"Ginny! Ginny wake up!" Hermione threw a pillow at Ginny Weasley's sleeping
form, hitting her right in the head. Ginny groaned and pulled the covers
over her head.
"Ginevra Anne Weasley! Get out of bed! It's almost time for breakfast! You're going to be late for classes as well!" Hermione ripped the covers off of Ginny and shook her.
"Hermione, go away! I just want to sleep!" Ginny mumbled into her pillow, rolling to face the opposite wall.
"It's not my fault that you were out too late gallivanting around with, Merlin knows, whoever you picked up at the dance." At this, Ginny shot up and glared daggers at Hermione.
"Are you implying something?" She asked in an exceedingly angered tone. Hermione shook her head.
"Good. I'll come to breakfast late. Just get out." Ginny sighed, standing and heading for her armoire. She pulled out a pleated black skirt and pink polo shirt, grabbing her school robes last. The dorm was empty, just how she liked it. It was beginning to annoy her that Hermione shoved her head in her business all the time. But then again, Hermione was one of her best friends. She walked down the stairs, past the portrait hole, into the corridor, and made her way to the prefect bathroom.
"Password?" The elegant duchess in the portrait asked.
"Aparecium." Ginny stated bluntly. The duchess smiled and opened her portrait, revealing the massive marble bathroom. No one was there, and for this, Ginny was grateful. She walked to the shower and slipped inside.
The warm water cascaded down her skin as she rinsed the soap from herself. The sponge prickled her as she finished washing her legs. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't push thoughts of the previous night from her head. Draco Malfoy had given her the best night she had ever experienced. He had shown a side that, she guessed, no one else knew existed. He had been affectionate, gentlemanly, not cold or distant. The kisses he had given her were warm, yet pleading in the same way. It was as though he needed someone, her, to care.
The water turned off and she reached for a fluffy white towel to wrap around herself. She needed to talk to him again. She needed to know what was going on. He had said he cared, that she had changed him. But could the son of her father's sworn enemy, her brother's foe, change in just a few hours with her? She mentally shook herself and pulled on her clothes.
"Gin! There you are!" A voice cried as she stepped from the bathroom. She turned and saw a very out-of-breath Colin.
"Hey, Colin. Why are you so tired?" She asked as he approached. It took him a second to catch his breath.
"You better come quick, Ron and Malfoy... they've gotten into a fight. Just outside the main entrance." He panted, looking worried. Ginny grabbed his arm and took off running.
When they got to the doors, they saw a crowd of students looking outside. Pushing her way past them all, Ginny got to the front of the mass and saw Draco and Ron involved in what looked like a very painful fight. Draco had cuts like slashes across his cheek and was cradling his left arm. Ron had a bleeding nose, but that was it.
"What's the matter, Malfoy? Nothing left in you?" Ron taunted, fully prepared and waiting for Draco to launch another attack on him.
"Ron, stop!" Ginny cried, trying to make her way over to her brother. Harry stepped in her way.
"Ron! Enough!" She cried. Draco turned his head and saw Harry with his arms wrapped around Ginny in an attempt to stop her from getting between them. He was angered by this and was about to make his way toward Harry when Ron threw a punch at him again, knocking him over.
Ginny shrieked, covering her mouth with her hand. Harry looked at her like she had lost her mind. She scrambled desperately out of Harry's arms and ran to her brother.
"Ron! Ron, enough!" Ginny pleaded, sparing a sympathetic glance at Draco, who was now being helped up by Blaise Zabini.
"Ginny, what are you mad?!" Ron shouted. Ginny's touch calmed Ron down a bit and he touched his nose.
"Ron, just calm down. Please. You're going to get in trouble." She pointed her wand at his broken nose and healed it.
"He started it!" Ron pointed to Draco who was glaring murderously at him.
"You put Goyle in a fucking coma!" Draco yelled, storming over to where Ron was being treated by Ginny, but Blaise grabbed onto his arm.
"He was harassing Hermione!" Ron defended, throwing Ginny off of him. She stumbled backwards and watched as Ron went to challenge Draco again. Draco managed to release himself from Blaise's grip and went head on with Ron. Ginny quickly gathered herself and ran to both of them.
