Author Notes:
Thank you to my fantastic beta, this chapter is for you, in light of your
recent times.
If the layout of the chapter looks a little strange, I apologise, I have acquired a new version of Word, and the text formats are different compared with the one on the first chapter. Sorry for this taking so long!
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, only the plot and any original characters I may invent later on in the story.
*************************************************************************
Draco shivered slightly and pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders. Tilting his head, he gazed at the sheet of blackness dotted with silver set so many lifetimes away.
A pale hand idly reached up to scratch a cheekbone.
Decidedly shrugging off his heavy cloak and bundling it up into a sizeable pillow of sorts the blonde delved into the pockets in search of his wand. Nimble fingers grasping the wand lightly, he uttered an enchantment under soft breath. Heat began to fill his body, effectively blocking out the chill of the night, yet not the chill in his soul.
Shifting onto his back he stretched long legs out along the thin bench. Crossing his feet over, forearms sneaked upwards towards the platinum heap and underneath his make-shift pillow to cradle his head. Sighing he averted his eyes to the great shadow above and stared at the stars once more.
Blinking lethargically, a slow smile crept onto his aristocratic features.
It was that small show of emotion that was greeted by the sun some hours later.
*********************************************************************
Sunlight danced merrily upon copper highlights to settle on a sleep leaded hand fruitlessly attempting to shift the sheet of red that had trekked the pillow, and face, of the former Gryffindor.
Snorting angrily at the early morning annoyance, the red head sighed in frustration and rolled over in her luscious four-poster.
A light breeze fluttered lazily into the cosy room playfully tugging at the covers cocooning the red head.
Hesitantly lifting a freckled eyelid a fraction against the bright morning Ginny stifled a sigh and rolled half lidded eyes at destiny's sly attempt of getting her out of bed this early.
Resignedly she opened both eyes fully, blinking several times to adjust to the daylight streaming in her multiple windows.
Snuggling further down into her dusty yellow bedspread she groaned softly, knowing she would eventually have to leave her warm haven for the cool world outside her bed
Stretching dreamily, a great yawn racked her delicate frame as the fresh breeze swam in her sleep dulled senses.
Gingerly poking a painted toenail out from under the plump duvet she shivered, pale pink toes curled away from the cold as she swung both legs out from underneath her and onto the carpet.
Running her nimble fingers carelessly though her hair, she frowned upon meeting several tangles and reached for her brush lying on her bed stand.
Standing up completely she stumbled towards a few unpacked boxes and groped around in the recent chaos for a towel. Upon meeting the fluffy surface required, she yanked the blue towel out from under a carelessly strewn heap of clothes.
Watching in almost slow motion as the tumble of clothes cascaded over the floor Ginny rolled her eyes in exasperation. Oh how she relished mornings.
Turning her back on the new mess she silently added it to her mental 'to- do' list. Dragging the towel, she stomped out into the small corridor and into the large bathroom. Dumping her towel on the rack, she set about drawing up a hot bath. Dimly focusing on the trickle of water gushing down the baths edge she sighed as she recalled she had only unpacked bed sheets and clothes after her late arrival yesterday.
About to leave the room to hunt for a toothbrush and some soap she caught sight of a blue package she had overlooked in her excitement the evening before. A small frown flawed her perfect complexion as she stepped towards the lumpy bundle. Stretching out a cautious hand towards the package she started as the package erupted with a voice.
"Virginia, do take care to make breakfast in the great hall at the earlier time of seven thirty this morning, for your guided teaching session. Oh, and do be prompt." echoed the voice of McGonagall.
Cringing at the use of her full name Ginny frowned at the prospect of teaching sessions with Malfoy. Twirling back to the door she idly considered the time on her trek back to her bedroom in search of necessary toiletries.
Scanning the cluttered mayhem of the bedroom floor and several unpacked trunks, she spotted her pink wash bag. Leaning down to pick up the circular wash bag from the top of a half empty trunk brown eyes caught sight of the enchanted clock her mother had given her.
Smiling down at the hands indicating each Weasley members current whereabouts, with extra hands for a couple of old school friends, she shrieked as her eyes registered the numbers Mr. Weasley had enchanted onto the clock, rather like a muggle device to tell the time.
Her face conveying slight horror she took of for the bathroom at a run.
The clock face read twenty to eight, as her hand switched to mild peril.
*********************************************************************
Hermione smiled politely as Dumbledore offered her a third slice of toast. Mumbling her thanks she reached for the various array of butters and jams.
Gulping down multiple slices of bacon Ron passed his wife the butter with a food-filled smile.
