[ I'd Rather Be In Love With You ]
chapter four: what exactly are you saying, professor?
Draco left the library with a book, clutched in his hand which, he borrowed from a fierce-looking Madam Pince. He endured her long range of angry chatter about people not respecting rules anymore. After an eternity of hearing her voice, Madam Pince finally gave Draco the book entitled "Life as an Auror: Adventures and Mishaps of Aurors Today". Draco was fascinated by the contents of the book so he decided to borrow it.
All throughout the day, Draco had to endure death glares from teachers everywhere. It was as if they teachers were suddenly everywhere he turned. All Draco could do was stare blankly at them as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. He couldn't very well scowl at them, they'd think of it as some sort of disrespect. He obviously couldn't smile at them, they'd think he was up to something devious.
Professor Snape was probably the only teacher who didn't scowl or wince at the sight of him. But then again, Professor Snape never really made a pleasant face for anybody.
Draco was relieved when classes were finally over for the day. He went over to the Slytherin Table and sat alone without either Crabbe or Goyle. Draco didn't think he really needed to be with people he didn't want to be with. He was fine by himself.
Somehow, even if the food looked scrumptious it didn't taste very good to him. Not when his mind was always clouded. Not when he was disgusted with himself everyday. And definitely not when he never looked forward for anything in his life. He took everything as they came. He never prepared for anything.
Suddenly Draco's thoughts were interrupted by something that fell on his lap. He looked at it and saw a note dropped by one of the school owls. He opened it and read.
Mr. Malfoy,
You will see Professor Dumbledore this evening after dinner with Miss Weasley in my office. Be on time.
Professor McGonagall
Draco breathed a sigh. He forgot about the damned detention. That damned little weasel. If she could only control the volume of her mouth, he wouldn't have gone to this kind of trouble. It was all her fault. She should have thanked him on bended knee. If he didn't catch her, she'd be dead by now; she could've broken her neck. And instead of expressing her gratitude, she shouted at him and snapped at him.
Whatever, Draco thought and he folded the paper and placed it inside his pant's pockets. He then tried to forget what happened earlier. He tried to forget how much she weighed in his arms. He was surprised that she wasn't heavy. In fact, he had mistaken her for a first or a second year student. She wasn't heavy like Blaise or Pansy who were so weight conscious that they barely ate anything but still stayed heavy as it is. He also tried to forget the effect of her eyes on him. They were so big and so beautiful that he couldn't take his eyes off them. Just holding her in his arms was making him dizzy. Her intoxicatingly fragrant hair made his senses staggering.
Draco shook his head. What is he thinking about? Maybe the tasks he had to do as a Death Eater before was making him mad! Just what would people do if they were to know he was thinking this way of that Weasley girl.
He finished dinner and dashed out of the Great Hall to go to Professor McGonagall's office. When he got in, Professor McGonagall was sitting behind her desk doing some paper work. Professor McGonagall looked up and nodded for Draco to sit on one the chairs in front of her desk.
"I'll go and inform Professor Dumbledore that you're here already, Mr. Malfoy. You will wait here for Ms. Weasley to arrive. I assume she'll be here in a little while," Professor McGonagall said giving Draco a piercing look. Draco could only nod and waited quietly for the Weasley girl to arrive as Professor McGonagall stepped out of the room.
* * *
Ginny finished dinner before Harry, Ron and Hermione got in the table. She told Colin to tell them where she was when they arrived.
She left the Great Hall with Professor McGonagall's letter clutched at her right hand. She treaded her way towards Professor McGonagall's office angrily. This is all Malfoy's fault, she thought. If the stupid prat didn't open his damn mouth maybe she wouldn't be facing detention on the first day of school! And if only I could control my mouth, then maybe I wouldn't be in this predicament, her mind shouted.
Ginny was ready to explode of her hatred towards Malfoy when she faced the doors that would lead to Professor McGonagall's office. Ok, calm down. This is not your fault. It is no one's fault by Malfoy's so stop being angry with yourself, she reasoned.
Ginny stood outside, facing the doors for a few seconds so she could control her anger. She took a deep breath and then she opened the door quietly. She peeked inside to see who was there and sure enough, Draco Malfoy was sitting alone, quietly on the left chair in front of Professor McGonagall's desk, looking down at the floor.
Ginny got the hint that Draco didn't hear her opening the door. He looked like someone who had a lot in his mind. Ginny didn't fully enter the office. She stayed glued to her spot beside the door and she found herself looking at Draco Malfoy.
He was sitting on the chair with legs apart, feet flat on the floor. His hands were resting lazily on the chair's arms and his back was against the backrest. His head was bent downwards and he was looking at the floor. But Ginny knew it wasn't the floor he was seeing. He had a blank expression on his face and his eyes looked distant. Only his chest was moving up and down and his eyes weren't even blinking.
Ginny tried to find the anger that welled inside her a while ago but she couldn't seem to find it. She felt a tinge of pity for him. He looked alone and somber. Almost sad.
