . . forgetting things." Draco blanched, and if he was anyone else Ginny could have sworn he would've blushed. Ginny was the one who reddened, though, glancing down at her hands. They were working hands, the skin roughened and the fingers long and agile, and she winced, in disbelief that these words were coming out of her mouth, and aimed at Malfoy, no less.
She took his silence as a prompt to continue. "I don't know, I guess I've never been the brightest of my kind but lately, I've been awfully confused," she plodded, too afraid and too embarassed to look at him. Suddenly, the vitality of sorting out her feelings was nothing compared to making a fool out of herself, but she went on nevertheless. "I know that I'm a Weasley, and you're a Malfoy, and we're destined to hate each other, but. . ." she trailed off, not quite sure how to phrase her words. Did she have the guts to tell him what she'd been secretly longing for weeks now?
Draco remained close-mouthed, but whether because he was astonished by her words or whether because he was simply processing them Ginny couldn't tell. "Anyways, the main thing is that, well, I just wanted to, you know, um, apologize," she stuttered. "For slapping you." She was suddenly deaf to the rest of the customers, her ears open only to Draco's voice, which currently was mute. Time seemed to be suspended as she scrutinized her fingers with intense concentration, and she dared not peek at his expression.
And then he spoke.
"Apology accepted," Draco said crookedly. She snapped her head up and scanned his face, emotionless and unreadable as always. But he was sitting there, leaning back in his rickety chair and watching her with cool gray eyes, one side of his mouth curved up into what could have been a smile, and Ginny knew he was telling the truth. A part of her she didn't particularly want to acknowledge wanted him to say something more, to maybe apologize for what he'd said to her about Blaise, to maybe even tell her that Blaise didn't mean anything to him, and that she did. His lips parted, and she sat up on the edge of her seat, wringing her hands nervously and waiting for whatever it was he had to say.
Instead, he took a sip of his tea.
~*~
"So basically, Mother just wants to keep Father from exploding when he returns," Draco finished as he and Ginny exited the bar.
Ginny nodded, displaying all the attentiveness a good maid should. His abrupt change of subject back in the bar and disappointed her, but she wasn't one to complain. After all, she wasn't here as Malfoy's friend, nor love interest, but as his servant.
But the tone in which he spoke of his family had revealed something about him that Ginny had never noticed before. Sure, she never imagined the Malfoy household as one of love and warmth, but she'd always seen Draco as a respectful, perfect son that would procure the image of Death Eaters. And now, here he was, explaining to her his parents' actions that he needn't even share, and Ginny couldn't help but hear the scorn evident in his voice. Oddly enough, it gave her an inexplicable reason to hope.
Maybe this is why he's so cold all the time, she thought as he continued, gazing at his profile intently. So cold, she amended, but so beautiful. "Malfoy," she piped up suddenly, "Do you love your parents?"
His eyes widened with surprise, at first because she'd interrupted him and then because of her question. "What's not to love," he replied flatly, quickening his pace.
"Why can't you seriously answer a question for once?" She demanded, grabbing the sleeve of his robe so he was forced to stop.
He sighed, obviously not wanting to carry on this conversation with her. "What's it to you?"
"I was wondering why it's so difficult for you to love," Ginny said quietly, this time not looking away. "I was wondering," she added, "if it's even possible for you to love."
"Love," he snorted. "Love is for romantic idealists with nothing better to waste their time on."
"And how would you know," Ginny pressed, "If you can't love?"
"You know, I hardly credit you with authority on love," Draco sneered. "Unless you count that pathetic crush on Potter love, in which case, I'd be glad I 'can't' love."
"Malfoy," Ginny said patiently, moving closer and searching his eyes. "You don't always have to be so mean, you know. It's not weak to show someone that you actually care."
"And just who is it you think I care about, Weasel?" Draco smirked, his voice dangerously soft.
"I don't know," Ginny whispered, stepping forward even more, running her fingers down his forearms and enticing a chill to sparkle in her spine at their contact, "But a girl can hope, can't she?"
"Why surely," he drawled, "You wouldn't think that it would be you, would you?"
