.
He had no idea why he agreed to meet her. Well…he knew one reason he'd like to see her again, but she seemed to be of the proper sort. Not one to randomly shag guys she's just met, and who also has a drug problem. Though their meeting was a while from now he couldn't get his mind off of it…or why she'd want to speak with him again at all.
Draco was sitting in transfiguration trying to concentrate on the lesson. But his mind kept wandering to other things. A black powder that could bring him back to where he wanted to be…and the girl, Virginia. He'd caught him self saying her name every minute. Literally. He had looked at his watch every time he'd noticed.
'God, how dismal am I?' Next thing he knew he would be writing horrible poetry and …and…crying about how the world is filled with strife. No, that would not do at all.
'Ok, think of something besides her…I really should learn this spell she has on the board, it looks important. The last thing I'm going to need is to be tutored by mudblood for my N.E.W.T's…I wonder if Virginia has to take N.E.W.T's this year…she never told me what year she was in…' Draco didn't catch him self just in time, it was to late, he'd already finished the thought.
Checking his watch he'd confirmed that he had lasted a full 30 seconds with out thinking of her.
"Damn it!" he hit his desk.
"Mr.Malfoy! Do you feel it necessary to interrupt my class? Surely this isn't too hard for you?" she became even more annoyed with his lack of response. "1 point from Slytherin."
"Sorry Professor." He mumbled. No one dared glare at him for his loss of house points, he'd just get them back in potions tomorrow morning.
He felt a nudge at his knee under the desk and looked down. A hand held 1 pill. It was extremely small, had a reddish tint and a very simple flame design on it. 'Blaise' he thought, 'how fitting'. He did the same with his ecstasy, only his were white with a little dragon imprint. It was how they were counted and distributed, so no one lost their stash or got it mixed with others.
The little pill was still staring at him…practically begging to be taken. But then a picture of a pretty little red head entered his mind.
~" Don't get high tomorrow, or I swear I'll tell a teacher, understood? Just give your body a break."~
Her voice floated through his head and with difficulty he pushed the other boys hand away. Blaise looked startled for a moment, clearly thinking 'That's never happened before…'. But shrugged it off while putting the pill back into a tiny box he'd had with him, and slipped it into his shoulder bag.
Draco was still thinking of her words though. He strongly doubted she'd go and tell a teacher…her voice didn't carry any threat. More concern than a threat is what he picked up from it. Over all he guessed she just needed something to guarantee he would show up…at least not skip out because he was to high to remember.
Though he didn't appreciate the black mail bit, he had to recognize her being a clever one. That took some quick thinking on her part in order to convince him to talk in the first palce. Too bad she wasn't in Slytherin. Now that he was thinking of houses he wondered what house she was in. Hufflepuff…? No, he bet she would have ran and got a teacher during their first go around. Ravenclaw was a possibility, after all she volunteers in the medical wing obviously and she has wit, yes that is a reasonable choice. She's not in Slytherin that's for sure. He'd of remembered her face most definitely. That only left…
Draco's heart skipped a beat…'What if she /was/ a Gryffondor?' He had plans for this girl, she wasn't one to be easily forgotten, and he wanted her. At this point of obsession he would have lowered his standards to date a Hufflepuff. But Gryffondor…he couldn't do a bloody thing about it. Not one damn thing. That alliance would be totally unacceptable.
'Don't worry so much mate, she could be in Ravenclaw…' But some how this twist of fate just seemed to fit the situation. Nothing really came easy to him, nothing was ever handed to him on a silver platter- things that he'd wanted badly any way. So it would seem absolutely possible the One Up Above would want to complete the horrible picture that is his life and keep the one thing he craves out of reach.
Though he had no proof, and he was over analyzing the subject a bit…
"5 points from Slytherin!"
She looked up startled, but when she saw it was him she relaxed, though still looking a bit confused "You're here."
Draco raised an eyebrow, "You asked me to meet you, did you not?"
"Yes, yes I did…I just thought…" Well in all honestly she didn't think he'd want to waste his time with such a child like her self. But apparently not. He'd also brought his lunch. "…I'm glad you came."
He gave her a small smile, "No bother really." Draco walked over and sat down beside her at one of the wiped down desks. Obviously she'd cleaned the surrounding area as every thing else was covered in layers of dust.
"I don't have much time, maybe half an hour or so, is that all right?" he answered to her questioning look before she could ask him. "I just have an…appointment, later on." Ok, so he lied. The truth was his blood was burning for something. It didn't matter if it was just a little fix…or maybe something much stronger was in order.
