Another day another chapter BooYah! =)
-Hey!! I'm here with chapter two guys!! Thank you so much for all the great reviews, you know how to make a writer feel loved. So anyways here it is pre-packaged, preservative free, and ready for your enjoyment!!
Also take note—the scene w/ the Minister of Magic….I had a lot of trouble determining who it should be so I just decided not to give him a name, he's just the Minister of Magic =) I think yall can deal with that!
To Fizzyglitter-- ^_^ you hit the nail right on with your review!!! There is a back story to why Draco is here!! And –dun dun dun- you find out in this chapter!!
Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter or any of it's characters! I do own Lirit Ruana, Seth, Aidan (who if anyone wanted to know is my fav. character out of the story so far) Tristian, Lana and Jackson. Whew! Oh also don't own the lyrics I used in here, I don't know whose they are though ^_^' ::sweatdrop::
Chapter Two!
"You guys absolutely rocked!!" Lana yelled in excitement as Lirit Ruana trooped into the room. While the rest of the band, including Jackson were celebrating over glass bottles of coke, Ginny sat at the table looking out the window. It couldn't have been Draco, he wouldn't have been around muggles would he? She groaned and put her head in her hands.
"I must have been hallucinating." She muttered to no one in particular. Shaking her head. Ginny left the room.
"Gin?" Tristian asked to her. But it was too late, the door was already shut.
Ginny walked down the hallway=, right hand shoved the pocket of her torn up jeans. She moved to rake her fingers through her hair but remembered she was wearing her black beanie. It was too much, Draco Malfoy could not have been at the concert. Hell would have frozen over before Malfoy went to a muggle concert!!!! She told herself. Suddenly she smacked right into something.
"Watch where you walk Weasley." A cold, but oddly familiar voice said. Ginny looked up and groaned. She put a three fingers on her forehead and muttered.
"Newsflash, newsflash. Hell has just frozen over,"
"Nice concert Weasley, I didn't think you had so much talent." Draco commented silk smooth.
"And only getting colder." She said in an exasperated tone. She heard him chuckle.
"Surprised? I would be too. Me Draco Malfoy amongst such muggle filth." He began but Ginny straightened up and cut him off.
"Yeah why were you there? All I could concentrate on the entire concert is that Draco Malfoy is in the front row and all I could ask myself is what in the hell is he doing here?" She snapped and crossed her arms, covered in bracelets, waiting for his answer.
"Just checking out the local scene, I just moved here you know. Mum and dad are dead, and sadly enough I'm on my own." He pretended to wipe away a tear, but got no such laugh.
"Still doesn't tell me why you decided to come see my band play." She replied and began to walk away.
"Heard you were singing and decided to see you make a fool of yourself. You aren't that good but better than I though." He said slightly amused. She snorted and put her hands on her hips.
"How did you get backstage anyway?" She snapped, eyes narrowing.
"You have been away from the wizarding world a long time haven't you? Apparation stupid." He replied poking her forehead. She swatted his hand away scowling.
"Well do me a favor and get the hell out of my way!" She yelled. The door opened and Jackson popped his head out.
"Hey Gin whose your friend?" He asked with a sly grin on his face. Ginny turned bright red.
"Jackson!! Not funny, this is Draco Malfoy, we went to school together." She said, shooting a glare at Draco whom was smirking.
"Jackson Ducane, pleasure to meet you." Jackson said sticking out his hand, Draco took it in a friendly handshake and ginned.
"Pleasure, now you were the DJ I presume." He said.
"Yeah one of the band's DJ's, they've got a few that rotate for them, but what I really love is drumming, it's the best man, have you ever tried it before?" He asked tossing his dreads out of his face, they came to his earlobes and were at the moment hanging in his face. He looked like the kinda man who knew how to party, his grin was playful, hinting his love for the good life. His hands were callused from the DJ work but the rest of his body showed that he spent time in the gym, a lot of time. Illuminating from his black skin, His brown eyes danced around the hallway as if keeping a vulture's watch for any unsuspecting prey.
"GW! How's my girl been?" He asked slinging a friendly arm around her shoulder.
"Pretty good, ready to go home though, I'm so glad that this was the last concert of the tour, now I can finally rest at home for a while, and Tristian has to spend the night over at his parents to tell them all about the tour so I've got my self a spa night."
"Sounds like a good time, but we're going out to dinner, why don't we bring Draco with us?" He asked and looked at Draco.
"NO!" Ginny said a little too quickly. "Jackson it-it's a band only sort of thing yah know? To sit around and recall all the cool tour events." She said glaring daggers at Draco. "Malfoy doesn't want to go."
"Yes I do." He replied simply, putting his hands in the pockets of his Khakis. He ran his fingers through his alluring silvery hair.
"NO, you don't!" Ginny said and looked down the hall. "Security, would you kindly escort Mr. Malfoy out." She snapped and returned to the room with Jackson.
