A/N-Woops! Did I just post another chapter? My mistake...Oh well, I thought I'd surprise you a bit! I haven't responded to most of the reviews from the last chapter and I apologize. I thought you'd prefer an update instead of a response. If I get the time, I will respond to your wonderful reviews! The story is taking yet another turn closer to the end. No transformations here...Sorry!

Chapter 10

Ginny and Draco exchanged bashful glances for a few minutes. Draco cleared his throat and spoke a bit deeper than usual. "Shall we Kitten?"

Ginny laughed softly. "I think so." They headed towards his dormitory with small grins upon their faces. They didn't talk the entire time. Just the thought of Ron knowing they were going to spend the night together in Draco's room was unnerving for both of them. Well, at least that's why Ginny thought Draco was being quiet. The truth was Draco was pondering her last comment to Ron. She couldn't promise Ron that she was never going to shag Draco. The honesty and bravery in that comment made Draco's stomach flip. The fact that she would be so daring to say such a thing made Draco want her even more. He was extremely concerned about his own problems of controlling himself. Now he had to worry about hers.

As they stepped into his dormitory he shook away his evil thoughts in order to assist Ginny in keeping her promise for the night. One day at a time. He thought as he smiled. Ginny noticed him in deep thought as she sat on his bed. "Are you wondering what just happened?"

"Not at all actually. I'm just wondering what's going to happen next. So what's going to be in this letter of yours to your Mum? And what are you going to speak to Dumbledore about?" Draco said casually as he sat next to her.

Ginny pressed her lips together and sighed. "Why don't you just let me worry about that? You obviously have your plan and I have mine. Just promise me that you won't carry out that absurd suicide plot until my plan has proved impossible?"

Draco scoffed. "You don't honestly believe that your parents would agree to hiding me do you? After how terrible I've been to you and your family? You may think you're saving me but your actually turning me over to those wolves you call your brothers! What do you think they'll do once I'm in their territory? Both of our plans result in my death but mine's a little more respectable don't you think?"

Ginny gaped at Draco. "You-have-definitely-underestimated-The-Weasleys! We're not about revenge and settling old scores. We believe in second chances and that there's good in everyone….Well some more than others but still! I know they'll understand. Especially once I get Mum on my side. They know better than to go against her wishes. Trust me Malfoy. You're better off with us."

Draco smiled and then cupped her face in his hands. He kissed her softly and hugged her. "Well then, I guess it's settled. But don't say I didn't protest. I'm done talking about this how about you?"

Ginny nodded in agreement and flung herself on top of him. Draco yelled while laughing. "Hey! You promised your brother!"

"I'm not trying anything you stupid git! Get over yourself!" Ginny yelled back as she wrestled with him.

"And here I thought I was going to have to control you! Has my charm worn off already?" Draco said disappointedly.

"Not in the least but a promise is a promise." She chuckled behind her hands. "Let's just get some sleep. I've got a lot to do tomorrow. And don't think I won't hear you if you try and sneak off in the middle of the night!"

Draco laughed and shook his head. "I'm not going anywhere. This should be an interesting time ahead. I'm actually looking forward to seeing your brother's reactions." Draco pulled her into his grasp and breathed her in. "So what do we have on tonight? Lemons? Oranges?"

"Dung Malfoy." Ginny joked as he pushed her away.

"That's disgusting. How did I ever get mixed up with you anyway?" Draco said covering his mouth.

"You mean you don't love them? I'm devastated! And what do you mean how? You practically jumped my bones in the hospital wing remember?" Ginny laughed.

Draco turned her over to face him. "As I recall Kitten, you couldn't keep yourself away from me. You got caught by Madam Pomfrey in my bed remember? Hmmm….Just like you are now. Why don't you forget this act you're putting on and admit you adore me?"

Ginny smiled and shrugged. She wasn't about to deny it. Draco gaped at her in utter surprise. He didn't actually believe she liked him enough to admit it. That made him truly ecstatic and speechless. They eyed each other for a few minutes. Draco was waiting for her to say something sarcastic to end his momentary happiness. But, she didn't. Finally he pulled her close and kissed her deeply. They continued to kiss throughout the night falling in and out of sleep.

The next morning Ginny walked into the Great Hall after sending her Mum an owl. She had also already spoken with Dumbledore whom had similar plans for Draco. He had assured Ginny that he would also send her Mum an owl to soften the blow. He knew Lucius or Voldemort wouldn't dare try to kill Draco while he attended Hogwarts. He was safe until graduation which was only a month away. Ginny immediately noticed Ron eyeing her suspiciously as she sat down happily.

