Chapter 21
The next morning Draco awoke first and went down stairs. He wasn't sure if he should just wait upstairs for the others to wake or not. He felt so uncomfortable and guilty walking around the Weasley house. He felt somewhat like an intruder on their Christmas Holiday. Draco thought these things as he approached the kitchen. He heard Bill addressing his father in a serious tone. "So I told them to get rid of it. I'm going to check and see if that actually happened."
"Well Bill thank you for telling us. I'm sure your Mother will destroy it if she finds it." Mr. Weasley replied.
Bill cleared his throat. "There's something else Dad. Has anyone noticed how pale and fragile Ginny looks? Charlie and I both noticed it last night. Did something happen at school? She looks as she did her first year at Hogwarts."
Mrs. Weasley began sobbing at the kitchen sink. "Well Bill It wouldn't be right for us not to tell you but yes. Something terrible happened to Ginny over the summer and well I assume that's why she isn't looking her best at the moment. It was quite traumatic. We only just found out about it last night." Mrs. Weasley began to tell Bill and Charlie the events that unfolded over the last few months. "And if it hadn't been for Draco, she wouldn't be here today. He seems to always be there to save her."
Charlie's voice had tremendous anger in it. "He's lucky Malfoy got to him first. Bill and I would have-"
"Yes, yes I know. What matters is that Draco was there and saved her life. Not a word of this must be repeated. The ministry has been searching for the one who killed him and I'll be damned if I'm going to see Draco sent to Azkaban." Mrs. Weasley dried her tears and poured coffee for Bill and Charlie.
Bill shoved a biscuit in his mouth and began talking just as Ron always did with a mouth full. "So they're just friends are they?"
Mrs. Weasley sighed. "Well that's all they've admitted. I can't say I don't blame them though. I can't imagine the torture poor Draco would have to go through with his family if they found out about it. He's such a charming and sweet boy. It's a shame really."
Draco felt guilty once again now that he had eavesdropped on their conversation. He took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen. "Good morning."
Mrs. Weasley ran over and hugged him. "Good morning dear. Did you sleep well? Oh of course you didn't. Sorry about the cot. We make do with what we can. Have a seat and I'll get your breakfast." She led Draco over to a chair next to Mr. Weasley and across from Bill and Charlie. Draco smiled and they nodded back.
Mr. Weasley studied Draco carefully. "So, Ron tells me you've been assisting in the Gryffindor Quidditch practices. That must be a strain on your studies along with the Slytherin practices."
Draco sipped the coffee Mrs. Weasley had just poured. "Yes sir. Actually I have Ginny to thank for keeping up with my studies. She's my partner in potions and I'm afraid to say better than I. We study often together. I've never had a study partner before. I'm just disappointed I didn't discover how beneficial it was until my seventh year."
"Indeed." Mr. Weasley said as he leaned forward looking at Bill and Charlie. "And how do the other students take to your friendship with her?"
Mrs. Weasley dropped some silverware on the floor as she was startled by the question. Draco looked over at Bill and Charlie and then back at Mr. Weasley. "Well actually sir. No one knows except for everyone here. I don't want to cause any trouble for Ginny. My family wouldn't like it much." Draco wasn't sure why the words were coming out of his mouth. He had no intention of lying to the Weasley's but he didn't want them to know everything either. He just felt so at ease talking to Mr. Weasley and had the sudden urge to tell him every dark secret he had.
"I see. So after you graduate what are your plans?" Mr. Weasley asked politely. Mrs. Weasley gave Draco an encouraging smile.
"I don't really know sir. No one's ever asked me that before." Draco said feeling quite ignorant. How could he not have any idea of what to do with his life after graduation?
"Well what do you like? What are your hobbies?" Mr. Weasley asked as if there was nothing wrong with Draco's answer.
