Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters you may recognize from the wonderful world of Harry Potter, they all belong to the revered JK Rowling; I just like to play with them a little.
BREAKING THE RULES
WHOSE RULES
Even after the night before, there was some doubt in her mind that Draco was serious about being exclusive. A little voice in the back of her head kept telling her he was a Slytherin and he just wanted a good snog. Of course, the fact that it had been his idea was also in play, but she reasoned that it could have been part of his foil. After all, she wasn't naïve enough to believe everything she was told or promised, and some boys would say anything to get the cooperation of a girl. Draco Malfoy was no exception. She knew he liked to play the field, so his insistence that they be exclusive, or rather she be exclusive, seemed out of character.
As she ventured downstairs for breakfast, Ginny pondered what would happen next. No one knew they were 'together' yet, and she knew both houses would be in an uproar once the news got out. Still caught up in her thoughts, Ginny failed to notice the Slytherin welcoming party of one awaiting her in the Entrance Hall.
"You disappointment me, Weasley."
Ginny stopped abruptly. "Excuse me?"
"I thought you'd have at least hexed him."
"He stole my wand," Ginny answered smartly.
"You don't need a wand to cripple him."
"I know, but I chose not to."
"He kissed you, didn't he?"
"That's none of your business, Parkinson."
The black-haired witch rolled her eyes. "And another one falls under the spell of the great Draco Malfoy."
"I have not fallen under any spell," Ginny snapped.
"No?"
"NO!"
"Oooh, you're a bit touchy for someone who's denying the possibility." Pansy grinned nefariously. "But then you're right in character for someone in denial."
"What do you want, Parkinson?"
"Just to let you know what sort of effect you're having on a very good friend of mine and that I seemed to be wrong about you."
Ginny blinked at the older girl. "You're talking in riddles."
Pansy sighed heavily. "I really expected you to hex him to the point where he'd be drinking soup through a straw for a month, but you proved me wrong-not one hex was flung. Of course, the only explanation that could possibly explain this is he kissed you first."
"So, I didn't hex him and yes, he kissed me."
"Good, isn't he?"
"I'm not really in the mood to exchange notes."
"I haven't had the urge for a while, but practice makes perfect, so he has to have improved with the number of girls he's bedded," Pansy responded matter-of-factly. "That's not the part that's of concern though."
"What is your point?" Ginny really didn't need a full run down of Draco's history with other women, she was well aware of his reputation, and her stomach was starting to grumble about the lack of breakfast.
"My point is, you've turned him into some moony fool who can't concentrate on a simple conversation for more than two minutes at a time, and I don't need to be told where his thoughts are wandering."
Ginny smiled. This was good news. If it was true, it would allay her fears greatly. "So?"
"So, this is not the Draco Malfoy I love to taunt. You're turning his mind to dragon dung and you're spoiling my fun."
"Parkinson, why don't you just go and find yourself another pet snake to tease."
"I would, but as you can see the pickings are rather thin."
Both witches looked towards the doorway leading to the dungeons to see the rest of the seventh year Slytherin wizards emerging for the day. Crabbe and Goyle were solely focused on making it to the Great Hall for food. Theodore Nott was absently scratching something he ought not to in mixed company, and Blaise Zabini was yawning widely.
Pansy smiled sweetly at her housemates and turned back to Ginny. "See what I mean?"
Ginny nodded amusedly. They were a motley crew to behold, especially first thing in the morning.
"Parkinson," Blaise Zabini called across the hall.
Pansy lifted her chin haughtily. "Zabini, I see you haven't yet woken up."
Blaise approached the two witches, not paying any attention to Ginny at all. "What the bloody hell is up with Malfoy?"
"Why do you ask?"
"He kept me awake most of the night."
"Doing what?" Pansy asked curiously.
"Talking... in his sleep."
The Slytherin witch raised a curious eyebrow at her housemate. "Tell me, what was he talking about?" she purred.
"You know what he's like, you only get the odd word here and there." Blaise screwed his face up and added, "Plus the moaning."
Pansy bit the side of her mouth to keep from laughing. "What words did you catch? You know I can usually put together what's bothering him from those."
"Let's see." Blaise stifled a yawn. "Oh god... yes... love... red... Ginny, whatever that is, and a ton of moaning like he was- well, you don't need to know that bit."
"That confirms it!" Pansy announced.
"Confirms what?" Blaise asked. "That he's finally lost his mind? Gone the way of his dear Aunt Bella?"
"No," Pansy huffed. Boys could be so blind at times like this. "He's in love."
"Love? Malfoy?" Blaise looked at Pansy as if she'd taken leave of her senses. "Maybe with himself, but no one else stands a chance while there are still mirrors in the world."
