If you were looking for an unromantic fic, one that would downplay the importance of February 14th into a few sentences such as, Valentine's came to Hogwarts during the school week. Young couples, disappointed over not having pink confetti showered upon them at Madam Puddifoot's, and not being allowed to hold hands and snog in a corner of The Three Broomsticks, much less rub against each other at a ruddy dance, made do with broom cupboards and niches behind statues. Many lovers were caught by Filch and spent that most romantic of days scrubbing bed pans by hand in the infirmary--this is not that kind of fic.
It's not too late to turn to an action/adventure story where the closest anybody's getting to being kissed is by a Dementor. I warn you, if you keep reading, you will be subjected to young lovers who dress up, dance, kiss (a lot) and express their feelings. It won't all be fluffy or in the style of Lemony Snicket like the A/N, but it will be romantic.
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Chapter 29- Be My Valentine
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It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.
Ginny smiled at how the opening lines of a Muggle novel described her own feelings. She stood in the centre of the Great Hall. As she turned in a slow circle to gaze with satisfaction at the dramatic transformation, a bittersweet ache made it hard to swallow.
Her life was A Tale of Two Hogwarts. Most people only saw the life she appeared to live--a fifth year who played Quidditch, had friends, but no boyfriend. That was why no one was surprised when she'd told Ron this morning that she wasn't going to the Valentine's Dance tonight.
Ginny was a bit ashamed of saying she'd rather stay in reading a good romance than go with someone she didn't like again. Neville had heard her tactless comment. Thankfully, he had made a joke about being a much better dancer now, and everyone had laughed.
"Are we brilliant, or are we brilliant?"
Meeting Blaise's sparkling eyes, Ginny nodded, still unable to speak.
The other girl didn't notice in her eagerness to point out, "Look at how wonderful those alternating red and white panels of fabric look against the walls! I'm so glad Luna's roommate suggested that we boycott pink and go for simple elegance instead."
"Padma and Parvati's idea of loads of faerylights was good too. They really make the room look romantic. You'll have a wonderful time tonight." Ginny's voice wavered a bit at the end.
Blaise took a closer look at her face. "Hey, you're okay with spending tonight in the Room of Requirement, aren't you? All during dinner, my best mate kept asking which cologne to wear, and if he should try a new hair styling charm. Draco's really looking forward to being with you."
Ginny shook off a selfish wish to dance with her boyfriend on this floor, surrounded by all their friends--well, her friends and his mate Blaise. Her smile became unforced. "I hope you told him not to change his hair, and what did you say about the cologne?"
"I gave him and Terry the same stuff that my Papa uses for a Valentine's present. Encantar...to love...expensive, but we're...they're worth it."
Remembering how wickedly good Enrique Zabini had smelled New Year's Eve, Ginny nodded emphatically. Yes, they--all four of them--were definitely worth it!
"The faery phlox and roses look lovely together, doesn't it?"
Luna was trailing a finger over a nearby table's centrepiece. Ginny heard the slight melancholy in her friend's tone and asked, "It doesn't bother you that Harry's going with Chang, does it?"
"No, Wesley and I are incredibly happy. That's not what's troubling me, the idea of Harry being with someone else. It's more of a feeling, really...that he and Cho...aren't right." She shrugged. "I can't explain it."
Out of nowhere, a 'twinge' shivered down Ginny's spine and made her groan inwardly, Oh Crap, not again! The weird sensation soon left her, and she determined to ignore bloody twinges of all kinds--regret, envy or 'sight.'
The girls who had assembled to help Professor Lorelei transfigure the Great Hall into a ballroom with assistance from house-elves began to head toward the entry hall doors. Luna and her three roommates, Blaise and two other Slytherins, and two Hufflepuff girls all waved and smiled, eager to rush off to their Houses and get dressed for the Valentine's Dance.
The Patil twins and Hermione lingered by the doors waiting for Ginny to finish admiring their work.
"Miss Weasley," Lorelei called, "Would you help me with a small task before you return to your House?"
Ginny nodded, interest caught. "Sure. I'm not going to the dance, so I don't need hours to get ready like the others do."
"Hours!"
The twins were indignant. Hermione was amused, and looked as curious as Crookshanks. "I'd be happy to come and help, too, Professor."
Ginny watched Lorelei start to smile before containing herself and replying blandly, in a manner worthy of Snape, "I'm sure you would be, Miss Granger. However, your assistance is not required. You may run along now. "
The thwarted girl's mouth opened and closed abruptly. Her lips turned down unhappily. "All right. Come see me when you get back, Ginny. You can, uh, help me with my makeup."
Amused at her friend's transparent angling for information--she really did have to know it all--Ginny smiled and waved goodbye to her departing housemates.
The professor gestured for Ginny to precede her, and together they walked out of the Hall. It was kind of weird to think that this teacher had been a student a few weeks ago, and she was one of only a few that knew it. She took sidelong peeks at Lorelei, wondering what had really happened between Ronan and Harry.
When they reached Dungeon Five, Ginny asked while the woman released the wards on the door, "Uhm...I was just wondering how your sister's doing."
After they entered the classroom and the door shut behind them, Lorelei said, "Do you see that table in the far back? The one with the cloth covering it?"
Swallowing hard, Ginny said faintly, "Yes."
"Fiery red stands out against white material, as I'm sure you can imagine. Anyway, you were asking about my sister. She's fine. Happy to no longer be a student...and the answer to the question you're dying to ask about Ronan and Harry Potter is no. Anything else you'd like to ask?"
It took a few moments to comprehend that the woman had seen her underneath the table and hadn't said a word about it, had trusted her not to tell. Ginny was still in the spluttering, "But...then...why..." stage when the professor retrieved a small carved box from her storage room.
"Open it."