She smiled widely at him and looked over at a curious Draco. Ron gestured for her to speak but seemed to not want to hear the news. Ginny smiled again and sighed. "Well, I did it and it was wonderful! It was so much easier than I thought it would be! I really should have thought of doing it a long time ago!" Ron choked on his toast and quickly grabbed for his pumpkin juice. "But, I have to admit I was extremely nervous but he just seemed to know just how to make me feel at ease! He seemed to know exactly what I was thinking and wanted it as much as I did. He really is the most magnificent wizard!" Ron was violently beating his chest trying to find air. "Take another drink Ron, you're turning blue." Ginny said casually and then smiled at Draco. "He seemed so satisfied when I left this morning. I think he's been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long time. He really knows what he's doing Ron. Some of the things he came up with were amazing!"

Ron toppled off the bench and onto the floor coughing loudly. Ginny helped him up and looked at him with a concerned face. "Ron, are you alright?"

Ron yelled. "No I'm not alright Ginny!" He noticed that everyone was looking so he began to whisper. "How could you? You promised!" Ron's fists were clenched and his red face was glaring at Draco.

Ginny was utterly perplexed. "What are you talking about? I told you I was going to speak with Dumbledore this morning."

Ron moved his eyes to Ginny's. "Hang on. Were you just talking about Dumbledore or Malfoy?"

Ginny covered her mouth in shock. "You thought I was talking about Malfoy?" She burst out laughing as Ron stormed out of the Great Hall in embarrassment. "Stupid prat." She whispered as she sat back down to enjoy her breakfast. She and Draco exchanged flirtatious smiles across the tables. Suddenly a school owl swooped down and dropped a letter in front of Ginny. She sighed nervously and closed her eyes as she opened it.

Ginny,

We have received both your and Dumbledore's letters………We will help him. Don't worry about your brother's. I will send each of them an owl explaining the seriousness of this situation. Please inform him that he will return home with you and Ron. Dumbledore has assured us of his and our safety while he stays with us. Your Father and I are so proud of you for being such a caring and trusting witch.

Mum

Ginny looked up from her letter seeing Draco's eyes on her. She nodded which he knew meant that her parents had agreed. He shook his head in disbelief and continued on with his breakfast. The next month flew by. Ginny hadn't been able to see Draco for more than a few minutes now and then since Ron had made it a point to sleep in the common room every night since that morning. He was still haunted by the thoughts Ginny had unintentionally placed in his mind and was trying desperately to prevent them from coming true. It didn't matter to either of them though. Both their end of year exams took up most of their free time.

On Dumbledore's orders, Draco had told his Father he wanted to become a death eater as soon as he arrived home from school. Lucius was delighted and delivered the information to Voldemort who seemed temporarily content. Throughout the last month of school, Draco couldn't help but laugh every time he would pass Ron in the corridors. The mixture of frustration and disbelief on his face was just too good for words. Draco didn't taunt him realizing he would regret it once on Ron's turf. He also noticed that Harry must be aware of the situation as he seemed to be trying to comfort Ron at those particular moments. Harry seemed to turn up wherever Draco was lately.

On the train ride home, Ron was walking back from the bathroom and bumped into to Draco. He was going to simply walk passed him and ignore his presence but Draco placed his hand on Ron's shoulder. "You're going to have to get used to me don't you think?" Draco wasn't at all interested in becoming one of Ron's friends. He just needed to know if they had met a neutral ground which would allow Draco to sleep unarmed at the Burrow.

Ron shook his head in anger. "I don't plan on getting used to you. I'll just have to tolerate you until this is over."

Draco frowned. "So you still think I'm one of the bad guys?"

Ron crossed his arms and looked him in the eye. "It's not a matter of good vs. evil with us anymore Malfoy. It's obvious that you don't believe that crap your Father stuffed down your throat all those years. I'm not worried about you deceiving my family or Dumbledore."

Draco smiled. "Then what is it?"

Ron sighed and looked over at the compartment Ginny was in. They could see her talking and laughing happily to Harry and Hermione. "I'm worried about her. She's gone completely mental and fallen hard for you Malfoy. Who knows what's going on in that crazy head of hers? The day you break her heart is going to be very painful for you."

Ron's comments angered Draco as he took a step towards Ron with his finger poking into his chest. "Who says I'm going to hurt her? Who's to say I haven't fallen for her? You don't know a thing about me Weasley."

Ron also stepped closer and pushed away Draco's hand. "All I've known is what you've let me see. Can you blame me for thinking you're an untrusting womanizer? Look at all the things you did to Pansy Parkinson. Is that what Ginny has to look forward to?"

