Disclaimer:The characters in the story do not belong to me in any way.
Chapter 9 - Roses are Red...
The whispering click of knitting needles kept Ron from getting any sort of sleep. He was sprawled out on the lawn in the backyard of the Burrow, enjoying the later summer sun. His mother sat on an old rocking chair that was magically enhanced to continually sway. She was furiously knitting something; something purple that Ron was currently unable to identify. Ron knew his mother was anxious, she had always said that knitting manually calmed her.
She had every reason to be anxious Ron thought; Ginny was coming home.
(flashback)
With a sharp crack Professor Dumbledore appeared in the comfy den of the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley sat on the paisley loveseat, nervously rubbing her hands together. Arthur leaned one hip on the arm of loveseat and reassuringly placed a hand on his wife's shoulder.
"Molly, my dear, Albus is here." Molly quickly focused her attention from the large grandfather clock that located the Weasley family members, onto their guest.
Ron sat at the top of the staircase silently observing the proceedings downstairs. He knew his parents weren't hiding this meeting from him; they just hadn't quite been able to accept that Ron was an adult. They still saw him as their little Ronniekins.
Ron was the only one at home so he was left to eavesdrop alone. The twins had gone back to their flat in Diagon alley, and Bill and his wife Fleur were still in France. Charlie had been at the Ministry all day trying to see if there were any job openings closer to home. He didn't want to leave mum to head back to Romania. Not to mention the fact that relations on the continent had not yet been completely re-established and Charlie wasn't certain if the job he had held there even existed anymore.
Ron's ears perked again as he heard the calm tenor of Professor Dumbledore's voice.
"Why Molly, you are looking well!" Albus took the seat across the worn oak coffee table from the Weasley's.
"Thank you Albus. Things aren't the same, but life… life it must continue on."
Dumbledore smiled a sad sort of smile and reached across the table to pat her hand reassuringly.
"Molly, I must commend you. You have done your Gryffindor heritage proud."
Ron listened to the three adults reminisce for several moments. Dumbledore asked after Bill and Charlie and how the twins were coming along with re-establishing their joke shop. Finally after Ron had almost lost all patience for their conversation, Dumbledore finally came around to his reason for visiting.
"I spoke with Dr. Throckmorton this morning. It appears that Ginny will be able to come home tomorrow." Dumbledore paused as if for reaction, "that is if that's what you want." He turned assessing eyes on the couple he had known for years.
Arthur, who had been rather quiet during the previous proceedings, quickly spoke up. "Of course that is what we want!"
Molly raised haunted eyes that reflected the loss of a child, "I want my baby girl back."
Dumbledore softened his eyes. "Molly I will bring her home to you, but there are things. Things you need to know."
Arthur began pacing across the small room his hands clasped behind his back. "Albus I told you, I don't care what she did, I just want her home."
Dumbledore moved to interrupt, "No, Albus I said I don't care… We have already lost one child I can't lose another."
Albus raised a hand to stop Arthur, "I understand that you just want your child back, but you have to understand she may not be the same girl that you knew."
Molly raised her eyes that were brimming with tears. "I have heard what is being said. I know that many think that she was helping the Dark Lord; that she brought Hermione there so that he-who-must-not-be-named could kill Harry. To be perfectly honest I don't know what to think and I am ashamed as a mother to say that." Arthur stared at Molly; this was the most she had spoken since they had received the news regarding Percy. She continued, "I can't say that I don't believe what they are saying. She hasn't been the same girl that I raised since the chamber incident. I thought that she was coming around these past few years, she was almost the little girl I remember."
"Molly she has always been that girl."
"I know, I know. It's just that she became so melancholy. I tried to help her with it and I know that she was getting better. I could help her again. I know I could! All she needs to do is forget about what happened and remember her family. I know I'll make her favorite - apple pie!" For the first time in nearly a week a spark lit Molly's chocolate brown eyes.
