A/N: Hi all! I've been studying like nobody's business so I apologize for taking so long. Classes are killer and I'll be doing some community service for class as well so that means less time, but rest assured I will work hard to get chapters out because ya'll actually invest the time to read my crap and review. A few things to note is that; 1) I think this chapter isn't as humorous as the others, 2) I think there's an actual plot bunny pelting me with spitballs and 3) I will grab the plot bunny and make it my pet, i.e. stuffing it with carrots and such. Thanks so much for giving this fic a chance, love ya'll!
Special thanks to:
babytigercub14: Thanks incredibly much for the encouragement! Sometimes I feel that maybe I shouldn't have put in an OC because this is my first Harry Potter fic, but you made me feel so much better, so thanks a lot and it was really appreciated!
Hplova4eva: Thanks for reading and reviewing again! =]
asia : Thanks for letting me know how you feel about this fic, I'm glad you did actually. I admit that my OC isn't the best; this is my first try after all. And plot is moving rather slowly, but I like to take my time with things and not rush. I added a warning to my summary so that others will know that this isn't a strictly D/G story, so thank you for pointing out how you felt.
Chapter 8
"Hey Hon...what are you eating…?"
"Erm…candy?"
Ginny stared at Draco's mouth for a few unbelieving seconds before screeching, "Draco Malfoy! How many times have I told you NEVER to so much as touch my stash of sugar quills?!"
His brow furrowed with thought as beads of sweat dripped down the side of his face, seconds passed without a word…then he finally answered, "Can't quite remember sweetums."
With the strength of a no carbohydrate dieting middle-aged woman having just been offered a snickers bar, she lunged at her prey.
The poor dear had it coming to him.
"Your fingers! My eyes! PAIN!"
"Oh stop squealing sweetums!"
****
'I can't believe I just cried like a baby.'
"UGHHHH!!!!"
Slyph kicked the tree hard, stubbing her toe with total lack of grace, which was followed by a series of elaborate curses.
"Will you stop screeching banshee girl?"
Whipping around, she glared darkly at her dear best friend, "I could shut your trap for you Drakie boy, but I think Miss Weasley already taught you a lesson. My, what a pretty gash that is on your forehead!"
Unfazed, he shrugged his shoulders, "I suppose women are a tad bit touchy with sugar aren't they? Ah well, that's not why I stopped your lovely tirade about evil child eating trees, I wanted to talk to you."
Not in the mood for pretty much anything, she leaned against the tree that got in the way of her toe, and slid to the ground.
"What the hell is it with everyone and their fucking talks lately?!"
Her attitude wasn't wearing well on Draco, even though he had a soft (like fluffy cotton balls) spot for her so it really wasn't his fault went he exploded, "Quit whining Syl! What kind of person are you?! If you keep up this kind of shit, you'll be like one of those people you can't stand! You've been bitchy and downright nasty today, and don't you dare take it out on me!"
Schooling her features to an indifferent appearance, she raised an eyebrow and coldly reminded him that she wasn't the one who would sulk days on end about not getting a letter from a specific someone.
Turning slightly pink (Malfoys don't turn red, it looks unfashionable), his voice lowered a few octaves as he slowly enunciated every word, "This isn't about me Sylph. I've had a talk with Potter, and from what I gleaned from it; you're trying to seduce him. I know you better than that…you're only going after him because of who he reminds you of. He's gone fairy…stop looking for him."
"Fuck off Malfoy."
He certainly had anticipated her anger, but it still hurt nonetheless.
"What were you planning to do Syl? Play around and slowly get attached to him for all the wrong reasons? Just so you could make yourself feel better?"
It hit home and damn she hated it when he pinpointed her weaknesses, she clenched her fists and looked away from his accusing eyes, "What do you know?!"
Softening his tone, he sat beside her, "Only that it must hurt like hell."
Running a hand through her hair she muttered, "Damn right."
A half-smile quirked at Draco's lips before he became solemn once more, "Fairy…this game with Potter should end. He has too many people looking out for him. Unlike the others, this one will have repercussions…stop it while you can."
Sighing she brought her tired eyes to meet his, "Whatever Hunter, I don't really care anymore."
He pulled her into a tight hug, "Hey, stop being all weepy and crap, you're reminding me of those ditzy girls...like Parkinson actually."
It wasn't surprising that within a few seconds, his face was shoved into dirt.
****
Draco returned to his room in all his dirt-stained glory.
"Stupid girls and their stupid mood swin-Argh!"
"What was that about mood swings and girls?" A sweet voice murmured in his right ear.
Hopping on one foot he snarled, "Merlin Ginny! What the hell is wrong with you today?! Is this some bloody women-gone-violently-insane day?!"
Flinching at his furious tone, she felt a pang of guilt and looked at her feet, suddenly interested with her laces.
He sighed when he noticed she was contrite and ran a hand through his hair frustratedly, "Look Gin…I've had a hassling day and I don't particularly enjoy being pummeled for no particular reason."
She looked up at him and frowned, "What happened today? I've been with you most of the time and you seemed perfectly fine then."
Draco closed his eyes and rubbed his temples warily, "I had a talk with Syl, that's all."
His body was tense, as if he was ready for her to start questioning him, but she realized now wouldn't be the best of times. Besides, it would be easier to get the information while he was relaxed.
Ginny walked over and pulled him into a hug, burying her face into his muscled chest. Gosh she loved to feel his taut muscles against any part of her body.
