Authors' note: Here is the latest chapter. We know a lot of you are wondering how long this story is going to be. We don't know how long it will be because we're still in the middle of writing it. We can safely say (we think) that this will not be anywhere near as long as Last Dance which we're thinking of renaming the "Neverending Dance". Anyway, we hope you enjoy it. And if you feel that we're not doing justice to the British legal system, we are both Americans and we portray the trial based on our knowledge (albeit limited) of the legal system.
Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same
You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love
(Rob Thomas, "Ever the Same")
The papers called it the "Trial of the Century". It was for them "the story of the century". Not a day went by that the story and speculation about the case didn't grace the front pages of every Wizarding newspaper in the country. International interest was at a fever pitch, too. Reporters had camped outside of Hermione's building, pawing through her trash, trying to find any clue into how the 'brilliant, loyal Hermione Granger' would defend her now infamous best friend.
Hermione, who had always read the papers to stay abreast of current events, cringed every time she saw a newspaper. To make matters worse, Ginny was still being uncooperative. Hermione had finally managed to interview the younger witch in a formal setting, but it had been tenuous at best.
They had now been in trial a week and Ginny was officially to give her testimony that day. Hermione was prepared to pay close attention, she wanted to see if Ginny would stray at all from the story she'd given Hermione a few days beforehand.
The prosecution's first few witnesses had been the investigating Aurors and the members of Arthur's staff who had seen Harry in the office that day. The most damning had been the witch who had claimed Harry had left Arthur's office in shock and muttering about how he'd killed Arthur.
All in all, Hermione was cautiously optimistic. She sat beside Harry as her former colleague called Ginny to the stand.
She wanted badly to reassure Harry but she knew how unprofessional that would look, not to mention how the reporters in the room would jump on it immediately.
Jacob approached the witness stand. "Miss Weasley, could you please state your name and tell the court your current occupation?"
"Ginevra Molly Weasley," she stated in a calm tone. "And I work in the Ministry as a receptionist."
"What is your relationship to the defendant, Miss Weasley?" Jacob asked her.
"He's the father of my child," Ginny said, avoiding Harry's glare.
"Your relationship with Mr. Potter was a loving one?" Jacob asked.
"Well we haven't actually had a relationship since I was about fifteen," Ginny twisted a tissue in her hands. "But he comes over sometimes when he has a rough day, and one night it just went too far."
"She's lying," Harry whispered to Hermione. "I've never gone over to her place. I wouldn't even know where it was, Hermione."
Hermione nodded and wrote a few questions down on her legal pad.
"How long ago did you find out you were with child?" Jacob continued.
"Not long," Ginny said softly.
"And when you told the defendant about the pregnancy, how did he react?" Jacob asked.
"Well I do believe I went about it the wrong way," Ginny forced some tears into her eyes. "I asked him to meet me to talk to my dad about something important. When we were in the office, that's when I told them both. And Harry reacted just horribly."
"Did he believe you?" Jacob asked gently.
"No," Ginny said, her tears falling. "He said that there was no way he'd ever be with me again..." her voice trembled. "And then when my father said that he'd make sure Harry took responsibility, he started to get violent."
"Violent?" Jacob asked. "Can you elaborate?"
"He and my father got into a screaming match," Ginny sobbed. "And then he punched my father."
"There's no evidence in Mr. Weasley's autopsy that he was punched," Hermione whispered to Harry.
"I'd never do that to him," Harry said furiously.
"When you left the office, did Mr. Potter accompany you?" Jacob asked.
"Yes, he grabbed me by the arm and forced me to leave with him," Ginny wiped at her eyes. "He told me there was no way he was going to be a father yet, he had too much he wanted to accomplish first. I went back home and the next thing I knew, I was hearing that my father..." she began to sob again.
Jacob offered Ginny another tissue. "We understand this is hard for you, Miss Weasley. Do you need a moment?"
"Yes please," Ginny said in a shuddery voice.
Harry stared at the young woman he had once been so enamoured of. He had no idea who this person was.