"I've no doubt he still holds himself in high regard, but he's in love with a girl."
"Who then?"
"Ginny."
"That's a person?"
Pansy nodded. "Yes, we formerly referred to her as the girl Weasel, Weaslette... umm-"
"I think that's enough," Ginny cut in, none too pleased with what she was hearing.
"Oh, sorry, I forgot you were still there." Pansy smiled sweetly at the other witch.
Zabini looked at the Gryffindor for the first time. "Who are you?"
"I'm Ginny."
"You?" The dark-haired wizard looked her up and down, and then nodded thoughtfully. "I can see why Draco couldn't keep his dreams out of the gutter."
Ginny's eyes almost bulged out of their sockets and her hand was already plunging into her cloak to retrieve her wand when she was interrupted in quite a disturbing way-someone began nibbling on her neck. "What are you doing?"
"Mmm-having breakfast."
"Draco, if you don't mind, I'm about to inflict a serious injury on your dorm mate."
Draco's eyes flicked up and he smirked at Zabini. "This is your cue to run away as fast as you can, before she follows through on her threat."
"Can't you control her?"
"Not yet, I haven't had time to train her, but I promise I'll distract her for as long as I can."
Ginny spun in Draco's arms. "You what?"
"Calm down, I'm just trying to keep you out of detention, because if you hex Zabini I won't be able to take you into Hogsmeade tomorrow." Draco placed a kiss on her cheek and then let his mouth trail down her neck. "Zabini, get out of here now," he hissed over her shoulder.
"You're just protecting your housemates," Ginny accused him sourly.
"They can look after themselves and if they can't, too bad," Draco responded lifting his head to look her in the eye. "It's you I don't want in detention tomorrow."
Ginny sighed. She didn't believe him, but he did have a point and she now had a date for Hogsmeade. "All right then."
"Mmm... You don't sound convinced. Whatever can I do to change your mind?"
Ginny smiled at him warmly. "Tell the truth?"
"No, that's no fun." A smirk moved across his mouth. "I know something that is far more fun."
"Oh?"
"For Merlin's sake!" Pansy huffed as she walked off.
Draco's head descended to capture her lips in a searing kiss. Ginny reacted automatically. Her hands wandered straight to his back, one caressing its way up to the nape of his neck and the other sitting just on his belt line, tugging lightly at his shirt. She could feel his hands pulling her into his body, and holding her firmly in place. The same delicious feeling she experienced between her thighs last night had just started to flare as one of his hands drifted down to caress her derrière.
"Mr. Malfoy, unhand that girl now."
Draco growled under his breath, and turned to face his Head of House, keeping Ginny out of sight as much as he could. "Professor."
"I should not have to remind you about inappropriate behavior," Snape growled.
"My apologies, sir, it won't happen again," Draco intoned respectfully.
Snape's mouth twitched as he considered his options. "I assume you're on your way to breakfast?"
"Yes, Professor."
"Do see if you can make it to the Great Hall without stopping for a snack," the professor hissed.
"Thank you, sir." Draco grabbed Ginny's hand and practically dragged her in the direction of the Great Hall.
They were mere feet away from the Potions Professor when they heard him mutter, "A Weasley? Lucius will be inconsolable."
Draco stifled his laughter as they took the stairs two at a time. There was no doubt in his mind that he'd be summoned to his Head of House's office sometime today. The perfunctory threats to inform his father of his behavior would be made and with whom he'd been misbehaving, if he refused to give her up-which he would at this stage. The feeling he got yesterday that this girl was worth the trouble had been further confirmed last night in his dreams. He'd never had dreams of that caliber about real girls or women-the models in Playwizard didn't generally count as real people.
Ginny stopped short of the doors to the Great Hall. "I think we should walk in calmly."
"You're right," Draco agreed, pulling her over to the side and kissing her thoroughly.
His tongue had just begun to explore the minty freshness of her mouth when they were once again interrupted.
"Mr. Malfoy, what was it I said about stopping for snacks?"
Draco couldn't help the cheeky grin that plastered itself across his face. "I'm a growing boy, Professor, and sometimes we just can't wait until we get to the table."
Professor Snape looked at the Gryffindor beside his student. She didn't cower from him like a lot of other Gryffindors, and that irked him a little. "Miss Weasley, go to breakfast and consider yourself less ten house points."
Ginny pinned the professor with a murderous look. She knew he wouldn't remove points from his own house and that arguing the point would only result in the loss of more points. With a last squeeze of Draco's hand, Ginny walked past the Potions Master with her head held high.