"School enemy?" He asked giving her a playful smile. She rolled her eyes and let a groan escape her.
"You have NO idea." She muttered and smiled as he laughed.
***
Draco made his way to his apartment, in the building right across from Ginny's, the ministry had made sure. It was nice enough, modern furnishings, stocked fridge, and satellite TV. Yep, it had everything a guy could possibly need, minus one thing, the one thing Draco needed to survive. Well okay so he really didn't absolutely have to have it to live. Yet, having cheap grocery store beer was quite a perk.
"How did I live without things like this?" He muttered to himself as he dug around in his fridge. He shut it while munching on an apple. True, he still didn't like muggles, but some of the things they possessed amazed him. Like TV and electricity. "Yet I have to wonder how did I get myself into this?"
"Oh yeah! That's right I'm a spy for the ministry now, that's what got me into this." He answered himself (A/N 0_o Ambrose is beginning to question Draco's sanity) Draco crossed his living room to the huge paneled windows, his eyes widened. Across the way he could see Ginny, walking through her bedroom in nothing but her jeans and a black bra. "Boy, the ministry didn't leave anything to spare." He said and flopped down on the couch remembering how exactly he got stuck with this assignment.
~~~Flashback~~~
"Mister Malfoy?" The secretary asked. "The Minister is ready to see you now."
Draco looked up and grinned. Finally, he had been waiting for about a half hour. He raised his eyebrows to the small, blonde receptionist and grinned. She looked like the female version of Gildroy Lockheart. Her only response was to smile flirtatiously back and push her chest out a little ways.
"Then again." He murmured, taking note that her skirt was a little too short than should be.
"I'll be seeing you around, Mister Malfoy." She said as the door shut behind him. Draco walked in and faced a short, plump man in pinstriped robes over a charcoal gray suit. His face was adorned with a pencil thin mustache and heavy eyebrows. He stood and motioned for Draco to sit on one of the comfortable looking leather chairs.
"Mister Malfoy we have an assignment for you." The Prime Minister of Magic said in his sharp even voice.
"It has come to our attention that you-know-who has plans of kidnapping Miss Ginny Weasley to get information from the ministry." He began.
Draco's eyebrows shot up. "Why her?" He asked.
"Because you-know-who knows perfectly well that with three of her family members in the ministry, all knowledgeable of all events, would gladly turn in the information in order to have her back."
Draco leaned back in his chair smirking. "And that would be a problem because?" He asked in a mock tone.
"Stop joking," The minister snapped. "This is a serious matter!"
"Yeah, so what's it got to do with me?" Draco snapped in reply.
"Your our best agent and I want you to keep close track of her, talk to her, live around her, befriend her. Protect her for Christ's sake!" The minister ordered. Draco could have sworn he felt his jaw drop to the floor.
"YOU have GOT to be joking!! G-Gin-Ginny Weasley!!!??? My family and hers are archrivals. She HATES me!! She will never accept me as a friend." Draco yelled losing all composure he had maintained. "And I could get killed over what stupid rivalry? NO WAY!"
"Draco you absolutely must!" The minister returned, a small fire blazing in his eyes as they bore into Draco's own cold ones.
"Oh no, but I absolutely can't!" He shot back mimicking the minister's voice.
"Still you have to try, you're the only person I can think of who is able enough to take this mission on. Plus you'll get paid a lot." He taunted.
Draco rubbed his chin, in deep thought. "How much?"
"Any number you want." Suddenly the minister was confronted with a hand.
"You got yourself a deal." He said and watched the wide grin spread across the minister's face. Draco walked out, past Secretary Barbie, wondering what the hell he had just gotten himself into.
~~~End Flashback~~~
"So that's how I got here." Draco said smacking himself on the forehead. Well, he had to admit, the view into Ginny's window was nice.
"Loser Draco! She's a Weasley, and Weasleys aren't hot, aren't good enough and most importantly aren't worth it!" He yelled at himself and flopped back down on his couch. "I need some serious mental help." He groaned and flipped on the TV.
***
Ginny paced her apartment, trying to find her sleeping tank top but to no avail. She had checked everywhere, under her bed, in her drawers, in her closet, stuck between the sofa cushions even. All she had resulted in was extra laundry and three dollars in spare change. She continued to tear through her room when she looked up, shock registered on her face. Across the street in the building cattycorner from hers was Draco Malfoy, sitting on a couch watching TV.
"Bloody hell! What is he doing?" She muttered and realized he could have seen her walking around in only her jeans and a bra. How embarrassing! Suddenly he stood and walked over to his huge, paneled windows. He put a sly grin on his face and waved. Ginny rolled her eyes and gave him the finger before shutting her blinds.
"This has been such a weird day." She sighed to herself, before tripped over something and falling flat on her face. When she reached down to see what it was she found her tank top. "And only getting weirder."
