Okay everyone I'm back! This chapter will be better than the last one I
swear. My computer is being a fucking piece of shit!!!!!! DAMMIT!!!!!! I AM
SO MAD AT MY COMPUTER.
thanks for all the reviews, specific thanks at bottom. REVIEW!!!
DRACO'S P.O.V.
Chapter six: Sister's Secrets
As I walked into the kitchen I noticed something was wrong. Instead of the happy chaos, there was nervous disorder, people running around and putting things away and coming in and out of the kitchen. A few moments after I came in Ginny came in after me, and her mum ran up to her, gave her a big hug and then rushed out past her without an explanation.
Mr. Weasley looked up and started towards Ginny to talk to her. I moved closer so I could hear.
"Ginny, all the Order members are being called out so you're going to have to stay here for a while. Dumbledore thinks he knows what Who-Know-Who is up to and he wants as many of us as he can get." Ginny's eyes had already flashed halfway through the sentence and Mr. Weasley made as if to walk away but Ginny burst out.
"I'm going with you! I'm not going to sit around while you all are out fighting him! He's affected me too!" Her face was contorted in rage and her fingernails were digging into her palms.
"Order members, Ginny. Only Order members! Dumbledore won't let you come any more than I will, you're staying HERE." He had almost walked away again before Mrs. Weasley bustled back in, holding an armful of parchment.
"Oh no she won't!" Ginny looked momentarily happy before she continued. "Her AND Draco will be staying at the Leaky Cauldron in a private section that won't be detected by You-Know-Who, so Draco will be safe from his father." I glanced around the kitchen at this moment and no one seemed to notice the small scuffle between mother and daughter, except Bill. He was viewing the scene with silent hilarity, and when he realized I was watching him the look vanished and he went about his business.
"MUM!!!"
"Ginny! I am not even going to argue about this! We have to be there soon, and you are going to floo to the Leaky Couldron, where Tom will help you into your separate rooms. You will stay there until we get home!!!"
Before Ginny could rage and storm anymore, Mrs. Weasley walked away and beckoned Ginny and I to the fireplace.
I myself was a little surprised, I didn't expect to go with the Order members but I guess I hadn't really expected to be left behind either. "What about our trunks?" I asked.
"They'll get sent over, don't worry about it." She shoved the pot of floor powder under my nose roughly and I pinched a little bit of the shining powder with my finger. I threw the powder into the fireplace and stepped in, while green flames enveloped me.
"The Leaky Cauldron." The scene of the restless people in the kitchen swirled away, replaced by ash and soot. Fireplaces roared by me, one after the other before I landed face down on a wooded floor in front of an old, stooped man who I assumed was Tom.
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy. I hear you've changed a lot. I'm Tom the innkeeper, and once Miss Weasley shows up I will escort you to your room."
"We share a room?" I realized that was a little rude. "Sorry, hi Tom. I'm Draco as you seem to know."
As I was saying this Ginny came flinging out of the fire and landed on my back, as I was still kneeling on the floor. I was knocked onto my face for the second time in so many minutes and after regaining my knocked out breath, I realized Ginny was on top of me.
Tom helped her up and she was blushing profusely, avoiding my eyes. "Well let's get along to your rooms, your trunks are already here, they just turned up maybe three second before you did.
We were lead up a winding staircase, past story after story. I had no idea that the building was so tall. Finally we came to a landing that had a large, inconspicuous looking wooden door at the end of a long hallway. Without an explanation, Tom pointed his wand at Ginny. Before he even had a chance to open his mouth, I had knocked his wand to the floor and I had mine jabbed into his chin.
"Mr. Malfoy! I was casting a spell so it can be only you two who get into your quarters!" He had his hands up, and looked rather alarmed.
I considered him for a moment before lowering my wand and bending to pick up his. "I am so sorry! I'm a little jumpy right now, I'm sorry." I said, shoving his wand unceremoniously into his hands.
"Well, it's all for the best I suppose, you have great reflexes, by the way. I have no doubts you can take care of yourself." Tom turned his gaze to Ginny, massaging his bruised neck. "You may want to take a leaf out of his book at times like these, Miss Weasley. No need to be paranoid, just a little extra cautious."
Ginny nodded, smiling. "Okay, but what about those spells?"
Tom nodded and pointed his wand hesitantly at Ginny, giving me a nervous glance. "Alonya et un." He turned to me, and waved his wand past my face, "Alonya finale."
"What exactly does this do?" Ginny asked.
"Only you and Mr. Malfoy here will be able to gain access to that doorway, or even this entire hallway. If you are in your rooms, you are completely safe and almost completely safe if you decide to go to Diagon Alley. I've been told to tell you that you aren't allowed in the Alley after dark and you must not go into muggle London." he looked at both of us in turn, "got it?"
