Come Away With Me
Author: Punkin/Buttamellow
Chapter 8: A New Day at Midnight
Guest Author: Lilah
~*~
This old world That's turning tonight As I slide through the streets Moonlight and memory burning And in my hand your broken dream
My, it's a sad watery eyes I sing for you this lullaby Let the shadow fall from your window Let the morning light fill your head Stand up and let the wild wind blow Right into your soul till the night is dead
All these useless emotions Churning round As I search these bare walls for a clue And all the time The truth is flashing in my mind That when a heart gets broken There's nothing you can do
My watery eyes I sing for you this lullaby Let the shadow fall from your window Let the morning light fill your head Stand up and let the wild wind blow Right into your soul till the night is dead
And I'm packing my belongings Hey I'll be gone before the noon arrives Cos I know there's no use pretending Soon it'll all be alright
But hey Let the shadow fall from your window Let the morning light fill your head Stand up and let the wild wind blow Right into your soul till the night is dead
See the dawn break gold When the night is dead
Hear the bells
Lullaby~ David Gray
~*~
Guest Chapter:
Draco Malfoy knew that the next school year was approaching. He had been counting down the days since he hopped off the Hogwarts Express, and now with a week to go he did not know if he would make it to see his home away from his family. 'My family,' Draco snorted with disgust. 'I wouldn't call those two family if they were the only two other people left on Earth!' He sat on his bed and watched the Sun rise. Another morning: one day closer to Hogwarts. Another morning when Lucius had been out with the Deatheaters all night. Draco knew what was in store for him that day. Every time his father went out the next morning would be hell on the rest of the household. Lucius couldn't be satisfied with a night of pain, death, and misery. He had to take it out on everyone he saw. He knew he would be the target this time, and he was not looking forward to feeling the Cruciatus again. But he still had the hope of getting out of the torture even if it was impossible.
He heard his suite doors being broken open. Draco walked smoothly to his bedroom door and opened it serenely. "Good morning Father, I trust you slept well."
"Yes my boy, I did. Soon you will be old enough to join me at the revels and become the son I know I raised."
"What do you want with me at this early hour, Sir?" The last word was a thinly veiled mockery of his father's station in the Royal Wizarding Court. 'Why do they even have a Court anymore, they have a Minister of Magic?'
Lucius did not see the look of contemplation on his son's face. "We, are going to Diagon Alley today to get your school supplies. That is unless you wish to stay here and keep your lovely mother company."
"Of course father, I will be down shortly."
Much later Draco found himself on the pleasant wizarding street walking with his head a bit too high and his gait a bit too stiff next to the one man in the world that he hated with all his heart. They went into Gladrags and bought new school and dress robes. His school ones being plain black and the dress robes of black and gray. Flourish and Blotts was next on the list when Lucius spotted red hair. "Stay away from that disgrace of a family. They will forever be a stain on the wizarding world the way they keep breeding. They are like rabbits really."
"Yes, Father." 'I would like nothing more than to befriend the lot if only to disgrace your name.'
Just as Draco was finishing his thought someone collided face first with him. "Excuse me," came the muffled reply from the person frantically trying to pick up the dropped items.
"Here, let me." Draco offered bending down to pick up the books as well. It was then that he saw the red hair. This was Ginny Weasley he was helping with her books. He was so dead when he got home. "Ugh! A weasel! I should have seen the tattered clothes and dirty red hair from a mile away! Take your rags and scraps and get out of my sight!" Draco inwardly grimaced as he pronounced the words, but he had no choice. He would pay dearly for what he had done. He saw her beautiful brown eyes starts to go wide with tears. Merlin knew he didn't really want to hurt her. He knew her to be the most gentle compassionate person at school. It hurt him more than anything to bruise her pride so.
"Bastard!" Was all Ginny could get out of her mouth before she rushed past them both with tears spilling down her delicate face.
Lucius held his anger while they were in public, but once alone in the Manor his wrath bellowed forth like nothing Draco had seen before. Draco experienced many Unforgivables, but that was not enough for Lucius. He found Draco's House Elf, Effy, and tortured as Draco watched helpless. The poor thing begged the masters to forgive her for whatever she had done wrong in halted sentences between the lashings. The poor thing did not make it though his father's rage. Draco drifted in seemingly outside of his body thinking about the scene that had unfolded before him. 'Lucius must have gotten in trouble last night for him to have not hurt me this morning and to have killed Effy.' Then his father turned to Narcissa. She had been watching the whole thing with an amused look on her face, but when her husband noticed her in the room her eyes got large.
