-Chapter Thirteen-
It was 11:30 PM and Ginny smiled to herself before disappearing underneath her quilts. Ecstatic glee coursed through Ginny and she felt it could be contained by hiding underneath the sheets. Although she had done more with Draco than you usually would before a first date, like kiss on many occasions, Ginny couldn't believe how well it went.
Ginny remembered vividly what happened after she had delivered that knee-weakening kiss to Draco.
He had broken away and re-united their lips, turning the kiss back onto Ginny. They had stayed together like that, underneath the archway for half an hour or so until Draco said something about the cold. He had then walked Ginny back into the school through one of the lesser used corridors and bade Ginny farewell with a kiss and said, "I had fun Weasley. We should definitely go out again sometime," with a smirk.
Ginny simply sighed and said, "oh I don't know. You may have to try a bit harder to win my attention again," and she turned her back on him, looking back over her shoulder deviously. Draco couldn't help himself but to wrap his arms around Ginny's waist and place a lingering kiss on Ginny's neck.
"I love you," murmured Draco into Ginny's ear. Never, would Ginny forget the moments where she felt so alive. Never, would she forget moments with Draco.
Ginny turned around and hugged Draco fully, not wanting to let go. But she did because she could hear far-off laughter that was getting closer. "Bye Draco," said Ginny breathlessly. And then she walked away from him, ready to fall into bed and laugh with happiness. After she was done with that, Ginny resorted to the squishy armchair next to the fire and settled down with the novel Draco had bought her.
However, she just couldn't keep the smile off her face. Ron had returned from Hogsmeade and took a seat next to Ginny, completely putting his feet up on the couch. He had noticed Ginny's radiance and he guessed the source. He still had his doubts about Draco, but the more he saw Draco loving her and Ginny looking like she had stumbled upon a large pile of galleons, the more his bad opinion about Draco wavered.
'Who knows,' thought Ron. 'He could have changed.'
He looked over at Ginny, who of course was smiling and noticed a new looking book in her hands. "Hey Gin, did you buy that in Hogsmeade?" asked Ron, tilting his head oddly so he could properly see his sister.
Ginny looked up and shook her head.
"Malfoy bought you a book?" questioned Ron, some disbelief colouring his tone.
"And some other things," said Ginny quietly.
"Like?"
"Well… some chocolate, a new jacket and a necklace," answered Ginny, a slight flush working its way up her fair neck.
"Malfoy bought you that?" said Ron a bit incredilously.
"Well, he is my boyfriend. What's the big deal?" shot back Ginny defensively.
"Nothing, nothing I guess," said Ron a bit distracted. "It just never really connects for me, how he would buy you anything at all. I'm beginning to forget what a bastard he is… was, thingy…"
Ginny sighed and closed her book. Looking right into Ron's eyes she said, "I understand. I really want to thankyou for being understanding… and even if you're not understanding inside, thankyou for not saying anything, or stopping me. It means a lot." Ginny then crossed the short space between her and her brother and gave Ron a tight heartfelt hug.
Ron's arms automatically wrapped around his sister and he hugged back with equal love. Already his mind was calculating what Ginny had just said. Was she really that happy with Malfoy? Should he really completely relax with the fact Ginny was going out with the ferret?
Then Ginny let go of Ron and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek and exited the room to attend dinner. It left Ron in a daze. Ginny had never shown him so much affection except the time he saved up his money like crazy and bought Ginny her broom for her thirteenth birthday. Then, deciding his brain would explode if he didn't experience Hermione's kisses some more, Ron made his way back up the stairs.
Draco stood in front of the notice board and scanned the notices indifferently for anything of interest. 'Chess club, Gobstones club, the Library club?...' thought Draco as his brain registered what he was seeing. He squinting at the small font when he was suddenly surprised by another persons presence.
"Rah," said Ginny playfully, sticking her head in front of the notices so Draco's face was a mere inch or two in front of her face.
