Chapter 14 - Notable Events
Ron and Luna began seeing each other during their sixth year. She went on their first date because she thought he was really funny, and he asked her because she was cute and rather unorthodox, and she consoled him after his failure with Hermione. The combination seemed to be a perfect fit for them. All during the sixth year they became as inseparable as he, Harry and Hermione had been. In fact, she rounded the group to four after Harry's recovery with Hermione's help. The core trio still had very close ties, and Luna was accepted into the group, more because it was Ron's wish then her abilities. Her talents as a witch were similar to Neville's, still emerging and she did show a great deal of promise in charms.
She spent the summer at the Burrow with the Weasleys and she became even closer to Ginny. The relationship his sister and his girlfriend shared that summer was the beginning of a lifelong bond between the two girls. With Luna at his home all summer, Ron never noticed Harry and Hermione failed to write all summer.
Now that he was head-boy, she took her place in the 'pecking' order of the school, it was as close to being royalty as anyone could get.
Ron and Luna's relationship wasn't hindered with the constant threat of death from a dark wizard, so they had no problem openly showing each-other off. Nor did they have the same reservations about exploring each other in minute detail. As much as they experimented and explored each other, Ron's large family made her nervous. She found and used special spells so they could finish the school year and not have to worry about the unexpected, events like the one she faked on his birthday. Ron and Luna both wanted the same things later in life, but not now, and they still had to decide if they were meant to be together.
Another benefit to being head-boy was that they could meet at any time without fear of being caught.
The arrangement of being head boy and head girl had certain advantages, especially since Harry and Hermione now shared adjoining rooms. The suite they shared was originally set up as the head-girls suite, with a main sleeping chamber and a smaller private lounge for the head-girl. The head boy's room was a larger sleeping chamber, attached to the common area. Ron was given that room, and Harry would use the smaller room in the head girl's suite. Hermione didn't mind sharing with Harry, it had been arranged under the pretence that suite had a pair of doors that could be locked from either side and each had separate doors to the common area. To maintain the pretense of propriety, they did spend some nights in his room, and intentionally left it messy, just as a normal teenage boy would leave it, but never left it as bad as Ron's room. Ron's private room was nearly the same size as the suite shared by his two friends.
The common area was a cozy adjacent room with two large comfortable chairs, and the addition of a larger sofa, around the fireplace. A third writing desk had been added against the wall opposite the doors to their sleeping areas. This room was charmed to only allow them access, as well as the school's faculty, providing a quite and safe haven for the Head boy and Head girl. On the rare occasion, other students were allowed access, with special permission. Their new roles as student leaders dictated they remain neutral in affairs between the houses.
September 19th approached rapidly. Hermione was looking forward to this birthday more then any other in her young life, for two distinct reasons. Her birthday last year passed unnoticed because of the troubled times, namely the attack at Kings cross. More importantly for her, this was the first birthday she would share with him.
Harry wasn't going to let the opportunity of her birthday slip by. On their last day in Diagon Alley, while she spent the day with her parents, he slipped into a magical jewelry store and bought her a necklace, a delicate heart shaped locket, inside was a lock of his hair and a lock of her hair bound together. The hair was forever sealed in the locket, with the inscription, 'Together forever'. It had a special spell so to all others it looked like a simple chain and locket a girl would receive from her parents. It was more as she was soon to discover.
Their passion for each other grew daily, but they were careful with their actions unless they were assured they were alone. Even though they shared a bed each night, it was for his comfort and his peace alone, they didn't let their emotions control their actions; they remained content with light cuddling and passionate kissing. As time together passed, they grew comfortable with each other and each other's bodies. Each night was spent either talking quietly or kissing passionately until sleep claimed them. Since they knew his nightmares never came when they were together, they always slept together in either of the two bedrooms. The shared every intimate thought together, but nothing more. She wished every night that he would forget himself and rip through her nightgown. But it never happened, as he said it wouldn't. He had more self-control then the castle has bricks in the walls.
