efore we start I just want to say how sorry I am for the time it took me to post this new chapter. I had troubles with my laptop and with all my homework from college I couldn't find a moment to translate and update (hope there are not too many mistakes on this chap). So, again, I'm sorry about that. Hopefully you're still interested in this story ^^
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. Just this fanfiction.
Blaise was waiting for him at his favorite bar on campus.
Draco sat beside his friend and ordered the same thing he was having.
"I must say I was very surprised when you called," said Zabini, "I had the impression that you wouldn't go back to the university"
"I needed some time alone after everything that happened"
"After how you screwed things up with Hermione you mean," Zabini pointed out
Draco met his friend's dark gaze before smiling sideways. This was one of the reasons he liked Blaise, he always said things up front and openly.
"Are you going back to the fraternity? I am sure you're aware that Flint graduated last semester and that you were always the favorite to occupy his position once he wasn't around. However you left and I was elected as the new president"
"It isn't my intention to return to the fraternity, Blaise. I had a good time there but that time of my life is over. Still, I'm glad you're the new president. I'm sure you will do a good job".
Zabini stared at him again before drinking his glass of whiskey, "You're going to be missed," he said and sighed, "You were always a good brother"
"Well it's not like we won't see each other anymore. I'm staying in an apartment just outside campus and I'll still be around," he smiled, "I also change my major to finances and international business, so it seems to me that we will see each other quite often".
Blaise nodded and the conversation turned back to frat life, the events Draco had missed, and their mutual friends.
"So Hannah is the new president of the sorority and you're dating her." Draco giggled. "Isn't that a bit cliché?"
"I prefer to call us a power couple"
They both laughed
"Actually I also wanted to ask you about Ginny. I've tried to reach her but I wasn't able to"
"Ginny is... I guess she's fine. Although I don't know much about her, I haven't seen much of Weasley".
"Come on Zabini, you're neighbors. And she's friends with Hannah".
Blaise seemed to consider his answer before speaking, "The truth is that Ginny seems to be… in her own world at the moment. It has been a long time since she frequented the places the other girls go, nor does she appear at the meetings we organize".
"Did she leave the sorority?"
"No, not officially," the boy sipped again from his glass, "But she has a different group of friends now. Quite a peculiar one, if I'm honest".
Draco wondered what Blaise meant by that.
"I haven't seen her much in the classes either," continued the boy, "Even though we have several classes together, she doesn't usually appear in the classrooms. And when she does, she's clearly drunk. I believe that she lost the semester and stayed in Boston to take summer courses"
Draco frowned. Ginny had never been the top of her class but she wasn't a bad student either. And she certainly hadn't lost courses before. Zabini changed the subject and Draco preferred not to press, he would search on his own for information about the redhead.
Ginny woke up with a headache from the amount of alcohol the night before. Groaning in pain, she sat down carefully on the bed and mentally vowed not to drink that much again, even though she knew she wouldn't keep her promise.
"What time is it?" She asked aloud as she stood up and walked slowly through her room
"It passes noon," Hannah answered from the door
"I don't remember inviting you in," Ginny said in an annoyed voice as she tied her hair into a ponytail.
The girl approached her and crossed her arms over her chest, as she always did when she was angry, "Ginny this situation must come to an end," said sounding blunt
"Situation?" She pretended not to know what Hannah was talking about
"You know exactly what I mean," Hannah replied tiredly, "The other girls and I are tired of your lifestyle, Ginny, what is happening to you? You haven't been to our meetings or events in months, you don't fulfill your obligations or do philanthropy, and I don't think you even go to class. This is not acceptable behavior for a girl in this sorority, you're damaging our image".
"Then expel me," she challenged her looking directly at her eyes, "Come on Hannah, expel me"
"I hardly think that would be necessary, I don't want to start my term as president by…" Hannah was suddenly nervous
"Oh come on!" Ginny laughed, "Cut the bullshit Abbott, we both know very well that you won't expel me of this place. You and your dear sisters will not have the luxury of losing your golden ticket".
"Ginny!" Hannah blushed violently
"What? I'm just telling the truth," she rolled her eyes, "The only reason I'm still here is because I often solve the financial problems of the sorority and help you continue with the lifestyle you and the others have become accustomed to".
"We never..."
Ginny interrupted her, "Hannah dear, seriously, you don't have to explain anything," she patted the other girl on the shoulder, "Let's just pretend we never had this talk," she smiled at Hannah, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go take care of myself"
Ginny enjoyed a long bath that took away some of the discomfort she felt. When she got out of the bathroom she put on comfortable clothes and went back to her room. Despite everything she had said to Hannah, her reality was very different.
Arthur Weasley had kept his promise and had cut off all means of financial support for his daughter. Credit cards, allowances, and gifts he used to send every month, all gone. The only thing he was paying now was the University fee and the sorority, because he assured Ginny that he wasn't going to starve her.
Her phone had recently been disconnected for non-payment and she had stopped using her convertible because she had no money for fuel. For the last couple of days, she had even considered selling it, desperate for cash. Her stock was running low and Melissa wouldn't give her any product without paying first.
The girl spent the afternoon in her room, away from everyone, until it was time to go out to the usual bar or disco for the night. On the porch of the house she met Pansy, who seemed ready to have fun too.
"Oh hi Ginny," said the girl with a smile, "Are you going to…?"
"Hey Pansy, do you have any cash?" She asked
"Cash? Yeah sure, how much do you need this time?" Pansy opened her wallet; Ginny took two bills and kept them.
"Thanks. I've been having problems with my credit cards," she giggled and rolled her eyes, "I'll pay you soon, okay?"
Without waiting for an answer, she began to quickly walk away from the house and went to the disco. The security guard let her in instantly and Ginny pushed her way through the sea of people until she reached the corner where she used to find her group.
"Ginny!" A visibly drugged Melissa greeted her effusively with a hug
"Mel," she slipped from her grasp and took one of the vodka glasses that were on the table, "I see you started without me"
Melissa just smiled at her before collapsing on the couch while giggling.
Ginny looked up at Diego, the boy Harry had seen her with a few months ago outside a bar, and let him guide her onto the dance floor. She didn't feel like dancing or receiving his caresses but when Diego was in a good mood he used to share what he had.
