Chapter Eleven
Ginny groaned as sunlight filtered through the thing curtains of her dorm. She had awoken to her messed up hair, old gym gear and was actually on top of the mattress throughout the night so she had the sniffles.
'Great,' thought Ginny dully. But then she smiled at the memories of the last evening. When Draco held her, she just never felt as close to somebody before. She could have sworn their hearts were beating in union. Ginny sighed contentedly. She remembered how after about three hours of just laying on a bed with each other, Draco finally convinced Ginny that her back would hurt if she fell asleep in the narrow bed with him.
So Ginny promised to visit him tomorrow, and went back to her dorm at about 12:46 am. Just as well the replacement healers would arrive that day, the whole dept. would have been one healer short.
"Colin! Are you awake?" yelled Ginny, fully knowing Colin was above her, snoozing contentedly.
A few moments later there was a disgruntled "Ginny! Why did you go and wake me up?"
"Because I'm your best friend," replied Ginny giggling.
"Right. You know you woke me up this morning as well? You're a sucky best friend."
"All a matter of opinions," retorted Ginny. And with that, Ginny cast a temporary screen where she could change into clean clothes.
"Christi, please, I feel fine! Can I please go?"
"Draco! I know you're strong, but you should know better! You've been hit with the killing curse! I only forgive you for your silliness because you are sick. You, are, staying, in bed!" said Christi forcefully.
Christi was kind of like a big sister to Draco, she was a mentor and professor at the campus where he learnt the art of healing.
Draco pouted at her and turned on his baby eyes.
"It's not going to work Draco," sighed Christi, but already her heart was melting.
"Fine."
It was like this for the next few days because Christi wouldn't let him out of bed. Ginny visited him a lot, which was the highlight of his days. But most of her time was spent training with Harry or Colin and being interviewed by Hot-Diggity. Neville, Seamus andOliver were forgiven because they were imperioused, and they apologized profusely, much to everyone's annoyance after a few hours.
On the fifth day, when Draco felt a lot of his strength return to his limbs, he levered himself gently out of bed and put on his slippers. 'Christi will be surprised,' he thought. He gingerly walked over to the head healer's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in," came Christi's voice faintly. Draco pushed on the door and saw Christi look up from a mound of paper work. "How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Well, I can walk. It just hit me, you wouldn't let me out of bed because I would have fallen like a sack of potatoes. I should have known," said Draco.
Christi laughed and said "I'm guessing you'd like your clothes? I had them cleaned up for you. No blood, no weird slashes in them."
"Thanks," smiled Draco and he gingerly walked out of the office to change behind a screen. His first destination after changing, to see Ginny who would be in her dorm, probably tending after Godric's sword.
Ginny was in her dorm with Colin, tending after Godric's sword. As she manually polished and admired its perfection, she murmured to Colin as he was reading a book "I remember when Harry destroyed the diary with this. It was so full of dirt." 'And blood,' thought Ginny dryly.
Colin grunted in reply. Just as Ginny sheathed the mighty sword, a knock came from the door. "Gee, I wonder who this could be," stated Colin sarcastically.
"Haha," replied Ginny sardonically. She went to answer the door and revealed Draco.
"Hey," said Ginny.
"Hey," replied Draco. There was a bit of a silence and Ginny heard Colin sniggering in the background and gripped the handle of her wand threateningly. Colin immediately shut up.
"You look much better, Christi let you out? If I got hit by that curse I'd stay in bed till someone dragged me off it," said Ginny, leading Draco out of the doorway.
Draco laughed and said "I was dying of boredom."
"You said you didn't need me to visit you all the time!" said Ginny, giving Draco a playful shove as they strolled in no general direction.
"Why did I ever say that?" sighed Draco, then suddenly reaching out and tickling Ginny mirthlessly.
"Stop, stop! Okay stop!" giggled Ginny as she gasped for air. She was weakened by the tickling and fell into Draco's arms. 'Well, this is convenient,' thought Ginny as his arms wrapped around her tightly, but not too tightly.
'Merlin he's perfect.'
'Maybe I can touch her boobs.'
"Master," rasped Lucius Malfoy. "I have the reports."
"Well?" demanded Lord Voldemort.
"We're losing men to the Ministry, the mud-loving clan the Weasleys have greatly damaged our attack force.
"Kill as many of them as possible," said Voldemort in a chilling voice. Lucius continued with his report until he was done and began rolling up his parchment and got ready to leave the Lord's secret chambers.
"By the way, Lucius. Kill Narcissa, there is no need to keep her alive anymore. I cannot get anything out of her about your despicable son."
Feelings of excitement and disgust flooded Lucius. Excitement that he got to kill his wife, disgust of his only son Draco who had betrayed his whole heritage and Lord.
In a small room in the psychiatric ward in St Mungo's, awoke Narcissa from a deep coma. Gasping for air she screamed and screamed. But these were not the screams of a tortured, insane woman. These were real screams of fear, of the sound mind. No one came running, the staff had learnt to leave her alone. There was nothing more that could be done about Narcissa Malfoy.
Narcissa screamed "Healer!" Soon a startled healer dashed into the room. "Mrs Malfoy? Are you alright?"
"I am going to die," said Narcissa, deathly quiet.
"Please, ma'am, you are safe here at St," said the nurse sympathetically, but Narcissa cut her off.
"You don't understand, don't pretend to," hissed Narcissa. "Listen to me, I am going to die within the next twenty-four hours. I need you to do something for me."
"Of course, anything," whispered Velma. Velma was the young healer who had been registered to look after Narcissa. She couldn't help but want to help.
"I need my son Draco with me, now. While I am not trapped within my tortured mind. Tom has given me sanity so I can sense real fear when I die. I need my son with me now! Within the hour."
"Right away," muttered Velma, giving Narcissa's hand a quick squeeze in reassurance. This simplest gesture of caring and kindness brought tears to Narcissa's eyes, and she silently wept.
