Here I am! Did you miss me? Lol. Anyway, Chapters up FINALLY. Hope you like it.
Disclaimer: Nay, I am but a middle-income lass.
Chapter 14:
And here came the choice. Yeh, sure there were always choices in life: choose which broom to buy, choose which Slytherin to do his homework for him, choose this week's new target.
But this was different. Now he had to choose between liking Ginny and liking her.
Yes, he found it confusing too.
On the one hand, he could take the shower, which was what his body and senses were telling him to do and could lead to something he was looking forward too for awhile. On the other hand, if it did lead up to where he had a good idea it would, then he would end up hurting her and that little part of him that Dumbledore called his conscience refused to give up trying to persuade him against it. So, like her or like her? That was the question.
The answer, he decided, was the former. It wasn't like it was his choice to go through with the bet. And plus, she was the one who brought up the shower idea, not him. What guy wouldn't go for that? Not even Longbottom would turn that down… well, due to the recent turn of events last term he wasn't a really good example in that case. But the point was he would hardly be to blame if he did go through with it. Plus, he would get more from it. Look at it this way. If they were to be together what would come from it? They would got through a moment of obsessive ness, and bliss, then boredom (most likely his first), then they would break up on bad terms never to speak to each other again, and one of them would be heartbroken. By carrying on the plan he was saving them from that. A broom would last longer than a relationship anyway.
So, he smirked, and eyed her and said "Malfoys never break a promise."
And she smiled equally, "Go get undressed then."
"Meet you back here?"
"Yeh. And don't take long."
" I won't."
And he went down to his room to get ready. Did he feel bad? Of course not. If you looked at it right, it wasn't his fault. He didn't force her. She was the one who did this, and he would be damned if he slipped up on the opportunity.
Dressed in nothing more than a white cotton towel wrapped around his lower half he climbed the stairs to Ginny's room, halting at the top on hearing Potter's voice.
"-and I don't know what happened last night, but whatever it was, I liked it."
"Harry, this really isn't the time," he recognised Ginny's tone.
"This can't wait Ginny. I'll burst if I keep it in any longer."
"Harry really-"
"Just hear me out. Please."
"Fine."
"Look. I know you like me. I've known it since that summer at your brother's house, remember?"
He heard her laugh a little, "How could I forget."
He clenched is jaw, beginning to feel nauseous.
"I can't forget, Ginny. I don't think I ever will."
"Yeah, but Harry that was then-"
"And this is now. And now the only difference is I think I feel the same way."
"You're not the only thing that's changed. I've changed too, you know."
"I know, I've noticed. And I love the way you are now."
"Harry, don't."
Was Potter trying to make a move on her? He had better not if he knew what was good for him, and she had better not allow it.
"Ginny, what's wrong? I thought you wanted this."
She sighed. "I don't want to be used again, Harry."
That was more like it. He smirked at feeling the uncomfortable silence coming from their presence. This was what Potter deserved. He took too long to and he'd lost her… to him. Oh how he loved the way things were turning out.
"Look, Harry, you better go."
Her door was closed, and he heard Potter walking towards him. He emerged from the shadows to see for himself. The sight was most pleasing: Potter's red, sullen, defeated face moving past him, too ashamed or embarrassed to even lift his gaze from the ground. If a smirk had ever come to him so easily he definitely was unable to recall it. As he arrived at her door he sent a competitive eye to Harry, who could not restrain the hurt expression on his face seeing Draco at the door he was just sent from… in a towel.
"Go away Harry," Ginny called from within.
"It's not Potter."
The door was opened.
"You're never leaving me alone again," she said looking up at him as she wrapped her arm around his waist. "Are you ready?"
What the hell was wrong with him? He heard her ask, and he knew what to answer but those brown eyes. Those damn brown eyes. They stopped everything. And he couldn't take his eyes off of those brown craters. Time had stopped, and all he could hear now was:
"I don't want to be used again."
Damn it. Here came that feeling. The same one he got when he lied to his mother about where his father was. And he couldn't shirk it.
"I don't want to be used again."
This was driving him mad. He frowned. It would have been so simple. It was supposed to be so simple. It always used to be so simple.
"I don't want to be used again."
Someone make it stop. He diverted his eyes quickly from hers. Now she frowned.
"Draco, are you okay?"