Ginny took the box and lifted the lid. Two vials and two flagons rested inside.
"I'd like you and Mr. Malfoy to do an experiment for me, Miss Weasley. There are two flagons of Unmemorable Potion, and two vials of Memory Enhancer. The two of you would each drink the vial, and then the flagon, becoming unmemorable to everyone except each other. I'm interested in finding out how long the potion remains viable, if you're able to mingle with others undetected, and what side effects, if any, taking both potions together would have. Are you amenable to performing the experiment?"
Was the woman joking? A thought struck. "Have there ever been any side effects?"
"I believe an urge to express affection has been noted in the past. Does that pose a problem?"
"NO! I mean, no, of course not," Ginny said, before she realised the professor's lips were twitching.
"Very well. Please keep the knowledge of this experiment contained to yourself and Mr. Malfoy. I wouldn't wish anything to...affect the results...adversely. Until you return the evidence...er...empty containers and the box tomorrow morning, I'll bid you good evening...and Happy Valentine's Day."
After returning the woman's sentiment and heading toward the door with her precious box, Ginny paused and looked back at Lorelei. She was pushing a pencil into alignment with another on her desk. The woman felt her gaze, because she asked without looking up, "Something else, Miss Weasely?"
"Why?"
Now arranging a row of flagons with enchanted blossoms in them to a precisely equal distance between each other and the edge of the desk, the professor glanced up briefly before looking down again. It was enough for the girl to see tears glimmering. "Because I can't...and because you can. Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
Slowly walking up the dungeon stairs clutching the box, Ginny experienced that bittersweet feeling again. She was happy for herself. She got to spend the night with Draco and her friends, even if her friends would never know it, but she was sad for Lorelei, who had to chaperone the dance and wouldn't get to be with her...Snape.
Ginny's steps slowed upon reaching the statue of Bertha the Behemoth. She lifted the box toward the grinning giantess. "What did you say? Don't worry, be happy? Has Colin been humming that blasted Muggle tune again? It drives me spare, but if you insist..."
"Actually, I insist. I also insist you stop talking to statues. I can't have a mental girlfriend, unless you're crazy about me."
Ginny whirled around to see Draco smirking at her. She lifted the box and backed into the alcove behind the statue. Her boyfriend followed, arching his eyebrows and drawling, "I think you've snogged me behind every bloody statue in school now." He wraped his arms around her and bent his head to hers. "Did you like your special Valentine?"
She lifted her wrist and kissed the gold heart charm, releasing the concealment spell. Upon the plain surface, the engraved initials GW, DM materialised. She nodded. "I love it." She brushed her lips against his and then noticed his frown. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. It's just, I didn't mean that Valentine. I meant..."
"Finally! Do you know how hard it is to execute a covert operation when you have to ask the enemy if they've seen your target?"
A dwarf stood beside the statue, scowling at them. He was wearing the most bizarre costume Ginny had ever seen. It appeared to be some sort of camouflage--trousers, shirt, and even makeup on his scowling face.
The little man glared at the boy who was scrunching his eyes closed and shaking his head. "If you hadn't paid the guild double for this Stealth Valentine, boyo, I'd have been long gone. So listen up Juliet, Romeo here has a poem for you." The strange messenger of love recited in an amazingly mellifluous voice.
I wrote your name in the sky,
but the wind blew it away.
I wrote your name in the sand,
but the waves washed it away.
I wrote your name in my heart,
and forever it will stay.
Ginny watched Draco thank the dwarf wryly and visually traced every feature of his classically handsome face and form. Had she known instinctively all those months ago that he had a beautiful soul? No. She'd been overwhelmed by the beautiful body and complex personality. She'd wanted to snog him or slap him, sometimes both at the same time. Merlin knew she still felt that way now and then.
Malfoys might be love gods, but they weren't always easy to live with. They were demanding, proud, superior...considerate, self-conscious...witty, smart, kind, loving...snarky, spiteful, devious...adorable...oh Merlin! She loved everything about him--good and bad.
She reached out a hand, slid it through the hair at the nape of his neck. It was so soft. He considerately bent his head to hers, but stopped just before reaching her mouth. Draco blurted, in a un-Slytherin burst of honesty, "I didn't write that poem. Jessica Blade did. She's a housemate into that poetry tripe, and I paid her to write it...because even though I love you, mine would've been worse than yours to Potty."
Smiling, Ginny whispered, "I still love my Valentine. It's the thought that counts." Melding her mouth to the lips that were curved so temptingly, she kissed Draco and asked when he responded absent-mindedly, "What is it?"
"Are you saying you love the poem...or that...you love me?"
Her heart turned over at the uncertainty that darkened grey eyes. The thought that someone so amazing needed reassurance about his lovability made her want to reassure him in the most basic way. Ginny said, "I love you." She scolded lovingly, "I'm trying to show you how much, but you're not co-operating. Are you a love god, or a cupid?"
Giggles shook her body when her dragon's gaze turned steamy and his lips devoured, but the laughter couldn't escape. She didn't have enough breath. Allowing her hands to roam over his broad shoulders and the chest she wanted to see without a shirt again, Ginny started to reach around to squeeze that incredible arse. She heard Draco's foot kick something and remembered the box.
Grudgingly, she broke the kiss, leaning down to pick the container up. The girl opened the lid. The fingers that knew how to make every nerve-ending in her body tremble with pleasure picked up a flagon. "Is this what I think it is?"
A wide smile creased her face at the sight of his grin. Ginny explained about Professor Lorelei's 'experiment' and the fact that the woman had seen her hair that day they'd hid under the table.
White-blond brows rose. "Well, well...I knew that she was more than a pretty face, but this is surprising. No wonder she was sorted into Gryffindor, being a bold romantic. Of course, she's rather cunning, as well. Must be why she and Snape get on."