"To be honest sir, until this summer, my favorite thing was tormenting Potter….And your son….And I guess Granger too. I was always trying to find some way to get into trouble or see how far I could push someone…..I...None of that interests me anymore. I m sure my Mother has plans for me. My parents always have." Draco said with discomfort in his voice. He had never lived his own life. He had always been told how to act, what and who to hate.
"Interesting. So are you going to carry out whatever plans your parents have for you?"
Mr. Weasley asked so casually as if asking Draco to pass the salt.
Draco shifted in his chair as Bill and Charlie both waited for his response. "I'm afraid I haven't spoken with my Father for a very long time sir. My Mother doesn't say much at all anymore. My parents and I believe in different things now. I don't know what that means other than I can't carry on the legacy of the Malfoy's like they planned. What they were raising me to believe is rubbish in my opinion even though it backs up on me now and again. Ginny's trying to help me work on that." Draco couldn't help but smile thinking about her.
Bill and Charlie smiled at his last comment realizing just as easily as the twins did that Ginny was strong and could handle him. Mr. Weasley slapped Draco on the back affectionately. "Glad to hear it son. But I must tell you to not underestimate the wizards today. They might like to see two rivaling families brought together by friendship."
"Sort of a Romeo and Juliet story isn't it Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley asked. Mr. Weasley nodded as he took a bite of his eggs.
"Yeah but in that one they both end up dead Mum. Why don't you pick another romantic story?" Charlie said as he poked fun at his mother.
Mrs. Weasley waived it off. "Oh you know what I mean. Isn't it difficult to have a secret study partner? How or where do you?" She suddenly stopped not wanting to hear the answer. "More eggs Bill?"
Draco chuckled and felt the need to explain. "There's sort of a girl at school who would love to tell my mother that I've befriended a Wea-uh Gryffindor ma'am."
"Ah Miss Parkinson is it? Such a full-figured girl isn't she?" Mrs. Weasley said trying to sound innocent.
Draco burst out laughing along with Bill and Charlie. "You could say that ma'am. She's a little upset with me and has threatened to send an owl to my Mother."
"And what would your Mother say about your friendship with our Daughter?" Mrs. Weasley said curiously.
"Well….Um. She probably wouldn't say anything. She would try…..I'd rather not say ma'am. No matter what I would never let it happen." Draco replied realizing he had said too much as the room went silent.
"What would she try Malfoy?" Charlie asked loudly.
Draco put down his fork and breathed in heavily. "Let's just say that she'd try to get rid of her-but I'm well aware what she's capable of and I'm ready. Mr. And Mrs. Weasley trust me she's never out of my sight."
"What about when you're on the pitch? Who's watching her then? And at night? You can't always be there at the right time Malfoy. Someday your luck will run out. When it does, where will that leave Ginny?" Bill said in a deafening tone.
Draco remained calm since he had been challenged by his Father like this many times before. "I know my name doesn't actually qualify me for the most trusted award but that's all I can offer you along with my commitment to her safety. Besides, Potter keeps a close eye on her along with Wea-your son. Parkinson's not the most graceful person so I'm sure I'd know of her intentions if she found anything out. Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, I'm ready to fight for her even if it's against my family. She's my only true friend and I won't lose her."
Mrs. Weasley started to sob again. Bill stood and wrapped his arm around her. "You know were not going to have him over anymore if you keep this up Mum." Mr. Weasley laughed and slapped Draco on the back again. "Well Malfoy, you've got yourself in quite a little predicament haven't you? Don't hesitate to contact Charlie or myself if you need help."
"Thanks. I'll consider that Bill." Draco sighed in relief realizing his interrogation with the Weasley's was over. He felt confident that he passed but was utterly confused as to why he would spill so much information and details about himself. Suddenly he realized something and spoke up. "Um I would appreciate if you wouldn't tell her other brothers or Potter about our little chat. You know the parts where I kind of babbled and such."
"You mean about how you feel?" Charlie said with a grin.
"Well yes actually. Wouldn't want them to use it against me on the pitch or something you know." Draco said nervously.
