CHAPTER 3: The Rumour Mill
Waking up was an odd experience to put it lightly. Ginny was the first up, and spent a good minute simply staring at the two Slytherins she had in her bed. She didn't mind Millicent being there. Having a sleep over with another girl, it was more normal. Having a boy nearly naked sleeping next to her was not. In many ways last night felt like a dream, or some sort of out-of-body experience. And instead of it being gone upon waking up, she found it was still happening.
Quietly, she slipped out of bed and grabbed her school clothes to change. Coming out freshly showered and dressed, she let Millicent go in next. Draco glanced at her and Ginny found herself frozen in place. The look he was giving her, he was nervous. That couldn't be good. "Don't turn around or close your eyes. If this plan of yours is going to work, we're going to need to get really good at being comfortable around each other." Ginny gulped and nodded. "I mean it Weasely, I'm not planning to look like I'm forcing you." She nodded again and he took a deep breath before getting out of bed.
Ginny knew her face was on fire. She could be honest. He didn't look bad. With the exception of the ugly dark mark marring his arm of course. His legs had defined muscles, covered in fine blond hairs. His torso was flat, his muscles small but noticeable on his arms. She could tell just by looking at him that he was stronger than her. He would be able to throw her against a wall and kiss her if he wanted. At some point, she had figured out that their public displays were going to have to be slightly violent. She was going to have to trust him to pull her around, push her against surfaces. She was terrified. And yet, a small part of her wasn't. She chose not to think about that other emotion that was swirling around in her.
Of course, it wasn't a full show. His most private area was well covered. She couldn't help but look down though, curious to see if there was an outline. She would never admit it of course, but she wouldn't have minded if there was. His trousers were back up and he was buckling his belt before she could get a good look though. "Malfoy?" He looked up at that and Ginny found she couldn't say it. Not now. Not with Millicent still here. "Hang back before heading to breakfast?" He nodded and she let out a breath, deciding to distract herself by packing her satchel. Her nerves were jumping, her face felt hot, and she tried very hard to remember that she was a Gryffindor; brave and all that. Ten minutes later, the wall opened and they all piled out of her room, ready to face the day. Or, in theory at least. Millicent gave them both a small smile, before nervously making her way down the hallway. Ginny knew she was terrified of running into Crabbe, but she hoped Draco and herself would be able to offer enough of a distraction that Crabbe would forget about her very soon.
Alone with him, Ginny found her stomach had clenched uncomfortably. "You know Weasley, the whole point of this plan of yours is that we have an audience when we're together." Ginny nodded and tried to keep a steady voice. "I know. But if you want it to look, eager, on both of our ends, we should try it out here first. Just in case." He glared at her and snapped his retort. "In case of what?" She straightened her back and made sure to look him in the eye. He was not going to intimidate her. "In case I freeze up. In case I can't hide my disgust." Malfoy looked at her for a moment, and then suddenly he shoved her against the nearest wall. She shrieked in surprise, but refrained from retaliating. He was right, this needed to happen. If he was going to be the one to initiate it, well at least that meant she didn't have to. He was gripping her wrists and his torso was pressing down on her own. She was acutely aware of her breasts touching his chest and found herself flushing.
"Be honest Weasely; does this disgust you, or does it turn you on?" Ginny knew the answer, but she would be damned before she admitted it. "What I feel doesn't matter. What matters is what others see. You're right, this is about having an audience. And what better way to start rumours than a hickey? The Great Hall has been made impervious to glamour charms this year. It will be a perfect way to get attention." Not to mention, it wouldn't require actual intimacy or having to kiss Malfoy in front of the entire school. He stared at her for a moment and then nodded. "Alright." At his agreement, Ginny found herself tensing and her heart beat quickening. She opened her mouth in order to say, well she wasn't sure what, but Malfoy spoke over her anyhow.
"Overthinking this isn't going to help Weasley. Just jump." And with that, he latched onto her collarbone and Ginny felt a deliciously warm and hot mouth sucking at her in a way she had never experienced. She had kissed boys before. She had made out with Michael, Dean, and Harry. None of them had been aiming to leave hickeys though. She found she could do nothing but gasp and, to her mortification, moan as Malfoy worked his way up her neck, sucking hard in order to produce marks that would be visible to all. It was painful, particularly as he sucked at the point right under her jaw, but she found she didn't mind nearly as much as she should. Instead of pulling away at the pain, she found herself pressing closer towards him. Her arms had circled around him long ago, and she found herself lifting her legs to wrap around his waist. For him to get a good angle, he had put her up on her tiptoes and she found her new position much more comfortable. His arms were securely around her waist and Ginny realized this was not nearly as uncomfortable as she thought it'd be. His arms holding her, his breath so close to her ear, his stubble rubbing against her cheek, it was all working wonderfully to mess with her mind. And instead of fighting it, she went with it.