She darkened, stepping back. "You know, Malfoy, you are such a prat," she spat lividly. "I'm trying to be honest with you and explain myself with you and all you can do is bloody-"
He moved towards her suddenly, drawing her in and closing the space between their bodies enough for her to feel the heat radiating through his robes, enough for her to breath in the cologne that had dizzied her numerous times before. In one split second, his hand was on her back and his lips were on hers.
Ginny felt her legs go weak, her fingers gripping his arms for support. He tasted sweet and cool all at the same time, of tea and sugar and rainforest. His mouth was moist but his lips dry, the tip of his nose gently pressing into her cheek and his free hand moving through her hair to rest below her chin.
It was a heated kiss, one that demanded her to shut up but all the same merged their souls. She could hardly breathe, and it didn't matter to her. It would be a hell of a way to die. Eventually, however, too soon to Ginny, Draco pulled back for air. He studied her, her eyes still closed and her breath irregular, his face hovering close above hers.
They could have been the only two people there, despite the noise around them. She opened her eyes when his lips didn't return, neither making a move to draw away. Gazing at him, their lips inches apart, she felt the last few weeks had been worth just this moment, standing there in his arms and awaiting another kiss like nothing else mattered.
Unfortunately, they weren't the only two people there.
Draco released her roughly, turning his neck and twisting his lips into a sardonic smile. "Well, well, look who's here," He snarled. Confused, Ginny glanced up, following his gaze to a thin, raven-haired boy standing with his mouth agape, and she paled.
"Harry?"
~ End of Chapter 10
A/N* muahaha a cliffie!! Er, sorta.
Liltrick89 ~ you have no idea how much I agree with you haha. . .Draco Malfoy goodness ::fans self::
Hpdancer92 ~ how could I ever put draco and ginny with anyone else?
MeanCrudeToHellWithYouTo ~ mm I guess we'll just have to read and see, eh? XD
AraelMoonchild, Twoc2bcool, Little Butterly, j-chan, skyblusilver, and all my other faithful reviewers mucho mucho thanks.
A/N* yeah I know I said I'd post every Monday and I was getting pretty good with the whole once a week routine but you guys have been so very good with the reviews this one is here three days early (or two, depending on when ffnet uploaded it) ^_^ read over chapter nine and realized it was kinda forced so I shall make necessary revisions when I have the time, I promise.
Chapter 10. Want What You Can't Have
The peace and solitude Ginny had found her first visit to Diagon Alley with Draco no longer existed. As the weeks progressed, the imminent close of summer drew nearer, and wizards and witches alike found themselves shopping to avoid the crowds. However, the ironic thing was that the "crowd" evidently felt the same way, and this particular day Diagon Alley was packed.
Draco was in a sullen mood; he'd not spoken more than two words to her the entire day, those two being, "Sod off." He wasn't even up to his normal standards, insulting her, if even, with a measley phrase she'd flung in his face countless times. And the god-awful thing about the entire ordeal was that he was embarassed-yes, he, Draco Malfoy, was embarassed.
He'd already botched things up by confessing to her what he felt, or a nuance of what he felt. For crissakes, he thought, I've never revealed so much of my feelings to anyone before. Emotions were weak, and Malfoys certainly were not. And he'd gone and let that bloody Weasley know that the kiss had affected him. As if his momentary lapse of judgement wasn't bad enough, she had walked away. For Draco, she might as well have laughed in his face, it was a shame really, downright disgusting and humiliating.
The new Nimbus broom glinted from the store window, and Draco paused to admire it. But even the sleek polished wood couldn't take his mind off Ginny. Why did she walk away? The question repeated itself in his end incessantly, driving him near the brink of insanity. He couldn't figure it out; normal girls would swoon if a guy had spoken such words. Add the fact that the guy was Draco, and half the female population would be melting into puddles of mindless jelly.
Ginny's not a normal girl, a small voice in the back of his head shouted. He swallowed. That much was true, Draco admitted silently. It wasn't just because she had the guts to stand up to him either, no, mousy Granger and her tacky Harry did just the same. There was something about the fire in those scalding brown eyes that rose a growling heat to flame inside him.