"Is that why you and I get on?"
"If you'd shut it, Valentine, we could get it on."
Ginny giggled, placed the box a safe distance away, and slid her hands around his neck to pull his lips down to hers.
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In a dorm in the Slytherin Tower, Blaise finished drying her hair, smirking slightly over Fiona's grumbling that people with naturally curly hair that fixed itself should be hexed. She reached out and touched the card on her desk. Terry had arranged for a dwarf to deliver it during lunch.
The grumpy little man had shaken his head in disgust, muttering, "Why do you people think Shakespeare's romantic? Tragedy...says it all...and Hamlet...oh fine, prepare to be bedazzled by the Bard." He took a deep breath.
Doubt thou the stars are fire;
Doubt that the sun doth move;
Doubt truth to be a liar;
But never doubt I love.
She had jumped up from her bench and hurled herself at Terry, even before the dwarf had stormed out of the room. In the middle of the aisle, they'd taken public displays of affection to new levels. Draco had pulled her away and led her to their next class, sneering.
The memory caused Blaise to smile as she looked over to where Morrigan was sitting at her desk, staring down at the Valentine card her Yank boyfriend had sent. Hurrying over at the sight of a tear rolling down the pale cheek, she asked urgently, "What's wrong?"
Midnight eyes more liquid than tragedy queen Cho Chang's tried to blink and hold back misery. "Jay says that he loves me, but...he thinks we should date other people when we're not together."
Blaise glanced at Fiona, who shook her head, silently advising not to go off the deep end over the bastard's bloody nerve to put that in his card. Inwardly determined to get Draco to teach her the hex affecting 'private areas', Blaise tried to be supportive. "Sorry, mate. What can we do?"
Sniffing, Morrigan shook her head. "Nothing, except maybe distract me from feeling like total crap."
The door opened. Cassandra observed her roommates in their robes, preparing for the dance, with a measuring stare. After walking over and grabbing some things from her trunk, the cryptic girl tossed over her shoulder on the way to the shower, "Hope you didn't use all the hot water."
Three sets of eyes flickered to one another. Slow smiles were exchanged. Morrigan rose and tossed back her long hair. "Now that's what I call a distraction. Grab your gear, mates."
The friends entered the lavatory after they heard the shower stop. They found Cassandra standing in front of the mirror with her eyes closed. She was a sad sight, so Blaise didn't blame her for not wanting to look. The girl startled when she saw that she was surrounded. Her brown eyes made a darting glance toward the door, but she was cut off with no escape.
Morrigan said, "Relax, this won't hurt a bit."
Thirty minutes later, Blaise was almost jumping for joy. It was so exciting to take a black bat and turn her into a pink butterfly! Cass looked so pretty now, except for the sneer, but hopefully Kieran could transform that into a smile.
The three makeover-artists stealthily followed their roommate and watched her walk down the girls' staircase, meet Kieran, and...kiss him!
Hugging each other, the friends sighed happily. Cassandra tried to give them a black look, but her lips were turning up. Their little Cinderella was ready for the ball! Blaise waved and giggled all the way back to their room.
Morrigan struck a pose as they applied makeup. "We're gonna make those boys say 'Damn!"
The trio stood smiling at their reflections in the mirror. Morrigan and Fiona had chosen to wear matching form-fitting strapless brocade mini-dresses in different colours--red on red for Morrigan, and gold on coral for Fiona.
Blaise wore a curve-hugging strapless dress with a tiered skirt. She loved the way the short, uneven hemline accentuated her legs, and the ruby red colour. She grinned excitedly. "I'm not waiting for anyone. Damn we're gorgeous!"
Leaving the room, Blaise led the way downstairs. She halted mid-way, turning to ask Morrigan incredulously, "You're not going with Montague, are you?"
The other girl's smile was rueful. "He asked. I didn't care who I went with, frankly. I just wanted to be with my friends."
Fiona hugged her. "Don't worry. We won't leave you alone with him!"
They continued down the steps to meet Fiona's new boyfriend Beckham and Morrigan's...escort...Montague. Blaise saw Draco lounging in a chair across the room, reading a book. She strolled over and read the title: Seeker Strategy Secrets.
"You're blocking my light," he said dryly.
She rubbed the material of his tee with a fingertip. "A little under-dressed, aren't you?"
"Look who's talking." He smirked. "I'm setting up my cover as the poor blighter whose girl's off with another bloke. According to gossip, Boot and I flipped a coin to see who got to take you to the dance, and he won. So here I sit, all alone, fending off the sympathetic housemates who'd be thrilled to keep me company."
"Oh, poor baby, not. Have fun with your Valentine tonight. You know I will with mine." She blew him a kiss that caused an indignant third year to mutter, "Heartless witch," and left the common room.
Blaise made her way to a seldom-used corridor and saw a boy leaning against the statue of the giant Fezzick the Faithful. He stepped toward her and she couldn't speak. He took her breath away. Terry was so handsome! He wore a chocolate brown velvet jacket over a red, white and brown vertical striped shirt and brown trousers. The outfit highlighted the red glints in long brown hair and made his eyes look so blue. It was amazing. It was...
"It's Wesley's doing, all but the trousers. He said you had a thing for Italian clothes. You like?"
Appreciative lips snogged the smile off his. Thankful that her makeup was 'kiss-proof', Blaise shivered when his fingers trailed over the soft material of her bodice.
"You won't fall out of this, will you?"
She shook her head. "It's charmed to stay up."
He smiled in relief, and then frowned. "What about later?"
"You'll have to wait and find out."
Lips that were firm and soft at the same time covered hers. After a long, sweet kiss, they made their way toward the dance.
