A/N:I was extremely pleased with the number of reviews I recieved for a single chapter. i'm imagining this fic to end up around thirteen or fourteen chapters long with the way I combined the original chapters.I hope that you all continue to enjoy this. Thank you to my lovely beta, dragonaiden who provides interesting threats to keep me writing. Without her, I would not have gotten past the end of this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, places, or objects associated with JK Rowling's Harry Potter books. I do not own the characters mentioned from the Anne Rice novels, nor the rights to them. I do not know who owns the rights to The Mask of Zorro, but I assure you that it is not me. Please give credit where credit is due.

Warning: Violence and attempted murder. Misuse of alcohol by a minor. Evil use of cliffhanger by the author.

I Never Thought I Would Be A Hero

Original Dark Angel

Chapter2: Distraction or Bait?

Being Draco Malfoy's girlfriend was changing Ginny's life. She enjoyed the privileges it brought, was miserable about not being able to talk to her friends, and was terrified of Lucas. Everywhere she went, she felt his eyes on her. She simply moved closer to Draco and started a PDA. It was their code for Watch out for Lucas. As much as she disliked Malfoy, he was the only safe link she had to her old world. And, horror of horrors, she was actually starting to get along with Draco Malfoy. When they were studying with Blaise, he actually acted like a human being. True the study sessions usually turned into perfectly timed PDA (to Blaise's amusement as he sat back and watched), until Madame Pince chased them from the library, but the banter up until then was no different then when she had studied with her friends last year. She was growing fond of Blaise. He made it easy for both her and Draco to relax. For Draco's sake, she hoped he wasn't the spy they feared he was.

"Hogsmeade Trip on Halloween and then the Great Feast is a masque ball." Blaise plopped down across from Ginny and Draco at breakfast. "Got any costume ideas?"

"Not yet. We'll check out the new costume shop in Hogsmeade. Madame Fright's, I do believe. Rather lame pun. You?"

"Something dashing and heroic to make the girls swoon. Come on, Ginny. Share what the girls are attracted to. Help a poor dateless boy out, will you? Please?"

Ginny thought for a moment. "Over the summer, I saw an American movie called The Mask of Zorro. The hero was a masked swordsman, who fought to save the people from an evil governor. The role would be perfect for you. A dashing rogue dressed in black should ensure at least two girls fighting for your attention by the end of the night," she offered.

"Sounds perfect. Thanks, Ginny" Blaise kissed her cheek and ran off.

"So the lady is attracted to dashing rogues?" Draco raised an eyebrow at her. "I had better find a suitable costume before I lose you to Blaise."

"Don't be stupid, Draco," she said sharply. "Not like I ha-" The tingling on the back of her neck alerted her to Lucas's presence, and she switched tactics abruptly. "Not like I could ever love anyone other than you."

Draco's eyes flashed up and seeing Lucas, he leaned forward to kiss her. "I'll never let you leave me."

Ginny wrapped Draco's green and silver scarf around her neck ignoring the pointed glares of her fellow Gryffindors. She left the common room without speaking to anyone. Draco was waiting for her outside the portrait hole. She looked around. "Where's Blaise?"

"He's not going. His mum sent his costume along with a private tutor in swordplay. He'll meet us at the feast. Rumor has it that Dumbledore booked The Weird Sisters to play tonight."

"Can you dance?"

"Of course I can dance." He paused. "Why do you ask?"

"Neville couldn't."

"Longbottom is a clumsy oaf. I can dance, and I found the perfect costumes." They joined the group of kids standing in front of the school. He opened the magazine flier and pointed to a picture. "These."

Ginny stood in Pansy's room, waiting for the other girl to finish getting ready. Ginny had been ready for fifteen minutes, but Pansy was still trying to arrange her black curly hair like Ginny's. Ginny's hair hung straight to her waist under a spectacular gold diadam. Her eyes were lined with kohl, and she wore a fabulously bejeweled Egyptian costume. Pansy wore a cheap gold imitation in the ever-present attempt to win back Draco. Ginny straightened her chiffon skirt. Pansy looked at her in the mirror. "Who are you supposed to be again?"