"My love, don't you think that that is enough for tonight. Let's go to bed."
Lucius was clearly delusional. He smiled a crazed smirk. "Are you so eager to go to bed my love? Why not here?"
She tried to run but he beat her until she could move no more, and Draco watched the most cruel, terrible act he had ever seen.
Draco shook his head drawing himself out of such a dark reverie. He was at his real home now, Hogwarts. He had petitioned Dumbledore to make Snape his Guardian, but did not think that his plan would work. 'Oh well, it's not long until I am out of his power,' he thought sullenly. Then he saw a flash of red out of the corner of his eye. Ginny was coming towards him. She was wonderful.
Ginny was the only real friend he had. Draco knew he should apologize for what he said earlier that summer. If the right time ever came up he would. She was his only reason to live at this point.
"Hi Draco. Jeanne and I are going to Hogsmeade to go shopping, care to come?" She asked while plopping down next to him on the grass.
"I'd go with you, but if that Yank is going I'll not be with you!"
"You know she's a great person, you should just get to know her."
"I know enough to stay as far away from her as possible!"
"Fine then," she said exasperatedly. "I'll see you later then." He watched the fiery play of the sunlight on her hair until she disappeared into the castle and sighed.
Jeanne was ready to go when Ginny entered the dormitories. "Where's the Blonde?"
"Sulking again."
"That's just too bad isn't it now? And now, my dear "Jane", we will be off to "London" to acquire many beautiful, frivolous pretties and have a grand time."
"Of course, "Lizzy" dear."
The two friends walked along the path enjoying the Sunlight on their faces. Once in Hogsmeade it was all Ginny could do to keep Jeanne from breaking into an all out sprint for book shop. "It's ok I promise. Your favorite author has been dead for several centuries; she doesn't have a new novel out. "
"Yes, yes, I know that. But did you know there is a wizarding version on print? That's what I want!"
"I knew it was something. "
"Hey, I read other books too, it's just this book is the best one I've come across." She said while pulling out her tattered copy of the beloved book. "Anyways, let me pay for this and we can go to Gladrags."
"I'll wait outside then." Ginny left the dusty dark interior for the sunshine of the street. Jeanne came out moments later tucking her purchase into her school robes. "Ready then?"
"Lead on mon amie. " Jeanne reverted to French. She enjoyed speaking the language in a slow, dignified manner that made whatever she chose to say sound nothing like the actual language. In short, Jeanne loved it.
"You have such a silly accent."
"Do you expect me to be Miz Scarlett then? Why Rhett, I do declare!" Laughter followed Jeanne's over zealous pontification.
"It's not as bad as your English. Why would you call a sweater a jumper, that's so dumb. And why don't ya'll say "ya'll"? It makes so much more sense than saying "you all" or if you were a Yankee "you's guys". Oh that last one makes me cringe. Yuck!"
"Oh, shut up! Let's go in then." They were at the door to Jeanne's favorite shop by far. A large grin split over her face.
"After you."
"After you."
"Nay, I insist. After you!"
"If I go will you shut up?"
"No."
"Didn't think so."
So they opened both the doors instead. Once inside they were confronted with a pushy sales clerk who Jeanne felt inclined to mess with. "What new dress robes have you my man? My friend and I are looking for robes to wear to this year's Yule Ball." Ginny loved that tone Jeanne had acquired when speaking with the sales clerk. But then Ginny knew it was all an act. Jeanne despised every person who would suck up to someone just because there would be money involved. But the clerk did not seem to notice her tone at all.
"Well, Mademoiselles, we have our new winter line in the back. If you would be gracious enough to wait just a moment I will be right back with many choices."
"You shouldn't do that, and you know it." Ginny hissed.
"I know, but it's so much fun."
Moments later the man was back carrying a pile of robes so large that he almost fell over the waiting girls. "Here we are. Would you just follow me to the fitting rooms?"
