Back again, as promised. I'm really slightly depressed, you guys. It seems like people stopped reading my stories. I don't get any reviews anymore. I want to shout a big THANK YOU to everyone that HAS reviewed. This is for you guys; your feedback makes me want to continue!
And oh yes…bad news. Didn't get this chapter out in a timely fashion, but upon reading it, I'm sure you'll know why; it's nearly twice as long as the other chapters. I could have gotten it out sooner, but I wanted it to be good (even though it still isn't). This chapter probably isn't as funny as the last couple. I have to move the story along, so, my apologies. I could probably continue writing funny little chaps forever, but I want the story to MOVE, after all. But there're still a few giggles in here, I think…
THE APPLE OF MY EYE: CHP 3
I guess technically I'm a pretty romantic person. I like to believe in true love. I think roses are gorgeous. I listen to a lot of light rock when I'm depressed. Poetry interests me a lot, and I'm a bit of a sucker for someone who knows how to sweet talk. Of course, that's not to say I'm not independent, because I am. But that's beside the point.
Anyway, all that romantic and lovey-dovey stuff is well and good, but it was getting me about as far as I could throw Crabbe or Goyle. Here I was, having spent the better part of my adolescence fantasizing about how wonderful romance is, and when it actually shows up in my life, what do I do? You'll see how this applies in a moment.
When my eyes smacked into a pair of slate orbs, things started to go a bit astray. In theory, I should have been angered, maybe even a bit defensive of my Ron. So I guess, yeah, it did look more than slightly ridiculous to see a Weasley and a Malfoy not fighting each other to the death.
But nothing looked as ridiculous as me slipping on a particularly runny mound of what had once been appetizing mashed potatoes. Combine the potatoes with the fact that the great hall stone was slippery from remnants of sloppy snow brought in from outdoors, and that I was wearing flat soled shoes with horrendous traction, and bad things happen.
Basically, all I did was turn around. Or at least try to, anyway. My body wouldn't stop shaking, and my jerky movements made the motion quite abrupt and awkward. About halfway through the turn, my right foot suddenly shot outwards, and my left ankle rolled painfully. I panicked, and grabbed on to the first thing that touched my flailing hands. Unfortunately, the smooth black material of Malfoy's pants just happened to be that unlucky item.
My knees ended up smacking onto the stone notably less harder than they would have had I not grabbed them, but that knowledge didn't assuage the fear that was beginning to seep into me. The fabric I had in my iron clad grip was gathered around his knees, and they buckled slightly from the force pulling them forward.
So there I was, on my knees, eye level with Draco freaking Malfoy's belt, clutching his pant legs, and him with his knees bent.
The only thing that entered my mind at that moment escaped my mouth before I could stop it. And believe me, I tried to stop it.
"Well this is awkward," I knew it sounded stupid before it even left my mouth.
"Never thought you'd be on your knees in front of a Malfoy, Weaslette. And I must say, this is a rather unique way to show your appreciation."
"That was suggestive."
"And you fisting my pants isn't? It was a joke, Weasley."
I have sufficient evidence supporting the fact that any number of girls would have done the exact same thing, if not worse, when placed in my position. Err….situation.
I blushed. Despite popular belief, all redheads don't turn red in the face at every whim and folly thrown their way. Just look at Ronald, he was a prime example. He turned purple. Blushing was a big deal for me. The more I thought about it, I realized quite suddenly, that the only other time I had ever blushed in my life was when Harry had sauntered into the showers after a Quidditch match, having been under the impression that they were empty. They most certainly had not been empty, and let me tell you, discovering that one of your best friends is in the shower with you is not a pleasant experience, especially when your friend is, well, of the male sort.
Anyway, now do you see how all that romance shenanigans fits in? You'd have thought I would have been prepared for something like that. I attempted not to relate Draco Malfoy to those romantic thoughts. I figured it was probably best, especially since I was eye level with his lower region. God only knows what that half crazed romantic side of me would do if I let it take control.
"Right," I said, a small smile forming on my lips and thankfully replacing my pink cheeks, "sorry about that one, afraid I slipped on some of the remnants from Spudster's rage." I thought I saw him shrug, and even more oddly, I could feel him smiling, if you could call it that.
"Even you wouldn't intentionally slip on potatoes for a chance to grab my legs. Don't apologize to me."
Was that some weird way of saying don't worry about it Ginny, no big deal? Was there anything about him that wasn't intriguing?
Afraid to move my head for fear of appearing to be 'enjoying the view', I shifted my left leg, and began to raise myself up. I cursed upon discovering that the roll it had endured had caused a bit more damage than anticipated.