"I have something special for you," the boy whispered close to her ear
"I hope it's not more of that shit that it has to be injected," she smiled sweetly at him
Diego laughed, "You didn't like it very much, did you? But it's not that, it's something you haven't tried yet. You have no idea what it is".
Diego's voice held such admiration at the effect of that product, that Ginny took the bait, "What is it?"
The boy placed a soft kiss on her lips and took some small colored capsules from his jacket, "They'll take you to heaven," he promised
Ginny raised an eyebrow and took a light blue capsule, put it in her mouth and swallowed it, hoping it would take effect.
It wasn't long until Ginny found herself flying in a sea of cosmic sensations while laughing with Diego. He held her against his body again and kissed her while she, totally exhausted and relaxed, let herself be carried away.
"I like this," she laughed as she moved against his body
"I know," he kissed her neck and Ginny shuddered
But suddenly strong arms pulled her away from Diego. Ginny, confused, looked for the person who had separated them, but couldn't recognize him. Something about his silhouette and his scent, however, was familiar.
"Ginny, let's get out of here," the man held her hand gently but firmly
"Hey, what are you doing?" Diego tried to separate her from the man, but the stranger stopped him by hitting him on the chest
"Leave us alone," he warned
"Fine, fine bro, I don't want any problems," Diego smiled and after giving Ginny a look he walked away back to Melissa's group
Ginny tried to follow him but the man wrapped one of his arms around her waist and basically dragged her out of the disco.
"Let go of me," Ginny asked still laughing, "Who the hell do you think...?"
"This is for your own good Ginevra," he led her to his car
In the light of the street lamps, Ginny recognized him.
"Draco? Are you really here," she touched his face and laughed like a fool, "Where are you taking me? Can we keep dancing?" She asked as the blonde made her get into the car
Draco drove away from the den where he had found Ginny and watched her closely as the car stopped at a red light.
He could now understand Blaise's reluctance to talk about the girl. Ginny looked like a stripped down version of the girl he knew, her face was sallow, she was a lot thinner than he remembered and it was obvious she was drugged, very drugged apparently.
"I know what you want." She giggled and suddenly threw herself into his arms and kissed him. Draco hastened to push her away and held her carefully by the arms
"Ginny, don't do this," he asked in a soft voice
"Why? Don't you want to kiss me?" She pouted
"I'll help you," he replied more to himself than to the girl
Ginny didn't seem to understand his comment and just settled back in her seat.
Draco sighed and headed towards the apartment where he now lived. When they reached the building, he carried Ginny up in his arms, since she had fallen asleep, and placed her carefully on the bed in his room. Looking at her so fragile and breathing irregularly, the boy suddenly felt very sad.
Thinking that he would talk to her when she woke up, he stood up and as he did so, Ginny's bag slipped until it fell to the ground. He rushed to pick it up and, helplessly, checked the contents.
Apparently she didn't have anything out of place, just makeup, keys, and a cigarette case. Draco opened the cigarette case and instead of cigarettes he found a couple of small packets of white powder.
"Fuck"
Suddenly enraged he took the cigarette case and went to the bathroom to flush all the contents down the toilet. He had experimented a few times at parties too, but clearly Ginny's situation was getting out of hand. How did she get to that state?
"Had the break up with Harry led her to this?" he wondered as he watched her. But she had been quite well when he saw her that last time before leaving for France. And he would have noticed if she was consuming back then, he told himself, convinced that something else had led Ginny to use drugs.
"Never mind, what's important now is that she needs to stop using drugs," he thought as he left the room and settled on the sofa to wait for Ginny to wake up. He had to talk seriously to her and make her understand that she was wasting her life and health.
Ginny woke up a couple of hours later feeling very confused and having no idea where she was. Scared, she jumped out of bed, but the movement was so fast that her head spun.
"Ginny, calm down, take it easy," a couple of arms held her gently, sitting her back on the bed
"Draco?" She didn't believe she was really seeing him so she blinked several times, "What are you doing here? When did you return? And where are we?"
The questions came rushing out of her mouth and Draco smiled because, at least in that, she hadn't changed and was still as demanding as ever, "We are in my apartment," he explained, "I returned just a few days ago from abroad"
"And what am I doing here?" Ginny wanted to know while trying to remember anything about last night, but the only thing that was clear to her was that she had met Melissa at the disco
"I brought you here," he looked her straight in the eyes, "I got you out of the disco, remember? Though I guess not considering how high you were"
His words took Ginny by surprise, but she didn't reflect it on her face, "High? What are you talking about?"
"Don't lie to me Ginny because I already know you're using" Draco's voice sounded strong and cold
"And if so, why should you care?" She fixed her big hazel eyes on Draco's grays
"Because we're friend," he answered instantly as if it were the most obvious thing in the world
Ginny laughed softly and got back to her feet, "Draco just because we had a rather... unusual talk the last time we met, doesn't mean you should act like you care about me"
"But I do care about you," he clarified, "I want to help you Ginny, because you don't seem to realize that this is getting out of control and that you can ruin your life"
"Ruin my life? My life is already ruined. I have nothing and I have no one by my side," she blurted out helplessly
Draco watched her for a few minutes without saying anything and Ginny, unable to cope with the tense atmosphere, left the room.
The boy chased after her and managed to stop her before she left the apartment.
"Wait!" Draco grabbed her arm, "We haven't finished talking yet"
"What are you really looking for Draco?" She demanded facing him, "Why did you come back? Because I don't think you came just to help me"
"That's because I didn't know that I would find you in these conditions," he answered with a hard voice, "If I knew that you had been living like this, I would have returned earlier"
Ginny laughed, scoffing, and pulled away from his grasp, "We both know you're here for Hermione," she said. "But you know what? You're too late. She's with someone else now"
Draco's heart skipped a bit at hearing those words and his expression must have denoted it, because Ginny continued cocking her head, "She is in a relationship with Harry"
"That's not possible," he replied immediately, "They are just friends, and they wouldn't be together like… like that".
"I saw them myself," she looked him in the eyes
Ginny flopped down on the living room couch and Draco froze by the door trying to process the information the redhead had just given him.
