Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Dearest readers,
I'm back to just Ginny and Draco's point of views because I don't really like writing for more than them. Let me know if you liked it and if I should continue. I hope this will appease some of you that have been begging me to put them back together. They say, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." This chapter has been one of the hardest to write because it was hard to choose how Ginny would react to Draco showing back up when he is supposed to be dead. I wrote several versions before I could decide. Sorry for the long wait, but hopefully I can appease you with a new chapter.
Review, Review, Review!
(lots of reviews encourage more chapters to be written)
Chapter 14-
Ginny groaned as she sat up in her bed regretting her decision to stay up and party to celebrate the Gryffindor victory. She had barely gotten any sleep and now an owl was tapping on her window. She reluctantly rolled out of bed to open the window and the owl flew in to land on her bedside table. She instantly recognized it as Fred and George's owl.
Dearest Gin-Gin,
We heard that you upheld the Weasley honor and won Gryffindor the Quidditch Cup. We are so very happy that you could follow in our footsteps. Harry should step down and let you be Captain at the rate you're going. Hoping we get to see you soon!
The Masters of Chaos, the Princes of Pranks,
Gred and Forge
Wow…. They never captained a team. Following in their footsteps my arse. Ginny pulled out some parchment to write them back immediately.
To your royal troublemakers,
I am most definently NOT following in your footsteps as you have never ever captained a team to victory. You just did what the captain told you to do. Therefore I am obviously above you. And another thing, you guys should work on a hangover cure that also turns your hair colors, or gives you extra fingers or something. Another way to mess with someone who is completely pissed.
Your number one idea generator and your favorite sibling,
Ginny
Ginny giggled as she finished writing the letter and gave it back to the owl to take back to them. While she was writing letters she had an idea and pulled out a couple more pieces of parchment. The first letter she wrote was to Demetri since she never wrote him back.
Demetri,
I'm sorry it has been so long since I have written you a letter. It's been so busy practicing for the Quidditch game, which we won, and are now champions. Hail the Gryffindors! By quite a large amount too. We even got Demelza to play with us (and she's fantastic!) How is your tour going? You'll have to tell me about it! And of course if you have met a lovely young lady yet! Give everyone my love!
Ever yours,
Ginny
Mum and Dad,
We won the Cup yesterday if Ron hasn't told you yet! It was such a long game but we won in the end. The Snitch kept disappearing on me until I outsmarted it and figured out its game. Those things are smarter than we give them credit for. We won 330-220. Ravenclaw and Tyler never stood a chance. I hope everything is going good for dad at work and I can't wait to see you when we come home.
All my love,
Ginny
Ginny sat the two letters on her desk to let the ink dry and curled back up in her bed to try to get some sleep. She would mail the letters later, it was too far to walk to the Owlery right this minute. She fell asleep for a couple hours until Demelza, who had been drinking, woke her up asking for a hangover cure. Ginny sat her down before dumping the solution down Demelza's throat.
She saw the letters and picked them up to carry to the owlery. She saw Ron on the way down who gave her a letter to send home with hers. When she got back from sending the letters she stopped in the Great Hall for some food. She grabbed some extra food to take up to Demelza and wrapped it up.
When she got back to the girls dorm she woke Demelza saying, "Wake up! I've brought you some food. You need to eat something." Demelza just groaned at her so Ginny ripped all the covers off of her bed.
"What the bloody hell Ginny?"
"Eat this food and then you can go back to sleep!"
"Fine."
Demelza grudgingly ate the food while she glared at Ginny. When she finished she grabbed her blankets and went back to sleep. Since there were no classes that day Ginny got back in her bed as well.
BOOM.
Ginny shot up as she felt the rumble of the castle. She saw the other girls waking up with wide eyes and grabbed her wand from where it lay beside her. She ran down to the Common Room in time to see Professor McGonagall rush in.
"Hogwarts is under attack! Prefects make sure anyone under fifth year stays in this dorm. If you are fifth year or older you may join us in defending the castle. We don't know how the Death Eaters got in but they're everywhere." She then rushed out of the Common Room. Everyone looked at each other and Hermione started giving Orders.
"Dean, Seamus, make sure no one leaves here. Everyone but the upper classmen should get up in the dorms. Anyone left here should guard the portrait hole and make sure no one gets in. Harry, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and I are going to go help the professors." Everyone nodded accepting their leadership and did as they were told. She beckoned everyone she had named over to her. Once they gathered around she spoke again.