"I woke up and my brother was there, telling me that my father was dead," Ginny said a few moments later. "And then they told me that Harry was the one that had done it. That's why he left me- he went back and killed my father."
"Objection," Hermione said standing up. "Hearsay."
"Sustained," the judge replied.
"Have you seen the defendant since his arrest?" Jacob asked.
Ginny shook her head. "Not until the trial started."
"Can you characterise your family's relationship with the defendant prior to Mr. Weasley's murder?" Jacob asked.
"He was like a brother to us all," Ginny said. "My father thought of him as a son- even treated him as such."
"And now?" Jacob asked.
"I can hardly look at him," Ginny shook her head.
Jacob continued his line of questioning and Ginny perfectly played the sympathetic, mourning daughter. When Jacob concluded his questioning, Hermione exhaled and then stood up.
"Miss Weasley," Hermione began. "You first met the defendant when you were 10 years old, is that correct?"
"Yes," Ginny said, her tears now contained as she gave Hermione a stony look.
"And you came to know him through his friendship with your older brother, Ronald Weasley?" Hermione asked.
"Yes," Ginny said again.
"Would it be fair to say that you were enamoured of Mr. Potter?" Hermione asked.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "A simple childhood crush. I had no idea he'd turn out to be a murderer."
"Move to strike Miss Weasley's last statement," Hermione told the judge.
The judge nodded. "Miss Weasley, please stick to simply the facts only."
Ginny nodded and wiped at her eyes with the tissue.
"Are you familiar with love potions, Miss Weasley?" Hermione asked.
This time, Jacob stood up. "Objection. Irrelevant."
"Sustained," the judge replied.
"Your honour, my questions are quite relevant to Miss Weasley and the lengths she would go to in order to get what she wants," Hermione argued.
The judge thought for a moment. "Overruled Miss Granger. Miss Weasley is not on trial here."
Hermione resisted the urge to say that she very well should be. Instead, she nodded and turned back to face Ginny, who seemed quite smug all of a sudden.
"When did you and Mr. Potter begin dating?" Hermione asked.
"You know perfectly well that it was during the last half of my fifth year," Ginny said. "It was obvious that he was very much in love with me."
"Did he ever tell you that he loved you?" Hermione asked her.
"Well... no..." the smug look on Ginny's face faltered for a moment.
"But it was obvious, isn't that what you said?" Hermione asked.
"He didn't have to say it," Ginny replied, rolling her eyes.
"You and Mr. Potter broke up not long after you started dating?" Hermione asked.
"Something like that," Ginny waved her hand. "He broke up with me because he had to go fight You Know Who."
"And you held out hope that you would get back together some day?" Hermione asked her.
"I suppose so," Ginny answered.
"And when the war was over, did you reconcile?" Hermione asked.
"No," Ginny said sharply.
"And why was that?" Hermione asked folding her arms.
"I don't know!" Ginny said. "Ask him!"
"I intend to," Hermione said. "You weren't present at one of the victory parties celebrating Mr. Potter's victory over Lord Voldemort. Where were you?"
"That's not pertinent," Ginny said, panicking as she realised how close Hermione was to finding out about Draco.
"Withdrawn," Hermione said dismissively. "So, you say that Mr. Potter was a frequent guest at your flat?"
"Sometimes," Ginny said. "When he'd had a rough day. I'd give him a massage sometimes, and then one night a few months ago it turned into more."
"What night would this be?" Hermione asked. "Could you give us an exact date?"
"I don't remember exactly," Ginny said through clenched teeth.
"Can you give us an approximate date then?" Hermione asked.
"A few months ago," Ginny said shrilly.
"So you said," Hermione said flatly.
"I don't remember everything like you do all right?" Ginny said hotly.
"I would think that the night that changed your life considerably would have stuck in your head," Hermione commented dryly.
"Well I didn't know it changed my life until recently," Ginny returned.