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Snuggling against Terry in a corner of the entry while they waited in line to have their picture taken, Blaise watched the photographer work. She had to admit that Rosaline was brilliant at getting people to look their best for the camera.
Behind them, another couple stepped into line. It was Weasley and Granger. The Gryffindor boy was wearing a blue pinstriped suit that actually fit properly. Ron's girlfriend was wearing a gold fringe tank dress that displayed some femininity. Blaise smiled at the pair. They almost looked Slytherin. Mr. Freckles returned the smile, but Hermione didn't. How petty. Just because a girl insinuates she might make your sweetie her number three boyfriend... Blaise went back to the enthralling activity of playing with Terry's hair.
When the doors to the Great Hall opened, couples filed into the transformed space, awed at the changes made. With the faery lights floating gently around the room and the magicked candles illuminating the tables, the enormous chamber seemed cosier, more intimate and romantic.
"Looking for us?"
Wesley and Luna were standing behind them. Terry clapped his friend on the shoulder while Blaise gave the blonde in a beaded silk dress a smiling inspection. She asked, "What's that colour called?"
"Thistle."
It was the same shade as a thistle flower. "Very pretty."
"Thank you."
The couples walked toward an empty table. Luna waved over two of her roommates and their dates to join them. Cindy Cornfoot and her equally blond boyfriend were both wearing black. Mindy MacDougal and her date Colin Creevey were in white.
Blaise said, "Trying to look angelic, huh? Too bad we know you better, Colin."
"Really? How's that?" asked Terry.
Oh boy--or should that be oh boyfriend! Blaise had forgotten she'd decided not to tell Terry all the little stunts Colin had pulled on her. Pretending not to see a devilish pale brow rising in amusement at her expense, she explained with a self-conscious laugh, "Colin's been a little imp...conning me into sing a couple of songs in Muggle Studies. I told you about that, didn't I?"
"Yeah, I wish I could've heard you. I bet you were great."
Aw, Terry was so sweet. She just had to kiss him. Pulling back after several lovely moments, she noticed Mindy giving them a sour look. What was her problem? She'd better not be using Colin to get to Terry--not if she wanted to keep her hair rooted in that flaky scalp.
Blaise glanced at Colin. Maybe Mindy wished that he'd kiss her in public. That could be it.
Dumbledore, in a black tuxedo Count Dracula might have worn, officially welcomed everyone to the dance. When he reminded them that the white rose bushes outside were for 'viewing pleasure only, laughter filled the chamber. The Headmaster thanked Professor Hands for sponsoring the dance, along with Professor Lorelei and the student committee for overseeing the beautiful decorations. Everyone was given a round of applause.
Cindy said pensively, "It's too bad Lorelei doesn't have a date."
The group around their table nodded, Terry and Blaise smiling at each other in their secret knowledge of the woman's funny valentine.
The professional Orpheus spun an orb, filling the Hall with music. The boys stood and pulled back their dates' chairs. Soon the dance floor was packed. The Orpheus did an excellent job of mixing up the favourite musical styles of the different Houses.
Blaise would've tried to dance to each type of music, but Terry wasn't that into dancing. He was able to move along with her as she worked her body and got a groove on to Slytherin-style music. That, along with Ravenclaw line and slow dancing were all he could handle.
When they stood watching Hufflepuffs do something called a two-step, Colin asked, "Want me to teach you that dance, Blaise?'
She looked uncertainly from Terry to the girl in a long, white dress. "Don't you want to dance, Mindy?"
"I can't stand that hokey country music. It's fine by me."
Terry smiled. "Go ahead. We'll watch."
Blaise followed Colin onto the floor. The two fast steps, two slow country dance wasn't hard to pick up. She looked over at Terry and saw he was more interested in watching her add a shake to the glide than in listening to Mindy's chatter.
When a slow song started, Terry tapped Colin on the shoulder. Blaise moved into his arms. The warmth of his body felt incredibly good every time he brushed against her swaying frame. The slow half turns she was making had male fingers tightening on her waist.
After the song was over, the music changed to a disco beat. Smiling regretfully, they joined the Ravenclaws and even a few professors in doing The Hustle. After a few more 'Saturday Night Fever' numbers, the music shifted into something only Professor Tonks, her date, the former Professor Lupin, Professor Lorelei, and the Runes professor Smalley stayed on the floor for.
Blaise looked at Terry, who looked at Wesley, who looked at Luna, who sighed. "Fine, let's do it."
The two couples moved onto the floor and began dancing with the others. Blaise stared at Terry, who expertly spun her out and back before clasping her hands and swinging her out and then in to one side, out, and then over to the other. "You've done this before!"
He grinned. "I thought it was child cruelty back when my parents made me learn, but now I'm glad."
"Why?"
The look he gave her threatened to melt her into a puddle. "Because of you, my..." Pausing, he sang with the music, "Brown Eyed Girl."
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During a break from dancing, gentle fingers caressed Luna's bare shoulders, causing her heart to skip when one slipped underneath a spaghetti strap. She tilted her head to the side to stare up at Wesley. He was playing with her dress, but would never play with her heart.
He said, "Have I told you how lovely you look tonight?"
"Only once every half-hour or so. It's been thirty two minutes since the last time. I was beginning to worry." His dimples deepened in appreciation of her humour. Her gaze flickered over his clothes. Only Wesley could wear a red velvet jacket with a psychedelic shirt and look gorgeous instead of ridiculous. The blue in the shirt matched his eyes. Another colour was the same shade as her dress. It was illogical how coordinating clothing made her feel so giddy. It was though they were a perfect match.
A low chuckle sounded near her ear. Wesley began toying with one of the blond braids she'd plaited on either side of her face. He lifted the end to his lips, and then began brushing it along her shoulder. It made her shiver.
