Author's Note: Hi, I'm back. Arggghhh! I hate technology! My computer's being a berk and won't let me upload a chapter and then fix it, so I have to go about it the hard way. (Grumble, grumble). But, hey it works...so hoohah! Take that you psycho-possessed neurotic piece of junk metal shit! HAHAHAHAHA! Ahem. Yes, sorry, but I've been trying unsuccessfully for many many days to upload the chapters, and now...yay! I love technology! Right, so...here it is, Chapter 7. And thanks to Harry Lover! ). I do realize that Harry and Ron are major prats in this story. But it gets better. Eventually. Sorry. Read and enjoy, I've spent loads of time trying to ge this up, and have been neglecting actually finishing the story. Ta!

Disclaimer: Not mine, unless it is. Not mine J.K. Rowlings'. Der. Like the past 6 chapters.

Dancing Life

Chapter 7: The Wretched Woes of Ginevra Teresa Weasley

Draco tapped his foot impatiently. He and Blaise had been waiting for Heather and Ginny for fifteen minutes at the Three Broomsticks. It was Sunday, and they had all planned on meeting in Hogsmeade, as Blaise and Heather would be leaving in the evening. Blaise kept glancing around, standing on the tips of his toes.

"Where are they?" Blaise asked for what felt like the hundredth time, scanning the crowd of students packed in the small pub, warming themselves up with bottles of Butterbeer. Draco grinned. His friend was totally lost without the tiny imp of a girl attached to his hip. On one hand (the Slytherin guided one), he was just the tiniest bit disgusted, but on the other hand (the one that lent him the voice he was beginning to listen to more and more) he knew how Blaise felt. It was how he felt without Ginny.

He sighed. He'd become so attached to her that he could barely go a few minutes without thinking about her. There was just something; the way she trusted in him more than her own brother and how she no longer trailed around St. Potter like a pathetic puppy anymore, and how she just didn't care about what anyone thought, unless it was Heather, Blaise, or him. He loved her spontaneity and random remarks.

But most of all, he loved her love. She gave it so freely and willingly, with no regard to the fact that she was giving it to a Malfoy. The fact that she cared for him so much (and gods, did she), she being who she was, and he being who he was, meant so much to him.

In most aspects, she was his first love. Not physically, no; he'd had other girls before her, in more ways than he had her. But she was the first person to actually care for him. She showed more than just physical attraction, or lust. She gave him such tender caresses and glances (and the most amazing kisses) that he forgot he should hate her. If she could find it in her to defy her parents (and she loved hers more than Draco loved his), he could certainly find it in him to forget everything his father had burned into him. And he did.

"Finally!" Blaise exclaimed, sitting back down in his chair. A few seconds later, Ginny and Heather approached their table. All the chatter and talk ceased and all eyes turned to the two girls, who were fighting back giggles.

Draco's jaw dropped and Blaise's eyes bugged out of his head. Ginny and Heather did laugh at their comical expressions, and conversations started up around them again.

Ginny and Heather had stayed up all night creating more and more outfits (the pages were refilling and never-ending), Ginny trying her hand at sketching out outfits, as she had some talent with a quill as well. Their resulting wardrobe additions were stunning.

Ginny had finally decided on a deep green, velvety outfit, of a long skirt that swirled around her ankles and a matching sleeveless corset-like top. It looked more like one whole dress, and set off her red hair magnificently. A pair of snakeskin green boots finished the look, along with the formfitting black robes she was removing in the heated room. Heather was wearing a long dress in a deep, midnight blue, which set off her eyes in the most incredible way. The tube-like top clung to her waist, showing off her slender curves, and had loose straps circling around her upper arms, hanging off her shoulders. She skirt wasn't full, but flowed around her when she walked, shimmering with a sparkling radiance. She was wearing a pair of extremely high black boots, which were made of a clinging material, complimenting her calves, setting off a matching black robe.

Draco and Blaise could only stare as they sat down and ordered two Butterbeers. Both were gleaming at their obvious approval. Draco was the first to regain the use of his vocal chords.

"Stunning outfits, ladies, but what's the occasion? Surely you didn't dress up for just us?" He tilted his head to the side, looking suddenly puzzled. "And where did you get the clothes from? They look new, and they're certainly unique, but I don't recognize the designer."

Ginny broke out into giggles, but quickly stifled them. "Would you believe something like this came from the latest designer in Paris?" She asked, ignoring Heather's silent laughter next to her.

Blaise's eyes opened wider. "Really? You two bought outfits from Paris? Why?"

Neither girl could keep up the charade with a straight face. They both exploded into heavy, uncontrollable laughter. The two Slytherins exchanged a look that blatantly questioned their girlfriends' sanity.

