Author's Note: This really should have gone out around noon on Tuesday, which is when I got home, but I had to clean out the guest room for my niece and it got delayed to 2:44 in the morning on Wednesday, but this is not Wednesday's chapter. That will be the next one as a two in one deal, to make up for me being gone a solid week. So now you get one chapter ahead of schedule. Isn't that wonderful of me? Don't answer that unless you agree. J/K.

Disclaimer: I will sadly never own Harry Potter or anything connected to it. The title of this chapter may or may not be the name of a song. If it is then I don't own it, if it isn't, I'm claiming it. Everybody good?

Warning: Nightmares, accusations of loose behaviour (untrue). I think that's it. Oh, and shameless romance at the end. Did you need a warning for that?

I Never Thought I Would Be A Hero

Original Dark Angel

Chapter 7: A Day in the Life

Ginny sat up, stifling her scream. Shaking, she surveyed the dark room and her sleeping companions. The cat leapt up onto her bed, and she cradled him close. "It was just a nightmare. I'm fine. I don't need-" A crash of thunder interrupted her, making her cringe. "Scratch that; I do need him!" She leapt out of bed and bounced out the door and down the hall. She opened the door and dropped the cat before leaning over the bed. "Draco?"

The only verbal response she got was a muffled "Hmm?" but his arms reached out for her and he scooted over on the narrow twin bed, still half asleep, but sensing her need. She lay down next to him, letting him pull her close. She rested her head against his chest, letting his steady heartbeat calm her down, feeling safe in the circle of his strong arms. Safe from everything, nightmares, war, Voldemort. Almost a nightly occurrence, the horrible dreams sent her running to Draco. He never complained, just held her close, until her fear disappeared.

She had a lot to be afraid of. At the end of the school year, she had been used as bait in a trap for Draco. Lucas Lestrange had attacked her and her friend Blaise had sacrificed himself for them.

In her dreams, she saw green light hitting him. Consciously, she knew it wasn't true. Lucius had used a petrifying curse, not the killing one. Snape had assured them that Blaise was alive and safe. True, the Malfoys were using him as a statue, but he was alive and would be revived when they rescued him. And they would rescue him. They had to.

Finally relaxed, she whispered, "Thank you."

"Feel better, luv?"

She nodded.

"Good. Then get off my bed and take the mini monster who is using my face for a trampoline with you."

She giggled and obeyed. "Come here, Dragon Bait. I love you, Draco."

"Love you too," he mumbled. "Now go away."

Ginny pulled the sheet he'd kicked to the foot of the bed over him again, knowing full well that it would be kicked away as soon as she left. Her boyfriend found the hot humid London summer unbearable, compared the cold manor that was his childhood home.

With a quick kiss, she left, taking the cat with her. Not tired, she wandered down to the kitchen, where Hermione sat with a cup of coffee. "Hey, 'Mione. What are you doing up?"

"Between you and the storm, sleep wasn't really an option. You had better make sure that Ron doesn't catch you coming out of Malfoy's room."

"It's not like we're doing anything wrong," Ginny answered defensively. "And if you're so worried about it, why'd you let me go?"

"Because I can't handle memories of that magnitude. The glossed over account Dumbledore gave everyone was too much for me and the details . . . I would have tried applying logic and gotten you so worked up that it would have taken him hours to calm you down. Time he doesn't have since he keeps the late watch and needs his sleep."

"I . . . I . . ."

"Sorry, I'm not reprimanding you, Ginny. It's not your fault and Malfoy knows that. I don't get how he calms you down so fast, but he does, and I'm glad. As long as you're sure that you're happy, I'll force Harry and Ron to live with it. They may hate it with a fiery passion, but they'll have to live with it."

"Thanks, and I am sure." Ginny poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down next to her friend. "Well, we have an hour before the rest of the house begins to wake up. If you're not planning on going back to bed, do you want to help me start breakfast?"

"What's the plan?"

"Bacon and grits, with everyone's favorite side dish, porridge. Fresh orange juice and toast if you help."

"Make it biscuits instead of toast and you've got yourself a deal."

"That could work."

The strong smell of fresh coffee woke Draco. Dressing quickly, he followed his nose to the kitchen. Ginny and Hermione were sitting at the table pouring over a magazine.

