Wondering

Disclaimer: I own nothing except my words. Characters belong to JK Rowling and lyrics to “Wondering” belong to Good Charlotte. A/N at bottom.

**************

Since I was a young man
I never was a fun man
I never had a plan and no security then
Ever since I met you
I never could forget you
I only wanna get you right here next to me

Cause everybody
Needs someone that they can trust in
And you're somebody
That I found just in time

It was a normal, ordinary day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Students were running to the Quidditch Pitch for what was to be the last match of the year. The biggest rivalry at school was undoubtedly the one between Gryffindor and Slytherin. This year was no exception, and with Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy each playing seeker for their respective teams, the scene couldn't be any more tense.

Ron Weasley was nervous. Very nervous. Really, really nervous. He knew he had to keep his wits about him in order to win. They HAD to beat the Slytherins. Ron didn't want to think about any other possibility.

He scanned the crowd, looking for his friends. He saw Seamus, Neville and Dean cheering and making a huge ruckus. Hermione was seated in front of them with Ginny. Hermione was looking around for someone, probably Harry, Ron thought. After all everyone knew they fancied each other, but were both too shy to admit it. Ginny was looking around too. Her face was almost as red as her hair. Ron wondered why she was blushing so badly. Probably something Seamus said, he figured.

He then took a peek over at the Ravenclaws. He spotted Luna right away. As if he could miss her and that ridiculous hat. He smiled inwardly. Who would have thought that he, Ron Weasley, the kid who was mercilessly picked on by his older brothers, would fall totally and completely in love with one Loony Lovegood? To top it all off she had actually remembered to show up for the match. While Ron loved Luna with all his heart, she could still a bit spacey at times. He had to beg her to come and stay for the whole match.

****Flashback to earlier that afternoon****

“Please say you are coming.” Ron begged.

“Oh Ronald, I don't know. You know that I don't really understand Quidditch and I really do have a lot of studying to do. Did you know that this is the prime mating season for the Crumple Horned Snorkack? Father is trying to get a big story about them out in time for the next edition of The Quibbler and I really want to finish my studies so I can owl him with the things that I have found.”

“Please Luna, don't make me beg. I can't do it without you.”

“Oh Ronald…”

“Luna, it means a whole lot to me to have you there. I just know we're going to win and I want you to share that with me. You just have to be there when we beat the pants off bloody Malfoy. And I'll make a bet with you, for every goal I block that's one kiss you have to give me.”

“RONALD WEASLEY!” Luna shouted, blushing furiously. “I'll come, but tomorrow, we study for exams!”

“Ok Looney…oh I mean Luna,” Ron said as he scampered off before Luna could whack him upside the head.

Luna stared with amusement after Ron. She already knew the minute he asked that she would go to the match. She knew she would simply because he asked her too.

***End flashback***

The stadium was filling rapidly and Ron knew he needed to get ready. It was his time to shine. He never would have thought he would be made team captain after his disastrous tryout in 5th year. He decided it was time for a pep talk.

“Alright you lot! Gather `round over here,” he called to the others. “Everyone keep your heads in the game! No distractions today. Watch out for Crabbe and Goyle, you know how they are with those elbows. And Harry, please make sure to catch the snitch and wipe that smug smirk off Malfoy's face.”

The other Gryffindors turned to look at Malfoy. When he noticed them staring he turned away from them and acted like he was scanning the crowd.

“Let's win this one for McGonagall! Hands in everyone! On three…1…2…3… GRYFFINDOR!!”

With one last glance over at Luna, he smiled and got into position. He was as ready as he could be.

***********************************************************

The game progressed rapidly with the Gryffindor chasers easily out scoring the Slytherins. Before he knew it, Harry had caught the snitch and won the game. The Gryffindors all stormed the field and hoisted Ron up in the air.

Ron was holding the Cup like his life depended on it. It seemed as if his heart's desires were actually coming true. He searched the crowd for his girlfriend. They locked eyes and he grinned.

“Lunnnnnnnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!” Ron yelled over the noise.

“I'm coming Ronald, I'm trying!”

She made her way through the masses and offered her hand to him. He took it and came down off Neville and Seamus' shoulders.

