Chapter four
The next morning, all the Hogwart's students leaving for Christmas holidays piled into the train station at Hogsmeade. Since so few students were staying at the castle this year, the teachers decided to allow the few that were the opportunity to visit Hogsmeade one last time. Ginny and Ron were part of the ones to stay, as their parents were visiting Percy at his new Ministry job in Switzerland, along with Hermione, who's parents were going skiing, and Harry who always stayed. They were the only ones in Gryffindor to stay, along with three first year Ravenclaws, a couple of Hufflepuff seventh years, and one Slytherin, Draco Malfoy. Ginny took advantage of the trip to buy a last minute Christmas present. She managed to break away from her brother and his friends by implying she might be buying something extra for them, and searched the shops for the perfect gift. But what did you buy a Slytherin? A rich Slytherin at that. Draco must have everything he could possibly want already. Ginny was just about ready to give up and go back to Honeyduke's for chocolates when she spotted the music shop on a side street. She thought it was funny that she never noticed it before, as she entered the shop. After ambling down the aisles of instruments and sheet music, she found it.
It was a leather-bound book of blank staff paper. The leather was a dark brown and felt fine to the touch. The staff paper was an off white parchment that felt expensive under Ginny's fingers. She noticed as she opened the book that it was bound in such a way as to make the book lay flat and open no matter what page you turned to. Perfect for playing from. There was a green silk ribbon to mark the place. It was just the gift for Draco.
Ginny took the book up to the counter and wrote a short note on the card the clerk provided for her and tucked it into the book. She smiled with satisfaction as the clerk gift-wrapped the book in Slythernin colors. It had cost her every dime she had left of her meager savings to buy it, but it was well worth it. She thought Draco would be pleased. She tucked the book into her bags of sweets she had bought for Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and hurried to meet them at the three broomsticks.
The week before Christmas was agony for Ginny. Try as she might, there was no getting away from Harry, Ron and Hermione. With only the four of them in the tower, it was easier for them to notice Ginny when she tried to slip away. The one time she made it out of the common room, Harry had run her down in the corridor, smiling and asking her if she minded company. Hiding her frustration, Ginny had said of course not, and they walked and talked for an hour before making their way back to Gryffindor. As Ginny listened to Harry talk about being an auror after graduation next year, of having a family that would never know what it was like to be hated the way his aunt and uncle seemed to hate him, and of how grateful he was to have the Weasleys in his life, she realized what a wonderful person he was, and what a great catch he would be for any girl. If only Ginny could feel that way about him. She had always thought she did, from the time she was only ten and first laid eyes on Harry she had thought herself in love with him. But when the time came that he would finally notice Ginny, she found that he had treated her like a sister for far too long. The only thing she felt for Harry now was an affection that she felt for all her brothers. It was really too bad. Being mad for Harry Potter would be a lot simpler than being mad for Draco Malfoy.
When Christmas day finally arrived, Ron woke Ginny and Hermione by calling their names from the bottom of the stairs to the girls' dormitory. As they piled together in front of the fire, everyone chattered happily as they opened presents. Everyone got the standard Weasley sweater, of course from Mum, and there were assorted gifts of books and chocolates from each other for everyone. Ron gave Hermione a lovely silver music box and she nearly cried when she opened it. They all knew Ron had been saving since summer for a set of quidditch balls to practice with, and obviously he had abandoned that to spend his savings on Hermione's box. She leapt up and kissed him, leaving Ron flustered and red-faced, but smiling. Ginny was touched when Harry presented her with a pair of fur lined leather gloves, and he flushed with pleasure at her gift of a deluxe duffel bag that had pockets for his various quidditch gear, and even a place to strap his broom.
At breakfast, there was an air of season's joy among both the students and teachers. Dumbledore made a little speech and they all dug into the morning feast of all breakfast foods imaginable. Later, in her room with Hermione, as they dressed to go outside in the snow that had fallen the night before, an owl pecked at Ginny's window. Ginny opened it and the owl dropped a note into her hands. She quickly opened it and read.
You are invited to attend a private concert in the Music Room tonight.
"Who's it from Gin?" Asked Hermione, brushing her hair.
"What? Oh, it's a note from Professor Snape. He wants to see me this evening about my last essay." Ginny said, scrambling for an answer that provided an excuse to get away from the trio tonight.
"Leave it to Snape to try and work a student on Christmas. I'd complain to McGonagall, if I were you."
"Oh, no. I think it'd be easier in the end to just go see what he wants and get it over with."
"You're probably right. Its just so unfair though."
"Come on Hermione, the boys are waiting." Ginny said, changing the subject and nudging Hermione towards the door.
Outside, the snow was still falling lightly. Hermione and Ginny began a snowman, with Harry, Ron and the two Hufflepuffs pitching in. When he was done, one of the first year Ravenclaws clobbered Ron in the back of the head with a snowball.
"Bloody first year! I'll get you!" Cried Ron, lobbing snowballs back at the boy. Hermione tried to look uninterested and stay out of the way, till Harry smacked her in the face with one.
"Oh!" she cried, grabbing up snow to make her own snowball. This of course, led to all out war. Madame Hooch and Professor McGonagall were walking by when a snowball thrown by Marcus Stevens, from Hufflepuff, had the bad form to land at her feet. McGonagall turned to look at the students, who all froze as soon as they saw the snowball land, and said, "What is the meaning of this?" At which point Madame Hooch scooped up a handful of snow and said, "Oh, lighten up Minerva, its Christmas!" and lobbed the snow at Deana Carter, a Ravenclaw.
Ginny found herself allied with McGonagall, Hooch, Hermione, Deana, and Tash Digsby, from Hufflepuff, in all out snowball battle against Ron, Harry, Marcus, and Derrick and Davis Cedar, from Ravenclaw, and Hagrid, who had come along and joined in with the boys. When the battle was finally declared a draw, everyone laughing and plastered with snow, Ginny noticed Draco, leaning against the railing of the steps, watching the action. The teachers decided it was time to be grown ups again and went back indoors, telling the students that hot chocolate would be waiting in the great room. The boys decided they wanted to check the lake, to see if it had frozen before they went inside, and the girls followed along.
"Come on Gin!" Cried Harry, motioning to her as he and Ron led the pack to the lake path.