"Yes." We said together.
"Then I will leave you alone to get into your new rooms, you will probably be here a good while, so you may as well unpack." Tom turned and disappeared back down the stairs, leaving me and Ginny standing in the empty hallway, determinedly looking away from the others face. Or at least I was.
"Well let's go to our rooms, shall we?" Ginny turned and strode towards the door, then turned the large glass handle and pulled the door out into the hallway.
I followed her into a small entrance square, which had a small coat closet across from it. From there I could see two identical rooms, one to the left of the entrance square and one to the right, which had the same twin sized bed, the same closet and dresser, and what looked to be the same bathroom leading off both rooms.
"The one on the left is mine, that's my trunk." Ginny pointed to her red and gold trunk sitting by the bed, which was indeed on the left side of the rooms.
"Right then, I'll just... go unpack." Out of habit, I hit the back of her shoulder in a sort of good bye, something I'd always done to my friends without thought. She jumped when I made contact with her shoulder and gave me a weird look, somewhere between fear and anger. She strode off into her section of room and slammed a door I hadn't even noticed was there, leaving me standing there, confused.
You can't expect her to have forgiven you completely. Of course she'll be friendly enough around a whole bunch of family but the last thing she probably wanted to do was have to stay alone with you. You're still the enemy, I thought. This logic did not help me.
I walked slowly into my room, feeling miserable. I was stuck in an inn room, with a girl that still hated me, and I couldn't even leave the Alley, even thought it was for my own safety. I found my trunk by my bed and started to put clothes into my dresser and closet, something I'd done three times in the last week. Once again, the photo album was at the bottom of the trunk, and I put it in a separate drawer, so I wouldn't have to see it all the time.
I decided since I'd be here a while I wouldn't go down to Diagon Alley today, as it'll probably get old fast. I pulled out a book I'd been reading for a while and sat down on my bed after I'd thrown my almost empty trunk into the closet. I kept on reading the same sentence over and over again, listening to the creaking from the other room, as Ginny presumably walked around. After a few minutes it stopped and I could finally concentrate on my book, which somehow didn't seem as interesting as it had the last time I had pursued it.
In the second I stopped reading when I turned the page, I heard a faint scratching sound and I realized Weasley must be writing a letter to someone or another. That'd certainly be amusing, and I had my owl which had, I guess, followed me to my current residence. The only problem was my lack of people to write to. I'd been allowed to write one explanatory letter to my mother, who had been instructed to burn it after reading it. Writing to my father didn't even occur to me and I had no sib- the thought was cut off mid word.
What if I tried to write my sister? I had a few times, and my owl had come back with no reply, and I had always figured that she never got my letter, because why wouldn't she want to write her little brother? Me and my sister had gotten along great and right before she left, she said she was really sorry she had to go.
I threw my book off the bed and onto the floor and practically flung myself down in the desk that had been provided. There were a few rolls of parchment, a bottle of ink and quill. I unrolled one of the sheaves of parchment and grabbed up a quill and ink. I decided to be really straightforward and simple, to ask where she is and what she's doing and why she never wrote me.
It took me a few minutes to get started but once I did, it all came out.
Cerise-
I'm writing this with the intention of figuring out if you're still alive. If you don't reply I'll assume you for dead, what else am I supposed to think? I'm in hiding (sort of) from out father, who is presumably very angry with me after I denied being a Death Eater after I turned eighteen. I know you always hated what dad did, so I hope you'll be proud. I've missed you a lot, please write back!
Draco Malfoy
I didn't even reread the letter, just folded it, sealed it with the wax in the second drawer, and sent it off with my eagle owl.
For not being that incredibly long of a letter, it had taken along time to write. I tried to get back to reading my book but I kept on getting distracted by sounds from next door, or I'd start to think about the letter I'd written. Would I get a response? Would she have a good reason for not writing to me or would it be a simple I didn't want to be a part of the family anymore, and that included you?
I thought for a moment about how Ginny has reacted to me and I pulled out another, smaller piece of parchment and wrote a short note: G. Weasley- I'm sorry if I offended you, i didn't mean to. D. Malfoy. I folded it up, sealed it and sneaked into the hallway. Her door was still closed and I slipped the piece of parchment under it, hoping I wouldn't have to actually apologize in person, it wasn't my strong point.
A few minutes later, I was sitting on my bed reading again, although not really taking it in. Without even realizing it, I fell asleep and my thoughts changed smoothly into dreams about random things, things without meanings.
Where am I? I thought, looking around the dark room and out the window, which framed dozens of stars. Slowly it all came back to me. The members of the Order getting called away, and me and Ginny being stuck in this place. I realized I was really hungry, and I figured at least some places would still be open at whatever time of night it was.