She woke on her birthday with a smile, "Harry, time to get up." She nudged him hoping he would wake up from his imaginary fears and take her. Every time they were alone in bed she held the same fantasy, with him lustfully shredding her nightgown and turning their pent-up passion into a more pleasurable pastime.
He yawned and rolled over to give her a good morning kiss, just like he did every morning.
"Morning, love. Sleep ok?" She still loved the sound of his voice first thing in the morning, she could still feel that knot in her belly every morning when he kissed her, as if their life together up to that point had been a dream.
"Yeah, but you hogged the blankets again." She teased.
"But you have me to keep you warm." That remark earned Harry another smack on the arm.
"HEY, watch it; people are wondering who's been beating me up."
"Moron…"
"Witch…"
"Silly gi…" She never got that next word out, his kisses tend to do that to her. 'God, he makes me quiver so.' She thought as he attacked her lips.
"Happy birthday, Mione, I have something special for you." He stood up and walked into the other room, while she watched his every move. He carried a small package with a bow, and she knew it was something just for her.
"Open it. Go on…"
She gasped at the small package, most girls instinctively knew the shape of a jewelry box and she knew it would he exquisite, or special, or rare. She tentatively opened the box to reveal the contents. She carefully picked up the delicate locket and thin chain, and after spending a moment to examine it, she asked, "Harry, its lovely. How does it open?"
"Just tell it you heart's most secret desire, say it so only the locket can hear, if you tell it anything else, it won't open. Try something silly first. I can't even open it now that I've given it to you. It's for you and no one else."
"Ok, 'I want a corn muffin'." Nothing happened; she frowned at the object, as if it disappointed her.
"Now, look deep into your heart, tell it what you truly desire. It will only work for you."
"You mean I won't get any corn muffins today?" She pouted.
"Maybe, if you're good." He smirked back at her.
She held the locket in her hands and as softly as she could, she cupped her hands and whispered, "I want his child."
The latch sprang open and as she read the inscription and saw the strands of hair inter-twined just as their lives have become merged.
"Harry, I think it's the sweetest thing I've ever received. Thank you, I love it dearly. I'll never take it off," she said as she draped it around her neck.
She gave him an embrace and laid her head on his shoulder. The message just kept going through her head, 'I want his child'.
Halloween Ball
Two more weeks went by; a lonely Slytherin Prefect built a plan to help build the trust of those people he alienated for so many years. He made a tentative peace with Harry and it was a start. He decided on a strategy to win Ginny, first he would ask her to the Halloween Ball, but how, that was his problem. She mustn't know it's actually him.
'I'll send her an owl and ask her to meet me in costume. I'll wear a full mask to hide my face and disguise my voice.' He thought. His conversations had become singularly one-sided since last year, he couldn't remember the last time he had a decent conversation with anyone from this life. His summer spent in isolation as much as in hiding, he learned and remembered.
He pulled out a sheet of parchment and with a newfound resolve, began to write her the invitation.
To: Gryffindor house prefect Weasley
"Rubish" he mumbled as he crumbled the parchment.
Miss Wea---
"Crap."
Ginny Weasley,
We have met on occasions during school functions. I have admired you from afar
"STUFF IT." That was even worse. He folded his arms over the desk and began to think, he imagined in his mind what he wanted to say and now he could envision the letter in full detail. He picked up his quill and began one last attempt.
Dearest Ginevra
I have admired from afar and although we have met before, but you do not know me. I have watched you grow into a beautiful woman over these past six years and I have finally gathered my courage to invite you to the Halloween Ball. I know it is still a month away, but I am afraid to lose my last opportunity to dance with you.
Please, meet me at the main entrance to the Great Hall at 8:00 the night of the dance; I will approach you with a token of my feelings.
I have instructed this owl to wait for a reply; a simple 'yes' is all I wish.
An admirer
P.S. Please be in full costume for the Ball.
