Thanks to ajma and bBlondeHairLover980 for reviewing. So yeah I don't own anything.Please enjoy and review.
Last chapter : With that he covered his left arm and left the great hall.
Ch 2
Every one got in their routine of school quite easily. Ginny was having her best year yet. No diaries, obsessive crushes, and new robes (she grew two inches or maybe it was four this summer). She loved her classes, she unlike her brother, actually found school work intriguing and enjoyed researching as much as quidditch. Which thankfully she got her chaser spot back, - that was when she felt the freest - it helped that that's all she could play with six older brothers.
Even with her first class being potions she couldn't damper her good mood. She strutted into Snape's classroom and took her seat next to Collin, her closest friend. Pulling her long hair into a loose ponytail at the base of her neck she continued humming. She didn't really know that song it was just something she over heard a hufflepuff sing at breakfast that morning. "Weasley. This isn't music class now I suggest you be quiet." Snape was never in a good mood. She stopped humming and gave him her best 'oops' smirk. He just grunted and walked away from her.
"Wow, why are you so happy" Collin whispered as he leaned over to see what page her book was turned to.
"I don't really - " she never finished as Snape called her name once again
"Well, Miss Weasley, I see you can't keep that hole on your face closed… 15 points from Gryffindor…. And 5 more for being late". With that he turned to the class, twisted his wrist and gave instructions for them to begin the potion that appeared on the board behind him.
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It was still only the first week of classes and Draco couldn't help but feel stressed. His father would soon kill him - he was sure of it. Yet he couldn't follow someone so weak, so crazy. His NEWTS were also this year, on top of studying and trying to keep whatever respect and charades he had, she would not leave his head. How did this happen, when, I mean… Pansy couldn't even get her out of my head… well not that Pansy is anything special. A good snogging though normally clears my head. That reminds me I better hide for a while when dad finds out I dumped Pansy…. But hey if I'm not going to follow his master - I might as well not follow his plan for me in any area…. She was annoying any way, could never be witty, and can't talk about anything of value at all. OH if she calls me Drakie one more time… err off track… Now how did little spit fire get in my head?
"Why did I save her?" If anyone saw… no one is suppose to know….
"Urr" he groaned out loud as he ran a hand over his face before he put back on his composed mask. He was grateful that at least he learned how to hide everything. His father would be so proud if he knew Draco learned that from his 'lessons' His dad wasn't too bad.. oh who are you kidding, he's a bloody git.
But Draco would rather have his father take everything out on him instead of his mother, the one person who showed him unconditional love. Well when she wasn't in bed due to his father's abuse. With another audible sigh he left his charms room and headed to dinner.
He didn't see the short girl with brown curly hair sitting in the back 'reading' a book. Surprise ran through Hermione , 'why did I save her' - could he be talking about Ginny… hmm that hair
"oh" her shock was written all over her face. "It was him, he saved her" she said this more to herself than any one else. She decided to store this in the back of her mind and head to meet Ron and Harry for dinner. If Gin ever asked she would tell her about it.
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Harry and Hermione were heading to the great hall for dinner with Ron bouncing ahead of them. "I am starving I could eat the whole table"
"I think you did that a couple times lat year" Hermione giggled, remembering the famous eating habits of one of her favorite guys. A smile played at her lips, it grew to a massive grin when Harry turned and winked at her. It was obvious to everyone, except Ron, that the king and queen of Gryffindor were in love. No one approached Hermione because they were afraid of the wrath of the boy - who - could - kick - their - arse. Girls stopped trying to catch Harry's eye when they noticed he only looked at the girl who was always right next to him.
According to the bets among the students, and faculty (although they will never admit it) the two students would hopefully discover it before graduation. As the three made their way to dinner a tall shadow covered their path..
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Ginny and Collin were walking to dinner to meet up with their friends. Mid stride Ginny froze. Listening closely she heard her brother's enraged voice.
"Take it back ferret! Before I… before I…"
"Before you what weasel? " She could hear the smirk in Malfoy's voice.
"Can't decide who you want to defend more huh? That mud blood or your trashy slut of a sister"
Ginny turned the corner at this, taking in the scene ahead of her. Her brother and Malfoy were facing each other wands drawn. Her brothers face red in contrast to Malfoy's milky color. Harry was partly behind Ron with his wand at his side. Hermione had her wand out also, but Harry was completely blocking her from Malfoy's sight. Ginny decided this was the best chance she would get to save her brother once again from a guaranteed howler.
"Malfoy" everyone in the hall turned to look at her. For a second she thought she saw something.. Disappointment, shame.. Cross through the silver eyes. You're kidding yourself she thought. Focusing on the four in front of her she took a step forward.
"Just cause the only girls you can get have more air between their heads then the great hall holds doesn't give you the right to be a pain".
Except for a few grins and gasps that snuck out everyone stood completely shocked. No one, except for Hermione in her third year, stood up to Draco like that. Wow, she said that… I should be furious, Instead I.. Wow, I knew she had it in her.. But crap this is going to blow.. NO ! you don't want a chance with her… err.. Draco collected himself in time to see the trio and Ginny turn and head towards the doors that opened to the food.
