hapter 20 What Comes Around Goes Around…



How can I pretend that I don't see

What you hide so carelessly?
I saw her bleed
You heard me breathe
And I froze inside myself
And turned away
I must be dreaming

How could something that felt so right be so wrong? How could the most perfect moment to ever pass him be anything and everything but perfect? How could it be her? How could it be him?

How could it be them?

The morning light flooded through the terrace doors that had been thrown open, sending steady streams of sunlight pulsing throughout the bed chamber. All was silent save for the soft whisper of the north wind that sent the scattered array of golden, bronze, and orange leaves twirling about in a short but well choreographed dance. The skies were a pale blue, blotched with grey clouds that threatened to ruin the calm serenity of the day. The sunlight shone with particular intensity against the skilfully coloured palette as if trying to bring the faceless girl to life.

His cerulean-covered brush was poised directly before her empty, colourless eyes. Strained silver eyes bore into the eyes of the inanimate enchantress, imagining the different tints that could very well be the painting's own. Tentatively, he brought the brush closer to the palette. Blue eyes…

Draco stopped.

No….That wasn't the colour he wanted. His beauty would not have blue eyes. Disregarding the azure mixture, he picked up a clean brush and began to swirl a mélange of colours until he was content.

A rich, dark, chocolate-auburn.

He knew the colour of her hair.

It was implausible how she affected him with every move she made. How could his feelings betray him so? Over and over again he would repeat to himself that he felt nothing for the wretched Mudblood, that she was nothing. She was below him. But every single time, the lucid image of the crimson rose coloured liquid would strike him down and glare at him until he fell. It was then that a thought crossed his mind: Maybe their blood really was different…maybe…he was delusional at the time….

He needed reassurance.

Steadily, the Slytherin strode across the room to his wardrobe. Prying the doors open, he reached in and retrieved what he'd perceived to be a dagger on his first day. Unsheathing it, he held it flat across his hands and watched as the morning light caused the embedded emeralds to glitter mystically before him. His breathing quickened as he ran his eyes along the sharp point at the end. With a steady hand, he held up the weapon and ran it along the length of his lower arm until he was two inches away from his wrist, applying just enough pressure. The skin seemed for a moment unmarred, then a ragged breath escaped his paled lips as the pain began to seep in and a trail of crimson liquid trickled out steadily where his dagger had been moments before.

Draco blinked.

Sure enough, it was the same colour. Hysterical laughter rang throughout the empty room despite the fact that he was steadily bleeding. Carelessly, Draco discarded the dagger and strode over to the opposite end of the room to where the painting easel stood. The faceless girl seemed to stare back at him. A frown flickered across his lips as he noticed how bare the space between her chin and dress seemed. Holding out his arm, he picked up a clean brush and ran it across the trail of blood.

The large ruby she bore on her neck was blood red.

Had he gone insane? Maybe just a little. The pain in his arm pulsed throughout his body with adull thud, thud, thud.He rolled his off-white sleeve up above his elbow. The bleeding had ceased, but a thin layer still lay fresh across the slit. It hurt. But the pain was strangely invigorating; it drew his mind away from everything else—at least for a while.

Was this how she felt? Was he feeling exactly what Granger had felt? Did she feel the same things as he felt? Could she? Could he?

So many questions, and yet not an answer in sight.

Perhaps he would ask her later.

Perhaps…

.:.

Her smooth ginger brows were scrunched up in the middle of her forehead and her almost-cherry lips were pursed tightly together as she held the leather reigns with both hands tightly pressed against her chest.

Clip Clop Clip Clop

She'd finally found something she disliked more than flying on a broomstick.

What was it?

Side-saddling of course.

Clip Clop Clip Clop

Actually, it was just plain horse back riding in general. Her bottom itched uncomfortably from the long, bumpy ride, there were bits of horse hair and such tangled in her recently washed hair, and worst of all, she smelled like a horse.

"A little more pressure and you can go a bit faster. But be careful; I don't want you getting hurt now."

Hermione huffed loudly but complied as she twirled her honey sweet inside her mouth, knocking it noisily against her teeth.

"And will you take that God forsaken thing out of your mouth? Not only is it most unladylike but if you're not careful you might choke on it!" Athena scolded, coming up beside her.

"Athena!" she whined childishly, disobeying the older woman's wishes. "Can I please put on some trousers?!... And ride PROPERLY?"

The woman clicked her tongue. "Don't be silly, Pr—Hermione. Ladies—and especially Princesses—always ride side-saddle."

