Chapter 10
So, Potter wants to play. He's got guts to be messing around with me. He doesn't know who his competition is. It would be easy to eliminate the runt, all I have to do is research some more and use the simple facts to my extent, that way, and I won't be telling a lie. After all, Potter did say some useful things that I can use for further turmoil…
Draco Malfoy shook his head and stalked off, leaving the two in the office while he contemplated his further plans. He heard everything, which got his brain thinking, if Potter did decide to court Virginia, where would that leave him? Why did he care anyway? Was it because of his hobby, or was it because there was something else to this game? He didn't know and he couldn't care less. He just wanted to finish it; he always finishes what he had started. It wouldn't be really unlike him if he just left something of great importance to him unfinished. No, he'd just have to go through with it.
He decided to head back when he discovered that he was near the exit, just when he was about to head into the direction of Ginny's office, someone caught his eye. Seamus Finnigan. What was he doing here? Probably either for business or to see Virginia, but it's most likely that he'd visit her…
Draco watched him walk casually down the hall, unaware of Draco's watchful eyes. Then, Draco soon followed suit, interested in what he was going to do. It would be quite funny really if Seamus finds out what Potter has in store for Virginia's future. I wonder how this will end? Then, Seamus turned to the right, nearing the office, Draco watched from a distance as he knocked on the door and opened it. I'll just have to wait for the fireworks to happen…
* * *
Ginny was just holding The Boy Who Lived in her arms, him being more somber and subdued. They were both quiet now, and Ginny and Harry were both on the sofa, Harry was starting to fall asleep, his head already in her lap.
"Don't do anything that you'll regret later on."
Harry's voice kept coming back to her. Harry was just realizing it now, but why now? Among all times when her life was being assaulted nonstop by continuous pain and suffering. She hasn't even seen Seamus in a long time, how was she going to explain to him? But did she feel the same way for Seamus? Did she really change so much ever since Draco Malfoy entered her life again after her school years in Hogwarts? She wondered if Seamus felt the same way for her still…
She looked down at the boy, the man, sleeping peacefully on her lap. She felt a surge of warmth well in her chest. His eyelids were smooth, and his dark hair falling gently across his face. He forgot to take his glasses off…Ginny let her hand slowly pull his glasses off, her fingers making contact with his skin. He's so warm…Suddenly, Harry's hand reached up and covered her hand with his. She thought she might've woken him up, but it seemed he was just dreaming. She smiled and placed her other hand above his while she removed her hand from under his and put the glasses on the table beside her, and clasped his hand, squeezing it gently. That's when she heard a knock on the door. She didn't bother answering it; she just let whoever it was enter her office.
Imagine her surprise when she saw Seamus come in.
"Hi, Ginny," Seamus said shyly as he closed the door behind him.
"Hi, Seamus," she answered back, her voice soft so she wouldn't wake Harry. "I haven't seen you in a long time." she met his eyes. "What have you been up to?"
Seamus pulled up a chair beside her and chuckled as he saw Harry asleep on her lap. "Hard day for Mr. Potter? The guy's usually busy nowadays," he shook his head feeling sorry for Harry. "Well, Ginny, I just want to say sorry for everything that I've done, I'm really sorry if it took me all this time to swallow my pride,"
This honest statement caught her off guard. "What?"
Seamus bowed his head won and started playing with his hands. "I'm sorry, it's alright if you don't want to forgive me, I understand perfectly, but Ginny, I've something more to say to you that might hurt you a little," Seamus then stopped playing with his hands and stared at her.
"Seamus, I've already forgiven you, I'm not the type to hold grudges…well not for a long time," Ginny said simply. "What do you have to tell me?"
"I've figured that, after all that's been happening, I guess, my feelings have changed and well, I'm sorry Ginny," Seamus' voice cracked as he said the last bit. "I'm really sorry,"
Ginny couldn't say a word. Seamus was breaking up with her? She didn't know how she felt at the moment. Somehow, she was already thinking the same thing. Did she really want to be with Seamus till now? Did she still feel the same way? In some weird way, she felt relieved that Seamus was the one who approached her first, because if it was her, she didn't know how she'd handle it. "Seamus, it's okay, I was kind of feeling the same way too,"
"You were?" Seamus cocked his head to one side. "When?"
