A/N: Wow I can't believe how many reviews I've gotten, I'm beginning to
think that this story may be even better than Fire and Ice! Well, that's
for you guys to decide I guess. Hope you like this chapter; it has some
more plot development.
~*~
There was an unfamiliar weight on her stomach, and as Ginny's eyes focused on the darkened room around her, she couldn't place exactly what it was.
Then the realization of where she was struck her like a bolt of lightning. Draco's arm was wrapped loosely around her middle, holding her next to his warm body. She smiled and settled in farther underneath the blanket.
Draco sighed, and opened his eyes slowly. Ginny's auburn hair was spread out on the pillow above their heads, and his face was next to her neck. He kissed it softly. "Good morning." He whispered softly into her hair.
She turned around so that she was facing him. Never did she think she would be this comfortable in a boy's bed. With him.
"Good sleep?" he asked her, almost teasingly.
"Never better." She answered, grinning.
Draco sat up, and turned around. "Hungry?"
She thought for a moment, and nodded. "Let's go get breakfast."
They pulled robes on over their pajamas and walked quietly out of Draco's bedroom. When they entered the Slytherin common room, they were surprised to find Blaise in the same spot they'd left her that night. She jumped up from her spot by the fire and walked swiftly over to Ginny and Draco.
"Going to breakfast?"
Draco gave Ginny a look that said 'let me handle this' and said, "Yes. Why?"
Blaise smiled genuinely. "Well, I already brought some muffins and juice in here, I have enough to share. Why don't you join me?"
Draco gave her questioning look.
She frowned. "There's no one else in here. No one will see Ginny, if that's what you're worried about."
"Why are you being so nice to her Blaise? It doesn't add up. There is nothing in it for you." His gaze was cold.
She looked hurt. "Yes there is. A friend." With that, she turned around and sat back in her chair, refusing to look their direction.
Draco bit his lip and glanced at Ginny. "I don't know what to do."
Ginny grabbed his hand and ran her finger over his own. "I agree, it seems strange, and you know Slytherins better than I do, but she seems to be honest about this. Maybe she is just lonely. Does she have any friends?"
He thought it over. He didn't know Blaise very well, but he knew that she spent a lot of time alone. And she had never really been seriously mean to anyone like some Slytherin girls he knew. Maybe Ginny was right. Maybe Blaise was just lonely.
Ginny tugged at his hand. "Come on, lets go talk to her."
They walked over to the fireplace and sat on the couch across from Blaise. Draco cleared his throat.
She didn't look up.
"Blaise?" Nothing. "Blaise, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to just blow you off. I guess I kind of have a problem with judging people before I know them...I'm sorry if I offended you. I'd like to be friends." He gave it one last shot.
She glanced slightly at him. The look on her face was strange.
"What?" Draco questioned.
"That is the first time I've ever heard a Slytherin genuinely apologize to someone." Her face turned into a smile. "Maybe I'm not the only warm- hearted Slytherin in this school."
Ginny smiled. "I'd like to be your friend too, Blaise. If you want to."
Blaise grinned. "Of course!" then she looked down at the table. "Muffin?" she offered.
They laughed and ate, and soon the conversation turned to that of the field trip.
"I signed up to go." Blaise said, "But I doubt that Dumbledore will pick me. Since I'm so quiet at school. I think he'll pick the most aggressive people."
Draco shrugged. "Who knows? Dumbledore is fair, he'll pick who rightfully deserves to go." Then he cringed. "Well, unless he gets bribed." A hint of red appeared on his pale cheeks. He was sure that Lucius had already contacted the headmaster regarding the trip.
Ginny just sighed, leaning against Draco once more. "I just wish I was old enough to go. I hate being a year behind all of you guys. What am I going to do until you get back?"
Blaise was just about to respond with words of reassurance when they heard the door to the common room being opened, and lots of voices coming from the other side.
"Crap!" Blaise muttered. "Come with me!" she ordered, grabbing Ginny's hand. Draco blew a kiss after her and Blaise tugged her down a dark corridor, as students began entering the common room.