Normally, Draco would chalk it up to raging male hormones, but that was another problem. He never let women best him; Lucius had taught him to think with his head at all times, rather than some other body part. "I am thinking with my head," Draco said to himself, scowling at his reflection from which he could already see Lucius berating him.
No, you aren't, that same small voice said. Draco glanced back to the window, his silver eyes confused and angry. "Then what," he muttered, "am I thinking with." An elderly woman near him shot him a terrified look and scatted away, either because she thought him a lunatic or because she recognized that prominent Malfoy face.
Ignoring her, he continued to stare blankly at himself, unable to concede why he had acted so. It would only be a matter of time before he realized what everyone else already had.
He, Draco Malfoy, had been thinking with his heart.
~*~
Ginny had never been inside Kathryn's Gowns and Robes before, but there was a first time for everything. As she predicted, the place carried an air of elegance, wealth, and prestige, and normally she'd be intimidated by such a store but today, Ginny Weasley was in a horrid mood and ready to bulldoze anything that stood in her way.
The shopkeeper was tall and slender, in her early twenties, and probably one of the most beautiful witches Ginny had ever met. With her long mahogany curls and dark sapphire eyes, she complemented the snub and sophisticated aura of the store better than Malfoy could have done himself, and eyed Ginny with unrestrained disdain.
"Welcome to Kathryn's," she said forcedly. "I'm Kathryn."
"You're Kathryn Morgan?" Ginny asked. "But this store has been here for decades now."
"Kathryn Morgan-Dague," She corrected. "Kathryn Morgan was my great- great grandmother. What do you want?"
Ginny blinked, taken aback. "I was looking for a dress, actually."
"Well the used clothes shop is just around the corner, maybe you want to try there instead," Kathryn replied snidely.
"How kind of you, but I'll be fine here," Ginny said sweetly, refusing to let a snob like Kathryn best her and scanning the store inconspicuously. Her gaze landed on a dark blue ballgown in a shade so deep it resembled black, and she gasped. "I actually wanted to try that one on," She said, gesturing to the gown.
Kathryn rolled her eyes, obviously wanting to decline but not having much other choice. Gently she removed the garmet from its backing and shoved it at Ginny. "I'm guessing you're a student," she sneered, "So you can't use magic. You can change in back, the mirror is in the front, and I'll be upstairs."
"Why thank you," Ginny mocked.
"Don't even think about stealing it," Kathryn added before disappearing up the stairs.
Ginny made a face. She dealt enough with Kathryn's kind at Hogwarts, and she could bet her life that Kathryn would've been in Slytherin. She shimmied into the dress easily, the silken material feeling rich and luxurious against her skin. It was such a gorgeous gown, and immediately she regretted trying it on as she knew there was no way in hell a Weasley could afford it.
"I love it," she breathed. "It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen."
She faced the mirror, admiring the clean lines the gown fell to her feet in and feeling rather naked, as she'd never worn a dress with such thin straps before before. But it was still so beautiful, she thought wistfully. There was a sudden movement behind her, and Ginny snapped around, ready to glare down Kathryn. This was the first thing that had appeased her all day, and she was certainly not about to let some snot ruin it for her.
Only it wasn't Kathryn.
Draco Malfoy's stormy gray eyes bore into her. "Well look at you," was all he said.
"How long have you been there?" Ginny demanded.
"Long enough to see you talking to yourself," he chuckled, scanning her quickly. "And you think I'm the vain one."
She pinked. "Didn't your mother tell you it's rude to stare?" She sputtered.
"Most girls like it when I stare," He said slowly with a sardonical grin.
Ginny swiveled around and faced her reflection once more. "So to what honor do I owe the fact that you've decided not to ignore me anymore?" She changed the subject, meeting his eyes through the mirror. There was a few seconds of silence, and she added a little more harshly, "Answer my question."
"Do you plan on wearing that thing all day? You know you can't afford it," Draco smirked. She rolled her eyes, not quite bothered by his comment. Glancing at the gown one more time, she stepped down and flounced towards the changing room.
"Answer my question, Malfoy," she repeated.
Draco followed her. "When did I ignore you?"
"This morning! All of today," Ginny said exasperatedly, glaring at him before she yanked the curtain shut.
