A/N: Big thank you to everyone who reviewed, you all rock!
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Chapter 1 A sheep in wolves clothing
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The night air was cold with a slight moisture lingering. It was Early November, the weather was preparing for the long wintry months ahead. Meanwhile, in the world below, A certain red head stirred softly in her sleep. The icy wind was coming in through the crack in the window and was disturbing the soft hair on the back of her neck. She sighed harshly whilst rubbing her eyes groggily; she didn't need a guess as to what was stirring her.
"Damn that window!" She grumbled sleepily.
Slowly she rose from the bed. The floor was like ice on her delicate feet, her body yearned for her warm bed again. She cursed flatly whilst locking the latch for the third time that night. The moon was full tonight and Ginny hoped there were no werewolves staying in the three broomsticks. Her thoughts were suddenly on Remus Lupin, the professor that had eventually become her favourite. To everyone's delight, and relief, he'd been accepted back at Hogwarts in her sixth year, looking much happy and healthier. In the war against Voldemort many of the students had the confidence to fight because of the expert and reliable teachings of the werewolf. "Poor creatures" she heaved as she gazed out over the peaceful landscape.
Ginny Weasley lived in a small semi-detached cottage in Hogesmade. The garden was small and well kept, with a cute white fence. She'd lived here, alone, for 2 years now. In the paper at the time, it was going at an affordable price and she couldn't pass up the charming little building. 2 minutes down the road lay the village of Hogesmade, in the night it looked like a peaceful model village that she often saw in the toyshop.
20 minutes after that, in the distance, stood Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. How she missed her dorm, the red drapes on the beds made her feel like a princess, although she didn't miss the gossiping roommates that much. The haunting beauty of the lake, her saviour for the times she felt alone or wanted to think, it was always, in her mind, there to listen to her. Lastly, not forgetting Hagrids care of magical creatures classes.
A small smile crept up on her face. Apart from those things, she was glad to be out on her own. No more being ignored, no more loneliness and finally no more living in the trios shadow. Voices flashed through her mind every time she thought of them at school.
"Look there goes the only member of the potter posse."
"Why doesn't she get her own life?"
"His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad...." Ginny did not have it easy at hogwarts at all; she would often be lonely with no real friend that she could talk to.apart from one.
The trio, were now fully independent adults and worked hard for a living. Ron and Hermione had married 2 months after graduation, which surprised nobody the slightest - and now had a two year-old son named Toby. They lived in London in a huge flat on Diagon Alley; they were - not by a long shot - poor. Ron was working for the ministry; for the department of Magical creatures and Hermione was assistant, and soon to be manager of Flourish and Blotts. Ginny and her sister in law met every Sunday for coffee in the three broomsticks for girly chats essential to a woman's life.
Harry potter- the big fat pillock in Ginny's eyes, was playing as seeker for the Chudley Cannons as well as being a part time auror for the ministry. He was the centre of attention in the wizarding world labelled, as the hero who defeated the dark lord, along with witch weekly's top hunk.
The press followed him anywhere and everywhere, holidays, funerals, meetings and his honeymoon.. Also the centre of attention and Harry's wife - and not to mention most hated woman in the Harry Potter fan clubs of women across the globe - Was Pansy Parkinson-Potter. The couple first announced they were together after the graduation ball at Hogwarts, for 2 whole hours they couldn't top dancing with each other and from that point on had become a couple, much to the relief of a certain blonde haired man and the disappointment of Ginny.
Ginny had tried everything - everything! to get Harry's attention in her 6th year, but he didn't see her for anything but Ron's little sister, even though she had a body of a goddess; which caused many of the male population at school to open their mouths in disbelief and desire. At one point, she even went through the trouble of buying a short skirt from Madame malkins, but even her long legs weren't tempting enough, at least she got someone else's attention; Ron's bright red livid face along with eye popping when she presented herself in the common room that morning still bought a smile onto her face.
At the end of the school year, she gathered the courage to ask him how he felt about her, as she would hardly ever see him. Ginny was heartbroken and not to mention pissed off when he said "He'd never thought of her that way, and only had eyes for Pansy." (o_O)
'The bastard, I can't believe I spent 6 years chasing him!' she cried inwardly. Snapping out of her thoughts she looked up at the bright white moon, remembering a perfect moment.....
'Oh my God' she gasped inwardly as a gloomy form riding a broomstick fly out from behind a soft silvery cloud. Eyes widened in disbelief, Ginny watched as the figure slowed down steadily, yet make a rather wobbly landing in the cobbled road outside the three broomsticks.
'I wonder who'd be wanting a room at 3.20 in the morning?'
Ginny furrowed her curved eyebrow; maybe she was just imagining things, yes that was right - she'd finally gone mad. Laughing at her own craziness, the petite redhead climbed back into bed and snuggled deep into her duvet, a private image still present in her mind.
*
"Come on, Come on!" Draco hissed as he hammered on the door of the tavern. His hands were freezing and his feet were numb, riding a broomstick through the air at 3 in the morning wasn't one of his wisest decisions.
'Let me in before someone sees me, please!'
After 2 minutes of pounding, a very annoyed and sleepy looking Madame' Rosemerta appeared with a lantern - and much to Draco's annoyance, her wand. Would he really be banging on the door if he were about to assonate someone, geez.
"What do - (yawn) - you want at this time of - (yawn) - night?" She inquired unenthusiastically through hooded eyes.
"I would like a room, as soon as possible." he snapped in his presumptuous and demanding Malfoy manner, acknowledged throughout the wizarding world. That superior remark woke the landlady right up. Draco winced inwardly as her face contorted with fury. He remembered that look well, that was the look past hotties used when they found he'd been cheating on them.
"Well you don't have to take that tone with me Mr Malfoy!" she shouted back, her face turning beet red. "Just because you're a Malfoy it doesn't-" she stopped abruptly when she saw his blood stained arm - which by now had bled to a point where he'd ripped his shirt arm off. On his upper left arm shone the profound black tattoo of the darkmark, the tattoo of the skull with a snake protruding form its open mouth. She goggled her eyes in astonishment as she saw it and slammed the door shut in his face, he could hear her petrified gibbering on the other side of the door.
'Shit!' Draco punished himself mentally for being so careless. He looked at the cause of the woman's sudden panic. 'You Stupid moron Lucius - forcing this hideous thing on me.' There was no way in hell Madame Rosemerta was going to let him in now. She was probably Flooing the ministry, demanding for the Aurors to come and take him away.
Upon realising this might actually 'be' happening, Draco ran swiftly up the road past the steel gates to the village and hid in a bush near 2 semi- detached cottages. And soon enough, seconds after he had taken refuge in the dark bushes; 5 Aurors apparated into the murky street with their wands held high. They began knocking on doors making hurried inquiries to the sleepy people asking if they had seen anything. 2 of them started blasting the bushes apart and replacing them afterwards in an attempt to stun him if he were there.
'Oh no, what the hell am I gonna do now?'
He looked up fretfully at the building beside him, the house looked undisturbed and shadowy, maybe nobody was home? Checking the coast was clear; Draco jumped over the fence and ran around the back of 'The Haven' - he'd noticed the rustic plaque on the wall beside the front door whilst hiding in the shrubbery. After rounding the corner, he peeked back at the road, which was now swarming with 15 Aurors blasting apart more bushes and firing into trees. He could hear the 2 aurors closest to him shouting over their wand blasts.
"What make yer think 'e aint disapparated Ern?" bellowed the taller of the two, examining a nearby tree. The other man growled in frustration as the holly bush he'd just blasted apart was empty.
"Maybe he has Tom, but if he was panicking he wouldn't be able to would he? He'd splinch himself if he tried.... He's around here somewhere." The man named Ern shouted back as he detonated yet another bush.
Draco frowned at the other mans astuteness, "Damn Aurors, I'll be caught for sure now." he murmured. For the first time, in a long time, Draco Malfoy began to panic and Malfoys did not panic, they had to remain calm at all times. He knew one thing, he wasn't going back to his father; they'd have to kill him first and he was NOT going to Azkaban for saving himself from that lunatic.
Throwing his bag desperately on the floor, he rummaged around inside it for his favourite cloak, a black all-purpose one with silvery/blue lining on the inside and silver dragon clasp to match. He pulled it on quickly, with pains of protest from his arm, and rolled up the sleeve so not to stain his cloak. Taking a deep steadying breath he knocked on the door.
*
Knock-knock-knock.
Ginny opened her eyes slowly, was someone knocking on the door?
Bang-Bang,
Yes.
