Disclaimer: Feel like Bart Simpson, scribbling, 'Writing Harry Potter Fanfiction does not make you J K Rowling' on the blackboard. :D

Chapter 12- Truth and Consequences

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To sleep, perchance to dream- aye, there's the rub.

Slumbering upon the curtain enclosed bed, Luna's head tossed restlessly upon her pillow. Her sleeping body twitched violently in response to a vivid dream.

High on a cliff overlooking a stormy sea, two serpents slithered toward each other. Upon meeting, the snakes began to twine together, sliding and undulating in a sinuous rhythm that was sensually compelling. Far above, in the lightning streaked sky, an eagle's shriek of anger pierced the silence. The serpents ceased their writhing, huddling entwined. Talons extended, the eagle dove down and hovered over the snakes, powerful wings outstretched. Snatching up the smaller snake, the predatory avian gave a cry of triumph, carrying the reptile away.

Body jerking, Luna came awake with a gasp. That eagle in her dreams with the brown and white feathers...his eyes had been blue. The snake he had seized had been golden and the other serpent white in colour. Merlin, her heart was still pounding. Pushing long hair away from her face, the girl breathed deeply, trying to analyze her vision. Luna didn't need to consult the text Unfogging the Future to interpret the dream. Somehow, she knew that Blaise and Draco had done something imprudent last night, and Terry would soon behave like the eagle in the vision. He would carry his girl off and…do what? Talk it out, forgive and forget...or… Light flooded into the space when the drapery pulled apart.

"Hey, you awake? Cindy conjured brunch, if you want to join us." Mindy's pale face, surrounded by reddish blonde hair, peered between the opened curtains. "You look...strange." She smiled. "Stranger than usual, that is."

"Thank you." Leaving her bed, Luna drew on a gold robe with a Gryffindor crest and joined the girls at a table in the middle of the chamber. The drop leaves raised to form a circle had become a display of culinary and decorative brilliance. Luna sat on the edge of a dainty chair and touched a rosebud in the centre floral arrangement. She smiled. "You outdo Madam Puddifoot, Cindy."

A happy smile made the other girl look even more like a cherub. "Thanks Lindy. I do like to make things pretty."

"Mmm...and the food's brill too," said Bindy.

Whimsically trying to decide whether fairies would consider the term 'fairy cakes' flattering or demeaning, Luna half-listened to her roommates' chatter. When Mindy said something about last night's Ravenclaw party, her wandering attention snagged. "Say again?"

Raising her brows, the other girl responded, "Sure, I said last night, when I was trying to chat up Terry..."

"He has a girlfriend."

"I'm aware of that Luna. It was just a chat!"

"Yes, because he turned down her invitation to dance," Bindy teased, causing Mindy to redden guiltily.

Cindy said, "I thought it was sooo romantic, our Orpheus pining away for his...what was the name of that girl in the Underworld?"

"Eurydice," Bindy informed helpfully. "I love Greek myths...and Greek food."

Mindy was shifting around, appearing uncomfortable beneath 'Lindy's' assessing stare. Suddenly, she blurted, "Oh please, Terry's way too good for that Zabini girl. She's obviously just another Slytherin slut."

Ignoring the others' gasps, Luna said, "What do you mean, obviously?"

"I was standing nearby when some guy on the Quidditch team handed Terry a photograph and said 'You wouldn't believe Zabini's having it off with Malfoy so we got you proof, Boot.'" Eyes glittering mutinously, Mindy continued, "Terry looked like he was going to cry. He shoved his way out and as far as I know never came back!"

"Oh, poor Terry," Cindy's sentiment was echoed by Bindy, who stopped chewing to nod sympathetically.

Luna said, "I hope Terry talks to Blaise before calling a cat a Kneazle. After all, a picture may be worth a thousand words, but what if they're nonsense ones? Anyway, where did that photo come from?" She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I don't believe there's such a thing as spontaneous manifestation of photographs, so…someone must have arranged for it to be taken." She picked a daisy out of the arrangement and began pulling the petals off one by one.

It was obvious the thought had never occurred to the other girls. They stared in consternation. Luna felt no such anxiety. She held up the stem with a single petal remaining and announced, "He loves her!" Reaching for a scone, she took a large, satisfying bite.

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Draco considered what to write and then put quill to parchment.

Ginny,

If you're willing to give us a chance, I'm willing to keep quiet about it. Slytherins are used to keeping secrets. Meet me at the Dragon Claw Willow after breakfast.