"You go on ahead. I'll catch up with you." Ginny replied.
She watched as Harry shrugged and trudged off, and then started walking towards Draco.
"Had enough of childish games, Weasel girl?" Draco said with a sneer.
Ginny quirked the corner of her mouth up at him. Typical Draco, she thought, but now she knew what was underneath and wouldn't let that bother her. "Why didn't you join us Ferret boy? I would have gotten a great amount of pleasure in plastering you with a snowball."
He smirked at her and said, "No thanks. I am much too dignified to participate in your hillbilly snowball fights. Besides, with the way you hit the net with the quaffle, I don't think you could get within a hundred yard of hitting me Weasel."
"Oh you think not?" she said, indignant despite her promise to herself not to let him ruffle her. Scooping up a particularly wet handful of snow, she let fly straight at him. Obviously he wasn't expecting it because it landed square on his chest. The outraged look he gave her was enough to have her rolling in the snow.
Scooping up a handful of snow he, Draco advanced on her prone body. "You'll pay for that Weasel girl."
Ginny jumped up and cried, "You'll have to catch me first Ferret boy!" and took off over the snow-covered grounds. She'd only just made it a few yards, behind some trees when she first felt the snowball hit the back of her head, then felt herself flying to the ground as he tackled her from behind.
"Oomph!" Ginny said, into the snow her face was buried in. She lay unmoving.
Panicked that he had hurt her, Draco quickly sat up. "Ginny, are you all right? I didn't mean-"He abruptly stopped as he rolled her over to see her laughing silently at him. Before he could react, she slammed a handful of snow in his face.
"You wicked little weasel! I ought to-"he was cut off again as Ginny suddenly grabbed him by the color of his cloak and snatched him down to kiss him. His lips immediately softened as they touched hers. Her hands twined in his long hair as she pulled him even closer. Finally he was lying on top of her, holding his weight on his elbows on either side of her. When they came up for air, he said, "Ginny, we ought not do this out here, what if they come back?"
"Draco, did anyone ever tell you that you talk entirely too much?" Ginny grumbled, trying to pull him back to her mouth. But he resisted her efforts, rising to his feet and pulling her up out of the snow.
"And did anyone ever tell you that you are a shockingly wanton witch? I'm scandalized, that such a good little Gryffindor would try to maul me in the out-of-doors. In broad daylight, no less!" he said with a grin.
Ginny was confused and frustrated for a moment. Didn't he want her? As she looked at him, she knew from his glazed eyes and heavy breathing that he did. Seeming to guess what she was thinking, he took her face in his hands and said, "You're wet and cold, and your prat brother and that idiot Potter will come stomping back any minute. As much as I'd enjoy beating them to a pulp, somehow I think it would ruin your Christmas if I did. And despite all my best intentions to be a bastard, I find I care that you have a good Christmas.... Tonight."
Ginny unconsciously licked her lips, not knowing that the sight of it made Draco's knees want to buckle. "Tonight" she whispered.
At that moment, the others could be heard shouting and laughing down the path on their way back from the lake. Draco shot a dark look towards the noise, leaned down to kiss Ginny's nose and strode away back towards the castle. Ginny watched him enter the big doors, then turned to meet her brother on the path as they talked about skating on the lake later today.
Draco wasn't in the great hall after Ginny and the others changed and came down for hot chocolate. Lunch and dinner were buffet affairs that day and Ginny supposed she missed Draco at both. When evening finally rolled around, she explained to the boys about Snape's note, and left quietly with the book for Draco hidden under her cloak.
As she approached the music room, Ginny could hear the music, Christmas melodies, coming from the piano already. She wasn't prepared for what she found when she entered though.
The room was transformed. It was clear of dust for one thing. The silk drapes on the walls had been washed and re-hung, the old chairs had been removed, and one over-large, over stuffed chair was center to the room before the stage. The huge windows had been washed and gleamed as the moonlight streamed in. The piano sparkled and reflected on its newly polished ebony surface. There was a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the corner, with a small gift under it, and a table full of candy and food beside it. There were candles everywhere, hundreds it seemed, on the windowsills, on tables, on the floor, and the piano. And in the corner of the stage, by a large crackling fireplace, was a bed. A big bed with tons of multicolored pillows and silken sheets and covers. A canopy of sheer material surrounded it. Ginny stared at the bed and bit her lip. She turned to look at Draco.
He looked rather nervous and to Ginny's amazement actually scuffed one of his shoes on the floor. Somehow it bothered her to no end to see him looking so uncertain of himself.
"Don't do that Malfoy. Don't loose confidence. It doesn't suit you."
He lifted his head and gazed at her fiercely, drawing his shoulders up and back.
"You did all this for me?" she asked sweeping her hand out.
"I bribed a couple of house elves to help a bit."
"It's beautiful." She said.
"You're beautiful, "he replied, his gray eyes growing dark and smokey.
Ginny felt her face grow red, but she did not drop his gaze. For a long moment they looked at each other and then he began to play. Ginny dropped into the chair and closed her eyes.
Finally the music stopped and before Ginny could open her eyes, she felt his breath on her cheek. "Are you hungry?" he asked.
"Yes, "Ginny said, and he laughed as though he'd read her thoughts again and knew it wasn't food she wanted. He led her to the table by the tree. They sat for a few minutes, talking about what they had gotten for Christmas, and ate. Then Draco said, "I have something for you." Getting the small box from under the tree.
"Actually, I have something for you too." She said, pulling the book out of a large inside pocket in her cloak.
Draco accepted the present, but did not move to open it yet. "You first, " he said and pushed the box into her hands.
Ginny's fingers trembled when she lifted the gold charm bracelet from the box. It was fine and lovely and there were golden musical notes dangling from the chain every few links. "Oh Draco, it's so...so lovely."
"So you can carry my music with you, where ever you go." He said, helping her with the clasp on her wrist.
"Now you." She said, smiling at him.
Draco opened the gift and gazed at the leather book of blank staff paper. He ran his hand across the fine leather, and opened it and fingered the pages of parchment, just as Ginny had in the store. He opened the book and Ginny's note card fell out. He picked it up off his lap and read, "Draco, The perfect place to put your perfect sonata. Ginny".