"Dean, Seamus, I'm sorry to leave you here but someone needs to protect the younger kids." They nodded that they understood and moved around the furniture in the Common Room to give them the advantage. Colin started to help them and motioned that he would help.
Demelza came over saying, "I'm coming too."
"You need to stay here and help the boys", said Hermione as she waved her off.
"No, if Ginny goes then I go."
Hermione looked flabbergasted and stared where Harry nodded an ok. They left the Common Room in a group and watched out for Death Eaters. They came across several of them on the staircase and took them down in minutes.
When they made it down to the Great Hall and the foyer, Death Eaters were everywhere. They lost Harry in the mess and didn't have a chance to find him as they were instantly attacked.
Demelza and Ginny made a great team and complimented each other well. Not a Death Eater got through their defenses. Some of the older students from other houses were helping but it was mostly teachers against Death Eaters.
Minutes into the fight the doors burst open and Order members poured in. Ginny recognized some of them but most were unfamiliar faces. She saw Blaise across the room and he looked up just in time to see her. He winked at her and caused her shield to waver but stayed up.
Soon he was swept out of sight as the two girls moved their fight up onto the staircases. They had just stunned another Death Eater when Ginny saw him. Her shield completely collapsed in shock and Demelza had to cover her. He's alive. That bastard, he could have said something. He looks so much better, healthier. His hair had darkened to an almost normal shade of blonde and his skin had been tanned by the sun so he was no longer pale. He was almost unrecognizable and she wouldn't have known if they hadn't locked eyes. She couldn't decipher the look in his eyes because it was gone in a second. He had to tear his eyes away because a Death Eater started firing spells at him.
"Ginny! Now is not the time to gawk at hot strangers. Pull yourself together please", screamed Demelza as she shook Ginny. Ginny saw the spell coming at Demelza's back and had barely enough time to put up a shield.
"I'm fine I'm fine!"
They had just stunned the last Death Eater they had found when Snape ran through the crowd followed by a crowd of Death Eaters. No one had time to react before they were out the doors. Harry was sprinting behind them trying to catch up and screaming at Snape. The fighting had all but stopped when she caught sight of him again. He was helping other Order members tie up the remaining Death Eaters and was oblivious to her watching him.
Ginny was sure that he had grown taller and broader since the last time she had seen him. The tight blue shirt he was wearing just helped to outline his body which was obviously in shape. His hair looked even better now that it looked more natural and was swept over his eyes as he worked. Demelza came up to her and saw that she was staring at him again and chuckled.
"So you've taken quite a liking to this unknown hot guy. You haven't taken your eyes off of him yet. Although I can understand why, he's absolutely gorgeous. Anybody would love to stare at him, including me." At that Ginny's eyes snapped to Demelza and she almost fell over laughing. "Hey girl, I'm just kidding", she said as she held her hands up.
"I know who he is."
"Who? Wait, don't look now, but he's headed straight towards you." Ginny, of course, turned to look and sure enough he was heading her way. He was looking straight at her and looked determined. Sexy as hell. He was about halfway there when a girl intercepted him and hugged him. Who is she? He stopped to talk to her because every time he moved to leave she would put a hand on his arm or hand and stop him. What the hell?
"Earth to Ginny. Who is he?"
"It's Draco", she said as she turned and walked away. Demelza's jaw dropped open as she looked at him again and realized it was true.
Ginny was walking towards the Astronomy Tower just knowing that she had to get away. From the fight, from him, and from everyone else. He's back. He just waltzes in, in the middle of a freaking battle. Before he can even get to me he's got some bimbo hanging all over him already. Why does he have to be such a magnet to them? She had reached the Tower and sat down on the balcony and stared up at the stars. During the battle it had grown dark and it was a beautiful night. The stars shined brightly and no clouds were covering them. Draco, of course. The closest constellation would remind me of him. It's not even fair. He's always there, in the back of my head. I knew he wasn't dead. Why didn't he ever say anything? Or send me something?
She could see some commotion going on below and stood up to look down. People were all over the courtyard and picking up broken bricks. At least I got away before they recruited for the clean up team. I bet he got caught up in it.
That very second she heard the door creak but didn't move because she knew who it was. She could feel him standing behind her. She knew he was standing right behind her and yet he was saying nothing. Ginny sighed before she started talking.
