All Harry Potter characters don't belong to me

Wonka-tonk – Serious mature time alone might have to wait until they're a little bit more mature. I know they've known each other for a long time but they are only 14 and 13 year olds. I know I make Blaise do those things but I think Draco and Ginny have to treat that kind of thing more delicately. I don't know how to explain it but rest assure, they will be getting there. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Tulzdavampslayer – Yes, I've heard that HBP wasn't as glamorous as the wait made it to be. I might be tempted to not follow their 6th year by the book but I'm not sure yet. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Petrynronlover – Hope this was a fast enough update for you. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Helldarkangel1 – Hey! Good to hear you got an account. Ginny could have stayed home but that wouldn't follow the book and I would like to follow the book as close as possible. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
SaintEmo – yeah, they will figure it out sooner or later, but better later than sooner. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Mell8 - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Meeaz – glad to hear you like how Draco is portrayed. I'm actually a bit worried that he might be too out of character. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Eleoopy – Haven't read book six yet, but I do have an idea as to when and how the secret it revealed. I Might have to trail off the books quite a bit though. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Zuvalupa - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Kittybro – I can't believe you remembered that they share a booth together. That's amazing. I had to look it up before I wrote this chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Light barrer – I don't have book 6 yet but I do know what happens. People have a tendency to tell me what happens. That happened with the 5th book as well. Oh well. Too bad for me. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Lady Rebecca – Sorry I couldn't spell your whole name out. It was rather long. Hope you don't mind. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
JoJo – Sorry there wasn't the big confrontation you were hoping for, I think that will be more a big bang ending, if you know what I mean. But I still hope this chapter had enough drama to entertain you. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
paDi - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Kahnees –Glad I was able to help make the day bearable. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Ezmerelda – I think it might be a bit of a problem if you can't stomach angst and drama because the next few chapters will be along those lines. Hope it wont be too bad though. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Applebottoms - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
perfectlyMe - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Hprules3 - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Aj - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Fireflyofhell - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Caz-felton-malfoy – I won't ever leave a story just there. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Lil Bre – no I haven't read the 6th book yet, but right now I'm tempted to not include it because it's not really fitting into my story line. I'm not sure yet though. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Jade Summers – I hope this was a fast enough update to once again earn the stamp of approval. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Kiss the night - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
CheesieCake – you have a pretty good memory with the HP books. I had to look up what happened to make sure I got it right. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Blissfulsin - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Oobleck – Glad to find someone else who enjoys Lucius and Narcissa being warm people. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
MoonlightPrincess – hm…I think I'll need you to define what you mean by turning ugly because I might just be doing that soon. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Alexandria J. Malfoy – Did I ever mention that I love your name? Alexandria. It sounds so elegant. Unfortunately Ginny does get sick but it's all part of that drama. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Luver19 - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Super Wench - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Vela princess – I hope this was a fast enough update for you. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Zachansonsgurl1985 – First kiss will be coming up. Can't say when exactly but I will be writing one. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Swimfan - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Arm213 - Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Hey All! I am really overwhelmed by the amount of people who actually still want to read this story since I was so bad as to not update for so long. I didn't want to ramble on in my last chapter because I was feeling guilty about the long time no update, but hopefully this faster update will help you all forgive me.

Anyways on to real business now. HBP is out and I have NOT read it yet. Don't know if I want to. Come to mention it, I haven't even read the fifth book yet. Everyone told me what happened so I don't have the motivation to read it anymore. That will be a problem when I come to write their 5th year. Uh oh. Maybe I should read it…? But don't worry, I'll figure it out.

The story will be much more interesting in these next few chapters. I think so anyways. It addresses some issues that I am rather passionate about and I hope that you all will respect how I go with it. It's ok if you don't agree but don't kill me until things are done and you've seen the whole story.

Well, that's all I've got to say for now, hope you like the story.

Chapter Eighteen – Beginning of the End

"Speaking"

/Thinking/

While her whole family headed off to get their seats to watch the game, Ginny stayed behind at the tent. Once she had heard where her family would be sitting she had gone into a silent panic attack. It was exactly where Draco and his parents would be sitting. With her heart condition, all she had to do was say she was feeling unwell, and everyone would insist she get some rest. She welcomed their insistence this time and even though she really wanted to see the game, other things were more important.

Dinner that night consisted of many retellings of the game from every member of the family. Her brothers thought it was their duty to tell her exactly what had happened because she wasn't there to witness it so by the end of the night she had a pretty good picture of what a great game it was. Ginny had been feeling tired all day and it had finally caught up to her when she accidentally knocked a cup of hot chocolate over while falling asleep at the table.