Watching Terry lift Blaise into his arms for a kiss made Luna want to follow their example. Well, perhaps not her-leg-hooked-around-his. She was a bit more reserved. And she might tear her beautiful chiffon dress. It was a trifle longer than Blaise's.
Her braid was used to trace the V of her neckline, go over the silver beadwork, and brush across...Oh Wesley!
She mock frowned and then smiled, reaching up to give him a quick kiss. Her boyfriend stared in amazement.
Luna felt a bit uncomfortable. Surely she'd kissed him in public before? Giving the matter some thought, she was forced to admit that excepting the library incident, she hadn't. How remiss of her. A roguish grin flashed across her pirate's handsome face. Felt like plundering, did he? How lovely.
"How dare they make such an exhibition of themselves!" Mindy said.
Wesley said drolly, "Are you referring to us? We'd only just begun to make an exhibition of ourselves."
Mindy smiled tightly. Her date laughed. Luna noticed that her roommate seemed more upset over the way Colin stared at Blaise's legs, than about the way Terry was kissing her. How very interesting.
A slow song began, luring couples onto the floor. The words were rather suggestive. It must be a Slytherin selection.
Her boyfriend's hands traced circles on her back. Luna returned the favour. The smile she gave Wesley froze when her gaze met Harry Potter's. He looked at her, even while brushing a kiss across Cho's hair, and manoeuvring the girl toward a secluded corner screened by potted palms.
Harry looked very handsome in a black suit, but he was so dark compared to Wesley. Luna gladly turned toward her boyfriend. They swayed together for long moments.
A girl's loud, angry tone broke them apart. Cho was trying to get away from Harry, screeching like a banshee that he'd been using her, calling her another girl's name--Lora. Chang rushed over to her friends at a nearby table while Potter pushed his way through the curious onlookers and left the Hall.
Luna felt almost relieved at the dramatic scene. She'd known that something was wrong with Harry's instant relationship with Cho, and now she knew what it was. Funny how no one else seemed to be able to connect the dots between this episode and Harry's infatuation with a certain professor's sister...it was crystal clear to her.
She looked around the chamber and saw Lorelei looking wistfully into the shadows opposite from where Harry had gone. A tender kiss brought Luna out of her reverie.
"You okay?"
Wesley was concerned for her, but what about him? He deserved better than a girlfriend who was always conflicted about another boy. Luna decided to make sure he got his Valentine's wish. He'd probably like it more than the book on pirates, anyway.
After watching Tonks and Lupin along with Lorelei and Hagrid bop around to an oldie, Wesley waited for the slower music to draw couples back onto the floor. He then danced her over to the Orpheus. There was a gleam in his eye that she'd seen before. Luna started shaking her head. "Oh, no. I'm not going to sing again. I'm not. Really, I'm..."
"You're the beautiful, brave girl that I love. Thank you for doing this."
-
Minutes later, Luna was standing with Wesley by the Orpheus, chanting a memory charm to help her memorise the words to the song her boyfriend wanted to sing. People were watching and laughing, but she was used to that. A group of their friends stood nearby, which made Luna feel slightly more comfortable. Bindy, Neville, Cindy with her date Jason, Mindy, Colin, Blaise and Terry all smiled encouragingly.
The music started. Concentrating on the boy who'd talked her into this, Luna smiled when he led off singing, Don't Go Breaking My Heart.
As before, their voices complimented each other. Again, the words of a song seemed to capture everything she felt because she knew he wouldn't break her heart. The applause was flattering, but nowhere near as satisfying as the look on Wesley's face. Luna felt every bit as beautiful as he had told her she was. Deciding to be bold, as well, she kissed him in front of everybody, and smiled against his lips when the applause became thunderous.
After Luna and Wesley laughingly accepted the compliments of their friends, the group agreed to head back to the table. The boys volunteered to go grab drinks, while the girls decided to visit the 'powder room' together. Luckily, the line wasn't too long, and Luna breathed a sigh of relief while she washed her hands.
That relief was short-lived.
Blaise and Mindy each exited a stall and started washing their hands at basins on either side of Luna. In the mirror, she watched her roommate slant her eyes over at Blaise. Smoothing a non-existent fallen strand back up into her upswept hair, Mindy said, "Terry is so nice. I don't know of anyone else who'd put up with their girlfriend being close friends with other boys."
Luna pretended to check to make sure the silver unicorn earrings Wesley had given her were securely fastened. A covert glance in the mirror revealed Blaise staring at the other girl with narrowed eyes.
"Yes, he is. Terry also knows that I only love him, so there's no need for jealousy."
Mindy's fake laugh grated. "No need? Well, if you say so."
"What are you trying to say?"
Mindy simpered, "Nothing. I mean, if Terry is fine with you hanging all over Malfoy, and encouraging Colin to trail after you too, then who am I to say anything?"
Cindy and several other girls had started to crowd behind them, needing to wash their hands, but unwilling to break up what promised to be a juicy catfight. Luna took a step back.
Blaise took a step forward. "Yeah...who are you to say anything? You've been trying to get Terry since school began, and even tonight you've done your best to chat him up. Don't shake your head, I saw you, Ravenclaw." Head and accusatory finger wagging, the she sneered, "As for encouraging Colin, that's shite you're trying to put on me because you won't admit that you're a lousy date who couldn't get a bloke if you were locked in a broom cupboard with him!"
The muffled snorts and snickers of the girls pressing around them brought out Mindy's temper, along with her wand. "Silencio!"
Blaise smirked. "I always use a Shielding Charm when I don't carry a wand, but no magic's needed to do this!"
Mindy's head rocked to the side with the force of the other girl's slap. Shocked silence prevailed. Blaise stalked out, leaving Luna, followed by Cindy, to gently take their roommate by the arm. They led her, sobbing, out into the corridor.
