Thanks to Tearful Moon from Checkmated for the beta! Happy Valentine's Day and here is a bit of D/G naughtiness!

xxx

Chapter 7

Ginny found that though she was tired, she couldn't sleep. It didn't matter that Harry, Ron and Hermione were set to return in a few days and they were putting a major plan into action: her thoughts were anywhere but where they should be, they were of silky blonde hair and gray eyes, of Draco's scent and the warmth of his skin.

To be honest with herself, she had dreamed of kissing Draco since she met him, way back when they were kids. Yes, he had been an obnoxious little prick when they were younger, but he was also very cute and, now, so very handsome. He also had that 'bad boy' thing going for him. It was very alluring, especially given how different he was from her other big crush, Harry Potter.

They were as different as night and day and probably still were. Harry, for one, had dark features and a shorter, stouter build while Draco had silver-blond hair, light skin and features and a tall, lean, muscular build. While Harry was good, Draco was bad. Harry was nice; Draco was mean. Harry was shy and unassuming. Draco was cocky and overbearing.

She always kept hope that underneath the rude, demeaning exterior were the makings of a good man. It seemed she had been proven right by Harry and Myrtle's stories of Draco in the time leading up to Dumbledore's death. She had never imagined she would have the chance to find out though.

When she had seen him at Durmstrang, she had immediately been pulled back all those years just seeing his eyes. She thought her little crush on him had surely dissipated by then but in fact, once she had gotten to know the man he had become, her feelings for him returned with a depth they had not had before, even if she had pushed the thoughts from her mind. She'd had no idea he felt the same way until he kissed her.

Now the big question was what would happen next. Would they pretend it never happened and be awkward around each other? Would they become some kind of couple? Or would they just snog at any and every convenience? The latter two options were appealing.

She lay awake in her bed, her thoughts consumed by Draco. It was then that she heard a knock at her door. Assuming it could not be something good, she called out that she would be right there and grabbed a robe to cover her camisole and shorts.

"What's wrong?" she asked as she opened the door, expecting anyone but the person who was actually there. "Draco? Is everything okay?" she wondered confused.

"I… er… may I come in for a minute?" he asked.

"Sure."

"I'm sorry to disturb you at such a late hour but I couldn't sleep and honestly… it's because of you," he admitted.

Ginny smiled. "Me either."

Draco regarded her soft demeanor and sighed, relaxing somewhat. "The thing is Ginny, I really like you and I don't want things to be awkward because of what happened earlier. But, I also don't want you to feel pressure to be with me or think I'll take rejection badly and go back to the Death Eaters."

Ginny laughed. "Oh! I know you wouldn't! Don't be silly."

"I haven't been with anyone in a long time. There were practically no women around Durmstrang and anyway, there wasn't much time for that sort of thing. I, uh, I don't want to disrespect Oliver's memory or anything." Draco began to pace back and forth. "And there is another thing. I am quite… er… intimidated, really, when I think about all of your brothers and family finding out about this, if there is a this."

"Draco! You really have been thinking a lot about this, haven't you?" She grinned as she stopped him mid-pace and enveloped him in a hug. He sank into her arms and grabbed her around the waist.

"Truth be told, I've wanted you since back at Durmstrang. I saw you walk by, and even though I didn't know who you were at the time, I thought you were beautiful," he said breathlessly.

Ginny shuddered, feeling his warm breath on her ear. "Even as dirty and gross as I was?"

Draco pulled back from her and looked her in the eyes, brushing a strand of bronze hair out of her eyes. "You can't hide beauty like yours, not with all the dirt in the world. I would have seen it when we were younger if I hadn't been blinded by… prejudice."

Ginny's breath hitched as she watched his mouth come down on hers. Her eyes fluttered shut as she lost herself in him once more. She began backing towards the bed, pulling him with her.

Once he caught on to her intent, he took over. Draco swept her off her feet and laid her gently on the bed. He crawled on top of her, supporting his own weight, and continued to kiss her as he untied her robe and pushed it back. She broke the kiss and hastily removed the robe and tossed it on the floor. Draco shed his own robe to reveal the T-shirt and pants underneath.

No words needed to be said. There was an unspoken understanding of what was about to take place. Draco couldn't hide his arousal from her and they began to explore each other with hands and mouths. Draco took great care in kissing and caressing the skin on her shoulder that had been burned by acid.

