Chapter Three:
In the breaking dawn Ginny Weasley found herself restless. This was not the first time this had happened; no, there had been many others. But now it was essential that she be vigilant and watchful. Her eyes strayed to the paper once more and she felt a tear trickle down her cheek. Hesitation to wipe it away was all too late as it fell to the edge of the milky manilla parchment. She brushed the hair from her eyes just as the wasted moon disappeared and the sun grew bright and nearly blinded her. The glass vase beside her bed contained a wilting rose whose petals were singed with light brown. One, two, three...She watched the mix of reddish pinks flutter to the carpet like feathers. Her heart pounded in her chest while a constricting pain wrapped around her body and seized her mind.
She was fifteen and a shadow of her former self. The past was still as strong as it ever was with her. She sat against the wall of the dungeon and kept her eyes tightly shut. Why had she done that? She had run from authority and broken into Professor Snape's office to sit on the cold damp floor. Lately she'd been feeling the need to gravitate to dark intent. Perhaps her own darkness was surfacing with no help whatsoever from Tom? No, that couldn't be. She was always a sweet, good-natured girl with a decent upbringing. What was wrong with her? Suddenly the sound of footsteps halted her thoughts but not her eyes as they darted back and forth across the room. A door creaked open somewhere and a voice called out.
"You ran because you're scared, I get that Weasel. But the Headmaster's furious with you."
"Mr. Malfoy!" There was a cluttering of noise. "Why are you looking for her here?" Severus Snape emerged from his quarters with a smug expression.
"I am sorry." He started to leave but stopped when he saw a piece of hair glowing red on the floor. Snape had already sent himself back to his room. Slowly, Draco crept beside the wall and before she could scream he covered her mouth. "Shut up, I'm not going to bring you there. Come with me." He grabbed her hand and pulled her up.
That was how it all began. It was just a simple touch that sent her mind to the black abyss and her attraction for him grew. But she had dragged him down into the fire with her and he had willingly went. He met her mistakes head on, never judged her or criticized her. Their friendship was mysteriously built on an a fetish for rebellion from both sides. People hadn't gotten used to the idea after a few months or so. But during the summers were the the worst; caged up animal not allowed to contact her boyfriend because her parents thought him a worm, vindictive and cold. Her fingers tightened until they cramped and she had to shake them. She stretched her limbs and looked around at the now empty room. It was already 8:30am and she had to meet him soon. He had sent a tiny paper with the time (9:00am) scribbled on it.
She was at the lake before he was. Every part of her was tense and even more when she heard his steps. "Can we be civil?" His voice was soft as he caressed her cheek and she let him.
"Draco, I'm sorry."
"Why couldn't you just have told me you wanted to split up?" He leaned his forehead against hers.
"Because...I changed my mind. I've realized that the time we have left is all we have. And I love you too."
"But you-"
"Do you remember when we met?" Ginny asked tilting her head.
"Yes." He laughed. "Why're you asking?"
"I wanted to tell you then that I was in love with you but I was so scared."
"Let's go inside, it's cold out here." He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and they walked back into the castle together before he asked if she wanted to go back to his dorm which she accepted all too quickly.
He stood when she entered with Draco. His dark eyes held her gaze before he started forward. "This is who has our mate so captivated? She's pretty, Malfoy. How come we haven't been introduced?"
"Back off," Draco snarled warningly.
"Blaise Zabini." He smiled and shook Ginny's hand. He was very pleasant, she noticed.
"Ginny Weasley, pleased to meet you."
"Believe me, the pleasure is all mine." Draco cleared his throat and ushered her wordlessly to his room.
"That was rude. He was being nice." Ginny stated roughly once they were inside.
"He was totally into you."
"So what if he is?" Ginny replied defensively. "I'm with you, idiot." She took hold of his hands.
"Just be careful around him. When he's after someone, he doesn't stop until he gets them."
"What's the worst that could happen?"