But to him that wasn't what she was saying. She was saying the same bloody thing she was for the past five minutes:
"I don't want to be used again."
Why her? Couldn't he have had Granger? It would have been harder to get her into bed, true, but he was sure that this wouldn't be happening.
"I don't want to be used again."
Why not Lavender or one of those? Or a Ravenclaw. They had the book smarts, but sly they were not.
"I don't want to be used again."
Oh bloody hell. He couldn't do it. He stepped back from her, a panicked step. And if she was confused before then she really didn't know what was going on now. She took a step forward, placing her hand on his arm. He took an immediate step backwards, still not finding her eye.
"Draco?"
"I can't do this." He swallowed hard.
"Are you okay?"
He shook his head, finally looking up at her. "We can't do this."
"Do what?"
"This." he said pointing her out, in her short cotton white towel, wrapped around her body.
"Why. Why not? I want to," she came forward to him again. He motioned for her to stop.
"I don't. I'll regret this. It's not right."
"What's the problem?"
"You are," he said honestly.
Comprehension dawned on her once confused features. "I am. Oh I see. It would have been easier if I was Christina, wouldn't it?"
He didn't know what she meant by that.. He was too racked by this new and sudden conscience surge to think.
"You have no idea," he replied.
Her expression sobered. "I knew it. You know what?" she sighed. "Fine!"
He looked to her, concerned at her change in tone. "What?"
"I figured. I don't care. Whatever. I knew I wasn't your type anyway. And I don't blame you. Who'd pick me over her?"
"Ginny, it's not like that."
"I don't want to hear it Draco. You don't need to explain. I know what's going on."
"Ginny-"
"It's okay. I'm tired. I'll see you tomorrow."
Now he was in the same spot as Potter. Oh Joy. It was probably for the best anyway. Now he wouldn't have to battle that bloody conscience anymore.
XX
Ruddy vacation this was.
Spending a vacation with Ginny he thought was going to be horrible. Turns out spending a vacation with angry Ginny was the worst.
Now they were doing an activity called 'hanging up the stockings' for what reason he wasn't quite sure yet. Mrs Weasley told him that they put presents in it, though he couldn't understand what kind of presents would fit in those small things… nothing good he supposed. He had asked Ginny what it was for but all she did was roll her eyes at him and continued decorating hers next to Ron. Yes, Ron. She'd been acting rather funny since that whole conscience attack (that was what he was calling it). She'd been cold the day after. Then distant the next. When she'd finally tried his patience he asked her what was wrong. Nothing, she claimed. Everything was just the same as before. Now she was sitting next to Weasel and decorating her stocking, even talking to him, and smiling. Did that sound like normal?
She hadn't touched him in days. Except when she patted him on the arm… but that was only because he was blocking the way out. She hadn't sat and talked to him like before, hardly laughing, and not even a drop of flirting. Boy that conscience of his had messed it up big time.
He missed her, he would admit it. Could you blame him for missing the only enjoyable company he had in a house full of Weasleys? And now she was gone. Well she was there… but not for him. Good news was, she wasn't near Potter either. Bad news was she was near Weasel, which was just as bad as if it had been Potter… okay, he was exaggerating… a little.
How she could think he liked Chris over her was beyond him. She was so pure, so at peace with herself, and simple but beautiful, and natural but gorgeous, and funny, and understanding… Chris was… not. If he had only thought before speaking. And if he hadn't looked into those damn eyes. He wasn't having a problem with that now. She wouldn't even look him in the eye anymore. Which was not at all calming.
He had made up his mind those days he spent in his room without her.
He had to call of the bet. Immediately, effective the new term. He would make up an explanation. Maybe tell Brock the Weasley was sick with… er.. Some incurable disease… or she had one of those things those muggles called STD's. And they all knew that Wizards couldn't prevent those. Heath Gretchen had learned that the hard way when he was in 5th year.
But Brock was no fool. He'd have hard time getting away with that excuse and it'd still be considered as he losing the bet.
Sigh
Oh he didn't know. But he would think of something. When the time came.
He wanted to talk to her, he almost did once, but he would certainly lose his cool that time. It was clear she intended on torturing him. Yet, when she barged into his room the next morning, it was almost like she didn't know she was doing it.
"Bill is here! Bill is here!"
"Is he really?" he said, lacking enthusiasm as he rolled out of bed.
