Disclaimer: All the characters and Hogwarts belong to JK Rowlings
A/N: Nobody except Dumbledore, Bill and Prof. Snape know that Draco, Harry and Dudley are alive. Someone said that the name thing is getting confusing, does anybody have any suggestions to get rid of that problem?
Chapter 6
Draco walked down the corridors of the castle. All the torches were dimmed and Draco thought that it was oddly quiet. He reached the gargoyle guarding Dumbledore's office and he said the password. As he walked up the stairs his footsteps echoed off the walls. He opened the door of the office not bothering to knock. He knew that Dumbledore would be gone. He walked to the Dumbledore's desk and saw a box. On top of the box was a letter.
Mr. Rooke,
You will find that I have provided the appropriate attire for this evening's occasion. Good Luck.
A. Dumbledore
Draco took off the lid of the box and saw a Death Eater mask. He took it out of the box and placed it on his face. He turned towards the mirror that Dumbledore left for him.
"I'm proud of you…my son."
Draco shook his head, took off the mask and placed it on the table. Draco took out the white long-sleeved shirt out of the box. He fingered the lacy sleeve. He took off his own shirt and put on the Death Eater's shirt. He took out black trousers out of the box and changed into them. He took out the final piece of clothing, which was a simple black robe with a snake fastening. He slipped into the robe and left parts of the white sleeve stick out. He clasped the robe, put on the mask and pulled up his hood. He looked at himself in the mirror.
There was a knock on the door.
"Headmaster?" Someone asked. The door opened and Ginny came in.
"Why is it so dark in here?" she asked herself
Ginny took out her wand and muttered Lumos. She froze when she saw a figure inside the office.
"Who are you?" Ginny asked pointing her wand at him, "What are you doing in the Headmaster's office?"
"I should be the one asking you that question. I have permission to be here," Draco said walking closer to her.
Ginny backed away from him, "Stay were you are. Are you a Death Eater?"
"Ginny, you don't recognize my voice yet. Do you?" Draco asked. He took off the mask and pulled down the hood. Ginny squinted in the darkness to see his face.
"Lukas? Why are you dressed like that?" Ginny asked. She looked at his attire, when she first saw him in the office she thought that he was a Death Eater. She has never seen a Death Eater face to face, but she had seen pictures on the Daily Prophet.
"Did you already forget? I'm going to Voldemort today," Draco answered, "Do I really look like one of them?"
"I've seen pictures and yes, yes you do."
Draco nodded pulled up his sleeve to look at his watch.
"Shit, I have to go. I'll see you tomorrow," Draco said as he rushed past her.
"Lukas wait," Ginny said. Draco turned around.
"Take care of yourself," Ginny told him.
"I will," Draco replied and continued to walk down the stairs.
When Ginny could no longer see him she walked to Dumbledore's desk. She saw that Draco forgot to put away his clothes; they were still on the floor. She bent down and picked up his clothes. A piece of paper fell out. Ginny placed his clothes on the desk and picked up the paper finding out it was a picture. Ginny looked out the door Draco left through and back at the picture. The picture was of a girl that looked exactly like her when she was younger.
*_*_*_*_*
Draco landed in an alley in Hogsmeade. In order to get to the Death Eaters he had to apparate. He hid his broom behind a trash bin. He concentrated on the location and he disappeared.
Draco landed inside a ballroom. There were many hooded figures talking idly with each other. A hooded figure walked towards him.
"Who might you be?" the person asked.
Draco ignored him and searched the room for Voldemort.
"Did you hear me?" the man asked him, "Take off your mask."
Draco continued to pay no attention to the man and walked towards Voldemort. He kneeled in front of Voldemort and kissed the hem of his robes.
"Master," Draco said looking up at the man.
"Rise," Voldemort ordered, "Why are you late?"
"I had to wait until everyone was asleep, my lord."
"I do not recognize your voice. Who are you?" Voldemort asked.
"A faithful servant."
Voldemort chuckled at that, "I will be the judge of that. Take off your mask."
Draco nodded; he pulled down his hood and took of his mask. Voldemort tried to find something recognizable about Draco. He had a feeling as if he knew the boy.
"Why have you come tonight?" Voldemort asked.
"I would wish to serve you, my lord. I want to help you."
"How old are you?" Voldemort asked. He looked as if he was the youngest person in the room. Voldemort didn't recognize him so he doubted that he gave him the mark.
"Seventeen."
"That is a young age. Have you received the mark? If so, show me."
Draco took off his robe and pulled up his sleeve. Voldemort stared him in the eye.
'What is your name?' a voice said in Draco's head.
'Lukas John Rooke,' Draco managed to answer.
Voldemort seemed satisfied and touched Draco's mark. Draco fought the urge to shiver at Voldemort's touch. The mark reacted and the snake slithered out of the skull and wrapped around Voldemort's finger.
Voldemort smiled at this. This was a true mark and the boy must be powerful. The mark was now glowing red. He watched Draco and to see if he could sense pain or fear in him. He couldn't find any feelings in him. Voldemort pressed his finger on Draco's arm.
Draco clenched his fist and jaw to keep from yelling. The mark was burning excruciatingly and was getting redder.
Voldemort finally removed his finger, "I congratulate you. You manage not to show any pain or yell out. Most of my followers fall to their knees, but look at you. You are standing upright. Lukas, I presume you go to Hogwarts. Am I correct?"
"Yes, my lord," Draco answered bowing his head.
"Good, you can be of help. What house are you in?" Voldemort asked.
"Gryffindor."