"Stop it! Both of you!" She yelled, forcing herself in between them. They stopped and looked at her questioningly.
"Get out of the way, Ginny. If Malfoy wants to have a go, we'll go." Ron sneered, swinging at Draco, barely missing Ginny's head. Ginny responded by slapping her brother forcefully across the face.
"I said 'No more'!" She yelled, pushing him back to where Harry was standing. Harry grabbed Ron's wrist and held him back and Blaise did the same thing for Draco.
"What's gotten into you, Gin?" Harry asked, stepping forward with Ron. Blaise and Ron had the same perplexed looks on their faces as well. Draco, however, knew very well what was going on.
"Nothing, I just don't want to see you getting expelled! Now come on, leave Malfoy alone." Ginny walked hastily back into the castle and to the Great Hall for breakfast. She was suddenly grabbed around the waist and pulled into the shadows.
"Let go of me, right now!" She demanded, only to have a hand slap over her mouth.
"Shut up. Do you want us to get caught?!" The voice snarled. She recognized it immediately as Blaise Zabini. He released her mouth and she spun around irately to face him.
"What do you want, Zabini?" She snarled, wanting an explanation. Surely Draco hadn't said anything. They both knew the consequences.
"Why did you stop your brother from beating Draco to a bloody pulp?" He asked, pressing the question at her as though it were a life and death matter. She merely stuck out her chin.
"Because I don't want Ron to get expelled." Blaise snorted.
"Don't feed me bullshit, Weasley. I saw the way you were looking at Draco. Better watch your back, though. Because even if you did have a thing for him, he won't be able to protect you from the disaster it will cause." And with that, Blaise shoved past her and into the corridor, disappearing through the swarms of students.
Ginny immediately ran into the Great Hall and took her seat next to Colin. She had a direct view of Draco, but refused to look at him.
"What's wrong, Gin?" Colin asked. Ginny just stared down at the food that had appeared on her plate, moving it around with her fork.
"You haven't eaten anything. Something's up. You know you can tell me." He encouraged, nudging her arm slightly.
"Thanks, Colin, but I'd rather not talk about it." She stood from her seat and walked out the door to head back to the tower where she had forgotten her books. Little did she know that as soon as she had risen, Draco had gotten out of his seat as well.
She heard footsteps behind her, but thought nothing of them until they were right nest to her. A very tattered Draco Malfoy was now in step beside her. Ignoring him, she kept walking.
"What's gotten your knickers in a twist?" He asked, taking a few strides so he was now in front of her.
"You, picking a fight with Ron." Draco looked taken aback and she pushed past him.
"He put Goyle into Saint Mungo's!" He retorted, getting very impatient, but persisting his chase.
"I don't care! You could've killed each other! And you have to remember that he means something to me! He's my brother. I want him to be successful, and he can't be expelled if he's going to be an Auror, Malfoy!" She yelled. Draco raised both of his elegant brows at her.
"Malfoy, is it, Weasel? Fine. We'll play your game. Tonight's still on; Astronomy Tower, eleven thirty. Don't be late. And speaking of late, you have five minutes to get to Potions." He smirked, storming off. Ginny just rolled her eyes and continued her trek to the Gryffindor common room.
"Ms. Weasley, since you see it appropriate to be ten minutes late to my class for three days straight, ten points from Gryffindor... for each day!" Professor Snape bellowed with a victorious look on his face. She took her seat next to Hermione.
"Ginny, if you're going to be in seventh year Potions, you have to be on time and prepared!" Hermione scolded.
"Oh be quiet. I left my books in my room and I ran into Malfoy. Besides, it's only thirty points. That's not even half of what Ron got us." This morning's fight had cost both Slytherin and Gryffindor seventy five house points.
"That's not the point! The point is that you still cost us points. And you're slipping in your class. This is advanced for you, not average." Ginny just sighed and began taking notes. Hermione continued her whispered scolding for at least another ten minutes. She looked up from her notes and saw Draco staring intently at her. Raising her eyebrows, she put her head back down and continued on her notes for the potion to cure the common cold.
"That's all for today. I expect you all to have taken good notes on this. We will be pairing up next class and preparing our own." Snape looked around the room at the packing students.
"Do not be late." He added menacingly, staring straight at Ginny.
