Chapter 28

Ron and Harry walked Ginny down to the kitchens and looked around. Ron sighed impatiently. "Well where is he?"

Ginny looked over at him nervously. "I think we're a bit early. The match may not be over yet but it's alright. I'll wait here. I'm hungry anyway."

Ron gave her a surprised look. "We're not going to just leave you down here! You must be out of your bloody mind!"

Just then they heard footsteps behind them. They turned around and saw Draco walking towards them. Ron had a look of rage but Harry seemed delighted to see him. Harry gently punched Ron in the arm and gestured to change the face he was making. Ron regretfully complied clenching his teeth trying to imitate a smile. Draco was panting and soaking wet. He looked confused at what the three of them were doing by the kitchens. He looked over at Ginny who was fidgeting. "Is everything alright?"

Ginny was about to answer but Ron interrupted. "Oh everything's just bloody perfect. Ginny's going to be on the death eaters most wanted list so we've come down here to celebrate. Care to join us?" Ron said with utter sarcasm.

Draco looked over at Ron with a raised eyebrow. "Yes about what happened on the pitch earlier. I don't deny that it was irresponsible but it can't be undone now. I'm going to make arrangements immediately for Ginny's safety and-"

Ron interrupted with an offended tone. "Make arrangements? Who are you going to call upon? Your entire family are death eaters! Your friends are death eaters in training!"

Draco took a step closer to Ron staring at him dangerously. "Your sister is the only thing that matters in my life Weasley. I'm not about to let anyone hurt her. It's your choice on whether or not to stand with or against me."

Ron's face softened and he through his hands up. "So what's your plan?"

"That's what I was about to discuss with her. A lot has happened today and I need time alone with her. I'm sorry." He turned his gaze on Ginny. "With you."

Ginny smiled and looked over at Ron. "Please Ron. I'll be back in the common room before you know it."

Ron sighed heavily and walked away. Harry smiled uncomfortably at them. "Sorry. He's just a bit worried. You know where to find us if you need anything." He turned and hurried after Ron.

Draco and Ginny's eyes met as they stood in the empty corridor. Draco threw his shoulders back and cleared his throat. "Shall we?" Ginny nodded and he led her through the portrait hole. They walked into his dormitory and Draco immediately lit the fire which illuminated his room. They both glanced over at the bed that was in the same condition that Ginny had last seen it. Draco sighed and ran his fingers through his hair as Ginny noticed his bandaged hands.

"Oh Draco. Does it hurt?" Ginny said not having enough courage to touch him.

He shook his head. "No it doesn't hurt." He mumbled as he continued to look over at the bed. "Ginny. I hope you can forgive me. I don't know how you will but I hope you do."

She didn't look at him as tears were forming in her eyes. "There's nothing to forgive Draco. It wasn't your fault. Do you want me to fix up the bed?"

Draco shot her a look of surprise. "No of course not! I'll do it." He said as he began stripping off the sheets and pillow cases. He practically ripped them to shreds as he worked quickly. He scooped them up in a pile and threw them in the fire.

Ginny gasped. "Draco, you didn't have to do that."

"Yes Ginny, I did. I want to do everything in my power to wipe this memory out of our lives." Draco said as he pulled clean linens out of the closet. Ginny grabbed a few and started to help him in silence. Once the bed was moved back into its original position and made, Draco sat on it and looked up at Ginny. "Why didn't you answer me earlier Ginny?"

Ginny's stomach dropped. She knew exactly what he was talking about. He had said her name through his mind and she ignored it. "Oh Draco I'm so sorry!" Ginny yelled as she broke down in tears. "I just couldn't speak with you then. I had to think. I was being so selfish at a time when you really needed me. It was wrong and I'm sorry for it." She hid her face in her hands and cried in utter remorse.

Draco stood and walked over to her. He removed her hands from her face. "I understand. We won't discuss it again. But, we really need to talk about what lies ahead." Ginny nodded in agreement and sat down on the bed. "But not here." He said firmly. She looked up at him curiously. "I'm sorry, it's just that I really took a beating at the match tonight and I'd like to go to the prefect's bathroom to soak a bit. We can talk there." Ginny nodded again and followed him out of the portrait hole. They walked in the darkness close together. Draco grabbed her hand as they stepped out into the corridor.