"Come on! Come see him Draco."
"I'd rather not."
"Why not?"
"Why not? You don't talk to me for how many days, then you come barging into my room like nothing's wrong, and you expect me to be in the best of moods to play friendly with your brother?"
"Why are you so moody?"
"Gee, I wonder why."
"I didn't think it mattered," she said quietly. "You made that clear."
He remained silent as she made her way to the door slowly, her head hanging.
Oh bloody hell, who was he fooling? He sighed and put on a shirt and sweatpants.
"Fine, where is he?"
XX
Dinner was more enjoyable now, thank God. Ginny was still a little sore at him, but with Bill there she was a lot more cheerful, and indulged frequently in taking part in whatever conversation he chose to talk about.
At first the rocker Weasley was alarmed at seeing him. His grey eyes, and blonde hair gave him away immediately. And he saw the face scowl as Bill lay his eyes on him. Still he tried to be… nice. After all Mrs Weasley had done for him he might as well not make a scene. He extended his hands out to the young man. He was replied by an expression of doubt. Bill lifted his eyes unsurely to his mother. It was only until she nodded, smiling, and added 'I'll explain later' that his hands embraced Draco's, though unwillingly.
Now he guessed the two had had a conversation, because Bill was a lot more civil towards him. Even asking him questions. He really wasn't so bad once you gave him a chance. Bill was certainly impressed when Draco told him that his favourite rock band, the Rat's Tails, were frequent visitors at his house.
His spirits lifted greatly, as nearing the end of the conversation Ginny seemed to be back to her own self, smiling frequently at him. She didn't even bother to move her leg away when it touched his lightly under the table. He couldn't help but smile.
The snow fell thickly outside, but the fire and company he had inside kept him warm. He could imagine being nowhere else.
"Harry, you're awful quiet," Bill noticed. "Why aren't you talking?"
"Mrs Weasley wants no fights," Harry muttered.
"No fights? Why would you fight?"
"Don't get him started, dear," Mrs Weasley told him. "And when are you going to cut that hair? What is it, is there blue in the ends now?" she said lifting Bill's red ponytail in her hand.
He rolled his eyes. "Yes mum, it is."
"Why on earth would you want to do that?"
"Because I like it mum. Now can we stop talking about the hair?"
"I'll never understand you."
"I know," he smiled. "I like it that way."
It made him think of his family, and dinner at their house. And that chord of jealousy strung loud in his heart because for once he had seen the Weasley's had something he did not. They were all happy, something he had once wanted to be but long forgotten. Something he once was, but was not anymore. Except for those few times when she made him forget who he was, or where he was, and turned him into a jovial child again, carefree and blissful and in love.
No.
Not in love, forced to pretend he was in love. He cursed under his breath for the infatuation for her that had even made him consider it would be love.
But he had seen love. Between his father and his mother, between his mother's friends and their husbands, between his father's associates and their wives and mistresses and he didn't want that. At all.
And if he had to be poor to be happy like the Weasley's he would have to pass. Money could get him everything he wanted. It did now.
XX
Dinner having finished they all sat at the table listening intently to Bill's talk of the recent events in his life, his boss, his home, his job, supposed death eater sightings in the paper, and his girlfriend Fleur Delacour.
"Fleur Delacour?" his head shot up and he stopped his drumming on the table with the cutleries.
Jaisus, he was becoming more and more like a Weasley everyday.
"Yes. D'you know her?" Bill asked curiously.
He shrugged, "I guess you could say that."
He smirked. He was right. Love was the only thing the Weasleys had that he didn't.
Because he had had Fleur. Oh boy, had he ever.
"I just saw her at the Twizard Tournament, that's all. Right before Potter went Bonkers."
"I'll show you Bonkers you son of a -"
"Harry!" Mrs Weasley scolded. "Behave."
Harry sourly sat down, leaving Draco smirking at the table. But not at him. He was thinking of the times he had seen Fleur.
He had seen her late nights in Hogwarts' Garden… three times if he remembered correctly. He had seen her in his dorm. He had seen her on the Quidditch pitch. And he had seen her that summer at his house, in his room. Those were great times.
"You've been smirking for the past five minutes. What are you thinking about?" Ginny whispered to him.
His image of Fleur in her lacy French underwear vanished, and he was staring into Ginny's annoyed and confused face.