Draco held his head down silently for a few moments, and Ginny began to worry that he didn't like the book. Then he looked up at her and she was aghast to see his eyes shimmer with unshed tears.
He croaked out at her, "I don't know what to say. Everyone discourages my music at home. Father calls it a waste of time. He got rid of my piano at the manor when he thought I was spending too much time with it. This is the first time someone's given me something to do with it. And something so wonderful too. Thank you Ginny."
Ginny felt tears enter her own eyes as she reached for him. He gathered her to him and laid his cheek on top of her head for a moment. "I'm no knight in shining armor, Ginny."
Ginny sighed and drew back to look up at him. "Yes, I'm well aware, and I'm no princess, as you might have noticed."
"So where does that leave us?"
Ginny looked up at him slyly. "I don't know. Why don't you kiss me again, and I'll mull it over?"
"Weasel, I'm serious. I'm not a very nice person. I am mean and nasty, and most of the time, I like being that way. Even when I am being the biggest bastard you ever met, I generally mean every word of it. You don't belong with me. You deserve someone better-"
"If you say someone like Harry Potter, I'm going to kick you in the shins. I don't understand why we have to have this conversation right now. Must I prostrate myself in front of you and beg for my kisses?" Ginny warned.
Draco grimaced. "No, not Potter. Potter's an imbecile. He had you at his fingertips all these years, and manages to wait around till you lost interest to notice you. Someone better than me or Potter."
"Draco, "Ginny said quietly, pulling Draco's face down level with hers. "You're forgetting one thing. I happen to be a capable thinking person. I am able to decide what I want on my own. I don't want Harry. I don't want anyone else. It's you, Draco. I want you."
Draco searched her face for a moment, as if he were looking for some sign of doubt. Finding none, he sighed a sigh of relief. Ginny twisted her mouth up and said, "Draco..."
"Yes Weasel?"
"I may not be princess material, but if you don't kiss me immediately, you're going to find yourself turned into a frog."
Draco burst out laughing and kissed her. At first she felt the amusement in his kiss, his lips curled up in a smile, even as they pressed against hers. But something happened when she traced her tongue along the outline of that smile. His kiss became demanding and his tongue forced its way into her mouth to curl with hers. He dragged her body against his as he hands came around her waist. She wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back in small circles. When she pulled his shirt from the waistband of his pants and touched the bare skin underneath, he growled low in his throat and dipped his head down to taste her neck as he began walking her backwards, still holding her tightly to him. When they reached the edge of the stage, Ginny had a fleeting feeling of lose as he pulled away long enough to pull the sweater she was wearing over her head. When it was gone, he dove back into her neck, tracing it up to her ear with his tongue. Ginny sucked in her breath as he nipped suddenly at her earlobe. His hands began to work the buttons of her blouse methodically till it hung open. He pushed it off her shoulders and his hands went to her back, deftly undoing the clasp of her bra. He gazed down at her breasts as he brought up a hand to cover one. When he lifted her up on the stage, making his face level with her chest, and took one in his mouth, Ginny moaned in pleasure. The sensation shooting through her was almost unbearable. Almost. Draco moved to her other breast, sucking at her nipple, making Ginny wrap her legs even tighter around him and pull him ever closer to her. Running her hands over his shoulders, Ginny murmured, "You're over-dressed." And began to work the buttons of his shirt. As she shoved it off his arms, she ran her hands over his chest and leaned down to kiss his collarbone. She felt his arms tremble as he lifted her up off the stage and carried her to the bed. Putting her down beside the bed on her feet, he captured her mouth again, his hands moved to the zipper at the back of her skirt. As it fell from Ginny's hips, she kicked it away, kicking off her loafers at the same time. Draco's hands roamed her backside as she moved to unbuckle his belt and undo the button on his pants. He followed her example by kicking away the pants and his shoes off at once.
Draco's hand moved across her stomach and lower still. When he put his fingers on the crotch of her knickers Ginny nearly jumped out of her skin. She swallowed when he pressed up against her and she could feel his need for her, hard and throbbing. He began to rub at her through her underwear and she felt a need in herself that she had never felt before. She'd kissed boys before, made out even, but no one had ever made her feel this...overwhelming need for more like Draco did. She was burning up and he was the only one that could put out the fire.
Draco's hands went to the waistband of her knickers, and he drew back his head and said, "Ginny, we can stop now. All you have to do is say the word. I don't want to pressure you to do something you're not ready to."
Ginny reached out and touched the bulge in his boxers and Draco gasped. "I don't want to stop. Please, don't stop Draco."
Draco crushed his mouth to hers as he snatched away her knickers. He pushed her backwards on to the bed and she propped herself on her elbows as she watched him get rid of his boxers. Ginny took in the sight of him, naked before her. At six foot two, Draco was tall and lean, but well muscled and smooth. His pale hair and skin as well as his aristocratic features made Ginny liken him to a Greek God.
Draco lay down beside her and pushed her back down into the pillows. He leaned in and kissed her with a kiss that seemed to Ginny to reach her very core of being. Then she felt his hand between her legs again. He nudged her legs apart slightly and touched the little nodule between her folds. Ginny jerked and gasped in pleasure and he moved two fingers down to slip inside her. As she panted, he moved his mouth, trailing kisses, from her mouth to her ear, whispering encouragement to her. He told her how beautiful she was, how badly he wanted her, how he wanted to learn the touches that made her gasp. Just when Ginny thought she would die with pleasure, Draco took his hand away and moved over her. As he nudged her legs apart, he whispered to her, "I can't wait anymore, Ginny."
"Then don't Draco, don't wait." She said as she opened to him.
He pushed himself inside her slowly, and at first Ginny thought she might panic, he seemed to fill her till she felt she would surely burst. But Draco kept kissing her and murmuring to her and she relaxed. Then he seemed to come up against a wall inside her. He stilled and said, "I thought it might be like this, but I didn't want to ask you if it was your first time. I didn't want you to think it mattered. Oh Ginny, I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't hurt me Draco." She said, smiling up at him.
He looked at her worried for a moment, then she felt him draw back slightly inside her and surge forward. For a moment there was a blinding pain, and she cried out, despite her biting her lip to try and stop herself. Immediately Draco stilled again, kissing her face in tiny butterfly kisses, kissing away the tears that spilled over her cheeks, saying, "I'm sorry Ginny. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Don't cry, please don't cry."
