A/N : *hangs head in shame* I KNOW!!!!! I'm late I'm late, I really don't
understand where my time flows, coz I don't see it at all. hmmpf, stupid
time, another thing I still don't have control over... Gonna change soon,
muahahahaha. Sorry, world domination planning still very active... Anyway,
let's move on... I hope you all like this chappie, it took me hours to
write, my paper copy is just a huge mess of arrows, lines, and other
corrections...
Also, I tried to create an email list to alert when I post the next
chappie, but this bloody email didn't want to work wit hthe list, so, as
I'm not very patient, I'm gonna try later. But I would like to say that for
the ones that have a fanfic account, there's a "Review history" section in
which all your reviews are listed and the stories that have been updated
are highlighted in blue...
And now... the replies... Muahahaha, I love to write these things...
Twister Silver Dagger: Hello!!!!!! How are you? Me I'm totally hyper, way too much coffee... Apparently, you like my story, since half the reviews are yours this time, lol. Yes,Ginny named her teddy after her father... Let's say she was very little, her father was the hero, and plus, she didn't know many names... I still don't know if I want Draco and Snape to have a connection. If they had one, Snapey probably would have discovered Lucius' abusive attitude way sooner... Let's say he just got a nasty feeling... As for my writing, I think it's slowly getting better. I had never written stories before, and on top of everything ,English is not my mother tongue... Hope I reach a more than decent level soon...
Elven ice angel: Language!!!!!! So many baaaaaad words in your mouth... lol... You hate me, that's the point, muahahahaha. Nope nope nope, the knife is very well where it is, he he he... You really should switch the demonic bats and penguins for flying monkeys... *cough* forget what I've said, I don't need Fire'N'Ice plus yours on my back. Happy Birthday, late, but it's the attention that counts, he he he. As for the vocabulary matters, dear, I've only one word to say: THESAURUS! I think I'm gonna start worship this fabulous book, lol. And I'm sorry to announce you that in spite of your efforts to wake him up, Ron is still as dense as before, muahahahaha. Hope you got caught by your teacher, lol. Very flattered to see you prefer to read my story than do your school work.
Slothcrzy4dm: TOO LONG?????? Are you kidding? You can write 4000 words review if you want, I love to read the rambling of the lunatics here. Yep, I'm counted among the lunatics, no need to feel offended. I know! Myrtle not moaning is pretty surprising, and Hannah creating havocwith Myrtle and Peeves too, but as life is not black or pink, I have to mix fun and angst. Ouch, poor Ron, with all the kicks you reviewers give him, he'll soon be out of shape, muahahahahaha. Sorry, don't mind me.
Miriam G: You're always rambling, why do you try to make a point? When I say Britney with a negative statement, you can be sure it's Spears. Don't like her too much either, but don't worry, the Upa song is so far above all the others! *cough* I'm already disturbed, but truth to be told, your mental image of a weeing Voldemort didn't really help. And there's no way I beg you on my knees, so fuck the Upas, he he he... Greece is supposed to be hot, duh! What? Isn't the temparatuer waving between 40° and 50° C where you live? *stupid grin* Oooooh, naughty girl, you messed around in an expensive hotel. WE did that my bro and I, in Canada, races in the halls, havoc and all...muahahahaha! Of course, everybody knows we're angels *innocent smirk* Whoa, you know you should publish a book relating your adventures in the airports? You could name it "Me and the airports, a love story" lol. Tell me about chaotic trips! I spent all night in a coach with friends to go back to London after a holidayi n Leeds. It was such a mess. Then we missed our plane, coz the coach was late, we played cards for I don't know how much time in this so small Luton airport. And we kept humiliating ourselves publicly, like brushing our teeth in the hall (Hey, you have to take care of them!) and such... Traveling is fun... You can write a comedy play and include the Upa song in it! Gee, I'm really scared by your wrath of rambling!!!! *hides behind computer*
Deatheater 4life: my opinion on HP characters: Lucius is a bastard, Ron is so damn dense! Potter... Perfect Potter, Hermione IS smart. Molly... you might change your mind this chappie, muahahaha! Voldemort, a lunatic. I really wanted to make the Gryffindors not perfect little friends, it drives me crazy when they're perfect... Hope you'll continue to read that.
Rubberduckie: Don't worry, the magenta duck is not definitely gone, I think you're gonna like Blaise in this story, lol. ARGH...Umbridge should be BURNT alive!!!!! BITCH! I hate her soooo much, I thought I was on the edge of ripping apart the damn book, it was so frustrating. (Sirius, *sob*) Yep, you already said your name was Hannah. but you're not a ghost! Muahahaha... Awh, but why nobody loves this knife? Poor thing, being despised by everybody *tear* lol. I hate how Rowling just doesn't show that human side of the other characters. I plan to write a Pansy pov, in which I'll try to grab her attitude and such, gonna be tough, lol. Hope you like this chappie!
Shortnsassy: my last line is not a way to make fun of you! Mean reviewer, lol! Oh. you love me...now I'm scared. Ok, you also have a penguin? Damn, they're everywhere! Elven ice angel likes to threaten me with her army of demonic penguins. Nice to see your'e a bit more civilized, lol.