"Go away Draco. Leave me alone." Again he stood there just saying nothing. Ginny started to get mad and spun around to see him watching her. His head was cocked to the side and he was just looking at her. "What? Why are you staring at me? You've been gone and dead for months now! You can't just waltz back in like this!" She was yelling at him by now and he was still staring at her which infuriated her even more. He just nodded and turned around to leave which shocked her. When he turned around again she was sure her jaw was hanging wide open.
"I'm sorry Ginny", he said as he turned and disappeared out of the door. Ginny stood there confused for a couple minutes until she felt the tears rolling down her cheeks and collapsed to the ground. What did I do? Her head was in her hands when she heard someone else come through the door. Her wand came up and she couldn't tell who it was through the tears in her eyes.
"Ginny it's just me, Tyler", said the person as they put their hands up. "I was just coming to make sure you were ok."
Ginny relaxed and dropped her head back down knowing he wasn't a threat. He came over to sit beside her and rubbed her back while she cried. He had just pulled her into his arms when Ginny knew it was going to go bad because the door swung open again.
"Get away from her right now."
Ginny looked up to see gray eyes as cold as steel as Draco glared at Tyler. Tyler got up and pushed Ginny behind him and stood face to face with Draco.
"Get lost man. This is none of your business", said Tyler as he pushed Draco in the chest.
"You don't know what you're getting yourself into Dawson."
Ginny knew she would have to step in or they would be fighting so she stepped in between them. She put her hand on both of their chests and pushed them back.
"Stop this right now! Both of you! I don't want you two to fight each other. There is no reason for this. Haven't you had enough fighting for today?" Both guys looked down at the floor as they realized she was right. "Alright then. Glad you can actually see reason. Tyler could you leave? I'll come talk to you later."
"But Ginny-"
"Tyler, please just leave."
"Fine, but you better come find me later."
"Tyler, GO!"
He finally left, glaring at Draco the entire time who was just smirking. When Tyler left Draco turned back to her and the smirk dropped off his face.
"What are you doing Draco?"
"Keeping him away from you. I don't like him at all."
"You don't have any right to do that!" Ginny turned away from him and looked back out over the courtyard. Ginny held her breath as she felt Draco move right up behind her. What is he doing? She got goose bumps as she felt his fingers trail up her arm. He wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled her close. Dammit, I'm trying to be mad at him! She shivered as he whispered into her ear.
"No right? When I've been waiting months just to see you again?"
"Draco, that's not my fault! You're the one who disappeared without even a word!"
"I had to be dead! So that Voldemort wouldn't come kill me!"
"I never would have told anyone!"
"That's beside the point!"
"Beside the point? BESIDE THE POINT? What is your point here? That I'm not trustworthy?" Ginny started getting mad as Draco kept trying to calm her down, but the irritation she had felt for the past few months was coming out. She pulled herself away from him and turned to face him.
"No no."
"What then Draco?"
"I wasn't allowed to tell anyone. It was orders straight from Mad-Eye!"
"Just one little sign or letter would have hurt anybody. I kept the special parchment with me all the time! You could have trusted me!"
"I do trust you Ginny."
"Well you have a funny way of showing it! Pretending to be dead for months. Do you know how hard it was for me? Not even knowing? Me, Ginny Weasley, wondering what the bloody hell happened to a Malfoy!"
"I know, and I'm sorry."
"That's it? That's all you have to say to me? It's been five months!"
"You think it's any easier for me? Having to read what you wrote and not being allowed to answer? Not being able to do anything while you cozied up to this Tyler blo-" He hadn't even finished when Ginny's slap caught him across the face. She watched as a handprint reddened on his face while he just stared at her.
"Don't you ever say that again. I thought you were dead Draco; I wasn't here to wait on you. He has been here for me. I'm done here." She started towards the door and Draco finally moved and reached for her arm.
"Ginny, wait-"
She whirled around before he could catch her saying, "Stop! Everytime he was there, I wished it was you. But you weren't here."
"And I'm sorry! But I'm here now!"
"Maybe it's too late." When Ginny saw his face drop, she turned around and left the Tower. She stalked back to the Gryffindor Common Room where she found Tyler waiting for her outside the portrait. He was slumped against the wall next to the Fat Lady with his legs sprawled out and his eyes closed. Ginny walked up to him quietly and kicked his foot making him jump. His eyes popped open but he relaxed when he saw it was just Ginny. He jumped up and hugged her before stepping back and speaking.
