Chapter One – First Encounter
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I'd love you to love me
I'm beggin' you to beg me
"Not on your life... no way... definitely not happening... I don't care how much danger I am in!"
Ginerva Weasley raged, her usually warm brown eyes blazing with anger as she paced around Dumbledore's office. She turned to face him, hands on her hips;
"Not a chance; I refuse!"
The amusement in his sparkling blue eyes enraged her further as she slumped down in the comfortable chintz chair before his large oak desk.
"Don't fool yourself into thinking I'm at all happy about this either, Weasley."
Ginny shot a dirty look to her left where Draco Malfoy was slouched elegantly in his chair; long legs encased in black leather pants stretching out before him.
"Shut up Malfoy, I don't recall asking for your opinion."
She snapped, crossing her long legs neatly and turning back to Dumbledore;
"Why do I have to do this?"
She whined, her anger fading fast; leaving her tired and disheartened, tears brimming in her widened chocolate brown eyes.
"You know perfectly well, Ginny. For your own safety; you have to have a fully trained Auror living with you, at least until the Order can find out why you were both targeted in the first place."
Draco, who had been eyeing Ginny's long tanned legs emerging from the tight little denim skirt she was wearing with interest, looked up;
"And how long is that likely to take?"
Dumbledore turned his thoughtful gaze to the young man staring insolently back at him; cool grey eyes cold and blank.
"As yet; we don't know."
He replied simply, raising a bushy grey eyebrow as Draco snorted and turned away.
"So you're telling me that I am going to be stuck in some house with him and you don't even know how long for?"
Ginny cried, infamous Weasley temper flaring once more as she rudely pointed at Draco with a long finger ending in a red-wine coloured fingernail. Instead of replying with a crushing comment which Ginny had expected, Draco merely continued to gaze at her; his stormy grey eyes taking in the smooth bronzed cleavage that was barely held in by a white corset top. He wrinkled his brows as he tried to remember if her body had been that interesting at Hogwarts.
"What are you staring at?"
She demanded, glaring at him as he raised a white-blond eyebrow at her question. Ginny scowled as a flush crept up her freckled cheeks, and her eyes narrowed at him as she glowered defiantly back at him. Dumbledore made a small noise in the back of his throat and the pair looked up at him as though only just remembering he was there.
"Are we agreed?"
Ginny shot a poisonous look at Draco before admitting defeat;
"Fine."
Ginny groaned, slumping back into her chair and sighing;
"Now wait one goddamn minute. I don't think I'm very happy about my youngest sister sharing a house for god knows how long with him."
Dumbledore's eyes snapped over to the door as Ron Weasley barged in, closely followed by his best friend and fiancée.
"Oh Ron, do shut up... I think I can handle Malfoy on my own. I'm not a child anymore."
Ginny grumbled as her brother began to rant about all Draco's bad points, none of which either Dumbledore or Draco could deny.
"I assure you, Mr Weasley; no harm will come to your sister. She passed the Preliminary Auror Training with flying colours. And I assume you haven't forgotten the time she hexed you for punching young Mr Thomas?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as Ron flushed at the memory; he'd been dancing to lessons for days afterwards, every now and then leaping to his feet and letting out a verse or two of opera.
"Of course."
He mumbled, shooting Ginny a reproachful look as she giggled, her eyes glazing over at the memory; she had received a Howler from her mother but it had all been worth it to see Ron standing on the Griffindor table and singing at the top of his voice during dinner. Dumbledore continued to reassure Ron until he grudgingly agreed as long as he could visit once a week. Shuffling out of the door after Harry and Hermione, he threw Draco a warning look followed by a string of mumbled curses before slamming the door shut behind him.
"Now, if you'll follow me; we'll introduce you to your new home."
Dumbledore rose to his feet and ushered Draco and Ginny towards the fireplace. He handed Ginny a sealed letter;
"Do not open this until you have reached the safe-house; your suitcases have already been delivered there."
Bidding them both a final farewell, he dropped some Floo powder into the flames and pushed them into the glittering green walls of fire;
"Sparrow House."
He bellowed, winking at Ginny before the spinning flames sucked her out of sight and she snapped her eyes shut against the soot.