Catmint: I've gone to visit your profile, and I see you have many stories dealing with self-injury, so I'm glad if you think my writing is good about it. He he he... Hannah and Myrtle...Chaos, disorder and havoc will prevail! Muahahaha...
Carshaa: Did you really think I would kill Draco? Are you insane? I would NEVER kill him in this story!!!! Not now, at least, muahahahah... *cough* yeah, moving on now. Glad you loved that chappie, hope you love this one too... in fact, hope you love the whole story! *bighead mode*
Disclaimer: Me, Almighty Empress of the Smileys, conducted by a sudden shot of charity, gave Harry Potter and all the other characters to rowling. Why? Why? Why? *Collapse in tears* the most horrible error of my whole life... Living in a world of delusions...
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Chapter 16
*Molly's pov*
When I apparate back at the Burrow, Arthur is already there. I smile at him while I take off my jacket. As much as I love Hogwarts, I'm very happy to come back home every evening. The change makes me forget about my daily problems.
However, when I scrutinize Arthur's face, I conclude that my problems have trailed me here. He's staring at his newspaper, casually propped on the couch, but I can decipher in his eyes that he's not reading at all. I sit down in an armchair facing him and wait. I'm not going to initialise the conversation.
"I've received a strange letter from Ron today," he starts with a laid-back tone.
"Really?" I reply, not really sure where this is going, although I hold some suspicions.
"I'm surprised with his lack of writing abilities. It was mainly nonsensical sentences scribbled on crumpled parchment."
I say nothing. Nonsense words thrown on torn paper easily informs me of Ron's state, and thus, of the topic.
"It was nevertheless a very interesting, though disappointing, letter." He suddenly drops the uncaring tone. "What the heck are you playing at Molly?!"
I inhale sharply and stare at him.
"What do you mean?"
"You exactly know what I mean!" he's shouting now, and his ears have gone red. A true Weasley tantrum.
"Don't act as daftly as Ron, for God's sake!" I grit through my clenched teeth.
"You're the one who behaves daftly! Are you off your mind, letting Ginny fraternize with the enemy? With a MALFOY of all people!"
"Draco is not dangerous, it's his father the problem. Merlin, he TORTURES his own son! Do you understand Arthur? Draco is an abused kid; Lucius entertainment is to beat the crap out of a teenager! I've seen the results of it, and I can tell you NEVER on Earth would I like to see that again."
The silence surrounds us while Arthur ponders my words. The clock is the only one that continues its incessant swinging. The only noise in the room is this bloody clock. Finally, Arthur comes to his senses.
"He may not be a danger himself, but as you so cleverly stated it, Lucius is one. If he has no pity toward his blood and flesh, imagine what he could do to Ginny! 'Cause you don't believe he's going to congratulate her for helping his son, right? He already proved he had no conscience when he "accidentally" dropped Riddle's diary in her cauldron."
At that, I jump out of my seat. My hands are sweaty and my head is pounding. The blood rushes through my skull and my vision is spinning. Panic settles inside me. How could I have not realised sooner? My daughter is in great danger. I know Lucius would simply kill her, nothing would hold him back.
I feel the colour be drained from my face, I'm surely as pale as a ghost. My legs give away and I collapse again in my chair.
What have I done? I shouldn't have encouraged Ginny to befriend him! I can't believe I've been so blind to forget the danger Draco's family represents.
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*Ginny's pov*
My feet walked me to the library after I left Draco in the tree. I feel strange, relieved and in pain at the same time. My connection with him scares me. How is it possible that I can know everything he feels? It's insane! One could wonder if I really understand what he feels, but I know it's the truth. Pieces seem to take place. How I collapsed in the dormitory when he was beaten, how I always seem to know what's on his mind. And how he knew I would need Arthur. I've established the fact that we have a strong connection, but what I don't understand is how. I mean, it's not like Harry who was cursed by Voldemort and that results in a big magic mess. Nothing of magical nature happened between Draco and I; damn, I'm so lost.
First, I don't know where to search, and I really don't want to ask Mrs Pince, because then, she's going to ask too many questions. So I wander aimlessly between the bloody shelves. I've already turned three times around the whole library when Harry shouts at me.
"You're looking for something, Gin?" He whispers because Mrs Pince has already thrown him a death glare for having raised his voice.
I sigh. Why don't I ask him? I mean, he's probably done some research himself. But what if he laughs at me? I know the idea of a bond between Draco Malfoy and Virginia Weasley just sounds ridiculous. Shoot, you've already been fired for your whole life in a week.
"I'm looking for books on magical bonds, could you help me? I really don't know where to search."
He looks startled.
"Magical bonds? Oh. Come on, they're here, in the mental projections section."
"Damn, what are they doing in this section?"
He chuckles slightly, shaking his head.
"Ever tried to understand Mrs Pince's sense of organisation?"
After having brought out a few books, I follow Harry to where he's sitting with Hermione. I mentally thank whoever managed to make Ron not be there with them. I look through the books with interest. Clearly, I've a link with Draco, which explains a lot of the "feeling emotions that are not mine" thing. But the "how" is just as obscure as before. The blasted authors of that book say it's some consequence to a magical act, or something in relation to magic, but damn, couldn't they be more precise? I slam the book shut, infuriated by its lack of precision.