I dug around for the small bit of gold I had on my person and walked out my door into the entrance... thing. I considered waking Ginny up but I wasn't sure if she'd curse me through the wall or not.
When I got to the brick wall that was the hidden entrance to Diagon Alley, I stood there for a moment, almost forgetting how to open the barrier. I hadn't had need to come here since the beginning of seventh year. Finally something clicked and I tapped the bricks and the wall melted away to reveal the long, twisted, moonlit path that was Diagon Alley.
Sure enough, many of the stores were still open, mostly restaurants and cafés and such. I walked along the stone paved road, enjoying the night. I'd never been here at night and it was rather pretty, I stopped when I reached a small diner where they sold sandwiches and pasta. I walked in and no one seemed to notice me, which I was glad for.
The menu was small and the choice was easy, fettuccini Alfredo with garlic bread. Since there was almost no one there, the order came quickly and I took my plate outside to eat on one of the tables in the moonlight.
While I was eating a lot of people walked by, some I'd never seen before and some I knew from the Ministry, and even a couple of people from school. The Alley was very bright, considering it was night, because of the moon and the snow reflecting lights from the windows.
A short, stocky figure crunched into my view and stopped in front of a restaurant across from the one I was eating at. I realized the person was in fact not stocky, but was wrapped in a large coat as he or she dug around in the pockets and came up with nothing. They sat down, looking defeated with their head in their hands.
Suddenly I realized who the person must be. It was Ginny! Ginny was rather short and no one had hair that red except the Weasley's. I figured she didn't have any money and was hungry, neither of us had eaten since breakfast.
Leaving the money for the food and tip, I went over and sat by Ginny, who didn't even realize I was there.
"Ginny?" She almost fell out of her chair.
"Malfoy! Do not EVER do that to me again! Jeez, you almost gave me a heart attack." She steadied herself on her chair and looked at me, as if calculating me.
"Sorry! You just looked like you needed something." I said, referring to her searching her pockets.
"Malfoy! You sick bastard! I thought you were at least tactful, and I DON'T need any, especially not from you!" She was standing up and screaming in my face. It took a second for everything to click into place, while I just stared bewilderedly at her face.
"Oh!! Ginny I didn't mean it like that you were searching your pockets and I thought you needed something or were looking for something! I wasn't asking you anything like that!" I was waving my hands in defense, she looked ever bit like she would curse me until no one would recognize me..
She glared at me. Several people on streets near us were staring.
"Okay. You're right, I need something to eat I'm starving." She sat back down again. "And mum didn't give me any money."
"Did you get my note?" I asked.
"Yeah and I didn't mean to look at you like that, i didn't even know I did. I was still pissed off about being stuck at an inn while everyone else goes and fights." She looked rather bashful and I was relieved she believed me.
"Do you want something to eat? I just ate, I have money left." Money was not an issue for me, as I had my own account at Gringott's and my father didn't have the key.
"I don't need anything; I don't want you to waste your money on me." I knew the Weasley's didn't have all that much money and I felt bad they were doing so much for me.
"Your family has done plenty for me, and I haven't done anything for you guys. Let me start now." Maybe she wouldn't be so grouchy if she ate.
She hesitated and looked on the verge of saying no again. "Fine, just a little something though."
At that moment a waiter came out and stood by the table, handing us both small square menus. "May I get you anything?"
"I'm fine, get her whatever she wants." I handed the menu back to the man and he turned expectantly to Ginny, who still looked rather hesitant.
"I'll have a French dip on whole wheat. With a small pumpkin juice." The waiter nodded, jotting it down on a small notepad.
"Okay Mrs. That'll be out in a few minutes, are you sure you don't want anything, sir?" he looked back to me and I shook my head.
"Well see that wasn't that hard. And it only costs a couple of sickles over a galleon." I said, but Ginny was staring after the waiter with a look on her face that was a cross between humored and incredulous. "What?"
"He just called me Mrs." I didn't think this was a big deal, he probably called every girl with a guy with her Mrs.
"Well, you were with a guy. How would he know?" I sipped at a glass of water the waiter had left.
"Was I?" I didn't understand this question for a second then laughed.
"Oh shut up! I am to a guy!" I dipped my fingers in the water and flicked some at her. "And a rather attractive one at that."
"Yeah, sure sure. That's what they all say." At that moment the waiter came back with Ginny's order, oblivious to what he had caused.
"Here you are, Mrs. Enjoy your meal and if you need anything just ask!" Again, he swept away and left the both of laughing silently, waiting until he was back inside to really let loose.