"Frightening," said Draco evenly, recovering from the shock quicker than the average person. "You're late to dinner," he commented.
"So are you," pointed out Ginny.
"I'm reading notices."
"I went to the toilet," retorted Ginny.
"Not Moaning Myrtle's?" asked Draco seriously. But no overwhelmingly seriously.
"Never again," replied Ginny. "Hey, while I'm here, do you want to go to the room of requirement tomorrow night? I'm going to have shit loads of work and guess who can be my study partner?"
"Granger," suggested Draco, trying to suppress a smile.
"Totally, then we're going to get it on on the daybed," continued Ginny sarcastically. "Whatever though, I'll see you there at eight thirty. You better be there or else."
"Or else what?" came Draco's deep silky voice which never failed to make Ginny feel so indescribably good… and alive.
"No more kisses," said Ginny meekly, her sudden controlling streak gone.
"Oh we'll have to see about that won't we," whispered Draco, sliding his arms around Ginny. Sighing in response, Ginny tilted her face closer to Draco and closed her eyes, sensing a kiss coming. However, after a few moments it never came and she snapped her eyes open to investigated. She saw Draco smirking his ever so sexy smirk and she grunted in frustration. Surprising Draco, Ginny's arms shot up from Draco's torso to his head and she placed a short but fiery kiss on his lips that was sure to make him dazed.
'Second time today,' thought Ginny, smirking to herself before stalking off towards the Great Hall with an ever so teasing wink when she looked back to Draco who was still standing there looking a bit awed.
So now Ginny was in bed, very much awake and unable to fall asleep. Deciding to read some more of the book Draco bought her, Ginny whispered, "lumos," and her wand lit up. Then holding the wand about two centimeters above her head with the tip pointing downwards Ginny concentrated and said, "wingardium leviosa." It worked, Ginny's wand was suspended in mid air, spilling its light over the novel. Ginny then proceeded to read but ten minutes later it slipped out of her hands for exhaustion suddenly caught up with her.
Draco exited the library with an armload full of books that he needed for study. Sighing, he realized he had a lot of work cut out for him if he was going to do well in NEWTs. If it wasn't for Ginny he wouldn't have bothered so much with school work this year. But since he now had Ginny to look out for… and people to impress, Draco decided to pick up his standard in school work.
Glancing at his watch, Draco saw that he was ten minutes late to their little meeting in the room of requirement. Quickly striding through the school, he reached the room in five minutes. 'Only fifteen minutes late,' thought Draco. 'That's fashionably late.' Knocking on the door gently, he heard the light pit-pat of Ginny's feet as she crossed the room to open the door.
The first thing that Draco heard was, "you're late," from a disapproving looking Ginny. Draco simply smiled and kissed her.
"Stylishly so," smirked Draco as he bypassed Ginny who was still standing at the doorway with this little pleased expression on her face. "Anyway, you need any help with homework?"
"Um, nah. Surprisingly I'm catching on with all this new stuff quite easily," replied Ginny, shutting the door and locking it.
"Must be because of me," said Draco smugly, setting his books out on the table.
"Yes, Draco. You totally helped me with charms, potions and defense."
"It's my aura, what can I say?"
"Say that you'll come to The Burrow for Christmas," said Ginny tentatively. Draco paused and his expression became serious.
"Are you certain?"
Ginny didn't even have to think. "Yes, I'm certain."
Draco then asked in a soft voice, "don't you think it's a bit sudden? What will your family think? I know you haven't told them. I also get the feeling I'm going to be in a lot of pain if I go over there…"
"You're right. I haven't told them. But… I really want you to be there. I'll convince them to let you stay, I don't know how but I will. And it'll be good to have you around for Christmas."
"Ginny," said Draco, crossing the room and enveloping Ginny in a hug. "Of course I'm going to come. I just don't want to cause any trouble for you. To tell you the truth, I'm sick of spending my Christmas's alone."