He let go of her neck and stared at her for a second, before Ginny leaned forward and caught his lips with hers. She felt lighter than air. She felt crazy. She was kissing a death eater. And she didn't want to stop. They did though, and Ginny put her legs back on the ground, waiting for her thoughts to catch up with her. Jump indeed. She had just jumped into madness. There was no practical reason to have kissed him, but he hadn't seemed to mind. He smirked down at her and she blushed. "Well, if anyone ever wondered what side I go for..." She glanced over at him and smiled slightly. "That conceited are we?." Ginny was well aware a number of girls had probably fantasized about the man in front of her. That didn't mean his ego needed to know that though. His eyes glinted and he smiled slightly. "Jealous are we?" Ginny picked up her satchel and huffed. "Not bloody likely." He laughed, and Ginny found herself smiling in spite of herself, not daring to look back. Arrogant prick.
They walked up to the Great Hall together, and any positive feelings Ginny had were gone by the time they reached the top of the stairs. Her body was like a tightly coiled spring, ready to explode in a nervous breakdown. What were they doing? This was it. None of her friends would ever look at her the same way again. She was about to completely destroy her reputation. Malfoy's would likely benefit from this. Hers would not. She felt Draco's breath by her ear and tensed. "Don't stop now Weasely. Don't let your efforts be for nothing."
And strangely, that was just what she needed to hear. She was doing this for Millicent. She was finally, after months of doing nothing, able to do something that helped someone. She couldn't chicken out now. Taking a deep breath, she walked forward, feeling Draco right beside her. Breakfast was almost over. Everyone would already be seated, having eaten and preparing to go. Their entrance would be obvious and she knew as soon as people took in the state of both of them, every eye would be on them. Opening the doors, Ginny's first thought was it wasn't nearly as bad as she thought. A few glanced their way, but there were no screams of horror. No shouting. She let out the breath she had been holding and began to walk. And that's when she heard it. People were whispering, turning to look at her, and she found herself nearly running to her seat. Finally reaching it, she plopped down and grabbed a piece of toast, staring down as she buttered it. "Um, Ginny?" She looked at her toast and realized her hands were shaking. When had she ever been so nervous that she couldn't stop shaking? She couldn't remember.
Looking up, she found herself staring at Neville, his eyes wide as saucers. Lavender was leaning over, gasping at the sight that was undoubtedly her neck. Down the table a little further, she could see others staring and shoved her toast in her mouth. "Are those…" Ginny stared Neville down until he looked away blushing. She reached for bacon and wondered who was going to be brave and ask what Neville couldn't. "Blimey Gin! Who's the lucky bloke?" She couldn't help but smile. Leave it to Seamus. "Don't know what you're talking about Finnegan."
His eyes traveled up and down her, and then raised his eyebrow. "Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but someone has thoroughly snogged you." She could just leave it at that. But she knew that it would catch much more attention if she didn't just leave it. And attention was what this was all about right now. "Just snogged hmm? Interesting. Could have sworn there was more." And then knowing her face was soon to resemble a beet, she grabbed an apple and jumped out of her seat to head to her first class. She couldn't bear to look back, but she was rather sure there was a group of shocked faces surrounding the seat she had just abandoned.
She had entered the dungeon hoping for a few moments of solitude, but it was too late. Despite having a five minute breakfast this morning, they had been so late that classes started soon. There was already four other students here, and Ginny had to resist readjusting her tie to try and hide her neck. She had Malfoy's marks all over her neck, proclaiming her as his. And she honestly had no idea how to feel about it. Overall though, Potions went better than she could have ever expected. At the NEWT level, it was a combined class of all four houses, meaning Ginny was able to pair up with Luna and brew in relative peace. Luna had made some passing comment about Ginny looking like she had been attacked by Wackspurts, but that had been the only reference to her neck.
Maybe she had been nervous over nothing. Maybe everything wasn't about to spin out of control like she feared. It was in Ancient Runes that her short-lived delusion shattered. It didn't start out too badly. A few minutes into class, a note had flown at her, attacking her head until she opened it. Slut. Well, that wasn't so bad. If all she had to worry about was notes, she thought she'd be okay. And then Professor Babbling told them the classwork today would be partner work. Before she could get up to try and find a partner, Oliver Knotting was there, inserting himself next to her.