"Couldn't have said it better myself." Draco whispered into her ear, placing something in her hand. She glanced down and saw a folded sheet of paper; when she looked up, he was already gone.
"G- Wear something warm. –D" She read aloud. Harry walked up to her and smiled. She quickly shoved the note in between the pages of her book.
"Hey, Gin?" He asked, taking her hand in his rough one. Ginny looked up, fairly disgusted. But apparently he couldn't take a hint.
"I wanted a chance to make things right. To make up for everything. So, listen... there's a Hogsmeade weekend coming up and I was wondering if you'd go with me." This whole scenario made the great Harry Potter look vulnerable. Ginny stifled a giggle when she saw Ron and Hermione in the background, nodding their heads intently.
"Harry, I can't. I have a lot of studying to do. But thank you for the offer." A fake smile plastered on her face, she kissed his cheek and walked out of the room with her books.
The day went slowly for Ginny as she debated whether or not she was looking forward to tonight. On one hand, Draco had shown signs of changing, but on the other, he had attacked Ron. Sure, Ron deserved it because he sent Goyle to Saint Mungo's, but he had attacked her brother, no less. Draco had also given her a perfect night and reasons why she should at least give him a chance. Then again, he was also still acting like the old Malfoy.
"Ginny, class is over." Colin poked her in the side with his finger. Her head snapped at him and she grinned.
"Oh. Sorry, Col." She gathered her Transfiguration books, thankful it was the last class, and followed Colin out the door.
"Got any plans for tonight, Gin?" He asked, obviously trying to make small talk.
"Er... I was thinking about going to the library for a little study time. I'm afraid for the exams coming up." She lied. Colin nodded.
"Yeah, they're gonna be treacherous. Well, I'll leave you to it then. See ya tomorrow." He wandered off into the crowd as Ginny stepped inside the library. She had three hours to kill. She walked to the far back corner of the room and pulled out a muggle device that her father had given her. It played music and she found it rather relaxing. Once settled, she turned on the music and closed her eyes.
"Oh Gods, I'm going to be late." Ginny muttered as she looked at her watch. It was eleven ten already and she had to change into 'something warm', as Draco had asked her to.
She hurriedly made her way to the common room and ran up the steps, taking them two at a time. By the time she had finished, her clothes were laying everywhere and she had to pause to catch her breath.
The Astronomy Tower was so far away, why did he have to pick there? Nevertheless, she ran as fast as she could, hoping to make it in time and, in turn, not get caught by Filch or Mrs. Norris. Finally making it, she climbed the tower and saw him standing there. Before she spoke, she took in the sight of him with his back turned to her. The pale moonlight reflected on his white shirt and fair skin. His platinum hair was loose instead of gelled, she secretly preferred it this way, and he looked unusually casual. Seemingly feeling her presence, he turned and smiled. She was out of breath.
"You're late." He stated plainly, walking forward to look her over. She looked nice and comfortable at the same time. Her hair fell from the loose bun she wore and into her face, but it made her look all the more attractive.
"So? Not by long. You said dress warm." She held out her arms that were covered by a Chudley Cannons hoodie. He smirked and nodded. The pants she wore clung to her like a second skin. Draco was impressed, but wouldn't let his guard down. If she wanted to play games, he'd play right along with her... and win. He wanted Ginny; he needed her to be whole. There was no happy family life for him; there was no warm, cozy house to come home to. Ginny had made him happy and complete on the night of the ball, but he needed that feeling more. Never had he realized until then exactly what he was missing. He cursed his parents for not showing him compassion.
"Come on, we're going for a walk." He demanded, taking her hand and entwining it with his. Ginny was shocked, but followed along, nevertheless.
He led her down staircases forever until they reached the main one. They walked down all twenty or so steps and out the main doors.
"We're going to be seen! What're you, mad?" Ginny scolded, making Draco chuckle. He looked at her and smirked.
"Silly girl, you forget I'm Head Boy. I'm allowed to be out. I'll say I'm on patrol or something. All you have to do is stay with me." His tone was a playful one, making Ginny wonder where he was taking her.
"We would've definitely gotten caught in the Astronomy tower, that's why we're going to talk down here, under the willow tree by the lake." Just as he said that, they reached the willow and sat down. Ginny looked at him curiously.