"What happened back there? Where did he come from? Why did he care what was happening?"
"Tyler, I can't answer those questions."
"Why not?"
"Goodnight Tyler." She then said the password and entered the Common Room leaving Tyler there with his mouth hanging open. She wandered in and found Demelza occupying the same armchair as Colin. She immediately went to rain on their parade and sat down on top of both of them.
"Ginny, get off", yelled Colin as he was crushed beneath the weight of two people. Ginny refused and continued to sit there. "Where have you been anyways?"
Ginny stiffened at Colin's question and stood up. "Don't be a baby, we're not that heavy. And I needed some time alone." Ginny started to go towards the staircase towards her room when Demelza grabbed her arm and pulled her over to the table in the corner of the room. Colin stayed in the chair and just glared at them from across the room.
"Ginny what happened? Tyler has been sitting outside for a while now", she whispered to Ginny as she searched Ginny's face before continuing. "I know you've been crying, Colin may not have caught on but I'm not stupid." Ginny just sighed before answering.
"Draco walked in while Tyler was trying to make me feel better and they were going to fight, but then I stopped them and sent Tyler back here while I yelled at Draco."
"Why?"
"He expected to come back and find me waiting for him. Then he told me to stay away from Tyler like I was his property."
"But you were waiting on him to come back Ginny, that's why you've been pushing Tyler away isn't it?"
"Oh."
"Ginny sometimes you're so blind to things."
"Shut up Demi."
"Don't worry, he's probably waiting on you."
Ginny just smiled and left her friend to go up to her bed and leave her to her boyfriend. When she pulled back the curtains around her bed, she found a single white rose lying on her pillow. She picked the flower up and held it to her nose and found that it smelled amazing and unlike any other flower. She dropped it as she pulled out the parchment and found two words written across it.
I'm sorry.
Ginny felt her heart melt at those two simple words. Dammit. He's not even here and I've already forgiven him. I'm supposed to be mad. What is happening to me? Nobody should be able to get away that easy. I think I'm going soft. While Ginny was standing there lost in thought Demelza walked in and read it over Ginny's shoulder.
"Wow Ginny. He's got it for you bad."
"Shut up Demi", said Ginny as she grinned at her friend before climbing into her bed for the night.
The next morning Draco was sitting at the end of the Hufflepuff table with the rest of the Order members still at the castle. They were seated there because Hufflepuff had the least amount of students due to a larger number being sorted into Slytherin than normal. Draco had been talking to Annabelle when Blaise nudged him and pointed to the Gryffindor table. Ginny had just walked in and sat down with her classmates. He stared at her until she looked up and gave him what looked like a hesitant smile. Well that's a good sign. It's better than her glaring at me. Annabelle waved a hand in front of his face and pulled his attention back to her. The next time he looked at Ginny, he saw that she had a confused look on her face and cocked her head to the side as if to ask him a question. One of her friends said something to her and Draco waited for her to look back before winking to her. He almost laughed out loud when her cheeks got a little pink but didn't want to tip anyone off to what was going on.
"Draco, are you even listening to me?" Draco focused his attention back on Annabelle as she threatened to stab him with her fork. He heard Blaise sniggering from behind him and resisted the urge to kick him.
"Hey now woman, watch where you're waving deadly utensils!"
"It's just a fork, don't be a baby!"
"Until you've been stabbed by one you don't realize how deadly it can be!" A look of shock crossed Annabelle's face as she realized what he was saying.
"A fork, really?" Her voice had dropped and her face looked sad as she spoke. Draco just nodded and looked at her gravely.
"Anything that was within reaching distance of my father was a weapon."
Annabelle just nodded and ate the rest of her meal in silence. Draco knew he had scared her, but his past was full of those kinds of stories. I'm not ashamed of my past anymore. I don't have to hide what he did to me. It's not my fault if other people can't handle my past. Draco had just finished eating when Moody came over to the table and ordered all of them outside the Great Hall into an extra classroom. He knew something serious was going on when Moody warded the room before speaking.
"We've figured out how they got into the castle. Some kid took the place of their father and the Death Eaters got in through a Vanishing Cabinet in some sort of magical room."
"Goyle. It has to be."
"Yes Draco, we think so", said Moody as he acknowledged Draco's interruption. "That's how they got in the castle. There was an attempt on the Headmaster's life and it was stopped by me. But now we have another dilemma, there are rumors that some of the escaped Death Eaters are hiding out not far from here in a cave. We're going to go after them and see if we can capture some. We will not be returning here but heading back to headquarters afterwards. You have about half an hour before we leave."
