A/N: The lyrics are from 'Big Yellow Taxi' by Counting Crows
Again I don't own any of the characters besides Tab, Noah, Calista and Cliff
Cheers for updating ppl, as promised another chapter, it's not very interesting this time but necessary for the story, enjoy =)
Chapter Six – Revelations
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
"You're leaving?"
Ginny whispered, her eyes widening as she stared at Draco, the desire to leap into his arms had never been stronger.
"Only for a little while. I'll be back by the end of the week; I just have to check out these leads Dumbledore's got."
She lowered her eyes, afraid he'd see the despair burning in them at the thought of not being near him if only for a week. He slowly reached out and put a finger under her chin, gently raising her face so he could see her.
"I promise nothing will hurt you while I'm gone."
He said softly, fighting the futile hope that what he saw in her eyes was sadness at him leaving. Suddenly the need to hold her overwhelmed him and he snatched his hand away from her face and took a swift step back trying to control himself.
"I'm going to go pack."
He said roughly, turning on his heel and marching up the stairs. Ginny watched him go before walking unsteadily into the kitchen, her mind upside down and her feelings all over the place.
Most uncharacteristically she headed straight for the fridge and pulled out a bottle of vodka left over from the party, sloshing it into a glass and chucking in some ice. She took a huge gulp, her shaking hand making the ice rattle and her eyes watering at the strength of the drink.
"I'm ready."
Draco stopped dead in the doorway when he caught sight of Ginny standing behind the breakfast bar with a glass in her hand looking so like his mother from his old Hogwarts days that he shuddered.
He didn't say anything and she didn't look up, seeming not to have noticed him in the doorway.
"Draco."
She whispered, causing him to freeze and turn slowly to look at her, her eyes not focused on him but staring fixedly at a blank spot on the wall besides his head.
"Will you write to me?"
She blushed as she said it and his heart leapt at what she might mean before his usual cool demeanour returned and he stared at her.
"Of course."
A genuine smile broke over her face and he grinned back;
"Hey look, Ginny. I want you to have something while I'm gone."
He pulled something out of his pocket and quickly crossed the room and dropped something glittering and vaguely warm into her palm, closing her fingers over it before she could see what he was giving her.
"I'll be back to get it."
He promised, leaning in close to her and brushing a couple of stray red locks behind her ear with his fingers, his thumb caressing her cheek. She sighed and rubbed her freckled cheek against his palm, her eyes fluttering closed as his lips closed in on hers and she didn't try and resist him as he kissed her briefly on the lips before Apparating out of the house. Slowly she looked down at her hand and released her grip to look at what he had given her. It was a small silver signet ring with the Malfoy crest engraved on it dangling from a long delicate silver chain.
She smiled and slipped it over her head, dropping it under her t-shirt and picking up the phone.
"Tab? Can you come over I am in need of some serious girl talk."
"He gave you this?"
Tab asked, holding the chain up to the light so she could see it better. Ginny nodded as she came back into the room and collapsed onto the opposite end of the couch, handing Tab her coffee and slouching back into the cushions.
"And he didn't tell you where he was going?"
Tab said shrugging and handing Ginny the necklace, slowly sipping her coffee and staring out of the window thoughtfully.
"No, just that he has to check out some leads Dumbledore had and that he'd be back soon."
Tab looked at her meditatively before taking a gulp of her coffee and placing it resolutely on the low glass table before them, pulling her legs up and tucking them underneath her.
"Well that gives us, what, about a week?"
It was more of a statement then a question and Ginny stiffened at the mischievous look in her friend's eyes.
"I suppose so."
She said slowly, not understanding what the point was.
"Then we have a week to make him want you more than he obviously already does."
Tab winked at Ginny who flushed and shook her head, mumbling something about Tab still being as crazy as she was in Hogwarts.
"Well yes but that's not the point at the moment is it. The point is we are going on a major shopping trip for some serious retail therapy."
She said happily, getting to her feet and dragging a protesting Ginny up with her;
"But Tab! I like my own style."
She grumbled, glaring at Tab who was pulling on her high-heeled boots and grabbing her bag.
"And we're not going to change it. Just improve it a little bit."
Ginny glowered at her but somehow found herself pulling on her shoes and Flooing through the fireplace to the Leaky Cauldron.
"Morning, Tom."
Tab said airily, breezing through the bar and flashing a dazzling smile at the barkeeper who gaped at her, not having seen her since her Hogwarts years she had changed a lot. Tab didn't stop as they entered Diagon Alley; she simply marched straight through to Fred and George's joke shop.
