When Ginny opened her eyes, she knew that something was not right. True, she had been having strange dreams. It had been these dreams that had helped her save Draco, but, this was absurd. Sitting up, Ginny saw that she was in a very strange world. For starters, everything was extremely sparkly. She seemed to be sitting in a very glitter-filled field, with a lake running through it- also sparkling with glitter.
"Its an effect of the poison."
Ginny turned to her left to see Emily leaning lazily against the tree. She was wearing what seemed to be a toga. The sheen from the sun hitting the fabric made Ginny wince. "Poison" Ginny asked confused as she rubbed her eyes.
"Yes, poison," Emily answered. "When Pansy scratched you, she introduced poison into your blood. It's ancient with angel wing added in powdered form. The glitter from the angel's wing carries over to the application. I assume Pansy's nails."
"You assume," Ginny asked skeptically.
"Well, as a partial figment of your subconscious, I should say that you assume Pansy's nail polish introduced it," Emily explained.
Ginny frowned, touching her cheek where Pansy had scratched her.
"So, how bad is this," Ginny asked curiously. Emily shrugged.
"It seems rather serious doesn't it," Emily replied. Ginny frowned as Emily continued nonchalantly; "after all, you're unconscious in a world of glitter."
"Right. Well at least I'm not dead," Ginny sighed exasperated. Emily nodded.
"But there are some very serious issues at hand. For poison to even affect you like this, it must be unimaginably strong. Stronger than most poison masters could make," Emily explained.
"Toffana," Ginny answered, touching her cheek again. Emily nodded.
"But she has broken into Hogwarts. Managed to get you here which means its only a matter of time before-" Emily began but she stopped suddenly. Emily's figure was beginning to fade. Ginny suddenly realized that the whole scene around her was slowly losing its sheen. It was as if someone were dimming the lights.
"Emily," Ginny asked concerned. She stood, and reached for the girl. However, Emily's figure continued to fade. Just as Ginny rushed to reach her, Emily was gone completely. The corners of the scene began to fade into black and Ginny moved away from the fading colors. Soon she was standing in darkness. Ginny turned, unsure of what she was standing on. Nothing surrounded her. Ginny wondered if this was what it felt like before you died.
As if in answer, she heard a voice above her drawl, "The Daily Prophet said he died instantly. That's one powerful potion."
Ginny looked around for a figure but no one appeared. It was almost as if she were eavesdropping on a conversation she could not see.
"Yes and that speaks to the power of Miss. Weasley, does it not," mentioned an older sounding voice. Ginny frowned. They both sounded familiar but where were they from? Who were they?
"Still, if the siblings somehow capture and poison her," drawled the first voice again, "this would obviously be a danger -to be unconscious for so long. She could be killed with an unforgiveable curse in such a state."
"She should be more concerned with more traditional muggle ways," replied the older voice again. "It is likely, from Emily's progress reports, that such dark magic would not effect Miss. Weasley anymore. She is most vulnerable inside."
"I don't understand," drawled the voice again.
"I don't understand why she is even a target," barked a new voice, also familiar. This voice seemed older than the drawl, but younger than the speaker who kept referring to her as Miss. Weasley.
"This can't all be for revenge," agreed the drawl.
"No. I believe that Voldemort had originally started off with revenge. However, seeing how powerful Miss. Weasley has become, she has officially become a threat to his movement. It is likely that Toffana has come out of retirement for the very fact that she is the only one able to pose a threat to Miss. Weasley," said the voice once more.
Ginny struggled in the darkness. This was so awkward, listening to these three voices discussing her fate when she could not even see them. She closed her eyes tightly in her effort to wake up. She felt constrained. The darkness felt as if it were pressing in on her, nearly crushing her until-
Ginny opened her eyes to see Draco Malfoy, Albus Dumbledore, and Sirius Black looking down at her concerned. Draco gently took a cloth and wiped the sweat from her brow. She hadn't been aware she was sweating at all.