The niche behind Lydia the Lachrymose was currently un-occupied, so they steered their unhappy friend there and used an Appearance Charm to make the handprint on the girl's face disappear. In a short while, Mindy had regained control of her emotions, conjured a handkerchief and used it to blow her nose before making the fabric vanish.
Luna waited patiently for her friend to speak.
"I'm so rogered." Taking the other girls' silence as encouragement, Mindy explained, "Zabini was right. I have been trying to get Terry."
Cindy gasped. "Oh no, poor Colin!"
Mindy smiled bitterly. "Poor Colin has been after Blaise. We were working together. I don't know how many times we tried to get those two apart, but nothing ever worked. Tonight, I realised that I don't want Terry anymore."
Luna said gently, "You want Colin?"
Cindy, sweet innocent that she was, said, "Why don't you just tell him?"
Mindy laughed. "If only romance was that easy."
Luna said, "I could lock you two in a broom cupboard."
They all giggled at the thought.
Mindy said, "I'll get back to you on that. Right now, we should get back to the dance."
Luna halted near the doors to the Great Hall when Mindy whispered, "Do you think Zabini told everybody?"
One of the doors opened. Colin walked out. "Hey, Mindy, what took you so long? Blaise said you were fixing makeup, but you don't look any different."
Smiling in relief, his date said sarcastically, "That's how you know it's fixed."
He chuckled. "The Orpheus said he'd let me sing a song too. You've got to come be my groupies."
The girls laughed over the conceit and promised to swoon. When the others returned to the dance floor, Mindy stayed at the table, with the excuse of needing to finish her drink.
Luna told Wesley as the music played and they swayed together, "Blaise slapped some sense into Mindy in the bathroom. She realises that she wants Colin. Now all we have to do is get him to want her back."
Wesley pursed his lips in an effort not to laugh and was kissed for looking kissable. His eyes were as merry as Robin Goodfellow's when he murmured, "That should be nothing for a matchmaker of your calibre, Valentine."
Colin was singing a love song in his beautiful, high voice...and not looking at his date while he sang it. Gamely deciding that no challenge was too big for a matchmaker to handle, Luna melted into her boyfriend's embrace and refused to think about any hidden meaning behind the pure notes. She just cuddled against the heat of Wesley's body and basked in the warmth of their love.
-
-
The moment Ginny walked behind the statue of Inigo the Impetuous, Draco felt that strange feeling he'd been experiencing so often over the last few months that it was becoming almost comfortable: happiness. He didn't trust the feeling, but he liked it, and was prepared to do just about anything to keep it making his life better than it had ever been before.
Red was wearing the second dress she'd found in that grotty Secondhand Rose shop in London. Never in a thousand years would he have believed the almost plain dress would look so fine. It was all due to the girl wearing it.
The black silk dress bared one shoulder and the asymmetrical hem made him long to slide a palm up and find out if she was wearing tights or thigh high stockings. Draco tucked the white silk handkerchief his girl had monogrammed for Valentine's into the breast pocket of his black suit before lifting her hand to his lips.
It was worth sneaking around just to see Ginny gaze at him as if he was the moon and the stars. She looked him up and down--impressed, as always. "I'm glad that I'm the only girl who gets to see you tonight. You're way too gorgeous, Slytherin."
Draco gave her the 'come and get me' stare through the lashes she always complained were 'un-fairly beautiful and wasted on a boy.' He said huskily, "I'm glad no other bloke but me gets to look at you. You're so hot that I'd be hexing blokes all night."
Unable to resist him any longer, his girlfriend pressed him against the wall and kissed him breathless. Not that he'd had much breath anyway, the way she'd stolen it with her beauty. Reluctantly breaking the kiss before the lusty wench broke his resolve not to rush the relationship, Draco smiled. "Let's get unmemorable."
Pouting a moment before smiling back, Ginny reminded, "Unmemorable to everyone except each other. Don't forget that."
"I could never forget you."
How he enjoyed making Freckles blush. It did such lovely things for her complexion. It also highlighted a couple of freckles beneath her right earlobe that he knew he'd never kissed before. Resolving to correct that intolerable romantic error, Draco threw back the contents of the vial and then the flagon. A slight shiver travelled down his spine, but nothing else happened.
He shrugged. "Let's go see if the potion works."
His heart jolted when Ginny looked around anxiously. "Draco, where are you? I know he was just here."
Quickly, he grabbed her shoulders. "Ginny, love, don't you remember me?"
Soft brown eyes met his. "Of course I do. You're unforgettable."
Relieved and a bit put out by her prank, Draco told the giggling girl, "Very funny, Red. Just wait. I'll bide my time, and then I'll get you for that." When Ginny licked her lips and stared at his mouth, he pursed his lips in the way he knew she thought 'adorable' and lowered his voice. "I'm going to make you wait, and wonder, until every nerve is tingling with anticipation, until your heart races and your lungs can barely drag in enough breath, and then..." He clenched his jaw to keep from laughing while he bent his head until his lips were only a couple of millimetres away from hers.
His impulsive sweetheart, who had a lot in common with old Inigo, asked breathlessly, "What? What are you going to do? Tell me!"
Draco whispered, "I'm going to find out if you're wearing tights or thigh high stockings." Smirking, he started to pull back, but was halted by slender hands grabbing his jacket.
Face flushed, she gritted, "Forget waiting. You're going to find out right this minute!"
Shifting and sliding her back against the wall, Draco smiled wickedly before sliding a hand up her leg and ravishing her mouth in long, hot, kiss.
Satisfied by the kiss and the hands-on knowledge of Ginny's thigh high stockings, Draco grinned at his girlfriend, who was failing in her attempt to look disgusted with his Slytherin cunning. She giggled, and he chuckled, before they both froze at the sound of an awful, familiar voice.