Ginny gave a shout of joy and jumped onto Draco showering him with kisses. Draco only managed to stay upright from the shock of Ginny's sudden happy outburst and the fact she leapt up onto him without warning. "You're going to love it at The Burrow!" gushed Ginny. "Mum cooks every day, breakfast, lunch and dinner and her cooking is so good! Some of my brothers should be around so they'll be able to provide some entertainment. We've got this massive yard where you can play quidditch and," but Ginny got cut off by Draco's lips.
"Sounds great Ginger," said Draco huskily. "But what room will I be in?"
"Um…" trailed Ginny, beginning to blush a bit.
"Heaven forbid I stay in your brother's room. I'd rather sleep in the bathtub," said Draco and he wrinkled his nose.
"Haha, yeah. His room is very, orange."
"If you can convince your parents I won't murder you in your sleep, I'll be there," smiled Draco. Ginny replied with a smile of her own. "But right now, don't you have some homework to complete?"
"Lord. You sound like Hermione," sighed Ginny, unwilling to get off Draco. He was still holding her around his waist.
"Ugh. You insult me Weasley. A Granger? But she's so… Gryffindor-ish," said Draco disgustedly, letting Ginny down.
"Hey, I'm Gryffindor-ish!" retorted Ginny, poking Draco in the chest.
"Yeah, but you're different," replied Draco cryptically. 'Dejavu,' thought Draco dully.
"Oh yeah, how so?" asked Ginny, arching her red eyebrow.
"Because I love you," answered Draco after a small pause.
"I love you too, you great big ferret," responded Ginny. Draco attempted to kiss her, but Ginny kept moving her head from side to side, eluding Draco's yearning lips. Draco finally gave up and simply narrowed his eyes at the grinning girl he held in his arms.
Draco decided to get back at her for that and asked, "Ginge, you're not ticklish are you?" And the question was asked with a wicked glint in his eye.
"No!" said Ginny much too quickly and clamping her arms to the side of her body. Smirking that sexily evil smirk Draco has. He picked her up again and carried Ginny over to the daybed and held her down with one hand whilst she tried to squirm away. He then unleashed his fingers on Ginny's body, torturing her with tickles and eliciting delighted giggles from his girlfriend.
A few minutes later when Draco finally relented and Ginny was all tickled out, Draco smirked and held her in his arms possessively. "Never refuse a kiss from a Malfoy," said Draco huskily. Ginny simply smiled slightly and nodded her head. Then she gave Draco his undelivered kiss.
The days flashed passed Ginny and she couldn't believe how fast time had flown. Asking her parents permission to invite Draco over hadn't left Ginny's mind although it was ignored for school work had impossibly doubled. Ginny literally felt crippled with the amount of work.
Although she couldn't imagine how Draco felt. If Ginny felt crippled, Draco would have felt like he had his legs amputated. Or infected with gangrene or some other graphic simile like that.
However, as the days passed and the work piled on, Ginny realized she had better start persuading her mother to let Draco stay for the two-week Christmas break. Three weeks before Ginny knocked-off school, she approached Ron one night in the common room and asked if she could borrow Pigwidgeon.
Of course Ron accepted, but he asked why. "Why."
"I want to send a letter to mum," replied Ginny, trying to use a carefree tone.
Ron's eyebrows narrowed. Hermione, who was seated next to Ron, could tell what was going through her boyfriend's mind. "This wouldn't have anything to do with Malfoy would it? Cause if it does, don't say anything at all." Ron paused and let a moment relapse in which Ginny could respond. She didn't say anything except to gain a slight pink tinge. Ron groaned and buried his head in Hermione's neck/hair and remained unmoving.
"Um… thanks, Ron?" tried Ginny tentatively.
Ron said without looking up, "what are you going to ask her?"
"If Draco can stay with us over Christmas." Ginny prepared herself for an outburst.
Ron simply looked at Ginny and said, "that owl is going no where near you. Besides, mum and dad will never allow it. A Malfoy? In The Burrow? We'd all kill him."
