Hello, people here with chapter 10. I hope you enjoy and please remember to review.
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Chapter 10 – What happens now?
Ginny smiled as Ashlynn gobbled down her fourth chocolate chip cookie. "I take it you like the cookies" she said taking the plate from in front of the little girl.
"Mmm hmm" she nodded her curls bouncing with every move. "My favorite and Daddy's too." She added before frowning and looking at the wall. Sighing she laid her head on the counter.
"Hey, what's wrong sweet pea?" Ginny asked once she placed the plate out of reach.
"I want my mummy" Ashlynn said "She is taking to long" Her eyes watered signaling the urge to cry.
"Oh baby" Ginny soothed "I just talked to mummy five minutes ago. She is on her way". Ashlynn sighed and went to lean closer to the counter top.
Just then Ashlynn swayed in the too- big stool. She fell to the tile floor, scraping her knee on the corner of the bar.
Ginny was around the table and at Ashlynn's side in an instant. Ginny saw blood welling up on Ashlynn's skin, and when she heard the little girl begin to cry she felt a rush of sympathy sweep through her.
"It looks like you need a little bandage on that knee, Ashlynn" Ginny said kneeling down.
Ashlynn sniffed and nodded in agreement. "But don't put no stinging stuff on it" she stated with wide eyes.
"I wont" Ginny assured her softly. "Ashlynn why don't you come up here and"
"I want my mummy to do it!" she cried.
"Okay sweetie, mummy isn't here right now so I'll do it for you."
"Do what?" Hermione asked smiling as she entered the kitchen. "How is my." she stopped seeing the blood on her daughter's knee.
"What happened?" Hermione gasped.
"She slipped off the bar stool and scraped her knee. I was just going to clean it up" Ginny told her.
"Oh, I'll get it" Hermione said
The counters in the kitchen was large enough so that Hermione could sit Ashlynn on it and get a closer look at the girl's injury.
"It's not too bad" Hermione crooned lovingly. "Let's wash it with soap and water and then I'll put a nice bandage on it"
Although she'd stopped crying, Ashlynn's lashes were still damp and her breathing was catchy with emotion. "Will it hurt?" she asked
"I'll be as gentle as I can, sweetie," Hermione promised. "But we really need to clean it good before we cover it up. Isn't that right, Ginny?"
Um-hmm" Ginny agreed. "If there are germs on your scrape, it won't heal properly"
Ashlynn remained brave as Hermione cleaned her up. Once she was done she fell into her mother's arms holding on to her tightly.
"I'm so sorry Hermione. She was just sitting there and then she slipped" Ginny said with guilt.
"Ginny it's okay" she laughed, "I suspect this isn't the only accident she'll ever have" she smiled softly.
"I guess you're right. I just feel bad" "It's quite alright. Thanks for taking her for Luna. I appreciate it gin." Hermione told her picking up her purse.
"I hate to run but I have to meet Harry. I'm hoping he's home by now"
"Is everything alright?" Ginny asked. "Yeah, I just can't wait to see him. You know" she lied.
"Of course young love" Ginny laughed. "It just never grows old" Hermione replied with a laugh of her own.
"Thanks again gin. You helped me bunches today." Hermione told her as she left.
I only hope I helped someone else today as well, she thought to herself slowly closing the door.
"What do say Guys? One more shot of firewhisky for the road." Ron asked.
"None for me man. I got to get to the hospital," Seamus said. "Me either, I need to get home" Harry said
"Yeah I suppose I should go home too. Luna will kill me if the house isn't clean" Ron sighed rolling up a napkin.
Seamus looked at Ron his mouth hanging open "Mate, you clean the house?" He laughed.
Harry whistled trying not to join him. " No I don't clean the house arse" Ron growled "I just tidy up with my wand" he said defensively.
"So, you clean the house" Seamus said. Growling, Ron tossed the napkin wad hitting Seamus in the forehead. "Do not"
"Well I'll let you two ladies settle this. I'm out of here" Harry tossed some money on the table "Drinks on me" he said standing up.
"Later Harry," they said.