"I don't know, that's the funny thing," Ginny sighed. "But Seamus, even if we're not together anymore, we'll still be close friends? It's been really fun being with you all these times, I'll miss them, but it's for the better, right?"
Seamus smiled sadly. "Yes, you're probably right, same here. Oh and if you're wondering why I made the decision, well it was because…" his smile broke into a grin as he gestured at Harry. Ginny looked confused. "When Harry talked to me that night Malfoy got on my nerves, it hit me that it wouldn't really work out the way we would have wanted it. Harry got to the part when he was talking about his family and I realized that, well, he needs you more than I do…" Seamus reached out a hand to her face. "Gin, he really does need you. Who knows what things are happening in his life, his kids need someone…what I'm trying to say is, I feel that Harry and you should go together, I wouldn't mind at all." Seamus finally finished. "Besides, everyone knows you had a major crush on him!" he pinched her cheek fondly.
"Seamus!" she hissed and broke into a fit of giggles but stopped herself when she realized that Harry was still asleep. "Thanks for everything, but Seamus, that's why Harry's here, he just told me that he loves me! I couldn't answer him; I don't know how I feel about the whole thing yet…" she admitted openly. "I'm still trying to think,"
Seamus nodded. "Well, I trust that you'd make the right decision." Then he placed a kiss on her cheek and stood up. "Call me if you need anything," then he waved her a goodbye and left her office.
So, Harry and Seamus, they have some sort of connection with each other. Who knows? I might never know…
* * *
Draco pushed himself against the wall as Seamus left the place looking happy as ever. This is not good; Seamus just let Potter have the chance to ruin me! Potter has the numerous possibilities and opportunities to get to her first! I can't let that happen! Never! I will remain on top; I refuse to be beaten by anyone, especially if that anyone is Potter!
Draco's body shook with anger as he looked at his hands, which looked very well like claws. He had to control himself if he wanted to talk to her. The perfect opportunity to get her was the business meet this weekend. Potter couldn't mess with it. He'd have to make sure of that by all means possible. He breathed in deeply, closing his eyes, trying to clam his nerves. I am calm and I will remain calm until I have to. Then he straightened himself up and knocked on her door.
"Seamus just left your office," he told her flatly and took a seat in the far end of the room. "What was that all about? If you don't mind my asking," Draco crossed his legs and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Seamus and I broke up but we remain as close friends," Ginny stated shortly. She wasn't really in the mood to talk, especially if it involved talking to Malfoy.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Draco nodded, but in truth he was glad. Seamus has left the game and now its just between him and Potter.
Ginny didn't reply.
* * *
When Harry Potter woke up, he was still in Ginny's office, but no sign of Ginny anywhere. He squinted into the darkness as he felt around for his glasses. His hand swept across the table beside them, his fingers touching his glasses. He sighed and put them on, his vision somewhat clearing. He stood up shakily and made for the light switch. He looked around him and let out another sigh. He saw a note on Ginny's desk and read it.
Dear Harry,
I'm sorry if I'm not here at the moment, I'm at my house. Come on over if you want some dinner or anything. I didn't have the heart to wake you up, you were sleeping peacefully.
Love,
Ginny.
Harry smiled and folded up the note and put it in the pocket of his pants. He made his way for Ginny's door to let himself out. When he was out of the Ministry of Magic, he disapparated and decided to go to Ginny's house.
* * *
"Mother, I'm getting that estate by this coming Saturday," Draco informed Narcissa Malfoy as he entered the luxurious living room. "I have arranged a meeting that would be well in accordance with my plans," he sank down into the sofa beside her.
Narcissa smiled gratefully at her son. "Are you sure it hasn't caused you so much trouble? I was rather amazed when you told me that you were going to claim the old Malfoy land." She then looked off thoughtfully into space. "No one had bothered to touch it decades after the first Malfoy Manor was built and destroyed,"
Draco smiled ruefully at her. "No one's ever claimed it before because it was too near a muggle area, well all that is going to change now," he said grandly. "The moment everything is settled, I'll have all the best architects brainstorm to create a marvelous palace, better than this old coop," he said bitterly. Frankly, the old manor where most of the Malfoy generations had grew up in was kind of old, but still in top condition. It was getting a tad bit boring already. "Not only that, I'll have the crewmen bring in the furniture too,"
Narcissa stared at him disbelievingly. "Don't tell me you've already ordered the furniture before hand! You could have at least told me!"