She jumped and slid out of bed, the floor was still freezing making her pale skin shudder with goose pimples. Grabbing her dressing gown and more importantly her wand, Ginny made her way apprehensively down the oak stairs and through the kitchen to the back door. Raising her hand to the doorknob she hesitated for a moment, did she really want to open the door? She could pretend she wasn't there. However, another impatient bang made her irritated. She raised her wand to the door and pulled it open, her face set.
Draco opened his mouth to speak, but froze when he saw the wand pointed at his chest, glancing upwards he gasped as he looked into the beautiful lightly freckled face, that undoubtedly belonged to the youngest weasley. Ginny's face paled slightly, her mouth going slack at one corner. She lowered the holly wand upon realising who this person was. No one could forget a pair of piercing grey eyes like that.
"Draco? Draco Malfoy what - what are you doing here?" The red shimmering on his arm caught her eye and she opened her mouth in shock. Draco just stared at her, astonished at how much she'd changed and how small the world really was.
"Weasley? Do you - is this your house?" An exploding bush and an angry cry from Ern around the corner snapped him back to reality.
"Look can I come in? . Please?" he added as an after thought. Not waiting for her answer, he made towards the door. Ginny gasped, somewhat taken aback and stepped aside so he didn't mow her down.
"'Anks" he mumbled whilst dropping his bag on the floor. The deatheater turned around and faced the confused woman taking in her appearance. Ginny however was still in shock and confusion, all she could manage was to frown deeply at him.
"Draco. Why are 'you' here at my house at 3.30 - " A knock on the door interrupted her. Ginny jumped in shock and placed a stable hand on her chest.
"Not again!" she moaned quietly, as she felt her heart race in fright. Throwing him a quick glare and grumbling quietly, she started towards the front door, but Draco grabbed her swiftly by the wrist.
"Look, if they ask you if you've seen me say no okay? You've been asleep all this time got it?" The Blonde man hissed staring into her brown eyes through his grey even ones. Ginny quickly glanced down at his restricting hand and then glared at him slightly anxious as to where this was leading.
"Look, you bang on my door at 3.30 in the morning and show up bleeding all over the place" She looked calmly at his arm, "And now you want me to lie so you won't get in trouble? I can't believe you - "
"Weasley I haven't got any other options at the moment."
Ginny regarded him for a moment.
Draco swallowed unpleasantly, "Please?" He gave her a look of pure panic and she realised she had no choice but to give in to those steely grey eyes.
"Fine," she waved a dismissive hand and walked to the front door. With her hand on the doorknob she turned back to check Draco was well hidden. With no sign of the blonde man Ginny turned the knob and opened the door, a polite smile on her facade.
"Good evening Miss Weasley" wheezed the Auror. Draco frowned irritated at the voice he'd heard outside; it was Ern.
"Good evening, can I help you?" She replied sweetly.
"Yes actually you could, we've been given word that a Deatheater is in the village. He was at the three broomsticks and tried to get a room. Madame Rosemerta said that this was about 5 minutes ago. Now, have you heard any noises or witnessed any disturbances?"
However, Ginny was only half listening, her heart had leapt into her throat at the very words.
"Dea-Deatheater?" She stuttered, swallowing quickly trying to hide any emotion.
"Yes Miss Weasley a Deatheater by the name of Draco Malfoy."
Ginny stared wide-eyed at the Auror. Malfoy was a death eater. She'd allowed a death eater into her home. Her thoughts were instantly on a note upstairs hidden under her diary - she'd forgotten. The red head looked into the street full of Aurors, then back to the Auror in-front of her. She stared blankly at him for a moment before gazing into the kitchen. 'Oh my God, what shall I do?' She bit her lip and sighed at what she was about to do.
"No. No I haven't seen anything. I'm sorry but I can't help you." Ern slouched his shoulders; tonight wasn't his night.
"Okay miss Weasley thank you, but if you do see him floo us straight way please."
"Okay, Goodnight."
"Good night Miss" he doffed his black bowler hat, which had a coat of arms on the front and strode to the house next door. Ginny sighed resignedly and shut the door, suddenly feeling threatened. She leaned her forehead against the wooden surface and closed her eyes, registering what had just happened.
"Thank-God" came Draco's relieved drawl from behind her. Ginny's eyes flew open and she turned to face him, anger welling up inside her. Raising her wand, she pointed it threateningly him.
"You, you're one of-of them." She flinched and stared at Draco as if he suddenly sprouted 3 extra heads.
"Look Weasley you kn-"
"I let you into my house when any normal person would of refused, and then I get an Auror asking me if I've seen a deatheater... I can't believe this!"
She threw up her hands in desperation and slumped to the floor, hugging her knees. Draco stared at her, quite unsure what to do. True she'd taken him into her house and protected him when others would of hexed his ass. She deserved something in return. He walked over to his bag and threw a pouch of galleons in her lap. Ginny looked at leather bag then at Draco, completely bewildered.
"It's rent money for....letting me stay here. I'll pay you that much every week if you.... just let me stay here for a while, then I'll be gone, out of your hair." He smirked as he raked her hairline. Ginny's was tousled from sleep and was stuck up at every possible angle - it closely resembled red tumbleweed. She scowled at him in annoyance and threw the bag back at him; she didn't need his pity.
"I don't want your money and I 'do not' want you staying here. Plotting and doing God knows what." Ginny heaved her-self up and crossed her arms over her chest; her heart was beating wildly at the intense look he was giving her. Draco frowned at her refusal and picked up the moneybag, putting it on the draws beside the front door.
"Weasley," he began.
"It's Ginny." She corrected coldly.
"What? - Oh yeah 'Ginny'. I assure you I wouldn't harm you, unless I had to and for your information I don't want to be a bloody deatheater any more. My father made me become one or -" He paused at his rambling.
'Don't tell her too much' he scolded himself.
"Or... never-mind."
Ginny raised a questioning eyebrow and frowned in inquisitiveness. "Why don't you want to be one anymore?" she prodded curiously. Draco scowled at the wand she was still holding in her clenched fist.
"Because it's no way to live a life... killing people for fun and games, that is logical, constructed. Oh yes, there's a great deal of satisfaction when you slaughter someone whose got it coming to them and if they're mudblood or mug-" He stopped as he saw her horrified expression. This clearly wasn't helping the situation.
"But other then that, serving a rotting corpse with hopes for world domination for no reason whatsoever isn't my ideal way of living." Draco sighed deeply and walked into the kitchen. Ginny pocketed her wand in her rode pouch and followed him slowly to the doorway.
"What do you mean serving a rotting corpse? Voldemorts gone remember, Harry killed him." She said coolly indicating he was slow, Draco threw her a contemptuous look making her recoil slightly.
"He'll never be gone, even now his presence is still in this world. He always survives somehow."
The blonde sat down at the table and put his head in his hands; Ginny couldn't help thinking how unMalfoyish this was, Draco Malfoy was calm collected - snobbish. He rubbed his face wearily and flexed his fingers tiredly. "Ow, shit" he hissed, quirking an eyebrow as the deep red blood trickled down his arm.
"Here," Ginny sighed jadedly, "let me see it."
Draco raised his head and looked into her chocolate brown eyes, surprised by her sympathetic consideration. 'Wow' thought Draco as he noticed flecks of gold dotting the vast brownness of her eyes, even in the dim candlelight he could see it. Ginny blushed slightly as he stared at her, his eyes penetrating and elusive. 'Why do I have to blush whenever he's around!' she whined to her- self, wishing he'd look away.
Draco snapped out of his enchanted trance and let the red head examine his arm. He'd almost lowered his emotional defences; he'd have to be more careful in the future.
"This looks like it was dressed by a child." She chuckled as the red bandages fell away with one tug. Draco glowered spitefully at her and turned his head away from her beautiful freckled face, he wouldn't get angry he mustn't. He closed his eyes for a moment and then looked up at the ceiling, regretting that he was going to open up to her slightly.
"I don't usually do this, my mother - " He forced the painful memories to the back of his head and fought back hidden emotions, he couldn't lower his emotional mask, and he mustn't appear to be weak.
"You okay?" She asked genuinely concerned for the blonde man. Absentmindedly, she placed a soft hand on his wounded arm, feeling the anger within her ebb away.
"Yeah, it's just. my mother always used to take care of me after my father- " He paused again, 'why am I telling her this much?'
"It's okay, you don't have to explain." Ginny soothed quietly. He needn't bother; everybody knew what a vile, malicious, wicked creature Lucius Malfoy was.
