Disclaimer: Sorry! I don't own anything here, apart from the plot and a few
characters I juiced from my brain.
*~*
Chapter 3 Allies, Enemies and old friends
*~*
November 2nd 2006
*~*
Draco slowly opened his eyes, scratching his head gingerly before glancing at the vibrant orange Chudley Cannons alarm clock on the bedside table. The bright orange hand was currently pointing to: 'Rise and shine you lazy beggar.' He frowned at the offending clock and groggily rubbed his tired grey eyes. They came into focus on a blue room with a white cupboard and wardrobe.
'My room isn't blue.' The Malfoy thought to himself, mildly confused. Then it came back to him, the staggering events that had occurred only a-few hours ago. Draco groaned in trepidation and anger whilst he propped himself up with his arms.
"Ouch, Damn!" he cursed, as his bandaged arm screamed in protest. Draco scowled irritably at the bandage, but the look soon turned to commiseration as he remembered the pretty redhead who'd helped him.
"The weaslette didn't do a bad job." He admitted to no one in particular, pulling gingerly at the strong bandage that refused to budge.
Rubbing his injury carefully, Draco clambered out of the warm bed to the double paned window. He pushed open the smallest pane and breathed in the fresh country air, all the smells of the countryside stirring in his lungs. The morning air was cool and refreshing, there was diamond like dew on the crisp green grass in the large field across the road, a slight mist lingering over the landscape.
There was a small knock at the door, interrupting his peace. "Draco, are you awake?" came the apprehensive voice of the youngest Weasley from behind the door.
"Yes.... Come in" he added gruffly, swiping a hand back through his tousled hair and sitting down on the bed.
The door crept open and a very stunning looking Ginny walked leisurely into the room. She was wearing a white gypsy style top that was pulled down to reveal her petite shoulders, with an above the knee brown gypsy skirt. On her feet and legs she wore black wedge-heeled knee-high boots, which flattered her shapely legs.
Draco swallowed - hard. He felt his heart begin to race slightly as he noticed her womanly curves and long legs. He tried to take his eyes off her as she was blushing a lot but he couldn't, his eyes were betraying him. This thought irked Draco slightly as he'd seen many other luscious, to die for women in his life, however none of them had stirred him like this.
'She looks much better in the daytime' he told himself mentally as he raked her bodyline for the 12th time. Above him, Ginny managed to fight off her reserved blushing and interrupt the awkward silence.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked politely, looking curiously into his steely grey eyes that held so much obscurity and furtiveness.
"Yeah, Yeah I did actually..." He replied truthfully, attempting to be civil for once. "How...about you?" He responded in a gauche tone, Draco clearly wasn't used to this 'small talk', especially with someone who was making him think about taking a cold shower right now.
"Fine..... The bathrooms free if you want a shower." She said impassively before raising a clandestine eyebrow, admiring his sexy rugged like state and walking out of the room and going hastily down stairs.
Draco smirked knowingly at the spot where Ginny had stood. 'Is it me? Or was Ginny checking me out again?' he quizzed himself, a wicked grin creeping onto his face.
He shrugged his shoulders and grabbed a back shirt; a grey t-shirt and some black slacks and went along the small landing into a cute yellow bathroom. Smirking pompously at Ginny's interested behaviour, the blonde deatheater stripped off and had a relaxing hot shower.
Downstairs, Ginny sipped delicately on her cup of tea. She needed to do something, anything to take her mind off the sexy blonde man having a shower up stairs. The water running down his - .
Cursing herself for the illegal images creeping into her mind, she took out Draco's ripped shirt and sleeve from the blood-ridden sink, and used a quick drying spell to make them bone dry.
The redhead, still cursing herself, then went into the living room and took out her sowing kit from the bottom shelf on her huge pine bookshelf. Sowing was one of her unusual muggle interests - she found it disturbingly peaceful.
Settling down in her favourite chair, (a blow up one, a present from her father whilst doing business in London.) Ginny began to mend the torn Gucci shirt as more steamy thoughts entered her mind. This time Ginny gave in and smirked naughtily at the images for her eyes only.
'Perhaps ill take a trip to the village today to hear what the people are saying about Draco.' She pondered thoughtfully, imagining what it'd be like to strip this shirt teasingly off Draco. 'Oh why did he have to show up here! Why wont the past stop taunting me?' Her thoughts inattentively lingered to an incomplete letter sitting up stairs..
Ginny absent-mindedly hummed a familiar tune from her past whilst bringing the expensive fabric back together. She could imagine Draco walking into the posh muggle shop and buying this shirt, snapping at the assistants to fetch him different colours and styles. Ginny was rather surprised actually that Draco would wonder into muggle London just for a shirt, but being a Malfoy, it didn't surprise her that he only wanted the best. 10 minutes later, the shirt looked as good as new. She smiled to herself and draped it over the back of the sofa.
"I hope it wasn't too much trouble for you." Drawled a lazy voice in the doorway behind her; 'speak of the devil' Ginny thought rolling her eyes and sighing resignedly.
"No its fine. Draco, what exactly are you going to do all day?" she questioned in a careful manner. What was he going to do all day? Stare into space? Hide under the bed? Some thing told her though, that he had something planned.
"I was thinking about going into the village," he replied whilst scratching his chin thoughtfully. Ginny stared at him as though he'd gone insane.
"You're kidding right? I mean, how on earth is a wanted and well known, death-man going to walk around the village in broad daylight." She retorted shrewdly, raising a perfectly curved eyebrow.
"Simple," he replied in a superior tone, "Using one of these."