Jeanne shooed the man away and set to work immediately on the pile. "Hmm, what for Ginny? You're a tough one. Red hair, red hair, red hair." She muttered to herself. Ginny didn't mind a bit. She knew that Jeanne had excellent taste in fashion and loved the chance to take on a challenge. She let the darker haired girl to her fun and gazed around the shop. She saw Draco spying through the window. She muttered an excuse to Jeanne who did not hear a word or even seem to notice her friend leave.
Ginny made her way to the door. "Coming in?"
Draco stumbled back. "Um, no. I was just."
"Just what?"
"Nothing, see you at the castle." He turned on his heals and walked towards The Three Broomsticks. Ginny went back inside to find her friend still sorting.
"Ah-hah!" Jeanne cried. "Here we are!" She sounded way too pleased with herself for Ginny's liking. That was until she held up the robe.
It was the most beautiful creation she had ever seen in a stunning emerald deep enough to match Harry's breathtaking eyes. She did not tell Jeanne this though. "It'll have to be transfigured a bit for what I have in mind, but I think it'll do just fine for you. It's silk and crushed velvet, which go very well together, and if you look at the under layer, it's the same auburn as your gorgeous hair! Oh Ginny this is going to be wonderful. I'll be careful not to put too much detailing into it. I know that you like things simple and elegant! This is so great!" Jeanne rambled on.
Ginny needed to distract Jeanne long enough to look at the price tag. "Jeanne, what are you going to wear?"
Jeanne stopped mid-sentence, "Oh, I don't know. I can't ever pick anything out for myself. I just look ugly anyways."
"No, you don't, now go try this one on." She handed her a red dress. When Jeanne was gone she looked at the hated piece of parchment. 'There's no way on this planet I can afford that!'
Jeanne came out seconds later and saw the look on her face, "Why'd you have to look at the tag?" Ginny shrugged. "Come on help me now."
Jeanne eventually resigned herself to a stormy blue confection that did not please her too much. "You can always find something for others, just not yourself." She said.
Then she took both dresses to the counter. "No, don't."
"It's your Christmas present, so don't expect anything come the holidays." Ginny grumbled while Jeanne practically bubbled over with excitement from finding Ginny a dress all the way back to the castle.
Once in their room Jeanne all but attacked the emerald dress. Sparks flew and Ginny took cover. When she dared to look up she felt her jaw go slack. The dress was beautiful before, but now it was breathtaking. The under layer of crimson silk showed at the bodice and at the bottom hem and through the silt the over layer made in the front, while the velvet robe fit tightly over the bodice and flowed like a long a-line jacket to the floor. "You're amazing." She breathed.
"I know," Jeanne said with a smile. "Now, try it on so I can make some final adjustments."
~*~
Draco sat in the Slytherin Common Room and stared at the fire. Nothing had happened to Ginny so far. He was just so worried about his father that everything he did was in a paranoid fashion. The girls had looked happy in the dress shop. 'Figures, dumb American.'
The little voice inside his head had a rebuttal. 'Then why do you think of her so much? Why is she in your dreams at night?' It laughed.
'Shut up! She's nothing. Jeanne is Ginny's friend, and not mine.' His mind growled angrily. He flung open the door and was heading for Gryffindor Tower without even noticing it.
Ginny had finally managed to escape Jeanne, the fashion Nazi, by reminding her about the book she had recently purchased. She got out of the tower as fast as she could. She almost ran into Draco coming around a corner.
"Sorry luv, I didn't see you there."
"It's ok, Ginny."
"What were you doing spying on us today Draco Malfoy?"
"Me? Spy? Not on you. So where's the cat-eyed menace?"
"Oh, Jeanne? You shouldn't make fun of her eye color; she's very sensitive about it."
"Well, I can't help that she has gold and blue eyes."
"I'm surprised you took notice at all Draco."
"How can anyone miss them?"
"Anyways, how did you ditch her?"
"I didn't. She was working on my dress robes and reading a book when I left her."
"You bought new dress robes?"
"Jeanne got them for me as a Christmas present. I couldn't stop her really."
"I bet they look gorgeous on you."
"You should see Jeanne's robes, too bad she doesn't like them. Fit for an angel." At this Draco snorted. "Shut up! That's not nice. But back to my original question, why were you looking at us in the shop today?"
