Fire and Ice
Chapter Six
Ginny sat up in bed, thoughts whirling around in her head faster than she could count. Her day had certainly been an interesting one, a day that made Ginny confused and her mind a hectic race of thoughts. The main thing that she had been re-living continuously was the kiss. Yes, Draco Malfoy had kissed her … a kiss that blew Ginny's mind away. What puzzled her to no end was her reaction to that particular kiss. Instead of shoving him away as soon as he had laid a hand on her, she had tangled herself in his arms, locking lips with him.
Ginny would never admit to liking kissing Draco never, not in a million years. Not even if Harry came back to her, pledging an undying love to her. Although, now that she thought about it … she wasn't exactly sure she wanted Harry back. Just the image repulsed Ginny to no end; which was strange, considering days before she had longed to be held in his arms. Just as another set of imagines began forming in Ginny's head the low humming creak of the door opening split through the silence.
Ginny hurriedly slid beneath her blankets, and her eyes flew closed. She listened as directional whispers, were uttered and the pattering of feet clanging against the stone floor was heard. Suddenly a beam of light gleamed upon her freckled cheeks, and she felt eyes baring onto her.
"Ms. Weasley?" a voice whispered. "Ms. Weasley, please wake up dear. I need to speak with you"
Ginny's eyes fluttered open, squinting at the light. "Ye-yes?"
"Ginny, this is Caroline Rutger" Dumbledore stepped aside, gesturing to a slim girl behind him. "She's a new student, and arrived later than expected. I'm sure you wouldn't mind helping her settle in, would you?"
Ginny sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "Of course not Professor. She's a Gryffindor?"
McGonagall nodded, nudging Caroline forward. "Yes dear, why else would we be waking you at this time of night?"
Ginny rolled her eyes, hoping it would go unnoticed. "Alright well," she slowly slid out from the sheets, as her feet hit the cold stone floor, she shivered. Ginny outstretched her hand, "I'm Ginny Weasley, nice to meet you"
Caroline smiled brightly, and gently took her hand and gave it a firm shake. "Hi Ginny, I'm Caroline Rutger. It's a pleasure meeting you. I'm sorry you had to woken up so late"
"Caroline is from an American wizarding school, she came here for a better education." Dumbledore explained, watching Caroline with a glisten to his eye.
Caroline looked up, and smiled. "Well I'll let you get settled in dear, be sure to report to Professor McGonagall's office first thing in the morning. She will have your schedule written up by then." Leaving this as his last words, Dumbledore strode from the room, his long robes, billowing behind him. McGonagall soon followed pursuit, leaving the two Gryffindors with a small smile.
Once the two were gone, Ginny realized just how rude she seemed as Caroline was standing there lugging two heavy trunks. "Oh, I'm sorry … I'm so bloody stupid" Ginny muttered, gently easing a trunk handle from Caroline's grip.
Caroline smiled, "Thanks Ginny"
"Why are you thanking me? All I've done is taken your bag" Ginny said laughing lightly
"I know but, you put up with being woken up at midnight, just to help me! I'm just grateful, that's all."
Ginny gave Caroline a warm smile, "Oh it's no problem really. I wasn't actually sleeping …"
Caroline frowned, "Why is something wrong?"
Ginny shook her head, smiling. "No, no I'm fine … just boy troubles that's all"
"Oh …"
"Yeah, it's not that big of a deal" Shrugging it off, Ginny heaved Caroline's trunk onto the bed beside her own. "So, you're new to Hogwarts, huh?"
"Yeah" Caroline said with a smile, she lugged the remaining trunk to the end of the bed, and set it on the floor. "It's really weird, actually. In America we didn't have houses"
Ginny smiled weakly, "Well we do here, and I'm almost glad we do. A lot of the student's here aren't all too pleasant …"
Caroline laughed, "Don't all schools have that problem everywhere?"
"Yeah, I suppose so …"
"Well, I'm sure you'll tell me who to avoid, right Gin?" Caroline grinned, nudging Ginny's arm playfully before popping open her trunk.