When Draco heard this he hurriedly pulled out his end of the magical parchment and scribbled a note before approaching Moody.
"Sir, since our cover is blown do we continue with you or stay here?"
"Ah yes. Dumbledore spoke to me about that. You and Blaise will still accompany us and will return to the castle for your end of the year exams that you have been studying for. Then we lose you for your last year. If you wanted to see someone you better go quick."
Draco just nodded to Moody before taking off out the room. He only had about twenty minutes left now he figured. He took the end of the corridor at a run and knocked over the person walking there and fell to the ground.
"Ouch Draco. That wasn't necessary at all." Draco just grinned as he realized it was Ginny he had knocked over and looked down into her chocolate orbs. Her eyes are so beautiful. He stood up and held out a hand to help her up.
"As much as I would enjoy lying there on top of you, I don't have much time. We're being sent on a mission."
"Already?!" Ginny sounded upset as Draco pulled her into a classroom so they could talk alone.
"Yes, we're leaving soon. Like sometime in the next half hour." He was going to say more but Ginny stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. He put his arms around her shoulders and put his chin on top of her head.
"But I just got you back", she said as her voice was muffled against his chest. He pulled her head away from his chest and looked down at her.
"You'll see me again I promise. And this time there's nothing to keep me from writing you." He winked at her as he said it and saw her smile. "Now there's that beautiful smile I've been waiting for." He watched as shock crossed her face and then something else before she grabbed his collar and kissed him. He smiled against her lips as he felt her pulling him down to where she could stand flat footed. He slid his hands to the small of her back and teased the bottom of her shirt with her fingers. He almost groaned as her hands went up to his hair and tugged on it. He had just detached his lips from hers when he was startled.
"Draco, quit kissing her and get your arse down here. Moody is getting impatient." Draco whirled around thinking Blaise was standing there but it was just a silver tiger staring at them. Draco could hear Ginny giggling and turned to glare at her.
"You better get going Drakie-poo, Blaise misses you." Draco just kissed her on the tip of her nose effectively quieting her.
"You'll pay for calling me that, but I have to go." He took off running to the courtyard knowing he was probably going to be yelled at. When he got there he was surprised to see he wasn't even the last there. He just glared at Blaise who laughed at him.
"Sorry Draco, but it's true. I was the only one here at the right time."
"I thought everyone was waiting on me. I ran back here. You could have waited another minute or two."
"I figured I would interrupt before you two got too involved with each other to pay attention to the rest of the world." Draco just nodded as he felt the pouch around his neck get warm. He hurriedly pulled out the parchment to see it.
Why is it that Blaise always manage to interrupt things?
Draco just laughed before showing Blaise what she had written. Blaise took the parchment and held out his hand for Draco's quill. What is he going to say? Might as well let him, he can't copy my handwriting. He handed over his pen to Blaise as the rest of the Order members finally showed up. Annabelle came over as Blaise finished and handed it back to him. Draco quickly looked at it before adding a note of his own and murmuring the charm.
To my lovely red haired goddess,
It has become my goal in life to interrupt Draco and yourself. The way I see it is that if I have no one to snog, then why should Draco get to! Feel free to introduce me to any of your lovely single friends. Although he is not quite a good kisser as myself if you were wondering.
Always yours,
Your mocha skinned admirer
Ignore him. I'll speak to you soon.
More yours than Blaise,
Draco
Annabelle saw him put the parchment away and Draco shook his head telling her not to ask. She just smirked at him before sidling up between the two boys and looping her arms through theirs. They joked around until they received their orders and apparated away.
Ginny stood there gaping after him when he kissed her nose and ran off. Did he just really? He really did. This is crazy. He's so different. She raised her hand to her lips because they were still tingling from where he had kissed her. If only Blaise wasn't constantly interfering and ruining things. She giggled and quickly wrote him a note before sprinting to a room the overlooked the courtyard where she could see the gathered Order members. She saw Blaise scribbling on a parchment before handing it to Draco who added something. Ginny realized who they were writing to when she felt the parchment buzz from her pocket. She smiled as she read what they had to say and decided to write back later and looked back up to be instantly irritated.