"Morning." He brushed a kiss against his girlfriend's cheek. "Do I smell coffee?"

"On the stove," Ginny gestured vaguely. "Fresh black. Just the way you like it."

"Bless you." He poured himself a cup, inhaled deeply, and drank it in one gulp. "You are the perfect woman."

"I know," she answered distractedly, studying the magazine intently. "Thanks." The oven time went off and she tore herself away from the article to get the biscuits out. "Breakfast will be on the table in five minutes."

"Hot coffee and food as soon as I get up? Now that's impressive. Are you spoiling me?"

"Hate to break it to you, Draco, but you were spoiled long before I met you." She set the pan down and turned to kiss him. "My only intent is to keep you this way forever." She tasted like chocolate, coffee, and mint, a heavenly mix in Draco's opinion.

"Crap, Malfoy. It's five in the morning and you two are already at it?" Ron grumbled miserably before sitting next to Hermione and helping himself to her coffee.

Ginny looked at Ron. "His name is Draco. Learn it. Use it. Or else."

Ron turned red, and Harry snapped, "We'll be on first name terms with our enemy when Voldemort dances the hula. That'll be the same time I get used to seeing you come out of his room in the morning."

That comment sparked several responses. "Harry, how could you?" from Hermione and Draco's snap of "None of your business, Potter!" but neither could beat the sheer volume or rage of Ron's "What! Ginny, how could you?"

Ginny burst into tears. "Stop it! Please just stop it." She turned to Ron. "It isn't like that! I had a nightmare about the night that Voldemort . . . and Lucas . . . I was frightened and the storm was scary and I needed-"

"A quick shag?" Harry interrupted.

"No! I needed someone to hold me. All he did was hold me." Tears still falling, she ran out of the room.

Draco scowled. "Nice move, Potter. Weasley, pretend to think for a moment. If your girlfriend went through something traumatic and had repeated nightmares about it, and woke up frightened by a storm, wouldn't you want to hold and comfort her? If it was Hermione, would you want her to be scared and alone? Then why do you insist on denying your little sister her choice in a comforter?" Ron looked down, and Draco sighed. "I'm sick of this. Ginny doesn't deserve it." He stalked out and headed upstairs, where he found Ginny weeping next to the statue of Merlin. "I'm sorry."

With a little cry, she threw herself into his arms. "It's not your fault," she sobbed. He pulled her close, resting his chin on her red hair.

"Ginny?" Bill looked out and spotted the pair. "Mal-er-Draco, is she okay?"

"I've got her, Bill. Go back to your wife."

Bill looked him in the eye for a moment than nodded. "Alright. See you at breakfast."

Draco returned his attention to Ginny. She was shaking, but the tears were gone. "Luv, how long did you sleep last night before you woke me up from that dream?"

"Four or five hours."

"And the night before?"

"Less."

He readjusted his hold and scooped her up. "You're going back to bed. And staying there." Thankfully Ginny didn't argue; just nestled closer to him. He kicked the door to her room open and laid her down on the bed. "Sleep."

"Stay? Until I fall asleep?"

"Alright." He dropped down beside her, intending only to stay for a moment, but not long after Ginny's breathing grew even, he was asleep too.

Bill saw the two forms asleep on Ginny's bed. "Wait here, Fleur." He walked to the doorway. For once Ginny was asleep. She was asleep in Draco Malfoy's arms, but it looked right and peaceful. He carefully closed the door so that no one would disturb them, and re joined Fleur at the top of the stairs. "Breakfast?"

"You 'Re not going to tell on 'Zee Malfoy boy?"

"No. I've been watching him all summer. I trust him not to hurt her. And if he ever did-well Ron tells me that he made a great ferret." Fleur's laugh echoed as they made their way downstairs.

Harry was brooding in the study, breaking whatever he could get his hands on. Luna sat in the corner, reading the Quibbler. Eventually he ran out of figurines and Luna looked up. "Feel better?"

He shook his head. "I hate him."

"I know," she comforted. "You're jealous."

"I'm not jealous. I love you, Luna."

"I know, but you still think of Ginny as yours, just like Hermione. You just weren't ready to lose her, especially to Draco. I don't mind."