General Hot-Diggity was revising his plans to attack the centre of the forest when his Ministry emergency contact parchment glowed with a yellow light. He reached out to read it and the lines in his forehead furrowed as he read the message. He quickly summoned Manny to his office and told her to get this message which he had magically copied and printed onto another piece of parchment to Draco Malfoy as soon as possible.
Manny cast a locating spell and found Draco in one of the smaller courtyards. 'Must be there with Ginny,' thought Manny. She thought they were a beautiful couple.
Within a few minutes, Manny reached the courtyard Draco was in and she noticed the two kissing. Heatedly. Manny shook off the embarrassment and stepped forward and tapped Draco on the shoulder gently.
Both Ginny and Draco were lost in their kisses, with one thought going through their minds. "We're going to have sex!" Just as Draco thought he couldn't stand themselves still wearing clothing, someone tapped him on the shoulder. Groaning, Draco broke away from Ginny's lips and turned around.
"Manny? What are you doing here?" more pissed than embarrassed. No one usually came into this courtyard!
Draco was quickly distracted when he felt Ginny's slender arms snake around his torso from behind.
"Hi Manny," murmured Ginny.
"Hey," smiled Manny. Manny liked Ginny, she kind, sharp but treated people with respect. Manny quickly snapped back to reality and handed over a sealed piece of parchment to Draco. "It's an emergent message."
"Thanks," said Draco and he opened the seal as Manny left. Ginny had her eyes closed so she didn't know what the note said, but she could feel Draco shaking as he read it.
"What's wrong?"
"I have to go."
"What? Now? Tell me what happened. What does it say?" said Ginny, immediately concerned.
"I'll see you later," said Draco as he got up, leaving Ginny on the bench. She suddenly felt very lonely even though Draco was right next to her. "I love you." Ginny didn't believe it though, Draco's voice sounded hollow, quite different to his normal voice.
Draco started strode to the center of the building, leaving Ginny behind. The note fluttered from Draco's hands but he didn't bother to pick it up. Ginny chased after it and read it.
Mr Malfoy, your mother is awake in St Mungo's. She is of sound mind, for the time being. She has informed me her time is limited. Please be at the psychiatric ward within the hour of receiving this message.
Regards,
Junior healer,
Valma Carloz,
St Mungo's.
Shocked, Ginny folded up the note and slowly walked to her dorm. She supposed Draco would gain permission to use the special Floo network that was for the Ministry only to get to the hospital. She hoped everything was okay. Ginny knew how much Draco loved his mother. Whenever he talked about her, his eyes lit up and he suddenly filled with some kind of warmth.
Ginny's eyes darkened. Molly. Her own mum. She hadn't spoken to her in ages, and hoped everything was okay. Ginny sighed and looked upward.
'This sucks.'
Draco closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around himself as he spun wildly in the fireplace. Concentrating on one thing.
He was going to see his mother who was now completely sane.
He stopped spinning and gingerly stepped out of the large fireplace which belonged to the lobby of St Mungo's. Draco concentrated hard and the spinning soon ceased. He was saddened by the sight of the lobby, people were no longer mucking around or wasting time. Just about everyone wore a grim face, and walked around with purpose.
Draco queried around for Narcissa Malfoy, and was soon directed to her ward. Velma greeted Draco warmly, but Draco kept a straight face. He was bracing himself for what he would see.
"Here you are," said Velma gently, gesturing towards the door she just opened. Draco nodded in thanks and stepped into the dimly lit room. His eyes took a few moments to adjust from the bright lights of the corridor, but there, unmistakably was his mother.
Narcissa's long platinum blonde hair was strewn over her pillow and her breathing was even. She looked like she was sleeping. Emotion welled up in Draco's heart. He had been staving off his feelings for his mum because they were distracting. Now he couldn't seem to hold them in.
"Mother?" whispered Draco. He was afraid she wouldn't only look around blankly and scream or cower, like she usually did all those months back.
Narcissa turned to look at Draco carefully. When she faced him, she smiled gently and whispered "Draco."
Draco couldn't believe it. She knew his name! She knew who he was! Tears couldn't be held in as he rushed to his mother's bed and hugged her. Draco felt alive when he felt her hug her back with all her heart, and he knew she was crying too.
"Oh mum, I've missed you so much. How are you? I've got so much to tell you," blurted out Draco, tears streaming down your face. "All the time you were there in that bed, and you didn't know me, he tortured you into insanity. Now he's brought you back from the realms of the mad. Tell me, is this just his ploy for him to hurt me? It's working! Why are you running out of time?"
"Draco," whispered Narcissa, her finger silencing Draco's lips. "I don't have much time, I am not going to tell you why, you don't need to know. This time, don't find out, at least not now. Draco, I want you to know I love you, no matter what, I have always loved you. When I was imprisoned in my own mind and pain, a part of me knew I would always love my son. That bastard Lucius has never gotten in the way, remember that."
"Mum, I love you too! I want you to stay! I miss you already! Please.. don't go. How will I survive without you?"
"Love Draco. You will survive with love." With those words, Draco suddenly remembered Ginny, and a slight smile graced his lips. Narcissa had never seen anything so beautiful before. "Is it a girl, Draco? You know how I love to know these things," teased Narcissa softly.
"Yes, the most beautiful woman ever. Her name is," but then Draco paused. How would his mother react to him courting a Weasley?
"Her name is?" asked Narcissa expectantly, stroking Draco's fine hair lovingly.
Draco gulped, but decided to tell her. "I'm in love with Ginny Weasley."
Silence.
"Oh Draco, that's wonderful! I'm so amazed you've fallen for a Weasley! I am glad your father hasn't taken over your opinions. How I'd love to meet her."
Sudden feelings of regret and shame flooded Draco. It must have shown on his face because Narcissa asked "what's wrong? Tell me what you're thinking." She could sense time was running out and she needed to know what was going on in her son's life. While she could, while she was alive.