Rolling her eyes in mild annoyance she grinned at the lanky red head and turned back to her plate and the newly acquired slice of toast. Reaching for her butter knife she glanced up at the other occupants of the table only to blush as she realised her old Transfiguration teacher had been carrying on a one sided conversation with her absence.
"-d have you heard from him yet?" inquired the tight lipped woman, feigning indifference to the fact that the young woman had just missed her exchange.
Slightly flustered at being caught paying no attention what so ever to the question asked of her, Hermione ducked her head as she blushed again, displaying uncanny resemblance to the Weasley blush.
"Sorry?" she smiled up at her old professor.
Biting back a chuckle Minerva McGonagall repeated her earlier question.
Comprehension dawning in the deep brown eyes the young woman rushed to answer. "Oh! Well we received an owl yesterday morning with some news. He said he would come down tonight, instead of tomorrow. The tour ended a day early in the end."
Dumbledore nodded and exchanged a hidden look with McGonagall.
*********************************************************************
Shifting an elbow, then a foot, then a shoulder in an attempt to get comfortable, the blonde overbalanced in his sleep ridden state and toppled off the bench into an ungraceful heap.
Grey eyes flew open at the sudden awakening as a strangled cry erupted from his throat. Arms flew out to catch his balance as slate eyes hurriedly took in his surroundings. Realising no immediate danger, and the fact that he had already toppled off the bench, thus couldn't prevent the fall, he relaxed slightly. A small sigh of relief escaped him as he lent back onto his back, now on the wooden floor of the bleachers. Blinking sleep from his vision he raked his hands through blond strands and leant up into a sitting position. Clutching a slytherin banner at the edge of the stand to maintain his sitting balance, he glanced out across the Quidditch pitch. Idly considering why he was currently sitting in a heap on a Quidditch stand clutching at a banner in order to actually stay in said graceless heap, and not to plummet to the pitch below this early in the morning he blinked.
Sudden realization hit him like a dart as he involuntarily sucked in a sharp intake of breath.
Well, not only did he seem to have gained the Malfoy inheritance once more over night, but also a far more disturbing reality.
Letting out the breath he hadn't realised he had been holding, he elegantly rose to his feet and cautiously edged towards the barrier. Gripping the edge he stared down at the hundred foot drop to the ground.
Taking a few deep breaths, he casually prayed to any God up there who still considered him worthy of any attention and climbed under the barrier. Clutching at the sides he turned to face the Quidditch pitch. Glancing down at the ground once more he stepped off the platform.
*********************************************************************
The blur of blue and red bounded down the corridor towards the great hall. Skirting Filch and Mrs. Norris Ginny rounded the last set of stairs on her quest to make at least the last dregs of breakfast.
Panting with the forced exercise and fixing warm chocolate eyes on her target Ginny did not notice the striding person until the eventual collision.
In a tumble of black and blue the odd pair tumbled to the ground.
"Oof. What do you propose you are doing Miss. Weasley?" inquired the cold tone to her right.
Glancing up from under the tumble of red hair across her vision Ginny winced upon catching Snape's cold glare.
Blushing scarlet she muttered her response to the wall and hastily attempted to untangle her self and run from the site. "Sorry. I'm running late."
Straightening out long limbs, the potions professor stood up and dusted off his black robes. Looking down at the struggling heap at his feet, a perfectly arched eyebrow shot up in disdain.
Sighing in defeat and attempting once again to detangle her robes Ginny glanced up at the older man, marvelling slightly at the stubborn contempt he still hoarded for her.
Twisting her outer robe off her shoulders Ginny stood up. Glaring back at the obvious distaste Snape presented her with, she strode off irritably, still twisting her robe back to its correct position.
Rolling dark eyes skywards the greasy haired man muttered softly in annoyance and turned a corner back on course for his beloved dungeons.
Rotating a previously injured shoulder as he walked he grimaced with pain. Glancing down at the black robe covering his slim frame he brushed his fingers lightly over the wound to discover a slow trickle of blood. The sudden collision with the Weasley seemed to have reopened his wounded shoulder.
A sudden shriek drew his attention back to the corridor. Eyes widening in alarm he whipped around with surprising agility considering the blood now steadily trickling down his shoulder and took off at a run for the corridor once more.
*********************************************************************
The sudden rush of icy air met Draco's pale face as he hurriedly imagined foot wells beneath his figure. Gradually building up his picture into a solid matter, he started slightly as he stopped mid-air in his plummet off the Quidditch stand.
Hesitantly opening grey eyes he started once more as he glanced at his surroundings.
