Loving You Secretly
Chapter 09: Christmas Wish
"Xav, Xav. You're spacing out again. What's wrong?" Harry asked.
"Just a thought running through my mind. Nothing much really" Ginny replied before returning to her work.
Draco eyed his roommate. Fully aware that the only reason she was looking so lost was because of him and his mother. "There's really nothing she can do, I've told her so many times already" thought the blonde as he shook his head and returned to read his book. Christmas was drawing near, and very soon, they would be on their way home for the holidays. This meant that Draco would be heading back to the Malfoy Manor once again, and he was feeling weird about it. Ginny tried to help him think of ways to get used to life back at the Malfoy Manor, but as she has never been there before, there was nothing much she could do, yet the little redhead persisted.
"There's got to be some way where he and his family could spend quality time together trying to get to know each other again" thought Ginny as she chewed on the end of her quill.
"Xav, could you help me with this, I can't seem to get the answer" Harry asked as he pushed his book in front of Ginny.
"Um...try this" Ginny said as she scribbled some words on the book.
"Nope, it's still wrong. Never mind, I'll figure something out. Are you alright? These stuffs don't usually pose a difficulty to you, you know?" Harry asked.
"I'm probably just tired, I'm going back to the dormitory, see you tomorrow, Harry" Ginny said as she grabbed her books and left the library. She knew she wasn't concentrating on her work and there was no point staying in the library and spacing out, causing her friends to worry about her.
Back in her dormitory, Ginny changed into her nightwear and clambered into bed, attempting to sleep, but there were simply too much things on her mind. Eventually, fatigue took over and she slumbered.
Draco entered the dormitory and noticed that the little redhead was already asleep. Walking over to Ginny's bed, Draco sat by her, watching her as she slept. She was so innocent and so alluring when she slept. Always there to help him and encourage him. He felt so much for her. It was too much emotion to put into words. Lifting his hand to her face, he brushed off a strand of red hair that was covering her face. Fortunately for him, Ginny was a heavy sleeper, so heavy that only a marching procession can wake her up. Maybe not that serious, but nevertheless, a little sound or movement would never wake Ginny up. This was something Draco learnt over the past four months of being her room mate.Ginny was still topping the level and her personal best during quidditch practice was 100 points all by herself. Draco is amazed, fascinated, convinced, and conquered by this little angel. Watching her sleep reminded him of the ball when he danced with her. It was the only time he felt so strongly towards another person. He had had several girlfriends before he came to Durmstrang, being Draco Malfoy, but none of them made him feel as strongly as he does for Ginny Weasley.
"Maybe because none of them are crazy enough to dress up as a boy, enroll into an all boy's school, come in with top scores, excel in everything, amaze and amuse everyone, all because of me" thought the blonde as he gave his infamous smirk.
"I'm sorry Harry. I'm not going to give her up to you without a fight. She's too precious" thought Draco as he left Ginny's bedside and went back to sleep.
"Hey, you're all going home for Christmas?" Harry asked. Ginny and Draco nodded simultaneously.
"Lucky you. Mom and Dad decided to head for the Silk Road, so I've got no home to go to" Harry sighed.
"You could always join me at the Malfoy Manor, mate" Draco said matter-of-factly as he dragged his trunk out of his room.
"Really? I've been waiting for you to say that. You're such a great friend" Harry chirped before rushing into his room and pulling out his own trunk, prompting Ginny to burst out laughing and Draco to roll his eyes.
"See, I'm all packed "Harry chirped as he ran towards his friends.
Together, the three friends made their way towards the portkeys.
Back in Bramble Woods, Ginny bid goodbye to Harry and Draco before running off to find her mother.
"Mom, I'm home" Ginny called as she ran towards her mother's open arms.
"Oh, my baby. How have you been? I'm so proud of you, you are so smart and capable, my sweetheart" Molly Weasley exclaimed as she hugged her daughter tight.
"Yeah, that's why we are all here to pick you" Ron said as he stepped forward to pull his sister into his arms while Fred and George grinned at her.
"How's my little princess?" Arthur Weasley said as he ruffled Ginny's hair.
"I've been great. Had the best time of my life" Ginny grinned.
On Draco's side of Bramblewoods
"Mother, Harry's joining us, is that okay? His parents are away" Draco asked as he walked over to his mother, who nodded quietly.
"They'll be here mother. If they want us back, they will be here" Draco assured her.
"Narcissa, Draco, Harry" Lucius Malfoy called out as he approached his ex-wife, his son and his son's best friend. Right behind him stood Leo, who was trying to look indifferent.
"Mother" Leo called as he approached his mother.
"My baby, I've missed you so much. How have you been?" Narcissa cried out as she pulled her younger son into her arms, completely overwhelmed by emotions. Leo on the other hand didn't know what to do, so he just hugged his mother back and patted her on the back.
"Leo" Draco said as he approached his brother. Leo released his mother and turned towards his brother. "Brother" Leo replied and they broke into a smile.
"This is so good. You two are finally on talking terms again" Harry laughed as he hugged the two brothers, causing both of them to choke while Lucius and Narcissa smiled at the trio.
"Alright, let's be off now. We've still got a Christmas tree to decorate and a turkey to prepare" Lucius announced.