After a few moments the pain died away, and Ginny captured Draco's mouth in a long heated kiss. Slowly he began to move again, and Ginny found herself following his rhythm with her own hips. Slowly at first, they moved, and then faster, every stroke bringing Ginny to a place she'd never been before. As Ginny felt herself go over the edge of some unknown cliff, wave after wave of ecstasy washing over her, she felt Draco collapse against her as he went over with her, and she heard him cry in her ear, "Ginny, oh Ginny, I love you. I love you."
As tide of sensation ebbed away, Ginny felt Draco relax against her and wrapped her arms around him, savoring his weight on top of her. She felt him trembling against her in wonder. Her, little Ginny Weasley, able to reduce the regal Draco Malfoy into a trembling heap. A feeling of satisfaction washed over her for a moment when she felt him roll to the side of her. She looked up at him, as he leaned over her, gazing, with his head propped on his hand.
"Did you say...you said...you-"Ginny stammered.
"I said I love you." Draco said, searching her face for some sort of sign. "I think I fell in love with you that first night when you dared to blackmail me into letting you come back here to listen to me play. I didn't know it then though. I just knew I couldn't get you out of my head. I'd find myself thinking of you all the time. I'd search for you in the halls; I'd catch myself staring at you in the great hall at mealtimes. I'd come to this room every night, hoping you'd show up. Then I'd feel this overwhelming dread when you didn't, as though you'd had enough of my insults and weren't coming back, and then this infuriating relief when you'd show up again the next night. Then I'd force myself not to come, trying to convince myself I didn't need to see you. It drove me mad. I decided to put a stop to it. I thought I could go ahead and kiss you and get you out of my head. At the very least I thought it would drive you away, and I could try to forget about you. But when you responded to me that night, I knew I was lost. But then you were angry, and I thought that I'd blown any chance I had. Then you started letting Potter be around you more, and I was demented. Hating myself for caring, hating myself for driving you away, hating you because I thought you didn't care, and hating Potter, for once more getting something he didn't deserve. But then you came back. Right when I thought I'd just go off the deep end and check myself into St. Mungo's, you showed up that night with food and trying so hard to be kind to me. At first I thought it was pity, so I lashed out at you, once more trying to drive you away, when all I really wanted to do was hold you. But you stayed, and you said you wanted to be friends. It was a new concept for me, having a real friend. And I agreed because I'd have done anything at that point just to be able to sit in the same room with you and look at you. The funny thing was, no matter what my reasons were for agreeing to be your friend; I discovered that I liked you. There was more there than just a physical attraction. You're a very special person, Ginny, and I wanted to keep your friendship no matter what. So I kept my mouth shut about how I felt about you, and my hands to myself no matter how badly I wanted to touch you. Then the night you asked me about the dance, I blurted it out that it was you I wanted to ask before I could stop myself. I was so angry with myself for doing that; I practically ran to get away before I saw what I was sure was going to be laughter in your face.
When I saw you come into the great hall the night of the dance, and you smiled at me, I was so relieved because I knew you weren't upset or mad at me. I decided maybe you didn't get the glaring hint I'd given you, or thought I was just teasing you. I was content enough to know I still had your friendship. Then I watched Zabini maul you on the dance floor and knew I had to do something. Once more, I wore my heart on my sleeve and told you how beautiful you were. You seemed to make light of it, and so I thought it must be your way of avoiding a situation where you might have to disappoint me. I contented myself again with your friendship and just being so close to you. I was loath to hand you back over to Potter. When you took up for me to your brother my heart nearly burst though. It left me feeling like I really was the decent person you insisted I was to them.
When I looked around the hall later, and you were gone, I began to search for you. When I came up on you and Zabini, my temper got away from me. That he would talk about you like that, TOUCH you like that.... I wanted to kill him. And rest assured Princess, if he ever does again, I will. After rescuing you yet again, I wanted to go and hurt Potter for letting you get in that sort of situation to begin with. Then you implied that I should kiss you instead. I couldn't believe my good fortune, and didn't give you a chance to change your mind. I was ready to lay my heart at your feet then, even if you wanted to step on it, but you just smiled and said to leave it for then. I waffled between elation and terror for the next week. Elation that you might, you just might, feel a little something for me, and terror that you'd have time to think and realize what a big mistake you made and never want to speak to me again. I sent that owl to you this morning so afraid you wouldn't show up. When I looked out my window and saw you laughing in the snow, I couldn't resist going down to spy on you. When you slipped away from your friends and accosted me in the snow, I knew it would be alright though. I came back here when I left you to make this room spectacular for you tonight, thinking maybe... maybe I could make Ginny love me just a little."
Draco sat up and ran his hands though his hair. He took a breath shakily and said, "You don't have to love me back Ginny. But you should know that I love you. I'd do anything to be with you, even if you just want to be friends. I want more, I always will, but I'm willing to take what I can get."
Ginny looked up at him and saw all the confusion and humility in his face. Once again that thread of irritation at his fear. "I've already told you Draco, don't doubt yourself, it doesn't suit you. Look at me."
He lifted his face to look her in the eyes. She reached out for his hand and enfolded it in hers. "Don't you know how I feel by now? Why do you suppose I kept coming back to this room? The music is lovely, but it was you I came to see. Little by little you opened your heart for me to see, and little by little you captured mine. Do you think I could have given you what I just gave you if I didn't love you? I love you Draco Malfoy. You're an arrogant prat, a snobbish bastard, with a sharp tongue and a hateful attitude. You infuriate me and drive me absolutely nutters, but for all that, you're an intelligent, warm human being, with a sharp mind and an awfully funny, if somewhat warped, sense of humor. Your considerate and kind and you have a wonderfully artistic soul. And I love you."
He gathered her up in his arms and held her so tightly; Ginny couldn't breath for a moment. He buried his face in her hair and whispered, "Ginny Weasley loves me. Say it again please."
"I love you Draco. I love you, I love you, and I love you- "she was cut off by his mouth covering hers. Ginny mind kept replaying the words they had just said to each other as he laid her back down on the bed for the second time. Draco Malfoy loves me, she thought, before she was swept away on a wave of passion.