"Oh, I don't think this will take to long. I just wanted to talk…" Ginny looked downward, trying to figure out what she wanted to say. Her turkey sandwich laid out on her napkin, untouched. She was nervous just being here with him. The girl wasn't blind, she did find him attractive. And now that she thought of it…asking the Draco Malfoy to have a secret meeting with her in an abandoned class room located in a part of the school that was not well traveled in…what in Merlin's name was she /thinking/?!
Draco had carried with him a cloth and while she was thinking he had laid the cloths contents out in front of him, unwrapping his lunch which he'd brought. Though she was a bit surprised at what he brought. A few jaffa cakes, some biscuits, and a swiss role. She wasn't sure what he'd bring but that wasn't in her mind at all, he had quite a sweet tooth. It seemed he knew everything that was bad for the human body and was sampling each one with relish…
"And let me guess…you take your coffee white with?"
Draco laughed. He had a deep, rich laugh, she noticed. "No, I like it black. But for me sugar is an entire food group."
"That's putting it lightly." She reached over and lifted his chin gently, she wasn't really conscience of touching other people, she just did so out of habit. Though she did feel him tense up. "I'm surprised you don't have a mouth full of cavities." And gave him a smile as she dropped her hand.
He smiled slightly back, he wasn't sure why, but she was like sunshine. Something pure amongst such a dark place. He couldn't help but smile around her. It was an odd feeling. And because he, for some reason, felt awkward for thinking these thoughts he tried to occupy him self with dividing his biscuits and giving her half. Ginny in return gave him half of her grapes. "Here, have something healthy for a change."
They both ate in silence for a minute or two, just enjoying each other's company. Then Ginny cleaned up the desk space in front of her a bit, and turned to him. Draco, too, was cleaning up the desk in front of him.
"I wanted to ask you…about…what you do…kind of…" Well that was sort of what she wanted.
Draco cocked an eyebrow and tried not to look to confused. "You want to know what I do." He repeated her request back to her just to make sure he'd heard her right. He wasn't entirely sure what she was talking about.
"Yes…kind if…sort of…" She was getting flustered because he kept looking at her so intently and a blush soon crept up her cheeks. Why, oh, why did she have to have this horrid curse of blushing?
"I just…want to know…about The Underground. What you do there…I want to know about…the things you do there…" All of a sudden she found the hem of her skirt /very/ interesting. But she'd said what she'd wanted to say for a while now. Her curiosity really had gotten the better of her. But what harm could it do if he was only going to show her around, and explain a few things…nothing. No harm at all. So technically it was ok for her to ask, and it would be ok if he said "sure why not?"
Ginny had this entire conversation worked out in her head. Analyzing the pros and cons. Rethinking every situation possible. Though it wasn't as if she needed to…what she was asking was perfectly innocent. She wasn't going to try anything, she just wanted to know a little bit about it. That was all. Nothing more. Nope, not one thing more…
While Ginny was running her inner monologue, Draco was thinking as well. Thinking about what exactly she wanted out of al of this. Was she some do-gooder wanting to point out all of the 'evils' of drugs? Or was she just…curious as to what they can do, how they effect people. He looked at her as he pondered her possible motives, and that was when he truly saw her. She didn't look like a scrawny brat to him now, with out her robes on the Hogwarts uniform did allot to accent her curves. Her hair, now down instead of in a ponytail, was straight but had occasional curls in it. And her eyes, as she looked up at him nervously…they were the most beautiful eyes he'd had the privilege of seeing. He for some reason was seeing her in an entirely new light.
He was the first to look away, uncomfortable with this new found intimacy just by her gazing at him, no- into him, it seemed, with her eyes. He needed to get this girl, be close to her, take care of her, and maybe even show her the ropes if she was interested. He didn't know…but what he did know was that he saw this girl in his future, he could feel it, something than ran deep between them. But would she become friend or lover?
He leaned closer to her, all he could see was her. Nothing else mattered at the moment, and he didn't notice anything else so it might as well have not mattered in the first place. Though he didn't know he had the same effect on her. She felt connected to him in some way…and she brushed it off as maternal instinct to want to help and heal him.
"What is it you want to know exactly?"
Ginny swallowed, feeling very uncomfortable for a moment. His eyes seemed to see right through her, like she couldn't lie to him, he would know because he could see into her soul. Ginny sat up, and leaned back a bit, breaking the intimate feeling between them, which suited her just fine.
"I just…want to know, is all. Maybe you could show me…?"
With out really knowing it Virginia gave him the most persuasive puppy dog eyes, and her lip jutted out slightly. With so many siblings this act worked with her father and it over ruled all her brothers. It was like second nature to her.
"Alright, come with me." Draco stood, and picked up his robe off of the back of his chair.
Ginny stood hesitantly. "Where are we going? I though we were going to talk."