"Us!! Married! Man that guy is really off his rocker." She took a bite of her sandwich. "You married for one thing. I don't think anyone will ever marry you. You're kind of not that type."
Okay, so it hurt a little but it was true. To most people I probably did not seem the marrying type. "Everyone loves me! I am a Malfoy!"
"An oo tink dat mafes eferyone luff you?" Her mouth was full and her eyebrows raised.
"Well no." I thought for a moment. "You make it sound like I'm going to die alone."
"Not alone, necessarily. Just-" her sentence was cut short however by two owls arriving simultaneously.
One landed in front if Ginny and she put her sandwich down and went to open the letter, as I opened mine. As soon as I read the letter I remembered something Tom had told us. You aren't allowed to be in Diagon Alley after dark.
We both stood up at the same time and ran into the street, snow crunching beneath us. Up the Alley we fled, past stores and restaurants, people and displays. As we got closer to the Inn the feeling of panic in my chest rose in me, coming into my throat and taking over my whole head.
Within minutes we were safely in our rooms, undetected by Tom and still clutching the letters in our hands. "Do you think something happened? How'd they know we were out?" Ginny asked, out of breathe and leaning against the wall.
"I don't know." We both stood there for a moment, catching our breath and thousands of possibilities running through our heads.
"I think I'll go to bed." Ginny looked as if that was the last thing she was going to do. I didn't question her.
"Okay, me too." We both turned and went our rooms, and I could hear her close her door.
They probably just have owls out to catch us if we're out. Nothing happened, no one is hurt, nothing happened, nothing happened... I collapsed on my bed. Nothing happened, nothing happened, noth- I slipped into a deep sleep, even though I had planned to write someone to see if anything had happened.
I woke with a start and looked around wildly, finding the thing that had woken me was a large barn owl. It was clawing my arm desperately, and I could see it had a letter in it's grasp.
I pulled the letter off its leg and the owl had an extremely human like look of relief on its face. I opened the letter and gasped as I recognized the loose and slightly messy handwriting of my sister.
Draco,
I have a lot to explain, meet me at the entrance of Gringott's at noon tomorrow. Draw no attention to yourself or me.
Cerise
It was short and explained nothing, but she was alive! After nine years of not a word, not a hello or how are you, not a rumor from the Ministry or all the people I'd talked to. She was alive! I could feel tears start to well up, but I refused to cry. I hadn't cried in years.
I could tell that I was supposed to be extremely secretive, and it made me wonder what she had been up to all these years. Maybe she was an undercover auror and couldn't be seen. Maybe someone was after her.
The owl squawked loudly, obviously waiting for a reply. I scribbled one out, saying I'd be there and I'd missed her.
Right as the barn owl flew swiftly out the window, a larger and far more foreboding looking eagle owl flew in, rather like my family's owl.
I undid that letter to and the words, just like the letter form last night, brought a throbbing panic into my chest. I dropped it on the floor the words were still burning into my eyes.
DANGER! Floo back home with Ginny NOW
I ran towards the door, and as I opened it Ginny and me both crashed into the hall at the same time. For just the slightest moment we stood and looked at each other before we spoke at the same time.
"We have to go."
I nodded and turned, running with Ginny right by me. Down the long hallway, into the stairwell and down a million flights. Down another hallway, through the bar and right to the fireplace. Tom was running around, looking distressed.
"Where are you going?!?" He ran towards us. "You're supposed to stay here!"
"We got a note and we're leaving," I threw the powder past the hearth, "The Burrow!"
Me and Ginny stepped in, and instantly i was being spun around in rapid succession, lights flashing before my eyes. Since we'd gone at the same time, Ginny kept crashing against me, and I against her. This is gonna cause some bruises.
At last I was thrown, once again, face first onto the floor, covered in soot.
I pushed myself up and brushed myself off, Ginny doing the same next to me. There was a crash from the kitchen and Ginny moved closer to me.
"You're alive!"
Mwa hahahahaha I bet you all hate me now! That was my goal. Lol not really..... anyways I'll try and get the next chapter up as soon as possible, and you'll find out what this is all about.
I love the people that review! I love them to no end!
Mindless babble: thanks for the review I really appreciated it. You laughed until your mom threw a book at you? Lol that made me laugh. Don't get killed though cauz you gotta keep reviewing to my story! Plus you're just cool.
Keeper of the Stars: I'm glad you like my story, and don't throw anything at me for not explaining what happened. I love my surf shorts and stuff! I can't till we go to water world! (I've decided we're going with or without Bryon)
Mindless babble: thanks again for reviewing and thanks for adding me to your fave authors list, and I LOVE it when Draco is nice. In all reality, like in the books and stuff, I don't think Draco will turn nice but I can DREAM DAMMIT! I just like to picture everyone as nice..... it makes me fell better lol.