Draco

Strange that he would be using Zabini's favourite spot for meeting Terry-Boy to hook up with Ginny. Stranger still that being bad last night had led to something so good. He wasn't thrilled about Red's wanting to be with him on the sly, but he would accept it...for now. Anything was better than the cold darkness he had plunged into after that scene in the library. If Blaise hadn't been there, the gods only knew what he might have done.

Draco shrugged away uncomfortable thoughts and glanced over at the bed dominating the room. It had been beyond pleasant, cradled against softness whilst gentle fingers tenderly stroked his hair. Perhaps he should feel badly about manipulating the kind-hearted girl into comforting him, but he didn't.

They had a unique friendship, and as long as certain lines weren't crossed, he felt free to take any support and affection Blaise cared to give. He smirked, imagining the horror on dear old Dad's face when he found out his only son's best mate was a girl. Folding the parchment and sealing it, Draco walked over to the room's fireplace and called, "Slinky."

He waited for the house elf to appear. The moment the elf bowed in subservience, he handed over the sealed message, ordering the elf to deliver it personally to Ginevra Weasley in Gryffindor Tower.

"But that is Dobby's Tower, young sir...Slinky is not liking to go there...Dobby is angry when others go there...very jealous, he is."

"I didn't ask you to like it Slinky, I asked you to do it. If you want the coast cleared, give the sot Winky a butterbeer and get her sobbing about 'Master'. After that, Dobby will be occupied taking care of his pathetic friend and you can be off to Gryffindor Tower."

"Young Master is so...Slytherin...Slinky is proud to serve you." With a grin that made his protuberant eyes glow Slytherin green, the elf travelled back through the floo to complete his assigned task.

Warding the trunk and desk against anyone foolish enough to invade his privacy, Draco flung a denim jacket on over his gray jumper- how shocked Father would be to see him in casual attire- and bounded down the steps to the common room. Blaise was sitting curled up on a sofa, staring into a teacup. He sat and leaned against her shoulder to look in her cup.

Bloody Hell, no wonder she was staring. There was a circle and a cross inside the cup. That phoney Trelawney would be in alt over the very rare, very inauspicious occurrence, but he could tell Blaise wasn't. Her dark eyes were worried.

"Do you believe in Tasseomancy, Draco? What does this mean? My love's in trouble or is troubled...or will bring me trouble...what?"

"I don't look to soggy bits in the bottom of a cup to decide my fate, if that's what you're asking. If you're wondering if Boot was given that photograph, I don't know. If he has, it means all three of those."

Draco wrapped an arm around her and looked around for something, anything to distract him from feeling that twinge of something uncomfortable like guilt. Luckily, Crabbe and Goyle showed their faces before he broke down and volunteered to do something asinine, like apologise. Raising his head, Draco said in relief, "Look Blaise, breakfast is served."

Smiling happily, the hulking teens nodded in unison and put their trays on the table in front of their friends. Crabbe explained, "Yeah, we didn't think you'd want to go to the Hall this morning, Zabini. Not after what the Ravenclaws...Hey, why d'ya hit me Goyle?"

"'Cause you're a bloody prat, that's why. Blaise don't want to hear that everybody's saying Terry-Boy got pictures of her doin' the dirty with Malfoy. Ow! Why d'ya hit me Draco?" Catching sight of the girl's face, he said glumly, "Oh. Sorry."

For an instant, Draco hoped the humongous arse stuffing an entire scone into his maw would choke. As if following an unheard order, Goyle started gasping for air. Draco reached around the lummox to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre, rationalising he was only saving the bloody pillock because his father wouldn't want him to. He ignored Gregory's apologies and damned pangs of guilt to ask, "What can I do, Blaise?"

Please don't ask me to go see Terry-Boy, anything but that...

"Give me your advice. Should I try to find him, talk it out?"

That was better, but not much, than having a heart-to-heart with girly-locks. He decided for once, truth was the best answer. "Yeah. If you don't talk to him now, you might never get the chance again." He put his arms around her and squeezed gently. "You need to find Terry and work it out."

Hugging him tightly, his friend gave a pitiful smile. She headed for the girl's staircase, saying over her shoulder, "Say hi to Red for me."

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At the bottom of the Gryffindor girls' staircase, Ginny looked around to find the best route for leaving without drawing notice. Near the common room fireplace, Harry and Ron were playing Wizard Chess while Hermione completed an assignment that probably wasn't due until after Christmas Holiday. The studious girl had tried to explain the concept of time management to the boys, but they were hopeless cases. They actually did homework the day before it was due, like most other normal students.

Unfortunately for Ginny, Hermione noticed her friend before she made the door and called out, "Ginny! Come here and tell Ron he should be doing his homework- it's due next Friday!"