"Right," Hermione said nodding. "And it's no secret that your family was in favour of your reuniting with Mr. Potter. Your older brother Charlie testified that he had hoped that you would be one big, happy Weasley family."
"Yeah but obviously that won't happen now," Ginny stared straight at Hermione.
"You stated earlier that you asked Mr. Potter to meet you at your father's office," Hermione said. "What did you hope to accomplish by this?"
"I hoped that Harry would realise he's about to become a father," Ginny said as clearly as she could. "Now my child will have to grow up without its father AND it's grandfather."
"And you are positive that Mr. Potter is the father of your baby?" Hermione asked staring directly at Ginny.
"Yes," Ginny twisted her fingers together.
"You would have the court believe that you haven't been with any other men besides the defendant?" Hermione asked.
"That's personal," Ginny said. "Not to mention irrelevant."
"Withdrawn," Hermione said with a wave of her hand. "I have one more question for you, Miss Weasley. Your personal healer has managed to pinpoint the date of conception to September 15th. Does that sound about right to you?"
"I suppose," Ginny said uneasily.
"Mr. Potter was in Glasgow with the Chudley Cannons that entire week," Hermione said. She saw Ginny open her mouth to respond, but Hermione cut her off. "No further questions."
Harry looked hopefully at Hermione as she sat back down. "That was great." he told her quietly.
"Let's just hope it was enough," Hermione whispered back.
"You may step down Miss Weasley," the judge told the redhead.
Ginny shakily got to her feet and started to walk toward the back of the courtroom but as she looked at Harry, she fainted.
"Ginny," Ron rushed forward from where he was sitting behind the prosecutors.
"Stand back," a court official said as a crowd gathered around Ginny. He pulled out his wand and muttered a spell and Ginny began to stir. "Daddy?"
Molly let out a choked sob as her daughter sat up.
"Biggest publicity stunt I've ever seen," Hermione muttered to Harry. "She's winning sympathy from the jury."
"Are you happy now?" Ron asked his former friends as he helped his sister to her feet. "Come on, Ginny. Let me take you home."
"Ron," Ginny began to cry as she leaned against her brother.
Every eye in the court fell on Ginny and Ron as they slowly walked out of the courtroom.
The judge cleared his throat. "In light of recent events, court is in recess until tomorrow morning."
Hermione looked at Harry. "I'll come by in a little while to go over the questions I'll be asking you tomorrow."
"You really did great up there," he told her.
"And you'll do great tomorrow," Hermione said. "We'll disprove everything she said up there."
"Tomorrow," Harry said. "I'll get to tell my side of the story."
"The truth," Hermione said. "I'll see you in a bit."
*** *** ***
Hermione was in her home office going over some notes when a knock on her front door startled her. "Luna," she said in surprise.
"Hello Hermione," Luna said. "Can I come in?"
"Of course," she answered. "I was just going over a few things before I meet up with Harry to discuss his testimony for tomorrow."
"I'm not here as a reporter," Luna quickly clarified. "This would be off-the-record."
"It's all right," Hermione said.
"You have a really nice place," Luna said looking around.
"Thanks," Hermione said. "Don't know how much longer I can afford it since I'm out of a job at the moment."
"I think it's very brave what you did," Luna said taking off her cloak. "Not too many people would do something like that."
Hermione smiled. "I guess so," she replied. "Can I get you anything to drink?"
"Pumpkin juice would be lovely, thank you," Luna replied.
Hermione poured them both a glass. "So what brings you by?"
"I just wanted to see how you were doing," Luna said. "How Harry was doing..."
"He's all right," Hermione answered. "I just hope his testimony can convince everyone tomorrow. He's not capable of murder Luna."
"I thought you did really well questioning Ginny," Luna said quietly.
"Thanks," Hermione said. "Her story doesn't add up to me but she's sticking to it."
Luna felt a little guilty being here and she knew that if Ronald found out, he'd be none too pleased. But she wanted to help. She knew in her heart that Harry couldn't have done this.
"How's Ron doing?" Hermione asked. "I'm worried about him, although he'd never want to hear that from me."