"Come on girls, we're going for some good old fashioned retail therapy."
She announced to the room. Everyone stared up at her before bursting into a flurry of activity; Hermione quickly kissed Ron on the cheek and somehow managed to get the key to their joint-vault before pulling on her jacket and wandering over to stand next to Tab. Angelina simply closed the till after the last customer had gone, grabbed her jacket and bag from the storeroom and stalked out of the shop after the others, barely stopping to give Fred a kiss on the lips before pulling the door closed behind her with a slight jingle of the bell.
"Well."
Harry broke the stunned silence with a gale of laughter at the looks on the other boys' faces.
"That was kind of scary."
George muttered, watching the four girls meet another two before disappearing giggling into a shop none of the boys would ever even think about entering.
"God help anyone who tries to get in their way."
Ron said weakly, noticing Hermione had taken the key to their vault and looking close to fainting.
"Noah!"
Ginny shrieked, giving her other best friend a hug and a kiss on both cheeks. The French girl had transferred to Hogwarts from Beaxbauton's after third year and had immediately got on extremely well with everyone in her year, especially the boys since she was part Veela.
At the moment she had her silvery blonde hair cut short with thick razored bangs just below her shoulders at all different lengths. Her huge violet eyes were surrounded by thick black lashes and her snub nose had a small sprinkling of freckles across it making her look younger than she was.
As usual she was dressed in the height of fashion in a yellow and white chequered wrap over skirt, and a white t-shirt.
"I haven't seen you for ages! Sorry I couldn't get to your party but my sister went into St Mungo's for emergency treatment and I had to take care of my nieces."
Noah rolled her eyes before moving onto Tab while Ginny gave Noah's best friend, Calista a hug. Calista was the quietest of the four and a late developer. She was still quite unsure around boys as they hadn't discovered her until her last year. Since then she had had her bouncy black ringlets straightened into a sleek wave over her left eye and down her back, emphasising her pale skin and shockingly blue eyes.
Ginny made her spin around before her so she could check out her friend's adorable outfit which fit Calista's personality perfectly. The small neat beige shorts were perfectly cut and tailored and the matching crop top with long sleeves shoved a lot of flesh but only her shoulders and navel, fitting in with the innocently seductive side of her.
All in all the six of them had many male eyes following them as they wandered down the streets, chattering idly and catching up with gossip.
Collapsing onto her bed that night, Ginny surveyed the pile of boxes and bags of clothes scattered around her room and winced, her pay check definitely won't like that. She jumped as a soft tapping noise filled the room; a hawk owl was scratching at the window against the night breeze. Recognising it as Draco's owl she quickly crossed the room and pulled open the window, taking the owl over to her own owl's perch and filling up the water bowl. She dropped onto her bed and looked down at the expensive roll of parchment in her hand.
Dear Ginny, As promised I'm writing to you, though I'm not sure what you want me to say. As I can't be there I'm sending someone else to look after you until I get back; do you remember Cliff Orion from Slytherin? Well he's the closest thing I have to a best friend and he's agreed to come and stay with you until I get back.
Ginny stared at the paper, a slight smile on her face; she remembered Cliff very well. He was the male slut Tab had had a huge crush on since her first year, only missing out on his sexual trip round the school because she was dating a Ravenclaw and felt too cruel to finish him for a one night stand with a Slytherin. If he was going to be living here, and Tab was going to be living here it was going to get very interesting.
Not much is happening here, the first lead Dumbledore had managed to escape but there are two Auror's tracking him for us for the moment. You know I never thought I'd miss you nagging me, but it's weird, it's too quiet without your mumbling in your sleep.
"I do not talk in my sleep!" Ginny growled at the parchment, shooting Draco's owl a filthy look when she hooted in agreement with Draco.
Well Cliff should be arriving at about six tonight and you have my permission to hex him back to hell if he tries anything.
Ginny snorted with laughter as she read on, the handwriting changing from neat and elegant to flamboyant scrawl.
Helloooo Ginny it's me, Cliff! I stunned Draco and right now he's mouthing all sorts of obscenities at me, maybe I should have left his mouth stunned. Anywho I shall be at your place by six o'clock as Drama Queen over there has already told you, keep that bed warm for me, love! I hear that dishy Tabitha Duncan is living with you, just out of interest is she still single? Well I'm off now as Draco managed to mutter the counter curse is about to throttle me. Toodles! Lots of love Cliff and Drama Queen Draco XOXOXOXOXOX
Ginny was shaking with laughter as she moved on to Draco's part of the letter.