Ginny looked over at him quickly with a look of concern as he smiled slightly. "No need to try and hide it anymore. At least I can hold your hand now proudly and not in secret. She took a deep breath and squeezed his hand in agreement. She couldn't believe that she was walking down the corridor holding Draco Malfoy's hand. They passed a few Gryffindor's that stopped and stared. Luna Lovegood was walking alone behind them and looked over to see what they were staring at. She smiled at Ginny and Draco encouragingly and looked back at the Gryffindors. "What are you all staring at? Can't a Lion and a Snake walk together in peace?"

Draco let out a loud laugh as Ginny smiled at Luna who walked on. Ginny had never felt so many mixed emotions at once. She was nervous, excited, and terrified. Draco led her into the prefect's bathroom and stepped into the changing area. Ginny sat down on the edge as she had done the last time and waited for him. He came out wearing the same shorts as before and smiled at her. As he walked closer to her she noticed a welt the size of a bludger on his chest. He looked down at it as well and laughed. "I didn't really have my head in the game did I?" He stepped into the water and sighed deeply.

Ginny suddenly realized that she didn't even know who had won the match. She assumed Hufflepuff had since he hadn't mentioned it. Draco noticed her thinking and inquired. "What's on your mind Red?"

"Oh I was just wondering about the match." Ginny said not wanting to really talk about another bad thing that happened to him today.

"Well we won if that's what you're wondering." Draco said with a grin. Ginny smiled in shock. "I sort of got my second wind after you came out there. You recharged me or something because I caught the snitch moments after you left with your brothers…I mean your brother and Potter."

"It's okay, you can call Harry my brother. Goodness knows he's close enough to be." Ginny said quickly.

Draco looked at her and smiled. "You want to come in? I promise I'll behave myself."

Ginny smiled back and shook her head. "No, I don't have any shorts on underneath."

Draco raised his eyebrow evilly. "You don't have to be shy you know. You can trust me really. We'll just talk and I'll keep a respectful distance."

Ginny gasped but then threw all caution to the wind. She entered the changing area and took off everything except her bra and panties. She walked out nervously and stepped in thankful that Draco kept his eyes away from her. Once he knew she was in he looked over at her. She leaned her head back to wet her hair and returned his gaze. "So, what are we going to do?"

Draco sat up and looked serious. "Well, I'm sure my Mother will know everything by morning. She may not act immediately though since it will come as quite a shock. She may contact her so-called friends and ask for advice or she may just show up and even the score herself."

Ginny pondered on his last words. "What do you mean even the score?"

"Well there are many things I have not done that she has asked. She has known for some time that I am completely against what she and my Father believe in. I know she would never harm me which will direct all of her rage onto you. That's where it gets complicated." Ginny wondered again what he meant. "What I'm trying to say is….My Mother can be quite frightening when she wants to be."

Ginny interrupted. "I can handle frightening Draco. It's the part where she's going to try and kill me that I can't deal with."

"I know. Okay, this is what we're going to do. There's a Hogsmeade trip tomorrow. We're going to go there together. There are some things I need to pick up. Is that alright with you?" Draco said casually.

Ginny looked confused. "That's all you're going to tell me?"

Draco shot the same confused back at her. "What else do you need to know? I can protect you Ginny. Trust in that."

"I want to know what you're picking up. Don't you think it would be smart if I knew of this plan you have concocted?" Ginny crossed her arms and looked furious.

Draco scooted next to her and nudged her arm playfully. "Nothing can come between us Ginny. Not my Mother, not that slut Pansy, or the fear of what's to come. I won't let my Mother hurt you….." Ginny did not respond and continued to look angry. Draco gave in regretfully. "Alright if you must know, I'm going to get a few things for you. And! That's all I'm going to tell you."

Ginny smiled and relaxed her arms. "You don't have a plan do you?"

Draco sat up quickly. "What? Of course I do. It's a simple plan really."

Ginny laughed. "Right. I think I understand."

"What do you understand Ginny?" Draco said as he was beginning to look upset.

Ginny gave a serious look. "I understand that we have to face her Draco. Harry said it earlier to Ron. Hiding never saved anyone. I truly believe that and I'm ready to end this sneaking around game." Suddenly Ginny remembered that she had said Draco's name through her mind earlier and he hadn't responded. "Draco, you didn't answer me earlier when I said your name. Do you think we can still read each other's minds?"

