Unofficial Portkey Archive

Disclaimer: I don't own any of it except the plot!

Chapter 8

"Christina Malfoy is dead," the words that Dumbledore had spoken hung suspended in the air. There was a heavy tension in the room as realization began to sink in.
Draco shook his head disbelievingly. "No. No, it can't be true. She can't be dead," he said slightly hysterically.
"I'm afraid so, Mr. Malfoy. She died about ten minutes before you arrived," Dumbledore said sadly.
Draco just shook his head once again in disbelief. He knew, subconsciously, that it was true, but he didn't want to want to believe it. He couldn't believe it. If he did start to believe it, surely he'd die of despair. Christina had been his rock to cling to, his refuge from the problems of his life.
"Draco," Ginny began softly, laying a hand on his shoulder. "I'm so sorry."
At that moment, something inside Draco snapped. It could have been all of the anger he'd had bottled up for so many years against his father, or it could have been something else. Draco couldn't tell, but all of the sudden he had the strong desire to lash out at someone. Ginny just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He whipped his body around, knocking her hand off of his shoulder. Draco narrowed his eyes, and glared at her. He then said nastily, "You realize this is all your fault, right? If you hadn't tripped and spilled the first batch of potion, we would have made it on time. Once again, a Weasley had managed to ruin everything. Now, get out of my sight before I get really mad."
Ginny whimpered slightly, and turned on her heel. She all but ran out of the Hospital Wing. Draco smirked in satisfaction. It was nice that he could cause someone even a little fraction of the pain he was going through.
Dumbledore and Snape were looking at him with equal amounts of alarm on their faces. "Now, Mr. Malfoy, I know you're upset, but you must know that this was not Miss Weasley's fault. It was all Lucius's fault. You know that," Dumbledore said gently.
Now Draco was even more frustrated. They all seemed to be treating him like he was very thin glass. It was like they were afraid that he would break any second. "You don't know what you're talking about. You don't know what it's like," Draco snapped at Dumbledore. "Nobody does. They'll never understand." He could feel the anger slowly ebbing from his body.
"Why don't you go back to your room, and get some sleep. You've had a long day," Dumbledore suggested.
Draco nodded and turned to walk away. All of the anger had left his body, and now all there was was pain. The pain of knowing she'd never smile at him again. The pain of knowing that he'd never be able to confide in her again. She would never be there. Ever again.
Now that the anger was gone, Draco realized he shouldn't have yelled. He also realized that Dumbledore was right, and it wasn't Ginny's fault at all. It was nobody's fault but his own. He should have known better. He knew Lucius wanted to kill Christina to take away his friend. He should have pretended he didn't like her or something. Then, at least, she would still be alive.
By this time Draco had reached his dormitory, and went and laid down on his bed. He turned on his side, and stared at the wall. He urged the tears to come, he knew they would make him feel better momentarily, but they wouldn't come. As hard as he tried, he couldn't cry. It might have been the fact that Christina hadn't cared she was about to die if she was doing him some good. Knowing that she loved him enough to put her life in danger so she would help him was comforting. He fell asleep, thinking of his late sister.

*~*~*~*

Ginny made it, thankfully, to Gryffindor Tower without crying, but as soon as she had told the Fat Lady the password and entered, she broke down. She sat down on one of the chairs by the fire, and just cried. At first, she couldn't believe that Draco had said such a thing, but now, she was beginning to believe he was right. It was all her fault. If she hadn't tripped and spilled the potion, they would have gotten there in time.
She sat in the chair, and cried for a long time. Sometime later, Ron entered the Common Room, and spotted her. He walked over and sat down next to her. "Hey, Gin, what's the matter?" he asked when he saw her tear stained face.
"Professor Malfoy died today," Ginny began with difficulty. "and it's all my fault."
"Yeah, I heard about Professor. I think it's terrible. It's not your fault though, Gin," Ron said comfortingly.
"Yes it is," Ginny replied, once again near tears. "If I hadn't spilled it, the antidote would have been ready in time."
"Don't be silly, Ginny," Ron said.
"I'm not being silly. It's true. Now, I you'll excuse me, I'm going to the kitchens to get some food. Good-bye," Ginny said as she made her way out of the portrait hole.

*~*~*~*

The next morning, neither Draco nor Ginny felt much better than the previous night. Draco woke up feeling absolutely miserable. Not only was he already missing Christina, but he also felt bad about blowing up at Dumbledore and Ginny. He had just been so shocked and upset about what had happened.
Yesterday, Blaise had told him that Dumbledore had given them the next day off to cope with the loss. Most of the students didn't really care that their professor had died, no matter how much they'd liked her, but Dumbledore also had to find a replacement. Draco sighed and rolled out of bed. He for one was glad that they had the day off. He didn't think he would be able to face everyone today. It would probably break him down.
Draco got dressed and then decided to go and look for Ginny. He wanted to apologize to her for being so stupid yesterday. He knew that he should probably just leave her alone. She wouldn't want to see him, but he still wanted to apologize.
After checking in the Great Hall, the library, and everywhere else he could think of, he went back to his dormitory, defeated. Draco resolved to talk to her at dinner.

