A/N: I'm so sorry! I didn't think it would take this long to have my computer up and working again! But I hope you guys like this one- I tried to make it long! The H/Hr ship finally takes off in this- enjoy! And lastly, PLEASE REVIEW! Even if it is to yell and scream at me for taking so long to update!
6 months prier Prelude: The Reluctant Servant
Chapter 4:
It was weeks before they had so much as a groan a from their new resident, even if he were the Dragon King, himself Mrs. Weasley had refused to leave him to die out in the cold of the night. She had said that he had no control over who his father happened to be and he had every right to explain himself as in what he had been doing at their doorstep in the middle of the night. But of course, Ron hadn't been much help in the matter, as it was his room that he lay unconscious in.
`Mum! This is Draco Malfoy we are talking about-who care what he was doing on our doorsteps- he's a Death Eaters! Look- I can prove it! Look at his arm the Dark Mark has to be there! Harry- Ginny- Hermione- back me up on this one! Mum! We know what he really is like… he's just as evil as his Death Eater of a father is!'
`Ronald Weasley- you take that back! He has no control over who his father is… and I will do no such thing as in to look at his arm in search for the Dark Mark-and nor will anyone else under this roof! He has every right to defend himself, when he wakes up!' with that Mrs. Weasley had stormed out of the kitchen, as if to make her point final.
`Well tell me that you guys are as against this as I am!' questioning Harry, Hermione and Ginny, who remained in the kitchen.
`Ron- I agree with your mother… he does have a right to tell us his side of the story, regardless of what he has ever done to us or to anyone else.' Hermione had agreed unhelpfully.
`I agree, with Hermione.' Had come Harry's muttered reply.
And when he looked expectantly at Ginny, who seemed lost in thoughts and hadn't even noticed that he was talking to her, she had just looked like she was faraway and then without a word walked out of the room, with a troubled expression playing across her features.
<><><><>
The sunlight shone through the open curtains and played across the features of Draco Malfoy, who wanted nothing better to just fall back to sleep and not wake till the head ach that throbbed in the back of his head, had disappeared, but of course he had no such luck. As he opened his eyes the shinning light of the sun that caused his eyes to water and sting, greeted him causing him to close them tightly again and groan.
After a while of just laying there and rubbing his eyes he opened them again, this time he saw that his surroundings were one of the most particular thing. All the walls and sheets the room were a bright orange. As his eyes adjusted to his surroundings he found that the wall were indeed orange, but not painted orange, they were plastered with posters with figures zooming in and out of view and what was worse was that all the figures also dressed in orange!
Urg! Who in the name of all that was holy would want an orange room?!!??! his thoughts were interrupted by someone coming in through the door that was in front of him. As soon as the figure stepped fully in the room his question was answered. Weasleys!
`Oh! You're finally wake!' exclaimed Ginny Weasley, even though her features showed neither shock nor surprise.
`What the hell are you doing here?!' was the only thing made it out of his mouth as he finally figured out that he was just sitting there and staring at the red-head.
`Malfoy- this is my house, you moron! As in-I live here!' this time her features showed something that a cross between shock and anger. `The question really should be: What are you doing here?'
But before he could reply in his usual manner of insults and witty remakes, his surroundings started to spin in and out of focus and he fell back into the bed, unconscious.
<><><><>
Ginny ran down the stairs and straight into the kitchen where she quickly notified her mother to the chain of events that had resulted in the young Malfoy fainting.
Soon Ron's bedroom was taken over by Madame Pomfrey, who had been Flooed out of Hogwarts for the time being, so she could make sure that there was nothing wrong with Draco.
It turned out that there really didn't seem to be wrong with Draco; he had just fainted from the lack of food and water for the long period of time. She gave Mrs. Weasley strict orders about Draco's well being before she hurried back to the school, claiming she had work to do.
<><><><>
Days past and no one heard so much as a word out of him, the only time he ever spoke was to either to make a very unenthusiastic thank you, or to request that he was left alone; but on both occasions he had only spoken to Mrs. Weasley, who had taken a very unique liking to him.
