Author: Pippin
Rating: This Chapter is G but the R will kick in later in the later Chapters. I'm still working on that.
Pairings: Obvious. Virginia Weasley and Draco Malfoy.
Summary: Virginia Weasley is just a normal teenager, going through what all teenagers go through. She's at Hogwarts again for another year of school and it's her sixth. She has close relationships with her friends but can that all change? Will she feel the same all at the end of the year or will this year change her life? Make a new path for her unsure future? Will this all change when a certain Silver haired boy comes into the picture? Read to find out and not exactly a happy ending.
Note: Story is written through Virginia Weasley's eyes.
Authors Note: Hey everyone! I'm just updating before I go away for the weekend. There will be two chapters! ^_^ I'm getting there! Hope you enjoy the next two chapters and the chapters before hand AND the story!! Please review if you like or FLAME or whatever! I'll talk to you all soon hopefully!
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~*A Struggle for Love*~ Ginny's story
Chapter Four: Mind Games
I woke from my slumber feeling a little bit better. I recalled the previous nights events in my head and the thought of Malfoy liking Hermione kept ringing in my head as if it were some bell. I looked at my window to see a bright beam of sunlight peeking through my window and into my room, soaking up everything with it's radiant light. A bluebird flew passed my window. From my eyes I rubbed the sleep and sat up. I looked around my room thinking of the brand new day and what interesting things it would bring. I got up and looked out my window like I usually did every morning to find my face touched by the suns light. I sighed as my body took in the heat. I looked at the scene before me and thought it was magical. Today was going to be magical but then again, everything in my world is magical. I was a happy, young sixteen year old girl living with a loving family, from which I showed pride and I could ask for nothing more. My heart beat was strong and tough like always. I decided to get changed and head down to breakfast. I changed into my knee length skirt and put on a sleeveless shirt. Even though my Mother insisted that I had a nice body, I never felt comfortable in showing it off to the world. I didn't see why I needed to.
I brushed my hair, tied it and placed a yellow ribbon to match my top around the hair tie. I looked at myself, my curls tied in one firm position not being moved. I decided to wear my sneakers today seeing that my feet had blisters on the side from wearing not appropriate footwear. I put on some ankle length socks and placed my feet firmly in a pair of sneakers my parents had given me on my fifteenth birthday. I cherished these shoes and I barely wore them, but seeing today had a promising start, I thought I might. I opened my door and made my way to the bathroom to quickly wash my face. I wasn't really interested in doing something major seeing I was to stay at home all day long. I went it, washed my face, dried it and left. I walked down our old staircase that creaked with every footstep I made. I wondered how my Mother came down here every morning not making a sound. It was impossible for me no matter how hard I tried to just carry my feet gently down their steps.
I entered the kitchen to find my Mother sitting next to my Dad eating her breakfast. My Dad was reading the Daily Prophet. My brother Ron hadn't came down yet and that didn't surprise me. I took my seat as my Mother got up to serve me breakfast. I took my plate, thanked her and started to eat. My Dad would look up now and then to look at me but I didn't really notice that much. I paid attention on eating my breakfast and deciding what to do for the day in my mind. I kept on changing my decision over and over again. After eating my breakfast, I drank the tea my Mother had prepared and then left saying nothing. As much as I enjoyed the arrival of my Dad, I had nothing much to say. Nothing really interesting happened while he was gone.
I climbed the stairs again, my eyes focused on the steps and not where I was going. I walked passed the bathroom when I heard my name.
"Ginny," I heard my brother call.
I turned and my eyes lifted up to reach his.
"What is it, Ron?" I asked.
"I just wanted to say sorry for the way I behaved last night when Dad told us about the Malfoy Manor and everything. I know both Mother and you are right and I should've just kept my mouth shut. Your right, I know Malfoy could never get Hermione," he said while looking down with his face filled with guilt.
"It's not your fault Ron that you feel that way. I know you love Hermione very much and I know she loves you very much. I'm glad that you finally come to terms that other guys will like her too not matter what happens," I said in a comforting voice.