"Akasha, Queen of the Damned." At Pansy's confused look, she elaborated. "One of the vampires from Draco's Anne Rice novels. He's going to be the Vampire, Lestat. And you are?" From Pansy's look, she could tell the girl didn't have any idea, and she doubted that Pansy even knew where the costume had originated. Taking pity on her, Ginny added, "One of the great Egyptian Queens of course, but which one?"

She watched as Pansy thought for a moment. "Cleopatra."

How original, Ginny thought, but didn't voice her sarcasm. "Of course. Do you mind if I go on ahead?

"Not at all. See you at the Feast."

Ginny slipped from the room and hurried to the Great Hall, hoping to arrive before the ball started, but Pansy had made her late. So every eye was on her as she entered. Draco appeared at her side and pulled her into the dance. Other than a few edgewise glances, everyone returned their attention to their partners. Ginny leaned against Draco, whispering quietly, "You couldn't have chosen a less attention-getting costume for me?"

"On the contrary, I wanted us to stand out and be the center of attention."

"Oh, I stand out, all right. I expect my brother will write to Mum tonight, explaining how well I stood out-wait a moment-why do you want us to stand out?"

"I have my reasons. Think of it this way. Our lives depend on how well we stand out." He pulled her closer. "What do you think of my costume?"

"Very appealing. Surprisingly enough." The song ended and Pansy chose this moment to make her grand entrance, shocking everyone. Ginny looked up at Draco. "I swear that outfit wasn't like that when I left her!" Ginny had thought her own costume was revealing. Pansy had reduced hers to an ill-fitting gold lamae bikini with a see through skirt and enough jewelry to sink a boat.

As Pansy swayed towards them, Draco backed away. "I doubt she was this drunk either." Professor Snape caught their eyes and jerked his head towards Pansy. With a sigh, Draco pulled out a chair for Ginny. "Stay right here. I'll be right back." He summoned Crabbe and Goyle. Between the three of them, they managed to move Pansy out of the Great Hall.

Ginny didn't notice the man in black behind her until he held out a rose to her. "For the Senorita!" he said in a heavily fake Spanish accent.

"Blaise! Your costume is wonderful."

"Por favor. Would the senorita care to dance?"

"Of course 'Zorro' I would love to." He pulled her to her feet and skillfully led her through the dance, guiding her into a room off the Great Hall. "Blaise?" she asked nervously. Then she saw that Zorro's eyes beneath the mask were not Blaise's honest blue, but an acid green.

"No, Ginevra." He spun her around and grabbed one of the chains around her neck, pulling it tight around her throat.

Ginny struggled, but her assailant was much stronger than her. Her vision started to blur, and she ceased struggling. He was going to win.

"Stupefy!"

Draco's spell missed his target, but he didn't. He tackled the other boy, knocking him to the floor. Ginny started to fall, but a second Zorro scooped her up and unfastened the chain, throwing it to the floor. She gasped in breath. Blaise jerked off his mask. "You're all right, Ginny."

Draco had been thrown back and the assailant fled through a secret passage, pausing only a moment to look back at them. Draco called after him. "Touch my girlfriend again, Lucas and I will kill you!" He stood up and Ginny reached for him. He took her from Blaise, and held her close. "You're alright, Ginny." The tears she had been biting back, determined not to cry in front of Slytherin boys, began to fall anyway. She threw her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shirt. His hands shifted to cradle her closer. "Shh. I won't let him near you again." Her tears subsided, but she couldn't keep her body from shaking. He rocked her, murmuring quietly. Gradually, she ceased trembling. "Blaise, go tell Dumbledore what happened. We'll meet him in the Hospital Wing." Blaise held the door open for them, and Draco carried her out past everyone in the Great Hall. She saw Ron fighting his way towards them, hollering for Malfoy to put his sister down. Ginny turned her face away and tightened his hold around Draco's neck. She heard Dumbledore direct Ron to follow them up to the Hospital Wing, and Ron's nervous muttering. Draco didn't stop until he placed her on the first be. Madame Pomfry made the bruises disappear in a matter of seconds, handed Ginny a pillow and told her to lay down before bustling back to her office. Ginny tried, but every time she lay down, the shaking returned. Draco stood at the foot of her bed, studying her. He finally turned and spoke. "Ginny's out. This is too dangerous and she shouldn't be exposed to it."

Dumbledore looked at the pair, holding up a hand to silence Ron's attempt to speak. "Go on."