I'm back now, stupid son-of-a...Draco watch your language, especially to your only friend! I suppose you find it funny that he's bewitched my quill to write whatever he says the second he says it? Not sure about Draco but I know I sure do! Well this letter is going to end up landing me a permanent place in St Mungo's.
Ginny was now laughing so hard she had to drop the letter and take a sip of her water before she could on reading.
Well I shall finish here I suppose. Good luck living with Cliff, if he manages to get there because I'm likely to do him some serious damage if he continues!
Draco
X
Ginny wiped the tears of mirth from her cheeks and rolled the letter up before dropping it into her old jewellery box. Deciding to take a shower now rather than risk one once Cliff got there, she quickly turned on the water and scrubbed her body free of the day's dirt.
"Gin?"
Ginny wrapped a towel around herself and stepped out of the bathroom, almost killing herself when Hades stalked right in front of her, winding his way through her legs.
"Bloody cat!"
She swore before performing a quick drying spell on herself, slipping into a pair of shorts and a tank top and pulling open her bedroom door.
"Yeah?"
She called, listening to Tab banging around in the kitchen.
"Since I can't cook to save my life do you fancy a take away?"
Ginny thought she had had a heat attack when her heart tried to break out of her chest in terror;
"As long as it's Chinese."
A familiar voice called out from the drawing room, scaring the life out of Ginny and making Tab scream and drop the glass fruit bowl she was holding with an almighty crash.
Ginny raced down the stairs and slid to halt in front of Cliff Orion, his long black hair pulled back into a loose ponytail that didn't do anything to stop the strands at the front drifting into his navy blue eyes. The smirk on his face widened as his eyes took in Ginny, his long arms folded as he leaned against the doorframe, looking tall, broody and extremely attractive.
A second crash startled them both as Tab dropped the newly repaired fruit bowl in the archway leading from the dining room to the drawing room, her eyes wide and staring at Cliff. He arched an eyebrow at her, his eyes taking a very long time to drift down her endless brown legs, clearly on show in the briefest of Ginny's shorts and up over her mid-drift and chest, barely contained in a tight white crop top with, 'Look! A Pair That Stare Back!' emblazoned across the front.
By the time his eyes reached her face, Tab was cursing herself for not making more of an effort with her outfit and shooting poisonous glances at a frozen Ginny for not telling her that her childhood obsession was likely to walk into their house at any minute.
"Hello love."
He said, stalking over to Ginny and planting a kiss on her blushing cheek. Tab's furious glare was lost before it began when Cliff turned to her and kissed her full on the mouth, pulling her towards him as he did so.
"You I shall save for later."
He grinned before glancing into the kitchen and taking in the number of takeaway leaflets scattered over the breakfast bar.
"Chinese? My treat."
He said, summoning the top leaflet with his wand. Ginny and Tab nodded and he grinned before slouching into a chair by the fire and laying the leaflet on the coffee table before him. He then looked very hard at the menu before announcing his choice loudly and clearly to the room, his eyes still fixed on the menu. No sooner had the words left this mouth then his order appeared on the table before him and he looked questioningly over at the girls.
Ginny laughed at the look on Tab's face, her eyes not even taking in the food as she was still staring at Cliff, her cool demeanour and kick-ass attitude for the moment on hold.
"We'll have what ever you're having."
She said, watching as Tab blushed and slumped onto the couch, not looking at Cliff now, her old self beginning to resurface. Ginny shook her head knowing full well that fireworks were on the way before dropping down onto the carpet in front of the fire and stretching her legs out before her as her meal appeared besides her.
Cliff quickly chucked the right amount of coins plus a tip onto the menu and the money sank in leaving behind three fortune cookies and a receipt.
They ate in silence for a while before Tab came to her senses and became her usual bubbly, flirting self, keeping the conversation flowing and obviously intriguing Cliff as his eyes hardly ever left her. After about an hour of this, when their meals had been finished and Cliff and Tab were deep into a conversation Ginny wasn't included in, she sighed and got to her feet.
"I'm going to reply to Draco's letter."
She stammered, blushing as Cliff winked at her. He tossed her the only fortune cookie unopened and she caught it one handed; her reflexes some of the best from playing seeker in the Quidditch matches with her friends against her brothers.