"Good" he snapped a-little harder then he'd intended, watching the redheads eyes flash with hurt. Ginny got up from the table and began to prepare a bowl of salt water, she couldn't be arsed to use magic on it, and she was exhausted. From his seat at the table Draco watched her, studying her body and features. She hadn't really changed that much, still quiet, still mysterious, still beautiful. He remembered how good she'd looked when they danced together at his graduation ball...
*Hogwarts graduation ball*
The dance-floor was livelier then any of the previous balls, with couples doing more adventurous dance steps to the life giving music. Ron and Hermione were waltzing gracefully through the crowd whilst Ginny and Neville were spinning slowly trying to get Neville into a suitable rhythm.
Crunch. "Sorry Gin," whispered Neville as he stood on her foot for the fourth time that night.
"'S O.K. " she replied through gritted teeth, why did she agree to go with Neville Longbottom out of all the other hotties?
Ginny looked enviously around her. Ron and hermione were still waltzing; Seamus was swaying gently with Lavender, her head on his shoulder lovingly. Dean and Pavati were doing a quick two-step, entertaining the people surrounding them.
A pair of Grey eyes caught her own and she stared back into the paleness of Dracos elegant face. He gave a superior smirk - or was it a smile? - And lifted his left eyebrow his silvery eyes checking her out. Ginny blushed at his scrutiny and looked away, but wrinkled in her nose in disgust when she saw Harry and Pansy swaying slowly together whilst making perfect eye contact. She glared at Harry's back and bought her attention back to Neville.
"I think I might take a small break...... I need a drink, I'll see you in a bit." She lied, wanting to put her hands around Pansy's neck.
"Oh, Okay you sure?"
"Yeah," she replied truthfully, "Why don't you go dance with Padma? She looks s bit lonely." Ginny nodded her head to a table to her left. Neville glanced over his shoulder at the lonely looking girl in a stain purple dress with passionflowers plated into her hair.... His heart jumped wildly in his chest and he walked up to her in a captivated trance, completely forgetting Ginny existed.
Ginny shook her head in amusement and walked up towards the drinks table, at least Neville was out the way. 'Hmmm? What to have?' there was a large amount of colourful bottles covering the tables, many with names she'd never heard of.
"Enjoying our self are we?" drawled a silky smooth voice from behind her. Ginny turned around slowly to come face-to-face with a very handsome Malfoy. She looked him over, taking in his attire. He was wearing black dress robes with small dragons embroided on the bottom. The clasp on the cloak was also a silver dragon with sparkling emerald eyes that reminded her of someone else.
"Ye-yes thanks. You?" She stuttered, blushing slightly. Draco smirked at her coyness and gave her a once over.
Ginny was wearing a burgundy red muggle style ball gown with spaghetti straps that sat lightly on her dainty shoulders. The top of the gown was a lacy burgundy and maroon bodice, emphasising her frontage but not pulled too tightly around her waist. This gave Draco a perfect view of her smooth porcelain skin, and generous sized chest for a sixteen year-old. The only sign of make up was her perfect black eyeliner that emphasised her big brown eyes beautifully giving her that mysterious look. Her hair was half up, half down, with the curly ringlets around her face swept back with burgundy flower slides. Draco frowned slightly as he saw there was no pretty necklace sitting around her neck.
'What a shame, she'd look great with a silver chain of some sort.'
"Ahem" Ginny coughed quietly, having enough of his inspection. She knew - well, hoped that he liked what he saw, as no snide comments had been made. It was Dracos turn to colour this time.
'Damn did I just have a hot flush? OH DRACO you great big prat!' his mind shouted. He coughed disturbing the uncomfortable silence between them, cursing himself for becoming distracted.
"Would you like to dance?...." he asked regally, extending a smooth pale hand to her. Ginny bit her lip demurely and smiled. 'Why not? I'll never see him again.'
"Sure why not." She took his hand, it was strangely warm but not in a hot- sweaty way, the Draco she knew did not get nervous.
Ginny allowed Draco to lead her through the contented couples onto the dance floor. They stopped, she noticed, right in the middle where everybody could see them. She glanced around at everyone. Most people seemed oblivious to the fact a Malfoy was dancing with a Weasley; however a few people were sending them strange looks, and a couple of girls were giving her death glares.
Ginny glanced at Blaise Zabini who was staring at her oddly. His eyes flickered from her confused face to her dance partners, giving Draco a look that would make the dark lord proud.
'Oh Merlin is he jealous?' she asked herself, watching his eyes glisten with hatred for Draco.
Blaise Zabini was just as handsome and popular as Draco; he could have any girl he wanted, so why was he glaring at Draco? Was it because of hers and Blaise's relationship...?
Ginny shook her head inwardly, 'No he couldn't be.' Ignoring Blaise for now she turned her attention to Draco. He smirked sexily at her and put his strong hand on her waist. She in turn put her hand on his shoulder. 'Wow he certainly has been working out' she giggled to herself, feeling his muscles underneath the robes.
They clasped each others hand softly and Draco began to lead her around in a small circle, gazing down at her through his silver orbs. When Ginny's back muscles began to relax, he bought her closer into him so their heads were bout 6 inches away.
Ginny gave a small coy smile when he closed the gap between them even further, she couldn't help thinking how perfect they'd fit together, her petite frame slotting perfectly into his strong body.
The song (Stigmatised - The Calling. Dumbledore insisted they charm the band to play muggle songs as some of the students were reluctant to dance to the dated music and as more of their songs were becoming well known in the wizarding world - and they are better singers.) Finished and the couples started to slow down elegantly, taking heads off shoulders, hands from waists and beginning to swap partners.
Draco glanced around at the muttering couples, but did not let go of her, if anything he bought Ginny closer to him in a possessive manner. A small group of girls nearby were complaining and bitching about Ginny, and some of the male population were saying the same about Draco. A Ravenclaw named Jack smith made towards them, intending to cut in, but thought better of it when Draco sent him a death glare, making the blonde boy recoil slightly.
He wasn't going to let her go..yet, if truth be told he didn't want her to go; for the first time in his life he was seeing Ginny Weasley, Potters No1 fan, the redheaded loner, in a new captivating light.
He noticed, despite not having any music to dance to now, that Harry and Pansy were still rotating slowly keeping perfect eye contact. He knew what was happening, she had that far-away look in her eyes that she wore when she was around him... but had it ever been that far away?
'Oh well, as long as she's off my back, wonder what her father will say if he finds out about this?'
The introduction for the next song came on, the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar sounded throughout the hall. The slow sultry music cast a blissful magical spell on everyone, and the couples moved closer to each other, swaying and rotating on the spot, unable to concentrate on anything but their dance partners.
Draco moved his hand on her waist right into the small of her back, drawing her in even closer to him. Ginny reddened but only slightly this time, and bit her lip as their faces became even closer. Draco gave a-lop sided grin and continued to stare into her eyes as the song started.
Day light has found me here again, You can ask me anything like where I've been Things that used to matter seem so small When you're looking for a soft place to fall,
Ginny gently moved her hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck, her fingertips brushing against the forbidden untouched skin. Draco shuddered slightly as she did so, enjoying her touch. He released his hand from hers and moved it to her waist, where he entwined his fingers, holding his hands at the back of her waist. Ginny placed her free hand to his neck and entwined her fingers together, every so often caressing the soft skin on his nape sending shock waves of pleasure through Draco's body.
Don't miss understand me, baby please I didn't mean to bring back memories You should know the reason, why I've called I was looking for a soft place to fall.
Ginny felt her heart race as he gave her a true smile, this looked so foreign on him, a gentle, even humane smile instead of his trademark Malfoy smirk. She beamed attractively back into his benign face, suddenly shuddering involuntarily as his middle finger rubbed her back unexpectedly.
Looking for a soft place Nothing more then a small taste Of the love that ended, long ago. Looking for a place to hide A warm bed on a cold night
I didn't mean to hurt you no, no, no.
Draco bought her right into his body so her chest and body was on his lovingly. Draco still wasn't satisfied, he wanted her even closer to him - he wanted to taste her. He lowered his head down towards her so now their faces were only centimetres away. Ginny's eyes flickered down to his luscious red lips and began tilting her head up to meet him.
'Wait! I don't want to kiss him in front of all these people, especially a room containing my brother, he'd kill me - I wonder why he hasn't dragged me away from Draco already?... oh well I certainly don't mind!'
Draco noted how she seemed to sigh to herself, obviously in 2 minds about the situation. He licked his lips but Ginny lowered her head onto his chest - he'd missed his chance. Draco cursed himself, why had he constrained himself?. Through his chest Ginny could hear his heart beating quite fast, hers was racing wildly at the mere thought of her having this effect on him.
