A/N: Sorry it took so long for this chapter to come out, but hopefully the wait will be worth it. I added some stuff to chapter 1, that this chapter will refer to, so if you want to fully understand this chapter, go back n re-read the first one.


Chapter 12: Finding My Way Back To You

Ginny sat by the edge of the lake, the moon the reflection of the glimmering moon on the lakes surface. The stars twinkled above making the sky so beautiful. It reminded her of a similar chilly night only a few weeks ago, but that was only a memory now. A memory so painful, but she couldn't part with it. She knew that Draco would always have a piece of her heart, he had stolen it a while ago and it was no use trying to get it back.

Sometimes you just have to have to be alone. To think, to cry, to let go, only to have the memories come flooding back again and re-break your heart a thousand times over. Why couldn't things have worked out with Harry? Why did he turn out to be such a bastard? Deep in heart she had always known that she really hadn't loved him. He had just been there to fill the emptiness she had been feeling. She still couldn't believe his violent reaction; the bruise on her arm was just beginning to fade. She wouldn't tell anyone of course, Hermione was the only other one who knew. He avoided her now, whatever friendship they had had before was entirely destroyed.

Pulling the blanket around her tightly with one hand she grabbed a few stones with the other and began to throw them into the lake. The water began to ripple, distorting the image of the crescent shaped moon. Slowly the ripples ceased, and the reflection was back to normal again, still bright and undisturbed as it had been before. If only life could be like that, Ginny thought somberly. If only everything could go back to the way it was after all the trouble and pain. If only... That's all Draco had wanted, for her to accept his apology and then maybe she wouldn't be out here freezing her ass off out here. Why did she have to be so stubborn?

Ginny sighed. "So what next?" She whispered to herself.

"I don't really know- you tell me."

Ginny's heart skipped a beat, and she slowly turned around. It was almost dreamlike. There he stood, an awkward smile on his gorgeous face, his gray eyes filled with a hint of uncertainty. "Do you mind if I join you?"

Ginny shook her head, and Draco sat down beside her. They just sat there for a while, staring out into the distance. Though no words passed between them, the silence wasn't awkward- it was almost comforting in a sense.

"It's ironic how things happen, isn't it?" Ginny laughed spitefully. "Do you remember the last time we where here?"

Draco continued to gaze off into the night. "How could I forget?" "Did you mean what you said, or was it all just a lie?" This time Ginny turned to Draco, making him look her straight in the eye.

"I meant it then, and I still do now." She knew he wasn't lying to her- she just couldn't take this anymore.

Suddenly she broke out into sobs. " I still love you Draco! Everyday that we've been apart has been hell. I tried to forget about you- but I just- I just couldn't!" Draco was by her side in an instant, cradling her softly in his arms.

Draco felt so many emotions hit him at once. His chest grew tight and his eyes began to fill with tears. He couldn't cry, he had to be the strong one, but even though he tried, the tears began to fall slowly. "It's ok Gin, I'm - I'm here now." He buried his face in her fiery, red hair, breathing in her wonderful scent. God, he wished they could just sit there forever, but even eternity was only a moment in time.

Ginny looked up at him, her eyes still brimming with tears. "You're crying." She sniffled, taking her thumb and gently wiping the remaining tears off his face.

"I was not," he smiled softly, tears still forming in his eyes.

"Shhh…" Ginny whispered, "I can make it better." Ginny placed her lips on his and then any control that Draco had was gone. Some how that one little kissed turned into another kiss, and than other until Ginny felt Draco's tongue caressing her own. Her whole body began to tingle as she felt Draco's hand going up her shirt. She ran her hand through his messy, sliver hair, all the while kissing him back passionately.

Suddenly a light blinded them both and their faces went red. Filch was standing there a lantern clasped in his outstretched arm. Ginny hastily found the shirt she had lost somewhere along the way and quickly pulled it back on over her head. The couple stood up and Draco tenderly wrapped the blanket around Ginny's shoulders.

"Beautiful night." Draco murmured.

Filch just grunted. "You too are in trouble now. You're lucky Hagrid is out tonight or I never would have gotten the chance to give you a fitting punishment. I think that a nice little chat with the Headmaster will be in order. " He smiled almost gleefully.

The walk up the Headmaster's office was seemed to drag on forever. It was one thing to be caught outside on the grounds after curfew, but to be caught half-undressed and snogging outside after curfew… well it wasn't a comfortable subject to discuss with an respectable, old wizard like Dumbledore.

Filch knocked on the Headmaster's door and the caretaker waved them in all the while a gleaming pleasure in his eyes. Dumbledore looked up from his desk, his half-moon spectacles resting on his long, crooked nose. "You may go Mr. Filch, I think I can handle it from here." Filch grumbled under his breath but didn't object Dumbledore's order.

Once the three of them where left alone in the room, Dumbledore began to speak. "When I couldn't find either of you in your rooms, I sent Filch to look for you. The Order is meeting tonight; we will meet up with the others momentarily. But first I must express my disappointment in each of you for breaking curfew, and of all things wandering the grounds at night. I cannot express how risky this is during such dangerous times. From now on I would ask that you communicate your romantic activities inside the castle."

Draco and Ginny both gave simultaneous, "Yes Sir." Ginny eyed Draco out of the corner of her eye. When had he joined the Order? She would ask him about it later, but right now she was happy enough getting away without any serious reprimand.

Dumbledore chuckled. "I find it amusing how a young lady can so affect the personality of a young man. Don't you Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco smiled. "Absolutely invigorating."