10
While Draco slept, Ginny wondered. 'Why did I have to fall in love with him? He's perfect in every way, but loving him means going against my family. Will they ever forgive me? Will they believe him? I don't want to lose him or my family, but I'm scared. What if he changes his mind? What if his father finds out?', she thought, and then said to herself, "I just wish I knew how it was going to end."

"Don't we all, Miss Weasley," said a voice behind her. Startled, Ginny turned to see Snape standing there, and knowing how wrong her and Draco's current position looked, started to wake him up, "No, Miss Weasley, don't. Needless to say, he needs sleep. If this is the only way he can get it, let's not rob him of it," Snape said, sitting on the ground beside Ginny.

Ginny sat still, and then turned to Snape, "I'm sorry, Sir," she whispered.

"It's not your fault, Miss Weasley. I knew it was only a matter of time before Voldemort learned of my betrayal. I'd always hoped he would come after me, though. I never dreamed he would take it out on my family," Snape said, and then gestured towards Draco, "I trust he has told you about Kit," he said.

Ginny nodded, "He talked about his father beating him, and you and Kit loving him. You mean a lot to him, Sir," she said.

Snape smiled, or what could be called smiling, "And he to me. Mr. Malfoy is like a son to me, Miss Weasley. I care about him, and the effect all of his worrying, on top of trying to put up a strong front for Adam is taking a major toll on him. It worries me, how worried he's becoming. Ironic thing, isn't it. His worrying is causing me to worry," Snape said.

"Is he worried that Katherine will not get better?" Ginny asked.

Snape looked intently at her, "I'm sure that Draco has told you that I am very protective of the people I care about. Draco is the same way. Yes, Miss Weasley, Draco is worried about Kit not waking up. However, over the past few weeks, a new worry has been eating at him," he said, looking into her eyes, "You see, Miss Weasley, he is becoming increasingly worried about you."

Ginny felt her eyes grow big, "Me, Sir, but why should he worry about me?" she asked, confused and now concerned for Draco.

Snape sighed, "You said that he had told you about his father?" Ginny nodded. "That's what he's concerned about. Draco knows that if his father wouldn't hesitate to hurt him, than you would be no problem. His fear is that his father will find out how much he cares for you and use you to punish him. He's afraid his father will harm you, Miss Weasley, and I must admit that I share his fear. I knew he would think of it eventually, and he told me that he intended to break all contact with you simply to protect you, but the Headmaster and I knew that wouldn't work. The Weasley family is, as you well know, very stubborn. So instead he worries, and worries, and worries," Snape concluded.

Ginny looked at the ground, "So, I did screw everything up," she said.

Snape looked at her sharply, "He told you that," he asked.

Ginny shook her head, "He said that he was intended to be, as you are, a spy, but he didn't think that his father would believe him to be a Death Eater if he was dating me," she said.

"Well, that is true, Miss Weasley, but believe me, you screwed nothing up. You saved his life, you must believe that. Neither Draco, the Headmaster, nor I believe that you have screwed up. You just have to be extra careful," he said.

"How do I do that?" she asked.

Snape took a deep breath, "Well, the first thing you need to do is to tell at least someone in your family that's of age about your relationship. Perhaps your mother or a brother, though I'd suggest one that hasn't actually met Mr. Malfoy. I wouldn't tell your father, his hatred of Lucius might get in the way, but someone needs to be prepared in case something does happen either while you are on holiday or summer, someone, besides you needs to be on alert, do you understand?"

"I knew you were going to say that," she said, and nodded reluctantly.

"Secondly, while I wouldn't parade around the school that you are dating Draco, don't waste too much energy trying to hide it. If you are constantly worried about hiding your relationship, you won't have one, and if I may say so, you both look as if it might do you some good."

Ginny again nodded, "that might be hard."

"And that's what brings me to my third thing. I think it would be wise to let at least one member of the trio in on your secret. Perhaps Miss Granger for now. Eventually they should all know, so, one, you don't have to keep it a secret, and two, so they can help prepare your family for the shock. Besides, you'll probably need someone to talk to. I don't think that Miss Granger will spill your secret, even to Mr. Potter or your brother.

Ginny nodded, "thank you, sir," she said, and couldn't help wondering why he was so mean in his classes.

Almost as if he had read her mind, Snape answered, "I've had a lot of hurt in my life, Miss Weasley, I don't like to let people get too close, so I make them fear me. I have a few friends, and of course Kit, Adam, and Draco, but I usually push everyone else away. However, Draco cares a lot for you, and as I care a lot for him, I will also do my best to keep you safe. Just think Miss Weasley, one day you'll be able to tell the world that you cracked the heart of the evil Professor Snape," he said, jokingly.

Ginny looked at him, "they wouldn't believe me," she said, grinning at him. It felt weird, joking with him, but that day on the Quidditch field, Ginny saw a different side of Professor Snape. A side that few saw, and she was grateful that he had given her the chance.

They sat in silence a while longer before Ginny heard a familiar voice call her name, "Ginny, Ginny, where are you?" Hermione was calling, coming towards them. "Come on, Ginny, answer me. Ron and Harry aren't with me," she said, as she spotted the three of them on the Quidditch field, surprise lighting up her features, her mouth open in shock.

"Close your mouth, Miss Granger, you'll collect flies," Snape said, then turned to Ginny, "perhaps now you should wake him up," he continued as he stood up. Hermione did close her mouth, but her look of surprise was still evident. Ginny shook Draco, "Draco, wake up, it's time to go inside," she said, partially scared that Hermione would tell Ron and Harry, partially relieved that part of what Snape had told her needed to be done was now done.

Draco awoke slowly, and sat up, noticing that Hermione was there, "Shit," he said, stood up, and helped Ginny to her feet, keeping her hand in his. He then turned to Hermione, "I love her," he said simply, "And please, whatever you do, don't tell Ron or Harry. I really do have enough to worry about without them trying to kill me," he said, hoping she would heed his plea.

Snape intervened, "I, too, must ask you not to mention this to anyone, Miss Granger. There are parts that even you are not allowed to know, and until they can be revealed, I'd like you to keep Mr. Malfoy's and Miss Weasley's secret. After certain events occur, Miss Weasley can decide when and how she will decide to explain this. However, it is not your secret to tell," he said, more gently than Hermione had ever heard him talk.

Hermione nodded mutely, then found her voice, "Ginny, we need to hurry. Harry and Ron are also looking for you, they'll find us any minute," she said, with a look that said she wanted answers.

Ginny nodded, squeezed Draco's hand and gave him a hug, and to the surprise of everyone, including herself, hugged Snape, also, which it was even more surprising to see him return. "Off you go, Miss Weasley," he said, and Ginny ran back to the castle with Hermione.