"They all must be back from the Hogsmeade trip. I know another way out of here, I'll take you." Blaise whispered. They reached the end of the corridor, and Blaise pulled a small string in the ceiling. A set of stairs lowered down and Blaise climbed up first, Ginny following quickly after. Once they were inside, Blaise pulled the trapdoor shut.
"Lumos!" Suddenly light surrounded them, and Ginny saw that they were in a small room. It had a few books and two couches. There was another door, which Blaise pushed open. They were taken down another corridor, this one twice as long as the last one.
"Hey Blaise?" Ginny had to jog to keep up with the tall girl. "Why didn't you go on the Hogsmeade trip?" She knew that Draco had stayed to spend time with Ginny, but nearly everyone else in the castle had left.
"Shh!"
They continued walking for another minute. Then they reached another trapdoor, which Blaise pulled open and swiftly as the first. They climbed out and Ginny found herself in the library. Blaise quickly shut the trapdoor again.
"Wow!" Ginny proclaimed. "That was cool!"
They walked out and sat at one of the tables. Blaise sighed. "NOW you can talk. We just walked underneath the library, I'm surprised people didn't hear you!"
Ginny blushed. "Oh, sorry about that..."
Blaise smiled. "No problem. We'll probably be using that route a lot, eh?" she raised her eyebrows.
Still blushing, Ginny just grinned. She was glad they had decided to trust Blaise. She had a feeling they would be good friends.
"I didn't go because it's no fun without any friends."
Ginny was confused for a moment but then she remembered her question in the tunnel. She didn't know quite what to say.
Blaise saw the need for explanation. "I was put in Slytherin as a first year, and was very surprised. I'm a half blood, which is rare for Slytherin, and frankly I just don't like the people in that house. But the sorting hat was sure, it even told me, 'There's no doubt about it Blaise, you're a Slytherin!' I didn't make friends with anyone in my own house, and no one else wants to be friends with a Slytherin, so I was stuck."
Ginny gave her a sympathetic smile. "Not all Slytherins are bad though! Look at Draco."
Blaise nodded. "I'm beginning to realize that now. However, he's not as cutesy and kind with everyone as he is with you. I like what you've done to him. Good work." She winked.
Ginny giggled. It felt so good to be able to discuss Draco with somebody. She forgot what it felt like to talk about her crushes with people. People who understand.
"Blaise, I'm really glad we became friends."
Blaise nodded. "Me too."
-
Ginny looked at her rumpled hair and smeared makeup. She had a lot of work to do before lunchtime. They were having a special brunch for everyone since they all had returned from their Hogsmeade trip. Plus, today was the day they found out who was being accepted for the field trip. There was excitement and anticipation in the air. Ginny had nearly accepted the fact that she would be without Draco for however long the trip was to be. She was saddened greatly, but it wouldn't be as bad as she was making it out to be. He would be back.
However, it was the realization that almost ALL of her friends would away on the trip that made her the saddest.
Hermione popped her head into Ginny's room. "Almost ready?"
Glancing once more in the mirror, Ginny frowned. "I need a few more minutes I think."
Hermione sat herself down on Ginny's four-poster. "I can wait."
Ginny combed through her hair while Hermione chatted about the Hogsmeade trip, her new feather quill that wrote in glowing colors, and how funny Ron had been acting around her lately. Ginny tried to pay attention, but felt her mind wandering.
She applied a touch of makeup, and was about to change her clothes when she realized she still had Draco's shirt on underneath her robes. She realized that Hermione might ask some odd questions if she wasn't careful. In one swift movement, she slipped the shirt off, dropped it on the floor, and kicked it under the bed. Hermione was so preoccupied with what she was saying she didn't even seem to notice.
Ginny pulled on a floor length jean skirt and a dark blue sweater. She turned around and looked at Hermione. "Ok, let's go downstairs."
-
Harry and Ron were already waiting for them at the Gryffindor table. There was food piled high in front of them, but they hadn't touched it yet.
"We were waiting for you," Harry explained.