"I didn't believe it at first either, but it's the truth"
Ginny narrowed her eyes and rubbed her forehead with her hands as a pained expression crossed her face.
"Do you feel sick?" asked the boy
"I'm just..."
Ginny shook her head and Draco approached her. She was shivering and was drenched in sweat.
"You better stay here until morning. You are in no condition to go anywhere alone"
The girl looked at him but didn't reply. Draco led her back to his room and helped her cover herself with a blanket, "I'll be in the living room in case you need anything," he said after placing a jug of water next to the nightstand
Ginny snuggled into the covers and Draco returned to the living room couch, turned on the television and tried to distract himself from the one thought he knew wasn't going to leave him: Harry and Hermione's supposed relationship.
"Ginny's the priority for now" he said, "First I'll make sure she's okay and then I'll figure out what to do," he said to himself as he kicked off his shoes and lay down on the couch.
The next morning Draco woke up very early. After checking that Ginny was still sleeping, he made coffee and something to eat for both of them. The girl entered the kitchen about an hour later.
"Do you cook now?" Asked sitting on a chair at the bar
"Good morning to you too," he smirked and placed a plate of eggs and bacon in front of her before sitting down too, "So how have you been all this time I was away?"
"We're not going to do this Draco," she said.
"Do what?"
"This shit of small talk in which I fill you about my life in these months," she clarified
"I just want to help you Ginevra," he sighed
"Then leave me alone"
Ginny looked so weak and tired, with those dark circles under her eyes and her skin so pale, that Draco didn't insist.
They both ate in silence and Draco then led her towards the sorority house. Once there he gave her a card with his name and new number.
"I'm staying here this time Ginevra," he said extending the card, "Please let me know if you need anything"
Ginny reluctantly took the card, put it in her purse, and got out of the car.
Three days.
It had taken Draco three days to muster up the courage to finally face Hermione.
Finding her hadn't been difficult. Although they were no longer friends on social media and Hermione didn't usually post much about her life, she kept a public job profile, so it was very easy to find out where she worked. A fairly large NGO that Draco had been familiar with for a long time.
He had no idea of her work hours so the blonde parked his car in front of the building and settled into the seat ready to wait for Hermione to appear. It seemed like a better alternative than simply entering the place and asking for her.
He had spent those days also thinking about the idea of Hermione being in a relationship with Harry. Initially he had felt angry towards Potter. How had he dared to look at Hermione like that? With what right had he started a relationship with her? The pain had consumed him and he had been tempted to seek Harry first and tell him everything he was feeling at the moment.
But his good judgment got in the way.
He knew it was he who was in no position to make a claim. It was he, Draco, who had hurt Hermione and who had left the country, thus fleeing his mistakes. And now he was coming back, ready to destabilize the girl's world. It was unfair and selfish, he knew it, but he couldn't help it. He needed to see her.
So there he was, hiding in his car waiting for his ex-girlfriend. Draco tapped the wheel of the car with his fingertips and sighed, feeling like he waited hours, even though it had barely been a few minutes.
And suddenly she left the building.
It wasn't hard for him to recognize her even though she didn't look exactly the same. Draco got out of the car and watched her from his position on the other side of the street, taking a better look at the differences.
The most outstanding one was her hair, which was now short, though the makeup and clothes she was wearing were also different. But there was something else, something that perhaps was not so noticeable to others but that Draco did notice: the bearing of security and confidence that she now transmits even while walking.
"She looks so different", Draco thought suddenly frozen in place.
When the girl started to walk away from the building Draco knew he was losing his chance, so he took a deep breath encouraging himself to cross the street and, after taking his jacket, he advanced towards Hermione. But he hadn't taken three steps when, suddenly, his phone began to ring and vibrate violently. Draco didn't recognize the number calling him and was tempted not to answer, but something prompted him to do so and, sliding his finger across the touch screen, he took the call.
"Hello?" He asked impatiently while tapping his feet
"Hello, my name is Nurse Brown and I'm calling from the Massachusetts General Hospital," the woman explained, "Sir, do you know Ginevra Weasley?"
"Yes, of course I know her, we are friends," it took him two seconds to process the information, "Wait, is Ginevra okay? What happened?"
"She is being treated right now, but we need a family member to give us her medical and insurance information to..."
"What hospital did you say you were calling from?" Draco cut her
"The Massachusetts General," replied the woman, somewhat exasperated
"I'm going there right now," and without saying more Draco cut the call and got into the car
He drove to the hospital as fast as he could and then ran to the nurses' station to ask for Ginny.
"Can I help you sir?"
"Yes, I received a call from a nurse of this hospital telling me that my friend is being treated right now," he explained between gasps
"What is the patient's name?" The woman asked
"Ginevra Weasley"
The woman typed Ginny's name on her computer and read for a few moments the information
"How is she? What happened?" Draco asked impatiently.
"I'm sorry but unless you are a relative I cannot give you that information" said the woman with a firm voice
"Her mother is currently in a mental clinic in California and his father is on a business trip," Draco was infuriated by the woman's attitude, "I am the closest friend she has in Massachusetts"
The nurse seemed to consider his words but at the end, sighing, handed him a sheet of forms, "Fill out these forms with Ms. Weasley's information and wait here, I'll go call Dr. Michaels"
Draco nodded and hurried to fill out the form with Ginny's basic information. When he finished he sat on the sofa in the waiting room and wrapped his face in his hands, wondering what could have happened to her. "I hope it's nothing serious" he thought as he leaned back on the sofa.
Draco had to wait for about an hour to talk to Dr. Michaels, during which time he tried, unsuccessfully, to contact Ginny's father.
"How is she?" He asked, standing up as soon as the doctor approached him
"We have managed to stabilize her, and the worst part has passed now," he explained in a tired voice
"What exactly happened to Ginny?" Draco demanded to know
"Your friend overdosed," the doctor sighed, "We found traces of various drugs in her system, but apparently what caused the attack was that Ms. Weasley used adulterated drugs".
