Disclaimer: You know the drill… Characters not mine, plot is, unless you hate it, lol.

Chapter 16:

It was then, in all the time he had known her, through all the situations they had been in, that he could find nothing to say to her, neither rehearsed nor spontaneous, meaningful nor fabricated. He had nothing to reply to her statement.

And with his bags in his hands, he could think of nothing to do, couldn't think at all. He felt withdrawn. Like one standing in the middle of a swift current of one of the great rivers of the world. Feeling the water flow past him, tugging at his legs, swirling round his feet, the sound of the splashing water clear and loud, but he stationary, with the surrounding chaos, as if he was only a spirit, unaware and unaffected. That was how he felt through it all. As she uttered the words, he became less and less conscious. To the point that at the end of her statement, he felt the blood rush through his veins, and his hands grow cold, but in his mind he was lost, and helpless.

This was not how things were supposed to be.

He saw her mouth open to protest, but he merely nudged his head slightly, his only farewell, and turned to the direction he came from, to his cold and lonely manor. Back to his cold and lonely life.

But he held no hatred, no blame put on either of the two. The only emotion he held in his heart at present was grief. An extreme grief that he had never felt before. One that seized his heart and left it with an unwavering ache. A grief that was beyond sanity.

That was how he spent Christmas Day, and the days following. That was how Draco Malfoy spent the rest of his Christmas Vacation. In misery.

He had proven to himself what he knew all along, love was weakness.

But even the acceptance of that couldn't help him now. Because now he was weak, he had let Ginny gain control of his heart, the most lethal weapon. And now he was wounded. He would never be healed.

XX

It was the first time she had seen him since he had left his house wiping the blood off his nose with his sleeve, giving her not even a 'goodbye'.

She noticed him from a distance, his tall figure walking brusquely down the hallway in her direction. His skin seemed paler now, contrasting with his dark blue robes. His hands he held in his pocket. His hair combed neatly back, but she noticed it was not the same bright blonde she had enjoyed passing her hands through, it was now dull, and limp. His head was held proudly but it was lacking the smirk they had all grown accustomed to, and instead it was replaced by a frown, with his skin forming creases on his forehead, and those lips whose texture she could still feel on her own, were turned down in seriousness. Crab and Goyle at his side as his robes fluttered behind him. A chill ran down her spine as she remembered the Draco he had been to the Draco she now saw. He had grown to be a part of her, and she shared a part in his emotions. The sight of him made her depressed. And there she stood trying to figure out if she should talk to him, or say hello, fearing that if she did it would only make her feel worse.

He was drawing closer to her, his eyes never turning to her direction but remaining fixed at a vacant spot in the air.

"Draco," she called realising that he would walk right past her if she did not draw his attention to her.

He looked, and noticing smiled slightly.

But even the smile did nothing to comfort her, because this smile was different. It was a show, she could easily tell, not like the smiles he used to give to her. Those smiles made him glow, spreading all the way to his eyes, making them sparkle. This smile barely hung off his lips.

"Ginny," he said once he was in front of her. His pupils dilated taking in all he could of her image, and he remained silent, content with only looking at her.

"How are you?" She asked, but she knew the answer she would receive in return.

"Great. You?"

She wanted to tell him that she knew him too well, and he didn't have to put up a front for her, that she knew something was bothering him and that she wanted to know what it was. She wanted to say to him that the way he looked at her, the pain she could see in his eyes was hurting her more than she ever thought possible. And that the fact that he kept it all inside and couldn't even tell her why he was like this was literally bringing tears to her eyes. But 'fine' was all she said. 'Fine' was all she could bare to say. Because now the tears gathered on her eyelids, and a lump placed itself firmly in her throat.

She couldn't bear to look at him, because then her would emotions seep through, just as her tears would. But all he could do was look at her, even though it hurt him.

"You changed your hair," he said touching lightly what used to be her red curls, now straight and smooth.

"Yeah," she said after a moment. "Harry likes it better this way."

He nodded quietly. Than after a long pause he asked, spontaneously, "Why did you let him change you?"

"What?"

"I mean, your hair. Why'd you let him change your hair?"

"Oh. He didn't change me. He only suggested that it might look good straight, so I tried it."