Ginny shook her head intending to make her thoughts disintegrate and evaporate from her mind. Draco Malfoy wasn't feeling sad. He couldn't even feel. He is a cold-hearted Death Eater who couldn't care less about anyone.
When she started to move towards him, Draco glanced her way and looked at her with a face showing no emotion.
His gray gaze followed her until she was beside the chair in front of Draco. Ginny made no indication that she was going to sit down. Instead, she stood beside the chair and looked away from Draco.
But when Draco decided to speak, the anger started to come back to her.
"Sit down, Weasley," Draco drawled.
"No. I'm perfectly fine here, Malfoy, so just leave me alone," she replied, glaring at him.
Draco sighed then looked at her blankly. "Take my advice, Weasley. McGonagall isn't gonna be here for quite a while so take a seat."
"Just shut up, Malfoy! You're getting on my nerves," she said, her volume getting louder by the minute. She could not believe this guy! She didn't ask for his damn advice.
"Ok, fine. Do whatever you please but don't go complaining on me when your feet are too tired to walk because little Weasel was too proud to take Draco Malfoy's advice," Draco said back in the same volume.
"I hate you!" Ginny said loudly when she couldn't think of anything else to say.
"What a mature thing to say, Weasley. It's a forgone conclusion that we both feel the same way about each other so stop screaming it in my ear," Draco said.
"Oh, so you wanna hear something else?" Ginny said getting furious by the moment and her volume getting higher as well. "Well, here it is: You are the most arrogant and conceited jerk I've ever met!"
"I don't give a damn of what you think about me, you little Weasel!" Draco bit back.
"Why can't you just-" Ginny started to say back, but then…
"What is that shouting all about?!?" a voice so familiar said sternly.
The two looked up and saw Professor McGonagall on the door with her hands on her hips looking as strict as ever.
"This is my office and I will not tolerate such behavior from both of you!" she said stepping inside with Professor Dumbledore behind her with an amused smile across his face.
Ginny and Draco both shut their mouths and waited for Professor Dumbledore to say something.
Draco stood up and Professor Dumbledore spoke.
"Ah! Just the people I was looking for!" he said, a face showing no indication that he was angry or upset. He started going towards Professor McGonagall's desk. Draco and Ginny both expected him to shake his head and say something along the lines of disappointment but instead, he was looking at them like he was happy to see both of them.
Seeing the puzzled look of both Ginny and Draco, Professor Dumbledore took a seat and cleared his throat to mention something.
"Miss Weasley, you're looking more beautiful than usual," Professor Dumbledore commented grinning towards Ginny. Then to Ginny's horror, he turned his amused face to Draco and added, "What do you think, Mr. Malfoy? Don't you agree with me?"
Draco was taken aback and his eyes widened to have been asked such question. He momentarily fell silent and pondered what to say. He wanted to say he didn't think so, but he couldn't make himself do so. He swallowed hard then nodded and said uncertainly, "Uh, yes, Professor."
Now it was Ginny's turn to be taken aback at having heard such answer from none other than Draco Malfoy. She turned towards him, her eyes widening just like his a moment ago. She could feel the heat rise up to her cheeks and she was so sure she was as red as her hair by then.
"Well, it's good that you and I agree on something, Mr. Malfoy," Professor Dumbledore said in an amused voice and Draco noticed Professor McGonagall giving them both a small smile as well.
Well, what was Draco to say? He couldn't very well contradict Professor Dumbledore for the fact that he might pry more on the subject. And besides, their fate depended on him right now and he might even worsen their punishment if he didn't agree with him.
Somehow, he tried his best to deny that to think that that was his reason for agreeing with Dumbledore. But he was kidding himself and he knew it. Deep down that wasn't it. That's why couldn't contradict what Professor Dumbledore said.
Because he thought it was true.
But there was no way he was admitting that to anyone. He stole a look at Ginny and saw scarlet sheet rushing across her cheeks. Draco noted how cute she looked when she looked like that, with a blush on her cheeks. He chased the thought away and then focused his gaze back at Professor Dumbledore. I really am going insane, he thought.
Ginny and Draco's discomfort was inevitably apparent to Professor Dumbledore so he went on with what he intended to say.
"You see, I am in dire need of some volunteers. I was a little worried that there wouldn't be anyone eager enough to volunteer for what I'm asking. But since you're both here and I am well aware that both of you are more than qualified then, I guess I'll grant both of you the responsibility of doing the task," he said looking at each of them intently while Professor McGonagall was behind him listening to what he was saying.
"What task?" Draco asked his eyebrows furrowing.
"Overqualified for what?" Ginny asked as well.
"For some assistance to our youngsters, of course. I figured if the children here were to get some help from their own age range then maybe, they would learn faster. I'm speaking theoretically, of course. I'm going to try this new habit and we'll see what happens in, say, a couple of months?" Professor Dumbledore said with his eyes glinting of amusement over the increased confusion in both faces, though he wasn't sure if it was, indeed, increased confusion or the realization of working together for a couple of months.
"What exactly are you saying, Professor? I don't quite understand," Draco said unsure if he really wanted to hear the answer.
"Tutoring."
