All Harry Potter characters don't belong to me
Rainpuddle13 – Running away from a problem is easier than facing it and Ginny's chosen the easy way out. There will be rough times ahead but that's what makes it the more interesting, right? Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Aj – Draco will know about the secret eventually and Ginny will attend Hogwarts but not just yet. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Nychick8990 - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Ayumi-dono – All will be revealed as the story progresses. You're thinking about it so quickly I don't think I can keep up with writing the story. Sorry I can't directly answer your questions because it will ruin the story but I'm really happy that you are so excited to know. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Oobleck89 – It's not exactly the marriage that caused Ginny's attack, it was finding out that the people she loved hate each other. It was also a gradually build up to the attack and the pressure of telling Draco her secret was like the icing on the cake that made the attack come about. I hope that makes sense. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Beauty Eclipsed - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Jade Summers - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Kneh13 – Telling someone a secret is easier said than done. Living stressfully but happy or unhappy and without stress will have to be Ginny's choice. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Lily Malfoy13 - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Carcy16 – It means a lot to me knowing I have portrayed them at their age. I was rather worried about that because I really don't know how 11 year olds think. Thank you for that and Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Lilcykomonkey – the truth will be revealed eventually. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Madison27 – Glad you enjoyed how I have portrayed Draco. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
JoJo – Adults are mostly unaware of how their children feel on matters. Seeing as they are already engaged show that they don't really care what they think on the matter, but it's not that bad yet. As for the doctor thing, they're not that young and when I said beautiful, I meant in a conventionally way and not a drop dead gorgeous way. Sorry, if I didn't wrote that very clearly. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Purus.flere – I don't think it will be very likely that Draco will connect the dots since there hasn't really been any indication that Ginny is a Weasley besides the red hair and I'm sure there are some other people with red hair out there. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
ForeverAnAngel– you'll have wait and see what Draco will do when he finds out. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Sam.86 - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
FemmeDraconis– There will be a twist for the chamber of secrets and that will be revealed soon. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
DanielLover00 - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Choco88 – Yeah, the last chapter was kind of a filler but it was necessary to explain how Ginny won't be going to Hogwarts. Hopefully the next chapters will be better. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
BabyPan– The Chambers will still happen but will be a little bit different. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Rednight-rider - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
FlyingPinkRhinos - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
VoicezWithin – glad to hear you liked the little humor I added in. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Feedlesteex - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Molly789 – how Chamber of Secrets will turn out in this story will soon be revealed. Draco has asked about Ginny's family but I didn't write it because it's not that important just yet and as for Ginny's red hair. I'm sure there are some other people with red hair in the wiarding community and plus, everyone said that Ginny was from Ireland. Draco has no reason to think that everyone is lying to him. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Cc - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Kat-tea – It' great to hear you enjoyed The Source but I'm sorry to say that there will not be a sequel. I didn't write Ginny meeting Harry in this story because I don't think it's really that important. I'm mainly focusing on the development of Draco and Ginny's relationship. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Cat - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Lirie Halliwell - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
HappiGoLucki616 – I doubt everyone on is reading my story but it would be nice if they did. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Chelle – I'm happy that you enjoyed The Source and I hope you enjoy this story just as much. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Prongslette - Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Chapter Eight – Promises
"Speaking"
Thinking
September the first was approaching quickly and both Draco and Ginny knew it was soon time for Draco to go to Hogwarts again. It was the last Saturday for the two to spend together and it was spent quietly sitting at the window seat looking out at the large garden of Malfoy Manor.
Ginny's sudden coughing broke the peaceful silence and Draco moved closer to pat her back hoping it would help.
"Are you alright, Ginny?" Draco asked after the coughing has stopped.
Ginny nodded. "Yeah, it's just the side effects of the medicine," she said softly.
Draco looked into Ginny's brown eyes and missed the twinkle he used to see in them. As the days progressed he noticed Ginny had become more and more depressed. He knew that she had desperately wanted to go to Hogwarts this year and assumed not going was making her upset. There was, however, more to Ginny's sad mood than simply not being able to attend Hogwarts.
Ginny's POV
I looked into Draco's eyes and knew that I couldn't hold in the tears for very long. There was so much that wasn't going right. I wanted to go to Hogwarts so much this year but now I can't. I wanted to tell everyone about Draco and I, but have found out that he and my brothers are sworn enemies. I don't want to lie to him about who I am, but I can't find the courage to tell him the truth. He hasn't even left the house yet and I'm already worried that all the evil my brothers have told me about might harm him. I don't want him to get hurt. Everything's a mess and I don't like it. I just want it all to go away.
Tears are running down my cheeks now and my vision blurs. I feel Draco's arms wrap around me and his hand gently guide my head to rest on his shoulder. I clutch his robes tightly and bury my head into the crook of his neck. I want this all to me a terrible nightmare and when I wake up everything to be how it used to be. No worries no problems.
