I acknowledge that I own none of the characters or ideas and that they belong to J.
Warning: Violence
Igniting Passions
"Oh wow, Ginny," Daphne Greengrass commented looking awe-struck as Ginny descended the stairs of the girls' dormitory. "You look so amazing."
Ginny smiled ruefully as she gently prodded her elegant hair-do, not a single emerald encrusted pin out of place. Glancing warily in the mirror, helpfully positioned at the entrance to the common room, Ginny scrutinised herself. How many times had she hurriedly checked her appearance in this mirror on her way down to breakfast? Well, never looking as good as this, she thought smiling in anticipation.
"Do you really think so?" She asked, not really bothering to pay attention to Daphne's response. And who could blame her for not wanting advice from someone sporting a banana-yellow jumpsuit and electric blue lace-up heels?
"Oh yes, I mean your dress is just…stunning and you hair! How did you ever think of styling it like that? You look like you have a halo of emeralds! It's fabulous!" Daphne gushed enthusiastically. Ginny fingered the emerald locket that hung delicately below her collar bone, her insides squirming uncomfortably. Why? She chastised herself, she looked utterly gorgeous in her halter-neck gown with cascades of delicate curls tumbling down her back and delicately framing her face, she had a great partner and this was the night she looked forward to for weeks…so why did she feel so wrong?
A gaggle of giggling girls descended the staircase behind her, glaring enviously in Ginny's direction. Among them was Lavender Brown and her ever present wing woman; Parvati Patil. On the occasion Parvati was a sea of turquoise sequins and gorgeous satin, she really did look rather good. Lavender on the other hand, had decided to go all out and was putting even Daphne Greengrass to shame. Her strapless gown was short and frilly, reminding Ginny of a ballerina's tutu. It was a shocking pink with large, purple jewels bordering the bust and waist. The gown seemed to flare out at the end, revealing several layers of hot pink netting. The star of the outfit however had to be the bright pink, glittering tiara placed atop her head. Did I say all out before? Scratch that. Fall out is better suited.
"Ginny, is that you? Merlin's beard, you look…" Lavender seemed to be struggling for words.
"Amazing," Parvati finished, smiling awkwardly up at Ginny.
"What?" Lavender snapped, then she seemed to collect herself. "Oh, yes…you look amazing." Then without another word she swept away with Parvati and Daphne in tow.
"Sorry I couldn't say the same for you." Ginny muttered as she twisted her foot uncomfortably in her five-inch, kitten heels. Merlin, why had she ever let Hermione convince her to wear these? Speaking of Hermione, Ginny thought. Where is she?
Just as Ginny was beginning to become anxiousHermione appeared at the top of the staircase looking rather serious and just a little bit nervous. She was wearing a very vibrant purple, floor length gown that seemed to sparkle and shimmer every time she moved. Though the particular purple wasn't really Hermione's colour she still looked very pretty.
"Ginny!" Hermione squealed in a very un-Hermione-ish way. "You look so good! I knew that was your dress from the moment I saw it!"
Ginny grinned as Lavender scowled. "Thanks, Hermione," she said warmly. At that very moment a loud knock sounded at the door and all the girls broke into hysterical fits of giggles.
"It's them! It's the boys!" Lavender shrieked, completely forgetting her previous annoyance at Ginny and Hermione. "Quick, someone answer it." Unfortunately all the girls seemed paralysed, except for Hermione who seemed to be the only one capable of holding onto her head. Marching determinedly towards the entrance she yanked open the portrait hole, as twenty enraptured girls watched eagerly. Ten or so boys stood, anxiously outside, among them were Ron, Dean, Seamus, Neville…and Christian. Ginny's heart quickened at the sight of him, he looked…good. Really good. Lavender and Parvati collapsed into another round of hysterical laughter as Seamus and Dean approached them, offering their arms. Christian was the last to enter and unlike the rest of his companions he seemed completely at ease and still had his natural swagger about him.
"Surely this is not the scrawny, red-head I invited to the ball two days ago?" he teased once he had battled his way through the throng of excited onlookers.
"Obviously not," Ginny taunted playfully, "So keep searching, I'll let you know if I spot her." Christian chuckled as he led her out of the common room, keeping a firm arm around her waist.
Ginny gasped wondrously as they entered the great hall; the teachers at this school really were very good. The hall had been transformed into an icy wonderland, with glittering lights, a sparkling dance floor and the most exquisite decorations Ginny had ever seen; everybody seemed entranced. Though the ball had not officially begun hundreds of students were already milling about gazing in awe at the scene before them. A lot of the guys were just as unrecognisable as the room itself; in fact Ginny had to check no less than three times before she finally convinced herself that it had indeed been Terry Boot who had just winked at her. Once at least a hundred students or so had entered the hall Dumbledore stood up and walked towards the podium, an amused grin alight his withered face.