Harry pulled his cloak around him as the cool air hit him. It was beginning to get dark and the weather was dropping. It was going to be a cold ride home but he didn't mind. He would find plenty of warmth at home.
Hermione frowned entering the darkened flat. So Harry wasn't home yet. She felt relief and disappointment. Sure she wasn't ready to tell him but it was late. He should have been home already. The weather was dropping and she didn't think the idea of him out and about in it. Plus she just darn missed him.
"Okay I think you need some sleep, my darling angel" Hermione said glancing at her daughter. "But I'm not sleepy" she wined grabbing her doll from the sofa.
Hermione shook her head "No buts young lady. It's late and I want you to get some rest."
Ashlynn knew better than to argue with her mother. Pouting the whole way to her room.
Ashlynn was finally settled in bed, Hermione leaned over placing a kiss on her forehead. "Now I want you to close your eyes and get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning. How does blueberry waffles sound for breakfast?"
"Extra blueberry's" Ashlynn chirped happily. She didn't seem to mind going to bed anymore.
Hermione pretended to think about the request and laughed, "I suppose I could do that. But only if you go to sleep"
"Night mummy" she screamed with laughter lying quickly on her pillow. "Night. I love you" Hermione said clicking on the night-light.
Hermione lingered in the doorway watching over her daughter with guilt. Her life was so peaceful and now she was faced with the possibility her life would be ripped apart. Ashlynn adored the man she had always known as 'daddy' .How was she supposed to adjust to that.
Hermione was going to see to it that she never knew. Once Harry got home she would tell him and they would figure this out together.
She just hit the bottom step when the front door opened. Harry smiled seeing her "Hey, you" he said shutting the door. "Hey. I was wondering when you were coming home," she said.
"You missed me?" he said huskily reaching out to grab her. Hermione seen him moving for her but managed to side step him before he could.
"Or maybe not" he said raising his eyebrow. "Don't be silly. Of course I missed you." She sighed.
"What's going on?" he blurted out the question without thinking how it sounded.
"Harry we need to talk" Hermione said.
"Okay what's up?" He sat down on the couch looking at her with intent eyes. "Well there's no point in prolonging it. Draco knows Ashlynn's his daughter."
Harry tried to comprehend the words he just heard. He couldn't even speak. Closing his eyes he leaned his head back.
"How does he know?" he demanded still too afraid to look at her. "According to Draco he added it up" she scoffed.
"What do you mean according to Draco?" he spat opening his eyes.
"Well blaise cornered me." she shakily tried to regain her voice. "What do you mean Blaise cornered you?" he said sitting up.
"Maybe cornered wasn't the best word. He warned me Harry. It was Blaise who first told me about Draco." She stumbled with her voice once again trying to keep herself strong.
Harry watched her pace the carpet "I didn't want to believe it at first you know. So I decided to go see Draco. Make him see he was wrong. But he wouldn't listen."
She stopped pacing long enough to glance at her husband "Harry, what if he takes her?" she cried.
He gritted his jaw tightly. He wouldn't let his emotions get the better of him. Hell who was he kidding? His emotions had been ruling him all day long, and now into the night.
"You went to see Malfoy? Alone" he rolled his eyes. "Honestly Mione have you lost your mind? You don't go taking on Malfoy without protection"
"What would you have me do Harry. Wait on some plan and hope for the best" her voice dripped with sarcasm.
"Yes, no… I don't know Hermione. I just found out. Doesn't leave much notice does it." he sighed.
"Precisely! Which is why I decided to see him this morning. Blaise said Draco hasn't been himself lately. The last thing I needed was you fighting him or worse you two trying to kill each other." She groaned.
"And you thought you can handle that lunatic?" he laughed harshly.
"Well not last night. That's why I waited." She spoke the words before she even realized what she said.
"Last night" he said tightly "Last night. You knew about this last night and you never said a word." He let out a deep breath.
"Harry" she gasped "I thought I was helping you. There was already so much you were dealing with. I really thought I could talk to him."