Finally, Ginny made her way into her bathroom, sleep clothes in hand. Turning on the shower water she hummed a soft tune to herself and took off all of her jewelry. After disrobing herself she stepped into the piping hot shower and began singing to herself any random song that came to her head, but tonight's seemed to be every song she could possibly think of. Yet, the minute she turned off the water, the doorbell rang.
"Just a minute!" She yelled, wrapping a towel around her slim frame. Practically flying to the door she yanked it open to find Aidan. The light in her face dimmed and she sighed. "Oh its only you." She replied and was met with his lopsided grin.
"Only me? I'm so hurt." He said and placed a fist over his heart "I mean come on Gin-gin, that went right there!"
Despite of her current clothing state Ginny laughed. "Yeah, I'm a real heartbreaker what can I say?"
"So, you ah, gonna stay in that towel or go change?" He asked with a smirk on his face that could frighteningly rival Draco's. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks.
"Be right back, make yourself at home." She squeaked and disappeared.
"Don't I always?" He called out and heard her reply back with a stunningly painful "Loser!"
About fifteen minutes later Ginny returned in a pair of track shorts and her tank top, trying to run a hairbrush through her hair without much success. She found Aidan, comfortably sprawled across her couch, drinking a Rolling Rock and watching the food channel. "Hey Gin, can you make some cookies right now?" He asked and Ginny rolled her eyes as she plopped down in her lazy boy.
"Okay then never mind." He murmured to himself. Then as if an idea struck him he sat up. "Gin? Who was that guy Jackson was talking about at dinner?"
"Hmm? Oh him." Ginny spat. "Just Draco Malfoy. I knew him when I was younger."
"From Hogwarts?" Aidan asked. He got a nod in reply, he understood then that Draco must have been a school enemy, knowing about magic and all. "So he was like one of those high and mighty people you mutter about sometimes?"
"The worst of them, I remember the ways he used to torture my brother, his friends and me. He stooped low enough at times to even attempt to fight Harry or Ron. Horrid creature whose parents were in you-know-who's inner circle. We never knew about Draco, but the last time mum and dad wrote me they said that Malfoy was clean and doing some sort of work for the ministry. Apparently they put him through loads and loads of truth tests. So after everything came out all positive they let him work there I suppose." She began but bit her lip as a sudden thought struck her. "Still doesn't explain why he's here, and it felt like he was trying to make amends with me."
Aidan rubbed the back of his head in a thoughtful manner. Ginny always thought he looked absolutely adorable when he did that. Although Ginny would always be attracted to Tristian, there were always times when she wondered what it would be like just to kiss Aidan. But she always shook it off remembering that he was her absolute best friend. It would be like kissing one of her brothers! She was so lost in thought that she didn't even hear him speak.
"Gin? Gin-gin? Earth to GINNY!!" He said. Her head popped up and her eyes were wide.
"What?" She snapped. He laughed and ran his fingers through his spiked hair.
"I said, maybe he's on vacation or something, maybe taking a break, but has to be in the area in case needed." He threw into the air smiling hopelessly. She shook her head.
"No, he must be doing some work in the city, trying to find inside information on you-know-who."
Aidan looked out through her skylight, which was almost completely covered by snow. Suddenly the thought struck him. "Put on your coat." He said. "And maybe some warm pants and a shirt."
"Aidan what are you talking about?" Ginny asked, she looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Which, she reminded herself, that he most likely had.
He grabbed her roughly by the shoulders and said. "Ask no questions just do it!" She stood a little shakily, still looking at him weird but nodded her head.
"O-okay." She said before disappearing into her room. When she returned she was wearing warm-up pants and a hoodie. She grabbed her coat as instructed and watched as Aidan grabbed her CD player that she used when she cleaned, and a wooden crate, often used at a foot rest. He and Ginny had painted it for fun one night when they were bored.
"Follow me." He said, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Ginny obliged and after going up the fire escape found herself on the roof of the building she lived in.
"Can I ask now what we're doing?" She asked and tapped her foot in the snow.
"Gin, have you ever danced in the snow?" He asked, while setting the crate on its side, and placed the CD player in it. He plugged it in and turned the radio onto a jazz station. To his great delight his favorite jazz song came on. He pulled her into his arms and began softly singing.
"Stars shining bright above you.
Night breezes seem to whisper I love you
Birds singing in the Sycamore tree
Dream a little Dream of me!"
Ginny felt her entire body go rigid. Aidan was singing so softly in her ear. His hand in hers was warm and soft, suddenly warming her entire body. Yet at the same time as her mind was screaming no, it didn't matter, this was just Aidan, just her best friend! That's all, its one of his little jokes, she told herself. But his soft voice in her ears, warm hands, good dancing steps, and how all the stars suddenly reflected in his eyes.
