Even Better Than the Real Thing
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Please note, that I do not own the characters Draco Malfoy or Ginny Weasley, or any other magical lingo.
This is a Draco/Ginny romance story.
Updated 11/11/02:
www.lorddave.com/evenbetter
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Chapter 12: Dream On
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The Owlery was empty. Nearly all the birds were gone as well. Off delivering presents. She took a deep breath. The cold air in this room was always a bit stuffy. Smelled of feathers and hay. She sat against a stone wall.
Ginny looked down at her shoes. She pointed her feet, admiring the beautiful contours of the soft black leather. New shoes. They were nice. So were all of the other things.
But she'd willingly give up everything if Draco would speak to her again. She knew he would have to. Some day. Some time. But she wanted him to come to her. She wanted him to want to talk to her.
She sighed. Ginny tipped her head back against the wall. She looked up into the rafters of the room. There were hundreds of small windows, letting cold air and dim light into the Owlery.
Her breath caught in her throat, thinking that tomorrow was…
Friday. His birthday.
She knew she couldn't stop him. He was set on this mission.
She felt like she was losing him. She knew what he was doing for the best. For his best. And the best for the Wizarding World. But she still felt like it was her loss.
For over an hour, she sat in the chilly Owlery, sitting against the wall, imagining everything she'd miss if Draco weren't her friend.
She wouldn't be able to throw a snowball at him. Well, even if he were her friend, Ginny didn't think he'd appreciate that.
She wouldn't be able to tell him her secrets. She'd always wanted someone to share them with. Things she wasn't able to share with anyone, not even Ron.
She wouldn't be able to send him a cheesy pink Valentine's Day card. She would have signed it with a million x's and o's just to see him roll his eyes.
She wouldn't be able to spend time with him the library. Even if they were just sitting at the same table, doing their own homework assignments. Maybe his feet would touch hers again like that one time…
She wouldn't be able to hold him. For some reason, this hurt her the most.
Ginny closed her eyes, squeezing back tears. He seemed to be slipping through her fingers. Her first potential friend. Someone who made her feelings seem real and so intense, made her heart pound in chest, made her laugh and made her cry.
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"I broke a few things in the Retreat."
Draco coldly reminded himself that one of those things was Virginia's heart.
"Like what?"
"Well, I'm not sure what they were. Just some trinkets on the mantel in the side room."
He saw Severus wince. Severus closed his eyes and rubbed his temples with his fingers.
"Draco, those were very important," he looked up at Draco, "And very valuable!"
"I'm sorry. I can replace them, if you'd like."
Severus waved his hand, dismissing the matter.
"No, no, they don't matter. What does matter is you. Tomorrow. Tomorrow, Draco. Are you ready?"
"No. How can anyone be ready?"
Severus sighed. Draco was still pacing in front of the fireplace. Severus was sitting at his desk.
"I mean, do you have your clothes, your robes? Do you know what to say? How to act?"
"Yes. We've been over it a thousand times, Severus."
"You'll be surprised how soon your mind will draw a blank in his presence."
"Ok, ok. No need to scare me any further." Draco ran his fingers through his hair, dragging his fingernails lightly across his scalp. "Severus, I think I have a problem."
"What?"
Draco swallowed. He really needed to get this out. He wanted it off his chest. And out of his system.
"Merlin, I don't even know how to explain this…"
Severus waited. He templed his fingers, elbows on the oak desk. He watched Draco pace. Draco struggled with the words he needed.
"Well, I think I…I know the timing is all wrong and everything, but I might be…I…" His voice trailed off. He didn't know if he could tell Severus. He could hardly admit it to himself.
"You what, Draco?"
Draco stopped in his tracks and looked to Severus. The professor's eyebrows were arched high, inquiringly. Draco wanted to shake his head and say nevermind. But instead, his heart urged him to confess.
"I'm in love."
Severus eyes bulged. He was certainly shocked. Draco turned to the fireplace, not wanting to really see his reaction.
"Love? Draco? I didn't think you…oh. It's not Parkinson, is it?"
Draco whirled around to see a soft smile on Snape's lips. Draco smiled, too.
"No, it's not Parkinson."
"You aren't going to tell me who it is, are you?" Severus licked his lips, his smile widening. Draco felt his heart soar. He would be able to talk about this to Severus, after all. He would be able to explain himself, his feelings, and maybe even get some advice.
