Ch. 4 Changes

Malfoy joined Ginny in the garden and they began their walk.

"So, I'm not limping as badly this morning," Malfoy stated, after a few moments of awkward silence.

"Yeah, I noticed. You're still in a bit of pain, though?" Ginny asked.

"Well, I wouldn't call it pain. I'd call it…discomfort. I think the more I do, the sooner I will recover."

Ginny had no idea what else to say. Usually, she had no trouble talking to anybody. But today, every sentence that came to mind seemed trite, stupid, or insensitive. Ginny was so deep in thought and was staring at her feet, and she didn't see the large tree directly in her path.

Without warning, Draco grabbed her arm and pulled her towards him, away from the tree. She snapped out of it immediately and bravely raised her flushed face from his chest and laughed. "I am such a klutz!" she grinned.

He quickly set her right and let go. "I've never known you to be so quiet. It must be the company," he said, head held high and regal while he walked a few steps in front of her.

She was still a little dazed, but felt herself straighten up. "What? Oh no. I mean, the past few days have been…" Ginny paused to look at him, puzzled. "Why would you think I'm not quiet?"

"I could always hear you and your friends laughing and talking in the Great Hall, in the corridors between classes. You were kind of loud, you know," Malfoy laughed, shooting her a sideways look.

Ginny blushed and bit her lip. She guessed she had been quite interesting to watch.

"I think it's good, though. One could always tell you were happy and having a good time--well your second year and after, that is. At the time I found it totally annoying but I suppose that could be because I've never really been happy myself," he stopped, a sad smile crossing his lips. "I don't reckon I ever will be."

Ginny's smile faded. Draco seemed so sincere, and so sad. She felt sorry for him and was overcome with a need to make sure he cheered up.

"Oh, come on. Surely you will be! I know things seem bad right now, but you have a…" she caught herself just before telling Draco that she would be his friend.

But, he caught her slip as well. "I have a what?" he asked curiously.

"Um, a lot to be happy about!" Ginny blurted without thinking.

Malfoy stopped walking and gave her look that made her want to wither away.

"Like what? I've practically lost everyone I ever thought was a friend, and I don't know what is going on with my family. I can't be certain they're safe! I don't have anything!"

Ginny looked at the ground. She closed her eyes briefly then, as she opened them and lifted her head, she reached for Malfoy's hand.

"I'll be your friend, Malfoy," she smiled.

xxx

He was stunned. This feeling… seeing her hand reach across the space between them and gently take his. He had these memories of watching her at school. She acted tough and was always loud and boisterous, but she was also soft and kind.

He felt a true smile start to spread across his lips and got an airy feeling throughout his chest. It was the feeling he got whenever he thought about almost having killed Dumbledore and how Dumbledore had offered him safety and forgiveness if he could not go through with it. It was this grateful, heart-warming, longing yet angering ache. He wanted to hug Ginny to him. But at the same time he wanted to smack her hard across the face.

He wasn't used to caring about people and had no idea how to go about doing so. He shook her hand from his. "I-I don't need pity, not from the likes of you!" he said as scathingly as he could muster, and started back on his walk. Ginny sighed and followed after him.

"I don't pity you! You're a different person than I would have ever thought. I'm having fun with you, playing cards and whatever. You're--"

"Cut it, Weasel!" he snapped. "Just leave. I can walk by myself. I'd enjoy it more without your incessant gabbering!" He turned without another word. He heard her briefly call out about borders, but he knew what to look for. And, though he heard her footsteps following him, he didn't turn around. He'd always been just fine on his own.

xxxxxxx

That evening after dinner Ginny, wanting to be alone, had decided to go through some old things in the attic. Malfoy had been silent since they returned from the walk and had taken his dinner in his room.

Harry, Ron and Hermione had asked her to join them doing something--she wasn't paying attention--but Ginny made her excuse as though she needed to find something. She shouldn't be long, she'd said, and she'd join them later.

Now, sitting on the dusty attic floor, she lazily sorted through the boxes marked 'GINNY'S STUFF.' She had no idea what she was looking for. She figured she'd know it when she saw it. She heard the trap door to the attic creak open and the ladder drop. 'Darn it, Harry," she thought.

