Hi again! This is Ch5, all ready for you too read. It's mostly in Ginny's P.O.V. but there's a lil Draco in there too.
Disclaimer: "Self am I JK Rowling?"
"No, you are not."
"Self, do I own the Harry Potter books or the films?"
"Certainly not!"
"Self, do I own any of the characters of the original Harry Potter?"
"Nuh uh!"
"Self, do I in any way wish to own these characters? Take all of JK
Rowling's fame, money and admiration?"
"Ummm....let's skip that question."
Okay, carrying on with the story, here it is:
Chapter 5-
Step 1 : Gaining Her Trust
She sat in Transfiguration her mind wandering ever so often. She had tried to ignore it. Tried to ignore Harry's tireless flaunting with Cho. She tried to be strong but she couldn't. She couldn't when the only person who seemed to care was the person she hated...or had hated.
She closed her eyes and sighed in frustration. She didn't know anymore. Everything was so confusing. It seemed like life had turned upside down. The person she wanted to notice her didn't even know she existed. And the person who she wish didn't exist was suddenly calling her Ginny instead of Weasley and, oddly enough, was interested and concerned about her feelings.
She debated whether or not she could really trust him. He had been her enemy for the past five years but back there in Potions Class, he looked so sincere, like he was truly concerned.
She looked over at him. He had decided to sit next to her. From the moment she had sat down his eyes never left her. He stared at her without even blinking his eyes. It made her nervous, but at the same time it calmed her down. The feeling was unexplainable. She felt like he really did care, that at last someone wanted to know what SHE felt. And now, he was still looking at her, just as concerned as ever.
She felt her cheeks turn rose red. And despite the feeling of uneasiness that she felt about this newfound friendliness, she smiled. She smiled at Draco Malfoy, the one who used to be her worst enemy.
XX
It was as easy as he thought it would be. He had never doubted for a moment that she would fall for his act. He never worried that his plan wouldn't work. The only thing he did worry about, if he even worried at all, was that McGonagall would catch him not paying attention and give him detention. Or that Weasley, Potter or even Granger would catch on to his little plan and turn Little Weasley against him.
But McGonagall was too busy reading out the several rolls of parchments on her desk for them to take notes on, and he had arranged so that one of the Slytherin girls would take down his notes. Granger was caught up in what she enjoyed most, schoolwork. And Potter and his best mate, Weasley, were trying desperately to understand what they were writing.
As difficult as it was, he smiled back, putting on yet another persuasive act. And it was no surprise to him that she was convinced. His plan was coming along nicely.
XX
When the bell rang for the end of Transfiguration she left without a word to Draco, or to anyone. She needed to rest; find a quiet place where she could breathe in the fresh air, and think about what was going on.
The halls were packed full of students, but she hardly noticed. To her, she was the only one there, the only one who mattered.
As she walked through the oak doors of the castle she stopped for a moment and felt the swift, cool breeze over her. She let it embrace her face, and run through her curls, making them dance in the wind. She let it circle her body, pulling her robes slightly, as if with the intention to tear them off. She let the wind take her away for a brief moment before it calmed down. Then she was brought back to reality and made her way to the usual spot where she thought, her tree in one of the far corners of the grounds.
She never thought she would need to come there this year. But the way things were going, it looked like she might be seeing a lot of it.
She sat at the base of the tree and removed her heavy, thick robes. She felt freer and more open wearing her navy blue spaghetti strapped short dress.
Many thoughts went through her mind as she sat there. Thoughts of how much she missed Bill, the only one who was open to how she felt. Thoughts of Ron and how he didn't care or look out for her. Thoughts of Hermione and how they had grown apart. Of the other students and how they all judged her because of what happened in the Chamber of Secrets. Thoughts of Harry and how she would never be more than Ron's little sister to him. And thoughts of Draco and how he cared, how he had smiled at her and what he said: "It does matter. And I do care."
She thought of many things until finally she thought of nothing at all. She sat motionless, eyes closed, and arms crossed. The wind gently moving her red locks the slightest bit so that they brushed against her naked neck, leaving a trail of Goosebumps.
And she was like that when she felt a cool hand on shoulder, shaking her slightly and calling softly, "Gin, Gin."
She lifted her eyes to the person before her. She looked at him for a moment, too drained to speak. And then, she whispered slightly so he could just make out what she was saying, "How did you find me here?"
'That flaming red hair doesn't really keep you hidden among the dullness of the trees," he replied playfully while grabbing one of her tresses between his fingers.