"I'm not telling you who. That's a secret. In fact, she doesn't know herself."
"I see. Well, you're right. The timing is certainly wrong."
"Yes, I realized. I told her I wouldn't be able to see her again."
"That's a bit rash, but you did the right thing, Draco."
"I know. But it still hurts. It hurts a lot. And I can't stop thinking about her."
Severus sat back in his chair. He stared off into the fire. His eyes unfocused. He was murmuring something quietly to himself. Draco continued pacing. Draco wanted so badly for Severus to say that the pain would stop someday.
"My dear boy. The pain stays with you forever. I know. I can't stop thinking about her either."
Draco turned to sit down in the chair across from Severus.
"Her?"
Severus pressed his lips together in thought. He nodded.
"My her. I met her years ago. And though I spent just a matter of days with her, I haven't been able to get her out of my mind since. She's always with me. Reminding me I lost her."
"You never told me…"
They sat in the warm room, the fire crackling in the background, as Severus told Draco all about his love and his loss.
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Finally dragging herself to her feet, Ginny walked back to the Gryffindor Common Room. She was relieved to see almost everyone packed inside. It made it easier for her to hide in the crowd.
She found Ron, sitting in a small corner, with Hermione, Harry, and Neville. They were all talking lazily, looking happy and relaxed. She approached them, and sat on the arm of his chair for a while, turning her gaze around the room, watching people in groups talking and laughing. Christmas day was always cozy and social.
She tuned out of Ron and Harry's conversation, as it revolved mostly around the words "git" and "Slytherin". She spotted Colin and Dennis in another corner. They were showing Natalie their new cameras. She posed, as they snapped pictures of her.
She watched them, remembering posing for their endless snapshots the year before. She crossed the room, and climbed the steps to her room.
She shut the door, giving a tight-lipped smile to the two roommates who were still up in the room. She went to her trunk, kneeling in front of it.
The trunk opened with a creak. Inside, she found the photobook that Colin had given her. She climbed into bed, shutting the curtains around her. She opened the book, and spent the rest of the afternoon searching through all of the pictures for traces Draco Malfoy.
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Draco groaned when Severus insisted that he join the rest of the school at dinner in the Great Hall.
"It's Christmas, Draco. Have a little spirit."
He could see the smirk on Severus' face. But he didn't argue. He just followed his professor to the Great Hall. They walked in silence, each others' presence all the interaction they needed.
"You can leave early, if you'd like. You have to prepare for tomorrow morning." With that, Severus stalked up to the Head Table, leaving Draco to walk alone to the Slytherin table.
He sat down, ignoring the whispers around his table. They were all rather surprised to see Draco join them. But before he could make a snide remark or even glare up at them, their attention was diverted by the Headmaster.
"Happy Christmas, everyone. Let us enjoy this fine feast on this beautiful day." The old wizard smiled, his eyes twinkling. He sat down, raising a hand, and the tables bloomed with food. Carefully, the Headmaster looked to Draco, smiling, and nodded.
And within moments, people turned back to their friends. Most Slytherins turned their attention back to Draco. He looked around at everyone. They waited for him to say something, to move.
"Happy Christmas," he said quietly, smiling softly. He reached for his favorite dish of smoked ham, as he heard a collective sigh of relief.
Conversation resumed around him, people laughing and talking. His eyes darted around the room, taking in the extravagant decorations. Dumbledore and Flitwick always outdid themselves.
This year, in addition to the twelve Christmas trees, the warm snowfall, and the innumerable twinkling lights, there were small bundles of mistletoe hovering in the air with the candles.
Draco thought this was rather amusing. He looked around the room, catching a few people kissing and blushing. Kissing. Virginia.
Draco darted his eyes straight to Virginia, sitting aloof at the end of the Gryffindor table. He watched a bundle of mistletoe swing several feet above her head. He closed his eyes, dropping his fork in his plate. What he wouldn't give to kiss her right then.
When he opened his eyes, he was just in time to see a small mousy boy kissing her clumsily on her cheek. She was blushing and smiling. And she looked up to meet his gaze. For a few moments, they sat frozen, staring at each other.
"Draco?" He heard Pansy whisper in his ear. "Happy Christmas."
And before he could turn his head to reply, she kissed his cheek. He froze. He was still staring at Virginia, watching her face turn a brighter red. They each knew that they could stake no claim on the other.