The girls sat down and filled their plates. The Great Hall was filled with people, and Dumbledore took the chance to get everyone's attention.
"Attention, students. Welcome back from the Hogsmeade trip, those of you who attended. Before all of you get too wrapped up in your meals, I have an announcement to make that I'm sure a few of you are anticipating. I have the names of the students who have been chosen to go on the field trip."
Professor McGonagall handed Dumbledore a rolled up piece of parchment. He took it, unrolled it, and cleared his throat.
"There will be a mandatory meeting for all those I name after this meal. It will be in the library. Now, the names."
"From Hufflepuff, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Hannah Abbot, Ernie McMillan, Anthony Goldstein, and Susan Bones." He paused, to allow for the whistles and cheering that followed.
"From Ravenclaw, Padma Patil, Terry Boot, Mandy Brocklehurst, Lisa Turpin, and Kevin Entwhistle." More cheering and congratulations followed.
"From Slytherin, Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, Tracey Davis, and Gregory Goyle." The only cheers were a few coming from the Slytherin table. Ginny flinched at the sound of Draco's name. Now it was official, he was leaving on the trip.
Dumbledore smiled. "Lastly, from Gryffindor. We have accepted Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Parvati Patil, Seamus Finnigan, and Ginny Weasley."
There were a few gasps heard throughout the Great Hall. It took Ginny a second to realize he'd said 'Ginny' and not 'Ron Weasley'. She glanced, wide-eyed, at Hermione and Harry. They looked just as confused as she. She stood up and walked to the head table.
"Professor Dumbledore, there must be a mistake or something, because I'm only a sixth year. Are you sure you didn't mean Ron?"
Dumbledore looked Ginny in the eye. "I can show you the parchment, if you wish, Miss Weasley, but I'm very sure that my eyes do not deceive me."
Ginny was still confused. "But, how? I didn't put my name in the box or anything!"
He seemed to have a knowing glint in his eye. "Do you not wish to go?"
She thought for a moment if he had any idea why she wanted to go so badly. He couldn't. "I would very much like to go," she answered carefully.
Dumbledore nodded. "Very well. And you have been chosen. Therefore, you shall be going. Congratulations." He began eating, signaling that the conversation was over.
On her way back to the table, she caught Draco's glance. He raised his eyebrows. She just shrugged, not quite sure what to think herself.
~*~
A/N: I was going to go on but this chapter was all ready pretty long, so I decided to cut it short. Sorry about that. Hope you guys all like it still...[crosses fingers] hehe. I guess all I have to say is keep leaving me helpful reviews and I'll keep writing!
[A COUPLE SHOUTOUTS]
Lady Godiva- I'm really glad you love it, I'll IM you next time we're both online! I think we keep missing eachother!
Shadun- I've never written the "Good job Ginny!" thing before...maybe you read something like it in another story? I dunno.
Frananddragon- I noticed that a lot of people point out little loopholes so I try to clear them up in the next chapter. Hehe. You were wrong about the dream team, hahaha. Have they ever been split up before? The plot thickens! (a lot of people thought that was my plan, it's funny)
Pink lipstick- Oh my gosh, you are seriously like the funniest person on ff.n. At least when it comes to reviews. I love your reviews! [catches handfuls of glitter] yay! BTW.my friend took her story off, it'll be back up soon though.
Black Robed One- Wow, you are one of my favorite reviewers. They are just so long! I love them! I know what you mean about liking this one more than Fire and Ice, I'm starting to like it more myself. =) Hmm, time will tell about Blaise though. Keep reading!
Erin Faith- Your reviews are one of my favorites too! You seem to put so much thought into them, thank you! You are one of the only people who mentioned Blaise; I kind of talked about her more in this chapter. You know what's funny? I actually think (in real harry potter) that Blaise is a guy, but worked better as a girl for my story. Teehee.
Silver Lips- Yes! I love long reviews! Oh wow, you sound like another me. I LOVE TOM FELTON and I LOVE SEAN BIGGERSTAFF!!!!! [runs around yelling] And, haha, I've already been to that site. I'm a true fan. =)
Silver Essence- [Hands over monkey] Gah! Take it! It was eating all of my bananas anyway!