Corny and sappy, I hope she believes it. He instructed the owl to wait for a reply and return promptly. As he watched the bird fly off, he found himself praying that she will give him the answer he sought.
Less then an hour went by when the owl returned with a small scrap of parchment with a single word.
"Harry, please, I need your help." Draco still couldn't believe he was about to ask for help from Harry, and Harry was just as surprised.
"Calm down, Malfoy. What's your problem?"
"I asked her to the Ball, but I really don't have a clue what I'm going to do! All I wanted was a dance, to hold her in my arms. I haven't been able to get her out of my thoughts since you saw-well since you looked into my thoughts."
"So, what you're saying is this is my fault?" He interrogated.
"Merlin, NO. It's that little witch. Really, I don't see why you haven't noticed her yet. She damn near threw herself at you after you saved her in the Chamber."
"Do I have to remind you she's my best mate's little sister? And speaking of that, you put one finger out of place and I'll find out. READ ME?"
"Don't get so dramatic. I have only honorable intentions." Draco replied after regaining his composure.
"Ok then. If I do help, not that I will, mind you, but what kind of help do you want?"
"She can't see my face, how can I mask myself so she can see how I feel?"
"Do what you think is right, and she'll see fine."
"Please, promise not to tell her or Ron? I will tell her in my own way, when the time is right. I want to win her heart first. I don't want to scare her off because; well you know how my father feels about her whole family. And for my own past indiscretions."
"OK, then here's what you do. First we hide your face and mostly your hair, that will give you away. We can mask the top of your face, and have transparent eye slits so she won't see your eyes. The eye's are always a dead give-a-way. Have you thought about a costume? Maybe dress up as a Dragon?"
"Funny Potter, very funny; how about as a Dragon-SLAYER? It's perfect, I want to kill my reputation, so it fits, I can wear a mask or helmet, long cape and a sword. OK, forget the sword." He remembered the end of last year, no need to remind anyone by bringing a blade.
"You can bring a bow or maybe a staff instead."
"Yes, that'll work fine."
"So tell me, what's her favorite flower?"
"I think she likes Lilies." Thoughts of his mother rose to the surface, but Harry refused to show the emotion whenever he thought of her.
"Perfect."
"And one last thing, you'll have to charm your voice."
On the day of the Ball, Ginny Weasley was standing alone in front of the doors to the Great Hall. She kept looking for a single wizard that would come to her and whisk her away. She decided to be as enticing as possible; her costume was that of a medieval French maid, with a low cut dress, off the shoulders reveling ample cleavage. On her face she had a thin mask that merely outlined her eyes.
She thought who it could be, 'Harry? No, he's not interested in me anymore, or anyone else. Seamus Finnigan? Colin Creevey? Neville Longbottom? No, none of them seem the type.'
Soon he showed up. He was dressed as he had planned. His face was covered except for his face just under his nose. His flowing cape gave a mysterious appearance. His identity was concealed from all.
"Good Evening milady," he greeted her and gave an elegant, sweeping bow.
"I have taken the liberty to bring this bouquet to you; however, I'm afraid they don't stand up next to your radiant beauty."
'This is what I've been waiting for. A suave gentleman to sweep me away.'
"I don't wish to be so mysterious, but I cannot reveal my face, I fear it could frighten you."
"Oh? Why, are you Voldemort? Or maybe Malfoy?" She teased.
"You must have a brave heart to say his name; he is the most feared dark wizard to have lived."
"I am not afraid of him; I won't allow anyone to control me again."
"Brave words, from a brave heart. I hope one day I will have your resolve, if I were to face him."
She felt more then heard the sincerity in his voice. His simple actions and polite manner opened her mind to see where this night could take her.
"Please, may I have the first dance of the evening?" He asked to avoid the identity issue and to move on to winning her affections, if he could get her on the dance floor.
Across the room, a group of friends were casually talking about the festivities. Ron was first to notice a mysterious stranger dancing with his little sister, "Harry, got any idea who's dancing with Ginny?"