Of course, I'm immediately thrown out of the library, which leads me to more anger and I find myself kicking a stone pillar that I know won't be hurt. I soon feel two strong arms holding me back from the pillar. Harry and Hermione have followed me and they're now both looking at me with wide eyes. Hermione finally speaks.
"Come on, we're going to the common room, where you're gonna explain everything to us."
I'm so frustrated that I don't even realise I'm soon babbling in front of them. Whoa, I really needed to vent all this.
"Can you understand a bloody thing? Damn, I know I've got this bond with Draco, but I don't know how, and plus, it's way too much! How can I bear this?"
"Bear what exactly?" Asks Harry, leaning in.
"How can he cope with this? There's so much anger in him, so much pain to be released! He's got such a shit of a life, I don't know how he even manages to go through it, it's so terrible. Lucius Malfoy is a BASTARD, a maniac of a bastard! I HATE HIM, I wish I could kill him!" I start crying, I can't help it. His emotions have been piling inside me for too long, I'm breaking down. Just like him. I'm sobbing openly, it hurts so much. I suddenly understand why Draco needs his knife; I suddenly understand the suicide attempt, everything that led him to where he is now. Down in hell. The fog has disappeared.
"Ginny, calm down, you're hyperventilating!" Hermione is scared, I can hear it in her voice. She tries to comfort me, using soothing words and rubbing my back. It seems so superficial, she can't really catch what I'm experiencing, she's just pitying me and doing what a friend is supposed to do. I feel bad.
"Ginny, speak to us, you know you can trust us." I shake my head, I can't tell them, it's not an option. Ron's appearance just makes things go worse.
"Hello everybody. Not you, though," he grit through his clenched teeth. What have I done to him? Why does he hate me that much? Is it all because of Draco, or is there something deeper? I'm overcome by a wave of despair. Ron was my closest brother and now, he's gone so far from me, I can't reach him anymore.
I don't want to fight with him. We were a family, we used to stick together. I want that back. But for now, there's nothing else I can than defend myself against him. It's too early for him to try and understand. If I really wanted to explain him, I would have to let go of Draco's secrets, and that I can't do.
However, I don't have time to retaliate. A nasty feeling invades me, I feel dizzy and my face burns. What is happening to me again? It's not really difficult to understand that it comes from Draco, so I jump to my feet and run out of the common room. I didn't know I could run so fast, but I do, and I nearly fly to where I left him not so long ago.
He's still here, and the sight of him scares the hell out of me. He looks so helpless and he's staring at his bloodied arm, motionless. I grab his hand and make him climb down to the ground. We sit under the tree, I'm so frightened; he doesn't seem to realise what's happening. I don't know what would help him, so I slap him across the face, hard.
He suddenly sort of wake up, and I can see the hurt in his eyes. I know I've been brutal.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I had to do that, I didn't know how to wake you up, I'm really really sorry, forgive me, please, I never meant to hurt you or anything!" I say really fast, praying he doesn't react harshly.
Shame crosses his face as he looks down to the gash. He's not exactly proud of his actions.
"The blood didn't want to come," he states sheepishly.
I breathe again. I really thought he was going suicidal again, and it worried me that he would reject me for being there. I can't help smile at him. He looks like a kid, I don't really know how to explain it, but he's so full of innocence when vulnerable like this. He's so different from the icy Draco everybody else knows.
We head back to the castle together, and it's only when we arrive at the lavatories to clean the wound that I realise I haven't let his hand go since I first took it in the tree. I gently squeeze it and find him looking at me.
"I'm glad you've found me."
"Never scare me that much again, you hear me?" I reply while I clean the wound with my handkerchief. I wonder how many I'm gonna have to throw away coz they're too much stained with blood.
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*Snape's pov*
I'm working peacefully in my office. The best thing about being a loathed teacher is that students don't come to whine over their assignments during the week-end.
Suddenly, my door is swung open. Argh, don't people have manners today? Knocking is quite the simplest thing to do, isn't it? Molly appears in the door frame and walks up to me after having slammed the door shut again.
"We have to stop that, Severus!"
"Stop what, exactly? Could you elaborate or is it too difficult for your brain?" I'm pretty annoyed with her. She comes and interrupts me, and speaks nonsense on top of it all.
"Ginny and Draco. It can't work, it'll end badly." She's completely wild, and I'm awestruck. Just when I come to agree with the plan, she suddenly wants to back out of it? What the bloody hell happened to make her change her mind that quickly and suddenly? I stare at her blankly, I don't really know what to think. However she's not really pleased with my reaction.
"Since when are you deaf Sev? Do you want me to slap you so you wake up? REACT, damn, say something! You generally always have a comment to drawl when it's not required, now I command you to speak!!!!!!"
"I speak when I want, and you're bloody off your rocker, if you ask my opinion. Why do you want to stop there, it's getting better for them both. I've seen Ginny speak again with Potter and Granger, I don't see the problem. And Draco needs a friend, you stated it yourself."
"He's dangerous! Well, not him, but his father is! Imagine if Lucius attacks my daughter! I would feel so bad!"
