Reviews:
Americasweetie: yeah it was short but heres a really really long one 2 make up 4 it!
Red9889: lol yay! Im so glad u like it! Lol I think ill let u continue 2 think about that…
Helldarkangel1: lol yeah its short but as I said…its long now! Thanx 4 the review on the new one as well!
Shero: thanx! Yeah well…we'll find out wut happens…
The next morning I got up and showered for the day. I walked down the staircase and scanned the Common Room for the trio, but they had already left. I knew of course that they wouldn't wait for me, they never do. I don't really have any friends, one thing the Slytherin's were quick to notice. I sighed and exited the portrait hole, making my way to the Great Hall.
I knew from the moment I walked in the Great Hall that I was late to breakfast. Almost everyone was already almost finished. I glanced over to the Slytherin table while I was walking and once again locked eyes with Malfoy. I wanted to do something, but just then the mail arrived. I looked up and scanned the air for anything for me. I know I shouldn't be so hopeful, but I can't help it sometimes. I was about to give up when I noticed an eagle-owl soaring at me. It dropped a letter at my feet and soared away. I picked up the letter and examined it. It was a silver envelope with no writing on it. Curiously, I opened it and found the letter to also be silver, but with emerald green ink. I thought the school had written to me until I started to read it.
Weasley,
Meet me after dinner in the unused classroom on the 4th floor.
Malfoy
I looked up at the Slytherin's and found Malfoy staring at me. I nodded and tucked the letter into my pocket that way Ron wouldn't ask about it. I walked over to the Gryffindor's and began to eat. My eyes drifted over to Hermione who was reading The Daily Prophet and I began to wonder what was going on today in our world. McGonagall came around with time-tables.
"Miss Weasley, Professor Dumbledore would like to speak with you when you are finished." She said. I nodded and said thank-you. I wonder why she didn't give me one? Maybe that's why Dumbledore wanted to talk to me. I got up and made my way to Dumbledore's office, passing the Slytherin's. I noticed that Malfoy was no longer there. I was walking through a corridor when I noticed him in front of me. I picked up the pace, just to see if he would notice me behind him. As I was drawing closer, he turned around and we (for the 57th time) locked eyes.
"Weasley," He said curtly.
"Malfoy," I said as well. "I wanted to know why you wanted to talk to me."
"I just wanted to talk," He said, shifting his feet. I noticed how uneasy he felt and Dumbledore rounded the corner to save him.
"Ah, Miss Weasley, there you are. Kindly come with me to my office. Good morning, Mr. Malfoy." Dumbledore said politely.
"Good morning, Professor Dumbledore," Malfoy said, walking away. I watched him walk away as I followed Dumbledore.
"Licorice Wand," He said, for the password. We went up the stairs and through the door that led to his office. He sat down behind his desk and motioned for me to sit as well.
"Please sit down, Miss Weasley." I sat down and situated myself.
"Now, you are probably wondering why you are here, yes?" He asked.
"Yes, sir," I replied.
"After reviewing all your exams for the past 4 years, we have noticed that you have incredibly high grades. Above the Above Average, to be exact."
"Really? No way!" I said, amazed.
"Yes way." He said, chuckling. "I have talked it over with your Head of House and we are offering you a chance to graduate early."
"Early?" I said, even more amazed.
"Yes. While you are studying for your O.W.L.s, you will also at the same time be learning things you should learn in your sixth year. You will take both your O.W.L.s and your sixth year exams at the same time."
"How?"
"I know that you will be overwhelmed with work, but we believe that you will succeed. Do you accept?" He said, smiling.
"Wow, of course! But what if I fall behind on work or sleep?" I asked a little worried.
"Did you know that in her third year, Miss Granger had a time turner?"
"Yes," I said slowly.
"Well we will issue you a time turner as well, to keep up. Do you know the rules?"
"Yes, sir. How come Hermione hasn't graduated early? Surely she is smarter than me." I said, laughing a little. Dumbledore smiled as well.
"We have offered her the chance to skip a year every time we see her, but she refuses."
"Wow, she must want to graduate with Ron and Harry."
"You are most likely right. Also if you accept, you can chose another student, preferably and older one or the same age, to help you. So, do you accept?" He said, almost hopefully. I considered it a moment.
"I accept. But what about the of age rule? I will graduate when I am 16, I won't be able to do magic or get a job."
"We have already bended the age rule and decided that you can do magic when you turn 16. You may also learn to apparate."
"Oh, thank-you Professor! I absolutely accept!" I said, jumping to my feet.