"Ron, do you think I can see through his mask?" He snipped back.
"No, but maybe you can peek inside his head. I gotta know."
"I'll do no such thing. That's an invasion of their privacy." He didn't need to. All he saw was a perfect gentleman dancing with a young lady. "Excuse me, Hermione's looking bored, you want to dance with her or shall I?"
"You go, I've got Luna."
Ron never noticed the sly smirk.
"Please, I need some air"; they had been dancing all night. He had the stamina of a Quidditch player, and even though she too was on her house team, she wanted to find more about her mystery date. "Can we go outside where it's cooler for a breath of air?"
"Of course. I should have offered that earlier, so you wouldn't get too overheated." They exited the Great Hall and walked toward the lake.
"So, are you going to tell me who you are?"
"I-I can't. Not yet. I have so much I want to tell you, but I'm bound by duty and there are things about---" He stopped himself from saying anymore.
She can feel the conflict in his voice and decided to ease the moment.
"So then, you're a student here?"
"Yes, I'm in a different house. But I really don't belong there. It was a mistake." 'A mistake of birth' he thought.
"Ok, fair enough. What do you want to know about me?" She asked.
"What do you like to do when there's no one watching? I for one find peace in my strolls along the edge of the forest. It's really quite peaceful."
"I enjoy doing this, walks along the lake, to the old oak. That's where all my friends meet."
"I know; I've watched you and your friends many times. You are fortunate to have people who care for you."
"I'm certain you have friends and family that love you, no one could be that unfortunate."
"My, so called friends, turned down a path I refused to follow. I abandoned that for a different life. My family and I fell into a difference of views and I'm following my heart." He bit his lip at revealing too much of his personal life, and was grateful when they reached a familiar meeting place.
"This tree reminds me of another oak tree, in a field near Devon."
"You do? It does? Have you been spying on me?" She asked with a slight smirk.
"No, not spying, longing. I spent the summer holiday working with the renovations to the Eddystone lighthouse. Most evenings I spent walking through the countryside, when I came across your home with you reading under your tree."
She began to feel less at ease that this mysterious wizard knew her and her home. "Sir, pry tell me who you are?"
"Ginevra, please don't be concerned. I began to feel something since the day you almost died in the Chamber. When I heard you helped in the battle in the ministry two years ago, I felt fear for you. I know the pain those people can cause. I've lived with it for too long. Something about you affected me, that day I first really saw you, near the old oak tree."
"Harry?" She puzzles. 'No you're not Harry, he was dancing with Hermione.' "Just who are you?"
"I wish I could tell you." They stood in silence for several minutes, when he noticed a slight shiver in her. He pulled his cape and draped it over her bare shoulders, which she graciously accepted.
"Miss Weasley, may I kiss you?" He asked so tentatively the question alone impressed her. She'd never been with a man this polite and considerate before.
"Yes." She replied softly.
Draco offered a tender kiss, more of a 'thank you for listening' kiss. Her reply was a bit more aggressive. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drove the tender kiss into a deeper passionate one. They remained locked in each other's arms for a long while, he started to forget his problems and who he was, "Ginny, I'm so sorry for everything..." He broke away from the embrace, turned and left without revealing himself.
She stood there alone, still wrapped in his cape.
Ginny sat on her bed alone in her room, still wrapped in her mystery date's cape. She had slept in it that night hoping to feel his presence. He was so suave and gentle. All of the boys in her year were still in a clumsy awkward stage, he was as sophisticated as an aristocrat from the medieval era. She hoped it was Harry, but that hope was dashed when she saw him talking to Ron and eventually having an awkward dance with Hermione. She sighed and thought of last year with him, she was happy being near him, but he wouldn't open his heart. He was in pain then and she knew he had recovered with Hermione's help. She still felt strongly about him, even though she knew it was over, she had her one chance.
Still…
She wondered.
Who was he?