"Nothing," he said putting on a straight face.
"-really happy about the sweater you sent her mum. She says she loves it. The French Boutiques have nothing of that. Anyway, like I was saying, she couldn't come today because she had some work to finish, but she should be here tomorrow or by the end of the week."
Oh boy. This would be interesting. He would see her again. And those long, smooth legs. She always went wild when he stroked her hair-
"Oh stop it!" Ginny yelled, irritated and his recurring smirk. "What are you thinking of?"
He widened his grey eyes innocently, "Nothing," and proceeded drumming on the table.
XX
How could she stay mad at him?
Every time she saw him her fingers tingled to get nearer, to caress him, to feel him. She pretended not to miss him. Finding tolerable company only in Ron. Yes, Ron.
But the truth is he had turned her obsessive. Every thought that swept through her mind would be connected to him one way or the other. Every time she entered a room she would hope he was there, and if he wasn't she would fall into a state of miniature depression. And if he was she would pretend like she hadn't notice, or didn't care. But she did.
And those moments when he glanced at her, his head bowed, from reading a book or eating some meal, she would smile, inwardly. But she would never show him her feelings, now or again, now that she knew that he didn't feel the same way.
Wishful thinking had almost made her believe that there was some reason why he'd turned her down. Some reason that had nothing to do with her. And every time he'd open his mouth slightly as if to speak, her heart skipped. Maybe he would tell her then. But he'd only close it and look away, or even go away. And she'd feel her heart convulse, and it took all her effort to pretend like she didn't care.
It was easier to hate him than to love him. That was true.
But it harder to pretend to hate him.
That was what she was doing. And it made the hours stroll by, and the days inch past.
But she had almost forgotten her anger when Bill came in the door. And she was filled with the joy she got every time she saw him. And the one thing she wanted most of all was for him to meet Draco. Angry or not, she needed to see how they reacted together. To see how her favourite person reacted with her other favourite person. The two people who understood her. Sometimes even better than she understood herself.
So she went to her room and after some slight persuasion he went defeated.
She couldn't be angry at him.
He meant to much to her. Without him she would be as drab and as angry as before. It was amazing that he was the one who had shone the rays of light into her. And it seemed that when they were together they were the happiest people around. But apart, it was hard to believe they were the same people as before. Coldness, and sadness marked them. In truth they needed each other.
And now even though she felt a twinge of annoyance at that dreamy smirk he had on, she was stilled humoured by it. And even though she knew that his innocence was feigned when she asked him what he was thinking, he was the most adorable thing, with his serious face and wide pure grey eyes. She couldn't help but laugh.
And the two knew that things were back to normal. They hadn't discussed anything, and they were both glad for it. It was a mutual understanding.
XX
She entered his room as cheerful as she had the previous day.
"Get up Draco," she poked and pushed him forcing him out of his slumber.
"It's too early."
"No it's not. Now get up."
"Fine, Ginny, Fine."
He got up grumpily.
"You might want to put your coat on while you're at it."
"Why?"
She smiled.
"I am not going outside," he told her.
"Oh come on, Draco. It'll be fun I promise."
He sighed putting on his shirt and heading upstairs with her. He didn't know how she got him in these things.
"Maybe you should have some hot chocolate first."
He sent her a look and picked up a cup of hot chocolate from the counter.
The cold air nipped at his face when he entered the Weasley's garden. She skipped around, her nose red, without a care.
"Your perkiness is annoying me."
"It wouldn't annoy you so much if you were perky too."
"I do not skip."
She laughed. "Come on, I think here's the perfect spot." She stopped at a vacant part of the garden covered in snow.
"Perfect for what?"
"It's my tradition. Actually, it's Bill's and my tradition but I thought he should rest after his long trip."
"So, you chose to torture me."
"No, I just thought Bill should rest."
"In other words you chose to torture me."
"You could say that. Come on, get the snow."
"No. Tell me what I'm getting the snow for."
She rolled her eyes. "We're going to make a snow man. Now get the snow."
Picking up a wad of snow in his hands he plopped it down at her feet.
She tried to hide her laughter… unsuccessfully.
"What? I did what you told me," he said exasperatedly.
"You've never made a snow man before, have you?"
"It's stupid."
She laughed, "I'll teach you then."