"Is she going to be okay?" Draco wanted to know
"We were able to control the arrhythmia and we are hydrating her with serum, but it all depends on how her condition evolves," he explained, "She could have permanent liver damage, but it is unlikely, anyway we are monitoring her to prevent that from happening, but Miss Weasley will have to spend a few days here with us"
"Ok, thank you doctor," Draco fell on the couch
"Were you aware she has been using drugs?" The doctor sat next to him
"I found out recently," Draco nodded, "I tried to get her to talk to me about it but she has been avoiding me since I confronted her"
"It is the most common reaction among addicts," explained the man, "Does her family know?"
"I don't think so," he cocked his head, "Her parents are not very present in her life and Ginny, well... her family situation is not the best right now"
"I see," the doctor approached the nurses' station and took a few brochures, "We have an addicts rehabilitation program, here is all the necessary information," he handed the brochures to Draco
"Thank you," he smiled and the doctor walked down the hall
Draco read the information on the brochure and wrote down the contact details on his phone. He was feeling very tired and hungry, so he went to the cafeteria and bought a coffee and a sandwich and then returned to the waiting room.
When it got dark the nurse told him that he should go home and get some sleep since Ginny wouldn't wake up until the next morning, but he preferred to spend the night in the hospital and that he did. The boy woke up around eight in the morning and, after a quick breakfast, was able to enter Ginny's room.
The redhead was plugged to different machines and an IV, but despite that she seemed to be sleeping peacefully. Draco sat in the chair next to the bed and gently took her hand as he watched her.
She looked pale, gaunt, and haggard, and her coppery hair hung lifelessly at the sides of her face. Draco smoothed her hair back gently, but the gesture seemed to wake her up.
"Ginny, can you hear me?" He asked when she started to slowly opening her eyes
"Where… Where I am?" She replied with a weak voice and looking at everything around her until she reached him, "Draco, where are we?"
"It's ok, you're in the hospital," he squeezed her hand
"Hospital? What... what happened to me?" Ginny tried to sit up on the bed but she couldn't
"Easy, easy there," Draco said
"What happened to me?" She asked again
"You overdosed," Draco explained.
"Overdose? No, impossible," she shook her head but, as she did so, a grimace of pain appeared on her face and she moaned
"You know it is possible," he looked directly into her eyes and she tried to hold his gaze but with how weak she was, she ended up sighing, feeling defeated, "What happened yesterday?"
"I don't remember all the details," her voice blurted out like a sob, "I only remember going to Melissa's apartment"
"Melissa?" Draco didn't recognize the name
"A new friend," she explained
"And what happened there?"
"I... I...," Ginny sighed again, "I used something and then I think... I remember going somewhere else but..."
"The police found you passed out in the bathroom of a cafeteria on the outskirts of campus," he explained, "The doctor said you used adulterated drugs," now it was his turn to sigh, "Ginny I thought you were only using cocaine"
Draco's voice sounded so tired and disappointed that something stirred inside Ginny who, for the first time in a long time, felt embarrassed by everything she had done. Ginny cried for a long time and he held her hand and wiped her tears until she calmed down.
"What's going to happen to me?" She asked eventually
"I'm going to help you," he promised, "You're going to overcome this"
"I don't think I can," she whispered, "Draco, I... I'm a mess. I'm a real mess and I screwed up big this time," she muttered with trembling lips
"Hey! You are not a mess, you are Ginevra Weasley, one of the strongest girl I know," he said caressing her face and managing to get a weak smile from her, "You can do this," he said looking into her eyes
"Draco," she took his hand and looked at him desperately. "Please don't tell my parents, please"
"Ginny, I must"
"Please," she started shaking, "Mom can't get news like this, please, I don't want her to have a relapse because of me".
"I could tell your father"
"He won't mind," she answered instantly. "Please Draco, don't say anything to him. It would be just another disappointment to him. He would probably be more bothered by the scandal if this goes out, than for my health"
Draco thought about it and finally agreed, "Fine," he said and she seemed relieved, "But only if you promise to enter a rehabilitation clinic and follow a treatment"
"Is that really necessary?" She looked at him with her big tortured eyes
"It is necessary," he confirmed
"Draco, I don't think I can," she said in a nervous voice.
"Yes you can," his voice sounded sure
"But...," she fidgeted
"If you don't accept, there's no deal Ginevra,"
Ginny felt very anxious hearing Draco's voice so firm. If he told her parents that she had been using drugs, her father would probably send her to some clinic in a foreign country where she would be very lonely for a long time.
"Fine, I accept," she said at the end, knowing it was her best option
"Thank you," he said with a smile, "For now I think it's best if you get some rest, try to go back to sleep so you can recover completely"
"Draco you...," she looked at him nervously, "Could you stay here with me?"
"Of course"
Draco smiled at her, placed a tender kiss on her forehead and sat in the chair next to her until she fell asleep again.
Draco stayed by her side for a long time until, convinced by the nurses that the effect of the medication they had administered would last several hours, he returned to his apartment to get some sleep and take a shower.
After a couple of hours of restful sleep, Draco helped himself to a bowl of cereal and milk and turned on his computer to search for information on rehabilitation centers in Boston. He visited several web sites but selected two that seemed the best to go visit the next day and, after putting on clean clothes, he returned to the hospital to be with his friend.
Ginny spent five days in the hospital fully recovering from her overdose. At the beginning she was the best of the patients, but as they administered less painkillers and she got stronger, the first effects of the detox began to be noticed. All of this influenced her character, so Ginny used to be always in a bad mood and yelling at everyone, especially Draco. But no matter how harsh or rude she was, she couldn't get him to give up his idea of getting her to accept treatment.
So the afternoon Ginny was discharged, Draco was waiting to lead her to what would be her new home for some time: the Spring Hill Recovery Center.
"Why can't I spend a few days with you?" Ginny asked for the umpteenth time
"Because is best if you start your treatment as soon as possible," Draco answered with a smile
He wasn't going to risk leaving Ginny unguarded so that she could use drugs again or escape the city.