"You are welcome. Here is your time turner," He said, handing me an hour glass on a gold chain. "An older student has already given me books to loan to you, and you are all set. Do try not to fail; I would not like to see one of our best student's fall behind." He said, smiling.
"I won't, Professor, I promise."
"Oh and one last thing," He said, sitting down again. I sat down to.
"Yes?"
"You will need to choose different classes based on what you want your N.E.W.T.s to be."
"Oh, I wanted to be an Auror." I said, sure of myself.
"Well, then, you are now all set. Here is your new time-table. It is rather complicated, but I think you will pull through. Here are your books. You will have to go to all your regular O.W.L. classes, but still be able to study your sixth year. Ask another sixth year to take notes for you if you need to."
"Okay, I will. Thank-you so much, Professor."
"Good luck, then, Miss Weasley."
"Thank-you." I said again, walking out of his office. I couldn't believe it! I was going to skip a year! I walked through the corridor and stopped, looking at my schedule.
Day
Subject
Period
Double
Monday
History of Magic 6
1
Hufflepuff
Monday
Herbology 5
2
Hufflepuff
Monday
Defense Against the Dark Arts 5
1
Ravenclaw
Monday
Muggle Studies 6
2
Hufflepuff
Tuesday
History of Magic 5
1
Hufflepuff
Tuesday
Charms 5
2
Ravenclaw
Tuesday
Transfiguration 6
1
Slytherin
Tuesday
Arithmancy 6
2
Ravenclaw
Wednesday
Defense Against the Dark Arts 6
1
Ravenclaw
Wednesday
Transfiguration 5
2
Slytherin
Wednesday
Potions 5
1
Slytherin
Wednesday
Care of Magical Creatures 6
2
Slytherin
Thursday
Herbology 6
1
Hufflepuff
Thursday
Charms 6
2
Ravenclaw
Thursday
Muggle Studies 5
1
Hufflepuff
Thursday
Care of Magical Creatures 5
2
Slytherin
Friday
Potions 6
1
Slytherin
Friday
Arithmancy 5
2
Ravenclaw
Wow, I really did have a complicated schedule! How was I to do it all? I looked at the time turner I had around my neck. So much for sleep.
"Okay, so I have History of Magic now, and Defense. I will go to History then go back in time and go to Defense." I said aloud, making up my mind. I went up to the tower and deposited some of my new books, and getting some others. I had my history and defense books in my bag, and it never felt so heavy. I trudged along to History, pushing my way through corridors.
"Ginny? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be heading to class?" Ron asked, seeing me stand next to Hermione.
"I am already here." I said, trying not to smile. Ron looked confused.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that Dumbledore offered me to skip a year, and in order to do so I have to attend both fifth and sixth year classes at the same time. He gave me a time turner, see?" I said, pulling out the time turner.
"Wow, really? That's great Ginny! I almost did that myself, but I didn't want to." Hermione said. Harry and Ron looked at her in shock.
"Why not?" Harry asked.
"Just didn't." She replied simply. The older years were probably wondering why I was there. They didn't have time to ask, however, because Professor Binns opened up the door. We all filed in and I walked up to Binns.
"Um, sir?" I said unsurely.
"Yes, I already know, the Headmaster has told me." He said tonelessly.
"Oh, alright then, I'll just sit down then, shall I?" I said, turning around and facing the rest of the class.
"Hey, Ginny, why are you here?" Dean asked curiously. I smiled and began to walk to sit with the trio.
"I'm in this class." The rest of the class gave me funny looks as I sat next to Hermione. Professor Binns started to drone on though, and the class began to slumber. The only two people in the room who were taking notes was me, and of course Hermione. I wouldn't have bothered until before now, but I have to prove myself to Dumbledore. I struggled to not slip away into the sleep state, but it was so difficult. This is the most boring class in the history of the universe. Ha-ha, History of Magic, History of the Universe. Okay, that really wasn't funny, but it was at the time where everyone was sleeping. I glanced over and noticed Harry and Ron playing hang-man, Dean and Seamus sleeping, and Parvati and Lavender passing notes. I almost fell asleep when the bell rang, startling the slumbering students.
"Saved by the bell." Harry said, gathering his things. I rubbed my eyes to awaken myself and gathered my things as well.
"Off to redo this past period. Bye guys." I said heading for someplace I could safely go back in time. I found a closet and stepped inside. I turned my time turner and felt myself slipping away. I came back to find myself coming out of Gryffindor Tower.