"I, was.. just, kissing her when I got the message to see you. I completely ignored her. I'm so horrible," muttered Draco, lapsing into a phase of self hate.
"Shush Draco, if she's in love with you too, and understands how you feel, she will understand."
"Yeah, thanks." Draco smiled and looked straight at his mother's beautiful face. Pure love radiated from her. How could she have married that monster Lucius?
They spent the next hour chatting and catching up. Re-bonding. Just when Draco thought he couldn't be happier, he had both women he loved with his heart, Narcissa stiffened up. Her eyes hardened and she hissed to Draco, "go. Leave, now. Don't come in, no matter what."
"What? Why? Mum, I don't want to leave you, please, I love you!"
Narcissa slumped into the bed and softened her tone. "I love you too Draco. More than anything else in the world. That is why you have to go. I will never see you again."
Draco felt like something had clamped his insides and he couldn't breathe.
"Go! Please! For the sake of you, I love you. Listen to your mother, remember, don't come in. No matter what. I love you, my only son."
"I love you too," cried Draco. This was it, he had to leave his mother, again. Tears wouldn't stop falling as he stepped away from Narcissa and headed for the door. As he reached it, he looked back at his mother, lying still underneath hospital sheets. She had her eyes closed, as if she was waiting for something to happen. A moment later she opened them, and her eyes sought out Draco. She kissed her hand blew a kiss to Draco.
Draco swore he could have felt the light touch of his mother's lips on his cheeks as he turned and left. Hanging his head down, Draco had no desire to return to the safe-house at that moment. He sat down on one of the benches the hospital provided and held his face in his hands. He had learnt not to question his mother when she decided something was to happen. He wished he could have stayed to ward off what was to take her life, but she knew his mother's plight went further than petty murder. Draco felt helpless.
Suddenly, a chill flooded Draco's insides, and he looked around quickly. No one seemed to notice. And then he realized, his father and Voldemort. Voldemort must have decided Narcissa was a waste of time since he could not get any information from her. The chill was from whenever Lucius was nearby.
Lucius was there to kill his mother. Draco dashed to his mother's room, not caring about what she said about not coming in. But it was too late, when he ran past the yelling St Mungo's staff and pushed open the door, Narcissa Malfoy had been murdered.
Ginny was dozing off onto her chest in the large common room of the house. Draco had been away for five hours, and Ginny was getting worried. As Ginny's slumber deepened, Draco tumbled out of the fireplace dejectedly. He had spent the past four hours or so crying uncontrollably, being consoled by Velma and some other healers.
He trudged towards the exit when something red caught his attention. He gave it his full attention and it turned out to be Ginny. It felt as if part of the weight was lifted in his chest, it was at that moment Draco realized how much he loved and cherished Ginny. How he grew to respect her and admire her.
Ginny had her hair long wavy up in a pony tail but wispy strips fell from the hair-tie. Draco had never seen anyone so beautiful, alluring and attractive. He knew all the holes in his heart could be filled with Ginny.
As she lay there, Draco slowly approached her and wrapped her up in his arms gently. She smelled like a summery day. Draco loved it when Ginny's hair was down, so he gently slid the hair tie from the base of Ginny's head and was entranced by the way it seemed so silky and shiny.
"Thank Merlin I have you Ginny, I don't know what I would do without you.." murmured Draco softly, cradling Ginny. Yes, having Ginny with him would make him complete, no matter what.
The next morning, Ginny awoke to a warm, breathing pillow. Which turned out to be Draco's chest, again! 'Why am I always sleeping on his chest?' thought Ginny. Then she proceeded to think about Draco's chest..
After a few brief moments of happy imagining, Ginny gently levered herself above Draco and looked at his face. He had tear stains on his cheeks and his eyes looked a bit puffy. Sadness filled Ginny as she thought of what might have happened with his mother. Deciding not to wake him, Ginny gently stroked his cheek, wishing the tear stains away.
Apparently, Ginny wasn't gentle enough. Draco stirred within the next few minutes, to face a concerned Ginny.
"Are you alright?" murmured Ginny?
"No, but with you I will be."
Ginny smiled sadly and said "tell me what happened last night."
Under normal circumstances, Draco would never repeat what happened the previous night, not even to Harry, who he considered a close friend. But with Ginny, he felt he owed her how he felt. There was also the fact he could tell Ginny would understand like nobody else, and he wanted to tell her, everything. Too much had been bottled up.
"I saw my mother last night. Voldemort gave her temporary sanity," Draco paused as Ginny reached out and squeezed his hand. Draco found the strength to go on. "I never thought I'd talk to her again, on a sane plane. It was great, I miss her so much. Told her the current going on's in my life."
"That's really good," said Ginny quietly, "I love it when my parents are interested in what I have to say."
"Yeah, yeah it is. Well, I knew she was going to die that night. Sometimes I think, why don't I do something about it? But she knew, I knew Voldemort was going to get her anyway. Lucius and Voldemort had her spell bound." By now, Draco was trembling and Ginny was hugging him ferociously.
"Keep going Draco."
"She sent me out of the room, after an hour or so. Told me she loved me." Tears were coursing down Draco's cheeks again, taking the same path as the old tears did. "I sat down further in the hospital, I could feel the chill Lucius leaves behind when he's in the same vicinity as me. Couldn't help myself, I ignored what mum told me and went to her room. She was dead. Soul crushed from within."
"Draco," said Ginny sympathetically.
"I hate my father," replied Draco vehemently.
"I know," said Ginny, as she held Draco tight.
"Filth! Mud-lovers! You aren't fit to be called a wizard!" bellowed Lucius in between cursing Percy Weasley.
"Better than you! Stupid bastard!" screamed back Percy, the two locked in vicious duel in a damaged wing of the Ministry of Magic building. Two curses hit mid-air and sparked off into different directions.