"Looking for a partner Ginny?" She didn't know Oliver terribly well, but she nodded anyhow. He was a Ravenclaw and decently smart. For the first five minutes everything had gone normally. And then he glanced over at her and whispered. "You know, others might not approve of what you're doing. But I got to say, I see the benefits. A relationship is too much stress at a time like this. Doesn't mean we can't enjoy the fun bits though. If you ever want, feel free to let me know."
So he had done it. Of course he had. Draco Malfoy was nothing if not a show off. While she had barely managed to make one suggestive comment, he had made enough lewd comments that people were already thinking she was a whore. Merlin, was he impressive. He couldn't have had more than fifteen minutes at breakfast this morning. She felt an odd surge of pride, and then remembered what Oliver had said. Ginny tensed and then forced herself to smile. "Thanks, but I don't think he shares."
And just like that, he was suddenly no longer the friendly partner. His entire demeanor turned icy, and glared at her. "So what? You're his plaything?" Her entire body flushed and she went to reach for her wand without even thinking. Before she could shoot her hex though, his hand was there grasping her wrist tightly. "Drop it, now." She didn't have a choice. It clattered to the ground and he looked down at her in disdain. "You translate the rest of this paper. I'll take this one. Assuming you're capable of it? I have heard giving your body away normally means a lack of brains." Ginny fumed and snatched the paper he had told her to do and tried to block out everything else. She was infuriated with herself when the runes began to go blurry. She was not going to cry. Especially over some stupid comment an idiot boy had made. A boy she barely knew and had no respect for. It had been a long class.
She all but raced to lunch, needing to be surrounded by fellow Gryffindors. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite the usual reception. "It's not true is it?" Ginny looked over at Parvarti and snapped. She was not in the mood for vague comments. "Depends. What exactly is it?" Parvarti exchanged a look with Lavender, but it was Neville who answered to the shock of all. "Of course it's not true. There's a stupid rumour going around that you've been, uh, messing around with Malfoy." Ginny felt her chest constrict and remembered it was for a good cause.
"Oh that. It's not stupid. In fact..." Ginny paused as she watched Neville go from confused to full of anger. Ginny was slightly shocked at the transformation, but then realized the glare was not directed at her. Instead, he was looking behind her shoulder. She turned around and felt her own anger settle in. Carrow had just walked in, grinning widely. "That can't be good." Ginny agreed, but was secretly pleased at the reminder that whatever her personal life looked like, they would at least be united in their hatred of the Carrows.
They both watched as Alecto jabbered animatedly with Snape. As usual, Snape kept a neutral expression that they could not interpret. But he did nod, and Alecto walked over to her seat even more pleased than when she had come in. "What do you think that was about?" Ginny shared a worried look with her friends, and they all slowly ate as they contemplated the possibilities.
Lunch was soon over, and Ginny was relieved to realize she had managed to avoid the topic of Malfoy. She only had Herbology left and then she would be free to do homework until dinner. She walked into the greenhouse and was immediately called over by Professor Sprout, who seemed rather serious. Ginny went, horribly curious and slightly apprehensive. What did the professor need to tell her in private like this? Class started in two minutes, and people were quickly filing in.
Professor Sprout gave her a reproving look, before forcing a vial into her hand. "I'm not your mother Ms. Weasley and I will refrain from a lecture. If you insist on making a poor decision though, at least drink this beforehand. One sip will suffice." Ginny's entire face was flushed as she slipped it into her robe pocket and made her way back to her seat. She had a sinking suspicion she knew what the Professor had just handed her. The gossip must really be pervasive if even her Herbology professor had heard it this morning. She realized that a professor thinking that of her was more embarrassing than anything a student could have said. Could this day get any worse?
Walking out of Herbology, she found the answer was yes. Somehow, Pansy and Tracy had figured out the sixth year schedule and were waiting for her. "Weasley!" Ginny stopped and gripped her wand in her pocket. What in the world could these two want? They never spoke to her. "The rumours are out of control and we need a straight answer from you. You better hope it's the answer we want to hear. Have you been bothering Draco with your filthy presence?" Ginny narrowed her eyes and lifted her chin up. She realized that this was the upside to the change in the plan. She didn't have to fake feelings for Malfoy. And she didn't plan to. She would tell the truth and show her backbone. This idea people had that she was suddenly available for insulting and bullying had to stop.
"First off, there is nothing about me that is filthy. Cheap, maybe. Filthy, no. Secondly, Malfoy is anything but bothered by me. If you're asking if we talk? No. We don't. He's a bigot and a coward, and I hate him. So you can rest easy. I'm not stealing him from you. If you're asking if we fuck? Ask him." And then she waked off, any embarrassment clouded by anger. Since when did everyone think they could stick their noses in her business like that? Maybe she should start shooting some bat boogey hexes. And then she was on the ground, her satchel an absolute mess in front of her. If she could move, she would have hit them. Knocked them square in the jaw. Hitting her from behind. It was a coward's move.