"Sorry Hermione, I'm a person in a glass house who can't throw stones. I haven't done all my work either, and refuse to even look at a book until tomorrow. Are we still on for shopping in Hogsmeade after lunch? I'm going for a walk, be back soon. Bye." Ginny waved and ducked through the portrait hole.

The Fat Lady, as usual, had to make a comment, "My, don't you look pretty in that green jumper! Why I remember when I was first painted..."

Quickly escaping before she had to hear how bright and fresh the Fat Lady had been back in the day, Ginny draped her black cloak around her shoulders and strode briskly in the direction of the Dragon Claw Willow.

Once there, she could see why no one would bother them- it was very dangerous looking. Superstitiously murmuring an apology to the tree as she brushed the intimidating fronds aside, she reached the small open area screened by drooping claw-tipped greenery. A small shriek escaped her as strong arms wrapped themselves around her middle and pulled her back against a muscular chest.

"I am the guardian of the Willow. Pay the forfeit or face...the Dragon Claw..."

Shivering delightedly as the dramatic voice made its demands above her sensitive ear; Ginny pleaded breathily, "Oh please, not the claw. I'll pay the forfeit. I'll pay anything."

"Anything? Don't you know what dragons like me do to tasty morsels like you?"

The seductive menace in his voice was doing something already- melting her bones and setting butterflies to fluttering in her stomach. How could she have been so foolish as to think this wouldn't work? It had to work. She reached up to stroke his unseen face and smiled. "I know your scales are smooth and your talons are gentle." Her voice became husky. "I know what I want you to do to me."

Behind her, the powerful body stilled, tensed. 'Talons' tightened their grip. Hotly, he breathed, "Tell me"

Turning into Draco's embrace, she clutched his hair and commanded, "Devour me, dragon."

After he thrilled her by fulfilling her request with hungry kisses, Ginny rested against his chest while he sat lounging with his back supported by the trunk of the willow. She angled her head to look up into his face and ask, "However did your parents decide to name you Draco?"

His silent laughter made her smile. He smirked and drawled, "Not many have asked me that. Mother claims she named me for a constellation between Ursa Major and Cephus, and Father- well; he insisted the name was in honour of an ancient Greek ancestor who oppressed his downtrodden people with severe laws."

"I agree with your mother. You're as bright and beautiful as a star."

A pleased smile gave Draco's face the look of an angel. His gaze turned devilish as he said, "Your name fits you too, Ginevra."

She said in amused indignation, "White as foam! Thanks a lot!"

Gray eyes became smoky and intense. "Not that, the Welsh meaning."

"Welsh...I never heard any...what does it mean?"

"Dragon Lover."

Ginny stared. Draco erupted into laughter. She laughed with him before asking, "What does the name Blaise mean?"

Wary eyes blinked, before he offered, "Dragon...friend?"

Pulling his head down, Ginny said seriously, "Good...keep it that way."

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Blaise went to the Great Hall at lunchtime, looking for Terry. When a Ravenclaw came up to her with a note, she took it and left immediately. In the entry, she paused to unfold the note.

Dungeon 3 storeroom

Somehow, the short message was more terrifying than a scroll of accusations and anger. Making a quick stop at Slytherin House, Blaise made her way down to the dungeons, anxiety increasing with every step. She took several deep breaths. Grabbing hold of her courage as well as the cloak nervously twisted in a fist, she opened the storeroom door.

"Shut the door behind you."

Her eyes took a few moments to become accustomed to the gloom. Terry was sitting against the back wall, one leg drawn up to support a hand dangling a photograph between two fingertips. His eyes gleamed dangerously behind a veil of long, brown hair. Without expression, he said, "Not very smart, coming here, but I figured Slytherin nerve would bring you slithering down to me."

Stricken, Blaise tried to reason, "I don't know what that picture's like, but I saw the others, and I know it looks bad..."

"Bad."

Interrupted by his bitter laugh, she started again, "It was only one dance and I promise- whatever your pals told you, was a bloody...damned...lie!"

After a moment of tense silence, Terry bent his head to look at the photo. Still gazing downward, he said, "I couldn't look at this for ages...just let it burn a hole in my pocket while I walked, and walked, and walked. Finally made it down here and decided to take a good long look. Really opened my eyes about you and Malfoy…never been kissed... Did you two have a good time laughing at me?"

The stony recitation brought desperate tears to her eyes. Blaise pleaded, "No, Terry, it's not like that, we're just friends. I swear...I swear I've never kissed anyone but you...please, please listen to me."

Raising his head, he slowly rose to his feet and walked over to extend the picture. "I'd like to listen to you try and explain this."