"What's that, my precious? You heard something? I know, I know, Dumbledore won't let us patrol tonight. He wants to let the wizard brats have a chance for romance. That doesn't mean we can't accidentally come upon wrong-doers in the course of our leisurely stroll, does it, my dearest?"
The caretaker and his cat slunk into view, on the lookout for erring students. Mrs. Norris turned suddenly and sniffed. Draco tensed. That cologne Blaise had given him. It really did attract every woman under the sun--even feline ones!
Filch, impatient with his tail-twitching companion, scolded, "There's nothin' here, my lovely. Come along. In less than an hour Snape has me patrolling the dungeons, so if we want to catch lovebirds, best do it now!"
Yowling, the cat ran ahead, with her partner hurrying to catch up.
Ginny shuddered. "They are so disgusting, there are not enough words. Did you see that red heart on Mrs. Norris' collar?"
"Unfortunately, yes. On the bright side, the potions work. That cologne Blaise made me wear almost got us caught, though. Maybe I should go wash it off."
"NO!" Seeing his upraised eyebrow, Ginny laughed self-consciously. "I really love it."
Well, put that way... Draco nodded agreeably and slid his arm around her waist.
In the corridor near the dungeon stairway, a dark form materialised. "Boy."
It was the Bloody Baron. Tall, broad shouldered, and brutally handsome, the spectre's appeal was marred by the numerous bloodstains on his robes. Malfoy wondered if the rumour about the Baron being killed by the jealous husbands of his many mistresses was true.
The man's face looked familiar, as though he'd seen him somewhere before. Shaking off the eerie sensation, Draco said, "How can you see us?"
Low, dark laughter rumbled. Ginny pressed against his side. A translucent black brow rose. The spirit replied sardonically, "The dead are not constrained by the limitations of the living. Come."
The ghost appeared to freeze in shock when the girl asked, "Where?"
Drifting so close Draco wondered if he would be trying to hex the Baron for coming on to his girl, the spectre examined her closely, then nodded, long black hair seeming to float in the slight breeze drifting up from the underground corridor.
The Bloody ghost floated backwards. "Ye shall do, saucy wench." Holding up an imperious hand to halt an indignant retort, the ghost said, "Ye shall come to our 'Love Never Dies Dance', of course. Pansy-Porpington challenged me to bring a living guest. His head might roll off when he sees that I have brought two--if the dolt is lucky."
Draco refused to move. "Why should we go?"
Haughtily, the Baron said, "Because you are my kin, and your line owes me a debt of blood."
Beside him, Ginny stammered, "Oh...my gods...he looks...like a Medieval you...with black hair!"
Draco admitted that the Bloody Baron was bloody good looking...maybe that's why he'd seemed so familiar. There was a family resemblance. He scowled. "What's this about a blood debt?"
Wafting backwards down the stairway to the dungeons, the apparition said, "Your ancestor made his fortune by taking it from me, his own brother, and blaming the deed on another man."
Draco had known his family wasn't exactly warm and loving, but stealing an inheritance, killing your brother--that was Muggle! How much lower could they go? Ginny hugged his arm. He looked down, saw the love in her eyes, and felt better. Who cared about his mouldy ancestors? He'd go to the party, let the Baron rub it in to Headless Nick out of Slytherin loyalty, and that was it. They would say 'have a nice death' and leave.
Inside Dungeon Seven, the ironic 'Love Never Dies Dance' was in full swing. Couples floated around the floor in a spirited waltz or walked through a table laden with rotten food, claiming to almost smell it.
The piano player was bouncing on the bench, moving his head and body along with his fingers in a very lively way. Ginny stared hard at the ghost who looked over, smiled widely, and winked at her.
The pig-tailed ghost who'd been leaning through the piano scowled and zoomed toward the living guests. "Ooohhh...why'd you have to come and snatch Amadeus' attention? He's the only truly spirited man here. Everyone else is so deadly dull. Go away!"
Moaning Myrtle noticed the Baron and whimpered, before darting back to her piano man. The ghost sneered at the other apparitions' reluctance to draw near and called out, "I have brought life to the party. Where is the popinjay?"
"Here I am, you cad. Who in the devil did you get to...oh my word...Miss Weasley!"
Nearly Headless Nick looked nearly speechless. Stuttering, the ghost asked, "W...why are you h...here...G...Ginevra, my dear?" The Edwardian courtier put a hand to his ruff and looked apprehensively toward the Baron.
"Ginevra?" Scrutinizing her face and form once more, the ghost smiled wolfishly before turning to her Draco. "What is it worth to you, to restore your family honour?"
"Nothing."
"Then what is it worth to have this maiden's reputation remain unblemished by public knowledge of your secret romance?"
"Everything."
A gleam of red appeared in the Bloody Baron's eyes. "I wish a boon...a favour...from the two of you. It will not harm, and after a few moments of your mortal time, you will be free to leave unharmed, your secrets untold by any here."
Draco glanced around the dungeon. All spirits had halted their activities to watch the drama unfold before them. He looked at Ginny.
She nodded eagerly. "Let's do him the favour and go, please!"
The Baron asked, "Do you vow by Godric Gryffindor, wench?"
The girl snapped, "My name is Ginny. Miss Weasley to you...and yes, I agree...by Godric Gryffindor."
"How about you, boy?"
Draco sneered into the face that was nowhere near as handsome as his. "All right. By Salazar Slytherin, I'll do you the favour, and then you keep your trap shut and we leave, unharmed."
The Baron's eyes closed, and then opened, glowing fully red. Draco hugged Ginny tightly. The ghost lifted his hands and called, "By blood and by name. By boon freely offered. I call thee and bind thee, Ginevra!"