"I'll work my magic with mum, don't you worry about that. Anyway, I'm going to write a letter to her and send it with Pig," said Ginny. Then her tone softened, "Pig is such a cute fluff of ball."
"The name is not cute though," pointed out Ron curtly.
"Is so!" retorted Ginny and she kicked him in the shins childishly. Giggling, Ginny ran to the safety of the girls dorm as Ron began chasing her with a roar.
'Honestly,' thought Hermione disapprovingly to herself. 'You'd think they haven't even started school yet.'
Dear Mum,
It's your lovely daughter here. Ginny. I hope you have been well, I miss you lots. I miss your cooking too. School has been fine. I've been really busy though, they really like the pile on the work in preparation for NEWTs next year.
How have you been? And how's dad? I know this whole Voldemort waging a war on us thing has been stressing out the Ministry. I hope it hasn't affected the Muggle Artifacts department too much. How is Bill? I'm fairly sure the scar will fade in a few years. I hope Charlie is doing well with the dragon combat.
How is dad coping with having Percy back in the house? I reckon Percy's having a right old time being shamed with this stuck-uppness. Really mother, I'm refraining from swearing.
I met up with Fred and George during the Hogsmeade trip two or so weeks ago. They're doing fine. Getting a bit thin though. They say they're too busy inventing to eat… but you know the twins mum.
Ron; is also good. He's eating normally, hasn't gotten into any major trouble and I assume he is studying hard for his NEWTs. I can tell because most of his time is spent hunched over a parchment looking bored rather than prodding the parchment with his wand and looking feverish with excitement. As for the non Weasley family, Hermione is doing great. She's always happy whenever she's around Ron but studying extremely hard, as you would expect. Harry is doing whatever he's doing. I don't pay much attention to him anymore. And yes mother, I am not too fond of Potter at the moment.
Now, I have something to tell you. I really really hope you won't be angry at me. This is coming as a surprise, and I know you will think I am mad, crazy, imperioused etc. The fact of the matter is… I'm in love with Draco Malfoy and he's my boyfriend. Please, mum, I beg of you, don't have a heart attack. There is nothing wrong with me. I just fell in love with our enemy's son, I know. But I love him, and he loves me. He's changed, so much since last year. I know he contributed to the death of Dumbledore, but he didn't have a choice but to help.
We've been together for most of the year. I'm so in love with him, I don't think it's possible to love someone this much. Draco's parents have gone away, and Draco will most probably be staying at Hogwarts for Christmas. Is it okay if he stays at The Burrow for the two week break? It would mean a lot to me, and even more to him. I don't think he's ever had a loving family.
Please, mum?
I await your reply anxiously, whatever you do, don't send a howler!
I love you mum, please don't hate me.
Your daughter,
Ginny Weasley.
Ginny sighed as she set her quill down and screwed the cap back on her ink bottle. No matter how much she tried to convince her mother in her letter that Draco was now a decent person and that she loved him whole heartedly, Ginny knew Molly would do her nut. However, getting her family to meet Draco, the new Draco may well be the first step to getting them to accept him.
Frowning her brows in determination, Ginny sealed the scroll and made her way to the owlery. It was just before dinner on a Sunday late in November.
On the way there, Ginny seemed to notice the couples more. 'How lucky they were, being able to hold hands and kiss whilst almost walking into suits of armour in public.' The only time Ginny got to kiss Draco was on those now rare occasions they met up in the room of requirement. It was difficult now, since Draco required copious amounts of time in the library researching.
Ginny simply sighed and shivered as she neared the owlery. It was always chilly there. She was thankful that she wore her jeans and jacket. The very same jacket Draco had bought her at Hogsmeade a while ago.
Sighing again, thinking about how she hadn't seen Draco in a while, she wasn't paying attention when she rounded a corner and walked into something hard and taller than her. "Speak of the devil," murmured Ginny before she could stop herself. For in front of her was Draco Malfoy in the flesh, looking devilishly sexy in jeans and a black turtleneck sweater which portrayed his strong but not beefy chest.