"Well hello Miss. Weasley," Professor Dumbeldore said, eyes twinkling. Ginny smirked, suddenly able to identify the three voices she had heard.
"How do you feel," asked Sirius. Ginny smiled and replied, "much better. A bit hungry."
"Well," Professor Dumbledore said cheerily, "let's call Madam Pomfrey over so you can check out and get to dinner."
After the longest look over Ginny had ever received from Madam Pomfrey, Ginny walked away from the Hospital Wing with Draco. "I sure hope there is something good to eat," Ginny said cheerfully. "I'm starving."
Draco said nothing. Ginny looked at him and for the first time noticed how tired he appeared. His hair was much more disheveled than usual, as if he had not showered in a few days and there were dark marks under his eyes. Ginny stopped and touched his arm.
"Draco," she asked concerned, "are you alright."
Draco tried to smile, though it didn't seem to reach his eyes. It seemed to hurt. "I'm fine. Tired, but fine." He stretched and Ginny heard his back crack a few times. She stood on her tiptoes to move a strand of platinum blonde hair. "Have you slept at all," she asked.
"Yeah, every day this week. In the hospital wing," explained Draco, smiling for real and kissing the top of her head. She blinked confused.
"I thought I was unconscious for a day- at the most," she whispered concerned. Draco searched her face for a moment.
"No," he replied slowly, "a week."
Ginny felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her. "And Pansy," she asked. But she knew before Draco spoke what he was about to say. His downcast eyes explained it all before he answered, "dead."
"I-" Ginny began slowly. Her stomach growled as if to interrupt her. Draco sat on the stairs, pulling Ginny down onto his lap to sit.
"Let's take a page from Potter's book, eh," Draco suggested, moving a scarlet strand behind her ear. "Let's find the kitchen instead." Ginny smiled, kissing Draco softly on the lips.
"Sounds lovely," Ginny agreed, taking Draco's hand to lead him to the still life of the fruit bowl and the ticklish pear.
"You know, I was worried," Draco said taking a bite of his roasted potato. Ginny looked up from her soup.
"I'm fine," she said smiling. Draco raised his eyebrow as if he begged to differ.
"Ginny, you were unconscious for a week. And the thing that did it killed," Draco's voice broke for a moment before he shook his head and finished, "Pansy."
Ginny touched Draco's hand softly. "It's not your fault, Draco," Ginny whispered, though she didn't know why she whispered at all.
"Ginny," Draco said seriously looking at her with his grey eyes, "I found her. She fell into my hands after the fight. She practically died in my arms. I mean- she was a prick and annoying but," he looked away for a moment, becoming very interested in his potato.
Ginny said nothing, waiting for him to speak. "She said something, before she went unconscious, or died," he said finally.
"What did she say," Ginny asked interestedly.
"She said she did it all for us- for me and her that is. She was trying to get forgiveness for me so we could be happy again. She practically told me she died for me," Draco whispered. He ran his hand through his hair.
"Draco, sometimes these things happen," Ginny began. But Draco pulled his hand away from her and stood suddenly, sending his food to the floor.
"Not to Slytherins," Draco hissed passionately. "Slytherins don't die for one another. Gryffindors seem to brag about it and promise it and almost plan for it but Slytherins-"
Ginny fought the urge to move back away from the tall boy who towered over her, a look of insanity in his eyes. "They don't. We don't do that for anyone," Draco finished.
"Draco," Ginny said softly, looking up at him hopelessly. "It's not your fault."
Draco's face softened and he plopped down on his seat as the house elves scrambled around his legs, cleaning up his knocked over food.
"Then I thought you were going to die, after I had been so off to you. I wouldn't have gotten to say goodbye," Draco muttered, putting his head in his hands, as if refusing to look at Ginny.
Ginny put her bowl down delicately, taking Draco's hand away from his face to hold it. "I'm fine Draco," Ginny repeated. Without looking at her, Draco pulled Ginny into a strong hug. Ginny felt a drop or two of water hit the top of her head where Draco's face rested. They sat like that for a bit in silence.
