If I owned Harry Potter, I would know all of the secrets that only J.K. Rowlins knows..and I would go around saying bwahahahahahah, I know and you guys don't!!! But I don't own Harry Potter…tears but I can dream.

AN: Thank you to my reviewers!! All of you are angels! I am sorry if the updates are slow. This story is not very easy to compose.

Charmed

By Terra Rose

Chapter 5

McGonagall hastily penned a letter in her trademark emerald green ink before fastening it with a maroon wax seal and sending it off.

Dear Ms. Weasley,

Dumbledore failed to mention in his last correspondence that you and Draco are not permitted to leave School grounds on the Hogsmeade trip unless you remain together. The headmaster wishes for you to have someone to talk to if you feel perturbed. He has been instructed to merely accompany you and let you decide what shops to visit.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

The next week was very uneventful concerning the quarrels of Ginny and Draco. They met at their usual time and discussed current events for a few moments before resigning to silence for the rest of 'their hour'. Ginny had actually gotten a lot of her New Term course work done in the utter silence of their meeting. At times, he was the same snide remark maker, rude wanker that she had always known him as. But there where other times when his stone gray eyes were warmed. She noticed that Draco fancied reading quite a bit; he was always reading whenever they met. She also discovered that he wore spectacles and he actually looked very intelligent. Ginny had spent a lot of time thinking about the Witches' Weekly article. Harry was in love with her. That was something that she had wanted ever since she had set eyes on him. But she wasn't so sure that she felt the same way about him. She didn't feel that skip of her heart when he talked to her. Nothing really exciting happened with Harry until the Friday before the first Hogsmeade trip, when he shyly sauntered over to where she sat in the Library during lunch. She was busily working on a Essay for Potions, taking notes from a massive textbook and secretly munching on some chocolate frogs. He cleared his throat as he reached her and she looked up from her work. She wondered if he was ever going to come talk to her like Hermione had predicted.

"Hullo, Ginny." His voice was hoarse, sounding like he was battling a cold. His raven black hair was untidy, as usual, and his emerald eyes sparkled with excitement. She smiled at him, remembering her musings of his good looks when she was crushing on him.

"Hello, Harry. How are you doing today?" She asked him setting her violet quill down, careful not to make any excessive marks on her parchment. He sat down across from her, folding his hands nervously.

"Oh, I am doing great. School is going pretty smoothly so far. And you?" He had a really cute smile, she noticed. But he looked slightly nervous speaking with her.

"I am okay." She yawned and then brushed her hand through her scarlet hair.

"Well.. that is good." He answered fidgeting worriedly. She pushed her work aside and grinned at him.

"So, Harry. What is it that you wanted to talk about?" He blushed rubbing the back of his head. He was acting so strange. Ginny couldn't remember an instance where she had seen him behave this uneasily. He was always confident and completely sure of the world.

"I was just wanting to ask you something." His voice was raspy. She nodded for him to continue.

"Well… I was wondering if you wanted to…spend some time with me at Hogsmeade on Friday?" He looked so ridiculous, his face was the color of her hair.

"Um…I was going to buy a few things. And I have to meet up with a friend of mine for a little while." She started to explain noticing that he looked disappointed.

"But we could certainly meet later in the day. How does 5:00 sound?" He suddenly perked up like a puppy dog being offered a bone.

"Of course!" He shouted hopping from the chair. "See you then, Gin!"

Ginny had failed to mention that the friend she had to meet was actually her Mentor, Malfoy. And they actually weren't "meeting" at Hogsmeade. They had to stay together to whole time, Dumbledore's Orders.