"We haven't even got to the point of trying to double cross the deatheaters, and someone has already tried to attack her. It wasn't Voldemort, wasn't a deatheater, just a cousin of mine who can't wait to be a deatheater and hates me."

Dumbledore nodded. "Vultures above, daggers below, and someone is sawing the rope. I understand Draco, but in any case, it is a little late. Ginny is in it a little far. From what you tell me of your cousin, he'll hardly stop his pursuit of Ginny just because she is no longer your 'girlfriend.' She'll be even more vulnerable."

"Like Potter and the rest of the Dream Team would let anything happen to her. Five protectors instead of one."

"True, but I think the final decision rests on Ginny. What is your opinion?"

"I'm not giving in. You all warned me that this was dangerous. I knew it. I'm not giving in, and before this is over, I want to hit Lucas Lestrange with the bat-booghey hex right proper." She turned to Draco. "I can do this and I will."

"Now that this is settled, I want both Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley to stay in the Hospital Wing with you tonight. Just in case Mr. Lestrange decides to push his luck. As far as anyone else knows, Draco was also attacked, and as it was your sister who was hurt, Mr. Weasley, your presence shouldn't be questioned either. I must go and dismiss the ball. Good night."

Ginny lay awake long into the night. Ron was asleep, leaning against the footboard of her bed. Draco sat in the chair next to her bed, alert to every sound. When she shifted for the millionth time, he spoke up. "Alright, Ginny?"

"No. I can't see anything and I feel all alone."

"Your brother and I are right here."

"But you might leave if I fall asleep."

"A hand found hers in the dark, his fingers tightening around hers. "Now you know I'm here. Go to sleep." After that Ginny did.

Ginny woke up with a ring clenched in her hand. The room was empty. Carefully she unclenched her fingers and studied the ring. Smooth silver molded in the shape of a coiled snake, with emerald eyes. An inscription on the inside of the band read Au Portus De Malfoy. Since it was obviously an inactive portkey of some sort, she slipped it on her finger and hurriedly changed into her school uniform. In the Great Hall, she slid into the seat between Draco and Blaise, across from Lucas. She could see his acid green eyes fixated on her, so she leaned comfortably against Draco and smirked. Draco put an arm around her waist and she tilted her head back for a quick kiss. She moved to sit in his lap for a deeper kiss, than remained there while the boys talked about Quidditch.

"Weasley! Malfoy! Is there a chair shortage?" Snape snapped.

"No, sir.

"Then kindly desist from this and all other forms of affection in public during the future. We have no desire to witness more spontaneous snogging."

"Jealous of the action, Proff?" Lucus cut in. "When was your last date? When pigs flew?"

"Twenty-five points from Slytherin. And a week's worth of detention to teach you how to respect your elders, particularly the teachers. I'll see you in the dungeons at eight, for some muggle cleaning." Snape strode away bright red.

"That was a stupid thing to do," Draco commented. "I've never heard of Snape taking points away from Slytherin before."

"At least I got him off your backs, Draco. You owe me."

"I suppose I do," Draco said thoughtfully. "What would the payment be?"

"I'll let you know."

Blaise, who had watched this exchange with growing shock, finally broke down. "Draco, Ginny, I need to talk to you outside. Now."

Draco nodded. Ginny stood and followed Blaise, catching Draco's hand. As soon as they were out of the Great Hall, he turned to Blaise. "What's up?" he asked harshly, wrapping one arm around Ginny's shoulders.

"How can you be so calm! How can you talk to the idiot when he attacked Ginny?"

"I can't prove it. He's better kept where I can keep an eye on him, than out of sight and plotting trouble. I'll take care of it, Blaise."

Ginny put a hand on Blaise's arm to calm him. "We know what he wants now. He won't get another chance. I'm safe with you and Draco. I know you two will protect me."

"Fine, but I want apiece of Lucas Lestrange too. Any one who messes with my friends, messes with me."

"We know. Thanks. It means a lot to me," Ginny smiled sweetly.

"I'll meet you two by the lake, if you ever get down there," Blaise smirked. "Bye, love birds," he called with a roll of his eyes.

"Bye, Blaise," Ginny called after him, before turning to Draco. "He just wants to help."

"I know." He abruptly changed the subject. "How do you like the ring?"

"Beautiful."

"It's a portable port-key. If you're in trouble, twist it and it will automatically take you to my side."

