Love Behind the Shadows

Chapter Thirteen: Love Again

As Harry's lips descended down upon Ginny's, she shuttered in disgust. She despised moments like this, where she was forced to show affection towards the boy she once loved so deeply. The strange, and unappealing feeling that pulled at her stomach at these times, were certainly not welcome but, came anyway. An unexpected sharp intake breath echoed throughout the room, as Ginny's eyes fixed themselves on Harry's lips, which were now but a mere inch away from her own. Her nose crinkled up, and she gulped visibly, holding back the vomit longing to charge right up through her throat.

Then suddenly, the portrait door flew open wide, causing Harry to stop almost instantly.

"Harry! Harry!" Hermione shrieked, hurtling herself through the portrait and into the common room, parchment in hand.

Ginny watched Harry's face drop slightly, a look of disappointment pulling at his features.

"I-I," the Gryffindor paused, catching her breath. "I found some very interesting information on those spells you told me about, you know the ones Dumbledore is teaching you?"

Harry frowned but, nodded all the same.

"There's a certain text book that contains the vital information to help you conquer those ruddy spells that have been giving you such horrid trouble!" she yelped excitedly, her eyes glistening happily.

Harry's frown slowly formed into a broad smile, regarding the bouncing brunette before him. "Really?" he questioned, faintly suspicious.

Hermione nodded vigorously.

Harry's grin widened, and he hurriedly snatched up the parchment, Hermione had been clutching onto. His emerald eyes scanned the text from behind his glasses, his smile growing by the second.

"Merlin, Mione! This is wonderful!" Harry exclaimed pleasantly.

"I thought you would like it!" she replied, looking utterly pleased with herself.

Soon enough, the two friends fell into deep discussion, not paying Ginny the slightest bit of attention. She sighed, rolling her eyes, and slowly stood from the couch. Her gaze flickered in Harry's direction, and a grim look overcame her features. He's so bloody oblivious! She thought, as she slid through the portrait, smirking with satisfaction at just how truly easy that had been.

Now, she thought, dusting off her robes, and glancing down the corridor. What to do now? A sudden, unexpected gurgle slit through the silent air, and Ginny glanced down at her empty stomach. Ah breakfast, what a good idea! She thought splendidly, as she made her way down towards the Great Hall.

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Ginny sat alone at the Gryffindor table, pushing her food back and forth on her plate. It had seemed that almost as soon as she had stepped within the large hall that she found her stomach suddenly full. But, it wasn't the sort of full you get after eating a full course meal no, it was a very awkward full, as if it wasn't meant to be. Ginny's fork let out a sudden wail, causing her to cringe by the unexpected screech, her fork dropping with a clang against the plate.

A loud snicker was heard, and she glanced up. Her eyes burned with hatred as she met those icy blue pools she longed to admire her only last night. She knew this was all for appearances, all for her. Her safety but, most importantly her pride, for if she was seen dating Draco; she would most certainly be shot down by her own family. She glared at him, her insides squirming with guilt as she did so but, she was sure to burry down this emotion quickly. He gazed back at her, a burst of love flashing in his eyes only for a moment before turning cold once more.

Then it came, the sudden and un-welcome wave of thoughts. Memories of the previous night flooded her mind once more, cursing her with there dreadful moments. She cringed inwardly, and hurriedly shoved her plate away, jumping up from her seat. She needed solstice, peace, only if it was for an hour or so, she craved it deeply. Quickly she bustled from the Great Hall, with surprising speed.

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Once more she circled the frozen lake, its dark murky water, a solid layer of ice. Her thoughts continued to whirl, only slightly less vicious, and with much less contradictory memories. This is what Ginny most admired about Hogwarts, its secluded scenery. Of course no one would venture out during the middle of winter, much less near the dreaded black lake. But, that just made it all the more wonderful, that it was there for only her use.

As she walked, each new step gave her light to a new memory, some good, others bad. But, no matter the memories conflicts, they all had to do with Draco. She felt something deep in the pit of her stomach, as an image of the two's first kiss flashed before her eyes; it was strong sense of love, something she had never felt with any other boy she had dated. There was something about his displays of affection that made her knees weak, and her heart to flips inside her chest; it was positively incredible. A sudden, unexpected dreamy sigh passed through her lips, and she glanced down at her watch.

"Bloody hell!" she shrieked, her eyes wide with astonishment.