"I know you could help her Molly, you are her mother and I am sure there is no where she would rather be right now. But I need to warn you, it may not be as easy as you want it to be." Dumbledore sighed. He had a great deal of respect for the couple sitting across from him. They had been loyal friends since their days at Hogwarts. He also understood their current position. They had little information from the source only hearsay, especially convincing hearsay he reasoned. He also knew they loved their children unconditionally, but the seriousness of the allegations were enough to test the ties of the closest families. He also knew that it would be hard for Ginny to come home, especially with any such thoughts regarding her association with the Dark Lord harbored by her family.
Dumbledore felt an obligation to keep his knowledge to himself; it wasn't his story to tell. Yet he feared for young Ms. Weasley, it was hard enough for her to come to terms with what happened without having to worry whether her family had found her guilty of charges she didn't even know existed.
"Molly, Arthur, You have to understand that I cannot tell Ginny's story for her, that is something she will have to decide to tell you. But I do want you to understand that she had nothing to do with Hermione's capture nor was she an active participant in the events that did occur the day that they left the train." Dumbledore wished that he could tell them more, but in actuality he didn't know all the facts yet, he knew what Draco had told him, but he would rather hear them from Ginny herself.
'Albus, I know. I do not blame her for anything that has happened. We just love her and want her home." Arthur paused in his pacing as he responded to Professor Dumbledore.
Ron dusted his pants off as he rose from his spot at the top of the stairs. He had heard what he needed to know. His sister was coming home, he should probably go and owl Harry - he had wanted to know when she would be back. The only question remaining in Ron's mind was where had she been?
(end flashback)
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Ginny ran her hand along the luxurious fabric that was spread across the end of her bed.
Draco had said he would have an outfit brought up for her, but she had never thought it would be something this nice. Black slacks, crisp with a crease, were accompanied by a camel colored cashmere three-quarters length sweater. Black dress robes also lay on the bed.
She was feeling much better as of late and planned to walk about the grounds for the first time. She had mentioned this desire to Draco the night before and he responded in a typically Draco fashion.
(flashback)
He ran his eyes over her 'borrowed dressing gown. "Well Weasley I assure you that our grounds are secluded, but I think the gardener would be a bit scanadlized if he were to spot you in… that" Ginny glared at him.
< p>
"What Weasley? Were you planning on wearing what is under that robe? I know you aren't accustomed too much, but I thought your family was at least generally clothed."
Ginny continued her silent campaign of glaring.
"Are you through?" Ginny stood up from the small sofa she had been resting on and smoothed her silk dressing robe down her sides. "hmm… this would fetch a nice price…"
"You will not sell my clothing."
Ginny whipped her head around at his comment, "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know it was yours. You wouldn't mind would you, after all I'm sure that you won't be wearing it now that my 'Weasley filth' has ruined it."
Draco emitted a low noise that sounded something like a growl.
"Why Draco control yourself!" Ginny approached the sideboard which held the meal that Draco had brought up for the two of them to share. She poured a glass of pumpkin juice and turned offering up a glass for him. Draco shook his head.
"No, thank you."
Ginny walked back to her spot on the sofa. Merlin she loved sparring with him. There was something about getting under his skin. He so rarely allowed his cool exterior to be ruffled. Yet she seemed to have a talent for it!
Draco watched her walk over to the remaining food. He didn't know how she managed to get under his hide so well, but damn if he didn't enjoyed it.
"To prevent my entire wardrobe from being hocked; I will have an outfit ready for you tomorrow."
(end flashback)
Ginny had been expecting her old clothes to be brought up. She hadn't thought such a nice outfit would be awaiting her.
Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth; Ginny picked up the clothes and quickly slipped into her new threads.
The clothes fit to perfection. She suspected they must have been charmed to fit whoever put them on. The pants skimmed her hips and the sweater it was…well heaven. Ginny had never had the opportunity to try cashmere on. Merlin she had been missing out!