There was something about Ginny that was becoming bearable. Maybe it was that she actually conversed with him about enlightening topics unlike his normal friends: Crabbe and Goyle. She had read most of his favorite books, including the one he was reading at the moment: an expose on goblins. Draco decided to put up with her because when he had confronted Professor Snape about getting out of the obligation, Snape barked at him about him not being Draco's father. Professor Snape also looked liked he was ready to kick the bucket, his face being paler than normal. On the bright side, Draco did have time to continue reading that diary. He had concealed it in a Potions text book because of its conspicuous color. The owner of the diary was so intriguing. He felt like he was developing a crush on the girl. He had never been exposed to anyone that talked the way she did. Her musings on life were so different than how Lucius had raised him. Draco had grown to resent his father and had actually felt relief when he was put away in Azkaban. Nevertheless, He was very puzzled as to whom the diary belonged.

Dear Diary,

Today is Christmas, my favorite holiday. All my family has come home for Christmas!! Is it childish of me to believe that miracles can happen today? Perhaps, but what does it really matter? I am sitting here in my bedroom, with my favorite pair of slippers on. I have so many blessing. My mum, my dad, my brothers. They are all safe and happy. I have a home to go to, a fire to sit by, and dreams to live. So many people out there cannot say the same. And so for my Christmas wish, I wish that everyone could be loved and feel as content as I do at this very moment. Even the people that haven't been all that nice to me. Even Draco Malfoy….. Even Voldemort.

Sincerely,

Me

Ginny skillfully finished braiding her hair, applied some lip gloss carefully, pulled her favorite plum cloak on, grabbed her rucksack, and was ready to meet with Malfoy. Their meetings were very enjoyable because she had a chance to read and study. She glided down the stairs from the girls dormitory and made her way towards the portrait door.

"Ginny !" Hermione's friendly voice called. Ginny turned and saw her very intelligent friend sitting in a large arm chair by the fire with a load of books and parchment.

"Yes, Hermione?" Ginny answered in a soft voice coming to where Hermione sat.

Hermione smiled as she began to dig through her robe pockets.

"Harry asked me to give you this." She explained, handing Ginny a small note with her name written in a scribble.

"Where is he?" Ginny inquired looking about the common room.

"He and Ron are down at the pitch trying out a new Quidditch strategy." Hermione rolled her eyes, implying that they had more important coursework to do. Ginny nodded, pulling the note open.

Ginny,

I absolutely cannot wait until tomorrow! I have been excited ever since I met with you in the library. You are so pretty…I just feel like the luckiest guy ever to even talk to you. See you tomorrow!

Sincerely,

Harry

Ginny blushed at the letter and stuck it into her cloak pocket.

"Thank you, Hermione." Ginny said before leaving to meet with Malfoy.

He caught himself looking at her again. He chided himself mentally for thinking anything but indifference toward a Weasley. It was just that she was very beautiful and he couldn't help noticing it. He remembered when he had first seen her in the prefect loo almost a week ago, he had not recognized her. She had certainly matured over the summer, in more ways than one. But there was something else besides her pretty face that made him notice her. Her very presence charmed him. But He would never admit anything to her. She was insignificant to him; a poor girl not worth his time. But he knew that he was just trying to fool himself about her. His thoughts wandered to the mysterious diary he had found. The writings made him think about his own life and how he had treated everyone For that matter, how he had treated Ginny. He had always felt important because his family was pure blooded. He had never gone without material possessions. But he had never experienced the love from his family that the diary owner wrote about. He had never desired to go home for the holidays just to sit around in a great mansions with only house elves for company. His mother and father were always too busy with parties, functions, and their own lives. They only seemed to notice him when he had failed at something. He could not remember a time when his mother had embraced him. Sometimes he thirsted for love, affection, or even a friend to confide in so badly, he would talk to himself

"Malfoy?" Ginny's mellifluous voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Yes, Weasley?" He acknowledged her, his voice trembling somewhat. He frowned, pretending to be annoyed by her.

"What is this room used for? I have been wondering for some time." She smiled weakly. She glanced around at all of the photographs once again.

"It used to be an extension to our Slytherin common room…sort of a reading room. But Dumbledore arranged for us to meet here in private everyday. It is sealed off during this time." He explained watching her expressions.