"I said I'd be down after a while!" she said, not masking the irritation in her voice. When she got no reply, she looked over the edge to see Malfoy standing at the base of the ladder below.

"Hi," she said in barely a whisper.

"I came to apologize, again. I seem to be doing that a lot lately," he smiled slightly. "I'd really like to have a… a friend." He gulped out the word as if it were nearly painful. "I doubt Potter and Weasley will want to be my best buds anytime soon. I doubt that I'll actually ever want them to be," he said, shaking his head. "But you--you're ok baby weasel."

"Okay then. We can be friends on two conditions," she stated, crossing her arms petulantly.

"And what would they be?" he asked, his smile growing wider.

"Number one: No more calling me 'baby weasel.'" Malfoy nodded. "Second: you have to promise… not to fall in love with me." She laughed nervously.

Malfoy returned her laugh just as nervously. "You have nothing to worry about," he smirked.

xxx

Draco noticed again how pretty Ginny was in the dimly lit attic, her hair up in a sloppy ponytail with loose golden auburn bits falling down and framing her face. She was just kidding about the 'falling in love' thing right? Or was she being coy? He shook his head again to clear his betraying thoughts.

Ginny blushed and tried to explain what she had said. "It's a line from this Muggle thing Hermione showed me. You know how they watch films--moving pictures?"

"Yes, I know," Draco responded.

"Well this girl and this guy who are an unlikely pair of friends, kind of like us, that's what she says to him when they have to start working on some school work together. I guess it's like an inside joke to… myself," she finished, grinning lamely.

"So, what exactly are you doing up here anyway?" Draco asked, carefully taking the steps of the rickety ladder one at a time.

"I don't know. I just didn't feel like being around 'the gang' tonight. The wedding's in two days and I just want everyone to go away, you know?" she said, obviously flustered.

"OK. Hint taken." Draco started back down the ladder.

"No! I'm sorry! I didn't mean you have to go. It's like you said earlier, I've had some fun times with you and you're far from being like anyone in my family so," she considered her next words carefully. "Come on up here if you like. Want to look at some dumb, old kid stuff?"

Draco nodded and slowly ascended the creaking ladder once more. He made it with only a little trouble. They spent the next few hours laughing at old things of Ginny's and trading childhood stories, most of which for him had not been pleasant.

Letting out a huge yawn, Ginny cleaned up and put away the last box. "Well, I reckon we'd better get down. It's getting late," Ginny said as she stood.

"Yeah. Lots to do in the next few days, right?" Draco asked. Ginny nodded. "Why exactly is the wedding here?"

"Fleur wants it outdoors, and the flower garden is so lovely this time of year." Ginny rolled her eyes. "And our grounds are well-protected and there is a designated Portkey not far from here--just over on Stoatshead Hill. It all just worked out."

"That'll be a fun day for me. I'll get to stay inside, I suppose--the uninvited guest. Don't reckon anyone'd want me there anyway."

Ginny stopped partway down the ladder and looked back up at him. "Do you want to come to the wedding?"

"No, of course not!" he voice said, but his eyes said something else. "I was just saying that it would be funny if I did. I mean, people would be shocked--a Malfoy at a Weasley family event? Not likely!"

"There will be some excellent food, you know, and dancing. Aside from the actual sappy wedding ceremony, it should be quite fun!" Ginny grinned.

"Oh, going to dance close with Potter, are you?" he asked, following her down the ladder.

Ginny rolled her eyes at him as he jumped the final few rungs and looked back at her. "If I must. I don't plan on it."

"Something amiss in the land of Ginny and Harry?"

"There is no 'Ginny and Harry'-land, as you call it. And, I don't know why I am telling you this, but I'm glad. I like to do my own thing. Guys get so needy sometimes, and there is too much else going on without all the drama of relationships," she shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly and turned to go down the main stairs.

"I agree," Malfoy said, following her.

"But you should come down for the big event, you know? I know you have some nice robes to wear."

