Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter
Chapter 13:
Sleepless
The canopy was probably very old. It might even have been in the fifth year girls' dorm since Hogwarts first began, but it showed no signs of aging, none of the wear and tear that the years brought on. Ginny couldn't figure it out. Luckily she had plenty of time to contemplate it.
What else was there to do in the middle of the night?
Not a hell of a lot, Ginny knew from experience. In the dark, she made a face up at the Gryffindor-red cloth that barred her view of the ceiling.
She had never been said to be a light sleeper – she wasn't as bad as Ron, surely, but she definitely wasn't adverse to copious amounts of slumber. She still wasn't. Only… any amount of slumber at all was becoming increasingly harder to come by.
The first week back at Hogwarts she had slept like a rock every night, by the end of the second one she was tossing and turning, and now, in the middle of the third she was just… well… she was beyond counting sheep. She stared harder at the canopy, hoping to be able to make out the stitches in the dark so she could count those instead.
After a moment or two she gave up, labeling the cause as hopeless.
The next morning was going to be hell, she decided. Mornings had never been her strong suit, but now… they were the devil incarnate. And her daily classes were the genuine article. Except for History of Magic because Binns didn't care if she slept through it.
Ginny pushed the thought of the next day's double Potions out of her mind.
The dorm was eerily silent; the castle was always quiet at night, as if it were sleeping itself, and thick bed-curtains on all sides blocked the gentle breathing of her fellow fifth years. A few of the girls snored sometimes – guessing who the snores belonged to had proved an adequate amusement. And that was just plain sad.
She rolled over to lie on her stomach and groaned into her pillow. She didn't even know what time it was; just that it was late and the only one not sleeping was her. Sure, Ginny was all for being her own person, but at the moment she would really love to hop on the bandwagon – only she couldn't. It just didn't work anymore, no matter how long she closed her eyes and lied there.
She buried her face into the goose-down pillow, then shot straight up and nearly shrieked when something brushed her shoulder. A shaky breath escaped her lips. It was only Lewellyn. She should have known – the bird refused to stay in the owlery no matter how many times she sent him back there.
But for the life of her she couldn't figure out how he got through the portrait hole. After much deliberation on the subject (because boy did she have the time) she had chalked it up as one of life's great mysteries.
However he had managed it, the owl now sat on her bed, looking up at her with round, dewy eyes. He cocked his head at her as if in question, but remained silent as if he was aware of the room's sleeping occupants. Well, maybe he was, though she had never known owls to be particularly courteous creatures.
Ginny offered him a hand and he hobbled onto it, nestling into her palm even though he was just shy of being too large to fit. Out of sheer boredom she watched him preen his feathers through half-lidded eyes.
Sleep wasn't even in her vocabulary any more, she was bored out of her mind, and there was no one to talk to. She supposed she could go visit Dobby in the kitchens, but she had done that the last few nights… Her uninterested gaze at Lewellyn turned speculative.
There was one person she had no qualms about waking.
"Time to make yourself useful," she told the bird, sotto voce. For an animal he was remarkably easy to talk to – or maybe it was because he was an animal… With a little mental shrug, Ginny swung her legs over the side of the bed and began to rummage through the book-bag she had tossed on the floor for a scrap of parchment and quill.
She held the sought after objects up triumphantly and proceeded to scribble a note. It was rather hard to do in the dark, but she thought she managed a credible stab at legibility.
"Think you can find Draco?" she asked. He seemed to perk up at the prospect and she took that for a yes. She handed him the note, because she had no string on her, and sent him off, thinking to herself as she dug through her trunk for a robe and a pair of socks: When all else fails, go bug Draco…
Draco picked up the poker and thrust it into the fire, churning the ashes and shifting the burnt timbre so the flames danced higher. He had never before been as thankful for his room as he was now that sleep had decided to gracefully elude him. The room was small, and not only by his standards, but at least he didn't have to worry about waking anyone with his sleeplessness.
He had always been a light sleeper, but this was getting ridiculous.