"Thanks Ginny, I'm glad I have you for a sister," he said as he came over to give me a hug.
I hugged him feeling better that he finally saw it: Hermione's great love for him and his for her.
I smiled as I pulled out of the hug.
"Don't let anyone catch you hugging your sister now," I teased.
"No I won't," he said laughing, "Thanks again."
"It was no problem Ron," I said.
Ron then moved on to descending the stairs to get his breakfast. I moved back to the comfort of my room. I shut the door gently and then moved to lay on my bed to think of things, my life and my goals.
I started to think about Hogwarts and what the year to come would be like. Now that You-Know-Who had vanished, everything had changed everywhere for the better. There would still be some that still followed in his evil ways but they'd soon be found out and thrown into Azakaban where they belong. I sighed and thought about my classes. Was I going to get good grades? Was I going to pass everything just fine? How will life be without my twin brothers? Will it be boring? It surely will be different. I began to think of boys in my year and wondered if they had changed. I then for some strange reason had the image of Draco Malfoy smirking in my mind. I tried to push it out but I couldn't. It seemed to be glued in my mind, something I couldn't erase. It drove my mind mad with fury. He was the least person I wanted to be thinking about on this fine morning or any morning for that matter. I sat up quickly and looked around at the floor and all I could was see his face. Those eyes, his hair, those lips, everything. I closed my eyes and then reopened them hoping to see the vision of his face gone from my mind.
I was wrong. He still lingered there much more longer than he needed to be. I shook my head and tried to focus on something different but my mind wondered off back to his face and his devilish charm. Come on Ginny, don't think of him, I kept repeating and repeating in my mind but not matter how much I tried, he found a way back into my mind. I then took the decision of keeping myself busy so I wouldn't have time to think.
I walked back out my room and marched down the stairs. I headed towards the kitchen determined to get him out of my mind.
"Do you need help Mother?" I asked as I stood with my hands on my hips.
My Dad looked up with a look of confusion at my behaviour but he then just returned to his paper. Ron just looked up still having a bit of food hanging out of his mouth and he was still munching away at the food he deposited in his mouth. I looked at him and wondered why Hermione didn't teach him some manners. I then looked at my Mother who seemed confused as well.
"No dear," she answered and turned back to cleaning about the kitchen.
"Why don't you go out for a walk?" my Dad suggested looking up.
I stood there thinking for a short while. Whether I should go for a walk or not.
"Why don't you go walk around that place with all the little rivers and that small waterfall? It's nice there. Take a book or something to read or write, whatever pleases you most," Ron said still eating his breakfast and making a mess at the same time.
That was a good idea and why didn't I think of it sooner?
"All right," I said as I made my way out our back door.
"Don't come back too late," my Mother called out to me.
"Yes," I answered quickly before walking down the little steps and into our back yard.
I walked a few paces before I got attacked by some Garden Gnomes. I kicked them off and they seem to leave a few scratches.
"Ron!" I yelled, "If you got nothing better to do, De-Gnome this backyard! It's hideous!"
I heard a large moan from my brother from inside the house but I didn't care. It was about time he did some work around the house. I kept on walking and was still attacked by little Garden Gnomes. I kicked several of them off me and I had to run to the back gate. I opened the gate, ran out and shut the gate behind me roughly. I took in some breathes while my heart pounded.
"Glad that's over," I said still catching my breath.
I turned my back at the house and set out for my journey. I walked passed some trees and a bit further down till I heard the rushing of a waterfall. It was only small but the sound still echoed. I looked at the trees, animals jumping out to have a look at what I was doing. I smiled and continued to walk through the little forest that surrounded the outskirts of our property. Finally I had reached the waterfall with it's little rivers going to different directions and it's current going strong. I looked at the way the current carried a few helpless twigs and leaves. I then set out to sit on one of the large rocks up near the water fall. I walked up there with a bit of difficulty. I slipped a few times and I grazed my knee on a rock. It did hurt a bit but the pain soon subsided just as quickly as it happened.