"Gryffindor? I see…"
"I heard this summer, my lord, you were in need of help. I transferred to Hogwarts this year and thought of a way to help you. I thought that a position in the Gryffindor House would do," Draco explained, hoping that Voldemort buys his story.
Voldemort thought about whether to accept the boy or not. The boy was in the perfect position to spy for him, get news directly from Hogwarts. He did not trust the sons and daughters of his servants. They were all in Slytherin and their information was mostly hearsay.
Voldemort knew that most of the students that are part of the Order are in Gryffindor. If the boy were to get close to some of the suspected members of the Order, they could get valuable information. The subject of trust came to Voldemort. He barely knew the boy, but he had a genuine Dark Mark. Chagny must have given it to the boy.
"Can I trust you?" Voldemort asked.
"Yes."
"If given the circumstance, will you give your life to me?"
"Yes."
Voldemort raised his wand towards Draco, "Do you trust me, not to kill you?"
"Yes, master," Draco answered staring him in the eye.
Voldemort's lips rose up into a smirk, "AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Draco was blinded by the green light. He didn't know whether he was going to die or not. When the light cleared Draco was still facing Voldemort. Voldemort's wand was pointing towards the balcony to their right.
"You are brave, it's either that or you are foolish," Voldemort told him.
"I would settle for brave," Draco commented, matching Voldemort's smirk.
"I'm beginning to like you," Voldemort said, "You are already part of my circle. When you are being summoned you are expected to show. I will make sure I will not interrupt your classes. I will tell you more about your tasks in our next meeting when I summon you. I suspect you already know all the procedures and what is expected of you. You do not need a sponsor. In the meantime, enjoy yourself in this party. You deserve it."
At that Voldemort walked away. Draco watched him until he disappeared in the crowd. Draco turned and bumped into someone.
"Watch were you're going," someone yelled.
Draco looked up and saw himself staring face to face with none other than Lucius Malfoy, his father. Lucius looked the same, but he had graying hair.
"I'm sorry sir," Draco said courteously.
Lucius glared at him but his face softened, "I saw what happened. Your parents must be proud."
"My parents are dead sir."
"I see. Well, wherever they are they will be happy to see that you have chosen the right path. I wish my son were more like you," Lucius commented, "Well, if you are in need of anything, don't bother to contact me. In case you don't know who I am, Lucius Malfoy."
Lucius extended his hand. Draco reluctantly took it and shook his hand. Draco was having fixed feelings as he shook hands with his father. He was glad to see the man alive after all these years, but there was also a feeling of resentment towards him.
"Rooke, Lukas Rooke."
"I will see you later Mr. Rooke," Lucius said bowing his head and left.
'I'm sorry I failed you,' Draco thought.
The rest of the evening wasn't very eventful. Draco got acquainted to almost everyone at the 'party.' As Voldemort thought, he was the youngest person in the room. Draco was relieved when Voldemort announced that the party was over. He couldn't wait to escape from Mcnair who was blabbering about not getting any decent assignment lately. Before Draco could disapparate out, Voldemort stopped him and asked him how he got there. Draco answered that he sneaked to Hogsmeade and apparated. Voldemort nodded in comprehension.
Draco apparated to the alley where he left his broom. He took his broom and flew to the castle. Draco sneaked inside and walked to Dumbledore's office. When he was inside the office he saw he clothes neatly folding, resting on Dumbledore's desk. He saw a note on top of his clothes.
Lukas, if you're reading this, it probably means you got back in one piece. Anyway, I hope everything was okay.
Ginny.
Draco took off the Death Eater attire and put on his own clothes. He put the clothes back in its box and left it in Dumbledore's office. He was walking towards the tower when he heard a whistling. Draco stopped, looked towards the whistling and saw Peeves the poltergeist
"Bad, bad Gryffy. Student out at curfew," Peeves commented.
"Get out of my way Peeves," Draco ordered.
Peeves flew in front of his face.
"What will little Grffy do when I call Flinchy?" Peeves annoyed Draco further by flying around the boy and started to sing a song that was off key.
"Ugh, leave me alone Peeves," Draco hissed and started to walk away. Peeves trailed behind him continuing his song. Draco felt a presence go through him and he suddenly felt cold. He found himself face to face with the Bloody Baron.
"M…Mr. Baron sir," Peeves stammered.
"Peeves," the baron moaned.
This was the first time Draco has ever heard the baron talk. The baron had a deep voice and an accent that Draco couldn't figure out. He probably could have determined what kind of accent if the Baron were to talk more than just one word, but he didn't.
Baron turned to Peeves and gave him a look of disapproval. Something must have passed between the two of them because Peeves muttered an apology to Draco and left him. The Baron gave Draco a sad smile and flew away.
Draco said thank you after the Baron but he just flew off. Draco shook his head and continued walking. He found himself standing in front of a sleeping Fat Lady.
Draco coughed out loud, "Excuse me."
The Fat Lady continued sleeping.
"Excuse me!" Draco yelled.
The Fat Lady opened her eyes and glared at Draco. She put a hand over her mouth and yawned.
"What is a student doing up at this time?" The Fat Lady asked.
"I'm sorry to disturb you. Stinky Slytherin," Draco said scowling.
The Fat Lady narrowed her eyes at him but opened to lead to the common room. Draco walked in the common room and looked around to see if anyone was still awake. He gave a sigh of relief when he couldn't find anybody. He didn't feel like walking up the stairs so he sat down on a couch in front of the fireplace. Draco felt relaxed in the quiet dark room. He took out his wand and pointed it towards the fireplace.
"Incendio."
A great flame lit up in the fireplace. Draco watched the flame flicker. He took out a picture and smiled.