I WANT REVIEWS!!!!!
DRACO'S P.O.V.
Chapter six: Sister's Secrets
As I walked into the kitchen I noticed something was wrong. Instead of the happy chaos, there was nervous disorder, people running around and putting things away and coming in and out of the kitchen. A few moments after I came in Ginny came in after me, and her mum ran up to her, gave her a big hug and then rushed out past her without an explanation.
Mr. Weasley looked up and started towards Ginny to talk to her. I moved closer so I could hear.
"Ginny, all the Order members are being called out so you're going to have to stay here for a while. Dumbledore thinks he knows what Who-Know-Who is up to and he wants as many of us as he can get." Ginny's eyes had already flashed halfway through the sentence and Mr. Weasley made as if to walk away but Ginny burst out.
"I'm going with you! I'm not going to sit around while you all are out fighting him! He's affected me too!" Her face was contorted in rage and her fingernails were digging into her palms.
"Order members, Ginny. Only Order members! Dumbledore won't let you come any more than I will, you're staying HERE." He had almost walked away again before Mrs. Weasley bustled back in, holding an armful of parchment.
"Oh no she won't!" Ginny looked momentarily happy before she continued. "Her AND Draco will be staying at the Leaky Cauldron in a private section that won't be detected by You-Know-Who, so Draco will be safe from his father." I glanced around the kitchen at this moment and no one seemed to notice the small scuffle between mother and daughter, except Bill. He was viewing the scene with silent hilarity, and when he realized I was watching him the look vanished and he went about his business.
"MUM!!!"
"Ginny! I am not even going to argue about this! We have to be there soon, and you are going to floo to the Leaky Couldron, where Tom will help you into your separate rooms. You will stay there until we get home!!!"
Before Ginny could rage and storm anymore, Mrs. Weasley walked away and beckoned Ginny and I to the fireplace.
I myself was a little surprised, I didn't expect to go with the Order members but I guess I hadn't really expected to be left behind either. "What about our trunks?" I asked.
"They'll get sent over, don't worry about it." She shoved the pot of floor powder under my nose roughly and I pinched a little bit of the shining powder with my finger. I threw the powder into the fireplace and stepped in, while green flames enveloped me.
"The Leaky Cauldron." The scene of the restless people in the kitchen swirled away, replaced by ash and soot. Fireplaces roared by me, one after the other before I landed face down on a wooded floor in front of an old, stooped man who I assumed was Tom.
"Hello, Mr. Malfoy. I hear you've changed a lot. I'm Tom the innkeeper, and once Miss Weasley shows up I will escort you to your room."
"We share a room?" I realized that was a little rude. "Sorry, hi Tom. I'm Draco as you seem to know."
As I was saying this Ginny came flinging out of the fire and landed on my back, as I was still kneeling on the floor. I was knocked onto my face for the second time in so many minutes and after regaining my knocked out breath, I realized Ginny was on top of me.
Tom helped her up and she was blushing profusely, avoiding my eyes. "Well let's get along to your rooms, your trunks are already here, they just turned up maybe three second before you did.
We were lead up a winding staircase, past story after story. I had no idea that the building was so tall. Finally we came to a landing that had a large, inconspicuous looking wooden door at the end of a long hallway. Without an explanation, Tom pointed his wand at Ginny. Before he even had a chance to open his mouth, I had knocked his wand to the floor and I had mine jabbed into his chin.
"Mr. Malfoy! I was casting a spell so it can be only you two who get into your quarters!" He had his hands up, and looked rather alarmed.
I considered him for a moment before lowering my wand and bending to pick up his. "I am so sorry! I'm a little jumpy right now, I'm sorry." I said, shoving his wand unceremoniously into his hands.
"Well, it's all for the best I suppose, you have great reflexes, by the way. I have no doubts you can take care of yourself." Tom turned his gaze to Ginny, massaging his bruised neck. "You may want to take a leaf out of his book at times like these, Miss Weasley. No need to be paranoid, just a little extra cautious."
Ginny nodded, smiling. "Okay, but what about those spells?"
Tom nodded and pointed his wand hesitantly at Ginny, giving me a nervous glance. "Alonya et un." He turned to me, and waved his wand past my face, "Alonya finale."
"What exactly does this do?" Ginny asked.
"Only you and Mr. Malfoy here will be able to gain access to that doorway, or even this entire hallway. If you are in your rooms, you are completely safe and almost completely safe if you decide to go to Diagon Alley. I've been told to tell you that you aren't allowed in the Alley after dark and you must not go into muggle London." he looked at both of us in turn, "got it?"
"Yes." We said together.