The next morning, all the Hogwart's students leaving for Christmas holidays piled into the train station at Hogsmeade. Since so few students were staying at the castle this year, the teachers decided to allow the few that were the opportunity to visit Hogsmeade one last time. Ginny and Ron were part of the ones to stay, as their parents were visiting Percy at his new Ministry job in Switzerland, along with Hermione, who's parents were going skiing, and Harry who always stayed. They were the only ones in Gryffindor to stay, along with three first year Ravenclaws, a couple of Hufflepuff seventh years, and one Slytherin, Draco Malfoy. Ginny took advantage of the trip to buy a last minute Christmas present. She managed to break away from her brother and his friends by implying she might be buying something extra for them, and searched the shops for the perfect gift. But what did you buy a Slytherin? A rich Slytherin at that. Draco must have everything he could possibly want already. Ginny was just about ready to give up and go back to Honeyduke's for chocolates when she spotted the music shop on a side street. She thought it was funny that she never noticed it before, as she entered the shop. After ambling down the aisles of instruments and sheet music, she found it.
It was a leather-bound book of blank staff paper. The leather was a dark brown and felt fine to the touch. The staff paper was an off white parchment that felt expensive under Ginny's fingers. She noticed as she opened the book that it was bound in such a way as to make the book lay flat and open no matter what page you turned to. Perfect for playing from. There was a green silk ribbon to mark the place. It was just the gift for Draco.
Ginny took the book up to the counter and wrote a short note on the card the clerk provided for her and tucked it into the book. She smiled with satisfaction as the clerk gift-wrapped the book in Slythernin colors. It had cost her every dime she had left of her meager savings to buy it, but it was well worth it. She thought Draco would be pleased. She tucked the book into her bags of sweets she had bought for Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and hurried to meet them at the three broomsticks.
The week before Christmas was agony for Ginny. Try as she might, there was no getting away from Harry, Ron and Hermione. With only the four of them in the tower, it was easier for them to notice Ginny when she tried to slip away. The one time she made it out of the common room, Harry had run her down in the corridor, smiling and asking her if she minded company. Hiding her frustration, Ginny had said of course not, and they walked and talked for an hour before making their way back to Gryffindor. As Ginny listened to Harry talk about being an auror after graduation next year, of having a family that would never know what it was like to be hated the way his aunt and uncle seemed to hate him, and of how grateful he was to have the Weasleys in his life, she realized what a wonderful person he was, and what a great catch he would be for any girl. If only Ginny could feel that way about him. She had always thought she did, from the time she was only ten and first laid eyes on Harry she had thought herself in love with him. But when the time came that he would finally notice Ginny, she found that he had treated her like a sister for far too long. The only thing she felt for Harry now was an affection that she felt for all her brothers. It was really too bad. Being mad for Harry Potter would be a lot simpler than being mad for Draco Malfoy.
When Christmas day finally arrived, Ron woke Ginny and Hermione by calling their names from the bottom of the stairs to the girls' dormitory. As they piled together in front of the fire, everyone chattered happily as they opened presents. Everyone got the standard Weasley sweater, of course from Mum, and there were assorted gifts of books and chocolates from each other for everyone. Ron gave Hermione a lovely silver music box and she nearly cried when she opened it. They all knew Ron had been saving since summer for a set of quidditch balls to practice with, and obviously he had abandoned that to spend his savings on Hermione's box. She leapt up and kissed him, leaving Ron flustered and red-faced, but smiling. Ginny was touched when Harry presented her with a pair of fur lined leather gloves, and he flushed with pleasure at her gift of a deluxe duffel bag that had pockets for his various quidditch gear, and even a place to strap his broom.
At breakfast, there was an air of season's joy among both the students and teachers. Dumbledore made a little speech and they all dug into the morning feast of all breakfast foods imaginable. Later, in her room with Hermione, as they dressed to go outside in the snow that had fallen the night before, an owl pecked at Ginny's window. Ginny opened it and the owl dropped a note into her hands. She quickly opened it and read.
You are invited to attend a private concert in the Music Room tonight.
"Who's it from Gin?" Asked Hermione, brushing her hair.
"What? Oh, it's a note from Professor Snape. He wants to see me this evening about my last essay." Ginny said, scrambling for an answer that provided an excuse to get away from the trio tonight.
"Leave it to Snape to try and work a student on Christmas. I'd complain to McGonagall, if I were you."
"Oh, no. I think it'd be easier in the end to just go see what he wants and get it over with."
"You're probably right. Its just so unfair though."
"Come on Hermione, the boys are waiting." Ginny said, changing the subject and nudging Hermione towards the door.
Outside, the snow was still falling lightly. Hermione and Ginny began a snowman, with Harry, Ron and the two Hufflepuffs pitching in. When he was done, one of the first year Ravenclaws clobbered Ron in the back of the head with a snowball.
"Bloody first year! I'll get you!" Cried Ron, lobbing snowballs back at the boy. Hermione tried to look uninterested and stay out of the way, till Harry smacked her in the face with one.
"Oh!" she cried, grabbing up snow to make her own snowball. This of course, led to all out war. Madame Hooch and Professor McGonagall were walking by when a snowball thrown by Marcus Stevens, from Hufflepuff, had the bad form to land at her feet. McGonagall turned to look at the students, who all froze as soon as they saw the snowball land, and said, "What is the meaning of this?" At which point Madame Hooch scooped up a handful of snow and said, "Oh, lighten up Minerva, its Christmas!" and lobbed the snow at Deana Carter, a Ravenclaw.
Ginny found herself allied with McGonagall, Hooch, Hermione, Deana, and Tash Digsby, from Hufflepuff, in all out snowball battle against Ron, Harry, Marcus, and Derrick and Davis Cedar, from Ravenclaw, and Hagrid, who had come along and joined in with the boys. When the battle was finally declared a draw, everyone laughing and plastered with snow, Ginny noticed Draco, leaning against the railing of the steps, watching the action. The teachers decided it was time to be grown ups again and went back indoors, telling the students that hot chocolate would be waiting in the great room. The boys decided they wanted to check the lake, to see if it had frozen before they went inside, and the girls followed along.
"Come on Gin!" Cried Harry, motioning to her as he and Ron led the pack to the lake path.