XX
"Mrs Weasley, there's a mockery of me out in the yard."
"What dear?"
"Come look."
"What is it Harry, I only see a snow man."
"Don't you see. It's to make fun of me."
"Dear, I think, you're over reacting."
"It's got the scar and everything."
"What is it Harry?" Ron said stepping up behind them.
"Look what's in the yard."
Ron laughed, "Blimey Harry, someone's done you awfully."
"And I've got a good idea who too."
Ron's faced sobered at this accusation. "So do I. Rotten Malfoy."
"I still don't see it dears."
"Oh come on mum, look it at. It's got the scar on his head and the same dumb expression Harry does," George piped in.
"I do not have a dumb expression."
"Honest mate, you do. Especially when older girls are around," Fred added.
"Humph."
Harry stepped out into the yard, and spotting Ginny and Draco sitting at the base of the tree talking and laughing and playing in the snow, he made a few angry steps towards them.
"Malfoy!" He yelled.
'What d'you want Potter, I'm busy."
"What the hell is your problem? Making a snow man to make fun of me? Don't you have anything better to do."
Draco laughed as he got up, "Ginny taught me."
Ginny stood up next to Draco, trying to sustain the fit of giggles trying to make their way out of her. She gave an innocent shrug to Harry. "You're the one who said it looked like you. We just made it."
Draco smirked, "She's right."
"Well it doesn't look like me, I'll have you know."
"Whatever you say Potter."
"Oh don't pay any attention to him Harry, he's just an old bugger, he is," Ron told him.
"Draco! Iz that you?"
Harry and Ron turned around on hearing the familiar French accent.
"H-h-hi," Ron managed to get out, red faced.
But he was totally ignored as the gorgeous blonde gracefully walked up to embrace Draco, dressed in black slacks and an off the shoulder sweater top, with her leather jacket and blond hair swinging elegantly over her shoulders. Placing a finger on his chin she placed a light kiss on his lips.
Ginny's eyes widened in shock.
He smirked, "Fleur. You look beautiful as usual. How are you?" He sent a challenging look to Potter and Weasel over her shoulder… Weasel most affected.
"I did not think I would see you 'ere, love."
"Neither did I. I had no idea you and Bill were together."
"Oh! Bill!" she exclaimed. "How could I forget? Where iz he?" she said turning to Ginny.
"And hi to you too," Ginny replied.
"Sorry," she tucked her blonde silky hair behind her ear.
"Fleur, this is Ginny." Draco introduced.
"Oh! I've 'eard a lot about you."
"As have I. Bill is in his room. My mum is inside she'll be happy to show you. He was asleep last I saw him."
"D'accord. Bien. Draco, will you be 'ere later?"
"I'm staying for the holidays."
"Fantastique!" She yelled, happily. "I will see you later then. A bientot."
"Care to explain?" Ginny asked raising her eyebrows once Fleur was gone.
That look of false innocence returned, "What? She's French."
She laughed, "Yeh… right. Oh you're lucky my brother didn't see you. He can have a worse temper than Ron. Watch yourself."
"I'll keep that in mind," he said as they strolled inside, with Ron and Harry still staring, confused.
"So, what's the story?"
"Nothing. She's just my friend."
"Psh. Yeh, like Christina's your friend."
"Christina is my friend."
"All I know is, when she says jump you jump."
"That is absolutely false."
"I've seen you when you get those letters from her. You leave whatever your doing and read them. She's got you wrapped around that little manicured finger of hers."
He shook his head. If only she knew.
XX
Having Draco back was such a good feeling. Things were almost like they used to be. But with Fleur there everything took a step back. If she wasn't cuddling with Bill, she was with Draco.
It wasn't like she blamed him. If she was a boy she'd sure as hell pick Fleur over her any day. Still she couldn't help but think that if she had been prettier Draco would be hers. There was Meche, Fleur and Christina, and if you counted riches as a factor, Pansy would have a good chance too. A much better chance than her. She would never have him.
And she knew that exactly that evening during dinner. The snow continued to fall much more strongly that it had done the previous night. Everyone at the table engaged in their own private conversations: Mr and Mrs Weasley, Ron and Harry, Bill and Fleur, Fred and George, and her and Draco. It was one of those days when he looked more cheerful than usual, even having a trace of colour about his cheeks.