"He's a Malfoy. I'll never be able to forgive him."

"He didn't kill Sirius. Bellatrix Lestrange did and she's dead now. Let it go."

"I can't."

"Has anyone seen Malfoy?" Ron hollered. "Snape wants to talk to him!" He changed directions abruptly, heading into the kitchen. "Does anyone know where Malfoy is?"

Bill buttered his toast calmly. "He's asleep."

"I just checked his room, " Ron said in a puzzled tone. Then realization sunk in. "He's in Ginny's room! How could you let that happen, Bill!"

Bill swallowed his food and replied calmly. "Ginny has circles under her eyes the size of saucers. At this point, I don't care if she wants to sleep in the arms of the Loch Ness Monster as long as she sleeps. And Draco hasn't been sleeping much between his night shift and taking care of Ginny."

"He's our sister's boyfriend. Respect that, and let them sleep. I'll go talk to Snape."

"It's nothing. Just tell Draco or your sister that Blaise is still alive and unharmed. I'm hoping to have him out of there by October." Both Weasley boys looked up to see Snape smirking, apparently he had overheard the entire conversation. "For your information, Draco wasn't sorted into Slytherin for nothing. He'll sink fangs into anyone who messes with your sister. Pleasant Morning." He disappeared abruptly, leaving the Weasley brothers to face off.

Draco woke up before Ginny. Her bed was much wider than his, but she still slept as close to him as physically possible. He lightly kissed the top of her head, then detangled himself and headed downstairs. He grabbed an apple out of the fruit bowl on the table as breakfast had already been cleared away.

"Hermione saved both Ginny and you plates in the kitchen."

"Weasley?" He turned and sure enough Ron was sitting in the corner, studying a chessboard.

"On the counter," Ron commented, moving a piece on the board.

"Thanks." Draco turned to go into the kitchen, but Ron spoke again.

"Do you know how to play chess?"

"Yeah."

"Hurry up and eat. Then come back and play a game."

"Sure." Draco left a little confused. He figured Ron would want to hex him after this morning, not play chess. He gulped down his food and drained the goblet of Pumpkin Juice, before returning to the dining room.

Ron had set up the board so that he was white and Draco was black. Probably meant to be symbolic. "Knight to C3. Your move."

"We're all going to Diagon Alley, Draco." Luna's voice was small and Draco could barely hear her through the door. He wondered if she was trying not to be heard, but doubted Luna was the type to do that. "Do you want to come with?"

"Sure," Draco stood up and went to fetch his cloak. He had lost the chess game, but he'd almost taken all of Ron's pieces including the white queen. He thought he'd seen some respect in Ron's eyes after he'd captured that piece, just as Ron had earned his by moving the knight out first in a defiant move of control. Draco opened the door and blocked Dragon Bait's attempt to enter. The cat turned its nose up in the air and stalked off to the room that Ginny now shared with Hermione and Luna. Draco followed and knocked on the door. "Announcing His Highness, Dragon Bait."

Ginny opened the door and smiled sweetly. "Thanks, Draco. I was looking for him."

"Are you ready to go?"

"Uh-huh." She snatched up her cloak and wrapped his school scarf around her neck. "Let's go."

As Draco stepped out of the fire, he realized something was very wrong. He was in Borgin & Burkes, which meant he was in Knockturn Alley. He spun around to catch Ginny as she stumbled out of the fireplace. "Put out the fire, quick." Without hesitation, Ginny doused the flame with her wand, needing nothing more than his order to know it needed to be done. "We're in Knockturn Alley, Borgin & Burkes to be precise."

"Where are Bill and Harry?"

"They probably went outside. This isn't a very pleasant shop. Don't touch anything, no matter how beautiful it looks. It wouldn't be in this shop if it wasn't dangerous."

"What did you do, Malfoy?" Harry had found them. "What did you do?"

"Shut up, Potter," Draco hissed.

"Relax, Harry," Ginny soothed. "The floo network is on the brink again."

Bill nodded. "Let's get out of here. The others will apparate or use a portkey to get to Diagon Alley. Come on. Gin, stay with Draco. Harry, stick with me."

