Chapter 8- Ginny the Scared

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This is just a short little teaser, like a chapterette,  that I wanted to put up…for no real reason. I simply couldn't waste such a perfect cliff-hanger opportunity, you'll see what I mean at the end of this chapter.

Disclaimer: JK's chapters are much longer than mine!

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"Wake up."

Ginny felt a soft tugging at her shoulder and she opened her eyes sleepily.

"Huh?" she mumbled rubbing her face and trying to clear her vision. Draco's face swam into view just above hers.

"Come on Virginia its time to get up." He said giving her another little shake.

Ginny looked around, disorientated. The room was still pitch black with the exception of a solitary candle Draco had obviously lit. Confused by the lack of sunlight coming in through the hospital wing windows she turned back to Draco.

"What time is it?" she asked groggily.

"Five 'o' clock." He replied airily.

"IN THE MORNING?!" Ginny shrieked, suddenly wide awake, "Are you crazy?"

Draco smirked and pulled her to her feet. "I thought that would wake you up nicely. Quit whining, you're awake now so the worst part is over."

"I wouldn't push your luck Draco." Ginny growled, "You might still be standing and unharmed now but I wouldn't test your good fortune if I was you." She stretched then another thought struck her, "Wait a minute!" she exclaimed, "Why are we awake so bloody early? Doesn't the sun get mad if people are up before it even is?"

"I promise you we won't incur any wrath from the sun Gods." Draco said shoving a bundle of her clothes into her arms, "It would be a good idea if we were already in the forest when we hit 7. That way if there is any trouble we'll stand a better chance of getting away."

Ginny's eyebrows contracted in thought. She wasn't sure she agreed with that plan. It seemed to her that Draco was out to save his own skin. All her fears about the forbidden forest welled up inside of her and she began to tremble, a little from anger and a little from fright.

"You'll have a better chance you mean!" she accused him hotly, "So is this the coward you really are Draco? Afraid of being connected to me in case I drag you back?" Ginny knew she sounded a little irrational but she really was scared of the forest. The creatures in there seemed to delight in attacking anything that foolishly wandered across their path. Her first and fourth year had provided her with enough evidence of that. Her terror of giant spiders or centaurs or skeletal horses drove her to react more hysterically than she normally would.

Draco took a step backwards and held up his hands as if to ward of her attack. "Hey, wait a minute!" he said crossly, "What are you taking your fear out on me for? I think we both know who the coward is around here."

"Fine I'm a coward, but so are you!" Ginny shot back then she put her head in her hands. "Oh I don't even know what I'm talking about anymore." she said miserably then she lifted her head again and glared at him, "The fact of the matter is I'm scared enough of that bloody forest but now that I know that if there's any sign of trouble you'll be scarpering I'm frickin' terrified. Can't you see that?"

Draco's eyes widened and he shook his head slowly, "Is that why you think I suggested the time arrangement?" he asked unbelievingly.

"Oh and I suppose you're trying to tell me that I'm wrong?" Ginny shouted, trying to keep her tears at bay.

Draco grabbed Ginny by the shoulders and gave her a little shake.

"That's exactly what I'm telling you, you silly girl." He said vehemently, "If, and I'm only saying if, something happens and you're in danger you can run and I… damn I'm at risk of sounding chivalrous here …but I can do my best to dissuade the danger from following you." Ginny pointedly looked away from him and he grasped her chin and locked eyes with her. "Virginia I've already promised Hagrid and now I'm telling you, I won't let anything happen to you. Simple self-preservation rules apply here. Hagrid is a half giant, you get eaten by some creepy creature that for some inexplicable reason doesn't like 'young uns' and I'm dead. Then after I'm dead and buried some creepy Gryffindors in search of revenge at the loss of the one beauty in the entire house will dig me up and kill me again."

Ginny stared at him in surprise. The one beauty? She thought, a smile tipped the corners of her mouth and she nodded slightly.

"Yes, OK. You're right, I'm sorry." She apologised.

Draco released her but kept his eyes squarely on hers, "Good." He said calmly, "Now try and keep it together. The forest is only as frightening as you allow it to be."

"Yeah right." She said quietly but she put on a brave front for Draco.