Jittery fingers dropped the picture. Bending, she picked the photograph back up and stared down at the moving images captured. A swell of relief shook her- this wasn't the worst by far. Upon the magicked photograph were two figures surrounded by a circle of clapping Slytherins. While she watched, Malfoy's hands grasped her waist, pale fingers splaying over her stomach as they rocked together with her back against his chest. They stopped. The song had ended. Draco looked down at her. She stared ahead and then closed her eyes...from the camera flash.

Thank Merlin this was the only picture grabbed. If Terry saw the one Ginny did, I think I'd be dead.

"A Slytherin at loss for words?"

Shaking her head miserably, Blaise said, "I'm sorry, Terry. You didn't ask me to your party...and it was just a dance. It looks awful, and I shouldn't have done it, but it's not what you think."

Masculine fingers raked back long hair from a shadowed face. "Don't know 'bout that, Blaise. After awhile, I took a few hours and really studied that photo. I think it's very revealing."

"No…"

"Yes, take a closer look at Malfoy. If ever a bastard was planning on..." He smiled in grim satisfaction as she flinched at the obscene word, continuing, "…a girl, it's him. Look at his hands, how they're pulling you back."

Terry's eyes blazed in anger. Suddenly, the photograph burst into flames from the unfocused magic of his rage. Encircling Blaise's upper arms with his fingers, he put his face close to hers and rasped, "You can't explain that photograph away. It's burnt into my brain." He let her go and turned away. "Get out of here before I do something you'll regret."

Too hurt to cry, Blaise watched Terry's back heave with suppressed emotion, pressing her lips together firmly. She wasn't going anywhere. Reaching into her cloak, she brought out a sphere and walked over to the side table holding photography equipment. Blaise stacked two trays to make room. Behind her, Terry said roughly, "What do you think you're doing?"

She took off her cloak and let it drop, holding up the object. "I thought you of all people would recognize an Orpheus Orb. Since I can't explain anything, I'll just have to show you, won't I?" Placing the sphere on the table, she gave it a spin to activate the charm. Music came flowing into the space. "This is the song Malfoy and I danced to, although I was wearing a little less." Blaise drew off her tee, exposing a black satin bra. She tossed the shirt and began to move her hips.

Terry's face may have been impassive, but his eyes burned. Moving toward him while swaying back and forth, she said conversationally, "Not the romantic slow song you thought, huh?"

His electric blue gaze roamed her body. "If that's the way you danced, how'd you end up..." Terry started to look away before her movement caught and held his attention.

She came close and turned around to brush back against his chest. Lifting his hands to her hips, she said firmly while moving to the beat, "Rocking, dancing not…what you thought." Turning to face him as the song ended, she searched for a reaction.

His face creased unhappily. "If you didn't dance so damn...sexy..."

He thought that was sexy? Stepping back, Blaise laughed shortly. At his baffled look, she explained in a low voice, "That was dancing I could do in front of my mother, baby." Putting a slender hand upon the Orb, she smiled in a way that had Terry unconsciously licking his lips. "Since you don't like explanations, I'll just give you something else to burn into your brain."

His jaw was set, his eyes stormy as she began to move. Dancing for Draco, Blaise had held part of herself back, knowing he wasn't hers to keep. Now, she held nothing back. Terry's reached for her. The song played on as he held her tight,

"Blaise..."

"Terry, I love you, only you...believe me, love me, please..."

He held her face in his hands. "I believe you, I love you...let me love you..."

Meeting his lips, Blaise poured her soul into the embrace. They moved together, kissing passionately, hands exploring and possessively claiming. Blaise tugged at his shirt. Terry took it off with a heavy lidded smile. Her curves pressed against his paler, firmer flesh. She caressed his chest and back, revelling in the feel of firm muscles beneath her fingertips. She sighed at the feel of her body aligned with his. Terry's lips moved down her throat…

Caught up in the way he made her feel, Blaise was shocked to hear a sardonic voice say from the doorway, "Now this, I'm afraid, is indecent, Ms. Zabini. Clothe yourselves and come to my office...immediately."

Staring up into Terry's face after Professor Snape's departure, Blaise couldn't stop nervous laughter from escaping. After a moment of looking as though she were mental, the humour of the situation struck her boyfriend as well. He said with a smile, "I don't care if he gives us detention for the rest of the year, as long as I spend it with you."

Her heart melted. After throwing her arms around him for another fervent kiss, she grinned. "Maybe Lorelei will have love potions to test."

Holding hands, the teens left the room. On the table, the forgotten orb began to play a love song.

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A/N: Opening Shakespeare from Hamlet- always wanted to re-write parts of that play so the Dane would get the girl and live happily ever after, but then I have a thing for Gothic guys! Happy sigh over love, sweet love!