Chapter 3

Brown eyes met slate ones, the enmity clashing between them. Virginia wrung her hands helplessly as she watched the two men stare at each other with familiar resentfulness and hatred. Draco's lips curled back into a sneer as his eyes roamed over Seamus' face. The other man didn't look quite happy to see him in Virginia's house. It won't really matter because he will be disposed of sooner or later. It just makes the chase more interesting. Seamus regarded Draco with coldness that never seemed to be part of him. Normally he was a happy guy. People knew him to be the type of guy who would get along with anyone. It was kind of embarrassing for him to be like this in front of Ginny. After all, what would Ginny say? But he didn't care, what was important was finding out what the git Malfoy was doing here in her house.

"Malfoy," he nodded coolly at him.

Draco nodded too and replied with the same coolness, maybe except a lot more so "Finnigan" He stayed leaning on the wall, arms crossed over his bare chest, a leg over the other.

Seamus seemed to finally notice that Malfoy was topless and immediately sparks exploded in his chest. What the bloody hell is this?! He turned to Ginny, his eyes flaring hurt and anger "What is this!"

Ginny cowered back and drew in a shaky breath "It isn't what you think," she pleaded with her eyes. Seamus laughed, no humor in it "Oh? Then what is it I suppose?" he snarled, casting an angered look in Malfoy's direction.

Draco's expression remained calm and cool. Draco seemed unaffected by everything, it seemed as if he were enjoying the entire thing like a free movie.

Ginny shivered. What has she gotten herself into? She reached behind Seamus and closed the door, cutting off the damp air that was blowing in. "I can explain..."Ginny trailed off as she pushed Seamus to the couch, and then she added under her breath "somewhat."

Seamus frowned and sat on the couch beside Ginny who plopped down next to him tiredly. "Well?"

Ginny sighed and explained to Seamus the events of what happened today. "Hence, you can tell that Malfoy isn't really, uh-, cut out for house chores, so he was sweating by the time we were finished and I had to wash it for him before he catches a cold". She also told him on how she bumped into Draco two days ago in Diagon Alley. All the while, Seamus just kept on nodding, his face relaxing a little.

Then Draco moved from his spot and joined them. He gracefully sat himself down on an armchair that was beside Ginny. Seamus narrowed his eyes at him.

Draco just sent him a smile. "Actually, its quite funny the way Virginia and I met."

Ginny scowled at him. She hoped that she wouldn't say anything to wound Seamus' feelings or hers' for that matter.

Draco went on "Well, I decided to catch up on old times, you know how it is," he glanced at Seamus knowingly. "And well, Virginia and I didn't have time last night to continue what we were doing," he chuckled as if it was a joke. Ginny's ears alarmed at the last bit that Draco had said about last night. She looked at Seamus and saw, her heart sinking that his face was red and contorted with anger. "Just exactly what were you doing?" he asked her harshly.

Ginny cringed, her hands gripping the pillow beside her. Mustering up her courage, she replied indignantly "Malfoy came over last night to chat, that's it!"

Seamus was taken aback with her tone of voice. He realized that he must've been too hard on her. "I'm sorry, but you know how it is, I mean, with Malfoy here." he looked at Malfoy again, his head resting on his chin, listening politely. "Shut up Malfoy! Don't say a word!" he barked.

Draco looked surprised. "Me? I didn't say a single word." Seamus just shook his head "Just shut up!" and then he turned back to Ginny. Bastard, Draco thought to himself. No matter, I'll have my ways.

"You know Seamus, it wouldn't hurt to tone down your voice a little," Ginny said softly to Seamus. He turned to face her. "We're just talking after all." She reached out and touched his arm lightly and he smiled at her. Ginny relaxed. She wasn't right about deciding to go out with Seamus Finnigan. He was very gentle, unless provoked. He is charming and charismatic and is always thoughtful of her needs and feelings. She thought back on two years ago on how they met.

FLASHBACK Ginny was in Hogsmeade, looking around the place. It was a fine day and she had just gotten out of her office and needed a break. As usual, she went to the Three Broomsticks and decided to see who was in the neighborhood. It turns out that quite a number of her old schoolmates were there. They had a drink and were talking for nearly five hours. Suddenly, one of them said "Oh look! Whose that handsome guy who just entered?" So, being all girls, they turned around to take a look at whoever that person was. In that instant, it was like fate, their eyes linked and she found her feet walking towards him "Hi." She had said.

He smiled warmly and clasped her hands. "Nice seeing you again, Ginny Weasley."

Ginny had been surprised when his name flew out of her mouth "Seamus?!" he had nodded and laughed at her. "Seamus Finnigan?!" she too laughed "Its great to see you!"