Feeling herself slow down, Ginny flung her arms out and landed face down on something soft that smelled of a cool scent that reminded her of the mountains nearby the Burrow. She opened her eyes slowly, taking in the amused silver-grey eyes staring back at her, the icy white-blond hair falling slightly into them and the large, smirking mouth an inch form hers. Uncomfortably aware of her body reacting in shameful ways to his long muscular body beneath hers, she scrambled to her feet and tossed her long wavy hair over her shoulder. Draco took his time getting to his feet, wiping dust off his new leather pants, designer black silk shirt and expensive black velvet blazer. He rose to his considerable height and stared down at her; she glared boldly back at him, her eyes narrowed. Resisting the urge to wipe away the smudge of soot across her left cheek, Draco turned on his heel and took in his surroundings.
The room they were stood in was some sort of old-fashioned drawing room; the walls were decorated in expensive cream wallpaper and a ruby carpet throughout the room. The huge arched window facing north was draped with blood-red velvet curtains; the grimy window only letting in slithers of the fast-fading sun-light. He glared distastefully at the dusty floor, the furniture covered in a thin film of dust and grime and the hulking furniture shrouded in white sheets. Ginny looked around and decided that cleaning the house was the first order of business; she wandered over to the closest white lump and ripped back the sheet, revealing a plush cream couch with a little red design printed all over it. The next exposed another couch that was shaped to fit into a corner, and two chairs of the same material grouped around the fire. A television set was built into the wall above the fireplace and Ginny's eyes gleamed as they fell on it; lately she had become somewhat addicted to muggle television. She jumped and nearly fell over the heavy oak coffee-table in the centre of the sitting area as the lights lining the wall and the tall lamp in the corner of the room flickered to life; spinning around she saw Draco with his wand out;
"You know, it would have taken about ten seconds longer to flick the switch on the wall."
She accused, watching as he shrugged and slumped down into a chair. Ginny shot him a disgusted look and headed through the adjoining arch into the dining room. This room was much the same as the drawing room, decorated in crimsons and creams with a long wooden table running down the centre and at least a dozen places set in gold china and cutlery. She ran her hand lightly along the shiny surface of the table as she wandered the length of the room; eager eyes devouring everything she could lay them on. Unaware that Draco was watching her closely from his seat in the drawing room she turned into the room next to the dining room which was a kitchen;
"I suppose all this looks like a palace compared to what you're used to."
He called scathingly, his voice echoing around the deserted house. Ginny balled her hands into fists but refused to rise to his goading; if she had to spend who knows how long living in a confined space with him, she'd just have to get used to his remarks. The kitchen was all sky-blue surfaces and stainless steel appliances; noting a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer Ginny sighed as she realised Draco wasn't likely to be able to use any of them. Moving through the kitchen she emerged into a dark hall decorated in greens of all shades; the walls were a pale jade colour while the floor consisted of a dark ivy-coloured carpet that ran up the stairs. The stairs themselves twisted in large circles upwards to a balcony that overlooked the drawing room and dining room. Another, much smaller, seating area was situated between the drawing room and dining room; a long green sofa, two green chairs and another low table were grouped together in the centre. Running her hand up the cool mahogany banister, Ginny strolled along the balcony part, until she reached the first door in the wall behind the balcony; twisting the silver door-knob she pushed open the door and entered the first room. It was richly decorated in green and silver with black trimming along the floor-to ceiling curtains and the drapes around the four-poster bed. Shivering, Ginny was about to leave the room when she felt a hand on her shoulder; without hesitating she gripped the hand and swung its owner over her shoulder. Draco lay on his back in the centre of the plush silver carpet, gazing up at Ginny in amazement. She glared down at him;
"What the hell are you doing?"
She ground out between gritted teeth; once again her eyes were narrowed as she thrust out a hand to help him up. She jumped when his hand gripped hers; she had expected his skin to be icy like his character but instead it was warm. She shivered despite the heat of the house and the hairs along her bare arms stood on end. Once Draco was on his feet she immediately let go of his hand and slapped him hard across the face;
"Ouch!" He yelped, holding a hand up to his fast-reddening cheek; "What was that for?"