"We can't do this." Ginny said, after five minutes of sitting in silence. What Blaise had said had really gotten her thinking. Draco's father was dangerous; he was a deatheater.
"Just why not?" Draco asked, looking more amused than angry.
"Because your friend Blaise shoved me in a corridor today and warned me. He was right, Draco. He knows something's up because he said, 'even if you did have a thing for him, he won't be able to protect you from the disaster it will cause.'" Ginny looked at her hands, not wanting to meet Draco's eyes.
"I swear on my life that I would protect you from everything. Nobody knows my father and his 'skills' better than I do. Don't listen to Blaise. He's the one that's just begging for trouble." Draco demanded, lifting Ginny's face to meet his.
"We can't, Draco! I don't want you risking anything to be with me; I'm not worth the trouble. I'm just a Weasley. Your father would kill you! My parents would disown me for it. We just can't! It wouldn't be fair to anyone, not us, not our families... no one." She finished in a whisper.
"You can't honestly believe that they'd find out all that soon. And when they do find out we'll just deny it! Come on!" He was almost begging, and there was a soft sort of pleading look in his eyes.
"Why do you want to do this anyway? Did you hit your head or something?" Draco chuckled and kissed her cheek.
"I thought I had already explained this, Weasley." Ginny made a very unladylike snort, but he continued anyway.
"At the ball, it felt right to have you there with me. I couldn't have cared less what house you were from, or from what family you were of. That feeling... I've never had that before. Everyone else was in it for the chase... I don't know what that feeling was, but I need it." He confessed. She looked at him and concluded that he was being completely sincere.
"Compassion." She whispered.
"Excuse me?" He looked confused.
"Compassion. The feeling was compassion." She replied. He cocked an eyebrow at her and gave a smile.
"Well thank you." He whispered, leaning dangerously close to her.
"Anytime." She squeaked; he gently laid his lips on hers. The kiss was different than the others. It was soft, but full of needing. Neither of them minded. And Ginny knew very well that she needed Draco as much as he needed her. Her world had been shattered when Harry had used her, but now she had a chance to be happy. She had made up her mind.
She was going to do this.
"Ginevra Anne Weasley! Get out of bed! It's almost time for breakfast! You're going to be late for classes as well!" Hermione ripped the covers off of Ginny and shook her.
"Hermione, go away! I just want to sleep!" Ginny mumbled into her pillow, rolling to face the opposite wall.
"It's not my fault that you were out too late gallivanting around with, Merlin knows, whoever you picked up at the dance." At this, Ginny shot up and glared daggers at Hermione.
"Are you implying something?" She asked in an exceedingly angered tone. Hermione shook her head.
"Good. I'll come to breakfast late. Just get out." Ginny sighed, standing and heading for her armoire. She pulled out a pleated black skirt and pink polo shirt, grabbing her school robes last. The dorm was empty, just how she liked it. It was beginning to annoy her that Hermione shoved her head in her business all the time. But then again, Hermione was one of her best friends. She walked down the stairs, past the portrait hole, into the corridor, and made her way to the prefect bathroom.
"Password?" The elegant duchess in the portrait asked.
"Aparecium." Ginny stated bluntly. The duchess smiled and opened her portrait, revealing the massive marble bathroom. No one was there, and for this, Ginny was grateful. She walked to the shower and slipped inside.
The warm water cascaded down her skin as she rinsed the soap from herself. The sponge prickled her as she finished washing her legs. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't push thoughts of the previous night from her head. Draco Malfoy had given her the best night she had ever experienced. He had shown a side that, she guessed, no one else knew existed. He had been affectionate, gentlemanly, not cold or distant. The kisses he had given her were warm, yet pleading in the same way. It was as though he needed someone, her, to care.
The water turned off and she reached for a fluffy white towel to wrap around herself. She needed to talk to him again. She needed to know what was going on. He had said he cared, that she had changed him. But could the son of her father's sworn enemy, her brother's foe, change in just a few hours with her? She mentally shook herself and pulled on her clothes.
"Gin! There you are!" A voice cried as she stepped from the bathroom. She turned and saw a very out-of-breath Colin.