This is something a girl could get used to. She ran her hand through damp locks of hair. Her wand had been confiscated by some nameless minion of Tom's so she was forced to leave her hair be and dry naturally.
Ginny quickly ran out the room without so much as a passing glance in the large mirror by the door.
Draco stood in the foyer. He glanced at his watch; he had said 10:00 where the hell was she! He abhorred lateness. Did she think he had all day to wait around for her. He'd be hogtied before he allowed her to wander the families estates unescorted. Who knew what sort of damage she would wreck, and what secrets she would uncover that he had no desire to explain.
The sound of feet rushing down the stair case alerted him to her presence. Draco's breath hitched in his chest. What had he been thinking giving her those clothes? They did fit her perfectly, but she looked too… too familiar.
He recalled the last time he had seen that outfit. He had just arrived home for Christmas holiday during his 5th year. His mother, like always, had met him in the foyer. She looked elegant as usual, but the smile she wore lent her an air of comfort. That Christmas Lucius had been absent the majority of the time, doing whatever it is that Lord Voldemort asked of him. It had been perhaps one of Draco's happiest holidays. But, he recalled, he could sense tension in the air. He had known that all was not right, yet hadn't said a thing.
Granted Narcissa looked rather different in the camel colored sweater with her light coloring, but the petite frame and large eyes that Ginny possessed were achingly familiar. Ginny's vibrant red hair complemented the tan color well; the large smile on her face did much for outfit as well.
There was something about bringing a smile to her face that pleased Draco. He knew it shouldn't affect him in anyway, but he couldn't help it. She reminded him too much of his mother to simply carry on with her as he had in the past. Shockingly enough after the past few days in which he had gotten to know the young Weasley he found that she was actually an interesting person. She was so different from him and yet so similar.
The pain (physical and mental) both had experienced in their lives significantly shaped their outward personalities. Both had a wealth inside that had never been touched by another. Draco stopped his ruminations, he was thinking on this subject far too much.
He didn't want to think about the relationship that was being forged between the two. He was sure whatever amiability they had forged over her convalescence wouldn't last when they returned to school. She had the dream team (the flames of hell would have to be licking at heels for him to associate with them) and he… well he didn't have friends they cost too much.
Ginny stopped in front of Draco and waved a hand in front of his features. "Earth to Draco!"
Draco swatted her hand away and sent a withering glance her way, "I'm sorry I'm not accustomed to waiting… especially for a Weasley."
"Oh hush!" Ginny stuck her tongue out at him in response.
Draco was appalled; she had the gall to stick her tongue out at him! How one responded to such an action was beyond him.
"Come along." He grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the door. "I don't have all day you know."
It was a pleasant morning. The sun flitted through clouds and it was a mild temperature.
Ginny admired the beautifully manicured lands spread out before her.
"How are you feeling this morning?" Draco asked as he waited for her to catch up to his long-legged stride. He felt a touch of guilt for speeding off from her; she was injured for God's sake.
"Better, I slept quite well."
"The dreamless potion is helping?"
She had been plagued by nightmares since she had arrived; they had escalated after Harry had appeared and triggered much of her memory. After being woken up numerous times, he had consulted Aesa. The doctor had prescribed a dreamless potion, to be used sparingly due to its addictive nature.
"It works quite well." A frown marred her face. Merlin she was scared, scared of a measly potion. She knew she was becoming dependant on the damn concoction. There was nothing she both hated and feared more than being dependant on something.
Draco looked at her furrowed brown and understood how angry she was at the fact that she needed a potion to allow her to sleep normally. Moments like this were becoming increasingly familiar. Draco was finding unsettling similarities between himself and the Weasley's youngest.
The pair walked in silence, a companionable silence. They eventually reached the edge of a large garden. A hedge, perfectly trimmed, outlined the obviously well tended patch.
"What's inside there?" Ginny asked as they approached.
Draco didn't respond immediately. "It's a garden."
"Well yes, I may be poor but I am not dumb." Ginny stopped at the parting in hedging. "I was just wondering if it was special, it looks very well cared for."
