Disclaimer: Unfortunately, my name isn't J. K. Rowling...which means that I own nothing. While you guys read, I'll go cry in a corner about the fact that I didn't create this marvelous world and these amazing characters.

I was glad to be back at Hogwarts after a highly emotional Christmas. Percy had shown up with the Minister of Magic for Christmas dinner and it ended with Fred, George and I all claiming to have been the one to throw the parsnips at Percy. He had left dinner in a huff, leaving behind our sobbing mum.

As soon as I got back, I went to find Dean in the common room. He was sitting with Seamus and Neville by the fire so I sunk down on the couch beside him.

"Hey, how was your Christmas?" I asked. I felt a pang in my chest at the grin he gave me. Dean was a great guy who obviously deserved better than me. He was a good boyfriend but I already knew he wasn't meant for me.

"I have your Christmas gift," said Dean excitedly, reaching into his bag and pulling out a scarlet and gold wrapped gift. "I wanted to give it to you in person."

"Thank you," I said meekly.

"Well open it," he prodded.

I tore open the paper to reveal a small velvet box. Casting aside the wrapping, I popped open the lid and gasped. Sitting in the box was a fine gold chain with a miniscule golden ring inlaid with diamonds dangling from it.

"It's beautiful," I breathed.

"It's goblin gold. I saved up for it," Dean stated proudly.

I tried to smile with as much enthusiasm I could muster in the face of this expensive gift I didn't deserve. "Put it on for me," I said, handing the necklace to Dean and pulling my hair over my shoulder. I felt Dean's fingers skimming across my neck as he did the clasp before I threw my hair back over my shoulder.

"How does it look?" I asked.

"As ever, you look beautiful," said Dean.

I spent the most of the evening talking with Dean and Seamus to try to soothe my guilt. It seemed to work as I temporarily forgot about my anger towards Ron, my worries about Draco and Astoria and my secret escapades with Draco that I had to keep hidden.

Just as Seamus finished telling us a story about something funny his grandmother did over Christmas, Harry walked in through the portrait hole.

"Sorry, I'll be right back," I said, getting up and dashing over to Harry.

Harry seemed taken aback. "Oh, hey Ginny."

"I was wondering if I could borrow Hedwig."

"Sure. She's just up in the Owlery," said Harry. "Who you writing to?"

"Just Tonks," I lied. Tonks and I did write to each other a lot but I couldn't possibly tell Harry who I was really sending a letter to.

"I forgot she was stationed in Hogsmeade. Do you guys write a lot?"

I nodded. "Yeah, we do. She's like an older sister."

Harry grinned. "That must be nice since you only have brothers."

"Yeah, it really is great," I said, shuffling my feet. "Well I better go find Hedwig before curfew."

I quickly snatched the note I had written before leaving The Burrow from my bag, waved to Dean and Harry and then climbed through the portrait hole. It took me a couple of minutes to finally make my way up to the Owlery but when I finally got there, I had to wrap my cardigan closer around myself.

The Owlery had no windows and frosty winter wind was swirling through the glassless windows. I spotted Hedwig easily enough up in the rafters since she was the only snowy owl.

"Hedwig," I called, beckoning her down. "Harry lent me to you so you could deliver this letter for me."

I always thought Hedwig was a smart owl and she proved it when she came rustling down and landed lightly on my shoulder. I honestly thought that she understood me when I mentioned Harry.

I hastily tied the little scroll to Hedwig's leg and carried her to a window. "It's not a far journey at all Hedwig. Just deliver this to Astoria Greengrass somehow before breakfast tomorrow. If you can't, don't deliver it during usual post because I don't need Harry seeing you bringing Astoria a letter."

I figured she understood as she gave a hoot and flew into the sky. I stood framed in the window until the ghostly white shape of Hedwig disappeared in the darkness and then I trotted back to Gryffindor common room.

"You found her alright?" asked Harry when he spotted me.

"Yeah, no problem at all."

Harry grinned. "Good."

"Well, I'm off to bed," I announced. "I'm still exhausted from Christmas."