“I am so proud of you Ronald,” Luna beamed.

“I couldn't have done it without you here.”

“Well, you asked me to come so I did. I just can't believe you shut out the Slytherins!”

Ron wiggled his eyebrows at her. “I saved 25 goals today Ms. Lovegood so better make sure to pay off the bet!”

“Shhhhh, Ronald. I don't want everyone at school to hear about that!”

“It'll be our little secret.”

Luna smiled and gave him a big kiss. “One down and 24 to go,” she said smiling.

Ron couldn't believe that she just kissed him in the middle of the Quidditch pitch! In front of the whole school and everything!

Ron, to his credit, knew that Luna was the one constant in his life. He knew that she would do anything for him, as he would do the same. She was there for him before he was named captain and before he was accepted into Auror training. She accepted him as something other than part of “The Trio”. He knew that from the moment he met her, he would spend the rest of his life trying to make her happy.

This evening he had decided he would do it. He was going to ask Luna to marry him. Marry him or just spend the night; he didn't know which. He supposed it would depend on the amount of courage he had. And right at that moment, he was leaning toward the former rather than the latter.

“I'll tell you what,” she said, “You get to the showers and I'll meet you inside the Great Hall.”

“Deal!” he smiled and turned around to call for Harry, who was nearby deep in conversation with Hermione.

Life couldn't get better than this, Ron thought.

*****

A/N: This is the very first fic that I have ever written. I have been sitting around with this story in my head for about 6 months or so now. Without H_HrFan, I would have never written this down. And extra thanks for the beta! You are the best!!

I know that this is a short chapter, but I was trying to decide if I should make it one super duper long fic or 4 total chapter even if they are a little short. I decided on the second and will be posting one chapter a day until its done. Also, I know this is listed under H/HR but I thought that their story was the best so I listed it there. They are coming in the next chapter and will be featured throughout the rest of the story. Please read and review, I would greatly appreciate it. Hope you enjoy!

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Now my life is changing
It's always rearranging
Always getting' stranger than I thought it ever could
Ever since I found you
I wanna be around you
I wanna get down to the point that I need you

Cause everybody
Needs someone that they can trust
And you're somebody
That I found just in time

“Oy, Harry!”

“Hey mate! Good game!” said Harry.

“Yeah Ron that was bloody fantastic!” remarked Hermione.

“Hey Hermione, do you mind if I steal Harry away for a minute?”

“Not at all Ron, I'll go catch up with Luna and Ginny and meet you guys back in the Great Hall. Harry and I were done with our conversation anyway,” she said with a slight blush.

Harry and Ron walked to the locker room. They chatted about the game and of course the girls.

“Are you gonna do it?” Ron asked his friend.

“Do what? Tell Hermione I can't live another day without snogging her?”

“Well, what the bloody hell are you waiting on?”

“Look Ron, I don't want to start some type of romantic relationship with Hermione, then have to go away to Auror training in a few months not to mention the small fact that Voldemort wants to kill me!” Harry exploded.

“But Harry, you have to tell her. What if she feels the same?”

“Like you're one to talk Weasley, Mr. Afraid of Commitment guy!”

“Hey now, at least Luna is my girl, I actually did something about my crush unlike you, who's sitting around on his arse and not being proactive at all!”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah whatever. Let's just hurry. I don't wanna keep the girls waiting.” Harry grumbled.

Harry and Ron showered and changed. They hurried to the Great Hall to find Hermione, Luna and Ginny. They spotted them sitting at the end of the Gryffindor table.

“Hey the party still on tonight?” Harry asked the girls.

“Yeah, I guess Dean was in charge of most of the planning. He even conned some 3rd years into getting some butterbeer and stuff,” Ginny said.

“Well,” chimed in Hermione, “I can only hope that it doesn't get too out of hand. Some people might be studying or…”

Ron interrupted, “Oh the voice of reason. How I will miss it so!”

“I'll have you know Ronald Weasley that…that…oh drat! It's the last match of our Hogwarts career and I should know better than to expect anything less than a huge party.” Hermione sighed.