"Ladies and Gentleman, welcome to our Senior House Ball. I'm sure you have all waited a very long time for this moment, so let the celebrations begin. Gentlemen, please escort your partners to the dance floor."
Several enthusiastic couples approached the dance floor but otherwise it remained empty.
Dumbledore, who seemed to have anticipated such an occurrence, spoke again. "Now, now this won't do. Surely you young gentlemen aren't cowardly enough to desert your lady-partners?" With these magic words the dance floor suddenly began to fill up, with couples unwilling to look cowardly. His eyes twinkling, Dumbledore resigned from the podium and sat down to watch the first dance. Suddenly Ginny felt the ground give way beneath her and she found herself being dragged onto the dance floor.
"Woah, steady on partner," she joked, as Christian took her hand. He grinned mischievously in answer as he twirled her and dipped her gracefully.
An hour later Christian led a reluctant Ginny away from the dance floor and towards the dining tables where the majority of students were seated, with adamant promises that they would return later. As they were seated Ginny glanced around, she could see Hermione and Ron sitting with Harry and Luna at the other side of the hall…and there was Lavender looking surly as Dean doted on Parvati. Ah well at least Harry and Luna were having a good time, this pleased her because she had felt so terrible about bailing on Harry and agreeing to go with Christian. She remembered how anxious she had been as she approached Harry to explain….
-FLASHBACK-
"Harry," she had begun.
"I'm guessing you're here to explain your new partner to the ball," he had grinned.
"Ugh!" she groaned. "Harry I am so sorry-"
"Don't worry about it. So you didn't want to go with me but you do with this Christian bloke, big deal. The main idea is that you have a great time." He smiled warmly.
"Thanks, next time…I'm all yours," she had promised, feeling grateful.
"Oh no, you save that for someone else," he had winked.
"I'll see you around, I guess," Ginny had replied.
"Yeah, see you." And they had parted ways on good terms.
-END OF FLASHBACK-
"Ginny, do you want the roast potatoes," Christian was inquiring as she shook herself out of the memory.
"Oh, yes. Thanks," she replied as he passed them over and everyone began filling up their plates. In her subconscious she registered two people sitting down opposite them at the table, in the only remaining spot, but she didn't pay any attention to whom. It was only when she felt a playful prodding at her toes that she looked up, confused.
Draco Malfoy. Damn it! No, no, no, no, no! Not now, please! Why, oh, why? Suddenly realising that she was staring, Ginny hurriedly lowered her gaze to her plate, filled with delicious looking food, but she wasn't really hungry anymore. Stabbing a roast potato, perhaps more violently than necessary she attempted to ignore the blonde- haired boy and his dark, beauty of a partner.
But apparently that wasn't going to suffice for him. He continued to gently kick her foot around, all the while grinning conspiratorially at her. Finally she found herself giving in as she returned his prods and nudges, and soon on they found themselves engaged in a war of 'footsies', oblivious to all those around them. If anybody had told her five hours ago she'd be playing footsies with Draco Malfoy she'd have laughed, and called them stupid…especially after their previous argument.
Christian was chatting pleasantly next to her about quidditch and OWL finals, and Ginny found that all she needed to do was to add a comment every so often , like 'oh, really' or 'tell me more about it' to keep him talking and ignorant of her negligence. Karissa, sitting opposite Christian, had been staring daggers at Ginny for a little while, but she now seemed to have forgotten all about her and was listening enraptured to Christian's voice. Hey! They'd make a great couple. As Ginny reached for the water jug, so did Malfoy and their fingers brushed ever so slightly for a moment, but it was enough to send electric shocks up Ginny's arm and she flinched away.
Once all the food had been magically cleared away most of the partners stood up ready to dance the remainder of the night away with the latest and hottest band; The Dragon Brothers. Ginny got to her feet as Christian rose to help her and, taking Ginny's hand, he began to lead her away when a small cough, interrupted.
"Actually, I was wondering if I could have this dance," Draco asked, smirking. "Ginny?"
"What?" Ginny swivelled around to get a good look at his face; he had to be up to no good.
"You heard me, do you want to dance?" Ginny looked up at Christian, who nodded. He didn't look happy, but he was letting her go.
"Sure, okay," Ginny said feeling confused and apprehensive. Draco took her warm hand in his cool one and led her away to the throbbing dance floor, already packed with students. As they approached a new song began to play, a slow, sad one.
"Relax Angel," Draco said.
"How can I, with you around?" she hissed as he took her waist.
"Wrap your arms around my neck and at least try and act like you're enjoying yourself," he whispered sarcastically. They twirled around in each other's arms for a while before Draco spoke again.
"So, pretty boy…is he Christian?"
"Yes," Ginny confirmed weakly, she had begun to feel rather dizzy.