I kissed Dean on the cheek, waved to Harry as he joined Hermione by the fire and climbed wearily up the stairs. I took a quick shower and climbed into bed, hoping that Hedwig wouldn't have any problems.

It seemed Hedwig was able to deliver my letter to Astoria as she swooped in during the usual post sans my letter, nipped some bacon from Harry's plate and flew off again.

I looked over to the Slytherin table to be sure and Astoria met my eye. She nodded at me and then turned back to her conversation with Blaise. I took that as confirmation that she would show and I breathed a little easier.

"What are you so worked up about?" asked Florence.

I shook my head. "Nothing. I'm just sad that classes are already starting today."

"I know!" exclaimed Evanna. "It seems like Christmas was only yesterday."

That night, I waited at the very top of the Astronomy Tower at midnight in my new Weasley jumper. It was a cold night I realized as I sat by the stone railing that opened up to outside. I surveyed the snow covered school grounds with the trees in the forest almost looking pretty covered in the glittering white.

I was proud of myself that I didn't jump as hushed footsteps whispered against the stone floor and then someone sunk down on the floor across from me.

"You came," I whispered, still looking over the grounds.

"You did ask me to," Astoria whispered back.

I shrugged. "I didn't think you would. We haven't really talked lately."

"I've been busy."

I finally turned to look at her. "It's okay."

"So what did you want to talk to me about?"

I drew my knees up and wrapped my arms around them. It was now or never. "You were once going to tell me something up here but I didn't show. What were you going to tell me?"

Astoria just stared at me in silence but I took it as a good sign that she didn't get up and simply walk away. Instead, she answered my question with a question. "Do you remember what we were talking about that night? Before I asked you to meet me."

"Yeah, we were talking about Death Eaters and You-Know-Who."

Astoria started fidgeting with her fingers.

"Is it about that?" I prodded.

Astoria nodded. "I can tell you some things but not everything. I trust you or I wouldn't be telling you any of this."

"I want you to tell me as much as you can."

"And you aren't going to go spouting everything I tell you to the dream team?"

"No, I won't. I don't betray my friend's confidence."

Astoria smiled weakly. "Well what do you want to know? It would be easier if you just asked and I can choose what I can answer."

I agreed. "Tell me why you guys suddenly became my friend. I overheard that conversation on the train about how Blaise would never touch me no matter how I looked and such."

Astoria looked extremely sad as she answered. "I thought it would be beneficial to our cause if we befriended someone so close to the Golden Trio. I forced the others to be nice to you and it grew into real friendship on mine, Blaise, and Draco's part."

"Beneficial to your cause to befriend me? You forced the others to become my friend?"

"That's what it was at first but I swear Ginny, you really truly are our friend now. It started off like that but I like you too much to use you for whatever gain."

My mind was whirling. Were all my new friends fake?

Astoria reached forward and clutched my arm. "I swear Ginny. No matter the cause, Blaise wouldn't be able to act that way around you for long if he didn't actually like you. And Draco never said a word to you at the start because he never really took my idea seriously but now you guys talk all the time and I know Draco would never even talk to you if he didn't like you. And no offense, but you aren't much use when it comes to the dream team since you aren't around them a lot and I would have realized that soon enough and stopped hanging out with you but I haven't because you are my friend."

I decided to believe her for the time being since she did make some valid points. "Okay, I believe you. But what is your cause?"

"Our cause to rid the wizarding world of those without pure blood," explained Astoria nonchalantly, unclutching my arm and settling back against the stone railing.

There was pregnant pause before I asked my next question. "Are you a Death Eater then?"

"Would you still be my friend if I was?"

Would I still be Astoria's friend if she was a Death Eater? Being friends with a Death Eater would clash with everything I knew. Us Weasley's stood behind Harry, the Boy Who Lived, in his efforts to defeat Lord Voldemort. Being close friends with a supporter of the man Harry had to kill would bring my loyalties into question, not to mention I would probably die from being associated with a Death Eater since my family were blood traitors.

