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Chapter Two

Change of Heart

Ginny sat quietly on the sofa reading Treasure Island; she found it very difficult to put down. While War and Peace was interesting, it was a difficult read, Treasure Island on the other had was incredibly exciting and she always did like a good adventure, being in Ravenclaw did nothing to squash her audacious side. Just as she started a new chapter, a large black owl swooped in through the kitchen window of the Burrow, dropping the letter into Ginny lap. She recognized the handwriting immediately.

My Dearest Ginny,

I miss you more then you know. I need to see you. Please. I am just a mile up the road from your home, by the old windmill. Please come to me.

-Draco

Every being in her body was telling her to go to him, but then there was that logical voice, the one that screamed warning, he'll just hurt you again. Too bad she rarely listened to that voice.

"Mum, I'm going for a walk." She called out to her mother who was in the in the adjoining room folding laundry.

"Okay dear, don't stay gone to long, it should be getting dark soon."

Clasping her royal blue cloak, lined with bronze dyed rabbit fur, which was ironically enough a Christmas gift from Draco, Ginny took off for the windmill. Twice, she almost turned back towards the Burrow, but she continued to ignore that little voice and continued on. As soon as she was in view, Draco ran to her, instantly wrapping his strong arms around her.

"Oh Ginny, I missed you so much." He whispered in her, grazing it with his lips as he did.

"What do you want Draco?" She did not return his embrace, and slowly too several steps back from him.

"To marry you." He smiled, one again reaching for her, but yet again, she moved away, giving a short yet loud 'Ha!'

"If you weren't already aware," She said looking down at the gold band on his left hand, "you are already married."

"Yes but I think I have found a way out of it."

"Oh?" She said crossing her arms, over her chest, an eyebrow raised, curious as to see what crazy scheme he come up with, one she had no doubt was either illegal or immoral. She loved the man, but he was a Slytherin for a reason.

"If Pansy or I are to have an affair the marriage bond breaks." Instantly she knew what he was implying.

"So you want me to sleep with you so you can get out of the mess you put yourself into."

"I want to be with you Ginny. I want to marry you. I deeply regret marrying her."

"It's too late for regrets Draco".

"Ginny please," He said cupping her face in his hand. "Let me make love to you. Let me pleasure you in the cool grass under the warm summer sun. This way we can be together, as we were always meant to be."

The offer was exceedingly tempting, and that little voice in her head was once again screaming at her, this time, she didn't ignore it.

"I can't Draco. I am not going to help you have an affair. It's not right."

"Ginny please."

"No. I want to be with you, but…not like this."

Draco wasn't listening; pulling the red-head to him he kissed her passionately. So much so it was almost overpowering her will to object. "Please Ginny. Let us become one."

"I-I-

She wanted to say yes. Oh God she wanted to, but it was wrong. This wasn't the way it was supposed to happen. "I can't" She pushed him off once again, "I can't do this." She then apparated back home.

"Fuck!" Draco yelled as he kicked the windmill. "I'm such a fucking idiot."

As soon as she arrived home, Ginny ran to her room and began to compose a letter. She couldn't keep resisting him, she knew that. If he continued to come to her, she would give in. She was brave and headstrong, but she also knew she was in love, or at least she thought she was.

Severus,

I am in need your assistance. Draco is trying to get me to help his break his marriage bond. I could never bring myself to do such a thing. Please tell him to leave me alone. I cannot talk or even write to him ever again. Please, tell him to stay away from me.

Thank you

Ginny

P.S. I am enjoying the book.

Severus was furious with his godson. How could he have expected her to do such a thing? The Potions Master instantly apparated to Malfoy Manor and rang the bell. To his surprise Pansy opened it; normally it was the duty of house elf.

"Professor Snape, what a surprise."

"Is your husband home Mrs. Malfoy."

"Yes, he's in the study."

"Thank you." Severus quickly headed into the study and found Draco sitting in an arm chair reading.

"Severus. What a surprise." The blond smiled, but then quickly grew a look of confusion at his Godfathers angry expression.

Severus rushed over to his godson grabbing him by the shirt and pulling him up from his seat. "Wh-

"How dare you ask that wonderful woman to have an affair with you, again?"