Of course, Ron tried to run into his room at least 5 times a day to try and kill Draco Malfoy himself, even if he had to use his own bare hands! But Mrs. Weasley had again put a stop to this by charming the door to Draco's temporary room, so it only open if the person opening it had no intention of hurting the rooms occupant, in anyway. Of course at this point Ron had tried to beg Hermione into telling him the counter spell, but that too had proven to be impossible.
Finally on one bright sunny day Draco Malfoy decided that he was willing to talk, but only to four people: Harry, Hermione, Mrs. Weasley and surprisingly Ginny. Ron, of course, was against the whole idea of listening to anything that came out of Draco's mouth; but as always he was over ruled.
While the chosen four listened to the Draco's story, Ron paced in front of his bedroom, and after what seemed like hours, the four walked out of the room and closed the door behind them. Mrs. Weasley apparently seemed to have what looked like tear stains running down her cheeks, but the rest of the group just had a lost look plastered on to their faces.
`Well?? What did he say? And do you really believe him-he's lying, isn't he? I know he is!' at this point a very annoyed and red Ginny stomped her foot while glaring at her brother, causing him to be quiet and start to listen.
` I think this best be done in the kitchen, while we all drink a big cup tea.' Called out a distressed Mrs. Weasley and she hurried down the staircase, in to the kitchen.
When they got to the kitchen and everyone was sited at the table with a cup of tea, Hermione took charge of the situation.
`He told us what happened to him. And I think I believe him- I know all the times that he was a pain and all but I really think-' at seeing the inpatient look on Ron's face she added `I believe him' at this Ginny nodded her agreement.
`Tell me what he said and then I'll tell you what I think of him' replied Ron.
`Basically- he spent his time at Voldemort's hideout since the incident at school last year- and he's give Dumbledor's words a lot of thought and he's on our side- whether we accept him into the Order or not. And personally if Dumbledor thought Draco could be on our side, then I believe him and accept him.' By this point Harry still hadn't said a word. `And Ginny and Mrs. Weasley agree.' She added just for good measures.
`Harry- what do you think of him?' asked Ron looking at Harry.
At first Harry remained silent, but then in a tiny emotionless voice he said `I'll give him one chance, but if he screws up, he's dead.'
At this Ron's mood changed considerably as he said. `I agree with Harry- he screws up and he's dead,- now where are those cookies?'
Ginny Weasley was not in a good mood and that was putting it mildly.
`The Nerve of him…' came a small mutter from under her breath as she stormed into her bedroom, which she was currently sharing with Hermione.
`Hey, Ginny do you have that book--?' called out Hermione fro behind her just as Ginny was slamming her bedroom door behind herself.
But Ginny hadn't hear a word that Hermione had said, as she was too busy muttering every vale and rude word or comment she could think of towards a certain Draco Malfoy, who just happened to be staying in HER house. I mean could you believe it? Draco-Bloody-Spoilt-Malfoy-Playboy- Extraordinaire was staying at the Weasley's- of all the families in the Wizarding World!
Curious to find out what had Ginny all worked-up about, Hermione wondered into the bedroom, where she found a very temperamental Ginny sitting on her bed still muttering and cursing.
`Umm- Ginny- are you okay?'
`Why wouldn't I be?' came a very scratchy reply as Ginny looked up with her hair a mess abd her face a deep shade of red.
`Okay-I get it!' Hermione said as she sat on the edge of Ginny's bed. `What did he do this time? Did he insult you or just tease you- again?'
Ginny looked up and counted backwards mentally from ten, before she spoke. ` the stupid ferrite had the nerve to tell me to get out of my own backyard, because he thought I distracted him! Do you know what he said to me? Well, I'll tell you! He said- and I quote: "I know you want my attention, because you are a stupid little weasel, but try and stay out of my way- you're too distracting with all the red!"
`I mean the nerve of him! ALL THE RED?!? In case he didn't notice- THIS IS MY HOUSE- NOT HIS!!!' by this time she was yelling and if possible, she was an even more deeper shade of red than before.
`He just needs space-' Ginny's yelling cut Hermione off before she could say anymore.