I sat myself on the smooth surface of the rock. I sat with my legs to my left and I leaned on my right hand for support. I looked at the rushing water. Tumbling here and there and it looked like it was in a rush to get someplace. I saw little fishes swimming about and enjoying the cool water I can imagine. I sighed as I kept watching this magnificent place thinking it was my getaway. Even though my family knew where this place was, I was the only one who cherished it for what it was. A lovely, calming place. Out here it was easy to think with the cool breeze sweeping over your face. It was easy to breath and live. Everything here seemed special and with one touch of the human race, it could be wrecked. How horrible would it be to destroy such a place. A place for calm thinking, cool breezes and wonderful scenery. I picked up a twig with my right hand and started to draw invisible letters on the rock. My mind was racing with so many thoughts, I couldn't pick one. Then it stopped on the least thing I wanted to think about.
An image of Draco Malfoy came sneaking back into my mind. Started at the back and made it's way up to the surface and the front. I stopped drawing with the twig to see what my mind came up with. I could see him, the way he was when I saw him the book store. Smirking like usual at his stupid, pathetic attempts of comebacks. Now I had something against him that I could use if he ever decided to haunt me any day, any place or any time. This information my Dad told us, was all very powerful and I'd use it against him if I needed to. My mind tried to put Hermione next to him but it didn't work. It seemed Hermione was in her rightful spot, in the arms of my lovely brother, Ron and not in the cold hearted beast of Draco Malfoy. I sighed and thought that was over but I was wrong. My mind kept switching people to go with Malfoy. I wanted to stop but couldn't. My mind was racing and it seemed fun picturing him with people less expected. I put him with some of my friends and they all looked awkward. I saw him with Pansy and felt sick immediately.
Pansy had rarely changed from previous years. She was no longer dating Malfoy. He finally saw her for what she's worth but then again, they made the perfect couple. Tormenting peoples lives, causing trouble, picking on people they believed were lower class, the works. It was perfect for them two to be together but they weren't. Pansy didn't get over Draco and she still tagged along behind him hoping he'd give her a second chance but he never did and now it all made sense. He never did give Pansy that second chance seeing he had a secret crush on Hermione. How would Pansy feel to find out her true love was after a muggle born? I would make my bets that Pansy would get furious, killing everyone in sight and most likely kill herself in the hurtful process. It was a sad and tragic story but there was nothing to change it or was there? I snapped out of my gaze at the fishes and tried to focus my mind on something else that was important.
Every time my mind came to a new subject, it would somehow add Malfoy in it or switch onto Malfoy. My mind only thinking of him. I had nothing for him but hatred and pity. I never changed my feelings towards him during yesterday or whenever I thought about him. To me, he was still the cold hearted, rich snob of a boy who I wanted nothing to do with.
I grimaced at the thought of him finally. It took me some time but my mind finally saw the true reality. I broke out in a smile. I then watched a bird fly down and bring water to it's delicate beak of a peachy orange colour. I sighed and wished that, I were a bird. Flying and swooping in and out of trees and down by lakes for a cool refreshment. Flying high above everyone else. Flying with the clouds that seemed of fairy floss of a creamy white colour. Mixing with the light blue sky that seemed endless with possibilities with it's enormous height.
A breeze hit my face again and I swear they were whispering something in my ears. I heard the soft sound of a name but didn't really figure out who's name. When the wind left me, I sat there feeling a bit sad and light hearted. I breathed in deeply trying to look for comfort. I closed my eyes and there he was again, Draco Malfoy. I was so fed up about thinking of someone I hated and who hated me, I left my paradise and stomped all the way back home. I rushed through the trees, making my feet hurry to get back home. My hair had became untidy from my head moving side to side in frustration to get Malfoy out of my mind. It was like some game he enhanced on me. Making me weak to my knees and in my heart. I knew it was bad to look into his eyes and I now paid the consequences. His eyes were enchanted with some special power that immediately took over me. Everywhere I looked, there was his face. Every time I thought of something or was thinking, there was his face. Everything I did, there was him in some way.