"D'you like it?"

She shrugged, "Hair is hair, you know."

"Yeah…" he said trailing off. He cleared his throat, "I liked it better the other way."

She smiled. "Well, it really doesn't matter much… I mean, considering you don't look at me like that and all…"

He only stared, perplexed at how wrong she could have been, and cursing all the stupid things he had ever done to let her think that. But still he nodded, putting his hand back into his pocket.

It was no use telling her now. It was already too late.

"There Harry is," she said noticing Harry further up the hall. "Well I guess I'll see you around Draco."

"Yeah, I guess so."

He walked on, Crabbe and Goyle at his tail, still sullen faced. And with every beat of her heart she knew that something was wrong with him. And because of that, something was wrong with her.

XX

Ron, Harry and Hermione approached him one afternoon in the library while he was busy trying to get his essays done. To keep him from submerging helpless in his depression he had submerged himself, instead, in his work. Applying all the potential he knew he had into school and doing surprisingly better than Granger.

"Malfoy," Hermione said, leading Harry and Ron to his table.

"What," he barely uttered busily turning the pages of the large brown book in front of him.

"What's wrong with you?"

He chose not to reply, and instead began reading a paragraph intently on the page.

"Look, it's been a week of school already. Now, I'm not complaining or anything, but I've sat next to you in three classes and it's like you didn't notice. I bumped into you in the hall earlier and you didn't say a thing. You haven't teased me, you haven't even laughed behind my back with Pansy. Now, I know something's wrong. And I want to know what it is. Or I'll find out myself."

"Piss off Granger! Is that what you want? Do you feel better now?!"

Ron took a step in front of her for 'protection'. "You better shut your mouth Malfoy!"

"Or what? Are you going to hit me with your last penny? Or is Granger going to suffocate me with that thorn bush she calls hair?"

"Hermione may think that you're suffering but I know better. I know you're up to something and I'm warning you to drop it."

"You're warning me?" he smirked. "You little asswipe. Have you got a craving for slugs, Weasley? We all know what happened last time."

With that Ron shut his mouth in disgust at Malfoy…and at remembering the flavour of those slugs experienced four years ago.

"What about you Potter? What have you got to say?"

Harry who had been leaning on the bookshelf the whole time, came closer to the table and took a seat.

"I'm not here to poke fun at you Malfoy-"

"Of course not, I'm the one who does that to you."

"I just want you to leave Ginny alone."

"A bit insecure, are we?"

"No, very protective. Now, I don't know what you told her last time, but whatever it is it got to her, and I think you knew it would. Don't be a sore loser, and accept that I've got her and you can't have her."

He chuckled, "You're the loser, Potter. In case you didn't notice, I was finished with Ginny when I let you have her." Lies of course, but he would not allow Potter to feel above him, for one instant. "So don't feel special scar face, you can have Ginny for all I care. I've set my sights on someone else. I think Chang would be a nice choice. I could stand to be with her again. You know what they say, third time's a charm."

Had he not been so intent on hurting Harry, and kept glaring at him he would have noticed Ginny walk up behind him. But he didn't. And he cursed himself for that many a time after.

"You little prick why don't you go-" Harry began. But Ginny interrupted him.

"Harry it's okay. You don't have to say anything to him. Malfoy's free to like who he wants to. I just want to go now."

She didn't speak to him after that, she would walk right by him in the halls, stay away from him in classes.

Of course, she knew he didn't like her like that, but it was the way he said it, he spoke of her like those girls he always used to tell her about. It never crossed her mind that she would one day be one. And it hurt, it was the most hurtful thing he could have done.

XX

She had hoped that she would never have to hear his name again. Never have to speak about him.

Meche approached her one time in the hall, her brown hair in a high ponytail, looking very displeased. "What have you done to him?"

"What have I done to who?

"Draco."

So much for hope.

"I've done nothing to Draco."

What did you say to him?"

"It's what he said to me."

"What did he say to you?"

"Nothing," she said waving her hands dismissively. She tried to get away from the conversation but Meche wasn't so discouraged. She stepped in Ginny's way, blocking her.

"What did he say?"

"Nothing."

"Tell me."