Ginny sat up, swallowing her next bout of laughter as Heather struggled to do the same. "No, we were just having you on. Actually, Heather designed them." Draco didn't miss the hint of pride in her friend's abilities in Ginny's voice.

"No, Ginny designed hers." Heather protested, the same proud note sticking in her voice.

Blaise and Draco stared. "You two made these?" Blaise asked, astonished. Both girls flushed and nodded. Draco whistled. "Congrats. Ginny, you look good enough to eat. Heather-" he turned to the younger girl "-I'd say the same for you, but Blaise would probably rip my head off, so I'll suffice to say, you're a very talented designer."

Blaise glared as Heather and Ginny burst into giggles again. "But how did you make them? More importantly, when did you make them?" He asked.

Ginny explained briefly about her present to Heather, and their few 'experiments'.

Draco shook his head in disbelief, also trying to shake off the eerie, thoughful glance the younger witch was giving him. "Well, I don't know about you, mate, but I think Christmas came early this year." He said, glancing at Ginny appreciatively.

Blaise was doing the same to Heather. "Well, Ginny, Draco, I hope you don't mind too much, but Heather and I have some serious shopping to do." Blaise grinned. "Though apparently, not for clothes." The couple stood up and walked from the room, giving Draco and Ginny both small waves.

Ginny turned around just in time to meet Draco's lips, hungry and devouring. She moaned softly, reaching up to tangle her hands in his hair. His lips left hers, and butterflies flew through her stomach as she realized several people from school were staring. She flushed. "It seems we're attracting attention." She muttered.

She was surprised when Draco took her lips again. "I don't care." He whispered, lips brushing hers. Ginny shivered, as the familiar flames spread through her body from his touch; the reaction he and he alone could cause.

Ginny smiled into his mouth, leaning in closer. "Me either." She breathed into his cheek, moving her lips in a little line along his jaw and face.

"GINEVRA TERESA WEASLEY!"

Ginny's eyes flew open as the Three Broomsticks grew quiet again. Draco's lips broke away from where they'd been playing on the soft skin near her ear. "Oh shit." He muttered. Ginny whirled around.

Ron, Harry, and Hermione were striding towards her; one pair of eyes looking disgusted and hurt, another looking slightly puzzled, but mostly worried, and the third blazing with hatred, anger and murderous intentions.

Ginny sprang up from her seat. "Ron-" She started warningly.

Her older brother strode up to their table, where Draco was still sitting, looking exceptionally composed and relaxed, leaning back in his chair.

Ginny moved around to stand in front of Draco, separating him from her irate brother. He and his two best friends stopped in front of Ginny. Ron pulled out his wand, old and battered. "Move, Ginny, I'm going to kill that slimy piece of shit!" He fumed, waving his wand around forebodingly.

Ginny put her hands on her hips, feet planted firmly. "No, Ron, you're not." She stated simply. Her voice held neither anger or fear. If anything, it hinted at disappointment.

Ron's arms fell to his sides. She wasn't pleading, or yelling, or protesting. She was telling him that he wasn't going to touch the god damned bastard that had been shoving his lips on hers, and other nasty, icky things he really didn't want to think about.

Ron reached out to shove Ginny aside, but she grabbed his hand, gently, but firmly. "Ron, this is my business. It has nothing to do with you whatsoever. Now, I suggest you put away your wand and leave, before you hurt someone or make a fool of yourself. You're embarrassing me and you by doing this." She said, softly, giving his hand a light, reassuring squeeze.

Ron stared, his mouth hanging open. He was seeing his sister in a new light. Perhaps it was the dazzling outfit she was wearing, but she seemed to have grown up sometime when he hadn't noticed. But he was noticing it now, with severe dislike. She was his baby sister, for Merlin's sake!

Ron felt a tender hand on his shoulder. "Come on, Ron. She's right, you know. If you have to talk to her, do it back in the common room later, okay?" Hermione said.

Ron lowered his wand arm. He stepped back for a moment, giving Ginny and Draco both, long, sound looks. For one blessed moment, Ginny thought Ron would actually let it go. She thought he might think of her for a moment, about what she wanted, and not what would make him look good or bad. She thought he would trust her.

She thought wrong.

Ron glared at Draco. "I'll being seeing you later, Malfoy." He spat the name as if it was bitter poison, giving the tall blonde a look of complete disgust, before turning on his heels and storming out of the pub, which began to get noisy again.

Harry and Hermione exchanged glances before following the fuming red-head out, Hermione shooting Ginny one last doubtful glance.

Ginny sunk down in her chair, putting her head in her hands. "Oh, gods." She muttered, voice cracking. Draco frowned and slapped some money down on the table, standing abruptly. Ginny turned to him, her eyes already puffy and red, though she'd thankfully refrained from actually crying.

