A/N-Alright y'all! I wanted to update soon since you've been so faithful to me! Now the bad news, I have a busy three days ahead so I may not get any chances to write. This chapter may have to hold you over for a little while. This chapter helps us turn the corner to ending the story. There should only be a couple of chapters left so that I can return to Forbidden. Oh, and as I replied in all of your reviews...This may not even come close to answering your lingering questions about the "secrets". Patience is a virtue! Thank you for reading.

Chapter Nine

Ginny was under the stone steps in the warm night air trying to transform again. She felt extremely uneasy about Draco's abrupt departure from Dumbledore's office and wanted to be with him. As she scampered up the steps with the usual difficulty, a sound from behind caught her attention. Her vision was definitely better as a kitten however the sound was coming from the Forbidden Forest. She strained her eyes to locate any movement. Suddenly, she noticed two bright blue eyes that were blinking in her direction on the edge of the Forbidden Forest. I don't really feel like getting eaten right now! Oh God! Where's my hero when I need him?

Ginny dug her claws into the next step and tried desperately to move quickly up the stairs. Just as she was only four steps from the open oak doors, her paw slipped and she toppled backwards to the bottom. She blacked out for a moment and was awaken by a wet nose sniffing and nudging her face. Ginny started to growl the best way she could and hissed threateningly as she stood and backed up into the bottom step. Please tell me you are terrified of furry hissing things!

Once she took a closer look, she realized that standing in front of her was a large white wolf. Just my luck, I am to be eaten by the abominable snowman! Ginny hissed again swiping a claw into the air. The white wolf just leaned its head to each side panting and eyeing her curiously. Suddenly it bent down as if to pounce and growled without showing its teeth. It started pacing back and forth without removing its eyes. The white wolf started to mock Ginny's claw swiping and stuck out its paw playfully. It growled again with an almost impatient tone. Are you trying to play with me? Do you always play with your food before you kill it?

The wolf sat on its back paws panting heavily. Ginny took off in a run towards….Well she didn't exactly know where she was going. Somewhere with no white wolves preferably. Her little legs were no match for the wolf's long strides however, it didn't even try to catch her. It just followed her closely and barked every time she changed directions. After about fifteen minutes of torture, Ginny gave up. She couldn't stop her quick breathing and just wanted the wolf to end her life quickly. As she started to shake in fear she scrunched down into a ball and expected the worst. She closed her eyes as the wolf walked up to her slowly.

She could feel his hot breath against her face. Suddenly, she was nudged in the stomach and knocked on her side by its nose. Well that was rude! Just get on with it! The wolf seemed pleased with himself and pranced a circle around her. It started mocking her claw swipes again and barking loudly. It knocked her over at least three more times happily. Fine, if you're not going to kill me then go away! I'm not your little play toy!

Ginny bit the wolf's paw as it swiped it in the air. The wolf yelped and licked the blood away. It made a woofing sound as if to say that she was out of line. Just as she was about to run for it again, she heard the oak doors slam shut as it was now after curfew. The wolf seemed to be thrown off by the sound as he knocked Ginny over one more time and ran towards the Forbidden Forest. Ginny shook it off and realized that unless she wanted to be stranded out there, she better change back and get to bed. She could see Draco another night.

The next morning at breakfast, Ginny was facing the Slytherin table hoping to catch a glimpse of Draco. She didn't seem to find him at first but then saw him strutting through the entrance followed by a very sulky Crabbe and Goyle. The rest of the Great Hall was almost empty which left her and Ron alone at the Gryffindor table. Ginny smiled at the way he walked. If anyone had an impressionable strut, it was him. He seemed to float over to the table.

Ron cleared his throat and spoke curiously. "Ginny? Why are you staring at him?"

Ginny blinked her eyes harshly and whispered trying to sound irritated. "He's just so arrogant. I mean look at the way he walks. Look! He just made that poor first year give up their seat when the entire Slytherin table is empty. That's so mean! Why doesn't he pick on someone his own size? I mean, I know he could probably take on most of the seventh years but still! He's just so rude."

Ron smiled. "Ginny, I know you're a complicated girl and all but please don't tell me you have a crush on him. I know you've always said that you can't control who you fall for but you've gotta try….For me? Liking Malfoy, that's just wrong."