"Umm…where next again?" I said to myself, pulling out my schedule. "Oh yeah, D.A.D.A." I started walking with the other fifth years to the D.A.D.A. room. They couldn't find a teacher, so Dumbledore was teaching it himself. It turned out to be a pretty okay lesson; he wasn't too bad at teaching.
Finally it was lunch. I was hungry. It had been 4 hours since breakfast. It would have been 2 if I had not been taking 2 classes at once. I had to remind myself to go to the kitchens between classes. I entered the Great Hall to everyone talking until they saw me. They all hushed down then began to talk again, in loud whispers. I guess the news leaked out somewhere that I was doing 2 years at once. I hurried past them and sat next to Ron. I began to pile my plate with food and stuffing it in my face.
"Ginny, slow down, you are going to get hiccups!" Hermione said.
"I can't help it, Hermione, I am famished! It's been ages since breakfast!" I said, eating faster.
"Oh, I forgot about that! You must be hungry!" Hermione said, adding more macaroni to my plate. While Ron and I wolfed down, the rest of the school continued talking in loud whispers.
"Guess they found out, huh?" I said to Harry, who was done eating.
"Guess so, but that's not all they are talking about." He said.
"What else?" I asked curiously.
"Err…" He said, blushing slightly. "Well, erm, you have changed you know, you can't expect them not to talk about you." He said, blushing a little bit more. I suddenly understood and blushed also.
"Dunno why," I mumbled. "They must be blind."
"No, Ginny—"
"Well, I'm going to get my books. See you all later." I said, grabbing my book bag.
I headed for the tower to get my other books. The Gryffindor's watched me. It was kind of creepy, you know? I went to Herbology 6 after that with the trio, and we had an okay time. Then I went back in time to do Muggle Studies, which was boring because we were assigned an essay about "How did you use Muggle objects this summer?"
It was dinner at last, and once again I wolfed down my food. After I was finished, I searched the Slytherin table for Malfoy. He caught my eye and nodded. He then exited the Great Hall. I waited thirty seconds so as not to raise suspicion, and then exited the Great Hall after him. I wandered around the fourth floor until I found the classroom that he asked me to meet him in. I opened the door and stepped inside.
"Ah, Weasley, you are here." He said, leaning against a desk.
"Yes and why did you want me here? To talk?" I said, sitting on top of a desk.
"Yes, I just wanted to talk." Malfoy said casually.
"Oh? About what?"
"Is it true that you are studying your fifth and sixth year? Are you really going to graduate early?" He asked.
"Yeah, I am, it's true." I said.
"Wow, that's impressive, Weasley." He said, crossing his arms. Inside I swelled with pride.
"Thank-you, Malfoy."
"You're welcome," He said, smiling a little.
"Tell me again, why are you talking to me?" I asked, crossing my ankles.
"Well, no offense, but you don't really have friends—"
"None taken,"
"And I don't really have friends either, I mean, they have their moments, but still… and we both share common interests,"
"Like what?" I asked, curious as to what we had in common.
"Well, what do you think?" He asked, standing up.
"A lot, I suppose. Umm, do you suppose that we could be on first name basis? I mean, if you want to be friends—" I said, unsurely.
"Of course," He said, walking over to me.
"Oh, alright then," I said, also standing.
"You can call me Draco," He said, sticking out his hand.
"Ginevra, but everyone calls me Ginny," I said, shaking his hand. He started to laugh.
"What's so funny?" I asked.
"Ginny? I think you look much more like a Ginevra to me." He said, smilingly. I raised an eyebrow playfully.
"I look like a Ginevra? Since when do people have to look like their names?" I asked.
"Ginny is so childish. You are much more of a Ginevra. It's such a beautiful name, as are you." When he said that I felt the blood rush to my face. I never thought a Malfoy of all people would call me beautiful. Then I remembered that he used to think that I was pretty, He smirked.
"Why are you blushing?"
"Um, I-I-I'm not b-blushing." I stammered out. That sounded bad.
"Okay, whatever you say, Ginevra." He said. I hated it with a passion when any other person on the planet called me "Ginevra," but when he said it, well, it just sounded so right, like he was meant to call me Ginevra. I smiled.
"You know what?" I said.
"Not unless you tell me." He said, smirking. I hit him on the arm.
"Shut up. Do you know that us being friends would piss the Golden Trio off?" I said evilly. His smile grew bigger as he replied.
"Oh, how I will enjoy pissing the Dream Team off." He said.
"It's perfect revenge." I said. He dropped his smile and gave me a funny look.
"What do you need revenge for?"
"They ignore me, make me angry, and try to control my life. Simple as that." I said, shrugging. He smiled again.