He took control then, holding her hands above her head so he could enjoy her body. When they finally made love it was like nothing she had known in her previous bond of marriage.

She had enjoyed making love with Oliver yes, but the act had never sent her body into a raging fire as it was now. Every touch was heated, every kiss stung with passion. She couldn't get enough. Once they had both climaxed, she was ready for more. She gave Draco a few minutes to recover before beginning her own assault on his body, preparing him for her once more.

Afterwards, she lay there in his arms as he stroked her hair. "Tell me something," he began. "Back at Durmstrang you said you used to hex me because I ignored you. What was that about?"

Ginny blushed. "The truth?"

"Well of course!" Draco exclaimed, pulling away to look at her.

"If I tell you, you might think I'm weird," she said hesitantly. Draco looked at her expectantly and she sighed. "I always thought you were just terribly cute. And, even though you were mean to my brother and his friends, you ignored me. You never bothered to say much of anything nasty to me. I mean, there was that incident with Harry and the Valentine and that wasn't even as horrifically rude as I had observed you to be."

Draco shut his eyes. "I was a bit of a brat, eh?" Ginny nodded. "But you thought I was cute, huh?" He grinned devilishly, showing a bit of that Malfoy charm he'd had even when he was being a brat.

"Yeah, you were— are. I just wanted some sort of attention from you, bad or good. I thought if I got some, it would make me more a part of the trio. And you had that whole bad boy thing going for you. You were the total opposite of Harry and that was intriguing. I have a dark side, after the whole thing with the Chamber and all that. I didn't want to go running off to the Dark Side but I was intrigued."

"So you tried to get my attention by taunting me and the entire time I never even knew it was you."

"I figured you'd catch me or go to a teacher and have them test wands or something… but you never did. The worst of it was you watched me do that bat-bogey hex on you and you never even went for retaliation, not even the following school term!"

"I was a bit preoccupied that term, remember."

"Yeah, well I know that now but back then I was utterly flabbergasted! I thought I really just didn't exist."

"But surely you got over that when you and Potter, uh, hooked up."

"Well, yeah it left my mind but we weren't together all that long."

"Bloody fool," Draco said under his breath. Ginny elbowed him.

"That bloody fool will be here soon and you'll be a big part of this plan, you know. Therefore, you'll be around him a lot."

Draco grunted something unintelligible and Ginny laughed. "Old habits die hard, I guess?" she remarked. Draco nodded.

"I don't know why I never… I mean after… I was a kid, a stupid kid," Draco mumbled as he absently stroked her back. She was facing him now and watching his expressions change as he remembered various events from the past.

"But you are here now, doing the right thing, and that's what is important," she said, brushing a thumb across his cheek. He grinned and moved towards her touch.

"Yes, it is."

They lay there silently for a while longer. "Stay here?" Ginny whispered when she sensed herself drifting towards sleep.

"Absolutely," he whispered back as he brushed a kiss onto her lips. "What will… I mean, if anybody notices…"

"We're adults. Sure, my family may have something to say about it but that's all they can do," she shrugged.

"If you say so," he sighed. He dreaded facing everyone tomorrow and having anyone know what transpired between them.

xxx

The next morning, Seamus Finnigan and Blaise Zabini were settled in the Gryffindor Common Room with a few others, including George Weasley, when Draco emerged from Ginny's room. Blaise's expression broke into a broad grin and the others just stared.

"Mornin' Draco. Long night?" Blaise drawled.

"It was a good night," a voice answered from behind Draco.

Draco turned slightly pink as he realized Ginny had come down behind him, with only her robe over her nightclothes. With his robe and nightclothes on, there was no mistaking what had taken place. Ginny wrapped her arms around Draco's waist from behind and pressed a kiss to the back of his neck. He relaxed somewhat, though, still aware that one of her brothers was in the room.

George eyed the pair curiously. "Ginny?" was all he could say.

"Draco, I think we should just get this over with." She moved around him to get closer to everyone else. "Z, Seamus, George— Draco and I care for each other. I haven't had a relationship since… well you know. And I want this," she said, looking back to Draco.

"As do I." Draco nodded, taking her hand. "I hope no one has a problem with it but if you do, Ginny and I are adults and this is our choice to make."