"I always say it is better to learn by doing, so we are going to the club to introduce to you a few new things."
"The Club?" she actually gulped, she didn't want to go there. She might get caught by her brother and with Draco Malfoy as an escort no less. That wouldn't be a pretty situation.
He seemed to sense that something was wrong. "Don't worry, no one will be able to do anything to you…you don't have to try anything either…just look around."
"…Alright." Ginny gathered up her cloak and after disposing of their garbage the two teens left the study room, heading for the dungeons.
They were silent as they walked, he knew the way, and strangely so did Gin from a long time ago when she had to run and get Ron all of the time- back when his habit was worse. But it wasn't an uncomfortable silence, not at all, Ginny felt like it was their own little secret of some kind. And in a way it was a secret. No one could know what she's wanting to know, this couldn't get back to her family.
"Draco? You won't tell any one will you? About showing me around and such? I don't think many people will be to pleased with that prospect."
Draco looked over at her, he know realized she'd never mentioned family or anything. Obviously she knew about him being an only child, as every one knew about the Malfoys. But she hadn't mentioned any siblings, or relatives of some kind. 'Then again it's not as like we've been around each other, while still conscience, that much to begin with.'
"No I won't tell. Do you…have a brother or sister who would tell your parents or something?" He really started to think over what he knew about this girl. She seemed intelligent, beautiful red hair if he's ever seen it, perfect skin…there were those freckles but they didn't bother him as much as when he first saw them. It was cute in a way. She volunteered with Madame Pomfrey, and had this caring look about her, like she was one to have taken in every stray that wandered near her street. He noticed she was almost always smiling…except when she was disapproving of something he most likely did.
'What else?' There wasn't much else to the girl that he knew. He didn't know what house she was in, what her favorite subject was, her favorite color, things she hated…He'd never even as much as recognized her before all of all this started. And what was 'this' exactly? Is he just going to show her around, point out a few things, then not speak to her again? He had to get to know her better.
"A brother, here at Hogwarts." Her eyes sparkled momentarily with the knowledge she held, "you know him actually."
"Really? Who-" But they were already there. Ginny got out her ring that was on a chain around her neck and slipped it onto her finger. He was wearing his, a simple silver band around his thumb. Both knocked on the appropriate brick, and just like she remembered a doorway appeared.
Draco put a hand on the small of her back, pushing slightly. "Ladies first."
It was almost like she remembered it. There was a lot less commotion now as there weren't so many people. Just a few smokers laying on some sofas. It seemed brighter now, than it was last time she was in here. Looking down she noticed the steps were at one time painted a deep red, the paint now was chipping to reveal more stone gray, she hadn't noticed that before. No girls lined the doors, and they stood slightly ajar. It was…quiet…how odd it all seemed to her.
Draco and Gin walked down the steps together he was making his way towards the bar, she followed slightly behind him, still looking around trying to remember anything she'd forgotten. He waved to some one calling out a friendly greeting, then grabbed a bottle of something off of the shelf after slipping some coins into a box.
He noticed her confused look. "When no one tends it's a trust system. Every one knows if you don't pay for it it'll come out of some one else's pocket or we won't get any more alcohol."
"Oh." Well, how was one to respond to that?
Then he headed toward the doors on the opposite side of the room. Ginny followed until they were about to enter a private chamber-- away from every one else. She stopped walking, and it took him a second to become aware of her absents by his side.
"What's the matter?"
She looked form the door to him, then back to the door.
"I'm not going to do anything if that's what you're worried about." She still wasn't reassured…how could she trust him any ways? No, she'd rather stay out here. Although if she actually needed help she doubted any one would as they'd be to high. But she figured it was just a comfort thing.
Draco was thinking the same thing and trying to not seem as offended and a bit hurt as he was that she didn't trust him…he already trusted her.
"Alright, we can go sit over there if you like" he pointed over toward a collection of chairs and a sofa that surrounded a table, an identical set up to every other group of seating arrangements about the large room, though practically all the furniture was mismatched. "We just need to find a spot where we can talk about what you wanted with out people listening in."
"Alright."
"I have to go grab something out of here though first" he made a gesture to the door they were originally going to enter "I'll be back in a second."
Ginny went and made herself comfortable on a sofa waiting for him to return. What could he possibly want in the bedrooms? She was sure that's what they were now, as she'd seen inside when he'd opened the door to go in. She'd seen a large bed and a fireplace but backed up before she could see anything else really.