"On the contrary," he snickered, "I believe I did speak to you."
There was a rustle as Ginny struggled with her dress. "I hardly count what you said 'speaking', Malfoy," she finally said, her breath labored.
"Don't kill yourself in there," Draco smirked.
"Bloody zipper," she muttered. "Bloody no magic rule. Oh bloody, bloody hell." Draco stifled a snort, and after a noisy bang, he found himself staring down at a very irritated redhead who was evidently still in her dress. "I can't get the damn zipper down," she said quite plainly.
"I knew Weasleys were slow on the uptake, but I never thought I'd see the day when they forgot how to manage clothes," Draco couldn't resist saying.
"Can you not be a bint for just a second?" Ginny snapped, frustrated and fed up. "Just, help me undo this zipper." She turned around and swept her hair in front of her shoulders, waiting expectantly.
Draco was paralyzed momentarily as he stood facing the partially unzipped dress, breathless at the sight of the creamy expanse of her skin and the teasing white lace that peeked out from her bra. "Do you plan on making me wear this all day?" She mimicked his voice, and he nearly rolled his eyes.
He stepped closer, one hand on the small of her back and the other resting loosely upon her hip. "Would you mind?" He half-whispered, his breath tickling her ear. She gasped as in one sudden movent his hand moved deftly to the zipper and yanked, hard.
Ginny spun around, meeting his eyes quizzically. "It's a beautiful dress," she replied before returning to the dressing room, "And one that I've been reminded I could never afford."
Through the thin fabric of the curtain he could see her silhouette moving. "Is it the dress," he said softly, "or the person who wears it?"
She stopped dressing abruptly, evidently frozen as she contemplated his words. Then she was in motion again, nimble fingers buttoning up her blouse as she said in a trembling voice, "Malfoy, we need to talk."
He smiled, and though she couldn't see him, she saw the smile- the trademark, catlike grin that stretched his lips thin and revealed imperceptibly white teeth. "What do you think we're doing right now?" He said.
The curtain snapped open, and Ginny stood shadowed in the frame of the small room. "You know what I mean," she exclaimed, her brown eyes glistening with aggravation.
"Do I," he responded, cold, hard, serious, and vulnerable all at the same time. It wasn't a question.
"I do hope you're done with that dress," Kathryn's voice came from the top of the stairs, "because if you wear it any longer you're going to bloody contaminate it." The soft tap of her shoes against the oak grew louder as she neared them. "And for crissakes-"
She stopped suddenly, her blue eyes filled wide with surprise and shock as she saw Draco. "You were saying?" He prompted, mildly interested.
"Mister Malfoy," she recovered, alarm replaced with a dazzling smile, one that had undoubtedly trapped many men in her web before. "I wasn't expecting you here."
"I realized," he replied easily. "I came in while you were upstairs. And do call me Draco."
"Draco," Kathryn purred, "It suits you."
"I suppose," he chuckled. "Is my mother's dress ready?"
"Um," Kathryn flustered, "I do believe so." Ginny nearly laughed as she watched the elegant woman trip over herself to please Draco. Unfortunately, Kathryn caught the snicker forming on her lips. "And why are you still here?" She asked frostily, "You're polluting the air."
"My my, aren't we feeling vicious," Draco said with a laugh.
"Draco," Kathryn said, "Do you know who this little rat is? She's a Weasley, she's a muggle-lover-"
"And she's with me," Draco finished firmly. "My maid, actually," he amended at her horrified expression. Ginny's grateful smile immediately changed to a scowl.
"Oh," Kathryn said. "That explains it."
"Malfoy, meet me by Olivanders when this prick gets your order," Ginny interrupted, unable to stand Kathryn for a second longer. She stormed past him and out the door, lingering for one last glance of the dress she would never have.
Draco almost went after her.
~*~
"That went well, don't you think?" Draco said in a tone that could've been cherry if it hadn't been coming from him.
Ginny glared at him. "I think you took long enough in there," she returned shortly, swiftly climbing to her feet.
He shrugged. "Mother's orders."
She narrowed her eyes, unconvinced. "Are you sure it had nothing to do with a certain gorgeous brunette named Kathryn? Oh Draco," she mocked in a falsetto, "that name so suits you."