"Nothing is more important to me than my daughter" he hissed " As far as I'm concerned you kept this from me and that hurt's. I'm not about to let him anywhere near Ashlynn"
Hermione wiped the tears that had fallen freely "Harry I was scared. Understand, I thought I could spare you."
"Yeah" he said softly " And I thought you trusted me. Looks like we both were wrong," he said turning and walking up the darkened stairway.
Hermione stared at the empty staircase. She never meant for him to find out. She'd give anything to have this week erased from their lives. Did he actually think she didn't trust him with their daughter? It was absurd.
She trusted him with their lives. It was one of the reasons she agreed to the marriage.
She not only trusted him she fell in love with him. She wanted so badly to have him do the same, but at the rate she was going she might as well rip his heart out of his chest and serve it on a silver platter.
Didn't they have one in the kitchen?
Hermione stifled a sob as she realized she very well might have driven him away. She needed to see her daughter. Ashlynn was the only thing that made her life seem less crazy.
Hermione stood in the doorway of her daughter's room. Ashlynn looked so tiny in the big bed. She was tiny. Tiny and innocent. How was she going to deal with Draco?
She had no clue yet. But she relaxed knowing Harry would be there for them no matter what. Just as she turned to leave she heard a voice "Mummy"
Hermione turned around; her lovely sleeping daughter was now sitting up in the middle of the bed smiling a mega watt smile.
"What are you still doing awake?" she laughed. "I told you I wasn't sleepy" she rolled her eyes.
"I think I remember yousaying something like that. And I said you were to get some rest" Hermione chuckled trying to look stern but failing miserably.
Hermione sensed a presence behind her and turned. There, in the open doorway, was Harry, his gaze riveted to the scene before him.
The deep crease of concern that knit his brows together marred his handsome face. The very sight of him started Hermione's insides churning.
The sheer strength of the attraction she felt for this man, her husband, continued to startle her. She wanted to rush to him, to reassure him that he needn't worry about Ashlynn. But she knew how he felt, or thought she knew.
He wouldn't appreciate any kind of comfort coming from her. The thought made her shoulder's droop with despair. What had she done to their relationship?
"Daddy!" Ashlynn's face lit up when she noticed her father.
"What happened?" he asked noticing the bandage covering her knee. His tone as curt as it was gruff.
"She's okay" Hermione hurried to assure him. His sharp, emerald eyes didn't even glance her way.
"I fell down," Ashlynn explained. "But mummy fixed me right up"
"She really is okay, Harry she fell at Ginny's" Hermione said only he ignored her again.
"How about a story?" Harry asked the little girl "I'll even make it a Hogwarts one" he smiled. Ashlynn squealed with delight. "Mummy can tell the story with you" she grinned.
For a spilt second, the silence was so thick and tense Hermione though the very air had congealed. She watched as Harry's jaw muscle clenched tightly.
"Oh, sweetie," Hermione said to Ashlynn "I'm feeling quite tired actually. I think I'll just head to bed." She smoothed her palm along her daughter's cheek. "But you enjoy the story with your dad. Have a good time and get some sleep"
Hermione disappeared around the corner. For a moment neither Harry nor Ashlynn said a word. It seemed her exit left the room feeling empty.
"I miss mummy" Ashlynn whispered the words almost to herself.
"Me too, baby me too. Harry said unable to take his eyes off the vacant doorway.
It had been a couple hours since Ashlynn fell asleep and Harry was still in his study. He had hoped to get some work done for the new law but he just couldn't concentrate.
How could she do this? How could she keep something like this from him? Somewhere in the back of his mind he wondered what else he didn't know.
No he wasn't going to start thinking that way. Hermione was like no other woman he'd ever met. She was no liar. She wasn't a schemer. But why then didn't she see it was imperative to protect Ashlynn from the likes of Draco.
Groaning he rubbed his temples he needed to sleep. Today was a long day and he was ready to end it. Sighing he shut off the light and headed down the hallway.
Harry made his way around the corner and was drawn by the wedge of soft light coming from the narrow opening of Ashlynn's bedroom door he peeked in.