Draco ran his hands over his face. "I swear Parkinson will haunt me for the rest of my life…..Look, I'll be the first to admit that I have been a complete idiot at Hogwarts. I didn't care about anyone but myself. I can't promise you anything. But, I can tell you that if anyone's in danger of getting hurt it's me not her. Just lay off Weasley. I'm sure your brother's are going to have a field day with this whole thing anyways."

Ron laughed. "Yeah, I'd lookout for Fred and George. They're always looking for someone to try their new products on." They both looked over at Ginny again who was now watching them curiously along with Harry and Hermione. Draco waved to her and winked making Ginny blush.

Ron scoffed and paced. "This is going to be very hard to get used to."

Draco placed his hand on Ron's shoulder again. "Look at the bright side Weasley, I'll probably be rooming with you."

Ron laughed again and nodded. "Just my luck. But, don't get any ideas Malfoy. I won't fall as easily as she did."

Draco gave a disgusted look. "Sorry Weasley, you're not my type. You should warn Potter though. I have a thing for scars." With that Draco swept away leaving Ron completely sickened but laughing at his last comment. Ron thought he just might tease Harry a bit about it just to distract himself from the situation.

When the train stopped, Draco bid Crabbe and Goyle goodbye promising to visit them over the summer. He waited until the train was empty before he left his compartment. Once he stepped out onto the platform he was immediately taken aback at the line of redhead's staring at him. He only noticed a few smiles coming from Ginny, Mrs. Weasley, and one of the twins. The rest of the Weasley's had their arms crossed with frowns or curious looks.

Draco cleared his throat and walked over to them. He extended his hand to Mr. Weasley who took it immediately. "Thank you for taking me in sir."

Mr. Weasley's curious expression turned into a smile. "You're welcome Draco. I expect this is going to be an interesting future for us all."

Mrs. Weasley was beaming at him. "I always knew you were a good boy! But extremely too skinny. No matter, we'll fix that won't we?"

Draco nodded and then extended his hand to Bill and Charlie who shook it in a friendly manner. Charlie eyed him curiously. "I've heard you're quite a good seeker. We'll have to play a match or two sometime."

Draco forced a smile fighting all urges to respond arrogantly. "I'm alright I guess. A match sounds great."

When he reached the twins his stomach turned. Fred was smiling as George eyed him angrily with his arms crossed. Fred tried to whisper unsuccessfully. "You seem thirsty Malfoy, try this." George thrust a small goblet into Draco's hand. Mrs. Weasley hurried over, slapped the twin's in the back of their heads and grabbed the goblet out of Draco's hand.

Draco smiled evilly. "Looks like I'm going to have to stick close to your Mum."

Ginny laughed next to the twins and hugged Draco. "Let's go. It's getting late." The Weasley's all apparated back to the burrow with Draco.

When they arrived, Draco immediately smiled. He knew that it was the last place anyone would look for him. He knew he was safe. He wasn't sure how long the Weasley's would let him stay but he couldn't worry about that now. Once inside Draco was actually impressed at the sight. He had never been somewhere with such a comfortable atmosphere. The Manor was so dark, sterile, and boring you couldn't relax if you tried. The Burrow was bright, cozy, and welcoming.

Mrs. Weasley immediately started dinner after she instructed Ron to show Draco to his room. Ron sighed heavily as he stomped up the stairs. "You can sleep there." He pointed at the cot Harry had slept on many times in the past. "The bathroom's down the hall to the left next to Ginny's room."

Draco gritted his teeth but knew it would be inappropriate to do otherwise. "Thanks."

Ron seemed to twitch in confusion. "Right." He hurried out of the room leaving Draco to unpack his things.

After a few minutes Draco smelled something wonderful coming from downstairs. He hadn't finished unpacking but threw the rest of his clothes on the cot and hurried out of the room. His stomach had been growling since the train ride. He walked into the kitchen and found Ginny and Mrs. Weasley cooking and setting the table.

Before Draco could say anything there was a knock at the kitchen door. Ginny answered it revealing Harry in the doorway. She flung her arms around him which made Draco's blood boil. "Harry! You said we wouldn't see you for weeks. I can't believe I actually missed you already."

Harry kissed her cheek and then shifted his eyes at Draco without removing his arms around her. "I guess I just missed you too Ginny. Thought I'd drop in and see how things were going."

Ginny still hadn't noticed Draco standing there. "Things are wonderful! I can't believe he's here!"

Draco smirked at Harry's obvious disappointment. "Eh hem. Can I help with something?" Draco asked Mrs. Weasley who had just noticed his presence.

"Certainly not dear. You're our guest. I think the boys are in the living room if you want to join them." Mrs. Weasley said politely.

Draco rolled up his sleeves and walked over to the table. "I want to help. I'll set the table." Mrs. Weasley smiled and shrugged as she handed him the plates.