"H-how –

"She wrote me," He said dropping him to the floor. "She asked me to tell you to leave her alone."

Draco picked himself off the floor. "I can't. I love her."

"Love your wife Draco." He then turned to leave. Pansy was standing in the doorway, tears running down her face. Severus walked right past her.

"Draco. Are you having an affair? We-we have only been married a month." The tears continued to pour down her pale face.

"No Pansy. I am not." He said straightening his now wrinkled robes. "I don't understand why you care. You fooled around on me."

"That was before we were married. We were both being forced into this and I was just having fun before we got married. But I committed myself to you and I wouldn't break that vow. I-I wouldn't."

Draco sighed before going to his wife, gently wrapping his arms around her small frame. "I believe you Pansy. I won't cheat on you, love." He kissed her brow softly. "I promise."

As soon as he arrived home, Severus composed a letter to Ginny, letting her know the situation was dealt with.

Ginny,

I have talked to Draco. He should not bother you again. If he does please let me know. Also, I have the annual Potions Masters conference coming up in a month's time. Every year I take a promising student with me. Would you like to be my guest this year? It is in Spain this year. It is 2 days and you will have your own room and spending account.

-Severus

P.S. I am glad you are enjoying the book.

"Muuuuuum!" Ginny hollered in excitement as she sprinted down the stairs.

"What is it Ginny dear."

"Sev…um, Professor Snape has invited me to the annual potions conference." She said waiving the letter in her hand.

"That's wonderful dear. When is it?'

"He didn't say. I'll have to write and ask".

"Are you sure he didn't put it on the note?" Molly grabbed the letter from her daughter and began to read through it.

"Draco. Why was the Malfoy boy bothering you?"

"Oh um," Ginny had never told her parents about her friendship with him. The animosity between their families was too deep, they never would have understood. "We became friends but I decide I didn't think we should be." She told a half truth.

"Oh, well I would say not. You should defiantly write professor Snape and accept. This is a great opportunity for you." Ginny agreed and then went back up stairs and began another note.

Severus,

Thank you for the invitation. I would love to accompany you to the conference. What day is it?

Ginny

Two days later Ginny got a response.

Ginny,

The conference is the 15th-16th next month I can pick you up Sunday the 14th at 6 and we can portkey to Spain.

Severus

Soon the 14th arrived and Severus decided to make a few changes. He cut his hair. So short in fact less than an inch of his silky black hair now lay on his head. It was a dramatic change for him; in fact he couldn't remember when he had his hair that short, probably as a small child. He also purchased some new outfits for the occasion, muggle and wizard clothes. He wanted to look his best. This was his opportunity to see if she was interest in perusing something. He would flirt and be as charming as possible and then see how she reacted. If she was interested wonderful, if not, well it wouldn't be the first time he was rejected.

At six exactly he arrived at The Burrow. He knocked on the door, Molly answered.

"Severus, wow, look at you." The shock was apparent.

"What about me?"

"You cut your hair. I have to say it makes you look at least 5 years younger."

"I…appreciate the complement. Is Ginny ready?"

"She's just finishing up packing. I'll get her."

A moment later Ginny came down the stairs with her mother, suitcase in hand. At seeing Severus her reaction was much like her mothers, with one exception, she blushed.

"P-Professor Snape. You look, um, well."

"Thank you, as do you. Are you ready?"

"I am."

"Good." They headed outside to a small clearing past the garden. Severus took the small cork from his pocket. Both he and Ginny's hands had to touch when grabbing hold of the object, which was of course his purpose of picking such a small object. Again she blushed as their hands met. Before she knew it Ginny was laying flat on her back in a foreign land.

"Are you okay?" Severus asked offering his hand.

"Yes, thank you." She said allowing him to pull her from the ground.

"Portkeys take a bit getting used to."

"I know. We used one when we went and saw the Quidditch world cup, I didn't like it then either."

Severus gave a small laugh. "Come. I'll show you where we are staying."

Severus showed her to the resort, The Hotel La Bobadilla. Ginny was speechless was she took in the view of the private 1000-acre country side estate. She had never seen anything so breathtaking before, the hotel was interconnected by a maze of charming overhangs, flowerings courtyards, vaulted passageways and a beautiful marble walkway.