"You go on ahead. I'll catch up with you." Ginny replied.
She watched as Harry shrugged and trudged off, and then started walking towards Draco.
"Had enough of childish games, Weasel girl?" Draco said with a sneer.
Ginny quirked the corner of her mouth up at him. Typical Draco, she thought, but now she knew what was underneath and wouldn't let that bother her. "Why didn't you join us Ferret boy? I would have gotten a great amount of pleasure in plastering you with a snowball."
He smirked at her and said, "No thanks. I am much too dignified to participate in your hillbilly snowball fights. Besides, with the way you hit the net with the quaffle, I don't think you could get within a hundred yard of hitting me Weasel."
"Oh you think not?" she said, indignant despite her promise to herself not to let him ruffle her. Scooping up a particularly wet handful of snow, she let fly straight at him. Obviously he wasn't expecting it because it landed square on his chest. The outraged look he gave her was enough to have her rolling in the snow.
Scooping up a handful of snow he, Draco advanced on her prone body. "You'll pay for that Weasel girl."
Ginny jumped up and cried, "You'll have to catch me first Ferret boy!" and took off over the snow-covered grounds. She'd only just made it a few yards, behind some trees when she first felt the snowball hit the back of her head, then felt herself flying to the ground as he tackled her from behind.
"Oomph!" Ginny said, into the snow her face was buried in. She lay unmoving.
Panicked that he had hurt her, Draco quickly sat up. "Ginny, are you all right? I didn't mean-"He abruptly stopped as he rolled her over to see her laughing silently at him. Before he could react, she slammed a handful of snow in his face.
"You wicked little weasel! I ought to-"he was cut off again as Ginny suddenly grabbed him by the color of his cloak and snatched him down to kiss him. His lips immediately softened as they touched hers. Her hands twined in his long hair as she pulled him even closer. Finally he was lying on top of her, holding his weight on his elbows on either side of her. When they came up for air, he said, "Ginny, we ought not do this out here, what if they come back?"
"Draco, did anyone ever tell you that you talk entirely too much?" Ginny grumbled, trying to pull him back to her mouth. But he resisted her efforts, rising to his feet and pulling her up out of the snow.
"And did anyone ever tell you that you are a shockingly wanton witch? I'm scandalized, that such a good little Gryffindor would try to maul me in the out-of-doors. In broad daylight, no less!" he said with a grin.
Ginny was confused and frustrated for a moment. Didn't he want her? As she looked at him, she knew from his glazed eyes and heavy breathing that he did. Seeming to guess what she was thinking, he took her face in his hands and said, "You're wet and cold, and your prat brother and that idiot Potter will come stomping back any minute. As much as I'd enjoy beating them to a pulp, somehow I think it would ruin your Christmas if I did. And despite all my best intentions to be a bastard, I find I care that you have a good Christmas.... Tonight."
Ginny unconsciously licked her lips, not knowing that the sight of it made Draco's knees want to buckle. "Tonight" she whispered.
At that moment, the others could be heard shouting and laughing down the path on their way back from the lake. Draco shot a dark look towards the noise, leaned down to kiss Ginny's nose and strode away back towards the castle. Ginny watched him enter the big doors, then turned to meet her brother on the path as they talked about skating on the lake later today.
Draco wasn't in the great hall after Ginny and the others changed and came down for hot chocolate. Lunch and dinner were buffet affairs that day and Ginny supposed she missed Draco at both. When evening finally rolled around, she explained to the boys about Snape's note, and left quietly with the book for Draco hidden under her cloak.
As she approached the music room, Ginny could hear the music, Christmas melodies, coming from the piano already. She wasn't prepared for what she found when she entered though.
The room was transformed. It was clear of dust for one thing. The silk drapes on the walls had been washed and re-hung, the old chairs had been removed, and one over-large, over stuffed chair was center to the room before the stage. The huge windows had been washed and gleamed as the moonlight streamed in. The piano sparkled and reflected on its newly polished ebony surface. There was a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the corner, with a small gift under it, and a table full of candy and food beside it. There were candles everywhere, hundreds it seemed, on the windowsills, on tables, on the floor, and the piano. And in the corner of the stage, by a large crackling fireplace, was a bed. A big bed with tons of multicolored pillows and silken sheets and covers. A canopy of sheer material surrounded it. Ginny stared at the bed and bit her lip. She turned to look at Draco.
He looked rather nervous and to Ginny's amazement actually scuffed one of his shoes on the floor. Somehow it bothered her to no end to see him looking so uncertain of himself.
"Don't do that Malfoy. Don't loose confidence. It doesn't suit you."
He lifted his head and gazed at her fiercely, drawing his shoulders up and back.
"You did all this for me?" she asked sweeping her hand out.
"I bribed a couple of house elves to help a bit."
"It's beautiful." She said.
"You're beautiful, "he replied, his gray eyes growing dark and smokey.
Ginny felt her face grow red, but she did not drop his gaze. For a long moment they looked at each other and then he began to play. Ginny dropped into the chair and closed her eyes.
Finally the music stopped and before Ginny could open her eyes, she felt his breath on her cheek. "Are you hungry?" he asked.
"Yes, "Ginny said, and he laughed as though he'd read her thoughts again and knew it wasn't food she wanted. He led her to the table by the tree. They sat for a few minutes, talking about what they had gotten for Christmas, and ate. Then Draco said, "I have something for you." Getting the small box from under the tree.
"Actually, I have something for you too." She said, pulling the book out of a large inside pocket in her cloak.
Draco accepted the present, but did not move to open it yet. "You first, " he said and pushed the box into her hands.
Ginny's fingers trembled when she lifted the gold charm bracelet from the box. It was fine and lovely and there were golden musical notes dangling from the chain every few links. "Oh Draco, it's so...so lovely."
"So you can carry my music with you, where ever you go." He said, helping her with the clasp on her wrist.
"Now you." She said, smiling at him.
Draco opened the gift and gazed at the leather book of blank staff paper. He ran his hand across the fine leather, and opened it and fingered the pages of parchment, just as Ginny had in the store. He opened the book and Ginny's note card fell out. He picked it up off his lap and read, "Draco, The perfect place to put your perfect sonata. Ginny".