Draco shook his head. "You needn't have come with me, I know your style, I bought the furniture in the style that you would have wanted," he assured her. Anything for his mother.
"I hope I haven't inconvenienced you, I shouldn't be selfish in making all the furniture mine, I do hope you chose something of your taste too," Narcissa bit her lip.
Draco took her hands in his. "Don't worry Mother, I've got it all planned, don't you trust me?" he looked into those blue eyes that seemed like his. He smiled at her lovingly.
Narcissa smiled and laughed softly. "Oh Draco, you never cease to amaze me," she shook her head as she pulled him closer plant a kiss on his head. "Don't stay up late and don't tire yourself," she shooed him upstairs.
Draco hugged his mother before trudging up the stairs to his bedroom to sleep. It didn't take him long to get into his nightwear and slip on a deep green bathrobe. He sat on the sofa beside his window, looking up at the sky, getting that aching feeling in his chest that spread like wildfire throughout his entire body.
Virginia…why…simple yet intoxicating…gentle but cruel…who are you really? You are my conquest, the woman that I long to have…but why? It used to be a game, but now, it seemed the excitement of it all has gone, as if it was a juvenile thing to do…so why do I keep thinking about you? Thinking of ways to make you forever mine? Is it still a game? Or has it turned out to more than that? Why do I involve myself deeply with your affairs? Especially when the person I hate most is hovering so close to you. It drives me to insanity when I see him near you. I fear that somehow you've change the way I think, the way I act. What could it possibly mean? I refuse to admit that word…its too dangerous and it makes you do stupid things…for now I will wait…just wait for the time when you will be really mine, my precious one forever…
* * *
By the time the dark haired man reached Ginny Weasley's house, it was already around 8:00 in the evening. He hesitated before her door, wondering if it was still proper to be seeing her at this time of the night. It was possible that she had already finished eating her dinner, so what was the use of him coming there anyway? Just as he was about to turn back down, the light flickered open on the porch and the door ceased open.
"Harry! So you came after all," Ginny threw the door open and smiled at him. "I just had the feeling that you were down here and rushed out too see you, come in, its freezing out here!" Ginny pulled Harry in before he could reply. He was glad to be out of the cold, Ginny's house had that familiar welcoming warmth that he always loved. Ginny was turning on the lamps in the next room, he could hear her puttering about as he made his way to her.
"You really don't have to go through all this trouble for me," he protested as he watched her scurrying around the room. "Really!"
Ginny laughed. "Harry, you're a guest, I can't just let it be like this. Oh, I'm sorry, are you hungry? I left some food on the stove if in case you did come by," she straightened up, took his hand and led him to the kitchen.
Harry's heart started beating wildly when she took his hand. He couldn't understand it. She was acting so normally, as if he didn't confess anything to her. Ginny was wearing her matching pajamas with a bathrobe draped over her small frame. Harry was half a head taller than her and realized that he could hurt her if he did anything stupid. It would take him a lot of strength to behave.
"I hope mushroom soup is okay with you Harry, I also made garlic bread to go along with it." Ginny switched the stove on, letting the soup reheat. She popped the bread into the oven and set the knobs and went back to sit beside him. "You seem awfully quiet, what's wrong? Do you feel sick?" she made a move to put a hand on his forehead but Harry grasped her hand before it touched his head.
"No, I'm perfectly alright, thank you for asking though," Harry smiled softly at her.
Ginny smiled in return. "Sometimes I can't just figure you out, it's the same with all of you boys. You're all weird," she teased him.
"No, maybe its just Ron," Harry said his eyes twinkling behind his glasses. "What has Ron been up to anyway? I haven't seen or heard from him for quite a while, he's hardly at work too."
"No, Ron's at work alright, but he's helping out Dad in the office. Lately there's a lot been going on in the Muggle Department and they're awfully busy, I was rather surprised when the family was in the house when I went there, they're probably planning something."
