An Unexpected Flame
Chapter 2 – Temptation, Frustration
Ginny held her breath as she tried to quickly creep into her compartment. She missed the fight between Malfoy and Harry because she had been too busy catching Pansy and Blaise having a snog-fest in the bathroom. It was gross, just thinking about it made her shiver unintentionally with disgust because it was pretty obvious what she had just missed. By the time she had run away from the scene the trolley lady had been ushering everyone back to their compartments. A cough suddenly brought her back to the present.
Startled she looked up to see Alex and Claire staring at her cautiously. It looked like she had some explaining to do.
"Ginny what's been going on?" Claire looked worried and so did Alex. She must have seemed crazy, especially when she had been feeding them lines all summer that she was fine and having a great time. Taking a deep breath she sat down and began.
"I haven't been telling you the whole truth about the summer…" She watched their reactions with interest. They were very similar it was like they had both been expecting her to say something along those lines. Then again her stomp off probably gave them a few hints.
"Why didn't you tell us? I was always suspicious of how much you downplayed the whole Harry situation but I just figured you didn't want to talk about it and were dealing with it. Please tell us everything, it will help." Alex rubbed Ginny's hand as Claire nodded in agreement. Ginny smiled weakly taking a moment to look at the lush countryside zooming past as it grew darker, they would be arriving soon.
"I don't know. I didn't want to burden you with my problems and you were both going away on holiday. It…it just wouldn't have done you any good. Besides I can look after myself." This caused Claire to roll her eyes but it was in a loving way.
"Ginny, you are not invincible! You are tough but you can't do everything alone. And that's what friends are for. To laugh at your bad jokes, hold your hair back while you vomit and to listen to all your problems and help you through them." Ginny couldn't help but laugh, Claire always managed to get a giggle out of her even when she was down and out.
"But seriously." Claire continued. "We can help." Ginny nodded, they were right and it might help to get it off her chest. Maybe she would feel less isolated.
"It's just everything!" she fumed. "Harry broke up with me because he was trying to be a noble git and was protecting me or some stupid excuse. My family have been so annoying; I can't stand most of them at the moment. And Harry didn't even contact me all summer and now he wants to talk. It just all hurts too much and I couldn't hold it in anymore." Ginny bent her head as her eyes welled up with tears, it was a sore subject and it never got any easier to talk or think about. Claire and Alex were by her side comforting her in an instant. She was lucky to have good friends like them but she couldn't shake the feeling of being alone still. Looking up she wiped her eyes with a grin as the Hogwarts Express began to come to a halt.
"Enough of that, anyway what happened after I left the compartment." Claire's eyes lit up as she an Alex began to fill Ginny in on what she had missed. Listening half-heartedly Ginny grabbed her things, feeling as lost as she had before.
/\/\/\/o\/\/\/\
The rest of the trip had flown by for Draco. It felt so good to have something to do; he hadn't felt so alive in years which was as sad as it sounded. Even though he had been thinking about his plan most of the time it had actually been a rather amusing trip. Pansy and Blaise had stumbled into the compartment after the controversy displaying clear signs of 'pash rash' across their faces which even Crabbe picked up on. He had then got to watch Blaise attempt to hit on a sixth year girl who turned him down immediately with a sneer. The failure was then topped off by a furious Pansy who made Blaise break out in boils which he could not reverse.
Amusing as it was it barely got a grin out of Draco but it had made him aware of something. The sixth year girl would not take her eyes off of him. He vaguely knew who she was, Evangeline or something odd like that. Looking at her he could see she was quite attractive, dark brown hair and seductive green eyes. She was trouble, that much was simple and he would have found out more if he wasn't already busy.
"Too late, no time for flings. I need to catch the impossible bird or girl…whatever." The thought made him break out in a rare grin which caused her to raise an eyebrow. Just what he needed, temptation. As the train began to slow down the girl abruptly stood up making out that she was checking on her owl. Perplexed Draco watched her out of the corner of his eye wondering what she was up to as the train came to shuddering halt. Suddenly the girl was on top off him, hands on his chest with her face in his neck. Even though Draco saw through the charade he still gave her points for effort. Moving her head from his neck and bringing it an inch from his face she grinned at him while lightly rubbing his chest.
"Oops, sorry." She breathed quietly, lingering for a moment before slowly pushing herself off him and strutting back to her seat. This had only lasted a few moments but it felt like it had stretched out for minutes. Lightly licking his lips unconsciously he couldn't help but watch her. Any other time and he would have been all over her but she would be just another Slytherin notch on his belt and really that was just an average Saturday night for him. The Weasley girl thing was in a league of its own, sure she was a disgusting blood traitor but just the act of getting her and rubbing it in Potter's face…it just wasn't comparable. Pulling his eyes away from Evangeline's behind as she sauntered to her belongings he sighed. She sure was going to make this difficult and like it wasn't already going to be hard enough.