George and Seamus gaped dramatically. Blaise jumped up to his feet and ran over, grabbing Draco and Ginny into a hug. "Personally, I am thrilled! What do you say to getting dressed and then going to breakfast?"

"I'll meet you there," Draco said, kissing Ginny's temple before nodding to everyone else. Seamus remained stunned while George babbled incoherently under his breath.

They spent breakfast talking with Blaise and Padma, avoiding glances and whispers from the twins and dirty looks from Seamus.

Following breakfast there was a meeting concerning the return of Harry, Ron and Hermione as well as some of their American counterparts. There was also discussion about ramping up training and urging those who could to make sure the potions and supplies were fully stocked. Draco was recruited for potions while Ginny faced her brothers and helped them stock up other supplies.

"Ginny, are you sure—" George began. Ginny cut him off.

"George, I know I am your baby sister and you feel this need to protect me but don't you want to see me happy?" she pleaded, making her biggest puppy-dog eyes at him.

"But… Malfoy? Ginny…" Fred whined.

"Oh Fred! Whining does not become you! Stop it!" She giggled. She knew both twins, actually most of her family, knew she did whatever she wanted and they all accepted it. She knew her mother would have concerns and her father would remain mostly indifferent as long as he felt she was treated right.

"Gin!" Blaise called as he ran across the grounds towards where she stood gathering vegetables and potions ingredients from the greenhouses.

"Hey Z!" She grinned, knowing what he must be coming to talk to her about.

"In all my years, I never imagined the ferret and the girl weasel together!" He laughed.

"Z! I haven't been a Weasley for years!" She smacked his arm.

"Yeah, well Ginny Wood never did have the right ring to it. Ginny Malfoy now…"

Ginny smacked his arm even harder. "Really Blaise! If anyone should be thinking about marriage, it's you! How long have you and Padma been together now?" she reminded him.

"I know, I know. We're getting married when all of this is over. She knows that. But let's not change the subject. Exactly how did last night happen? You two were like school children crushing on each other last night, all shy and coy, and then you're in bed together?" Blaise wiggled his eyebrows at her. She rolled her eyes.

"You're not getting details so you may as well drop it! But if you must know something, we are… that is Draco and I… we're going to see where this goes," she said thoughtfully.

Blaise grinned and grabbed her into hug. "Well, if it had to be a former Slytherin and it couldn't be me, I'm glad it's Draco!"

"Me too!" She giggled. "I feel like a horny teenager though!"

"That's good though! I mean, my gosh, you're in your early twenties! You're still in your prime and you will be for a long time."

"Yeah, I suppose. I suppose I feel old or something sometimes, being a widow and whatnot, but… after last night I definitely feel young again." She gave him a goofy look.

"Okay, okay!" Blaise released her from his embrace. "I'm glad to see you happy but you are right. I do not need details!"

xxx

Later that afternoon Ginny was still in the greenhouse working on filling jars with valerian root

"Ginny!" a voice bellowed. "Ginny, come quickly!" She recognized the distressed voice as that of Padma Patil.

"Padma! What's wrong?" Ginny gasped when she stood and took in Padma's flushed face and shortness of breath from running and yelling.

"Seamus! He has Draco and Z at wand point! Says Draco can't be trusted and that he's got some sort of hold over you!" Ginny darted past Padma who made a shriek of frustration and followed.

Ginny burst through the doors into the castle, coming to a brief halt to try and decide which way to go. It didn't take her long to hear the heated voices coming from down the corridor to her left, which led to the dungeons.

"Finnegan! Calm down!" she could hear a voice that sounded like Zacharias Smith.

"No! I will not! We have a traitor in our midst! Something has to be done and if no one else will do it, I will!" Seamus exclaimed. Ginny rounded the corner and saw Draco backed up to a wall, something akin to fear in his eyes, as Seamus held his wand jabbed tightly into his throat. Blaise was lying on the ground. From what Ginny could see, Seamus had already done something to Blaise. He was breathing, but something wasn't right.

Draco's eyes widened when he saw Ginny and before he realized Seamus would see it in his eyes and know, Seamus had turned around, driving his wand a little deeper in to Draco's throat.