Ginny's favorite day was always Hogsmeade day. Ever since she had first gone she had adored it. The atmosphere, the sounds and smells, everything! She was determined to go this time since she had missed the last visit due to her sleeping state. In fact she was practically gitty with glee when she got into the carriage with Samantha and Draco. Blaise was meeting Samantha at Zonkos later. Draco was just telling Ginny a story of his first horrific trip to Knockturn alley when the day began to go down hill.
"Mind if we join," asked Harry's voice. Ginny smiled cheerfully at him in response and Samantha moved over so he, Hermione, and Ron could join. Draco fell silent. Ginny looked at him to see his steel eyes surveying the three new teens with slight suspicion. Ron returned the look, adding in a noise of disgust as Draco moved his arm around Ginny's shoulder. Draco pulled her a bit closer at the sound, sending a slight smirk towards the red head across form him.
"Are you all excited for Hogsmeade," Ginny asked, trying to raise the tension that had suddenly entered the carriage. Hermione looked at her gratefully as she answered "of course! Ron has been talking about Butterbeer all day."
That's where we were headed as well," Ginny said cheerfully. She could feel Draco's arm tense at her tone. She looked at him out of the corner of her eye and saw his jaw was very firm, as if resisting the urge to say something snarky.
Ron nudged Harry's arm and they exchange a look. Harry pushed his glasses up his nose before saying, "Perhaps we should all go together."
"I'd rather-" Draco began to drawl but Ginny cut him off quickly by saying, "sure."
Draco looked at her very seriously, his grey eyes searching her face. You would have thought she had just sold him out to dementors. She squeezed his hand in response and he grudgingly looked back at the dream team. "Join us, why not," Draco shrugged.
As they arrived at Hogsmeade, the doors of the carriage opened and Ron jumped out. Harry turned as Ginny reached the door, holding out his hand. She tilted her head a little confused. Harry had never done that before. Not wanting to be rude, she took his hand to help her out. He must have sensed her confusion because he looked at her sheepishly, motioning to the step as he said, "very slippery."
"I do think someone who can transform a werewolf back into a person can withstand the slippery step, Potter," Draco hissed, taking Ginny's hand as he spoke.
"Only being a gentleman, Malfoy," Harry said nonchalantly, but Ginny noticed they glared at one another for a moment before Hermione called for them to hurry up.
"What's the big idea inviting them," Draco asked softly so only Ginny could hear. His tone had a slight whine to it.
"It won't be that bad," Ginny said apologetically, "besides we would have seen them at the Three Broomsticks anyway. It was rather hard to avoid."
Draco made a face as the trio walked slightly ahead. "Still, It would have been nice to have had a peaceful walk. And what was that whole helping you out of the carriage bit? Slippery step my arse," Draco drawled.
Ginny paused, making Draco stop as well. "Draco Malfoy," Ginny smirked, "are you jealous?"
Draco scoffed in response. "You are," Ginny laughed. Draco looked insulted by the very idea.
"What would I be jealous of? I've got the girl haven't I? Potter can suck it," Draco drawled, looking at his nails nonchalantly, " just think its weird that he's so helpful and interested in hanging around you suddenly. If I recall correctly that was not how it was before."
"Yes, jealous," Ginny shrugged, "I think your being absurd." Draco looked at her as if she'd slapped him.
"Stop saying that terrible word," he retorted, "jealous of a boy with a crack in his head? Never."
"I mean I can see why," Ginny said innocently as they began walking again, "he is rather charming and has good looks. And he is the chosen one. I see why he would be a tender spot for you." This time it was Ginny who felt her arm pulled to a stop. Draco spun her to face him, scowling at her.
"You're a cruel woman," Draco drawled. "Besides," he continued, a look of cunning appearing on his face, "I bet Potter couldn't do this as well." Quick as lightning, Draco had an arm around Ginny's waist and dipped her. Taking his other hand he moved a stray strand of hair, letting his fingers linger on her cheek before he move in for the kiss.