Looking out your window at the dawn Baby when you wake up ill be gone
You're the one who taught me, after all
How to find a soft place to fall
Draco leaned his chin on her head. Her long red wavy tresses smelled of vanilla and Honey, they were soft and silky on his pale skin. He raised his head up, glancing around the dance floor to see quite a-few people staring at them. In the colourful crowd he caught Blaises eye and gave him a bold wink before closing his eyes, his head peacefully resuming its place on hers.
You're the one who taught me, after all.... How to find a soft place.... to fall.
(Allison Moorer- a soft place to fall)
As the music ended, Ginny opened her eyes and slowly raised her head, looking up at the handsome prince she'd just danced with. His eyes were intense, but they didn't seem as cold anymore, they looked mysterious and haunted somehow. Draco gazed into her eyes that were searching him inquisitively right now; she looked slightly disappointed the song had finished.
He reluctantly removed his hands from her waist, smoothing his hand over her hips as he did so. Ginny unravelled her hands, sliding them down his neck tenderly. Now they just stared at each other, Silver and brown - hiding their emotions.
Finally Ginny broke the gaze and turned to walk away, she felt his right hand clutch her left holding it - was it restrictively? His touch seemed so soft. She looked questioningly to his eyes but saw no emotion, his impassive mask activating its self once more. Still staring at her intensely, he raised the soft hand to his lips, planting an understated kiss on her slender hand.
Ginny, funnily enough did not blush this time and gazed enticingly at him through hooded eyes. He slowly lowered her hand and gave her a sexy wink - as well as the Malfoy smirk - before disappearing of into the crowd. Ginny stared after him, ignoring the probing looks of the people around her before turning around to find herself a very strong drink.
This ball would be the one they never would forget......
*Present *
Draco sighed again and tore his eyes away from the youngest Weasley who was cleaning and tending to his wounded arm, avoiding his eyes.
"Ginny," he said quietly, licking his lips. Ginny flicked her eyes up from her task giving him a pensive look.
"Yes," she sighed, going back to her work.
"Thank-you.... for helping me."
Ginny paused and looked up into his eyes, had she just heard him right? She'd never heard of a polite deatheater before. She visibly relaxed and gave him a small jaded smile.
"You're welcome."
The redhead and blonde sat there caught in the moment, investigating each other's eyes. Ginny hardly recognised those steely orbs, he'd changed a lot. She blinked, breaking the contact and got up. She summoned some bandages from the cupboards and wrapped them tightly, but carefully around the deep dark gash in the deatheaters arm, noting how he didn't complain or wince as she did so.
"There," she soothed "good as new.... well almost."
She shrugged her shoulders frankly and went to the sink, where she poured away the foggy red substance her face impassive as if she cleaned cuts on a regular basis. Putting the huge black plug in the hole, Ginny filled the basin with hot water, then using her wand she muttered an incantation and bubbles came pouring from the end, making the water smell strongly of lavender.
"Do you have any other garments that have blood on them?" she enquired calmly whilst still facing the window.
"Yes actually, my shirt - but its ruined anyway. My cloak has slightly on the cuff." He replied absently, watching her back. Ginny turned to face him, missing his scrutiny.
"Okay pass it to me and I'll wash it for you."
Draco did as he was told and removed his cloak, pulling it carefully over the tight bandage and holding the cloak out to her. Ginny took it and held it to her chest; her uneasy brown eyes were on his upper left arm, staring numbly at his pale skin. The dark mark was shining like coal in the light, the skull looked menacing along with the green snake protruding out of its mouth. Draco noticed her trail of sight and turned away, thinking how similar Ginny's look was to Madame Rosemerta's.
Ginny shook her head realising she'd been staring at it, the mark fascinated her, intrigued her... Suddenly annoyed at her rudeness, the redhead dunked the expensive cloak into the soapy water. "I can fix that shirt, you know - if you still have the arm?"
Draco raised a careful eyebrow and rummaged in his B.B for the sleeve, he handed the blood sodden rag to her, ignoring her sudden grimace. Ginny took it reluctantly and threw it in the sink. The blonde went into his bag once more and took out a grey sweater. Ginny turned away as he began to undo his shirt buttons, impure thoughts entering her mind... Draco laughed silently at her sudden embarrassment, if it was any other woman she would be the one ripping his shirt off right now.
'Virginia Weasley get a grip! It's just Malfoy for Merlin's sake!'
"Here,"
Ginny jumped at his husky voice, and at his close proximity. She could feel his warm breath on her neck, tickling her delicate hairs. She shuddered slightly, her spine dissolving and took the shirt off him, placing it in the murky water.
"Tha-thank-you."
She waited for him to walk away, but he remained behind her breathing gently down her neck. 'Don't turn around, do NOT turn around Ginny.'
Draco grabbed her lightly on the hips and turned her around, smirking complacently to himself there was nowhere to hide this time. Ginny bit her lip modestly when she found herself facing him knowing what he wanted, trying more then anything to avoid his magnetic eyes. Draco watched her facial expressions change, he knew she was fighting with herself, to him she was an innocent deer caught in the headlights.
He smirked seductively evening his eyes into a feline prowess. Wanting to gaze into the chocolaty brown depths of her eyes again, Draco raised a soft hand to her freckled cheek and began caressing it softly, which caused her to look up at him in slight surprise. Ginny glimpsed downwards to his lips, watching them form a seductive smirk remembering their touch.
"Can I do anything else for you?" She requested smoothly, instantly cursing herself for the way it sounded.
Draco licked his lips solicitously. Beautiful half naked - he was willing to bet under the robe - Ginny Weasley just asked him in a rather delicious manner if she could do something else for him. As Ginny predicted, Draco started little by little towards her lips, but centimetres away from her stopped unexpectedly as though hitting an invisible barrier causing Ginny to raise a bewildered eyebrow.
Draco took a step back from her and stood by his bag, a superior smirk plastered on his face. "No. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get some sleep." Ginny gaped at the Malfoy, - he'd just been playing with her! Testing her for emotional faults and weaknesses, the little SOB could be so heartless sometimes.
"Come on, you can take the spare room." She snipped coldly, rubbing her head irritated at the blonde man as she walked down the hallway and lead Draco upstairs. Pissed off at what'd just happened, apparently Draco hadn't changed as much as she'd first thought.
Draco noticed one thing about the cottage as he followed Ginny. It was very small yet it had an extremely warm feel to it. The walls were a soft blue colour and the floor was an old pine-oak colouring with a few blue rugs dotted haphazardly around. Ginny stopped by a white door across from an open one.
'That must be her room.' He mentally noted to himself, eyeing the door inquisitively. Ginny scowled uneasily at his trail of sight, she'd have to lock the door until she could trust him.
The redhead opened the door with a bang causing Draco to snap his head back to her. Ginny glowered at him and stepped aside so Draco could enter first. The tall man raised a confused eyebrow at her sudden anger. Shaking his head at her attitude, he walked into the room and took in his surroundings. The room was a dark African blue with a pine chest of draws, bedside cabinet and of course the bed.
"Oh yeah," mumbled Ginny walking into the room, standing beside him her wand at the chest of draws, "Accio bedding!" Immediately sheets, pillows and a quilt flew from the bottom draw and landed on the bed, assuming their positions.
Draco sighed resignedly and turned to face her. Ginny reluctantly glanced up at him; he looked as though he was pondering something in that uncultivated mind of his. Ginny pursed her lips at him mulishly before allowing him a diminutive smile.
"Well, goodnight... Ginny." Draco said ineptly, still unable to comprehend what the odds of landing himself in Ginny Weasley's house were.
"Goodnight Draco." She replied quietly, walking to the door without a second glance, shutting it carefully.
Draco let out a long relieved breath and climbed into the double bed, he couldn't be arsed to take his clothes off. As he snuggled into it he was pleasantly surprised at how secure and soothing it felt to do so.
Draco rolled over, deep in thought. 'What a uncanny night. My father stabs me yet again, I fly half way across England and Scotland in the freezing cold and end up taking refuge in the home of the youngest Weasley.' Draco snorted at how ludicrous it all sounded. Assuming the foetal position, he closed his eyes slowly before flickering them open for a brief look at the door separating him and the pretty redhead before he fell into a dreamless sleep.
'Well this is interesting,' thought Ginny from across the hallway, locked in her bedroom in her own house. 'I get woken up by the bastard window again, see a man fly out from behind the moon and open the door to find an injured dragon, who just happens to be a deatheater.' The exhausted red head rolled her eyes sceptically and soon fell into a profound sleep where she dreamt of past events.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A/N: Phew, chappie done. I'm sorry about the length and quality of the last, don't worry I've learnt my lesson.