A loud bang on the door stopped all the chattering, and Ginny being the closest to it stood to open it.
She had wished she didn't.
Christina was on the opposite end, in her brown fur coat and jeans. A brown lock of hair fell over her face. Her long eyelashes gathered snow flakes, and her blue crystal eyes held urgency in them. She waited for no greeting from Ginny or to give none in return. She stepped immediately into the house, seeking out Draco.
"Draco, you need to come now."
He stood up immediately rushing to her. He felt her face with his hands. Concerned he began talking. "Are you mad? It's cold outside. Look at you, you're freezing. Come on, sit down."
"No time. You need to come. She'll do something tonight if you're not there to calm her down, I know it."
"It's ok," he soothed the hair on her head calmly. "I'll get my coat."
"You're leaving?!" Fleur exclaimed immediately getting up from the table.
"Delacour," Christina said coldly.
"Raiden," Fleur returned.
"Yes, he's leaving." There was obvious tension between the two.
"Why is 'e going?" Yet, they tried to be civil.
"Because I need him."
Just like Ginny had said, when Christina said jump…
Draco hurried back to the dining room, his coat on, carrying a backpack.
He stopped in front of Ginny.
"When will you be back?"
"Hopefully not for long. I should be back by tomorrow. But I have to go now." He placed a light kiss on her forehead and headed out the door.
She could only hope that he was right.
=XX=
La Bella Yu-gi-oh: Yay! Now I'm gonna be in a story, lol. I cant wait. Oh, and you're welcome.
Serina: Sorry, lol. You're not the only one who's been frustrated. I guess when it comes down to it I'm just a lazy bastard.
Ashleigh: Hey, You're fine at reviewing. I'm a fan of Ginny Draco too. But I don't know how this story's going to end up. I can't help thinking the worse either. Lol. I suck. But hey…
Jac: Lol. Can I just say that you're review is the most interesting one I've gotten? Lol. Oh, and I am not fat. But I am a bitch. And I am lazy XD. But I'm not stupid. Otherwise, nice review, lol.
Mwahahahahahahaa : Oh cool. Thanks. Yes, I do know I did more confidence. I'm a real case.
SlytherinSwt: Lol. I wish I was Ginny too. Thanks for reassuring me. I hope you didn't hate the progression too much.
Calangl789 and Mariana: Thanks for reviewing. And for being patient and waiting so long for me to get my fingers typing.
Kaydera: Thank you soo much. Your review was really calming. I hope you stick with me, for this chapter.
Dee89: LOL. Oh god, so you didn't see the shower seen…. Sorry? I hope you don't hate it cause there's no shower scene XD.
xxbabysparklesxx: Thanks a lot dude.
Wolf Gal : Ah, sweet. Why's your favourite animal a wolf? I like fishes, the tropical kind. With all the pretty colours, lol. We have a lot here.
cucho cousins: How's this for difficulties? Lol. I'm glad you liked it.
Ma.Fer: Yeh, I get where you're coming from. Anyway, I hope you like the 'twist' in this chapter.
DrEaMiNgOfDrAcO: Hmm… I'm not gonna answer your questions, lol. They'll be answered… in time. I'm glad you like it.
Draco Fan : Aww thanks, but this is far from the best. You need to read Serpent's Bride. That's my all time fav.
Channy : Thanks for reassuring me. I really appreciated your review.
Emily22 : lol. Thanks. Yeah, maybe Ginny will become wise enough to keep up.
Amy : It's useless telling me to update soon, lol, I never do. Anyway thanks a lot for the review.
Three Spoil'd Anjelz: Yay! I get the December author of the month! Lol. Thanks for the review.
killtheposeurs: Thanks dude! I hope you like this chap. So, how many posers did you kill?
ie-chipmonk: Hey, thanks. Yeh I'm trying to make them longer. This one has 15 pages, lol. Not much, but a 2 page addition from the usual.
LiL' LiSe: Thanks a lot. Yeh, I kinda wanted the relationship to start then stop, as you can see in this chapter.
Coolchicka: lol. She can be nice, she's only very critical. Thanks for the review.
Rens: …. Sorry? (for the last chapter)
To the CHS 3rd formers and Co. Rock on! Lol. And Keep reading.
Dedicated to Markena who did NOT die in a car crash, and is a sick prankster, lol.
Yup, remember R&R. XD Peace out.