Dear Draco
Cliff got here fine, almost giving me a heart attack and he's already stolen Tab's heart. I have the uncomfortable feeling I'm going to get stuck being the third wheel until you get back so you better make it quick! You're cat decided to kill me this afternoon, he seemed to find it amusing to get under my feet while I'm not looking where I'm going. So if he's dead by the time you get back it's likely I stepped on him.
Ginny glared at Hades who was curled up on her bed with Zophyla, both sleeping contentedly after tearing apart three of Ginny's cushions.
And your devil-spawn of a pet is leading my puppy astray; they went on a crime spree this morning while we were out and destroyed the neighbour's garden. And about these 'leads' you're following up, just don't do anything stupid O.K Draco?
Ginny sighed and looked down at the letter, why was it so hard to find stuff to talk about? She shook her head and pushed the piece of parchment to the side, scrabbling across her desk for another piece but not finding any. She clicked her tongue impatiently and decided Draco must have some.
His room was dark and wonderfully cool; she trailed her hand along the edge of his bed on her way to his desk. She slumped in his chair and pulled open the drawer; lifting out the pile of parchment she caught sight of her name on a letter beneath the pile. Pulling it out and glancing at the door to check no one was outside.
The letter was addressed to Draco from Cliff and was dated as the first week they had moved into the new house.
...you need to sort yourself out mate. You've changed a lot lately, for the better mind, but you still haven't said anything to her? I know she's a Weasley but come on, she's still a woman and you're still a guy...
Ginny's heart leapt as she read on, hardly daring to hope that he might feel the same way as her.
...you're going to be living together for Merlin knows how long, I think that's time enough to figure out how she feels. Just don't go doing something stupid and leaping on her or something, she's not the kind of girl to fall for your charms. I've seen you when you turn on the charm and it definitely won't work. Try being the sweet Draco, the one only I've seen when you let your guard down...
Ginny felt a smile heat up her face and she didn't need to read any more. She slipped the letter back into the drawer and quickly left the room, wandering out into the hallway and down to the window at the end opposite. She dropped into the window seat and drew her knees up to her chin, turning to gaze out of the window at the moonlight drenched garden as she mulled over her thoughts.
Draco appeared more than once in her mind and she rang her fingertip along the edge of the necklace he had given her to look after, her head falling back against the window frame.
Realising she still had her fortune cookie in her pocket she pulled it out and broke it open, unravelling the fortune she tossed the cookie shell into the wastepaper basket inside Tab's room, the door still wide open.
'Strong friendships are often the basis for a passionate relationship.'
Ginny read the fortune softly, her mind ticking over who it could mean, she knew who she wanted it to mean of course but when did what she wanted ever make a difference? She sighed and got to her feet, leaning over the balcony she saw Cliff and Tab still nose to nose on the sofa talking and laughing and she felt a surge of jealousy, she did miss Draco a lot more than she was admitting to anyone, even Tab.
Gently closing her door behind her she sat at her desk and looked down at her letter to Draco, scribbling a few more lines she hoped would make him laugh she signed her name at the bottom and was about to seal it when Zophyla sniffled from the bed, looking up at her with big doleful eyes until she sighed once more.
"Alrite, alright."
She muttered, rolling her own eyes before adding 'love' above her name and jotting a few kisses down beneath it.
"Happy?"
She muttered, rolling it up and sealing it with her wand before calling over to Draco's owl, quickly tying it to her leg, carrying her over to the window.
"Take this back to your master for me. And make sure he writes back; peck him to death if you have to."
She whispered, stroking the owl's sleek head before releasing it out of the window and watching it fade into the distance as it flew away. Shaking her head she quickly changed and got into bed, her last memory before sleep overcame her was Draco's necklace cradled in her hand, soothing her subconscious worries.
Draco stared out of his window, his pale forehead pressed against the cold glass, his insides twisted with jealousy as though being prodded with burning pokers every time he thought of Cliff living in the same house as Ginny when he wasn't there. He groaned at the thought of her and squeezed his eyes shut, his breath fogging the window. Eventually he climbed into bed and lay back, his arms behind his head as he gazed up at the blank underneath of his overhead canopy. Sighing he closed his eyes, allowing the one comforting thought he kept well hidden to float to his mind, losing himself in thoughts of a wave of fiery red hair, huge brown eyes, a sleepless-night inducing creamy body and sweet laughter that made him smile, even the mere memory of it.
He turned over onto his side and ran his finger over the necklace she had given him for his birthday, he never took it off and the feel of its cool metal against his skin soothed him. He gave in as sleep washed over him, his dreams as full of Ginny as his waking moments were.