All Review's are appreciated and taken into account!
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Chapter 1 A sheep in wolves clothing
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The night air was cold with a slight moisture lingering. It was Early November, the weather was preparing for the long wintry months ahead. Meanwhile, in the world below, A certain red head stirred softly in her sleep. The icy wind was coming in through the crack in the window and was disturbing the soft hair on the back of her neck. She sighed harshly whilst rubbing her eyes groggily; she didn't need a guess as to what was stirring her.
"Damn that window!" She grumbled sleepily.
Slowly she rose from the bed. The floor was like ice on her delicate feet, her body yearned for her warm bed again. She cursed flatly whilst locking the latch for the third time that night. The moon was full tonight and Ginny hoped there were no werewolves staying in the three broomsticks. Her thoughts were suddenly on Remus Lupin, the professor that had eventually become her favourite. To everyone's delight, and relief, he'd been accepted back at Hogwarts in her sixth year, looking much happy and healthier. In the war against Voldemort many of the students had the confidence to fight because of the expert and reliable teachings of the werewolf. "Poor creatures" she heaved as she gazed out over the peaceful landscape.
Ginny Weasley lived in a small semi-detached cottage in Hogesmade. The garden was small and well kept, with a cute white fence. She'd lived here, alone, for 2 years now. In the paper at the time, it was going at an affordable price and she couldn't pass up the charming little building. 2 minutes down the road lay the village of Hogesmade, in the night it looked like a peaceful model village that she often saw in the toyshop.
20 minutes after that, in the distance, stood Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry. How she missed her dorm, the red drapes on the beds made her feel like a princess, although she didn't miss the gossiping roommates that much. The haunting beauty of the lake, her saviour for the times she felt alone or wanted to think, it was always, in her mind, there to listen to her. Lastly, not forgetting Hagrids care of magical creatures classes.
A small smile crept up on her face. Apart from those things, she was glad to be out on her own. No more being ignored, no more loneliness and finally no more living in the trios shadow. Voices flashed through her mind every time she thought of them at school.
"Look there goes the only member of the potter posse."
"Why doesn't she get her own life?"
"His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad...." Ginny did not have it easy at hogwarts at all; she would often be lonely with no real friend that she could talk to.apart from one.
The trio, were now fully independent adults and worked hard for a living. Ron and Hermione had married 2 months after graduation, which surprised nobody the slightest - and now had a two year-old son named Toby. They lived in London in a huge flat on Diagon Alley; they were - not by a long shot - poor. Ron was working for the ministry; for the department of Magical creatures and Hermione was assistant, and soon to be manager of Flourish and Blotts. Ginny and her sister in law met every Sunday for coffee in the three broomsticks for girly chats essential to a woman's life.
Harry potter- the big fat pillock in Ginny's eyes, was playing as seeker for the Chudley Cannons as well as being a part time auror for the ministry. He was the centre of attention in the wizarding world labelled, as the hero who defeated the dark lord, along with witch weekly's top hunk.
The press followed him anywhere and everywhere, holidays, funerals, meetings and his honeymoon.. Also the centre of attention and Harry's wife - and not to mention most hated woman in the Harry Potter fan clubs of women across the globe - Was Pansy Parkinson-Potter. The couple first announced they were together after the graduation ball at Hogwarts, for 2 whole hours they couldn't top dancing with each other and from that point on had become a couple, much to the relief of a certain blonde haired man and the disappointment of Ginny.
Ginny had tried everything - everything! to get Harry's attention in her 6th year, but he didn't see her for anything but Ron's little sister, even though she had a body of a goddess; which caused many of the male population at school to open their mouths in disbelief and desire. At one point, she even went through the trouble of buying a short skirt from Madame malkins, but even her long legs weren't tempting enough, at least she got someone else's attention; Ron's bright red livid face along with eye popping when she presented herself in the common room that morning still bought a smile onto her face.
At the end of the school year, she gathered the courage to ask him how he felt about her, as she would hardly ever see him. Ginny was heartbroken and not to mention pissed off when he said "He'd never thought of her that way, and only had eyes for Pansy." (o_O)
'The bastard, I can't believe I spent 6 years chasing him!' she cried inwardly. Snapping out of her thoughts she looked up at the bright white moon, remembering a perfect moment.....
'Oh my God' she gasped inwardly as a gloomy form riding a broomstick fly out from behind a soft silvery cloud. Eyes widened in disbelief, Ginny watched as the figure slowed down steadily, yet make a rather wobbly landing in the cobbled road outside the three broomsticks.
'I wonder who'd be wanting a room at 3.20 in the morning?'
Ginny furrowed her curved eyebrow; maybe she was just imagining things, yes that was right - she'd finally gone mad. Laughing at her own craziness, the petite redhead climbed back into bed and snuggled deep into her duvet, a private image still present in her mind.
*
"Come on, Come on!" Draco hissed as he hammered on the door of the tavern. His hands were freezing and his feet were numb, riding a broomstick through the air at 3 in the morning wasn't one of his wisest decisions.
'Let me in before someone sees me, please!'
After 2 minutes of pounding, a very annoyed and sleepy looking Madame' Rosemerta appeared with a lantern - and much to Draco's annoyance, her wand. Would he really be banging on the door if he were about to assonate someone, geez.
"What do - (yawn) - you want at this time of - (yawn) - night?" She inquired unenthusiastically through hooded eyes.
"I would like a room, as soon as possible." he snapped in his presumptuous and demanding Malfoy manner, acknowledged throughout the wizarding world. That superior remark woke the landlady right up. Draco winced inwardly as her face contorted with fury. He remembered that look well, that was the look past hotties used when they found he'd been cheating on them.
"Well you don't have to take that tone with me Mr Malfoy!" she shouted back, her face turning beet red. "Just because you're a Malfoy it doesn't-" she stopped abruptly when she saw his blood stained arm - which by now had bled to a point where he'd ripped his shirt arm off. On his upper left arm shone the profound black tattoo of the darkmark, the tattoo of the skull with a snake protruding form its open mouth. She goggled her eyes in astonishment as she saw it and slammed the door shut in his face, he could hear her petrified gibbering on the other side of the door.
'Shit!' Draco punished himself mentally for being so careless. He looked at the cause of the woman's sudden panic. 'You Stupid moron Lucius - forcing this hideous thing on me.' There was no way in hell Madame Rosemerta was going to let him in now. She was probably Flooing the ministry, demanding for the Aurors to come and take him away.
Upon realising this might actually 'be' happening, Draco ran swiftly up the road past the steel gates to the village and hid in a bush near 2 semi- detached cottages. And soon enough, seconds after he had taken refuge in the dark bushes; 5 Aurors apparated into the murky street with their wands held high. They began knocking on doors making hurried inquiries to the sleepy people asking if they had seen anything. 2 of them started blasting the bushes apart and replacing them afterwards in an attempt to stun him if he were there.
'Oh no, what the hell am I gonna do now?'
He looked up fretfully at the building beside him, the house looked undisturbed and shadowy, maybe nobody was home? Checking the coast was clear; Draco jumped over the fence and ran around the back of 'The Haven' - he'd noticed the rustic plaque on the wall beside the front door whilst hiding in the shrubbery. After rounding the corner, he peeked back at the road, which was now swarming with 15 Aurors blasting apart more bushes and firing into trees. He could hear the 2 aurors closest to him shouting over their wand blasts.
"What make yer think 'e aint disapparated Ern?" bellowed the taller of the two, examining a nearby tree. The other man growled in frustration as the holly bush he'd just blasted apart was empty.
"Maybe he has Tom, but if he was panicking he wouldn't be able to would he? He'd splinch himself if he tried.... He's around here somewhere." The man named Ern shouted back as he detonated yet another bush.
Draco frowned at the other mans astuteness, "Damn Aurors, I'll be caught for sure now." he murmured. For the first time, in a long time, Draco Malfoy began to panic and Malfoys did not panic, they had to remain calm at all times. He knew one thing, he wasn't going back to his father; they'd have to kill him first and he was NOT going to Azkaban for saving himself from that lunatic.
Throwing his bag desperately on the floor, he rummaged around inside it for his favourite cloak, a black all-purpose one with silvery/blue lining on the inside and silver dragon clasp to match. He pulled it on quickly, with pains of protest from his arm, and rolled up the sleeve so not to stain his cloak. Taking a deep steadying breath he knocked on the door.
*
Knock-knock-knock.
Ginny opened her eyes slowly, was someone knocking on the door?
Bang-Bang,
Yes.