Draco held his head down silently for a few moments, and Ginny began to worry that he didn't like the book. Then he looked up at her and she was aghast to see his eyes shimmer with unshed tears.
He croaked out at her, "I don't know what to say. Everyone discourages my music at home. Father calls it a waste of time. He got rid of my piano at the manor when he thought I was spending too much time with it. This is the first time someone's given me something to do with it. And something so wonderful too. Thank you Ginny."
Ginny felt tears enter her own eyes as she reached for him. He gathered her to him and laid his cheek on top of her head for a moment. "I'm no knight in shining armor, Ginny."
Ginny sighed and drew back to look up at him. "Yes, I'm well aware, and I'm no princess, as you might have noticed."
"So where does that leave us?"
Ginny looked up at him slyly. "I don't know. Why don't you kiss me again, and I'll mull it over?"
"Weasel, I'm serious. I'm not a very nice person. I am mean and nasty, and most of the time, I like being that way. Even when I am being the biggest bastard you ever met, I generally mean every word of it. You don't belong with me. You deserve someone better-"
"If you say someone like Harry Potter, I'm going to kick you in the shins. I don't understand why we have to have this conversation right now. Must I prostrate myself in front of you and beg for my kisses?" Ginny warned.
Draco grimaced. "No, not Potter. Potter's an imbecile. He had you at his fingertips all these years, and manages to wait around till you lost interest to notice you. Someone better than me or Potter."
"Draco, "Ginny said quietly, pulling Draco's face down level with hers. "You're forgetting one thing. I happen to be a capable thinking person. I am able to decide what I want on my own. I don't want Harry. I don't want anyone else. It's you, Draco. I want you."
Draco searched her face for a moment, as if he were looking for some sign of doubt. Finding none, he sighed a sigh of relief. Ginny twisted her mouth up and said, "Draco..."
"Yes Weasel?"
"I may not be princess material, but if you don't kiss me immediately, you're going to find yourself turned into a frog."
Draco burst out laughing and kissed her. At first she felt the amusement in his kiss, his lips curled up in a smile, even as they pressed against hers. But something happened when she traced her tongue along the outline of that smile. His kiss became demanding and his tongue forced its way into her mouth to curl with hers. He dragged her body against his as he hands came around her waist. She wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back in small circles. When she pulled his shirt from the waistband of his pants and touched the bare skin underneath, he growled low in his throat and dipped his head down to taste her neck as he began walking her backwards, still holding her tightly to him. When they reached the edge of the stage, Ginny had a fleeting feeling of lose as he pulled away long enough to pull the sweater she was wearing over her head. When it was gone, he dove back into her neck, tracing it up to her ear with his tongue. Ginny sucked in her breath as he nipped suddenly at her earlobe. His hands began to work the buttons of her blouse methodically till it hung open. He pushed it off her shoulders and his hands went to her back, deftly undoing the clasp of her bra. He gazed down at her breasts as he brought up a hand to cover one. When he lifted her up on the stage, making his face level with her chest, and took one in his mouth, Ginny moaned in pleasure. The sensation shooting through her was almost unbearable. Almost. Draco moved to her other breast, sucking at her nipple, making Ginny wrap her legs even tighter around him and pull him ever closer to her. Running her hands over his shoulders, Ginny murmured, "You're over-dressed." And began to work the buttons of his shirt. As she shoved it off his arms, she ran her hands over his chest and leaned down to kiss his collarbone. She felt his arms tremble as he lifted her up off the stage and carried her to the bed. Putting her down beside the bed on her feet, he captured her mouth again, his hands moved to the zipper at the back of her skirt. As it fell from Ginny's hips, she kicked it away, kicking off her loafers at the same time. Draco's hands roamed her backside as she moved to unbuckle his belt and undo the button on his pants. He followed her example by kicking away the pants and his shoes off at once.
Draco's hand moved across her stomach and lower still. When he put his fingers on the crotch of her knickers Ginny nearly jumped out of her skin. She swallowed when he pressed up against her and she could feel his need for her, hard and throbbing. He began to rub at her through her underwear and she felt a need in herself that she had never felt before. She'd kissed boys before, made out even, but no one had ever made her feel this...overwhelming need for more like Draco did. She was burning up and he was the only one that could put out the fire.
Draco's hands went to the waistband of her knickers, and he drew back his head and said, "Ginny, we can stop now. All you have to do is say the word. I don't want to pressure you to do something you're not ready to."
Ginny reached out and touched the bulge in his boxers and Draco gasped. "I don't want to stop. Please, don't stop Draco."
Draco crushed his mouth to hers as he snatched away her knickers. He pushed her backwards on to the bed and she propped herself on her elbows as she watched him get rid of his boxers. Ginny took in the sight of him, naked before her. At six foot two, Draco was tall and lean, but well muscled and smooth. His pale hair and skin as well as his aristocratic features made Ginny liken him to a Greek God.
Draco lay down beside her and pushed her back down into the pillows. He leaned in and kissed her with a kiss that seemed to Ginny to reach her very core of being. Then she felt his hand between her legs again. He nudged her legs apart slightly and touched the little nodule between her folds. Ginny jerked and gasped in pleasure and he moved two fingers down to slip inside her. As she panted, he moved his mouth, trailing kisses, from her mouth to her ear, whispering encouragement to her. He told her how beautiful she was, how badly he wanted her, how he wanted to learn the touches that made her gasp. Just when Ginny thought she would die with pleasure, Draco took his hand away and moved over her. As he nudged her legs apart, he whispered to her, "I can't wait anymore, Ginny."
"Then don't Draco, don't wait." She said as she opened to him.
He pushed himself inside her slowly, and at first Ginny thought she might panic, he seemed to fill her till she felt she would surely burst. But Draco kept kissing her and murmuring to her and she relaxed. Then he seemed to come up against a wall inside her. He stilled and said, "I thought it might be like this, but I didn't want to ask you if it was your first time. I didn't want you to think it mattered. Oh Ginny, I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't hurt me Draco." She said, smiling up at him.
He looked at her worried for a moment, then she felt him draw back slightly inside her and surge forward. For a moment there was a blinding pain, and she cried out, despite her biting her lip to try and stop herself. Immediately Draco stilled again, kissing her face in tiny butterfly kisses, kissing away the tears that spilled over her cheeks, saying, "I'm sorry Ginny. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Don't cry, please don't cry."