Standing in apparent thin air the blonde allowed a smug grin to cover his face. Feeling his foot wells thinning he took a sharp intake of breath and concentrated on his image once more, having let it slip in his moment of arrogance.
Shivering slightly he lifted his right foot up and placed it a few centimetres in front of his right. Wincing in anticipation of the ground below and biting a pink lip, he poured concentration once more into his image, inching a foot well forward slightly.
As he felt solid mater under his foot once more he smiled. Now a good few meters away from the Quidditch stand, with the rapid fall and his apparent walking on air he glanced towards the castle, absent-mindedly wondering if he could step up.
A small frown of concentration flitted across his sharp features as he closed his eyes and hummed under his breath. Lifting his right foot, he imagined his foot well stretching upwards and forwards to create a step. Placing his imaginary foot on the image in his minds eye, his real foot did the same.
A shriek cut through his concentration, and he span around in an attempt to locate the noise. Snapping his eyes open, forgetting his current situation until the last minute his mouth formed a small 'O'. Panic flooded his grey eyes as the ground rushed up to meet him for a second time.
*********************************************************************
Ginny watched in unguarded horror as the slim form of Draco Malfoy plummeted at break neck speed into the Quidditch pitch.
Screaming for the third time she took off at a run once more across the pitch towards the blonde, no longer trusting her sanity. For her panic fuddled brain could have sworn that the boy had in fact been standing in midair apparently quite comfortable with the loss of ground beneath his feet and successfully combating gravity.
Shaking the absurd thoughts from her head, trembling fingers frantically searched for her wand. Cursing as her fingers closed on only the rough fabric of her robe she realized it must have been knocked out of her pocket from her collision with Snape.
"Shit. Shit. Shit." The red head frantically chanted as she gradually got closer and closer to the crumpled form of the younger Malfoy.
Finally reaching the twisted body belonging to Draco on the grass she screamed and recoiled backwards in shock. Wide eyed and frantic Ginny visibly steeled her self and leant back in towards the boy and gasped. Her eyes widened to saucers as she took in the extent of his injuries.
Shaking with shock as a spasm wracked his apparent still frame Draco spat out a mouthful of blood at Ginny's feet.
"Nice Weasley...real nice." He coughed.
With that, slate eyes rolled and he passed out.
*************************************************************************
If the layout of the chapter looks a little strange, I apologise, I have acquired a new version of Word, and the text formats are different compared with the one on the first chapter. Sorry for this taking so long!
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, only the plot and any original characters I may invent later on in the story.
*************************************************************************
Draco shivered slightly and pulled his cloak tighter around his shoulders. Tilting his head, he gazed at the sheet of blackness dotted with silver set so many lifetimes away.
A pale hand idly reached up to scratch a cheekbone.
Decidedly shrugging off his heavy cloak and bundling it up into a sizeable pillow of sorts the blonde delved into the pockets in search of his wand. Nimble fingers grasping the wand lightly, he uttered an enchantment under soft breath. Heat began to fill his body, effectively blocking out the chill of the night, yet not the chill in his soul.
Shifting onto his back he stretched long legs out along the thin bench. Crossing his feet over, forearms sneaked upwards towards the platinum heap and underneath his make-shift pillow to cradle his head. Sighing he averted his eyes to the great shadow above and stared at the stars once more.
Blinking lethargically, a slow smile crept onto his aristocratic features.
It was that small show of emotion that was greeted by the sun some hours later.
*********************************************************************
Sunlight danced merrily upon copper highlights to settle on a sleep leaded hand fruitlessly attempting to shift the sheet of red that had trekked the pillow, and face, of the former Gryffindor.
Snorting angrily at the early morning annoyance, the red head sighed in frustration and rolled over in her luscious four-poster.
A light breeze fluttered lazily into the cosy room playfully tugging at the covers cocooning the red head.
Hesitantly lifting a freckled eyelid a fraction against the bright morning Ginny stifled a sigh and rolled half lidded eyes at destiny's sly attempt of getting her out of bed this early.
Resignedly she opened both eyes fully, blinking several times to adjust to the daylight streaming in her multiple windows.
Snuggling further down into her dusty yellow bedspread she groaned softly, knowing she would eventually have to leave her warm haven for the cool world outside her bed
Stretching dreamily, a great yawn racked her delicate frame as the fresh breeze swam in her sleep dulled senses.
Gingerly poking a painted toenail out from under the plump duvet she shivered, pale pink toes curled away from the cold as she swung both legs out from underneath her and onto the carpet.