"Then I will leave you alone to get into your new rooms, you will probably be here a good while, so you may as well unpack." Tom turned and disappeared back down the stairs, leaving me and Ginny standing in the empty hallway, determinedly looking away from the others face. Or at least I was.
"Well let's go to our rooms, shall we?" Ginny turned and strode towards the door, then turned the large glass handle and pulled the door out into the hallway.
I followed her into a small entrance square, which had a small coat closet across from it. From there I could see two identical rooms, one to the left of the entrance square and one to the right, which had the same twin sized bed, the same closet and dresser, and what looked to be the same bathroom leading off both rooms.
"The one on the left is mine, that's my trunk." Ginny pointed to her red and gold trunk sitting by the bed, which was indeed on the left side of the rooms.
"Right then, I'll just... go unpack." Out of habit, I hit the back of her shoulder in a sort of good bye, something I'd always done to my friends without thought. She jumped when I made contact with her shoulder and gave me a weird look, somewhere between fear and anger. She strode off into her section of room and slammed a door I hadn't even noticed was there, leaving me standing there, confused.
You can't expect her to have forgiven you completely. Of course she'll be friendly enough around a whole bunch of family but the last thing she probably wanted to do was have to stay alone with you. You're still the enemy, I thought. This logic did not help me.
I walked slowly into my room, feeling miserable. I was stuck in an inn room, with a girl that still hated me, and I couldn't even leave the Alley, even thought it was for my own safety. I found my trunk by my bed and started to put clothes into my dresser and closet, something I'd done three times in the last week. Once again, the photo album was at the bottom of the trunk, and I put it in a separate drawer, so I wouldn't have to see it all the time.
I decided since I'd be here a while I wouldn't go down to Diagon Alley today, as it'll probably get old fast. I pulled out a book I'd been reading for a while and sat down on my bed after I'd thrown my almost empty trunk into the closet. I kept on reading the same sentence over and over again, listening to the creaking from the other room, as Ginny presumably walked around. After a few minutes it stopped and I could finally concentrate on my book, which somehow didn't seem as interesting as it had the last time I had pursued it.
In the second I stopped reading when I turned the page, I heard a faint scratching sound and I realized Weasley must be writing a letter to someone or another. That'd certainly be amusing, and I had my owl which had, I guess, followed me to my current residence. The only problem was my lack of people to write to. I'd been allowed to write one explanatory letter to my mother, who had been instructed to burn it after reading it. Writing to my father didn't even occur to me and I had no sib- the thought was cut off mid word.
What if I tried to write my sister? I had a few times, and my owl had come back with no reply, and I had always figured that she never got my letter, because why wouldn't she want to write her little brother? Me and my sister had gotten along great and right before she left, she said she was really sorry she had to go.
I threw my book off the bed and onto the floor and practically flung myself down in the desk that had been provided. There were a few rolls of parchment, a bottle of ink and quill. I unrolled one of the sheaves of parchment and grabbed up a quill and ink. I decided to be really straightforward and simple, to ask where she is and what she's doing and why she never wrote me.
It took me a few minutes to get started but once I did, it all came out.
Cerise-
I'm writing this with the intention of figuring out if you're still alive. If you don't reply I'll assume you for dead, what else am I supposed to think? I'm in hiding (sort of) from out father, who is presumably very angry with me after I denied being a Death Eater after I turned eighteen. I know you always hated what dad did, so I hope you'll be proud. I've missed you a lot, please write back!
Draco Malfoy
I didn't even reread the letter, just folded it, sealed it with the wax in the second drawer, and sent it off with my eagle owl.
For not being that incredibly long of a letter, it had taken along time to write. I tried to get back to reading my book but I kept on getting distracted by sounds from next door, or I'd start to think about the letter I'd written. Would I get a response? Would she have a good reason for not writing to me or would it be a simple I didn't want to be a part of the family anymore, and that included you?
I thought for a moment about how Ginny has reacted to me and I pulled out another, smaller piece of parchment and wrote a short note: G. Weasley- I'm sorry if I offended you, i didn't mean to. D. Malfoy. I folded it up, sealed it and sneaked into the hallway. Her door was still closed and I slipped the piece of parchment under it, hoping I wouldn't have to actually apologize in person, it wasn't my strong point.
A few minutes later, I was sitting on my bed reading again, although not really taking it in. Without even realizing it, I fell asleep and my thoughts changed smoothly into dreams about random things, things without meanings.
Where am I? I thought, looking around the dark room and out the window, which framed dozens of stars. Slowly it all came back to me. The members of the Order getting called away, and me and Ginny being stuck in this place. I realized I was really hungry, and I figured at least some places would still be open at whatever time of night it was.
