Sunsets Chapter 7: Snogs and Realisations!
Over the next few months, Ginny and Draco spent a lot of time together studying, joking, playing Quidditch or just hanging out at Hogsmeade or around the school compound. Draco would surprise Ginny from time to time with small presents such as flowers, candy and chocolates and he would try to kiss her when he escorted her to her room at night. Sometimes Ginny allowed him to kiss her, sometimes she didn't. They would spend some nights going through their notes that they had done that day in the library room that was connected to both their rooms. Draco would tutor Ginny in arithmency while Ginny would help him with Care for Magical Creatures class. Most of the time Blaise and Harry would join them. Ron was oblivious to the fact that his best friend and his youngest sister were spending a lot of time with a pair of Slytherins. The gossip mill went into overdrive when they first saw the four of them sitting by the lake at sunset just joking and laughing. Once the shock of seeing the Boy-Who-Lived talking amicably with Draco Malfoy, King of Slytherin, wore off, the rumours died down and everything went back to normal.
Even though Harry and Draco were on good terms with each other, it didn't diminish the house rivalry in Quidditch. It was a vicious game that lasted five hours in the rain. They were tied at 50 points apiece. All the players were soaked to the bone and were chilled through. Both Harry and Draco were high up, looking down on the pitch for the golden snitch. Suddenly, Harry zoomed to the centre of the pitch, followed closely by Draco. They were so close to hitting the ground when both of them veered to the left, Harry holding his hand up in the air, the snitch in his grasp. Ginny and Blaise were hugging each other when they saw both the boys heading towards the ground at amazing speed but broke apart and cheered with joy when they saw Harry holding the snitch in hand. Harry did a lap of honour around the pitch with his hand still holding out the golden snitch before landing to shake hands with Draco, the Slytherin team captain. The team members from both sides shook hands and headed towards the changing room.
The Gryffindor team had a victory celebration in the common room that went on real late. Everyone was having so much fun that no one realised that Harry and Ginny had snuck out to meet up with Blaise and Draco at the Room of Requirement for a celebration of their own. They had all met at the kitchens to bring up some food to have an indoor picnic. They had pies, cakes and butterbeer and spread the food out on a blanket in front of the fireplace. They sat, eating and discussing the game.
"I was so cold, my fingers were nearly frozen," Harry said as he recounted the game. "I saw Malfoy turning blue on the other end of the pitch."
"I was not! I was just cold. Even the warming charm I put on the Quidditch robes didn't help. You looked like you were about to fall off your broom," Draco argued.
"Anyway, I was doing another scan of the pitch when I saw the golden snitch flashing by Goyle's feet. Then I immediately dove down for the snitch and Malfoy here nor far behind. I managed to get the snitch before Malfoy did but he really make it a very competitive game, as always."
"Thanks Potter for not rubbing the win in my face. If you did, I would have to kill you and the girls wont like it. Besides, my ego can't take anymore bashing."
"Your ego's so big that it'll withstand any bashing, even from a mammoth," Blaise said, smacking him in the arm.
"Dammit Zabini! Do you have to hit me all the time?" Draco whined.
"Yup. That way, it'll keep your ego from growing any bigger than it already is."
"Yeah what ever," Draco sulked. "I'm going for a walk. You wanna come Weasley?"
"Yeah, sure," Ginny said, slightly confused. She got up and followed Draco out of the room, leaving Harry and Blaise alone.
"Congratulations Harry, on that superb game," Blaise said softly, lifting her butterbeer bottle in a toast.
"Thanks Blaise. That means a lot coming from someone in the rival house," Harry answered, looking at Blaise. The room was dimly lit with candles and the roaring fireplace casted enough light for the room to feel romantic. Blaise's long black hair was unbound, falling over her left shoulder, exposing her creamy, delicate neck. Harry inched closer to Blaise and trailed his finger along her jaw line.
"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" Harry asked. When Blaise just blushed and shook her head, Harry continued, "You are so beautiful that I even see you in my dreams. I never got to thank you for saving me during the war."
"It was just something that I had to do. If I hadn't done it, you wouldn't have stopped the Dark Lord from taking over the wizarding world," Blaise whispered.
"I never got to thank you or talk to you after that because you were at St. Mungo's for a long time and when term started, Malfoy was always with you."
"He's my best friend. We helped each other through the pain at the loss of our parents."
"I know that now. Blaise, I've been in love with you for the longest time. I fell in love with your beauty and when I got to know you better, I found out what a kind, caring and fun-loving person you are. I love everything about you, the way you smile, the way you laugh and especially the way you put Malfoy in his place."