Draco pulled her face close to his and kissed her softly. "Like you, I didn't know what to say. I thought I had lost you forever."

Ginny kissed him back passionately. "I want you to know that whatever happens with Pansy, I'll support you. Even if it means you become the Father of her child. I know we can handle it."

Draco looked shocked and spoke softly. "You'd actually accept that?"

Ginny smiled as she stroked his hair. "Of course I would. I adore everything about you and I could never refuse something that's a part of you. It doesn't matter how or why it was created. If it's yours, than it's mine."

Draco smiled as he thought about what happened earlier. "Parkinson knew about us before you flew on the pitch tonight."

Ginny wondered how. "How could she possibly know?"

Draco looked quite pleased with himself. "Well while we were you know, I guess I started coming out of the potion and started moaning your name. I just assumed I was with you I guess. So I started telling her how I felt about you."

Ginny was intrigued. "What did she do?"

Draco laughed. "Well I guess you could say she flipped out. She called me a blood traitor and all sorts of other things. She slapped me on the face quite a few times. I didn't react of course. I started to realize what was going on. It was so weird though. The entire time I was with her, I truly thought it was you even though I knew it was her. Never mind, I'm starting to confuse myself now." Ginny smiled and started to rub his chest softly.

Draco kissed her strongly and then looked downward at her undergarments and then himself. "We should probably get out. I'm liking you a little too much right now."

Ginny giggled and agreed. "You're right. Anything more would complicate things even further. I should get back anyway. Ron is so worried."

"I know. The look on his face just now was priceless. I could tell he wanted to hit me but couldn't bring himself to do it." Draco said as he walked into the changing area.

Ginny stopped and became a little defensive for Ron. "What exactly do you mean?"

Draco noticed the change in her tone. "I just meant that it would have brought him a lot of pleasure to sock me one. But I know why he didn't. He wouldn't do anything to upset or hurt you. He really cares about you Ginny and it's killing him to accept me. But he is."

Ginny smiled as she thought about Ron and all he had always done for her. He was continually looking out for her and making sure she was safe. All he wanted was for her to be happy and now that she was, he had to do something extremely difficult. Step aside and let another take his place as her protector. Draco noticed Ginny rubbing her eyes.

"Are you alright?" He said as he stroked her arm.

"Yes. I just realized how wonderful Ron has been through all this. Not just Ron, everyone. My entire family, Harry, Hermione, and Luna. I'm just really lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life." Ginny said as she hugged him.

"Yes. And that's why everything is going to turn out fine. Come on, I'll walk you back to your common room." They left the prefects bathroom together hand in hand. They walked slowly down the corridor, enjoying every moment of their newly revealed relationship. Each time a student would stop and stare, Draco would pull her close and kiss her cheek. Ginny's emotions were racing. She felt so happy and fortunate to be with him.

When they reached the portrait hole to the common room, Draco gave her one final kiss goodnight. Ginny walked in and found Ron and Harry playing chess by the fire. Harry looked up and smiled as Ron looked up and sighed in relief. "You alright Ginny?" Ron said getting up and walking towards her.

Ginny flung her arms around him. "Oh Ron! You've always been such a wonderful brother! You've always looked out for me and taken such good care of me. I don't know if I've ever told you this but I love you!"

Ron gave Harry a look of bewilderment and Harry simply shrugged with a grin. "It's okay Ginny. I love you too. It's my job." He rubbed her back with an animated look of confusion.

Ginny looked over at Harry and jumped at him too. She wrapped her arms around him tightly. "And you! You have always been there for me! Thank you Harry."

Harry pulled away slightly so he could have a good look at her face. "What's going on Ginny? Why do you need to tell us this all of the sudden?"

Ginny shrugged and smiled. "Draco and I just had such a nice talk which made me realize how lucky I am to have people like you in my life."

Ron shouted however not in anger, but in confusion. "You had a conversation like that with Malfoy? Uhhh why exactly? You're acting like your never going to see us again. Hang on, he's not going to sacrifice you to his Mother is he?" Ron said jokingly.

Ginny and Harry laughed. Hoping to lighten the mood even more, Harry continued. "Did he convince you that dying at the hands of another pure-blood was your destiny or something?"

Ron stopped laughing immediately and shot his gaze at Ginny. Ginny bit her lip trying to refrain from laughing along with Harry. "No it was nothing like that. Don't worry though, everything will be fine. I just know it."