"Oh, So this room is usually open to any Slytherin?" Her thin eyebrows arched up in question. He nodded, going back to his own thoughts.

" Interesting. I wish that our common room had a reading room. I often find myself searching for a quiet place to read."

"Weasley..I do not care. SHHHH!" She glared at him for a moment, discourteous words on the tip of her tongue. But she was adamant not to let him get her upset, so she pulled out her favorite Potions Textbook and resumed her studying.

Dear Diary,

What is love? Does it mean that when I love someone, I will cook for them? Or When I love someone, I will miss them whenever they are gone? Or does love mean that I will like them just as they are? If they aren't roguishly handsome, will I see something no one else sees. My heart aches with a pain that I cannot contain. Sometimes I wish that I could make my pain go away. Of course, I know that I should not complain… So many people out there suffer when I am safe, comfortable, and loved by my family. But my pain will not leave me. It isn't something tangible that I can bandage. It is a realization that I will never be anything more than what I am. And a realization that the world will never stop and listen to me. The world makes me weep; the way we treat each other. The way we treat ourselves, The hope that I have always held in my heart fades as the days go by. I want to believe in everyone… I want to trust that one day, everyone will try. One day, everyone will care. But sometimes, I wonder what good hope really is doing. All I can do to keep from drowning in the misery of the world is to think of my blessings. My family. I will always be loved as long as they are around me. And in many ways, they are my hope.

Sincerely,

Me

Morning graced the grand and mysterious castle quite early the next day. The warm sun rose gracefully above the mountains, summits, and foothills. It glimmered against the lake creating a dazzling splash of blues and yellows. And slowly, the sun poked it head in on Ginny's dorm warming her skin and beckoning her to awaken for a new day. Ginny grumbled as she got out of bed unhurriedly, yawning and stretching the entire time. She had never been a very pleasant person in the morning. Ginny got dressed wearily, clothed in a light blue sweater and gray skirt. She combed her orange hair carefully and after some frustrated shrieks, decided to leave it down. She pulled her charcoal cloak on with matching gloves and scarf. Some lips gloss, knee socks , and black Mary Jane shoes would complete her ensemble. She smiled at herself in the full length mirror; she looked very sophisticated and grown up. She dashed down the stairs of the common room, still pulling her rucksack onto her back. She was supposed to meet Malfoy by the Gargoyles in the front Hall 5 minutes ago. He would probably be grouchy, having to wait for a Weasley. When she entered the common room, she expected it to be empty but instead she found Hermione and Ron sitting together deep in conversation. She smirked at their proximity; their knees touching and one of his hands resting on her shoulder. She tried to tiptoe out of their sight but Ron noticed her.

"Hey Ginny, I asked Harry to escort you in Hogsmeade because I need to stay here and…study. I want you to stay with him at all times." She looked at him in disgust. Harry was going to be with her the whole day? But she already had Malfoy with her all day!!

"Ron! I am fine to go to Hogsmeade by myself." She stated attempting to slip away.

"Ginny, Mum told me to look after you. And if I can't be there, then Harry needs to be. It isn't safe to go out alone." He went back to his conversation with Hermione. She stormed out of the Gryffindor Common room and made her way to the front Hall where everyone was meeting to depart. The day was certainly going to be interesting.

Malfoy sat apart from the group gathering in the front Hall. He looked different in normal attire; almost handsome. He was not looking forward to spending the entire day with little Weasley. Worse than that, Dumbledore had instructed him to only accompany her where she wanted to go. So, going to the potion store was probably out. He was really getting tired of being a babysitter. He held his breath when he saw her walking towards him, a beautiful smile on her lips. She looked so grown up. But her smile disappeared when Potter came up to them.

"what is this pillock doing here?" Draco asked pointing at Harry as though he was a stray animal. Harry scowled at him in return.

"Ginny, Why are hanging out with him?" Harry asked looking at her .