"So you don't mind their reactions?"
"Not in the least bit. They can go stark-raving mad for all I care." I said. He put his arm around my shoulders and I felt a sudden warmth flood through me.
"Ginevra, I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship." I laughed and hugged him. He stiffened at first and I thought to pull away when he relaxed and pulled me closer to him. I had never been this close to him in a long time, and I tell you it was wonderful. His hand moved ever so slightly on my back and it sent shivers up and down my spine. He smelt like what the air smells like after a rain shower, and I breathed in his scent sighing. I could hear his heart beat quicken as I squeezed him tighter. We stood there hugging for a while until he pulled away. I was almost disappointed until he smiled at me.
"Ready to wreak havoc?" He asked mischievously. I laughed and smiled at him.
"I'm ready if you are."
"Shall we?" He said, gesturing to the door. I put my arm in his.
"We shall," We walked out of the classroom and wandered around until about 10:30, just talking and joking. We were laughing most of the time. Who knew that Mal—I mean Draco, had a sweet and funny side about him? Maybe it was buried deep inside him, lost for all these years for lack of love.
"Do you hear something?" He asked, coming to a stop. I heard footsteps and a soft meow.
"Do you smell someone out of bed, my sweet?" Filch cooed to Mrs. Norris.
"Oh no. Filch doesn't care if you're a Prefect, he will put you in detention anyway." Draco said, taking my hand and pulling me. The touch of his palm against mine sent a jolt of electricity through me. His hands were so big and warm.
"C'mon," He said, urging me to a staircase. I followed him but Filch was hot on our tail, so we broke into an all-out run. We ran and ran and I knew that we were going to get caught, when Draco pulled me through a door and shut it. I was guessing that it was a broom closet, for there was no room to move. It was so dark; I couldn't see what Draco was doing. He finally stopped panting.
"They're gone," He said, straightening. It was difficult, for I was pressed up against him.
"You know, Ginevra, I don't think I mind this position so much." He said, and I was sure that he was smirking. I could feel his breathing on my face, we were that close.
"Oh, I am sure that you don't." I said back, rolling my eyes though I knew that he couldn't see me. We laughed.
"We should probably go now." I said reluctantly.
"What, you don't want to stay here in this roomy closet with me?" He said, feigning hurt.
"Ha, roomy indeed. And it's not you." I said.
"Oh, sure it isn't." He said, laughing. Then he leaned in and whispered in my ear, sending goose-bumps all over me.
"Is it not good enough for the Hogwarts Beauty?" I felt myself go beet red. I tilted my mouth towards his ear.
"No, it's just fine. I wouldn't have it any other way." He cupped my face in his hands.
"Good, me either." I could feel him leaning in and I knew that he was going to kiss me, and I was longing for him to kiss me. His lips made a connection with mine and it was bliss. I felt like there were fireworks going off in my head, his lips sent such a thrill through me. His hand brushed my arm lightly and I felt my stomach drop out, just like going down deeper through Gringott's. He kissed firm yet gentle at the same time, and I didn't want it to ever end. But, alas, all good things must come to an end. He pulled away and we were both short on breath.
"We-we should g-go now." He managed to say in a breezy voice.
"Yeah," I said, nodding my head. He opened the door and we exited the closet. He looked at me and blushed. I blushed to. He ran his hand down my arm, causing shivers, and took my hand in his.
"If I'm moving too fast, just tell me, alright, Ginevra? I don't want what you don't want." He said sincerely. I was shocked at his kindness. Could someone who was never loved show love? It must have been a miracle.
"You're not moving too fast." I said, squeezing his hand assuring him. He smiled.
"Good. Do you want me to walk you back to your common room?" He asked.
"Oh, that's alright. Don't want Ron berating me about you." I said, smiling.
"Alright. Good-night, Ginevra." He said. I stood on my tip-toes and kissed him. He smiled stupidly, like my kiss was the best thing in the world.
"Good-night, Draco." I said. I turned around and walked back to the tower. I think that I like him. How could I not? He was so wonderful.
"Password?" The Fat Lady said, bringing me back to reality.
"Bon surmontera le mal." I said. She let me in and I walked through the common room.
"Ginny, why are you up so late? It's nearly 11:30!" Hermione exclaimed. I was a bit shocked, they usually didn't care.
"I was just walking around." I said, walking up the staircase.
"By yourself?" Harry asked. I looked back at him and grinned at them all.
"Nope, not this time, not ever again." I said. And with that I went up the staircase, leaving them to guess who I was walking with.