What was she going to ask about now? --Oh yeah I was wondering what it's like to over dose, think you could help me out here?-- no, that wouldn't do at all. Her problem was she didn't know what she wanted in the first place. Did she want to try something? Was she doing this just to be near him. He may be Draco Malfoy but she felt her self…/wanting/ to be in his company. Though this may have something to do with the fact that he had no real idea as to who she was…but then again he didn't ask, now did he?
Draco returned shortly carrying something wrapped in a cloth. It looked to be a box of some kind. He sat down next to her placing the wrapped up box on the low table in front of them. Ginny starred at the box.
"What is it you want to know? Do you want to know what it's like…how things are used…?" she looked at him wanting to answer his question. But she didn't know what to say.
Sighing she thought she might as well just tell him what she thought. "I'm not sure what I want" those skirt hems sure were interesting, she decided to put all her concentration on it by looking down, anywhere but at him actually. "Before you…started, hadn't you ever just /wondered/ what it would be like? Or see what every one is making such a fuss about?"
"Yes" he said slowly "I was…curious about the subject." A flash of his father came to him. He was sprawled out in one of the chairs in his office. His eyes were blank starring at nothing…Draco was only a child, he thought he was dead. But his cries were quieted with his mother reassurances "It's just what grown ups do sweet heart, don't worry about your father." Or of those long nights when Lucius was weaning him self off of the drugs, even though there were silencing charms, Draco swore he could still here the screaming. And his mother seemed to suffer more abuse than usual during those days.
"I knew some one once who had access to drugs. I asked a friend if he wanted to try them with me…ever since…well, it's just worked for me I guess is the right wording."
It was the first time he'd ever discussed his habit with any one, before he'd met her he never had to. All of his Slytherin friends took it as that's just how he was, nothing more.
"What did you start out with?"
"Well there are soft drugs, and then hard drugs. It was nothing to do with the material but more of the impact, addiction and so on. I started out with just taking pills. Any kind I could get my hands on. And I found some rather good ones to." He smiled as if he was recalling fond memories. Ginny wasn't sure if she wanted to know about them.
"But those were the kinds of drugs you are used to by definition. The drug I really started with was nicotine. And also alcohol helped with some things to." He reached into the pocket of his robes and pulled out the bottle he'd gotten from the bar earlier. "Speaking of…"
He opened the bottle and took a swig, then gestured the bottle towards her, encouraging her to take it.
What could the harm be in just one little taste?
She took the bottle and did as he did, but ended up coughing as it burned her throat all the way down. Draco laughed at her coughing fit good-naturedly. "I keep forgetting that you've never done anything like this before…it takes some getting used to."
Still coughing she answered, "Yeah, I'll bet."
Taking another drink Draco reached towards the box he'd brought over earlier. "I was going to show you this, it was stashed in that room. I really wasn't trying to do anything." He opened the box and inside was a small tray lined with red velvet, laid out one the tray were needles, and vials lined one side. He lifted the tray out and set it down. What he was really going for was under the tray. The bottom was separated into sections. In each section there were types of pills. Little bitty ones, capsules, round ones, square ones, ones with designs, white and blue ones…it was a regular menagerie of 'sweets'.
"I thought you might want to try one out just to get a feel for them…these little ones aren't as strong as I would like, but for you, it'll knock you down."
He held up a small white pill.
Ginny was about to hold out her hand- just to look closer of course not to take it or anything…but something stopped her. She felt eyes on her and she turned her head. A boy a few chair-clusters away was looking at her, not just looking- staring.
It seemed to her, with some one watching that all this was wrong. Everything. Wanting to do this, wanting to know him better, coming here to this place…
She didn't know why, but for some reason it bothered her now. How pathetic did she have to be to want such a vile escape? She didn't need this. She had family…she had a brother that cared for her and friends…sort of. So, her brother had been busy for the last…few years. No big deal. And that whole friend situation, well she talked with Collin some times so she was not totally alone…
The mental picture of herself diving for the damned little pill had ingrained it's self in her mind. All she had o do was reach out. But the eyes stopped her, 'What if some one told?'
"People are watching…what if word got back to my brother?"
Draco smiled. "Another one of the rules that I should hurry up and explain to you, that is if you decide to experiment a bit, is that what ever happens here /stays/ here. Padma still doesn't know what a slut her sister is."
Well, as "charming" as that last bit was she knew the rules around here would be respected…so why was that boy starring? She couldn't feel him any more, which meant he probably went back to what ever he was doing previously…
"So…do you want to try it?"
Ginny opened her mouth to reply.
(A/N): Tell me how I did. You know the button…
p.s. for those of you who are reading "The Collector" and waiting (painfully) for a sex scene beween D/G, and well- same for people on here, I just posted a one-shot dark D/G fic called "I Will Rise". Yes I know...shameless advertising...with the shame... ;p but go check it out!