Malfoy shrugged. "Not really my thing, weddings."

"Me neither, but it could be fun. A few harmless hexes under the table aimed at the bride," she paused. "Oops! Did I say that aloud? I don't know what got into me!" she laughed.

Turning the corner into the living room, Ginny stopped dead and Harry loudly cleared his throat. He, Ron, and Hermione were still up, talking quietly. All eyes turned to her.

"Oh, hey guys," Ginny looked sheepishly at them. "I er… well… "

Ron jumped up to his feet, his eyes not leaving Malfoy's and his hands already clenched in fists. "Ginny, a word?" he barked.

"Good night, Ginny, everyone," Malfoy nodded, deciding his room looked like a good place to be.

xxxxxxx

Not waiting for a response, Ron took Ginny's elbow and led her outside.

"What do you mean being upstairs with Malfoy? What exactly is going on? Harry looks like his head is about to explode!"

Ginny shook Ron's grip on her elbow and turned on him. "Did it ever occur to you that maybe Malfoy is lonely? I've been the one here taking care of him while mum is getting ready for the wedding and you three are off gallivanting around and dad is at work! This hasn't been easy for any of us but Malfoy's been pretty fair to me, and I think he needs to know that at least someone cares for him!"

Ron gasped and contorted his face in disgust. "You? Care for him? He's just trying to get you on his side so--"

Ginny scoffed and started back towards the house, but then decided against it. She turned back to Ron. "It is possible for people to change, you know. Perhaps not you, but others are capable of it. Malfoy's been through a lot, and not just with all this now. All throughout his life he's had a struggle!"

"Yeah, having loads of money is really--" Ron began but Ginny grabbed his arm harshly.

"Ron, do you realize how lucky we are? We may not have loads of money and nice things but we've had a family full of people who love us! Some people don't have that and believe me-- IT'S MUCH WORSE!" Ginny threw his arm away and stormed inside, ran up to her room and shut the door.

xxxxxxx

Ginny had avoided nearly everyone, including Malfoy, since her confrontation with Ron two nights earlier. Now, getting dressed for the wedding with Hermione, Ginny finally broke the silence.

"I haven't really gotten a chance to ask," Ginny began as she spread a thin layer of make-up across Hermione's face. "But, how are things with you and Ron?"

Hermione blushed. "Oh, um, it's been great!"

"Well of course it has! I mean, finally!" Ginny laughed.

"Yeah, I know. We've been… making up for lost time I guess," she giggled.

"Okay, I do not need all the sordid details!" Ginny pulled away from Hermione but had a smile on her face.

"Sorry," Hermione was still blushing, making it hard for Ginny to smooth out the make-up. "So, what about you? Are you okay with the… with Harry?" Hermione asked cautiously.

"With Harry? Oh yeah! I mean, honestly, I think he just needed someone at that moment last spring and I was there. I think for me it was more of a rebound thing."

"Oh?" questioned Hermione, looking directly to Ginny. "Because I was thinking that maybe that is what this thing with Malfoy is all about-- a rebound from Harry," she stated firmly but quietly. Ginny's eyes widened.

"Thing with Malfoy? What thing?"

"Well you like him, don't you?"

"Oh… yeah but not like that, we've just been hanging out. He needs to have a friend right now and I kind of get him, you know? I… understand him," Ginny reassured as she lined Hermione's eyes with a soft, sparkly liner.

"That's all, is it?" Hermione pushed.

"I've actually taken the time to get to know Malfoy. He's really not so bad, especially after all that's happened. He's practically turned the tables and accepted all this like a champ. I know he has loads of problems but maybe friends are what he needs right now, yeah? You really shouldn't listen to Ron when he gets on about nonsense like 'me and Malfoy.'"

Hermione simply nodded as Ginny finished applying the make-up. Ginny twirled the chair around for Hermione to see herself in the mirror.

"Ginny! You always do such a good job! I just don't get this make-up stuff!"

"The key is to look like you aren't wearing any," Ginny winked. Hermione stood to get her dress on but paused.