Arthur placed his hand on Ginny's shoulder and called her name softly. "Ginny. Wake up honey."

Ginny's eyes fluttered open. "Dad…?" She mumbled.

Arthur smiled. "It's time for bed, baby girl."

Ginny yawned and stumbled out of her seat. "Oh…Ok…Goodnight."

Arthur gave her a kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight."

Hermione waited for Ginny to catch up with her before they both went into the next tent. Ginny was so tired she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Ginny was sleeping soundly until she was shaken awake by a frantic Hermione.

"What is it?" Ginny asked while rubbing her eyes.

"Quick. Get up Ginny. Something is happening outside."

It was only then that Ginny could hear screams and shouts. Quickly scampering off her bed and grabbing her cloak, she ran outside with Hermione. Arthur was just about to run into the tent when they came out so he guided them to where everyone else was.

"You Lot," Arthur began giving orders, "Get into the woods and stick together. I'll come and fetch you when this is sorted out."

Arthur then sprinted after Bill, Charlie and Percy who were heading towards the heart of the commotion. Ginny looked on at the chaos around her and pulled her cloak around herself tighter.

"C'mon," Fred said as he took Ginny's hand and headed towards the woods.

George, Ron, Hermione and Harry followed behind them.

It was all dark around them and Ginny was surprised that Fred could even see where he was going. She tightened her hold on his hand and he squeezed back.

"Don't worry Gin. Everything will be ok," Fred said so certainly. Ginny didn't doubt it.

A yell of pain was heard and Ginny turned her head around. "It's Ron," She said to the twins. They paused for a moment to listen to the voices.

"Tripped over a tree root," they heard Ron groan out. Ginny smiled. /Trust Ron to be so clumsy./

George let out a little laugh. "He's fine. Just his normal clumsy self."

Then there was another voice. "Well, with feet that size, hard not to."

Ginny's heart stopped. She knew that voice. /It's Draco/. Ginny quickly pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. /Oh no. I can't lethim see me/

Fred tugged on her hand harder. "Quickly Gin." George then took her other hand hoping to help her move faster.

/Please be alright/. Ginny prayed. /All of you/.

Lucius had ordered Draco to go to the woods and make sure everyone was heading in the right direction and though Draco knew it wasn't time to pick a fight, he just couldn't help it.

While leaning against the tree watching as everyone one scattered by, he thought he had seen Ginny running for her life. Going after her to investigate the matter, he was surprised to find Ron Weasley sprawled on the ground. Draco then knew that it wasn't Ginny he had seen, but Ronald Weasley and his red hair which was much too like Ginny's for his liking.

/Ginny couldn't be at the World Cup/ He told himself. /She's with her Aunt/

What then irritated Draco was that he had mistake his Ginny with the likes of Ronald Weasley. So leaning back against a tree, he calmed himself down and let lose his witty remark.

Without being too obvious about it, Draco had managed to get the dream team heading in the right direction away from danger. Though he hated them, Draco doubted he could ever hate anyone to wish them dead.

Lucius soon appeared in front of Draco and took his mask off. "Come Draco. Let's go home."

Draco nodded before touching the portkey in his father's hands.

Father didn't tell me about the attack until the morning of the World Cup. You wouldn't believe the relief that rushed through me when I realized how close I had been to inviting Ginny along. Just the thought of her being there and knowing I was involved was enough to send cold shivers down my spine.

Father's instructions were clear. "Go to the forest and make sure people are heading north. Don't worry and stay calm. They wouldn't dare hurt you." He said it casually, like giving instructions on how to ride a broom. Important, but relaxed.

That's all I was told and that's all I need to know. I trust him because he's my Father. I trust him because I can see the intentions behind the façade. There is no such thing as pure black and white. There only exist the many shades of grey in between.

I knew, right after that night at the World Cup that it wasn't just my nerves. The tiredness, the short pinching pain and the shortness of breath. The medicine didn't work anymore, not even the stronger stuff Janine gave me. I didn't tell them though. I pretended everything was ok because I didn't want to go into the hospital. I wanted to see Draco one last time before he left. I had to see him, just one last time.

Before I took the next few steps to meet Draco on the platform I paused to pinch my cheeks for some rosy color and rubbed my cold hands together. Pushing down the ache in my chest, I smiled and walked up to him.

He took my hands into his automatically and I looked into his eyes.

"Why are your hands so cold, Ginny?" he asked with concern. I don't like to see him worry. His eyebrows crease and his lips turn to a frown.