"I just came from France, business and stuff," Seamus allowed himself to be dragged by Ginny to their table. "Hey girls! Remember Seamus?" Ginny had announced jovially. Then in response, all the girls started screaming and saying "Really?!", "You've grown!" and ""You're bloody handsome now!" to which he blushed cutely. Ginny grinned. It seemed like forever they've talked and talked. Finally when it was time for the Three Broomsticks to close for the night, and all her friends have departed, Seamus asked her if she wanted a ride home. Ginny said that she could just disapparate. Seamus had refused and somehow talked her into talking a ride with him in his car. Of course, she couldn't refuse. In the car, they talked some more. Ginny couldn't help feeling this weird ache in her chest whenever she looked at him. Maybe it was just the moonlight or too much butterbeer but whatever it was, it was making her weirdly happy. She was grinning like a fool whenever he smiled at her or looked at her. She didn't care what he thought of her, but at that time, she just wanted to scream into his ear that she was in love with him. Upon arriving at her house, he helped out of his car. She took her time while they were walking up the steps to her porch, never wanting this night to end. She felt like it was a date, but it wasn't.

Seamus, being polite and all said "Well Ginny, its been a great day and all. I hope I can see you again tomorrow. "

 Ginny couldn't believe her ears! It was like he was asking for her a date! Before she could say anything, Seamus said something almost inaudible that she had to strain to hear it."What was that?"

 "Isaidcouldikissyou?" he has said so quickly that she didn't have any time to react when his lips just swooped down and claimed hers in a soft yearning kiss. When he pulled away, he smiled once again and just left. Before entering his car, he had shouted to her "I think I'm in love with you!" and drove off. And since then, they've been inseparable. They went out all the time, every Friday evening to be exact. But as the years passed by, they didn't have that much time to be together anymore, due to their work. But, nevertheless, they still found time to be together.

END FLASHBACK

Ginny sighed and leaned her head against Seamus' shoulder. Yep, Seamus has been good to her, how could she ever leave him? "Ginny? Is there anything wrong?" Seamus peered into her eyes, his face worried. "No, nothing at all," she snuggled closer to him.

Draco watched them together, a weird feeling starting in his chest. Just what was this anyway? He was amazed to find women like Virginia still existed. Nowadays, they were very full of themselves and not the least bit like that. He stared in wonder at the couple before him and realized how his need to claim Virginia as his own became stronger. So strong that he vowed he would kill himself if he didn't have her. Well now, but first, to get rid of the obstacles to his goal. He cleared his throat "I'm sorry to break the moment, but I must get my clothes." He looked meaningfully at Ginny.

"Get it yourself Malfoy," Seamus took a moment to glare at him before getting on to what he was doing to Ginny, which was stroking her hair.

"I would, but I cant because I don't know where she had put it." He pointed out sadistically.

Ginny sighed "Excuse me Seamus, Malfoy is right, he needs his clothes." She kissed him on the cheek and stood up and led Draco to the laundry room.

* * *

Draco watched her back as she strolled dreamily into the laundry room. He promised himself that he would make Virginia walk that way after being with him. Her hips swayed this way and that, which seemed provocative to him. Finally, he watched her stop in front of the dryer and bent over to retrieve his shirt. He eyed her back, her knickers just poking out of her shorts. He wanted so badly to wrap his arms around her waist and kiss her again. Patience Malfoy! He scolded himself. In time Draco, in time. She tossed his shirt to him "Will that be alright?"

Draco eyed the rumpled cloth in his hands. "I don't think I can exactly wear something like this" he stretched the shirt for her to examine.

"You're right. I'll have to iron it." She snatched the shirt from him and pushed him back into the living room. Her hands felt warm and soft against his back, sending tremors down his spine. What he would give to be in Seamus' place. "Seamus, do be a darling and entertain Mr. Malfoy." She said with an accent, which made Seamus grin. "I'll be back right after I iron Mr. Malfoy's shirt" with that, she disappeared up the stairs, into another room.

Now, Seamus and Draco stared at each other, not quite knowing what to do. It seemed like forever until Draco made the first move, which wasn't exactly like a nice comment. "SO, how did a person like you end up with a Weasley?"

Seamus shook with anger, fighting control himself "Put a cork in it Malfoy!"

Draco smirked and proceeded to walk to the couch and settled himself in it. "After all, don't you think that she's too good for you?"

"What!?" Seamus exploded as he grabbed Malfoy by the collar. He studied Malfoy's face, surprised to find him so calm and collected. What is wrong with this person?

"Quiet, you might upset Virginia." Was all he said. Seamus shook him one more time before letting go of him. "Malfoy, if I would've known better, I think you were interested in here, but that would be crazy, you always hated or tortured the Weasley's." he looked up to find Draco smiling, an evil aura surrounding him which seemed to fill the room. "You! You can't be serious!" he gasped.