"Mr. Malfoy, my office now!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ginny wandered up the corridor on her way to her final class for the week. As she had all day, she kept her eyes pealed for any sign of Draco, because she'd not seen him since early this morning. She was beginning to think Professor Snape had kept Draco locked in the dungeons all day when she caught just a glimpse of his platinum blond head further up the corridor. Try as she might she couldn't keep his head in her sight as the crowd of students changing classes surged up the corridor.
All of a sudden Ginny was pulled into a small alcove, next to a suit of armor. Her surprised gasp was cut short as a pair of lips captured hers in a fervent kiss.
"I've missed you," Draco admitted a little uncomfortably when he released her lips.
"Have you? I like the sound of that."
"Don't go reading anything into it, Weasley. I was just-" Draco trailed off, not exactly sure what he had been doing making such a confession.
"You were just being honest," Ginny prompted.
"No-well, I-"
"It's all right, you don't have to say anymore. I know the truth, and besides it hurts my ears to hear you stammer."
"I do not stammer."
"Not when you're snogging me anyway," Ginny retorted with a nefarious smirk.
"Are you asking for something, Weasley?"
"Just making a suggestion."
"And what might that be?"
Ginny rolled her eyes. They had limited time and here he was intent on playing games. She grabbed his necktie and pulled him down to meet her. The moment their lips met, she demanded access to his mouth. Of course, Draco didn't think to argue, nor did he have the urge to complain.
She melted into his chest as his arms snaked around her. As she had on previous occasions, Ginny forgot where she was when his effect on her took hold. The notion that she could quite happily feast upon his mouth for the rest of eternity wandered lazily through her mind. He tasted so sweet, as if he'd been sucking Sugar Quills all day. Somewhere in the distance, Ginny could hear people moving past them, some commenting, some simply gasping in shock. She didn't care who saw them, just as long as he kept stroking his tongue like that against hers.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ron Weasley stood, staring, completely aghast at the scene before him.
His sister was snogging Draco bloody Malfoy.
There was only one explanation for this: he'd gone barking mad. It was simple really, because there was no way on magical earth Ginny would ever touch Malfoy with a ten-foot broomstick. Hadn't he told Malfoy that himself?
In an effort bring this hallucination to an end Ron Weasley approached the kissing couple carefully. He felt sure, the moment he got close enough, the two figures would simply dissolve into wispy smoke and his nightmare would be over.
It didn't happen. He was mere feet away from them, and they were quite obviously ignorant of his presence. Blood started to thunder through his veins to the point where he couldn't see straight, let alone think logically. Ron reached out and grabbed a handful of Malfoy's pristine robes.
"Get off her," he roared, throwing the blond backwards into the opposite wall.
"Ronald!" Ginny shrieked, trying to push her way past her brother and check on her boyfriend, who appeared to be a bit rattled.
"Stay out of the way, Ginny!" Ron strode over to the prone Slytherin and picked him up by his shirtfront. "If you even think of getting that close to my sister again I'm going to kill you," he bellowed.
"I don't believe your sister has a problem with me getting close to her, actually," Draco ground out as his shirt and necktie tightened around his neck. "I rather think she enjoys it."
Before he even consciously acknowledged the notion, his fist connected with Malfoy's face, and then all hell broke loose.
"RON! HOW COULD YOU?"
Ron dropped the now unconscious Slytherin and watched him slide down the wall with morbid fascination. He was aware that Ginny was shrieking at him and that quite a crowd had gathered to watch the show. It wasn't until the horde of nosy students began to part for his Head of House that the surreal feeling of the situation evaporated and Ron thought of the consequences his actions were going to bring him.
"Mr. Weasley, wait in my office," Professor McGonagall snapped. "The rest of you, off to class. Miss Granger, inform Madam Pomfrey that she has a patient on the way."
Ron watched miserably as Professor McGonagall flicked her wand over Malfoy, using Mobilicorpus to levitate his body for the journey to the hospital wing. Ginny was flitting around the ferret, gathering his things while she muttered some not terribly complimentary things about him, Ron. It was enough to make him feel ill. He sighed heavily and wandered off in the general direction of his Head of House's office. There would be no talking his way out of detention this time, and it stung just that bit more knowing that tomorrow was a Hogsmeade visit. It was, in his humble opinion, infinitely unfair.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ron returned to the common room grumbling loudly at the injustice of having to spend tomorrow doing Merlin only knew what while everyone else enjoyed themselves in Hogsmeade. One would think that listening to Professor McGonagall harp on about the wrongs of Muggle dueling for over an hour was punishment enough any wizard.