"I just got reduced to helpless Ginny," Harry complained just as Ginny protested: "I'm hardly as helpless as Harry." And then simultaneously, "HEY!"

"Relax, Ginny. We're a team and we work that way. That's all Bill meant," Draco soothed.

"Right. Come on, Draco, let's check the street for deatheaters." She tugged her black hood up over her bright red hair, and tucked the Hogwarts scarf into her pocket. The Children of the Deatheaters didn't attend Hogwarts any longer.

Draco pulled his hood into place so his fair hair was hidden too. "Wait for Ginny before you leave the shop."

"Alright."

Draco slipped his arm around Ginny's waist. "Ready, Luv?" They walked out keeping a careful eye on their surroundings. There was an elderly witch sleeping on a bench, but the streets were uncommonly bare. "Something's wrong."

"I know."

"Can Bill apparate a second person?"

"Don't know. Never had cause to, I expect. How are we going to work this?"

"I'm gonna have to apparate with Potter. Wait thirty seconds then use the portkey ring I gave you. Bill can disapparate after you're safe."

"We have to split up," she whispered softly.

"Yeah, but only for a minute, okay?" He kissed her lightly.

"You two! What are you doing in the street? The Dark Lord had demanded it to be cleared!" Lucas had apparated out of nowhere, and was stalking toward them.

Ginny pulled away and turned, keeping her face in the shadow and in a falsetto gasped. "Oh, LUKIE! Was that today? It totally slipped my mind."

"Um, yes, Pansy. So you need to get inside. Who's your escort?"

Ginny waved her hand dismissively. "One of Papa's foreign guests. Gustauve or Philippe or Lars. Some thing like that. I've no idea what he's saying, but he's so handsome. Not that he compares to you, Lukie. Are you going to the masque? I should love an escort."

"Pansy," Lucas quickly sidestepped the subject, "you need to get inside. Go on to the old B&B with Mr.-eh-whoever."

"Oh all right, Lukie. Come on, big and handsome."

"Jah, Frauline Pansee."

Just as they reached the doorway, hundreds of deatheaters appeared in the road, and a voice filled the air. "He's here. Find him! Find Potter!"

"Damn it." Draco shoved the door open and grabbed Potter's arm. "Apparate!"

"Bill go to Grimmauld place now!"

"But you-"

"It's under control. Go!" Bill obeyed, and as soon as he disappeared, Ginny twisted her ring and appeared in the kitchen of Grimmauld place. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she found herself in Draco's arms. "Draco. I need to breathe."

He loosened his grip but didn't release her entirely. "Sorry, but leaving you there was had. Not something I'd care to repeat."

"Me neither. I have to learn how to apparate. When I heard Lucas's voice, I almost screamed," she confided. "He's scarier than the rest of the deatheaters put together."

"No one would have guessed. Pretending to be Pansy was bloody brilliant!"

"Thanks. You caught on fast. I didn't know that you could speak German."

"German, Latin, French, and Spanish. German was the only one that I knew Lucas couldn't speak. I figured he'd be less likely to try and interrogate me then."

"I'm impressed."

"Either of you two mind telling me what is going on!" Harry yelled.

"Private team information. Dumbledore will brief you lot if he thinks you need to know," Draco explained patiently, as if to a two year old. "Come on, Ginny. Dumbledore will be here any second."

No sooner had these words left his mouth, than Dumbledore appeared with a loud crack. "What happened?"

"Living room, sir." Once they were safely in the living room and Draco had soundproofed it, Ginny explained everything.

"Good. Commendable work. I'm impressed. Tomorrow I want you two to escort the exchange students from their embassy to the Hogwarts express, full uniform, and special permission for Ginny to use magic if need be."

"Full uniform, sir?"

"As aurors in training. Your uniforms are in your rooms and please report at eight o'clock to the embassy."

"Yes, sir."

"I won't keep you any longer. I have a meeting, but I'll send someone to pick up your school supplies. You're dismissed."

"Wow." Ginny fingered the deep blue silk robes. With the robes were a pair of ink black suede boots and a cloak that reversed to become an invisibility cloak if necessary. She had also been given a silver time-turner on a slim chain for emergencies only. Luna and Hermione had already gasped and admired over it, but Ginny couldn't tear herself away.