"You disgust me, Fudge arse-licker," sneered Lucius. It took one single moment for the verbal attack to slip through and wane Percy's concentration. Satisfied, Lucius took advantage of Percy's lapse in concentration and screamed "Avada Kedavra!"
Percy could have sworn he saw everything in slow motion. His whole life seemed to flash by and it seemed so insignificant. ¾ of a second later, Percy Weasley was no more and Lucius whirled his back on the dead body and left Percy without a second glance.
A month had passed since Draco and Ginny arrived at the safe-house and the two had grown much closer. Narcissa's funeral would be postponed until Draco got back from the mission. The hospital would preserve her body for the time being.
Ginny badly wanted to get to Voldemort but she was having too much of a good time with Draco. For once she didn't have to keep looking over her shoulder for some mysterious enemy and she could sleep in as much as she wanted. She caught up with Colin and took strolls down memory lane.
Ginny scanned the notices posted by the Ministry daily, to check on the well-being of her family and friends. Everyday she thanked Merlin none of them were dead. Except on this Monday. Ginny walked to the mess hall with Colin for breakfast as usual, checked the notices as usual. As her eyes scanned down the list, Weasley came up. Ginny didn't register her last name until a second later. Hurriedly, her eyes flicked back up the list and there it was.
Weasley, Percy. As plain as could be on the large scroll of parchment. Ginny clutched at her chest and found she could hardly breathe. No, couldn't be, not her brother. Colin was looking at other notices when he saw Ginny, trembling.
"Ginny? What happened?" asked Colin concernedly.
"Merlin, it's Percy. He's been killed." Ginny broke down into uncontrollable tears. This was it, there were going to be stab wounds in her heart.
Colin quietly murmured, "Percy would have gone down fighting. Be proud of him." Then he proceeded to wrap Ginny in a tight hug as she wept. As Colin hugged Ginny, he looked over her shoulder and read who had murdered him.
The ink clearly said 'Lucius Malfoy.'
"I need to talk to mum and dad," choked out Ginny. "I need my family, now." She ignored the sympathetic looks everyone gave her. The sympathetic looks she gave everyone else when they learned of a dead loved one.
As Colin quietly muttered condolences and advice, a pair of silvery blue eyes watched from a distance. Sadness and jealously seeping through them.
'No, Ginny's upset. Perhaps someone died? Why is he touching her? Wait, they're best friends. Why can't Ginny have a normal female best friend, Colinetta would be a fitting name for her. Instead of Colin, who could screw her. I have to talk to her.' Thus, this ended Draco's soliloquy.
Colin saw Draco walking towards him and Ginny with a curious and annoyed expression. He knew Draco wouldn't like him hugging Ginny but she did need to be comforted and he was still her best friend. He hoped nothing would come in between that.
Ginny suddenly pushed away from Colin angrily and whirled around to re-read the notice. This time she was reading to find out who murdered her brother. He or she would pay. She read the two names and it felt like her heart had pummeled into a deep abyss. Lucius Malfoy had killed her brother. Father of her lover.
Once again, Ginny was left gasping for air. She was so sick of it. She needed to be alone. She wanted to rant and rave and cry and want for her brother to be back. It saddened her that she never talked to Percy much.
"Draco," came Colin's voice. She ignored the fact Colin said something but got angry at the fact he said Draco's name. Draco's father killed her brother, it was all that mattered to her at that moment and she had to leave. The corridor was getting crowded from all the people heading to breakfast. Ginny's eyes blurred as emotions overtook her. Regret for not talking to her brother more. She needed to get out of there.
She stepped away from Colin and strode right into Draco.
"Ginny? Tell me," demanded Draco roughly and gently at the same time. Ginny wanted to punch him but she found she just couldn't. She loved him and she just wanted someone to cry on.
"Percy's dead. Your father murdered him." With that, Ginny sidestepped Draco, refusing the urge to throw herself on Draco and cry her eyes out. Hugs from Colin were great, they gave her friendship and comfort. However, hugs from Draco made her feel loved, alive and well, plain out sexy. Still, too many things were racing around her brain like three canaries chasing each other and she needed to be alone.
As Ginny quickly walked away, Draco called out her name and tried to follow. Colin told him not to bother, she wouldn't listen when she was in an emotional state. Draco stared at Colin and clenched his fists but he didn't say anything. What had his father done? He felt so guilty, despite all the hours Ginny had said about not being responsible for his father's actions.
"Nothing's going on between me and Ginny, you know that right?" asked Colin straightforwardly.
"I know. It bugs me how you're so close though," replied Draco bluntly. An unspoken understanding occurred for both men and the two turned to enter the mess hall.
Ginny pressed and turned against the handle of the communications room and stepped inside. There was a fireplace which was connected to the Floo network and it was closely monitored by the Ministry. Emergency contact could be made via the fireplace.
Using will power, Ginny calmed her raging emotions and pinched some Floo powder, threw it in the flames and clearly shouted "The Burrow!" When the flames turned green, Ginny stuck her head in them and waited for someone to appear.
Ginny began to get anxious when Ron's head suddenly appeared.
"Ron! Did you hear what happened to.." but Ginny trailed off.
"Yes. Malfoy is going to pay for what he did to us."
"Who's going to be a pompous arse now?" tears started flowing down Ginny's cheeks again.
"Gin-bug, I'd give you a hug but you're too far away. Merlin, I'm going to miss him. Never thought I would."
"I know what you mean," sighed Ginny. "Is mum around? Dad? How are they, how are they taking it? How are the rest of you XY Weasley's doing?"
"Fine I guess. Fred and George are wreaking havoc on the battlegrounds. I know those Voldy supporters are shitting themselves over those two."
"Who's that dear?" came Molly Weasley's voice.
"Mum, it's Gin," said Ron, looking over his shoulder. He moved over as Molly took his place.
"Ginny, how are you dear?"
"I'm alright. How are you holding up? I know you're taking this badly," said Ginny softly. The sight of her mother was welcoming.