“Hey Gin…Ginny, earth to Ginny!!!” Luna shouted.

“Oh what? Sorry I was lost in thought for a minute there.”

“Hermione and I are going to get ready for the party in her room. You joining us?”

“Oh yeah, sure. That's fine,” Ginny replied, distracted by the people entering the Hall.

“Do you have a date Gin?” queried Hermione.

“Yeah,” Luna said, “if not, I know some cute Ravenclaws!!”

“Oh, well,” stammered Ginny, “there is some one I was going to ask, but I haven't done it yet.”

“WHO?!?!??!” questioned Ron and Harry.

“Well, I guess you'll have to wait to find out later this evening, if he says yes,” Ginny replied back and got up and left the group sitting in a stunned silence.

“I wonder what's got her knickers all twisted?” Harry mused.

“Please. Do. Not. Talk. About. My. Sister's. Knickers. Thank you!” Ron said through clenched teeth.

Hermione and Luna giggled.

Ron's head snapped up as if something had just dawned on him. “HEY WAIT! Harry, you and Hermione are coming to the party together, like on a date?”

“Ahhh, well boys we best go get ready,” said Hermione as she quickly ushered Luna out of the Hall.

Harry and Ron were alone once again.

“When did you ask her?”

“Ask who what?” Harry said with a grin.

“Oh, come on Harry!”

“If you must know, when you interrupted us earlier, I had just asked her. I figured everyone else was going to have a date, and since neither one of us did, we should go together. And before you ask, no, I didn't say anything else as I was rudely interrupted.”

“Oh sorry `bout that mate!”

“It's ok. She said yes, so that's a start!”

“Right you are mate, right you are.” Ron said with a smile.

“Ok. Let's go help get the common room ready for the party.”

**********Flash back to earlier that afternoon***************

Harry approached Hermione after the match. She was beaming in a way that totally and completely melted his heart.

He, much like Ron was with Luna, was totally in love with Hermione Granger. But unlike Ron, he was afraid to tell Hermione how he felt. They were too good of friends to have it ruined because he wanted to know what it felt like to hug and kiss her.

“Harry, that was brilliant! That Wonky thing you did there was heart-stopping!”

“Wronski-Feint, Hermione. For someone who knows everything about everything, I can't believe that you still don't know that term.”

Hermione laughed. “Did you hear about the party in the common room this evening? Dean said it's going to be the party of our lives.”

“Oh really! What kind of party is it?”

“I thought that would be rather obvious Harry!”

“No I meant, is it like a thing where you have to have a date?”

Hermione blushed. “I would reason to guess that since almost half the school is paired up, there will be a lot of couples.”

“Merlin! Why do I always find these things out last minute? Hey Hermione, why don't we go together?” Harry asked fighting back the trembling in his voice.

“You mean like a date?”

“Sure why not?”

“Uh, I guess so.” By now Hermione was blushing furiously.

“Oy Harry!” Ron called.

Harry was a bit relieved at Ron's bad timing.

************End flashback**************

The Gryffindor boys were all ready and raring to go. Someone brought out some Ogdens Firewhiskey and Harry made sure to tell them to keep it hidden from Hermione. No one wants to face the wrath of Hermione.

The common room quickly filled with students celebrating the earlier Quidditch victory. The WWN was blaring and people were milling about and chatting casually.

Harry knew that Hermione, Luna and Ginny were probably upstairs talking about them that very minute. He knew that if he didn't do it tonight, he would probably never tell Hermione that he needed her. He wanted to be with her as her boyfriend, not just her pal Harry.

He watched as Hermione and Luna walked down the stairs. She had never looked more beautiful. He knew exactly what he was going to say. He had figured it out while he was in the shower of all places. He was just going to come out and tell her.

“Hermione,” he would start, “there's something I need to talk to you about. I need you to just listen. I think I love you, but what am I so afraid of, I'm afraid that I'm not sure of, a love there is no cure for.” NO! That's rubbish from that TV show Dudley used to watch. Harry sighed. There was apparently no easy way to do this.