She placed her hands on her hips, swinging her hips to one side so her skirt rose higher up her thigh and he gulped; he shouldn't be having thoughts like that about a Weasley. He mentally slapped himself even harder than she just physically had and tuned into what she was saying;
"That was for scaring me you arsehole."
He grinned at her in an annoyingly seductive way and she was disgusted to feel her body responding to his hot gaze and she looked quickly down at the floor.
"Where did you get those?"
She demanded, catching sight of the several black suitcases with a silver serpent and D.M etched into the side.
"They were in the hallway."
He replied, still rubbing his cheek; "I suppose this is my room."
She took a step back as he moved closer towards her;
"So if you wouldn't mind buggering off so I can take a shower..."
He trailed off with a suggestive glance at her sweaty, dusty body and she had to force herself not to slap him again.
"Like I'd want to stay for that disgusting display."
She snarled, turning on her heel and storming out of the room, slamming the door behind her so hard the glass panes in his window rattled. Muttering a string of obscenities and threats under her breath she continued down the hall until she reached the next door. Banging it open she froze in the doorway and let out a gasp; the room was beautifully decorated in golds and creams. The huge four-poster bed shrouded in white curtains around a long golden counterpane that ended in a mountain of silky white cushions at the head of the bed. She walked over to the floor to ceiling window and threw it open, savouring the cool night air against her heated skin, feeling the sweat droplets on her body cooling. She started as the golden curtains billowed around her, tickling her with their silken folds and she stepped back to survey the rest of the room. The carpet was a light cream colour so thick it felt like walking in snow, the walls were also cream with golden designs scattered around them. She backed up to look around properly and nearly screamed as she felt something hard dig into her. Spinning around she saw a heavy oak desk with a large mirror tacked to the wall above it. Sinking into the soft chair by the desk she trailed her hand along the expensive thick parchment and designer Hawk quill and ink, excitement bubbling up inside her as she pulled two Chinese sticks from out of her jacket pocket and pinned her hair back with them. Suddenly remembering the letter Dumbledore had given her she retreated to the bed and collapsed onto it, tearing open the envelope;
Dear Miss Weasley and Mr Malfoy,
By now you should be at Sparrow House and settling in quite nicely. I do hope you can refrain from killing each other long enough to read this together.
Ginny looked up guiltily before deciding to give the letter to Draco afterwards to read.
While you are there I am afraid there are a few rules you must both abide by; first letters may only be sent once a week on a different day so a pattern is not obvious to anyone keeping watch. Second food and all other supplies will replenish themselves each week with no need for either of you to spend unnecessary money.
Ginny groaned at this; food shopping was something she enjoyed. It gave her a sense of routine to buy the same things on the same day each week, occasionally indulging in something sweet other than the weekly packages her mother sent her from Romania where her parents were helping Charlie deal with the aftermath of Voldemort's destruction.
If you must leave the house I cannot recommend strongly enough that you do not stray too far from house and gardens which are protected by many spells. If any information is gathered that we feel you need to know we shall have a trusted messenger pass it on to you when you need to know.
Well I presume this is farewell; for the time being at least. I wish you both the best of luck for your birthdays which, if I'm not mistaken, are on the same day next week.
Ginny started, she had forgotten all about her birthday coming up soon, what with the final battle and piecing her life together slowly afterwards; having to deal with many of her friends being killed.
I have no doubt that your family will find some way of sending you their gifts no matter what I do to prevent it so I shall do nothing. Good luck both of you
Yours Faithfully
Albus Dumbledore
Order of Merlin first class etc etc etc
Ginny, leaned back against the mound of pillows behind her head and smiled at the thought of what her mother would say if Dumbledore told her not to send Ginny anything for her nineteenth birthday. Sighing she decided she better get unpacked so she got slowly to her feet, stretched luxuriously and headed back out into the hallway. Knocking on Draco's door she suppressed a gasp when he opened it in nothing but a black towel; his damp blond hair slicked back as water ran in rivulets down his smooth white body, catching on his well-toned muscles from hours of Quidditch and dripping under the towel. Ginny was horrified to find herself wondering if he had anything on under the towel and quickly snapped her eyes up to his face. He smirked down at her, watching as she flushed and her eyes travelled the length of his body;
"Yes?"