It annoyed me and I was sure I would go mad. It was like some mind game that he made me play. I didn't want to play but in the end, he got me to play. Some game I might not even win or be able to witness the end. I broke out into a jog to get home quicker. As soon as I saw the house come into view, I felt happier. I then quickly and hurriedly walked over to the back gate to open it. I was oblivious to my surroundings and didn't see Ron rolling on the ground tackling a Garden Gnome.
"Ginny, help," he said through gasps of air trying to calm the stupid Gnome down.
I looked down and saw Ron rolling in dirt, his hair a mess and not to mention, his clothes. I sighed and then saw the face of Draco Malfoy instead of the Garden Gnome. That gave me a reason to kick the thing out of it's misery. I kicked the Gnome off of Ron and went after it myself still thinking it was Malfoy and I was mad. I kicked the thing really hard as it tried to bite my leg. I jumped and dodged it's gritty, sharp teeth. I then ran after it while it ran around. I looked at Ron to see him shocked but impressed at the same time. I sighed as I ran after the little creature. It's horny feet picking at the grass as he ran. I then ran picked it up and it started to tell me to let go of it but I stared into the ugly face and felt much pity for the monstrous creature. I tipped the thing upside down like I was supposed to and I held it at it's ankles. I'd seen my brothers do it for a long time and I too, had to do it sometimes but for me to do such a job as De-Gnoming, it was very rare. Today was special. I did felt sorry for the creature but I was mad and had to express my anger. I turned around a few times in a circular motion and the Gnome still tried to get free from my grip but I held on so tightly. The Gnome was still kicking when I let it go. It fell across some yards and over Ron's head. I smiled in satisfaction.
Ron just looked at the Gnome and then looked at me.
"Where did that come from?" he asked amazed.
"I don't know," I said feeling happy.
I brushed the strands of my hair away from my face with my muddy hands. I was a wreck. My skirt ended up more to the right side of me, my once bright baby yellow top, was all muddy and had bits of dirt and grass splattered in various places. Also a big hole to the left side of my stomach, just a bit of my bellybutton was visible. I looked down at my knees to find then all dark from the dirt and mud that I rolled around in. My once perfect sneakers now a wreck along with everything on me. They were now covered in filth. I could tell that my hair was just as bad. I felt gross and dirty but also happy. I smiled a big grin and then left my brother out in the backyard still in aftershock.
I entered through the backdoor and both my parents looked up to see, what I suspect, their once nice dressed daughter now all muddy and dirty. My Dad dropped his paper to look up at me. My Mother stopped watching the dishes wash themselves and stared at me in a bit of shock.
"What happened dear?" my Mother asked curiously.
"Let's just say, I finished off my brothers work," I said still smiling my big grin.
"All right dear. You going to have a shower and get changed into some clean pair of clothes?" my Dad asked.
"Yeah of course, why?" I asked wondering why he asked, it was obvious that I would.
"Oh cause I want you to come with me on an errand in Diagon Alley," he said sipping his coffee, "That's only if you want to join your dear old Dad to do a few small things. It won't take long."
"Of course I'll join you Dad, I have nothing better to do," I said while smiling.
He gave him a comforting smile before I headed upstairs to tend to my grooming. I took some clean clothes and brought them to the bathroom with me. I shut the door tightly and began to take my shower. I took a very quick one seeing I didn't want to make my Dad wait long for me. I got changed and combed my hair, that was all sleek for only a few minutes before springing back into the life of curls. I took one last look at myself and smiled. I quickly chucked my sneakers and my dirty clothes on the floor of my bedroom before rushing downstairs. I nearly tripped but held onto the railing for support. When I reached the bottom of the staircase, my Dad was ready to leave. I followed him and left. We went to the Leaky Cauldron where my Dad met up with some other highly respected witches and wizards before embarking our way to do some business in Diagon Alley. I was amazed at how none of the witches and wizards my Dad worked with, didn't really mind me being there. I followed and walked along side my Dad looking into stores. I didn't realise we were heading towards Knockturn Alley. That was where my Dad's and his associates business was. I was intrigued to have my first glance of Knockturn Alley. We were neither permitted to go down there and as soon as we entered and I looked around, I knew why. I felt dirty and sick. I wanted to leave but I put on a brave face for my Dad not wanting to embarrass him in front of other witches and wizards, especially the ones he worked with. I put on a weak smiled and walked close to my Dad and I was making sure that no matter what happened, I was able to grab onto his arm. He smiled at me when I did at times. I still wondered what we were doing down this Alley but I never questioned it. Finally we stopped in front of the store and it's name was not visible.