"Yeah right" Ginny cursed under her breath but he ignored her
"Ginny, you will like the place," he commented, "It is a bit far from the city but is really beautiful. I have visited the facilities myself and I assure you that being surrounded by all that nature, you will improve much sooner"
"Why don't you take my place then?" She asked, annoyed
"You will also have privacy because they are very discreet," Draco continued, "So no acquaintance will see you or know that you're there, as you asked"
"What will happen to my things in the sorority? She turned to him
"I already spoke with Hannah and told her that you took a vacation so you wouldn't return to the sorority until the next semester," Draco explained, "I took out all the things you had there and storage in a secure location"
"You clearly thought of everything," she glared at him
"This is what's best for you Ginny," he said holding her hand, but she withdrew it instantly
Ginny was sulking for the rest of the hour and a half it took them to get to the place, so Draco had a hard time convincing her to get out of the car when he parked at the entrance to the center, but in the end Ginny accepted and, although her face showed her discomfort, she walked without objection until entering the lobby of the place.
"Welcome to Spring Hill Recovery Center" greeted a woman with a singing voice, "How can I help you?"
"Hello," Draco greeted her with a handshake, "My name is Draco Malfoy and this is my friend Ginevra Weasley, we have an appointment with the director of the center"
"Oh, yes, of course," she said after checking the agenda, "This way please"
The woman led them to a rustic office, where the director greeted them with great kindness and explained - especially to Ginny - about the approaches and treatments they offered.
"The last time I was here we agreed that Ginny would stay for a while" Draco commented.
"Only if she decides to accept treatment"
The headmistress looked at Ginny and Draco did too. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat and considered it for a few moments.
The last few days she had needed tremendously to be able to have something to help her relax and forget everything. Ginny knew that if she had a little something again, she could return to the life she was leading before and sometimes she believed that that was all she wanted, but suddenly she had a moment of clarity amid so much despair, and she was afraid of the power that drugs had on her
"I want to stay here," she said at the end with weak voice
"It's a big step you're taking," the director took Ginny's hands and she didn't take them away, "We'll take good care of you"
Ginny nodded and after that she tried to listen more carefully to the treatment she would follow. Apparently the best thing for her would be individual therapy, and then move on to group and family therapies, although obviously it would be Draco who would replace her family.
"How long will I have to stay here?" She asked as they headed to her room
"That depends on your recovery path, dear," replied the director with a smile
"And what about the visits? When can I come see Ginny?" Draco asked this time
"Visits are on weekends," she explained
"You'll be here, right?" Ginny looked nervously at Draco
"Of course," he took her hand gently and walked with Ginny
Ginny had to admit that the place was beautiful. As Draco had commented the facilities were surrounded by trees and green areas. Since it was August early days, the landscape looked full of life and, against all odds, that made Ginny feel hopeful.
The buildings were made of wood, but they had all the comforts and technology available. The bedroom area was connected to the therapy area and common room through a wooden bridge. They crossed it and the director led them to enter a large house where a tall young man, who identified himself as the manager, was waiting for them.
Ginny's bedroom was on the second floor. It was small but very neat. The redhead sat on the bed, which was soft and had a white coverlet, and quickly inspected everything. The furniture was also made of wood, a bedside table with a lamp and a simple dresser. There were no electronics or mirrors, and for patients own safety, rooms didn't have private bathrooms either.
The director and manager gave some quick recommendations and then left them alone.
"Well, what's the verdict?" He asked sitting next to her
"At least it has windows," she said trying to smile
"Ginny," he hugged her and she shed a couple of tears
"Promise that you will come to see me," she said in a nervous voice
"I'll be here every weekend," he promised
"Thanks Draco," Ginny hugged his body like when they were children and he patted her on the back
"Everything will be fine, everything will be fine," he said trying sound convincing
The director returned a moment later and told Draco that it was time for him to leave. They walked back to his car and, after one last hug, Draco said goodbye to her, repeating his promise to visit her on the weekend.
A MONTH LATER
Ginny woke up around nine in the morning and, after a quick shower, went downstairs for breakfast. The dining room was much more lively than usual since it was a Saturday, and families would come to visit patients.
The girl greeted George, the cook, and sat next to Nina and Evan at their usual table. They chatted while eating their porridge, until they were interrupted by Evan's father.
Shortly after, Nina's sister also arrived and Ginny was left alone for a while, waiting for Draco. He had called the center the day before to let Ginny know he would be arriving in the afternoon, so she didn't worry too much and read a couple of magazines while she waited.
Draco arrived after noon and found Ginny dozing on the furniture in the common room.
"Hello," he said with a smile when she woke up
"Draco!" She hugged him for a long time, "Why did you take so long?"
"I work now, you know," he smiled at her and handed her a box, "These are for you. I read that chocolate makes people happy"
Ginny laughed and took the box, opened it, and popped one of the delicious chocolates into her mouth, "They are good," she said with a smile, "Wait here. I'll take these to my room and then we can go for a walk"
Ginny got lost down the hall, went up to her room and put the chocolates on the neat bed.
"How are you today?" Draco asked once they left the common room.
"I'm fine, I guess," Ginny always offered the same answer to that question
"I'm glad," he took her hand and they walked across the bridge and headed to the back gardens
"Oh right, I called my mother yesterday," Ginny looked at him with a happy smile, "She told me that she's adjusting very well to her life in Santa Barbara. She even started a book club! Can you believe it?"
"That's great," he gave her a wide smile, "I'm sure you'll be able to see her soon"
The detox process had not been easy as Ginny had created a stronger addiction to drugs than he believed. Despite having decided to stay at the center, it wasn't easy for her to do her part to continue the treatment.
For the first few days, she had refused even to talk to her therapist. She used to sit on the couch in the office looking out over the gardens and not saying anything. Apparently it wasn't something that unusual because the woman didn't complain at any time, but waited until Ginny began to answer her questions, which happened almost two weeks later.
That, added to the medications she was taking, had produced a big change on Ginny. And Draco was happy not to be greeted with complaints and reproaches on the weekends, as had happened at the beginning when the redhead used to threw to his face the things he brought her to make her have a more bearable stay,
"You already started the group therapy, right?" He asked when they sat at a wooden table in the garden
"I've only been to two meetings," she agreed. "It's good to listen to the others, I learn a lot from them. And you want to know something? I have realized that I am a very lucky girl"
"Lucky?" He looked at her curious
"Yes, despite everything, I am," she smiled and nodded, "A lot of the guys here went through really terrible situations before receiving treatment. But you rescued me before I did something crazy"
Ginny flinched
"It's true, you owe me a huge one Ginevra," he also smiled at her
"I'll buy you dinner once I'm out of this place," she laughed and he joined her
After that they had lunch together and then decided to go horseback riding in the hills.