The door slid opened with the barest touch. The low wattage night-light lit the room in a golden glow. He moved to the bed and eased down to sit on the very edge of the mattress next to his sleeping daughter.
Ashlynn's shoulders rose and fell with her steady pace of sleep. And as Harry watched her, he felt as though his heart could not possibly hold all the love he felt for this little cherub-faced imp.
When her big brown eyes looked at him, he knew he could conquer the world. There was nothing he wouldn't do for her.
"Mummy"
Somewhere between a sigh and a murmur the word escaped his daughter's dream. Harry felt his throat nearly swell shut. He turned his head, the satiny light blurred as he blinked back tears.
Was his darling little girl going to betray him, too?
He reached out and smoothed back her curly hair. Leaning forward, he intended to kiss her on the forehead, but stopped. He was not about to let harm come to her. He swore it the day he held her for the first time.
Harry felt an overwhelming desire to gather her up in his arms, cuddle her tight and whisper that everything was going to be okay. But he didn't. He couldn't bring himself to wake her just because he was the one who needed to be comforted.
He loved her more than words could express. He never in his life wished her any kind of sorrow or pain.
Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on his knees and cradled his head in his hand. The weight of the world seemed to press in on him as he searched his soul for some kind of solution.
Fifteen minutes after Hermione left her husband and daughter, her wish seemed to be granted as with a small sigh she slipped off to sleep. But there was no escape from emotional torment, even in sleep. Dark dreams awaited Hermione in the night, dreams of danger and Draco, of hurt and horrors, of love betrayed and trust destroyed.
Harry was in bed, trying to make himself tired enough to sleep, when he heard the scream.
'Hermione'
Jumping up he dashed for the master bedroom, turning on the overhead light as he burst through the door, racing for the bed. She was curled up in a ball in the middle of the bed, her eyes tightly shut and her head bent almost to her chest.
"No, please Draco" she whimpered. "Please…"
Harry's heart almost broke to see her like that. It was one thing to imagine what she was thinking, another to hear for himself how truly frightened she was. The poor darling, no wonder she was so worried.
He had to wake her up. Bring her back from her nightmare. Make her see that Draco wouldn't hurt her and she was safe. With him.
"Mione" he said shaking her gently. Her eyes flew open, terror still in their brown depths.
"It's me" he said softly "Harry"
"Harry, oh, Harry!" she sobbed, her hands coming up to cover her face, her shoulder's shaking uncontrollably as she began to weep.
Harry's heart filled to overflowing with love, and the need to show that love. Not sexually but Physically.
"It's all right, Mione" without a moment's hesitation he lifted the blanket and slid in beside her. "You're safe" he said and wrapped his arms tightly around her.
For a second, she stiffened but then sank against him, still crying but not hysterically.
"Harry" she chocked out once more and wound her arms around his back. "Not Draco"
"No, not Draco. I'm nothing like Draco. Hush, my darling," he murmured as he stroked her hair "Hush"
How long did he hold her like that, soothing her, stroking her, making her feel safe? It might have been fifteen minutes. Maybe longer. He couldn't be sure.
Neither was he sure of the moment when his soothing touch changed to seducing.
Desire for her had sunk up on him. Slowly. Seditiously. Before he knew it, he was fiercely erect and he was kissing her mouth, softly at first, then with more purpose and passion.
For a few moments, her mouth froze under his, but then it relaxed and melted and turned to liquid heat. Harry's mind blazing with male triumph at the speed of her surrender.
She may not have said she wanted him but her body did. It was telling him so in no uncertain terms, her tongue as avid as his as they entwined with each other.
She moaned softly when he withdrew. He levered himself up on one elbow and looked down into her flushed face.
"Mione, I want to do more than kiss you" his conscience compelled him to say. "Tell me now if you don't want me to continue"
She just said nothing. Just stared at him.
Harry smothered a groan, his gaze dropping to where her nipples were outlined like little rocks against her pink silk pajamas. Yes, her body wanted him. But what about her mind? Could he even say she was in her right mind at this moment?
Wasn't he taking advantage of her need for someone… possibly anyone… to comfort her?