"I think winter's come a bit early this year. I should have worn more clothes," I said with a smile.

He relaxes and rubs my hands with his.

"It's funny you know," He begins. "I thought I saw you at the World Cup." He says jokingly.

"Really?" I feign innocence. "I must have a long lost twin out there somewhere." I say, hoping he doesn't hear the quiver in my voice.

He laughs and I know he doesn't suspect a thing. The pain is starting again. Only a little so I can still manage. The train signals it's time for departure and I fling my arms around him. He hugs me back just as tight.

Eventually I let go and kiss him on his cheek.

"I'll see you at Christmas," he says. I smile and nod.

He boards the train and looks at me from his window seat. His two friends wave at me and I wave back. Watching to train slowly move away from the platform I will myself to hold on. Just one more minute. A few more seconds.

Draco disappears from my view and I let out a sigh of relief. My eyelids feel so heavy. I just can't keep them open.

Ginny opened her eyes and looked up at the white ceiling of St. Mungos. She recognized it as the ceiling on her personal room at the Hospital. She was after all, a regular visitor and knew every inch of the place.

Lifting herself on her elbows to try and sit up, Ginny was struck with a wave of dizziness.

"Ginny," she heard Janine's voice and felt her gentle touch. "Lay back down."

Ginny did as she was told and felt better. Turning her head to the side, she saw that Janine, Steven, her mother and Aunt Nissa were all there.

"Do you remember what happened, Ginny?" Steven asked gently.

Ginny placed her hand on her head and closed her eyes. "I remember…Draco at the station…I was sending him off. Then the pain started and I felt so tired that I closed my eyes…"

Ginny shook her head. "That's all I know. What happened?"

"You fainted at the Station," Janine answered her. "Luckily your mother was close by and brought you in."

Ginny turned and saw the worried look on her mothers face. "Sorry, Mum." She apologized.

Molly sat next to her daughter and held her hands. "Don't be silly." She said with watery eyes. "As long as you're ok. That's the most important thing."

"Do you know why she fainted?" Narcissa asked.

Steven looked at Janine before it was silently decided that he would tell them the news. "Why don't I explain the details in my office while Janine does Ginny's daily checkup?" he offered.

Narcissa nodded her head in agreement and Molly gave Ginny's hand a squeeze before she and Narcissa followed Steven out of the room.

Janine went to the windows and closed the blinds for privacy before she took her wand out and began the usual checks on Ginny's heart.

Holding the wand at Ginny's chest, Janine said a spell to monitor her heart rate.

"What's wrong with me?" Ginny asked in a soft voice.

Janine looked up and saw a sad, resigned look in Ginny's eyes. "There is nothing wrong with you, Ginny," Janine said with a smile. "Your medication just isn't working very well for you anymore so we're looking for some better alternatives."

"What alternatives do I have?" Ginny asked.

Janine hesitated. "We haven't decided on anything specific yet, but we'll do some tests tomorrow and then we'll make a definite decision."

Ginny smiled sadly at how well Janine had worded the answer. "Am I dying?" she asked without any fear in her voice. "You can tell me the truth." She added. "I can handle it."

Janine knew that she had an obligation to tell all of her patients the truth about their condition. With anyone else she would not hesitate to give them the truth no matter how grim it was. But this was Ginny and she was just a little girl. The look in Ginny's eyes however didn't reflect that. She was wise beyond her years and had the right to know the truth. And she deserved to know the truth.

Janine put her wand back into her pocket and held Ginny's hand in hers. Looking into Ginny's eyes, Janine took a deep breath before she answered.

"The medication used to control your condition is not working anymore, no matter how strong we make it, and right now, we're not sure what else there is we can give you. There are temporary remedies that can help, but nothing that will maintain the stable state that is safe enough. If we cannot keep your condition under control, eventually your heart will begin to fail and then you will die."

Ginny slowly closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

I believe that everyone has a sense about themselves when it comes to their own health. You know that you're getting a cold even before the symptoms show or you know you're getting better before the healers reports come out. In this case, I can feel that I knew my time was coming.

I had such an urge to hide the fact that I was getting worse this time, when in the past I went straight to Janine and Steven to find out what was wrong. I think the urge was there because my body knew that nothing could help me and gave me the chance to do what I want to the most. To say goodbye to the people I care about.

And now I know for sure. My time is running out.

Opening her eyes again, Ginny had a small but grateful smile onto her face.

"Thank you, Janine."

End of Chapter Eighteen .Thank you for reading and I hope you review.