"Oh you ruddy wanker!"
"Honestly Weasley, you are the strangest person I'v-"
"Not you, Malfoy, it's my ankle, I twisted it when I fell," I promptly released my grip on his pants and let myself fall the floor into an ungraceful slump. His knees recoiled, and he straightened up to his full height. I glanced down at my ankle, wondering idly if it was actually sprained or anything, and trying not to notice that Malfoy was over 6 feet tall.
"I tell you, between your brother's head and your ankle, it's a miracle you two aren't dead yet. Can you walk, or did I startle you enough to cause a serious problem?" he said incredulously, the Malfoy arrogance still playing in his tone. I huffed.
"It wasn't my fault the git left potatoes all over the floor, and you most certainly didn't-"
Have you ever choked on your words before? It's an indescribable sensation. My throat clenched, my eyes widened, and it was suddenly taking tremendous effort to breathe.
Draco Malfoy was now kneeling beside me, carefully examining my ankle as if it were the most completely normal thing in the entire world. My previous efforts to avoid looking at him directly were all but abolished, much to my displeasure, or, depending on how you looked at it, pleasure.
"Malfoy? What are you doing? I'm fine, walking will be a synch. I'm going to get up now."
"Which is why you just fell over for the second time when you tried to stand on it, I'm sure," he rolled his eyes, his tone annoyed, but I could have sworn I saw the corner of his mouth twitch. Course, when it came to his mouth, I did have a right disgusting habit of being a bit imaginative.
I opened my mouth to say something in response, but clenched my jaw as he chose that moment to make eye contact, as if to accentuate his point. I groaned, but whether it was because I knew he was right or because he was simply looking at me was anyone's guess.
"Well it does hurt a bit, but only if I put weight on it." I didn't know if that was really a come back or not, but it worked. At least I thought it did initially.
He leaned back on the balls of his feet, and outstretched a hand. I blinked.
"Well are you going to sit here in pain all day, or take help when offered? After all, I was the one that caused that in the first place, can't have you go whining to some teacher bout this, hmm?" he raised an eyebrow as the beginnings of a smirk worked its way on to his face. As attractive as that was, the fact that he had the audacity to imply that he had had that affect on me was both unnerving, and slightly chilling. The twit.
There was no way. I couldn't possibly do it. I, Ginny Weasley, would not play into his hands like every other bloody idiotic sap that chased after his toned behind. Not that I had ever noticed his toned arse before. But once again, that is NOT the point.
This line of thinking was working out quite well for awhile, and upon reaching said conclusion, I began once again, to stand up, planning on meeting his eyes in victory as I succeeded.
So that's what I did. I locked my gaze with his, and pushed all my weight onto my right foot. It trembled violently under the strain. The joint gave out a little, and I was forced to give my other leg some of the burden, and I cringed.
That was when it happened. The smirk had long since disappeared, leaving his face blank as he watched me struggle. When I cringed, his perfect blankness faltered. It was all in his eyes. Normally when someone cringes their whole face screws up. But not Draco Malfoy. His pewter eyes narrowed, the muscles around them wincing, but only barely. I don't think anyone else would have even noticed, but I am a very observant person, as I mentioned before. Especially when it comes to…never mind.
Those eyes of his did strange things. And through them, I saw Draco Malfoy show compassion. I knew he wasn't just being arrogant. Well, not entirely anyway. So I gave in, alright? Trust me, you would have too.
"Maybe just to stand, I think I can limp my way to the Hospital Wing once I'm up," I offered. He nodded, raising an eyebrow, a small smile once again playing at one side of his mouth. I slid my hand into his, and he rose slightly.
"Grab hold of my arms, and tightly," he directed, presenting his other arm. Bossy little git, wasn't he? I complied, grasping both of him forearms, and he mine. "Right, now use me as support, I'm going to pull you up," he looked down at me, as if to ask if I understood. Oh, I understood alright.
Of course, much to my disapproval, the only thing that I was currently comprehending at the present time was that I was gripping Draco's very muscular forearms. Damn my imagination. It then occurred to me that I should show some sign of approval, and I nodded, a bit too enthusiastically in my opinion.
He began to lift me, and I easily used my fair leg to support my form. Timidly, I shifted to my other foot in simple experimentation, and immediately regretted it. I swallowed, and gripped his arms a bit tighter.
"Still think you can hobble to the Hospital Wing, Weaslette?" I chuckled sarcastically.