*~*~*~*

Ginny woke up the next morning feeling terrible. She was so glad that they didn't have classes that day. It wasn't that she missed Christina that much; she just kept hearing Draco's words echoing in her head. "You realize this is all your fault, right?... Once again a Weasley has managed to ruin everything."
The words really hurt her. Not only was she hurt that Draco blamed her for Christina's death, but it hurt her that she knew he had a right to say that because it was true. If she hadn't tripped, they would have made it.
Well, there's nothing I can do now, she thought with a sigh. What's done is done and nothing could change that.
She knew that Draco was going to hate her now, even more than before. Just when they had started to sort of get along. She went and ruined it. It was probably better that way anyway. They weren't supposed to get along, they were enemies.
Ginny slowly dragged herself out of bed. She glanced at the clock and had to do a double take. She knew that she had been up pretty late crying, but she hadn't expected to sleep this late. It was almost three o'clock in the afternoon.
Ginny didn't feel like getting dressed just yet, so she just laid face down. She reached for her book, and opened it. She read the same sentence about twenty times before she shut her book again. Instead, she took out her laptop and turned it on. What she really needed right now was a conversation with Hotdragon. He always cheered her up.
When Ginny logged online, she was happy to see that Hotdragon was in fact on. .She smiled as she IMed him.
Fierysprite: Hey.
Hotdragon: Hey.
Hotdragon: Did you hear about Professor Malfoy?
Fierysprite: Yeah, but I'd rather not talk about it.
Hotdragon: Me neither.
Fierysprite: So, what's new?
Hotdragon: Nothing really. What about you?
Fierysprite: Nothing. Are you excited about the ball?
Hotdragon: Not really.
Fierysprite: Why not?
Hotdragon: I'll get about a million girls asking me out.
Fierysprite: Arrogant.
Hotdragon: What? I've already had like five offers.
Fierysprite: Really?
Hotdragon: Yes. Now, what about you? Are you looking forward to it?
Fierysprite: No.
Hotdragon: Why not?
Fierysprite: I won't get a date, I know it.
Hotdragon: You'll get to wear your new dress robes.
Fierysprite: You remembered!
Hotdragon: Of course I remembered. I remember everything we talk about.
Fierysprite: Really? I can't decide if that's really sweet or really pathetic.
Hotdragon: I vote really sweet.
Fierysprite: You are such a goof ball.
Hotdragon: I know, isn't it great?
Fierysprite: Whatever you say.
Hotdragon: What's that supposed to mean?
Fierysprite: I was just making a point that not everyone might think this is a good thing.
Hotdragon: I'm hurt that you feel that way.
Fierysprite: I never said I felt that way.
Hotdragon: No, but you implied it.
Fierysprite: Whatever. So, have you figured out who I am yet?
Hotdragon: Nope. I wracked my brain for a long time after we talked, but couldn't think of anyone with those initials. What about you?
Fierysprite: No idea. I even asked my brother, and he couldn't think of anyone either.
Hotdragon: I didn't think you'd figure it out.
Fierysprite: I didn't think you would figure mine out either.
Hotdragon: Can I ask you something serious.
Fierysprite: Sure, anything.
Hotdragon: What would you say if I told you I was going to be a Death Eater?
Fierysprite: You're what?
Hotdragon: Going to become a Death Eater.
Fierysprite: Why?
Hotdragon: I don't want to, but I don't really have a choice.
Fierysprite: What do you mean, you don't have a choice?
Hotdragon: My father wants me to become a Death Eater, and he always gets what he wants.
Fierysprite: That's really sad.
Hotdragon: Yeah, well, c'est la vie.
Fierysprite: Listen, if you ever want any help, don't hesitate to ask.
Hotdragon: Thanks.
Fierysprite: No problem.
Hotdragon: That's probably one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me.
Fierysprite: Look, I really, really, REALLY don't want to go, but I got up just before I talked to you. I'm not even dressed yet, and it's almost time for dinner.
Hotdragon: Whoa, I see your point. See ya later.
Fierysprite: Bye.
(Fierysprite has logged off.)
After Ginny had logged off, she went through her clothes, looking for something to wear.

*~*~*~*

Draco logged off the internet feeling a little better than he had earlier. Talking to Fierysprite had that effect on him. Now though, he had to get serious. He had scheduled an emergency Quidditch meeting to make an announcement.
Once all of the Quidditch players had gathered in the Common Room, Draco started his announcement, "As you all know, my sister Christina died yesterday. In the time that she was here, we had become very close. Her death has devastated me. So, I have decided to resign as Quidditch Captain and quit the team."
Looks of various degrees of shock and anger passed over his teammates' faces. "What are we going to do now?" asked one of the players.
"You're going to have to find a new Seeker and pick a new Captain," Draco said matter-of-factly as he turned and walked away.
He knew the other players weren't very happy with him, and neither would the other Slytherins when they found out. It was just something he had to do. He probably wouldn't have been much help to the team come next game anyway.