****

A/N: Thanks to all who are reading and to those who review, I appreciate it greatly! Thanks again to H_HrFan for the beta. Also…the line about the Wrath of Hermione is the title of a song by Harry and the Potters. I love them a lot and you should too! Check them out here. Please leave me lots of reviews as they boost my ego a bit ;-)

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Don't tell me
The bad news
Don't tell me anything at all
Just tell me
You need me
And stay right here with me

Luna and Hermione were talking about Ginny's mystery date when she burst through Hermione's door with a mile wide grin on her face. Hermione and Luna gave her the third degree immediately.

“Yes, I take it?” Hermione guessed.

“YES, YES, YES, YES!” Ginny yelled.

“Wooooooo hooooooo!” yelled Luna with her.

“Soooooooo…” Hermione started.

“So what?” Ginny teased.

Exasperated Luna said, “WHO IS HE?”

“You'll see...it's not someone you would expect though.” Ginny teased further.

“Hahaha, oh Ginny you're so needy for a date you asked Professor Snape? I told you I know some cute Ravenclaws,” Luna laughed.

Hermione giggled, “No, Mr. Filch!”

“EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!” they all cried in unison.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Hermione laughed, “Bwahahahahaha D-Dra-Draco Malfoy”

Ginny got quiet.

Hermione sat upright. “Oh no Ginny, you didn't”

“Ronald will kill him first,” warned Luna.

“He is very nice, I'll have you both know. He tutored me in Potions and he is just as nervous to come here as I am to bring him. Be nice please,” begged Ginny.

“Alright,” Luna said with a sigh, “but only because you said please.”

Hermione and Luna nervously walked down the stairs. Ginny had gone out into the hall to meet Draco and it was their job to run interference for Gin. The girls approached Harry and Ron.

“Uh…” started Luna.

“Okay, we have to tell you guys something but you have to remember that we are only the messengers. GinnysdateisDracoMalfoy.” Hermione said stringing all the words together quickly.

“NO!” cried Ron.

Luna soothed him. “Yes Ronald, he has been tutoring her in potions and she rather fancies him so I suggest you get used to the idea real quick because she's going to be here any minute. This is her choice Ronald. You cannot change it nor should you try. Be civil please.”

Hermione nodded her head in agreement. “You guys have to be polite for one evening at least. It's not too much to ask. Soon we'll be done with Hogwarts and we won't have to see him anymore.”

“Ok, I guess we can just ignore him for the night, but you better keep him away from me cause if he starts smirking I might throttle him,” Ron replied.

“Well glad that's settled, because here comes Ginny,” noticed Harry.

Ginny walked into the common room on the arm of Draco Malfoy and the room got deadly silent. She walked over to where Luna and the others were standing.

“See, I told you that you wouldn't be the only non-Gryffindor here,” she whispered.

“Yes Gin, but I hardly think Luna Lovegood counts since she IS your brothers girlfriend,” he whispered back.

“Well, just try to be polite please,” she requested.

“I will if they will.”

“Hello, Ginny, Malfoy,” Harry nodded at them.

“Good game this afternoon Potter. You only beat me to that snitch by half an arms length,” Draco commented.

“That's because I am a better flyer,” Harry said with a chuckle.

“Maybe so, but my broom is better,” Malfoy joked.

“Draco, would you please get me a drink,” Ginny asked. She needed a minute alone with her friends.

“Sure. Anyone else?” Draco asked.

“Yeah sure,” they all mumbled.

Once he walked away Ginny turned to Ron.

“Please Ron, I've never asked you for anything. Please just be nice this once. You may even find that you have more in common than you thought.”

“I highly doubt that, but ok, I'll be civil,” Ron promised.

Ginny thought it seemed all too easy, but all that mattered was that her friends made the attempt to be nice. If after tonight they didn't want to speak with Draco again, that would be okay. Just this one night was all she felt she needed to change their minds.

Draco looked over at Ginny. He thought about how lucky he was to know her. How lucky he was to actually get to be with her in front of other people. He had been tutoring her for the better part of the school year and somewhere along the way he had come to care about Ginny Weasley very much.