"Aidan I don't know," She began, but he cut her off.
"There are a lot of things we don't know that should remain unknown, like why we're doing this. And I'd prefer if we left the reason unknown." His comment made her immediately shut up and sigh. She found herself resting her head on his chest and moving to the rhythm of the song that had just ended. Another song had just come and she could feel the tension between them melt. She felt herself relax, his comment in some way had assured her that this was just a friend thing like she has suspected, but the way he was acting totally betrayed that fact. It had only dawned on her until then that she was shivering and they were dancing in the middle of a snowstorm.
"Aid, what possessed you to come dancing in the snow?"
"I have no clue, but its kind of fun hmm?" He asked and laughed at her perplexed look. "Oh come on Gin, lighten up, how many people do you know have danced to jazz in the middle of a snowstorm?"
She rolled her eyes and laughed at him. "Yes as sweet as the idea is, you know your completely crazy and we're both going to catch pneumonia and die!!"
"Like I said lighten up kid! You don't get to spend much one on one time with your best friend anymore, I just want to make our time spent, very well spent. And its me for God sake! You know I'm prone to do stupid things like this!"
She grinned and leaned back into him, "I never said it was stupid, actually its pretty cool, just spending time with my best friend."
Aidan smiled down at her and tipped her chin up. "You remember the time we had a water balloon fight on the dock in Florida during a thunderstorm?"
"Yeah, and I had to use magic to keep you from falling in the ocean, or the time you and I got stuck in that pear tree during the Canadian leg of the Biodegradable tour??"
"Yep, Seth and Trist were laughing so hard it took them almost fifteen minutes to regain their composure. Even the time we went skydiving for the first time, I swear I had those marks on my arm from your fingernails for a week." He said, she laughed into his chest.
"Well I told you, I hate heights, but would you listen to me noooo 'Oh come on Gin-gin it'll be fun!' I threw up for god sake!" Aidan grinned and stopped dancing.
"We've had a lot of new experiences together, but there's one we haven't been through that I've always wanted to try."
She looked up and cocked her head to the side. "Oh and what is that?" She asked, but instead of a verbal answer she got it in the form of his lips on hers. His warmth flooded her body, and for a moment she forgot she was out in the snow. But just when the soft kiss began it ended, he pulled back with wide eyes.
"Ginny, I'm so sorry, I didn't think I would actually do that. Shit I just screwed everything up didn't I!" He felt her hand on his cheek.
"Let's just keep this as a confidential best friend thing okay? If Tristian found out he'd kill you." She said and pulled out of his grasp. With shaky fingers Ginny unplugged the CD player and brought it and the crate downstairs. Aidan followed her in a slightly shocked state.
"So no weird feelings about it right?" He asked at her front door. "It was just one of those 'bound to happen' friend things right?"
Ginny reached over and hugged him close, kissing his forehead. "Yeah, and promise we won't let it get in the way of our friendship?" Her eyes shone with a nervous intensity Aidan would never forget.
"Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way. So I guess I'll see you tomorrow for a brainstorm eh?"
"Yep, we still have those guitar chords to look over." She replied and opened the door for him. "Bye Aid."
"Bye Gin." With that farewell he left down the hall leaving her standing in the doorway. As soon as he was out of sight she shut the door and ran to her room, staring out the window, at the city streets below where she saw Aidan walking South, to West Fork, where his tiny apartment lay. Ginny crossed the room and flung herself on her bed in absolute tears.
"Why did you do that? Aidan, why? You know things are going to be weird now, how could they not be?" She cried some more and stopped to get up and get a bottle of water. While drinking it with the two Aspirin she took she looked at a picture of the band. They all stood still in time, in front of a ski lodge, arms around shoulders, Aidan and Ginny were sticking their tongues out at each other, while Tristian, who was in the middle, rolled his eyes. Seth was on the far side of Aidan, looking on confused. As she looked on she couldn't help but wonder thing two things: Shit, because of her new situation with Aidan, and why the hell couldn't Madam Pomfrey have Aspirin when she was at Hogwarts?
Her thoughts were shattered when there was a knock at the door. "Who would be here so late?" She muttered as she opened the door and promptly dropped her water bottle, splashing water all over herself and the person in front of her. Her eyes widened and only one phrase could escape her mouth. "OH MY GOD!"
-Dun Dun DUN!! Who on earth could it be!!! Cliffie, well ::sigh:: you'll just have to wait. Anyways, next chapter::: Some more Draco and Ginny verbal sparring and of course out mystery person!!! I think it will surprise most of you. But good surprise. Also in the next chapter some more Harry, Tyranny, Ron and Hermione action going on. Plus Aidan's reflection on what happened in this chapter. So it should be long and action packed and the debut of one of my other favorite characters!!! So stay tuned!! Oh yeah and please gimme a review!! Constructive Criticism always welcome r/r!!! Ambrose-
-Hey!! I'm here with chapter two guys!! Thank you so much for all the great reviews, you know how to make a writer feel loved. So anyways here it is pre-packaged, preservative free, and ready for your enjoyment!!