"Gin, don't give Ron too hard a time," she began and Ginny rolled her eyes. Hermione reached out and placed a gentle hand on her friend's arm. "No, listen to me. I think there is more to it than what you think. Ron's your older brother and he's seen how, well, how boys have fawned over you at school and I would guess he's afraid."

"Well first of all, I'm a Weasley. A Malfoy would not 'fawn,' as you say, over a Weasley." Ginny scrunched up her nose in disgust.

"Malfoy may have been daft about certain things but he's not blind. You're one of the most beautiful, popular girls in school. Look how many friends you have in other houses?"

"Yeah, but I am a Gryffindor. Slytherins and Gryffindors don't mix. Not at school anyway. Besides, there are loads of girls in Slytherin. I'm sure he has a bunch of little girlfriends."

"Actually he doesn't."

"Well one then--that one that's always following him around, what's her name?"

"Pansy Parkinson," Hermione said, scrunching up her nose.

"Yeah, that's her."

"And she's not his girlfriend either-- not that she wouldn't give her right leg to be, but she's not. They've known each other since they were in diapers. Their families are old friends. She--"

"How do you know all this?" Ginny stopped Hermione, shaking her head in disbelief.

"When you spend a lot of time in the library buried in books, people think you aren't listening. I hear things," Hermione nodded, looking pleased. "Anyway, as I was saying, Malfoy hasn't had a girlfriend at Hogwarts. He's very picky, from what I hear."

"Yet another reason he isn't interested in me! Come on, Hermione!" Ginny pleaded with her to stop.

"I'm just saying that you never know. And if you aren't interested in him, and gods I hope you aren't, you should make sure he knows that. You were the one saying he's just been through all sorts of a mess, weren't you? Maybe he's--"

"Whatever, Hermione. This is dumb! See you downstairs!" Ginny hurried out into the hall closing the door behind her.

xxxxxxx

Draco watched from the window as the small crowd gathered in the Weasley's garden. He spotted Ginny instantly. She was a vision in strapless dress robes that flowed to the ground and a matching cloak that was clipped around her neck. The dress and cloak were a beautiful, delicate gold that made Ginny's hair and freckle-dusted skin glow.

He scowled. 'What is wrong with me?' He shook it off and turned back to stare at the wall. He had been debating ever since the night in the attic about taking Ginny up on the offer to attend the wedding. Mrs. Weasley had even suggested he come enjoy the reception party afterwards if he was feeling up to it.

But, he was almost afraid to go. He knew people would stare at him and whisper. It would not be unsafe for him. No one would let it leak out that he was there, Mr. Weasley assured him of that. All of the guests were members of the Order who knew what was going on, or relatives of Fleur's who were clueless.

Draco shrugged and looked back out the window where the ceremony was about to start.

x

Ginny looked up partway during the ceremony and saw the familiar face staring down from the window. She smiled and made the smallest possible wave she could. She figured she would escape during the reception and go check on Malfoy. Make sure he had everything he needed, just like a good little nurse ought to. Yes, she would do just that.

Shortly after the ceremony though, Ginny found herself flooded by friends and family all commenting on how pretty she looked and how it had been a wonderful wedding.

"Yes, yes," she replied, trying desperately to make it to the door into the house.

The food was out and the band was beginning to play just as she was finishing up talking about something or another with one of Fleur's relatives when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned expecting to get sucked into yet another introduction or conversation--but it was Malfoy.

He'd fixed his hair, his wounds were nearly all healed, he had put on what looked to be very expensive, lavish black dress robes, and he was smiling. He looked healthier than she had seen him since her fourth year, not that she had paid him that much attention before now.

"Hi."

"Hi, yourself. I thought I'd come down and see what all the fuss was about."

Ginny came to her senses enough to smile then looked around awkwardly. She saw Ron and Harry glaring in her direction so she turned back to Malfoy. "You sure clean up well," she commented, looking him up and down a bit more obviously than she had meant to.

"I should say the same thing to you. That dress… it's exquisite."

"Thanks. Bet you never thought you'd see a Weasley all done up like this, did you?" she laughed.