"How are you…Emily?" Draco asked. He sighed and looked back at the fire.
"Here," A sixteen year old boy said. He held out a lighter to a girl his age. She took it and narrowed her eyes at him.
"Why would you have a lighter in your jacket Jon?" She asked. She didn't wait for answer when she lit the pile of sticks they gathered.
"How did you do that?" Draco asked her, leaning over her shoulder staring with fascination at the lighter.
Jon took the lighter from the girl and held it in front of Draco.
"This my boy is a lighter, see," Jon said, "You just press this button and voila, fire."
"Wow, it's magic," Draco said.
Jon ruffled his hair, "Not really, magic's not real."
Jon sat next to the girl in front of the fire. The girl's sister stood next to Draco.
"You've never seen a lighter?" She asked him. She rubbed the necklace he gave her.
"You're wearing that?" Draco asked.
"Of course silly. I told you I'll never take it off, remember?" she explained.
"Anyway, your parents are really protective. I can't believe you've never seen a lighter, can you Lisa?" She asked her sister.
Lisa ignored her sister and laughed at something Jon said.
"Lisa!" Her sister said.
"Fine, go ahead," Lisa told her turning back to Jon.
She stomped her foot and walked away. Draco followed her.
"Emily, are you all right?" Draco asked her.
"I'm fine."
"Okay, are you going to show me how to make mores?"
"You mean smores?"
"Yes," Draco answered. Emily grinned at him and took his hand. She walked towards her sister and sat next to her pushing her to the side.
"Emily, what's wrong with you?" Lisa asked her.
"We came to make smores, remember?" Emily answered.
"Oh, I forgot. I forgot the marshmallows at home."
"Lisa!"
"Hey, I'm sorry."
"Fine, come Drake. We can make the smores at my house. Using the microwave," Emily said pulling Draco towards her house.
Draco was sleeping on the couch and the fire was still burning. Dobby put out the fire and turned to Draco. He pulled a blanket over Draco.
"Good night Master Draco, sir," Dobby said and he disappeared.
*_*_*_*
"I can't believe you Lavendar. How can you trade Seamus for that Darwin? I mean come on, you have to admit that Darwin is a bit on the fat side," Pavarti said.
They were walking down the stairs toward the common room.
"Don't say that. Darwin is not fat, he's just…um…he not fat okay," Lavendar said, "Besides, he's much nicer than Seamus, that player. If he thinks that he could see Susan Bone behind my back and make it seem as if it's nothing, then he has something coming to him."
"So you're going out with Darwin to annoy Seamus?" Pavarti asked.
"I didn't say that," Lavendar told her.
Lavendar stopped walking when she saw Draco sleeping on the couch.
"What's he doing sleeping here?" Lavendar asked.
"Probably here because of Ron's snoring," Pavarti suggested and she giggled, "Don't you think he's cute?"
"Hands off, Pavarti. Ginny likes him."
"Oh my gosh, really?" Pavarti inquired, "Did she tell you?"
"Well no. But they always stare at each other and Carol told me that Hannah told her that she saw the two holding hands. Isn't that sweet?"
"It is isn't it? Anyway, just let him sleep. And you, have to meet with what's his name, remember?"
"Darwin, his name is Darwin," Lavendar informed her. Following Pavarti out the common room.
*_*_*_*
"Draco, wake up."
Draco opened his eyes and saw himself staring at a red-haired girl.
"Emily?"
Ginny frowned. Draco sat up and rubbed his eyes. His vision focused and he was staring at Ginny Weasley.
"Oh, I'm sorry. You looked like…never mind. What time is it?" Draco asked looking out the window.
"It's almost noon," Ginny answered, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, why?" Draco asked.
"I was just wondering how the meeting went."
"Oh that. Wasn't very eventful. I saw my father," Draco said.
"Your father?" Ginny asked. Didn't he already know that his father was at the meeting? His father was a Death Eater, right? Ginny realized that Draco and Harry never talk about their families.
"I'm confused," Ginny said, "Your father knows you're a Death Eater, right? Was he already accepted in the circle? If he is, why didn't you join at the same time? Does he know about the order?"
"Are we even supposed to be talking about this stuff out in the open?" Draco asked her. He stood up and the blanket fell down. He picked it up, folded it and put it on the couch. He reached in his pocket and it was empty. He looked back on the couch for the picture. He looked under the couch and there was nothing.
"Where is it?" Draco asked.
"Where is what?"
"My picture," Draco answered.
He reached in the crevices of the couch and could not find anything.
The portrait hole opened and Harry walked in.
"Hey, Lukas," Harry said and held out a picture, "Dobby found this and asked me to give it to you."
Draco ran to Harry and took the picture from him.
"Thank you so much. I don't know what I'll do if I lose this," Draco told him.
"Why do you have a picture of Ginny," Harry asked.
"It's not Ginny," Draco answered and went up the stairs toward the dormitories.
Harry looked in the common room and found Ginny. He looked at Ginny and back at Draco.
*_*_*_*_*
It has been a month since the Death Eater meeting and Draco has not been summoned. If Ginny thought that she was getting closer to Draco, then she was wrong. Ever since the morning Harry gave back Emily's picture, Draco has been avoiding Ginny even more often. In the Order meetings he no longer sits across from her. The thing between Ginny and Draco is not the only things that worsened. The animosity between Draco and Ron has gotten bigger. Some 'sick' person, according to Draco, even suggested that the two had an undying love for each other. The Order members also haven't softened towards Draco and Harry.
On an even better note for some, Dudley and Lavendar have officially become an 'item.' Seamus was hostile toward Dudley, but they eventually became friends.