Changing subjects to lighten the mood she playfully asked, "So…I heard the Slytherins chose a medieval theme as a suggestion for the ball huh?"
After the surprise wore off, he almost instantly knew that it was probably Pansy who had spread the idea, unhappy that he had waved off her idea.
"Parkinson will regret hr big mouth," Draco muttered under his breath.
He deflected Ginny's curious eyes by placing a kiss on top of her fiery mane and whispered, "Let's just get some rest tonight okay love?"
Her only answer was to lead him to the bed.
****
*pluck*
"She likes me."
*pluck*
"She likes me not."
*pluck*
"She admires me."
*plucks two*
"She adores me."
*plucks two*
"She idolizes me."
*plucks two*
"She's utterly fascinated by me."
*plucks two*
"She loves me…DAMN STRAIGHT SHE DOES!"
"Are you sure about that Harry?"
Dropping the stem like it was a pair of panties…okay maybe not panties…more like…evil little Voldemorts, he inwardly groaned because he knew full well who it was.
"Hey Syl."
"Harry."
He frowned slightly at her cool clipped tone, "Are you feeling okay?"
Inwardly she sighed, Harry really was cute and so sincere she had a hard time keeping her resolve, but Draco was right, it was all a game and well, if you don't want to face the consequences, cut your losses.
She smiled slightly at him and gracefully settled down next to him. He watched her sit and was amazed by the darkness of her hair. It was so straight it made him feel ashamed for having such unruly locks. Without noticing what he was doing, his fingers were stroking the black silk before he knew it.
Immediately she stiffened as his fingers brushed her hair, but then she relaxed.
'Let me enjoy this for a little bit longer…'
It was surprising to her how much she liked having someone smooth her hair with such gentleness. But that was enough, she shouldn't play anymore…becoming attached wasn't what she needed.
Sylph pulled away from him, from the soothing peacefulness they had briefly shared and gently whispered, "It's been fun."
Confused and slightly worried he slowly asked, "What are you talking about?"
She couldn't help it, she laughed.
Now he was frowning, "What's so funny?"
Laughing, she thought to herself, wasn't kind at all, especially not when she was ending a game she had actually enjoyed. Then again, maybe she should end it with him hating her, at least he would deal with it better. It made her wonder how this boy had become so attached within two days of meeting.
"Listen Harry, it was fun. I liked hanging out with you…but it's over. The game…I'm ending it."
He jumped up from his seat and floundered for something to say, "I-I…damn it Sylph, you're quitting?"
She tensed at hearing her name and 'quitting' in the same sentence, "I never quit, Potter. Listen to me, and listen good, I played with you, I didn't actually care. The real reason why I even bothered was because you reminded me-"
What the hell was it with her today? She growled at Harry for even making her think of him…for almost making her say his name.
'I remind you of who?"
Sylph narrowed her eyes and spat out, "Forget it Potter. Look, I'm only staying this long just to clarify. We didn't start so I don't think we even need to end, but I don't want you to think that there's a chance; we're done. Now I'm going to go back to Gryffindor Tower to sleep, goodnight Harry Potter."
There was no sadness in his eyes as she walked away from him; he knew that sadness would be idiotic on his part. Rationally, he knew that they had only talked to each other for only a few days…but he was attracted to her, that he had to admit. It wasn't heartbreaking, not at all, just disappointing. Harry had actually thought that they were starting to become good friends, but she had just turned evil twin mode for no reason at all. It made him wonder how she could switch attitudes so quickly…in fact, Sylph had been acting perfectly fine earlier that day, so what had happened?
Wait…
He jumped up looking murderous, growling, "Malfoy"
****
"Come in."
His door creaked open and Dumbledore saw the very picture of cold beauty. Her eyes were hard, lips thinned, fists clenched and she held herself as if she was the rightful queen of the world.
"What brings you to my office at this hour Miss Chen? Lemon drop?"
She raised an eyebrow at the proffered dish and gave a slight she of the head, "I'm rather surprised that you're still awake Headmaster, you should get some rest."
The corner of his eyes crinkled in merriment, "I've been looking over some suggestions for the Halloween Ball…really very creative. Young Seamus Finnagin proposed a prehistoric theme centering upon Dinosaurs running about chasing students. He insists that his peers do not exercise enough."
Her lip twitched at the thought, but she quickly wiped it away, "That's…interesting…but I should get to the point of my visit, I'd rather not disturb you any longer than I must."
Dumbledore nodded at her to continue.
"I believe that Mr. Potter will be the main victim, and Draco will be the bait. I'm not quite sure as to what exactly is to happen, even my sources cannot determine the specifics but from what I have gathered, the battle shall take place around New Years."
His usual warmth disappeared, and a calculating gaze was sent her way. "Do you know of what nature this attack may be?"
Shaking her head she regretfully replied, "I'm sorry Headmaster, but it seems they have been watching for spies as of late so it's hard to determine. All I can tell you is that the gatherer of souls will be used…"
Frowning he murmured, "I didn't think they would be able to find it…"
Sylph shrugged negligently, "They did and there's no helping it. We will win anyway Albus, there's no need to worry."
Sighing, he frowned slightly at her, "Don't be too arrogant Sylph, this is a dangerous situation."
The young girl laughed lightly and turned away, heading for the exit, but called out as she walked away, "I have never lost Headmaster, and I won't start now."
A/N 2: PLEASE READ and REVIEW! It'll mean ever so much to a poor little college student who hasn't gotten sleep for the past week! *sob* (yea that's it…work those tears) ^_~