Blaise smiled at Harry's last remark. She caressed his cheek with her thumb and looked into his green eyes. "I'm in love with you too. I've been in love with you since second year. Every since the Gryffindor versus Slytherin game, I've admired you. Not many people can best Draco repeatedly every year. You're brave, caring, kind and loyal. I fell in love with your gentleness and understanding. It doesn't matter to me that you The-Boy-Who- Lived. To me, you just Harry. Just Harry."
Harry smiled widely, cupping her face with his hands. "I've always wanted to be a normal person. I didn't want to be known as the person who destroyed Voldermort. People are always in awe of me and it makes me uncomfortable. I just want to people to treat me like everyone else and like me for the person I am, not for what I did. I'm glad that you don't care about my title or what ever. I love you Blaise."
" I love you too Harry."
Harry brushed his lips gently against hers. He looked in to her sapphire eyes; he saw the love shining back at him, warming his heart and soul. He kissed her lips once more, tasting her lips. She was sweet like honey and he couldn't get enough of it. Blaise linked her hands behind his neck and kissed him back with all the love that she had.
~ * ~
"Draco, wait up! Don't walk so fast," Ginny called out to him. She ran to catch up with the waiting blond. "Where are you planning to go?"
"No where in particular. I just wanted to leave those two together and hope to spend time alone with you," he answered, putting a strand of stray hair behind her ear.
"I have a sudden craving for ice-cream. Let's go to the kitchen," Ginny said excitedly, pulling Draco by the hand to the kitchen.
They sat at the back of the kitchen, sharing a large bowl of banana split, eating in silence. Ginny looked at Draco, who was single-mindedly eating his half of his ice-cream, and asked, "Draco, were you scared when you were doing that dive during the game?"
Draco looked up in surprise. "Why the sudden interest?"
Ginny leaned over to wipe off the chocolate ice cream at the corner of his mouth and said softly, "I was worried for you."
Draco turned slightly pink, having been caught with chocolate on his face. He caught Ginny's chocolate covered fingers and licked them clean, sensuously and said, "I was a little nervous. We were going at very high velocity and the brooms were slick with rain. I was about to fall of my broom when we changed directions to follow the snitch. I hate Potter for beating me in every game but I can't deny that he's a good seeker." They continued to eat in silence till Draco added, "Thank you being worried about me. It tells me that you care." Ginny just smiled at him and they continued eating their ice cream in silence.
Once all the ice cream and bananas have been consumed, they made their way back to the Room of Requirement. They walked in comfortable silence. Ginny and Draco walked side by side, their hands occasionally bumping into each other. Draco felt Ginny lacing her fingers through his. He looked at her and saw Ginny smiling that beautiful smile of hers. He gave her a lopsided smile and held her hand tightly, not wanting to let her go. They walked hand in hand back to the Room of Requirement.
When they opened the door gently, they saw Blaise lying on the cushions with Harry leaning over her, kissing. Blaise's hands were locked at the back of Harry's neck while his hands were caressing her side. They looked very good together, both with black hair and very gorgeous. When they broke the kiss, Draco cleared his throat to get their attention. Both Harry and Blaise sat up, smiling sheepishly at the other two.
"Took you long enough. If I had to go through another month with the both of you making gooey eyes at each other when you don't think their looking, I would have locked the both of you in the broom closet, NAKED," Draco said, smiling.
"Damn! Should have waited," Harry said, slamming his fist into his palm. Ginny walked over to where Harry was sitting and smacked him on the back of the head.
"Ow! What was that for?" Harry said.
"That was for embarrassing Blaise. The poor girl is turning as red as a Weasley!"
Harry looked at Blaise who was hiding her face behind her hands. He went over to her, wrapped his arms around her waist and landed a kiss on her hair. "Baby, I was only joking. I didn't mean to embarrass you like that. I'm sorry," Harry whispered. Blaise turned back to look at Harry and smiled. She leaned back against his chest, with a big contented smile on her face.
The school bell rang, signalling the start of the nightly curfew. The group hurriedly packed up their stuff and exited the room. The Gryffindors and the Slytherins went their separate ways to their own common rooms.
Once safely back in her room, Ginny filled her tub with hot water and a bit of lavender scented bubble bath to relax before she went to bed. Soaking in the tub, Ginny's thoughts rambled about the day's events.