"He would never do that, you foul little blood traitor. Unlike some, he has taste. Tell the truth. Who were those hickeys from?" Ginny waited for them to realize she couldn't talk. It took them longer than it should have, but they released the spell once they did. Ginny didn't waste a second. Jumping up, she cast two bat boogey hexes and then ran, snatching her satchel up as she went. Entering the castle, she continued to run all the way to the library, only pausing for breath as the entrance came into sight. Sitting down, she pulled out her Transfiguration book and forced herself to focus on the assignment. She wouldn't think of them. She wouldn't think of the vial she could still feel in her robe pocket. She knew it would be bad. This was just the worst of it. It would pass. People would get over the disbelief and shock and then she could move forward with Crabbe.
Almost two hours later, she tucked all her materials back into her bag and prepared herself to go back out into the school. All she had to get through was dinner. Walking down the stairs, she spotted the 7th year Slytherins coming back from Muggle Studies and forced herself to keep walking. She was not scared of them. Still, she might as well know what she was walking into. It appeared the girls, minus Millicent, were all busy pestering Malfoy about something, while the boys looked on with smirks. She had three guesses what they could be talking about. Continuing on, stubbornly refusing to change her path because of them, she thought she'd just pass them. Instead, she panicked as a strong hand gripped her upper arm and yanked her in. "Still hate me?" She found herself staring into Malfoy's eyes. They were a stormy grey and an angry frown dominated his face. Her heart was in her throat. "Always."
"Good." And then with no more warning, he grabbed the back of her head and pulled her into a rough, brutal kiss. Shocked, Ginny let his tongue plunge into her mouth, where it proceeded to try and hit every crevice she had. She could hear the shrieks now, but she kept her eyes closed and clutched his shirt as his hands slid under her shirt, moving up and down on her bare back. She couldn't explain the feeling to herself or anyone else. But pressed into him like this, she trusted he wasn't going to let her get hurt. Not while being held by him at least. All bets were off once their bodies separated, but for now she wasn't worried. He pulled back and she reluctantly opened her eyes, staring at him and trying to block out everyone else. "Room. Now." And then he was dragging her up the stairs by her hand, taking her down a corridor on the second floor as the voices all disappeared.
Out of sight of anyone now, he stopped and looked back at her, dropping her hand in the process. Ginny couldn't help but feel a small twinge of disappointment. Which was ridiculous of course. He ran his hands over his face and slumped onto the ground. "This has been a bloody long day." Ginny nodded and Malfoy sighed. "Well, at least no one will ask if the rumours are true tomorrow. If that little display doesn't convince them we're off fucking somewhere, nothing will." Ginny had to agree.
Realizing they would be here a while, Ginny slid down along the opposite wall and tried to get comfortable. "Well, at least Professor Sprout didn't sneak you birth control, convinced you were a fallen woman." Draco looked at her with a shocked expression before laughing. "Did she really? Wouldn't have thought it of the old bat." Ginny smiled slightly, able to see the humor in it now. "So I know why my day was long; being slut shamed and propositioned. What happened to you?"
Malfoy looked at her as if she had grown a third head before shaking his own in resignation. "I will never understand why you did this to yourself." And then he narrowed his eyes as he came to some realization. "If this is going to work, people can't think you're sleeping around. Vince has to think he's stealing you from me, not just sharing." Ginny felt her face flush and crossed her arms. "Yes, I know. My response was you didn't share. He got less friendly after that. Trust me Malfoy, I have no intention of leading anyone on other than Crabbe." His eyes hardened at that, but Ginny didn't comment. She also did not like thinking about that part of their plan.
They both sat in silence for a little longer before Ginny realized he had avoided her earlier question. "So, did your group have anything to say about this?" He flicked a glance at her and then shrugged. "The girls seem determined to make me say it was all lies, that I would never touch you. They want me to admit that I'd just been having a laugh at breakfast. Other than that, no." Ginny wasn't surprised. "Makes sense. Most of the school is too intimidated by you to ever approach you. Although, you might get some of the seventh year Gryffindors' ire tomorrow. I don't think any of them believed the rumours today. Tomorrow will be a different story."
As she said it, she realized the truth in it. Her friends were going to be much harder to deal with after this. Putting off the inevitable had never really been her style though. She might as well go down and face it now. "Do you think we can go to dinner now? How long does sex normally take?" At that, his back straightened. "Right. You're not going down like that. Get up Weasley. If you want dinner, you're going down there looking ravished."