Draco glanced around uncertainly. He hesitated. When he spoke his words came haltingly, "I, I was worried that my father, I mean Lucius would hurt you. I know he doesn't have any reason to be a Hogwarts, but I'm nervous all the same for you both."
"Draco, you don't have to worry about me, and you should tell Jeanne that you don't hate her. It bothers her when you treat her as your inferior. Her life has not been easy, and you don't give her enough credit." Then her face softened, "Let's go filch some snacks from the kitchens. I want to see Dobby."
The two walked comfortably side by side down to the kitchens.
~*~
Jeanne sighed. She looked around the girl's dormitory for her cat, Belle. Belle had been her familiar for three years and could read Jeanne's moods like a book. The large Russian Blue hopped up onto the bed next to her mistress. Belle was not the average Russian Blue; she had long silky fur in place of the normal short hair. Jeanne had always attributed this to the magical side of her cat. She was sure her animagus form would be a cat of some sort. She hoped it would be a bigger cat than the common house variety, but one day soon she would know. Until then she had Belle. The feline purred and settled on her stomach, and Jeanne dropped off to sleep.
~Dream~
She stood in the predawn light beside the great oak on the edge of the lake. In the distance she could see a dark figure walking towards her. The peace of her surroundings somehow cancelled out her shock as she realized it was Draco Malfoy that approached her. He looked a bit older, taller, lean, and with his hair whipping about in the wind. Her heart skipped a beat; she couldn't breathe. He was meter from her now.
The dawn broke gold over the two figures standing by the serene lake. "The night is dead," he said simply. But his eyes were filled with joy as he closed the gap between them and kissed her passionately.
~End Dream~
Jeanne awoke with a start. 'What was that all about?'
~*~
A/N: Hey ya'll, it's Punkin. I asked my good friend "Lilah" to write this story. It was so much fun to see her to take my story and add on to it. I loved it. I should have my own chapter up soon. Sorry it took so long. I was doing Greek Recruitment and college stuff. Love you all to pieces. My fabulous reviewers.
Thanks to my reviewers for Chapter 8! I love you so much! You're the greatest!
~*~
With Love,
Punkin and Lilah
Author: Punkin/Buttamellow
Chapter 8: A New Day at Midnight
Guest Author: Lilah
~*~
This old world That's turning tonight As I slide through the streets Moonlight and memory burning And in my hand your broken dream
My, it's a sad watery eyes I sing for you this lullaby Let the shadow fall from your window Let the morning light fill your head Stand up and let the wild wind blow Right into your soul till the night is dead
All these useless emotions Churning round As I search these bare walls for a clue And all the time The truth is flashing in my mind That when a heart gets broken There's nothing you can do
My watery eyes I sing for you this lullaby Let the shadow fall from your window Let the morning light fill your head Stand up and let the wild wind blow Right into your soul till the night is dead
And I'm packing my belongings Hey I'll be gone before the noon arrives Cos I know there's no use pretending Soon it'll all be alright
But hey Let the shadow fall from your window Let the morning light fill your head Stand up and let the wild wind blow Right into your soul till the night is dead
See the dawn break gold When the night is dead
Hear the bells
Lullaby~ David Gray
~*~
Guest Chapter:
Draco Malfoy knew that the next school year was approaching. He had been counting down the days since he hopped off the Hogwarts Express, and now with a week to go he did not know if he would make it to see his home away from his family. 'My family,' Draco snorted with disgust. 'I wouldn't call those two family if they were the only two other people left on Earth!' He sat on his bed and watched the Sun rise. Another morning: one day closer to Hogwarts. Another morning when Lucius had been out with the Deatheaters all night. Draco knew what was in store for him that day. Every time his father went out the next morning would be hell on the rest of the household. Lucius couldn't be satisfied with a night of pain, death, and misery. He had to take it out on everyone he saw. He knew he would be the target this time, and he was not looking forward to feeling the Cruciatus again. But he still had the hope of getting out of the torture even if it was impossible.
He heard his suite doors being broken open. Draco walked smoothly to his bedroom door and opened it serenely. "Good morning Father, I trust you slept well."
"Yes my boy, I did. Soon you will be old enough to join me at the revels and become the son I know I raised."