// Finally they got together! Draco was right, another month of gooey eyes, drastic measures may need to be taken. The Quidditch game was good today, exciting and a bit scary. I'm so glad no one got hurt today. Both the seekers were good, as usual. Draco and chocolate ice cream. YUM! The chocolate on his face makes me want to lick it all off. I love him........Zzzzzzzzzz //
Ginny fell asleep in the bathtub with bubbles up to her chin. It wasn't till she slipped into the water and nearly drowned, that she woke up. She rinsed off and got ready for bed. Once her head landed on the pillow, she fell instantly asleep, dreaming about a certain blonde haired, silver grey- eyed boy covered in chocolate ice cream.
~ * ~
Ginny woke up the next day feeling extremely happy but she didn't know why. Ginny sat in front of the mirror, brushing her hair when she remembered her last thought she had before she fell asleep in the tub. The brush slipped through her shocked-slacken fingers and fell to the carpet.
// I'm in love with him! I'm really in love with him! How am I going to tell him? Damn I'm late for breakfast. Will think about that later. //
Ginny grabbed her bag and went out the portrait hole. She smiled all the way to the Great Hall, feeling ecstatic that she finally sorted out her feelings. Not only was she in love with one of the hottest guys in school, he loved her back. Ginny arrived at the Gryffindor table and found Ron and Hermione already there, enjoying breakfast.
"Morning Ronnikins!" she greeted her brother, kissing him on the cheek once she settled herself in her seat.
"You look very happy today Gin," Hermione said, smiling at her as she passed the plate of bacon over to Ginny.
"I just woke up happy today," she shrugged, still smiling slightly. She looked over at the Slytherin table and saw Draco looking at her. Ginny gave him a very big smile and blew him a kiss.
"Who you looking at Ginny? Is it a boy? Why are you blowing a kiss at him? Do I know him?" Ron asked curiously.
"No one important. Here have more toast," Ginny said, trying to distract her brother.
The door to the Hall opened and Harry and Blaise entered hand in hand. Harry escorted Blaise to the Slytherin table and pulled out her chair for her. He kissed her briefly and went back to the Gryffindor table. The whole Hall broke out in whispers when they saw Harry kissing Blaise but was silenced by Draco's scowl.
At the Gryffindor table, Ron looked at Harry with his eyes wide in shock. "Harry! How long has this been going on? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Ron, you rarely spend time with me and Ginny anymore. Besides, Blaise and I only got together last night. I love her Ron. I hope you can accept that."
"I know I haven't been around lately and I'm sorry for that. I'm not opposed to it, just shocked. If you love her, then she must be someone really special. Congratulations mate! You've got one of the prettiest girls around after Hermione and Ginny." Ron gave him a brotherly hug and patted him on the back.
"Thanks Ron," Harry said feeling rather relieved that Ron is happy for him and accepts Blaise as his girlfriend. Harry was worried that Ron might not be happy with Blaise being Harry's girlfriend and thus ruin their friendship.
Over at the Slytherin table, both Draco and Blaise ate breakfast in silence. Ginny's smile and Harry escorting Blaise to breakfast pleasantly surprised Draco. Looking at Blaise with Harry, he realised that this was the first time in a long while that he'd seen her happy. Having Deatheater parents who forced you to do something you didn't believe in, really takes away all the happiness in their lives. Placing his hand gently on her shoulder, Draco asked, "Are you happy with him?"
Placing her fork down by her plate, Blaise turned to look at Draco and said, "Yes, I am. I haven't been this happy in a long time and I love him so much."
"I know Blaise. I'm really happy for you. Just make sure that he treats you right or I'm going to hex him till next Wednesday," Draco said, giving Blaise a one handed hug.
The day went on as per normal; Ron and Hermione were always together, walking slightly in front of Harry, Blaise and Draco on their way to Potions. The class went generally good until Neville blew up his potion, showering everyone in the class with sparkly blue gunk. Fortunately, Neville had some how turned his potion into hair gel so no one was hurt.
As they were shuffling out of the class after the bell rang, Draco tapped Harry on the shoulder and said, "You up for a game of Catch-The-Snitch?"
"Sure but I've got to warn you, I'm going to crush you like a cockroach. MUAHAHAHAHAH!" Harry said, grinning evilly at Draco.
"In your dreams Potter. See in 30 minutes at the pitch, after I've washed off all this gunk."
Both Harry and Draco met at the pitch with their brooms after a quick shower, while Blaise and Ginny went up to the stands to watch. Harry took out a golden snitch from his pocket and released it. Before Harry mounted his broom, Draco said, "You do know that she's the closest thing I have to a family and if you hurt her, I'll make you pay for it."
"I know Malfoy. I would rather die than hurt her. I love her so much to see her sad. I promise you that I'll never hurt her. Speaking of hurt, I just want to tell you that if Ginny gets hurt all six Weasley brothers, their father and I will be going after your hide. Nothing can save you from us."