Harry nodded in thought. True that Ron was helping his Dad out; he did have to report in once in a while with the Aurors. Now, as he stared into her eyes, he felt himself drowning in them, seemingly losing himself, he wondered if it might hurt to kiss her then. "Gin, I-" he tried to tell her but then the pot of soup was starting to clatter around on the stove.
"Hold that thought Harry," Ginny held up her index finger as she grabbed the potholder from the rack, switched the stove off and brought the steaming pot unto the table. "Just go get yourself a bowl Harry while I go get the bread," she bustled off to check on the oven.
Harry sighed and stood up from his seat. As he got the bowl, he was annoyed with himself for even thinking such a thing. To think he wanted to kiss her now. It was almost as if he was pressing himself on her, all the more reason for Ginny to refuse him. He absently got the bowl and sat down again as Ginny laid the pan of bread before him. The garlic scent wafted to his nose as he inhaled. Eating would be the perfect distraction.
Ginny ladled some soup into his bowl and passed him the bread. She watched him, a small smile on her lips as Harry began wolfing down his dinner. Boys.
* * *
Draco had a hard time sleeping that night. In the dark as he stared at the ceiling, all he could see was her face. He tried burying his face into his pillow, but her voice came to him. Even when he was already dreaming, she haunted his sleep. By the time he woke up the next morning, he looked absolutely horrid.
"Looked what the cat dragged in," his mother teased him as he sat down at the dinner table. "No son of mine looks like that in the morning."
Draco grunted something and grabbed the pot of coffee before him.
"I didn't hear a Good Morning," Narcissa prodded on.
Draco muttered a barely understandable 'Good Morning' and continued his breakfast.
"Draco dear, I'll be going out and won't be back till the next night, I have some business to attend to and I can't put it off. I hope you understand." She said.
Draco barely acknowledged the news, but merely nodded his head.
"I'll see you tomorrow night," Narcissa stood up and bent down to kiss Draco on the head. "Don't wait up for me, Bye!" she straightened up and flew out of the house.
He stared at the table and out at the garden. Minutes passed, the manor was quiet all throughout. "Tomorrow night…" he murmured. Then a crooked grin played upon his lips. "All the things I can accomplish by tomorrow night…" Draco vaulted out of his seat and up to his room to freshen up for the events that he planned ahead of him. By the time he had finished doing everything, he went down into his study and make a phone call.
"Good Morning, may I please be connected to the Muggle Activities Department? Yes, I'll hold," Draco spoke into the phone. A music box tone played on the other line as they connected him. Then the phone clicked.
"Hello, Muggle Activities, how may I help you?" her voice rang in his ears.
"Good Morning, Virginia," Draco greeted her smoothly on the phone.
"Ma-I mean, Draco, why are you calling?" Ginny corrected herself. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"I'm so glad you asked. In fact, I have to move our meeting today because I wont be able to make it this Saturday. I'm pretty booked by the next weeks too. I'm, afraid this is the only time I'll be able to make that appointment."
Ginny didn't say anything. She was flabbergasted. Now, among all things, now! She was pretty much booked too. "Draco, I can't leave my office because I've got a full schedule here," she said into the phone. "I'm sorry,"
Draco sighed. "Can't you get anyone to replace you? I'm sure there must be someone capable to handle there is to be done."
There was silence on the other line. "No, there isn't anyone in particular…wait…I can get Ron to take over for me, he might need a break from helping Dad…" she murmured, almost as if she were talking to herself. "I'm sure he'll be glad to help."
"There, then that settles it. We're off to the estate." Draco said. "I'll pick you up in an hour." Then he hung up.
He was proud of himself. He was hitting two birds with one stone. He gets to take Virginia out to the estate at the same time get rid of Potter. Exactly going according to plan. Her brother takes over for her. He wont be able to resist calling Potter to tell him he's taking over for Virginia for today. Then of course Potter would could over and they'll be both working. I'm so clever!
Draco looked at himself in the mirror and grinned devilishly. This plan was sure to get him what he wanted. He was positive that it wouldn't fail. With Potter out of the way, everything was smooth sailing from here.
Ginny looked at the phone in her hand. She had one hour to prepare. It would take some time to contact Ron and explain to him things. Of course, in Ron asked her where she was going, she couldn't just tell him: "I'm going with Draco Malfoy to see some estate." Sure, really smart. She'll have to make something up, but what? It won't matter; she'll have to call Ron first. She dialed the numbers that would connect her to the Muggle Creations department. It 5 tries before her father answered the phone.