"Oh and one more thing." Draco added, "Don't you ever call me a coward again."

Ginny looked down and bit her cheek to stop herself laughing at his superiority and hurting his precious pride even further.

"Consider me thoroughly chastised." She said seriously.

He rolled his eyes, "Whatever, get dressed and let's get going."

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They entered the outskirts of the forest cautiously and Ginny shivered as the dark atmosphere enveloped her.

"For the last time, are you absolutely sure about this?" she asked inching closer to him and glancing fearfully around.

"Yes I bloody am!" he snapped and she nodded, reassured by his certainty and strong presence beside her. Draco marched forward and Ginny trotted after him keeping her eyes fixed on him so as to avoid looking at her creepy surroundings. The trees grew closer and closer together the further they went in and the path began to peter off then disappeared altogether. A low mist lying mist clung to the hems of their robes and made Ginny shiver. Not much of the early morning light managed to struggle through the dense overhanging branches and often they passed through patches of complete darkness.

"Do you know where you're going? You better not be dragging me into some kind of evil trap." Ginny said, not really angry but desperate to break the oppressive silence. Draco sighed.

"Hagrid said to go North West so that's where we're headed. Would you stop whining?!" he replied crossly. Offended by his hard tone and his reference to her questions as whining Ginny felt her temper truly rise and she moved away from him and crossed her arms. "Stay close to me!" Draco's voice rang out quickly and sharply and Ginny, sensing an opportunity to annoy him, smirked.

"I don't know if you've noticed Draco," she said sarcastically, "but it's not exactly as if I'm going to go wandering off." She indicated her right wrist and then, just to push his buttons a little bit more, moved to the furthest point she could away from him. Even at this short distance Draco seemed to be fading away into the gloom.

"Virginia," Draco said warningly, "Come back here beside me, right now!"

"Stop ordering me about." She snapped back.

"I'm serious, it's not safe…" Draco began reaching out for her but she avoided his grasp.

"Would you stop whining?" she quoted him facetiously.

"Virginia!" he thundered at her and she flinched but held her ground.

"Quit invading my personal space." She ordered, "What could possibly happen to…" she didn't get to finish her sentence as suddenly the leaf strewn ground beneath her silently opened up and swallowed her. One minute Ginny was standing next to Draco and the next she had fallen into a deep, dark pit.

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Don't you just hate me?! The next chapter will be up soon, I promise… I know I've said that before but believe me this time! I was totally overwhelmed with happiness at the reviews from chapter 7. Thank you so much to:

Bigreader: You've never heard of a bazooka? Okay just think really big gun. You know in cartoons when they go over the top, we're talking that sort of gun! Ah we can't have the kiss yet! There is still too much leading up to do. But I promise you it is not far away. Down Bessie, I'm not going to kill Harry! Sheesh! Okay the kiss will happen the kill will not! Thanks for reading and reviewing so…scarily, lol!

Sazzy7: You want the kiss now too? Well blimey people settle down, it's only the 8th chapter! I like to drag these things out. Ah well you kinda find out what happens in the forest in this chapter, hope you liked. Thanks for continuing to read and review, you're a doll.

Toriisen: Argh I knew it! I knew I could get you to admit my writing is rushed! I love my birthday too but I guess Draco just couldn't take the happy-happy celebrations! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing so faithfully.

Sark Lover: Eek sorry. What gets up your goat about it? I guess there isn't only one mardi gras…is that what you're upset about? I went to the Sydney one last year, it was so much fun, sparkles and glitter, my extremely drunk friends….joy all round! No kissy, kissy yet, you're all just going to have to wait. : p Thank you for always reviewing and in such a way to make me want to update more.

Thepixiecomplex: I'm glad you think so, thanks very much!

LiTtLe-bLaCk-sTaR: Yeah I thought everybody would know about the xox thing. I always sign my name as Jess x in cards and stuff. I thought it would be funny if Ginny, who would probably know about these things, could educate Draco, who definitely wouldn't! I'm glad you thought it was sweet, cos I thought so too! Well they didn't exactly forget but at the moment they're kinda trying to avoid the subject. Both are a little tetchy when it comes to Harry. As for the last part of your review well…it's a romance story, what do you think?! Harry will be back soon to cause mischief and mayhem never you fear! Thanks for always reviewing and being "the wind beneath my wings"! I've always thought that was a weird bit of a song. I mean most of us don't have wings…maybe someone should check that out!