Draco held up a silver invisibility cloak, or was it? It looked a lot like one, the colour and similarity was the same as the one Blaise used to have, but this cloak had a glossy shimming surface. It looked as though it was made of silver water; that rippled at the slightest touch.
"What is that? Is it an invisibility cloak?" she murmured inquisitively, walking forward and touching the silky texture of the cloak. "It looks like it's made of water."
Draco watched her stroke the cloak, her face turning to that of awe and admiration. Suddenly a feeling of extreme proudness enveloped him at her fascination with the cloak, unexplainably it mattered deeply to him what she thought about it.
"It's called an impostors cloak. When I put it on I give the impression that I'm someone unknown. An excellent little gadget for spying on people, if you ask me." He said, stroking the fabric too. His fingers brushed Ginny's causing her to blush; he smirked at her and carefully put on the cloak.
Instantly the form of an unknown man replaced the masculine form of Draco. He had short brown hair; which was spiky and green eyes, which looked dull and downcast. The stranger was wearing a blue cloak with silver stars dotted about randomly. Although unrecognisable, there was a likeness of Draco around the smile.
Draco raised a questioning eyebrow, awaiting her approval of the cloak. Ginny nodded her head whilst giving him a once over.
"Can you do everything in that cloak? I mean, can you eat and drink?" She inquired curiously.
"No I can't actually, because I would have to take down the hood. I suppose that's the only minor detail, that and not being able to kiss any body with it on as-well." He raised his left eyebrow and gave her a-lop sided grin. Ginny blushed and laughed. She covered her mouth and bit her lip playfully.
"Not bad, but what should I call you? You're name isn't exactly common." She countered slightly flustered.
"Hmmm, you can call me." He frowned for a while then smiled. "I know you can call me Leo Walker. I'll be a friend visiting you from London." Draco smiled smugly proud of his quick thinking. Ginny bit back a laugh.
"O.k. 'Leo' it is then. Just let me get my cloak and we'll go into the village." She rolled her eyes as she walked towards the door. Ginny grabbed her cloak. It was a stunning Emerald green and on the chest, there sat a silver rose pin. She slipped it on and went back to the living room to fetch 'Leo'.
Draco was looking through her record albums. 'Hmmm she hasn't got bad taste.' He thought as he spotted a couple of his favourites.
"Ahem." Came a cough behind him. He sighed and turned to face her. "I've just thought if we see anyone we know you have to be polite or they'll see right through that disguise." "Don't worry Weasley, I'll be on my best behaviour." He pouted mockingly whilst crossing his heart. Ginny scowled and pointed towards the door.
"Oh no ladies first." He bowed regally whilst smirking. She pursed her lips and stormed out the room.
'She needs to lighten up' he observed whilst following her out of the door. *
"So where are we off to?" 'Leo' inquired cheerily as they approached the village. It was 11.00 and the long road was quite busy.
"Well I need to get a-few things, but we can take care of that after I -"
"Fine, fine" he waved it aside. "We can do your thing later. Now I want to-" Ginny glared at him, he was pushing his luck.
"I really need to get these things." She pointed out through gritted teeth.
"Well you can wait Weasley! I need to take care of-"
Suddenly she stopped and grabbed the front of his cloak, pulling him towards her. Draco gasped expecting a kiss, but flinched as her eyes became hard. The brown in her eyes was indistinguishable due to the gold rings in the centre widening as her pupils were dilated. She gave him a commanding stare.
"Look Malfoy, if you want to stay in my home and stay hidden. I suggest you take that stick out your ass and start acting civil. Or the next time a Auror comes I shall turn you in." She shook her head quickly and the anger vanished from her eyes. Ginny gasped and let go of him. The redhead turned and stormed towards the village. A shocked Draco stared after her.
"Bloody hell." He whispered completely astonished and strode after the angry Weasley. He caught up with her as she entered the three broomsticks. "Good morning Ginny, oh I see you've bought a friend with you." Called Madame Rosemerta from behind the bar.
"Good morning! Um yes this is Leo Walker, he's an old friend of mine. Leo, this is Madame Rosemerta the landlady."
Draco put on a fake smile and took the older woman's hand. "Charmed." He replied whilst stroking it gently. The landlady blushed and let out a schoolgirl giggle as he planted a soft kiss on the back of the ageing hand. Ginny was surprised at his charming demeanour and sent him an impressed look. He gave her a sharp glance whilst raising his eyebrows and lowering the woman's hand.
"Come on Ginny dear, let us take a seat. It was a pleasure meeting you." He said to Rosemerta whilst steering Ginny towards a booth in the corner.
"I must say very convincing." She jested sitting down gracefully. Draco sent her a death glare and sat down beside her. He took out his wand under the table.
"You must of ha-" she stopped when she felt the wooden object poking in her side. He leaned in closely so his mouth was barely touching her ear.
"Listen Weasley, if you ever-ever talk to or threaten me like that again, then I'll do something I'll probably regret. Got it?" The blonde hissed in a snake like matter. He poked her harder.
"Got it?" He hissed again.
"Yes." She responded quietly. Draco removed the wand and put it back in his pocket.
"Now that we've got all that sorted out." He chimed assuming his previous cheery voice. "I don't want to have to do anything to you but if you're not careful I shall have to." Ginny pouted and looked away from the table. Draco glanced at her. He noticed something shining on her chest. 'That looks familiar.' He told himself as the silver rose sparkled in the light. 'Where have I seen that before?'
Ginny elbowed him in the side.
"Oi what did you do that for?" he demanded as he rubbed his ribs.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't stare at my chest like that." Draco blushed slightly.
"I wasn't looking there I was looking at that pin. May I ask where you got it?" Ginny's eyes flashed quickly with mystery.