She smiled slightly, unable to hide the sadness and hopelessness she felt inside.
"I brought you your notes from Transfiguration," he told her, handing her a bunch of parchments.
"You did what?"
"I brought you your notes from Transfiguration," he repeated. "I noticed you didn't write them down during class. You seemed troubled."
"Thanks," she replied meekly. "But how did you get them? You weren't taking notes either."
"One of the Slytherin girls wrote them for me, and I rewrote them for you."
"You didn't have to you know," she said diverting her eyes to the ground.
"I know. I just thought I could help."
He walked over to her and took a seat next to her at the foot of the tree. "So, What's got you so depressed?"
She sighed and looked up at his concerned face. It was the same expression from Potions and from Transfiguration, filled with genuineness.
"Come on, Gin. Tell me. You can't keep these things inside. I can tell your hurting." Years of therapy had done him good.
She shook her head. "Forgive me if I don't trust you enough to tell you."
"Why don't you trust me? You've got to tell someone right?"
She let a cold sarcastic laugh. "Malf-"
"Draco," he corrected her.
"Right," she said rolling her eyes. "As much as I do want to confide in you it's just to unreal. I mean your cold hearted, arrogant, jackass Draco Malfoy. Why would you even care?"
"That's what everyone thinks. Unlike the rest of you all," he said casting her a sideward glance, "I'm never given a chance. Everyone thinks I'm some stuck up, mean-spirited bastard just because I have the balls not to drool over Potter. No one ever gives me a chance. It's kind of like I'm some outcast."
"I know exactly what you mean," she agreed, turning to look at him.
He arched one of his eyebrows, "You do?" he questioned.
She nodded her head, "perfectly."
"And how so? How could a Weasley, the youngest one at that, know how it feels to be an outsider?"
"Oh, I know plenty," she said, twisting a stray lock of hair.
"Is that what's bothering you?" he said bending his neck slightly so that he was at eye level with her.
"That's not all," she began slowly, "It's a long story, I wouldn't know where to begin."
"Start wherever you want to. It doesn't matter. I'll pick up."
She stared at him for a long time before she fixed her gaze straight ahead of her, staring into space. "It's just that... ... ... ...everything's so messed, you know?" she started. Draco nodded his head in agreement. "As I got older I realised that I don't belong. The only one in my family who really understood me, or tried to understand me was Bill and I hardly get to see him since he works in Gringotts. Charlie and I never really got along. Percy's waaaayyyy too uptight. Fred and George always torture and tease me. The only brother I have here is Ron. And lately he doesn't give a fuck about me. And Hermione doesn't have time for anything or anyone else but her work. Do you know what she calls me?" she went on letting a tear run down her cheek. "Virginia! Not even my own mother calls me that! It's as if she's too 'mature' or brilliant to call me Ginny like everyone else." She paused and took a few deep breaths to keep herself from sobbing uncontrollably. Tears were now streaming down her face. "It's just like you said. No one gives me a chance. Everyone looks at me as the freak who opened the chamber. And then out of the blue here comes Draco Malfoy wanting to be my friend! And here I am talking to him, spilling my guts, telling him things I've told no one before. And I know that this can't be for real but something about your face, it's so sincere. And then... .... And then... ..."
"And then?" Draco urged.
"And then there's Harry. All I ever wanted was to be his. For him to be mine. But he just doesn't notice me. Am I that ugly? Am I invisible? What could be so wrong about me that Harry can't like? And he goes around with Cho in my face! And they all let it slide! No one says to him 'No Harry, be sensitive to Ginny's feelings' or 'not here Harry'! Don't they care?!" Her face was blood red and wet with the countless tears that had fallen. She sighed and seemed to calm down a little. "You know sometimes I wonder if I should take that offer you made on the train. Maybe you could help me get Harry." She laughed off the idea and looked up at him. "So there, now you know what's bothering me and how I feel."
Draco shifted uncomfortably on the ground. He cleared his throat and looked at her straight in the eye. "You are not at all ugly, or unattractive in any way. There's nothing wrong with you. On the other hand there is something wrong with Potter and his friends. I'll tell you what. Why don't you think about that offer that I made on the train. If you agree meet me down in the dungeons next to the Potions classroom at 8:30 and I promise I will make you so irresistible that you will have Potter or any guy in this school by the end of the year. If not don't show up, but I promise you if you do show up it will be worth your while."