Now I'm really furious. and she takes it right in the face.
"You're so selfish, it makes me want to throw up! You don't care about Draco, or Ginny, but just about yourself! Have you talked with her? Do you know what she thinks of your stupid little theories? Considering that she's at least as freaking stubborn as you, she's certainly not gonna leave him now, it's TOO LATE! And if you separate them now, you kill Draco. 'Cause he's not gonna go further alone, he's just gonna give up! Now, ask your conscience what you should do, and talk to me again only when you've sorted it out and has come back from insanity land, if you don't mind!"
She runs out of the office and again, the door slams and quivers for seconds. I swear, hopefully, this castle is resistant, because with all the temperamental Weasleys around, it would soon be down to a ruin..
I go back to my work immediately. I don't want to think about this issue right now. As much as I want to forget how blind I've been about Lucius' attitude toward his son, it plagues me, so if Ginny Weasley has to be Draco's salvation, I'm certainly not gonna let Molly screw it all because she suddenly realises that it's going to be tougher than she thought.
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*Draco's pov*
Ginny left for her common room. I guess it must be difficult for her. She had friends, she had loving brothers, and suddenly, she loses all this, and it's all my fault. Again. Gee, another proof I destroy everything I touch.
I take the path to the Slytherin common room. I've avoided them since the little incident with Pansy, but I'm conscious I won't be able to hide forever.
As I come to face the damp wall concealing the entrance of the common room, I remember what McGonnagal said when we arrived in first year.
::::".Your house will be like your family."::::
I can't help laugh bitterly at that. Slytherin is not a family. We're supportive to each other as long as we have an underlying interest. People respected me because of my family and my money. I was the king of Slytherin. I was, because now, it's going to change pretty harshly. The next minutes will be my trial, my execution. From the top of the pyramid, I'm going to be shot down to the underground of the House. I will be reduced to nothing. Nothing, I'm nothing. Lucius at least had something right, huh?
The casual conversations are replaced by a condemning silence as soon as I step in the common room. I can feel their accusatory glares on me as I make my way to my dorm. I've always been the centre of attention before, now I just wish they would forget me, let me fade away.
"So Malfoy. Had a nice day?" spits Pansy Parkinson behind me. My confidence drastically rises when I hear her voice. I'm still Draco, No one stands against me, I've always won my word battles with the others. What do they think? That I'm not capable of defending myself against their assaults? Lucius is far worse than them.
"Actually, I had. It was refreshing not to have you stuck to me like dirt under my shoes."
My old cynical attitude is back. My words are my weapon. The smirk I plaster on my face comes right from the past, but I'm not as cold as before. Now, I've got a cause, and a friend to stand up to. Everybody thought I had changed and that I was weak and silent. Beware my enemies, the dragon has just awakened.
"Because the Weasley bitch isn't dirt? You used the same words for her family not so long ago," she retorts, becoming red.
"I'm greatly amazed at your expensive vocabulary in profanity. And no, she isn't dirt, do not think everybody is as low as you."
I slip my hands in my pockets and continue my walking defiantly. She has nothing to say. Everybody is staring at me. Surely, I've been so quiet lately that they didn't expect a reaction at all. Serves them right.
I eventually plop on my bed, I'm happy I've shut their faces.
"Glad to see the git is back. I still think you're going a bit too easy on Parkinson. The magenta duck was way more fun."
I'm a bit startled, but hide it well. I look at the foot of my bed to see Zabini lean against the bedpost lazily.
He's the typical Slytherin: independent, sly, cynical, proud. He chooses his battles and he's a solitary guy. He's one I respect, he never crawled on his knees in front of me.
"How so?"
"Well, if you have to screw your life, do it creatively and elegantly at least."
"You think I screw my life?" Damn, why don't I just make him shut up by throwing a big rock of sarcasm in his face?
"That's what they think." He jerks his head in the direction of the common room, where Pansy can be heard whining. "As for my opinion, you can do what you want. The slytherin mind is not to follow a way but to find yours. A thing apparently hardly anybody has understood there, since half of them plan to become Death Eaters, just like Daddy and Mommy. In a way, you've grown up. See you."
I can hear his footsteps across the room as I lie back on my bed.
"Oh, by the way. I've managed to turn Pansy's hair magenta today. But I swear I'm gonna find that bloody spell Weasley used to turn her into a duck. Then I'll pray we never find a teacher to turn her back."
I sneer openly at what he says. Seems like I'm not the only one to spit in Pansy's face.
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Ahhhhhh, yay!!!!! I'm stuck between being happy, proud and sad. So many emotions confuse. Power to you Draco!!! I'm glad you're finding your way. Molly is a moron, but I understand that she cares for her family. Snapeypoo is just hilarious. RONALD WEASLEY!!!!! Erg, I swear, if his mind doesn't return to him soon, I may do something drastic...
"Such as? He's a character, remember?"
Oh shut up you. Stupid leprechaun. OUCH!!
And yes, I am psycho. Anywho, great chapter!!!!!!!!!!! I love how you're progressing the friendship between Draco and Ginny.