"He has his good days and his bad days," Luna replied. "I don't know what he and his brothers would do if Fred and George weren't around for a laugh or two."
Hermione nodded. "I feel just horrible about Arthur," she said quietly. "He was a wonderful man."
"I wish I had the chance to know him better," Luna said settling down on Hermione's sofa. Crookshanks purred at her. "Mrs. Weasley isn't taking this all that well. Though, Ronald has been able to get her to eat and he's taken her out for a walk around the village."
"He's always been good to his mother," Hermione said. "And I think it's lovely that you've been there for him too."
"We're just friends," Luna clarified.
"Yes but he needs someone on his side," Hermione replied.
Luna smiled. "Well, I know where he's coming from."
Hermione nodded. "I do care about Ron," she began.
"I think he knows that deep down," Luna said. "He's just hurting really badly right now. He feels like he's been betrayed by not only his best friend, but the--"
"I know," Hermione rubbed her forehead. "This all just happened at once and it's all been horrible."
"You three have been through so much together," Luna reassured her. "I'm sure once you clear Harry and Ron has had some time to deal with all this..."
"I don't know if anything will ever be the same," Hermione said softly. "It never will be the same between me and Harry. Everything has already changed between us."
"He loves you very much," Luna said softly.
"I love him too," Hermione said. "This is why I can't let him go to Azkaban. He couldn't have killed Arthur."
"The Prophet seems to think he's going to be found guilty," Luna said quietly. "Have you thought about what you might do if---"
"I can't think like that," Hermione said bluntly.
"If anyone can get him out of this, you can," Luna said. "You really are a fantastic lawyer."
"Thank you," Hermione smiled at the younger woman. "I appreciate that."
"And if you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask," Luna said. "Harry has always been a really good friend to me."
"Thanks," Hermione said. "Does Ron know you don't believe Harry did this?"
Luna shook her head. "I--I try and not talk about Harry with him. It's a sore subject."
"Of course," Hermione cast her eyes down. "I wish there was a way we could convince Ron. It would make a world of difference to Harry."
"If it makes you feel any better, I don't think his brothers feel Harry did it either," Luna said. "They just don't want to believe their little sister would lie about this."
"You know, until my sixth year of school, I wouldn't have thought Ginny was capable of anything nasty," Hermione shook her head. "But she changed- it's like she thought once she got Harry, she was this perfect being. And then they broke up and she never seemed to get over it at first."
Luna bit her bottom lip wondering whether she should tell Hermione this. "During our last couple of years at school, she, um, well, she kind of withdrew from everything. She never showed up for meals...she missed classes...her marks went way down."
"So I heard," Hermione nodded. "And ever since the war, she's been terribly secretive. Now she shows up pregnant with a baby she claims is Harry's, yet he swore to me he's never been intimate with her."
"She was caught more than a couple of times sneaking out to the Forbidden Forest after curfew," Luna said. "Filch caught her with a basket of food and blankets. She said she was bringing them to the centaurs..."
"That's interesting," Hermione reached for a piece of parchment and wrote that down. "Considering they hated accepting help from humans..."
"Exactly," Luna said.
"I wonder if we recalled her to the stand... if I could prove she has a track record of lying..." Hermione mused.
"Didn't the judge overrule you when you tried to ask her about love potions?" Luna asked. "Something about Ginny not being the one on trial..."
"That's true..." Hermione sat back.
"That reminds me," Luna leaned over. "At Arthur's funeral, a man by the name Christopher Murphy came and was comforting Ginny. She claimed he worked in her father's office but I checked the records and no one with a name that even resembles that has ever worked there."
"Interesting..." Hermione wrote the name down.
"They seemed awfully close," Luna commented.
"Did anyone ask her about him?" Hermione asked.
"We tried, but she ran away," Luna replied. "I'm still looking into him myself. If I find out anything, I'll let you know."
Hermione nodded. "I've got to go meet with Harry," she said as she stood up.