Man and woman had been using sex as an instrument of comfort since Adam and eve.
"Say something" he insisted, his voice raw with his own need.
He would stop if she wanted him to. He loved her too much to risk causing her hurt.
"Yes" she said, her voice low and quivering. Yes? Yes, what?
Harry groaned, "You want me to stop?"
"No!" No.
She didn't want him to stop. Never had a woman admitting she wanted him meant so much to Harry. "Oh, Mione" he whispered, his right hand trembling as it stroked down her lovely face.
He almost said he loved her then. Almost. But, luckily, he bit his tongue in time, bending his mouth to hers instead.
With her permission, the urgency of his own need had lessened. Giving Hermione pleasure was what he wanted most. Making her feel loved without his having to say it.
Harry wasn't very wonderful with words or sentimental gestures. No matter how many times he told himself just to say the words he just couldn't find the strength.
But he didn't waste another minute on the thought. After all, they said when a man made love to a woman his real feelings for her came through his actions.
Harry had quite recently thought his feelings for Hermione were lust. But that was certainly not true anymore. He didn't want any kinky positions tonight. Or for her to do anything. Just to let him love her.
His head lifted again, leaving her eyes clinging to his in the most heart stopping way. He watched her face as his hands went to the small pearl buttons on her pajama top, alert for any sign of protest, or returning panic.
But all she did was take a deep breath.
His fingers fumbled a little on the last button, his own breath becoming suspended as he bared her chest into his eyes. It was almost as if were seeing her body for the first time. Feeling it for the first time
When his right hand brushed lightly over the tips of her breast, she sucked in sharply. Harry glanced up to make sure it was all right for him to go on.
Hermione's eyes were big on him, her lips apart, and her breathing shallow and quick.
Encouraged, he bent his mouth to her nipple licking it gently with his tongue. She gasped, her back arching.
He looked up again. This time, her eyes were tightly shut but her lips had fallen even further apart.
Her moans of pleasure thrilled him. And aroused him. Harry began finding it harder to be gentle. And patient. But gentle and patient he remained.
Harry made love to her with such carefulness and timing. He desperately wanted her to enjoy it as much as he did.
Finally he rolled off, both of them panting. It was even better than the first time. Harry was in heaven.
"Hermione, we need to talk," he said once his breath returned. Hermione shuffled the bed sheet, turning to face him.
"I know," she said He thought about postponing the talk when she sat up looking quite scared. But he knew the time had come to deal with Draco.
" Hermione, I don't intend to let Draco anywhere near you and Ashlynn. I don't want you confronting him again" Harry sighed as stood up placing his boxers back on.
"Promise you wont do anything that foolish" he begged. She was close to tears, "I won't"
"The next thing I must say is very important, we need to make sure he doesn't have access to Ashlynn at all. I don't even want him taking a glimpse of her." Harry spat quite harshly.
"If he comes near her, I swear he's dead" Hermione shivered. She knew he meant it. Harry would not hesitate to defend what he saw threaten. He proved that with Voldemort.
"Dead" the word whispered from her lips, her eyes going oddly blank for a moment.
"Dead" she repeated, then groaned as her hands whipped up to cover her face. Her shoulders started shaking.
"He's not worth your tears" Harry said, stunned that she would cry for such a man. "I'm not crying for him" Hermione choked out "I'm crying because I'm safe" her hands raked down her tear streaked face to clasp together in a prayer like gesture "And so is my baby"
"Don't ever forget it," he whispered. Harry didn't want to leave. He wanted to fall back into the bed and hold her all night. But she looked tired and she needed rest. Besides it hurt too much to be this close to her.
Sure they were married and most couples held each other at night. But they weren't like most couples. He loved her and she didn't feel the same.
Hell he'd take whatever she wanted to give him. Wasn't the love making proof of that? But his heart wasn't ready to let him down again. Spending the night with Hermione would only leave him more alone then ever.
"You're tired and so am I, why don't you get some sleep and we'll talk more in the morning" Harry found himself gripping the bedpost as if was a drowning man holding on to a scrape of wreckage.