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He had no idea why he agreed to meet her. Well…he knew one reason he'd like to see her again, but she seemed to be of the proper sort. Not one to randomly shag guys she's just met, and who also has a drug problem. Though their meeting was a while from now he couldn't get his mind off of it…or why she'd want to speak with him again at all.
Draco was sitting in transfiguration trying to concentrate on the lesson. But his mind kept wandering to other things. A black powder that could bring him back to where he wanted to be…and the girl, Virginia. He'd caught him self saying her name every minute. Literally. He had looked at his watch every time he'd noticed.
'God, how dismal am I?' Next thing he knew he would be writing horrible poetry and …and…crying about how the world is filled with strife. No, that would not do at all.
'Ok, think of something besides her…I really should learn this spell she has on the board, it looks important. The last thing I'm going to need is to be tutored by mudblood for my N.E.W.T's…I wonder if Virginia has to take N.E.W.T's this year…she never told me what year she was in…' Draco didn't catch him self just in time, it was to late, he'd already finished the thought.
Checking his watch he'd confirmed that he had lasted a full 30 seconds with out thinking of her.
"Damn it!" he hit his desk.
"Mr.Malfoy! Do you feel it necessary to interrupt my class? Surely this isn't too hard for you?" she became even more annoyed with his lack of response. "1 point from Slytherin."
"Sorry Professor." He mumbled. No one dared glare at him for his loss of house points, he'd just get them back in potions tomorrow morning.
He felt a nudge at his knee under the desk and looked down. A hand held 1 pill. It was extremely small, had a reddish tint and a very simple flame design on it. 'Blaise' he thought, 'how fitting'. He did the same with his ecstasy, only his were white with a little dragon imprint. It was how they were counted and distributed, so no one lost their stash or got it mixed with others.
The little pill was still staring at him…practically begging to be taken. But then a picture of a pretty little red head entered his mind.
~" Don't get high tomorrow, or I swear I'll tell a teacher, understood? Just give your body a break."~
Her voice floated through his head and with difficulty he pushed the other boys hand away. Blaise looked startled for a moment, clearly thinking 'That's never happened before…'. But shrugged it off while putting the pill back into a tiny box he'd had with him, and slipped it into his shoulder bag.
Draco was still thinking of her words though. He strongly doubted she'd go and tell a teacher…her voice didn't carry any threat. More concern than a threat is what he picked up from it. Over all he guessed she just needed something to guarantee he would show up…at least not skip out because he was to high to remember.
Though he didn't appreciate the black mail bit, he had to recognize her being a clever one. That took some quick thinking on her part in order to convince him to talk in the first palce. Too bad she wasn't in Slytherin. Now that he was thinking of houses he wondered what house she was in. Hufflepuff…? No, he bet she would have ran and got a teacher during their first go around. Ravenclaw was a possibility, after all she volunteers in the medical wing obviously and she has wit, yes that is a reasonable choice. She's not in Slytherin that's for sure. He'd of remembered her face most definitely. That only left…
Draco's heart skipped a beat…'What if she /was/ a Gryffondor?' He had plans for this girl, she wasn't one to be easily forgotten, and he wanted her. At this point of obsession he would have lowered his standards to date a Hufflepuff. But Gryffondor…he couldn't do a bloody thing about it. Not one damn thing. That alliance would be totally unacceptable.
'Don't worry so much mate, she could be in Ravenclaw…' But some how this twist of fate just seemed to fit the situation. Nothing really came easy to him, nothing was ever handed to him on a silver platter- things that he'd wanted badly any way. So it would seem absolutely possible the One Up Above would want to complete the horrible picture that is his life and keep the one thing he craves out of reach.
Though he had no proof, and he was over analyzing the subject a bit…
"5 points from Slytherin!"
She looked up startled, but when she saw it was him she relaxed, though still looking a bit confused "You're here."
Draco raised an eyebrow, "You asked me to meet you, did you not?"
"Yes, yes I did…I just thought…" Well in all honestly she didn't think he'd want to waste his time with such a child like her self. But apparently not. He'd also brought his lunch. "…I'm glad you came."
He gave her a small smile, "No bother really." Draco walked over and sat down beside her at one of the wiped down desks. Obviously she'd cleaned the surrounding area as every thing else was covered in layers of dust.
"I don't have much time, maybe half an hour or so, is that all right?" he answered to her questioning look before she could ask him. "I just have an…appointment, later on." Ok, so he lied. The truth was his blood was burning for something. It didn't matter if it was just a little fix…or maybe something much stronger was in order.