The princess' pasted frown deepened as her instructor rode ahead on her chestnut coloured steed. Her own was a stunning pure black Spanish Mustang. It wasboth beautiful and frightening at the same time. Lord only knew what power this stallion held. It could make her feel so comfortable and at ease, yet at the same time she knew she could never get too comfortable with it for fear of it bucking her off and sending her plummeting to her death. But little did she know that if she put her trust it in that it would be obedient and reciprocate the trust; and maybe….just maybe she could befriend it…or maybe even grow to love it.

But then again, some things you could simply never come to love; things such as despicable blond haired purebloods that seemed to take pleasure snogging every other girl they laid eyes on. She gripped her reigns tighter. Not that she cared of course. The conniving bastard could go and snog anyone he pleased, just as long as he didn't try it on her. What gave him any damned right to try and kiss her?! Especially after he'd just had an earlier snogging session moments before with some other wench?!

It'd been days since she'd had the chance to talk to him again and for some strange unfathomable reason, a tiny, miniscule part of her wished to see him again, to talk to him, to hear him laugh along side her and not at her. Despite the fact he was probably one of the world's top 10 arses, he was fun to be around she discovered. Hermione absolutely loved the way he made her feel when he wasn't busy being the king of the pricks. She could see so much potential in him sometimes. He was undoubtedly handsome, intelligent and best of all, witty. But some how, all of those positive points seemed to be overruled by the negative side of him far too often. Images of the moment they'd almost kissed replayed over and over inside her mind like a broken VCR, and each and every time, she couldn't help but feel the slightest bit disappointed that they'd been interrupted. Sometimes, she even tried to imagine that they had kissed; but no matter how hard she tried it never seemed to work. The most bizarre deus ex machinas would continually swoop in and ruin everything. It was so utterly frustrating, but at the same time she was oddly relieved, the image of them actually kissing might have scarred her for eternity.

Liar

Or maybe, she really did want to kiss him…have his beautiful silver-grey orbs gaze lustfully into her own and run her hands through his lustrous platinum hair….just like Endymion's. It was a bit strange how they could physically be so similar. But Endymion was her knight in shining armour, and Malfoy….well, he was what Endymion would save her from. He was sweet and courageous….and well, everything she could ever ask for. Except that he would never take off his mask. But why not? For what reason would she refuse to accept him for who he was?

Merlin forbid…

"Athena?"

The red-haired woman slowed her pace down as Hermione came up beside her.

"Hmm?"

"Athena, have you ever heard of the name Endymion?" asked the princess attempting to brush aside the stray strands of hair while still holding the reigns.

Athena rolled her neck and an audible crack was heard. "Ah, I have actually. It's a Greek myth I believe. Artemis and Endymion, sometimes it's known as Selene and Endymion, but more commonly Artemis I believe. Why do you ask?"

Brown eyes widened and Hermione sped her horse up a bit to try and keep up. "No reason, what-what's the story about?"

It was a few seconds before she replied, "Hmm…well, Artemis as you know is the Goddess of hunt, but also the Goddess of the Moon; lord knows why she has so many names….but yes, carrying on, it was said that Endymion, a mortal Shepard was her first and only true love. She was so captivated by his beauty that she came down from Mount Olympus to kiss him and in the end I believe she blessed him with eternal youth and slumber. Odd isn't it."

But why….

"Why yes….it is odd….strangely odd….." Hermione muttered under her breath. "Perhaps a little too odd…."

.:.

Merlin, you idiot! Why did you have to come so damned early? It makes you look so pathetic!

Pathetic and Desperate!

Gahhhh

Just outside the doors of the near-empty tavern stood an anxious little red head that'd been waiting directly beneath the grotesque boar-head that hovered smack dab in the middle of the sign. A maroon and dark-yellow scarf wrapped twice around her neck hung down across her knee-length pale-pink tweed coat. Every now and then she would stare down into the ground and kick the bits of gravel around with her already-dirt covered trainers. Her warm breath puffed out in little clouds that lingered in the air for a few seconds before being replaced by a second.

The door of the Hog's head swung open and out stepped a man that appeared to have glued gilly weed all across his body giving him a peculiar swamp monster look. Ginny shivered as the wind blew past her and crept into her worn coat. She may have been freezing her butt off, but it was all worth it. For days she'd been preparing for her meeting with Blaise and now that it was finally here, she couldn't believe it. The most irritating thoughts crossed her mind. What if she'd been hallucinating that he'd actually agreed? What if this was all some stupid joke and he wasn't going to show up? This was of course a strange place to meet…What if he was hiding in the bushes right now with his Slytherin friends? What if—

"EEK!" she shrieked aloud as a pair of icy hands covered her eyes.

"Guess who?"

At the sound of his voice her heart began to flutter wildly and rather mortifyingly, she gasped.