"Devils have the most passion," replied Draco immediately, taking Ginny in his arms and holding her close to his body since there was absolutely nobody in the owlery vicinity.
"Merlin, I've missed you Draco. I haven't seen you in two weeks. Are you sure you're that busy?" said Ginny longingly. Draco's heart swelled with love and gratitude. It was always nice to be missed. No had ever really missed him.
Draco closed his eyes after poising his lips just before Ginny's. "I've been very, very busy in the lead up to NEWTs. A quarter of the year hasn't even passed and they've packed it on. If it wasn't for those damn tests I would be spending every possible moment with you." Then he kissed her, which was stupid because now Ginny forgot everything Draco just said since she was lost in the kiss.
Breaking away was always the worst part for Ginny. She didn't care if she had to die from lack of air, but breaking off a kiss was always too ripping. After Draco did break away, Ginny didn't move from her position which was pressed up close to Draco's body. She didn't open her eyes, she didn't move at all, just wishing for more.
"I believe you've got a letter to send," murmured Draco oh-so softly, tightening his hold on Ginny, leaning his head on Ginny's and swaying her around softly, to the beat of their hearts.
"The letter can go fuck itself," said Ginny with a sigh.
"I love it when you swear. Yet I love it how you're so polite when you speak to the Professors. I love the way you're so sweet, but not. You know that?" said Draco. He could feel Ginny's endowments beneath her jacket which was pressed up against his chest. He had to talk to keep his mind neutral.
"My turn," responded Ginny with a smile. "I love the way you're not some beefed up teenager on steroids, but I love how you're also so strong. I love your blonde hair. I love the way it falls in front of your eyes like that. I love your eyes, and how mesmerizing they are. I love the fact you don't bother gelling your hair anymore. I love how your eyes aren't so clouded with unhappiness anymore. I love how you've relaxed a bit, and how you don't give people so much of a hard time anymore. I love so much more about you but I don't want to say anymore, because right now, I so very badly want to kiss you."
Draco stopped swaying Ginny and looked deeply into her eyes. Ginny swore he stopped breathing. Taking the initiative, Ginny leaned in and lavished the sensation of Draco's soft lips on hers. Time froze as they shared the kiss, yet it still passed because soon Ginny had her eyes open again and was staring straight into Draco's.
"I'll walk you to the owlery," said Draco softly, taking Ginny's hand in his. Ginny grinned in response. So, the pair walked the short distance left to the library, chatting light-heartedly about their life in the past couple of days. Actually, I'm lying. Our two loveable characters were bitching about homework, now that's hardly romantic, is it?
Nobody met the couple on the way so they were happily uninterrupted. When Ginny crossed the threshold of the owlery, she let go of Draco's warm hand and stared upwards, looking for a little grey ball of fluff by the name of Pigwidgeon. Finally, Ginny's eyes discovered the little owl she was looking for and tempted him down by waving the scroll around.
Pigwidgeon of course, flew down with an excited high pitched hoot and disturbed the waking owls in the process. Landing on Ginny's outstretched arm, Pig gave Ginny an affectionate nibble on the lips and ear lobe, making Ginny giggle. "Meet Pigwidgeon," announced Ginny, bringing her arm up to Draco's face with relish. Draco was affronted with an excitable owl who leapt off Ginny's arm and nearly flew into Draco's face as he flew around Draco's head excitedly.
Finally Pig settled down and landed haphazardly on Draco's shoulder, nuzzling's his furry little head in the crook of Draco's neck. Draco couldn't help but smile.
"He loves you," commented Ginny, her eyes sparkling with laughter. "He never nuzzles unless he really likes someone. Like me, or Ron. Speaking of Ron, he would have a fit if he saw what Pig is doing right now." Draco let his smile widen and Pig hooted in agreement, now nibbling on Draco's ear affectionately.