"Perhaps not. And err….than-"
"Ginny you can't walk? What's going on!" Oh not him. Really, I thought Ron had caused enough emotional and physical distress to last for the next five years. Apparently, he had stormed off to the bathroom after hearing Malfoy's earlier remark, and had washed off his face. Clumps of potato still covered his sweater.
"Nothing. I slipped on something, and my ankle rolled," I explained, conveniently leaving out the fact that it was the potatoes that I had slipped on. He had better take this calmly.
"You slipped? On what? Tell me the truth!" I sighed. It didn't appear his rationality had returned. Not that he had much to begin with, but in Ron's case, he needed all that he could get. If it had returned, he would have realized that that was probably the most unnecessary piece of information one could ever obtain.
"I don't know, the floor's slippery is all!"
"You're lying!" I rolled my eyes.
"Why would I lie about such a stupid thing? Besides, it's not even a big deal, it's under control."
"It doesn't look like it to me!"
"Ron, shut up! I'm fine, it's just a sprain! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to head up to the Hospital Wing."
"You don't just sprain your ankle, Gin!"
"Ron, SHUT. UP." He glared at me, before his eyes flickered to Malfoy.
"And what are you still doing here?" he lashed.
"What does it look like I'm doing, Weasley? I'm assisting your sister to see Madame Pomfrey," Draco responded, his tone just adding fuel to the fire.
"And why would you do that?" Ron barked, his voice beginning to rise.
"Because she obviously can't walk, you idiot! Besides, it was my fault she fell in the first place. I startled her." I raised my eyebrows. That was quite the wrong thing to say. I had a feeling Draco was saying it more out of a desire to aggravate Ron than to validate his actions.
"YOU made her fall! I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN!" Ron bellowed.
"Ron, back off! He's telling the truth!" I snapped. I was starting to think that he deserved all the bad things that had happened to him today. I then realized what I had just admitted, and chanced a sidelong glance in Malfoy's direction. I couldn't read his face.
"NO WAY, GIN! HE CAN'T JUST GO AROUND THINKING HE CAN BE A ROYAL PRICK TO EVERYONE! HE'S A LYING, DIRTY, EVIL, CONIVING, ARROGANT ARSE!"
"Ron, you're talking nonsense!"
"OH AM I? IT'S NOT SO HARD TO BELIEVE, YOU PLAYING INTO HIS HANDS LIKE THE NAÏVE LIT-"
I don't know how I managed it to this day, but somehow, I launched myself at my brother with alarming force. I don't think I could feel my ankle. If I had, I wouldn't have been able to pull it off. My mind was completely and utterly consumed with loathing. How dare he call me naïve? He didn't know the half of what I had gone through in my lifetime! I swear, thinking Ginny Weasley is unintelligent must be a great pastime or something, because hell help me, I was sure sick of hearing it.
I ignored the little tiny voice inside my head that said part of the reason I ignited like a firecracker was because I was worried I had played into Draco's hands.
The pair of us crashed to the floor, but not before I kneed him a hard one in the stomach. I got a few good punches off to his middle section, and clobbered him a good one across the cheek. His nose was bleeding, and I was just thinking about ripping his hair out when a pair of arms encircled me, wrenching my flailing body away from his.
I screamed, anger still cursing through me. I felt a lean chest against my back, and my breathing relaxed slightly, my brain coming to its senses. I recognized the firm arms from only a moment ago, and knew what had happened.
"Weasley! WEASLEY! Get a grip!" His voice hissed into my ear, low and calm. The pain my ankle had endured came crashing down, and I cried out, squeezing my eyes shut in pain.
"My…my…" I gasped, wishing desperately that words would form.
"I know. Just try to take slow deep breaths, I'm going to bring your sorry behind to the Hospital Wing," Draco shifted one of his arms to carry me bride style. Just as my lungs began to adjust to taking in oxygen, a thunderous bang sounded from the double doors. Oh god no, not more people. From here on out, things were a bit blurry.
"Ron, are you out her-RON!" This was not good. A series of shuffling noises followed the voice that I easily identified. "He's out cold!"
I could just picture his green eyes fluttering on the room before landing on Malfoy and I. And that is exactly what they did.
"Malfoy, Ginny? …What did you do to them Malfoy!" I felt the chest against me heave with a sigh. Leave it to Harry to jump to conclusions.
"I did absolutely nothing but restrain this one here," he jostled me unceremoniously in his arms, "from beating the pulp out of that oaf of a brother of hers." I knew that would get Harry worked up. And it did. He was such a predictable one. Well, at least he never ceased to disappoint, I thought wryly.
"Then why is Ginny upset?"