He turned to the giggling girl beside him and offered a weak smile. He looked up to see the mistletoe floating away, seeking out another victim.
"Happy Christmas, Pansy."
The look on Pansy's face was warm and happy. He smiled at her genuinely, surprised at himself and his unusual lack of annoyance. He picked up his fork, returning to his dinner, watching Pansy set off a wizard cracker.
When the blue smoke cleared, on the table rested a small wizard chess set. He smiled, remembering Virginia beating him so methodically. He looked back to her at the Gryffindor table, and watched her friends try to include her in the festivities.
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As the feast ended, most people patted their bellies, and proceeded to waddle slowly out of the Great Hall. Ginny smiled, feeling full and warm. She was wearing an oversized blue cowboy hat, her treat from a wizard cracker.
Most people shuffled off to their Common Rooms, talking and yawning. After the long day, Ginny herself was beginning to feel a bit tired. But she hoped for one last exchange with Draco before she had to go up to her room.
She lingered in the Entrance Hall, waiting for Draco to emerge. Most of her roommates and classmates had left to return to the dormitories. She nervously paced, watching the stream of people emerge from the Hall.
"Miss Weasley, shouldn't you be off to your room?"
She spun around at the soft velvety voice. Professor Snape was standing behind her, his arms crossed over his chest, his black robes enveloping him.
"I….er…yes. I was…just…about to go…"
She stuttered. She started wringing her hands. She stood there, unable to move. From all of the things Draco had told her about Snape, she knew she had very little to really fear, yet she couldn't help but feel intimidated.
"Yes?"
He raised his eyebrows, expecting her to walk away. She looked over her shoulder, noticing nearly everyone had left the Great Hall. She probably missed Draco. She sighed and looked back to Snape.
She contemplated for a moment what she wanted to say. Before she could decide, another familiar voice behind her startled her.
"Severus, I wish to speak to you…"
The voice trailed off, and Ginny turned around to see Draco staring at her. Her heart jumped. Her eyes followed the contours of his face, noting the smudge of lipstick on his cheek.
"Er…Professor, I'll just meet you in your office." He looked to Snape, indicating that he wanted a moment alone with Ginny. She thought she saw a look of realization on the potions master's face, but he couldn't know anything about…them, could he?
Professor Snape turned and started for the staircase. And Draco just stood there staring back at Ginny.
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"I can't stay long."
"I know, I understand."
Her voice sounded choked with tears. But her face was set nearly blank. Only her wrinkled brow told Draco what she was feeling.
He swallowed. He stood there, his body tense, his heart pounding. There were more than a million things he wanted to tell her. And he didn't know where to start.
"Happy Christmas, Virginia Weasley."
He set his jaw, waiting for her to react. And she did. She burst into tears, covering her face with her hands. Draco felt his heart sink. He looked around, making sure they were alone. He stepped closer, enveloping her in his arms.
"Oh, Draco…" Her moan resonated in his chest, shaking free all of his uncertainty and fear.
"Did you like your presents?"
She pushed away from him, a bit roughly, with a frown on her small face.
"I can't keep them."
"Why not?" He was confused. It's not as though they were stolen. He bought them himself. And he knew they were things she could use and appreciate.
"I can't, you know that." She looked down. He followed her eyes. Her shoes. Her new shoes. He smiled.
"They're great, aren't they? Finest Italian leather, hand-made by the greatest of craftsmen. Made special for you, Virginia."
Her tears were slowing, but the frown remained. She sniffled and rubbed away the tears on her cheeks.
"I'll pay you back, if you'd like, Draco. How…er…How much did they cost?"
She shifted awkwardly. He raised his eyebrows. Why, she'd have to sell her house to pay for those shoes. She didn't realize.
"It doesn't matter."
"Draco, I can't keep these. I can't keep anything from you."
His heart was sinking again. Why not?
"Why not?"
She paused, looking at him. Her face was flushed, and the silly hat on her head was distracting. He tore it off her head, tossing it aside.
"Why not, Virginia?"
"Because it all reminds me of you."
"And?"
"Draco, I'm trying to say that it's bad enough that we can't see each other any more. I don't need to be constantly reminded of you."
"Why not?" He couldn't resist a roguish smile.
She shook her head, laughing softly.
"I'd better go, Virginia. I have to prepare for tomorrow."
"You're still going?"
"Of course, I am. I'm leaving on the Express tomorrow morning."
