It was a few days later, and things had been tense and harsh between Draco and his Father, and every meal was uncomfortable, but blessedly short. Mostly Draco and Ginny spent their time together, in their room (which they called their Study time, upon Voldimort's request) and wandering the castle.
The sky had turned less gray then it had been the past few months, and it could even be considered blue at times. Taking advantage of this, Draco took Ginny on tours of the grounds, the brilliant gardens and the large forest, everything that nature had to offer was surprisingly represented, throwing away the speculation that the Dark Lord's castle was a dingy hell hole.
They were laying together under a tree one day, watching the branches swish to and fro with the wind when Ginny asked suddenly, "Draco… why am I here?" She tried to be innocent and tried to play on Draco's sensitive side that she knew he had. But just as the last five times she'd asked him, he clamed up and said briefly, "Ginny, I can not tell you, but it is not so bad as you may think." They quieted, and Ginny seemed put out, but as Draco knew she'd soon get over it.
There was a loud bell clanking from a tall tower that called them to dinner. Draco stood reluctantly, and then put his hand out to help Ginny to her feet. She had taken to wearing luscious dresses, with corsets and petticoats and every old style fashion you could imagine, she told Draco it made her feel like a princess, and he told her that she was more beautiful then any princess.
They walked hand in hand silent to the dining room, both very stiff and apprehensive. Their routine had become mundane, even boring to Ginny, who, until a month and a half ago, would have found it horrible to dine with the Dark Lord.
They ate in silence for most of the meal, but suddenly Voldimort put his utensils down and turned quickly to Draco, "I hope you've been working Draco, I will be very disappointed if things do not begin to fall into place." He said roughly. Ginny could tell Draco's ears were turning red from anger, but he said nothing except, "All is coming together father, rest assured."
They continued to eat a moment longer before Voldimort said harsly, "It better be." Ginny sat, her hands in her lap and staring down at her empty plate. She did not want to be involved with their disagreement, for one she had no idea what they were upset about, although she gathered that it had something to do with why she was here, and for two she knew that it would only infuriate Voldimort and further upset Draco.
After the meal was through, Ginny turned to go up the stair that she had been so accustomed to use, but Draco pulled on her hand, taking her a different direction. Ginny had discovered, after their time outside, that she had only seen the west wing of the castle, which was Draco's half she guessed. She had never been in the North nor East tower, though she longed to see them.
Draco lead her to a small room, and as soon as they entered Ginny realized her wish was coming true, as she looked up she saw a large spiral staircase, and the staires were moving upwards.
"Watch your dress." Said Draco kindly, Ginny lifted her rather long dress and stood on one of the wide steps next to Draco, they quickly ascended upwards towards the uppermost floor.
The higher the got, the lower the temperature dropped, and Ginny, who wore nothing but a basic corset and a long draping skirt, was freezing. Draco noticed this fact quickly and shrugged his jacket across her shoulders, smiling at her.
"You'll love this I promise." Was all he said during their journey, and Ginny had no reason to disagree.
As they reached the high platform, Ginny could begin to smell birds, and quickly realized they were heading towards the owlery. Draco pushed open the large wooden door and instantly there was fluttering as several owls flew quickly from the room.
He walked Ginny to the nearest window opening they were looking out onto the grounds, just in the direction of the setting sun. The grass was a tainted pink and the sky was full with shocks of color, purple, pink, yellow, orange, and many more. Half the sun was still visible just above the horizon, and it all looked so beautiful. Ginny gasped at the sheer wonder that she felt.
Draco stood close behind her, not looking at the picturesque scene, but rather at Ginny, who was possibly the most beautiful she had ever been. Her mouth was slightly open and smiling, her eyes glowed with the light of the sun, it's rays cast a golden shine on her hair and skin.
"It's beautiful isn't it?" He said, trying to pull his eyes away from her, but she turned to look at him, surprised to remember that he was still there. In a split second Draco saw her down to her core, a young beautiful girl, scared and alone in the world. But there was something else there too, when she looked at him he could see inside her heart too, only for a split second he saw her love, for him.
He was over come with emotion at the miricle he'd just seen in her eyes and he couldn't hold himself back. He leaned forward quickly yet gently and kissed her. He put his hand behind her back, holding her to him. When his brain kicked in he thought about stopping, he hoped that she didn't pull away, which she didn't.
Ginny's mind was on fire; He's kissing me? He's kissing me! She almost squealed in delight. She was not thinking about where she was or even who exactly she was kissing, she forgot her past, forgot her future even and only concentrated on the man who was currently kissing her.
They stayed this way for a few seconds, but it felt like years to them both. As they separated they locked eyes, Ginny's were wide with shock and happiness, Draco could tell. No one spoke for a moment before Ginny giggled slightly and whispered, "Wow…" She giggled again, her cute little laughs made Draco want to claim her lips again, but he refrained, and pulled away.
This isn't right… I can't feel this for her; she's just a pawn… I can't! He chastised himself.
"I have to go, father will be looking for us… You can stay if you'd like... Just use the stairs to get back down…" He ran off, leaving Ginny alone in the cold tower, still wearing his jacket and feeling utterly deserted.
Draco flung himself down the stairs, hoping and worrying that she might come back for him. He felt so confused. He loved her that much was obvious, the way she smiled her beautiful soul, everything just made his heart burst. But his father, she was a pawn, to be used and discarded once their plan was put together… This fact hurt Draco more then anything, the thought of using Ginny then getting rid of her, he couldn't take that hurt look in her eyes again… ever. He had to do something.
i just love these clifhangers don't you? lol
rate and review for the next chappie!