He asked, bringing her back to reality and knowing exactly what was going on behind those burning coffee-coloured eyes, widening behind their frame of long sooty black lashes.
"I... erm..."
She gave herself a mental slap and visibly pulled herself together;
"The letter Dumbledore gave me; it says you're to read it too."
She thrust the letter into his hands and turned her back on him, trying desperately to regulate her breathing. Feeling his eyes still on her she raised her head high and stalked towards the edge of the balcony;
"Accio luggage."
She said; slowly and clearing, turning to see her battered suitcases zooming towards her up the stairs. Aiming them into her bedroom she let them drop in the centre of the room, pulling her silky black bathrobe out of the top suitcase and wandering into her adjoining bathroom, she quickly turned on the water in the shower and stripped off her dirty, sweaty clothes. She stepped under the stream of water and let it pound her aching body, the steam drifting into her mind as she let her hair out of its confining bun, dropping the sticks onto the side by the sink and gently rubbing the water into her hair, all the while ignoring the image at the back of her head of Draco fresh from the shower.
Draco heard the sound of gushing water start up and sighed as he imagined Ginny climbing into the shower, he dropped Dumbledore's letter onto his own mahogany desk and wandered back into his bathroom. He cleared a space on the steamed up mirror and stared long and hard at his reflection;
"You can do this Draco, just don't think about her. She's a Weasley for god's sake! Pull yourself together. What you need is to go out and get laid."
He snorted as he said this, throwing Dumbledore's letter a dirty look;
"Well that's definitely out of the question now."
He sighed and pressed his head against the warm glass, closing his eyes and breathing in the lingering steam steadily. When the image of Ginny's endless legs, heaving cleavage, long fiery red hair and huge seductive brown eyes refused to leave his head he sharply shook it in the feeble hope of dislodging it. When once again that didn't work he slammed his fist into the marble surface by the sink and stalked into his room to get dressed, silently cursing Dumbledore for locking him in a tiny house with such a desirable person that was definitely out of bounds and no other chance of him relieving himself of his sexual urges.
A/N: The song lyrics at the beginning are from 'I Want You to Want Me' by Letters to Cleo
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I'd love you to love me
I'm beggin' you to beg me
"Not on your life... no way... definitely not happening... I don't care how much danger I am in!"
Ginerva Weasley raged, her usually warm brown eyes blazing with anger as she paced around Dumbledore's office. She turned to face him, hands on her hips;
"Not a chance; I refuse!"
The amusement in his sparkling blue eyes enraged her further as she slumped down in the comfortable chintz chair before his large oak desk.
"Don't fool yourself into thinking I'm at all happy about this either, Weasley."
Ginny shot a dirty look to her left where Draco Malfoy was slouched elegantly in his chair; long legs encased in black leather pants stretching out before him.
"Shut up Malfoy, I don't recall asking for your opinion."
She snapped, crossing her long legs neatly and turning back to Dumbledore;
"Why do I have to do this?"
She whined, her anger fading fast; leaving her tired and disheartened, tears brimming in her widened chocolate brown eyes.
"You know perfectly well, Ginny. For your own safety; you have to have a fully trained Auror living with you, at least until the Order can find out why you were both targeted in the first place."
Draco, who had been eyeing Ginny's long tanned legs emerging from the tight little denim skirt she was wearing with interest, looked up;
"And how long is that likely to take?"
Dumbledore turned his thoughtful gaze to the young man staring insolently back at him; cool grey eyes cold and blank.
"As yet; we don't know."
He replied simply, raising a bushy grey eyebrow as Draco snorted and turned away.
"So you're telling me that I am going to be stuck in some house with him and you don't even know how long for?"
Ginny cried, infamous Weasley temper flaring once more as she rudely pointed at Draco with a long finger ending in a red-wine coloured fingernail. Instead of replying with a crushing comment which Ginny had expected, Draco merely continued to gaze at her; his stormy grey eyes taking in the smooth bronzed cleavage that was barely held in by a white corset top. He wrinkled his brows as he tried to remember if her body had been that interesting at Hogwarts.
"What are you staring at?"
