Chapter 8 – Relinquish

He touched her cheek – the softness of his skin made her weak – and she breathed slowly. His eyes were cool now, no longer the eyes of a murderous killer, or a rogue Death Eater, no; these were the eyes that no one saw but her. When they were together at night, alone with no one else around, his demeanor changed so much. He was lonely, constantly seeking someone to fill the void – a best friend perhaps, or maybe even a girlfriend. But this was Draco Malfoy, and he hardly committed himself to anything, let alone anyone. But maybe, just maybe, he could make an exception this time.

He gently closed the gap between them, his eyes questioning if it was alright. She nodded and he dipped his head to brush his lips against hers, his fingers pulling her closer. He walked her back against the door and was satisfied when she moaned into his mouth, and he could feel his pulse, as well as her own, speeding up. Her hands tangled in his hair and he groaned, feeling a tiny twitch in his right leg. He pulled away from her, suddenly, cautiously, and looked down at her.

"We can wait, I think it's for the best," he whispered against her mouth. She put her hands on his chest and he cringed, certain she was going to push him away, tell him that this, what they had, was over. Instead, she looked up at him, her eyes bright, and her fingers running swiftly through his hair.

"That would be good," she replied and pulled him down to the floor with her. She laid her hand on his chest, her arm going around his stomach. "Do you think that anyone would understand about Blaise if I told them?"

Draco tilted his head slightly. "They still don't know – not even Granger?"

Ginny shook her head. "How could I tell them something like that?"

"Hermione's resourceful," commented Draco. "I'm sure she could have helped you if you let her."

"Maybe," Ginny said.

"Why did you ask me to help you, Ginny?" he asked suddenly, his voice different.

She stared at him, watching his hair fall into his eyes, the slightest frown creasing his lips. He turned his head toward her, waiting patiently for her to speak. Ginny let out a low breath and stared at her lap, drumming her fingers on her skirt. "You had already known what happened to me, or at the very least, believed it."

"Because I know how Zabini works," Draco said, sneering.

Ginny nodded. "You've known him a long time."

"Too long, I think."

"Did he tell anyone you kicked his ass?" Ginny asked.

Draco smiled at her. "Then they'd ask why and we couldn't have him exploiting himself, now could we?"

It was much later that night when Ginny stumbled back into the Gryffindor common room and slumped down in the chair by the fire. "You're back late," mumbled a voice and Ginny jumped. She knew that voice. But how had he come to be here? She kept her head straight, not daring to look behind her as she heard faint footsteps approaching. "You were with him, weren't you?" he hissed, and she could feel his hot breath against her ear. "Answer me," he snarled. She kept quiet. She closed her eyes, feeling his fingers in her hair, and then he yanked. She cried out in pain but still managed to say absolutely nothing. "You will talk!" he struck her across the face. "He ruined my face, did you see, your precious Death Eater attacked one of his own! Do you want to know why, Ginny?" he grabbed her chin roughly, making sure to ground his nails in.

She nodded. "Yes…"

"Because of you," he hissed, his hands now locked around her wrists. "You had to run your fucking mouth and tell everyone what I did to you."

Ginny stared at him. "You…hurt…me. You got what was coming."

He hit her again, this time, she cried out. He flicked his wand and put a Silencing Charm around the room, and dragged her to the floor. He pinned her beneath him and smirked. "You told them because you liked what I did, you liked that I was inside of you." His fingers started to undo her skirt and his vacant hand slid against her mouth as she screamed.

He raised his hand to hit her once more, and she knew that she would die if his fist connected with her face, and glared at her. "Please, don't do this…" her voice cracked.

"Too late," he whispered harshly, the horrible scene replaying in her mind. Then she heard it.

"Crucio!"

All that she could hear before she passed out was Blaise's gut-wrenching scream.