Draco let out an evil laugh and he lowered his voice dangerously "And what if I am? I can take whomever I please, you wouldn't matter to me. I'll just have to eliminate you out of the game."

Seamus stood up and clumsily backed away from him "You wouldn't dare!"

Draco seemed to float as he strode towards Seamus slowly "Watch me," "You wouldn't dare to kill me!" Seamus nearly shouted at him, his voice raspy. Draco laughed endlessly "Pathetic soul. Wait until Virginia hears what you've said! To realize that you thought of yourself first!"

Seamus' eyes widened with horror as he heard his own voice repeat what he said: You wouldn't dare kill me! "Please no! Don't tell her that!"

"Tell me what?" Ginny appeared atop of the stairs. They watched her walk down the stairs, the immaculate white shirt in her hands.

Seamus stared at Draco, his breathing becoming heavy. "Noth-"

 "As a matter of fact," Draco interrupted, an evil grin on his face. "Seamus here has been saying that if I ever took interest in you, I would just kill him to get you."

Ginny laughed "No way that could happen." She turned to face Seamus, finding him pale and sweat breaking out on his forehead. She frowned and turned to Draco "Are you serious?"

Draco just stared at her "What do you think?' It struck Ginny like lightning.

"You, you wouldn't!"

"Oh but I would. You give me good reason why to pursue you." He stepped closer to her. "I would kill Seamus if it meant anything to have you," he added seductively.

Ginny clutched Seamus' arm. "Oh, and by the way, when I mentioned the idea of killing him," he nodded his head at Seamus "He said this: You wouldn't dare kill me!" Just then, thunder rumbled and a storm started to brew outside. The rain thudding loudly on the rood. The room grew darker and Draco's figure seemed to loom menacingly. His body seemed to gleam against the dark, making him look like a pale statue. Ginny's head turned to stare at the man beside him "You said that?' her voice was hurt.

"No! It's not what you think!" Seamus pleaded with her. "He made me say it!"

"Made you say it? Even though! How can you be intimidated by Malfoy!" she shouted over the thunder.

Draco was tempted to mimic her words but he thought better of it.

"Please Ginny! You have to believe me!" Seamus grabbed her shoulders, willing her to believe in him.

"No! Let go of me!" she cried out, twisting away from his grip. Then, the entire house was pitched into darkness. She felt awful, she felt like crying. Now she knew what Seamus was inside. He valued his life more than hers.

Draco watched her carefully, her head bowed down, her shoulders hunched, he almost felt sorry for her.almost. Then he met Seamus' eyes, the man, now looked as fragile as a boy, looked lost at what to do. Then, something caught his eye. He focused on the hunched figure before him and say something trickle down the side of her face. Tears. Ginny drew in a shaky breath and let the tears flow. It felt too painful. The realization of it all. How could the person she loves, or thought she loves, do this to her? She let out a choked sob.

"Ginny?" She heard Seamus say. He reached out towards her but she jumped back, almost bumping into Draco.

"No! Don't touch me!" she yelled. Lighting illuminated the room for a brief second. Draco took in a sharp breath as he saw her anguished tear stricken face. She looked as if someone broke her.beyond repair.

"Please.just leave.leave." she fell to the floor. Her head in her hands, her shoulders shuddering with her tears.

"I-"Seamus made a move towards her, as if to comfort her.

"GO!" Ginny let out a wail. "Just.go." she pointed to the door. Seamus felt helpless as he stared down at her.

Finally, admitting defeat, he trudged towards the door and glared at Malfoy before leaving. The roar of the engine resounded in her ears. Draco moved slightly, making his presence known to her.

"You're still here." her voice muffled by a few sobs.

 "Yes I am, Virginia." He said softly as he came to stand near her. She was still staring at the floor, her tears making shapes.

"You started this,"

"Well, if I didn't you wouldn't have found out what Seamus was really like now, wouldn't you?" he replied. When he heard no reply he added for emphasis "Or, would you rather keep him as a coward? It would have come out eventually in some crisis!" he said unfeelingly.

 Ginny let out another cry and threw her head back and glared at him "Get out of here Malfoy! Just get out!" He stared into her eyes and was taken with the hatred in them. She looked beautiful just then. The fire in her brown eyes, the lightning just flashed, making the cinnamon brown eyes look amber just then. I'll be back. With that, he left her crying on the floor. Ginny remained on cold floor, her tears around her. She felt so cold and alone. Her hands clutched something soft. Draco's shirt! He had forgotten it. She hugged it to herself as new tears began dripping down on it.