`Who does he think he is- royalty or something? Yeah, true he's good looking and just really misunderstood, after you learn to ignore all the sarcasm and witty remarks- but the Bloody-Brat!' At this she paused and groaned rather loudly to try and calm down. `How much time does he need? He spent the last month on his own and he would only talk to mum and- and- and I'm going to kill for stomping on my favorite flowerbed, last week-'
`Ginny- I told you- it was an accident. He didn't see them there while he was out walking at night- and he did say he was sorry-' Hermione tried to defend, but was cut off again by Ginny.
`Accident-My-Foot! What? Is he blind too?!?!' Exclaimed Ginny. `So far I have him for beginning: spoilt, arrogant, bossy, stupid, stubborn and just down right selfish! Do you want to add to that list?!' Screamed Ginny, as she counted down things on her fingers.
`Umm… you forgot good looking' Hermione replied in a mocking tone, as she fought down her laughter, until it was all too much to bear and she burst out laughing. At first Ginny seemed to get angrier, until she too had started to laugh. `Oh and you forgot: charming- when he wants to be! Finished a very giggly Hermione.
`Merlin preserve me from thick-headed, self-centred, cocky-teenage wizards.' Exclaimed Ginny when she had managed to control her laughter.
He just stood there and watched her stomp away; the way her hair bounced with every step and the way her body had a very unique rhythm to it, as she went into the Burrow.
As he had said: `all the red', did distract him, but not in a bad way. All he wanted to do was reach out and put her hair behind her ear, as the wing blew it into her eyes and on to her face. Really, he didn't mind having her there; she didn't ask questions and she dint judge him, but there was always something In her expression as she studied him and then there was a uncertainty deep in him, as he looked at her.
She made him want to drop whatever he was doing and just stare at her. He wanted to study her in anyway that he could, but then the reality would come crashing down on him. He was not someone she could ever look at with anything other than dislike. Sure, she didn't show the dislike, when he was around anymore, but they were too different.
In his minds' eye he saw her as a beautiful red and golden flame, dancing in front of his eyes; she was untamable and to tame to her would be to destroy her unique beauty of wildness and surprising nature. And as she flickered and teased him in her form as a wild fire, he was the lost animal, with no one to protect him, he had to get out before the fire destroyed him, but he was too scared and too stubborn to admit that all was lost.
But one thin was sure to him: she could either save him from his life of current mayhem and misery or she could destroy him. In time he would find out the answer, but until then he had other things to worry and trouble him, like his father and the rest of the Death Eaters.
They would find him and either take him back or kill him, either way he was too much of a threat to them; he knew too much.
But then again he was reminded of her and in the one moment he decided that no matter what happened to him he would make sure that's he at least was happy and content, whether this be with or without him.
After a little while- when both girls had stopped laughing hysterically- they say on Ginny's bed playing a simple game of cards, when Ginny burst out by saying, `You were defending him weren't you? You've been doing it all the time; you're acting just like Mum!'
`Well, I just think that he's misunderstood and his he's only human, so he has as much a right to be defended by me, as you Ron or Harry do.' Hermione replied all a little too quickly, but then added slowly, `I agree with your mother and I think that his story checks out- yes I know it might have some holes init, but he is telling the truth and I want to give him the a chance. I want to get to know him as Draco, and not has the boy that we've all had to put up with for the last six years.' She paused and then added, `I think he deserves that at least.
Ginny was silent for awhile before she nodded, as in to agree with what Hermione had said. As they continued their game of cards, but not much time had past before Ginny once again started to speak.
`So, all that being said and all… you wont mind OR tell Harry or Ron, if I told you' at this she paused to draw a deep breath, before she said in a very fast whisper, `that I sort of have a tiny crush on him?!?!'
At first Hermione didn't say or do anything, but then her face lit up with a smile, `I knew it! I knew you liked hi-'
At that precise moment Harry's head popped in through the door.
`Who does Ginny like?' hid features filled with amusement at seeing Ginny's discomfort.
`That, Harry James Potter, is one of your concern' came Ginny's reply, before Hermione could say anything. `You aren't meant to be interested in my love life, seeing as I happen to be your Ex!'
`What I don't what it has to do with me being your ex… I just want to jinx this guy- so tell me who is it?.' Came Harry's reply as he continued to grin.