Draco buried his head in his hands and sighed, starting when he felt something ruffle his hair. He snapped upwards and the thing careened into his line of vision. Oh. It was just that ruddy owl…
He blinked. Then scowled. "How the bloody hell'd you get in here?" he asked, though he didn't really expect any sort of answer. It was just reflex.
Lazily Draco shooed the bird away with his hand – it squawked in an un-owl-like manner and dropped a scrap of parchment on the rug by the fire. Damn thing can't even deliver a letter right, he grumbled mentally as he bent to pick it up. The owl had made itself at home in Draco's pillow.
He grimaced – Ginny probably adored all the thing's stupid habits. Hell, he knew she did. The indulgence shone in her eyes whenever she was around that bird. If he had known how much time she would spend doting on it, he wouldn't have – Time she could be spending doting on you? A treacherous voice in his mind spoke up.
His brows drew together in a frown. He was not jealous of an owl. He was not.
He decided it would be wise to read the note rather than continue with this thought pattern. The parchment unfurled in his hands and he scanned the few short lines quickly, unconsciously arching a brow.
'Couldn't sleep. Meet me by the library?
– G'
A derisive snort escaped him. So, she just expected him to get up and follow her orders, did she? Suppose he had been asleep – which… was just what she must have done, he realized. He had never said anything to indicate his lack of sleep. His brow furrowed; at least he didn't think so…
It didn't really bother him. He didn't mind going to see her; he had nothing better to do. He didn't mind the fact that she expected him to follow her directions either. What he did mind was the fact that he was slipping out the door that very minute. Damn. How did she do it?
Draco had never been one to follow orders – especially since the arrest of his father a year or so back – so how was it that this girl, who was so utterly beneath him, could wrap him around her finger so seamlessly? And why wasn't he going out of his way to change that?
There was undeniably something about her….
Now she's got me spewing this idealistic rubbish, he thought, trying to work himself into a rage. He didn't do a very good job. What'll be next?
He scowled as he strode down the hall. If anyone caught him he could just flash his Prefect badge; with a good enough story, no one would call him on it.
It wasn't as if he didn't like Ginny, because he rather did. A lot. She was the type of person one couldn't help but like. Only, he was afraid that if things kept on this way he would be catering her every beck and call before winter's end – Actually, he already was.
But none of that seemed to matter when he was with her.
He rounded a corner, and there she was. She sat on the floor, her back to him, the red of her hair leaping out at him against the darkness of her robe. Draco smirked as he came up behind her.
"Boo."
She jumped and whirled around, then sagged with relief… which quickly turned to anger.
"What are you doing, scaring me like that?" Ginny hissed, standing up to whap him on the shoulder. Violent girl, this one.
"Did that really scare you?" he asked flatly, raising a brow for effect.
Even in the dark he could see her embarrassed flush. "Well, you could have been Filch or something…" she said by way of explanation, though he really didn't require one. He just liked to make her blush.
"So, what do you require of me?"
"Your badge," she told him, not missing a beat.
"Oh, I see," said Draco as they fell into step together, walking aimlessly down the hall. "You're just using me for my power."
"Rats, I've been found out," she replied without feeling, pausing to ask abruptly, "did I wake you?"
He thought about lying to her and decided against it. "No."
"Oh, good –" Ginny started, than frowned "– and what were you up to at this hour?"
"I was playing strip poker with the rest of my house-mates, what else?"
"Hm. Of course."
"I couldn't sleep, is all."
Her brows rose up. "You too? I was wide awake all night –" she paused to suppress a yawn "– but now I'm getting tired."
Draco felt his own eyelids become heavy as she finished the sentence. He bit back a yawn of his own in time to reply.
"Must be my soothing presence."
"Or maybe your just boring me," she snorted.
"Am I? I guess I ought to leave, then. "
"No, I – hey, what's this?"
They had come a ways from their starting place near the library. Draco wasn't even entirely sure where they were anymore – this section of hall didn't look particularly familiar. He glanced at their shadowed surroundings. Well, he could probably find his way back to where they came from, but he was quite certain he had never been here before. Or if he had, then the bench hadn't.
Yes, that's right, the bench.