I've calmed down to sniffles and my grip on his robes have loosened. I can feel Draco's hand rubbing my back and amazingly, it does help.
"It's alright, Ginny," he says softly into my ear. "You can still go to Hogwarts next year."
I shake my head, which still rests on his shoulder. "It's not that," I say.
"Then what is it?"
"I've heard about you-know-who. He's come back and has recently attacked at Hogwarts. I'm scared you'll get hurt."
He chuckles. He chuckles at the fact that I was worrying about him. I lean back and glare at him.
"Is that what you've been worrying your little head off about?" he asks amusingly.
I'm still frowning while I nod. Draco takes my hands into his and gives me a warm smile. I couldn't frown at him anymore.
"I will be perfectly safe at Hogwarts," Draco reassures me. "If it wasn't then father wouldn't be letting me go back this year."
It was true, but I still couldn't help worrying. Ron has been telling me about his adventures with Harry Potter and they sound very real and dangerous. With three headed dogs, big trolls running around the place and he-who-must-not-be-named resurrected, who wouldn't worry.
Draco squeezes my hands. "Don't worry, Ginny," he said. "I'll come back at Christmas all in one piece. I promise."
I hold out my right hand and extend my pinky finger. "You Pinky swear?" I ask.
Draco smiles broadly and hooks his left pinky finger onto mine. "I Pinky swear."
I feel better knowing that Draco has Pinky swore to come back at Christmas because no one ever breaks a pinky swear.
Draco's POV
Time has gone by so quickly and it's back to Hogwarts for me today. Ginny's not sending me off at King's cross station this time because she has to go into hospital for a check up. She didn't however, fail to give me a very tight hug this morning and remind me of the promise I made to her. Like I could ever forget.
We headed into Diagon alley earlier today to get some things for school and who should I see there than damned Potter, Weasel and know it all Granger. I swear Potter can't even go out without being on the front page of the Daily Profit. So he's the boy-who-lived. Big deal. I wanted to go and annoy them but Pansy Parkinson and her father beat me to it. Looking at the exchange in Flourish and Bolts from upstairs was not as satisfying but it was better than nothing. Mr. Parkinson and Weasel's father were giving each other subtle threats that were rather amusing to witness. There was also a little brown haired girl with them who stuck up for Potter but ended up being teased by Parkinson. Potter's little girlfriend. I'll remember that. Granger also naturally had to put in a smart ass remark on behalf of Potter. You'd think the-boy-who-lived could speak for himself. It all ended too quickly though, as it was time to leave or the Hogwarts express would leave.
The train ride to Hogwarts was not as satisfying since Potter and Weasel were missing from the train. Strange. I saw them getting ready for school so they should have been there. Blaise and Bell told me about their holiday and gave me some souvenirs they brought. They had a very exciting summer just like I did. The topic of Voldemort arising could not be avoided between us. Both Blaise and Bell's parents are also involved with the Dark Lord in one way or another but just like me, they don't want anything to with him.
The sorting ceremony was rather boring. More students were sorted in Gryffindor this year and I found out that the one from Flourish and bolts was Granger's little cousin. Potter and Weasel were also no where to be seen. We have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. Gildory Lockhart or something like that. Looks like a great big sissy if you ask me. Overall, a rather uneventful start to the school year but I'm hoping it will get more interesting or I might just die of boredom.
Ginny's private teacher was a rather old man with spectacles, a beard and a stern face. He was hired to educate Ginny in all the fields required for a first year magical student. Potions, charms, transfiguration, Defense against the darks arts and everything else.
It had been agreed on that schooling for Ginny will run as similar to that of Hogwarts as possible. Classes will run from 1st September to mid December and then she will have a two weeks holiday just like Draco. Classes will then resume after Christmas and end when Hogwarts does. Lessons were organized to run at Malfoy Manor because of the convenience of room space available and because of this, a private portkey was especially ordered for Ginny to travel between the Burrow and Malfoy Manor. The portkey at Malfoy Manor was placed in the main living room and was a small metal ornament placed in a box. The portkey at the burrow was also an ornament in a box and was placed in Ginny's bedroom.
Every weekday morning Ginny would portkey to Malfoy Manor and head to a room dedicated for her lessons. She would spend the next seven hours there with a morning tea and lunch break in between. After class she would then portkey home and return the following morning. On Saturdays, Ginny would again travel to Malfoy Manor to accompany Serena and Narcissa Malfoy in their Lady like activities. Gardening, embroidery, interior design, floristry and anything else they fancied.
Ginny's busy schedule made her less bored compared to last year when Draco was away and also helped her to forget that she still had a big secret hidden from him.