"I thought you hated her," Draco smirked.
"I do, but I'm not going to lie," she replied simply.
"Oh, well, been there, done her," Draco said.
Ginny shot him a scathing look. "You are such a. . .manwhore. You really are, Malfoy. Tell me your kidding, please."
"Well, I've never been able to deny the ladies what they want," he began. Her irritated expression however, gave him reason to stop and admit sheepishly, "She's too old for me."
"Oh." There was an uncomfortable silence.
Draco was beginning to think that honesty was not quite what everyone made it out to be. It was due time to avert the subject. "You said you wanted to talk?"
"Not here," Ginny said quickly. Without thinking, she reached out and grabbed his hand, slightly dragging him behind her into the nearest pub and then feeling surprised that he'd let her.
Draco took in the noisy alcoholists, the din so consistent it might as well have been white noise, and wrinkled his nose. "You sure we're supposed to be in here, Weasley?" He asked dubiously.
"I know it doesn't exactly live up to your class standards," Ginny replied, more amused than sarcastic. At the mirthful, twinkling smile he tossed her, Ginny's palm grew warm and clammy, and she was suddenly self- conscious of his cool grip. Dropping his hand sharply she flushed, but he didn't seem to notice. "Anyways," she added, "it'll have to do."
He didn't even blink, finding them a small, isolated table away from the oblivious butterbeer-guzzlers that provided them with at least some privacy. Waving a witch over, he asked for some tea and tilted his head at Ginny in silent question. She shook her head despite the dryness in her throat. "So," he said once they were settled, "Go ahead, talk."
"Hey, why is it that I'm the one who-" Ginny began, but then stopped and took a deep breath. "Never mind," she said, shaking her head. "Okay, well, I thought we should talk about what happened the other day."
Draco crinkled his brow. "Which other day are you talking about? Considering how old we are, there's a lot of them."
The chair protested in loud squeaks when Ginny shifted uncomfortably. "Malfoy," she sighed, "you have problems."
He raised an eyebrow, feigning hurt. "Well, if this is what you mean by talking, I'd say we were talking back at that shop."
"You know," Ginny said softly, ignoring him,"You're not the only one who has trouble. . . forgetting things." Draco blanched, and if he was anyone else Ginny could have sworn he would've blushed. Ginny was the one who reddened, though, glancing down at her hands. They were working hands, the skin roughened and the fingers long and agile, and she winced, in disbelief that these words were coming out of her mouth, and aimed at Malfoy, no less.
She took his silence as a prompt to continue. "I don't know, I guess I've never been the brightest of my kind but lately, I've been awfully confused," she plodded, too afraid and too embarassed to look at him. Suddenly, the vitality of sorting out her feelings was nothing compared to making a fool out of herself, but she went on nevertheless. "I know that I'm a Weasley, and you're a Malfoy, and we're destined to hate each other, but. . ." she trailed off, not quite sure how to phrase her words. Did she have the guts to tell him what she'd been secretly longing for weeks now?
Draco remained close-mouthed, but whether because he was astonished by her words or whether because he was simply processing them Ginny couldn't tell. "Anyways, the main thing is that, well, I just wanted to, you know, um, apologize," she stuttered. "For slapping you." She was suddenly deaf to the rest of the customers, her ears open only to Draco's voice, which currently was mute. Time seemed to be suspended as she scrutinized her fingers with intense concentration, and she dared not peek at his expression.
And then he spoke.
"Apology accepted," Draco said crookedly. She snapped her head up and scanned his face, emotionless and unreadable as always. But he was sitting there, leaning back in his rickety chair and watching her with cool gray eyes, one side of his mouth curved up into what could have been a smile, and Ginny knew he was telling the truth. A part of her she didn't particularly want to acknowledge wanted him to say something more, to maybe apologize for what he'd said to her about Blaise, to maybe even tell her that Blaise didn't mean anything to him, and that she did. His lips parted, and she sat up on the edge of her seat, wringing her hands nervously and waiting for whatever it was he had to say.
Instead, he took a sip of his tea.
~*~
"So basically, Mother just wants to keep Father from exploding when he returns," Draco finished as he and Ginny exited the bar.