"Hey, Colin. Why are you so tired?" She asked as he approached. It took him a second to catch his breath.
"You better come quick, Ron and Malfoy... they've gotten into a fight. Just outside the main entrance." He panted, looking worried. Ginny grabbed his arm and took off running.
When they got to the doors, they saw a crowd of students looking outside. Pushing her way past them all, Ginny got to the front of the mass and saw Draco and Ron involved in what looked like a very painful fight. Draco had cuts like slashes across his cheek and was cradling his left arm. Ron had a bleeding nose, but that was it.
"What's the matter, Malfoy? Nothing left in you?" Ron taunted, fully prepared and waiting for Draco to launch another attack on him.
"Ron, stop!" Ginny cried, trying to make her way over to her brother. Harry stepped in her way.
"Ron! Enough!" She cried. Draco turned his head and saw Harry with his arms wrapped around Ginny in an attempt to stop her from getting between them. He was angered by this and was about to make his way toward Harry when Ron threw a punch at him again, knocking him over.
Ginny shrieked, covering her mouth with her hand. Harry looked at her like she had lost her mind. She scrambled desperately out of Harry's arms and ran to her brother.
"Ron! Ron, enough!" Ginny pleaded, sparing a sympathetic glance at Draco, who was now being helped up by Blaise Zabini.
"Ginny, what are you mad?!" Ron shouted. Ginny's touch calmed Ron down a bit and he touched his nose.
"Ron, just calm down. Please. You're going to get in trouble." She pointed her wand at his broken nose and healed it.
"He started it!" Ron pointed to Draco who was glaring murderously at him.
"You put Goyle in a fucking coma!" Draco yelled, storming over to where Ron was being treated by Ginny, but Blaise grabbed onto his arm.
"He was harassing Hermione!" Ron defended, throwing Ginny off of him. She stumbled backwards and watched as Ron went to challenge Draco again. Draco managed to release himself from Blaise's grip and went head on with Ron. Ginny quickly gathered herself and ran to both of them.
"Stop it! Both of you!" She yelled, forcing herself in between them. They stopped and looked at her questioningly.
"Get out of the way, Ginny. If Malfoy wants to have a go, we'll go." Ron sneered, swinging at Draco, barely missing Ginny's head. Ginny responded by slapping her brother forcefully across the face.
"I said 'No more'!" She yelled, pushing him back to where Harry was standing. Harry grabbed Ron's wrist and held him back and Blaise did the same thing for Draco.
"What's gotten into you, Gin?" Harry asked, stepping forward with Ron. Blaise and Ron had the same perplexed looks on their faces as well. Draco, however, knew very well what was going on.
"Nothing, I just don't want to see you getting expelled! Now come on, leave Malfoy alone." Ginny walked hastily back into the castle and to the Great Hall for breakfast. She was suddenly grabbed around the waist and pulled into the shadows.
"Let go of me, right now!" She demanded, only to have a hand slap over her mouth.
"Shut up. Do you want us to get caught?!" The voice snarled. She recognized it immediately as Blaise Zabini. He released her mouth and she spun around irately to face him.
"What do you want, Zabini?" She snarled, wanting an explanation. Surely Draco hadn't said anything. They both knew the consequences.
"Why did you stop your brother from beating Draco to a bloody pulp?" He asked, pressing the question at her as though it were a life and death matter. She merely stuck out her chin.
"Because I don't want Ron to get expelled." Blaise snorted.
"Don't feed me bullshit, Weasley. I saw the way you were looking at Draco. Better watch your back, though. Because even if you did have a thing for him, he won't be able to protect you from the disaster it will cause." And with that, Blaise shoved past her and into the corridor, disappearing through the swarms of students.
Ginny immediately ran into the Great Hall and took her seat next to Colin. She had a direct view of Draco, but refused to look at him.
"What's wrong, Gin?" Colin asked. Ginny just stared down at the food that had appeared on her plate, moving it around with her fork.
"You haven't eaten anything. Something's up. You know you can tell me." He encouraged, nudging her arm slightly.
"Thanks, Colin, but I'd rather not talk about it." She stood from her seat and walked out the door to head back to the tower where she had forgotten her books. Little did she know that as soon as she had risen, Draco had gotten out of his seat as well.