Why did he hide his face and leave her?
Could she get Harry to fall in love with her?
She couldn't make up her mind, she wanted Harry, but he wasn't interested in anyone. He was so alone and so vulnerable. But there was that new boy. She thought of an old chant she read in a muggle's idea of witchcraft and spells for a confused heart. She decided it was worth a chance, maybe that would help. She quickly found the passage, and after dimming the lights, she began.
My heart keeps pulling me separate ways.
Make me decide so one love will stay.
Please just let me make up my mind
so one boy will be there for me all the time.
She repeated the chant to herself over and over, hoping for a sign. Her sign came in the form of an owl. It was the same owl flew into her bedroom with the invitation to the dance. Eagerly, she took the note and thanked the owl, thinking it would return, it remained.
Dearest Ginevra
I enjoyed your company last night, and I wish to apologize for leaving you abruptly. I am deeply remorseful for abandoning you, however there are details I could not divulge last night. I wish to make amends for those thoughtless actions.
I cannot in good conscious deceive you any longer, but I cannot show my self. There are too many barriers between us. I can only hope one day I can be honest with you.
I can understand if you do not wish to have further contact with someone that begins a relationship with deception.
Till then
She read his brief note, and without hesitation sent a reply,
To my Mystery Man
Your thoughts for my welfare and your concern for my safety are genuinely touching. I don't fully understand your need for concealment, as I do wish to learn more about you. Hopefully we could know each other without your need to hide yourself.
I would enjoy seeing you again, if you would come without hiding your identity.
Till then
G.
Draco received her note in reply, and could hardly believe what she said. His affection for her was growing, even though he tried to deceive himself that she simply humored him at the oak tree. This weekend was a chance he waited for, and longed for. He sent his second note to her that day, with hope to find the confidence to carry out the meeting.
Dearest Ginevra
Please meet me in the clearing across from the Shrieking Shack. If you wish, bring someone to protect you if you're afraid or nervous.
Till then
He was afraid she might bring Hermione or ever Ron, but he hoped it would be Harry. The last thing he expected was a speedy reply. That came again only a few minutes later.
To my Mystery Man
Of course I'll meet you.
Saturday at 10:00 near the old fountain. The one by the shack.
I really don't think I need anyone with me, but I'm going to ask a close friend to join me.
Till then
G.
'She's going to meet me!!' This was almost unexpected. In the entire school, there was only one person who would even talk to him, and now she would meet him. As quickly as he could run, he raced to find Harry.
"Potter! Stop…" Ron and Hermione froze at the sound of Draco bellowing Harry's name. Ron instinctively drew his wand as if it were a sword. He still believed Malfoy was responsible for Cho's murder.
"Put it away, Ron. What is it, Draco?"
"Please, Harry, a word in private?" Harry's companion are surprised at Harry's willingness to engage in a private conversation with his greatest school rival, and even more surprised they addressed each other by familiar names. Hermione was not as surprised as Ron, Harry had confided the details of his first meeting with Draco. She was also aware of his involvement for the dance.
"Harry, first off, I want to thank you for helping me with the Ball. She is as remarkable as I imagined. I asked her to meet me at Hogsmeade this weekend, I intend to stop this charade and be forthright with her. She doesn't deserve the deception."
"I know. She has already asked Hermione to go with her."
"Really? I was sure she was going to ask you. Will you be there with me? That way maybe she will see I am sincere. The last thing I want is to think I'm making a fool of her."
"Do you want me to fill Hermione in?"
"I don't know. I know you trust her, and I know she doesn't trust me, I hope you do. She may tell Ginny and that would be the end of it. If you can trust Hermione won't tell her, I'll leave that to you. I'll trust your decision."
The rest of the week seemed to last a month for the Slytherin. When Saturday morning finally arrived, he couldn't contain himself. As they agreed, he met Harry earlier and left for the village before the crowd began to gather. "Draco, you need to relax. I can't believe I'm actually helping set you up with Gin. But you need to calm down. It'll be fine."
