Chapter 9 – Mistake

Her eyes shot open and she gazed around, still in the common room, and she nearly screamed when someone grabbed her. His face swam in her blurred vision and he stroked her cheek. He helped her sit up and she coughed, her entire body aching as she sagged against him. "He's unconscious," he whispered into her ear, pulling her limp body into his arms.

Ginny felt her arms go around his neck as he lifted her up and turned to walk out of the room. "What's going on?" said a worried voice. "What the fuck are you doing with Ginny, Malfoy?" The redhead recognized the voice right away. She watched Draco smirk coldly and she shut her eyes, slowly slipping back into darkness. She heard footsteps and a harsh voice mutter, "I asked you a question, Death Eater."

"Are you really that oblivious?" he sneered.

Harry watched him closely as he placed Ginny on the couch and kissed her forehead before straightening up. "Why is Zabini on the floor?"

"Knocked out…"

"Yes, I know that. Why is he unconscious?"

"Haven't you been wondering why Ginny has been acting funny these past few months?"

Harry blinked his complexion paling as he swallowed nervously. "You mean what she told us was true? We thought…"

"You thought she was lying?" Draco stared at him. "Why the fuck would she lie about something like that? She was raped. I don't think you believed her because you didn't want to. You just didn't want to get involved, is that right, Potter?" he walked closer to Harry and watched the raven-haired boy flinch.

"Harry what's—what is Malfoy doing here?" Hermione muttered as she too came into view. "What's wrong with Gin—oh god—she was telling the truth." Hermione's gaze wandered from her friend to the boy on the floor, her eyes wide.

"Granger gets it," Malfoy said with a thin smile as he heard a noise from behind him. Blaise had sat up and was wincing, his face streaked with blood.

"Stupefy!" Harry shouted, knocking the Slytherin back onto the ground. He aimed at Draco now. "Tell me what's going on, right now!"

"Harry, are you stupid?" Hermione said anxiously. "Obviously he and Ginny are seeing each other."

"No…" Harry shook his head. "That's not possible."

"Why would I be here otherwise?" Draco insisted.

"But he's…"

"Harry!" Hermione shouted. "Would you stop being so jealous? You gave her up!"

"For you!" He shot back. "I gave her up because you asked me to, Hermione."

"Whatsgoingon?" Ron mumbled sleepily as he came into view.

"Let's see if Weasley understands this," Draco nodded.

"Malfoy?"

"He's got one. Now, Weasley, if you would be so kind as to answer something for me. Did you sister tell you what happened to her three months ago?"

Ron nodded dumbly, his face white.

"Good. Did you believe it?"

"How could I not?"

"Another good point. You see," Draco nodded toward them. "Your other friends didn't seem to understand that she was in fact telling the truth."

Ron stared at Harry and Hermione, said nothing, and looked at Ginny. "What's wrong with her?"

"He tried to attack her again. Luckily I got here in time."

"I tried to keep a close eye on her," Ron muttered. "If I had…"

"Don't blame yourself," Hermione whispered.

"I don't think you're in any position to comfort, Granger." Draco smirked. "Weasley, give me a hand with this trash, would you?" He pointed his wand at Blaise. "Windgardium Leviosa!" The body rose into the air and Ron moved and raised his own wand to strengthen the hold as they inched toward the portrait, opened it, and dropped the Slytherin at the Fat Lady's feet. Draco was satisfied to hear Blaise's head hit the ground hard.

"I don't get what…" Ron blurted.

"You will," Draco said as he gathered the still redhead in his arms. "I'll take care of her." He said gently. "I think you three have a lot to discuss. I'll send word with her condition soon enough."

Ginny's eyes fluttered and she gasped as she felt something cold sweep across her cheek. She jerked up and nailed Draco in the head as she swung her hand. She gasped and smiled. "I'm sorry! Are you alright?" Her body ached suddenly and she felt very weak. Realizing she was in his room, she trembled. "It happened again…"

"Not this time," Draco shook his head and pulled her toward him. "I wouldn't let him. Potter stunned him, and then your brother and I dumped him outside the common room. When I carried you away, Blaise was gone."

"They all saw you?" Ginny swallowed.

"Yes. Oh don't make that face."

Ginny blinked. "They didn't kill you…I'm surprised."

"They've got a lot to talk about."

Ginny fell silent. "Yeah?"

"Why did you lie to me?" He sounded very hurt. "You told me you didn't tell them about the rape."

She stared at him, her eyes large. "Why would I lie to you?" she whispered, arms encircling his waist. As he watched her movements, his face twitched in annoyance, and he put his hands on her wrists, glaring at her.

"Look at me and tell me the truth."

He was satisfied to see her flinch. "I didn't want you taking on more than you needed because of me."

"So you decided to lie to keep me distressed?"

Ginny stared at him and he wasn't prepared for her reply. "I can't do this anymore."