"What do you want with me at this early hour, Sir?" The last word was a thinly veiled mockery of his father's station in the Royal Wizarding Court. 'Why do they even have a Court anymore, they have a Minister of Magic?'
Lucius did not see the look of contemplation on his son's face. "We, are going to Diagon Alley today to get your school supplies. That is unless you wish to stay here and keep your lovely mother company."
"Of course father, I will be down shortly."
Much later Draco found himself on the pleasant wizarding street walking with his head a bit too high and his gait a bit too stiff next to the one man in the world that he hated with all his heart. They went into Gladrags and bought new school and dress robes. His school ones being plain black and the dress robes of black and gray. Flourish and Blotts was next on the list when Lucius spotted red hair. "Stay away from that disgrace of a family. They will forever be a stain on the wizarding world the way they keep breeding. They are like rabbits really."
"Yes, Father." 'I would like nothing more than to befriend the lot if only to disgrace your name.'
Just as Draco was finishing his thought someone collided face first with him. "Excuse me," came the muffled reply from the person frantically trying to pick up the dropped items.
"Here, let me." Draco offered bending down to pick up the books as well. It was then that he saw the red hair. This was Ginny Weasley he was helping with her books. He was so dead when he got home. "Ugh! A weasel! I should have seen the tattered clothes and dirty red hair from a mile away! Take your rags and scraps and get out of my sight!" Draco inwardly grimaced as he pronounced the words, but he had no choice. He would pay dearly for what he had done. He saw her beautiful brown eyes starts to go wide with tears. Merlin knew he didn't really want to hurt her. He knew her to be the most gentle compassionate person at school. It hurt him more than anything to bruise her pride so.
"Bastard!" Was all Ginny could get out of her mouth before she rushed past them both with tears spilling down her delicate face.
Lucius held his anger while they were in public, but once alone in the Manor his wrath bellowed forth like nothing Draco had seen before. Draco experienced many Unforgivables, but that was not enough for Lucius. He found Draco's House Elf, Effy, and tortured as Draco watched helpless. The poor thing begged the masters to forgive her for whatever she had done wrong in halted sentences between the lashings. The poor thing did not make it though his father's rage. Draco drifted in seemingly outside of his body thinking about the scene that had unfolded before him. 'Lucius must have gotten in trouble last night for him to have not hurt me this morning and to have killed Effy.' Then his father turned to Narcissa. She had been watching the whole thing with an amused look on her face, but when her husband noticed her in the room her eyes got large.
"My love, don't you think that that is enough for tonight. Let's go to bed."
Lucius was clearly delusional. He smiled a crazed smirk. "Are you so eager to go to bed my love? Why not here?"
She tried to run but he beat her until she could move no more, and Draco watched the most cruel, terrible act he had ever seen.
Draco shook his head drawing himself out of such a dark reverie. He was at his real home now, Hogwarts. He had petitioned Dumbledore to make Snape his Guardian, but did not think that his plan would work. 'Oh well, it's not long until I am out of his power,' he thought sullenly. Then he saw a flash of red out of the corner of his eye. Ginny was coming towards him. She was wonderful.
Ginny was the only real friend he had. Draco knew he should apologize for what he said earlier that summer. If the right time ever came up he would. She was his only reason to live at this point.
"Hi Draco. Jeanne and I are going to Hogsmeade to go shopping, care to come?" She asked while plopping down next to him on the grass.
"I'd go with you, but if that Yank is going I'll not be with you!"
"You know she's a great person, you should just get to know her."
"I know enough to stay as far away from her as possible!"
"Fine then," she said exasperatedly. "I'll see you later then." He watched the fiery play of the sunlight on her hair until she disappeared into the castle and sighed.
Jeanne was ready to go when Ginny entered the dormitories. "Where's the Blonde?"
"Sulking again."
"That's just too bad isn't it now? And now, my dear "Jane", we will be off to "London" to acquire many beautiful, frivolous pretties and have a grand time."
"Of course, "Lizzy" dear."
The two friends walked along the path enjoying the Sunlight on their faces. Once in Hogsmeade it was all Ginny could do to keep Jeanne from breaking into an all out sprint for book shop. "It's ok I promise. Your favorite author has been dead for several centuries; she doesn't have a new novel out. "
"Yes, yes, I know that. But did you know there is a wizarding version on print? That's what I want!"