So, Meg, a few issues with Bud? Muahahaha- OUCH! Henry! What the bloody hell are you doing, pulling my hair! *tosses bloody leprechaun on the couch*
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REVIEW!!!!!!! You know how important for my mental balance it is, right? "What mental balance? You have one? Do I have to remind you that you've named your computer Charlie, that you speak to an invisible leprechaun and that on top of everything, you think you're the ruler of the world?" SHUT UP! Readers, I would be terrifically happy if you would leave me a little review... *fake smile*
And now... the replies... Muahahaha, I love to write these things...
Twister Silver Dagger: Hello!!!!!! How are you? Me I'm totally hyper, way too much coffee... Apparently, you like my story, since half the reviews are yours this time, lol. Yes,Ginny named her teddy after her father... Let's say she was very little, her father was the hero, and plus, she didn't know many names... I still don't know if I want Draco and Snape to have a connection. If they had one, Snapey probably would have discovered Lucius' abusive attitude way sooner... Let's say he just got a nasty feeling... As for my writing, I think it's slowly getting better. I had never written stories before, and on top of everything ,English is not my mother tongue... Hope I reach a more than decent level soon...
Elven ice angel: Language!!!!!! So many baaaaaad words in your mouth... lol... You hate me, that's the point, muahahahaha. Nope nope nope, the knife is very well where it is, he he he... You really should switch the demonic bats and penguins for flying monkeys... *cough* forget what I've said, I don't need Fire'N'Ice plus yours on my back. Happy Birthday, late, but it's the attention that counts, he he he. As for the vocabulary matters, dear, I've only one word to say: THESAURUS! I think I'm gonna start worship this fabulous book, lol. And I'm sorry to announce you that in spite of your efforts to wake him up, Ron is still as dense as before, muahahahaha. Hope you got caught by your teacher, lol. Very flattered to see you prefer to read my story than do your school work.
Slothcrzy4dm: TOO LONG?????? Are you kidding? You can write 4000 words review if you want, I love to read the rambling of the lunatics here. Yep, I'm counted among the lunatics, no need to feel offended. I know! Myrtle not moaning is pretty surprising, and Hannah creating havocwith Myrtle and Peeves too, but as life is not black or pink, I have to mix fun and angst. Ouch, poor Ron, with all the kicks you reviewers give him, he'll soon be out of shape, muahahahahaha. Sorry, don't mind me.
Miriam G: You're always rambling, why do you try to make a point? When I say Britney with a negative statement, you can be sure it's Spears. Don't like her too much either, but don't worry, the Upa song is so far above all the others! *cough* I'm already disturbed, but truth to be told, your mental image of a weeing Voldemort didn't really help. And there's no way I beg you on my knees, so fuck the Upas, he he he... Greece is supposed to be hot, duh! What? Isn't the temparatuer waving between 40° and 50° C where you live? *stupid grin* Oooooh, naughty girl, you messed around in an expensive hotel. WE did that my bro and I, in Canada, races in the halls, havoc and all...muahahahaha! Of course, everybody knows we're angels *innocent smirk* Whoa, you know you should publish a book relating your adventures in the airports? You could name it "Me and the airports, a love story" lol. Tell me about chaotic trips! I spent all night in a coach with friends to go back to London after a holidayi n Leeds. It was such a mess. Then we missed our plane, coz the coach was late, we played cards for I don't know how much time in this so small Luton airport. And we kept humiliating ourselves publicly, like brushing our teeth in the hall (Hey, you have to take care of them!) and such... Traveling is fun... You can write a comedy play and include the Upa song in it! Gee, I'm really scared by your wrath of rambling!!!! *hides behind computer*
Deatheater 4life: my opinion on HP characters: Lucius is a bastard, Ron is so damn dense! Potter... Perfect Potter, Hermione IS smart. Molly... you might change your mind this chappie, muahahaha! Voldemort, a lunatic. I really wanted to make the Gryffindors not perfect little friends, it drives me crazy when they're perfect... Hope you'll continue to read that.
Rubberduckie: Don't worry, the magenta duck is not definitely gone, I think you're gonna like Blaise in this story, lol. ARGH...Umbridge should be BURNT alive!!!!! BITCH! I hate her soooo much, I thought I was on the edge of ripping apart the damn book, it was so frustrating. (Sirius, *sob*) Yep, you already said your name was Hannah. but you're not a ghost! Muahahaha... Awh, but why nobody loves this knife? Poor thing, being despised by everybody *tear* lol. I hate how Rowling just doesn't show that human side of the other characters. I plan to write a Pansy pov, in which I'll try to grab her attitude and such, gonna be tough, lol. Hope you like this chappie!
Shortnsassy: my last line is not a way to make fun of you! Mean reviewer, lol! Oh. you love me...now I'm scared. Ok, you also have a penguin? Damn, they're everywhere! Elven ice angel likes to threaten me with her army of demonic penguins. Nice to see your'e a bit more civilized, lol.
Catmint: I've gone to visit your profile, and I see you have many stories dealing with self-injury, so I'm glad if you think my writing is good about it. He he he... Hannah and Myrtle...Chaos, disorder and havoc will prevail! Muahahaha...