Hermione was beginning to become suspicious about Harry. There was something about him that she couldn't figure out. The three boys were a mystery to her. She noticed that whenever they would talk about Malfoy, the three seem to tense up, especially Draco.
*_*_*_*_*
"What have we here?" Goyle asked.
Ginny was walking down a deserted hallway. Ginny, Ron and Hermione were walking to the Great Hall, but Ginny forgot something and ran back to the tower. She didn't know that she took a wrong turn. After a while realized that she was in a hallway she didn't recognize.
"Goyle," Ginny greeted him.
Goyle and Crabbe saw Ginny walking towards the Slytherin common room. They wondered what she was doing in that side of the castle. No one outside of the Slytherins ever came through this hallway. They decided to have some fun with her.
"What is a Gryffindor doing here?" Crabbe asked, circling her like a vulture.
"I'm sorry, I think I'm lost," Ginny said. She was beginning to get nervous around the two.
"Oh really? We can help you back to the Great Hall…" Goyle said, eyeing her body, "For a price."
Goyle reached to touch her hair, but Ginny backed away from him.
"Are you scared…Weasley?" Goyle asked, "Don't worry, I won't hurt you."
He grabbed her arm to pull her towards him, but Ginny slapped him hard on the face. Goyle staggered back. He scowled at Ginny. Crabbe was laughing.
"Shut up!" Goyle yelled.
"Sorry about him, Weasley. I think he got a hold of some Fire Whiskey," Crabbe explained. He offered a hand to her. Ginny looked at him suspiciously.
"Don't worry, I won't bite. I'll get you away from those two," Crabbe said. Ginny did not miss the glint in his eyes.
Ginny just shook her head and tried to walk pass him, but he blocked her way. She tried to get around him but couldn't. Crabbe was smirking at her.
"We're not finished with you," Crabbe said.
Ginny quickly took out her wand and pointed it towards his groin.
"Move out of my way Crabbe. As you can see, I have my wand," Ginny threatened.
"Locomotor Mortis."
Ginny's legs came together and she fell down. She dropped her wand and Crabbe took it. Goyle stood over her.
"I have my wand too. Malfoy word of advice, never turn your back on the enemy," Goyle told her.
*_*_*_*_*
Draco looked around the Gryffindor table and could not find Ginny. He thought that he would be glad that she wasn't there to bother him, but he was getting worried. Her brother and Hermione entered the Great Hall twenty minutes ago. Usually, the three of them would walk together.
"Weasley, where's your sister?" Draco asked Ron.
Ron scowled at him, "Why would you want to know?"
"Just answer my question." Draco was glaring at him.
"She went back to the tower to get something," Hermione answered.
"Hermione!" Ron whined.
"Hush Ron. He just wanted to know where Ginny is," Hermione said.
"Shouldn't she be here by now?" Draco asked.
"You're right," Hermione said, realizing that Ginny has been gone for some time.
"Where were you when she left?" Draco asked.
"By the portrait of the Machiavellian Knight. She turned left, I think."
"Oh shit," Draco exclaimed as he got up and ran out the Great Hall. Harry ran after him and grabbed his arm.
"What's wrong?"
"That's near the Slytherin Common Room. I think something happened to her," Draco answered and ran off.
*_*_*_*_*
Goyle fingered Ginny's hair. She had a look of disgust on her face. Ginny couldn't slap his hand away because Goyle performed a charm that made her unable to move her arms.
"You have beautiful hair. No wonder Draco was fascinated with you," he commented.
Ginny didn't know why these two were talking about Malfoy. They probably never get over the fact that Malfoy is dead. She did have to admit that Crabbe and Goyle changed. Not having Malfoy in front of them made them stand out. They were expected to act like the bully Malfoy was.
"What? You didn't know? And I thought you were just playing stupid," Goyle said.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Ginny said, "Let me go now or I'll scream."
"Go ahead, everyone is at the Great Hall. No one will hear you," Crabbe commented, "Stop touching her hair, Greg."
Goyle chuckled and stood up. Ginny looked shocked, we're they going to do anything? Crabbe chuckled upon seeing her expression.
"You should see your face Weasley," Crabbe said, "You're lucky it was us that caught you walking in this hallway. If it were some other person…well, my advice for you is run as fast as you can."
"I can take care of myself," Ginny told him.
Goyle looked down at her, "Oh really? Anyway, stay away from here. Just wanted to teach you a little lesson. Finite Incantatum."
Crabbe and Goyle left her after Goyle removed the body-binding spell.
Ginny knew that the spell was lifted, but she couldn't bring herself to move.
*_*_*_*_*
Draco ran down the halls towards the Slytherin hallway. He bumped into Goyle. Draco grabbed Goyle's shirt and pushed him up to the wall. His eyes were burning through Goyle's.
"What did you do to her?" Draco yelled.
Goyle stared at Draco's eyes. They were gray. They looked so familiar…
"Draco?" Goyle asked.
Draco let go of Goyle and let him fall. Draco backed away and ran down the hall.
*_*_*_*_*
Ginny heard footsteps coming her way, she looked up and saw Draco running towards her. Draco kneeled down in front of her. He held her cheek and did something that surprised her. He hugged her. Never once was he the one to hug her. Ginny wanted so much to hug him back, but she was too shocked to do anything. First, Crabbe and Goyle did not even scratch her; they warned her and told her that Malfoy liked her. And second, Draco was hugging her.
Draco pulled away and pushed her hair behind her ears to see her face.
"Did they hurt you?" He asked.
"N…no."
"Ms. Weasley."