"Weasley - don't get you panties in a twist - if you beg really hard maybe I'll let you have what you know you want." His smirk was in place - how he wanted to see how she would react.
Turning around abruptly Ginny marched over to him and in one swift movement slapped him so hard that she left a bright red hand print on his left cheek. In a voice no one ever expected to hear coming from a petite girl like her she told him "Don't you ever think of me as one of THOSE girls….. EVER." With that she turned and walked into the silent great hall with her friends following behind her.
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Ginny quickly ate her dinner, annoyed and feeling quite sick at the congratulations and praise Harry and Ron were bestowing on her. Surprised that Hermione was being so quiet she took it as a small blessing.
Why is it bothering you so much Ginny thought to herself. I mean you knew he was a jerk - he's not going to change… Its just wishful thinking that you dealing with here. You fall for him and your will regret it, your just going to get hurt. … Oh who are you kidding you already feel something don't you? She couldn't believe the mess she got herself in now.
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As Malfoy sat in his room that night he gently touched his still red cheek. Bullocks! He mentally kicked himself again for being this affected by a girl, a blood traitor on top of it all. But my father was probably wrong about that too…. Hmm, I still like my pureblood though… but then there's..
Falling back on his bed he again spoke out loud to himself "I will not fall for her.. I will not… I am still a Malfoy… I still have things to live up too… Urgh!"
In a small whisper before he closed his eyes he pledged that he would "ignore it, I'll just ignore it".
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Ginny finished running a brush through her hair and added some clear lip-gloss to her lips. She than ran to greet Hermione. Together they walked down to the common room to meet the waiting boys. She got a smirk on her face that would have made Malfoy proud as she observed the actions of her best friends. Ron - who still hasn't woken up completely was leaning against that wall with his eyes half closed. Hermione bounced over to him a placed a quick peck on his cheek in greeting. Then she went over to Harry, who still has not taken his piercing and aware eyes off her. She watched as Hermione stood on her toes one more time and placed a lingering kiss on Harry's cheek. Although to Ginny, it seemed a lot closer to the corner of his mouth. When will they ever notice it…?
"So" Ginny's chipper attitude broke off the staring contest that Harry and Hermione did not seem to notice they were having. "Should we go get breakfast?' at the mention of food Ron's eyes lit up and he started for the portrait not waiting for his friends to catch up. When he reached it he must have noticed that he was all alone cause he turned back around as he called them "Come On guys, I am hungry!" Laughing they all went towards breakfast.
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He sat there eating a full breakfast. He got a letter from his father last night and now he was going to have to have another meeting. He hated the idea of giving up his Saturday morning. But this is what he wanted and it would protect him and more importantly his mother. Also maybe it would make him good enough for her… not that that mattered to him. of course not!!
He looked up when he felt eyes on him, looking around he saw two hazel eyes focusing on him. He was absorbed in the fiery Gryffindor that would never be his.
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Draco slowly walked into the circular room, high above the ground. Looking at his new 'master' in the eye he quickly dropped his gaze not wanting him to read the feelings his heart yet wasn't sure of.
"What do you have Mr. Malfoy? Something important I am sure"
" Yes, master"
"Mr. Malfoy remember what we talked about?"
"Sorry sir," Draco bowed his head still not sure what to expect. When you grew up with an iron fist and no forgiveness you came to expect it.
"I got the note from my father and came quickly. Professor Snape will know more but this is what I concluded."
The meeting took around a half hour before Draco was able to flee the room and take a walk. His traitorous feet slowly took him to the quid ditch
Pitch where he heard her laugh and could see flying figurines high in the sky. He positioned himself by the stands and took on an snobbish stance, if any of the dumb wits asked he could claim spying - sounds like something he would have done..
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Hermione was sitting in the stands of the quidditch pitch watching the Gryffindor team practice. Normally she would venture into the library during this time but the weather out side was so lovely she wanted to enjoy it. In addition, there was also something there about this being the last year she could really watch both her boys play. Not that she truly watched a lot. She mainly read. Today she was reading Hogwarts; a History. As she sat there, her mind wandered to the team's goalie and seeker. Ron and Harry, Ron more so, were almost as disappointed as she was about Dumbledore's decision. It still upset her a lot.
Flash back … Dumbledore's office…. End of sixth year.
"Miss Granger, Mr. Potter, and Mr. Weasley, please sit down" Dumbeldore
pointed them over to the red couch that was conjured in front of his desk.
The twinkle in his eye was not as bright as the three children were used to
and that worried them, a lot. Harry was the first to speak - he was use to yelling at Dumbledore and new the others would not be able to.
"So… What happened this time?" Harry did not want to sound mean or degrading but he has come to accept the fact that trouble is normally the reason all three of them were in the headmaster's office.
"Harry - "Hermione whispered as she put a hand on his arm. She could tell he was getting upset "Calm down Harry I am sure everything is fine" She was staring into his eyes begging him to believe her. They were so focused on each other that they did not notice the sparkle increase in Dumbledore's eyes as he watched them.