She jumped and slid out of bed, the floor was still freezing making her pale skin shudder with goose pimples. Grabbing her dressing gown and more importantly her wand, Ginny made her way apprehensively down the oak stairs and through the kitchen to the back door. Raising her hand to the doorknob she hesitated for a moment, did she really want to open the door? She could pretend she wasn't there. However, another impatient bang made her irritated. She raised her wand to the door and pulled it open, her face set.
Draco opened his mouth to speak, but froze when he saw the wand pointed at his chest, glancing upwards he gasped as he looked into the beautiful lightly freckled face, that undoubtedly belonged to the youngest weasley. Ginny's face paled slightly, her mouth going slack at one corner. She lowered the holly wand upon realising who this person was. No one could forget a pair of piercing grey eyes like that.
"Draco? Draco Malfoy what - what are you doing here?" The red shimmering on his arm caught her eye and she opened her mouth in shock. Draco just stared at her, astonished at how much she'd changed and how small the world really was.
"Weasley? Do you - is this your house?" An exploding bush and an angry cry from Ern around the corner snapped him back to reality.
"Look can I come in? . Please?" he added as an after thought. Not waiting for her answer, he made towards the door. Ginny gasped, somewhat taken aback and stepped aside so he didn't mow her down.
"'Anks" he mumbled whilst dropping his bag on the floor. The deatheater turned around and faced the confused woman taking in her appearance. Ginny however was still in shock and confusion, all she could manage was to frown deeply at him.
"Draco. Why are 'you' here at my house at 3.30 - " A knock on the door interrupted her. Ginny jumped in shock and placed a stable hand on her chest.
"Not again!" she moaned quietly, as she felt her heart race in fright. Throwing him a quick glare and grumbling quietly, she started towards the front door, but Draco grabbed her swiftly by the wrist.
"Look, if they ask you if you've seen me say no okay? You've been asleep all this time got it?" The Blonde man hissed staring into her brown eyes through his grey even ones. Ginny quickly glanced down at his restricting hand and then glared at him slightly anxious as to where this was leading.
"Look, you bang on my door at 3.30 in the morning and show up bleeding all over the place" She looked calmly at his arm, "And now you want me to lie so you won't get in trouble? I can't believe you - "
"Weasley I haven't got any other options at the moment."
Ginny regarded him for a moment.
Draco swallowed unpleasantly, "Please?" He gave her a look of pure panic and she realised she had no choice but to give in to those steely grey eyes.
"Fine," she waved a dismissive hand and walked to the front door. With her hand on the doorknob she turned back to check Draco was well hidden. With no sign of the blonde man Ginny turned the knob and opened the door, a polite smile on her facade.
"Good evening Miss Weasley" wheezed the Auror. Draco frowned irritated at the voice he'd heard outside; it was Ern.
"Good evening, can I help you?" She replied sweetly.
"Yes actually you could, we've been given word that a Deatheater is in the village. He was at the three broomsticks and tried to get a room. Madame Rosemerta said that this was about 5 minutes ago. Now, have you heard any noises or witnessed any disturbances?"
However, Ginny was only half listening, her heart had leapt into her throat at the very words.
"Dea-Deatheater?" She stuttered, swallowing quickly trying to hide any emotion.
"Yes Miss Weasley a Deatheater by the name of Draco Malfoy."
Ginny stared wide-eyed at the Auror. Malfoy was a death eater. She'd allowed a death eater into her home. Her thoughts were instantly on a note upstairs hidden under her diary - she'd forgotten. The red head looked into the street full of Aurors, then back to the Auror in-front of her. She stared blankly at him for a moment before gazing into the kitchen. 'Oh my God, what shall I do?' She bit her lip and sighed at what she was about to do.
"No. No I haven't seen anything. I'm sorry but I can't help you." Ern slouched his shoulders; tonight wasn't his night.
"Okay miss Weasley thank you, but if you do see him floo us straight way please."
"Okay, Goodnight."
"Good night Miss" he doffed his black bowler hat, which had a coat of arms on the front and strode to the house next door. Ginny sighed resignedly and shut the door, suddenly feeling threatened. She leaned her forehead against the wooden surface and closed her eyes, registering what had just happened.
"Thank-God" came Draco's relieved drawl from behind her. Ginny's eyes flew open and she turned to face him, anger welling up inside her. Raising her wand, she pointed it threateningly him.
"You, you're one of-of them." She flinched and stared at Draco as if he suddenly sprouted 3 extra heads.
"Look Weasley you kn-"
"I let you into my house when any normal person would of refused, and then I get an Auror asking me if I've seen a deatheater... I can't believe this!"
She threw up her hands in desperation and slumped to the floor, hugging her knees. Draco stared at her, quite unsure what to do. True she'd taken him into her house and protected him when others would of hexed his ass. She deserved something in return. He walked over to his bag and threw a pouch of galleons in her lap. Ginny looked at leather bag then at Draco, completely bewildered.
"It's rent money for....letting me stay here. I'll pay you that much every week if you.... just let me stay here for a while, then I'll be gone, out of your hair." He smirked as he raked her hairline. Ginny's was tousled from sleep and was stuck up at every possible angle - it closely resembled red tumbleweed. She scowled at him in annoyance and threw the bag back at him; she didn't need his pity.
"I don't want your money and I 'do not' want you staying here. Plotting and doing God knows what." Ginny heaved her-self up and crossed her arms over her chest; her heart was beating wildly at the intense look he was giving her. Draco frowned at her refusal and picked up the moneybag, putting it on the draws beside the front door.
"Weasley," he began.
"It's Ginny." She corrected coldly.
"What? - Oh yeah 'Ginny'. I assure you I wouldn't harm you, unless I had to and for your information I don't want to be a bloody deatheater any more. My father made me become one or -" He paused at his rambling.
'Don't tell her too much' he scolded himself.
"Or... never-mind."
Ginny raised a questioning eyebrow and frowned in inquisitiveness. "Why don't you want to be one anymore?" she prodded curiously. Draco scowled at the wand she was still holding in her clenched fist.
"Because it's no way to live a life... killing people for fun and games, that is logical, constructed. Oh yes, there's a great deal of satisfaction when you slaughter someone whose got it coming to them and if they're mudblood or mug-" He stopped as he saw her horrified expression. This clearly wasn't helping the situation.
"But other then that, serving a rotting corpse with hopes for world domination for no reason whatsoever isn't my ideal way of living." Draco sighed deeply and walked into the kitchen. Ginny pocketed her wand in her rode pouch and followed him slowly to the doorway.
"What do you mean serving a rotting corpse? Voldemorts gone remember, Harry killed him." She said coolly indicating he was slow, Draco threw her a contemptuous look making her recoil slightly.
"He'll never be gone, even now his presence is still in this world. He always survives somehow."
The blonde sat down at the table and put his head in his hands; Ginny couldn't help thinking how unMalfoyish this was, Draco Malfoy was calm collected - snobbish. He rubbed his face wearily and flexed his fingers tiredly. "Ow, shit" he hissed, quirking an eyebrow as the deep red blood trickled down his arm.
"Here," Ginny sighed jadedly, "let me see it."
Draco raised his head and looked into her chocolate brown eyes, surprised by her sympathetic consideration. 'Wow' thought Draco as he noticed flecks of gold dotting the vast brownness of her eyes, even in the dim candlelight he could see it. Ginny blushed slightly as he stared at her, his eyes penetrating and elusive. 'Why do I have to blush whenever he's around!' she whined to her- self, wishing he'd look away.
Draco snapped out of his enchanted trance and let the red head examine his arm. He'd almost lowered his emotional defences; he'd have to be more careful in the future.
"This looks like it was dressed by a child." She chuckled as the red bandages fell away with one tug. Draco glowered spitefully at her and turned his head away from her beautiful freckled face, he wouldn't get angry he mustn't. He closed his eyes for a moment and then looked up at the ceiling, regretting that he was going to open up to her slightly.
"I don't usually do this, my mother - " He forced the painful memories to the back of his head and fought back hidden emotions, he couldn't lower his emotional mask, and he mustn't appear to be weak.
"You okay?" She asked genuinely concerned for the blonde man. Absentmindedly, she placed a soft hand on his wounded arm, feeling the anger within her ebb away.
"Yeah, it's just. my mother always used to take care of me after my father- " He paused again, 'why am I telling her this much?'
"It's okay, you don't have to explain." Ginny soothed quietly. He needn't bother; everybody knew what a vile, malicious, wicked creature Lucius Malfoy was.
"Good" he snapped a-little harder then he'd intended, watching the redheads eyes flash with hurt. Ginny got up from the table and began to prepare a bowl of salt water, she couldn't be arsed to use magic on it, and she was exhausted. From his seat at the table Draco watched her, studying her body and features. She hadn't really changed that much, still quiet, still mysterious, still beautiful. He remembered how good she'd looked when they danced together at his graduation ball...