"They really go all out for these conventions don't they?" Ginny said his eyes still taking in the surrounding beauty.

"Actually, this is not where most are staying. I simply prefer the best."

"Severus, you are paying for this."

"Yes."

"This has to be extremely expensive."

"It is, but I can assure you I have the means to pay for it."

Ginny laughed. "I'm sure professors are paid well enough but I doubt this well."

Severus chuckled. "My mother's family was very well off. She may have refused to use their money out of principle, but I do not." Severus wasn't normally one to show off his wealth, but he was willing to make an exception in the case of the beautiful redhead.

"Now, shall we check in?"

Money had always been a sore spot for Ginny. Though, she was often given newer things because she was the only girl and nothing could be handed down, still it was never of the best quality, and often she felt ashamed, though she would never show it.

Moments later they were escorted to their adjoined sweets on the top floor. Severus tipped the bell boy and began to unpack. Suddenly he heard a loud noise coming from Ginny's room. It sounded like talking but then there was a scream. Severus rushed over to her room to see no assailant but rather a curious pureblood witch, pushing buttons on the remote control.

"Ginny. I thought that was you screaming."

"No. I was just trying to figure out how to use this thing."

Severus laughed, "Here," he said taking the remote. He then switched the channel and lowered the volume.

"Show me how you did that?" She asked. With a slight chuckle, Severus did just that.

"No wonder dad likes muggle things so much." She laughed as she continued to change the channels.

Severus smiled at her inability to work a simple remote control. It was adorable in so many ways.

"Dinner is in an hour," He said.

"Okay."

Severus took her to one of the hotel restaurants. They had a pleasant meal and then decided to go for a walk through town.

"The only place outside of home and school and Diagon Alley I have ever been to was when we went to Egypt, but that was so long ago, and my mum didn't let me do anything." She laughed at the memory.

"Well Ginny, you are a grown woman and you mother is not here. You can do whatever you like."

"Humm." She said. "Let's see what is there to do in Spain at eight in the evening."

"Clubbing." Severus joked.

Ginny laughed. "Oh now there a picture. The dreaded Potions Professor getting down and dirty in a muggle club. I could imagine people would pay quite a bit of money to see that."

Severus laughed at her joke, "I would actually think they would be more inclined to ask to be oblivated."

It was Ginny turn to laugh; she had never heard Severus joke before. It was certainly a change, but…a nice one at that.

"We could take a carriage." He said pointing to a horse and buggy that was sitting at the edge of the street.

"Great idea," She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the buggy.

As he felt her soft hand in his he wanted nothing more than to intertwine his fingers with her before bringing her hand to his lips, instead he released her hand and paid the coachmen and then helped Ginny into the buggy. The driver gave them a guided tour, in broken English, of the city.

Severus couldn't help but notice how her beauty radiated in the moonlight. God she was beautiful. To be honest he paid very little attention to what that the guide was saying but focused his attention solely on the beauty besides him. He had begun to notice her the beginning of her sixth year. Her body seemed to change overnight. The curves, legs, breasts. She still had her other attributes that he had always admired through the years, her intelligence, quick wit, and at times her temper. He reminded him so much of his sweet Lily. Suddenly the carriage stopped pulling him from his thoughts. They exited the cart and headed back to the hotel.

"We should leave for the conference by seven tomorrow." He told her before heading to his own room.

"I'll be ready."

XXX

Draco, wake up. Wake up!" Pansy called out to her husband, shoving at his side with full force. "Wake up!"

Draco opened his eyes to see streams tears running down his wife's cheeks. "Pansy, what's wrong?"

"You called out her name in your sleep again. Again!"

Draco sighed, rubbing his hand down his face. "I'm sorry Pansy. I can't help it."

"Damn it Draco! Honestly, why did you even marry me, obviously your still infatuated with the blood-traitor."

"Don't call her that!"

"You know what?" She said getting out of bed. "I'm done with this."

"What are you talking about?"

"At least I got all my urges out before we got married."

"I told you I'm not sleeping with her."

"It certainly doesn't sound like that. Take me Ginny, you red-headed vixen, take me."

Draco let out another long deep sigh, "It was just a dream."

Pansy gave a small sniffle, as she wiped the tears from her face with the palm of her hand. "Why can't you dream about me like that?" She frowned.