"Look, I don't know why you're making such a big deal out of this. Draco said he's 'over' me (if he ever did like me that is) and that he's set his sights on someone new."

"Like who?"

"Cho."

"Chang? That mental case? You've got to be kidding me. You believed that?"

"Well he said it."

"There must be a reason why he said it."

"How about, he means it?"

"No," she said shaking her head, "I don't think that's it. Well, did he tell you that?"

"Me, Harry, Ron, Hermione, practically the whole library…"

"What did you say to him?"

"I didn't say anything. Harry was just talking to him."

"About what?"

"About talking to me."

"What?"

"Well, Harry thought Draco was a bit sore and that he was trying to make me miserable, so that he'd get me back-"

"Get you back?"

"Yeah. So Harry was telling him to leave me alone."

"And you let Potter do that?"

"Well Meche, I mean he's my boyfriend and all."

"Since when?"

"Since Christmas, not that it's any of your business."

"Come here," she said motioning to an empty classroom. Reluctantly Ginny entered not knowing what this Slytherin was going to do with her.

"Look, Weasley," Meche started once they were in there alone, "I don't like you. I never did. You Gryffindors sicken me."

"Thanks," Ginny said dryly.

"But I like Draco. I always did since we were younger. And it's because I like him that I'm going to tell you this. He's happy with you. When you two were together he was the happiest I've ever seen him. Truly happy, the only time I think he's been that way in his life. And I was happy for him. That's why I respected your relationship, that's why he respected your relationship. He said it was just to help you with Potter, But I know him well, and I can tell you with all my heart that it wasn't. And now, now he's miserable. And it's the most miserable he's been in his whole life. Don't you get it? You have the power to make him the happiest he's been or the saddest he's been. Why would you choose the second one? Why would you want him to suffer so much? Now I don't know why he said that bullshit in the library but that's exactly what it is, bullshit. Now I don't like you Ginny, but I love Draco, and I'm telling you, you need to figure this out. Because the more you hurt him the more I hate you. But no matter how much I hate you, or what I do to you, I can never fix it. You're the only one who can do that, I'm asking you to."

"Thanks for your little speech here Meche, but I don't believe a piece of it. He might have been happy with me, but like he said, he's not anymore. He's moved on. And the reason he said that was because he wanted me to know. And I know now. This is exactly what Draco wants. And it's exactly what I want. This is how it's going to be."

Flinging her bag over her shoulder she cursed the day she ever agreed to that stupid plan, knowing that it was Malfoy who would be helping her.

How could she have been so blind?

XX

"Guess what's all over the school," Brock asked Draco as he waltzed into the Common Room smiling.

"I don't like playing guessing games."

"Oh no, this one's fun. Guess."

"That you were the man behind Pansy Parkinson's nude photos."

"No."

"That Snape likes singing Soprano to 'One last fly' the musical."

"Nope."

"Did McGonagall finally notice we switched wigs on her?"

"No, some first year Ravenclaw found it near the lake earlier this week."

"So I presume you're going to tell me now."

"You presumed right. Everyone's being informed that Potter and the little Weasel are a couple."

In response Draco took a book from the table and propped in lazily on his stomach while he lay on the couch.

"So I'm here to collect my prize."

"What prize?"

"My Nimbus 3000. According to the bet I'm to have it if you don't have sex with Weasel. And since she and Potter are together now, there's no way you're getting in her pants. She's been wanting this since forever and you my friend have failed."

He turned the page.

"You have to stick to the bet, Draco."

"Fuck the bet."

"Fuck the bet?"

"And fuck you," he said angrily leaving the room.

"Not a chance," Brock called after him.

XX

There was buzz around her everywhere she went as the news of she and Harry spread like wildfire.

The attention was indeed very flattering as every time she went out into the halls, to the Quidditch pitch, even to class she was asked questions.

"Is it true that Harry Potter likes you?"

"Are you really Harry Potter's girlfriend?"

"Are you the one Harry Potter is in love with?"

Harry Potter. He was hers. Finally.

But that was the only time she felt truly happy.

Harry wasn't as affectionate to her as Draco had been. She was accustomed to being held, kissed, touched. But now these were scarce. The only time he was really affectionate towards her was when Cho was around.