Just to rub salt into his wounded pride, the first person he came across was his sister. This was all her fault. If she hadn't been snogging Ferret-face he wouldn't have had to hit the bastard. They would have simply exchanged insults like every other day.
"Ginny, how could you?"
"I'm not speaking to you," Ginny answered curtly. "I can't believe you did that!"
"Me?" Ron gaped at his sister incredulously. "ME! What about you? You-you-did that with him!" He couldn't quite articulate exactly what she'd been doing, because in all honesty it made him feel sick to the stomach.
"If you mean I kissed my boyfriend, then-"
"Boyfriend? Since when?"
"Yesterday, actually," Ginny answered flippantly.
"Ginny, do you really think-" Hermione started.
Harry cleared his throat loudly and put his hand on his friend's arm to silence her. "Just let Ron sort it out, Hermione."
"But-"
"You know better than to get involved when they're like this," Harry whispered. "I'm surprise Ginny hasn't hexed him yet."
"I think I'll go to bed," Ginny announced while Ron was still choking on her news. "Oh, Hermione, I can't go into Hogsmeade tomorrow with you. Draco asked me to go with him."
"Fine," Hermione mumbled, frowning deeply at her younger friend.
Struck mute by his sister's betrayal, for that's what it was in his eyes, Ron could do nothing more than watch her flounce upstairs with a smug expression on her face. About two minutes after she vanished his ability to talk returned in an almighty rush of fury. "Do you believe her?"
"Well, I-" Harry started.
"I mean, of everyone she could be snogging, she's doing bloody Malfoy. What did I ever do to deserve this?"
Harry waited a moment before hazarding a response. "It doesn't have anything to do with you, but I agree. Why Malfoy?"
"It's not like Ginny to even give him the time of day," Hermione added.
"He must have something on her," Ron growled. "Or maybe he's using the Imperius."
"Could be a Love Potion," Harry suggested, trying to help his best friend.
"Don't be ridiculous," Hermione said impatiently. "Love Potions are illegal and the Imperius is an Unforgivable."
"Doesn't mean he wouldn't use them," Ron grumbled. There had to be something making Ginny act so peculiar. She couldn't possibly be doing this of her own will.
A giggle from behind the three friends garnered their attention immediately.
"It's so hard to have a private conversation around here," Hermione huffed irritably.
"Malfoy doesn't have to use potions or curses to get a girl's attention," Lavender informed them knowledgeably.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh, don't tell me, it's his stellar personality."
Lavender looked at the bookworm who shared her dorm room. "If you must know-"
"Yes, I must know," Ron insisted.
"It's the way he snogs," Lavender said simply.
"Snogs? But that would mean she would have had to kiss him if that's the attraction," Ron expressed, clearly confused.
"What is it you caught them doing this afternoon, Ronald?" Hermione asked intolerantly.
"What do you mean the way he kisses, Lavender?" Harry enquired curiously.
"He can make your toes curl without even trying," Lavender replied excitedly.
Ron grimaced. "Toes curl?"
"There are his hands as well." Lavender sighed breathily. "He certainly knows how to please a girl."
"What do you mean?" Ron asked tetchily. He didn't like this talk about Malfoy's hands one little bit.
"Oh, they make you forget where you are. His touch is truly magical."
"He's not doing that to my sister!"
"I didn't say he was, but you obviously think so," Lavender retorted defensively before walking away with her nose in the air.
"She said she's going into Hogsmeade with him tomorrow, so we'll just stay really close to them," Harry suggested.
"I can't." Ron dropped onto the couch sullenly. "McGonagall gave me detention."
Harry groaned in frustration for his friend. "Well, I can keep an eye on them for you."
"Thanks." Ron offered his friend a small appreciative smile.
"No problem." Harry grinned broadly. "It'll drive Malfoy nutters if I follow him around all day."
"Yeah," Ron agreed flatly. He doubted that Harry on his own would be much of a deterrent to the likes of Malfoy, and it definitely wouldn't bother Ginny. There had to be another way to make sure the slimy git kept his paws to himself.
After a few minutes of consideration, a smile began to tug at the corners of Ron's mouth. An idea had begun to blossom in his head. It was harsh and he'd never done anything of the sort before, but it would work and that was the most important thing.
"Are you coming upstairs?" Harry asked, yawning widely as he got to his feet.
"No, there's something I need to do first."
"Okay, I'll see you in the morning then."
"Yeah," Ron responded absently, getting to his feet
As Harry disappeared up the staircase Ron sat himself down at a desk and pulled out a sheet of parchment. He knew it was playing dirty, but desperate times called for desperate measures.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Thanks to Rainpuddle13 for her amazing beta skills!
-->