Chapter Thirty:

(A/N. Well finally I got this chapter out. I'm sorry it's taken me a while. Well PLEASE review everyone! Well I hope you guys enjoy!)

Touching Draco's soft face with her small fingers Ginny gazed into his silver eyes lovingly. He squeezed her tightly and placed a feather light kiss on her lips.

"I have to go, Ginny," he whispered. She shook her head and hugged him close, pressing her face to his chest.

"I don't want you to. How come I can't come with you?" she demanded. He shook his head against her own, gently inhaling the soft smell that was uniquely hers.

"I told you…I don't want you there in case…please…" His voice was uncharacteristically hoarse. Reluctantly she nodded and stepped away so she could once more look into his eyes. He kissed her and soon the kiss deepend. She pulled away and grinned as he continued pressing soft kisses to her cheeks and neck.

"This isn't really getting you on the train," she muttered between kisses. He laughed but didn't stop.

"Much more pleasant." To their side the train gave a warning whistle and Draco sighed as he pushed Ginny away and planted one last kiss on her forehead.

"Oh Draco…"

"I'll be back soon. Don't worry," he turned away and grabbed his trunk and stepped toward the train. On the steps he glanced back at her and she gave a small wave before he disappeared. She stayed there for half a second before half-heartedly turning away. Stuffing her hands into her pockets she slowly walked away from the train station. Soon she'd re-entered Hogsmead and was walking through the shops she'd gotten to know well during her stay at Hogwarts. She went into The Three Broomsticks and picked a table out of the way and sat down. As she sipped her butterbeer she watched the people coming and going but her eyes strayed especially towards the couples. She watched how one would caress the other's face, the way they kissed, the way their eyes looked at each other. It didn't matter who it was, she took pleasure in these quiet displays of affection. It seemed more couples had emerged after the fight, tragedy brings people together. Almost as if after facing death so closely they clung to life with all they had, finding comfort and freedom in someone's arms. With her small hand holding up her head, Ginny smiled.

"What are you smiling at?" a familiar voice asked. Ginny looked up to see Colin and she flashed a grin at him as he sat down beside her.

"Just noticing the new couples popping up every which way," she laughed. Turning away from her Colin joined her in watching the crowd inside the warm tavern.

"We've come a long way since the beginning of the year…" Colin murmured and Ginny glanced at him noticing his thoughtful expression.

"Yeah…" she sighed. For a long time they talked about the year and about everything. Then they both grew quite going through the year alone in their minds and indulging in their own private thoughts. Funny that nothing from this year had come out the way she'd expected it to. She'd chased away three people in her life that she'd always wanted to be a part of. She'd gained a best friend from the only person who had tolerated her in the whole Gryffindor group. Oh, and she'd fallen in love with her mortal enemy. In her mind Ginny went back to that first day of school when she'd been sure no one would ever notice her. Then her mind went to that day when she'd finally snapped in front of the sixth year Gryffindors and Slytherins. A sly smile emerged on her lips as she repictured the shocked expressions all around her. Then her mind moved even further forward to when Draco had saved her…and then falling in love with him. When Colin touched her hand she jumped a little, having quite forgotten that he was there.

"You're wearing your Draco smile," Colin said in a light, mocking tone. She raised an eyebrow.

"I had no idea I had a 'Draco smile'," she laughed wondering what in the world he could mean.

Colin nodded, "Oh yes. It looks like something like this," he said. He looked off into the distance and his eyes became unfocused and his lips slowly went up into the goofiest dreamiest smile he could manage. Ginny gave a soft growl and punched his arm.

"You're horrible!"

"Hey, I know I can't make it perfect. Yours is a lot sappier. You know all that love pouring out!" They giggled together. Suddenly Colin grew serious. "I saw how Malfoy reacted with Dumbledore yesterday and today he left in such a hurry. What happened? How come you're not with him?"

Ginny's smile faded and she looked away. "I don't know. He said something horrible was coming. Lucius…he disappeared. He wasn't found with the bodies of the other Death Eaters…Draco told me to stay here. He said he'd seen me come to harm in the Malfoy Manor or something…God I wish I was with him."

"Then go to him," Colin said. Ginny looked at him like he was crazy but he ignored the look. "You love him don't you?"

Ginny was surprised at the question. "I…how?...um…" she stammered as she tried to figure out what to say.

"It's ok, Ginny. I know he's not evil. When the Death Eaters came he made a choice and he chose to fight on our side. I know he saved your life. I saw him defend you in front of your brother and Harry and Hermione. I see the way he looks at you when you're he thinks no one is looking. You know, he once asked me to give you pictures I'd taken of you when you were flying. I gave them to him because well, he's a scary bloke. Ginny I may not be as smart as you but I'm not daft. I know he cares for you very much and I know you care about him too."

"I…yes…yes, I love him," she whispered. Colin smiled and patted her hand gently as if to assure her that it was alright.

"Then you should go to him, Gin." She thought about it. Really thought about it. Considered how vehement Draco had been when he'd told her to stay. She wanted to be with him, even if there was danger. If there was danger he would need her help even if he'd never admit to it. Besides, when had she ever done what someone else told her to?

"I think I will…"