She had been with him around Ron and Hermione, trying to keep with the conversation but finding herself left out. The three of them had too much history, and she had none.

That was when Cho walked up to them and stood before them watching curiously.

"Cho," Harry began almost immediately. "Hey, how are you?"

"I'm good Harry, I'm good."

'That's…er… good."

"So it's true then?"

"What is?"

"What everyone's saying. About you and her-"

"Ginny," Ginny told her.

"Yes, Ginny. Saying that you two are together and all."

"Oh, yes it is." Harry wrapped an arm around Ginny's waist and smiled.

"That's nice."

'Yeah," Ginny added trying not to be freaked out at Harry's embrace, which was something very new for her."

"But I thought you were with Malfoy. What happened there?"

'Well, she realised who was the better of the two, didn't you baby?"

Her lip twitched at his use of the pet name, one she and Draco had agreed was the corniest one ever though up, unluckily she hadn't discussed that with Harry.

But she put up the act and followed his lead, "Of course Hun. But Cho, I heard that Draco wants you now, how true is that?"

"I heard that too, but he's made no moves on me, for some reason. I was kind of expecting it as well, I went up to him and talked to him but he didn't seem remotely interested. He's been a lot more miserable lately if you haven't noticed. It's intolerable really. Anyway, so I figured it was just some sick joke someone made up."

"Oh that's awful."

"Yeah, I guess."

"Can't make up your mind, Potter?" Draco called as he walked pass them in the halls.

"Oh bite me," Cho returned.

"Behave Chang, I've done nothing to deserve that sort of torture."

"Ass," Cho muttered turning back to them. "Anyway Harry, Ravenclaw's got a practice in ten minutes, so I've got to go. I'm very happy for you by the way."

"Yeah so am I," Harry replied dryly. Ginny got the impression that he didn't get the reaction from Cho that he wanted.

XX

It was a week later that Snape stood at the front of his Potions Class and uttered the most dreadful words imaginable:

"Ms Weasley, you will be paired with Draco Malfoy."

The words had her transfixed in shock as she saw Draco sitting on the other side of the class, equally displeased and knew that she had to deal with him for a whole period. As Snape continued calling out his names she raised her hand in defiance ready to protest the pairing.

"Mr Hugh- Ms Weasley, did you not hear me when I said you were with Mr Malfoy?"

"I did sir but-"

"And are your legs in working order?"

"Yes sir but you don't underst-"

"Well then, I expect you to get over to Mr Malfoy's desk this instant," he bellowed.

And grabbing her books she scurried, unwilling as she might have been she did not want to give Snape a reason to get on her back.

"Today class is an exercise to see how much you remember from your Christmas Vacation and how much of the assigned reading you actually did. On each desk is a card with the potion I expect you to make written on it. I want it by the end of the period. With the exception of you Mr Longbottom, from you I only expect something close to what it should be by that time."

Lazily Draco picked up the card from their desk and read, "Draft of Peace."

"Fine, I'll look for it in the text book."

"Hold on, it says we're not allowed to use any aids, that is text books or notes, or help from other students. We're supposed to make it on our memories only."

"Well I can't help, I didn't do the reading."

"Why not?"

"I was busy," she snapped.

"Fine. Potter's been putting on your panties too tight."

"It's no use asking you, you never do your homework."

"Actually, I did read it."

She laughed, "that's rich."

He rolled his eyes. "Why don't you just go get the essence of hellebore and we can get started."

"Why don't you go get it yourself?"

"Why are you so damn moody?" he asked, angered.

"I'm not one of your whores."

"I know you aren't," he answered seriously.

"Oh stop lying. You know, a month ago I would have actually believed that, boy was I stupid."

"It wouldn't make a difference what I said a month ago because you'd still be a slave for Potter."

"I am not Harry's slave."

"You're not huh? Then what's this?" he asked as he flung some of her straight hair out of her face.

"It's hair," she told him, annoyed.

"It's not you."

Maybe it wasn't, but it was who she had to be.

"What do you care anyway?"

He looked at her, her face turning red in her anger, and knew that he could never tell her how he really felt. He was way too late, and it would do them no good.

"I don't," he hissed at her.

It was then he wished to God that he didn't, that he never did, and that he never would again.