Ginny looked towards the voice and saw Professor Snape and McGonagall and Harry.
"Ms. Weasley, are you all right?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Ginny tried to get up but stumbled. Draco helped her up.
"I'm fine Professor. I just got lost," Ginny answered.
Draco looked at her. Something happened and he knew it. Why wasn't Ginny saying anything?
"Ms. Weasley, did anything happen?" Professor Snape asked. He knew that it wasn't safe to be in the castle alone, especially in the Slytherin wing. The Slytherins tend to become 'protective' about their area of the castle.
"No sir. I just want to go back to the tower. Nothing happened, I promise. I just got lost."
Professor McGonagall looked at her doubtfully. The girl looked shaken up.
"All right Ms. Weasley, just follow me to the tower," Professor McGonagall said.
Professor McGonagall waited until Ginny was close to her before she started to walk away. Draco stared after the two. Professor Snape and Harry stayed behind with Draco.
"Something happened. I know it. I saw Crabbe and Goyle coming from here. Also, Ginny was on the floor," Draco explained.
"She's not saying anything," Harry commented.
"Do you think Mr. Goyle and Crabbe harmed her?" Snape asked.
"No, they wouldn't dare touch her," Draco answered.
"How would you know?" Harry asked.
"I told them not to," Draco said.
"Before my death," Draco added upon seeing Harry's confused face.
"I will talk to the two Professor," Draco told him and walked away.
*_*_*_*
"It's him, I know it," Goyle told Crabbe.
Goyle dragged Crabbe into a deserted classroom to talk. Lukas was Draco, he was sure of it. It made sense.
"How can that be? He's been dead for two years. They had a body," Crabbe replied.
"I don't know about the body, but…you have to believe me. It makes sense. Just think about it. Why do you think Snape favors him? Why is he always getting in fights with Weasley? And his eyes…I saw it in his eyes."
Crabbe paced around the room, "I just don't get it. Why would he hide for this long?"
"You know the answer to that. He was a traitor in the Dark Lord's eyes. If he were found alive, then they would make sure that he is dead. Think about it Vince, think about it. If you look hard enough, you'll see he looks like Draco. Just change the hair and picture him as a smaller person."
"If he's Draco, then who is his brother and that Darwin?" Crabbe inquired.
"I don't know, but I know Lukas is Draco. Draco fancied that Weasley girl. Remember? Lukas and her always stare at each other," Goyle said. He was excited about this new piece of information. This kind of thing could change many things. If everybody knew…
"What are we going to do if he is Draco?" Crabbe asked.
Goyle looked serious, "We can't tell anyone. Just knowing that he's alive is good enough for me. There has to be a reason he hid for this long."
The door opened and Draco walked inside. Goyle looked surprised.
"You shouldn't talk about this out in the open. Anyone could have heard you two talking if they walk by," Draco told them. He muttered a silencing spell and locked the door.
"Hullo Draco," Goyle greeted him.
Draco took a big breathe and he started clapping, "Congratulations Greg. First student to figure it out, I was expecting Granger to be the one."
"I told you," Goyle told Crabbe.
"But how?" Crabbe asked.
Draco sat on one of the tables in the classroom.
"I don't know if I could tell you two."
Goyle lifted his left sleeve and showed his bare arm. Crabbe did the same thing.
"Our fathers didn't really care if we got the mark. They pretty much gave up on us. We couldn't join them after you…well died. A lot of things changed Draco. So many things, there aren't many Slytherins that want to join him as there were when this started. They're beginning to doubt that he'll win this war. After a few big battles a lot of his power diminished," Goyle explained.
Draco nodded at this information.
"Why did you hide?" Goyle asked.
Draco looked up at him, "I had to protect someone."
"Don't worry about us telling people about this. We'll keep it a secret," Crabbe said.
"I know," Draco told him, "Three Musketeers remember?"
Crabbe smiled and shook his hand. He eventually hugged Draco and patted him on the back. He quickly let go of him. Goyle did the same thing.
"Welcome back," Goyle told him.
*_*_*_*_*
Ginny looked out the window and saw Draco sitting by the lake. She was still thinking about what happened the day before. Goyle and Crabbe were acting strange and Draco… She could still hear his heart beating. Would he have protected her if Crabbe and Goyle were still there? Ginny sighed and watched Draco. From where she was looking she could see that he was holding that picture. Ever since the morning Harry returned the picture, Draco didn't try to hide it from anyone. Ginny noticed that he took it everywhere he went. Whenever someone would ask him whose picture that was he would answer that it was an old friend and he won't say anymore.
Harry walked to Ginny and put a hand on her shoulder. She turned and saw him.
"Hey, how are you?" Harry asked.
"I'm fine," Ginny answered looking back at Draco. Harry looked at her and followed her gaze out the window.
"Why don't you talk to him?" Harry suggested.
"I wouldn't know how to approach him. You know Lukas, he gets angry easily. If I say something to rouse his anger he'll leave me. It's either that or he'll just ignore me," Ginny explained.
"Well, you're one of the very few people that actually has an entire sentence coming from him. You're actually one of the people that he likes," Harry said.
"Oh really?" Ginny asked sarcastically.
He chuckled, "You should have seen how fast he ran to get to you. He was so worried."
"Was he really?" Ginny asked watching Draco.
"Yes, I have a question."
"What is it?"
"Do you love him?"
Ginny faced Harry, "Do I love him? (Harry nodded) No, to be honest I just have a crush."
She turned to watch Draco again.
"Just go down there, talk to the guy. What can you lose?"