Ginny scoffed. "I do not have a crush on him!"

Ron shook his head in defeat. "Well, whatever it is. Get over it quickly. The last thing I need is my only sister dating the Slime of Slytherin."

"He's not the slime-Wait, why on earth do you think I have a crush on that prat?" Ginny said uncomfortably.

Ron smiled. "Well for starters, you were just about to defend him. Ever since Christmas break you've been watching him at his table or commenting on how terrible he is. And I heard that some people saw you eating and studying together. I'm your brother Ginny. I know you too well and I'm always keeping tabs on you. I still think it's a bad idea even though I know you can take care of yourself. You'll only get hurt and then I will have to kill him." Ron looked at his watch. "And I'm not sure I can fit in his murder before Potions today."

Ginny laughed and pushed Ron playfully. She spoke with a serious tone. "Ron, you're acting awfully casual about this….What's going on?"

Ron shrugged and shifted his eyes to his lap. "I sort of heard about what happened that night and well-"

Ginny gasped. "You heard? What did you hear? Who told you? It's all lies!"

Ron frowned. "Dumbledore told me."

Ginny scowled at the staff table. That's his idea of being discreet?

Ron continued trying to hide the anger in his voice. "I had been noticing how odd you had been acting and then I heard Crabbe and Goyle boasting about what Malfoy did to you-"

"But he didn't! It wasn't him! He just made them think-"

"I know Ginny. Dumbledore told me. Just as I was about to hex them Dumbledore dragged me to his office to explain what really happened. I told him he was mental for believing such a lie…Malfoy saving a Weasley? Right. But he reminded me of what an accomplished Legilemen's he is and said that if either of you was lying, he would have known." Ron pressed his lips together and looked over at Draco. "He asked me not to let on that I knew or tell anyone else."

Ginny sighed and clasped her hands together. "So does this mean you realize that he's not as bad as he makes people think? This act that he puts on is more self-preservation than anything else?"

Ron nodded. "Yes, and Dumbledore said that too. But still Ginny. He's Draco Malfoy. What he's done in the past still weighs heavy on my opinion of him. He can't possibly be capable of caring deeply for anyone. He wasn't taught to love the way we were. I'm not sure he was taught to love at all. I don't think you should get too worked up over whatever it is you've got with him. I honestly don't think he will survive his Father or You-Know-Who. His days are numbered."

Ginny's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Ron appallingly. "What would make you say such a terrible thing?"

Ron placed a hand over her trembling ones. "Dumbledore told me Ginny. His Father is extremely suspicious of Malfoy's lack of interest in the Dark Arts. The fact that he didn't go home for Christmas was a huge blow to his Father. Dumbledore knows that You-Know-Who is growing impatient with him as well. He said he is going to try and offer his help but he's not sure if Malfoy will accept it. He's probably in more danger than Harry at the moment."

Ginny bit her quivering lip as tears streamed down her face. She couldn't control her crying. She buried her face into Ron's shoulder as he stroked her hair. Draco heard her crying and unintentionally turned a concerned glance her way. He and Ron made eye contact only long enough for Ron to gesture that she was okay. Draco looked over at Crabbe and Goyle who were staring curiously at him. He shrugged and spoke arrogantly. "That girl has problems."

They smiled in a satisfied way and dug into their breakfast. Ron continued to hold Ginny until she stopped crying. She wiped her face with a napkin and sniffed every few seconds. "So, his Father's just going to kill him?"

"If You-Know-Who doesn't first…..Yes." Ron said quietly.

Ginny shook her head. "No, it's not fair. Dumbledore can't let that happen. Draco has to accept his help. I'll make him!"

Ron pulled away and looked into her eyes. "Ginny, is this more than a crush? You seem to be awfully upset over someone you claim not to like."

Ginny shook her head again but then burst into tears. "I don't know what it is Ron! All I do is think about him. He is so wonderful to me and he doesn't deserve this. He could have done terrible things to me several times and all he's done is protect me. He's always been a gentleman!"