She saw the blond woman again with her arms looped with both Blaise and Draco's arms and watched as they joked and laughed. Who is she? I've never seen her before. Once they walked to the gates and apparated Ginny turned to head back to her dormitory. She hadn't made it very far when Harry and Colin popped up and grabbed either of her arms and frog-marched her into an empty classroom where Hermione and Demelza were waiting. Ginny sighed as she knew she was about to be interrogated.
"Thank you boys", said Demelza as she dismissed them with a little wave. They just patted Ginny on the shoulder as they left the room and Hermione conjured chairs for everyone. "Nice hickey Gin." Ginny put her hand to her neck in surprise only to find Demelza laughing at her.
She narrowed her eyes before saying, "That's a dirty trick Demi."
"I was just guessing in the dark there, so you did see him then?"
"Only for about five minutes before he left."
"He left?!" Ginny was surprised by the simultaneous yell from both of her friends. She just nodded at their shocked expressions.
"They had a mission but I don't know if I'm supposed to know so don't spread it around."
They both nodded looking thoughtful before Demelza spoke again. "He looks even more attractive than he did just a couple months ago. Who would have even thought it was possible?"
Hermione just chuckled as Ginny rolled her eyes at the both of them. Ginny pulled out the parchment to show Demelza what they had just written her. Demelza was laughing at the two boys humor while Hermione was more interested in the magic.
"How did he do this? This is advanced magic!"
"Why Hermione, are you impressed by Draco's talent?"
"No, just surprised he could do this. I don't even know how to do this! Although he has always been on the same level as me with grades so I suppose it's believable."
"Hermione, you are jealous he knows something you don't!"
"A little." Ginny laughed at the blush that spread across her friends face at the admittance. She just hugged her and giggled and soon all three of them were laughing. The last couple of weeks of term before exams passed very quickly with many letter back and forth between Ginny and Draco.
Dear Draco,
Tell my beautifully mocha skinned admirer that he wishes he could get a kiss from me. It's not that easy a thing to get, and don't you even say anything Draco. How did your mission go? I hope you're alright. Since you promised me and everything. It's too bad you couldn't stay here much longer, It was nice while it lasted I guess. Thank you for the flowers by the way.
Your favorite redhead,
Ginny
Red,
The mission went off very well, we didn't even have any injuries. It went off without a hitch even though some last minute changes had to be made to our plan. I'm glad to finally be able to write you something back, because the last couple of months have been hell. But also incredibly crazy here at HQ. I've recently found out that I have a sister and she is amazing. I think you would really like her because she reminds me of you sometimes. I'm sure you will meet her eventually seeing as how closely attached your family is to the Order. Oh and by the way congratulations on winning the Cup, but don't get too used to it because Slytherin will win for sure next year. I hope your studying for O.W.L.s is going well.
Draco
Draco,
Since when have you had a sister? What's her name? Tell me all about her! Studying for the examinations is going terribly, the teachers keep piling loads of homework on us. Hermione is helping us study on schedule and that helps but don't tell her that because she is a slave driver! Ordering us around and making us study… I can't wait to meet your long lost sister. Will she be going to Hogwarts?
Ginny
Ginny,
One of the missions we went on this summer, we ended up rescuing her and Dumbledore informed us of her heritage. Her name is Iris and yes, she will be starting her first year of school this next year. She is a lot smarter than she seems when you first meet her, a true Slytherin through and through. I'm sure Granger is being bossy, isn't that who she is? She has been ordering Potter and the less attractive Weasley around since first year. No offense. She would probably throw a fit if she knew I was writing you letters. Cheers.
Draco
Mr. Pompous Slytherin,
I'm glad you have pride in your new sister and old house, but we will continue to keep the Quidditch Cup to the Gryffindor name. You must have a pretty skewed view of Hermione though, she doesn't have to give them orders they just do. And she would not throw a fit! She actually knows along with Demelza. Demi let something slip a while back and Hermione has known since then so there. If you were here I would stick my tongue out at you in rebellion!
Forever Gryffindor,
Ginny
Ginny,
You may not want to stick your tongue out at me… You never know what might happen to it.
Sincerely,
Draco
Ooh, I'm cowering in my boots. You're going to have to do a little bit better than that my good sir. You can't do anything about it if you're not here, so… empty threat indeed!
Impudently,
Red
We shall see about that.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Ginny just shook her head as she read the most recent letter Draco had written her. She was sitting on her bed as Demelza was in the bathroom laughing at her.