I dug around for the small bit of gold I had on my person and walked out my door into the entrance... thing. I considered waking Ginny up but I wasn't sure if she'd curse me through the wall or not.
When I got to the brick wall that was the hidden entrance to Diagon Alley, I stood there for a moment, almost forgetting how to open the barrier. I hadn't had need to come here since the beginning of seventh year. Finally something clicked and I tapped the bricks and the wall melted away to reveal the long, twisted, moonlit path that was Diagon Alley.
Sure enough, many of the stores were still open, mostly restaurants and cafés and such. I walked along the stone paved road, enjoying the night. I'd never been here at night and it was rather pretty, I stopped when I reached a small diner where they sold sandwiches and pasta. I walked in and no one seemed to notice me, which I was glad for.
The menu was small and the choice was easy, fettuccini Alfredo with garlic bread. Since there was almost no one there, the order came quickly and I took my plate outside to eat on one of the tables in the moonlight.
While I was eating a lot of people walked by, some I'd never seen before and some I knew from the Ministry, and even a couple of people from school. The Alley was very bright, considering it was night, because of the moon and the snow reflecting lights from the windows.
A short, stocky figure crunched into my view and stopped in front of a restaurant across from the one I was eating at. I realized the person was in fact not stocky, but was wrapped in a large coat as he or she dug around in the pockets and came up with nothing. They sat down, looking defeated with their head in their hands.
Suddenly I realized who the person must be. It was Ginny! Ginny was rather short and no one had hair that red except the Weasley's. I figured she didn't have any money and was hungry, neither of us had eaten since breakfast.
Leaving the money for the food and tip, I went over and sat by Ginny, who didn't even realize I was there.
"Ginny?" She almost fell out of her chair.
"Malfoy! Do not EVER do that to me again! Jeez, you almost gave me a heart attack." She steadied herself on her chair and looked at me, as if calculating me.
"Sorry! You just looked like you needed something." I said, referring to her searching her pockets.
"Malfoy! You sick bastard! I thought you were at least tactful, and I DON'T need any, especially not from you!" She was standing up and screaming in my face. It took a second for everything to click into place, while I just stared bewilderedly at her face.
"Oh!! Ginny I didn't mean it like that you were searching your pockets and I thought you needed something or were looking for something! I wasn't asking you anything like that!" I was waving my hands in defense, she looked ever bit like she would curse me until no one would recognize me..
She glared at me. Several people on streets near us were staring.
"Okay. You're right, I need something to eat I'm starving." She sat back down again. "And mum didn't give me any money."
"Did you get my note?" I asked.
"Yeah and I didn't mean to look at you like that, i didn't even know I did. I was still pissed off about being stuck at an inn while everyone else goes and fights." She looked rather bashful and I was relieved she believed me.
"Do you want something to eat? I just ate, I have money left." Money was not an issue for me, as I had my own account at Gringott's and my father didn't have the key.
"I don't need anything; I don't want you to waste your money on me." I knew the Weasley's didn't have all that much money and I felt bad they were doing so much for me.
"Your family has done plenty for me, and I haven't done anything for you guys. Let me start now." Maybe she wouldn't be so grouchy if she ate.
She hesitated and looked on the verge of saying no again. "Fine, just a little something though."
At that moment a waiter came out and stood by the table, handing us both small square menus. "May I get you anything?"
"I'm fine, get her whatever she wants." I handed the menu back to the man and he turned expectantly to Ginny, who still looked rather hesitant.
"I'll have a French dip on whole wheat. With a small pumpkin juice." The waiter nodded, jotting it down on a small notepad.
"Okay Mrs. That'll be out in a few minutes, are you sure you don't want anything, sir?" he looked back to me and I shook my head.
"Well see that wasn't that hard. And it only costs a couple of sickles over a galleon." I said, but Ginny was staring after the waiter with a look on her face that was a cross between humored and incredulous. "What?"
"He just called me Mrs." I didn't think this was a big deal, he probably called every girl with a guy with her Mrs.
"Well, you were with a guy. How would he know?" I sipped at a glass of water the waiter had left.
"Was I?" I didn't understand this question for a second then laughed.
"Oh shut up! I am to a guy!" I dipped my fingers in the water and flicked some at her. "And a rather attractive one at that."
"Yeah, sure sure. That's what they all say." At that moment the waiter came back with Ginny's order, oblivious to what he had caused.
"Here you are, Mrs. Enjoy your meal and if you need anything just ask!" Again, he swept away and left the both of laughing silently, waiting until he was back inside to really let loose.
"Us!! Married! Man that guy is really off his rocker." She took a bite of her sandwich. "You married for one thing. I don't think anyone will ever marry you. You're kind of not that type."