Her eyes flickered towards her numb, frozen hands, and she suddenly realized how cold she was. A light shiver ran down her spine, as she wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing her arms, and creating sparks of warmth. Slowly, she trudged back towards the castle, small puffs of air escaping her pale lips.

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The portrait door swung open, and a wave of warmth crashed down all around Ginny's frozen body. She smiled pleasantly, and trailed inside hurriedly, rushing over towards the fire. Merlin, she thought. That was certainly close, I could have gotten frostbite … bloody thoughts, I always go all dreamy when I'm thinking! She giggled out loud at the thought, and slowly removed her coat and gloves, laying them beside her on the floor.

Suddenly the familiar laughter of the trio echoed throughout the room, and Ginny's head spun around to find them all entering the common room. She frowned inwardly but, displayed a perfect set of pearly whites before turning back towards the blazing flames.

"Hey Gin!" Harry greeted, leaning over and pecking her lightly on her cheeks. He jumped slightly. "Merlin Gin, your freezing! Where have you been?"

"Outside." Ginny answered simply, rubbing her hands together, longing for more warmth.

"Why?" Harry asked dumbly.

"Just … doing some thinking, that's all." She replied, her back still turned.

Harry turned, glancing back at Hermione and Ron for help.

"Well Gin, you've certainly got to be hungry! Why don't you join us for dinner?" Hermione stated, taking Harry's pleading eyes seriously.

Ginny gazed over her shoulder, and sighed. "I'm not that hungry …" she mumbled. Ginny. Her thoughts warned. "But, I suppose something small wouldn't hurt." She quickly recovered.

Hermione smiled when suddenly, Ron's stomach let out a low gurgle.

"Merlin Ron! You only had a two licorice wands, about an hour ago!" Hermione said, sounding quite annoyed.

Ron scowled at her, clutching his stomach.

"Oh Ronald, you're hopeless." Hermione sighed, before turning back towards Harry. "Well, I'm off to take Mr. Disposal down to the Great Hall. See you all soon." She said, her intention of teasing Ron being fully accomplished.

Looping an arm around her carrot top boyfriend, Hermione steered him towards the door, leading him from the common room.

"So, you coming?" Harry asked his gaze lingering on the long, flowing curls resting against Ginny's back.

"Umm … yeah, sure." Ginny mumbled.

Harry grinned, before pulling Ginny up from the ground, and coiling an arm around her waist. "Ready to go?" he asked lamely.

Ginny smiled brightly, nodding but inside, she was cringing with disgust. She hated the feeling of Harry's hands on her, and she knew Draco wouldn't be too pleased to see the two of them together at dinner either.

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Much to Ginny's dismay, dinner progressed rather slowly. Harry had been constantly flirting with her, causing her stomach to churn with disgust, a horrible nauseating feeling overcoming her body slowly. As she sat, Harry's hand resting against her knee, her chocolate orbs scanned the Slytherin table anxiously. She had yet to see Draco enter the Great Hall for dinner, and worry was coursing through her at rapid speed. Suddenly she couldn't take it any longer, and gripping Harry's hand she slid it from her upper thigh.

"Ummm … I'm not feeling to hot, I think I'll just go up to bed." Ginny stated, standing from the table.

"But Gin, it's only seven thirty." Harry argued, looking slightly disappointed.

"I know but, I'm not feeling to well. I think a good night's sleep will do the trick." The red head explained, becoming more agitated by the second.

"Well, if you're sure you're not feeling well …"

Ginny smiled weakly, and reluctantly bent over, kissing Harry's cheek lightly.

"Good night." She whispered.

Then hurriedly she rushed from the Great Hall, her nose scrunched up at the thought of Harry's hands touching her, and she longed for Draco's gentle yet intoxicating caresses. Where is he? She thought worriedly, as she whirled around another bend in the long corridor. He never misses dinner. She pondered this for a moment. Well maybe he's busy with an essay or something, she sighed. I really shouldn't worry so much. I'll just go up finish packing, and then go talk to him.

With her brain slightly rattled, she took a deep breath, and attempted to sooth her nerves. The last thing she needed was Draco setting her thoughts ablaze, especially with all the packing she had to finish. Clearing her mind of anything with platinum blonde hair, and crystal blue eyes, she headed off towards Gryffindor Tower.