"Listen, Dumbledore wants Draco and I to stay together while off of school grounds." Ginny explained to Harry. " So I really don't need you to escort me to Hogsmeade." Harry looked at them suspiciously.

"Yeah, so that means that you can go away, Potty Head." Draco drawled. Ginny rolled her eyes as the two boys got closer to each other.

"No, Ginny. Ron asked me make sure that you were safe. It is Malfoy here that can leave now." Harry glared at Draco and Draco reciprocated.

"There is no way that I am going to Hogsmeade with HIM!" Draco stated glowering at Harry.

" Harry, Please. I really can't deal with you guys like this. If you care about me at all, you will just leave. I can see you later on today." Ginny was on the verge of just going back up to her dorm.

"Are you two dating?" Harry questioned looking at the two of them with suspicion flashing in his verdant eyes. Draco scoffed at him.

"Oh, god...I would rather go dancing with the Whomping willow. I am going to vomit my breakfast." Malfoy proceeded to make retching motions, "She is hideous and plus she is a good for nothing poor little Weasel." Harry looked disgusted with Malfoy, his fists clenching. Ginny frantically pulled at Harry's cloak .

"Malfoy is my mentor. We are just…friends, if you want to call it that. Just trust me, Harry." Ginny pleaded with her cinnamon brown eyes. Harry glanced at the both of them and finally nodded.

" But if you do anything to her at all, you will regret it." Harry's voice was spiteful as he brushed past them. Ginny just looked at Malfoy for a moment then joined with the rest of the group to depart for Hogsmeade.

They sat in utter silence during the carriage ride to Hogsmeade. Draco was shooting Ginny rude faces but Ginny was none the wiser. She was reading a Potions Text and eating a sugar quill. When Draco realized that she was not interested in quarreling with him, he turned to watch the scenery as they descended towards Hogsmeade.

"Am I really that repulsive and sickening to you, Malfoy?" Ginny asked suddenly, surprising Draco. He turned to meet her eyes; She looked somewhat indignant. He scoffed at her, wondering why she was upset.

"Come on, Weasley. He was suggesting that we were dating!! That is just gross." He answered her. " And besides, it isn't like we are best friends."

"Whatever you say, Malfoy. I am, after all, a good for nothing poor little weasel."

Ginny visited Honeydukes first to buy a few sweets. She absolutely loved sweets and they were what got her through classes and coursework. She bought plenty of chocolate frogs, sugar quills, every flavor beans, and cauldron cakes. Draco also bought a few things but Ginny tried her best to avoid him. She then went to Madame Siren's Book shop to buy a new journal. Somehow, she had misplaced her old suede one. It was disappointing because she had written for quite a long time in it. She had just picked out a interesting leather journal along with a new potions text written by Arianna Demarcus when Draco came up to her with a strange expression on his face. She tried to ignore him but he continued to stand there.

"What is it, Malfoy?" She asked trying her best to sound extremely annoyed.

"I have noticed that you fancy potions." He started, pointing at the book that she held. She nodded. She was actually very fond of potions and secretly enjoyed Snape's class. Her favorite subjects were Potions, Arithmancy, and Astronomy.

"I wanted to go to the new potions shop down the street. That is, if you want to go."

She examined his face for a minute. He looked very awkward, fidgeting with the hem of his black robe. She could be really mean and refuse to go anywhere near the Potions Shop especially after what he had called her earlier. He knew that was what she was thinking about when a hurt look flashed in her lucid eyes. But instead she did something that surprised him.

"I suppose I would enjoy purchasing a few things. Do they have a large stock?" She inquired sauntering over to the cash register.

"Well it isn't anything compared to The Alchemists' Bench in Diagon Alley, but I have heard that they have a nice selection." He followed her lead and purchased a silver bookmarker in the shape of a werewolf. They walked down the street towards the potions shop in silence but the mood between them was lighter.