Ginny watched Draco, he bowed his head down. Ginny turned to Harry and he nodded at her. Ginny smiled at him and ran out the common room. Harry turned back to the window and watched Draco.
"Give her a chance Draco. You need each other," Harry whispered.
*_*_*_*_*
Ginny stopped running when she got outside the castle. She walked towards him thinking of what to say. Before she knew it she was behind him.
"Good evening Ginny," Draco greeted her without turning around.
"How did you know it was me?" Ginny asked.
"I saw you watching me from the tower and you suddenly disappeared. Besides, who else but you would approach me?" Draco asked.
Ginny sat down next to him and saw that he was still holding the picture. She wondered why the girl looked like her.
Draco saw her looking at the picture of Emily.
"Remember when I said that you look like a friend of mine? I was talking about Emily," Draco told her, "You look very much like her. The resemblance between the two of you is uncanny."
Draco was silent for a minute before he started talking again.
"She was my first friend you know. Nobody in my village ever approached me. They always avoided me. But she, she was different. Always full of energy and spirit, and she was always happy. You should have seen my surprise when a muggle girl came through the bushes asking if I wanted to play. I was reluctant because my father always told me that muggles were inferior in every way. She proved him wrong," Draco said. He chuckled, "I think he even developed a liking to her. She was probably the only muggle to ever step foot in our household."
Draco hugged his knees and looked at the lake.
"Lukas…" Ginny started.
"I killed her. I don't know why she's haunting me, but I would understand. Her life was cut short because of me," Draco said. He looked at Ginny, "Every time I look at you I think of her. She's haunting me through you. When I see you I remember what I did to her."
Draco stood up, "Why am I telling you this anyway?"
He started to walk away but Ginny held his hand.
"Don't go. I'm listening."
"I barely know you, but you know more about me than anyone else. You know more about me than Crabbe and Goyle and…"
"Crabbe and Goyle?" Ginny asked.
Draco realized that he slipped up. Ginny was looking at him inquisitively.
"There's something about you Lukas that I can't figure out," Ginny told him.
"A lot of people can't figure me out, why do you expect yourself to do so?" Draco asked, "One of my very few friends once told me I was a mystery that intrigues many. Do you agree with her?"
Ginny was caught in his gaze and couldn't look away. Draco leaned into her until he was a few inches away from her face.
"Do you?" Draco whispered. His hair was touching her cheek and Ginny felt his breath on her face. She turned around and took a step back.
"Why are you like this?" Ginny asked facing the lake.
"Like what?"
Ginny turned her head to face him but she found out the he was right behind her. His face was again inches away from her.
"Looks are the only thing you two have in common. I wonder…" Draco started.
"What?" Ginny whispered. Whispering was the only thing that seemed appropriate for her at the moment.
"If…if you kiss like her," Draco finished. Before Ginny could say anything he covered her mouth with his.
*_*_*_*_*
Harry stared in horror as Draco leaned in to kiss Ginny.
"What are you doing?" Harry asked no one.
Harry hoped that for Draco's sake, Ginny does not turn her back on him.
*_*_*_*_*
Ginny froze when her lips touched Draco's. Sure, she kissed other boys before, but this was Draco. He is different from all the other boys. She turned her body to face him. She thought that this was probably the only time Draco would ever kiss her. Someone must have given him something alcoholic to drink. Yes, that was the reason Ginny thought.
Draco pulled away after realizing that she wasn't responding. He looked at her to figure out what she was feeling. She looked…Draco couldn't figure out what she was feeling.
"I'm sorry," Draco told her, "I don't know what I was thinking."
"Why?" was the only thing Ginny managed to say.
Draco traced her lips with his thumb. He lifted her chin to make her look up at him.
"I don't know, maybe to compare you with her, but …never mind. Just forget I ever kissed you."
Draco turned away from her, "I really do need to get over her. It's getting cold do you want to go to the tower?"
Draco didn't wait for an answer as he started to walk back to the castle.
"Wait!" Ginny yelled after him.
Draco turned to face her.
"We need to talk about this," Ginny told him.
"Talk about what? It was just a kiss for goodness sake. You're a beautiful girl, I'm sure that wasn't your first kiss."
"Did you just complement me?" Ginny asked and she shook her head, "Never mind. Lukas, I don't want to go up yet. Stay with me…Please."
Draco didn't really want to stay outside, but Ginny was pleading with him. He sighed and walked back to Ginny. She smiled at him and Draco felt a pang at his heart. Draco wondered what that was, but he ignored it.
*_*_*_*_*
Dudley walked to Harry.
"What so interesting here?" Dudley asked, "Do you know you've been staring out the window for who knows how long?"
Dudley smiled upon seeing Draco and Ginny out the window. He admired Ginny's determination to get close to Draco. She's probably the only person that actually is making an effort to get to know him. Draco pretty much drives people away from him.
*_*_*_*_*
Ginny hugged herself to keep warm. Draco saw this and placed his robe around her shoulders.
"Thank you," Ginny told him. Draco just nodded.
"About the kiss…" Ginny started.
'What about the kiss?' Ginny thought. His kiss…it was…different.
"I wonder…If…if you kiss like her."
Ginny frowned at that thought. He was just comparing her to some dead friend. She was beginning to wonder what she was to him. She turned her head to look at him and found him watching her.
Draco was watching Ginny. He did have to admit that she was beautiful.
"Draco, you have to get over her," Lisa told him, "She was my sister and I know how much she cared for you, but she's dead. You can't marry a ghost."
Draco touched Ginny's cheeks.
"Lukas…"
"I didn't really want to compare you to Emily. I just needed a reason to kiss you," Draco explained.
