I know this chapter is quite a bit shorter than usual, but I have good news. This morning, while I was supposed to be paying attention in Astronomy class (yawns) I figured out the rest of this story. So, obviously it's quite a bit longer than all my other works, but I promise, it won't be a 45 chapter story that drags into eternity. I'll just make the chappies longer! Thanks for all the reviews guys! And for everyone's who started reading Getting it Together, I will update that when I get home tonight!
CHAPTER 17 Readjusting
"I can't take . . . Weasley's bed, sir," Draco told Professor Dumbledore.
A strange mixture of relief and disappointment washed over Ginny.
"Very well," Dumbledore nodded. "That is to be expected. I have spoken with Professor Snape and he will arrange a private room for you, until other arrangements can be made." He paused and looked over the top of his spectacles at Ginny, then back at Draco. "That is not to say, however, that the rules of this school are not to be obeyed."
Ginny felt heat spreading across her cheeks and mumbled her reply under her breath, but Draco looked him in the eye and said, "Yes, sir."
The first week passed quickly for Ginny. She had to adjust to her new schedule of classes, all intended to make her ready of her N.E.W.T.s, had found herself on more than one occasion wondering where her brother was, and had been unable to escape the sympathetic gaze of any teacher long enough to sneak down to Draco's new room.
They had been in school for three whole weeks before Ginny managed to sneak away from everyone and creep down to the dungeons, where Draco's room was located. When she entered the room they didn't speak. Draco's mouth bore down on her own and she gave in. He had her all but naked before they even reached his bed, and she was franticly trying to undo his trousers. He drove her shoulders into his mattress and pulled his trousers towards his knees. They stayed bunched at his ankles while he drove himself fiercely inside of her.
She gasped at the sudden intrusion, and bent her knees to allow him more access. Draco pounded into her so deeply she was positive he was reaching into her stomach. "More," she whispered. "Harder."
When she came it was violent and almost painful, but in a deliciously agonizing way, and Draco was only minutes behind with his own release, growling in her ear as he came.
The days began to blend with the weeks, then the months, and soon Ginny was engulfed in her studies, Quidditch, and Draco. They usually managed to see each other once a week, and with the load of homework, practice, and study groups, Ginny didn't think she could handle anymore. When she was alone with Draco, they didn't talk anymore. Talking was for greetings in the hall, meals at the Great Hall tables, and study groups; alone time was for sex, usually hard and needy, desperate sex. Plus, Harry's scar burned him more painfully than ever. Madam Pomfrey had Professor Snape brew him several different potions just so he could walk up right. On top of all that, her brother's memory haunted her at nights. She would be studying in the common room well after curfew and think she heard Ron say something to Harry or Hermione and when she laughed or tried to join in, she realized he wasn't there. Part of her wished he had chosen the route of becoming a ghost; at least she'd still have him. But, strangely, it was Harry who reminded her time and time again that death was not the end.
"Death for mortals is just a changing from one life to another," he assured her as they stared into the Gryffindor fire, unable to sleep.
"How do you know?"
"Dumbledore told me."
"He did?"
Harry nodded. "And Luna. She's reminded me too."
"Luna?" Ginny repeated.
"Her mum died, you know."
"Yeah, I know."
Harry leaned across the couch and gave her a one armed hug. "How is Malfoy treating you?"
"Fine," she said automatically.
"You don't seem happy."
"I am. Well, I'm not, but it's not because of him."
"Then why?"
"I just miss Ron," she said, feeling her voice crack.
"Me too." Harry's voice changed also.
"I guess mum told you we're going to have his memorial ceremony over the Holidays."
Harry nodded. "She owled me and Hermione."
"Percy's supposed to come."
"Good. That would be good. Where is it going to be?"
"Here, I think. Dumbledore doesn't think that anywhere else is safe," Ginny replied, staring into the fire.
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