Again I don't own any of the characters besides Tab, Noah, Calista and Cliff
Cheers for updating ppl, as promised another chapter, it's not very interesting this time but necessary for the story, enjoy =)
Chapter Six – Revelations
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you've got
Till it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
"You're leaving?"
Ginny whispered, her eyes widening as she stared at Draco, the desire to leap into his arms had never been stronger.
"Only for a little while. I'll be back by the end of the week; I just have to check out these leads Dumbledore's got."
She lowered her eyes, afraid he'd see the despair burning in them at the thought of not being near him if only for a week. He slowly reached out and put a finger under her chin, gently raising her face so he could see her.
"I promise nothing will hurt you while I'm gone."
He said softly, fighting the futile hope that what he saw in her eyes was sadness at him leaving. Suddenly the need to hold her overwhelmed him and he snatched his hand away from her face and took a swift step back trying to control himself.
"I'm going to go pack."
He said roughly, turning on his heel and marching up the stairs. Ginny watched him go before walking unsteadily into the kitchen, her mind upside down and her feelings all over the place.
Most uncharacteristically she headed straight for the fridge and pulled out a bottle of vodka left over from the party, sloshing it into a glass and chucking in some ice. She took a huge gulp, her shaking hand making the ice rattle and her eyes watering at the strength of the drink.
"I'm ready."
Draco stopped dead in the doorway when he caught sight of Ginny standing behind the breakfast bar with a glass in her hand looking so like his mother from his old Hogwarts days that he shuddered.
He didn't say anything and she didn't look up, seeming not to have noticed him in the doorway.
"Draco."
She whispered, causing him to freeze and turn slowly to look at her, her eyes not focused on him but staring fixedly at a blank spot on the wall besides his head.
"Will you write to me?"
She blushed as she said it and his heart leapt at what she might mean before his usual cool demeanour returned and he stared at her.
"Of course."
A genuine smile broke over her face and he grinned back;
"Hey look, Ginny. I want you to have something while I'm gone."
He pulled something out of his pocket and quickly crossed the room and dropped something glittering and vaguely warm into her palm, closing her fingers over it before she could see what he was giving her.
"I'll be back to get it."
He promised, leaning in close to her and brushing a couple of stray red locks behind her ear with his fingers, his thumb caressing her cheek. She sighed and rubbed her freckled cheek against his palm, her eyes fluttering closed as his lips closed in on hers and she didn't try and resist him as he kissed her briefly on the lips before Apparating out of the house. Slowly she looked down at her hand and released her grip to look at what he had given her. It was a small silver signet ring with the Malfoy crest engraved on it dangling from a long delicate silver chain.
She smiled and slipped it over her head, dropping it under her t-shirt and picking up the phone.
"Tab? Can you come over I am in need of some serious girl talk."
"He gave you this?"
Tab asked, holding the chain up to the light so she could see it better. Ginny nodded as she came back into the room and collapsed onto the opposite end of the couch, handing Tab her coffee and slouching back into the cushions.
"And he didn't tell you where he was going?"
Tab said shrugging and handing Ginny the necklace, slowly sipping her coffee and staring out of the window thoughtfully.
"No, just that he has to check out some leads Dumbledore had and that he'd be back soon."
Tab looked at her meditatively before taking a gulp of her coffee and placing it resolutely on the low glass table before them, pulling her legs up and tucking them underneath her.
"Well that gives us, what, about a week?"
It was more of a statement then a question and Ginny stiffened at the mischievous look in her friend's eyes.
"I suppose so."
She said slowly, not understanding what the point was.
"Then we have a week to make him want you more than he obviously already does."
Tab winked at Ginny who flushed and shook her head, mumbling something about Tab still being as crazy as she was in Hogwarts.
"Well yes but that's not the point at the moment is it. The point is we are going on a major shopping trip for some serious retail therapy."
She said happily, getting to her feet and dragging a protesting Ginny up with her;
"But Tab! I like my own style."
She grumbled, glaring at Tab who was pulling on her high-heeled boots and grabbing her bag.
"And we're not going to change it. Just improve it a little bit."
Ginny glowered at her but somehow found herself pulling on her shoes and Flooing through the fireplace to the Leaky Cauldron.
"Morning, Tom."
Tab said airily, breezing through the bar and flashing a dazzling smile at the barkeeper who gaped at her, not having seen her since her Hogwarts years she had changed a lot. Tab didn't stop as they entered Diagon Alley; she simply marched straight through to Fred and George's joke shop.