Ginny laughed, smiling. "Oh, of course … I wouldn't want you falling into the wrong hands"
"Good, I'm glad I can trust you" Caroline mumbled, as she was half way in her trunk, rummaging around for something. Quite suddenly she found what she was looking for, and she walked over to the nightstand beside her bed, propping up a small picture against the lantern.
"What's that?" Ginny asked, gesturing towards the picture
"Oh, this?" Caroline replied, picking up the small framed, picture. "It's a picture of me with my best friends from back home," she smiled and walked over to Ginny showing her the picture. It showed 3 girls, one of which was Caroline. The three were hugging, all bearing goofy grins.
Ginny smiled, and pointed towards one of the girls. "Who's that?"
"Oh that's my best friend Meghan, and the other one's name is Niki. We've been best friends since I can remember!" She laughed, "They went to my old school, both awesome girls. I miss them; I promised them they could come visit." Smiling, Caroline gently took back the picture, and placed upon the nightstand once again.
"I'm sure there nice, I can't wait to meet them"
Caroline smiled, and began rummaging in her trunk once more. Soon enough she emerged with some silky pajama bottoms, and a large t-shirt. "Where's the bathroom?" She asked
Ginny nodded towards a door across the room, "Right over there"
"Thanks!" Caroline replied giddily, before disappearing off into the bathroom.
Ginny crawled back into bed, a smile planted on her face. She certainly is nice, much nicer than I imagined American girls … anyway. She thought, as she slid beneath the warmth of her blankets. Laying her head down against the plush pillow, her eyes began drifting closed. Just before she had the chance to fall asleep, she heard feet pittering across the floor, and the clunking of a trunk hitting the ground.
"Goodnight, Ginny thanks again" Caroline whispered
"Goodnight, Caroline and it really was no problem at all"
Then silence fell upon the two girls, and eventually they both drifted off into their dreams.
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The next morning came quicker than usual, and Ginny found herself frowning as the sunlight crept in from behind the curtains. Slowly pushing herself up, she eased out of bed, and made her way towards the showers. A nice shower should wake me up … hopefully. Ginny mused, entering the bathroom. After a quick shower, Ginny was wide awake and ready for yet another willful day. Although her thoughts were still whirling like mad, she hoped for a less mind twisting day.
As she made her way down the moving staircase, she couldn't help but ponder on what Draco might have in store for her today. It was apparent that the slave bargain was definitely going to be held up and even though she loathed the idea she was going to have to get over it. Entering the Great Hall Ginny was surprised to find Caroline already sitting at Gryffindor's long table but, she even more surprised to see her accompanied by non other than Blaise Zabini. A skeptical look creeped onto Ginny's features as she neared the couple.
"Hey Gin!" Caroline said smiling, as Ginny took a seat across from the two.
"Hi Caroline, Blaise" Ginny replied, nodding in Blaise's direction
"Hello Weaslette" Blaise greeted, with a familiar smirk on his lips. "Have fun last night?"
Ginny gave Blaise a deadly look, "I would rather not discuss that right now …"
Blaise chuckled, "Of course, sorry Weaslette. So," he turned to Caroline. "See you around later, love"
A rush of heat, ran into Caroline's cheeks, and she nodded. "Bye Blaise …"
As soon as Blaise was out of hearing range Ginny, gave Caroline the run down on Blaise and Malfoy. She explained how evil the two had been over the years, and that they weren't worth her time. "But, he seemed so nice …" Caroline said, almost dreamily as she glanced over her shoulder at Blaise.
"Yeah, only till he gets into your bloody pants" Ginny smirked, sipping her orange juice lightly
Caroline spun around, "What?"
Ginny snorted, "Seeing how Draco, is known as the Slytherin Sex God, I wouldn't be surprised if Blaise had some sort of title of his own"
"But-he … no, he couldn't have. Are you sure?" Caroline questioned, a puzzled look on her face
Ginny shrugged, "I'm not positive … just assuming …" Ginny's gaze flicked across the room towards the Slytherin table, she noticed Draco wasn't present. Then remembering his words last night, her eyes grew large. "Bloody hell," she mumbled, slugging down the remaining drops of juice and hurriedly getting up from the table.