"Oh, I don't think this will take to long. I just wanted to talk…" Ginny looked downward, trying to figure out what she wanted to say. Her turkey sandwich laid out on her napkin, untouched. She was nervous just being here with him. The girl wasn't blind, she did find him attractive. And now that she thought of it…asking the Draco Malfoy to have a secret meeting with her in an abandoned class room located in a part of the school that was not well traveled in…what in Merlin's name was she /thinking/?!
Draco had carried with him a cloth and while she was thinking he had laid the cloths contents out in front of him, unwrapping his lunch which he'd brought. Though she was a bit surprised at what he brought. A few jaffa cakes, some biscuits, and a swiss role. She wasn't sure what he'd bring but that wasn't in her mind at all, he had quite a sweet tooth. It seemed he knew everything that was bad for the human body and was sampling each one with relish…
"And let me guess…you take your coffee white with?"
Draco laughed. He had a deep, rich laugh, she noticed. "No, I like it black. But for me sugar is an entire food group."
"That's putting it lightly." She reached over and lifted his chin gently, she wasn't really conscience of touching other people, she just did so out of habit. Though she did feel him tense up. "I'm surprised you don't have a mouth full of cavities." And gave him a smile as she dropped her hand.
He smiled slightly back, he wasn't sure why, but she was like sunshine. Something pure amongst such a dark place. He couldn't help but smile around her. It was an odd feeling. And because he, for some reason, felt awkward for thinking these thoughts he tried to occupy him self with dividing his biscuits and giving her half. Ginny in return gave him half of her grapes. "Here, have something healthy for a change."
They both ate in silence for a minute or two, just enjoying each other's company. Then Ginny cleaned up the desk space in front of her a bit, and turned to him. Draco, too, was cleaning up the desk in front of him.
"I wanted to ask you…about…what you do…kind of…" Well that was sort of what she wanted.
Draco cocked an eyebrow and tried not to look to confused. "You want to know what I do." He repeated her request back to her just to make sure he'd heard her right. He wasn't entirely sure what she was talking about.
"Yes…kind if…sort of…" She was getting flustered because he kept looking at her so intently and a blush soon crept up her cheeks. Why, oh, why did she have to have this horrid curse of blushing?
"I just…want to know…about The Underground. What you do there…I want to know about…the things you do there…" All of a sudden she found the hem of her skirt /very/ interesting. But she'd said what she'd wanted to say for a while now. Her curiosity really had gotten the better of her. But what harm could it do if he was only going to show her around, and explain a few things…nothing. No harm at all. So technically it was ok for her to ask, and it would be ok if he said "sure why not?"
Ginny had this entire conversation worked out in her head. Analyzing the pros and cons. Rethinking every situation possible. Though it wasn't as if she needed to…what she was asking was perfectly innocent. She wasn't going to try anything, she just wanted to know a little bit about it. That was all. Nothing more. Nope, not one thing more…
While Ginny was running her inner monologue, Draco was thinking as well. Thinking about what exactly she wanted out of al of this. Was she some do-gooder wanting to point out all of the 'evils' of drugs? Or was she just…curious as to what they can do, how they effect people. He looked at her as he pondered her possible motives, and that was when he truly saw her. She didn't look like a scrawny brat to him now, with out her robes on the Hogwarts uniform did allot to accent her curves. Her hair, now down instead of in a ponytail, was straight but had occasional curls in it. And her eyes, as she looked up at him nervously…they were the most beautiful eyes he'd had the privilege of seeing. He for some reason was seeing her in an entirely new light.
He was the first to look away, uncomfortable with this new found intimacy just by her gazing at him, no- into him, it seemed, with her eyes. He needed to get this girl, be close to her, take care of her, and maybe even show her the ropes if she was interested. He didn't know…but what he did know was that he saw this girl in his future, he could feel it, something than ran deep between them. But would she become friend or lover?
He leaned closer to her, all he could see was her. Nothing else mattered at the moment, and he didn't notice anything else so it might as well have not mattered in the first place. Though he didn't know he had the same effect on her. She felt connected to him in some way…and she brushed it off as maternal instinct to want to help and heal him.
"What is it you want to know exactly?"
Ginny swallowed, feeling very uncomfortable for a moment. His eyes seemed to see right through her, like she couldn't lie to him, he would know because he could see into her soul. Ginny sat up, and leaned back a bit, breaking the intimate feeling between them, which suited her just fine.
"I just…want to know, is all. Maybe you could show me…?"
With out really knowing it Virginia gave him the most persuasive puppy dog eyes, and her lip jutted out slightly. With so many siblings this act worked with her father and it over ruled all her brothers. It was like second nature to her.
"Alright, come with me." Draco stood, and picked up his robe off of the back of his chair.
Ginny stood hesitantly. "Where are we going? I though we were going to talk."