"Agreed. Now that we've got that settled, lets play."
Both mounted their brooms and shot into the air. The game was fast paced and exhilarating. Ginny and Blaise cheered them on at the top of their lungs. Ron and Hermione later joined the screaming girls and watched the two seekers at play. In the end, Draco won eight out of the fifteen games they played. The sun was nearly setting when everyone gathered at the bottom of the stand. Ginny waited for Draco as he picked up his bottled water and towel while the rest walked on ahead. As they were walking slowly behind the pack, Ginny stopped and turned to face Draco. She skimmed her fingers over his cheek and smiled when she saw him shiver at her touch.
"Draco, I ....." she whispered.
"Oi Ginny! Hurry up we're going to miss dinner!" Ron shouted from the tunnel, shattering the atmosphere.
Ginny dropped her hand from Draco's face and cursed her brother under her breath for interrupting. "Yeah, yeah. We're coming," she shouted back at Ron. Looking one more time at Draco and gave him a small smile. She took his hand and said, "Lets go. I don't want to miss dinner." Hands, lined, they hurried their pace to catch up with the rest.
Draco walked in silence all the way to the Great Hall, cursing Ron silently for interrupting Ginny.
// Damn that Weasel for interrupting Ginny! Now I have to wait for her to tell me. All this waiting for her to make up her mind is driving me crazy. //
Blaise pulled him towards the Slytherin table, shaking him out of his thought.
"Why so thoughtful?" Blaise said, as they settled themselves at their table.
"Ginny was about to tell me something before that idiot brother of hers interrupted. Now I have to wait and you know how much I hate waiting."
"Just be patient. She'll tell you in her own time. If you force her to tell you, she might not tell you anything at all."
"I know," Draco mumbled, spearing a baby carrot with his fork.
~ * ~
After dinner, Professor Dumbledore stood up ant made an announcement.
"As you all know, Christmas is just around the corner. The school has decided to Yule ball to celebrate Christmas as well as the peace that has finally settled in the wizarding world. The ball will e held in three weeks. Enjoy yourselves, as all of you deserve it. Thank you."
There was an instantaneous uproar when the Headmaster settled back down into his chair. There were discussions about dates and dresses and hairstyles. Ginny decided that the ball would be the perfect time to tell Draco about her feelings for him. The tap on her shoulder interrupted her thoughts. She turned around and found a group of boys standing behind her, wanting to ask her to the ball. It always surprised her that boys found her pretty and were always asking her out. She was about to decline the first boy's invitation when Draco walked through the group that parted like the Red Sea to let him pass.
"She's not going with anyone but me," Draco said, scowling at the lobe of boys who scowled back.
"How do you know that she WANTS to go with you? You haven't even asked her yet," the first boy accused, hands crossed on his chest, looking smugly at Draco. The rest of the boys chorused in agreement.
"Fine then. Virginia Weasley, would you go to the ball with me?" Draco asked, conjuring a rose and presented it to her.
Ginny sniffed the flower delicately and smiled, "I would love to."
Hearing Ginny's acceptance of Draco's invitation, the group pf boys scowled at Draco who was standing beside Ginny smirking smugly at them. Grumbling of stupid ferrets and damn Malfoys could be heard as they went back to their tables.
"You shouldn't have embarrassed them like that. I was going to turn them anyway coz I only wanted to go with you," Ginny told softly as they walked together to Ginny's room.
"I know but couldn't help it. Seeing all those guys gathering around you makes me want to punch their teeth in," Draco said apologetically.
"It's alright. I feel flattered that you want to punch all those guys for me."
"I only wanted to go with you too," Draco smiled at her as they reached the portrait in front of her room.
"Good night Draco. We've got to go shopping sometime soon to get the dresses and shoes."
Ginny got on her tiptoes and brushed her lips to his. Draco wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tightly against him, deepening the kiss. Their tongues duelled gently, stoking the fires of lust and desire. Ginny's tiny whimpers brought Draco's senses back to earth.
Breaking the kiss, Draco said, "As much as I want to continue this, it's not a good idea. It's not time yet. Good night and sweet dreams my sweet Virginia." He kissed her cheek softly and left.
"I love you Draco," Ginny whispered to the blonde's receding back, once he was out of earshot.
Once Draco was certain the Ginny couldn't see him, he broke into a run all the way to his dorm room. He only stopped long enough to grab his towel and strip to his boxers before jumping into the shower stall for a really cold shower.