"Clever."

"Innit? We'd better go join Blaise, before he comes looking for us. Too late." He leaned forward and kissed her, as her arms automatically going around his neck.

"Come on, you two!" Blaise shouted.

Draco pulled away reluctantly. "We're coming," he called. "M'lady?" Ginny took his hand and they headed down to the lake.

"Ginny?" Draco's voice made her turn around. He was right behind her, and she leaned against the bookshelf as he kissed her. "Got a proposition for you," he whispered before kissing her again.

"Draco! Stop snogging and ask her already," Blaise laughed. "You won't sway her opinion with a couple of kisses."

"Some persuasive ones might," Draco argued.

"Not even you are that good a kisser, Draco. Close, but not quite," Ginny laughed. "What is it?"

"Mother wants you to come home with me over Christmas break. Blaise and his family will be over on Christmas day and for the New Years Eve Ball, that mother is throwing."

"I don't own formal clothes for a ball," she protested.

"I'll buy you some. Please?"

"Ron will have a fit," she warned, "and my parents won't be pleased."

"But you'll come?"

"I'll come," she conceded. "But because I want to. Not because of your kisses, although they were certainly pleasant."

"Only pleasant," he growled, leaning in closer. Laughing, she ducked under his arm. "Hey!

"Hay is for horses," Ginny smirked, and then leaned in for a quick kiss. "You're all mine."

"And proud of it," he murmured, capturing her lips again.

"Out! Out! Out!" Madame Pince shrieked. "Oh, you two! Out of my library!" Ducking flying books, the pair ran out. A minute later, Blaise joined them, still laughing.

"Not funny, Zabini," Draco winced, rubbing the back of his head. "That hurt."

"You should have learned your lesson the first 80 billion times that she's kicked you out for snogging. Here's the book you need for you essay, Ginny."

"Thanks. If I can finish it tonight, then I'll have time to go shopping at Hogsmeade tomorrow."

"Forget Hogsmeade. We'll go to Diagon Alley when we go home. Race you to the Great Hall."

"Ginevra darling, welcome to Malfoy Manor." Narcissa stood on the grand staircase in a fabulous black dress, with a fur stole draped over her shoulders and glittering diamond jewelry. Ginny felt like a fish out of water as the woman swept down the stairs. "I do apologize, but I must step out. There is an important lunch date that I simply cannot miss, but I'm sure that the house-elves and Draco will make you feel right at home. I'll be home in time for dinner." She swept out, blowing a kiss at the pair.

"I feel like a field mouse," Ginny whispered.

Draco shook his head. "Don't let her get to you. She planned that." He took her hand and pulled her after him. "Come on. I'll show you to your room."

He led her up the stairs and down the hall. He pushed open the door. Ginny stepped into the room. "This is bigger than my entire house, Malfoy."

"What did you expect, Weasley? This is your room. The private bath is through that door. Pull the rope next to the bed if you need a house-elf. Oh, one more thing. Step in front of this mirror." Ginny did as he directed. "Now open the wardrobe.' She obeyed. It was filled to the brim with elegant evening gowns. "Mother likes to dress up for dinner. These will all fit, but I'll take you shopping tomorrow for your own clothes. Enjoy the room. I'll send Lela in with lunch at twelve. After that, have her direct you to the library. I'll meet you there." He walked out without so much as a nod.

"Back to business, now that we're alone," Ginny grumbled, hands on her hips. "Every time I think that he just might be human, he turns cold as stone." She turned and surveyed her surroundings unable to help the tiny smile they brought to her face. She ran and leapt on the bed with a helpless giggle. She glanced at the clock. She had an hour before twelve. Snatching up her travel bag, she ran into the bathroom intent on trying out the black marble tub.

Draco's scowl disapated when he heard her jump on the bed and laugh. It was such a Ginny-like thing to do. So impulsive. He shook his head. "Watch it, man. You're going soft. And for Weasel King's little sister too. You've got a job to do. Don't let a pair of big brown eyes distract you again or it'll be the Dream Team wringing your neck instead of the deatheaters." He shrugged and headed towards the kitchen.