"I knew it was something. "
"Hey, I read other books too, it's just this book is the best one I've come across." She said while pulling out her tattered copy of the beloved book. "Anyways, let me pay for this and we can go to Gladrags."
"I'll wait outside then." Ginny left the dusty dark interior for the sunshine of the street. Jeanne came out moments later tucking her purchase into her school robes. "Ready then?"
"Lead on mon amie. " Jeanne reverted to French. She enjoyed speaking the language in a slow, dignified manner that made whatever she chose to say sound nothing like the actual language. In short, Jeanne loved it.
"You have such a silly accent."
"Do you expect me to be Miz Scarlett then? Why Rhett, I do declare!" Laughter followed Jeanne's over zealous pontification.
"It's not as bad as your English. Why would you call a sweater a jumper, that's so dumb. And why don't ya'll say "ya'll"? It makes so much more sense than saying "you all" or if you were a Yankee "you's guys". Oh that last one makes me cringe. Yuck!"
"Oh, shut up! Let's go in then." They were at the door to Jeanne's favorite shop by far. A large grin split over her face.
"After you."
"After you."
"Nay, I insist. After you!"
"If I go will you shut up?"
"No."
"Didn't think so."
So they opened both the doors instead. Once inside they were confronted with a pushy sales clerk who Jeanne felt inclined to mess with. "What new dress robes have you my man? My friend and I are looking for robes to wear to this year's Yule Ball." Ginny loved that tone Jeanne had acquired when speaking with the sales clerk. But then Ginny knew it was all an act. Jeanne despised every person who would suck up to someone just because there would be money involved. But the clerk did not seem to notice her tone at all.
"Well, Mademoiselles, we have our new winter line in the back. If you would be gracious enough to wait just a moment I will be right back with many choices."
"You shouldn't do that, and you know it." Ginny hissed.
"I know, but it's so much fun."
Moments later the man was back carrying a pile of robes so large that he almost fell over the waiting girls. "Here we are. Would you just follow me to the fitting rooms?"
Jeanne shooed the man away and set to work immediately on the pile. "Hmm, what for Ginny? You're a tough one. Red hair, red hair, red hair." She muttered to herself. Ginny didn't mind a bit. She knew that Jeanne had excellent taste in fashion and loved the chance to take on a challenge. She let the darker haired girl to her fun and gazed around the shop. She saw Draco spying through the window. She muttered an excuse to Jeanne who did not hear a word or even seem to notice her friend leave.
Ginny made her way to the door. "Coming in?"
Draco stumbled back. "Um, no. I was just."
"Just what?"
"Nothing, see you at the castle." He turned on his heals and walked towards The Three Broomsticks. Ginny went back inside to find her friend still sorting.
"Ah-hah!" Jeanne cried. "Here we are!" She sounded way too pleased with herself for Ginny's liking. That was until she held up the robe.
It was the most beautiful creation she had ever seen in a stunning emerald deep enough to match Harry's breathtaking eyes. She did not tell Jeanne this though. "It'll have to be transfigured a bit for what I have in mind, but I think it'll do just fine for you. It's silk and crushed velvet, which go very well together, and if you look at the under layer, it's the same auburn as your gorgeous hair! Oh Ginny this is going to be wonderful. I'll be careful not to put too much detailing into it. I know that you like things simple and elegant! This is so great!" Jeanne rambled on.
Ginny needed to distract Jeanne long enough to look at the price tag. "Jeanne, what are you going to wear?"
Jeanne stopped mid-sentence, "Oh, I don't know. I can't ever pick anything out for myself. I just look ugly anyways."
"No, you don't, now go try this one on." She handed her a red dress. When Jeanne was gone she looked at the hated piece of parchment. 'There's no way on this planet I can afford that!'
Jeanne came out seconds later and saw the look on her face, "Why'd you have to look at the tag?" Ginny shrugged. "Come on help me now."
Jeanne eventually resigned herself to a stormy blue confection that did not please her too much. "You can always find something for others, just not yourself." She said.
Then she took both dresses to the counter. "No, don't."
"It's your Christmas present, so don't expect anything come the holidays." Ginny grumbled while Jeanne practically bubbled over with excitement from finding Ginny a dress all the way back to the castle.