"Why didn't you just ask me?" Ginny asked. She was happy that he actually did want to kiss her.
'What am I thinking?' Ginny thought, 'Lukas doesn't even think of me as a friend. I'm just some person that annoys him. But what happened in the hallway?'
"I didn't want to be rejected," Draco told her as he kissed her again.
"Can I kiss you?" Draco asked against her mouth.
Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.
"Yes," Ginny answered.
*_*_*_*_*
"Hey, have you seen Ginny?" Ron asked Harry.
Ron saw her by the window talking to Harry and she just left. She has been gone for more than ten minutes and he was starting to get worried.
"He kissed her, you owe me two galleons," Dudley proclaimed.
Ron looked confused, "Who kissed who?"
He looked out the window and saw someone with red hair kissing some guy. Red hair? Ron pushed Harry out the way, opened the window and stuck his head out.
"Ron, be careful," Hermione warned.
"That's Ginny!" Ron yelled.
"Good deduction Sherlock," Harry commented rolling his eyes. He did have to admit that Ron is dull sometimes.
"Who's Sherlock?" Ron asked and then he shook his head, "I'm going to get him."
Ron turned and ran out the common room. Hermione stared after him.
"What happened?" Hermione asked alarmingly.
"We have to stop him before he does something rash," Harry said following after Ron.
*_*_*_*_*
'This is not a crush,' Ginny thought, 'I love him.'
Draco just touching her cheek was enough for her to handle, but kissing her…
Draco's heart was pounding so hard that he thought that it might burst out of his chest. He never had this feeling he was having as he kissed Ginny. He couldn't compare her to Emily, because the only kiss they ever shared was a quick peck on the lips. Katie…she was another story. When Draco went to her house to 'study' they were just studying each other. Maybe his feelings for Katie was just lust.
"What am I feeling for you?" Draco asked Ginny.
This was more than just lust or desire, was it…love?
Draco felt someone pulling him up. When he looked he saw a fist coming at him.
"Ron!" Ginny exclaimed.
Ron took advantage of Draco's surprise and punched him again, this time on the stomach. Draco staggered back. Ron was going to punch him but Draco caught his fist. Draco punched him on the nose. He heard a crack and Ron's nose started bleeding.
"Ron! Stop!" Ginny yelled.
Ron covered his nose with his hands. Draco took the chance to attack him, but Ron kicked him on the shin. Draco fell and he made Ron lose his balance. Ron fell but he quickly got to his feet and so did Draco. They continued to punch each other. Ginny tried to pull Ron away, but her efforts were futile. Ron was going to ram into Draco but Draco stepped aside and he fell into the lake pulling Draco in with him. Ginny heard a splash and saw Ron struggling to keep afloat.
"No! Ron!" Ginny exclaimed as she rushed to the lake to help her brother.
Ron was trashing his arms around to keep afloat. Draco swam up to the surface and was hit by Ron. He thought that Ron was attacking him. Draco kicked Ron on the stomach. Ron swallowed water and started sinking; he was still trashing his arms about. Ron kicked Draco and Draco punched him back. Ron's head was now completely submerged in water.
"Lukas, help him. Ron can't swim," Ginny pleaded with him.
"Oh, shit," Draco exclaimed as he dove down to help Ron.
It was hard to see underwater, because it was already nighttime and the only light source was the moon. He saw a figure struggling in the water. Draco swam to the figure and could see red. He figured that the figure was Ron.
Ron was getting tired and dizzy. He already swallowed a huge amount of water. He felt something pulling him up. His head broke the surface of the water.
"Breathe, Idiot, breath."
Harry ran to Ginny.
"Where are they?" He asked her.
Ginny pointed to the two figures in the middle of the lake.
"Ron can't swim," Ginny told him.
Harry nodded, ran to the lake and dived in.
Ron was pushing on Draco's shoulders.
"Weasley, stop it or both of us will sink," Draco yelled at him.
Ron didn't seem to be listening. Draco was struggling to keep the both of them afloat. Draco saw Harry swimming towards them.
"Pot…Hale! Over here!" Draco yelled.
When Harry reached the two he told Ron to hold onto each of their shirts. Holding onto their shoulders will only make them sink. Harry and Draco started to swim to the ground.
"Weasley, kick your feet. You're like dead weight," Draco told him.
Ron couldn't fight with him now so the complied and started kicking with his legs.
Ginny helped them get Ron out first. Hermione rushed to help him. Ron fell to his knees and was breathing hard. Harry and Draco got out without any problem.
Hagrid was running to the kids. When he reached them he helped Ron up.
"What is going on here?" He asked, "I heard yelling."
"Nothing happened Hagrid. Just thought that it was a great time for a swim," Harry answered.
Hagrid looked doubtfully at them. He saw Draco and Ron bruised and bleeding.
"You two were fighting, you can't hide that much from me."
"Hagrid, seriously it's nothing," Hermione told him.
"I am supposed to report this, but…since Hermione is here, I'll let it go. But next time I will report all of you to Professor McGonagall. Hurry back to the tower before anyone else catches you," Hagrid told him.
They nodded and started walking back to the castle. Ron was having a coughing fit. Hermione was patting him on the back.
"I…I'm okay now," Ron told her.
Ron walked to Draco, "I'm not finished with you Rooke."
"Ron, leave him. We were just kissing," Ginny told him.
"Listen to yourself Ginny. You were kissing him."
"So what. I don't get mad when you and Hermione have a snogging session," Ginny replied.
Ron's ears turned pink, "That's different."
"How is this different?" Ginny yelled in front of Ron's face.