Ginny slipped into the library. Draco stood with his back to her, reading a book. She slipped up behing him and tapped his shoulder. He spun around and caught her wrist before she could move. "Great reflexes. Poor hearing. You might want to work on that, Mal-"

"Don't ever do that again, Weasley. It might be the last thing you ever do." He dropped her hand. "Welcome to the Malfoy library. My father used it for all his secret meetings. This conversation would appear to anyone else as if we were discussing a book. They would hear and see nothing of importance. Of course it only works for someone of the Malfoy bloodline and the person they are speaking to. However it keeps my mum and Lucas from spying on us since they're not related by blood."

"He's not staying here, is he?" Ginny asked in panic.

"No, but he'll be here on Christmas and for the ball."

"Well at least both you and Blaise will be here when he is," she sighed.

Draco looked at her funny. "You're not falling for him, are you?"

"Don't be ridiculous. It's called friendship. I've got six older brothers. It's very easy for me to make friends with guys."

"As long as it doesn't go past that. We are on a mission. Remember? And he could be a spy. Don't forget that."

"Jealous, Malfoy?"

"You wish, Weasley. Let's get down to business. I sent a report to Dumbledore, and he thinks my Aunt Bellatrix is planning on coming out of hiding. Maybe doing something at the New Year's Eve Ball, and you can bet that whatever she's planning, Lucas will be in on his mother's scheme. We have to keep him under close surveillance."

"You got it. What's the plan?"

"You'll see."

"Tell me again. Why are we going to Pansy Parkinson's Christmas eve Party again?"

"Appearances. And we'll only be there for half an hour. After that everyone will be too trashed to remember anything. I'm hoping to get a piece of information out of Pansy, then we're going somewhere else. Somewhere we shouldn't be, so keep you mouth shut about it. Here we are." Draco helped her out of the carriageand up the steps

Pansy had to simper over Draco for a full two minutes before turneing to Ginny. "Weasley."

"Oh, Pansy, thank you so much for the invitation. My poor Draco and I needed an excuse to get out of the manor," Ginny simpered back, linking arms with Draco. "Do tell us, where is the most romantic spot?" Thankful yet again that Pansy's glares couldn't kill, she pulled Draco off towards the balcony that Pansy had grudgingly pointed out.

"You really dislike her, don't you?"

"She used Pigwidgeon as a bludger last year."

"Pigwidgeon?"

"My brother Ron's owl." Then she cringed. "Sorry, I forgot you wanted to talk to her."

"She'll be over here irritating us in, let's see . . . three . . . two . . . one . . ."

"Drakey!"

Draco grimaced inwardly at the horrible nickname, but his face was impassive when he turned around to greet Pansy. "Pansy, I do hope you're coming to our ball."

"Wouldn't miss it. Papa was so against me going. I finally talked him around, but he insists that I come home by midnight. Rather like Cinderella," she giggled already tipsy. "I'll leave my shoe for you, Draco. But I can't stay. Papa's business you know?" she said, trying to wink.

"I know. See you in a minute." Draco pulled Ginny away. "Ridiculously easy. Always has been. Bet Lucas used her as a distraction so that he could get to you. Wonder if he was still laughing when he realized what he left behind and what Potter stole."

Ginny stopped short. "You never told me what was going on that night. We were conspicuously there, but why and what did Lucas leave behind, and what does Harry have to do with this?"

"Lucas dropped an advanced remembrall, that records what he'd forgotten. Had some interesting things recorded that kept the aurorers busy for the last month or two. I turned it in to Dumbledore the last time he ordered us to turn out our pockets. First thing the Minister did right. Makes it a heck of a lot easier to get things to Dumbledore with the new decree forcing Dumbledore to practically have us frisked once a month."

"You're talking awfully candidly for someone on enemy turf."

"Everyone here is drunk. And this hallway has a secrecy charm on it. We're going in there." He pointed towards a room that looked like a study. "None of Pansy's crew will be in there. Perfect Port-key locale. We were at the ball, so Potter could steal something from Lucas, but I'll let him brag about it when you see him. They're sufficiently trashed. Lets get out of here. You're probably dying to see scarhead."

"Like that will happen anytime soon. We're partners. You're supposed to tell me everything, like what Harry stole and where we're going."

"You'll see." He picked up a book. Reluctantly, Ginny placed her hand on it. "Merry Christmas, Ginny." Before she could say anything she felt the familiar sensation of traveling by port-key. When the fog cleared up, she couldn't believe where she was.