"You two are walking so slowly."
Ginny gasped in surprise as she found herself suddenly on the floor. Draco gave Harry Potter the dirtiest look Ginny had ever seen.
"Were you waiting there until I was about to kiss her," Draco drawled darkly.
"Don't be silly," Harry replied putting out a hand for Ginny to take to get up. Draco took a step in front of Harry, blocking the hand and offered his own. Ginny took it, looking between the two boys confused.
"You're both acting very oddly," she said dusting herself off.
Harry shrugged walking ahead to catch up with Ron and Hermione who waited a few steps away. He looked back momentarily to make sure they were following.
"Are you okay," Draco asked concerned, pausing in his death stare directed at the back of Harry's head to look concerned at Ginny.
"Yes I'm fine," Ginny smiled, "and with such suave moves who could resist such a tease."
"A tease," Draco laughed, "doubtful."
"You always leave a lady without a kiss I suppose," Ginny retorted, smirking at Draco. Draco returned the look. He glanced quickly over at the Trio who had not seemed to notice their conversation; despite the few times Harry had turned to check that they were there behind him. Draco seemed to be satisfied with the fact that no one would leap out at him because he turned to Ginny and tilted her chin up to him. Her brought his lips very close to hers, their noses side by side, when he paused.
"Now if I pulled away," Draco whispered, "who'd be sour then?"
Ginny smiled but Draco placing his lips over hers passionately stifled her laugh. "Blimey," called Ron's voice after a moment or two, "Stop snogging and hurry up!"
Ginny felt Draco's hand move away from her face and though they stopped moments later, she had a very good feeling that Draco had shown Ron a rude gesture in response.
"Where did Samantha get to," asked Hermione as she sat down across form Ginny in the Three Broom Sticks. Ginny gave a sideways look at Draco who was at the counter, talking to Harry and Ron. He looked extremely displeased.
"She went to Zonkos I think," Ginny replied, knowing that Samantha had snuck off to meet up with Blaise- wherever that was.
"How is that going," Hermione asked curiously nodding to the three boys.
Ginny smiled, "fantastic, considering he's wanted dead by Voldemort and I apparently have the ability to ruin Voldemort's plans."
"Yes," Hermione grinned, looking over at the boys, "quite the couple. Are you worried?"
"About what," Ginyn asked curiously.
"Voldemort's plan to kill you and Draco," Hermione stated. Ginny turned quickly back to the girl before her. Hermione's face was very serious.
"Yes," Ginny muttered as the boys turned around, carrying the Butterbeers. "But what can I do? Except wait." Hermione nodded as Ron sat next to her. Draco placed a mug of warm butterbeer in front of Ginny and sat down.
"I guess your reputation is officially ruined, Malfoy," Harry said as a group of Slytherins passed, giving Draco a confused look.
"By some gawking first years," Draco asked coldly, giving the group a glare that made them scatter, "doubtful."
"Oh look," Hermione said suddenly, nearly making Ron choke on his butterbeer. "They've gotten a jukebox!" Hermione was pointing at a strange box in the corner. A passing worker overheard her glee and pause din cleaning the table. "Just got it in this morning. Try it out," he suggested.
Hermione nearly pushed Ron off the seat as she leapt up to look at it. "I'll be right back," Draco muttered, standing and walking towards the bathroom.
"She's awfully excited about a box," Ginny said watching Hermione pushing buttons and squealing with glee.
"The things that get that girl excited," scoffed Ron.
"It's not just a box, it plays music," Harry explained. As if to prove this, music began to fill the Three Broomsticks. Apparently Hermione had chosen a song. She practically skipped over to the table and grabbed Ron's arm.
"Come on and dance with me," Hermione urged, "I use to love this song when I was little. It was in one of my favorite movies."
"Hermione I can't really," Ron began to stutter, his ears turning red. However, he could not finish before Hermione pulled him up and rushed him to the floor just as the words began:
"I know you, I walked with you, Once upon a dream."