'Gin, isn't it kind of weird that they chose you over Harry for this honor?" Hermione's question startled Ginny. "I mean you're not even of legal age and he's the Boy-Who-Lived after all, with all of those talent and powers. It's just odd."

"Gee, it might have something to do with my brilliant potions and charms grades, being able to speak three languages, and my ability to imitate other's voices and mannerisms. It could even be because I won't hex Draco for the fun of it, or maybe it has something to do with the fact that I lived as a spy for all of last year." The words were out of her mouth before Ginny could stop them, but on reflection she didn't want to. Hermione's comment had hurt her.

"Ginny, I'm sorry."

"I'm sure you are." Ginny flounced out of the room with as much attitude as she could manage. She didn't look at either girl on her way out, because she didn't want to cry in front of them.

Draco heard her coming, the fast steps that signified that something was wrong. He was off his bed and opening the door before she even got the chance to knock. She launched herself into his open arms, and he kicked the door shut. As soon as the reassuring sound of wood hitting wood was heard, Ginny began to cry, clinging tightly to his robes. He just pulled her closer, lifting her up off of her feet, so that he could carry her over to the chair. With some careful maneuvering, he cleared it off and sat down with her in his lap. "Shh. What did they do?"

"No matter what I do, it'll never be enough. I'll always be Gin, the littlest Weasley. I'll never compare to Harry's great deeds, and Hermione's cleverness, or Ron's loyalty."

"Hey, don't cry over them. Their opinion doesn't matter. You're better than all of them combined and you'll never be little Gin Weasley to me." Ginny Malfoy, if I ever figure out how to ask you, but never Gin Weasley.

"I don't know what to do anymore."

"I can help with that. Eventually you need to go face the Dream Team, but right now, you need to kiss me. For an extended period of time, preferably forever." She giggled and complied. When they finally paused for breath, he gave her his best pout, and protested, "Forever."

"Forever isn't long enough," she whispered before kissing him again.

"Look, Granger. Ginny's had a rough day. Between Lucas Lestrange, her brother's inquisition, Potter being Potter, and whatever you said to her, my girlfriend needs a break. I want to surprise her with a romantic evening. All I want you to do is direct her to the rooftop and keep Potter and Ron out of the way for a few hours. Now, can you do that?"
"There you go, Gin. Perfectly fitting robes just for you." Hermione knotted the last thread and stood back to admire her work. "I think it looks perfect, but go ask Malfoy what he thinks. He headed up to the roof about an hour ago for some peace and quiet."

With a quick thanks to Hermione, Ginny dashed off to show her Auror uniform to Draco. She loved how comfortable the loose trousers and long tunic were. She could do anything in these without long hems tripping her up.

On the roof, she couldn't see anything in the pitch-blackness. "Draco?"

"Lumos." Suddenly a hundred candles lit, casting a soft glow on the area and soft music began to play. Draco stepped into the light, wearing his own Auror robes. "May I have this dance?" Blinking back tears, she nodded, and he pulled her close, offering her the single white rose he held. "I remember that you liked the one I gave you last year."

"Thatwas you."

He chuckled. "Guilty as charged. Shall we dance?"

"Of course." Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you."

His arms went around her waist as he replied, "Trust me. The feeling is entirely mutual."

The music was soothing, and Ginny rested her head against him. "You are like the absolute king of boyfriends. I don't know what I'd do without you." She relaxed in his arms and allowed him to rotate them in small circles. "This is perfect."

"Just wait. There's more." He released her and walked over to the middle of the rooftop. "And for your dining pleasure . . ." He whipped his new invisibility cloak off of a table set with beautiful dishes, a rose flower arrangement, and chocolate cake.

"Have I told you how much I love you or what an amazing boyfriend you are?"

"Yes, but I can always hear it again."

"I love you and you're an amazing boyfriend." She sat in the chair he offered her and waited for him to have a seat before sampling the delicious food before her. "Amazing. So what else do you have planned for tonight, my Romeo?"

Draco's fingers closed around the velvet box in his pocket, but he couldn't force his mouth to say the words he had been practicing. Finally opening his mouth, he managed, "Looking at the stars." Disappointed at his lack of courage, he let go of the jewelry box. He'd do it next time.