Suddenly, Draco pulled Ginny so close that there was no air between their torso's upwards. Immediately after that, their heads naturally inclined towards each other's and Pig spread his weight on both Ginny and Draco's shoulders, nuzzling his head into their cheeks, trying to find out what was going on.
Meanwhile, unknown to them, Ron had arrived at the owlery looking for Ginny, thinking that she had problems with keeping Pig still. Instead he found Ginny lip locked with Draco and with Pig getting over excited and trying to partake in the exchange of affection. Ron froze, he didn't know whether to break them apart, or to leave, or to bash Draco again. His indecisiveness was swift though, for Ginny and Draco broke apart a second later.
Pig did that thing again where he nuzzled Draco and that was when Ron made his presence known for he said, "Pig! You traitor!" The two lovers were startled and quickly sought out Ron.
"Ron!" cried Ginny, her eyes wide and her cheeks turning pink. "How long were you standing there?"
"Long enough," replied Ron darkly, glaring at Draco. Draco didn't say anything but he did smirk at Ron coolly.
"Well, uh. What are you doing here?" demanded Ginny, her blush deepening. Draco wanted to stroke her cheek, to feel its warmth since his fingers were freezing. There was some other warmth he would have liked to felt, but he stopped his mind right there. Plus, it was an atrocity to think those thoughts at all with the Weasel a few feet away from them.
"I just came here because you didn't show for dinner, and I thought you may have had trouble with Pig. But obviously not," replied Ron. Ginny's harshness melted away. Sometimes it was strange having Ron looking for her. Ginny had gotten quite independent, but it was nice to be reminded your big brother still cares. (Sometimes too much!)
"Thanks Ron," said Ginny, and she meant it. "But I'm okay. I'll just tie this letter to mum on and I'll be off to dinner then." The three were left standing around awkwardly in the freezing owlery, luckily standing in a spot which didn't attract owl faeces.
"Okay," said Ron, exaggerating the syllables. "Well… I guess I'll leave you to it." Shock and amazement struck Ginny. Ron? Leave them alone? No way! However Ron paused before leaving. "And you, Malfoy. I swear on my grandfather's grave, that if you ever, ever, hurt Ginny, in anyway, I will honestly kill you with my bare hands. Got that?" Ron finished that off with a warning glare.
Draco, for once, nodded solemnly. And for once, Draco gave Ron one tiny amount of respect for caring for his sister so much, because Draco knew that if anyone else hurt Ginny, he would do the same that Ron had just threatened.
"Ron," said Ginny exasperatedly, her mouth hanging open. "Okay, okay, we get it. Me, hurt. Draco, dead. Thankyou! Please go! You are so embarrassing." Ron gave Ginny a great big smile and nodded once to Draco before exiting the room.
Ginny hid her blush by tying the scroll onto Pig's outstretched leg as slowly as possible. She then collected the cute living ball of fluff gently in her arms before saying the address and giving him a kiss. She then lifted her hands in the air and Pig took off with another happy hoot, leaving a smile on Ginny's face. She then retained that smile as Draco snaked his arms lovingly around Ginny's waist.
"The amazing Weasel finally accepts me huh?" cajoled Draco from behind Ginny, placing his cheek next to Ginny's.
"Never had such a surprise in my life. Now, we convince my mum, dad, Bill, Charlie, Percy and impress Fred and George a bit more," sighed Ginny, relishing the warmth Draco's cheek output.
"I wish I had a family like yours," whispered Draco after a long moment's pause. Ginny's eyes widened and she broke out of Draco's embrace to face him properly.
"Why?"
"There's a lot of love. I can tell. Your family isn't rich, but in many ways, they are richer than mine," answered Draco, sadness toning his voice.
"Draco," whispered Ginny fiercely. "By the end of these holidays, you will be a part of my family. I will see to that." Ginny reinforced her point by pressing a kiss passionately yet softly on her boyfriend's lips.
Two days passed before Ginny saw Pig again, carrying a different piece of parchment. "Oh my god, mum's replied!" said Ginny excitedly yet nervously, dropping her fork back onto her plate. Colin 'oohed' whilst reading over Ginny's shoulder.
