Author's Note: Back in Business!… Sorta. Working on final chapter of Haunting (sorry sorry! I know it has taken forever!!) Working on an Office fic. (Well a rewrite) This be the last chapter of- (liar! You know you want to do an epilogue!) Okay, seriously! Can someone shut the PATHETIC alter ego up! Please! (sorry…. I just wan-) You're still talking! (my bad.) Anywho---
HAPPY SINGLE AWARENESS DAY! (or Valentine's… which ever you celebrate) Once again…you're still talking!! (meep!) That's better.
This week is brought you by my favorite fruit nectarine. You'll see why… Insert evil grin
Disclaimer: Unless JKR is yet another alter ego that I wasn't aware of evil glare then no. I do not own this.
Hermione Grangers eyes had dried up hours ago. She had run to the Room of Requirements and cried herself to sleep. Hermione had ruined everything. Her best friend was in the Hospital Wing, the man she loved hated her, and Draco Malfoy was the good guy. Hermione woke in a double bed to a dark sky. It must have been hours but she was sure no one was looking for her.
Hermione hiccuped as she looked down at her Head Girl badge. Gently touching it she knew what she had to do. She stood, attempted to smooth out her bush of a hair and walked out of the room in the direction of Dumbledore's office.
--
The Great Hall watched in amazement. Ginny Weasley and Draco Malfoy?!? It was the shocker of the century. Whisperings broke out, the male population glaring at Malfoy. Ginny wasn't allowed to date; yet there she was wrapped in Draco Malfoy's arms. A few students shot glances at Ron Weasley, the pretty redhead's older brother. Ron merely shrugged and gave a smile to his sister. Across the hall Pansy Parkinson looked as though she had swallowed a dozen lemons whole. Most of the Slytherins sneered at the happy couple, they having been taught not to show such 'mushy' emotions.
Draco smiled down at Ginny before gently helping her to sit at the Gryffindor table. Once she was seated Draco, without hesitation sat down next to her. The whisperings grew to normal voiced conversations. Ginny only smiled as Draco put a plate of food together for her. Some of the Gryffindors seemed baffled to have the Slytherin Prince sitting at their table. So did the Head of Slytherin House.
"Draco Malfoy return to your House table." Professor Snape said loud and clear. Heads turned as Snape stood, staring at Draco and Ginny.
Draco helped Ginny cut her chicken, not looking up as he replied. "Thanks. But I'm good."
Snape's eyes glowed. His prized student mocked him. Snape glared as he began to walk to the boy. However, not three steps away from the head table Professor McGonagall stood as well. "Severus Snape! Let the dears be!"
Snape paused and whipped around to respond. "I will not have the Slytherin Head Boy sitting with the Gryffindors!"
"It is not your decision to make Severus!"
"As the Head of his House I—"
"Report to me, Severus." Snape turned to Dumbledore who had just walked in the side door. "I am still Headmaster of Hogwarts. I see no problem with Mr. Malfoy sitting with the Gryffindors, if he chooses."
Snape sneered, "Of course, Dumbledore."
--
After dinner Draco helped Ginny out of the Great Hall followed by Ron. Ron quickly got in front of Ginny. "Look, Gin…"
But Ginny quickly put her left hand up. "Ron, I am sorry." The two boys stared at her, slightly puzzled. "I should have told you how I feel about Draco, instead of going behind your back. But know this Ron. I am his girlfriend whether you like it or not."
Draco's eyes lit up as he looked down at Ginny. "Really?"
Ginny smiled. "If you'll have me."
Draco didn't say a word but sweetly placed his lips on hers in a chaste kiss. Both of them felt something new. It wasn't just lust, it was love too. The couple broke apart and stared into each other's eyes smiling the whole time. Ginny then turned to her brother. "So no more beating my boyfriend up?"
Ron nodded and stuck out his hand. Draco cautiously took it. "This deal only last as long as my bab-, sister is happy. The moment you hurt her…." Ron left it hanging, knowing words were not needed.
"Don't worry Weasley. I will take good care of her."
Ron gave Ginny a quick hug as they heard a squeak behind them. Ron, Draco and Ginny turned to see a shape cowering in the shadows. Ron and Draco instantly pulled out their wands. "Who's there?" No reply came so Ron silently did a summoning charm, causing the person to enter the light. Both boys gripped their wands tighter as Hermione Granger squeaked again. She was in muggle clothing with a bag on her back, her eyes were puffy and red from crying and her hair was bigger than normal.
"Hermione." Ron said almost indifferent. Draco protectively wrapped his arm around Ginny, still glaring at Hermione.
Hermione saw Ginny and her eyes lit up. "Ginny! You are okay! I was so worried about you!" Hermione ran to hug Ginny but was stopped by Ron's wand in her face.
"Don't come anywhere near my sister."
Tears began to well up again in Hermione's eyes. She only wanted to apologize! But Ginny spoke first. "Hermione, what happened to you?"