After a few moments the pain died away, and Ginny captured Draco's mouth in a long heated kiss. Slowly he began to move again, and Ginny found herself following his rhythm with her own hips. Slowly at first, they moved, and then faster, every stroke bringing Ginny to a place she'd never been before. As Ginny felt herself go over the edge of some unknown cliff, wave after wave of ecstasy washing over her, she felt Draco collapse against her as he went over with her, and she heard him cry in her ear, "Ginny, oh Ginny, I love you. I love you."
As tide of sensation ebbed away, Ginny felt Draco relax against her and wrapped her arms around him, savoring his weight on top of her. She felt him trembling against her in wonder. Her, little Ginny Weasley, able to reduce the regal Draco Malfoy into a trembling heap. A feeling of satisfaction washed over her for a moment when she felt him roll to the side of her. She looked up at him, as he leaned over her, gazing, with his head propped on his hand.
"Did you say...you said...you-"Ginny stammered.
"I said I love you." Draco said, searching her face for some sort of sign. "I think I fell in love with you that first night when you dared to blackmail me into letting you come back here to listen to me play. I didn't know it then though. I just knew I couldn't get you out of my head. I'd find myself thinking of you all the time. I'd search for you in the halls; I'd catch myself staring at you in the great hall at mealtimes. I'd come to this room every night, hoping you'd show up. Then I'd feel this overwhelming dread when you didn't, as though you'd had enough of my insults and weren't coming back, and then this infuriating relief when you'd show up again the next night. Then I'd force myself not to come, trying to convince myself I didn't need to see you. It drove me mad. I decided to put a stop to it. I thought I could go ahead and kiss you and get you out of my head. At the very least I thought it would drive you away, and I could try to forget about you. But when you responded to me that night, I knew I was lost. But then you were angry, and I thought that I'd blown any chance I had. Then you started letting Potter be around you more, and I was demented. Hating myself for caring, hating myself for driving you away, hating you because I thought you didn't care, and hating Potter, for once more getting something he didn't deserve. But then you came back. Right when I thought I'd just go off the deep end and check myself into St. Mungo's, you showed up that night with food and trying so hard to be kind to me. At first I thought it was pity, so I lashed out at you, once more trying to drive you away, when all I really wanted to do was hold you. But you stayed, and you said you wanted to be friends. It was a new concept for me, having a real friend. And I agreed because I'd have done anything at that point just to be able to sit in the same room with you and look at you. The funny thing was, no matter what my reasons were for agreeing to be your friend; I discovered that I liked you. There was more there than just a physical attraction. You're a very special person, Ginny, and I wanted to keep your friendship no matter what. So I kept my mouth shut about how I felt about you, and my hands to myself no matter how badly I wanted to touch you. Then the night you asked me about the dance, I blurted it out that it was you I wanted to ask before I could stop myself. I was so angry with myself for doing that; I practically ran to get away before I saw what I was sure was going to be laughter in your face.
When I saw you come into the great hall the night of the dance, and you smiled at me, I was so relieved because I knew you weren't upset or mad at me. I decided maybe you didn't get the glaring hint I'd given you, or thought I was just teasing you. I was content enough to know I still had your friendship. Then I watched Zabini maul you on the dance floor and knew I had to do something. Once more, I wore my heart on my sleeve and told you how beautiful you were. You seemed to make light of it, and so I thought it must be your way of avoiding a situation where you might have to disappoint me. I contented myself again with your friendship and just being so close to you. I was loath to hand you back over to Potter. When you took up for me to your brother my heart nearly burst though. It left me feeling like I really was the decent person you insisted I was to them.
When I looked around the hall later, and you were gone, I began to search for you. When I came up on you and Zabini, my temper got away from me. That he would talk about you like that, TOUCH you like that.... I wanted to kill him. And rest assured Princess, if he ever does again, I will. After rescuing you yet again, I wanted to go and hurt Potter for letting you get in that sort of situation to begin with. Then you implied that I should kiss you instead. I couldn't believe my good fortune, and didn't give you a chance to change your mind. I was ready to lay my heart at your feet then, even if you wanted to step on it, but you just smiled and said to leave it for then. I waffled between elation and terror for the next week. Elation that you might, you just might, feel a little something for me, and terror that you'd have time to think and realize what a big mistake you made and never want to speak to me again. I sent that owl to you this morning so afraid you wouldn't show up. When I looked out my window and saw you laughing in the snow, I couldn't resist going down to spy on you. When you slipped away from your friends and accosted me in the snow, I knew it would be alright though. I came back here when I left you to make this room spectacular for you tonight, thinking maybe... maybe I could make Ginny love me just a little."
Draco sat up and ran his hands though his hair. He took a breath shakily and said, "You don't have to love me back Ginny. But you should know that I love you. I'd do anything to be with you, even if you just want to be friends. I want more, I always will, but I'm willing to take what I can get."
Ginny looked up at him and saw all the confusion and humility in his face. Once again that thread of irritation at his fear. "I've already told you Draco, don't doubt yourself, it doesn't suit you. Look at me."
He lifted his face to look her in the eyes. She reached out for his hand and enfolded it in hers. "Don't you know how I feel by now? Why do you suppose I kept coming back to this room? The music is lovely, but it was you I came to see. Little by little you opened your heart for me to see, and little by little you captured mine. Do you think I could have given you what I just gave you if I didn't love you? I love you Draco Malfoy. You're an arrogant prat, a snobbish bastard, with a sharp tongue and a hateful attitude. You infuriate me and drive me absolutely nutters, but for all that, you're an intelligent, warm human being, with a sharp mind and an awfully funny, if somewhat warped, sense of humor. Your considerate and kind and you have a wonderfully artistic soul. And I love you."
He gathered her up in his arms and held her so tightly; Ginny couldn't breath for a moment. He buried his face in her hair and whispered, "Ginny Weasley loves me. Say it again please."
"I love you Draco. I love you, I love you, and I love you- "she was cut off by his mouth covering hers. Ginny mind kept replaying the words they had just said to each other as he laid her back down on the bed for the second time. Draco Malfoy loves me, she thought, before she was swept away on a wave of passion.