"You know how much I don't like the guy. How can you do this to me?"
"You? What does this have to do with you? Whoever I wish to kiss is none of your business. You need to get a life and stay out of mine!" Ginny stormed away.
Draco stared after her.
"Look what you did!" Ron yelled at him.
"Me! If you just left us alone none of this would have happened."
"Just left you alone with my sister? And what? Let you…"
"Let me what?"
"Havesexwithmysister," Ron said really fast.
"What?" Draco asked confused, "Wait, you thought that I'd actually sleep with your sister? You have a dirty mind. I never thought of doing that."
"Hear me now, Rooke. If you touch my sister I will kill you."
"What if she wants me to touch her?"
"Why you…" Ron was going to attack him but Hermione held him back.
"That is enough. Ron we have to go," Hermione told him.
"Do you hear me Rooke, I will kill you!" Ron yelled as he and Hermione left them.
Draco sighed when Ron and Hermione were out of view.
"What was that about?" Hagrid asked.
"Nothing, I don't see the problem. I was just kissing his sister," Draco said.
Hagrid chuckled at him, "Just wait until the rest of the Weasley clan hear about this. Anyway, I have to go. See you tomorrow."
Hagrid walked back to his hut. Harry turned to Draco and just started to laugh.
"You should see yourself right now. Your have a black eye, your bruised and your lip is bleeding. You looked like that after your fight with Katie," Harry said still laughing.
"Haha, laugh it up. When you fight with Weasley over Granger, I'll be the one laughing," Draco said and he walked away.
"Hey, what are you talking about? Come back here," Harry said. Harry just shook his head as Draco continued to walk away. Harry didn't feel like fighting with the boy today.
*_*_*_*_*
Ginny walked down to the common room. It was midnight so she was sure everyone was asleep, except for Draco of course. There was never a day that he didn't go to the common room at around midnight. Sometimes she would sit on the stairs just watching him. She did that during the month he ignored her. She was holding a first aid kit Hermione's parents gave her when they found out she played a 'dangerous' sport.
Draco was facing the fire. He was thinking about Goyle and Crabbe figuring out who he was. He told Dumbledore that Crabbe and Goyle knew and they weren't Death Eaters. They also didn't intend to join Voldemort at all. Dumbledore seemed relieved at the news. He also thought that Goyle and Crabbe finding out was a good idea. The two could give Draco information regarding the Slytherin students.
"Lukas," Ginny said.
Draco turned and saw Ginny.
"Hey. No surprise seeing you here," Draco commented.
Ginny frowned. Did he want her to be here?
"I'm sorry, did I sound rude?" Draco asked when he saw her frown. He saw that she was holding a first aid kit. Her eyes followed his and saw it directed to the box she was holding.
"I'm not really good at magical healing so I brought this."
Ginny sat down next to him. She grabbed his chin and tilted his head to face her. She touched the bruise on his cheek. Draco winced.
"I'm sorry," Ginny exclaimed, "I see someone healed your lip. I don't think there's anything I could do about the bruises except put ice."
Ginny rummaged through the box for an ice pack. Draco put a hand over hers. Ginny looked up.
"It's okay, it's not like it'll kill me. It will heal eventually. At least I didn't break my nose," Draco commented.
Draco held her hands.
"Lukas…about the kiss. I don't know what to say," Ginny said.
"It's okay, it was nothing right?" Draco asked.
"Yes, wait…n…" Ginny started but Draco interrupted her.
"It was just a sign a friendship. People kiss each other all the time in America for that reason. Well… on the cheek but it's the same thing right?"
Ginny felt saddened by what he said. She was just a friend to him and nothing more.
"I love you," Ginny said feebly. Draco did not look as if he heard what she said.
Ginny faked a smile, "So, we're just friends?"
"Yeah, that's okay with you right?"
Ginny nodded. She couldn't say anything else to him. She just sat next to him staring at the fire.
Draco watched Ginny. He was sorry that he hurt her somehow. He heard that she loved him, but how could she be sure? Draco was scared that he would eventually hurt her. Hurting her would be like hurting Emily.
There was also the fact that she is in love with Lukas, not Draco. Draco doubted that she would even acknowledge he exists if she knew who he really is. She said it herself. She hates Draco Malfoy. Draco knew that he would start to slip up if he spends any more time with her. The reason he has never revealed their secret is because he isolated himself from many people. He never talked about his life back in England when he was in America. But being back in the place he ran from only brings back memories. It is also hard for him to control his anger when people talk badly about him.
"What are you thinking about?" Ginny asked him.
"Nothing…I don't really want to talk about it."
"Oh, okay."
They were silent. Ginny thought that most of the time they're together; they never say anything to each other. Hermione once told her that the key to a successful relationship is communication. Ginny looked over to Draco and shook her head. Communication between them is almost non-existent.
Draco saw that Ginny was frowning. He thought that reason was probably him.
"I'm sorry, I have to go," Draco said as he got up to leave.
"Wait," Ginny said. Draco turned around to face her. Ginny got to her feet and took a step towards him. She held onto his shoulder and went on her toes to be face level with him. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Ginny immediately let him go and she gathered her first aid kit. Even in the poor lighting Draco could see that she was blushing.
"Um, good night," Ginny told him. She turned and ran up the stairs towards the girl's dormitory.
"Good night," Draco whispered as he watched her disappear up the stairs.
Thank you's: katydidnt, hasapi, Lucia, blazefury, MerlinHalliwell
A/N: Again, if anyone has any suggestion about that problem stated above, please tell me.
Next Chap: Goyle tells Draco what has been happening the past two years. Another Order meeting.