"I haven't ridden a horse in a long time," Draco said stroking the head of his, a very beautiful bay specimen.
"It's very relaxing isn't it? I love this part of living here" Ginny smiled at him and climbed up to hers.
Draco followed suit and they rode for a while, competing with each other. Draco won every race and in the end they dismounted and walked back to the stables.
"Draco," Ginny called him, "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what is it?" He encouraged her to do it
"Have you talked to Hermione already?" She asked nervously
The question caught Draco by surprise, so he paused for a moment
"Not yet," admitted cocking his head
"I'm sorry, maybe I shouldn't have asked," she sighed, "I'm sorry I made you feel uncomfortable"
"Not at all," he reassured her, "Actually if I haven't talk to you about her it's because I thought you would feel uncomfortable"
Ginny smiled sadly, "It is part of my therapy to deal with my problems" she explained
"You consider Hermione as a problem?" he wanted to know
"No, of course not," she hastened to say, "The problem is that I spent a lot of time harboring anger against Hermione, when she never deserve that"
"The sad part is that I always thought you guys got along very well," he admitted
"I think everyone had that impression," Ginny sighed and continued, "The truth is that I was way too hard with her. No, hard is not the right word. I was mean and manipulative with Hermione"
"Ginny..." he tried to interrupt her, not sure if he wanted to hear about those details
"No, please, I need to talk about this," she looked at him and he nodded. "I always treated Hermione badly; I never deserved the friendship she gave me. And the same thing happened with Harry, I didn't make the right choices during our time together"
Draco considered her words for a moment, not sure what to feel. On one hand he was bothered by the fact that Ginny had given Hermione a hard time, but he was aware that she was trying to do better, so he couldn't get angry with her either.
"You may not have done things right with Harry, but he really loved you," he said at the end, avoiding referring to Hermione
"I know," Ginny's voice sounded tremendously sad, "I loved him too"
"Loved him? Don't you love Harry anymore?" He dared to ask
"I don't know," she cocked her head, "A part of me misses him like the first day, but... I don't know, maybe I already accepted the fact that there can never be anything between us"
"But maybe when you get out of here you could try talking to him," Draco bet
"Maybe," she shrugged, "But honestly, after what I did to him, I don't think I deserve the chance to talk to him again
Draco felt a pang of discomfort run through his body as he realized that he didn't deserve that either.
"Is that why you haven't talked to Hermione yet?" Asked the girl, seeming to follow the course of his thoughts
"I'm scared," he admitted
"Scared of her rejecting you"
"Exactly," his voice broke, "Because I know that will happen. And also... well..." he looked at her, not daring to finish the sentence
"Besides she's with Harry now," she finished for him and without being able to contain herself she asked, "Have you seen them together?"
"No. I have seen Hermione, once, but never with him"
"Maybe... maybe they're not together anymore," Ginny knew it was wrong but she couldn't help her voice sounding a bit hopeful
"Maybe," Draco accepted without daring to tell her that they were still together and that if he hadn't seen her with Harry it was because the latter had been in Virginia for the last few weeks, "I'm starving. Let's go back to the center, yes?"
Ginny accepted and, after leaving the horses in the stables, they returned to the center and had a short snack while socializing with the other patients and their families.
Draco, as always when he visited Ginny, stayed in one of the rooms intended for the family of the patients at the center, so that night he stayed up late talking to Ginny about her plans for when she left the center.
"I think I'll travel until the next semester starts," she said
"I could go with you," he commented.
Ginny smiled. She knew he was offering that because he wanted to keep an eye on her, but she didn't say anything, "We'll see," she hugged him and after a while she fell asleep
They had a routine similar to Saturday's on Sunday, and when it was time to leave, Ginny hugged him tightly and asked him to come back the following week. Draco soothed her, gave her a tender kiss on the forehead and walked to his car. He was about to get into the vehicle when Ginny's therapist called him
"Draco, can I talk to you?" Asked the woman
"Of course Irene," he followed her to her office, "Is there something wrong"
"Well, I don't know if you have noticed Ginny a bit different these days that you were with him"
"Well… she seems to be calmer than before. Is that what you mean?" He asked confused
"Ginny has done great progress in her therapy against her addictions," Irene accepted, "But she still has some pending issues that do not allow her to advance emotionally"
"What do you mean?" He asked, feeling suddenly anxious
"I mean that these last few days we have been talking a lot about her past, her family and the relationship she had before arriving at the center"
"Her relationship with Harry"
"Yes," Irene smiled at him, "That boy meant a lot to Ginny and, now that she has another perspective on things, guilt is invading her mind and I fear that she might developed depression, especially since it is a recurring illness in her family"
"What can we do to prevent it?"
"Draco, I know things didn't end well with that boy," she admitted. "But I would like to know, is there a possibility that he could come here to talk to Ginny? I think that would help her a lot"
He considered her words
"I'm telling you this because I know that if I ask Ginny, she will refuse to contact the boy"
"I know," Draco sighed, "Irene, I really don't know if I can convince Harry to come here but I can try"
"I didn't expect less," she smiled, "Thank you Draco"
He held out his hand, "Please, if Ginny needs anything else, let me know"
"Of course"
Draco returned to his car and mentally reviewed his conversations with Ginny. He hadn't noticed anything different about her, but then again he was no expert, and if Irene was concerned then it was better to listen to the woman.
By the time he got to his apartment Draco was exhausted, so he took a shower and tried to rest, but he couldn't. He rolled on the bed for a long time without being able to sleep, so eventually he got up, opened his laptop and accessed his email account.
Draco clicked on the "new message" option and when the dialog box popped up; he realized he didn't know what to write. Muttering a curse, he stared at the screed as he thought about what so say. In the end, he decided to try to be as concise as possible
"Harry, I know that you and I aren't exactly in the best place right now, so I hope that makes you understand that I wouldn't be writing this if it wasn't really important.
It's about Ginny. She is not well and needs your help. If at some point you really felt something for her - and I know you did - contact me. I'll leave you my information at the end of the message, Draco. "
And after writing that, he sent the email without much thought.