Ron began to speak again but then stopped as he was trying to trust Ginny's instincts. He sat back down to resume the game of chess with Harry. Ginny watched as she thought of her family.

Draco was almost to the Slytherin common room when he caught sight of Pansy standing outside the entrance slightly hunched over. She was obviously waiting for him. She looked pale and sickly. Draco started to gag at the sight of her. She frowned and crossed her arms. "Don't you think you should be a little more polite to me after all you've done?"

Draco darted towards her but kept his hands to his sides. "What I've done? You're the one who has to drug people to get them to sleep with you! I don't care if you are pregnant Pansy, nothing between us will change!"

"Yes it will! You'll see. You will change your mind once the baby is born!" Pansy said coughing harshly. She began to rub her stomach with a painful look on her face. "I can almost feel it inside of me already."

Draco scoffed. "No Pansy, that would be one of your many demons trying to break free! Now get out of my way, I need to get some sleep." He said as he shoved her aside.

Just then Hermione and Emmery rushed up to them. Pansy looked at Hermione in disgust. "What do you want Mudblood?"

Hermione smiled proudly. "Ah yes, blood. It is an intriguing thing isn't it?" Emmery giggled behind her.

Pansy was curious. "What's so intriguing about it? Mine is pure and yours is dirty."

Hermione smiled again unaffected at Pansy's insult. "You're right that yours is pure and so is Draco's you know. His pure blood lineage goes back centuries….Doesn't it Draco?"

Draco nodded in agreement but stood silent wondering what Hermione had up her sleeve. Pansy became impatient and looked as if she was going to vomit. "I already knew that Mudblood. Everyone knows that!"

"You're right they do. The Malfoy's are a powerful family aren't they? They would do anything to protect the integrity and reputation of their bloodline wouldn't they?" Hermione said in a patronizing way.

Pansy shrugged. "Sure why not! But who cares?"

Hermione laughed loudly at her. "Emmery you say it. I just can't without cracking up."

Emmery bowed and took over. "As my dear friend Hermione was saying, my family took measures into their own hands centuries ago. They originally cast this to avert any half bloods or muggles but it has proven to work on other purebloods as well. They cast a curse over our bloodline that would prevent any Malfoy from producing offspring with someone that had deceived them. Such as oh I don't know, drugging them with a love potion!" Emmery said gleefully and waited for Pansy's response.

Pansy looked terrified. "You expect me to believe that rubbish?"

Hermione shrugged. "Well that's up to you Pansy. You can sit and wait for signs of a pregnancy that will never come for all we care. But, oh I almost forgot! This is the best part. Well not for you exactly but I surely enjoyed reading about it."

Emmery spoke up. "And me as well!" Pansy looked back and forth between the two girls and then at Draco who simply smiled and crossed his arms.

Hermione cleared her throat. "Once the deception has taken place you're health will begin to suffer. The revenge against you will be your own body causing sickness and suffering. The same sickness and suffering you would have passed on to Draco by getting pregnant. But don't worry, it won't kill you. You'll just have to live with it the rest of your life that's all. You can't cure revenge especially when it's self inflicted."

Pansy looked petrified. She didn't respond but began to cry and darted into the Slytherin common room. Draco was ecstatic as he hugged Emmery. He looked over at Hermione who was smiling and scooped her up and began hugging her as well. Hermione was shocked at his abrupt display of affection for her and wiggled nervously in his arms. Draco noticed and released his grip on her. "Sorry about that! I'm just so relieved! How did you find this out?" He asked excitedly.

Hermione looked shocked at his question. "Well I had read about it briefly somewhere first year, but I couldn't recall much of the details. So Emmery and I have been in the library for hours looking it up."

Emmery spoke suddenly. "Which reminds me! How did the match go?"

Draco looked at both of them in amazement. "You mean you don't know what happened at the match?" Hermione and Emmery looked at each other puzzled. "Well you're going to be sorry you missed it." Draco went on to tell them about the kiss in front of the entire school.

Emmery looked pleased but Hermione was concerned. "And what does this mean for Ginny? She'll be marked for death by your Mother won't she?"

Draco sighed. "I'm almost positive that she already is by now. But she and I will face it together. It's been a long day so goodnight." Draco kissed Emmery on the cheek and nodded to Hermione as he slipped into the common room. The girls said goodnight to each other and went their separate ways.