Carshaa: Did you really think I would kill Draco? Are you insane? I would NEVER kill him in this story!!!! Not now, at least, muahahahah... *cough* yeah, moving on now. Glad you loved that chappie, hope you love this one too... in fact, hope you love the whole story! *bighead mode*
Disclaimer: Me, Almighty Empress of the Smileys, conducted by a sudden shot of charity, gave Harry Potter and all the other characters to rowling. Why? Why? Why? *Collapse in tears* the most horrible error of my whole life... Living in a world of delusions...
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Chapter 16
*Molly's pov*
When I apparate back at the Burrow, Arthur is already there. I smile at him while I take off my jacket. As much as I love Hogwarts, I'm very happy to come back home every evening. The change makes me forget about my daily problems.
However, when I scrutinize Arthur's face, I conclude that my problems have trailed me here. He's staring at his newspaper, casually propped on the couch, but I can decipher in his eyes that he's not reading at all. I sit down in an armchair facing him and wait. I'm not going to initialise the conversation.
"I've received a strange letter from Ron today," he starts with a laid-back tone.
"Really?" I reply, not really sure where this is going, although I hold some suspicions.
"I'm surprised with his lack of writing abilities. It was mainly nonsensical sentences scribbled on crumpled parchment."
I say nothing. Nonsense words thrown on torn paper easily informs me of Ron's state, and thus, of the topic.
"It was nevertheless a very interesting, though disappointing, letter." He suddenly drops the uncaring tone. "What the heck are you playing at Molly?!"
I inhale sharply and stare at him.
"What do you mean?"
"You exactly know what I mean!" he's shouting now, and his ears have gone red. A true Weasley tantrum.
"Don't act as daftly as Ron, for God's sake!" I grit through my clenched teeth.
"You're the one who behaves daftly! Are you off your mind, letting Ginny fraternize with the enemy? With a MALFOY of all people!"
"Draco is not dangerous, it's his father the problem. Merlin, he TORTURES his own son! Do you understand Arthur? Draco is an abused kid; Lucius entertainment is to beat the crap out of a teenager! I've seen the results of it, and I can tell you NEVER on Earth would I like to see that again."
The silence surrounds us while Arthur ponders my words. The clock is the only one that continues its incessant swinging. The only noise in the room is this bloody clock. Finally, Arthur comes to his senses.
"He may not be a danger himself, but as you so cleverly stated it, Lucius is one. If he has no pity toward his blood and flesh, imagine what he could do to Ginny! 'Cause you don't believe he's going to congratulate her for helping his son, right? He already proved he had no conscience when he "accidentally" dropped Riddle's diary in her cauldron."
At that, I jump out of my seat. My hands are sweaty and my head is pounding. The blood rushes through my skull and my vision is spinning. Panic settles inside me. How could I have not realised sooner? My daughter is in great danger. I know Lucius would simply kill her, nothing would hold him back.
I feel the colour be drained from my face, I'm surely as pale as a ghost. My legs give away and I collapse again in my chair.
What have I done? I shouldn't have encouraged Ginny to befriend him! I can't believe I've been so blind to forget the danger Draco's family represents.
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*Ginny's pov*
My feet walked me to the library after I left Draco in the tree. I feel strange, relieved and in pain at the same time. My connection with him scares me. How is it possible that I can know everything he feels? It's insane! One could wonder if I really understand what he feels, but I know it's the truth. Pieces seem to take place. How I collapsed in the dormitory when he was beaten, how I always seem to know what's on his mind. And how he knew I would need Arthur. I've established the fact that we have a strong connection, but what I don't understand is how. I mean, it's not like Harry who was cursed by Voldemort and that results in a big magic mess. Nothing of magical nature happened between Draco and I; damn, I'm so lost.
First, I don't know where to search, and I really don't want to ask Mrs Pince, because then, she's going to ask too many questions. So I wander aimlessly between the bloody shelves. I've already turned three times around the whole library when Harry shouts at me.
"You're looking for something, Gin?" He whispers because Mrs Pince has already thrown him a death glare for having raised his voice.
I sigh. Why don't I ask him? I mean, he's probably done some research himself. But what if he laughs at me? I know the idea of a bond between Draco Malfoy and Virginia Weasley just sounds ridiculous. Shoot, you've already been fired for your whole life in a week.
"I'm looking for books on magical bonds, could you help me? I really don't know where to search."
He looks startled.
"Magical bonds? Oh. Come on, they're here, in the mental projections section."
"Damn, what are they doing in this section?"
He chuckles slightly, shaking his head.
"Ever tried to understand Mrs Pince's sense of organisation?"
After having brought out a few books, I follow Harry to where he's sitting with Hermione. I mentally thank whoever managed to make Ron not be there with them. I look through the books with interest. Clearly, I've a link with Draco, which explains a lot of the "feeling emotions that are not mine" thing. But the "how" is just as obscure as before. The blasted authors of that book say it's some consequence to a magical act, or something in relation to magic, but damn, couldn't they be more precise? I slam the book shut, infuriated by its lack of precision.
Of course, I'm immediately thrown out of the library, which leads me to more anger and I find myself kicking a stone pillar that I know won't be hurt. I soon feel two strong arms holding me back from the pillar. Harry and Hermione have followed me and they're now both looking at me with wide eyes. Hermione finally speaks.