Draco felt like he had when that bloody Hippogriff had tried to rip his arm off. This time, he didn't fall down and whimper. Instead, he whispered reassurances to Ginny while they watched a spirit materialise. In shock, he saw the ghost step into his girlfriend's body.
He turned to the Baron, to protest, but the ghost stepped into him, and what happened next seemed to be happening to someone else, in a dream.
-
The Baron looked down at 'his' hands, lifted one to touch the girl's face. She slapped it away.
"How dare you drag me here, using these children to...to..."
"Talk to you, try and reason with a stubborn wench who has avoided me for centuries?"
Big brown eyes turned dark with fury. "Why should I talk to you? Lying, philandering bastard...killed by a jealous husband...leaving me the choice of becoming your brother's leman or leaping from yon tower. Thinkest thou, I have no right to anger?"
Realising that she too had use of living flesh, the 'girl' slapped the 'boy' as hard as she could. When he tried to talk, she shrieked and began flailing at him.
He grabbed her arms and pinned her back against his chest, pleading in the ear she tried to turn away, "Ginevra, thinkest thou I loved so little? Was thy love for me so paltry you readily believed my brother's lies? He slew me in this chamber when I would not sign away my lands. How wouldst I be here if I had truly been killed in Exeter? What reason had I to linger on this mortal plane, except to be with my love once more?"
She sagged against him, turned when he released her and stared into his eyes. "I knew nothing save my love had been untrue, and had been slain. I died that day." Smiling through the tears streaming down her cheeks, the maiden framed his face with her hands. "My love has never died. I could not hate if I did not love. Kiss me...Draco..."
Filled with wonder, the Baron brushed his lover's soft lips with his. The kiss was so sweet, it almost un-manned him. Blinking back unseemly signs of emotion, he melded her mouth with his, revelled in the touch of her hands, made free with his own, greedily stroking her body and hair.
He expressed his devotion with kisses and caresses that grew increasingly bolder and more heated, until the sound of a throat clearing eventually parted their reluctant lips. His beautiful Ginevra smiled lovingly.
Noticing a Regency Era ghost watching nervously from behind Sir Nicholas, his bride said, "Wilt thou cease flirting, if I cease hiding?"
Laughing freely in a way that scared castle spirits more than his customary scowl, Draco, Baron Malfoy, teased, "I almost had you after the Christmas Ball. I caught a glimpse of your aura out of the corner of my eye as I left, but thou hast ever been a wily wench."
Appreciating her boldness in kissing him once more, Draco savoured her warm softness that enabled him to recapture every happy memory of their long ago love. He asked tenderly, "Wouldst thou linger on this plane with me awhile longer, my love?" She nodded and hugged him tight. Taking a last, mortal breath, the ghosts released their borrowed bodies and drifted upwards.
-
Draco stared at Ginny. Looked at the tearstains on her cheeks, blinked, and felt a lone, salty drop trickle down his face. Merlin, it had been real. Not a dream. He cupped her face. "Are you all right?"
She nodded, smiling crookedly. "Wasn't that the saddest, most romantic thing ever?"
He shook his head. Girls...who could figure them out? Draco had expected his girlfriend to faint with shock and horror. Instead, she was smiling at the ghostly couple wrapped around and into each other and wiping away a tear while she wished them a Happy Valentine's Day.
Mental--girls were pure mental when it came to love. He brusquely said, "Have a nice death...eternal love...whatever," and dragged her out of the dungeon before she volunteered to let the pair have a conjugal visit. He didn't care how pitiful the parted lovers were, he wasn't letting anyone else touch Ginny's body.
The starry-eyed girl kept the romantic glow. He didn't go for that sort of rubbish, but it looked good on her. They entered the Hall and began to dance. Ginny looked around the chamber, whispered in his ear how they'd decided on this, and done that to decorate it. He enjoyed hearing about it due to the sensation of her breath giving him happy shivers. They took advantage of being able to dance without drawing attention. He taught her some steps that, unselfconscious due to being unmemorable, Ginny picked right up, much to his delight.
They had a few close calls when other couples almost careened into them, but nothing they couldn't handle. When Potty and Cho had their little scene, Draco couldn't help but whisper, "That bloke's not right, no doubt about it." Looking sad, his Valentine agreed.
During Creepy-Creevey's song, Draco noticed the little pervert singing to Blaise instead of to his date. He'd have to give his mate Boot a wake up call about that. Bending his head to kiss Ginny, Draco stiffened. Since when had he started thinking of Tarzan the Ape Man as a friend? He relaxed upon thinking that it must be residual mental deterioration from being possessed by a spirit.
Draco said when Creevey stepped down, "Look over there. What's Snape doing?"
His romance-crazed girlfriend looked ready to cry those weird 'happy tears' again. "He's taking a rose off Ron's table. My brother looks rather stupid when his mouth hangs open. Now Snape's talking to the Orpheus." Her voice grew wobbly as her smile. "Oh Draco, he's asked Lorelei to dance! Oh my gods...they look so...this is so..."
"If you say this is the most romantic thing ever, I shall be forced to do something rash."
Ginny, still retaining a bit of her 'saucy wench' attitude, whispered, "ever, ever, ever," and giggled when he narrowed his eyes and stepped back. His fair maiden stood gaping in the centre of the dance floor while he sauntered over to the Weasel's table, snatched a rose out of the arrangement and strolled back.
Draco got down on one knee and asked softly, "Ginevra, will you be my Valentine?" She nodded, took the rose, and slid her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately. Swaying with his sweetheart, Draco vowed that one day he too would stop hiding his feelings. He would dance with Ginny for the world to see and damn anyone who disapproved.
For now, he closed his eyes and knew that Ginny, and this night, was Unforgettable.