Also take note—the scene w/ the Minister of Magic….I had a lot of trouble determining who it should be so I just decided not to give him a name, he's just the Minister of Magic =) I think yall can deal with that!
To Fizzyglitter-- ^_^ you hit the nail right on with your review!!! There is a back story to why Draco is here!! And –dun dun dun- you find out in this chapter!!
Disclaimer- I do not own Harry Potter or any of it's characters! I do own Lirit Ruana, Seth, Aidan (who if anyone wanted to know is my fav. character out of the story so far) Tristian, Lana and Jackson. Whew! Oh also don't own the lyrics I used in here, I don't know whose they are though ^_^' ::sweatdrop::
Chapter Two!
"You guys absolutely rocked!!" Lana yelled in excitement as Lirit Ruana trooped into the room. While the rest of the band, including Jackson were celebrating over glass bottles of coke, Ginny sat at the table looking out the window. It couldn't have been Draco, he wouldn't have been around muggles would he? She groaned and put her head in her hands.
"I must have been hallucinating." She muttered to no one in particular. Shaking her head. Ginny left the room.
"Gin?" Tristian asked to her. But it was too late, the door was already shut.
Ginny walked down the hallway=, right hand shoved the pocket of her torn up jeans. She moved to rake her fingers through her hair but remembered she was wearing her black beanie. It was too much, Draco Malfoy could not have been at the concert. Hell would have frozen over before Malfoy went to a muggle concert!!!! She told herself. Suddenly she smacked right into something.
"Watch where you walk Weasley." A cold, but oddly familiar voice said. Ginny looked up and groaned. She put a three fingers on her forehead and muttered.
"Newsflash, newsflash. Hell has just frozen over,"
"Nice concert Weasley, I didn't think you had so much talent." Draco commented silk smooth.
"And only getting colder." She said in an exasperated tone. She heard him chuckle.
"Surprised? I would be too. Me Draco Malfoy amongst such muggle filth." He began but Ginny straightened up and cut him off.
"Yeah why were you there? All I could concentrate on the entire concert is that Draco Malfoy is in the front row and all I could ask myself is what in the hell is he doing here?" She snapped and crossed her arms, covered in bracelets, waiting for his answer.
"Just checking out the local scene, I just moved here you know. Mum and dad are dead, and sadly enough I'm on my own." He pretended to wipe away a tear, but got no such laugh.
"Still doesn't tell me why you decided to come see my band play." She replied and began to walk away.
"Heard you were singing and decided to see you make a fool of yourself. You aren't that good but better than I though." He said slightly amused. She snorted and put her hands on her hips.
"How did you get backstage anyway?" She snapped, eyes narrowing.
"You have been away from the wizarding world a long time haven't you? Apparation stupid." He replied poking her forehead. She swatted his hand away scowling.
"Well do me a favor and get the hell out of my way!" She yelled. The door opened and Jackson popped his head out.
"Hey Gin whose your friend?" He asked with a sly grin on his face. Ginny turned bright red.
"Jackson!! Not funny, this is Draco Malfoy, we went to school together." She said, shooting a glare at Draco whom was smirking.
"Jackson Ducane, pleasure to meet you." Jackson said sticking out his hand, Draco took it in a friendly handshake and ginned.
"Pleasure, now you were the DJ I presume." He said.
"Yeah one of the band's DJ's, they've got a few that rotate for them, but what I really love is drumming, it's the best man, have you ever tried it before?" He asked tossing his dreads out of his face, they came to his earlobes and were at the moment hanging in his face. He looked like the kinda man who knew how to party, his grin was playful, hinting his love for the good life. His hands were callused from the DJ work but the rest of his body showed that he spent time in the gym, a lot of time. Illuminating from his black skin, His brown eyes danced around the hallway as if keeping a vulture's watch for any unsuspecting prey.
"GW! How's my girl been?" He asked slinging a friendly arm around her shoulder.
"Pretty good, ready to go home though, I'm so glad that this was the last concert of the tour, now I can finally rest at home for a while, and Tristian has to spend the night over at his parents to tell them all about the tour so I've got my self a spa night."
"Sounds like a good time, but we're going out to dinner, why don't we bring Draco with us?" He asked and looked at Draco.
"NO!" Ginny said a little too quickly. "Jackson it-it's a band only sort of thing yah know? To sit around and recall all the cool tour events." She said glaring daggers at Draco. "Malfoy doesn't want to go."
"Yes I do." He replied simply, putting his hands in the pockets of his Khakis. He ran his fingers through his alluring silvery hair.
"NO, you don't!" Ginny said and looked down the hall. "Security, would you kindly escort Mr. Malfoy out." She snapped and returned to the room with Jackson.