"Getting all hot and bothered over letters again Ginny?" Ginny just manipulated magic to send orbs of water flying into the bathroom to taunt Demelza. She laughed at her friends protests and stopped before Demelza really got mad. They were taking a break from studying for their exams that were looming on the horizon. They started exams this week and Ginny and Demelza had more exams to take then most of their classmates since they had 11 classes.
"That will teach you to talk Demi."
"Sorry girl, it was too good of an opportunity to miss", said Demelza as she peeked around the doorframe to wink at Ginny.
"Whatever Demi, now stop fixing your hair and let's get back to studying."
"Alright, we just have to make it through this week and then this new celebratory ball we have is coming up." Ginny just grinned because both girls were excited. Dumbledore had announced the day before that the end of year feast was going to be transformed into a Ball to celebrate the victory of the battle and the fact that Hogwarts was still standing. It was a great motivator to get them through all the studying they had to do.
They hadn't gotten back to studying very long when an owl landed on the window sill and started pecking on the window. Ginny quickly rushed to the window to let it in and it landed on her bed and held out its leg. Ginny and Demelza stared at each other because neither recognized the owl. Ginny cautiously went over and took the letter from the owl and it immediately flew out the window.
"Well open it", said Demelza as her curiosity got the better of her. Ginny recognized the handwriting but couldn't place it at that moment.
Dearest Ginny,
And Demelza most likely too,
We have gotten wind of a Ball that is going to take place at Hogwarts, and we have been invited to play at it. Thinking of you guys, we immediately said yes. We hope we will get to see you guys there and that your year has gone well as it comes to a close. We're really excited about performing at Hogwarts even though it was very short notice. We all send our love.
Demetri and the Band
Ginny screamed as she read what Demetri had written her and scared Demelza who was waiting for her reaction.
"What?!"
"LOOK AT THIS DEMELZA", screamed Ginny as she handed Demelza the letter and started dancing around in happiness. Demelza quickly read it and joined Ginny by jumping up and down.
"What is wrong with you two?!" Hermione had come running at the sound of screaming and was standing in the room gawking at them. Ginny and Demelza ran over to Hermione and hugged her from both sides still enthusiastic and jumping up and down.
"The Wicked Witches are coming to Hogwarts!"
"NO WAY", said Hermione as they shocked her with the news. Ginny just nodded at her and continued to smile at the other two girls. The three girls celebrated before Hermione ordered them back to their studies. The three were sitting there studying in the Common Room when Hermione got a puzzled look and turned to Ginny.
"What are you going to do for the Ball? I doubt Malfoy will take you going with someone else very well."
"Well, we're not technically committed to each other. I might just have to go alone."
"You know Tyler is going to ask you though", said Demelza as she finally tuned into the conversation. Ginny just nodded as she realized she didn't know what was going to happen. "He doesn't know much about Malfoy, and you guys are still in this… whatever it is. He's going to think nothing has changed."
"Crap."
"Ginny you have to tell him. You can't lead him along."
"I know." Ginny sighed before she got up to head to the Ravenclaw Tower to face Tyler and tell him. She was stopped by someone speaking up in the corner.
"Ginny, we could go as friends if you want", said Neville as he stepped from the shadowy corner.
"Oh Neville, that's very sweet of you. I might take you up on that. Can I get back to you on that?" She waited until she saw his nod before speaking again. "Neville I don't know what all you heard but-"
"I'm not going to speak a word to anyone else." He looked completely serious and Ginny just smiled at him before rushing to give him a hug.
"You're a great friend Neville!" She then left through the Fat Lady's portrait and headed to the Ravenclaw Common Room to speak to Tyler. She found a little first or second year headed into their Common Room and asked them to find Tyler for her. She then stood in an alcove so anybody walking by wouldn't notice her. She waited about fifteen minutes and right as she was about to give up, Tyler walked out and started looking around. She stepped out of the alcove and he walked over when he saw her.
"Is something wrong? The scared little firstie just told me the Gryffindor Princess is demanding to see me." She giggled as he winked at her before getting serious.
"Tyler, we need to talk."
"If this is about the Ball, I was just about to-"
"Tyler I can't. We can't do this anymore."
"It's that guy from the Astronomy Tower isn't it? The Order guy. Who the hell is he anyways?" Ginny almost laughed as she realized that most people hadn't recognized that it was Draco because of how different he looked.
"I'm sorry Tyler."