"Come on girls, we're going for some good old fashioned retail therapy."
She announced to the room. Everyone stared up at her before bursting into a flurry of activity; Hermione quickly kissed Ron on the cheek and somehow managed to get the key to their joint-vault before pulling on her jacket and wandering over to stand next to Tab. Angelina simply closed the till after the last customer had gone, grabbed her jacket and bag from the storeroom and stalked out of the shop after the others, barely stopping to give Fred a kiss on the lips before pulling the door closed behind her with a slight jingle of the bell.
"Well."
Harry broke the stunned silence with a gale of laughter at the looks on the other boys' faces.
"That was kind of scary."
George muttered, watching the four girls meet another two before disappearing giggling into a shop none of the boys would ever even think about entering.
"God help anyone who tries to get in their way."
Ron said weakly, noticing Hermione had taken the key to their vault and looking close to fainting.
"Noah!"
Ginny shrieked, giving her other best friend a hug and a kiss on both cheeks. The French girl had transferred to Hogwarts from Beaxbauton's after third year and had immediately got on extremely well with everyone in her year, especially the boys since she was part Veela.
At the moment she had her silvery blonde hair cut short with thick razored bangs just below her shoulders at all different lengths. Her huge violet eyes were surrounded by thick black lashes and her snub nose had a small sprinkling of freckles across it making her look younger than she was.
As usual she was dressed in the height of fashion in a yellow and white chequered wrap over skirt, and a white t-shirt.
"I haven't seen you for ages! Sorry I couldn't get to your party but my sister went into St Mungo's for emergency treatment and I had to take care of my nieces."
Noah rolled her eyes before moving onto Tab while Ginny gave Noah's best friend, Calista a hug. Calista was the quietest of the four and a late developer. She was still quite unsure around boys as they hadn't discovered her until her last year. Since then she had had her bouncy black ringlets straightened into a sleek wave over her left eye and down her back, emphasising her pale skin and shockingly blue eyes.
Ginny made her spin around before her so she could check out her friend's adorable outfit which fit Calista's personality perfectly. The small neat beige shorts were perfectly cut and tailored and the matching crop top with long sleeves shoved a lot of flesh but only her shoulders and navel, fitting in with the innocently seductive side of her.
All in all the six of them had many male eyes following them as they wandered down the streets, chattering idly and catching up with gossip.
Collapsing onto her bed that night, Ginny surveyed the pile of boxes and bags of clothes scattered around her room and winced, her pay check definitely won't like that. She jumped as a soft tapping noise filled the room; a hawk owl was scratching at the window against the night breeze. Recognising it as Draco's owl she quickly crossed the room and pulled open the window, taking the owl over to her own owl's perch and filling up the water bowl. She dropped onto her bed and looked down at the expensive roll of parchment in her hand.
Dear Ginny, As promised I'm writing to you, though I'm not sure what you want me to say. As I can't be there I'm sending someone else to look after you until I get back; do you remember Cliff Orion from Slytherin? Well he's the closest thing I have to a best friend and he's agreed to come and stay with you until I get back.
Ginny stared at the paper, a slight smile on her face; she remembered Cliff very well. He was the male slut Tab had had a huge crush on since her first year, only missing out on his sexual trip round the school because she was dating a Ravenclaw and felt too cruel to finish him for a one night stand with a Slytherin. If he was going to be living here, and Tab was going to be living here it was going to get very interesting.
Not much is happening here, the first lead Dumbledore had managed to escape but there are two Auror's tracking him for us for the moment. You know I never thought I'd miss you nagging me, but it's weird, it's too quiet without your mumbling in your sleep.
"I do not talk in my sleep!" Ginny growled at the parchment, shooting Draco's owl a filthy look when she hooted in agreement with Draco.
Well Cliff should be arriving at about six tonight and you have my permission to hex him back to hell if he tries anything.
Ginny snorted with laughter as she read on, the handwriting changing from neat and elegant to flamboyant scrawl.
Helloooo Ginny it's me, Cliff! I stunned Draco and right now he's mouthing all sorts of obscenities at me, maybe I should have left his mouth stunned. Anywho I shall be at your place by six o'clock as Drama Queen over there has already told you, keep that bed warm for me, love! I hear that dishy Tabitha Duncan is living with you, just out of interest is she still single? Well I'm off now as Draco managed to mutter the counter curse is about to throttle me. Toodles! Lots of love Cliff and Drama Queen Draco XOXOXOXOXOX
Ginny was shaking with laughter as she moved on to Draco's part of the letter.
