Chapter Five:
He sat with her the next day, and the next...and even through the weekend. This girl got tangled in his life and he never even realized it until the night of the accident. He knew that his grades were slipping, due to his lack of appearances in all of his classes. Even Snape had the audacity to fail him on an assignment, too much of Draco's displeasure. His Head of House did only what was best.
"What's best is that you get better. I can't get through this year, otherwise." He whispered, clutching Ginny's still hand tightly. She had her head bandaged up, her breathing was very weak. Madam Pomfrey had asked Draco to stay with her. He was more then willing. He'd give his right arm to have her be all right again.
Her cheeks were horribly pale that they were almost transparent. Her hair was so messy that it reminded Draco of Professor Snape. Frowning in the chair by her bedside, he shut his eyes.
"You can't leave me...because I love you."
He opened his eyes to find that his vision of her was blurry. He felt something on his cheek. He shook his head furiously and suddenly looked at the door.
"How is she?"
"What'd you care? You did this to her." His voice was cold and harsh, almost murderous.
"I didn't mean to...you..."
"I what?" He snapped, as the other boy now watched the Slytherins strength and pride dissolve. For the first time in years, Draco had allowed another to see him cry.
"You really loved her, didn't you?" Ron asked, his voice calm.
"She's my soul reason for living. Yes, I do love her." He sucked in a sob, refusing anymore tears to stain his robes. But it was quite impossible at this point. He turned his back to Ron and sat down next to her on the bed.
"If you didn't hear me the first time...I love you, I always have. My father never understood my fascination with you...because he never really loved anyone, not even my mother. He only wanted her to produce an Heir then he would...dispose of her. She was a lovely woman, she would have loved you."
Ron leaned on the outside wall, listening intently to the boy speaking to his sister. He could barely believe this was the same monster whose father had put Ginny's life in danger her first year. Ron had his doubts whether Draco was involved. It hardly mattered now, because her life was at a bigger risk now and it was all his fault, just like Harry had said.
"She can't hear you...what do you think she'd say if she could reply?" Ron asked, as he shakily stepped back into view. Draco stared at him briefly, as a strange emotion flashed in those now liquid gray eyes.
"She'd probably tell me that she...loves me. She's loved me since she was fifteen. I knew it then but never did anything about it. She wouldn't know that you were the reason for her condition, and if you were smart-which by now I hope you are-you won't tell her, in risk of losing your only sister."
His words, somehow made Ron twinge. He was right. If Ron, Hermione, Harry or any of the Gryffindors (who were very distant toward Ron now) told Ginny anything, she would never forgive Ron. Chances were, that her remembering the cause of her fall wasn't likely once she came out of her comatose state.
Ron watched, as Draco brushed a very badly shaking hand in his hair. He watched the boy with a frown. So, this was what the infamous Draco Malfoy was like when he cared for someone? It made Ron suddenly very sad.
"Keep an eye on her, would you? I've got things to do."
"I've been in here for a week...I'm not leaving her side."
And Ron left, after the scurry of his steps faded, Draco turned his eyes on Ginny. Why did this have to happen to her? She was a sweet girl, a kind creature who looked for the best in everyone-including himself. Finally he dropped her hand, it hit the mattress with a soft plop.
He wept.
Everything had changed in one week for the entire school. The teachers were less harsh with the students who forgot homework. They all, even Snape, had their thoughts on the young Weasley that lay in the Hospital Wing, unaware of anything that had happened. Draco stayed with her, for three weeks straight, then a month, then another.
It was now the start of March, and the weather was warm, and still...he stayed, cut off from everyone but Potter and Weasley, and occasionally Granger, all of whom were considerably warmer toward him.
A sudden breeze fluttered across his pale, still features one afternoon, as he slumbered by her side. A tap on the shoulder sent him scrounging for his wand and he pointed it at a man, who gazed at him through half-moon spectacles. Professor Dumbledore stood, wearing dark blue robes, and a frown.
"Any change?" His voice was hoarse as he stared at the Gryffindor and Slytherin in turn.
"None. Professor? What will I do if she doesn't make it?" Draco asked, swallowing nervously. His own eyes settled on his lap, where his hands shook.
"Whether this girl survives or not is entirely her choice Draco. She should know what awaits her in this world. If she truly desires to be with you, then she will in fact pull herself together. But, I must say...your constant allegiance to her is something I never expected. She is, without doubt, the one who sees us for who we truly are. As a Gryffindor she prizes bravery and sincerity. Perhaps what she was meant for after the threat of Tom Riddle was gone was to now witness a miracle. You seemed to be what she has been seeking for years, your loyalty to her is unfathomable, the way you are around her is a gift. You, Draco...are her miracle." With that said, he gave a slight nod and swept from the room.
Draco sat back, but not before gripping her hand again. He shut his eyes, sleep was going to be the death of him, but it would be a death worth it if she didn't pull through.
He had the best dream he had had in a long while. Ginny sat, watching him with groggy eyes, but she wept into him as he held her. He smiled lightly before he jerked away.
It was now nightfall. And something was moving in the shadows. He gripped his wand, but once he heard the voice there was no need for it. It whispered hoarsely to him through the dark.
"You stayed with me..."