~*~
There was an unfamiliar weight on her stomach, and as Ginny's eyes focused on the darkened room around her, she couldn't place exactly what it was.
Then the realization of where she was struck her like a bolt of lightning. Draco's arm was wrapped loosely around her middle, holding her next to his warm body. She smiled and settled in farther underneath the blanket.
Draco sighed, and opened his eyes slowly. Ginny's auburn hair was spread out on the pillow above their heads, and his face was next to her neck. He kissed it softly. "Good morning." He whispered softly into her hair.
She turned around so that she was facing him. Never did she think she would be this comfortable in a boy's bed. With him.
"Good sleep?" he asked her, almost teasingly.
"Never better." She answered, grinning.
Draco sat up, and turned around. "Hungry?"
She thought for a moment, and nodded. "Let's go get breakfast."
They pulled robes on over their pajamas and walked quietly out of Draco's bedroom. When they entered the Slytherin common room, they were surprised to find Blaise in the same spot they'd left her that night. She jumped up from her spot by the fire and walked swiftly over to Ginny and Draco.
"Going to breakfast?"
Draco gave Ginny a look that said 'let me handle this' and said, "Yes. Why?"
Blaise smiled genuinely. "Well, I already brought some muffins and juice in here, I have enough to share. Why don't you join me?"
Draco gave her questioning look.
She frowned. "There's no one else in here. No one will see Ginny, if that's what you're worried about."
"Why are you being so nice to her Blaise? It doesn't add up. There is nothing in it for you." His gaze was cold.
She looked hurt. "Yes there is. A friend." With that, she turned around and sat back in her chair, refusing to look their direction.
Draco bit his lip and glanced at Ginny. "I don't know what to do."
Ginny grabbed his hand and ran her finger over his own. "I agree, it seems strange, and you know Slytherins better than I do, but she seems to be honest about this. Maybe she is just lonely. Does she have any friends?"
He thought it over. He didn't know Blaise very well, but he knew that she spent a lot of time alone. And she had never really been seriously mean to anyone like some Slytherin girls he knew. Maybe Ginny was right. Maybe Blaise was just lonely.
Ginny tugged at his hand. "Come on, lets go talk to her."
They walked over to the fireplace and sat on the couch across from Blaise. Draco cleared his throat.
She didn't look up.
"Blaise?" Nothing. "Blaise, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to just blow you off. I guess I kind of have a problem with judging people before I know them...I'm sorry if I offended you. I'd like to be friends." He gave it one last shot.
She glanced slightly at him. The look on her face was strange.
"What?" Draco questioned.
"That is the first time I've ever heard a Slytherin genuinely apologize to someone." Her face turned into a smile. "Maybe I'm not the only warm- hearted Slytherin in this school."
Ginny smiled. "I'd like to be your friend too, Blaise. If you want to."
Blaise grinned. "Of course!" then she looked down at the table. "Muffin?" she offered.
They laughed and ate, and soon the conversation turned to that of the field trip.
"I signed up to go." Blaise said, "But I doubt that Dumbledore will pick me. Since I'm so quiet at school. I think he'll pick the most aggressive people."
Draco shrugged. "Who knows? Dumbledore is fair, he'll pick who rightfully deserves to go." Then he cringed. "Well, unless he gets bribed." A hint of red appeared on his pale cheeks. He was sure that Lucius had already contacted the headmaster regarding the trip.
Ginny just sighed, leaning against Draco once more. "I just wish I was old enough to go. I hate being a year behind all of you guys. What am I going to do until you get back?"
Blaise was just about to respond with words of reassurance when they heard the door to the common room being opened, and lots of voices coming from the other side.
"Crap!" Blaise muttered. "Come with me!" she ordered, grabbing Ginny's hand. Draco blew a kiss after her and Blaise tugged her down a dark corridor, as students began entering the common room.