I'm back now, stupid son-of-a...Draco watch your language, especially to your only friend! I suppose you find it funny that he's bewitched my quill to write whatever he says the second he says it? Not sure about Draco but I know I sure do! Well this letter is going to end up landing me a permanent place in St Mungo's.
Ginny was now laughing so hard she had to drop the letter and take a sip of her water before she could on reading.
Well I shall finish here I suppose. Good luck living with Cliff, if he manages to get there because I'm likely to do him some serious damage if he continues!
Draco
X
Ginny wiped the tears of mirth from her cheeks and rolled the letter up before dropping it into her old jewellery box. Deciding to take a shower now rather than risk one once Cliff got there, she quickly turned on the water and scrubbed her body free of the day's dirt.
"Gin?"
Ginny wrapped a towel around herself and stepped out of the bathroom, almost killing herself when Hades stalked right in front of her, winding his way through her legs.
"Bloody cat!"
She swore before performing a quick drying spell on herself, slipping into a pair of shorts and a tank top and pulling open her bedroom door.
"Yeah?"
She called, listening to Tab banging around in the kitchen.
"Since I can't cook to save my life do you fancy a take away?"
Ginny thought she had had a heat attack when her heart tried to break out of her chest in terror;
"As long as it's Chinese."
A familiar voice called out from the drawing room, scaring the life out of Ginny and making Tab scream and drop the glass fruit bowl she was holding with an almighty crash.
Ginny raced down the stairs and slid to halt in front of Cliff Orion, his long black hair pulled back into a loose ponytail that didn't do anything to stop the strands at the front drifting into his navy blue eyes. The smirk on his face widened as his eyes took in Ginny, his long arms folded as he leaned against the doorframe, looking tall, broody and extremely attractive.
A second crash startled them both as Tab dropped the newly repaired fruit bowl in the archway leading from the dining room to the drawing room, her eyes wide and staring at Cliff. He arched an eyebrow at her, his eyes taking a very long time to drift down her endless brown legs, clearly on show in the briefest of Ginny's shorts and up over her mid-drift and chest, barely contained in a tight white crop top with, 'Look! A Pair That Stare Back!' emblazoned across the front.
By the time his eyes reached her face, Tab was cursing herself for not making more of an effort with her outfit and shooting poisonous glances at a frozen Ginny for not telling her that her childhood obsession was likely to walk into their house at any minute.
"Hello love."
He said, stalking over to Ginny and planting a kiss on her blushing cheek. Tab's furious glare was lost before it began when Cliff turned to her and kissed her full on the mouth, pulling her towards him as he did so.
"You I shall save for later."
He grinned before glancing into the kitchen and taking in the number of takeaway leaflets scattered over the breakfast bar.
"Chinese? My treat."
He said, summoning the top leaflet with his wand. Ginny and Tab nodded and he grinned before slouching into a chair by the fire and laying the leaflet on the coffee table before him. He then looked very hard at the menu before announcing his choice loudly and clearly to the room, his eyes still fixed on the menu. No sooner had the words left this mouth then his order appeared on the table before him and he looked questioningly over at the girls.
Ginny laughed at the look on Tab's face, her eyes not even taking in the food as she was still staring at Cliff, her cool demeanour and kick-ass attitude for the moment on hold.
"We'll have what ever you're having."
She said, watching as Tab blushed and slumped onto the couch, not looking at Cliff now, her old self beginning to resurface. Ginny shook her head knowing full well that fireworks were on the way before dropping down onto the carpet in front of the fire and stretching her legs out before her as her meal appeared besides her.
Cliff quickly chucked the right amount of coins plus a tip onto the menu and the money sank in leaving behind three fortune cookies and a receipt.
They ate in silence for a while before Tab came to her senses and became her usual bubbly, flirting self, keeping the conversation flowing and obviously intriguing Cliff as his eyes hardly ever left her. After about an hour of this, when their meals had been finished and Cliff and Tab were deep into a conversation Ginny wasn't included in, she sighed and got to her feet.
"I'm going to reply to Draco's letter."
She stammered, blushing as Cliff winked at her. He tossed her the only fortune cookie unopened and she caught it one handed; her reflexes some of the best from playing seeker in the Quidditch matches with her friends against her brothers.