=XX=

I hope you all don't hate it. This one took like a week to update. I think I did better… in the updating section that is.

little squirt 21 : Yeah I know what you mean. I think it's crappy of her and I was the one who made her do it, lol..

Bella: Yeah I meant Screen Name by SN. Lol… I didn't leave you with the cliffy for too long though.

slyffindor: I'm glad it affected you emotionally. Sometimes I'm not sure if I'm getting emotional enough. Thanks for the review.

Slytherinchic4: The only consolation I will give you is: I'm a Ginny/Draco lover. But sometimes I let my love of plot 'twists' take control of that. That's not really consolation though, Is it? Lol…

Ann2007: Lol, yes I know I'm mean. I'm sorry. Thanks for the complement, I hope you keep reading.

Jace Quin: Lmao. Right now? Not right now… I loved the evils. XD. Coincidentally, my msn S/N is 'Evil Seks XD' lmao…

LiL' LiSe: Thanks. Yeah sure, I think I'll be writing more. I get ideas for different fics and I got them down in notepad and save them. I have a sequel for this when it's done. So that should be interesting.

Kat Davi: Harry Dipshit Potter, LMAO! I loved that. *saves insult so Draco for confrontation scenes* Thanks for the review. Lol.. Sorry for being mean.

Burning Flam3: You need to read Serpent's Bride if you think mine is the best. That fic is brilliant. But thanks anyway and I'm glad you're so into the story.

Pirate'sRedWinter: Lol *is scared at threat* See? I did update quickly.

Scary-As-Hell: Sorry for doing that to you. I did hurry up though. *is proud*

Lochness : I know! Stupid Harry. And Poor Draco. Thanks a lot for the review.

mereschino: Ah, a reviewer with a lot of faith in me. We'll see if it's justified sooner or later, lol.. Thanks though.

Donni: wow thanks. As I was saying to the other reviewer from on there, I love when HPK readers stick with me. What was your SN?

Ooglez : You're making me say awww now. Lol. Thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Wizzabee: Thanks for adding me to your favs! I didn't realise that my ending was so depressing, lol. Go figure.

brat_attack : Why thanks for the French compliment, lol. Actually this plot was more like Cruel Intentions for me, but I just couldn't resist. I realise its been done already too, lol… I just had to have a go at it.

Cuchocousins: lol… I agree with you on the Harry part. Just how long we're going to have to endure she and Harry I don't know. But poor Draco man, Poor Draco.

Blondie01 : Oh, don't worry, you're supposed to be confused at the whole Christina thing at this point. I'm glad you took the time to tell me all what you think about the story. I love reviewers like you. I know how you feel about Ginny/Harry, lol.

Ma.Fer: lol! It's cool that you like suffering… kinda, lol. You're almost as weird as me, lmao.

Coolchicka: LMAO! I'm trying! I'm trying!

Jac : lmao. No, I can't. here's some more.

Lori~!* : Thanks Lori. I appreciate it. I hope you keep reading.

Angelfire33 : Wow, thanks for the great feedback, lol. I hope you like this too.

Moonbunny77 : Thanks a lot. I appreciate that you noticed my effort to change since I got constructive criticism. I hope you like it.

Darcy16: lol. You were really crying? Omg… I'm sorry, honestly. I'm glad you like the story. And sorry for putting you through that Ginny/Harry crap… but it's not over yet.

GinnyMalfoy12311 : lmao… You're review left me so confused I was like was it good or bad? Yeah I flinched at that line too… knowing it was a little corny. I hate corniness, but in this story it seems to just flow, lol. I love your under-caffinated line, lol.

Nichole Malfoy: Sweet, thanks. I appreciate the review.

Vipera: LOL! Go me! XD Thanks I will try to keep the chapters coming.

Chikkalaura : Right now? can't I just bask in the annoying Ginny/Harry wannabe love in for a little while longer?

Malana Draconis: lol. Forever?! Lol… No the letters arent in his bag. No Harry didn't send the card but c'est la vie. I feel your pain though, I'm a Draco/Ginny lover myself.

Laura : Oh wow, don't die on me, lol. I don't want you to die, so I updated quicker. *grins* don't you just love me.

Please Read and Review. Thanks for sticking with me thus far.