*~*~*~*

Draco was slowly slipping further and further into depression. His grades were beginning to slip, and he was losing more and more sleep every night. He fell asleep during classes and was always in a bad mood. The teachers were beginning to get concerned. They had known that he would be sad about his sister's death, but they hadn't expected it to become this serious. And at first, it hadn't. Draco had seemed fine the first few days afterward. Then, he slowly became drearier and drearier, his grades began getting lower and lower, and his nights were steadily more sleepless. The faculty wasn't exactly sure what to do about it, and decided to wait awhile to see what happened. They all prayed that he would be back to normal after Christmas break which was in less than a week, but anyone who knew Draco well enough namely, Christina, would know this wasn't true. Christmas break was only making Draco drearier.
He had received several letters from his father telling him that he better get better grades or else. Draco took no heed to them however. He knew he would really pay for it when he got home, but he didn't even care anymore. He felt that there was no point in living. The only reason he didn't kill himself was the fact that Christina had sacrificed her life for him.
Hogwarts had hired a new teacher to take the place of Christina. Her name was Professor Bigelow and she was nice enough. She was strict, but could also be very laid back at times. She would laugh and joke with the students. Everyone liked her, and seemed to slowly forget about their previous professor, all except two. Those two who Christina's death had changed their lives. Draco Malfoy and Ginny Weasley.

*~*~*~*

Ginny had also been effected by Professor Malfoy's death. The changes weren't as drastic as those in Draco, but they were still noticeable. She became a lot more introverted and often times had nightmares resulting in lack of sleep. All of her nightmares were pretty much the same, in every one she would kill Christina in one way or another. Whether it be with a knife or Avada Kedavra, Ginny always killed her.
One of the reasons Ginny was so introverted was because she had no one to talk to. Shannon, Mackenzie, and Michelle were either busy or avoided the subject. Ron was always out on a date with one girl or another, and Harry and Hermione were always together. Like, just yesterday, Ginny had a question on homework and had gone to the library to ask Hermione about it. When she'd finally found her, it was in a dark corner with Harry, snogging. They had been so immersed in what they were doing that they hadn't even noticed her. After clearing her throat loudly a few times, she'd finally gotten their attention. Both had turned bright red in embarrassment as Ginny asked her question. The only solace Ginny found was in Hotdragon. He always cheered up no matter how upset she was.
The day after Christina's death, Draco had come to her and tried to apologize. She had been too upset at the time to accept it. Now, she regretted it. They were more bitter enemies than before the school year had begun. He was colder and she was much more hostile to him. It didn't make very well for a relationship. If she hadn't rejected his apology, they might have grown closer together instead of farther apart. Or maybe not, but anything would be better than their current state.
Pushing the thoughts to the back of her mind, she exited her dormitory. It was a Hogsmeade weekend, and Ginny had to go and get some more Christmas presents. She still needed to buy something for Ron, Charlie, and Hermione. She boarded one of the carriages to Hogsmeade, and thought about where she could go. She had no idea what to get any of the people still on her list. That's why she hadn't bought them when she'd bought all of her other Christmas presents.
When the carriage arrived in Hogsmeade, Ginny disembarked. As she walked down the busy main street, she noticed there was a new shop. It was called The Attic. She decided to go inside and see what was there. As she looked around the store, it appeared to have a huge variety of things.
After wandering around the store for awhile, she picked out a Transfiguration book for Hermione, a pair of dragon hide gloves for Charlie, and a Chudley Cannons book for Ron. She was just about to get in line when something caught her eye. It was a gorgeous, sparkly pair of hair clips. They would go perfectly with her new dress robes. Ginny eyed them wistfully as she got into line. After paying for her gifts, she went into the Three Broomsticks to get some butterbeer.

*~*~*~*

Draco was in Hogsmeade also, buying a present for his mother. He didn't want to be there, he didn't really like places where there were lots of people, but he wanted to get his mother a gift.
He saw the new shop, and decided to go in. He had no idea what he was going to get his mother. Draco wandered aimlessly around the crowded store, looking for something. As he was walking through the accessory aisle, something sparkly caught his eye. It was a pair of butterfly hair clips. Weasley would like these, he thought, and a plan began to formulate in his head. He could send them to her for Christmas with an apology attached for blaming her for Christina's death. When Ginny hadn't let him apologize for it in person, he'd tried sending her an apology, but she sent them back unopened. After that, he'd turned extra cold to her and everyone else too. He regretted it. It had seemed like she had been beginning to understand him, and right now, that was exactly what he needed. He picked up the clips and continued his hunt for a present for his mother.
Draco finally decided on a bottle of expensive perfume that she often wore. He got in line, and paid for his purchases. After paying, he made his way as fast as he could to the carriages back to Hogwarts. When he arrived there, he went straight to his dormitory and began writing his apology to Ginny.

A/N: Sorry this chapter is so short, but I haven't had that much time this week to write and didn't want to keep you guys waiting too long! Don't forget to review, I got 24 reviews last chapter! See if I can get even more than that this chapter!