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As Ginny tossed yet another pair of blue jeans into her large trunk, she couldn't help but sigh in aggravation. She'd been at this 'packing act' for quite sometime, and she was still not even close to being finished. Rolling her eyes, she flopped back onto the bed, and ran a hand through her hair. Alright, that's enough! You've been thinking of him constantly! Just bloody go see the damn idiot! Her mind screamed. She frowned inwardly but, knew it was what she truly wanted. So, with a final overly dramatic sigh, the frustrated fiery red head left her dorm, seeking the strong arms of none other than Draco Malfoy.

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The door creaked as she peaked inside, the room was dark, not one flicker of light could be seen dancing upon the wall. She frowned, and stepped inside, taking a good look around.

"Draco?" she murmured to the dense air filling the large dorm.

Nothing but dead silent met her ears.

Her frown deepened, and she pulled her wand out, giving it a quick flick the lights flew on.

"Draco …?"

Still nothing.

She sighed, This is exactly what I needed! For me to be longing to see him … and then the bloody bastard isn't even here! Merlin! What does a girl have to do? She thought annoyed. Plopping down on his bed with a small 'huff', she pulled a pillow to her chest, getting comfortable upon the comforter. She was desperate, so complete desperate and longing, that she would wait him out … even if it took him all night.

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Ginny had been waiting for nearly two hours now, with not a single droplet of luck; it seemed as if no one was going to play a card in her favor. Suddenly, as her eyes began to droop lower with sleep, a loud 'crack' split through the silent air. Her eyes flew wide, and she sat up perkily.

"Draco?" she questioned instantly, hastily rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Yes?" The blonde snarled, anger dancing in his eyes.

Ginny frowned, scrambling off the bed, and over to him. "Where have you been? I've been-"

But Draco, who had no patience for explanation, crashed his lips down against hers in a searing kiss. Ginny's pupils grew wide for slightest moment, before swelling with passion, and anxiously she wrapped her arms around his neck, edging herself closer towards him. The kiss seemed to go on and on, until finally Ginny's breath fell short, and she pulled away.

A smile played across her lips but, the brief image of his empty spot at the Slytherin table flashed before her eyes, faltering her sudden cheery air. A frown married her brows as she gazed at him intensely.

"What?" He asked. "Do I have something on my face?" He frowned, running a hand over his face.

Ginny shook her head, giggling slightly. "No, that's not it."

"Well then, what is it?" The Slytherin asked, raising a skeptical brow.

"Why weren't you at dinner much less your room?" she demanded.

Draco sighed, his eyes flickering away from her gaze.

"Draco …" Ginny warned. "You know I don't-"

A pale finger slipped out, pressing against her lips, silencing any further discussion.

"This is our last meeting before Christmas Vacation, is this really how you want to spend it? Playing twenty questions with me?" Draco asked, looking at her skeptically.

Ginny smiled weakly. "True …" she muttered; he was after all right.

Draco smiled, and gathered her up into his arms. "So, how was your day?" He questioned, seeming much calmer than when he had first entered the room.

"Bloody horrible …" she mumbled, burying her face into the nook in his shoulder, and taking in his sweet scent.

Draco frowned, pulling away from her slightly. "And why is that love?" he asked.

"Ruddy Harry and his damn needs …" she whispered angrily.

Ginny watched as sudden flame of anger burst in his icy blue eyes, wincing as his hands fell airily from her petite body.

"What did he do?" Draco demanded, his fist clenching and un-clenching with each moment that past.

Ginny gulped, "Well … you know, the usual." She answered carefully.

"The usual? You mean having his bloody hands all over you?" Draco hissed.

"Not … all over me. Just on my knee … and well my thigh but-"

She winced as he slammed his fist against the wooden desk beside him.

"Damn Pothead." He snarled. "I just want to-"

"I know Draco, I know. Trust me, I know." Ginny stated, smiling weakly.

"Ginny, I-I …" He sighed. "I don't like him touching you."

"Neither do I!" She laughed slightly. "But, it's just for appearances, it doesn't mean anything."

Draco sighed once more, sounding more stressed than usual. "I know but, it's bloody frustrating."

Ginny's head dipped down low, this was what she hated about the two of them being in love. The separation, the fact she couldn't waltz around singing 'I love Draco Malfoy!', or display her affection for the blonde in anyway.

"I know," she mumbled. "I hate it."

Draco chuckled lightly, and coiled an arm around her waist. "Me too love." He whispered. "Me too."

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A/N: Woo hoo! Chapter 13 is finished! So, how did you like it? A tad bit longer than most! But, anyway, pleaseeeee review! THANKS!