The way she looked at him. Not with love, or blinding desire. But with the most heart rending gratitude reminded him he was her savior not the man in her heart.
"Goodnight Mione" he said walking out the door. "Goodnight Harry" she whispered to herself.
Hermione sighed as her head hit the pillow. She was going to try and sleep but after tonight she really didn't think she could.
She let her hand rest over the place Harry sat. It was still warm from his presence. His attitude changed since they last spoke in Ashlynn room and it gave her hope. If they agreed on one thing it was Draco not getting Ashlynn and to her it was a start.
Draco groaned as the alarm clock buzzed loudly. He was not the type you would call a morning person. He cursed throwing the silken green sheets from his body and sitting up. He wasn't keen about wasting his Sunday shopping in Hogsmeade but tomorrow he started his new job and he needed some supplies.
Groaning he let himself fall back onto the king sized bed. He wanted nothing more than to curl back up and sleep the whole day. Sleep seemed to never come to him last night.
Hermione invaded his every dream. She was in his thoughts day and night now. How much more could he really take?
A small smile found it's way to his mouth as he thought back to Ashlynn. She was the greatest thing he ever did.
What he would give to see her right now. He found himself wondering what it would be like to wake up and find her eating breakfast, waiting for him to join her.
God, he wanted to tell her last night. Would she really have reacted badly? Surely she already found the house acceptable and she didn't seem to share her parent's view of him.
Her parent's, Let Potter think he was daddy. In the long run he would be reunited with Hermione and his daughter. Until then he would let Harry play his little game.
He sat up with relief as the room fell silent. Holding his wand he survey the remains of what was his alarm clock. Looked like he had to add another item to the list for Hogsmeade. God he hated Sunday.
Harry and Hermione agreed to the plans they laid out over breakfast. Ashlynn looked quite happy as she stuffed the last blueberry waffle into her mouth.
"Ashlynn, don't stuff your mouth so full" Hermione cried. "Hermione let her eat" Harry said from behind the paper.
"Harry honestly she eats like Ron" she spat out with disapproval.
From behind the paper Harry winked at his daughter causing her to laugh. Hermione sighed sipping her coffee. So much for instilling manners into her child.
"Daddy, are you going to Hogsmeade with us?" Ashlynn asked
"Uncle Ron is coming over I have to finish up my work" he said with regret as she looked disappointed.
"Hey chin up munchkin, you and mummy will have a great time," he said.
"Aunt Luna's going with us," Hermione added hoping to brighten her mood. "Okay" she said pushing her fork around her empty plate.
Harry set down the paper "I'll tell you what. How about I take you and mummy out to eat tonight. What do you say?"
She smiled "Okay, can I go play with my dolls?" she asked Hermione "Sure sweetie, but you only have an hour before we leave"
Hermione didn't get a response the little girl just tore down the hallway. "Well that seemed to cheer her up" she chuckled.
"Doesn't take much to please her" Harry glanced at Hermione "So is dinner tonight okay with you" he asked.
"Sounds lovely" Hermione smiled sipping her juice.
Draco grimaced standing in the entranceway to Hogsmeade. He watched the different people pass him wondering which shop to start in. He had to many places to go to.
Finally deciding to get the robes fitted first he headed towards Madam Malkin's shop. He was almost at the door when something or someone collided into him.
"Watch it or I'll. Oh it's you," he said looking down at the person who now sat on the ground looking all to annoyed.
"Hello to you to Malfoy" Ginny snapped. Seeing as he made no effort to offer her help she stood up brushing off her robes.
"Hey, you may have brought me my daughter but don't expect me to go all friendly on you" he exclaimed.
"You are still a Weasley" he glanced down at his robes smoothing out the rumpled sleeve the collision left. It was a good thing he wasn't looking or he may have considered grabbing his wand.
The murderous look she gave him would have sent anyone else into hiding. "But since you're here. You can do me a favor," he said not realizing she was upset.
Ginny gasped, "Really and what would that be?" she rolled her eyes
"I wish another visit with my daughter. Can you arrange it?" He waited for her surprise to fizzle before she answered.