Draco got out of bed and went over to his wife wrapping his arms around her tightly. "I'm sorry honey. I really am. Look at it this way though. I may accidently dream about her, but with you I do the real thing."

"True."

"If you would like I can give it to you now." He said pushing himself hard against her.

"Well, I suppose that would make me feel, a little better."

And so he kissed her, pulling her back down onto their bed.

XXX

As Ginny slumbered peacefully Severus tossed and turned, nightmares plaguing his sleep.

"Have you acquired it?" A voice hissed.

"No my Lord. It has been more difficult to obtain then I had originally thought." Severus told his master.

"Pity. Crucio." Severus collapses to the ground. "I thought you able of such a task; I guess I overestimated you abilities. Crucio." Severus screamed out in pain.

"No my Lord. I can get it. Just give me more time. Please. I can get it."

"Perhaps you need some persuading." Voldemort snapped his fingers. A fellow death eater made his way towards the group pulling a young woman by the hair as he did. The masked Death Eater threw the woman in front of Severus. He recognized her instantly.

"Severus." The woman said looking completely shocked to see him.

"M-Mary."

"Yes, your little mudblood's best friend."

"My Lord, please, she has done nothing. I am the one who should be punished, not her."

"And you shall. You will sit and watch as Lucius rapes her."

"No! Please no." Mary called out.

"My Lord, please don't. She has done nothing, please."

Again Voldemort snaps his fingers and Lucius appears before them. "Don't worry Severus. I won't hurt her." Lucius said as he begins to take off his robes. "Too badly."

"No. Mary, I-I'm sorry. Please don't. Leave her be. Please." Severus pleads over and over again, but it does no good and Severus is forced to watch Mary be defiled.

"Professor Snape, professor." In the mist of his nightmare be hears a voice, a soft, kind, concerned, voice. "Severus, please wake up". But his dream is over powering and his mind is captured by the sound of a screaming Mary.

"No please, leave Mary alone, punish me, I deserve it." He once again pleads with his Master, who only laughs in return.

"Severus, wake up!" She had started to shake him gently, and was beginning to panic.

Thankfully, just then his eyes shot open.

"Severus, are you okay?" Severus was breathing fast and hard, sweat was dripping from him.

"S-sorry. Nightmare."

"It was about Voldemort wasn't it?" He nodded.

"Where are your potions?"

"Blue bag." Ginny went to the bag and grabbed a calming draft.

"Here," he quickly drank it down.

"Thank you."

"Who's Mary?"

"What?"

"You kept calling out the name Mary."

"A friend of Lily's. He-he had Lucius raped her and made me watch. It was a punishment for not retrieving something for him."

"Oh Severus." She said placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I-I tried to get him to punish me, but he-

"He was the essence of evil Severus. He could never know love."

"No. He couldn't." There was a long pause of silence before Severus spoke again.

"I healed her. Once they had finished with her they told me to dispose of her. I healed the bruises between her legs and I oblivated her memory of it, and then I took her home."

"You did what you could."

"I should have done more. If I had just-

"Severus. You can't live with regrets. It hurts too much to live like that."

"Very true." Severus took a long deep breath and then found himself looking into Ginny's beautiful brown eyes. As if by no control of his own he placed his hand gently against Ginny's cheek and rubbed it softly. He didn't know what had compelled him to do so, perhaps, it was because she had just comforted him. He expected her to pull away, but she didn't. Instead she smiled.

"You have a good heart, Severus."

Severus removed his hand from her cheek and placed it back in his lap.

"The more you love, the more you hurt."

She gave a small humorless laugh, "Don't I know it."

He knew instantly she was referring to Draco. "I told Draco to leave Parkinson and marry you."

Ginny brow rose. "You did?"

"Yes, but as you well know, he did not listen."

"No", she sighed, "he didn't."

"I am, however, beginning to be glad that he failed to take my advice." That was when Severus took Ginny's hand and gently kissed the top of it.

She was unable to hold back the blush at the gesture.

"I should be going to bed." She finally managed to say.

"Of course. Good night."

"Good night, Severus."

A/N: So that was chapter two, and as you can see it is where the relationship between Severus and Ginny begins to develop. Please let me know what you think, I am open to constructive criticism.