"Hmm…Professor Snape?" she asked giggling weakly as she gently removed his hands and turned to face him. He was as stunning as ever dressed in muggle attire. A white Diesel long sleeve with indefinable designs scattered across and black cargo jeans. He looked fairly typical, but in the little Weasley's eyes, he was quite possibly, the most handsome boy for miles around.

"Ouch, now that was a dirty shot" he grinned stuffing his hands into his pockets.

Ginny smiled back at him, "Aren't you cold?"

"Nah, I ran here and besides, if I do get cold, I'm sure you could spare some warmth eh?" he gave her a wink and she automatically blushed. "You look like you're dressed for an ice storm! What do you have on? Like…." He pretended to count, "20 layers?"

She rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out, "Actually, it's only 19 layers thank you very much" she said sarcastically.

"Fine, fine. Close enough though! Would you like a drink or something?" he asked gesturing towards the doors.

Ginny had to bite her lip to stop herself from screaming 'YES'. "Oh, sure." She replied trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

He gave her a quick thumbs up before holding the door open for her and following her inside.

Just as she had suspected. The place was barren. Okay not so much barren but it was pretty close. The bar contained only two other people aside from the bartender himself. The two sat down at the nearest table but when the bartender hadn't come to their service after a good 10 minutes had passed, they moved themselves up to the stools that were placed directly across from him. He eyed them warily as Blaise cleared his throat loudly to catch his attention.

"What can I do yeh for?" he asked gruffly as if he were annoyed that two teenagers had just dragged him away from his entertaining task of wiping the tables down with a grimy rag.

"Can I get a Butterbeer? And…." Blaise looked over to Ginny.

"A Butterbeer " she finished.

Rather quickly for a man his size, he ducked under and pulled out two terribly filthy looking tankards of Butterbeer and set them down solidly atop the counter.

Ginny mumbled incoherently reaching for her coin purse, but Blaise promptly stopped her.

"My treat." And he laid down a few sickles in place of the drinks.

"Thanks" she said sheepishly and tried to get a hold of her Butterbeer.

"Wait!" cried the dark-haired boy suddenly. "Let me er, do something first." Quickly, he snatched the two tankards from the counter and Ginny clearly heard him use a Scourgify on them. He turned back to receive an evil glare from the bartender.

"If you don't think my drinks are good enough for you then get out! NOW!" he roared waving the unsanitary dish rag at threateningly at them. Ginny stared at him back at him in shock but Blaise quickly grabbed her hand and dragged her out from the tavern before the man had the chance to throw anything at them.

"AND STAY OUT!" he bellowed forcefully throwing the rag to the ground as he stood at the doors watching the two students scurry away.

They finally came to a stop when they'd reach the outside of the famous sweet shop.

"Think-w-we're—far enough?" Ginny panted breathlessly as she leaned against the unlit lamp post for support.

"Hopefully. Reckon I shouldn't have Scourgifyed the drinks in front of him eh?" he chuckled slumping his back against the opposite side of the post.

"Probably not the brightest idea you've ever had." she grinned trying to regain her composure.

"Hey! We could've gotten seriously ill if I hadn't cleaned them!" Blaise countered as he straightened himself and walked around to face her.

"Mmm…yea…true. But now I'm actually thirsty." A wide grin crossed his features and from him large pockets he pulled out their tankards.

"Snatched them before we ran out" he explained handing her one.

"Excellent."

Together, they both popped open their drinks. "A toast! To not getting pulverized by the hulking bartender!" said Blaise cheerily as he raised his drink.

"Here here!" she agreed raising her own to clink gently against his.

"So," Blaise began after they'd both chugged down half their Butterbeers thirstily. "Ready to get your books?"

Ginny wrinkled her nose over her tank, but nodded.

"Let's go then shall we, milady?" he smiled offering her his arm.

She giggled girlishly but of course looped her arm through his own. It felt so good to be walking next to him arm in arm. For a while at least, she could pretend that he, Blaise Zabini, was her loving boyfriend and beamed up at him as several girls she didn't know threw her jealous glances which she promptly countered with imperious smirks. It was like a dream come true….

They made flirty chit chat as they made their way up to Flourish and Blotts—everything felt so real…so right. The more time she spent in his company, the more at ease everything felt and the more perfect the feeling was. It'd been a rather peaceful walk up for surprisingly, they hadn't encountered any Hogwart's students that either of them knew.

"Oh wow, this one's dead useful." Blaise exclaimed as he tugged a large turquoise coloured book out from the highest shelf.

"Wow, how many do I need?" Ginny chortled as he stacked another book atop the growing heap in her arms. "I'm not swimming galleons you know!"