A/N: Finally another update! I hope you like this chapter. I may have 2-3 more chapters till this story ends. Please be patient for the next chapter. I just need to type it out. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Over the next few months, Ginny and Draco spent a lot of time together studying, joking, playing Quidditch or just hanging out at Hogsmeade or around the school compound. Draco would surprise Ginny from time to time with small presents such as flowers, candy and chocolates and he would try to kiss her when he escorted her to her room at night. Sometimes Ginny allowed him to kiss her, sometimes she didn't. They would spend some nights going through their notes that they had done that day in the library room that was connected to both their rooms. Draco would tutor Ginny in arithmency while Ginny would help him with Care for Magical Creatures class. Most of the time Blaise and Harry would join them. Ron was oblivious to the fact that his best friend and his youngest sister were spending a lot of time with a pair of Slytherins. The gossip mill went into overdrive when they first saw the four of them sitting by the lake at sunset just joking and laughing. Once the shock of seeing the Boy-Who-Lived talking amicably with Draco Malfoy, King of Slytherin, wore off, the rumours died down and everything went back to normal.
Even though Harry and Draco were on good terms with each other, it didn't diminish the house rivalry in Quidditch. It was a vicious game that lasted five hours in the rain. They were tied at 50 points apiece. All the players were soaked to the bone and were chilled through. Both Harry and Draco were high up, looking down on the pitch for the golden snitch. Suddenly, Harry zoomed to the centre of the pitch, followed closely by Draco. They were so close to hitting the ground when both of them veered to the left, Harry holding his hand up in the air, the snitch in his grasp. Ginny and Blaise were hugging each other when they saw both the boys heading towards the ground at amazing speed but broke apart and cheered with joy when they saw Harry holding the snitch in hand. Harry did a lap of honour around the pitch with his hand still holding out the golden snitch before landing to shake hands with Draco, the Slytherin team captain. The team members from both sides shook hands and headed towards the changing room.
The Gryffindor team had a victory celebration in the common room that went on real late. Everyone was having so much fun that no one realised that Harry and Ginny had snuck out to meet up with Blaise and Draco at the Room of Requirement for a celebration of their own. They had all met at the kitchens to bring up some food to have an indoor picnic. They had pies, cakes and butterbeer and spread the food out on a blanket in front of the fireplace. They sat, eating and discussing the game.
"I was so cold, my fingers were nearly frozen," Harry said as he recounted the game. "I saw Malfoy turning blue on the other end of the pitch."
"I was not! I was just cold. Even the warming charm I put on the Quidditch robes didn't help. You looked like you were about to fall off your broom," Draco argued.
"Anyway, I was doing another scan of the pitch when I saw the golden snitch flashing by Goyle's feet. Then I immediately dove down for the snitch and Malfoy here nor far behind. I managed to get the snitch before Malfoy did but he really make it a very competitive game, as always."
"Thanks Potter for not rubbing the win in my face. If you did, I would have to kill you and the girls wont like it. Besides, my ego can't take anymore bashing."
"Your ego's so big that it'll withstand any bashing, even from a mammoth," Blaise said, smacking him in the arm.
"Dammit Zabini! Do you have to hit me all the time?" Draco whined.
"Yup. That way, it'll keep your ego from growing any bigger than it already is."
"Yeah what ever," Draco sulked. "I'm going for a walk. You wanna come Weasley?"
"Yeah, sure," Ginny said, slightly confused. She got up and followed Draco out of the room, leaving Harry and Blaise alone.
"Congratulations Harry, on that superb game," Blaise said softly, lifting her butterbeer bottle in a toast.
"Thanks Blaise. That means a lot coming from someone in the rival house," Harry answered, looking at Blaise. The room was dimly lit with candles and the roaring fireplace casted enough light for the room to feel romantic. Blaise's long black hair was unbound, falling over her left shoulder, exposing her creamy, delicate neck. Harry inched closer to Blaise and trailed his finger along her jaw line.
"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" Harry asked. When Blaise just blushed and shook her head, Harry continued, "You are so beautiful that I even see you in my dreams. I never got to thank you for saving me during the war."
"It was just something that I had to do. If I hadn't done it, you wouldn't have stopped the Dark Lord from taking over the wizarding world," Blaise whispered.
"I never got to thank you or talk to you after that because you were at St. Mungo's for a long time and when term started, Malfoy was always with you."
"He's my best friend. We helped each other through the pain at the loss of our parents."
"I know that now. Blaise, I've been in love with you for the longest time. I fell in love with your beauty and when I got to know you better, I found out what a kind, caring and fun-loving person you are. I love everything about you, the way you smile, the way you laugh and especially the way you put Malfoy in his place."