She demanded, glaring at him as he raised a white-blond eyebrow at her question. Ginny scowled as a flush crept up her freckled cheeks, and her eyes narrowed at him as she glowered defiantly back at him. Dumbledore made a small noise in the back of his throat and the pair looked up at him as though only just remembering he was there.
"Are we agreed?"
Ginny shot a poisonous look at Draco before admitting defeat;
"Fine."
Ginny groaned, slumping back into her chair and sighing;
"Now wait one goddamn minute. I don't think I'm very happy about my youngest sister sharing a house for god knows how long with him."
Dumbledore's eyes snapped over to the door as Ron Weasley barged in, closely followed by his best friend and fiancée.
"Oh Ron, do shut up... I think I can handle Malfoy on my own. I'm not a child anymore."
Ginny grumbled as her brother began to rant about all Draco's bad points, none of which either Dumbledore or Draco could deny.
"I assure you, Mr Weasley; no harm will come to your sister. She passed the Preliminary Auror Training with flying colours. And I assume you haven't forgotten the time she hexed you for punching young Mr Thomas?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as Ron flushed at the memory; he'd been dancing to lessons for days afterwards, every now and then leaping to his feet and letting out a verse or two of opera.
"Of course."
He mumbled, shooting Ginny a reproachful look as she giggled, her eyes glazing over at the memory; she had received a Howler from her mother but it had all been worth it to see Ron standing on the Griffindor table and singing at the top of his voice during dinner. Dumbledore continued to reassure Ron until he grudgingly agreed as long as he could visit once a week. Shuffling out of the door after Harry and Hermione, he threw Draco a warning look followed by a string of mumbled curses before slamming the door shut behind him.
"Now, if you'll follow me; we'll introduce you to your new home."
Dumbledore rose to his feet and ushered Draco and Ginny towards the fireplace. He handed Ginny a sealed letter;
"Do not open this until you have reached the safe-house; your suitcases have already been delivered there."
Bidding them both a final farewell, he dropped some Floo powder into the flames and pushed them into the glittering green walls of fire;
"Sparrow House."
He bellowed, winking at Ginny before the spinning flames sucked her out of sight and she snapped her eyes shut against the soot.
Feeling herself slow down, Ginny flung her arms out and landed face down on something soft that smelled of a cool scent that reminded her of the mountains nearby the Burrow. She opened her eyes slowly, taking in the amused silver-grey eyes staring back at her, the icy white-blond hair falling slightly into them and the large, smirking mouth an inch form hers. Uncomfortably aware of her body reacting in shameful ways to his long muscular body beneath hers, she scrambled to her feet and tossed her long wavy hair over her shoulder. Draco took his time getting to his feet, wiping dust off his new leather pants, designer black silk shirt and expensive black velvet blazer. He rose to his considerable height and stared down at her; she glared boldly back at him, her eyes narrowed. Resisting the urge to wipe away the smudge of soot across her left cheek, Draco turned on his heel and took in his surroundings.
The room they were stood in was some sort of old-fashioned drawing room; the walls were decorated in expensive cream wallpaper and a ruby carpet throughout the room. The huge arched window facing north was draped with blood-red velvet curtains; the grimy window only letting in slithers of the fast-fading sun-light. He glared distastefully at the dusty floor, the furniture covered in a thin film of dust and grime and the hulking furniture shrouded in white sheets. Ginny looked around and decided that cleaning the house was the first order of business; she wandered over to the closest white lump and ripped back the sheet, revealing a plush cream couch with a little red design printed all over it. The next exposed another couch that was shaped to fit into a corner, and two chairs of the same material grouped around the fire. A television set was built into the wall above the fireplace and Ginny's eyes gleamed as they fell on it; lately she had become somewhat addicted to muggle television. She jumped and nearly fell over the heavy oak coffee-table in the centre of the sitting area as the lights lining the wall and the tall lamp in the corner of the room flickered to life; spinning around she saw Draco with his wand out;
"You know, it would have taken about ten seconds longer to flick the switch on the wall."
She accused, watching as he shrugged and slumped down into a chair. Ginny shot him a disgusted look and headed through the adjoining arch into the dining room. This room was much the same as the drawing room, decorated in crimsons and creams with a long wooden table running down the centre and at least a dozen places set in gold china and cutlery. She ran her hand lightly along the shiny surface of the table as she wandered the length of the room; eager eyes devouring everything she could lay them on. Unaware that Draco was watching her closely from his seat in the drawing room she turned into the room next to the dining room which was a kitchen;
"I suppose all this looks like a palace compared to what you're used to."