Truthfully, she would've spent every knut she had on anything he suggested. She just couldn't say no to him! The red head almost melted as he ran his slender fingers through his emerald-flecked hair and flashed her a sheepish grin. Her heart sighed wistfully and wished that one day she would have the chance to run her fingers through his hair…to caress his soft, milky skin, to feel his luscious coral lips pressed against her own…

"Alright, 6 books are enough I suppose. Here, let me help you carry those," he quickly swept all but one book out from her arms and together, they walked over to the counter where Ginny finally paid for her texts.

"Here, let's shrink those and you can slip 'em into your pockets" said Blaise whipping out his wand and reciting the incantation.

"Thanks so much for helping me." Ginny said softly as she slowly put the books away. This was the moment she'd come to dread. The end to their wonderful 'date'.

"No problem. I'm always willing to help out a pretty little thing like yourself." He grinned stuffing his hands back into his pockets. She blushed furiously and avoided his gaze by staring down at his shoes. She noticed they were also a muggle brand, the latest black and white Adidas superstars, but of course she didn't know that.

"Er…well then" She started uncomfortably, "…I suppose I'd better be—"

"Unless you want to maybe walk around for a bit…you know, like just…hang out? Maybe I can er, help you brush up on your Potions." Blaise interjected quickly.

"Oh" said Ginny surprised. She hadn't expected this at all, and of course, she jumped at the chance. "That'd be wonderful. Thank you…again."

"Enough with the thank yous! Let's go to….Honeydukes then shall we?" he proposed, once again offering his arm to her.

And for the second time that day, Ginny slipped back into her world of being Blaise Zabini's girlfriend. This was complete and utter bliss…

"Oh this is so wicked! Pimple pops!" he cried ecstatically as he held up an assortment of suckers that would cause the taster to break out with a horrendous case of acne that lasted just shy of a week.

He may be an awfully smart and handsome boy…but he's still a boy….

Sigh…

"You are such a guy" she laughed reaching for a pack of ice mice.

"What's so bad about being a guy now?" he asked pretending to be offended as he selected an array of colours from the heap of Pimple pops.

"Everything" Ginny grinned walking towards the back of the shop where they sold the levitating sherbet balls.

Blaise chased after her down the aisle where he found her reaching up for the stash of sherbet balls that were just out of her reach.

"I can tell you one thing guys are good for" he said knowingly as he reached up to get the pack of sweets for her. "Helping damsels in distress!"

"Hey I could have gotten that!" she cried indignantly.

"I'm sure you could have, Ms. Weasley. All you needed to do was you know, miraculously grow another foot an and half in the time span of 2 seconds." Ginny rolled her eyes.

"That's possible you know."

"I'm sure it is" he replied teasingly as he stepped closer towards her.

"So, can you tell me anything else guys are good for?" she asked so quietly that only he could hear her.

His sapphire eyes seemed to glisten as they stared deeply into her own. "No, but I can show you."

Her heart literally stopped at that moment and odd chills spurted throughout her body as his face neared hers.

He was going to kiss her.

His lips were so close to hers now that she could feel his warm, sweet, Butterbeer smelling breath upon her. Her eyes slowly closed and she leaned forwards the slightest bit to meet him.

"Blaise?"

The two suddenly jerked apart, a fraction of a second away from actually kissing.

"Adrian!" he gasped as Ginny spun to face them, horrified.

"What the bloody hell are you doing with her?" Adrian Pucey demanded as a large group of Slytherins came up behind him. They all seemed to glare at him darkly.

"N-nothing." Blaise stuttered, stepping back farther away from her.

Ginny's heart seemed to tear an inch at his words. But she stayed still and said nothing.

"Then let's go. We're going up to Zonko's." he said firmly.

"I'll meet you guys up there. I…I still have to pay for my sweets" said Blaise.

"You can have some of mine, let's go. NOW." Adrian ordered.

"Fine" he replied, defeated. "Bye, Weasley."

Ginny made no movement whatsoever as he turned his back and left with the crowd of Slytherins. Never once did he turn back to apologize. Numbly, she stepped out of the shop half an hour after Blaise had gone. The cold wind bit at her cheeks but she felt nothing at all…

Nothing.

A/N

Wow, that took forever! Sorry about taking so long to update! School's been a complete arse lately. Hope you all enjoyed that chapter though! Don't forget to Review!

I really hate my title for this chapter, if you can think of anything better please tell me! email/ leave in your reviews! thanks crazy much!

And of course thanks to everyone who read and reviewed! You all RULE

Oh yea song by Evanescence: I must be Dreaming