Ginny froze. That song… It seemed so familiar. But where had she heard it before? She was so lost in thought that she did not notice the look on Harry's face until he had tapped her shoulder. Looking up she saw his hand extended. "Dance," he asked, using his free hand to push his glasses up the bridge of his nose. Ginny looked at the door leading to the bathroom. Draco had not returned. Ginny shrugged and took Harry's hand. After all, what harm could it do?
Harry was much lighter on his feet than she recalled from passed dancing experience. "Practice," Harry assured her, as f reading her mind, "Hermione helped me learn. She took a dance class over the summer."
"Renaissance woman," Ginny laughed as Harry spun her. As he pulled her back in, Ginny thought how her eleven-year-old self would have been gitty with excitement to be touching Harry Potter. To be asked her to dance? She would have turned bright red with embarrassed joy.
Just as the Jukebox sang out, "But if I know you, I know what you'll do, You'll love me at once, The way you did once, Upon a dream," Harry dipped her. Ginny's brown eyes fell on the returned figure of Draco Malfoy. Something looked very strange about him. His eyes were looking straight at Harry and Ginny, but they were stone cold. Harry pulled her up from the dip, looking at her guiltily. She turned quickly to see Draco touch his left arm softly. Something about his expression changed to something like sad resolution.
It hit Ginny were she had heard the song before. When she had accidently contacted Draco he had been dreaming about this song and of Harry and Ginny dancing. Ginny took a step forward as Draco's gray eyes met here's head on. He couldn't possibly think that dream was coming true, Ginny thought. However, he turned and began to move out of the Three Broom sticks.
Ginny began to go after him and felt someone grab her wrist. Turning she found Harry who said, "maybe you should let him think alone for a bit." Ginny shook her wrist and rushed out after Draco.
She caught up with him just outside of Hogsmeade by the Shrieking Shack. He paused as she called out, "Draco, stop."
"Ginny," he replied softly.
"Draco, I know about your dream but it was only a dance," Ginny said, touching Draco's arm. He turned looking down at her.
"A dance with Harry Potter," Draco drawled, "you would have given a leg for that when you were younger."
"Well, I wouldn't have been able to dance then anyway," Ginny smiled, "so that shows how smart I was at eleven." Draco's face did not change expression despite her joke.
"It looks natural doesn't it," he asked, touching his left arm again, "You and the dream team all having fun. It's a bit less natural for a Slytherin deatheater and a Gryffindor heroine who can purify a werewolf."
Ginny pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, looking at the ground, "It's not that unnatural."
"The last thing Pansy said was that she could have won my favor back," Draco muttered. Ginny's gaze snapped back to his face, which was now turned towards the ground as if ashamed. "Some part of me was excited about it. To have my favor back and have life go back to how it was before, it was sort of thrilling," Draco confessed.
"You didn't like the way things were though, Draco," Ginny replied cautiously, "you-"
"How do you know what it felt like if you were never there," Draco snapped. Ginny fell silent, feeling as if she had been slapped in the face. "These people," Draco continued more gently, motioning down the hill to Hogsmeade and, inevitably the Dream Team, "they aren't my type of people. They are obnoxiously noble. I'm cunning and ambitious. We aren't supposed to mingle."
"Says who," Ginny demanded.
"Says history. Says everybody," Draco muttered. Ginny could see Harry, Ron, and Hermione walking up the hill, chatting and laughing.
"Draco," Ginny began but he had spotted the Dream Teams approach as well and turned away.
Ginny took a step to follow but found that she could not move. Draco also seemed momentarily stuck in his place. He turned his head quickly to look at Ginny.
"Ginny, run" Draco demanded seeming to understand why he was unable to move before she could. Not that it mattered much. No sooner had he said this than Ginny felt a tug at her waist and felt herself flying backward, passed the shrieking shack, and into the forest. She landed on the hard ground and looked up at a figure standing above her.
He was covered in shadows except for his eyes. As he saw her, a smile broke through the shadows revealing yellowing teeth. Then, with a wave of his wand, they were both gone.