Running her nimble fingers carelessly though her hair, she frowned upon meeting several tangles and reached for her brush lying on her bed stand.
Standing up completely she stumbled towards a few unpacked boxes and groped around in the recent chaos for a towel. Upon meeting the fluffy surface required, she yanked the blue towel out from under a carelessly strewn heap of clothes.
Watching in almost slow motion as the tumble of clothes cascaded over the floor Ginny rolled her eyes in exasperation. Oh how she relished mornings.
Turning her back on the new mess she silently added it to her mental 'to- do' list. Dragging the towel, she stomped out into the small corridor and into the large bathroom. Dumping her towel on the rack, she set about drawing up a hot bath. Dimly focusing on the trickle of water gushing down the baths edge she sighed as she recalled she had only unpacked bed sheets and clothes after her late arrival yesterday.
About to leave the room to hunt for a toothbrush and some soap she caught sight of a blue package she had overlooked in her excitement the evening before. A small frown flawed her perfect complexion as she stepped towards the lumpy bundle. Stretching out a cautious hand towards the package she started as the package erupted with a voice.
"Virginia, do take care to make breakfast in the great hall at the earlier time of seven thirty this morning, for your guided teaching session. Oh, and do be prompt." echoed the voice of McGonagall.
Cringing at the use of her full name Ginny frowned at the prospect of teaching sessions with Malfoy. Twirling back to the door she idly considered the time on her trek back to her bedroom in search of necessary toiletries.
Scanning the cluttered mayhem of the bedroom floor and several unpacked trunks, she spotted her pink wash bag. Leaning down to pick up the circular wash bag from the top of a half empty trunk brown eyes caught sight of the enchanted clock her mother had given her.
Smiling down at the hands indicating each Weasley members current whereabouts, with extra hands for a couple of old school friends, she shrieked as her eyes registered the numbers Mr. Weasley had enchanted onto the clock, rather like a muggle device to tell the time.
Her face conveying slight horror she took of for the bathroom at a run.
The clock face read twenty to eight, as her hand switched to mild peril.
*********************************************************************
Hermione smiled politely as Dumbledore offered her a third slice of toast. Mumbling her thanks she reached for the various array of butters and jams.
Gulping down multiple slices of bacon Ron passed his wife the butter with a food-filled smile.
Rolling her eyes in mild annoyance she grinned at the lanky red head and turned back to her plate and the newly acquired slice of toast. Reaching for her butter knife she glanced up at the other occupants of the table only to blush as she realised her old Transfiguration teacher had been carrying on a one sided conversation with her absence.
"-d have you heard from him yet?" inquired the tight lipped woman, feigning indifference to the fact that the young woman had just missed her exchange.
Slightly flustered at being caught paying no attention what so ever to the question asked of her, Hermione ducked her head as she blushed again, displaying uncanny resemblance to the Weasley blush.
"Sorry?" she smiled up at her old professor.
Biting back a chuckle Minerva McGonagall repeated her earlier question.
Comprehension dawning in the deep brown eyes the young woman rushed to answer. "Oh! Well we received an owl yesterday morning with some news. He said he would come down tonight, instead of tomorrow. The tour ended a day early in the end."
Dumbledore nodded and exchanged a hidden look with McGonagall.
*********************************************************************
Shifting an elbow, then a foot, then a shoulder in an attempt to get comfortable, the blonde overbalanced in his sleep ridden state and toppled off the bench into an ungraceful heap.
Grey eyes flew open at the sudden awakening as a strangled cry erupted from his throat. Arms flew out to catch his balance as slate eyes hurriedly took in his surroundings. Realising no immediate danger, and the fact that he had already toppled off the bench, thus couldn't prevent the fall, he relaxed slightly. A small sigh of relief escaped him as he lent back onto his back, now on the wooden floor of the bleachers. Blinking sleep from his vision he raked his hands through blond strands and leant up into a sitting position. Clutching a slytherin banner at the edge of the stand to maintain his sitting balance, he glanced out across the Quidditch pitch. Idly considering why he was currently sitting in a heap on a Quidditch stand clutching at a banner in order to actually stay in said graceless heap, and not to plummet to the pitch below this early in the morning he blinked.
Sudden realization hit him like a dart as he involuntarily sucked in a sharp intake of breath.
Well, not only did he seem to have gained the Malfoy inheritance once more over night, but also a far more disturbing reality.
Letting out the breath he hadn't realised he had been holding, he elegantly rose to his feet and cautiously edged towards the barrier. Gripping the edge he stared down at the hundred foot drop to the ground.