"You could, but I wouldn't tell you." She retorted lazily. Draco frowned at her.
"Why the big secret? From your lover boy Longbottom?" he teased smirking at her. Ginny glared at him. "For your information, I haven't seen Neville since your graduation ball-" She blushed slightly as she remembered the dance she shared with the blonde man. Draco raised his eyebrows questioningly. She sighed slightly annoyed.
"Fine, I.err got it as a present from. from a friend." She finished lamely. Draco crossed his arms and leant back against the bench.
"You're a terrible liar Ginny." He stated smugly. Ginny scowled at him.
"Oh yes I proved that last night didn't I?" she countered. Draco frowned and sneered at her.
"What can I get you?" Came the waitress' chirpy voice.
"One butterbeer." Smiled Ginny sweetly, "and a strong tea." She added.
"O.k., coming right up!" The brunette waitress smiled sexily at Draco and wandered off.
He rolled his eyes and suddenly found the salt and pepper pots very interesting. Ginny watched him narrow his eyes dangerously as if they were shouting abuse at him.
"Look, 'Leo'. If were going to be living together for a while, I guess we should try to be nice to each other?" Ginny stared hopefully into his eyes. She could see he was trying to keep his emotional mask from cracking. He pursed his lips,
'Why does she have to look at me like that?' his insides were fluttering. Ginny's' eyes looked doe like with big long flirtatious lashes. She gave a small smile and raised her eyebrows awaiting his answer. Draco relaxed slightly, letting out some tension and sighed impatiently.
"Fine! Fine, I shall try to be 'nice' to you."
Ginny smiled sweetly upon hearing his answer.
'Please stop looking at me like that!!!' he cried out to himself mentally. Draco coughed quietly and shifted in his seat, he was feeling something for the youngest Weasley. 'No, I shoul-couldn't be.' The red head blinked and bit her lip.
"So.why did you come to Hogesmade?" Ginny prodded attempting civilised conversation. The man opposite her glanced at her pin and then back to her eyes. "I knew that everyone would think I've gone to London- due to my luxury money being kept there. So I decided to come here." He replied quickly.
"Oh, I would of thought you'-"
"Where did you get that brooch?" He interrupted hoping to catch her off guard. Ginny stared at him and sighed a longing sigh.
"Okay, okay.Blaise gave it to me." Draco raised his eyebrows and blinked at the woman. 'Of course, that crush he had on her.' He suddenly felt his stomach pang slightly with what? Disappointment? Pity? .Jealousy.?
"Why did he give that to you? You do know that that's his families crest don't you?" He smiled knowing what the answer was. Ginny looked away from his eyes and down at the table.
"I don't want to talk about this, please don't ask me to." Draco quirked a curious eyebrow and looked into her pained eyes.
"Why?" he said as he watched her eyes move around the table. She glanced at the floor to the right of her.
"I just don't" she finished quietly. Draco could see she was pushing the memory to the back of her head.
"Okay we wont." He scratched his head, "Have you seen Blaise recently?" Ginny looked back into his eyes. They reminded her of Harry.
"Hello again! One butterbeer-" The waitress placed it in front of Leo. "And one tea. There you go, enjoy!"
"Excuse me," interjected Draco, "But could I possibly have a straw?" Ginny looked at him curiously. The waitress raised her eyebrows.
"Of, of course sir." She flashed them a smile before disappearing again. Seconds later she returned with a long purple and green straw. Draco snatched it off her. She scowled at him and turned to walk away.
"Thank you" Ginny smiled.
"You should really eat something," Draco lectured whilst he tucked it under the cloak, where it disappeared. He sucked the straw. If any body were to walk by now you'd think he was miming. She stared at him for a second before she burst out laughing. Draco looked up.
"What?" He demanded oblivious to the image he was making.
"You- you look like you-you've been sucking on a lemon." She gasped between laughs. Draco scowled at her and curled his lip.
"Ha, Ha you're such a comedian." He retorted. "Aren't you eating at all?" He asked whilst examining her skinny arms.
"I'm not hungry, and since when did you care?" she shot playfully. Draco 'tsked, "I don't care, but you look like you could use some food."
"No I think I'll pass, I'm fine." She sipped her tea 'A bit weak, oh well.'
Lots of people started turning their heads towards the doorway; some of the younger witches were giggling insanely.
"Oh hello Mr and Mrs Potter! It's been a while!"
Ginny snapped her head to the door. Stood in the doorway were Harry and a contently happy Pansy.
"Indeed it has, I hope you're well." Harry returned in a husk warm voice.
"How's it feel to be married to this charmer?" Laughed Rosemerta to Pansy. Pansy hugged his chest,
"Wonderful, he's a sweetheart, soul mate, friend and sex machine rolled into one." Harry- as did a-few punters-laughed loudly at Pansy's explanation of married life and he shook his head. He did a double take when he saw the redhead in the corner sitting with a man he did not know.
"Oh no," muttered Ginny as he finished his conversation with the landlady and made his way towards the booth.
"Ginny!" he exclaimed happily sitting next to her. Ginny put on a fake smile and gave Draco a quick glance. He was trying very hard not to curl his lip in dislike.
"Hello Ginny," chimed Pansy in a happy tone. Ginny gave her a smile that did not reach her eyes.
"Hello Harry, Pansy. How are you both." She asked politely. Pansy took a seat next to Harry and eyed the man sitting opposite her curiously.
"Fine, fine." He sighed and glanced at Draco, "Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?"
Draco flashed his eyes and gave them a small smile. He reluctantly raised a hand to Harry.
"Names Leo, Leo Walker." Harry took the hand and noticed he hand a very firm grip.