"Oh Ginny, Percy wasn't met to go. I hate this war, I hate all the deaths. Which other of my children will die?"
"Don't worry mum. Voldemort will pay." Molly flinched at the sound of his name but regained composure quickly.
"All my children are calling You-Know-Who by his first name. Are they all now hardened soldiers? Percy's funeral! I have to start sending out letters, trying to round up everyone won't be easy."
"Mum, we're family. We'll all be there."
"I know dear, I know. The funeral will be the day after tomorrow. Can you Floo to The Burrow at nine?"
"Of course." Mother and daughter looked into each other eyes for a moment and then bid their goodbyes.
Ginny withdrew her head from the flames and watched as the flames turned yellowy orange again. The communications room was completely empty and silent when there suddenly was a rustle. Startled, Ginny grabbed her wand and whirled to face whoever had made the noise.
It was Jayde Rodreguez.
"Jayde?" queried Ginny lowering her wand.
"Now do you know? Now do you know how it feels?" replied Jayde stonily.
"What exactly?" Ginny was getting nervous.
"To have a loved one killed by that, monster," rasped out Jayde. "You're fraternizing with its offspring, it's disgusting." It seemed that there were no more tears left in her, but pure resentment and anger.
Ginny was about to defend Draco, but stopped. She treated him rather horribly when she last saw him, and he only wanted to help. Instead she said "Draco isn't the best guy in the world. But he's good enough. He is his own person, he makes his own decisions. Lucius, yes, is a bastard. But Draco isn't. Not anymore, he's an Auror! Isn't that enough proof he's on our side? I suggest you leave Draco alone. He hasn't done anything to you."
"Yes he has!" cried Jayde, voice getting louder. "I was going to get married! But now that's gone. My family has died, my only living relative is 97, I am all alone now!"
"Because of Lucius! Not Draco! I hate Draco's father for what he has done to everyone. For what he did to Percy. For what he did to me." Ginny hissed the final part out. "Furthermore, don't tell me how it is disgusting that we're going out! I have the power to forgive and love!" Ginny's voice too had raised.
"Malfoy has hidden agendas," spat out Jayde. "He'll get his soon enough."
"Don't you do anything to Draco!" screamed Ginny.
"Do what?" came the level voice of Draco. Ginny looked around at him in surprise while Jayde merely glared. "Jayde, I hate my father too. But I am not my father, I didn't kill Dean. If Lucius Malfoy were here right now, I'd kill him with my bare hands."
"All you Malfoy's are liars," retorted Jayde venomously.
Ginny was about to say something angrily but Draco calmly shushed her and simply said "think what you want, but it is best if you go." Jayde stared defiantly back, but started to crumble under Draco's intense stare.
As Jayde stalked off, Ginny finally relaxed into Draco's awaiting hug.
"Sorry about this morning. It was just a shock. Can't believe he's gone. I'm going to miss him though. Percy and his stuck up job."
Draco chuckled deep within his throat and held Ginny closer. The smell of her was intoxicating. Half of him was listening to Ginny talk while the other half just flowed with Ginny. Draco felt the tears from Ginny soaking through his shirt and onto his skin. It felt like daggers going through his heart when he felt Ginny sob. 'Merlin, I must be in love,' thought Draco.
Holding Ginny close while she was sad seemed like the only thing to do, so the two stood in the middle of the communications room for what seemed like hours, ignoring everything and everyone else in the world.
"Welcome Penelope, come in, out of the rain," ushered Molly kindly, showing her through the house.
"Thankyou Mrs Weasley," came Penelope's sad reply. "I miss him so much. You had a great son."
Molly just managed to hold the tears in and agreed. After Penelope had disappeared down the corridor, Molly closed her eyes and exhaled a sigh while leaning on the door frame. Already the slaughter had begun. Already all her children were putting their lives at risk at fighting this dark, horrid war. One of her beloved was already dead! Lying in a casket in the backyard.
The Burrow was bustling with people, a tight collection of family and friends. The funeral would be proper but low key. Molly's heart panged when she saw Fred and George walk past her with equally somber expressions on their face rather than mischievous ones.
As Molly quietly contemplated, a cry of "Gin-bug!" chorused from the kitchen. Thrilled her only daughter had arrived, Molly rushed to the kitchen.
There she was, being hugged by many of her brothers at once. Molly smiled sadly at the sea of red hair. As everyone cleared out, Molly saw Ginny properly for the first time in many months. Ginny looked well rested and healthy which surprised Molly. She seemed to have a glow that came from within, though it was dulled by her brother's death. Her face showed clearness but also sadness and unfairness at the world. Her hair was still lovely and long, displaying the trademark Weasley red hair.
"Mum," came the single word from Ginny's lips.
"Come here dear, give me a hug," said Molly. Ginny ran forward and gave her a big hug.
"I've missed you so much mum! Everyday I keep worrying something will happen to you!"
"You're worrying?" cried Molly! "I've got six of you to worry about now," she continued sadly.
Ginny remained silent, the painful thoughts of her brother's death returning. Instead she asked "where's dad?"
"Outside in the porch dear. Why don't you go see him? I'll go get some food for everyone. The service will start at ten."
Ginny made her way through the crowd to get to the backyard. She spotted Arthur's balding head after a while and went to him.
"Hi dad," said Ginny softly. Arthur turned around to face her and his face brightened.
"Ginny, how are you?" he asked and hugged her.
"I'm fine, you? I know how you must felt about.. Percy."
"My son's life, or belief in what I stand for? What have we done?"
"I know dad, we're just going to have to keep it together." After a brief chat with her father, Ginny walked towards Percy's casket which was laid upon a table. She peered over the lid and at Percy's face. Tears pooled at the bottom of her eyes when she saw how pale he was. Percy's glasses were balanced on his nose perfectly. His red hair combed away neatly and he was dressed in his finest robes.