"I should get going too," Luna said. "Will you give Harry my best? I wish you both good luck tomorrow."
"You should stop by and see him," Hermione said. "I'm sure he'd like seeing someone other than me once in awhile that has a friendly face."
"I will," Luna promised. "See you, Hermione."
"Bye Luna," Hermione closed the door behind the blonde.
Hermione made quick work of gathering up her notes and a couple of law books before grabbing her cloak and heading for the Ministry.
Thankfully, the guard on duty wasn't the sarcastic arse who had a smart remark for everything.
"Hi," she said as Harry was led into the room. "How are you holding up?"
"Better now that you're here," he replied as he sat down.
"We need to go over your testimony for tomorrow," Hermione said. "Neville's coming in as well to testify on your behalf."
"Did you make any headway with Dean or Seamus?" Harry asked.
"I haven't been able to get in contact with them directly but I'll keep trying," Hermione promised.
"Neville's the only one who's come to see me," Harry said quietly. "I think it's safe to say that they're not on my side."
"You don't know that," Hermione argued.
Harry shrugged. "They were always closer to Ron anyway and I don't think Dean ever forgave me for Ginny..."
"We'll see," Hermione replied. "I don't want you getting yourself all down in the dumps over this." she was firm.
"I won't," Harry promised. "Besides, I'm used to everyone being against me."
"Not everyone," Hermione gave him a look.
"Everyone but you," Harry said smiling at her.
She smiled back. "Luna came to see me just before I came here."
"Yeah?" Harry asked. "What'd she have to say?"
"That she doesn't think you did this either," Hermione said softly.
Harry smiled. "That's something."
"She's going to stop by and see you," Hermione said. "Even though she's been helping Ron and his family through this..."
"I've seen her sitting with him in the courtroom," Harry said.
"She's going to try and bring him around eventually." Hermione pushed her hair back. "I really need to cross examine Ginny again."
"Did you find out something else?" Harry asked.
"Apparently she had a visitor at the funeral named Christopher Murphy," Hermione revealed.
"Who?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Hermione said.
Harry listened as Hermione told him what she'd managed to learn from Luna.
"I just wonder if this guy is the real father of her baby," Hermione finished.
"I don't know," Harry said thoughtfully. "According to Molly, Ginny hadn't dated anyone since we'd broken up..."
"She's also quite capable of sneaking around and lying," Hermione said bluntly.
"Very true," Harry agreed. "Think you can find out who this bloke is before the end of the trial?"
"I'm damn well going to try," Hermione said. "Luna's checking up on him too."
Harry nodded. "So, I guess we should get started?"
"Right," Hermione said. "Merlin I wish this was all over with so we could go home together."
"It's going to be over soon," Harry said reaching for her hand.
"I hope so," sudden tears sprang to her eyes. "I can't bear the thought of you in that little cell anymore Harry."
"Come here," Harry said hugging her. "Don't cry, Hermione."
"I'm sorry," she apologised. "I should be strong for you."
"Don't you apologise," he said softly. "And you are strong."
She buried her face in his shoulder for a few moments, allowing him to comfort her. "No matter what Harry, I am going to get you out of this."
"I know you will," he said kissing the top of her head. "I have faith in you and you have faith in me."
"I always have," Hermione said.
"I know," Harry said. "That's one of the many reasons why I love you so much."
"I love you too," Hermione said as he stroked her hair behind her ear. "And once this is over we'll be together."
"I can't wait," Harry said leaning in to kiss her.
She pressed her lips to his, running her hands through her hair.
Harry deepened the kiss pulling her even closer than she already was.
"Mmm..." she murmured.
"We---we should probably stop," Harry said as he planted kisses on her neck.
"I know but I don't want to," Hermione's eyes were closed. "I don't ever want to stop with you."
"Me either," Harry said mustering up every ounce of willpower he had. "But I don't want our first time to be in here or anywhere near here. I want it to be special."
"Of course," Hermione rested her forehead against his. "It'll be perfect when it happens."