Charmed-Goddess-07: Oh I get included in your cheer?! Yay. It won't end for several chapters yet, I promise. There will be some romance very soon indeed, in the next couple of chapters, definitely...maybe! Thanks for always reviewing so wonderfully and convincing me people are reading and enjoying.

Meena2: Two awesomes? Double yay! Thank you.

Nitestar: Yep I reckon they would really miss each other. I'm so happy you love it and you haven't really had to wait too long. You have such nice manners how could I refuse? Thanks so much for reviewing.

Bean: Thank you for making me feel better about the chapter. Ah they don't kiss simply because they still have a lot of awkwardness between them. And anyway it is only chapter 8, I need to drag it out a bit longer I think!  Esmerelda makes her appearance in the next chapter. She is slightly evil but I love her. I think she's the only character I've made up in this story and I'm kind of proud of her. I do aim to make people laugh so I'm so glad you did! Ginny's conversation with herself is the sort of thing my family does. If you say hi to someone and they're too busy to reply or whatever we're all like: "Hi Jess, how was your day? Well it was wonderful thank you!" to ourselves. I don't know where it sprang from but we always have done that. I stuck it in without even thinking! I like the word lovely, thank you for using it in connection with my story!

Francis Flute: gasps, chokes and in general makes a whole lot of confused but excited noises give JK a run for her molah? Are you insane? I am so ridiculously flattered by that :) Thank you so much!

Bunny/Sailor Moon: You don't thank me, I thank you! I used to be totally obsessed with sailor moon! My friends and I used to call Darien metre stick men and we dressed up a ruler in a little tuxedo and hat. I still listen to all the songs, I like the Chinese beginning theme, it's very rocky! Anyway thank you for saying you're enjoying my story, that's why I write! Thanks over and over again.

Rutupatel: I didn't like it all that much because it was too rushed, but if you liked it that's fantastic! Didn't you know about the xox thing? Oh well that's good that you learnt something! Thank you so much for reviewing.

Noire1: Don't worry, you haven't missed much! I'm so glad you love it, I'm loving writing it so there are at least two people happy! A flair, my descriptions? I always thought I didn't do enough descriptions and relied too much on dialogue…but I like dialogue and anyway you all know what the place looks like because you've read the proper books. Thank you anyway your review made me all happy inside.

Riotgirl-gc: Oh no not Love: A Magic!!! Horror of horrors that was my first one! I should really take it down but it amuses me to read it occasionally. Okay it might not be that bad but I think this one is a whole lot better, don't you? This one has a different style at least. I thought the card was sweet too. Thanks for reviewing and continuing to review, giving me a big happy smile :)

Loving FanFics: I'm so glad you love it! Oh there are plenty of good Draco/Ginny fics out there, I just didn't think there were enough with a sort of humorous side to it. I like romances that poke fun at themselves and I hope that's what this one does! I'm glad you picked up on the fact that the attachment means there are a lot of cozy scenes. If you read my other two stories….and I'm not suggesting you do, they're rubbish, you'll see that I focussed too much on dramatic exits, whenever anything got good they ran away. I still have a bit of that but on the whole it is impossible. The whole plot idea was simply so I would stop with the choppy encounters and make something actually happen! Oh wow you commented on my dialogue, I love writing dialogue…as you can tell! I think Draco's OCC is made up by the fact that he's funny. The dialogue fits? Geez, that's so nice of you to say but I'm not sure I believe you! The characters are like in a real Harry Potter book? Stop you're making me blush! With reviews like yours how could I possibly stop writing?! Thank you, thank you a million times over!

Jessiebear: okay you're not unhappy! HA you can't say that I don't update enough if you're beta is going to lynch you! Mine isn't going to do that…of course I don't have one so I guess that could be a reason! Thanks for reviewing and being so happy about another chapter! I hear you, I hear you!

Thanks everyone and don't stress. I know this is a tiny chapter but I'll put another one up in the next couple of days and it will be really long, promise.

Jess/star123

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