Chapter Nine – The Masked Ball

"Harry?" Ginny asked timidly.

Harry looked at Ginny nervously. "Hey," he said quietly.

Quidditch practice had just ended. She closed her eyes, ready to pledge herself to Harry for the sake of the Dark Lord. She couldn't quite believe that she was going to be involved with three different men: Tom, Draco and now Harry.

"Let's talk," she said brightly, putting all fear behind her.

They walked towards an old tree that provided a great deal of shade from the sun. It was an unusual November; it could almost pass for early September.

Ginny decided to cut straight to the chase. As soon as she knew that they weren't being watched, she wrapped her arms around Harry and kissed him gently on the lips.

It took a Harry a moment to respond. But when he did, it was eagerly. Ginny opened her mouth slightly, and his tongue caressed hers.

Finally Ginny pulled away. Harry looked at her, grinning. "So I guess that means you've thought it over."

Ginny smiled slowly. "Maybe," she said teasingly, ruffling his hair. Already she did not like playing this role. Over the years, Harry felt more like a brother to her.

Harry kissed her again. She found herself comparing Harry to Draco. Draco was slightly taller, but Harry had the better build. And Harry wasn't nearly as good as a kisser as Draco.

The kiss ended, and Harry and Ginny started walking towards the castle, hand in hand. It was nearly dinnertime. Entering the Great Hall, Ginny could feel the eyes of the students staring at them.

"Nosy gits," Ginny said cheerfully. Harry laughed, and put his arm around her.

Ginny made the mistake of looking over at the Slytherin table. Draco's cool grey eyes were boring into her. Ginny looked away first.

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November quickly turned into December. The warm weather ended and snow finally appeared on the ground. Ginny was not happy with her new role as Harry's girlfriend. She ended up spending most of her time with Harry, Ron and Hermione, in a cute little foursome.

She only was able to see Draco once or twice a week. And that wasn't enough for either of them.

Two weeks before term ended for Winter Break, they finally managed to have some time alone. "I've missed you," Ginny whispered. She wasn't quite sure why she hadn't told him that she loved him. It almost seemed dangerous to.

Draco nodded, and ran his hands through her hair. It was something that he did a lot. He told her once that he felt like he could get lost in it.

"What's wrong?" Ginny asked, bring his hand to her lips.

"Have you slept with Harry?" he asked softly.

"No," Ginny said. "I haven't even let him touch my breasts. I told him I don't believe in that until marriage."

Draco arched one eyebrow. "And Potter bought that?" he laughed.

Ginny nodded eagerly, glad to have made Draco laugh. "He told me that he respects me, and he won't go further than I feel comfortable," she said proudly.

"You're amazing, Gin," Draco said, bringing her in for another kiss. He laid her down on the thin mattress that was in the Room of Requirement. Ginny welcomed his weight on her body.

"Can you be free tomorrow night?" he asked suddenly.

"Probably," Ginny said. Her lips moved to his neck.

Draco sat up. "My father's giving a ball tomorrow night. A masked ball. Would Myrtle like to attend with me?" he asked, stroking her cheek.

"A ball?" Ginny said happily. Then reality hit her. "I don't have anything I could wear to a ball, Draco."

"I'm sure I could find something for you," Draco said, turning his attention to her breasts.

Ginny sighed with pleasure. "I'd love to go," she said softly.

"Then meet me here tomorrow night."

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Harry didn't seem to want to let Ginny out of his sight the next evening. Finally she had to tell him that she needed some time to be alone. That was a mistake. Harry then became worried that he was suffocating her. After a heated discussion, Ginny was able to leave the Common Room with Harry's blessings.

She was later than she meant to be. Hoping that Draco hadn't left without her, she entered the Room of Requirement. Ginny stopped in her tracks when she saw Draco.

He was wearing a early nineteenth century suit. "You're beautiful," Ginny said without thinking. "Beautiful, am I?" Draco said.

Ginny blushed. "You know what I mean."

"I have something for you to wear," he said pointing to a dress lying on a chair. Ginny looked at the dress, pleased that he was able to find something. It was a dark green empire waist dress. Ginny let her hands run over the fabric. It was a very rick velvet, which complimented the simple design perfectly.

She quickly shed her clothes and put on the dress. Ginny laughed softly to herself, thinking how corny it was that he made her feel like a queen. She looked down, the dress was too long. But Draco quickly remedied the situation and used a shortening charm. She piled her hair on her head and was ready.

"Now the best part," Draco said slyly. He handed her a small mask. It was made out of the same dark green velvet of the dress. Near the left eye were some beautiful peacock feathers. It only covered her eyes, so the rest of her face was free.

Draco's mask was black and covered his entire face. Anyone though would know who he is just by looking at him, with his blond-white hair. Ginny on the other hand felt free. Certainly no one would be expecting a Weasley and a Malfoy party!

Draco stretched out his hand. He was wearing the same signet ring they had used as a port key before. A moment later, she felt the tug at her waist.

Ginny had to put her hand over her mouth to keep herself from gasping out loud. They arrived in the ballroom, which was the most wonderful room she had ever seen. She didn't have much time to look around though, because Draco took her arm, and they started walking towards a doorway.

Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were standing there, like royalty, greeting the guests. "Draco!" Lucius said heartily, slapping his son on the back. "Good of you to join us, son."

"Thank you for the portkey, Father," Draco said. "You both remember Myrtle?"

Both parents seemed to look her over for any flaws. It seemed like they couldn't find any because his mother finally said, "Good to see you again."

"Don't waste your time here, son. Go dance with this beautiful creature," Lucius said.

Draco nodded, and led Ginny away. "I think they like you," he said.

"They don't know me," Ginny said.

Draco said nothing as they entered onto the dance floor. A slow waltz was playing from the band in the corner. Ginny couldn't keep the smile off of her face as he placed on hand on her waist, and took her hand with his other.

They danced for what seemed like hours. Ginny couldn't remember being so happy. The clock struck midnight, and Ginny decided it was finally time to tell Draco how she felt.

"Draco?" she asked softly. The music was quiet. They were simply holding each other and swaying rather than dancing at this point.

"Yes," he replied.

"Do you remember when you asked me if I loved you?" she asked. She could feel his muscles tense at the question.

"Yes," his voice calm.

"I do," she said finally.

"Do what?" Draco asked.

"Love you," she said shyly. "I love you."

Draco let out the breath he had been holding. Ginny shivered as he stroked her back. "I love you, too," he said, holding her closer to him.

"Really?" Ginny asked.

Draco didn't respond, but instead kissed her gently.

"How long?" Ginny asked, suddenly very curious.

"Lord, I don't know, Gin," he said, eyes laughing. "For awhile now."

"Okay," Ginny said happily.

Ginny felt Draco lay his cheek next to the side of her head. She never wanted this night to end.

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A/N - Next up - Tom's reaction!