Ron gave a disgusted look. "You know Ginny, it's alright if you don't think of me as one of your girlfriends. I don't need to know everything. All I know is that he's a marked man and there's nothing anyone can do about it. You spending time with him will only put you in harm's way. If he is so concerned with protecting you, he'll realize that. I'm not prepared to tell you to do anything other than look out for yourself. I gave up on seriously telling you what to do ages ago. Just keep yourself safe and remember you have me and Harry here to protect you."

Ginny wiped her eyes again and kissed him on the cheek. She walked out of the Great Hall determined to see Draco that night. Just after curfew, Ginny headed towards the Slytherin common room to see him. As she was pacing outside the door, someone suddenly opened it almost knocking her into the wall. Ginny gasped in relief seeing Draco's shocked expression. He was holding a small suitcase and wearing his cloak. "Yes Kitten?"

Ginny blushed. "I uh, wanted to know how you were doing. You left so suddenly the other night. Where are you going?"

Draco led her into an alcove to talk in private. Ginny was curious as to why he wouldn't ask her to come into his room. She sat on a small bench and looked up at him expectantly. Draco ran his fingers through his hair revealing a bandaged hand. Ginny quickly grabbed it. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Draco pulled his hand away gently. "It's just a scratch. I was trying a new move at practice and scraped it against one of the stands."

Ginny eyed him suspiciously. "I'm sorry to hear that. Anyway, I want to know what's going on."

Draco looked curious. "Going on with what?"

Ginny's sigh revealed her fear. "Look Malfoy, you've got to accept Dumbledore's help."

"What? What are you talking about? Help for what?" Draco said angrily.

"You know exactly what I mean Malfoy. You're in danger. Admit it!" Ginny pleaded.

Draco shook his head and turned his back on her. "What does it matter? I've been in danger all my life. Nothing's changed."

Ginny's eyes filled with tears as she turned him around. "Everything's changed! You've changed. We can stop this!"

Draco scoffed. "What do you mean we?" He shrugged as if answering his own question. "You're right though, I have changed…..I've had more and more trouble believing his load of-load of." Draco ran his hands over his face harshly. "I've become weak and that's why it needs to end."

Ginny's voice cracked as she placed a hand gently on his cheek. "This is never going to end remember? You're not weak Draco. You're the strongest person I've ever met."

Draco looked at her as if she were insane. He suddenly smiled and pulled her close. "I won't hurt you. I can't." He kissed the top of her forehead and breathed her in. "I need to go."

"No! You need to go to Dumbledore! He can help you!" Ginny demanded as she held on to him tightly.

Draco became furious. "Dumbledore can't help me! No one can! It's over. I've made my decision. I'm going to face him. I'm going to face them both. It has to end."

Ginny screamed loudly. "No! They'll kill you! You can't just give up!"

"I'm not giving up! I'm not a coward! I'm going to face them! I'm not afraid of dying!" Draco said sternly.

Ginny began to cry uncontrollably as Draco walked away. Ginny wiped her eyes and ran after him. He was headed for the oak doors but Ginny caught up to him before he could open them. She stepped in front of the doors blocking his way and yelled louder than she ever had. "I won't let you do this! You can't leave me Draco! You said you wouldn't hurt me!"

Draco crossed his arms and tried to ignore her tears. He whispered as he looked at her feet. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to hurt you but there are no other options. If they kill me, it ends there. No one else gets hurt. If I pull some insane stunt of trying to run away with you or something, they'll find us. They'll kill us both and everyone you've ever loved. I can't let that happen. "

Ginny's tears stopped falling immediately. "That's it! You can run away! We'll hide you at the Burrow! No one knows that we're….That we're….Whatever we are!"

"What are we?" Draco said with a smirk and smiled into her eyes.

Ginny fidgeted nervously and looked to the ground. "I thought we were friends."

Draco chuckled and pulled her close. "Is that all Kitten? Just friends?" He kissed her deeply as she ran her fingers through his hair.

They didn't hear the footsteps approaching moments before in the alcove. They didn't hear the footsteps follow them to the oak doors. They didn't know they weren't alone. They were unaware that they're entire conversation had been heard.

"That's enough." Ron said as he walked out of the shadows with a frown.