It sat nestled in a stone alcove, wreathed in shadows and looking oddly inviting to his sleep-deprived eyes. If he sat down, he would probably be asleep within minutes… but it wouldn't hurt to rest for just a bit…
"It's an ogre," he said to Ginny, as he took a seat, leaning back against the stone wall. "What does it look like?"
She sat down beside him huffily and folded her arms, but he knew she wasn't really offended. It was fairly obvious what with her leaning her head on his shoulder and all.
"Draco? Um… we're not going to tell anyone about…uh… this… for a while, right?"
He glanced down to see that she was looking up at him shyly through her lashes. It was probably a good thing she had decided to bring it up – the matter had occurred to him, but he had decided against voicing his thoughts on the grounds that Ginny might get the wrong idea. She talked big sometimes, but he knew her well enough to know that she had her fair share of insecurities.
"I should think not," he snorted. "I value my life, thanks."
"Oh – are you scared of my brothers?" she asked, all innocent goggle-eyed incredulousness. He frowned at his shoes.
"Only the ones that send me threatening letters…" he muttered, thinking back to the one sitting on his desk, which really hadn't been all that frightening. Draco felt her tense beside him.
"What? Did one of them really…? Oh – it was Bill, wasn't it?"
"Yes, I believe it was."
"I don't believe him! What did he say?" she asked urgently, her brows pushed together in a frown.
"Nothing too… worrisome," said Draco, and she relaxed again. She must have been quite tired, then. Normally, he was sure, she'd be off searching for her wayward brother and making plans to set him straight the instant she'd been informed. Well, it wasn't as if he needed – or particularly wanted – her to do that anyway. He could defend himself, thank you very much. But her lack of effort was strangely disappointing.
He sighed into the darkness, letting the silence stretch and not daring to blink because he was sure if he closed his eyes he wouldn't be able to open them again. For a stone bench the seat was awfully comfortable… maybe he could just…
A soft snort brought him out of those thoughts fast enough. His eyes fell on Ginny and he realized it was she that had made that noise – in her sleep. She suddenly grew heavy on his arm, her weight shifting so that he had to hold onto her to keep her from falling into his lap.
"Hey – wake up."
She didn't.
Draco shook her slightly. "Come on, get up."
Nothing.
"Ginny…?"
Still nothing.
Sighing, he scooped her up, reluctant to wake her if she was so far under. Damn…he cursed mentally. What was he supposed to do now? Well, he couldn't just stand in the hallway all night, that was for sure. He fought back a yawn and began to walk down the hall.
He couldn't take her back to her common room – he didn't know the password or exactly where it was. He couldn't just leave her in the hall – she would probably do him severe bodily harm if he did. He couldn't just walk around debating all night – he was falling asleep on his feet.
He could just wake her up, but… his eyes darted to her sleeping face. No.
So, there was one place to go. And he was there already.
Draco blinked at the entrance to his common room, concealed behind a painting of a little boy in a blue sailor's hat. Certainly no one would ever guess its location, but sometimes he wished they could have something as glaringly obvious as the likeness of Salazar Slytherin or at least something a little more intimidating to stand in front of their door.
He muttered the password and slipped in, escaping to his room without being seen. It was hardly a great feat. There was no one there to see him.
Draco swept into the room and sank into a chair. Ginny wasn't heavy by a long-shot, but it wasn't easy to carry her all around the castle. He watched her absently for a moment, and was about to get up to deposit her on the bed before selflessly taking a spot in the cushy armchair by the fire when she began to stir. Now she wakes up. How convenient.
She opened her eyes and stared at him for what seemed to be a long while.
"Oh. I fell asleep."
Draco just arched a brow. "I hadn't noticed."
"I think I'm going to do it again," she yawned and curled into a ball on his lap. "So – until then, tell me a story."
There was a short pause while Draco tried to find his voice.
"You're kidding," he finally managed.
"Mm-hm," he heard her murmur into his chest. She probably didn't know what she was saying, he decided.
Wordlessly he picked her up once more and dropped her onto the bed, not bothering to remove the covers beforehand. It was a measure of just how far under she was that she didn't protest. He was about to turn away when she yanked the back of his robes.