Dear Ginny.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH A MALFOY YOUNG LADY? Have you any idea of how, shocking, how random and how unorthodox this is? I'm sorry dear, but I must ask, are you out of your mind?
And how do you know that this Malfoy boy has changed? His father has never given our family anything but grief, and from what I've heard from the boys, this Draco character is a particularly nasty one.
My goodness you love this Malfoy? How did this happen? Merlin! Somebody pinch me for I must be dreaming. Are my eyes deceiving me? They must not be!
But somehow, I cannot ignore your high recommendation of him. Perhaps I am too kind for my own good? Ginny dear, you certainly do know how to make your mother bend at your will. The poor boy has never had a loving family? That should be about right. I've seen the way Narcissa acts. And that Lucius, always looking as if Draco is his pet dog.
I'll show their offspring a real Christmas.
Oh Ginny dear, are you absolutely positive that you love him? Just about the whole school term? You never ever told me! You're my daughter… you never ever told me? I haven't spoken to Arthur about this. If he causes any trouble I will deal with him. I want to meet this Draco before your father bans him from this household. So yes, I suppose perhaps we could let Draco stay. You better thank my kindness for even considering Mr Malfoy in the first place. However, one inkling of trouble, this Draco will be out of The Burrow. No amount of kindness will save him!
In answer to all your other questions dear, Bill is doing quite well. I'm surprised Fleur stayed with him all this while. That scar on Bill's face is looking better already.
Charlie, is also fine. His got his hands extremely full, dealing with those dragons and what not, but I'm so happy to announce he will be home for Christmas! It will be lovely.
Percy… Percy has pride. He is just as stubborn as all the Weasley males. But I do not care that he and his father are not on the best of terms now, I am simply happy that he is home. Percy has locked himself away in his room to do some undercover research for cauldron bottom thickness. (You know what that means.)
Your father, is very very stressed. Those nasty death eaters have been wreaking havoc with those muggle inanimate objects and Arthur has been up to his armpits sorting out those cases. Merlin, memory remodifictations galore!
Anyhow, we will discuss more when Harry, Hermione, Ron, Draco and you arrive. Writing letters certainly is tedious, and I have a house to clean. Do you realize how much dust settles in an emptier house? Now that you kids are gone. I miss you a lot. Make sure Ron is eating well.
I will see you two weeks exactly before Christmas at Kings Cross at 7 o'clock in the evening.
I love you very much,
Mum.
Ginny looked up open mouthed at Colin. She was so happy she was unable to speak. So, Colin did the talking.
"Oh my fucking god, your mum said yes!" he said excitedly with a big grin on his face. Ginny only shook the letter, unable to speak. "Draco's going to be at your place for Christmas!" Ginny punched the air. Both grinned at each other deliriously before giving each other tight hugs.
Draco, who was on the other side of the room, saw Ginny punch the air and hug Colin. He smiled to himself, ignoring the fact another boy was touching his girlfriend, reminding himself he was just a friend and assuming Molly had granted Ginny permission to let him stay for the Christmas break.
And those two weeks were what Draco was living for until now and then.
The final two weeks until Draco and Ginny… and Ron, Harry and Hermione left for The Burrow slid away surprisingly fast. In those two weekends, the school squashed in two more quidditch matches. Gryffindor against Hufflepuff and Slytherin against Ravenclaw.
During the Gryffindor game, Draco sat in a far corner, isolated from everyone else. His sharp eyes focused on Ginny mostly. Even if she was just sitting around on her broom, waiting for the game to resume play. Just knowing, that that brilliant chaser out there was his, gave Draco immense satisfaction and comfort. And of course, Ginny's brilliant chasing guaranteed Gryffindor a win, regardless of who caught the snitch.