"Ginny! I don't blame you. I know you were under a spell or something and you thought you were bringing in someone who could help. You're so innocent and you just didn't know."

"What are you on about?" Ginny said indignantly as she stalked towards Seamus. Draco gave a slight nod of his head as he gasped for breath, as if to warn her against approaching. However, Seamus Finnegan did not scare her.

"Ginny…listen."

"No. You listen to me. I know that you are upset because of what you saw this morning." Seamus' eyes widened and he dropped his wand a bit from Draco's throat. He reached out for her with his free hand.

"Ginny, whatever he did to you, it'll be alright."

"He didn't do anything to me or with me that I didn't want, Seamus. Blaise knows that. Fred and George know that. I'm sorry that your feelings are hurt, but honestly! This is not the time for jealous fighting!"

"It's not jealousy, Ginny! I love you!" Seamus blurted, dropping his wand completely from Draco, who gasped and slid to the floor, clutching his throat where a red dent had appeared.

Ginny's breath hitched and her eyes widened. "I… Seamus, I'm flattered, really I am but… we've only ever been good friends and that's all we can ever be. I don't see you in that way," she explained carefully. Quite a crowd had been drawn, but Ginny was oblivious to them.

"But you see him in that way?" Seamus spat, gesturing furiously to Draco.

"Yes, I do. Part of me always has. I want him, Seamus. I want to be with Draco."

Seamus let his wand fall from his hand and sank to the floor, defeated. He buried his face in his hands. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!" he cried. Ginny dropped to the floor beside him and put her arms gently around him. He tried to shake her off but she held on tightly.

"Don't be sorry, Seamus. Well, you should apologize to Draco and Blaise but, more importantly, you need to get it together. Harry, Ron and Hermione will be here shortly and we need to get things done. Stuff like what just happened here is not very productive."

"I should leave." He sighed, drying up. "I'm just a nuisance anyway."

"No you're not!" Ginny said as she grasped his shoulders and forced him to look her in the eye. "You're one of our strongest men and we need you here. These past few years have been very stressful. Everyone knows that. You just let it take you to the helm today and now you have it out of your system and you can go back to focusing on what's important. This war could be ending soon and in order to end it, we need you. Okay?"

Seamus nodded and stood, bringing Ginny with him. He turned to face Draco and held out his hand. "Sorry," he grumbled.

"'S okay," Draco said hoarsely. Ginny smiled at him. He gave a small smile in return.

"Seamus, I think you ought to go to the hospital wing for a Calming Draught," Ginny stated, releasing herself from Seamus.

Seamus nodded and trudged off. George accompanied him. Ginny immediately ran and knelt beside Blaise along with Padma. "Z? Z? Are you okay?" she asked frantically.

Blaise groaned. "He threw me into the wall with a spell. I don't think anything is broken but it hurts!" Ginny giggled slightly. "Draco's the one the bloke's ill with and I get the pounding!"

Draco grabbed the wand he had dropped when Seamus attacked and joined Ginny, murmuring "Levicorpus."

"I'll take him to his room and get him a Pepper-Up. He'll be good as new in no time," Draco said, brushing a strand of Ginny's hair out of her face. "I'll catch up with you later."

xxx

Upon leaving Blaise, who was now resting nicely in his bed with Padma tending to him, Draco figured he'd head back to the Potions room and finish his work there.

As he exited the Slytherin common room, he was met by two tall, lanky redheads. The twins. He sighed. Time to really face up, he thought.

"So, we get that you share this bond or whatever with our sister," one of them said. Draco decided he was Fred.

"And she seems to care for you a great deal," the one who would, then, be George said.

"You should know that no one has turned her head since her husband died."

"And the fact that you have…well you should thank your lucky stars."

"Tell me something I don't know," sighed Draco. What exactly did they want?

"We've seen how she acts with you. She's happy." This was the Fred one.

"Which makes us happy," said the George one.

"And if she's happy and we're happy, our family is happy."

"We're all one big, happy family." George grinned but there was a twist in it. Draco tilted his head to the side.

"But one false move and we're your worst nightmare pal," Fred stated in a warning tone.

"If Ginny's unhappy, you'll be even more unhappy." And with that, the twins were gone, back up the hallway, pushing and shoving one another as they had some sort of silly exchange. Draco shook his head. Just what had he gotten himself into?