"Tutoring?" both asked in unison while Professor McGonagall was listening intently on where the conversation was going.
"Yes, tutoring. I figured that I if were to set up some kind of tutoring sessions for our youngsters, particularly in the first and second years, then there is a possibility that their grades might improve. I need competent volunteers. Since, I'm not yet sure if this theory of mine is accurate, then I'm willing to take a couple of students competent enough to try, at least for a couple of months, to tutor our youngsters. Naturally, I'll inquire their teachers about how the children you are tutoring about their grades. Since you two got detention on the first day of school, and since I trust, there won't be much cleaning to do since it's the first day of school, then, I'm obliging the both of you to do the task."
After Professor Dumbledore spoke, there was a moment of silence.
"So? What do you think? Both of you are among the top students of your class, especially you Mr. Malfoy. You rank next to Miss Granger, considering that she is at the top of her class," Professor Dumbledore said with a hint of reverence in his voice. Draco only looked down.
"Um, Professor, how long exactly do we need to work on this... project?" Ginny asked surprised to hear that the git Malfoy is actually smart!
"Well, as I said before Miss Weasley, a couple of months should do the trick. I am, after all, just going to try this new task. I will be observing the progress and effect on students and, of course, on both of you," Professor Dumbledore said looking at Ginny then at Draco.
Ginny's spirits melted down. Two whole months with the person she couldn't bear to be with. How unlucky could she get? Her anger towards Draco doubled.
"And what happens after a couple of months, Professor?" Ginny asked, hoping she would like the answer.
"If it is successful, then I will continue it for our unfortunate youngsters. I will ask for more volunteers from the upper years. But if it isn't then, I will have to stop and leave it at that. The two of you will be relieved of the task, naturally,' said Professor Dumbledore, knowingly.
"But, Professor, if it works, do we still have to be part of it?" asked Draco.
Professor Dumbledore remained silent for a few seconds as if he was contemplating on something. He saw both of them holding their breaths and waiting for what he had to say. He stared at Draco like he was disappointed, then he answered.
"Well, that depends, Mr. Malfoy, whether you still want to or not," he said his fingers entwining with each other on Professor McGonagall's desk.
Both Draco and Ginny breathed a sigh of relief.
"I expect you don't like the idea of working with each other, Mr. Malfoy?" Professor Dumbledore then tore his gaze from Draco and looked at Ginny. "And from the looks of it, I gather the same reaction from you Miss Weasley?"
Both Draco and Ginny didn't answer since it was already obvious. Awkward silence hung in the air. Draco looked down and then stole a look from Ginny. Ginny did the same thing at the same time and they both found themselves looking at each other. When both of them realized what was going on, they both looked away. Professor Dumbledore could only grin as all this happened.
At last, Professor Dumbledore spoke. "Why don't you two think of it as a new habit. I imagine that it is some sort of help for both of you. Mr. Malfoy," Draco looked up at the sound of his name. "I think that it would be better for you to start experiencing new things other than violence and dark magic. I gather that you are having some problems with being what you are. I reckon that this would be one of those experiences. Doing nothing and sulking everytime is not going to do you any benefit. And as for you Miss Weasley," Professor Dumbledore continued, looking at Ginny, "I trust that you would enjoy this activity. I just hope that being in the company of Mr. Malfoy your spirits won't be pulled down. Mr. Malfoy needs the sort of enthusiasm you have for this activity. And you also need to be with other sorts of people other than spending your time alone all the time."
Draco flinched at the mention of him needing something from the little Weasley girl. He doesn't need anything from her. She could have all her enthusiasm for all he cares.
"Anymore questions?" asked Professor Dumbledore, pleased with himself.
Both remained silent.
"Well, I guess that settles just about everything, Professor? Shall we go now? We still have a meeting with the other teachers," Professor McGonagall said, speaking for the first time through the whole discussion.
"Ah, yes, Professor," Professor Dumbledore said beaming towards Professor McGonagall. "I will inform them of this new project." Professor Dumbledore stood up and added, "I will give both of you permission to use the Charms classroom after dinner. I reckon that an hour and half should be appropriate every night except, of course, Saturday and Friday nights. Would that be fair enough for both of you?"
"Yes, Professor," they both answered in unison.
Professor Dumbledore smiled and said, "It's settled then, you both may go now. You will start on Wednesday night."
Both parties were relieved to be finally given the freedom to go. Both Ginny and Draco went out quietly trying to avoid any conversation. They went out of Professor McGonagall's office wordlessly which only made both Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore grin even more.
"Amusing people, aren't they?" Professor Dumbledore asked Professor McGonagall when Ginny and Draco had already left.
"I quite agree with you, Professor Dumbledore. It's amazing how a simple compliment can make them both quite… uh… tongue-tied," Professor McGonagall said with a chuckle.
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A/N: Sorry this took so long. I've been really busy with school. It's already the end term and teachers are laying out loads of work. Sembreaks are just around the corner and I'd have more time to write. By the way, thanks to those who reviewed!
Dislcaimer: I don't own anything in this story except the plot, so please don't sue me. Thanks!