"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Harry potter, and this is my wife Pansy." Pansy raised her hand to him expectantly as though she was royalty.
"Nice to meet you both." He replied in a pained voice ignoring Pansy's hand. Ginny smiled quickly and glanced at the dancing green eyes of Leo. He twitched his eyebrow and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Harry eyed the pair suspiciously,
"So Leo, how do you know Ginny?" Draco scowled at the pepper pot and put on his polite face.
"We met each other about 1 year ago and have been in contact since." He drawled and stared around the pub in a bored grimace.
Pansy frowned as she saw the rose pinned on Ginny's chest. 'That's Blaises.' She reminisced, 'He had that rose pin on his bedside table all the time at Hogwarts.' She frowned once more, and shrugged to herself.
"So what are you doing in Hogesmade?" Ginny quizzed breaking the suspicious atmosphere.
"We're doing some shopping before we go to Hogwarts to watch Percy and Penelope's son play quidditch; Griffindor verses Slytherin." Replied pansy demurely.
"I miss quidditch so much," sighed Harry. "I remember our last match; Griffindor V's Slytherin. I'm telling you it felt good beating that git Malfoy. Not that he ever got the snitch in our matches anyway." He finished smugly. Pansy laughed and nodded.
Ginny did not laugh until he looked at her strangely. She stopped abruptly at the slight hurt in the green eyes of the man next to her. He was staring straight at Harry, his hands either side of him were twitching dangerously as if about to place them around Harry's neck.
"How about you Leo? Did you go to Hogwarts?" Draco's eyes flashed with worry. 'Shit! You damn nosy bugger Potter!' "I was.transferred to Durmstag in my second year. My parents had to move due to. business." Ginny breathed again, 'That was too close.' Draco sat there in a bored stupor whilst the other 3 adults did the 'small talk'. He rose from his seat leaving 3 Galleons on the table.
"Come on Ginny, we best get going." He said pointedly.
"Okay, nice seeing you again. See you soon." She slid out of the booth and joined Draco. Harry frowned at the man, but quickly gave a smile when he looked at him.
"Oh, okay. Well I'll see you soon. Nice meeting you Leo."
"Yes nice seeing you both." Pansy concurred in a singsong voice. 'Leo' gave a hard smile and steered Ginny towards the exit.
"Goodbye Ginny, Leo." called Madame Rosemerta.
"Goodbye see you soon." She returned with a smile. Draco nodded his head in a polite manner.
Ginny winced as the door behind her banged in pain.
"Stupid bastard Potter." Mumbled the annoyed deatheater.
"Yeah he gets that off Hermione." Ginny added thoughtfully. Draco raised an eyebrow at her.
"What?" she asked innocently, "He does."
"I take it you don't think he's gods gift to mankind anymore then?" he shot evilly. Ginny reddened slightly, "Shut up Mal-Leo. For your information I think he's an egotistical, big headed pillock and the same goes for his wife."
Draco laughed at her good word use and applauded her mentally. Ginny looked into his emerald green eyes and saw the dullness fade away ever so slightly. She flashed her alluring brown eyes and forced herself to look away.
'I wish she'd stop looking at me like that. Next time I'll have to give in to temptation.' He smirked inwardly.
"And why would you say that?" "Oh come off it, he walks around like he's some sort of god because he defeated Voldemort. Then he shows of his pug of a wife like she's the next miss world. I think even you'd look good next to him." Draco made a face and scowled.
"I suppose you argue a good point." He conceded. The brunette and the red head walked and talked down the busy street towards Madame Malkins, unaware that they were being watched. * Pansy and Harry made there way towards the Griffindor guest supporters stand. "Grrr, Damn stairs!" cursed Pansy as her eyes followed the path of the wooden stairs heading high into the wooden rafters.
Harry laughed at her grumbles.
"Wasn't that Leo guy weird. He was all friendly one minute and snippy the next." Pansy remarked with distaste.
"Yeah. he was suspicious but he must be okay if Ginny knows him."
"I suppose." Pansy's mind flashed to the rose brooch.
"Did you see that rose pin Ginny was wearing?" She asked thoughtfully. Harry turned to look at his wife.
"Yeah briefly, why?"
"Well, that belongs to Blaise Zabini. He always kept it on his bedside table in his dorm. It's his Families crest. So why'd you think he'd give it to Ginny?" Harry raised his eyebrows. They were slowly reaching the top of the ever- lengthening stairs.
"Really? I don't think she knew him at Hogwarts. Maybe you've seen it somewhere else and you think its Blaises." Harry suggested.
"No. It is Blaises. The poor dear used to have a crush on her." Pansy shook her head sadly. Harry gasped loudly.
"What? That Slytherin bastard. - No offence. Have a crush on Ginny. What did you have to drink?" He eyed the blonde woman curiously. Pansy hit him softly on the arm, the black haired man laughed and poked her side.
"I'm serious Harry. I heard it from Eloise Midgeden. She said that a couple of nights before the ball, Blaise was going on and on for ages about her. Apparently they'd seen each other secretly too, but I'm not so sure about that. Blaise wouldn't have associated with a Weasley. He was too much like Draco." She sniffed coldly.
"Maybe, but you wouldn't of associated with me would you in the past? But now look at us we're married." He grabbed her waist, kissing her softly on the neck. Pansy smiled and leaned on his shoulder. Harry stopped and frowned at the blonde.
"How do you know what Blaises dorm looked like anyway?" The slytherin gave him a grin and an evil look. Harry widened his eyes in shock; no explanation was necessary. Pansy laughed and kissed his lips. Finally, they reached the top of the stairs and walked out into the lively Griffindor supporters box adorned with its red and gold banners.