"Draco—"
He put his hand over her mouth. Her soft lips moved against his palm, sending shivers up his spine.
"I have to go, Virginia. No argument. Get back to your Common Room, and get some rest."
He dropped his hand. They stood a moment in silence, watching each other. She took two backwards steps.
"Goodnight, Draco. Goodbye."
She turned slowly and started walking toward the stairs leading upward. He watched her climb the stairs slowly, until she was out of sight. Then he started his way down to meet Severus.
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Ginny shot out of bed. She pushed aside her bedcurtains, scrambling for her watch. She checked the time. It was nearly 7:30.
She'd been up late last night, forced into a few games of 'Snaps down in the Common Room. Finally, she'd managed to get ready for bed and crawl under the covers. She had stayed awake long after that, though. At least until gray light began filtering through the windows.
She scrambled to wash her face, brush her teeth. She changed out of her nightclothes into an old maroon dress. She pulled on her black boots, lacing them furiously. She threw on her old gray coat, along with her scarf and gloves. She tucked her wand into a pocket and raced downstairs.
She fled through the halls, hoping against hope, that she wouldn't be too late. Ginny desperately tried remembering the schedules for the Express over break, but kept drawing a blank. First train was at 8:00? At 9:00?
The blast of cold air that hit her as she stumbled down the front steps barely affected her. She was feeling warm and flushed from running. But she continued. She raced along the path that led to Hogsmeade.
Ginny's mind raced, as she imagined what she wanted to say to Draco before he left. She knew she'd said her goodbye last night, but that wasn't enough.
She didn't know entirely what it was that attracted her to Draco so much. Until recently, he had always been a complete prat. He'd ignored her most of the time. And the few times he did notice her, he tormented her. He was constantly causing problems with Harry and Ron. And he made fun of the Weasleys' for being poor.
She grit her teeth, as she still continued running, remembering all of the times she felt like dirt in his presence.
In Flourish & Blotts back in her first year, mocking her and her family for being poor. On the Valentine's Day when she'd finally gathered her courage and sent Harry a card, he'd made fun of Harry, who was then too embarrassed to really care who sent him the card. His brutish friends knocking her books from her arms while he laughed.
On and on. There were countless images fleeting through her mind. Endless events. She slowed down, approaching the train station. She rounded the building, walking onto the platform.
The early morning light was still faint, hiding behind clouds and softly falling snow. There was a breeze that she felt only now that she'd stopped running. And the platform was completely empty, but for the single person standing in the center.
The sight of Draco pushed all thoughts of hate from her mind.
He stood alone, facing the tracks, waiting for the train. A fine leather suitcase was sitting on the ground next to him.
His cloak surrounded him fluidly and didn't move despite the brisk wind. His hair was perfectly combed back, not a strand out of place. His face was set blank, his eyes staring straight ahead.
He was lost in thought, she guessed. She stood, near the train station building, watching him. A magical voice on the platform called that the train was expected in ten minutes. Her heart nearly skipped a beat.
Here she goes…
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Draco shot out of bed. He had been having a nightmare. And his magical alarm went off, waking him from it. Standing in the cool room, he felt awake and alert. His night had been restless, as he tossed and turned, and finally he fell into a troubled sleep.
He brushed his teeth and showered while he considered his dream. A small, dark house. A piercing scream. He ran. Into the house. He searched for the source of the scream. When he found a room with a fire lit in the fireplace. There was someone on the floor. And as he stepped closer and looked, it was him.
It was Draco Malfoy.
What was that?
He dressed quickly, into the clothes he had laid out the night before. That's when he noticed the small package on his night table.
He tore the attached card off, opening it.
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Dear Draco–
Happy Birthday.
–Ginny
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A birthday present. He didn't want any reminder of today. He wanted to forget that it was his birthday. He'd even told Severus to postpone any presents or plans until after his trip to London.
He crumpled the card up and tossed it inside his trunk. He lifted the package, considering opening it now or waiting until he was back from London. He opened it now, curiosity always having a strong hold on him.
Pushing away the torn paper, he found a small box. The top was embossed with "Trevus Trunt's Antiquities and Curiosities" in silver lettering. He opened the box to reveal something he hadn't seen in years.
It was a caboose. He lifted it up, trying to see it better in the faint gray light. It was a shiny red caboose. Not an engine, no tracks, only a caboose. Looking closely, he could see the words "Enchanted Engineer" in gold print along the bottom right.