Taking a few deep breaths, he casually prayed to any God up there who still considered him worthy of any attention and climbed under the barrier. Clutching at the sides he turned to face the Quidditch pitch. Glancing down at the ground once more he stepped off the platform.
*********************************************************************
The blur of blue and red bounded down the corridor towards the great hall. Skirting Filch and Mrs. Norris Ginny rounded the last set of stairs on her quest to make at least the last dregs of breakfast.
Panting with the forced exercise and fixing warm chocolate eyes on her target Ginny did not notice the striding person until the eventual collision.
In a tumble of black and blue the odd pair tumbled to the ground.
"Oof. What do you propose you are doing Miss. Weasley?" inquired the cold tone to her right.
Glancing up from under the tumble of red hair across her vision Ginny winced upon catching Snape's cold glare.
Blushing scarlet she muttered her response to the wall and hastily attempted to untangle her self and run from the site. "Sorry. I'm running late."
Straightening out long limbs, the potions professor stood up and dusted off his black robes. Looking down at the struggling heap at his feet, a perfectly arched eyebrow shot up in disdain.
Sighing in defeat and attempting once again to detangle her robes Ginny glanced up at the older man, marvelling slightly at the stubborn contempt he still hoarded for her.
Twisting her outer robe off her shoulders Ginny stood up. Glaring back at the obvious distaste Snape presented her with, she strode off irritably, still twisting her robe back to its correct position.
Rolling dark eyes skywards the greasy haired man muttered softly in annoyance and turned a corner back on course for his beloved dungeons.
Rotating a previously injured shoulder as he walked he grimaced with pain. Glancing down at the black robe covering his slim frame he brushed his fingers lightly over the wound to discover a slow trickle of blood. The sudden collision with the Weasley seemed to have reopened his wounded shoulder.
A sudden shriek drew his attention back to the corridor. Eyes widening in alarm he whipped around with surprising agility considering the blood now steadily trickling down his shoulder and took off at a run for the corridor once more.
*********************************************************************
The sudden rush of icy air met Draco's pale face as he hurriedly imagined foot wells beneath his figure. Gradually building up his picture into a solid matter, he started slightly as he stopped mid-air in his plummet off the Quidditch stand.
Hesitantly opening grey eyes he started once more as he glanced at his surroundings.
Standing in apparent thin air the blonde allowed a smug grin to cover his face. Feeling his foot wells thinning he took a sharp intake of breath and concentrated on his image once more, having let it slip in his moment of arrogance.
Shivering slightly he lifted his right foot up and placed it a few centimetres in front of his right. Wincing in anticipation of the ground below and biting a pink lip, he poured concentration once more into his image, inching a foot well forward slightly.
As he felt solid mater under his foot once more he smiled. Now a good few meters away from the Quidditch stand, with the rapid fall and his apparent walking on air he glanced towards the castle, absent-mindedly wondering if he could step up.
A small frown of concentration flitted across his sharp features as he closed his eyes and hummed under his breath. Lifting his right foot, he imagined his foot well stretching upwards and forwards to create a step. Placing his imaginary foot on the image in his minds eye, his real foot did the same.
A shriek cut through his concentration, and he span around in an attempt to locate the noise. Snapping his eyes open, forgetting his current situation until the last minute his mouth formed a small 'O'. Panic flooded his grey eyes as the ground rushed up to meet him for a second time.
*********************************************************************
Ginny watched in unguarded horror as the slim form of Draco Malfoy plummeted at break neck speed into the Quidditch pitch.
Screaming for the third time she took off at a run once more across the pitch towards the blonde, no longer trusting her sanity. For her panic fuddled brain could have sworn that the boy had in fact been standing in midair apparently quite comfortable with the loss of ground beneath his feet and successfully combating gravity.
Shaking the absurd thoughts from her head, trembling fingers frantically searched for her wand. Cursing as her fingers closed on only the rough fabric of her robe she realized it must have been knocked out of her pocket from her collision with Snape.
"Shit. Shit. Shit." The red head frantically chanted as she gradually got closer and closer to the crumpled form of the younger Malfoy.
Finally reaching the twisted body belonging to Draco on the grass she screamed and recoiled backwards in shock. Wide eyed and frantic Ginny visibly steeled her self and leant back in towards the boy and gasped. Her eyes widened to saucers as she took in the extent of his injuries.
Shaking with shock as a spasm wracked his apparent still frame Draco spat out a mouthful of blood at Ginny's feet.
"Nice Weasley...real nice." He coughed.
With that, slate eyes rolled and he passed out.
*************************************************************************