Blaise smiled at Harry's last remark. She caressed his cheek with her thumb and looked into his green eyes. "I'm in love with you too. I've been in love with you since second year. Every since the Gryffindor versus Slytherin game, I've admired you. Not many people can best Draco repeatedly every year. You're brave, caring, kind and loyal. I fell in love with your gentleness and understanding. It doesn't matter to me that you The-Boy-Who- Lived. To me, you just Harry. Just Harry."
Harry smiled widely, cupping her face with his hands. "I've always wanted to be a normal person. I didn't want to be known as the person who destroyed Voldermort. People are always in awe of me and it makes me uncomfortable. I just want to people to treat me like everyone else and like me for the person I am, not for what I did. I'm glad that you don't care about my title or what ever. I love you Blaise."
" I love you too Harry."
Harry brushed his lips gently against hers. He looked in to her sapphire eyes; he saw the love shining back at him, warming his heart and soul. He kissed her lips once more, tasting her lips. She was sweet like honey and he couldn't get enough of it. Blaise linked her hands behind his neck and kissed him back with all the love that she had.
~ * ~
"Draco, wait up! Don't walk so fast," Ginny called out to him. She ran to catch up with the waiting blond. "Where are you planning to go?"
"No where in particular. I just wanted to leave those two together and hope to spend time alone with you," he answered, putting a strand of stray hair behind her ear.
"I have a sudden craving for ice-cream. Let's go to the kitchen," Ginny said excitedly, pulling Draco by the hand to the kitchen.
They sat at the back of the kitchen, sharing a large bowl of banana split, eating in silence. Ginny looked at Draco, who was single-mindedly eating his half of his ice-cream, and asked, "Draco, were you scared when you were doing that dive during the game?"
Draco looked up in surprise. "Why the sudden interest?"
Ginny leaned over to wipe off the chocolate ice cream at the corner of his mouth and said softly, "I was worried for you."
Draco turned slightly pink, having been caught with chocolate on his face. He caught Ginny's chocolate covered fingers and licked them clean, sensuously and said, "I was a little nervous. We were going at very high velocity and the brooms were slick with rain. I was about to fall of my broom when we changed directions to follow the snitch. I hate Potter for beating me in every game but I can't deny that he's a good seeker." They continued to eat in silence till Draco added, "Thank you being worried about me. It tells me that you care." Ginny just smiled at him and they continued eating their ice cream in silence.
Once all the ice cream and bananas have been consumed, they made their way back to the Room of Requirement. They walked in comfortable silence. Ginny and Draco walked side by side, their hands occasionally bumping into each other. Draco felt Ginny lacing her fingers through his. He looked at her and saw Ginny smiling that beautiful smile of hers. He gave her a lopsided smile and held her hand tightly, not wanting to let her go. They walked hand in hand back to the Room of Requirement.
When they opened the door gently, they saw Blaise lying on the cushions with Harry leaning over her, kissing. Blaise's hands were locked at the back of Harry's neck while his hands were caressing her side. They looked very good together, both with black hair and very gorgeous. When they broke the kiss, Draco cleared his throat to get their attention. Both Harry and Blaise sat up, smiling sheepishly at the other two.
"Took you long enough. If I had to go through another month with the both of you making gooey eyes at each other when you don't think their looking, I would have locked the both of you in the broom closet, NAKED," Draco said, smiling.
"Damn! Should have waited," Harry said, slamming his fist into his palm. Ginny walked over to where Harry was sitting and smacked him on the back of the head.
"Ow! What was that for?" Harry said.
"That was for embarrassing Blaise. The poor girl is turning as red as a Weasley!"
Harry looked at Blaise who was hiding her face behind her hands. He went over to her, wrapped his arms around her waist and landed a kiss on her hair. "Baby, I was only joking. I didn't mean to embarrass you like that. I'm sorry," Harry whispered. Blaise turned back to look at Harry and smiled. She leaned back against his chest, with a big contented smile on her face.
The school bell rang, signalling the start of the nightly curfew. The group hurriedly packed up their stuff and exited the room. The Gryffindors and the Slytherins went their separate ways to their own common rooms.
Once safely back in her room, Ginny filled her tub with hot water and a bit of lavender scented bubble bath to relax before she went to bed. Soaking in the tub, Ginny's thoughts rambled about the day's events.
// Finally they got together! Draco was right, another month of gooey eyes, drastic measures may need to be taken. The Quidditch game was good today, exciting and a bit scary. I'm so glad no one got hurt today. Both the seekers were good, as usual. Draco and chocolate ice cream. YUM! The chocolate on his face makes me want to lick it all off. I love him........Zzzzzzzzzz //
Ginny fell asleep in the bathtub with bubbles up to her chin. It wasn't till she slipped into the water and nearly drowned, that she woke up. She rinsed off and got ready for bed. Once her head landed on the pillow, she fell instantly asleep, dreaming about a certain blonde haired, silver grey- eyed boy covered in chocolate ice cream.