The day went by with surprising speed. Ginny had expected a day with Draco to last a lifetime. But it was quite the opposite. Draco acted quite civil they entire day and actually chatted with her briefly on several occasions. They visited most of the shops in Hogsmeade. Ginny purchased a set of maroon potion jars and another potion book at the very quaint store. She bought some lavender and vanilla extract at the Arithmancy shop. Ginny also purchased a few birthday gift for friends and a broom maintenance kit to mend her dusty old cleansweep5 for the first Quidditch game of the year. She was saving up to buy a Comet 260 but was still a little short. She was sure that she would end up asking Fred and George to spot her.

As they were getting close to Three Broomsticks to stop in for a butterbeer, Ginny caught sight of a small girl with red pigtails clutching the hand of her older brother. She stopped where she was, which was the middle of the lane. Draco also stopped and looked at her curiously, his deep eyes narrowing. Ginny watched the little girl skip and giggle as her older brother lifted her off the ground and hoisted her onto his brawny shoulders. Ginny panicked when she felt tears welling up in her brown eyes. She would rather dance around stark nude in the common room than cry in front of Malfoy. But her pain was resurfacing; Charlie, his smiles, his laughter, his letters to her every week, his comforting hugs, and his love. How often when she was growing up had they walked in the forest together, picking berries and telling jokes. When ever she skinned her knee or had a nightmare, Charlie was never too busy to drop what he was doing and console her.

"Weasley, you are in the middle of the road." Malfoy hissed when a carriage neared them. Ginny found that she couldn't move, her knees locking, and her entire body shaking uncontrollably. She couldn't get her body to function or her mind to cease reliving her sorrow

"What is the matter with you?" He asked, with worry evident in his voice. He looked at her face which was as white as a ghost and her deep brown eyes were glossy and completely opaque. Ginny shook her head looking at him, tears ready to spill from her eyes. Just as he was about to pick her up and carry her out of harms way, Harry spotted them in their strange predicament.

"Ginny!" He called, sprinting over to them, "What did you do to her, Malfoy?"

"Me?! I didn't do a bloody thing! She just freaked out all of a sudden." Draco explained in almost a screech. It was just like Potter to automatically blame him for anything going wrong. Harry tried to shake Ginny out of her reverie but she just shuddered precariously. Draco scoffed as Harry took out his wand and levitated her towards The Three Broomsticks.

"Wait a tick! I am to stay with her at all times, POT-TER!" He dashed after them and into the pub. Harry set her down in the closest available seat and rushed to get a cold drink. Draco sat down next to her and tried to calm her down. He was ultimately confused and was worried that perhaps she was ill. If it was that case, she should be taken back to Hogwarts to receive medical attention.

"Weasley, why are you freaking out?" He asked her but received no answer. Harry rushed back with a glass of water and a cool cloth. He pulled a chair up to her and began to console her.

"Gin, please tell me what is bothering her." Harry pleaded softly. Her eyes flickered but she couldn't form any words.

"Potter, She is ill. We need to take her to Hogwarts to see Madame Pomfrey. It isn't right just bringing her in here." Draco stated, attempting to give Harry a forthcoming look. Harry disregarded Draco's endeavor of politeness.

"I think she is just upset about something. Just leave her be, Malfoy." Harry brushed him off and began to carefully shake Ginny to get her to come out of her spell.

"Stop! Don't do that!" Draco shouted, causing most of the witches and wizards in the pub to notice them.

"Malfoy, what do you know about anything. I have seen her like this before. She is fine." Draco began to fume, although he did not understand his anger. He knew that he shouldn't care about Ginny. He had never had anything to care for. But there was something about her that made him want to protect her against any evil. Harry once again began to shake her and Draco had seen enough. He whipped his Dark Oak wand out skillfully and pointed it at Harry.

"I said stop it, damn it! If you touch her again, you will regret it." Draco gritted his teeth furiously. Harry got up and moved away from Ginny, giving Draco a puzzled look. He had never seen Malfoy concerned for Ginny before.