"Hi Dad, how's it going?" she greeted him.
"Just peachy keen, Ginny," he told her. "Why are you calling?"
"If you're not too busy, I'd like Ron to take over my job for just today, can I please speak with him?" Ginny said, praying silently that her dad wasn't busy. If he were busy, she wouldn't be able to borrow her brother.
"Actually, you can borrow Ron for the next few days, things are pretty slow here. Sure, I'll get him," Arthur Weasley replied. "Ron, Ginny's on the phone, she wants to talk to you!" she heard him shout over the phone.
Ginny cringed as Ron shouted his greeting into the phone. "What's up?"
"Ron, could you handle my job for today? I have to go off to a meeting and I have a booked schedule ahead of me, can you please take over?" Ginny pleaded with her older brother. "Please?" she added.
"Sure, I just have to follow the schedule?" Ron said happily.
"Yes, you'll find it posted on the board." Ginny answered.
"Can I call Harry to come over?" Ron was too happy about the prospect of getting out of their Dad's office.
"Sure, sure," she said.
"Bye, I'll be there in a jiffy," Ron hung up.
Ginny laughed in relief. Ron didn't ask her where she was going. He was probably too happy to care. She hugged herself silly and got a few things to take with her for the business trip. She had 45 minutes to go. She left Ron a message.
Ron,
If anyone asks where I am, tell them that I'm on an important meeting and can't be bothered.
Follow the schedule strictly! If I find anything wrong when I get back, I'll have your head for this!
Ginny
* * *
Draco looked at his watch. 30 minutes to go. If he got there by Floo Powder, he'd be too early. What were they going to do? He'll just probably have to apparate there at the right moment. He checked his luggage: contracts, pens, money and his wand. He had his black, sleek trench coat in his other hand. Two days I have the whole manor to myself…what things I can do!
* * *
Ginny exited the Ministry of Magic on time to see Draco waiting for her outside. "Punctual," she noted as she stepped towards him. "Is it a long trip?"
"Somewhat," he did a so-so gesture with a gloved hand. "Would you rather get there by broom or by a Key Port?" Draco gave her the choices.
"Key Port, its quicker than the broom anyway." Ginny answered quickly. Frankly, she wanted this meeting to be over with as soon as possible.
Draco shrugged. Key Port it is! She doesn't realize what she's picking. He led her to the back alley and surveyed the area. "There, that's it!" he pointed to an ancient looking telephone. Ginny walked towards it, glancing back at him to make sure he was coming. Together they gripped the phone, a fizzing sensation running through their fingertips.
"Where are we?" Ginny demanded as she looked about herself. She didn't see any mall, or any estate for that matter. "What's going on here?"
Draco brushed himself off as he stared into her demanding brown eyes. "We're at the back of the estate. Didn't I tell you there was lush greenery behind the estate?"
Ginny's eyes widened. "You're telling me that we're in the forest?" She let out a frustrated yell as she stomped around on the grass in a circle. "How do you propose we get to the estate?"
Draco smiled. "Simple, we use a map." He brandished a map in front of her face as she stared at it in total hate. "Come on, we have to walk for a while to get there, don't worry, I know where we're going, I was the one who found the map in our study."
Ginny started muttering spiteful words under her breath as she followed Draco. They've been walking for what seemed like hours when Draco told her that they were going to take a break. She was quite surprised that Draco could walk miles. Her head was lowered the whole time she was walking so she didn't know where they were. But when she looked up, her jaw dropped open in shock.
Draco was holding back a curtain of leaves, showing off a beautiful waterfall with the river below it. It looked like an Eden. She was confused at the moment. How could something as beautiful as this be found here? As if Draco had read her thoughts, he said:
"This is an ancient place, probably preserved by my ancestors…or something like that. Come on, we can live off the fruits here." Draco disappeared behind the curtain of leaves that he let go.
Ginny didn't move until Draco called for her. She sighed and went through, pushing back the leaves behind her. The sunlight hit her face, forcing her to shield her eyes. She took careful little steps forward, her eyes squinting. Finally the sunlight let up and she opened her eyes slowly. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. Draco had disappeared!