"What is it now?" Caroline asked, sounding slightly annoyed
"I-well I have to meet someone, I'm sorry about just running off but, I'll see you later" Ginny said smiling
"Oh, alright. Bye Ginny!" Caroline called out, as Ginny raced from the Great Hall; flaming hair whipping behind her.
As Ginny sprinted from the Great Hall Caroline muttered, "My word … that girl is very busy!"
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Ginny reached the head's dorm within only a few minutes, as she had reminded herself to remember directions to the place. Soon enough she was knocking on the hard surface of the portraits frame, eagerly waiting for someone to open up. Just as she reached to knock once more, the portrait flew open.
"What is it now!" Hermione hissed, her face red with rage
"Ummmm … hello Hermione" Ginny said, startled
"Oh … it's only you Ginny, I thought you were Harry. We're in a bit of a row …" she said with a sigh
Ginny smiled weakly, "Oh … I'm so-sorry to hear that"
"Yeah, so did you need something Gin?" Hermione asked, sweetly
What's with the sudden kindness? I thought she was still mad about the bloody, Malfoy rubbish. Ginny mused to herself. "Oh, well I'm here to see Draco"
Ginny's eyes widened as Hermione's face became stricken with hatred. "Why, in merlins name would you like to see that bloody git?" she demanded coldly
Ginny's eyes darted, as she attempted to come up with something to hide her real reasons for visiting him. "Uhhh well you see, Dumbledore sent me! To ummm … give Draco a letter, on his duties for this coming Friday"
Hermione frowned, a puzzled look overcoming her features. "A letter? Concerning his duties for Friday?"
Ginny's body shook with worry as she waited for a further response. "Oh! He must be talking about the meeting we had planned, maybe it got canceled or something. But … why did he send you?"
Ginny hurriedly thought of yet another lie, "I ran into him on the way to the Great Hall, he asked if I could deliver it …"
"Oh, that's odd … I wonder why he didn't just send it by owl …" Hermione pondered aloud. "Well, I can give it to bloody bastard, if you'd rather not speak with him. He's quite moody this morning …" Hermione informed Ginny cautiously, glancing over her shoulder.
"Oh, that's alright I'll just deliver it to him myself" Ginny answered, smiling
"Ok, if you're sure …" Hermione's face was overcome with worry, as she stepped aside allowing Ginny entrance.
Ginny, scurried in through the portrait, and guessing the way towards Draco's room, she headed off down a hall. She had passed, and opened several doors till finally, she found the exact one she was looking for. And she wasn't exactly sure it had been a good idea to just barge right in. As she slipped through the door, she was surprised to find Draco pacing the length of his room, in only his boxers. His hair was a mess, and dark circles traced his icy blue eyes.
Ginny closed the door slowly, her eyes watching him carefully. "Are-are you alright?" she questioned, worriedly
Draco shook his head, his feet pattering across the floor as he continued to pace.
Ginny frowned, "Is something … wrong?" she asked, walking over to his bed, and plopping down onto its soft surface.
Draco never broke a stride in his pacing, and continued to not utter a word.
Ginny's frown, deepened. "What in blazes is wrong with you?" she asked bewildered
Suddenly Draco stopped pacing all together, and turned towards Ginny. His face was completely emotionless, and he looked absolutely horrid. But, something about him made Ginny just want to smother him with kisses. Maybe it was the fact that a pair of stunning abs were glaring right at her, but she wasn't sure. She watched as his feet slowly began walking forward, inching closer and closer towards her, until finally he was directly in front of her; his body towering above hers.
"Draco wha-"
But, Ginny didn't have time to finish because right as she was about to question him further he covered her mouth with his. Her eyes widened in shock, but her arms moved almost by instinct around his neck, as her hands tangled in his platinum blonde hair. Draco slid his hands under her, and gently picked her up, placing her further back on the bed. His tongue flickered out across her lips, licking them lightly. Ginny's eyes fluttered closed, as her heart pounded hard inside her chest. She had never felt this way before, this ecstatic wanting, it was amazing.