But wouldn't I be able to handle myself? And Draco did say I was different than the rest of my family. True, I knew that standing behind Harry was the right thing to do but it wasn't what I always wanted to do; especially when Harry got on my nerves with his constant nosing around and his superior attitude he sometimes adopted. Shouldn't I be able to choose where I stood? I wasn't saying I was picking the dark side but it would be nice to have the option to choose for myself.

And Astoria was nice. She helped me with my homework, we had a lot in common and we hung out a lot. I had really gotten to know her, I felt, and I would miss her if she exited my life. Also, even if she was a Death Eater, we were at school under the watch of Dumbledore. There was nothing she could possibly do to me while we were both at Hogwarts.

"Yeah," I finally answered. "I'd still be your friend."

"That's nice to know," said Astoria. "But I'm not a Death Eater yet."

"Yet?"

"The Dark Lord wouldn't let sixteen year olds join his Death Eaters," scoffed Astoria. "Only when I come of age this summer am I to be branded as a Death Eater."

I swallowed hard. "So you're basically a Death Eater in training?"

Astoria snorted. "Yeah, basically."

"Okay, who else is a Death Eater in training among our friends?"

"Only Theodore, Crabbe and Goyle."

I frowned. "What about Draco? His parents and his aunt and uncle are all known Death Eaters. Doesn't it run in the family?"

Astoria seemed suddenly uneasy as she fidgeted on the floor. "He's already a Death Eater."

"WHAT!?"

"Shut it before you wake the castle," whispered Astoria angrily.

"What do you mean Draco's already a Death Eater?"

"This is the only thing I can tell you and then I can't say anything," said Astoria.

I nodded for her to go on.

"When Lucius Malfoy was arrested for breaking into the Ministry to capture Harry and the prophecy, the Dark Lord was not pleased at all. I think it a great honor but I know Narcissa Malfoy thinks it a punishment."

"What is it?"

"For punishment for Lucius's failure, the Dark Lord bestowed the Dark Mark—the sign of a Death Eater—onto Draco to take his father's place as Death Eater."

"Isn't Narcissa a Death Eater? Why would she think it a punishment?"

Astoria shook her thick curls. "She's scared that she'll lose her only son."

"So Draco is already a Death Eater," I mused. I was surprised with myself that I seemed to have taken all this info in stride without running away.

"He is the only Death Eater to be entered into the ranks before coming of age," explained Astoria, pride lacing her voice for her friend.

"Can you also tell me why you, Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and sometimes Theo all seem to resemble zombies?"

"You've noticed that, have you?"

"Of course, or else I wouldn't be asking."

"I'm sorry Ginny but I can't tell you that. It's not my information to tell."

"Fine," I pouted. "Thank you for what you did tell me though."

"No problem. Also, I didn't thank you for that herbs book you got me for Christmas. I'm almost done reading it."

"You're welcome. Thank you for the earrings and scarf."

Astoria clamoured to her feet and extended her hand to pull me up. "I figured you could use some green in your red wardrobe."

"I should have given you a Gryffindor scarf then."

"I'm sure Blaise and Draco would love that," snickered Astoria.

"Well we better be off to bed before Mrs Norris or Filch finds us," I said. "Thank you for trusting me Astoria."

Astoria smiled down at me as I started the decent from the Astronomy Tower. "Goodnight Ginny."

"Aren't you coming?" I asked.

"No" she shook her head. "I'm going to stay up here for a bit."

"Okay, well, goodnight Astoria."

I made it safely to bed without anyone catching me as I slid swiftly into my warm bed. I only had one thought as sleep crept up on me and it was that I had a bone to pick with Draco.

I was beyond pissed off that all through January and February I never once got to talk to Draco alone. I only saw him the odd time I would sit at the Slytherin table. We had never met for our little snogging sessions since before Christmas and he never once mentioned the Christmas gift I had bought him.

I had spent most of my savings on a pure, seemingly simple silver ring. In the inside, I had "To Ferret From Weasel" carved. I thought it was a rather nice gift so I was a little hurt that he hadn't mentioned it and I hadn't seen him wear it.

When I asked Astoria where Draco always was, she would always evasively say that Draco was busy.