"They all must be back from the Hogsmeade trip. I know another way out of here, I'll take you." Blaise whispered. They reached the end of the corridor, and Blaise pulled a small string in the ceiling. A set of stairs lowered down and Blaise climbed up first, Ginny following quickly after. Once they were inside, Blaise pulled the trapdoor shut.
"Lumos!" Suddenly light surrounded them, and Ginny saw that they were in a small room. It had a few books and two couches. There was another door, which Blaise pushed open. They were taken down another corridor, this one twice as long as the last one.
"Hey Blaise?" Ginny had to jog to keep up with the tall girl. "Why didn't you go on the Hogsmeade trip?" She knew that Draco had stayed to spend time with Ginny, but nearly everyone else in the castle had left.
"Shh!"
They continued walking for another minute. Then they reached another trapdoor, which Blaise pulled open and swiftly as the first. They climbed out and Ginny found herself in the library. Blaise quickly shut the trapdoor again.
"Wow!" Ginny proclaimed. "That was cool!"
They walked out and sat at one of the tables. Blaise sighed. "NOW you can talk. We just walked underneath the library, I'm surprised people didn't hear you!"
Ginny blushed. "Oh, sorry about that..."
Blaise smiled. "No problem. We'll probably be using that route a lot, eh?" she raised her eyebrows.
Still blushing, Ginny just grinned. She was glad they had decided to trust Blaise. She had a feeling they would be good friends.
"I didn't go because it's no fun without any friends."
Ginny was confused for a moment but then she remembered her question in the tunnel. She didn't know quite what to say.
Blaise saw the need for explanation. "I was put in Slytherin as a first year, and was very surprised. I'm a half blood, which is rare for Slytherin, and frankly I just don't like the people in that house. But the sorting hat was sure, it even told me, 'There's no doubt about it Blaise, you're a Slytherin!' I didn't make friends with anyone in my own house, and no one else wants to be friends with a Slytherin, so I was stuck."
Ginny gave her a sympathetic smile. "Not all Slytherins are bad though! Look at Draco."
Blaise nodded. "I'm beginning to realize that now. However, he's not as cutesy and kind with everyone as he is with you. I like what you've done to him. Good work." She winked.
Ginny giggled. It felt so good to be able to discuss Draco with somebody. She forgot what it felt like to talk about her crushes with people. People who understand.
"Blaise, I'm really glad we became friends."
Blaise nodded. "Me too."
-
Ginny looked at her rumpled hair and smeared makeup. She had a lot of work to do before lunchtime. They were having a special brunch for everyone since they all had returned from their Hogsmeade trip. Plus, today was the day they found out who was being accepted for the field trip. There was excitement and anticipation in the air. Ginny had nearly accepted the fact that she would be without Draco for however long the trip was to be. She was saddened greatly, but it wouldn't be as bad as she was making it out to be. He would be back.
However, it was the realization that almost ALL of her friends would away on the trip that made her the saddest.
Hermione popped her head into Ginny's room. "Almost ready?"
Glancing once more in the mirror, Ginny frowned. "I need a few more minutes I think."
Hermione sat herself down on Ginny's four-poster. "I can wait."
Ginny combed through her hair while Hermione chatted about the Hogsmeade trip, her new feather quill that wrote in glowing colors, and how funny Ron had been acting around her lately. Ginny tried to pay attention, but felt her mind wandering.
She applied a touch of makeup, and was about to change her clothes when she realized she still had Draco's shirt on underneath her robes. She realized that Hermione might ask some odd questions if she wasn't careful. In one swift movement, she slipped the shirt off, dropped it on the floor, and kicked it under the bed. Hermione was so preoccupied with what she was saying she didn't even seem to notice.
Ginny pulled on a floor length jean skirt and a dark blue sweater. She turned around and looked at Hermione. "Ok, let's go downstairs."
-
Harry and Ron were already waiting for them at the Gryffindor table. There was food piled high in front of them, but they hadn't touched it yet.
"We were waiting for you," Harry explained.
The girls sat down and filled their plates. The Great Hall was filled with people, and Dumbledore took the chance to get everyone's attention.