"Nice, shirt," Draco snickered.
"Sh-shut up, Malfoy," she managed to stammer out.
"Woah, hold up. Are you feeling okay?" Draco came to a halt, staring concernedly at her.
"Yeah I'm fine, just your presence sickens me," she retorted, stamping lightly on his foot.
Draco snorted but looked reassured. "By the way," he commented a few moments later. "I won the game of footsies."
"No way, partner. I won, fair and square. You didn't even come close!" she said, shaking her head.
"Uh, huh. Sure, if you say so," he grinned.
"You're letting me win?" she asked, surprised.
"Well, seeing as you look so pretty," he grimaced. The music finished and Ginny let go of his neck immediately.
"Umm, you should probably get back to your partner," she suggested awkwardly.
"I think she's doing just fine," Draco grinned, looking over at Karissa who had been dancing with Christian.
"Well….," Ginny searched for something to say.
"Come on, Angel," he enticed. "Just one more dance."
"No. Thanks, but no," Ginny refused.
"Okay, then," he shrugged, walking off.
"What?" she called after him. "That's it? No teasing, persuasion, bribery or blackmail?"
He turned around and grinned. "Never, Angel." And then he walked away. Ginny cursed under her breath, looking around for Christian. She finally spotted him, heading her way. Taking his hand they returned to the dance floor.
When the bell's finally sounded at midnight the happy couple retired to the sidelines, hands clasped together. Christian kissed her playfully on the cheek and they said their goodnights, along with hundreds of other couples, spewing out of the Great Hall. Feeling rather happy Ginny made her way up the stair case, amidst scores of other students making their way back to their common rooms. When she reached the second set of stairs she had to turn back, realising that she had left her silk cardigan in the hall. Racing down the stairs, she rushed past the last few lingering students and snatched the forgotten garment off the back of the chair, where she had left it. Turning around Ginny made her way back to the door, feeling a little uneasy. The Great Hall, now deserted had seemed so beautiful before but now looked eerie and cast odd shadows about the place.
"Scared, Weasel?" a voice sounded from behind her. "Good, because you should be."
Fear churning sickeningly in her stomach she turned to face the intruder. It was that Slytherin boy who had cornered her weeks ago, as she had exited her potions class. Nathan. Last time he had been on the point of beating the hell out of her before Draco had intervened and saved her neck. But Draco was nowhere to be seen this time; it was just her, Nathan and his two cronies.
"Boys, I think it's time we show little Weasel here what happens when people like her mess with people like us." Nathan smiled sadistically and the two thugs behind him cracked their knuckles.
"Love to stay and chat boys, but I've got better things to do than beat the crap out of you," Ginny commented offhandedly, her witty remarks being all she had left.
"Fiesty, eh? It'll make hearing you scream all the more fun…ever heard of the cruciatus curse?" Nathan asked, his voice cold, hard…dangerous. The blood seemed to drain out of Ginny's face and for the first time that evening she felt truly terrified. "Hold her, boys." Nathan commanded. The two thugs approached her, gasping her small arms in their large fingers, Ginny was momentarily too shocked to move. Some little sense returning, though she screamed out loudly and began thrashing and kicking wildly all of a sudden. The boys holding on to her let go; surprised and disgusted at the same time. Ginny made a break for it, heading for the door but she didn't get far before-
"Crucio!"
All of a sudden Ginny's body was overcome by such electric shocks of pain and she screamed out. Again and again they slammed over her, a fresh wave of excruciating pain flooding in just as the old one began to fade. Die, just let me die, please. Ginny silently begged. Let the pain go. Just like that her body was released from the pain; she fell to her knees gasping for air.
"Didn't like that, did you?" Nathan murmured. "Well, guess what, that was only a taste."
"Please, please, I'm begging you, just stop," Ginny whispered. "Please, I'll do anything."
"Well since you said please…no." Nathan raised his wand again and Ginny screamed out in desperation as she prepared for another onslaught of torture.
"Let her go, or I swear I'll kill you," a cold, hard voice rang out behind her. Her sweaty hands clasping the floor, Ginny turned on her knees to face the new-comer. As the world seemed to spin, a sense of warm relief came over her; she was saved.
Hey guys! There you go the ball, as promised…hope it was everything and more you'd hoped for. Next chapter should be out soon-ish IF I get enough reviews. I'd like to make a special thanks to 'blackfingerlessglove' for her constant support, reviews and for helping me overcome my writers block; you're a real inspiration! I'd also like to thank 'forbiddenluv' and 'LoveIsAWitch' for your constant reviews, you are a big part of my journey and your reviews mean so much to me!
Next Chapter:
Who is Ginny's saviour; will he change everything Ginny's ever known?
Will Ginny finally admit the truth to herself and her family?
Love and shizzle! xoxo