Ginny grabbed the napkins and silverware as she followed him around the table. Harry was fuming and started setting out the cups. Ginny and Draco kept smiling flirtatiously which made Harry start to slam the cups harshly on the table. Ginny was completely oblivious to Harry's jealousy. Draco however, was on to him.

Ginny stood on a stool to reach a large punch bowl set on top of a cupboard. She started to wobble slightly with the set teetering back and forth. Draco and Harry practically ripped each other to shreds pushing and elbowing each other while trying to be the one to steady her. "Thanks." Ginny said without looking down and noticing the small scuffle. Mrs. Weasley did notice but hid her smile as she returned to her cooking.

Draco started laughing loudly as Ginny started making the punch. Ginny looked at him curiously. "What's so funny?"

Draco looked evilly at Harry. "This is going to be fun."

Mrs. Weasley called everyone to dinner as she set the turkey on the table. Draco pulled out Ginny's chair for her and sat down next to her. Harry immediately grabbed the chair on her other side and offered her some punch while giving Draco a glare .

Harry kept trying to strike conversations with Ginny which Draco easily interrupted and finally distracted her. Everytime Ginny would reach for something Harry was there to help her. "You look really nice tonight." Harry whispered to Ginny.

Draco scoffed. "Yes, your apron is quite flattering." Draco mocked as Ginny realized she hadn't taken it off yet.

"Oh, thanks." Ginny said as she removed it uncomfortably.

"I can help you with the dishes later if you want Ginny." Harry said helpfully.

Draco chuckled. "You're awfully handy to have around Potter. I think they're hiring at the Leaky Cauldron. I'll put in a good word for you if you like."

Harry shook his head with a fierce look but Ginny ignored the exchange assuming their comments had nothing to do with her.

The meal was full of conversation and the clanging of cups, plates, and silverware. Draco hadn't enjoyed such an atmosphere before. He was astonished at how comfortably the Weasley children spoke to their Father. They even teased him and argued about Quidditch. Draco was never allowed to do anything other than listen and obey his Father.

As he was wrapped up in observing the family environment he hadn't even noticed Harry whispering to Ginny. "Ginny, I was wondering if you uh wanted to go for a walk later."

"Why?" Ginny asked as she took a sip of the punch he refilled for her.

"Uh, I don't know…Just to talk. " Harry said in an embarrassed tone. He realized how absurd he must sound. He hadn't paid her any attention all these years until now.

Ginny still unaware of his intentions placed her hand on his back. "Is everything alright Harry? You seemed angry about something earlier. Did something happen?"

Harry shrugged. "I was hoping we could talk about it during the walk."

Ginny looked him in the eye. "Alright then. Just a short one though. I'm so tired from the trip."

Harry grinned widely. "Thanks."

Ginny turned her eyes to Draco who was smiling as he looked around the table. He had already finished his food and seemed to be listening to Fred and George discuss the effects of a discontinued product with Mr. Weasley.

"Come on Dad! How were we supposed to know that man worked for the ministry?" Fred said in protest.

Mr. Weasley removed his glasses and laughed. "He couldn't sit for a week! I had to hear him complain about those boils for a week boys! He finally left me alone when I lied saying that you two had suffered worse effects from the potion and were getting things removed at St. Mungos."

Bill and Charlie roared with laughter. "What did you tell him they had to have removed Dad?" Bill asked.

Mr. Weasley leaned in and whispered only loud enough for Bill and Charlie to hear. The three of them laughed loudly as Fred and George frowned and crossed their arms. Bill shifted his eyes downward and almost fell off his chair. Mrs. Weasley smacked her husband. "Now Arthur, that's enough of that. You'll only encourage them further."

"Yeah Dad. You're only encouraging us." Fred said mockingly.

"Draco dear. You should eat more." Mrs. Weasley said as she grasped his chin with her fingers.

"I've already had seconds Mrs. Weasley. But if you insist!" Draco said as she plopped more food on his plate and ruffled his hair.

Ginny wiped her mouth with a napkin and excused herself. "Harry and I are going for a short walk. We'll be back in a little while."

The twins seemed to like this idea. Fred clapped his hands together. "It's about time you two got together."

"Yeah we've been wondering when that was going to happen." George said as he glanced at Draco.

Ginny punched Fred in the arm. "We're not getting together you stupid gits! We'll be right back."

Ginny stormed out of the kitchen followed by a beaming Harry. Draco noticed the twins were waiting for him to respond but he decided to bite his tongue and respect the Weasley's home. Ginny had repeatedly told him that she wasn't interested in Harry so he wasn't too concerned. He quickly reminded himself that Ginny didn't even belong to him but if Harry wanted to fight for her he was ready for the challenge.