Opening her mouth, she met Draco's tongue with her own, in a passionate kiss. Draco, smiled against her lips in satisfaction, as his hands slid under the hem of her shirt, trailing small circles on her waist. Suddenly, Ginny felt pressure on her lungs, and she pulled away gasping for breath. Draco suspended all his weight on his elbows, making sure not to crush her, as he lay above her. Ginny noticed that his face remained emotionless, and without realizing it a frown upturned her lips.
"What's wrong?" he asked, in a whisper
"I should be asking you the same question, what in blazes were you doing pacing about the way you were?" she breathed, easily changing the mood
Draco sighed, and slid from her body, standing up. "Nothing … it doesn't concern you …" he growled
Ginny's frowned deepened, as she slowly sat up. "Nothing?" she sighed, "Oh for merlins sake, Draco! You can't look that bloody horrible, and not have anything on your mind!"
Draco spun around, anger dancing in his eyes. "You have no idea what's going on Ginny! None, whatsoever! So don't talk to me about-"
"Well then tell me! Just explain!"
Draco shook his head, glaring at the stone cold floor. "It doesn't matter … you can't do anything, even if you wanted to"
Ginny noticed his emphasis on "wanted", and her blood began to boil, with frustration. "Who ever said, I didn't want to!"
"Ginny, I said you can't help me and that's not going to change" he sighed. "Besides … I don't want you getting hurt … I don't know if I could handle that …" he whispered
Ginny raised an eyebrow, as her features were overtaken with shock. "Wha-what did you just say?"
Draco turned, and looked at Ginny with miserable eyes. "Nothing … I didn't say anything …"
Ginny frowned, and slid off the edge of his bed. "Yes you did … you don't want me getting hurt, but-"
"Ginny … please don't …" he warned sharply
"What is this all about, me getting hurt? What happened?"
"Ginny …"
"Draco, just tell me!" she sighed, annoyed. "If this involves me then-"
Just as Ginny reached Draco, he cried out in pain and gripped his wrist tightly. Ginny's eyes flew wide, and worry overtook her. "Draco? Wha-what's going on?"
Draco groaned in pain, clutching his wrist. "Ginn-Ginny … just … go …"
Ginny's eyes grew even wider, "No! Draco what in merlins name is going on?" she demanded, her voice slightly escalading
Draco fell to his knees; his face contorted into a look of severe pain, and his wrist a bright shade of red, as he continued to groan out in agony. Ginny's eyes were filled with worry, as she scanned him from head to toe. Kneeling down beside him, she rested his head in her lap.
"Alright Draco, I'm going to try my best to make … well, whatever is hurting stop. But, you have to promise me that once this is all over and done with that you'll tell me what's going on. Got it?" Ginny commanded, firmly but gently.
Draco just nodded his fingers white from gripping at his wrist so fiercely. Ginny eased her wand from her pocket, and wordlessly made a damp cloth appear in her hands. Gently she rested it on Draco's forehead, and leaning down she kissed his cheek gently. Draco smiled weakly, his wrist still suffering from pain. The two remained like this for quite sometime, until Draco was sitting up, sipping a glass of cold ice water.
"You feeling any better?" Ginny questioned cautiously
Draco nodded, gulping down the water, as it soothed his soar throat.
Ginny smiled, her gaze fixed on him intently. She was beginning to accept that fact that maybe just, maybe Draco Malfoy wasn't all that bad. That at times he could lift a girl off her feet, just like he had done the first time he kissed her. Another sweet smile, curled upon Ginny's lips at the thought and her mind fell at ease. Draco glanced over at her, and a smirk set on his features.
"Pleased?"
Ginny blinked, awakening from her daydream. She laughed, smirking. "Pleased? Well, you look rather pleased yourself" she said, eyeing him as his gaze swooped over her body, and a smile of satisfaction set in.
Draco chuckled, still smirking, he glanced down at his wrist, and his features took a dark look. Ginny frowned, and remembering his promise she immediately questioned him. "Spill" she said simply
"But, Ginny-"
"No. You made me a promise, and your bloody going to keep it!"