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Chapter 3 Allies, Enemies and old friends
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November 2nd 2006
*~*
Draco slowly opened his eyes, scratching his head gingerly before glancing at the vibrant orange Chudley Cannons alarm clock on the bedside table. The bright orange hand was currently pointing to: 'Rise and shine you lazy beggar.' He frowned at the offending clock and groggily rubbed his tired grey eyes. They came into focus on a blue room with a white cupboard and wardrobe.
'My room isn't blue.' The Malfoy thought to himself, mildly confused. Then it came back to him, the staggering events that had occurred only a-few hours ago. Draco groaned in trepidation and anger whilst he propped himself up with his arms.
"Ouch, Damn!" he cursed, as his bandaged arm screamed in protest. Draco scowled irritably at the bandage, but the look soon turned to commiseration as he remembered the pretty redhead who'd helped him.
"The weaslette didn't do a bad job." He admitted to no one in particular, pulling gingerly at the strong bandage that refused to budge.
Rubbing his injury carefully, Draco clambered out of the warm bed to the double paned window. He pushed open the smallest pane and breathed in the fresh country air, all the smells of the countryside stirring in his lungs. The morning air was cool and refreshing, there was diamond like dew on the crisp green grass in the large field across the road, a slight mist lingering over the landscape.
There was a small knock at the door, interrupting his peace. "Draco, are you awake?" came the apprehensive voice of the youngest Weasley from behind the door.
"Yes.... Come in" he added gruffly, swiping a hand back through his tousled hair and sitting down on the bed.
The door crept open and a very stunning looking Ginny walked leisurely into the room. She was wearing a white gypsy style top that was pulled down to reveal her petite shoulders, with an above the knee brown gypsy skirt. On her feet and legs she wore black wedge-heeled knee-high boots, which flattered her shapely legs.
Draco swallowed - hard. He felt his heart begin to race slightly as he noticed her womanly curves and long legs. He tried to take his eyes off her as she was blushing a lot but he couldn't, his eyes were betraying him. This thought irked Draco slightly as he'd seen many other luscious, to die for women in his life, however none of them had stirred him like this.
'She looks much better in the daytime' he told himself mentally as he raked her bodyline for the 12th time. Above him, Ginny managed to fight off her reserved blushing and interrupt the awkward silence.
"Did you sleep well?" she asked politely, looking curiously into his steely grey eyes that held so much obscurity and furtiveness.
"Yeah, Yeah I did actually..." He replied truthfully, attempting to be civil for once. "How...about you?" He responded in a gauche tone, Draco clearly wasn't used to this 'small talk', especially with someone who was making him think about taking a cold shower right now.
"Fine..... The bathrooms free if you want a shower." She said impassively before raising a clandestine eyebrow, admiring his sexy rugged like state and walking out of the room and going hastily down stairs.
Draco smirked knowingly at the spot where Ginny had stood. 'Is it me? Or was Ginny checking me out again?' he quizzed himself, a wicked grin creeping onto his face.
He shrugged his shoulders and grabbed a back shirt; a grey t-shirt and some black slacks and went along the small landing into a cute yellow bathroom. Smirking pompously at Ginny's interested behaviour, the blonde deatheater stripped off and had a relaxing hot shower.
Downstairs, Ginny sipped delicately on her cup of tea. She needed to do something, anything to take her mind off the sexy blonde man having a shower up stairs. The water running down his - .
Cursing herself for the illegal images creeping into her mind, she took out Draco's ripped shirt and sleeve from the blood-ridden sink, and used a quick drying spell to make them bone dry.
The redhead, still cursing herself, then went into the living room and took out her sowing kit from the bottom shelf on her huge pine bookshelf. Sowing was one of her unusual muggle interests - she found it disturbingly peaceful.
Settling down in her favourite chair, (a blow up one, a present from her father whilst doing business in London.) Ginny began to mend the torn Gucci shirt as more steamy thoughts entered her mind. This time Ginny gave in and smirked naughtily at the images for her eyes only.
'Perhaps ill take a trip to the village today to hear what the people are saying about Draco.' She pondered thoughtfully, imagining what it'd be like to strip this shirt teasingly off Draco. 'Oh why did he have to show up here! Why wont the past stop taunting me?' Her thoughts inattentively lingered to an incomplete letter sitting up stairs..
Ginny absent-mindedly hummed a familiar tune from her past whilst bringing the expensive fabric back together. She could imagine Draco walking into the posh muggle shop and buying this shirt, snapping at the assistants to fetch him different colours and styles. Ginny was rather surprised actually that Draco would wonder into muggle London just for a shirt, but being a Malfoy, it didn't surprise her that he only wanted the best. 10 minutes later, the shirt looked as good as new. She smiled to herself and draped it over the back of the sofa.
"I hope it wasn't too much trouble for you." Drawled a lazy voice in the doorway behind her; 'speak of the devil' Ginny thought rolling her eyes and sighing resignedly.
"No its fine. Draco, what exactly are you going to do all day?" she questioned in a careful manner. What was he going to do all day? Stare into space? Hide under the bed? Some thing told her though, that he had something planned.
"I was thinking about going into the village," he replied whilst scratching his chin thoughtfully. Ginny stared at him as though he'd gone insane.
"You're kidding right? I mean, how on earth is a wanted and well known, death-man going to walk around the village in broad daylight." She retorted shrewdly, raising a perfectly curved eyebrow.
"Simple," he replied in a superior tone, "Using one of these."
Draco held up a silver invisibility cloak, or was it? It looked a lot like one, the colour and similarity was the same as the one Blaise used to have, but this cloak had a glossy shimming surface. It looked as though it was made of silver water; that rippled at the slightest touch.