*Hogwarts graduation ball*
The dance-floor was livelier then any of the previous balls, with couples doing more adventurous dance steps to the life giving music. Ron and Hermione were waltzing gracefully through the crowd whilst Ginny and Neville were spinning slowly trying to get Neville into a suitable rhythm.
Crunch. "Sorry Gin," whispered Neville as he stood on her foot for the fourth time that night.
"'S O.K. " she replied through gritted teeth, why did she agree to go with Neville Longbottom out of all the other hotties?
Ginny looked enviously around her. Ron and hermione were still waltzing; Seamus was swaying gently with Lavender, her head on his shoulder lovingly. Dean and Pavati were doing a quick two-step, entertaining the people surrounding them.
A pair of Grey eyes caught her own and she stared back into the paleness of Dracos elegant face. He gave a superior smirk - or was it a smile? - And lifted his left eyebrow his silvery eyes checking her out. Ginny blushed at his scrutiny and looked away, but wrinkled in her nose in disgust when she saw Harry and Pansy swaying slowly together whilst making perfect eye contact. She glared at Harry's back and bought her attention back to Neville.
"I think I might take a small break...... I need a drink, I'll see you in a bit." She lied, wanting to put her hands around Pansy's neck.
"Oh, Okay you sure?"
"Yeah," she replied truthfully, "Why don't you go dance with Padma? She looks s bit lonely." Ginny nodded her head to a table to her left. Neville glanced over his shoulder at the lonely looking girl in a stain purple dress with passionflowers plated into her hair.... His heart jumped wildly in his chest and he walked up to her in a captivated trance, completely forgetting Ginny existed.
Ginny shook her head in amusement and walked up towards the drinks table, at least Neville was out the way. 'Hmmm? What to have?' there was a large amount of colourful bottles covering the tables, many with names she'd never heard of.
"Enjoying our self are we?" drawled a silky smooth voice from behind her. Ginny turned around slowly to come face-to-face with a very handsome Malfoy. She looked him over, taking in his attire. He was wearing black dress robes with small dragons embroided on the bottom. The clasp on the cloak was also a silver dragon with sparkling emerald eyes that reminded her of someone else.
"Ye-yes thanks. You?" She stuttered, blushing slightly. Draco smirked at her coyness and gave her a once over.
Ginny was wearing a burgundy red muggle style ball gown with spaghetti straps that sat lightly on her dainty shoulders. The top of the gown was a lacy burgundy and maroon bodice, emphasising her frontage but not pulled too tightly around her waist. This gave Draco a perfect view of her smooth porcelain skin, and generous sized chest for a sixteen year-old. The only sign of make up was her perfect black eyeliner that emphasised her big brown eyes beautifully giving her that mysterious look. Her hair was half up, half down, with the curly ringlets around her face swept back with burgundy flower slides. Draco frowned slightly as he saw there was no pretty necklace sitting around her neck.
'What a shame, she'd look great with a silver chain of some sort.'
"Ahem" Ginny coughed quietly, having enough of his inspection. She knew - well, hoped that he liked what he saw, as no snide comments had been made. It was Dracos turn to colour this time.
'Damn did I just have a hot flush? OH DRACO you great big prat!' his mind shouted. He coughed disturbing the uncomfortable silence between them, cursing himself for becoming distracted.
"Would you like to dance?...." he asked regally, extending a smooth pale hand to her. Ginny bit her lip demurely and smiled. 'Why not? I'll never see him again.'
"Sure why not." She took his hand, it was strangely warm but not in a hot- sweaty way, the Draco she knew did not get nervous.
Ginny allowed Draco to lead her through the contented couples onto the dance floor. They stopped, she noticed, right in the middle where everybody could see them. She glanced around at everyone. Most people seemed oblivious to the fact a Malfoy was dancing with a Weasley; however a few people were sending them strange looks, and a couple of girls were giving her death glares.
Ginny glanced at Blaise Zabini who was staring at her oddly. His eyes flickered from her confused face to her dance partners, giving Draco a look that would make the dark lord proud.
'Oh Merlin is he jealous?' she asked herself, watching his eyes glisten with hatred for Draco.
Blaise Zabini was just as handsome and popular as Draco; he could have any girl he wanted, so why was he glaring at Draco? Was it because of hers and Blaise's relationship...?
Ginny shook her head inwardly, 'No he couldn't be.' Ignoring Blaise for now she turned her attention to Draco. He smirked sexily at her and put his strong hand on her waist. She in turn put her hand on his shoulder. 'Wow he certainly has been working out' she giggled to herself, feeling his muscles underneath the robes.
They clasped each others hand softly and Draco began to lead her around in a small circle, gazing down at her through his silver orbs. When Ginny's back muscles began to relax, he bought her closer into him so their heads were bout 6 inches away.
Ginny gave a small coy smile when he closed the gap between them even further, she couldn't help thinking how perfect they'd fit together, her petite frame slotting perfectly into his strong body.
The song (Stigmatised - The Calling. Dumbledore insisted they charm the band to play muggle songs as some of the students were reluctant to dance to the dated music and as more of their songs were becoming well known in the wizarding world - and they are better singers.) Finished and the couples started to slow down elegantly, taking heads off shoulders, hands from waists and beginning to swap partners.
Draco glanced around at the muttering couples, but did not let go of her, if anything he bought Ginny closer to him in a possessive manner. A small group of girls nearby were complaining and bitching about Ginny, and some of the male population were saying the same about Draco. A Ravenclaw named Jack smith made towards them, intending to cut in, but thought better of it when Draco sent him a death glare, making the blonde boy recoil slightly.
He wasn't going to let her go..yet, if truth be told he didn't want her to go; for the first time in his life he was seeing Ginny Weasley, Potters No1 fan, the redheaded loner, in a new captivating light.
He noticed, despite not having any music to dance to now, that Harry and Pansy were still rotating slowly keeping perfect eye contact. He knew what was happening, she had that far-away look in her eyes that she wore when she was around him... but had it ever been that far away?
'Oh well, as long as she's off my back, wonder what her father will say if he finds out about this?'
The introduction for the next song came on, the gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar sounded throughout the hall. The slow sultry music cast a blissful magical spell on everyone, and the couples moved closer to each other, swaying and rotating on the spot, unable to concentrate on anything but their dance partners.
Draco moved his hand on her waist right into the small of her back, drawing her in even closer to him. Ginny reddened but only slightly this time, and bit her lip as their faces became even closer. Draco gave a-lop sided grin and continued to stare into her eyes as the song started.
Day light has found me here again, You can ask me anything like where I've been Things that used to matter seem so small When you're looking for a soft place to fall,
Ginny gently moved her hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck, her fingertips brushing against the forbidden untouched skin. Draco shuddered slightly as she did so, enjoying her touch. He released his hand from hers and moved it to her waist, where he entwined his fingers, holding his hands at the back of her waist. Ginny placed her free hand to his neck and entwined her fingers together, every so often caressing the soft skin on his nape sending shock waves of pleasure through Draco's body.
Don't miss understand me, baby please I didn't mean to bring back memories You should know the reason, why I've called I was looking for a soft place to fall.
Ginny felt her heart race as he gave her a true smile, this looked so foreign on him, a gentle, even humane smile instead of his trademark Malfoy smirk. She beamed attractively back into his benign face, suddenly shuddering involuntarily as his middle finger rubbed her back unexpectedly.
Looking for a soft place Nothing more then a small taste Of the love that ended, long ago. Looking for a place to hide A warm bed on a cold night
I didn't mean to hurt you no, no, no.
Draco bought her right into his body so her chest and body was on his lovingly. Draco still wasn't satisfied, he wanted her even closer to him - he wanted to taste her. He lowered his head down towards her so now their faces were only centimetres away. Ginny's eyes flickered down to his luscious red lips and began tilting her head up to meet him.
'Wait! I don't want to kiss him in front of all these people, especially a room containing my brother, he'd kill me - I wonder why he hasn't dragged me away from Draco already?... oh well I certainly don't mind!'
Draco noted how she seemed to sigh to herself, obviously in 2 minds about the situation. He licked his lips but Ginny lowered her head onto his chest - he'd missed his chance. Draco cursed himself, why had he constrained himself?. Through his chest Ginny could hear his heart beating quite fast, hers was racing wildly at the mere thought of her having this effect on him.