"Let's get out of here." Draco said simply, taking her hand in his, pulling her along with him out into the streets.

Blaise glanced down at the small girl at his side. He knew he shouldn't be doing this, but right now, it really didn't matter who or what she was, and vice versa. All that mattered was that she was there for him. If he thought about it logically, the only thing that would be in his way if he wanted to be with her would be his parents. And as he had been informally disowned by said people, he wasn't really too concerned with what they thought of him.

Heather stiffened, feeling his gaze. She looked up at him with those big eyes, so dark and so mysterious, but still comforting in their depths, so like his own. She was so like him in so many ways that he was surprised that she was in Gryffindor. She would have done remarkably well in Slytherin.

Heather smiled and rested her head on his arm, twining her fingers with his. "I'm going to miss you." She said softly, giving his hand a quick squeeze. She still wasn't sure how Blaise felt towards her. "Though I never thought I'd say it; two weeks is far too long for Christmas vacation." She did know how she cared for him, though, as she told him.

Blaise smiled softly at her head, leaning down to plant a kiss in her dark hair. "You don't have to miss me, you know." He said meaningfully.

Heather scoffed, missing his pointed gaze. "Fat chance. The second you're gone, I'll be at the window, waiting for you to come back." She knew it was odd that admitting how much she cared for him felt so comfortable and easy, but he surprised her by doing the same. Their relationship was based a lot on trust, and almost everything, including their feelings, were out in the open. Except for when it came to her and how he cared for her. Yeah, he said he loved her a lot, but what would happen when his parents found out he was dating a half-blood Gryffindor?

"Why don't you come and spend Christmas with me and my cousin?" He asked, breaking her from her thoughts and startling her; praying she would; he was going to miss her as much as she would him if not.

Heather's head snapped up, eyes bright. "Seriously?" She asked, her voice catching in excitement. Blaise grinned and nodded. "I'm staying with my cousin over the holidays. She lives in France and completely hates my parents. She's like me, and I'm sure she'd love you. She hates the whole purebloods-are-better-thing. Needless to say, we get on well." He shrugged and grinned again, though this one was a little pained.

Heather's mind was spinning. Before, she'd thought he meant staying with his parents, a thought that wasn't quite pleasant. But he wanted her to come with him to France! And god knew she wanted to be with him.

Making up her mind, she shocked him as she jumped up on her toes, placing her lips on his. She pulled away, but only briefly, her face inches from his. "Of course, I'd love to come." She purred, before covering his mouth with hers.

Blaise groaned and pulled her closer, practically picking her up as he stood up straight. Heather's toes brushed the ground, fighting to keep her up as her lips refused to break with Blaise's.

Lips still locked, Blaise pulled her over to a darkened alleyway. Heather smiled and nearly giggled into his mouth as she saw three familiar, shocked faces disappear behind Blaise's shoulder. But all thoughts of the Dream Team were lost as Blaise playfully poked at her lips with the tip of his tongue.

He did this several times before running it lightly across her bottom lip. Heather gasped, her lips parting, as they did every time he did this to her. When she was kissing Blaise, it was one of the few times she lost her composure and for once, just wanted to scream or laugh. Or both. Usually, she just opted for kissing him back, which he was fine with.

Heather sighed and wove her fingers through Blaise's thick mane of dark hair, tangling it hopelessly and giving him a very disheveled look. Blaise wrapped his arms around her waist and crushed her against him, holding her so tightly, yet so gently.

Though no one but him knew how much he wanted her, and more than just passionate kisses, he would always respect the fact that she was, after all, two years younger than him, and though she was sometimes (most of the time, actually) more mature than he was, she was still a young girl.

Had Heather known that, she would have never doubted his love. As it was, she didn't really, but there was always that nagging little piece of their relationship that could separate them, and it scared her. But it also excited her to be with Blaise.

He'd introduced her into an entire new world. One that she was beginning to immerse herself in more and more to get away from harsh reality. While friends (like Ginny) were great, and provided incredible support and understanding, there really was nothing like a love mate. Blaise was her rock. Her stability. The one who was there to catch her when she fell. The one who could comfort her with their simple intimacy in the form of a satisfactory kiss. Friends were great for hugs and all, but sometimes a single kiss from Blaise, or just the feeling of being in his arms were more mending and healing.

Heather smiled, and blushed, grateful that Blaise couldn't read her mind. She wrapped her arms tighter around Blaise's neck, her lips breaking from his as she fought not to gasp for breath. Blaise already knew how much of an affect he had on her without her panting like she'd just run a marathon.

Blaise moaned in protest, his lips skimming stingingly over her cheeks and down her jaw. She tried to ignore the shock that went through her body at his touch. She shivered, pulling his face to hers, thin lips skating over his nose, cheeks, mouth, chin, anywhere she could touch. Had she been a girl parched of thirst, he would have been her water.