In the Slytherin game, Ginny did the same, except she wasn't isolated. She was surrounded by people who cared for her. Ron, Hermione and Colin. Harry was there too, but Ginny continued to ignore him for a while. They were sitting in a good position, high up in the air, so Ginny got good views of Draco, zooming around in search for that snitch. When he caught the tiny little ball with wings, Ginny just about screamed, "Woo! Go Draco!" but she caught herself just in time when she was surrounded with a crowd yelling "boo!"
Suddenly, Ginny and Draco could be found packing away their winter belongings in preparation for their stay at The Burrow. Draco refrained with difficulty from smiling too much, and Ginny just couldn't control her cheeks. Soon, both were packed and were transported to Hogsmeade in Thestral carriages.
Draco and Ginny ignored each other for most of the trip except for when they happened to pass each other in a more deserted part of the train. Draco grabbed and quickly pushed her inside an empty carriage and locked the door securely before setting his lips feverently on hers. Ginny repaid the favour with equal enthusiasm before Draco started toning down the kiss when it got too heavy.
Then, Draco simply held Ginny protectively, all alone of the carriage floor. The rattling of the wheels beneath them added some sort of steady rhythm which matched the beating of their hearts. Draco broke the comfortable silence by asking, "can you tell I'm nervous?"
Ginny turned her head curiously around and answered negatively. "Are you really nervous? Because you're doing a good job of hiding it."
"It's a skill. And yes, I'm very, very nervous. You said your father and the rest of your brothers don't know I'm coming. I don't want them to kick me out before I get a chance to prove I'm worthy of your love. Also, finding a youth hostel or somewhere to stay at will be a bitch at this time of the year."
"Draco," said Ginny reassuringly. "Mum will love you. You will eat her food like there's no tomorrow and she'll love you for that. Dad yields to everything mum does, and since mum will really love you, she'll scare my brothers into being decent to you. Trust me, you'll have to duck for the first few days, but it will be okay. Just be the you that I know, and we'll be okay."
Draco took a deep breath, his worried alleviated a bit. "Okay."
The two stayed like that for another fifteen minutes, unwilling to break away from each other's warm body. However, Ginny decided she had to go back to her brother's compartment otherwise they'd come looking for her. She asked Draco to join her, reassuring him they'd all be somewhat understanding, but Draco declined, saying that he wanted to be alone for a while to think. Ginny nodded understandingly and told Draco to look for her large family at Kings Cross. She then departed with a kiss.
Once inside Ginny's original compartment, she was bombarded with questions about her whereabouts. Ginny simply "ummed," and everybody caught on. Harry then apologized to her, and Ginny finally forgave him and gave him a smile. He smiled back, but the smile held no effect on Ginny whatsoever. Internally, Ginny celebrated.
She then chatted idly with Colin and Luna, feeling truly content in a long while.
Draco moved back to his original compartment and rested his head on the wall. Now that Ginny's presence had gone, all the anxiety had come rushing back. It surprised Draco how much he really did want to impress Ginny's large family. Soon enough though, the train came to a grinding halt at the train station, and Draco joined the line that was waiting for their luggage.
Trunk claimed, Draco was one of the few out onto the platform 9¾ before everyone else. His eyes immediately sought out Molly, Arthur and a stocky looking red head he had never seen before. Draco didn't want to admit, but he was scared, however his feet moved towards the red headed people before his mind could react. Soon, he was in range of sight to the Weasleys, and two out of three of them were beginning to react angrily as they realized he was heading towards them.
Suddenly, Draco heard fast footsteps behind him and he whirled to face Ginny who was running behind him, dragging her trunk along. She grabbed Draco's hand quickly on the way past and pulled him along. Nearing Arthur, Molly and Charlie, Ginny said happily, "mum, dad, Charlie! Meet Draco!"
'Two angry mouths agape and one excited and curious mother,' thought Draco warily, looking at Ginny worriedly.
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! You like chapter? Again it's adjoining, but I'll write more, I promise!
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I want to find out what happens too… so tune in for installment 14 of My Study Partner! By me!
Love you guys,
Jessica/yourbeautifulnightmare