"Harry, Miss Granger is correct again, nothing has happened, I just need to discuss a decision I made with you three" at this all three teenager's eyebrows disappeared into their hair line. "Now I know next year you are all looking forward to certain positions that are allotted only to seventh years." At this, Hermione and Ron's faces both lit up. "I am pleased to say that by all rights you Ron and Harry would have been co - captains of Quidditch, and Hermione dear would have made an excellent head girl.
Ron was so excited that he started talking about ideas to Harry. Where Hermione, being the logical one she is, realized Dumbledore always said 'would of' 'should have'. Her lack of excitement caused the boys to turn to her. "What's wrong Mione? Should you be happy this is what you've been working for since day one?" Ron looked so confused.
"Yeah… It was… But things… Priorities change…" Her voice was cracking and she could feel her tears building up. This is what she has always wanted.
Harry looked at her in disbelief "Hermione that's rubbish you should be proud for getting this…"
"Harry…" she quickly wiped the tear off her cheek. "Didn't you listen…? We aren't getting those positions." With that the two deflated boys turned to their headmaster… who just nodded slowly.
"I am sorry Harry but again Miss Granger is correct. I'm afraid that the need to destroy Voldemort out weighs any school placements."
That did it for Harry, he was angry.
"WHAT ! NO I WONT ACCEPT THIS AT ALL! FINE DON'T GIVE ME THE CAPTAIN
POSITION - BUT RON SHOULD GET IT, AND Hermione " at this Harry froze
and turned to look at the silently crying girl. He turned back to the old headmaster
"Hermione has worked every day of her education for this position, no one deserves
it more. I won't stand in the way of her getting it. You better find a better reason for her -"
He was again cut off by a soft hand on his rm.
Hermione was standing next to him "Its ok…" He was about to interrupt but
she stopped him with a look. "Helping you is more important to me
than any badge. I mean it and I don't want to hear another word out of you about it."
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Neither Harry nor Ron ever brought up that meeting again, except for when they all told Mrs. Weasley what they should have been… Now she watched them play on the team wondering if they ever thought about that meeting.
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Before practice Ginny and the other two chasers decided to that, they were going to try a new trick at practice. Their first game was against Slytherin and they wanted to beat them bad. It helped Ginny to think of the look on Malfoy's face when Harry would catch the snitch. It wasn't that she hated him - well she wasn't sure how she felt. She just knew what every body expected her to feel. I have to hate him, Oh shoot its time…
Ginny got the signal and knew it was time. Her part of the job was to pretend to fall. Ok now fall… She tried hard to make it look real, although she tried to hard. No one knew they were going to do the trick so no one was ready when Ginny really did slip off the side of her broom. Shoot
"Ginny!" she could hear Ron scream her name as she saw him come towards her.
Harry was the closest to her and yet he was still to far away she would hit the ground before he got her. Hermione sat there in the stands watching her friend fall, most likely to death, or a really bad concussion. For all her brains, all her reading, all her studying she could not come up with one spell to save her friend. She just watched her friend who was falling, the guy she loved, and her other best friend.
Then she noticed Ginny slowed down at least to half the speed she was going. It looked like she was gently floating, she was now going slow enough so that Harry could catch her.
Seeing her friend was safe Hermione was able to breathe again and she rushed down to the field to embrace her friend. On her way down her eyes caught something in the distance. A broad green cape and a head of white blonde hair. She shoved it in the back of her mind figuring he was there to spy on their plans. She would have to tell Harry so he could pass it on to the captain. She reached her scared, but safe friend and embraced her tightly.
"Thank you so much" Ginny cried onto the shorter girls shoulder "Thankyou,Thankyou,Thankyou"
After rubbing the fairer skinned girl's back Hermione quietly asked "Ginny why are you thanking me?" The younger girls hazel eyes filled with confusion and then more tears. She looked between her brother and the man that caught her.
"But… Ron… Um.. "Ginny's voice broke into sobs as she buried her head on Hermione's shoulder again.
"Mione," Harry put a calming hand on her unoccupied shoulder as Ron placed a hand on his sisters back trying to comfort her. Hermione could feel the tingles racing down her spine from the presence of Harry's hand on her body. She looked at the man who stole her heart with questioning eyes.
"Didn't you cast the spell? " He asked softly. All Hermione could do was shake her head no. Hmmm she started thinking perhaps…. Oh my… Maybe he wasn't here just to spy.. Well maybe that's what it started out as … This means Malfoy has saved Ginny's life twice… I wonder what's gotten into him
"Hmm", she noticed both boys were looking at her waiting for her to solve the problem - which she already did - although she couldn't tell them that, not until she talked to Ginny. "Um we should get Ginny to bed, she's practically asleep on my shoulder" Ron then scooped down and picked Ginny up like a baby.
"Ron… I'm "Ginny began to protest un till a large yawn interrupted her fight. Then with the safety of her over protective brother's arms around her, she fell asleep. Ron silently carried her towards the castle's doors. Once again not aware to what was happening to his best friends only a few steps behind him.