Ginny imagined if he was alive, he would be talking about politics and how he could help improve the magical community. She remembered how Charlie and Bill were sometimes too old for her. Fred and George always hung out by themselves and then there was Ron who liked following the twins. Percy always seemed to have time for her when she young, and the memory of those kind gestures led to even more tears flowing from Ginny's eyes.
For the next four hours, Ginny conversed with her brothers and family friends, reminiscing Percy's life. She ate with her whole family again and listened to speeches about Percy. She laughed at the good memories and scowled at how Percy's life came to an end. She was brought to tears once again when the service was held and Percy was buried.
There was only one thing left to discuss after all the guests had left for home.
Ginny had fallen in love with Draco Malfoy.
Later that evening when everything was packed up and the Weasley's were just about to sit down for dinner, Ginny pulled her mum aside to talk to her in private. Ginny thought her mother must understand how she felt. Molly could be the most understanding person in the world.
As the two walked into the empty hallway, Ginny composed herself and Molly quickly got worried.
"What is it dear? Are you sick?" asked Molly anxiously.
"What? No, no I'm fine. It's not that. It's just that, I've got something to tell you."
Molly was immediately curious, a bit anxious as well. Ginny never said things seriously like this. "I'm all ears, love."
"Um, I don't know how everyone will take this. So I'm going to tell you first. Please don't be mad at me," said Ginny quickly. Molly was pleased her daughter trusted her enough to take it well, but was still worried about what it would be.
Molly made a soft murmuring sound and Ginny continued. "Mum, I'm in love with Draco Malfoy."
Silence.
Ginny braced herself for possible screaming and ranting but heard none. All she heard was a quiet "have you lost your mind?"
Ginny's insides sunk as she knew her mother disapproved. She had hoped, so hard, that at least her mother would understand. Unable to speak, Ginny didn't say anything. Disappointment was coursing through her.
"Ginny?" came Molly's gentle voice. Ginny looked up cautiously.
"He's a great guy mum! Please! Give him a chance! He's not his father.."
"Ginny," said Molly again, but this time doggedly, "I don't know what has happened. Or why you've come to love him. But I know my daughter, she isn't the one to fall for tricks, I'm just prejudicially worried about him being your boyfriend. You know what the Malfoy's are like."
"Yeah mum! I know! But he's my partner, I've spent over half a year with him. Just us two, I trust him completely. He's changed mum, you've always told me to give people chances. He is an Auror and Harry and him are quite good friends. They trained together."
"Tell me about him then."
"Oh my gosh mum, so much to say. Draco's had a rough time with everyone giving him, a hard time. He's so caring. And he's always been there for me. I don't know, when I first got partnered up with him, I hated him. I hated his whole family, but he never said a bad thing to me. Ever. He seemed so gentle but fed up. Yet he was still fighting for the Order. As we just spent months together, I began to understand him, and he showed he was kind and hated his father. That he was sick of the deaths, Voldemort. He showed interest in me, by then I had fallen for him. Do you get where I'm going with this?
"He sounds great, though I'm still worried," said Molly, thinking hard. "But if you believe it is for the best, then I believe you. I'd love to meet him one day."
"Mum! Thank Merlin you understand!" cried Ginny, hugging her Molly out of sheer happiness of her understanding. "You'll love him when you see him! He's so well mannered and everything! Gosh, he takes my breath away."
Molly smiled, nodded and said "your father does that to me too. The men won't take this well," concluded Molly. Ginny groaned, her father and brothers probably wouldn't let her go back to the safe-house. Definitely not after what happened to Percy. 'Why does my family have to be so stubborn?' thought Ginny.
Molly was probably empathizing with Ginny, and soothingly said "don't worry dear. I'll sort out the rest of them, come on, let's go have some dinner. To remember Percy."
"Yeah." Ginny and Molly walked into the dining room where her father and brothers were waiting. She took her seat in between Ron and the twins.
"What was that about?" asked Ron. Ginny hesitated to answer, but before she could, Arthur tapped the side of his glass, gesturing that he wanted to make an announcement.
Arthur stood up and cleared his throat. Pausing, he started saying "My family. I love you all so much. Nothing will ever change that." Pausing again, he looked at Molly, and then at every one of his sons in birth order, until he reached Ginny. "I feel ashamed that I shunned Percy out of our lives for such a long time when he served Crouch and Fudge. Regret pulses through me. Thinking about the son I abandoned is the greatest torture. I will never make the same mistake and abandon any one of you Weasley's. We will dine tonight to remember the brightest man in the family. To Percy Weasley!" cried out Arthur, and everyone brought their glasses up and drank to Percy.
Gasping for air, Draco said to Harry "let's go get a drink, I'm parched."
"Yeah, I'll just go grab my stuff from the other room," said Harry. Draco and Harry decided to spend their empty evening working out in the gym. It was also to help condition their bodies again when they would go back into the forest in a week's time.
Draco leant against the frame of the weights and thought about Ginny whiled he waited for Harry. She would only be gone until later on in the evening, but Draco still missed her. He worried about how she would take seeing Percy dead, and how she was going to break it to her family that she was now "going out" with him. The effect wouldn't be too grand, Draco knew that. He thought about how Ron would react and groaned. While Draco didn't mind Harry, he still couldn't stand Ron.
Harry soon returned and the pair set off to the mess hall to grab a goblet of pumpkin juice. After quenching their thirst, they made their way towards the change rooms for a shower. Just as the pair passed the communications room, Draco saw Ginny step out of the fireplace, brushing soot off her sleeves.
"Harry, go on without me. Ginny's back," said Draco quietly as he turned left into the room. Harry nodded in return. Draco stood by the door inside the room and waited for Ginny to acknowledge his presence. He didn't wait have to wait long until he heard her soft voice.
"Draco? What are you doing here?" asked Ginny, completely dressed in black. Red hair contrasting vividly. Her warm chocolaty eyes seemed dulled, aura subdued.