"School enemy?" He asked giving her a playful smile. She rolled her eyes and let a groan escape her.
"You have NO idea." She muttered and smiled as he laughed.
***
Draco made his way to his apartment, in the building right across from Ginny's, the ministry had made sure. It was nice enough, modern furnishings, stocked fridge, and satellite TV. Yep, it had everything a guy could possibly need, minus one thing, the one thing Draco needed to survive. Well okay so he really didn't absolutely have to have it to live. Yet, having cheap grocery store beer was quite a perk.
"How did I live without things like this?" He muttered to himself as he dug around in his fridge. He shut it while munching on an apple. True, he still didn't like muggles, but some of the things they possessed amazed him. Like TV and electricity. "Yet I have to wonder how did I get myself into this?"
"Oh yeah! That's right I'm a spy for the ministry now, that's what got me into this." He answered himself (A/N 0_o Ambrose is beginning to question Draco's sanity) Draco crossed his living room to the huge paneled windows, his eyes widened. Across the way he could see Ginny, walking through her bedroom in nothing but her jeans and a black bra. "Boy, the ministry didn't leave anything to spare." He said and flopped down on the couch remembering how exactly he got stuck with this assignment.
~~~Flashback~~~
"Mister Malfoy?" The secretary asked. "The Minister is ready to see you now."
Draco looked up and grinned. Finally, he had been waiting for about a half hour. He raised his eyebrows to the small, blonde receptionist and grinned. She looked like the female version of Gildroy Lockheart. Her only response was to smile flirtatiously back and push her chest out a little ways.
"Then again." He murmured, taking note that her skirt was a little too short than should be.
"I'll be seeing you around, Mister Malfoy." She said as the door shut behind him. Draco walked in and faced a short, plump man in pinstriped robes over a charcoal gray suit. His face was adorned with a pencil thin mustache and heavy eyebrows. He stood and motioned for Draco to sit on one of the comfortable looking leather chairs.
"Mister Malfoy we have an assignment for you." The Prime Minister of Magic said in his sharp even voice.
"It has come to our attention that you-know-who has plans of kidnapping Miss Ginny Weasley to get information from the ministry." He began.
Draco's eyebrows shot up. "Why her?" He asked.
"Because you-know-who knows perfectly well that with three of her family members in the ministry, all knowledgeable of all events, would gladly turn in the information in order to have her back."
Draco leaned back in his chair smirking. "And that would be a problem because?" He asked in a mock tone.
"Stop joking," The minister snapped. "This is a serious matter!"
"Yeah, so what's it got to do with me?" Draco snapped in reply.
"Your our best agent and I want you to keep close track of her, talk to her, live around her, befriend her. Protect her for Christ's sake!" The minister ordered. Draco could have sworn he felt his jaw drop to the floor.
"YOU have GOT to be joking!! G-Gin-Ginny Weasley!!!??? My family and hers are archrivals. She HATES me!! She will never accept me as a friend." Draco yelled losing all composure he had maintained. "And I could get killed over what stupid rivalry? NO WAY!"
"Draco you absolutely must!" The minister returned, a small fire blazing in his eyes as they bore into Draco's own cold ones.
"Oh no, but I absolutely can't!" He shot back mimicking the minister's voice.
"Still you have to try, you're the only person I can think of who is able enough to take this mission on. Plus you'll get paid a lot." He taunted.
Draco rubbed his chin, in deep thought. "How much?"
"Any number you want." Suddenly the minister was confronted with a hand.
"You got yourself a deal." He said and watched the wide grin spread across the minister's face. Draco walked out, past Secretary Barbie, wondering what the hell he had just gotten himself into.
~~~End Flashback~~~
"So that's how I got here." Draco said smacking himself on the forehead. Well, he had to admit, the view into Ginny's window was nice.
"Loser Draco! She's a Weasley, and Weasleys aren't hot, aren't good enough and most importantly aren't worth it!" He yelled at himself and flopped back down on his couch. "I need some serious mental help." He groaned and flipped on the TV.
***
Ginny paced her apartment, trying to find her sleeping tank top but to no avail. She had checked everywhere, under her bed, in her drawers, in her closet, stuck between the sofa cushions even. All she had resulted in was extra laundry and three dollars in spare change. She continued to tear through her room when she looked up, shock registered on her face. Across the street in the building cattycorner from hers was Draco Malfoy, sitting on a couch watching TV.
"Bloody hell! What is he doing?" She muttered and realized he could have seen her walking around in only her jeans and a bra. How embarrassing! Suddenly he stood and walked over to his huge, paneled windows. He put a sly grin on his face and waved. Ginny rolled her eyes and gave him the finger before shutting her blinds.
"This has been such a weird day." She sighed to herself, before tripped over something and falling flat on her face. When she reached down to see what it was she found her tank top. "And only getting weirder."