/\/\/\/o\/\/\/\
The feast was uneventful. Of course there was the sorting, Dumbledore's random speech and all the gossip floating around about the fight on the train and a rather disturbing story about Blaise and Pansy but she hadn't really been listening. On top of that there was also bloody Harry trying to catch her eye, seriously didn't he get the message? Luckily she was lost in her own thoughts though she did manage the occasional smile and nod when Claire and Alex seemed to expect it as they continued with their meaningless chatter. This year was going to be so different, everything had changed and most of all she had changed. Moving her food around her plate distractedly she didn't notice Alex and Claire exchange worried glances.
"Hey Ginny" Alex spoke up. "Did I tell you I saw Snape, well sexy Sevvy, on my holiday? Anyway we ended up drinking too much firewhiskey and before I knew it we were doing body shots and went skinny dipping in the ocean. I have to say that greasy hair of his still makes me tingle." Alex managed to say quite seriously causing Claire to choke on her pumpkin juice.
"Anapneo" Alex said pointing her wand at Claire automatically still looking at Ginny.
"Thanks" Claire gasped trying to hide a grin.
"No problem. So Ginny what do you think of that?" Lifting her head absently Ginny looked at Alex.
"Sounds fun." At this Claire couldn't hold it in any longer and burst out laughing and Alex soon joined her. Ginny just looked at them, confusion clearly etched on her face.
"Did I miss something?" she continued to watch the two of them as the laughter gradually died down.
"Ginny you have been out of it ever since we got off the train but let me fill in the gaps." Alex couldn't help but smile as she retold the story. Before long they all burst out laughing again. Ginny hadn't laughed so hard since last year and she didn't think she would ever be able to look Snape in the eye again.
/\/\/\/o\/\/\/\
The feast was uneventful. Ever since the idea had formed in his head he had not been able to get Ginny Weasley out of his head. His food remained untouched as he watched her like a predator watches its prey. Though it had only been a few hours, he could already feel it growing into an obsession. He was suddenly broken out of his trance by a rubbing on his leg. Slightly annoyed he looked down to find a foot which was attached to a long slim leg which belonged to none other than Evangeline who he noticed for the first time was sitting opposite him. Her mouth crooked up in a sly grin glad to finally have caught his attention.
"You know I'm really sorry about what happened earlier and I was hoping that I could make it up to you somehow." As she spoke her foot started to move higher. Before it could go too far he coughed and roughly changed position causing her leg to fly off him and hit a grumpy Blaise. She scowled momentarily before turning the charm back on and saying a short sorry to Blaise.
"I'm fine thanks, who are you anyway?" he asked irritably. Looking slightly relived she smiled again.
"Oh how silly of me. I'm Evangeline Rogers. I guess we haven't formally met." She held out a hand shyly. Not wanting to completely shut her down he shook it. She held the shake for longer than usual, stroking his hand with her thumb. Draco scoffed softly as he took his hand back; she really was pulling out all the stops. Just what he needed a determined temptation.
Before anything more could be said a paper plane zoomed into his plate causing Evangeline to jump in surprise. With a dreary expression Draco opened the message.
Dear Mr. Malfoy,
Once again congratulations on your new appointment as Head Boy. One of the perks of your new position is a separate quarters which you will share with the Head Girl. Your new living space is on the fourth floor past the library where you will find a black suit of armour. The password is 'Admiratio', you will be notified when the password changes which will happen every now and then. Another perk is having privacy to your own room. The only way to access it is to place a hand on the door, simple except only one of your hands will open it. I also understand the importance of house spirit and keeping your friendships strong so a passage from your room to your common room has been installed. There is a note on your bed going into further detail. Anyway pinus fastidiosus and I hope you find your new living quarters pleasing.
Yours truly,
Albus Dumbledore.
Well this was going to be interesting. He had been hoping for something like this, now he had an escape from the dungeons and all the annoying Slytherins. This was going to work out nicely when it came to his plan. Leaving his food untouched he walked out of the Great Hall briskly leaving Evangeline alone and clearly annoyed. He allowed his eyes to look at her briefly. She was laughing with two other girls as his eyes followed up the table he also saw Potter watching her closely. He smirked slightly as he left the Great Hall and walked out of the castle. He had grown a habit of spending hours outdoors during the summer just to get away and think. The crisp air could always calm him down and bring him back to a peaceful state of mind which had become a rare luxury. Plus he also acquired another habit. As he lowered himself on the steps he drew a cigarette out of his pocket along with a muggle lighter. He knew it wasn't good for him but he needed it and it felt good. Taking a drag he smiled as he slumped against the wall.
/\/\/\/o\/\/\/\
As the laughter died down for the second time she looked around and noticed Harry staring again. If it was going to be like this all year she was going to snap. With a grimace she rose from her seat.
"I will catch up with you guys later, I really need some air." They nodded understandably and continued chatting as she left. Throwing the door open hard she inhaled deeply. She was furious with herself. After all this time Harry still managed to get at her. Was it ever going to end?