"I was just training in the gym," replied Draco a bit stiffly. Things must not have gone well with Ginny's parents. "Are you alright?" asked Draco with emotion. The concern brought tears to Ginny's eyes.
Sniffing, Ginny closed her eyes to try to will away the tears and lump that was beginning to rise in her throat, but to no avail. It took three strides from Draco to get to Ginny so he could envelope her in his hug.
"No," answered Ginny as she relaxed into Draco's warm embrace. "They were so angry, so, so angry. I think they hate me."
Draco broke away slightly so he could look into Ginny's teary eyes. "Your family love you Ginny. This will work, you understand? Your family will come around. I'll die to prove it. I know it's early, but after this war, after Voldemort is dead, I will marry you. The whole world will see how much I love you, but only you will experience the love from me to you."
"Draco! Do you mean that? Honestly? Because I think that is the best thing I have ever heard. For a very long time," gushed Ginny. She seemed to be on the verge of crying again.
Draco smiled lovingly and replied "of course Ginny! You are all I have. I love you. I love you so much it hurts. But you know what? I wouldn't change it for the world. You're worth it. But I want to know, am I worth it too?"
"Yes! I'm so happy I have found you, I love you too. You've caught me," said Ginny without hesitation. She threw her arms around Draco, hugging him with all her might.
"Then I will make this work with your parents. If it doesn't, then Merlin knows what."
The next day, Ginny was in the training room, sparring with Colin. The date when they were to be sent back to the forest was getting closer and closer.
Colin sidestepped away from Ginny's kick and went in for the punch where Ginny ducked and attempted to swipe Colin's feet from underneath him. Jumping, Colin dodged the attack as he did a jumping kick while Ginny rolled away and struck him from behind, gently. Sort of.
"Ginny! Fuck's sake that really hurts!" grumbled Colin as he rubbed his back.
"It's your fault you didn't react fast enough when I was behind you," retorted Ginny, sweat pouring down her face. They had been sparring for the past 3 and a ½ hours.
"That's beside the point. I'd never do that to you!"
"Oh Colin, suck it up!"
Colin's face soured up as he silently berated himself for being slow. That mishap could cost him his life next time if he faced Death Eaters or Voldemort. The two went to a corner of the room where they could stretch out.
Colin decided to ask Ginny about what happened with her family. Ginny replied by saying "horrible."
"Horrible?" said Colin, quirking his eyebrow.
"Well, my mum took it okay. She was really understanding, but my brothers. My dad! The way he looked at me, like I had gone and murdered Percy myself."
"Ginny..."
"Hell, all the 'what were you thinking?'s' I heard! Even mum couldn't calm them down. They all hate Draco. I know why, even though I don't agree with it. They wanted me out of the house. Never once have I been in this much trouble. Never once have I considered my family hating me," concluded Ginny, tears streaming in rivulets down her face, mixing in with her sweat.
"Don't ever think that Gin. They love you to bits, but since the news is so, big, disturbing and alarming, they reacted by getting rid of you. It's a defensive thing."
Ginny smiled sadly and said "thanks Col. You always have the right thing to say. Hey, don't I usually get a big hug from you at just about now?"
"Yes, yes you would. But lover boy doesn't like that now does he," replied Colin laughing, nudging Ginny on the shoulder.
"Draco wants you to back off?" asked Ginny surprised.
"He sure does. I respect that though, I understand how it would feel if I were in his situation."
"You'll still be my best friend though," reassured Ginny, wiping the remaining tears from her face. "And about my family? I need to talk to them. Maybe Ricky from communications will sneak me through. Mum can tell my dad and brothers what I need to say. They should have calmed down."
"I concur that is a good idea," replied Colin, as he proceeded to do a number of stretches.
It was later on that evening when Colin and Ginny were laughing over a joke that Harry casually walked over to them and exchanged pleasantries.
"Nice evening isn't it Ginny?" asked Harry, appearing natural.
"I'd agree with you, but I never go outside anymore. I love the skin tone the Underground have given me," replied Ginny, gesturing to her pale, now unfreckled face. "Where's Draco? I haven't seen him all day." Ginny and Harry ignored Colin as he shoved food down his gob with gusto.
Harry continuously yakked on about random things including the General's moustache, upcoming battle and unusual tiling. Getting frustrated about not being able to eat dinner in peace, Ginny told Harry to shut up, fuck off and slapped him in the head.
Harry only smiled mischievously and departed leaving Ginny mildly surprised and annoyed. Colin, who just took a swig of orange juice asked "what was that about?"
"I think that scar has finally gotten to his head. Don't you agree?" asked Ginny sweetly. Colin just asked and continued cramming food into his mouth. His beliefs were: "We're going to be living off fucking fire cooked food in a couple of days. Might as well enjoy this real stuff as much as possible.
Ginny's breath caught as she looked down and saw a small rectangular piece of card right next to her plate. Ginny's full name was written on it in a flowing but masculine writing which clearly belonged to Draco's hand.
Ginerva Jessica Weasley
Ginny picked up the card tentatively and flipped it around to read what the back said.
Ginny, I'm waiting for you. Now is the time, I love you so much. Are you ready? Meet me, my dorm, tonight. 9 o'clock.
Holding my breath till I see you,
Draco Alexander Malfoy.
Ginny's heart rate accelerated and she was suddenly aware of a lot of senses. She stiffened and held her breath while thrilling excitement and dreadful nervousness gripped her emotions. She and Draco had gotten quite close during their time together, and had discussed the topic of sex. Ginny had boyfriends before, some she got quite serious with, though none she ever had sex with.
Yet now Ginny felt an urge, almost primal to be with Draco. The shocking truth rained down on Ginny.
'Draco and I are meant to be together, our love is precious.'
Ginny seemed to stare off into the distance and Colin noticed. "Hey Gin, you alright?"
Struck out of her reverie, Ginny looked at Colin sharply without saying anything which unnerved Colin to no end. Finally Ginny muttered "I'm fine. Just thinking."