"Welcome back," Hermione gave Harry a short kiss before hugged him tightly
"Apparently someone missed me a lot these weeks that I was absent," he commented with a smile
"Just because I hate eating alone," she said with a smile that Harry took advantage of to steal a kiss
She tapped him lightly, and after that brief exchange, they left the airport and headed for Harry's car.
"Is your dad feeling better?" She asked
"Yeah, fortunately his surgery was not very risky," he sighed
"I'm glad," she took his hand and he smiled at her
"How was everything here?" Harry asked
"Everything is the same," she shrugged, "I've been working a lot these last days. Do you remember the other intern?"
"Kelsey from New Jersey?"
"Yes, she," Hermione smiled, "She's not very helpful you know? Last week we had a big event, many conferences to organize, publicity to supervise and I practically did everything alone. It was like being in the sorority again, only now I can't just quit."
"Then see this situation as an opportunity. I'm sure your boss notices the enormous effort you make".
"I guess so," she shrugged.
Harry left Hermione in her dorm building after agreeing to go out for dinner that night. Once in his apartment the boy collapsed on his bed to try to sleep for a few hours.
He woke up near the end of the afternoon drenched in sweat. He had had a bad dream but now he couldn't remember what it was about. Dismissing those thoughts Harry took a quick shower and since he still had time before passing by Hermione, he turned on his laptop to catch up on messages and social media.
One message in particular caught his attention, especially after seeing that the sender was Draco. Harry wanted to delete the message without opening it, furious at his audacity, but his curiosity was stronger than his rage and he ended up reading the message
"Harry, I know that you and I aren't exactly in the best place right now, so I hope that makes you understand that I wouldn't be writing this if it wasn't really important.
It's about Ginny. She is not well and needs your help. If at some point you really felt something for her - and I know you did - contact me. I'll leave you my information at the end of the message, Draco."
A chill ran through his body when he finished reading the message. He had honestly believed that Malfoy had written to him to say something about Hermione, but apparently this was about Ginny.
Harry ran his hands through his hair, messing it up even more, as he considered what to do. "Should I call him? Was this all true or was it just a trap from Draco? And wasn't he out of the country?" All those questions appeared in his mind managing to leave him very confused.
"And what had happened to Ginny? Was she ill?" Harry pushed himself out of the chair and walked around the apartment without deciding what to do. He was still brooding over the message when his phone alarm went off, reminding him that it was time to stop by Hermione. Relieved by the distraction, he took his wallet and keys, and left the place.
"Sorry I'm late," he said when he found Hermione outside her building.
"No problem," she linked their arms and they walked to their favorite restaurant, "Did you get some sleep?"
"Not much," he admitted
They sat at a table on the terrace and ordered. Harry was silent, thinking about Draco's message and especially what he mentioned about Ginny.
"Harry, hey," she caressed his arm, "What are you worried about?"
"Mione, I'm sorry, I'm not the best company tonight." He offered her a weak smile. "It's just that I was thinking about… dad."
"I imagined that," she took his hand gently
"I'm sorry," he said again
Hermione smiled at him and after that they ate in silence, but as Harry looked at her, he couldn't help but wonder if he should tell her that Draco was back in Massachusetts. He thought about it for a few moments and preferred not to, after all Malfoy hadn't mentioned her in his email and apparently had no intention of looking for her.
But was it just that? That hideous voice in his head asked. If he was honest, Harry was a little afraid of his girlfriend's reaction to the news of Draco's return. What if she still harbored feelings for Malfoy and decided to give him another chance?
With those questions in mind Harry paid the bill and they went back to Hermione's building, where she gave him a short kiss before entering her bedroom. Harry watched her walk away before drove back to his apartment.
Hermione removed the makeup from her face, put on her pajamas, and got into bed. Alicia was out on a date with Julian and she wouldn't be back until late at night or maybe morning, so she was alone in her bedroom with nothing else to do but think about her life.
She had been dating Harry for almost three months and was feeling more and more at ease with him. She hadn't been lying when she told him that she had missed him during his time in Virginia, because she was so used to being with him that it was weird not having him around.
Yet she couldn't help but wonder if he felt that way too. Clearly something was bothering him and Hermione wasn't quite sure if it was just his father's surgery. In truth, she was almost certain that he was hiding something from her. At some point in her contemplations Hermione fell asleep and woke up the next morning just in time to go to work.
Hermione didn't see Harry until a couple of days later as her job was taking up most of her time and also the semester had just started, so she arranged to meet him for dinner on Friday night.
On Friday Harry still hadn't replied to Draco's message.
Although he tried not to dwell on the matter too much, the truth is that he was still wondering whether to communicate with Malfoy. But what tormented him the most was the fact that he hadn't told Hermione about the message, especially because he wasn't used to hiding anything from the girl.
Since they were having dinner together that night, he decided to cook a special dish, so after calling his parents and chatting with them for a while, he cleaned up his apartment and went to the supermarket to buy the groceries he needed for the dinner.
Using an online recipe, Harry cooked meatloaf, although the truth is that once he took it out of the oven it deflated. Annoyed, but no longer able to improvise anything else, Harry changed his clothes and waited for Hermione to arrive.
She, for her part, had come to the department determined to clear things up with Harry. When he opened the door, she gave him the best of her smiles and a long kiss, making him feel miserable again because of what he was hiding from her
"I see that you've cleaned," she commented after leaving her bag on the sofa
"Living alone has made me more responsible," he laughed and she accompanied him, "Come, follow me, dinner is almost ready"
Harry led her into the kitchen and she leaned against the counter as she watched him arrange the meatloaf on the plates.
"Did you cook?" She asked while wrinkling her nose
"Yes, and I can promise this is very tasty," he replied, approaching to give her another kiss
"I'll be the one to judge that, Harry Potter"
Hermione settled the plates on the table, while Harry set the glasses and wine. Once they sat down to dinner and Hermione tasted the food, she had to admit it tasted good. Dinner was passed between jokes and comments about their friends and work, and after that they went into the living room and sat on the sofa while drinking wine.