Dear Draco
Cliff got here fine, almost giving me a heart attack and he's already stolen Tab's heart. I have the uncomfortable feeling I'm going to get stuck being the third wheel until you get back so you better make it quick! You're cat decided to kill me this afternoon, he seemed to find it amusing to get under my feet while I'm not looking where I'm going. So if he's dead by the time you get back it's likely I stepped on him.
Ginny glared at Hades who was curled up on her bed with Zophyla, both sleeping contentedly after tearing apart three of Ginny's cushions.
And your devil-spawn of a pet is leading my puppy astray; they went on a crime spree this morning while we were out and destroyed the neighbour's garden. And about these 'leads' you're following up, just don't do anything stupid O.K Draco?
Ginny sighed and looked down at the letter, why was it so hard to find stuff to talk about? She shook her head and pushed the piece of parchment to the side, scrabbling across her desk for another piece but not finding any. She clicked her tongue impatiently and decided Draco must have some.
His room was dark and wonderfully cool; she trailed her hand along the edge of his bed on her way to his desk. She slumped in his chair and pulled open the drawer; lifting out the pile of parchment she caught sight of her name on a letter beneath the pile. Pulling it out and glancing at the door to check no one was outside.
The letter was addressed to Draco from Cliff and was dated as the first week they had moved into the new house.
...you need to sort yourself out mate. You've changed a lot lately, for the better mind, but you still haven't said anything to her? I know she's a Weasley but come on, she's still a woman and you're still a guy...
Ginny's heart leapt as she read on, hardly daring to hope that he might feel the same way as her.
...you're going to be living together for Merlin knows how long, I think that's time enough to figure out how she feels. Just don't go doing something stupid and leaping on her or something, she's not the kind of girl to fall for your charms. I've seen you when you turn on the charm and it definitely won't work. Try being the sweet Draco, the one only I've seen when you let your guard down...
Ginny felt a smile heat up her face and she didn't need to read any more. She slipped the letter back into the drawer and quickly left the room, wandering out into the hallway and down to the window at the end opposite. She dropped into the window seat and drew her knees up to her chin, turning to gaze out of the window at the moonlight drenched garden as she mulled over her thoughts.
Draco appeared more than once in her mind and she rang her fingertip along the edge of the necklace he had given her to look after, her head falling back against the window frame.
Realising she still had her fortune cookie in her pocket she pulled it out and broke it open, unravelling the fortune she tossed the cookie shell into the wastepaper basket inside Tab's room, the door still wide open.
'Strong friendships are often the basis for a passionate relationship.'
Ginny read the fortune softly, her mind ticking over who it could mean, she knew who she wanted it to mean of course but when did what she wanted ever make a difference? She sighed and got to her feet, leaning over the balcony she saw Cliff and Tab still nose to nose on the sofa talking and laughing and she felt a surge of jealousy, she did miss Draco a lot more than she was admitting to anyone, even Tab.
Gently closing her door behind her she sat at her desk and looked down at her letter to Draco, scribbling a few more lines she hoped would make him laugh she signed her name at the bottom and was about to seal it when Zophyla sniffled from the bed, looking up at her with big doleful eyes until she sighed once more.
"Alrite, alright."
She muttered, rolling her own eyes before adding 'love' above her name and jotting a few kisses down beneath it.
"Happy?"
She muttered, rolling it up and sealing it with her wand before calling over to Draco's owl, quickly tying it to her leg, carrying her over to the window.
"Take this back to your master for me. And make sure he writes back; peck him to death if you have to."
She whispered, stroking the owl's sleek head before releasing it out of the window and watching it fade into the distance as it flew away. Shaking her head she quickly changed and got into bed, her last memory before sleep overcame her was Draco's necklace cradled in her hand, soothing her subconscious worries.
Draco stared out of his window, his pale forehead pressed against the cold glass, his insides twisted with jealousy as though being prodded with burning pokers every time he thought of Cliff living in the same house as Ginny when he wasn't there. He groaned at the thought of her and squeezed his eyes shut, his breath fogging the window. Eventually he climbed into bed and lay back, his arms behind his head as he gazed up at the blank underneath of his overhead canopy. Sighing he closed his eyes, allowing the one comforting thought he kept well hidden to float to his mind, losing himself in thoughts of a wave of fiery red hair, huge brown eyes, a sleepless-night inducing creamy body and sweet laughter that made him smile, even the mere memory of it.
He turned over onto his side and ran his finger over the necklace she had given him for his birthday, he never took it off and the feel of its cool metal against his skin soothed him. He gave in as sleep washed over him, his dreams as full of Ginny as his waking moments were.