One day in early March I finally had it and I marched up to him at the Slytherin table during dinner.

"Hey Weasley," he said offhandedly and then turned back to his plate.

"Can I have a word Draco?" I hissed.

Everyone shut up at the tone of my voice but Draco didn't seem to pick up my annoyance. "I'm kind of busy."

"No, now," I said, grabbing a fistful of his black sweater and pulling him up.

Draco jerked away from me and smoothed down his shirt. "What's your problem?"

"I need to talk to you," I ground out.

"Can't it wait until after I finish eating?" he growled.

I crossed my arms. "No."

Draco rolled his eyes towards Blaise. "Woman."

I turned on my heel and stalked away from the Slytherin table and I heard Draco's light footsteps following me. He didn't ask where we were going so I led him all the way up to the top of the Astronomy Tower.

I stopped at the railing and gazed out over the grounds. Draco joined me silently, his thin hands gripping the corners of the stone railing until his knuckles were white.

"What's this about Weasley?"

"You…us."

"What about us?"

I shuffled my feet nervously. "Well I never really see you anymore and we haven't gotten together in months."

He frowned. "That's why you dragged me away from dinner? Because you haven't kissed me in two months?"

"Yes and no."

"You're confusing, you know that?"

"Well I'm confused myself," I said. I still hadn't looked at him. I was scared to see how he would look at me when I finally told him what was actually on my mind.

"Just spit it out Weasley or else I'm leaving," he threatened.

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. I had no idea why I could possibly be so nervous. "How do you expect me to feel when we've hardly spoken for months? I thought that before Christmas we were really getting along but now you barely even acknowledge me."

He shifted next to me. "You aren't my girlfriend. We're only friends so you shouldn't expect me to treat you like I would my girlfriend."

"Since when is simply speaking to me treating me like your girlfriend? I would also like to point out that you and I both agreed that we were a little more than friends."

"I told you not to expect certain things from me."

"And I don't remember you telling me to expect you to just stop talking to me for no good reason," I growled.

Draco whirled to face me, resting his side against the stone. He looked almost angry. "Why is this such a big deal to you!? You have other friends besides me!"

I stared up into his grey eyes and answered as simply as I could. "Because I miss you."

"You shouldn't miss me. Like I said, you have other friends and you have your precious boyfriend Dean to keep you company."

"Why do you always bring up Dean?" I questioned.

Draco's grey eyes seemed to harden. "Because you're dating him. You always seem to forget that."

I smiled inwardly at the dawning comprehension. How could I have never noticed? "You don't like me being with Dean."

He didn't answer. Instead, he turned back to face the outside.

I looked down at my knotted fingers as I spoke. "I haven't really been in a relationship with Dean since I really started to get to know you. I'm going to break up with him because…well because of you."

I glanced up at Draco but he hadn't moved from his stance. I looked back down at my hands as I continued.

"Once I started to get to know you, you were all I could think about. I lived for the times we would meet up because it meant I could be in your presence without anyone else around. We didn't have to be Weasley and Malfoy. We could be Ginny and Draco. It's definitely not love but I really like you way more than I think I should. I can't be with Dean when you're all I can think about."

I tried to hold back the tears as I saw Draco push away from the railing in my peripheral vision. He was going to walk away after I spilled out my heart and we would probably never talk again. Maybe it was for the better since we were Weasley and Malfoy but I couldn't help the feeling of loss as he left my side against the railing. Even though I knew he was a Death Eater, I couldn't quell my feelings.

I shivered in surprise though as I felt him wrap his warm arms around my waist from behind and pull my back against his chest. I laid my head against his as he rested his chin on my shoulder. "I can't stop thinking about you either Ginny. You've gotten under my skin and it's like an illness but it's not an illness I want to recover from."

"Draco," I sighed against him. "What are we going to do?"

"Let's just enjoy the view for now," he murmured against my hair.

And that's what we did. We stood together, watching the moon's slow progress across the inky black sky as the bright stars flanked it.

In that moment, I wanted everything to freeze so Draco and I could be together in this little sliver of quiet peace. Where we could just be Ginny and Draco.

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