She 'drank' him in, unable to get enough of him. She couldn't kiss him hard enough; she couldn't get enough of his lips, she couldn't hold him close enough to her. For some reason, she felt horribly afraid, at that moment, that something would take him away from her. And that was just something she couldn't face.

While she'd been busy with other things, it seemed, she had fallen in love with him; their time apart spent strengthening their bond, and it scared and surprised her to realize that she had fallen in love with him. Suddenly, they were no longer just kids in a crush.

They were young adults in love. Heather felt laughter bubbling in her throat. She pulled her mouth from his as a wave of mirth burst from it. Blaise stared down at her, thoroughly confused. Heather cackled for a second and it calmed him, though only slightly. It wasn't a sneering or mocking laugh; it was a true one. But…

"And what, pray tell, would you find so funny in the middle of a kiss?" He asked, in what he assumed was a stern voice, hands on his hips, waiting expectantly.

Heather planted a kiss on his lips, softening his harsh stare. "I've just figured something out." She said giggly, before she could break from her state and realize how odd she sounded, not to mention insane.

Blaise stared at her, exasperated and more than a little confused. "And that would be…?" He prompted arms dropping to his sides.

Heather leaned in, leaving only an inch between their mouths. She eyed his moist lower lip. "That I love you." She answered before sealing the small distance that separated their lips. Blaise smiled into her small, sweet mouth, breaking away from it for a second with much will-power. "S'about time." He whispered huskily, before draining his small reserve of will-power and crushing their lips together.

Draco and Ginny walked for a little while in complete silence, Draco running into Honeydukes for a moment, and finally stopped at a point just beyond the Shrieking Shack.

Draco sank to the ground, pulling Ginny along with him. She sat down soundly, staring out hollowly over the cliff that lay in front of them. Draco sighed and pulled a small bag of candy from his pocket.

He ripped it open and offered her one. She took it, distracted and popped it in her mouth, not really realizing what she was chewing. After several seconds, her eyes widened, tears already leaking from them. "Tear Drops?" She asked, as salty drops streaked her face.

Draco nodded. "Have a taste of your own medicine, Ginevra. If I had to cry, you definitely have to. Besides" he added "it will do you good to get it out of your system."

Ginny smiled weakly as she cried, harder and harder. For a while, Draco marveled at the strength in the candy. Then he realized part of it (rather, most of it) was her, really crying. He reached over and pulled her to him. She cradled in his arms as he put an arm under her knees and one around her shoulders, rocking her back and forth as he'd seen women do with small children in public.

Ginny clung to the fabric of his robes, refusing to let go of him. If she released her grip, the world would start spinning again, and she wouldn't be able to stay up.

"Don't let me fall." She whimpered, head spinning as sobs shook her angular frame. Draco wrapped his arms around her tighter, unable to comfort her as she had him. He hated seeing her like this, knowing it was partly his fault, and not being able to do anything about it.

He stroked her head awkwardly. To his surprise, she stopped sobbing, her tears residing to muffled cries. She clung tighter to him, her head pounding as her breath came in shaky pants. She sniffled, wiping at her nose with her sleeve. Draco pulled a tissue from his pocket (Blaise had been sneezing all over him earlier that morning after eating a Wheezer's Sneezers, making Draco heartily wish he had decided to duck down and adjust his socks at that moment) and offered it to her.

She took it with a strangled thanks and blew her nose sharply. She crumpled the tissue and muttered an Obliterating Charm, letting the fabric disappear. She reached up and wrapped an arm around Draco's neck.

He cradled her to him like she was a small child. How many times he'd wished someone would hold him like this when he was just a little tot. "I thought you didn't care about what people thought about you, eh?" He teased lightly.

Ginny snorted. "Yeah, well, it still hurts." She grimaced. "It's terrific having your brother completely ignore you until you do something he doesn't like, or that makes him look bad. I'm tired of having him tell me what to do." She sighed. "Sad, isn't it? A few tears, and I've given up on trying to please my brother. I've given up on him, I have." She sounded regretful and guilty, but made up as well. "Either he can accept me as I am, or learn to deal with it. I'm not changing anymore. I'm bloody tired of it." She sat back against him.

"Surprised me, though. You, I mean. If Ron had been looking at me that way, I'd have run. You just sat there, like you were watching an amusing play. Took balls, that did." She smiled. "Sorry about him, by the way." She muttered feebly.

He grinned, though he knew she couldn't possibly see him. "Don't really give a damn about your brother. As long as I've got you, I don't see any need to worry about him."

Ginny smiled and leaned in closer to him. "Thanks, Draco." She whispered. Exhausted from crying and the events of the day in general, she fell asleep in his arms, feeling content and secure.