"Come on, we're going to the common room, where you're gonna explain everything to us."
I'm so frustrated that I don't even realise I'm soon babbling in front of them. Whoa, I really needed to vent all this.
"Can you understand a bloody thing? Damn, I know I've got this bond with Draco, but I don't know how, and plus, it's way too much! How can I bear this?"
"Bear what exactly?" Asks Harry, leaning in.
"How can he cope with this? There's so much anger in him, so much pain to be released! He's got such a shit of a life, I don't know how he even manages to go through it, it's so terrible. Lucius Malfoy is a BASTARD, a maniac of a bastard! I HATE HIM, I wish I could kill him!" I start crying, I can't help it. His emotions have been piling inside me for too long, I'm breaking down. Just like him. I'm sobbing openly, it hurts so much. I suddenly understand why Draco needs his knife; I suddenly understand the suicide attempt, everything that led him to where he is now. Down in hell. The fog has disappeared.
"Ginny, calm down, you're hyperventilating!" Hermione is scared, I can hear it in her voice. She tries to comfort me, using soothing words and rubbing my back. It seems so superficial, she can't really catch what I'm experiencing, she's just pitying me and doing what a friend is supposed to do. I feel bad.
"Ginny, speak to us, you know you can trust us." I shake my head, I can't tell them, it's not an option. Ron's appearance just makes things go worse.
"Hello everybody. Not you, though," he grit through his clenched teeth. What have I done to him? Why does he hate me that much? Is it all because of Draco, or is there something deeper? I'm overcome by a wave of despair. Ron was my closest brother and now, he's gone so far from me, I can't reach him anymore.
I don't want to fight with him. We were a family, we used to stick together. I want that back. But for now, there's nothing else I can than defend myself against him. It's too early for him to try and understand. If I really wanted to explain him, I would have to let go of Draco's secrets, and that I can't do.
However, I don't have time to retaliate. A nasty feeling invades me, I feel dizzy and my face burns. What is happening to me again? It's not really difficult to understand that it comes from Draco, so I jump to my feet and run out of the common room. I didn't know I could run so fast, but I do, and I nearly fly to where I left him not so long ago.
He's still here, and the sight of him scares the hell out of me. He looks so helpless and he's staring at his bloodied arm, motionless. I grab his hand and make him climb down to the ground. We sit under the tree, I'm so frightened; he doesn't seem to realise what's happening. I don't know what would help him, so I slap him across the face, hard.
He suddenly sort of wake up, and I can see the hurt in his eyes. I know I've been brutal.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, I had to do that, I didn't know how to wake you up, I'm really really sorry, forgive me, please, I never meant to hurt you or anything!" I say really fast, praying he doesn't react harshly.
Shame crosses his face as he looks down to the gash. He's not exactly proud of his actions.
"The blood didn't want to come," he states sheepishly.
I breathe again. I really thought he was going suicidal again, and it worried me that he would reject me for being there. I can't help smile at him. He looks like a kid, I don't really know how to explain it, but he's so full of innocence when vulnerable like this. He's so different from the icy Draco everybody else knows.
We head back to the castle together, and it's only when we arrive at the lavatories to clean the wound that I realise I haven't let his hand go since I first took it in the tree. I gently squeeze it and find him looking at me.
"I'm glad you've found me."
"Never scare me that much again, you hear me?" I reply while I clean the wound with my handkerchief. I wonder how many I'm gonna have to throw away coz they're too much stained with blood.
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*Snape's pov*
I'm working peacefully in my office. The best thing about being a loathed teacher is that students don't come to whine over their assignments during the week-end.
Suddenly, my door is swung open. Argh, don't people have manners today? Knocking is quite the simplest thing to do, isn't it? Molly appears in the door frame and walks up to me after having slammed the door shut again.
"We have to stop that, Severus!"
"Stop what, exactly? Could you elaborate or is it too difficult for your brain?" I'm pretty annoyed with her. She comes and interrupts me, and speaks nonsense on top of it all.
"Ginny and Draco. It can't work, it'll end badly." She's completely wild, and I'm awestruck. Just when I come to agree with the plan, she suddenly wants to back out of it? What the bloody hell happened to make her change her mind that quickly and suddenly? I stare at her blankly, I don't really know what to think. However she's not really pleased with my reaction.
"Since when are you deaf Sev? Do you want me to slap you so you wake up? REACT, damn, say something! You generally always have a comment to drawl when it's not required, now I command you to speak!!!!!!"
"I speak when I want, and you're bloody off your rocker, if you ask my opinion. Why do you want to stop there, it's getting better for them both. I've seen Ginny speak again with Potter and Granger, I don't see the problem. And Draco needs a friend, you stated it yourself."
"He's dangerous! Well, not him, but his father is! Imagine if Lucius attacks my daughter! I would feel so bad!"
Now I'm really furious. and she takes it right in the face.
"You're so selfish, it makes me want to throw up! You don't care about Draco, or Ginny, but just about yourself! Have you talked with her? Do you know what she thinks of your stupid little theories? Considering that she's at least as freaking stubborn as you, she's certainly not gonna leave him now, it's TOO LATE! And if you separate them now, you kill Draco. 'Cause he's not gonna go further alone, he's just gonna give up! Now, ask your conscience what you should do, and talk to me again only when you've sorted it out and has come back from insanity land, if you don't mind!"