Once in their room Jeanne all but attacked the emerald dress. Sparks flew and Ginny took cover. When she dared to look up she felt her jaw go slack. The dress was beautiful before, but now it was breathtaking. The under layer of crimson silk showed at the bodice and at the bottom hem and through the silt the over layer made in the front, while the velvet robe fit tightly over the bodice and flowed like a long a-line jacket to the floor. "You're amazing." She breathed.
"I know," Jeanne said with a smile. "Now, try it on so I can make some final adjustments."
~*~
Draco sat in the Slytherin Common Room and stared at the fire. Nothing had happened to Ginny so far. He was just so worried about his father that everything he did was in a paranoid fashion. The girls had looked happy in the dress shop. 'Figures, dumb American.'
The little voice inside his head had a rebuttal. 'Then why do you think of her so much? Why is she in your dreams at night?' It laughed.
'Shut up! She's nothing. Jeanne is Ginny's friend, and not mine.' His mind growled angrily. He flung open the door and was heading for Gryffindor Tower without even noticing it.
Ginny had finally managed to escape Jeanne, the fashion Nazi, by reminding her about the book she had recently purchased. She got out of the tower as fast as she could. She almost ran into Draco coming around a corner.
"Sorry luv, I didn't see you there."
"It's ok, Ginny."
"What were you doing spying on us today Draco Malfoy?"
"Me? Spy? Not on you. So where's the cat-eyed menace?"
"Oh, Jeanne? You shouldn't make fun of her eye color; she's very sensitive about it."
"Well, I can't help that she has gold and blue eyes."
"I'm surprised you took notice at all Draco."
"How can anyone miss them?"
"Anyways, how did you ditch her?"
"I didn't. She was working on my dress robes and reading a book when I left her."
"You bought new dress robes?"
"Jeanne got them for me as a Christmas present. I couldn't stop her really."
"I bet they look gorgeous on you."
"You should see Jeanne's robes, too bad she doesn't like them. Fit for an angel." At this Draco snorted. "Shut up! That's not nice. But back to my original question, why were you looking at us in the shop today?"
Draco glanced around uncertainly. He hesitated. When he spoke his words came haltingly, "I, I was worried that my father, I mean Lucius would hurt you. I know he doesn't have any reason to be a Hogwarts, but I'm nervous all the same for you both."
"Draco, you don't have to worry about me, and you should tell Jeanne that you don't hate her. It bothers her when you treat her as your inferior. Her life has not been easy, and you don't give her enough credit." Then her face softened, "Let's go filch some snacks from the kitchens. I want to see Dobby."
The two walked comfortably side by side down to the kitchens.
~*~
Jeanne sighed. She looked around the girl's dormitory for her cat, Belle. Belle had been her familiar for three years and could read Jeanne's moods like a book. The large Russian Blue hopped up onto the bed next to her mistress. Belle was not the average Russian Blue; she had long silky fur in place of the normal short hair. Jeanne had always attributed this to the magical side of her cat. She was sure her animagus form would be a cat of some sort. She hoped it would be a bigger cat than the common house variety, but one day soon she would know. Until then she had Belle. The feline purred and settled on her stomach, and Jeanne dropped off to sleep.
~Dream~
She stood in the predawn light beside the great oak on the edge of the lake. In the distance she could see a dark figure walking towards her. The peace of her surroundings somehow cancelled out her shock as she realized it was Draco Malfoy that approached her. He looked a bit older, taller, lean, and with his hair whipping about in the wind. Her heart skipped a beat; she couldn't breathe. He was meter from her now.
The dawn broke gold over the two figures standing by the serene lake. "The night is dead," he said simply. But his eyes were filled with joy as he closed the gap between them and kissed her passionately.
~End Dream~
Jeanne awoke with a start. 'What was that all about?'
~*~
A/N: Hey ya'll, it's Punkin. I asked my good friend "Lilah" to write this story. It was so much fun to see her to take my story and add on to it. I loved it. I should have my own chapter up soon. Sorry it took so long. I was doing Greek Recruitment and college stuff. Love you all to pieces. My fabulous reviewers.
Thanks to my reviewers for Chapter 8! I love you so much! You're the greatest!
~*~
With Love,
Punkin and Lilah