He called scathingly, his voice echoing around the deserted house. Ginny balled her hands into fists but refused to rise to his goading; if she had to spend who knows how long living in a confined space with him, she'd just have to get used to his remarks. The kitchen was all sky-blue surfaces and stainless steel appliances; noting a dishwasher, washing machine and dryer Ginny sighed as she realised Draco wasn't likely to be able to use any of them. Moving through the kitchen she emerged into a dark hall decorated in greens of all shades; the walls were a pale jade colour while the floor consisted of a dark ivy-coloured carpet that ran up the stairs. The stairs themselves twisted in large circles upwards to a balcony that overlooked the drawing room and dining room. Another, much smaller, seating area was situated between the drawing room and dining room; a long green sofa, two green chairs and another low table were grouped together in the centre. Running her hand up the cool mahogany banister, Ginny strolled along the balcony part, until she reached the first door in the wall behind the balcony; twisting the silver door-knob she pushed open the door and entered the first room. It was richly decorated in green and silver with black trimming along the floor-to ceiling curtains and the drapes around the four-poster bed. Shivering, Ginny was about to leave the room when she felt a hand on her shoulder; without hesitating she gripped the hand and swung its owner over her shoulder. Draco lay on his back in the centre of the plush silver carpet, gazing up at Ginny in amazement. She glared down at him;
"What the hell are you doing?"
She ground out between gritted teeth; once again her eyes were narrowed as she thrust out a hand to help him up. She jumped when his hand gripped hers; she had expected his skin to be icy like his character but instead it was warm. She shivered despite the heat of the house and the hairs along her bare arms stood on end. Once Draco was on his feet she immediately let go of his hand and slapped him hard across the face;
"Ouch!" He yelped, holding a hand up to his fast-reddening cheek; "What was that for?"
She placed her hands on her hips, swinging her hips to one side so her skirt rose higher up her thigh and he gulped; he shouldn't be having thoughts like that about a Weasley. He mentally slapped himself even harder than she just physically had and tuned into what she was saying;
"That was for scaring me you arsehole."
He grinned at her in an annoyingly seductive way and she was disgusted to feel her body responding to his hot gaze and she looked quickly down at the floor.
"Where did you get those?"
She demanded, catching sight of the several black suitcases with a silver serpent and D.M etched into the side.
"They were in the hallway."
He replied, still rubbing his cheek; "I suppose this is my room."
She took a step back as he moved closer towards her;
"So if you wouldn't mind buggering off so I can take a shower..."
He trailed off with a suggestive glance at her sweaty, dusty body and she had to force herself not to slap him again.
"Like I'd want to stay for that disgusting display."
She snarled, turning on her heel and storming out of the room, slamming the door behind her so hard the glass panes in his window rattled. Muttering a string of obscenities and threats under her breath she continued down the hall until she reached the next door. Banging it open she froze in the doorway and let out a gasp; the room was beautifully decorated in golds and creams. The huge four-poster bed shrouded in white curtains around a long golden counterpane that ended in a mountain of silky white cushions at the head of the bed. She walked over to the floor to ceiling window and threw it open, savouring the cool night air against her heated skin, feeling the sweat droplets on her body cooling. She started as the golden curtains billowed around her, tickling her with their silken folds and she stepped back to survey the rest of the room. The carpet was a light cream colour so thick it felt like walking in snow, the walls were also cream with golden designs scattered around them. She backed up to look around properly and nearly screamed as she felt something hard dig into her. Spinning around she saw a heavy oak desk with a large mirror tacked to the wall above it. Sinking into the soft chair by the desk she trailed her hand along the expensive thick parchment and designer Hawk quill and ink, excitement bubbling up inside her as she pulled two Chinese sticks from out of her jacket pocket and pinned her hair back with them. Suddenly remembering the letter Dumbledore had given her she retreated to the bed and collapsed onto it, tearing open the envelope;
Dear Miss Weasley and Mr Malfoy,
By now you should be at Sparrow House and settling in quite nicely. I do hope you can refrain from killing each other long enough to read this together.