"When," Harry said smiling at her. "Not if, but when."
"When," she nodded, kissing him one more time. "Back to business it is..."
Nearly two hours later, Hermione exited the interrogation room and was surprised to see Remus Lupin still hard at work.
"Professor Lupin?" she asked. "What are you still doing here?"
"Hermione," Remus jumped. "I thought you'd left..."
Hermione shook her head. "I wanted to go over his testimony for tomorrow."
Remus nodded. "It's going to have to be incredibly convincing you know- especially since Harry doesn't have anyone who can verify his whereabouts for almost that entire day."
"He's ready," Hermione said.
"Good," Remus said. "Hermione, I don't have to tell you how serious this is. If Harry is convicted, he could go to Azkaban for the rest of his life."
"Don't you think I know that?" Hermione snapped at him.
Remus held up a hand. "I know you do," he said calmly. "I'm glad you came by... I was reminded by Tonks earlier about a conversation I once had with Sirius about his time in prison."
"I'm sorry for that," Hermione said quietly. "I'm just a little on edge. What conversation?"
"I just want to tell you this," Remus began. "So... should this trial not go the way we want it to, you can prepare Harry. He'll listen to you more than me or Tonks or anyone else."
Hermione sat down. "Okay."
"He once told me that on the good days, he was half lucid at best," Remus said. "Sirius tried to keep all his happy thoughts at bay. That means he was forced to relive terrible memories no matter what- if he experienced one bit of happiness the dementors were there to suck it out of him."
Hermione couldn't imagine what this must be like and didn't even want to think about Harry going through this. But, Remus was right. If he was found guilty, she'd have to prepare him for this.
"Some days he told me he thought he'd go mad," Remus said seriously. "They aren't allowed visitors, they only get fed once, maybe twice a day if they're lucky and the rations are very limited."
"That's barbaric," Hermione said quietly.
Remus nodded. "I just wanted to forewarn you that tomorrow's going to be very rough. I'm sure you know the prosecution is not going to be light on Harry."
"You've been in the courtroom," Hermione said. "You know the evidence. Professor, give it to me straight, you think they'll find him innocent?"
Remus looked down at the paperwork on his desk. "I'm not sure," he answered quietly. "I personally don't believe Harry could ever do this but the amount of evidence against him is overwhelming."
"I won't let him go to Azkaban," Hermione said firmly. "I'd die first."
Remus patted her hand. "I want you to be prepared as well."
"Thanks," Hermione said weakly.
"If there's anything I can do let me know." Remus said. "I care very much about Harry. Lily and James were my best friends and I swore to them I'd look after their son."
"Thanks," Hermione said. "He appreciates that, Professor. And so do I."
He patted her shoulder once more. "I should probably get home. Tonks will be worried."
"Of course," Hermione smiled softly. "Give her my best."
"I will," Remus promised. "And you should get some sleep."
"I'll try," Hermione lifted her case with all her notes. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good luck," Remus said before grabbing his cloak and walking out of the office.
Hermione wiped her eyes as she stood up. She knew she should go home but more than anything, she wanted to see a friendly face. She only hoped Luna would be around and not at the Weasleys'.
*********
Ginny let herself into her flat with a sigh. It was the first time she'd been home since the trial started and it was starting to wear on her. She'd also been experiencing horrible morning sickness and she was tired and achy.
"Hey," Draco emerged from the sitting room. "I didn't know you were coming home tonight Red..."
"I snuck out," Ginny admitted sinking down on the sofa. "I couldn't take them all hovering over me."
"You look pale," Draco told her. "How's everything with the... the..." he indicated her stomach.
"You can say it, you know," Ginny said grumpily. "It's the reason we're in this mess. It's a baby, Draco. Our baby."
"Fine," Draco said. "How's the baby?"
"Well, let's see," Ginny said sarcastically. "I can't keep anything down. I've thrown up everything I've eaten in my entire life and all I want to do is lay down."
Draco kissed her forehead. "Come on, lie down then."