"I am sorry I got you locked outside." Tears now running down her cheeks. "I was jealous and… and… angry. Please forgive me? Friend?"
Ginny shook her head. "I used to know you Hermione. But I don't anymore. I have no idea who you are."
Hermione cried harder as more students began to pour out of the Great Hall. Everyone stopped to see what was going on. Hermione had reappeared! She was in the entrance hall with Ginny and Draco! More rumors and stories spread. Draco slowly began to get Ginny moving toward the bottom of the Hospital Wing stairs. A prefect told everyone to get a move on, and for a moment the crowd obeyed. Until the front door burst open.
--
All movement in the hall ceased as a cloaked figure entered the school. The figure was short and squat woman in a pink cloak. The woman removed her hood revealing her mousy brown hair. Every eye widened at the sight of her. Several students cringed at her voice of poisoned honey. "Evening Albus."
Dumbledore nodded to her. "Evening Dolores."
Dolores Umbridge gave that sickenly sweet smile as she looked at Dumbledore. "Where is she?" Umbridge asked peering around.
"Here." Hermione responded her voice barely above a whisper.
Umbridge gave a wicked grin that sent chills down the spine. "So good to see you again, dear." She walked closer to Hermione. "I am so thrilled that you will be continuing your education in my private care."
Draco, Ginny, Ron and Harry all gaped at Hermione. She was going to study with Umbridge?! She hated that toad of a woman! They all looked to Hermione, but she merely stared at her feet. "You have your things Granger?" Hermione nodded. "Excellent!" Umbridge turned back to Dumbledore. "I guarantee you Albus that she will be a hard worker for the Ministry of Magic in no time. Granted she will have to be re educated on a few topics." For a brief moment Umbridge had a quill in her hand and an evil look in her eyes. "Yes, she will reform."
Hermione gulped but her eyes remained dry. She took one last look at Ginny and whispered. "I am sorry."
"Albus. It has been a pleasure." Umbridge said. "Come Granger." The entire school watched as Hermione Granger followed Dolores Umbridge out the front doors and into the night.
--
Draco helped Ginny back into bed at the Hospital Wing. Neither of them had spoken since Hermione's exit. Draco could tell Ginny was exhausted, but being her stubborn self, refused to admit it verbally. Once she was tucked in Madame Pomfrey handed her the Dreamless Sleep potion. Ginny had the bottle to her lips before she hesitated. Draco looked at her and smiled. "I'm not going anywhere." He leaned in and kissed her on the forehead again. Ginny gave a weak smile back and downed the bottle. The last thing she saw as she drifted to sleep was Draco sitting at the edge of her bed holding her hand.
--
Ginny Weasley woke with butterflies, not knowing what to expect. Her arm and ankle had both healed yet Draco, Ron and Harry hadn't let her anywhere near a broom since. But Ginny was completely okay with that, she had admitted to Draco she was a bit scared to ride a broom since that night. But a broomstick was not the cause of her butterflies. Today was Valentine's Day. And for the first time Ginerva Molly Weasley was not single.
Yes she and Draco Malfoy had been official for nearly two weeks, and Ginny couldn't be happier. Draco was perfect. He walked her to all of her classes, walked hand in hand with her, studied with her. They were Hogwarts 'scandalous but perfect couple'. Everyone loved the idea of them together, except a jealous few.
Ginny smiled remembering when Pansy Parkinson had confronted her in the girl's room. She was shrieking that Drakie-Poo was hers and hers alone. Ginny listened for about forty-five seconds before punching Pansy directly in the nose. Madame Pomfrey was the best, but Pansy's nose had been a little off center ever since. Draco too had his share of fights. Apparently Seamus Finnigan, a seventh year Gryffindor, had a huge crush on Ginny. He decided that Draco didn't deserve her and made the mistake of telling a crowd of people this in the middle of the hallway. Seamus had ended up in the Hospital Wing for two days with massive boils and his skin a lovely shade of purple. But other than a few scuffles, their relationship had been smooth.
Ginny was elated for the first time about Valentine's day and slightly nervous. What if Draco didn't like her present? What if he didn't get her anything? He was after all, still a Malfoy. Malfoy's were a cruel, emotionless family. Yet Draco was no longer any of these things. Ginny couldn't help but wonder what he had in store. They had been fairly private about certain areas of their relationship. They had yet to be caught snogging by anyone, other than the whole Ron incident. Students had tried, but the Slytherin Prince and his Gryffindor Princess were sneaky. Draco being Head Boy, who schedule Prefect rounds and Ginny, the newest Gryffindor Prefect, having replaced Hermione Granger, constantly had the same route.
Ginny was pulled out of her daydreaming by Elle Winterton, her roommate, throwing a pillow at her. Ginny let out a squeal as she jumped out of bed and into the bathroom. Once she was clean Ginny quickly towel dried her luscious red hair and threw on a pair of jeans and a green sweater. Running her fingers through her hair once more Ginny grabbed the package from under her bed and headed down to the Great Hall.