~ * ~
Ginny woke up the next day feeling extremely happy but she didn't know why. Ginny sat in front of the mirror, brushing her hair when she remembered her last thought she had before she fell asleep in the tub. The brush slipped through her shocked-slacken fingers and fell to the carpet.
// I'm in love with him! I'm really in love with him! How am I going to tell him? Damn I'm late for breakfast. Will think about that later. //
Ginny grabbed her bag and went out the portrait hole. She smiled all the way to the Great Hall, feeling ecstatic that she finally sorted out her feelings. Not only was she in love with one of the hottest guys in school, he loved her back. Ginny arrived at the Gryffindor table and found Ron and Hermione already there, enjoying breakfast.
"Morning Ronnikins!" she greeted her brother, kissing him on the cheek once she settled herself in her seat.
"You look very happy today Gin," Hermione said, smiling at her as she passed the plate of bacon over to Ginny.
"I just woke up happy today," she shrugged, still smiling slightly. She looked over at the Slytherin table and saw Draco looking at her. Ginny gave him a very big smile and blew him a kiss.
"Who you looking at Ginny? Is it a boy? Why are you blowing a kiss at him? Do I know him?" Ron asked curiously.
"No one important. Here have more toast," Ginny said, trying to distract her brother.
The door to the Hall opened and Harry and Blaise entered hand in hand. Harry escorted Blaise to the Slytherin table and pulled out her chair for her. He kissed her briefly and went back to the Gryffindor table. The whole Hall broke out in whispers when they saw Harry kissing Blaise but was silenced by Draco's scowl.
At the Gryffindor table, Ron looked at Harry with his eyes wide in shock. "Harry! How long has this been going on? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Ron, you rarely spend time with me and Ginny anymore. Besides, Blaise and I only got together last night. I love her Ron. I hope you can accept that."
"I know I haven't been around lately and I'm sorry for that. I'm not opposed to it, just shocked. If you love her, then she must be someone really special. Congratulations mate! You've got one of the prettiest girls around after Hermione and Ginny." Ron gave him a brotherly hug and patted him on the back.
"Thanks Ron," Harry said feeling rather relieved that Ron is happy for him and accepts Blaise as his girlfriend. Harry was worried that Ron might not be happy with Blaise being Harry's girlfriend and thus ruin their friendship.
Over at the Slytherin table, both Draco and Blaise ate breakfast in silence. Ginny's smile and Harry escorting Blaise to breakfast pleasantly surprised Draco. Looking at Blaise with Harry, he realised that this was the first time in a long while that he'd seen her happy. Having Deatheater parents who forced you to do something you didn't believe in, really takes away all the happiness in their lives. Placing his hand gently on her shoulder, Draco asked, "Are you happy with him?"
Placing her fork down by her plate, Blaise turned to look at Draco and said, "Yes, I am. I haven't been this happy in a long time and I love him so much."
"I know Blaise. I'm really happy for you. Just make sure that he treats you right or I'm going to hex him till next Wednesday," Draco said, giving Blaise a one handed hug.
The day went on as per normal; Ron and Hermione were always together, walking slightly in front of Harry, Blaise and Draco on their way to Potions. The class went generally good until Neville blew up his potion, showering everyone in the class with sparkly blue gunk. Fortunately, Neville had some how turned his potion into hair gel so no one was hurt.
As they were shuffling out of the class after the bell rang, Draco tapped Harry on the shoulder and said, "You up for a game of Catch-The-Snitch?"
"Sure but I've got to warn you, I'm going to crush you like a cockroach. MUAHAHAHAHAH!" Harry said, grinning evilly at Draco.
"In your dreams Potter. See in 30 minutes at the pitch, after I've washed off all this gunk."
Both Harry and Draco met at the pitch with their brooms after a quick shower, while Blaise and Ginny went up to the stands to watch. Harry took out a golden snitch from his pocket and released it. Before Harry mounted his broom, Draco said, "You do know that she's the closest thing I have to a family and if you hurt her, I'll make you pay for it."
"I know Malfoy. I would rather die than hurt her. I love her so much to see her sad. I promise you that I'll never hurt her. Speaking of hurt, I just want to tell you that if Ginny gets hurt all six Weasley brothers, their father and I will be going after your hide. Nothing can save you from us."