"I'm nervous, I've never been nervous about a girl before in my life. I hope one day you'll get to know this feeling." Harry smiled inside; he already knew what Draco was seeking.
They arrived at 9:30. Draco stayed in the shadows with the hood of his cloak pulled over his head, not trying to hide, just not wanting to be seen. Harry waited at the fountain. A short time later, two young and witches approached. When they neared the fountain, Hermione waited and allowed her companion to approach alone. Ginny only saw Harry, and perplexed she instinctively went to him. "Harry? Did you send---"
"No, Gin, it wasn't me, I'm here as a 'safety valve', so to speak. To let you know he's really sincere."
"Who?"
Hermione points her to the figure in the shadow, "He's over there. Go on. Talk to him."
"Hello, Ginny." He stepped forward and dropped the hood of his cloak.
"MALFOY!" Ginny turned on her heals to leave.
"No; please don't leave…" The Slytherin pleaded.
"Gin, it's ok. Listen to him. I believe him." Harry tried to calm her down; he could tell she was more then a little agitated.
"Harry, HOW could you pull such a nasty joke like this, and Hermione, I thought you were my friend."
"I am, and it's not a joke. Talk to him, please, listen to him." Hermione tried to reassure her friend.
"You have two minutes." Ginny spat to Draco and she crossed her arms with a scowl on her face.
"Ginny, listen. When my father attacked you and the others at the Ministry that night, it triggered something. It opened my eyes and I was able to see my family for whom and what they really were. When I refused to join with them, they turned on me. I left Malfoy Manor and went to live at the Cauldron since then. I couldn't stop thinking about you, so I flew to your home, that's when I saw you by the oak tree, reading. You looked so peaceful and happy, the complete opposite to how I felt. When I saw you, something inside changed. I found work as a muggle, just as I told you so I could be close. I couldn't explain it, and I haven't been able to figure it out until I had my first potions class. Snape forced Harry to partner with me. I went to him later to tell him I wanted to help with the 'DA' he formed, but he, like everyone else didn't believe me." Ginny listened, not believing or truly understanding what was happening, still fuming at the deception.
"Gin, he allowed me to read his thoughts and I can tell you what he's saying is true. I discreetly let him join the DA, and he's agreed to remain like he appears, alone and friendless, as our spy. Hermione is the only other person who knows."
"You did tell her then."
"Yes, she needed to know, to keep Ginny from doing what we knew she would do."
"You mean that was YOU at the dance? The flowers, the dancing, the walk---"
"Yes. I didn't want to deceive you, but I had to, I wanted you to know me first as I am now, not who I was, before you saw it was me."
"And to think I enjoyed myself that night. Why did you runaway?"
"To keep from hurting you." He replied with his head bowed.
"And what's different NOW?"
"Really nothing, except how I feel about you. If you don't want to even try to see who I've become, then I understand. You'll never see me again, if that's your wish."
"No." She said quietly.
"Ok, I understand. I'll leave. Harry, I'll let you know if I hear anything from my father or those other cowards. No one here will miss me; they'll think I went to join Crabbe and Goyle. Good bye." He turned away from the group and followed his plan; he was leaving Hogwarts and this life forever.
"NO… wait. I-I enjoyed the dance, and if that really was your true self, then maybe, with time…"
The young dragon turned and with a faint smile born from happiness of that moment, returned to the young witch.
"Time is all I'm asking for, time to prove myself, time for you to know and understand me, time for me to know and understand you. But for your sake, we must to be discreet; I don't want anyone to ridicule or harm you because of me. Please, walk with me."
They left Harry and Hermione and began walking down the road, away from the village. Off in the distance, Hermione noticed Ginny as she took Draco's hand while they walked.
"What are you going to tell Ron?"
"Me? Why is that my job?"
"Because you helped get them together; that was very sweet, but I think he's going to kill you." She reached up and planted a kiss on his cheek.