"Because she hurt her ankle. Notice the swelling, Potter? Now if you'll excuse me, I do believe she needs to get some medical attention."
"Put her down."
"Potter don't be an idiot, put your wand away before you hurt yourself." I shuddered at his icy tone. He could be so dismissive when he wanted to be.
"No!" I knew Harry was being a good friend, and I would have normally felt flattered, but given the circumstances, you'll forgive me for cursing him into oblivion. I felt like waving a huge banner in front of their faces that read 'Hello! I am still here, boys!'
"What, are you worried we'll get 'lost' on the way up?" Draco shot, the self confidence ringing in his voice. I didn't even want to see Harry's expression after that one.
"No doubt you've done it before. I'm giving you 3 seconds."
"POTTER!"
"ACCIO GINNY!" I yelped, clutching desperately to the silky fabric of his shirt, before flying across the room and landing with a crack on the stone floor. Now, I'm no expert, but I was pretty sure that was the part where my ankle broke.
I gasped, looking up at Harry through teary eyes. He sputtered inaudibly, face stark white.
"You see, you imbecile! You just broke her ankle you incompetent fool! Get out of here before you cause any more damage!" Malfoy sneered, eyes blazing as he swept past him.
"Don't touch her! You're the one that started this in the first place, being such a prat to Ron!" Harry shouted. Tears fell openly down my cheeks now, and I was beginning to feel light headed.
"Maybe you didn't hear me, Potter," Malfoy turned from me to face Harry, voice menacing, "I said leave."
"I heard you. Now either you get out of here, or I'll make you." Poor Harry, I honestly think he was just trying to make it up to me, then, but he didn't understand; he wasn't helping.
"Big words, Boy Wonder."
"STUP-"
"EXPELLIARMUS!"
I had never seen someone draw a wand that fast before. In one fast fluid motion, Harry was sent rocketing against the far stone wall, silenced. My stomach wobbled a little at the sight.
Draco turned to me, a snarl still covering his features. I swallowed, and he cast his eyes downward. I don't think he wanted to meet my gaze. There were a few moments of silence, in which we both remained still.
"What is going on here!" a stern and enraged voice shrieked, breaking us from the reverie. I looked up into the face of Professor McGonagall helplessly. She turned to Draco. "Mr. Malfoy! I sincerely hope that you have some justification for your actions!"
I could visibly see Draco's face harden into the mask he used to regard the world.
"Only the obvious. But need I state that Potter is a complete moron?" I felt my stomach clench again at his cold words, but I ignored the painful twinge in my chest. Her wrinkled eyes snapped with fury.
"And how do you validate your actions?" Draco shrugged.
"I don't. It's not my fault Weasley opened his big mouth, and it wasn't my fault she," his eyes fluttered to me for only a moment, "went after him either. When Potter barged in and accused me of starting all of it, I was only defending myself."
So bold faced as that was, I had to give him credit. The intense glare and slightly entrancing tone of voice could go a long way. Of course, maybe that was only my opinion…
I was not ready for McGonagall to turn to me, expecting some sort of retort. So I didn't give one. I couldn't. I could barely breathe, my ankle hurt so badly.
"Is this true Miss Weasley?" I managed a nod.
"I should have hoped that I would not need to remind students in their 5th and 6th year that violence of any kind is prohibited. Mr. Malfoy, you're lucky I'm not reporting you to your Head of House, and Miss Weasley," she continued on, making her tone grim, "I must say that I am most displeased, and that I think I speak for us all when I say we've all seen more than our fair share of the Weasley temper. Detention for both of you, tomorrow afternoon. Perhaps being forced to be civil to each other will make some imprint in your brains." She gave Malfoy and I both meaningful looks before turning to leave, Draco returning it before he turned on his own heel and began to walk away.
"And oh, Professor? You might want to get Weasley to the Hospital Wing," he added, as in an afterthought, calling over his shoulder. I silently rejoiced. God only knows when someone would have come and found me.
As I was assisted to the Hospital Wing, I couldn't help but wonder if spending a Saturday afternoon with Malfoy was a good thing or a bad thing.
END CHAPTER 3
Alright, so now you know why I don't like this chapter. Just know that the next will be much better, and that I love you all. Sorry for the delay, it WONT HAPPEN AGAIN! Reviews are fantastic, and see ya next week!
Thank you SOOO much to:
Ameera-undomar, Nyah1, WhiteBunny2005, THE VAMPIRE IN THE SHADOWS, purus.flere, Apathetically interested, miraclesomajic, dragonsrgorgeous07, and blondenbonkers! You guys are phenomenal.