"Agreed. Now that we've got that settled, lets play."
Both mounted their brooms and shot into the air. The game was fast paced and exhilarating. Ginny and Blaise cheered them on at the top of their lungs. Ron and Hermione later joined the screaming girls and watched the two seekers at play. In the end, Draco won eight out of the fifteen games they played. The sun was nearly setting when everyone gathered at the bottom of the stand. Ginny waited for Draco as he picked up his bottled water and towel while the rest walked on ahead. As they were walking slowly behind the pack, Ginny stopped and turned to face Draco. She skimmed her fingers over his cheek and smiled when she saw him shiver at her touch.
"Draco, I ....." she whispered.
"Oi Ginny! Hurry up we're going to miss dinner!" Ron shouted from the tunnel, shattering the atmosphere.
Ginny dropped her hand from Draco's face and cursed her brother under her breath for interrupting. "Yeah, yeah. We're coming," she shouted back at Ron. Looking one more time at Draco and gave him a small smile. She took his hand and said, "Lets go. I don't want to miss dinner." Hands, lined, they hurried their pace to catch up with the rest.
Draco walked in silence all the way to the Great Hall, cursing Ron silently for interrupting Ginny.
// Damn that Weasel for interrupting Ginny! Now I have to wait for her to tell me. All this waiting for her to make up her mind is driving me crazy. //
Blaise pulled him towards the Slytherin table, shaking him out of his thought.
"Why so thoughtful?" Blaise said, as they settled themselves at their table.
"Ginny was about to tell me something before that idiot brother of hers interrupted. Now I have to wait and you know how much I hate waiting."
"Just be patient. She'll tell you in her own time. If you force her to tell you, she might not tell you anything at all."
"I know," Draco mumbled, spearing a baby carrot with his fork.
~ * ~
After dinner, Professor Dumbledore stood up ant made an announcement.
"As you all know, Christmas is just around the corner. The school has decided to Yule ball to celebrate Christmas as well as the peace that has finally settled in the wizarding world. The ball will e held in three weeks. Enjoy yourselves, as all of you deserve it. Thank you."
There was an instantaneous uproar when the Headmaster settled back down into his chair. There were discussions about dates and dresses and hairstyles. Ginny decided that the ball would be the perfect time to tell Draco about her feelings for him. The tap on her shoulder interrupted her thoughts. She turned around and found a group of boys standing behind her, wanting to ask her to the ball. It always surprised her that boys found her pretty and were always asking her out. She was about to decline the first boy's invitation when Draco walked through the group that parted like the Red Sea to let him pass.
"She's not going with anyone but me," Draco said, scowling at the lobe of boys who scowled back.
"How do you know that she WANTS to go with you? You haven't even asked her yet," the first boy accused, hands crossed on his chest, looking smugly at Draco. The rest of the boys chorused in agreement.
"Fine then. Virginia Weasley, would you go to the ball with me?" Draco asked, conjuring a rose and presented it to her.
Ginny sniffed the flower delicately and smiled, "I would love to."
Hearing Ginny's acceptance of Draco's invitation, the group pf boys scowled at Draco who was standing beside Ginny smirking smugly at them. Grumbling of stupid ferrets and damn Malfoys could be heard as they went back to their tables.
"You shouldn't have embarrassed them like that. I was going to turn them anyway coz I only wanted to go with you," Ginny told softly as they walked together to Ginny's room.
"I know but couldn't help it. Seeing all those guys gathering around you makes me want to punch their teeth in," Draco said apologetically.
"It's alright. I feel flattered that you want to punch all those guys for me."
"I only wanted to go with you too," Draco smiled at her as they reached the portrait in front of her room.
"Good night Draco. We've got to go shopping sometime soon to get the dresses and shoes."
Ginny got on her tiptoes and brushed her lips to his. Draco wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tightly against him, deepening the kiss. Their tongues duelled gently, stoking the fires of lust and desire. Ginny's tiny whimpers brought Draco's senses back to earth.
Breaking the kiss, Draco said, "As much as I want to continue this, it's not a good idea. It's not time yet. Good night and sweet dreams my sweet Virginia." He kissed her cheek softly and left.
"I love you Draco," Ginny whispered to the blonde's receding back, once he was out of earshot.
Once Draco was certain the Ginny couldn't see him, he broke into a run all the way to his dorm room. He only stopped long enough to grab his towel and strip to his boxers before jumping into the shower stall for a really cold shower.
A/N: Finally another update! I hope you like this chapter. I may have 2-3 more chapters till this story ends. Please be patient for the next chapter. I just need to type it out. Thanks for reading and reviewing.