Unbeknownst to him, he was in much the same predicament as Harry. He knew he really cared about Ginny, but was afraid to tell her. Not only because of his overwhelming fear of rejection, but also because of the conversation he'd had with his father prior to the match this afternoon. His father had told him that he was to report to Lord Voldemort at the end of the term. He would be marked a Death Eater and “live the rest of his life in servitude to the Master”.

He'd tried to make his father see that by being so subservient to Voldemort they were no more than mere house elves. His father didn't see it that way and demanded to know who was filling his head with such nonsense. “Which tramp is it this time?” Lucius had asked.

Faced with a choice, Draco knew that he had to do something. He could either go with his father to do something he didn't want to do and never see Ginny again, or he could stay with Ginny and live in fear that his father or Voldemort would find and kill them.

He had to choose soon.

*********Flash back to earlier that day*********

“So, who is she?” his father demanded, “Someone is filling your head with all this house elf nonsense.”

“It's no one Father, I just don't want to be subservient to anyone. No one is planting ideas in my head, they are all my own,” Draco replied.

“I highly doubt that as you are totally incapable of making any type of decision on your own. You get that from your dear mother.”

“Fine Father, whatever. I have a secret girlfriend who helps me plan what I am going to say every minute of the day.” Draco retorted sarcastically.

Lucius however, was no longer paying attention. He was watching the young girl with the bright red hair approach. He ducked into the shadows as she got closer.

“Draco! I've been looking for you. I wanted to ask you something.” Ginny called out.

Draco spun around. “Not a good time right now Ginny, please leave,” he demanded with a slight nod toward the spot where Lucius was hiding.

Ginny caught a glimpse of his father's hair in the darkness. Her eyes full of terror and she quickly ran away.

“So, the Weasley girl. Tsk, tsk Draco. Resorted to scraping the bottom of the barrel have you?” Lucius' voice was cold as ice.

“Father she is nothing to me, Professor Snape asked me to tutor her in Potions and how was I to refuse?” Draco needed to think more quickly. “Filthy Mudblood lover.”

Lucius sneered. “Your eyes give it away every time Draco. Be prepared. The Dark Lord will be coming for you, and after you, he will get her.” And with that Lucius disappeared.

Draco knew he had to warn Ginny, but there was no time. The Quidditch match was going to start soon. He would have to try to get her alone after the match.

He ran toward the locker room to get changed. After putting his pants on backwards and his robes on inside out, he knew he had to try to talk to her or signal her during the match.

With this uniform on properly, he took to the pitch for a little flying practice. He watched as students began to fill the stadium. He spotted her sitting with Hermione. The Gryffindors had taken to the air as well by this time. He could see her brother looking for her and Granger.

Draco flew toward Ron. Making sure that Ron couldn't see him he looked over toward Ginny. She spotted him too. He gave her a wink and she blushed furiously. She nodded her head slightly to acknowledge that she understood.

He sighed and made his way toward the Slytherin side of the pitch before anyone caught on.

****End Flashback****

Draco returned with the drinks and once everyone had one, he decided to propose a toast.

“Raise your bottles everyone,” he said.

Ginny eyed him curiously.

“To Hogwarts, the best and worst 7 years of your life!” he said with a chuckle.

“Cheers!” came the reply from the others.

With the proverbial ice now broken, he thought he should ask Ginny to dance.

He held out his hand toward her. “M'Lady, may I have this dance?”

Blushing, Ginny nodded and took his hand.

Once they were dancing, Ginny looked up at him. “That was your father wasn't it, you know, earlier today?”

Draco sighed, he had hoped she didn't see him. “Yes.”

“He knows?” her eyes were beginning to fill with tears.

“Yes and he said…”

“Don't tell me the bad news. I don't want to know. Don't tell me anything at all.” Ginny said with a false bravado in her voice.

“It's not that simple, Gin.”

“Yes it is. Just tell me that you need me and stay right here with me.”

Draco sighed and pulled her closer. He didn't know if he could reply, even if he wanted too.

***

A/N: Thanks to all who are reading, I know you are out there!! Leave me a little note, let me know what ya think. ;-) And I know I said 1 update a day, but I got bored this evening so decided to post this chapter as well. Tomorrow I will post the last part. Thanks again to H_HrFan for the beta and encouragement. And Anonymous…this is for you…we have a deal!