"Surrrrre," she replied sarcastically. "I don't think so."
"Suit yourself. But I'll still be there at 8:30 on the dot if you change your mind."
She picked up her robes and made her way back to the castle. She didn't have enough time left to eat lunch. But it didn't matter because she wasn't hungry. All she wanted to do right now was go to her dorm and take a rest. As she walked to the Gryffindor common room she thought of the offer Draco had made yet again.
There was no way that she meeting Draco at the Potions Classroom that night. she didn't trust him enough yet, she don't think she ever would. And still, there was nothing he could possibly do to make Harry notice her even more. No. There was no chance in hell she would be caught there. But then again...
XX
Magic Girl2: I like that you were all happy with Draco's happiness. I hope I didn't make you wait too long. Oh, and you didn't sound ridiculous saying that.
Fezza(): I'm glad you liked the twist. I was so nervous that everyone would hate it!
Stunned Angel : LoL. You so bring a smile to my face. I want to thank you for putting my fic in your favs. That really means a lot to me. I could picture Draco saying that too. ::blushes uncontrollably:: In a bath robe! All cute, as usual!! Oh my! Anyways, thanks for reviewing and reading and making me smile.
Merryweather : I'm sorry I left you hanging like that. It's not my fault. Blame the teachers! They're evil. Ginny is such a bad ass at heart. I mean the girl has to be strong after what happened to her in the chamber. And the books just let you see Harry as the hero, but think of the poor girl. She and Draco don't get the credit they deserve.
Ginny001: Thanks for reassuring me about Ch4, I hope Ch5 is good too. I will make that shirt though. Problem is I'll probably spend all my time looking at Draco's pic in the front and not enough wearing it! LOL. I wish I could meet Tom Felton! That would be so cool. I actually had a dream about that last night. I bumped into him in Chessington (this theme park in England), and he was like "hey," and I was playing all cool like, "aren't you Tom Felton, cool". LOL. That's a long story. Sorry about what happened on MSN on Saturday, I wasn't home and I forgot to sign out. Anywho, hoped you like it. Please review.
Uglinessrox55 : I'm glad I made you feel better. Tried to update as soon as I could, but school's been so hectic. The teachers are giving us all these tests and assignments and homework. I swear, they hate us. I hardly get enough sleep. I won't be able to update for like a week cause I'm taking a trip with my mommy on Tuesday. Hope this review isn't to short. And I hope you liked the fic.
miss-talkative : Yeah, I'm glad you like the bet. It kinda puts this whole new twist to the story. And be expecting more cause this story is gonna take a lot of unexpected turns. Thanks for saying this is a great story. Hope this chap didn't change your mind. Thanks for reviewing.
Ezmerelda : I did beg didn't I? LOL. Well it was worth it if it got you to read my story. I took your advice about the swearing. Hope it makes them seem less juvenile. Thanks for reviewing hope that you continue.
Stephelicious : I finally add 5. I hope you think it good. I know I was taking long but the amount of stress that had me there eh. Already the bio teacher give us the pop quiz and I probably get two write (cranium and orbit). LOL. My fault I guess. Should have learned to spell them. Anyway, ya, review... ... ...plz.
Anya : Thanks for reading. I took your advice for the title of Ch4. Thanks for putting my fic on your fav list. It makes me feel special. Lol. Anyway, it makes me happy when I receive reviews like yours and I hope they keep coming.
Rens-Bombrush: Girl I cannot get over your mail. It saved eh, I going to keep dat. I might even print it out. Lol. Even if you read it already, please review. Lord knows, this story would probably be crappy without you.
Phoenix: You haven't read ch4 yet, but hey, you will soon (U better!). Thanks for reviewing and supporting me. I waiting for yours. Hurry up and write it.
Ice Princess: You are not online now (Sun 6th April 8:37pm) and I a little freaked out. Scared even. Anyway, I don't know how you retain all that HP info but that God you do! I would have so many mistakes without you so THANK YOU!!!!
Savarin: Yes, ch3 was my fav too. Anyhow, hope you like that one. And get on the net and REVIEW!!!!!!!
Carla: Amanda didn't tell me what you thought of the last one but I hope you like that one too. You should become a member of fanfiction, then we can discuss them next time I see you. LOL.
I think that's everyone, I hope. Please REVIEW. It makes me happy to hear form you guys. It might be a week till I update since I'm gonna be away for a couple of days. Anywhow, THANKS LOTS!!. ; - )