"Are you a loon, Malfoy? What is your problem?" Harry inquired stepping back with animosity evident in his eyes.

"You are my problem, Potter. She is ill!!" Draco exclaimed loudly. He knelt down next to Ginny and felt her forehead for fever. But instead of fever, her skin felt like ice. Her usually flushed cheeks and pink lips were as white as a sheet. He was quite certain that she had gone into shock.

"Ginny is going to be MY girlfriend. Not yours!" Harry barked, pulling his own wand out. Draco couldn't believe that all Harry cared about was wooing Ginny.

"Push Off, Potter!" Draco lifted Ginny into his arms and carried her out of the pub without another word.

Ginny awoke sometime later in the hospital wing after receiving some tonic from Madame Pomfrey. Apparently, Draco had carried her out of The Three Broomsticks and got her back to the Hospital wing.

"Ginny, Thank goodness you are awake." Madame Pomfrey's gentle voice washed over her as her eyes adjusted to the light of the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey rushed over to her bedside with a pitcher of water and more tonic.

"You had a panic attack while you were in Hogsmeade. Thank goodness Mr. Malfoy brought you here straight away. You went into shock." She explained while straightening Ginny's blankets and preparing the tonic for Ginny to drink.

"Where is Malfoy?" Ginny asked softly, shivering from the cold of the drafty castle.

"Oh, I'll get you another blanket, dear. Mr. Malfoy went to fetch one of your roommates to bring you a few of your belongings." Madame Pomfrey brought a wooly blanket and a cup of soup for her. The candles were lit, dimly lighting the room. Ginny always loved staying in the hospital wing. It was a place where she felt a bit like she was back at the Burrow, with her mum tucking her into her large day bed and her father lighting a fire in the hearth.

"I am very concerned about you, dear. I want you to stay here at least until Tuesday." Madame Pomfrey stated in her always caring voice, "You need to heal from this pain, Ginny. You need to start talking to someone."

Ginny nodded, while sipping her soup from a large mug. Madame Pomfrey set out a large blanket on the side chair next to her bed.

"I suppose I will just get Mr. Malfoy his soup when he returns with your things."

"What? Why would he be coming back?" Ginny asked, feeling the panic return. She began to breath heavily once again. Madame Pomfrey hurriedly grabbed the yellowish tonic off the nightstand, urging Ginny to drink it. Ginny obeyed and slowly she felt her calmness return.

" I want Mr. Malfoy to stay with you. You need someone to talk to. And he is your mentor. He is probably the best person for you to confide with." Madame Pomfrey informed her before tucking Ginny back into her cocoon of blankets and returning to her office.

After a few minutes, Ginny heard his voice informing Madame Pomfrey that he had returned. When he approached her and noticed that she was awake, he smiled.

"So, you are back from the dead. You scared the crap out of me, Weasley." He grinned at her, glad to see that she was doing better.

"Thank you for bringing me here. You didn't have to." Her voice was very weak, like a new born colt. Draco was unsure of how to reply to her. He was completely overwhelmed with his feelings of protection towards Ginny. It was something he had never before felt. Often, he longed for his parents to embrace him and love him. He wanted to feel safe and cared for. He wanted to love his parents in return.

" Hermione packed your Rucksack for you. She also said that she would bring you your assignments if were still in here." He informed her in almost a whisper, handing her the massive bag. She nodded her thanks and set it down by her bedside.

Draco sat down next to her and they were silent for a while. Draco watched her breathing slowly, and saw her eyes closing and opening like she was battling fatigue.

"I suppose you can talk to me, if you would like." Draco offered raising his eyebrows. He was very handsome when he did that, contrasting with his customary scowl. Ginny looked at him, gazing into his eyes. He was captured by her and found he was unable to look away. He was unable to tear his eyes away from a Weasley.

"Do you still hate me, Malfoy?"