"I always say it is better to learn by doing, so we are going to the club to introduce to you a few new things."
"The Club?" she actually gulped, she didn't want to go there. She might get caught by her brother and with Draco Malfoy as an escort no less. That wouldn't be a pretty situation.
He seemed to sense that something was wrong. "Don't worry, no one will be able to do anything to you…you don't have to try anything either…just look around."
"…Alright." Ginny gathered up her cloak and after disposing of their garbage the two teens left the study room, heading for the dungeons.
They were silent as they walked, he knew the way, and strangely so did Gin from a long time ago when she had to run and get Ron all of the time- back when his habit was worse. But it wasn't an uncomfortable silence, not at all, Ginny felt like it was their own little secret of some kind. And in a way it was a secret. No one could know what she's wanting to know, this couldn't get back to her family.
"Draco? You won't tell any one will you? About showing me around and such? I don't think many people will be to pleased with that prospect."
Draco looked over at her, he know realized she'd never mentioned family or anything. Obviously she knew about him being an only child, as every one knew about the Malfoys. But she hadn't mentioned any siblings, or relatives of some kind. 'Then again it's not as like we've been around each other, while still conscience, that much to begin with.'
"No I won't tell. Do you…have a brother or sister who would tell your parents or something?" He really started to think over what he knew about this girl. She seemed intelligent, beautiful red hair if he's ever seen it, perfect skin…there were those freckles but they didn't bother him as much as when he first saw them. It was cute in a way. She volunteered with Madame Pomfrey, and had this caring look about her, like she was one to have taken in every stray that wandered near her street. He noticed she was almost always smiling…except when she was disapproving of something he most likely did.
'What else?' There wasn't much else to the girl that he knew. He didn't know what house she was in, what her favorite subject was, her favorite color, things she hated…He'd never even as much as recognized her before all of all this started. And what was 'this' exactly? Is he just going to show her around, point out a few things, then not speak to her again? He had to get to know her better.
"A brother, here at Hogwarts." Her eyes sparkled momentarily with the knowledge she held, "you know him actually."
"Really? Who-" But they were already there. Ginny got out her ring that was on a chain around her neck and slipped it onto her finger. He was wearing his, a simple silver band around his thumb. Both knocked on the appropriate brick, and just like she remembered a doorway appeared.
Draco put a hand on the small of her back, pushing slightly. "Ladies first."
It was almost like she remembered it. There was a lot less commotion now as there weren't so many people. Just a few smokers laying on some sofas. It seemed brighter now, than it was last time she was in here. Looking down she noticed the steps were at one time painted a deep red, the paint now was chipping to reveal more stone gray, she hadn't noticed that before. No girls lined the doors, and they stood slightly ajar. It was…quiet…how odd it all seemed to her.
Draco and Gin walked down the steps together he was making his way towards the bar, she followed slightly behind him, still looking around trying to remember anything she'd forgotten. He waved to some one calling out a friendly greeting, then grabbed a bottle of something off of the shelf after slipping some coins into a box.
He noticed her confused look. "When no one tends it's a trust system. Every one knows if you don't pay for it it'll come out of some one else's pocket or we won't get any more alcohol."
"Oh." Well, how was one to respond to that?
Then he headed toward the doors on the opposite side of the room. Ginny followed until they were about to enter a private chamber-- away from every one else. She stopped walking, and it took him a second to become aware of her absents by his side.
"What's the matter?"
She looked form the door to him, then back to the door.
"I'm not going to do anything if that's what you're worried about." She still wasn't reassured…how could she trust him any ways? No, she'd rather stay out here. Although if she actually needed help she doubted any one would as they'd be to high. But she figured it was just a comfort thing.
Draco was thinking the same thing and trying to not seem as offended and a bit hurt as he was that she didn't trust him…he already trusted her.
"Alright, we can go sit over there if you like" he pointed over toward a collection of chairs and a sofa that surrounded a table, an identical set up to every other group of seating arrangements about the large room, though practically all the furniture was mismatched. "We just need to find a spot where we can talk about what you wanted with out people listening in."
"Alright."
"I have to go grab something out of here though first" he made a gesture to the door they were originally going to enter "I'll be back in a second."
Ginny went and made herself comfortable on a sofa waiting for him to return. What could he possibly want in the bedrooms? She was sure that's what they were now, as she'd seen inside when he'd opened the door to go in. She'd seen a large bed and a fireplace but backed up before she could see anything else really.