"Oh boy, Christmas tree, and TURKEY!" Harry yelled as he ran off after the two adults, followed closely by the two brothers.
"So little sis, we shall meet in the Quidditch Inter-schools match, right?" asked Ron.
"Yes big brother, and the Eagles will own you Gryffindors" Ginny smirked.
"Tell us about your roommate Gin. Draco Malfoy is legendary" Fred asked as he took a muffin from the basket.
"Well, he started off hating me, cause like my dear brothers, he thought I was just another imp born into this world to spite him. But I guess I changed his mind when I was promoted to second year and when I joined the Eagles. It was kinda hard for him to treat me nastily" Ginny grinned.
"Speaking of which, that means you're the same year as me now, Gin. Awesome" Ron exclaimed, but also feeling a tinge of jealousy at his sister's talents.
"How was it like dancing with the legendary seeker?" George grinned cheekily.
"I had lots of fun" Ginny said, blushing a little, causing her brothers to burst out in laughter.
"Alright, stop teasing your sister. Now Ginny, I know that you are very talented and that you excel in both academic and sports. But that doesn't give you the excuse to get into relationships at school, especially with your roommate. I'm presuming he doesn't know you are a girl" said Arthur solemnly.
"Oh come on Dad, Gin's old enough to take care of herself, besides, she's a boy in name back in school, how is it possible for her to get into relationships? Unless the other guy's a gay, which means you don't have to worry about a thing because Ginny is a girl" Fred said matter-of-factly, earning a glare from his father.
"I'm just telling her to be careful" Arthur defended himself.
"Face it, Dad, you're just being over protective, just like old Ronniekins here" George rebutted. At this statement, both the father and the youngest son blushed crimson red.
"How was school for you Leo?" Lucius asked prompting Harry, Draco and Narcissa to look up from their plates and at the mentioned boy.
"Oh, it's really cool actually. I'm on the Slytherin team, playing seeker, just like big brother. I might even be playing against the both of you, oh and that redheaded little guy too, for the upcoming quidditch inter-schools championship" Leo said proudly.
"Isn't that wonderful, Narcissa? Our sons, both made seekers in their first year. This year's quidditch inter-schools championship would be worth a watch, don't you think so?" Lucius asked his wife who replied with a smile.
"Aunt Narcissa, Headmaster, I'd be returning home tomorrow by the floo network. My parents just owled me saying that they've returned, and they didn't want me to bother you any longer" Harry said as he finished his dessert.
"I never thought you were a bother. You're welcome here anytime you wish, you've been Draco's best friend since before entering Durmstrang, I've long regarded you as one of my sons. But if your parents would like you to return for a reunion, then you'd better hurry home to see them, I'm sure you miss them a lot" Lucius smiled at the younger boy.
"That's right Harry. You've always been a great companion for Draco it's almost like you're brothers already. Take good care of yourself" Narcissa added.
"Say mate, since I'm leaving tomorrow, why don't we party all night? With Leo of course" Harry chirped.
"I don't mind. But I do wish Xav were here too" Draco sighed.
"Big brother, tell me you are not gay, tell me you don't swing that way" Leo teased while trying to look horrified.
"He can't be gay. He's too strong to be gay" Harry grinned.
"Mommy, have you seen my set of inner vests?" Ginny asked she ran down the stairs.
"I've already had them packed into your trunk. Honestly, I can't trust you to take good care of yourself. Quidditch inter-schools championships are coming up soon. Practice hard and don't skive off the job okay. Make us proud, sweetheart. But do take care of yourself as well. Get enough rest" Molly went on and on, but because she had her back to Ginny, she wasn't aware that her daughter had already ran upstairs back to her room to avoid listening to the nagging.
"Hey big brother, looks like you'll get to see your little red head tomorrow. Are you feeling really excited? How bout ecstatic?" Leo teased as he flop down on his brother's bed.
"Get off my bed Leo, and stop talking about Xav. It's becoming too clich" Draco replied.
"Bye Mommy. Take care of yourself and Daddy too, Okay?" Ginny gave a final wave before making her way to the portkey.
"Hey there" a familiar voice called out. Ginny turned around only to find herself facing the blonde that she had missed for the period of the holidays, Draco Malfoy.
"Hey Draco. So how's everything at home? Alright?" Ginny asked.
"Still thinking about it aren't you? Everything's alright. I'm adapting really well. Did you get my present to you?" Draco asked.
"Yeah. It's really nice, Thanks. Did you get my present for you?" Ginny asked. Incidentally, Draco had given her a pocket watch that was also a compass.
"Yeah. Nice picture. You're really talented in everything" Draco exclaimed as he led them towards the portkey. Incidentally, Ginny had given him a portrait of the three of them (plus Harry) that she drew from memory.
"Hey, you guys" Harry called out as he ran towards his two best friends.
"Hey there, Harry. How was Christmas? Thanks for the cloak. Did you get my present?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, I did. How did you know I needed a quill anyway?" Harry asked.
"Well, I was the one who broke your old one anyway" Ginny laughed as she ran to touch the portkey and disappeared into it.
"Xav, that was..." Harry started but was interrupted by the blonde.
"Oh stop talking. Let's go, we're going to miss the last portkey" Draco smirked as he dragged his friend towards a nearby portkey.