Okay, so it hurt a little but it was true. To most people I probably did not seem the marrying type. "Everyone loves me! I am a Malfoy!"
"An oo tink dat mafes eferyone luff you?" Her mouth was full and her eyebrows raised.
"Well no." I thought for a moment. "You make it sound like I'm going to die alone."
"Not alone, necessarily. Just-" her sentence was cut short however by two owls arriving simultaneously.
One landed in front if Ginny and she put her sandwich down and went to open the letter, as I opened mine. As soon as I read the letter I remembered something Tom had told us. You aren't allowed to be in Diagon Alley after dark.
We both stood up at the same time and ran into the street, snow crunching beneath us. Up the Alley we fled, past stores and restaurants, people and displays. As we got closer to the Inn the feeling of panic in my chest rose in me, coming into my throat and taking over my whole head.
Within minutes we were safely in our rooms, undetected by Tom and still clutching the letters in our hands. "Do you think something happened? How'd they know we were out?" Ginny asked, out of breathe and leaning against the wall.
"I don't know." We both stood there for a moment, catching our breath and thousands of possibilities running through our heads.
"I think I'll go to bed." Ginny looked as if that was the last thing she was going to do. I didn't question her.
"Okay, me too." We both turned and went our rooms, and I could hear her close her door.
They probably just have owls out to catch us if we're out. Nothing happened, no one is hurt, nothing happened, nothing happened... I collapsed on my bed. Nothing happened, nothing happened, noth- I slipped into a deep sleep, even though I had planned to write someone to see if anything had happened.
I woke with a start and looked around wildly, finding the thing that had woken me was a large barn owl. It was clawing my arm desperately, and I could see it had a letter in it's grasp.
I pulled the letter off its leg and the owl had an extremely human like look of relief on its face. I opened the letter and gasped as I recognized the loose and slightly messy handwriting of my sister.
Draco,
I have a lot to explain, meet me at the entrance of Gringott's at noon tomorrow. Draw no attention to yourself or me.
Cerise
It was short and explained nothing, but she was alive! After nine years of not a word, not a hello or how are you, not a rumor from the Ministry or all the people I'd talked to. She was alive! I could feel tears start to well up, but I refused to cry. I hadn't cried in years.
I could tell that I was supposed to be extremely secretive, and it made me wonder what she had been up to all these years. Maybe she was an undercover auror and couldn't be seen. Maybe someone was after her.
The owl squawked loudly, obviously waiting for a reply. I scribbled one out, saying I'd be there and I'd missed her.
Right as the barn owl flew swiftly out the window, a larger and far more foreboding looking eagle owl flew in, rather like my family's owl.
I undid that letter to and the words, just like the letter form last night, brought a throbbing panic into my chest. I dropped it on the floor the words were still burning into my eyes.
DANGER! Floo back home with Ginny NOW
I ran towards the door, and as I opened it Ginny and me both crashed into the hall at the same time. For just the slightest moment we stood and looked at each other before we spoke at the same time.
"We have to go."
I nodded and turned, running with Ginny right by me. Down the long hallway, into the stairwell and down a million flights. Down another hallway, through the bar and right to the fireplace. Tom was running around, looking distressed.
"Where are you going?!?" He ran towards us. "You're supposed to stay here!"
"We got a note and we're leaving," I threw the powder past the hearth, "The Burrow!"
Me and Ginny stepped in, and instantly i was being spun around in rapid succession, lights flashing before my eyes. Since we'd gone at the same time, Ginny kept crashing against me, and I against her. This is gonna cause some bruises.
At last I was thrown, once again, face first onto the floor, covered in soot.
I pushed myself up and brushed myself off, Ginny doing the same next to me. There was a crash from the kitchen and Ginny moved closer to me.
"You're alive!"
Mwa hahahahaha I bet you all hate me now! That was my goal. Lol not really..... anyways I'll try and get the next chapter up as soon as possible, and you'll find out what this is all about.
I love the people that review! I love them to no end!
Mindless babble: thanks for the review I really appreciated it. You laughed until your mom threw a book at you? Lol that made me laugh. Don't get killed though cauz you gotta keep reviewing to my story! Plus you're just cool.
Keeper of the Stars: I'm glad you like my story, and don't throw anything at me for not explaining what happened. I love my surf shorts and stuff! I can't till we go to water world! (I've decided we're going with or without Bryon)
Mindless babble: thanks again for reviewing and thanks for adding me to your fave authors list, and I LOVE it when Draco is nice. In all reality, like in the books and stuff, I don't think Draco will turn nice but I can DREAM DAMMIT! I just like to picture everyone as nice..... it makes me fell better lol.
I WANT REVIEWS!!!!!