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If you want me to wait
I would wait for you
If you tell me to stay
I would stay right through
If you don't wanna say
Anything at all
I'm happy wondering

The party continued well on into the night. Each couple managed to get a bit of alone time as well as time together. Someone along the way had spiked the butterbeer and as a result, some were quite drunk.

Harry had more than his fair share of drinks. Feeling brave, he summoned up the courage to tell Hermione how he felt. It's now or never, he thought.

“Hermione, I need to tell you something,” he started.

“Ok Harry. What is it?”

“I love you.” There, he'd done it!

“I love you to Harry, that's why we have been best friends for so long,” Hermione was hoping he wasn't going to get all sappy on her. She had already heard enough of that from Ron.

“No, Hermione. I. Love. You. Listen, please?”

She was shocked. Was he actually telling her that he was in love with her? Oh Merlin, I hope this is not the alcohol talking, she thought.

“Ever since the moment I saw you, I knew we were destined to be together. Not just as friends, but something more. I don't know exactly when I fell in love with you, but it's happened and I can't and won't stop it.” He took a deep breath, and continued.

“My life changed the day I found out I was a wizard. It was as if everything was rearranged. The things I thought I knew were no longer true and there was this whole other world waiting for me. It only gets stranger and stranger as time goes on. I mean really, how many people do we know that have battled mountain trolls, play chess on a chess board that's come to life, rescued escaped convicts from Azkaban, captured unregistered Anamagi in a small glass jar, and fought a group of Death Eaters at the ministry of Magic? But through it all you stood by me. I trusted you when my life depended on it. I needed that and I think you did too. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am glad I found you. I want to be with you and around you all the time. I want to be the one to hug you when you are scared. I want to be the one to celebrate your victories. I want to be the one you dream about. And I want you to be there for me after I finish Auror training.”

Harry stopped speaking and looked expectantly at Hermione.

Tears were shining in her eyes.

“You have always been that to me Harry. I love you too. I think I always knew it was you.” She trailed off and looked deeply into Harry eyes.

“Harry if you want me to wait, I will wait for you.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron was feeling good. He had quite a bit of spiked butterbeer and was only now starting to feel its effects. He was having trouble standing and since the party was starting to wind down, Luna thought she should probably try to get Ron to his room.

She glanced toward where Harry and Hermione were deep in conversation. She watched as Hermione with tears in her eyes slowly moved towards Harry and kissed him. She smiled to herself. It's about bloody time, I can't believe Harry did it and Ron is too completely pissed to notice, she thought.

She struggled to get Ron on his feet.

“Luna,” Ron slurred.

“Yes, Ronald”

“Luna.”

“Yes, Ronald”

“Hey Luna!”

“Ronald! What is it! You have called my name three times!! What do you want?”

“Doyouwannaknowsomething?”

“What?” She was starting to get annoyed.

“Doyouwannaknowsomething?”

“Ok Ronald, what is it? What do you want to tell me so badly?”

“I love you Looney”

“I know Ronald and I would much rather you call me Luna.”

“No Looney I mean it. I love you.”

“Ok Ronald. Up we go. Time for bed. You are entirely too pissed to be trying to have a serious conversation and more importantly, you're getting on my nerves.”

“No Loon—Luna, really I want to tell you something.”

“Fine Ronald, whatever you want.”

“Luna, I am being serious here,” Ron said with a hiccup.

“Ok Ronald. Go on. What is it you need to say?”

“Will you stay with me tonight? Please Luna, please say yes.”

“Oh dear, I don't want to get in trouble.”

“Please Luna. I think I drank too much and I need you to take care of me.”

With a sigh Luna helped Ron to his room.

The reached the boys dormitory and Ron stumbled in the door. It only took them 20 minutes to get there because he kept insisting that he get a drink of water. Or tell Hermione and Harry that he loved them. Or tell Malfoy not to break his sister's heart.

“Thanks Luna for helping me. How did I get so pissed in the first place?”

“Spiked butterbeer, now lay down.”

“Luna, there really is something I want to tell you.”

“OK Ronald, I'm listening.”