"Attention, students. Welcome back from the Hogsmeade trip, those of you who attended. Before all of you get too wrapped up in your meals, I have an announcement to make that I'm sure a few of you are anticipating. I have the names of the students who have been chosen to go on the field trip."
Professor McGonagall handed Dumbledore a rolled up piece of parchment. He took it, unrolled it, and cleared his throat.
"There will be a mandatory meeting for all those I name after this meal. It will be in the library. Now, the names."
"From Hufflepuff, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Hannah Abbot, Ernie McMillan, Anthony Goldstein, and Susan Bones." He paused, to allow for the whistles and cheering that followed.
"From Ravenclaw, Padma Patil, Terry Boot, Mandy Brocklehurst, Lisa Turpin, and Kevin Entwhistle." More cheering and congratulations followed.
"From Slytherin, Draco Malfoy, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, Tracey Davis, and Gregory Goyle." The only cheers were a few coming from the Slytherin table. Ginny flinched at the sound of Draco's name. Now it was official, he was leaving on the trip.
Dumbledore smiled. "Lastly, from Gryffindor. We have accepted Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Parvati Patil, Seamus Finnigan, and Ginny Weasley."
There were a few gasps heard throughout the Great Hall. It took Ginny a second to realize he'd said 'Ginny' and not 'Ron Weasley'. She glanced, wide-eyed, at Hermione and Harry. They looked just as confused as she. She stood up and walked to the head table.
"Professor Dumbledore, there must be a mistake or something, because I'm only a sixth year. Are you sure you didn't mean Ron?"
Dumbledore looked Ginny in the eye. "I can show you the parchment, if you wish, Miss Weasley, but I'm very sure that my eyes do not deceive me."
Ginny was still confused. "But, how? I didn't put my name in the box or anything!"
He seemed to have a knowing glint in his eye. "Do you not wish to go?"
She thought for a moment if he had any idea why she wanted to go so badly. He couldn't. "I would very much like to go," she answered carefully.
Dumbledore nodded. "Very well. And you have been chosen. Therefore, you shall be going. Congratulations." He began eating, signaling that the conversation was over.
On her way back to the table, she caught Draco's glance. He raised his eyebrows. She just shrugged, not quite sure what to think herself.
~*~
A/N: I was going to go on but this chapter was all ready pretty long, so I decided to cut it short. Sorry about that. Hope you guys all like it still...[crosses fingers] hehe. I guess all I have to say is keep leaving me helpful reviews and I'll keep writing!
[A COUPLE SHOUTOUTS]
Lady Godiva- I'm really glad you love it, I'll IM you next time we're both online! I think we keep missing eachother!
Shadun- I've never written the "Good job Ginny!" thing before...maybe you read something like it in another story? I dunno.
Frananddragon- I noticed that a lot of people point out little loopholes so I try to clear them up in the next chapter. Hehe. You were wrong about the dream team, hahaha. Have they ever been split up before? The plot thickens! (a lot of people thought that was my plan, it's funny)
Pink lipstick- Oh my gosh, you are seriously like the funniest person on ff.n. At least when it comes to reviews. I love your reviews! [catches handfuls of glitter] yay! BTW.my friend took her story off, it'll be back up soon though.
Black Robed One- Wow, you are one of my favorite reviewers. They are just so long! I love them! I know what you mean about liking this one more than Fire and Ice, I'm starting to like it more myself. =) Hmm, time will tell about Blaise though. Keep reading!
Erin Faith- Your reviews are one of my favorites too! You seem to put so much thought into them, thank you! You are one of the only people who mentioned Blaise; I kind of talked about her more in this chapter. You know what's funny? I actually think (in real harry potter) that Blaise is a guy, but worked better as a girl for my story. Teehee.
Silver Lips- Yes! I love long reviews! Oh wow, you sound like another me. I LOVE TOM FELTON and I LOVE SEAN BIGGERSTAFF!!!!! [runs around yelling] And, haha, I've already been to that site. I'm a true fan. =)
Silver Essence- [Hands over monkey] Gah! Take it! It was eating all of my bananas anyway!