Charlie laughed. "Look if we haven't announced Ron's feelings for Hermione, we sure won't boast about yours. If we can trust you, you can trust us."
"Excellent." Draco said as Ron practically crawled up to the kitchen table.
"What's excellent?" Ron asked as he almost laid his head in a plate of eggs his Mum brought to him.
"Nothing. Why are you so tired?" Charlie asked.
"Hrmny." Ron whispered as he fell asleep at the table with his head on his hands. Harry walked in, laughed at the sight of Ron, and sat next to Bill. He obviously knew why Ron was so tired.
Just then Ginny and Hermione walked in. "Good Morning!" Hermione said brightly. "I hope everyone slept well. Oh dear! I guess Ronald didn't get much sleep now did he? I can't imagine why." Ginny giggled behind her hands.
Hermione sat down next to Ron and pulled his head up by his hair. "Ron…..Ron! You should go back upstairs. It's just terrible that you didn't sleep well. What happened?" Hermione said evilly.
Ron sat up with a defeated look and whispered. "Oh I'm just not fully awake yet. I slept quite well until about four in the morning. The oddest thing happened." He looked over at Hermione with annoyance. "I kept reciting all these different books. I tell you I could conjure up the grandest orchestra right now if I needed to. I could transfigure myself into a lamp post or a bed. A very large and soft bed with lots of pillows and a fluffy blank…." Ron trailed off back to sleep.
Hermione laughed and stood. "Come on Ron, I'll take you back upstairs. Now I feel guilty." Ron stood with his eyes closed and followed her out of the kitchen with both hands clenching the back of her shirt. Everyone in the kitchen laughed at poor Ron and the effects Hermione had on him. Harry and Ginny explained how Hermione had paid him back for his little game and awoke him with her mind early that morning.
"Well I hope this mind reading thing wears off soon. It could turn out to be quite a nuisance if you ask me." Mrs. Weasley said as she laughed.
Hermione led Ron up the stairs and opened his door. Ron crawled into his bed silently. Hermione sighed as she covered him. "Oh Ron why do you have to taunt me so. I'm sorry I woke you." She said as knelt beside his bed.
Ron turned on his side and smiled slightly. "It's alright Hermione. I'm sure I'll figure some way to get you back. After I rest of course."
Hermione laughed and started to get up but he put his arm out to stop her. "Don't go yet."
"Okay, why not?" She said in her usual tone.
"Because, I was hoping you could uh help me with my transfiguration homework." Ron couldn't think of anything else to say as he looked around the room. His heart was pounding and his stomach jumping. He had Hermione alone in his room and didn't know what to do about it.
"You mean do it for you!" Hermione yelled. Ron shook his head in confusion.
"No I, well maybe you could just, um….Can't we just?" He couldn't complete a sentence to save his life.
"What Ron? Maybe we could what? No I won't do your homework for you! What you want me to clean this pigsty of a room for you is that it? The only time you ever talk to me is when you need something. Well that's it! I'm tired of being your friend of convenience." Hermione headed for the door as Ron struggled with his blanket and kicked it to the ground.
"Hermione wait! Don't go please?" Ron tripped over a shoe and went head first into her stomach sending them both to the ground.
Hermione gasped as he had knocked the wind out of her. Ron grabbed her hands and helped her up and over to his bed. She was holding her side and panting heavily. "Ron….You are the clumsiest person I have ever met."
Ron sat next to her and hung his head in shame. He spoke in nothing more than a whisper. "I know it. I'm sorry. I just wanted you to stay for a while that's all. I really don't need any help with my homework. I've actually finished it already."
Hermione moved a little closer to him and whispered also. "Well why didn't you just say that silly?"
Ron continued to whisper with his head down. "I'm not as good at telling people what I want like you are. I wish I could just say what's on my mind."