Dear Father
Something has begun to stir in Hogwarts. 'The chamber of secrets has opened. Enemies of the heir, beware.' has been written on the school wall with a petrified cat underneath the message.
Draco
This letter from Draco arrived yesterday and Lucius sat in his study contemplating the matter. He knew something would happen at Hogwarts but never thought it would be something like this. He picked up a quill and began to write a reply.
Draco
Remain at school this Christmas and find out as much as you can about the chamber of secrets. Remember to keep your eyes on Harry Potter and inform me of any new information.
Father
Draco scrunched the letter up and threw it into the fireplace heatedly. He was in the common room with Blaise and Bell studying because his grades had to be improved or his father would go crazy. He was in no mood to study now so he just slumped into the sofa broodingly. Blaise and Belle looked at him with puzzled faces but decided to let him cool off a bit first. After a moment Draco spoke up himself.
"I have to stay for Christmas," he said with disappointment evident in his voice.
Bell got up from her position on the floor and sat next to Draco on the sofa. She understood that Draco would be extremely bored if he had to stay at school by himself. She and Blaise had planned to go home for Christmas just like Draco had. But now Draco had to stay all by himself if she and Blaise left.
"If you like, I can stay for Christmas with you," she suggested.
"Yeah," Blaise chipped in, "I'll stay too."
Draco gave them a small smile. "Thanks guys. I'll go mad if I stay here alone."
"It's bound to be interesting if all three of us stay," Blaise said with a snaky grin on his face.
Draco smirked. "Well I better go up and write my father a reply. I'll see you tomorrow."
Draco got up from his seat and lazily grabbed his pile of books and papers. He slowly ascended the stairs with a very heavy air of disappointment that Blaise and Bell couldn't miss.
"He seems awfully disappointed." Bell commented after Draco was out of sight.
"Yes," Blaise agreed, "A bit too disappointed if you ask me. I never thought he missed his home so much."
Bell simply shrugged her shoulders and returned to her studies as did Blaise.
Dearest Ginny
I'm sorry. I'm sorry that my first promise to you has to be broken. Father has instructed to remain at school for Christmas this year and as much as I don't want to, I must. There are things at Hogwarts he wants me to do for him but I won't tell you the details because they are not important. Please don't worry. I'm fine and am safe. Merry Christmas and I'll see you soon. I swear I will.
Yours Truly, Draco
Draco folded the letter up neatly and started to write a return letter to his father.
Dear Father
I will find out as much as I can about the situation at Hogwarts. Enclosed is a letter I hope you can give to Ginny for me. I know I'm not allowed to send her letters while I'm at school but I broke a promise I made to her and I need to apologize. I wish you and Mother a Merry Christmas.
Draco
Lucius held the letter in his hands and couldn't decide on whether to give the letter to Ginny or not. Narcissa walked in and let out a sigh.
"Why is it such a hard decision to make?" she asked.
"Because this letter proves he is turning weak."
Narcissa shook her head. "He's not weak, Lucius. He's a romantic just like his father."
"I am not romantic." Lucius protested.
Narcissa smirked. "Do I need to remind you of our honeymoon? Rose petals, Champaign, sitting on the beach under the stars…"
"Alright," Lucius said desperately trying to get his wife to stop. "So I know how to set the mood."
Narcissa smiled and took the letter for Ginny out of her husband's hands. "I'll give it to Ginny tomorrow."
End of Chapter Eight. Thank you for reading and I hope you review.
AN: I'm terribly sorry about the extremely long wait, it's just I've been having some problems with how I want to write out the many years of Draco and Ginny's life. I've figured it out now so I think I'll give you all a brief explanation.
Firstly, I'm going to be following the books as best as I can so I don't really want to rewrite everything. That means you can all safely assume that my story follows the book unless I state otherwise. Like in this chapter, the chamber of secrets is still happening but I have replaced Ginny with another girl so that it can happen. I know it's not much of a twist but it's not the juice of my story so I'm not going to wasn't time on that.
Secondly, since I don't want to write out everything that J.K Rowling did, I won't be writing much about Draco's life at school. I know this would mean that time will fly rather quickly in this story but I really don't have any ideas for his school days that are any different to the books. But if I do come up with something then I'll write it.
Thirdly, I am mainly concentrating on Draco and Ginny's developing relationship so I'm really not that interested in Draco's school life, Harrry Potter or even Voldemort. Though, I am adding more about Voldemort than I would like because it is the main story line behind the Harry Potter story and I can't scrap it. Plus it would make the story more interesting.
I hope this will help any questions you may have after reading this rather late and possibly confusing chapter. If there are still any questions feel free to ask me. I'm more than happy to help readers understand what I am writing.
Thank you for reading and once again, my apologies for the very long wait.