"I'm not entirely sure that would be in her best interest, seeing you aren't much of a people person" she smirked.
"I'm fully…" he stopped, as something caught his eye. Ginny stared at him in confusion. Turning around she searched for what got his attention.
Following his gaze she spotted Hermione and Luna. Right next to them stood Ashlynn. Ginny's eyes widen in fear, shoving Draco they disappeared around the sidewall.
"What are you doing? Crazy girl" He spat flinging his robes. "Helping you," she whispered peeking behind the column.
"I hardly call pushing me, help," he informed her sarcastically. "Do you always complain?" she groaned coming back behind the wall.
"Look I had to get you out of the way. If Hermione saw me with you she surely wouldn't let Ashlynn near me. Right now I'm the only chance you have getting to know your daughter"
She sighed "And I suggest if you want that to continue. You treat me with a little respect"
He cocked an eyebrow. "Interesting" he smirked
Something in his voice and in his eyes sent a shiver slithering down her spine.
Don't show fear she told herself. But Ginny had to admit, if only to herself. The man scared her.
Not in a physical way. She didn't suspect he had an abusive side. But there was a streak of animal magnetism to him that sent her over the moon.
Surely it had to be a quirk in her own character. After all she had a natural weakness for men who were wrong for her. There was no way she was attracted to Malfoy.
Whatever- she knew she was drawn to him, and she also knew giving into that pull would be very bad for her.
"Then what do you suggest?" he asked at last "Learn to tap dance and swear everlasting friendship"
Ginny tried to smile; she was beginning to feel uncomfortable as he inched closer to her. Her smile was tight "How about we just lay off the insults. See each other as equals" she said.
His gaze became speculative "You mean, act civilized in each other's presence"
"Yes" she said too quickly.
"Right" he smirked and leaned closer; she could feel his warm breath brush across her neck. "Don't worry, I can handle that"
That did it! She closed her eyes and gulped. Draco smirked as she closed her eyes. So he intimidated her. The thought made him laugh.
He studied her face, suddenly becoming aware of the tiny freckles that covered her nose. He found himself drawn to the markings. Funny he never noticed the markings before. But he had never allowed himself to get this close to her or any Weasley for that matter.
She was actually cute he thought. That's what did. He jumped away like he had been burned. What they hell? He just thought Ginny Weasley was cute.
He thought he would be sick.
Ginny backed away embarrassed by the closeness and the effect it had on her. "I'll see what I can do about tonight" she said and walked quickly around the corner.
Draco watched her go away. He was glad to be rid of her he told himself but then why was he suddenly empty.
His heart beat as he walked up behind her "Hello, love" he whispered. He had spotting her standing in line for a book and jumped on the chance to speak to her.
Jerking around she sighed. It was Draco. She looked around him trying to spot Luna. "You're not going to say hello?" he asked her smiling.
Hermione couldn't help it she frowned "You wish. You can't catch me off guard like that again"
"Coward" he growled
"No. Just too smart for the likes of you." She walked around him "And now if you don't mind, I think it's time that I left"
He shrugged and followed her to the door. "You can't tell me you're still upset with me" he asked her.
"We didn't solve anything Draco" she sighed.
"We can't solve anything until you're willing to agree to marry me."
"Draco, it could never work. I don't love you and I refuse to spend the rest of my life pretending I do" her eyes held a sadness he wished he could wipe away.
Maybe it was wishful thinking, but Draco thought he heard a bit of hesitation in her voice.
"I won't stop asking you," he assured her. "I can't"
"And I can't give you the answer you're looking for. So where does that leave us?"
"A stalemate" she answered for him.
She turned and left. Draco didn't follow her. He simply stood there watching her.
"Yes, they'd reached a stalemate, but eventually she would see the sense in his proposal. Soon she'd say yes.
He was sure of it. Well, almost sure.
Harry tapped his quill on the pad of paper in front of him. Today was the day. Draco was starting at the ministry. And a wonderful start it was turning out to be. He was ten minutes late.