--
Draco Malfoy woke to a steady tapping at his window. His eyes flew open as he sat up. Draco turned to the window to see a very familiar owl with a letter addressed to him. Throwing off the covers Draco ran to the widow letting the owl in. He ripped the letter open with a childish grin on his face.
--
Ginny entered the Great Hall, which had changed over night. The sky was clear, but it rained red and pink hearts and confetti, landing everywhere but the food. Little cupids flew around delivering Valentine's and candy. Girls everywhere had on various shades of pink and red, giggling and smiling. The male population wore little red and no pink, but scanned the hall to see if someone got something better than their girl did. Ginny couldn't help but get caught up in the spirit of the holiday. She found herself smiling all the way to the Gryffindor table, taking her place between Harry and Ron. The boys mumbled their Happy Valentine's to her before returning to their breakfast.
Draco walked into the Great Hall with a huge grin on his face; this was to be the perfect day. However the one thing he had not counted on was the sheer beauty of a certain Gryffindor. He stopped dead in the middle of the aisle entranced by her beaming smile and freckled cheeks. Draco heard her laugh and his heart skipped a beat. Yes, she was the most beautiful girl in Hogwarts.
The rush of the owls from home came swooping in sending Draco into a panic. He quickly dug into his pockets and found the letter he had received that morning. Draco sighed and instantly relaxed. Everything had to be perfect. He took one last look at Ginny before walking back out of the hall and out the front doors.
--
Students all over the hall looked as the owls came bearing the day's mail. Lavender Brown squeaked as she received a big box of chocolates from her boyfriend Dean. Cho Chang graciously accepted a bottle of her favorite perfume from Chad. Harry Potter as always received at least a dozen Valentine's from various girls causing him to blush. Ron was shocked as he received a box of French Éclair's from Gabrielle Delacour and blushed a deep maroon.
Ginny looked up occasionally but she received no chocolates, no roses, no gigantic singing teddy bear. Nothing. Ginny's smile seemed to fade as she looked around at all the gifts that were exchanged. Her eyes flashed to the Slytherin table, but her silver-eyed boy was not to be found. A little hurt Ginny focused on her breakfast, but found she had no appetite. She began to poke her eggs vigorously with her fork until she felt a tug at her side. Ginny whipped around to see Dobby the house-elf staring up at her.
"Master says to bring the Ginny girl her balentime."
Slightly puzzled Ginny nodded. "Okay."
Dobby grinned as he held out a small nectarine in his hands. Nectarine was Draco's favorite fruit. Why in the devil was Draco giving her a piece of fruit for Valentine's?.. Ginny cautiously bit into it hoping that maybe he had concealed something inside it. But as she chewed it she saw it was a plain, boring nectarine. The house-elf bowed to her and disappeared with a crack, leaving Ginny slightly angry and more than annoyed. Ginny glanced back at the Slytherin table, but Draco Malfoy was nowhere to be found. Ginny was fuming. A measly fruit! That's all! Ginny stood and stormed out of the Great Hall after a certain Slytherin's blood.
--
Watching from outside Draco saw Ginny storm out of the Great Hall. This meant that Dobby had done his part. Draco smiled as he slipped back into the castle and followed the fiery redhead. She wandered down several hallways, and to Draco's delight, getting more flustered with each empty one. Draco waited until she looked as though she might explode before coming up and promptly placing his mouth on hers. Draco heard her squeak as he pushed her against the wall and kissed her harder. He almost had her lips parted when she pushed him away. Draco gave her a wicked smile, "Happy Valentine's Gin."
Ginny however, was still livid. "You arrogant bas-"
She was cut off by Draco's lips once again. She tried to resist but his lips called to her. Ginny moaned as she sunk into the kiss. Draco slithered his tongue into her mouth, tasting the nectarine. Ginny shivered as he placed his hands on her hips, holding her flush to the wall. But Ginny fought for dominance. She pulled her lips away from his and lightly licked them. Draco moved in to recapture them but turned her head and began to suck on his ear. Draco began kissing the nape of her neck, sending more shivers down her spine. He quickly gathered her in his arms and opened the nearest door.
Once inside Draco placed her down on a desk as he muttered a few spells on the door. Draco turned back towards her to find that she had removed her green sweater and was now only in a black tank top. She looked at him with those chocolate brown eyes and he was lost. Draco took to steps and crashed his lips on hers. Ginny quickly undid the buttons on the front of his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders. He grabbed her waist as she slid off the desk. Draco felt his knees give way as he found himself straddled on top of Ginny. She smiled up at him as he kissed his way down her jawbone and to her neck, not caring about leaving a mark. She was his and He was hers.
Woo! Epilogue…eventually. Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's. This is my longest chapter thus far. Go me!
As always, please tell me what you think!! Much love to my faithful reviewers!