She runs out of the office and again, the door slams and quivers for seconds. I swear, hopefully, this castle is resistant, because with all the temperamental Weasleys around, it would soon be down to a ruin..
I go back to my work immediately. I don't want to think about this issue right now. As much as I want to forget how blind I've been about Lucius' attitude toward his son, it plagues me, so if Ginny Weasley has to be Draco's salvation, I'm certainly not gonna let Molly screw it all because she suddenly realises that it's going to be tougher than she thought.
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*Draco's pov*
Ginny left for her common room. I guess it must be difficult for her. She had friends, she had loving brothers, and suddenly, she loses all this, and it's all my fault. Again. Gee, another proof I destroy everything I touch.
I take the path to the Slytherin common room. I've avoided them since the little incident with Pansy, but I'm conscious I won't be able to hide forever.
As I come to face the damp wall concealing the entrance of the common room, I remember what McGonnagal said when we arrived in first year.
::::".Your house will be like your family."::::
I can't help laugh bitterly at that. Slytherin is not a family. We're supportive to each other as long as we have an underlying interest. People respected me because of my family and my money. I was the king of Slytherin. I was, because now, it's going to change pretty harshly. The next minutes will be my trial, my execution. From the top of the pyramid, I'm going to be shot down to the underground of the House. I will be reduced to nothing. Nothing, I'm nothing. Lucius at least had something right, huh?
The casual conversations are replaced by a condemning silence as soon as I step in the common room. I can feel their accusatory glares on me as I make my way to my dorm. I've always been the centre of attention before, now I just wish they would forget me, let me fade away.
"So Malfoy. Had a nice day?" spits Pansy Parkinson behind me. My confidence drastically rises when I hear her voice. I'm still Draco, No one stands against me, I've always won my word battles with the others. What do they think? That I'm not capable of defending myself against their assaults? Lucius is far worse than them.
"Actually, I had. It was refreshing not to have you stuck to me like dirt under my shoes."
My old cynical attitude is back. My words are my weapon. The smirk I plaster on my face comes right from the past, but I'm not as cold as before. Now, I've got a cause, and a friend to stand up to. Everybody thought I had changed and that I was weak and silent. Beware my enemies, the dragon has just awakened.
"Because the Weasley bitch isn't dirt? You used the same words for her family not so long ago," she retorts, becoming red.
"I'm greatly amazed at your expensive vocabulary in profanity. And no, she isn't dirt, do not think everybody is as low as you."
I slip my hands in my pockets and continue my walking defiantly. She has nothing to say. Everybody is staring at me. Surely, I've been so quiet lately that they didn't expect a reaction at all. Serves them right.
I eventually plop on my bed, I'm happy I've shut their faces.
"Glad to see the git is back. I still think you're going a bit too easy on Parkinson. The magenta duck was way more fun."
I'm a bit startled, but hide it well. I look at the foot of my bed to see Zabini lean against the bedpost lazily.
He's the typical Slytherin: independent, sly, cynical, proud. He chooses his battles and he's a solitary guy. He's one I respect, he never crawled on his knees in front of me.
"How so?"
"Well, if you have to screw your life, do it creatively and elegantly at least."
"You think I screw my life?" Damn, why don't I just make him shut up by throwing a big rock of sarcasm in his face?
"That's what they think." He jerks his head in the direction of the common room, where Pansy can be heard whining. "As for my opinion, you can do what you want. The slytherin mind is not to follow a way but to find yours. A thing apparently hardly anybody has understood there, since half of them plan to become Death Eaters, just like Daddy and Mommy. In a way, you've grown up. See you."
I can hear his footsteps across the room as I lie back on my bed.
"Oh, by the way. I've managed to turn Pansy's hair magenta today. But I swear I'm gonna find that bloody spell Weasley used to turn her into a duck. Then I'll pray we never find a teacher to turn her back."
I sneer openly at what he says. Seems like I'm not the only one to spit in Pansy's face.
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Ahhhhhh, yay!!!!! I'm stuck between being happy, proud and sad. So many emotions confuse. Power to you Draco!!! I'm glad you're finding your way. Molly is a moron, but I understand that she cares for her family. Snapeypoo is just hilarious. RONALD WEASLEY!!!!! Erg, I swear, if his mind doesn't return to him soon, I may do something drastic...
"Such as? He's a character, remember?"
Oh shut up you. Stupid leprechaun. OUCH!!
And yes, I am psycho. Anywho, great chapter!!!!!!!!!!! I love how you're progressing the friendship between Draco and Ginny.
So, Meg, a few issues with Bud? Muahahaha- OUCH! Henry! What the bloody hell are you doing, pulling my hair! *tosses bloody leprechaun on the couch*
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REVIEW!!!!!!! You know how important for my mental balance it is, right? "What mental balance? You have one? Do I have to remind you that you've named your computer Charlie, that you speak to an invisible leprechaun and that on top of everything, you think you're the ruler of the world?" SHUT UP! Readers, I would be terrifically happy if you would leave me a little review... *fake smile*