"No, I have to admit I didn't," Malfoy laughed. He gestured towards the stone floor that had been laid out for dancing. "How about we go make your brother and Potter mad?"

"Why, Mr. Malfoy! I'd love nothing more!" she laughed and took the arm he offered.

As they began to move slowly and awkwardly around the dance floor, Ginny felt her cheeks flush. She could see the looks and whispers. Oh, she could only imagine what was being said. Mrs. Weasley smiled and waved.

Hermione was trying to get Ron to focus on her, bless her heart, but he looked rather angry and kept shooting Ginny and Malfoy nasty glares. Hermione ran off, finally getting Ron's attention and he ran after her. Harry just sat at a table talking to some of the other guests and occasionally glancing towards Ginny and Malfoy.

"You really do look beautiful," Malfoy whispered in her ear. She felt her face flush even deeper. His breath on her ear gave her goose bumps. She had never felt chills like this before.

They finished the song and Ginny excused herself to run inside. Her heart was pounding way too fast and she just needed some space.

xxx

Harry approached Draco as soon as Ginny left. "What do you think you're doing, mate?"

"First of all, Potter," Draco snarled. "I am not your mate. Second, I seem to be enjoying the same wedding party as you. Isn't it obvious?"

"No. What's obvious is that you're up to something with Ginny and I don't like it."

"What are you on about?" Draco frowned and grabbed a butterbeer from a passing waiter's tray.

Harry lowered his voice and clenched his teeth. "You know Ginny and I went out. I can tell you are trying to use her to make me mad!"

"Please, Potter. I'm not 'using her' for any purpose. She and her mum are the only ones who've even been remotely pleasant to me since I've been here. But yes, as for you, you are mad! Look, if you want to hook back up with her, go ahead! I'm certainly not trying to take your sloppy seconds." Malfoy hissed and headed towards the house. Harry just stared after him.

xxx

Ginny took another sip of water and stood from the sofa. She heard the door click behind her.

"Hey! I was just coming back out--"

"Don't bother. Go dance with Potter. He's having a fit," Malfoy sneered and headed upstairs. Ginny followed.

"What's he doing now?" she asked, frustrated.

"Oh, it's silly really. He accused me of being out there dancing with you just to piss on him. Like I wouldn't go to a party and dance with a lovely girl because I want to--why's everything got to be about him?" he scowled.

"I've asked myself that about a hundred times," Ginny softly.

"Well…" they stood awkwardly for a moment. "Care for a game or something?"

"Sure," she shrugged. "I'll go change..."

"Don't bother. Let's just go."

Ginny and Malfoy spent the next hour or so playing various card games while the party roared outside. The band announced that they had one last set left. Malfoy stopped Ginny, who was in the middle of studying her hand of cards.

"Should we go back down? For one more?"

"Um, ok," she said, looking surprised. "That would be lovely. I suppose I should make one more appearance, being the groom's sister and a bridesmaid and all."

Ginny followed Malfoy back outside just as the band announced the next song was a special song for the bride and groom and they invited any couples to dance along with them.

The song was a slow, mellow song that Malfoy had never heard. 'Muggle music no doubt,' he thought with a roll of his eyes. He took Ginny's hand and led her to the stone dance floor as the words began.

xxx

Ginny closed her eyes and leaned in, resting her head on Malfoy's shoulder. He smelled so good! She completely forgot where they were and more importantly, who they were. He pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms entirely around her.

xxx

Draco felt like there was no one else around. His eyes had closed and he was lost in the wonderful scent of Ginny's hair and skin. It smelled like fresh fruit, flowers, and being outside on a beautiful summer day-- things he'd never taken notice of in the past. He took in a deep breath and pulled his head away to look at her as they slowly circled the stone floor.

xxx

Before Ginny knew what had happened, Malfoy's lips had brushed across hers softly. When he pulled away, both of them stopped dancing, stunned. Ginny gulped and turned quickly, running out of the garden and paying no mind to anyone around her.

A/N: Thanks to Amber for a great beta! If you don't recognize the "muggle thing", the film, Ginny is talking about, it is A Walk To Remember, one of my favorites! Would love some reviews!