"What is that? Is it an invisibility cloak?" she murmured inquisitively, walking forward and touching the silky texture of the cloak. "It looks like it's made of water."
Draco watched her stroke the cloak, her face turning to that of awe and admiration. Suddenly a feeling of extreme proudness enveloped him at her fascination with the cloak, unexplainably it mattered deeply to him what she thought about it.
"It's called an impostors cloak. When I put it on I give the impression that I'm someone unknown. An excellent little gadget for spying on people, if you ask me." He said, stroking the fabric too. His fingers brushed Ginny's causing her to blush; he smirked at her and carefully put on the cloak.
Instantly the form of an unknown man replaced the masculine form of Draco. He had short brown hair; which was spiky and green eyes, which looked dull and downcast. The stranger was wearing a blue cloak with silver stars dotted about randomly. Although unrecognisable, there was a likeness of Draco around the smile.
Draco raised a questioning eyebrow, awaiting her approval of the cloak. Ginny nodded her head whilst giving him a once over.
"Can you do everything in that cloak? I mean, can you eat and drink?" She inquired curiously.
"No I can't actually, because I would have to take down the hood. I suppose that's the only minor detail, that and not being able to kiss any body with it on as-well." He raised his left eyebrow and gave her a-lop sided grin. Ginny blushed and laughed. She covered her mouth and bit her lip playfully.
"Not bad, but what should I call you? You're name isn't exactly common." She countered slightly flustered.
"Hmmm, you can call me." He frowned for a while then smiled. "I know you can call me Leo Walker. I'll be a friend visiting you from London." Draco smiled smugly proud of his quick thinking. Ginny bit back a laugh.
"O.k. 'Leo' it is then. Just let me get my cloak and we'll go into the village." She rolled her eyes as she walked towards the door. Ginny grabbed her cloak. It was a stunning Emerald green and on the chest, there sat a silver rose pin. She slipped it on and went back to the living room to fetch 'Leo'.
Draco was looking through her record albums. 'Hmmm she hasn't got bad taste.' He thought as he spotted a couple of his favourites.
"Ahem." Came a cough behind him. He sighed and turned to face her. "I've just thought if we see anyone we know you have to be polite or they'll see right through that disguise." "Don't worry Weasley, I'll be on my best behaviour." He pouted mockingly whilst crossing his heart. Ginny scowled and pointed towards the door.
"Oh no ladies first." He bowed regally whilst smirking. She pursed her lips and stormed out the room.
'She needs to lighten up' he observed whilst following her out of the door. *
"So where are we off to?" 'Leo' inquired cheerily as they approached the village. It was 11.00 and the long road was quite busy.
"Well I need to get a-few things, but we can take care of that after I -"
"Fine, fine" he waved it aside. "We can do your thing later. Now I want to-" Ginny glared at him, he was pushing his luck.
"I really need to get these things." She pointed out through gritted teeth.
"Well you can wait Weasley! I need to take care of-"
Suddenly she stopped and grabbed the front of his cloak, pulling him towards her. Draco gasped expecting a kiss, but flinched as her eyes became hard. The brown in her eyes was indistinguishable due to the gold rings in the centre widening as her pupils were dilated. She gave him a commanding stare.
"Look Malfoy, if you want to stay in my home and stay hidden. I suggest you take that stick out your ass and start acting civil. Or the next time a Auror comes I shall turn you in." She shook her head quickly and the anger vanished from her eyes. Ginny gasped and let go of him. The redhead turned and stormed towards the village. A shocked Draco stared after her.
"Bloody hell." He whispered completely astonished and strode after the angry Weasley. He caught up with her as she entered the three broomsticks. "Good morning Ginny, oh I see you've bought a friend with you." Called Madame Rosemerta from behind the bar.
"Good morning! Um yes this is Leo Walker, he's an old friend of mine. Leo, this is Madame Rosemerta the landlady."
Draco put on a fake smile and took the older woman's hand. "Charmed." He replied whilst stroking it gently. The landlady blushed and let out a schoolgirl giggle as he planted a soft kiss on the back of the ageing hand. Ginny was surprised at his charming demeanour and sent him an impressed look. He gave her a sharp glance whilst raising his eyebrows and lowering the woman's hand.
"Come on Ginny dear, let us take a seat. It was a pleasure meeting you." He said to Rosemerta whilst steering Ginny towards a booth in the corner.
"I must say very convincing." She jested sitting down gracefully. Draco sent her a death glare and sat down beside her. He took out his wand under the table.
"You must of ha-" she stopped when she felt the wooden object poking in her side. He leaned in closely so his mouth was barely touching her ear.
"Listen Weasley, if you ever-ever talk to or threaten me like that again, then I'll do something I'll probably regret. Got it?" The blonde hissed in a snake like matter. He poked her harder.
"Got it?" He hissed again.
"Yes." She responded quietly. Draco removed the wand and put it back in his pocket.
"Now that we've got all that sorted out." He chimed assuming his previous cheery voice. "I don't want to have to do anything to you but if you're not careful I shall have to." Ginny pouted and looked away from the table. Draco glanced at her. He noticed something shining on her chest. 'That looks familiar.' He told himself as the silver rose sparkled in the light. 'Where have I seen that before?'
Ginny elbowed him in the side.
"Oi what did you do that for?" he demanded as he rubbed his ribs.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't stare at my chest like that." Draco blushed slightly.
"I wasn't looking there I was looking at that pin. May I ask where you got it?" Ginny's eyes flashed quickly with mystery.