Ginny nodded, displaying all the attentiveness a good maid should. His abrupt change of subject back in the bar and disappointed her, but she wasn't one to complain. After all, she wasn't here as Malfoy's friend, nor love interest, but as his servant.
But the tone in which he spoke of his family had revealed something about him that Ginny had never noticed before. Sure, she never imagined the Malfoy household as one of love and warmth, but she'd always seen Draco as a respectful, perfect son that would procure the image of Death Eaters. And now, here he was, explaining to her his parents' actions that he needn't even share, and Ginny couldn't help but hear the scorn evident in his voice. Oddly enough, it gave her an inexplicable reason to hope.
Maybe this is why he's so cold all the time, she thought as he continued, gazing at his profile intently. So cold, she amended, but so beautiful. "Malfoy," she piped up suddenly, "Do you love your parents?"
His eyes widened with surprise, at first because she'd interrupted him and then because of her question. "What's not to love," he replied flatly, quickening his pace.
"Why can't you seriously answer a question for once?" She demanded, grabbing the sleeve of his robe so he was forced to stop.
He sighed, obviously not wanting to carry on this conversation with her. "What's it to you?"
"I was wondering why it's so difficult for you to love," Ginny said quietly, this time not looking away. "I was wondering," she added, "if it's even possible for you to love."
"Love," he snorted. "Love is for romantic idealists with nothing better to waste their time on."
"And how would you know," Ginny pressed, "If you can't love?"
"You know, I hardly credit you with authority on love," Draco sneered. "Unless you count that pathetic crush on Potter love, in which case, I'd be glad I 'can't' love."
"Malfoy," Ginny said patiently, moving closer and searching his eyes. "You don't always have to be so mean, you know. It's not weak to show someone that you actually care."
"And just who is it you think I care about, Weasel?" Draco smirked, his voice dangerously soft.
"I don't know," Ginny whispered, stepping forward even more, running her fingers down his forearms and enticing a chill to sparkle in her spine at their contact, "But a girl can hope, can't she?"
"Why surely," he drawled, "You wouldn't think that it would be you, would you?"
She darkened, stepping back. "You know, Malfoy, you are such a prat," she spat lividly. "I'm trying to be honest with you and explain myself with you and all you can do is bloody-"
He moved towards her suddenly, drawing her in and closing the space between their bodies enough for her to feel the heat radiating through his robes, enough for her to breath in the cologne that had dizzied her numerous times before. In one split second, his hand was on her back and his lips were on hers.
Ginny felt her legs go weak, her fingers gripping his arms for support. He tasted sweet and cool all at the same time, of tea and sugar and rainforest. His mouth was moist but his lips dry, the tip of his nose gently pressing into her cheek and his free hand moving through her hair to rest below her chin.
It was a heated kiss, one that demanded her to shut up but all the same merged their souls. She could hardly breathe, and it didn't matter to her. It would be a hell of a way to die. Eventually, however, too soon to Ginny, Draco pulled back for air. He studied her, her eyes still closed and her breath irregular, his face hovering close above hers.
They could have been the only two people there, despite the noise around them. She opened her eyes when his lips didn't return, neither making a move to draw away. Gazing at him, their lips inches apart, she felt the last few weeks had been worth just this moment, standing there in his arms and awaiting another kiss like nothing else mattered.
Unfortunately, they weren't the only two people there.
Draco released her roughly, turning his neck and twisting his lips into a sardonic smile. "Well, well, look who's here," He snarled. Confused, Ginny glanced up, following his gaze to a thin, raven-haired boy standing with his mouth agape, and she paled.
"Harry?"
~ End of Chapter 10
A/N* muahaha a cliffie!! Er, sorta.
Liltrick89 ~ you have no idea how much I agree with you haha. . .Draco Malfoy goodness ::fans self::
Hpdancer92 ~ how could I ever put draco and ginny with anyone else?
MeanCrudeToHellWithYouTo ~ mm I guess we'll just have to read and see, eh? XD
AraelMoonchild, Twoc2bcool, Little Butterly, j-chan, skyblusilver, and all my other faithful reviewers mucho mucho thanks.