Ginny looked up guiltily before deciding to give the letter to Draco afterwards to read.
While you are there I am afraid there are a few rules you must both abide by; first letters may only be sent once a week on a different day so a pattern is not obvious to anyone keeping watch. Second food and all other supplies will replenish themselves each week with no need for either of you to spend unnecessary money.
Ginny groaned at this; food shopping was something she enjoyed. It gave her a sense of routine to buy the same things on the same day each week, occasionally indulging in something sweet other than the weekly packages her mother sent her from Romania where her parents were helping Charlie deal with the aftermath of Voldemort's destruction.
If you must leave the house I cannot recommend strongly enough that you do not stray too far from house and gardens which are protected by many spells. If any information is gathered that we feel you need to know we shall have a trusted messenger pass it on to you when you need to know.
Well I presume this is farewell; for the time being at least. I wish you both the best of luck for your birthdays which, if I'm not mistaken, are on the same day next week.
Ginny started, she had forgotten all about her birthday coming up soon, what with the final battle and piecing her life together slowly afterwards; having to deal with many of her friends being killed.
I have no doubt that your family will find some way of sending you their gifts no matter what I do to prevent it so I shall do nothing. Good luck both of you
Yours Faithfully
Albus Dumbledore
Order of Merlin first class etc etc etc
Ginny, leaned back against the mound of pillows behind her head and smiled at the thought of what her mother would say if Dumbledore told her not to send Ginny anything for her nineteenth birthday. Sighing she decided she better get unpacked so she got slowly to her feet, stretched luxuriously and headed back out into the hallway. Knocking on Draco's door she suppressed a gasp when he opened it in nothing but a black towel; his damp blond hair slicked back as water ran in rivulets down his smooth white body, catching on his well-toned muscles from hours of Quidditch and dripping under the towel. Ginny was horrified to find herself wondering if he had anything on under the towel and quickly snapped her eyes up to his face. He smirked down at her, watching as she flushed and her eyes travelled the length of his body;
"Yes?"
He asked, bringing her back to reality and knowing exactly what was going on behind those burning coffee-coloured eyes, widening behind their frame of long sooty black lashes.
"I... erm..."
She gave herself a mental slap and visibly pulled herself together;
"The letter Dumbledore gave me; it says you're to read it too."
She thrust the letter into his hands and turned her back on him, trying desperately to regulate her breathing. Feeling his eyes still on her she raised her head high and stalked towards the edge of the balcony;
"Accio luggage."
She said; slowly and clearing, turning to see her battered suitcases zooming towards her up the stairs. Aiming them into her bedroom she let them drop in the centre of the room, pulling her silky black bathrobe out of the top suitcase and wandering into her adjoining bathroom, she quickly turned on the water in the shower and stripped off her dirty, sweaty clothes. She stepped under the stream of water and let it pound her aching body, the steam drifting into her mind as she let her hair out of its confining bun, dropping the sticks onto the side by the sink and gently rubbing the water into her hair, all the while ignoring the image at the back of her head of Draco fresh from the shower.
Draco heard the sound of gushing water start up and sighed as he imagined Ginny climbing into the shower, he dropped Dumbledore's letter onto his own mahogany desk and wandered back into his bathroom. He cleared a space on the steamed up mirror and stared long and hard at his reflection;
"You can do this Draco, just don't think about her. She's a Weasley for god's sake! Pull yourself together. What you need is to go out and get laid."
He snorted as he said this, throwing Dumbledore's letter a dirty look;
"Well that's definitely out of the question now."
He sighed and pressed his head against the warm glass, closing his eyes and breathing in the lingering steam steadily. When the image of Ginny's endless legs, heaving cleavage, long fiery red hair and huge seductive brown eyes refused to leave his head he sharply shook it in the feeble hope of dislodging it. When once again that didn't work he slammed his fist into the marble surface by the sink and stalked into his room to get dressed, silently cursing Dumbledore for locking him in a tiny house with such a desirable person that was definitely out of bounds and no other chance of him relieving himself of his sexual urges.
A/N: The song lyrics at the beginning are from 'I Want You to Want Me' by Letters to Cleo