They were waiting for him to show up for the morning meeting. The minister insisted they wait for him to arrive. Harry fumed. If they hadn't hired in the first place he thought.
Just has the thought left, the door swung open revealing a smug Draco. "My apologies, sir. I'm afraid my alarm clock was out of order," he said sitting down.
Harry narrowed his eyes. He wanted nothing more than to charge across the table and beat the hell out of him. But he was the department head. He needed to be calm.
Draco glared across the table at Harry. So he wasn't happy about his placement in the department. Good, then his plan to annoy Harry was working.
"Welcome Mr. Malfoy, glad you could join us" the minister smiled. "Some of us aren't" Harry mumbled under his breath.
"You say something Harry," the minister asked hearing Harry whisper. All eyes fell on Harry, as he sat up "Oh nothing sir. Please continue" he smiled.
"Right," he said turning his attention back to the room. "Well as you know, this week you all shall be receiving you're assignments." Lifting up a piece of parchment he handed it to the man sitting next to him.
"Here you will find the assignment and the person you will be paired with. Please note your section as it comes around the table"
The minister nodded as the man passed the parchment to his left. "Mr. Finnigan, I have granted your request to stay close to home. Give my congratulations to your wife."
"Thank you sir," he said reading the parchment. So he was going to work in files with Neville. He could deal with that. He paused as his eyes skimmed down the list. Ron was working with Blaise oh this was going to be rich.
He searched the parchment for Harry's name. Harry was going to work with no. This was not funny. Glancing around the table everyone seemed lost in conversation. Seamus nudged Ron.
"What is it?" Ron asked
"Man I'm working with Zabini," he groaned "Yes but look at Harry's partner" Seamus whispered.
"Draco Malfoy, shit Harry's not going to like this" Ron said. He passed the list over.
Harry barely felt the parchment touch his hand "Excuse me a moment Neville" he said grabbing the parchment.
He jaw clenched. Over his dead body would he work with Malfoy. "Sir" he said, "There's been a mistake. This says I'm working with him"
He nodded his head toward Draco in disgust. "Awe, Mr. Potter. No mistake." He said.
"You and Draco will make a good team" The minister looked at Draco.
"You stick with Harry here. He has a lot to offer in terms of understanding the importance of an auror. It takes hard work and dedication to get where he is. Watch and learn. Before you know it you will have everything Harry worked so hard to maintain"
"Oh don't worry Minister. When I'm through I'll have everything Potter has and then some" Draco smirked.
Nobody caught his hidden meaning but Harry did.
Harry narrowed his eyes. So Draco wanted a challenge? Well then Harry accepted.
If Draco wanted to play dirty then dirty Harry would get.
The day didn't go any better for Harry as it moved along. With Ron and Seamus working with different partners he was left alone with Draco.
When they reached his office Harry turned on him. "You stay the hell away from my daughter and my wife," he hissed slamming him against the wall.
"You have no claim to my daughter Potter. Draco fired back shrugging himself free from the hold. "I'm warning you, Malfoy if you don't back down I will kill you"
"Kill me" he scoffed "You stand here, married to my girl, raising my daughter and threaten me. I should curse you right now"
Harry laughed "You're girl, you're daughter! Where were you when Hermione fell pregnant? Oh yeah YOU WERE SERVING VOLDEMORT" he yelled.
"You know very well I was working with Dumbledore" Draco hissed.
"I'm not so sure that is true," Harry told him.
"You arrogant bastard" Draco spat. "How do you think the last horexcuse was found?" he asked.
Harry looked rather anxiously "How do you know about that?" he barked.
"I was the one who found it, idiot," Draco told him leaning against the doorframe.
"Potter I want them back. I wont give up till I have them at Malfoy Manor. Hermione and I share a past and that gave us our daughter. I wont walk away empty handed this time."
It was a warning. Just a plain warning but Harry didn't seem to feel threaten. "You're right Draco, you and Hermione did share a past once. But I am now sharing her future along side my daughter."
"Enjoy it while it last" Draco said walking out the office.
Well here it is chapter 10. Hope you like it and please review good or bad.