Her heart was beating quickly again, and she found a smile trying to break through. She shouldn't be happy at those words. He was doing it for appearances sake. He was using her to enhance his own reputation as a lover. She knew all this. And yet, she was still excited. He walked over to her and loosened her tie, popped her top button open, and then grabbed her head with both hands. Tangling her hair as he took her lips in his. She snogged him back, gripping his shirt and yanking. Clothes untucked and wrinkled, they stood there kissing until they both felt sure their lips must be swollen and their faces flushed. Ginny basked in it. His lips were soft and smooth, his tongue in and out as he played with hers. He sucked on her lip, biting lightly. It was wet, but never messy. Intense, but somehow playful. Breaking apart, they both stood there breathing heavily for a moment before Draco took a step back. "Let's go Weasley."
They both walked quickly, in silence, and Ginny wondered what he was thinking. Had he realized what she had? That their plan was more believable than they had guessed? Kissing him took her away from everything. She wasn't empty or hopeless or depressed when she was with him. She was alive and aware, feelings she had almost forgotten were normal. Walking into the Great Hall tonight, it was everything she had expected this morning. It wasn't just students turning around to stare at them. Ginny could feel the disapproving glares of Professors, and kept her eyes averted, unable to meet them. Sitting in her normal seat, she looked around to find stony silence, and all attention on her.
Did they think they could cow her? She glared at them and sat up straighter, refusing to be intimidated. "Is there something you need to ask? If so, out with it." Lavender glanced back at the Slytherin table before refocusing on her. "How?" Ginny couldn't be mad at that question. It was what she would be asking herself. "How what? How do I stand him? I don't. You all know who I am, what I value. He has none of those traits. It's not a relationship and I don't like him. But what I'm doing, it helps me keep my sanity. Trust me, I'm still me."
Neville made a choked sound, and Seamus must be three shades of red. "Gin, if it's only… that, why not someone else?" Of course, it made sense. Of all the people in this school, why him? If she really had chosen him, she knew that attraction would have probably been a factor. He was fit and she knew she wasn't the only one to think so. But that wouldn't be enough for these boys. So she used the more thought out reason. The one that would make this insane choice sound perfectly logical.
"I don't want a relationship or feelings. Not now. I didn't think I could ever use someone like that. But I can with him, knowing he's using me too. Just leave it, okay?" And she was surprised to see that they seemed to. She could feel the unasked questions, but she was relieved to hear them switch to talking about Quidditch. She joined in and found dinner much more enjoyable than she could have predicted.
At least, until she glanced back at the Slytherin table and realized Millicent was sitting at the edge by herself. Of course, this had been a horrible day for her as well. Ginny wondered what she had come up with to excuse her absence yesterday. Looking further down, Ginny tried to take in the shift of dynamics. Daphne was seated between Tracy and Pansy, but she looked horribly unhappy and kept glancing down to where Millicent was. For her part, Millicent was ignoring the glances and eating as if nothing was wrong. Malfoy was actually speaking tonight, holding the older Slytherins' attention while Crabbe looked on unhappily from beside him.
She wasn't used to this. This horrible waiting, having to let things roll out slowly. She knew what the problem was, but the solution wouldn't come for weeks yet. And in the meantime, people were suffering. It was just like the war. People were suffering every day, and yet they were all sitting here, waiting for the solution. She knew whatever Harry, Ron and Hermione were doing had to be done first, but how long was it going to take? They had been gone for almost four months now. It felt like an eternity had passed.
Going into her room that night, Ginny realized that it felt emptier than ever. The bed's enlargement spell had worn off hours ago, and there was no evidence of last night other than the T-shirt and shorts Millicent had worn. She stared at her ceiling and wondered if Alecto's plan really had worked. In a lot of ways, it felt as if the divide between her friends and herself was growing. She knew they got their sense of purpose from the DA. It wasn't something they could talk about it public, and so Ginny really had no idea how any of it was going. And now, they no longer knew what she was doing either.
They would still stand by her, but she wondered how much of it was out of habit at this point. She worked on her homework a bit before going to bed, but she found herself unable to sleep. She knew why. Twice in one day she had made out with Draco Malfoy, and she had liked it. She really believed that she had come up with her plan because it was the only idea she had. And yet, would she still have suggested it if Malfoy didn't look the way he did? If she didn't find herself so physically attracted to him? There was no way for her to know. What she did know though, was she hoped that Malfoy liked it just as much, and that for the first time in what felt like ages, she was looking forward to tomorrow.