"Hi Ginny." A familiar voice spoke behind her.
Not anytime soon it seemed. Turning slowly she came face to face with the person she was trying to avoid.
"What do you want Harry?"
/\/\/\/o\/\/\/\
Unseen, Draco sat in the shadows. When he had first heard the door open he had put out his cigarette immediately thinking he was busted but then Ginny had appeared and he couldn't help but smile. It must be fate. When he had been about to announce his presence however Potter had appeared. Not being able to believe his luck he remained silent and watched as the situation unfolded.
/\/\/\/o\/\/\/\
Hurt by the way Ginny had spat his name out he quickly looked at the ground before looking back at her.
"I just wanted to talk if that's alright." He asked timidly.
"Well what is it."
"I didn't realise you were so angry with me until the train when you…" Harry trailed off having trouble looking her in the eye.
"Honestly what did you expect? That you would say sorry and we would go back to the way we were?"
"No….maybe. I don't know I just didn't expect that reaction. I miss you Gin." Harry moved closer to her bringing his hand up to brush her hair behind her ear. Ginny's hand flew up so quick he didn't even see it coming. With a loud SMACK her hand struck his face hard. Shocked Harry staggered back bringing his hand up to rub the bright red mark that was already appearing on his face.
"You really are an arrogant git if you didn't see that coming. And trust me; we will never be the way we were. Now leave me alone before I give you a matching one." Still in a state of shock Harry stumbled back inside and finally left her alone.
/\/\/\/o\/\/\/\
In the shadows Draco could hardly hold the laughter in anymore. As disgusting as the thought of getting with Weasley girl was he had to admit that she had style. That slap had been brilliant and Potter's reaction was too. He really was an idiot if he actually thought he could just kiss and make up after she went off on him like she did on the train. Even he wouldn't have tried it. Feeling it was as good a time as any, Draco lit up with a clang of his lighter causing Ginny to jump and swing around to face him.
"Are you trying to kill me?" she yelled, putting a hand over heart. Moving out of the shadows Draco grinned.
"Well not particularly but if it happens it happens." He leaned against the door and took the packet of cigarettes out of his pocket.
"Looks like you could do with one." She eyed him suspiciously before speaking.
"What are you doing out here Malfoy?" the sting never leaving her voice.
"Suit yourself." He said pocketing the pack. "I just came out to get some air or is that not allowed?" Draco sneered as he watched her roll her eyes irritably.
"I guess so." She huffed as she dropped on the step. Draco was a bit surprised; he had thought she would have run back inside. Guess she wasn't as predictable as he first thought. She sat half turned toward him which he guessed was so she could keep him in the corner of her eye, just incase. They sat in silence for many minutes, he looked at her occasionally but not enough to make it seem like he was staring. The longer they sat there the harder it became to figure her out. After a while he pulled the pack from his pocket but before he got one out she interrupted him.
"You shouldn't smoke." She said quietly. Before he could reply however she continued. "Can I have one?"
"Now that's somewhat hypercritical." He laughed softly, opening the pack.
"Malfoy just give me one alright, don't be a git." Ginny snapped as she turned to face him directly. He smirked as he held one out to her, just as she was about to take it he pulled it out of her reach causing her to glare at him.
"Oh alright." He grinned as she quickly snatched it this time. Taking a drag he noticeably relaxed and sat for a minute before Ginny coughed. Rolling his eyes he leaned toward her.
"Alright come here." He said as he sat down in front of her. Her eyes shifted from him to the lighter before she finally decided not to ask. Their faces inches apart, she put the cigarette in her mouth and held it near his. He stared into her eyes as he slowly lit hers up. She had nice dark brown eyes, nearly black but they still managed to sparkle. Quite pretty he admitted grudgingly. She stubbornly returned his gaze which only caused him to continue grinning. When it was lit they both slowly leaned back. Taking a drag he watched her as she did the same. He was surprised she didn't start coughing, another thing he hadn't predicted. He chuckled softly as he lay down on the step and looked to the sky.
"I didn't know you smoked." he said casually.
"There are a lot of things you don't know about me. Not that it's any of your business. You gave me a cigarette, that's all. No need to try and get all chummy." Ginny shot at him before looking out to the lake. Ah he must have been laying it on too thick best to hold it off for now otherwise it would blow up in his face before it even started.
"No need to tell me Weasley and it's the last time I give you something. Especially when you're the one who interrupted me. So if anyone needs to get over themselves it's you." He said roughly as he got to his feet. Throwing his cigarette to the ground he looked at her quickly as he stomped on it. She looked like she was feeling a bit guilty but was trying to hide it too hard with a scowl. Just the affect he wanted for now. Feeling pleased he strode back into the castle leaving her alone, finally.
A/N: Thanks heaps for the reviews! They were great so please review again! :D Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Aristocat