Finally, Ginny made her way into her bathroom, sleep clothes in hand. Turning on the shower water she hummed a soft tune to herself and took off all of her jewelry. After disrobing herself she stepped into the piping hot shower and began singing to herself any random song that came to her head, but tonight's seemed to be every song she could possibly think of. Yet, the minute she turned off the water, the doorbell rang.
"Just a minute!" She yelled, wrapping a towel around her slim frame. Practically flying to the door she yanked it open to find Aidan. The light in her face dimmed and she sighed. "Oh its only you." She replied and was met with his lopsided grin.
"Only me? I'm so hurt." He said and placed a fist over his heart "I mean come on Gin-gin, that went right there!"
Despite of her current clothing state Ginny laughed. "Yeah, I'm a real heartbreaker what can I say?"
"So, you ah, gonna stay in that towel or go change?" He asked with a smirk on his face that could frighteningly rival Draco's. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks.
"Be right back, make yourself at home." She squeaked and disappeared.
"Don't I always?" He called out and heard her reply back with a stunningly painful "Loser!"
About fifteen minutes later Ginny returned in a pair of track shorts and her tank top, trying to run a hairbrush through her hair without much success. She found Aidan, comfortably sprawled across her couch, drinking a Rolling Rock and watching the food channel. "Hey Gin, can you make some cookies right now?" He asked and Ginny rolled her eyes as she plopped down in her lazy boy.
"Okay then never mind." He murmured to himself. Then as if an idea struck him he sat up. "Gin? Who was that guy Jackson was talking about at dinner?"
"Hmm? Oh him." Ginny spat. "Just Draco Malfoy. I knew him when I was younger."
"From Hogwarts?" Aidan asked. He got a nod in reply, he understood then that Draco must have been a school enemy, knowing about magic and all. "So he was like one of those high and mighty people you mutter about sometimes?"
"The worst of them, I remember the ways he used to torture my brother, his friends and me. He stooped low enough at times to even attempt to fight Harry or Ron. Horrid creature whose parents were in you-know-who's inner circle. We never knew about Draco, but the last time mum and dad wrote me they said that Malfoy was clean and doing some sort of work for the ministry. Apparently they put him through loads and loads of truth tests. So after everything came out all positive they let him work there I suppose." She began but bit her lip as a sudden thought struck her. "Still doesn't explain why he's here, and it felt like he was trying to make amends with me."
Aidan rubbed the back of his head in a thoughtful manner. Ginny always thought he looked absolutely adorable when he did that. Although Ginny would always be attracted to Tristian, there were always times when she wondered what it would be like just to kiss Aidan. But she always shook it off remembering that he was her absolute best friend. It would be like kissing one of her brothers! She was so lost in thought that she didn't even hear him speak.
"Gin? Gin-gin? Earth to GINNY!!" He said. Her head popped up and her eyes were wide.
"What?" She snapped. He laughed and ran his fingers through his spiked hair.
"I said, maybe he's on vacation or something, maybe taking a break, but has to be in the area in case needed." He threw into the air smiling hopelessly. She shook her head.
"No, he must be doing some work in the city, trying to find inside information on you-know-who."
Aidan looked out through her skylight, which was almost completely covered by snow. Suddenly the thought struck him. "Put on your coat." He said. "And maybe some warm pants and a shirt."
"Aidan what are you talking about?" Ginny asked, she looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Which, she reminded herself, that he most likely had.
He grabbed her roughly by the shoulders and said. "Ask no questions just do it!" She stood a little shakily, still looking at him weird but nodded her head.
"O-okay." She said before disappearing into her room. When she returned she was wearing warm-up pants and a hoodie. She grabbed her coat as instructed and watched as Aidan grabbed her CD player that she used when she cleaned, and a wooden crate, often used at a foot rest. He and Ginny had painted it for fun one night when they were bored.
"Follow me." He said, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Ginny obliged and after going up the fire escape found herself on the roof of the building she lived in.
"Can I ask now what we're doing?" She asked and tapped her foot in the snow.
"Gin, have you ever danced in the snow?" He asked, while setting the crate on its side, and placed the CD player in it. He plugged it in and turned the radio onto a jazz station. To his great delight his favorite jazz song came on. He pulled her into his arms and began softly singing.
"Stars shining bright above you.
Night breezes seem to whisper I love you
Birds singing in the Sycamore tree
Dream a little Dream of me!"
Ginny felt her entire body go rigid. Aidan was singing so softly in her ear. His hand in hers was warm and soft, suddenly warming her entire body. Yet at the same time as her mind was screaming no, it didn't matter, this was just Aidan, just her best friend! That's all, its one of his little jokes, she told herself. But his soft voice in her ears, warm hands, good dancing steps, and how all the stars suddenly reflected in his eyes.