What was she going to ask about now? --Oh yeah I was wondering what it's like to over dose, think you could help me out here?-- no, that wouldn't do at all. Her problem was she didn't know what she wanted in the first place. Did she want to try something? Was she doing this just to be near him. He may be Draco Malfoy but she felt her self…/wanting/ to be in his company. Though this may have something to do with the fact that he had no real idea as to who she was…but then again he didn't ask, now did he?
Draco returned shortly carrying something wrapped in a cloth. It looked to be a box of some kind. He sat down next to her placing the wrapped up box on the low table in front of them. Ginny starred at the box.
"What is it you want to know? Do you want to know what it's like…how things are used…?" she looked at him wanting to answer his question. But she didn't know what to say.
Sighing she thought she might as well just tell him what she thought. "I'm not sure what I want" those skirt hems sure were interesting, she decided to put all her concentration on it by looking down, anywhere but at him actually. "Before you…started, hadn't you ever just /wondered/ what it would be like? Or see what every one is making such a fuss about?"
"Yes" he said slowly "I was…curious about the subject." A flash of his father came to him. He was sprawled out in one of the chairs in his office. His eyes were blank starring at nothing…Draco was only a child, he thought he was dead. But his cries were quieted with his mother reassurances "It's just what grown ups do sweet heart, don't worry about your father." Or of those long nights when Lucius was weaning him self off of the drugs, even though there were silencing charms, Draco swore he could still here the screaming. And his mother seemed to suffer more abuse than usual during those days.
"I knew some one once who had access to drugs. I asked a friend if he wanted to try them with me…ever since…well, it's just worked for me I guess is the right wording."
It was the first time he'd ever discussed his habit with any one, before he'd met her he never had to. All of his Slytherin friends took it as that's just how he was, nothing more.
"What did you start out with?"
"Well there are soft drugs, and then hard drugs. It was nothing to do with the material but more of the impact, addiction and so on. I started out with just taking pills. Any kind I could get my hands on. And I found some rather good ones to." He smiled as if he was recalling fond memories. Ginny wasn't sure if she wanted to know about them.
"But those were the kinds of drugs you are used to by definition. The drug I really started with was nicotine. And also alcohol helped with some things to." He reached into the pocket of his robes and pulled out the bottle he'd gotten from the bar earlier. "Speaking of…"
He opened the bottle and took a swig, then gestured the bottle towards her, encouraging her to take it.
What could the harm be in just one little taste?
She took the bottle and did as he did, but ended up coughing as it burned her throat all the way down. Draco laughed at her coughing fit good-naturedly. "I keep forgetting that you've never done anything like this before…it takes some getting used to."
Still coughing she answered, "Yeah, I'll bet."
Taking another drink Draco reached towards the box he'd brought over earlier. "I was going to show you this, it was stashed in that room. I really wasn't trying to do anything." He opened the box and inside was a small tray lined with red velvet, laid out one the tray were needles, and vials lined one side. He lifted the tray out and set it down. What he was really going for was under the tray. The bottom was separated into sections. In each section there were types of pills. Little bitty ones, capsules, round ones, square ones, ones with designs, white and blue ones…it was a regular menagerie of 'sweets'.
"I thought you might want to try one out just to get a feel for them…these little ones aren't as strong as I would like, but for you, it'll knock you down."
He held up a small white pill.
Ginny was about to hold out her hand- just to look closer of course not to take it or anything…but something stopped her. She felt eyes on her and she turned her head. A boy a few chair-clusters away was looking at her, not just looking- staring.
It seemed to her, with some one watching that all this was wrong. Everything. Wanting to do this, wanting to know him better, coming here to this place…
She didn't know why, but for some reason it bothered her now. How pathetic did she have to be to want such a vile escape? She didn't need this. She had family…she had a brother that cared for her and friends…sort of. So, her brother had been busy for the last…few years. No big deal. And that whole friend situation, well she talked with Collin some times so she was not totally alone…
The mental picture of herself diving for the damned little pill had ingrained it's self in her mind. All she had o do was reach out. But the eyes stopped her, 'What if some one told?'
"People are watching…what if word got back to my brother?"
Draco smiled. "Another one of the rules that I should hurry up and explain to you, that is if you decide to experiment a bit, is that what ever happens here /stays/ here. Padma still doesn't know what a slut her sister is."
Well, as "charming" as that last bit was she knew the rules around here would be respected…so why was that boy starring? She couldn't feel him any more, which meant he probably went back to what ever he was doing previously…
"So…do you want to try it?"
Ginny opened her mouth to reply.
(A/N): Tell me how I did. You know the button…
p.s. for those of you who are reading "The Collector" and waiting (painfully) for a sex scene beween D/G, and well- same for people on here, I just posted a one-shot dark D/G fic called "I Will Rise". Yes I know...shameless advertising...with the shame... ;p but go check it out!
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