Ginny stretched out on the sofa and smiled when he placed a blanket over her. She had done the same thing for him when he was cold and alone in the forest not too long ago. "Thanks," she said softly.
"You're the one good thing in my life, you know that." he told her.
Ginny felt the tears welling up in her eyes. "You---you can be really sweet when you want to be."
"For you," he said, touching her cheek.
"I don't know if I can do this anymore," Ginny said hugging him tightly. "It'd be so much easier if you'd be there with me during the trial."
"I'm there," Draco said. "Just not as me."
"What?" Ginny asked pulling away to look at him. "Draco..."
"Ever notice a bloke with dark brown hair and glasses sitting in the back?" he asked.
"That was you?" Ginny asked incredulously.
"Every day," Draco said smugly. "And today I paid a little visit to the judge- an old friend of my father's."
"Hang on a minute," Ginny said looking at him. "You never told me the judge was friend of your dad's. What did you say to him?"
Draco grinned. "Let's just say that when the jury's finished, we'll be home free."
"Blackmail?" Ginny asked him.
"I can't say," Draco replied. "But you won't have to worry about anything Red. Not ever. Just keep doing what you've been doing."
"Barely holding it together?" Ginny asked shaking her head.
"Keep with our story," Draco corrected.
"You heard my testimony," Ginny said. "Do you think I did okay?"
"Brilliant," Draco kissed her. "You were brilliant up there. Had everyone eating out of the palm of your hand."
"I fainted just like you told me," Ginny said relaxing against him. "I think that gained me some more sympathy."
"That it did," Draco slid his arm around her. "I'm glad you came home Red..."
"Me too," Ginny said. "I've missed you."
"It's been too lonely here," Draco said. "Will you stay now?"
"I'd like to," she said softly. "But Mum's insistent. She wants all of around. It's not so bad since Phlegm left."
"She can't keep you home forever," Draco argued. "Come on, one night."
"I'd like that," Ginny said smiling at him. "I had this fantastic dream last night."
"What about?" he asked, stroking her hair off her face.
"It was Christmas morning," Ginny told him. "And you and I were there with our baby girl. And my father was showing you all of his Muggle artefacts and treating you like...like you were one of his sons. And we were all so happy."
Draco was silent. "That's not ever going to happen Gin- not even if your dad was alive."
"He would have seen how good you were to me and for me," Ginny said stubbornly. "He would have come around and now..."
"If your family was to eventually come around then why haven't we told them I'm living here yet?" Draco pointed out.
"Because THEY think Harry's the father of my child," Ginny retorted. "This was your big plan, Draco."
"If we'd told them before this, it all could have been avoided," Draco countered.
"So now it's my fault?" Ginny asked hotly. She shrugged out of his hold on her and threw the blanket on the floor.
"I didn't say it was," Draco snapped.
"You didn't have to," Ginny said grabbing her cloak. "I'm going home."
"You are home," Draco took her arm.
Ginny stared to cry in earnest.
His demeanour softened and he pulled her close again. "Ginny we have to keep this up. Otherwise you and I both know that Granger will find out what really happened and we'll both get locked up."
"I know," Ginny said resting her head on his shoulder. "It's just so hard."
Draco kissed the top of her head. "It's all going to work out though. Just a few more days and Potter will be convicted and we can go back."
"You promise?" Ginny asked hopefully.
"Absolutely," Draco said. "And after everything settles down, we'll work on telling your family about us. Once the baby's born it'll be obvious that it's not Potter's."
"It's going to be ours," Ginny said smiling at him. "Yours and mine."
"So you think it's a little girl then?" he asked.
Ginny laughed. "I'm not sure, of course, but I just have a feeling."
"She'll look like you," Draco was feeling excited about this for the first time.
"With red hair and blue eyes," Ginny said feeling more optimistic than she had in weeks. "But your nose...I love your nose."
"What else do you love about me?" Draco asked, pulling her back onto the sofa.
"Everything," Ginny said softly.
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