“Luna, I love you. And I love you for loving me. When I was a little kid, never in a million years did I think I would find such happiness. I never had a plan for the future, but when I met you, I couldn't get you out of my mind. I couldn't forget you. I want to be with you always. Forever. I can't picture my life without Luna Lovegood. Everyone needs someone that they can trust and for me, that person is you. I guess what I am trying to say, is that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Do you think you could do that?”

“Oh!” Luna was a little stunned that all this came out of his mouth. “I think you had a little too much to drink and you need to go to bed before you say something you might regret in the morning.”

“Luna, no, I don't have regrets. You taught me that. I am being serious. After I finish Auror training and you take over the newspaper world, what do you say we make a go of it?”

“Ron, I haven't finished school yet, I can promise to spend the rest of my life with anyone.”

Ron looked disappointed. “What if I ask you again in the morning? When I'm sobered up?”

“Well, uh, I don't know Ronald. Let's sleep on it.” She climbed into bed with him.

Ron smiled, “Does that mean you are staying?”

Luna sighed. He was pretty irresistible with those big puppy dog eyes.

“If you want me to stay, I'll stay right through”

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Draco and Ginny watched from the couch in front of the fire as Luna tried to drag Ron up the stairs. They were still laughing about how Ron came over and told Ginny that she better not break Malfoys heart or she would have him to answer to. They both knew he intended it to be the other way around, but it still made them laugh.

“I can't wait to tell him what he said tomorrow!” Ginny said with a laugh.

“Yeah that'll be priceless!”

There was an awkward silence. They looked at each other and each started to talk at the same time.

“Draco...”

“Ginny…”

“No you go first,” Ginny said.

“Are you still worried about my father?”

“Wasn't expecting that!” Ginny said. “I guess I am. I mean, how could I not be?”

“I won't let him hurt you. Even if it means I have to join him and…you know, I will. Just to protect you. There is no reason you should be in danger just because you are my friend.”

“Oh, ok.” Ginny was confused. She really cared for him and she knew deep down he felt the same way. Why then, she wondered was he acting like they were just pals?

They sat in silence for a while longer. The common room had long grown quiet. Ginny thought that perhaps Draco had fallen asleep.

“Draco,” she whispered.

“Yes?”

“Are you awake?”

“I wouldn't be answering you if I weren't.”

“Oh yeah, right. Can we talk?”

“Sure. What do you want to talk about?”

“Us, this thing we have, whatever it is.”

Draco gulped. “What about us?”

“Well, earlier, you said I was your friend.”

“You are my friend, my very best friend. In fact, probably my only friend.”

“Draco, I like you. I like you a lot more than as a friend. I had kind of hoped you felt the same way.”

He knew that was coming. He didn't know what he should say.

“Ginny, you have to believe me when I say I have never met anyone like you before. Nothing in this world can compare to how I feel about you. It's bad enough that my father already knows that you and I have a relationship. He has probably already run off to tattle to You-Know-Who. You and I both know what that means Ginny. It's the end of you, the end of me and certainly the end of whatever lies in the future.”

“Do we have a future? You father wants you to run off and join the Death Eaters. My family certainly doesn't think you're the greatest catch in town. I won't let your father or You-know-who get in the way of my feelings for you. You don't have to say anything. In fact, don't. Don't say something so I get my hopes up, only to have them dashed like a child whose balloon drifted away. Don't make me feel guilty for loving you.” Ginny said, with tears in her eyes.

He sighed loudly and moved closer to her. Wrapping her in his arms, he felt her relax.

“If you don't want to say anything at all, I'm happy wondering.”

***

A/N: As always thanks to H_HrFan for the beta-ing (is that a word?). RJ(and Sarah tooooooo!), thanks for keeping your promise ;-) And see, now you get a shout out! Woot! Mrs Potter91, thanks for the review ! SlapTheWhiteFerret—hoping you didn't perish while awaiting this chapter! And thanks to those who read but didn't review, I appreciate all the hits I got on this first attempt at writing fanfic. I promise, it'll only improve from here. I have a new story brewing, but we'll see what comes of it. Have a great day (or evening) everyone!

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