"Aidan I don't know," She began, but he cut her off.
"There are a lot of things we don't know that should remain unknown, like why we're doing this. And I'd prefer if we left the reason unknown." His comment made her immediately shut up and sigh. She found herself resting her head on his chest and moving to the rhythm of the song that had just ended. Another song had just come and she could feel the tension between them melt. She felt herself relax, his comment in some way had assured her that this was just a friend thing like she has suspected, but the way he was acting totally betrayed that fact. It had only dawned on her until then that she was shivering and they were dancing in the middle of a snowstorm.
"Aid, what possessed you to come dancing in the snow?"
"I have no clue, but its kind of fun hmm?" He asked and laughed at her perplexed look. "Oh come on Gin, lighten up, how many people do you know have danced to jazz in the middle of a snowstorm?"
She rolled her eyes and laughed at him. "Yes as sweet as the idea is, you know your completely crazy and we're both going to catch pneumonia and die!!"
"Like I said lighten up kid! You don't get to spend much one on one time with your best friend anymore, I just want to make our time spent, very well spent. And its me for God sake! You know I'm prone to do stupid things like this!"
She grinned and leaned back into him, "I never said it was stupid, actually its pretty cool, just spending time with my best friend."
Aidan smiled down at her and tipped her chin up. "You remember the time we had a water balloon fight on the dock in Florida during a thunderstorm?"
"Yeah, and I had to use magic to keep you from falling in the ocean, or the time you and I got stuck in that pear tree during the Canadian leg of the Biodegradable tour??"
"Yep, Seth and Trist were laughing so hard it took them almost fifteen minutes to regain their composure. Even the time we went skydiving for the first time, I swear I had those marks on my arm from your fingernails for a week." He said, she laughed into his chest.
"Well I told you, I hate heights, but would you listen to me noooo 'Oh come on Gin-gin it'll be fun!' I threw up for god sake!" Aidan grinned and stopped dancing.
"We've had a lot of new experiences together, but there's one we haven't been through that I've always wanted to try."
She looked up and cocked her head to the side. "Oh and what is that?" She asked, but instead of a verbal answer she got it in the form of his lips on hers. His warmth flooded her body, and for a moment she forgot she was out in the snow. But just when the soft kiss began it ended, he pulled back with wide eyes.
"Ginny, I'm so sorry, I didn't think I would actually do that. Shit I just screwed everything up didn't I!" He felt her hand on his cheek.
"Let's just keep this as a confidential best friend thing okay? If Tristian found out he'd kill you." She said and pulled out of his grasp. With shaky fingers Ginny unplugged the CD player and brought it and the crate downstairs. Aidan followed her in a slightly shocked state.
"So no weird feelings about it right?" He asked at her front door. "It was just one of those 'bound to happen' friend things right?"
Ginny reached over and hugged him close, kissing his forehead. "Yeah, and promise we won't let it get in the way of our friendship?" Her eyes shone with a nervous intensity Aidan would never forget.
"Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way. So I guess I'll see you tomorrow for a brainstorm eh?"
"Yep, we still have those guitar chords to look over." She replied and opened the door for him. "Bye Aid."
"Bye Gin." With that farewell he left down the hall leaving her standing in the doorway. As soon as he was out of sight she shut the door and ran to her room, staring out the window, at the city streets below where she saw Aidan walking South, to West Fork, where his tiny apartment lay. Ginny crossed the room and flung herself on her bed in absolute tears.
"Why did you do that? Aidan, why? You know things are going to be weird now, how could they not be?" She cried some more and stopped to get up and get a bottle of water. While drinking it with the two Aspirin she took she looked at a picture of the band. They all stood still in time, in front of a ski lodge, arms around shoulders, Aidan and Ginny were sticking their tongues out at each other, while Tristian, who was in the middle, rolled his eyes. Seth was on the far side of Aidan, looking on confused. As she looked on she couldn't help but wonder thing two things: Shit, because of her new situation with Aidan, and why the hell couldn't Madam Pomfrey have Aspirin when she was at Hogwarts?
Her thoughts were shattered when there was a knock at the door. "Who would be here so late?" She muttered as she opened the door and promptly dropped her water bottle, splashing water all over herself and the person in front of her. Her eyes widened and only one phrase could escape her mouth. "OH MY GOD!"
-Dun Dun DUN!! Who on earth could it be!!! Cliffie, well ::sigh:: you'll just have to wait. Anyways, next chapter::: Some more Draco and Ginny verbal sparring and of course out mystery person!!! I think it will surprise most of you. But good surprise. Also in the next chapter some more Harry, Tyranny, Ron and Hermione action going on. Plus Aidan's reflection on what happened in this chapter. So it should be long and action packed and the debut of one of my other favorite characters!!! So stay tuned!! Oh yeah and please gimme a review!! Constructive Criticism always welcome r/r!!! Ambrose-