Hermione smiled and ran her hands through his hair which made him smile. "Well why don't you say what you're feeling right now. You can tell me." Her lips were dangerously close to his ear as she whispered even softer. "Just tell me what you want right now Ron."
Hermione saw goose bumps form on Ron's arms. He looked into her eyes which weren't more than a few inches from his face. "I uh….I should get some sleep. Bill and Charlie will want a Quidditch match later." Ron laid back and Hermione covered him again. She leaned down and kissed him on his forehead which put him in complete shock.
"Alright Ron. When you need to talk I'm here to listen. Believe it or not, I'm a great listener. Why are you smiling? I am you know! Just ask Ginny or Harry. They talk and I listen all the time. Why just the other day Ginny and I-" Hermione noticed Ron laughing.
"Hermione I'm sure you're a great listener when you want to be but I'm tired. I don't have the energy for you to tell me about all the times you've been a great listener." He received a smack on the head for that one as Hermione left his room. He turned on his side and touched his forehead where Hermione had kissed him. In anyone else's eyes they would have thought that Ron had blown a perfectly good moment. But in Hermione's eyes, this was progress.
Back in the kitchen Draco looked over at Ginny who began assisting her Mum. "Good morning beautiful."
Ginny turned and smiled shyly. "Good morning. I'm glad to see you felt comfortable coming down here by yourself. Did they give you the third degree?"
"Oh just a bit. It's alright though, I didn't mind. Your family cares for you so that makes it easy on me." Draco pretended to be interested in his food and not look at her. He wasn't sure if anyone could tell they were speaking through their minds.
"How does that make it easy on you?" Ginny began to wash the dishes with her back to him.
"Well I just told them how much I care for you and that they can trust me." Hearing Draco's response made Ginny drop a dish and break it. She tried to quickly scoop it up and cut her hand deeply.
"Ouch!" She brought her bloody hand out of the sink and everyone jumped to her aide.
Mrs. Weasley pulled out her wand and healed the cut immediately. "Alright there dear? You're a little jumpy this morning aren't you? Maybe you should go lay back down for a while."
"I think you're right Mum. Can Draco come with me? We need to study potions anyway." Ginny asked daringly.
"Just keep your door open." Bill said quickly as Mrs. Weasley smacked him in the arm.
"That's quite alright dear. Go study." Mrs. Weasley said and gave Draco an odd look that he interpreted as trust.
They walked up the stairs and entered her room. Draco walked around curiously. "Very nice. You do realize I've already finished my potions homework don't you?"
"Yes. I finished mine too." Ginny said as she sat on her bed.
"Well than why are we up here?" Draco said pretending not to notice where she was sitting.
"Oh come off it! I'm not going to shag you in my parents house. I just wanted to be alone with you for a while. That's all." Ginny said as she stood and closed her door.
"You should really open that. Your Mum is beginning to trust me and I don't want to ruin-" Ginny silenced him with a kiss. He kissed her back and hugged her.
"Ginny really. I don't feel comfortable with your parents down stairs." Draco said trying to swat her wandering hands away.
"Don't forget Ron in the next room." She said as she kissed him again. Just then Hermione walked in with Harry behind her.
Harry was looking down and missed everything. Hermione however laughed loudly. "Oh sorry, Harry and I were going to go outside for a bit. Do you want to come along?"
"Yes! Splendid idea Granger! Of course we want to go outside! Right Ginny?" Draco sounded too guilty for words. Harry eyed him suspiciously.
"Sure let's go." Ginny said as her and Hermione giggled their way down the stairs.
"You alright Malfoy? You looked sort of flushed." Harry said realizing what had probably happened.
"Uh know uh. I mean yes I'm fine. It's just a little hot in here." Draco said pulling at his shirt.
"Yeah. Ginny will do that to a bloke. Come on let's go." Harry said with satisfaction in seeing Malfoy squirm with guilt. Draco walked down the stairs behind Harry shaking his head. Ginny was sure to get him to serious trouble some day.