Looking out your window at the dawn Baby when you wake up ill be gone
You're the one who taught me, after all
How to find a soft place to fall
Draco leaned his chin on her head. Her long red wavy tresses smelled of vanilla and Honey, they were soft and silky on his pale skin. He raised his head up, glancing around the dance floor to see quite a-few people staring at them. In the colourful crowd he caught Blaises eye and gave him a bold wink before closing his eyes, his head peacefully resuming its place on hers.
You're the one who taught me, after all.... How to find a soft place.... to fall.
(Allison Moorer- a soft place to fall)
As the music ended, Ginny opened her eyes and slowly raised her head, looking up at the handsome prince she'd just danced with. His eyes were intense, but they didn't seem as cold anymore, they looked mysterious and haunted somehow. Draco gazed into her eyes that were searching him inquisitively right now; she looked slightly disappointed the song had finished.
He reluctantly removed his hands from her waist, smoothing his hand over her hips as he did so. Ginny unravelled her hands, sliding them down his neck tenderly. Now they just stared at each other, Silver and brown - hiding their emotions.
Finally Ginny broke the gaze and turned to walk away, she felt his right hand clutch her left holding it - was it restrictively? His touch seemed so soft. She looked questioningly to his eyes but saw no emotion, his impassive mask activating its self once more. Still staring at her intensely, he raised the soft hand to his lips, planting an understated kiss on her slender hand.
Ginny, funnily enough did not blush this time and gazed enticingly at him through hooded eyes. He slowly lowered her hand and gave her a sexy wink - as well as the Malfoy smirk - before disappearing of into the crowd. Ginny stared after him, ignoring the probing looks of the people around her before turning around to find herself a very strong drink.
This ball would be the one they never would forget......
*Present *
Draco sighed again and tore his eyes away from the youngest Weasley who was cleaning and tending to his wounded arm, avoiding his eyes.
"Ginny," he said quietly, licking his lips. Ginny flicked her eyes up from her task giving him a pensive look.
"Yes," she sighed, going back to her work.
"Thank-you.... for helping me."
Ginny paused and looked up into his eyes, had she just heard him right? She'd never heard of a polite deatheater before. She visibly relaxed and gave him a small jaded smile.
"You're welcome."
The redhead and blonde sat there caught in the moment, investigating each other's eyes. Ginny hardly recognised those steely orbs, he'd changed a lot. She blinked, breaking the contact and got up. She summoned some bandages from the cupboards and wrapped them tightly, but carefully around the deep dark gash in the deatheaters arm, noting how he didn't complain or wince as she did so.
"There," she soothed "good as new.... well almost."
She shrugged her shoulders frankly and went to the sink, where she poured away the foggy red substance her face impassive as if she cleaned cuts on a regular basis. Putting the huge black plug in the hole, Ginny filled the basin with hot water, then using her wand she muttered an incantation and bubbles came pouring from the end, making the water smell strongly of lavender.
"Do you have any other garments that have blood on them?" she enquired calmly whilst still facing the window.
"Yes actually, my shirt - but its ruined anyway. My cloak has slightly on the cuff." He replied absently, watching her back. Ginny turned to face him, missing his scrutiny.
"Okay pass it to me and I'll wash it for you."
Draco did as he was told and removed his cloak, pulling it carefully over the tight bandage and holding the cloak out to her. Ginny took it and held it to her chest; her uneasy brown eyes were on his upper left arm, staring numbly at his pale skin. The dark mark was shining like coal in the light, the skull looked menacing along with the green snake protruding out of its mouth. Draco noticed her trail of sight and turned away, thinking how similar Ginny's look was to Madame Rosemerta's.
Ginny shook her head realising she'd been staring at it, the mark fascinated her, intrigued her... Suddenly annoyed at her rudeness, the redhead dunked the expensive cloak into the soapy water. "I can fix that shirt, you know - if you still have the arm?"
Draco raised a careful eyebrow and rummaged in his B.B for the sleeve, he handed the blood sodden rag to her, ignoring her sudden grimace. Ginny took it reluctantly and threw it in the sink. The blonde went into his bag once more and took out a grey sweater. Ginny turned away as he began to undo his shirt buttons, impure thoughts entering her mind... Draco laughed silently at her sudden embarrassment, if it was any other woman she would be the one ripping his shirt off right now.
'Virginia Weasley get a grip! It's just Malfoy for Merlin's sake!'
"Here,"
Ginny jumped at his husky voice, and at his close proximity. She could feel his warm breath on her neck, tickling her delicate hairs. She shuddered slightly, her spine dissolving and took the shirt off him, placing it in the murky water.
"Tha-thank-you."
She waited for him to walk away, but he remained behind her breathing gently down her neck. 'Don't turn around, do NOT turn around Ginny.'
Draco grabbed her lightly on the hips and turned her around, smirking complacently to himself there was nowhere to hide this time. Ginny bit her lip modestly when she found herself facing him knowing what he wanted, trying more then anything to avoid his magnetic eyes. Draco watched her facial expressions change, he knew she was fighting with herself, to him she was an innocent deer caught in the headlights.
He smirked seductively evening his eyes into a feline prowess. Wanting to gaze into the chocolaty brown depths of her eyes again, Draco raised a soft hand to her freckled cheek and began caressing it softly, which caused her to look up at him in slight surprise. Ginny glimpsed downwards to his lips, watching them form a seductive smirk remembering their touch.
"Can I do anything else for you?" She requested smoothly, instantly cursing herself for the way it sounded.
Draco licked his lips solicitously. Beautiful half naked - he was willing to bet under the robe - Ginny Weasley just asked him in a rather delicious manner if she could do something else for him. As Ginny predicted, Draco started little by little towards her lips, but centimetres away from her stopped unexpectedly as though hitting an invisible barrier causing Ginny to raise a bewildered eyebrow.
Draco took a step back from her and stood by his bag, a superior smirk plastered on his face. "No. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get some sleep." Ginny gaped at the Malfoy, - he'd just been playing with her! Testing her for emotional faults and weaknesses, the little SOB could be so heartless sometimes.
"Come on, you can take the spare room." She snipped coldly, rubbing her head irritated at the blonde man as she walked down the hallway and lead Draco upstairs. Pissed off at what'd just happened, apparently Draco hadn't changed as much as she'd first thought.
Draco noticed one thing about the cottage as he followed Ginny. It was very small yet it had an extremely warm feel to it. The walls were a soft blue colour and the floor was an old pine-oak colouring with a few blue rugs dotted haphazardly around. Ginny stopped by a white door across from an open one.
'That must be her room.' He mentally noted to himself, eyeing the door inquisitively. Ginny scowled uneasily at his trail of sight, she'd have to lock the door until she could trust him.
The redhead opened the door with a bang causing Draco to snap his head back to her. Ginny glowered at him and stepped aside so Draco could enter first. The tall man raised a confused eyebrow at her sudden anger. Shaking his head at her attitude, he walked into the room and took in his surroundings. The room was a dark African blue with a pine chest of draws, bedside cabinet and of course the bed.
"Oh yeah," mumbled Ginny walking into the room, standing beside him her wand at the chest of draws, "Accio bedding!" Immediately sheets, pillows and a quilt flew from the bottom draw and landed on the bed, assuming their positions.
Draco sighed resignedly and turned to face her. Ginny reluctantly glanced up at him; he looked as though he was pondering something in that uncultivated mind of his. Ginny pursed her lips at him mulishly before allowing him a diminutive smile.
"Well, goodnight... Ginny." Draco said ineptly, still unable to comprehend what the odds of landing himself in Ginny Weasley's house were.
"Goodnight Draco." She replied quietly, walking to the door without a second glance, shutting it carefully.
Draco let out a long relieved breath and climbed into the double bed, he couldn't be arsed to take his clothes off. As he snuggled into it he was pleasantly surprised at how secure and soothing it felt to do so.
Draco rolled over, deep in thought. 'What a uncanny night. My father stabs me yet again, I fly half way across England and Scotland in the freezing cold and end up taking refuge in the home of the youngest Weasley.' Draco snorted at how ludicrous it all sounded. Assuming the foetal position, he closed his eyes slowly before flickering them open for a brief look at the door separating him and the pretty redhead before he fell into a dreamless sleep.
'Well this is interesting,' thought Ginny from across the hallway, locked in her bedroom in her own house. 'I get woken up by the bastard window again, see a man fly out from behind the moon and open the door to find an injured dragon, who just happens to be a deatheater.' The exhausted red head rolled her eyes sceptically and soon fell into a profound sleep where she dreamt of past events.
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A/N: Phew, chappie done. I'm sorry about the length and quality of the last, don't worry I've learnt my lesson.
All Review's are appreciated and taken into account!