"It's ok. It was him from the start wasn't it? That kept us from really being together." Ginny couldn't respond so she just nodded at him and felt tears building up in her eyes. "I never really stood a chance. I was just hoping I could change your mind."
"I'm sorry", Ginny whispered as his acceptance of it blew her mind. She moved in to hug him and he wrapped his arms around her.
"You don't have to apologize. We just weren't meant to be together." He grabbed her arms and held her at arm's length and looked her in the eyes. "If he hurts you, you let me know and I'll go kick his ass whether he's in the Order or not. I'll always be here for you." He abruptly turned and went back into his Common Room and that's when Ginny began to cry. She wandered back to the Common Room and ignored Demelza and Hermione completely and going straight up to her dorm. She pulled out the parchment and began to write.
Draco,
You would be proud of me. I told Tyler that we wouldn't be able to be together anymore. He took it really well considering and told me he would always be there for me no matter what. I wasn't expecting that. I wish you were here right now. Or for the Ball at the end of the term. I'm going with Neville as friends to keep other people from asking me, don't get mad. I can't wait for this summer so that maybe I can see you again.
Ginny
Ginny didn't have to sit there very long before his reply came right back to her. When she felt it buzz she took a deep breath before reading what he had to say.
My Dearest Ginny,
This is hard for me because I'm glad that you told him to back off because I really dislike him. But I'm sorry that it is causing you pain. I wish I was there to hold you and tell you that it will be alright but the Order is constantly keeping me busy. I apologize again for my absence. I'm sorry that I can't be there to escort you to the Ball myself and Longbottom is a very lucky man, but only if he keeps his hands to himself. I couldn't have controlled myself if you said you would be going with Tyler. I also have some good news to tell you. Blaise and I have stayed caught up on our coursework so we will be taking our sixth year exams next week with everyone else. The good part is that it would be inconvenient for the two of us to take it at Headquarters so we will be at Hogwarts to take them. But we are only allowed on the grounds while we have exams.
Waiting to see you,
Draco
Ginny instantly felt better even though she still felt sad about hurting Tyler. She went back downstairs to join her friends. She found Neville and told him she would go with him before sitting down to the accusing glares of her two friends.
"What?"
"You can't ignore us now Ginny", said Demelza as she crossed her arms and glared at her best friend. Ginny just nodded before launching into her story about the last hour and a half of her life. She had just finished telling her story when someone came up behind her and swept her into their arms. She was about to start fighting when she realized it was Ron.
"Well Gin-Gin, we just heard that you broke up with Tyler. Is it true?" Ginny just nodded and Ron squeezed her tighter in his arms. Ginny just smiled and let him hug her. As Ron had grown way taller than her, her feet were a foot from the ground but she didn't care.
"Well I'm just glad you started being my brother again", she said as she smiled up at her brother. He just nodded and then spun her around in circles. "Ron, Stop! I'm going to be sick!" He kept spinning her until he toppled over himself and both of them ended up laying on the floor groaning while the others laughed at them. During the fray, Harry had come up and went to Hermione wrapping his arms around her waist. While the Weasley siblings tried to get up off the floor everyone sat down around the giant table the girls had been occupying. Harry looked at all of their stuff confused.
"Bloody hell, how many classes are you two taking?"
"Twelve each", proclaimed Demelza proudly. "Why? Are you impressed Harry?"
"Incredibly. Hermione only took ten classes last year and we barely saw her.
Hermione bristled a little that Harry might be saying that the two younger girls were smarter than her. "Don't take it the wrong way 'Mione, even you must be a little impressed by it."
"Well, maybe a little", she admitted quietly and Ron chuckled at her. She just stuck her tongue out at him in response and he just winked at her. By this time Ginny had regained her balance and sat in a chair. I'm going to blow their minds.
"Hey Harry, Ron, do you know who is going to be performing at the End of Year Ball?" They both shook their heads no and she just beamed at them.
"Well then tell us since you seem to know Ginny", said Harry as he got impatient.
"The Wicked Witches!" Ginny laughed at the difference between the two boys faces. Harry was confused because he didn't know who they were but Ron was sitting there grinning.
"Bloody fantastic", said Ron as he punched the air with his fist. Since Ginny and Demelza had seen the band over Christmas Holidays the band had gotten very popular very fast. Almost everyone, minus Harry, knew who they were because a lot of their songs had topped the Wizarding charts. Ginny just nodded knowing it was destined to be a great night.