He had to admit that it wasn't nearly as nice as the own he had once owned, but it was still amazing. Draco admired the craftsmanship, knowing that these were no longer made. Enchanted Engineer.
He couldn't believe Virginia. She went through a lot to get this, he knew. And it must have cost her a bundle. He took a deep breath, putting the caboose back in the box. He knelt before his trunk, and tucked the box deep inside, under stacks of books.
He straightened, checking himself in the mirror. His white dress shirt was crisply ironed and starched. His gray sweater emblazoned with the Slytherin crest. His black trousers fell perfectly, his black shoes shining.
Draco picked up his black coat, slipping into it. He wrapped his green and silver scarf loosely around his neck. He wrapped the cloak around himself and pulled on his leather gloves.
He tucked his wand in the pocket of his pants. He picked up his brown leather suitcase and left the room, his roommates still fast asleep.
In the Common Room, Severus was waiting for him, pacing by the fireplace. Draco took a deep breath.
"I'm ready."
At the sound of his voice, Severus turned to look at him.
"Have you packed everything? The cloak? The bottle?"
"Yes, I have everything, Severus." Draco had packed his entire personal chest, the contents still safely locked away.
"I'll be at
the ceremony this evening. I'll be
there, Draco, to protect you. I'll be
with you every step of the way."
Draco nodded, feeling
relieved. Before Draco could feel tears
developing in his eyes, he stepped forward to embrace his best friend.
He heard Severus clear his throat as he tightened the hug. Draco stepped back, adjusting his hold on his suitcase. Severus looked at him, and nodded. Draco was glad to Severus' company as he walked to the Entrance Hall.
Once there, Severus parted, explaining that he had a meeting with the Headmaster. Draco nodded and embraced him once more, before starting his trek to Hogsmeade.
Alone he walked, his mind racing. From thoughts about Hogwarts to Severus to his father to Christmas to his past birthdays and ultimately to Virginia. In his suitcase, along with his personal chest and a few other items, he'd included his sketch of her.
He could picture it in his mind always. Last night, when he thought it'd be the last time he'd see her, he was at a complete loss for words. He'd held her, hoping that memory would suffice. And she said what he hoped they'd never have to say. Goodbye.
By this time, he'd reached the station, rounding the corner of the station building to the platform.
It was deserted, and Draco checked his pocketwatch. 8:30. No wonder. He was half an hour early. He stood on the platform, setting his case on the ground at his side. He shoved his gloved hands into his pockets, staring ahead, thinking.
Happy Birthday to you…Happy Birthday to you…
Draco closed his eyes, remembering the small red caboose Virginia gave him.
A soft tap on his shoulder caused him to turn around slowly. And when he opened his eyes, there she was. Virginia.
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U2 – Even Better Than the Real Thing
The Strokes – Hard to Explain
Weezer – Island in the Sun
Cake – Hem of your Garment
Moby – We Are All Made of Stars
Madonna – Don't Tell Me
Foo Fighters – Walking After You
Smashing Pumpkins – 1979
Oasis – Wonderwall
Foo Fighters – Everlong
The Verve – Bittersweet Symphony
Coldplay – Yellow
Depeche Mode – Dream On
www.lorddave.com/evenbetter/readerrec.htm
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Am I losing my touch? I'm not entirely happy with this chapter. I'm not sure where I was headed, or what was supposed to be conveyed in these events. But regardless, I know exactly what I want for the next chapter. It'll be great, I promise. Let me know what you thought of this chapter? Please, do not fear, I accept criticism well.
Also, newest Harry Potter film was fantastic, despite what critics and everyone else has been saying. The writing was fantastic (though I thought of a few changes), the music was tremendous, and the acting was out-of-this-world. Jason Isaacs' performance of Lucius was incredible, and Alan Rickman….*sigh*….was simply fantastic. Kenneth Branagh was also amazing, I could not stop laughing!! My favorite scene? The dueling scene. Alan and Kenneth were excellent.
Anyway, I don't want to reveal anything, just giving my opinion. Also if you go to see the movie, STAY UNTIL THE END OF THE CREDITS. There's a stinger. That's a term referring to a surprise bit at the end. There is a stinger in Chamber of Secrets, so stick around until the end of the credits to see it. Trust me, you'll leave in stitches. Alright, enough from me! I want to hear from you! Write to me! Review!
Till next time—
Eclipsed Planet