She heard footsteps behind her, but thought nothing of them until they were right nest to her. A very tattered Draco Malfoy was now in step beside her. Ignoring him, she kept walking.
"What's gotten your knickers in a twist?" He asked, taking a few strides so he was now in front of her.
"You, picking a fight with Ron." Draco looked taken aback and she pushed past him.
"He put Goyle into Saint Mungo's!" He retorted, getting very impatient, but persisting his chase.
"I don't care! You could've killed each other! And you have to remember that he means something to me! He's my brother. I want him to be successful, and he can't be expelled if he's going to be an Auror, Malfoy!" She yelled. Draco raised both of his elegant brows at her.
"Malfoy, is it, Weasel? Fine. We'll play your game. Tonight's still on; Astronomy Tower, eleven thirty. Don't be late. And speaking of late, you have five minutes to get to Potions." He smirked, storming off. Ginny just rolled her eyes and continued her trek to the Gryffindor common room.
"Ms. Weasley, since you see it appropriate to be ten minutes late to my class for three days straight, ten points from Gryffindor... for each day!" Professor Snape bellowed with a victorious look on his face. She took her seat next to Hermione.
"Ginny, if you're going to be in seventh year Potions, you have to be on time and prepared!" Hermione scolded.
"Oh be quiet. I left my books in my room and I ran into Malfoy. Besides, it's only thirty points. That's not even half of what Ron got us." This morning's fight had cost both Slytherin and Gryffindor seventy five house points.
"That's not the point! The point is that you still cost us points. And you're slipping in your class. This is advanced for you, not average." Ginny just sighed and began taking notes. Hermione continued her whispered scolding for at least another ten minutes. She looked up from her notes and saw Draco staring intently at her. Raising her eyebrows, she put her head back down and continued on her notes for the potion to cure the common cold.
"That's all for today. I expect you all to have taken good notes on this. We will be pairing up next class and preparing our own." Snape looked around the room at the packing students.
"Do not be late." He added menacingly, staring straight at Ginny.
"Couldn't have said it better myself." Draco whispered into her ear, placing something in her hand. She glanced down and saw a folded sheet of paper; when she looked up, he was already gone.
"G- Wear something warm. –D" She read aloud. Harry walked up to her and smiled. She quickly shoved the note in between the pages of her book.
"Hey, Gin?" He asked, taking her hand in his rough one. Ginny looked up, fairly disgusted. But apparently he couldn't take a hint.
"I wanted a chance to make things right. To make up for everything. So, listen... there's a Hogsmeade weekend coming up and I was wondering if you'd go with me." This whole scenario made the great Harry Potter look vulnerable. Ginny stifled a giggle when she saw Ron and Hermione in the background, nodding their heads intently.
"Harry, I can't. I have a lot of studying to do. But thank you for the offer." A fake smile plastered on her face, she kissed his cheek and walked out of the room with her books.
The day went slowly for Ginny as she debated whether or not she was looking forward to tonight. On one hand, Draco had shown signs of changing, but on the other, he had attacked Ron. Sure, Ron deserved it because he sent Goyle to Saint Mungo's, but he had attacked her brother, no less. Draco had also given her a perfect night and reasons why she should at least give him a chance. Then again, he was also still acting like the old Malfoy.
"Ginny, class is over." Colin poked her in the side with his finger. Her head snapped at him and she grinned.
"Oh. Sorry, Col." She gathered her Transfiguration books, thankful it was the last class, and followed Colin out the door.
"Got any plans for tonight, Gin?" He asked, obviously trying to make small talk.
"Er... I was thinking about going to the library for a little study time. I'm afraid for the exams coming up." She lied. Colin nodded.
"Yeah, they're gonna be treacherous. Well, I'll leave you to it then. See ya tomorrow." He wandered off into the crowd as Ginny stepped inside the library. She had three hours to kill. She walked to the far back corner of the room and pulled out a muggle device that her father had given her. It played music and she found it rather relaxing. Once settled, she turned on the music and closed her eyes.
"Oh Gods, I'm going to be late." Ginny muttered as she looked at her watch. It was eleven ten already and she had to change into 'something warm', as Draco had asked her to.