"Stay with me."
Beneath her gaze and the weight of his own exhaustion he could do nothing else.
A/N: Ergh… so… fluffy… Eh – anyway, I meant to post this sooner, but… well, things happened. You have my deepest apologies. School is starting soon, so I have to finish up my summer reading and do the whole back to school shopping thing… yeah. Ok, big, huge, enormous thanks to everyone who reviewed!! I can't answer them all because it takes me an incredibly long amount of time, so sorry if I miss yours!
Souten: Ah! It's your favorite?? hehe… AND you like the way they're characterized?? *grins uncontrollably* Wow – it's a dream come true!
xXxmandyxXx: …cheese?? Um… I'm gonna have to disagree. Cheese is bad… Anyway, it's ok – the ff.net e-mail account thingie is screwed up. I got less than half of my reviews by e-mail… then I was really shocked to see how many more I had when I checked them on ff.net!! hehe… glad you like the owl ^^
Fulldark: Eh? Exiles books?? I think I'm about to sound really ignorant here, but I've never heard of that… I found the name on one of those naming websites ^^;
Yami's Girl Forever: I've had bad experiences with cats *shivers*… Hm – you like Charlie better? Well, for me it's a toss up between them. They're both too cool for me to pick a favorite! But I think if it had been Charlie instead he would have reacted pretty much the same… Haha – don't worry about lack of description! You've given me so many compliments already… Sorry for the lateness, btw. I meant to have it up a couple days ago… things aren't working out for me lately… but I do know what you mean about weird obse – *blinks* did someone say Evangelion? Where?! ... Oh… just my imagination…
Debbie: *gasps* I have typos?! No!! …Ergh… I try so hard to escape them, but… some always slip by!! Typos are a dangerous nemesis…. Well, anyway, there is some Harry in the next chapter!! Rejoice! Truthfully, I have a hard time writing him because I can't really grasp his character… one minute he seems so kind and selfless, and the next he's brooding over not getting picked as prefect – but I still love him ^^!!
Rose-Kaiba: Eh… well, it's hard to say when I update – usually about every week… I admit it, I write slooowwly, the words pour out of me like molasses -.-;; it's a curse. But I try!!
Black_Dots: Well, I guess updating quickly is gonna have to wait until the next time – *cowers* sorry… I am ashamed U.U… Gasp! You figured out my (not-so-evil) plot!! Replying to reviews so people will review again (but also because I just like to do it)! Though, it doesn't always work *glances reproachfully at reviewers who don't reply*… Eh… anyway, it's good that you feel loved and appreciated because you are!! Reviews are like an oasis in a desert of words… ¬.¬ ok, that was a little corny, but still… Hm? Rambling? I don't mind one bit ^^! Go on as long as you want to – long reviews are the best kind!! *long pause* …Oh. That's not what you meant? Well, what can I say – I have a corrupted mind *evil laugh* but yeah, it would sorta ruin the story, I think… though not the innocent, obligatory-fluff-scene thing you see in this chapter, right?
Emily22: Yeah, that is the cause of the 'illness' thing, but about the room thing…*stares blankly at Emily22* …0.o how did you guess?? Ah, well, don't tell anyone ^_~!
Socchan: It was!? Wow… I forgot about that… haha ^^;… well, I actually have another idea now that I'm thinking about… I might come back to this one later, though… I don't know right now – Gah. Too many ideas .!! But anyway, my birthday is *drum-roll*… September 4th! And, yeah, I'm gonna get to work on something for you straight away because if I don't it will never get done. Ever. So, anything in particular that you want? If not, it's gonna be an Evangelion short full of Asuka/Shinji fluff – so be forewarned.
Bulma Greenleaf: Ahh!! Dragons! *douses singed hair* Yeesh, if it's not one thing, it's another… Oh, well, at least it wasn't a stampede of dragons… 0.o. Um… so, I didn't continue very very very very very very very very very soon – or even just very soon. But I did continue! And I will keep doing so!! Hehe… good dragons… nice dragons… @.@