"Gin-"
"No"
"Ginny-"
"No" Ginny denied in a sing song voice
Draco sighed, giving in. "I don't know why im telling this to you, after all your not going to bloody care but … since your so insistent," Ginny grinned, evilly. "I suppose I must …"
"Well … go on" Ginny urged
"Do you remember when you found me, in those woods behind your house?" Draco asked a quizzical look on his face. Ginny nodded. "Well," he let out a sigh. "I-I can't tell you this … It really doesn't concern you!" he hissed, harshly
Ginny rolled her eyes, "Then why were you so concerned about me getting hurt?"
Draco's eyes darted, avoiding Ginny's gaze. "Thought so …" Ginny said smirking
Draco grinned at her, "You're getting more demanding every day Weaslette"
Ginny frowned, "Ginny …" she growled
Draco smirked, "Oh right, I'm supposed to call you Ginny … but, wait a second. Since when did slaves give the orders?"
Ginny's eyes bulged, "Draco would you just bloody spit it out already?" she shrieked
Draco looked down at his wrist before glancing back up at Ginny, "How am I supposed to know I can trust you?" he questioned, raising a brow
Ginny sighed, "Because if you couldn't then our little meeting would have been known by the entire school by now …"
"I suppose your right but-"
"No, Draco just please … tell me" Ginny looked at him with hopeful eyes.
Draco's insides twisted, and he tried to contain the urge to grab her and kiss her right there. 'How is she managing to do this to me? Turn me into some bloody sap?' His eyes roamed over her petite figure freely, and he couldn't help but not bid her every whim.
"Fine, well you know how you found me out in those woods … with Voldemort and the lot?" Ginny nodded. "Well you happened to come upon a marking ceremony … I-I was about to receive the mark" He bowed his head but, continued on. "But, I put up a hell of a fight. I don't want to be like my father, that bloody idiot serves Voldemort like a slave, kissing his hand, and all that rubbish! I don't want my soul to belong to anyone … I'm not like him … not even close!" Draco snarled, Ginny noticed the angry flames burning in his eyes, with such strong hatred she couldn't bare to keep eye contact. "He doesn't care about me … I could see how pleased he was, when Voldemort crucioed me," Ginny cringed, at how horrible the situation seemed. "So, when you came he had begun the process … but, once again I had gotten away only … he" Draco's eyes flickered down to his wrist. "He partly succeeded in embedding the damn thing into my wrist …"
Ginny eyes shot directly at Draco's wrist, and her eyes welled with shock. There it was, true it was light, not very clear and defined but, it was certainly there. Suddenly a wave of sorrow crashed down on Ginny, and her features turned dismal and grey. She looked up at Draco and smiled weakly, "You glad I saved your arse now, aren't you?" she teased, trying to lighten the situation
Draco chuckled lightly, and smiled at her. "Yeah … I am actually. Thanks for the favor Gin, I owe you one"
Ginny grinned, and reached out, running her finger over the mark lightly. Goose bumps formed on her arms, as a sudden chill ran through her body. Her face appeared stricken with horror, and worry and the color had been drained from her cheeks. Draco looked up, and realizing it he quickly eased Ginny's hand off his wrist.
"Gin-Ginny … are you alright?"
Ginny blinked rapidly, and the rosy color in her cheeks, appearing once more. "I-I … I don't know … when I touched it … I got this chill, an eerie feeling, like I was being watched It just spooked me … that's all" Ginny murmured
Draco sighed, "I had that feeling all last night … not to mention this unbearable pain, all over my body"
Ginny looked up, frowning. "I'm assuming that's why you look rather horrid this morning?"
Draco raised an eye brow, "And like you look any better," he paused. "Weaslette .."
Ginny's hands bunched into fists at her side, and her face grew red. "Draco Malfoy you evil git …" she growled
Draco smirked. "Well, I'm off for a shower … need to freshen up, you care to join?"
Ginny's eyes widened.
"You sure look like you need one!" Draco called over his shoulder, a smirk still plastered on his face
Ginny remained glued to the floor, her eyes bulging in shock. 'What in merlins name did I get myself into …?'
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Author's Note: Well, whatcha think? Hopefully you enjoyed it! Please review! Thanks a bunch!
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