I peered through the windows and saw lots of disgusting objects hanging out in the front window. My stomach turned at some of them. I held tightly to my Dad's arm while we entered. A smell came rushing into my nostrils and it went down my throat making me more sick. I coughed and sneezed. The dust had reached my nose making my nose twitch. We all headed towards the back of the store. I looked around and more of the objects the store held. There was this eyeball left in this murky water in a jar. It's veins were still attached. I felt like I needed to vomit. I looked away while holding my stomach and blocking my nose.
Finally we were at the back of the shop were the owner seemed unaware of our presence. My Dad told me I had to stay behind while him and his work partners had a talk with the owner at the back of his store. I sighed very deeply and wanted to refuse but I'd embarrass Dad so I did what I was told even though I disliked the idea very much. I stood there while they went on ahead to the back of the store in a little room. I looked after them until they shut the door. I looked at the door blankly. My thoughts rushing about in my mind curious as to why we were here.
I then thought it might take some time so I might as well have a look around. My feet hesitated at first but then they started moving. I walked over to my right to see books stacked upon books. It seemed the store held objects as well as books. I looked at the covers and saw they were books of The Dark Arts. The books seemed old and were wrecked in places. The spines of the books were loose and it seemed as though it was losing it's grip to hold the pages in tacked. I walked around till I reached the front of the store looking at more books. It seemed that the store was divided into two sections. The section on the left being disturbing objects while the section on the right, being books. I stayed on the book section not wanting to look at other objects just in case I did throw up my breakfast.
I was looking at this section of books that held various Potions and I didn't hear some people enter the store. The only time I did take notice was when I heard them speak.
"You stay here and have a look around. I'll only be quick. I just have some business to attend to at the back of the store," I heard a person say but I didn't pick up on the face. I practically ignored them and paid attention to the books.
"Yes Father," I heard another voice say and my heart sank even lower as I recognised that voice too well. It belonged to, Draco Malfoy.
I turned around slowly and saw him standing where I was standing before. It seemed that his Father and he didn't notice my presence but then again I was standing in the shadows of the store looking at various books in a dim candle light that the store possessed. He stood there for a few minutes before going off to look at the objects. He seemed very interested in the eyeball in the murky water. He stood there and picked the jar up and chuckled to himself quietly. I watched as he kept on moving not noticing me there yet. He then finally decided to take a look around on the left side of the store. I didn't notice seeing I was so caught up with looking at him, that he stopped only a few feet away from me. An evil grin played across his lips.
"I see we met again Weasley but this time in a store most unlikely," he said with a dark tone in his voice.
I swallowed hard. My eyes became watery and I knew I should look away but my eyes seemed attached to his. I tried to move my feet but they seemed glued in their spot not wanting to move at all.
"And look, your in the book section too," he pointed out with a smirk.
"So, there is nothing wrong with that," I said defensively and he just smirked even more.
"Well there is something wrong for you to be down in this part, in Knockturn Alley and not in the loving place of, Diagon Alley where everyone is just peachy," he said in a lower tone just above a whisper.
"If you must know Malfoy, I'm here with my Dad who has business here," I said as my eyes continued to stare into his eyes.
"Tell me something, does your Dad get a pay rise with all this extra work he does for the Ministry? Like does he get paid more for all the raids he does to find people who study the Dark Arts?" he questioned with his usual smirk that was drove me insane in the head.
"Why should I tell a person like yourself?" I asked him, still not looking away.