Colin jerked his head down to look at his food. Ginny's gaze seemed to pierce into him, disconcerting him. When Colin had asked if Ginny was alright, Ginny stared at him, wondering whether she should tell him or not. She found she couldn't, not at this moment anyway. Colin could always understand everything Ginny went through, but it just didn't seem right, at that moment, telling Colin.
Ginny continued eating her meal silently, comprehending the depth of Draco's love for her. She considered him wanted a good fuck, but then condemned it as ridiculous. Draco wasn't that kind of person. Ginny didn't really have any religious morals, so she didn't have to worry about that.
'What about my parents?' thought Ginny. Then it occurred to her, Ginny's family, apart from her mum weren't too crash with her at the moment. 'Whatever, they'll get over it."
Ginny looked down at her watch and took note of the time. 8:50 pm. Ginny's heart rate accelerated again as she realized she would have to go soon. She looked over at Colin, who was eating his dessert quietly. A pang of guilt and pure friendship love surged through Ginny. "I'll talk to you later Colin, I won't be spending the night in our dorm. Have my dessert!" said Ginny quickly, and gave him a quick hug.
Before Colin could reply, Ginny got up and rushed out of the hall. Struggling to justify Ginny's actions, Colin reached over and tucked into Ginny's double chocolate cake. Not too much made sense anymore, not even the fact Ginny let up her chocolate cake.
Ginny rushed into the dorm she and Colin shared and dug around in her bag for her only matching underwear. Panic coursed through Ginny as she wondered how she would fare. Thinking about it also made Ginny giddy with excitement. At last she found the bra and brief and hurriedly put it on.
'I hope he likes it,' thought Ginny, as she left her shirt and jeans on the floor and put on her robe. Ginny also ripped the hair tie from her long locks and quickly dragged a brush through her crimson hair. There was no time for her to check a mirror, it was already 8:57. With that, Ginny threw down her brush and raced out the door.
Draco was pacing around the room, his fingers wrapped around a little box containing a gold band with a small princess cut diamond.
'I hope she likes it,' thought Draco. The ring was given to him from his mother. She had previously been engaged, until her lover was murdered and she had no other choice than to marry Lucius. The ring held a lot of sentimental value to Narcissa, so it meant something to Draco. Draco knew it would mean something to Ginny.
Harry agreed to leave Draco and Ginny alone for the night so Draco could propose to her in peace. He had planned to marry Ginny after Voldemort was slain, if he could be slain. But Draco wanted to know if she would marry him. He just couldn't wait. Too much had been taken away for him, he needed her.
The room was decorated here and there with tulips, which were Ginny's favourite flower. Candle light was on Draco's bedside table. 'Fuck, I'm nervous.' It was rather spontaneous of Draco to ask her to marry him, so after he told Harry what he planned to do, he had no idea of what to do after. 'Better than when mum was proposed to the second time,' thought Draco grimly. She was held at knife point. Draco tried not to think of Narcissa too much. A dull ache would form in his chest.
A soft knock on the door stopped Draco as if he had been electrified. His heart raced more than ever. This was it. Draco deftly padded across the room and placed his hand on the door knob. Taking a deep breath, he swung it open to reveal Ginny.
'She is beautiful,' was all Draco knew at that point. Overwhelmed by the fact that was the woman who could be his bride. Looking closer, Draco saw she looked happy but nervous and a bit apprehensive.
"Come in," gestured Draco and Ginny stepped inside.
"Oh wow, Draco… tulips, candlelight," whispered Ginny, barely audible. It really struck her how caring Draco was. He wanted to make her first time special. Ginny looked straight at Draco and took him in completely. The simplest gestures he made, made Ginny feel alive and loved. She couldn't help but take a tentative step forward and put her delicate hands on Draco's chest, to angle her head up, to kiss him gently.
Draco reacted immediately, arms snaking around Ginny's thin form. His arms began to move up and down Ginny's back when he realized he still had the ring in his hand. Breaking away from Ginny's ministrations, Draco said "Ginny, I have to ask you something."
"What is it?" whispered Ginny, pressing herself closer to Draco. It was fair to say, she had never felt anything like this before. The knowledge she was going to give herself away made her feel so light.
Draco broke away from Ginny, earning a moment of hurt from Ginny. Without further ado, he knelt down and took Ginny's left hand gently. "Ginny Weasley, you are the person who I love, the person who I want to spend the rest of my life with. I know we haven't known each other that long, but I know you enough, to know I love you. I want to share my soul with you. Will you share it with me? Will you marry me?" said Draco, with so much emotion in his voice that it brought tears to Ginny's eyes. He opened the little jewelry box and Ginny gasped.
Shock engulfed Ginny, he wanted her to marry him! The answer was obvious.
"Yes," murmured Ginny, still a bit faint with shock.
Draco cracked a massive smile as he took the ring out and gently slid it onto Ginny's ring finger. With that, Ginny and Draco hugged each other tightly, full knowledge that they were to spend their life together. Happy that their fate was sealed in that way.
After a few minutes of enjoying each other's company, Ginny remembered why she thought Draco had invited her over. Draco realized what Ginny must have thought, because the top of her robe had slipped off her shoulder, revealing her milky white shoulders and bra strap.
Draco gulped and looked deep into Ginny's eyes. It was as if the room started to heat up when Draco saw silent consent in Ginny's features. Draco kissed Ginny as he picked her up and carried her to the bed where he gently lay her down. With a silent spell, Draco locked the door behind him and their engagement began.
..Sway so sway, you know you taste so good
This is the night you are the fire
Sway so sway
And we melt into the floor as one
..Make tonight stay, we turn around again
Stay right here
We give it all we all just fade away..
Hey doods, another chapter. Long one this time. Things are progressing well aren't they! Lyrics are from the song Make Tonight by Emanuel. Good stuff I say. Thankyou so much for sticking with my fanfic, I really appreciate it. Review!