She hurriedly made her way to the common room and ran up the steps, taking them two at a time. By the time she had finished, her clothes were laying everywhere and she had to pause to catch her breath.
The Astronomy Tower was so far away, why did he have to pick there? Nevertheless, she ran as fast as she could, hoping to make it in time and, in turn, not get caught by Filch or Mrs. Norris. Finally making it, she climbed the tower and saw him standing there. Before she spoke, she took in the sight of him with his back turned to her. The pale moonlight reflected on his white shirt and fair skin. His platinum hair was loose instead of gelled, she secretly preferred it this way, and he looked unusually casual. Seemingly feeling her presence, he turned and smiled. She was out of breath.
"You're late." He stated plainly, walking forward to look her over. She looked nice and comfortable at the same time. Her hair fell from the loose bun she wore and into her face, but it made her look all the more attractive.
"So? Not by long. You said dress warm." She held out her arms that were covered by a Chudley Cannons hoodie. He smirked and nodded. The pants she wore clung to her like a second skin. Draco was impressed, but wouldn't let his guard down. If she wanted to play games, he'd play right along with her... and win. He wanted Ginny; he needed her to be whole. There was no happy family life for him; there was no warm, cozy house to come home to. Ginny had made him happy and complete on the night of the ball, but he needed that feeling more. Never had he realized until then exactly what he was missing. He cursed his parents for not showing him compassion.
"Come on, we're going for a walk." He demanded, taking her hand and entwining it with his. Ginny was shocked, but followed along, nevertheless.
He led her down staircases forever until they reached the main one. They walked down all twenty or so steps and out the main doors.
"We're going to be seen! What're you, mad?" Ginny scolded, making Draco chuckle. He looked at her and smirked.
"Silly girl, you forget I'm Head Boy. I'm allowed to be out. I'll say I'm on patrol or something. All you have to do is stay with me." His tone was a playful one, making Ginny wonder where he was taking her.
"We would've definitely gotten caught in the Astronomy tower, that's why we're going to talk down here, under the willow tree by the lake." Just as he said that, they reached the willow and sat down. Ginny looked at him curiously.
"We can't do this." Ginny said, after five minutes of sitting in silence. What Blaise had said had really gotten her thinking. Draco's father was dangerous; he was a deatheater.
"Just why not?" Draco asked, looking more amused than angry.
"Because your friend Blaise shoved me in a corridor today and warned me. He was right, Draco. He knows something's up because he said, 'even if you did have a thing for him, he won't be able to protect you from the disaster it will cause.'" Ginny looked at her hands, not wanting to meet Draco's eyes.
"I swear on my life that I would protect you from everything. Nobody knows my father and his 'skills' better than I do. Don't listen to Blaise. He's the one that's just begging for trouble." Draco demanded, lifting Ginny's face to meet his.
"We can't, Draco! I don't want you risking anything to be with me; I'm not worth the trouble. I'm just a Weasley. Your father would kill you! My parents would disown me for it. We just can't! It wouldn't be fair to anyone, not us, not our families... no one." She finished in a whisper.
"You can't honestly believe that they'd find out all that soon. And when they do find out we'll just deny it! Come on!" He was almost begging, and there was a soft sort of pleading look in his eyes.
"Why do you want to do this anyway? Did you hit your head or something?" Draco chuckled and kissed her cheek.
"I thought I had already explained this, Weasley." Ginny made a very unladylike snort, but he continued anyway.
"At the ball, it felt right to have you there with me. I couldn't have cared less what house you were from, or from what family you were of. That feeling... I've never had that before. Everyone else was in it for the chase... I don't know what that feeling was, but I need it." He confessed. She looked at him and concluded that he was being completely sincere.
"Compassion." She whispered.
"Excuse me?" He looked confused.
"Compassion. The feeling was compassion." She replied. He cocked an eyebrow at her and gave a smile.
"Well thank you." He whispered, leaning dangerously close to her.
"Anytime." She squeaked; he gently laid his lips on hers. The kiss was different than the others. It was soft, but full of needing. Neither of them minded. And Ginny knew very well that she needed Draco as much as he needed her. Her world had been shattered when Harry had used her, but now she had a chance to be happy. She had made up her mind.
She was going to do this.