`Harry, please! Stop teasing her!' Hermione said, with an expression that clearly said that she would fill him in later.
`Okay- okay, I just came in here to tell you -Ginny- that Luna is waiting downstairs for you.'
`Damn! I forgot! We were meant to go to her place today. Damn! Okay- out- both of you. I need to change- oh and amuse her-or something!'
`Oh, you don't need to worry about the amuse part, last I left her, she and Ron were discussing Quidditch and something or the other about she called a Chizpurfle- I think!'
`Okay, well then tell her to give me ten minutes, now- bye!' and with that he slammed the door in both their faces.
When Ginny finally came downstairs- a good twenty minutes later- she found Harry and Hermione nowhere in sight. Draco still seemed to be outside and didn't see her new summer dress (which she had secretly had only put on to get his reaction) but when her eyes fell to the couch she found a very flustered Luna sitting on the sofa, laughing at something that Ron had just said, and what was even more weirder was that Ron was watching her, with a huge goofy smile in place on his face. For a few moments all she could do was watch the two of them, totally oblivious to the fact that she was standing there only a few meters away from them. To prompt the two of her presence she cleared her throat.
`Hey Luna, sorry about that- I totally forgot- I hope you didn't get too bored.' Said Ginny, with a huge smile on he face and even though she was talking to Luna, she had been looking at Ron the whole time; whose face had got a very peculiar shade of red.
`No, not at all, your brother is quite interesting and funny, when he wants to be.' Came Luna's usual dreamy reply, as she smiled.
`So, ready to go?'
`Yeah, it was lovely of you Ronald to keep me entertained.' Luna's tone was almost a little disappointed. `Bye then.' And with that the two girls made their way out of the front door.
Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione were sitting in Ron's bedroom, discussing Ginny's new `crush'.
`Okay- so who is it?' asked Harry still very much amused.
`Oh- I promised Ginny I wouldn't tell you or Ron.' Came Hermione's reply as she took a seat on Harry's bed and started to flick through a book that had been lying on the bed.
`Come on Hermione- I was just kidding about jinxing the guy- I know for a fact hat Ginny is very capable of looking after herself.'
`Fine! If you must know it's- Draco.' But before he could say anything, she continued. `And Harry, if you so much as get close to him, to try and jinx him, I swear- you'll have to answer to me!'
`Hey I wasn't going to do anything- I'm not Ron!' think quickly to change the subject he spoke `Speaking of Ron, what is going on with you two anyway?'
`Well, if you must know- nothing.' But at the lost look on Harry's face she continued. `He kissed me and we both just didn't-fit… I like him, but he's ore of a brother more than anything else. I mean, we fight like cats and dogs. We're content with our current relationship- we don't want more in between us. Why the twenty questions anyway?'
`Oh, well- you guys seemed `close' last year- so just curious.' Said Harry before adding in a quiet voice `So you wont mind if- if umm if someone else asked you out?'
At this Hermione looked up from the book in her hand before answering, `Well no- no I wouldn't mind' her voice was very quiet.
`What if- what if that someone was-me?' asked Harry, not quite meeting her gaze. `What I mean is- would you consider going out with me?'
There was silence in the room, you could hear every breath drawn in my either one of them.
`Yes- I will go out with you' whispered Hermione is a very small voice. Harry finally looked up to met her gaze.
`You mean it?'
`Have I ever said anything to you that I haven't meant before?' came Hermione's reply, as she got off the bed and walked up to him. `Yes, Harry Potter- I will go out with you.' And to close the deal she kissed him. At first there was nothing but shock from both sides.
Hermione couldn't believe what she had just done, where as Harry was too surprised and shocked at the fact that she had said `yes' to begin with, let alone begin describing his shock of their current kiss.
But after a few moments, they were kissing each other like it was the world most natural this to them. When they finally broke apart Harry said, `So, umm, I guess it's a date then.' His voice was little breathless, but he was smiling nonetheless.
`I guess it is' Hermione too was smiling.
With that they both made their way down the stairs their fingers still intertwined.
AN: Please review. It's not fun when you have 300 hits per chapter and only 2-4 reviews. REVIEW!!!
-->