"Oh simply because my Father saw him snooping about in our rubbish. Can't you afford the basic things now?" he asked as he made his way closer to me.
I was bubbling with anger and it made my body shake. I wanted to slap him so hard but I held myself back knowing it wouldn't be right. I breathed in and out before I responded to his insult. I made sure it didn't look as though he got to me.
"How would you know what we can and can't afford? You don't see how much my Dad gets paid. At least he doesn't study The Dark Arts like some people I know," I said with such confidence that I felt proud.
He just smirked even more. I thought he found it amusing to pick on me.
"Who says I study The Dark Arts?" he question with such force.
"Did I refer to you?" I challenged him feeling more happier.
He seemed stumped for words. He just looked at him like I was just a little child that he could tell fibs to. Then I thought about what my Dad had said and a smile broke out on my face. He looked at me confused and I looked at him with happiness. I nearly forgot about the whole him liking Hermione thing. I just remembered it and I smirked this time giving him a taste of his own medicine.
"What is it Weasley?" he asked, his eyes turning into slits as his voice was harsh and straight to the point.
"Oh nothing. Nothing you should worry about or should you?" I queried as I continued to smirk.
He was about to respond to my commit but he got interrupted by his Father calling for his name. It seemed that the business here was done.
"Draco," his Father called, "Come along now. I have some business elsewhere to attend to."
His Father mad his way to where Malfoy and I were standing. He stood behind his son and looked at me with utter disgust. I glared at Malfoy and his Father.
"Quickly now son, I don't want you around this filth, it's as close as being around a Mudblood," his Father sneered as he pulled on Malfoy's shoulder, getting him to turn.
"You will hold your tongue when you are near my daughter Lucius," I heard my Dad come to my rescue. I came over quickly and stood close by my side as Malfoy and his Father moved off closer to the door.
Mr. Malfoy, gave my Dad and me a look of disgust before heading out with his son. Right before Malfoy did leave, he looked at me straight in the eyes and I felt enchanted by a spell of his. My mind started racing with so many thoughts that I got confused. I only zoned back in when I saw my Dad leaving the store. I followed closely behind him. We went back up to Diagon Alley to get a few things before we headed back home to The Burrow. I only then realised that I went to Diagon Alley yesterday to buy my school supplies. When we got back home, it was already early afternoon. We must've spent a long time in Diagon Alley and I didn't take much notice. I went straight up to my room to think.
When I got to my room, my legs were sore so I laid down on my bed. My mind was still racing with so many thoughts and one of them being, Malfoy. I closed my eyes for a short rest before heading downstairs to eat my dinner and then go off to bed early. I heard my Mother call for me so I quickly got up and went downstairs to eat. I sat in my usual spot and began eating. My Dad was talking about the business he had to attend to in Knockturn Alley. My Mother was shocked at the fact that I went down that Alley but my Dad said it was all right seeing I was getting old enough to travel down into Knockturn Alley. I sighed as I ate my food in silence, not saying a word. My Dad continued on with what happened today. My brother fumed when he heard Malfoy was in the store. I didn't say anything that happened between us. I sat there zoning in and out of my thoughts of Malfoy. I finally finished and excused myself.
I went upstairs to brush my teeth and then go to bed. I went to my room and hut the door. I got changed into my sleep wear and placed my clothes in a basket for washing. I was going to put my clothes from earlier but I didn't find them. I looked around and saw my sneakers. They were all clean and looked close to brand new. My Mother must've came up here to wash my dirty, muddy clothes and cleaned my shoes. I sighed happily. My Mother was always such a nice, caring, loving person that I adored. I wanted to be like her so much but knew there would be differences.
I got into my bed and pulled the covers closed to me hoping that the next few days would fly quickly. We were going to Hogwarts soon and the excitement was building up. I closed my eyes and fell asleep thinking about returning to Hogwarts where everything was now safer than ever with You-Know-Who gone. I thought about the Professor, the school work, my friends and worse of all, Malfoy.
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Authors Note: Ah, another Chapter before I get off!!! Enjoy! ^_~
Pippin