"You could, but I wouldn't tell you." She retorted lazily. Draco frowned at her.
"Why the big secret? From your lover boy Longbottom?" he teased smirking at her. Ginny glared at him. "For your information, I haven't seen Neville since your graduation ball-" She blushed slightly as she remembered the dance she shared with the blonde man. Draco raised his eyebrows questioningly. She sighed slightly annoyed.
"Fine, I.err got it as a present from. from a friend." She finished lamely. Draco crossed his arms and leant back against the bench.
"You're a terrible liar Ginny." He stated smugly. Ginny scowled at him.
"Oh yes I proved that last night didn't I?" she countered. Draco frowned and sneered at her.
"What can I get you?" Came the waitress' chirpy voice.
"One butterbeer." Smiled Ginny sweetly, "and a strong tea." She added.
"O.k., coming right up!" The brunette waitress smiled sexily at Draco and wandered off.
He rolled his eyes and suddenly found the salt and pepper pots very interesting. Ginny watched him narrow his eyes dangerously as if they were shouting abuse at him.
"Look, 'Leo'. If were going to be living together for a while, I guess we should try to be nice to each other?" Ginny stared hopefully into his eyes. She could see he was trying to keep his emotional mask from cracking. He pursed his lips,
'Why does she have to look at me like that?' his insides were fluttering. Ginny's' eyes looked doe like with big long flirtatious lashes. She gave a small smile and raised her eyebrows awaiting his answer. Draco relaxed slightly, letting out some tension and sighed impatiently.
"Fine! Fine, I shall try to be 'nice' to you."
Ginny smiled sweetly upon hearing his answer.
'Please stop looking at me like that!!!' he cried out to himself mentally. Draco coughed quietly and shifted in his seat, he was feeling something for the youngest Weasley. 'No, I shoul-couldn't be.' The red head blinked and bit her lip.
"So.why did you come to Hogesmade?" Ginny prodded attempting civilised conversation. The man opposite her glanced at her pin and then back to her eyes. "I knew that everyone would think I've gone to London- due to my luxury money being kept there. So I decided to come here." He replied quickly.
"Oh, I would of thought you'-"
"Where did you get that brooch?" He interrupted hoping to catch her off guard. Ginny stared at him and sighed a longing sigh.
"Okay, okay.Blaise gave it to me." Draco raised his eyebrows and blinked at the woman. 'Of course, that crush he had on her.' He suddenly felt his stomach pang slightly with what? Disappointment? Pity? .Jealousy.?
"Why did he give that to you? You do know that that's his families crest don't you?" He smiled knowing what the answer was. Ginny looked away from his eyes and down at the table.
"I don't want to talk about this, please don't ask me to." Draco quirked a curious eyebrow and looked into her pained eyes.
"Why?" he said as he watched her eyes move around the table. She glanced at the floor to the right of her.
"I just don't" she finished quietly. Draco could see she was pushing the memory to the back of her head.
"Okay we wont." He scratched his head, "Have you seen Blaise recently?" Ginny looked back into his eyes. They reminded her of Harry.
"Hello again! One butterbeer-" The waitress placed it in front of Leo. "And one tea. There you go, enjoy!"
"Excuse me," interjected Draco, "But could I possibly have a straw?" Ginny looked at him curiously. The waitress raised her eyebrows.
"Of, of course sir." She flashed them a smile before disappearing again. Seconds later she returned with a long purple and green straw. Draco snatched it off her. She scowled at him and turned to walk away.
"Thank you" Ginny smiled.
"You should really eat something," Draco lectured whilst he tucked it under the cloak, where it disappeared. He sucked the straw. If any body were to walk by now you'd think he was miming. She stared at him for a second before she burst out laughing. Draco looked up.
"What?" He demanded oblivious to the image he was making.
"You- you look like you-you've been sucking on a lemon." She gasped between laughs. Draco scowled at her and curled his lip.
"Ha, Ha you're such a comedian." He retorted. "Aren't you eating at all?" He asked whilst examining her skinny arms.
"I'm not hungry, and since when did you care?" she shot playfully. Draco 'tsked, "I don't care, but you look like you could use some food."
"No I think I'll pass, I'm fine." She sipped her tea 'A bit weak, oh well.'
Lots of people started turning their heads towards the doorway; some of the younger witches were giggling insanely.
"Oh hello Mr and Mrs Potter! It's been a while!"
Ginny snapped her head to the door. Stood in the doorway were Harry and a contently happy Pansy.
"Indeed it has, I hope you're well." Harry returned in a husk warm voice.
"How's it feel to be married to this charmer?" Laughed Rosemerta to Pansy. Pansy hugged his chest,
"Wonderful, he's a sweetheart, soul mate, friend and sex machine rolled into one." Harry- as did a-few punters-laughed loudly at Pansy's explanation of married life and he shook his head. He did a double take when he saw the redhead in the corner sitting with a man he did not know.
"Oh no," muttered Ginny as he finished his conversation with the landlady and made his way towards the booth.
"Ginny!" he exclaimed happily sitting next to her. Ginny put on a fake smile and gave Draco a quick glance. He was trying very hard not to curl his lip in dislike.
"Hello Ginny," chimed Pansy in a happy tone. Ginny gave her a smile that did not reach her eyes.
"Hello Harry, Pansy. How are you both." She asked politely. Pansy took a seat next to Harry and eyed the man sitting opposite her curiously.
"Fine, fine." He sighed and glanced at Draco, "Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?"
Draco flashed his eyes and gave them a small smile. He reluctantly raised a hand to Harry.
"Names Leo, Leo Walker." Harry took the hand and noticed he hand a very firm grip.