Ginny jumped back looking terrified at Ron's presence. Draco simply smirked and crossed his arms. "Bit late for you isn't it Weasley?"

Ron scowled. "I had a feeling she'd go after you."

Draco laughed. "Well she's stubborn. You of all people know that."

Ron smiled and nodded as he looked at Ginny's widened eyes. "Ginny, what are thinking? You know better than this. Didn't you listen to a thing I said in the Great Hall?"

Ginny shrugged. "I listened! I just think you're both being a bit negative about this whole thing."

Draco looked at her appallingly. "Gin, this is Voldemort were talking about. It's not all sunshine and daisies with him."

Ron laughed which shocked Ginny. He nodded again. "I can't believe I'm about to say this but, Malfoy's right Ginny. Everything he said earlier is true. He's only got one option. And that option doesn't include you. You've got to let him go."

"No! You said yourself Ron, Dumbledore will help!" Ginny pleaded.

Draco sighed deeply and placed his hand on Ginny's shoulder. "Look, I don't have to go tonight. I can stay a little while longer."

Ginny shook her head greedily. "That's not good enough! I am going to send an owl to my Mum immediately. I know she'll agree with me! We can save you Draco!"

Ron placed a hand over his frustrated eyes as Draco sighed loudly. Draco threw his hands in the air. "Fine, do whatever you want. But you're only prolonging the inevitable. I don't see why you need to drag your entire family into this. It's not worth it."

Ginny cried softly. "You're worth it Draco. Isn't he Ron?"

Ron gave a disgusted look. "Hey, I'm not the one who fancies him! You've gone completely mental if you think I'm going to agree to any of this. Although, I doubt any death eater would go looking for him at a blood traitor's house. They all know how much our families hate each other. But still, it's dangerous. There's no way it will work."

Ginny smiled and clasped her hands together. "It's settled then. I'll send Mum an owl in the morning as soon as I talk to Dumbledore."

Ron and Draco stared at each other for a moment and then both shrugged. Draco smiled. "Aren't you supposed to know how to control that hard head of hers?"

Ron scoffed. "No one can control a Weasley woman. They're completely thick headed and frightening if you cross them. You've been warned Malfoy."

Draco laughed loudly. "I'll be sure to keep my guard up."

Ron nodded. "Come on Ginny. You need to get to bed."

Ginny shook her head. "No, I'm going to stay with him."

"What? No you're not!" Ron said grabbing for her arm.

Ginny smacked his hand away. "Yes I am. I'll be fine. Besides, what if he tries to runaway in the middle of the night? I need to keep an eye on him."

Ron's face turned bright red. "If you think for one minute that I'm going to just let you waltz off to the Slytherin common room-"

Draco placed his hand in the air. "Listen Weasley. You don't have anything to worry about. You said yourself, no one can control her or make her do something she doesn't want to."

Ron gritted his teeth without removing his eyes from Ginny. "That's the problem. I'm afraid of what she wants to do."

Draco gave an uncomfortable expression and pressed his lips together. "Well then, I guess that leaves you only one option Weasley…..Trust me."

"What? I can't trust you!" Ron shouted in disbelief.

Draco smirked. "Why not? I've had plenty of chances to-well let's just say I've had chances and I didn't take them. I'm not looking to jump into the sack with your sister. There's more to what's going on here than that." Draco looked at Ginny evilly. "Although, I can't say the same for her."

Ginny punched his arm and cleared her throat. "You can trust him Ron."

"Yeah but can I trust you Ginny?" Ron asked in a direct tone as he began to pace.

Ginny bat her eyes and clasped her hands. "Yes Ron. You can trust me. I promise not to shag him tonight."

"Tonight? No, I want a promise that you never will!" Ron said.

Ginny laughed. "I can't promise that!"

Ron ran his hands through his hair and sighed. "I think I'm going to throw up." He placed his hands on his knees and began to breathe deeply. He whispered in a frustrated tone. "Ginny, you're old enough to make your own decisions. I can't talk about this anymore. Malfoy, I'm leaving her in your hands. If you hurt her in anyway, you'll have more than You-Know-Who to worry about."

Ron stalked off leaving Ginny and Draco standing shocked and alone.