"Do you want to see a movie or a series?" Harry asked
Hermione shook her head, "I have a better idea," she responded as she climbed onto his lap and kissed him passionately. Harry cradled her face with his hands and tried hard to be carried away by his girlfriend's intoxicating kisses, but he couldn't do it.
Despite the fact that he had missed her and was dying to feel her, guilt wouldn't let him reciprocate her caresses. And she seemed to notice that.
"What is it Harry? Don't you want to…?"
She didn't finish the question but he understood what she meant
"I'm sorry Mione," he whispered looking at her sadly, "I don't know what's wrong with me tonight, I'm sorry."
Harry looked at her sheepishly not knowing what else to do or say.
Hermione got off his lap and sat next to him. She wasn't hurt by Harry's attitude, but rather disappointed. She had hoped things had fallen into place in these few days without seeing each other but clearly something was still going on with him.
This whole situation reminded her of the last days of her relationship with Draco and she wasn't willing to be taken for a fool once again.
"Was this a mistake Harry?" She demanded to know looking into his emerald eyes
"What do you mean?" He looked at her, clearly not understanding what she was referring to
"I mean this relationship. Was it a mistake?"
"What? Of course not! Why would you say something like that?"
"Because there is something that you have clearly been hiding from me for these past days and I need you to be honest with me".
"You noticed, huh?" He sighed
"You are my best friend Harry, I know you"
Harry sighed again, "I received information when I came to visit my parents. I haven't told you because I don't want to upset you if there's no reason for it"
"Is it something that concerns me?"
"No, I mean, maybe, yes but..." he shook his head and took her hands in his, "Hermione, do you trust me?"
"Of course I trust you but..."
"Then please, Mione let me first have the full picture before I tell you what's going on. I don't want you to worry about something that might not be worth it. Please".
Hermione studied his gaze before answering.
"Fine, but you'll have to tell me eventually what's all this about"
Harry hugged her to his chest and Hermione allowed herself to forget for the moment what had just happened. She trusted Harry and knew that he wouldn't hurt her. He wasn't like...
"Should I leave now?" Hermione asked after a while
"No, no, stay here tonight," Harry gently caressed her face and kissed her slowly, "If you wish, of course".
Hermione nodded. It would be nice to have someone by her side that night.
"Do you want something more comfortable to sleep in?"
"Please"
The girl took off her shoes and went to Harry's room. She took a T-shirt from the closet and put it on like pajamas.
Harry came into the room a few minutes later with a couple of beers and snacks. She smiled at him and lay down on the bed, patting the other side for him to join her.
"Our first night together," Harry said when she squeezed into his side.
"Shut up and put on a movie" she replied smiling
Harry kissed her before doing so.
After several hours and when he was about to fall asleep, with Hermione clutched next to him, the boy thought that he hadn't felt so peaceful for a long time.
Draco hadn't expected Harry to immediately reply to the message, but after four days without receiving a response, he decided that it was time to take a different course of action.
So he went to visit Potter in his old dorm room on campus but apparently neither he nor his former roommate lived there anymore, so after some inquires with mutual friends, he was able to obtain his new address.
And that's where he was heading now, feeling anxious at the prospect of a refusal of his request to speak to Ginny. "Maybe he doesn't even care about her anymore", he thought as he dodged the morning traffic, wishing he was wrong.
Harry's apartment was located in a building similar to Draco's. He parked his car, got into the elevator, and closed his eyes for the entire ride, suddenly feeling very nervous.
Once the elevator doors opened, Draco walked down the corridor to apartment 402. He rang the bell after taking a deep breath, and waited for his former friend to appear.
Draco waited for a couple of minutes and was about to ring the bell again when the door finally opened. But it wasn't Harry who received it, it was Hermione.
Draco's heart pounded at the sight of her and a smile spread across his face. But the smile faded as he took a better look at her. Hermione was wearing a long shirt that clearly belonged to Harry and barely covered her thighs, she was also barefoot, her hair was messy and her face was still sleepy.
They had spent the night together.
"Draco," she whispered in disbelief when her mind processed that it was really him she was looking at.
"Mione who is it?" Harry suddenly appeared behind her and the same astonished expression appeared in his eyes. "Draco, what are you doing here?"
With all the rage he felt, Draco had a hard time containing the urge to hit Harry for touching her, but he clenched his fists tightly and responded
"I'm sorry, I think I came at the wrong time," he said with a side smile, "I'll be back later Harry, I need to talk to you about a serious matter"
And without waiting for an answer, he turned around and disappeared down the corridor.
Hermione had been frozen staring at the piece of wall in front of her, and reacted only when Harry closed the door and gently took her arm.
"Did you know he was back?" She asked after collapsing on the couch
"I assumed it," he answered sitting next to her and explained, "He sent me an e-mail asking to meet me".
"To meet you, why you?"
"I don't really know," he shrugged, "He just said that... Ginny is not well and that he needed to talk to me"
Hermione nodded.
"So that's what you didn't want to tell me." She cleared her throat and he nodded. "Will you talk to him?"
"I don't know," he hid his face in his hands, "I don't know what I should or shouldn't do. Help me"
Hermione hugged him while she wondered what to say to him.
"Draco can be a jerk," she said, "But I don't think he would go so far as to joke about something like this"
"Should I call him then?" He looked into her eyes
"It's probably the right thing to do"
Harry considered her words for a few moments, while Hermione tried not to think about her ex-boyfriend.
"I guess I'll call him later," he said
Hermione suddenly stood up, "I think I should go"
Hermione went back to the bedroom to get dressed, cleaned her face and fix hair a bit. When she came out, Harry was waiting for her in the living room
"Do you want to have breakfast?" He asked trying to sound animated
"I'm not hungry," she excused herself, "It would be best if I returned to my bedroom"
"Mione wait," he gently took her arm, "Are you okay? I mean about your encounter with Draco a little while ago".
"I'm fine," she gave him a brief smile, "Draco being here doesn't change anything between us, does it?" She didn't wait for him to answer, "Besides, it is clear that he didn't return because of me, but for Ginny. I'll call you later Harry, I must go"
Hermione grabbed her bag and then left the apartment, leaving Harry deep in thought.
Hello again! So this was a long chapter, and I would love to read your thoughts about it. Thanks again for reading :)