"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Harry potter, and this is my wife Pansy." Pansy raised her hand to him expectantly as though she was royalty.
"Nice to meet you both." He replied in a pained voice ignoring Pansy's hand. Ginny smiled quickly and glanced at the dancing green eyes of Leo. He twitched his eyebrow and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Harry eyed the pair suspiciously,
"So Leo, how do you know Ginny?" Draco scowled at the pepper pot and put on his polite face.
"We met each other about 1 year ago and have been in contact since." He drawled and stared around the pub in a bored grimace.
Pansy frowned as she saw the rose pinned on Ginny's chest. 'That's Blaises.' She reminisced, 'He had that rose pin on his bedside table all the time at Hogwarts.' She frowned once more, and shrugged to herself.
"So what are you doing in Hogesmade?" Ginny quizzed breaking the suspicious atmosphere.
"We're doing some shopping before we go to Hogwarts to watch Percy and Penelope's son play quidditch; Griffindor verses Slytherin." Replied pansy demurely.
"I miss quidditch so much," sighed Harry. "I remember our last match; Griffindor V's Slytherin. I'm telling you it felt good beating that git Malfoy. Not that he ever got the snitch in our matches anyway." He finished smugly. Pansy laughed and nodded.
Ginny did not laugh until he looked at her strangely. She stopped abruptly at the slight hurt in the green eyes of the man next to her. He was staring straight at Harry, his hands either side of him were twitching dangerously as if about to place them around Harry's neck.
"How about you Leo? Did you go to Hogwarts?" Draco's eyes flashed with worry. 'Shit! You damn nosy bugger Potter!' "I was.transferred to Durmstag in my second year. My parents had to move due to. business." Ginny breathed again, 'That was too close.' Draco sat there in a bored stupor whilst the other 3 adults did the 'small talk'. He rose from his seat leaving 3 Galleons on the table.
"Come on Ginny, we best get going." He said pointedly.
"Okay, nice seeing you again. See you soon." She slid out of the booth and joined Draco. Harry frowned at the man, but quickly gave a smile when he looked at him.
"Oh, okay. Well I'll see you soon. Nice meeting you Leo."
"Yes nice seeing you both." Pansy concurred in a singsong voice. 'Leo' gave a hard smile and steered Ginny towards the exit.
"Goodbye Ginny, Leo." called Madame Rosemerta.
"Goodbye see you soon." She returned with a smile. Draco nodded his head in a polite manner.
Ginny winced as the door behind her banged in pain.
"Stupid bastard Potter." Mumbled the annoyed deatheater.
"Yeah he gets that off Hermione." Ginny added thoughtfully. Draco raised an eyebrow at her.
"What?" she asked innocently, "He does."
"I take it you don't think he's gods gift to mankind anymore then?" he shot evilly. Ginny reddened slightly, "Shut up Mal-Leo. For your information I think he's an egotistical, big headed pillock and the same goes for his wife."
Draco laughed at her good word use and applauded her mentally. Ginny looked into his emerald green eyes and saw the dullness fade away ever so slightly. She flashed her alluring brown eyes and forced herself to look away.
'I wish she'd stop looking at me like that. Next time I'll have to give in to temptation.' He smirked inwardly.
"And why would you say that?" "Oh come off it, he walks around like he's some sort of god because he defeated Voldemort. Then he shows of his pug of a wife like she's the next miss world. I think even you'd look good next to him." Draco made a face and scowled.
"I suppose you argue a good point." He conceded. The brunette and the red head walked and talked down the busy street towards Madame Malkins, unaware that they were being watched. * Pansy and Harry made there way towards the Griffindor guest supporters stand. "Grrr, Damn stairs!" cursed Pansy as her eyes followed the path of the wooden stairs heading high into the wooden rafters.
Harry laughed at her grumbles.
"Wasn't that Leo guy weird. He was all friendly one minute and snippy the next." Pansy remarked with distaste.
"Yeah. he was suspicious but he must be okay if Ginny knows him."
"I suppose." Pansy's mind flashed to the rose brooch.
"Did you see that rose pin Ginny was wearing?" She asked thoughtfully. Harry turned to look at his wife.
"Yeah briefly, why?"
"Well, that belongs to Blaise Zabini. He always kept it on his bedside table in his dorm. It's his Families crest. So why'd you think he'd give it to Ginny?" Harry raised his eyebrows. They were slowly reaching the top of the ever- lengthening stairs.
"Really? I don't think she knew him at Hogwarts. Maybe you've seen it somewhere else and you think its Blaises." Harry suggested.
"No. It is Blaises. The poor dear used to have a crush on her." Pansy shook her head sadly. Harry gasped loudly.
"What? That Slytherin bastard. - No offence. Have a crush on Ginny. What did you have to drink?" He eyed the blonde woman curiously. Pansy hit him softly on the arm, the black haired man laughed and poked her side.
"I'm serious Harry. I heard it from Eloise Midgeden. She said that a couple of nights before the ball, Blaise was going on and on for ages about her. Apparently they'd seen each other secretly too, but I'm not so sure about that. Blaise wouldn't have associated with a Weasley. He was too much like Draco." She sniffed coldly.
"Maybe, but you wouldn't of associated with me would you in the past? But now look at us we're married." He grabbed her waist, kissing her softly on the neck. Pansy smiled and leaned on his shoulder. Harry stopped and frowned at the blonde.
"How do you know what Blaises dorm looked like anyway?" The slytherin gave him a grin and an evil look. Harry widened his eyes in shock; no explanation was necessary. Pansy laughed and kissed his lips. Finally, they reached the top of the stairs and walked out into the lively Griffindor supporters box adorned with its red and gold banners.