Ginny took a step forward into the garden. It was a fabulous garden - large and well designed. It was an eclectic mixture of plants, yet through the design it flowed well and was extraordinarily inviting. Ginny was a bit shocked at the presence of this garden in a house as formal as the Malfoys; such a treasure was highly unexpected. She meandered her way through the small stone-made path.
She paused by a large rose bush, it appeared to be the only one in the garden. A large wooden bench was situated next to dark red rose bush. Ginny reached a hand forward and cupped a blossom. The smell was intoxicating.
Memories flooded through Ginny. Memories of her childhood merged with all the thoughts that she had hedged from her consciousness for the past few days.
Draco remained at the entrance to the garden. Merlin, did she have to go into that garden. It seemed inevitable now that everything he did with that girl would be associated with his mother. Up until a few days ago he had thought he had dealt with feelings associated with Narcissa; but somehow Ginny reminded him that a wealth of emotions simmered just under the surface. He didn't have the luxury of catering to the whims of emotions. His life was filed with consequences and responsibilities. He accepted this and had grown accustomed to it. Suddenly now he was inundated with thoughts that didn't fit within the norms of his life. To be honest it was wearing him out. He was tired of running into feelings he didn't want to have. Merlin what he would do to make this stop!
He watched Ginny slowly lower herself onto the bench next to his mother's prized Windsor rose. He walked forward, her shoulders were hunched forward and her hands cupped her face.
She wasn't crying at least. Ironically that was the one thought that kept her from bursting into tears.
Ginny peered through the fingers that covered her face and caught sight of polished black leather shoes. Draco was standing before her. She didn't know what to say to him, for the past two days she had succeeded in hiding all signs of the mental mess that she was. But now at this moment she was unable to hold up her defenses and there was nothing she could do about it.
Draco watched her silent form. Her façade had broken, he knew it would. A sudden coldness seized his heart, if she had broken so could he. Draco dismissed this thought, he would not break he was stronger and more experienced than the young girl in front of him. Her emotions were much closer to the surface.
Nevertheless her obvious pain burned a hole in him though. Draco crouched down onto his haunches in front of Ginny. He slowly brought one hand up and grasped her concealing hand.
One topaz eye was revealed.
"I'm sorry… I'll be fine in a few minutes" Ginny slowly lowered her other hand voluntarily. "You know… bit of dirt in my eye."
"Weasley, you're a Gryffindor, don't try to lie, it's really rather pathetic."
Ginny sighed in resignation, he was right and she knew it. Hearing his insult was just icing on the cake; she was close to her snapping point.
She managed to bite out a "sod off Malfoy" while she attempted to compose herself.
He watched her valiantly try to regain control. He ought to help her, at least get her to talk about whatever it was that had suddenly disturbed her so.
He thought about the past few days. They had chatted, argued and teased. He'd known that it was all part of her attempt to avoid her memories, but he still had enjoyed every minute of it. He almost considered her a friend.
He nearly fell over when that thought entered his mind. He, Draco Malfoy, could not be a friend of a Weasley - it was unheard of. Yet it was true he supposed. He had talked with her more than he had with anybody, even in his own house. She had seen him at his most vulnerable and hadn't used it against him. He supposed he ought to repay that consideration.
"Weasley…do you want to talk…" Ginny cut Draco off, plastering a smile on her face.
"Like I said, I'm fine… these are beautiful roses."
"Don't Ginny" Draco wasn't going to let her go down this path again.
She met his eyes, her game was up. The sound of her name coming from his mouth gave her pause; so rarely did he call her anything but Weasley. That fact warmed her a bit, took the edge off the memories that were consuming her.
"Why… Why do you care?" Ginny continued to hold his eyes.
"Because… Because that's what a friend does"
For the second time in as many days Ginny's mouth hung open in shock. She had never thought that she would hear those words come from his mouth.
Thoughts regarding her relationship with Malfoy had run through her mind numerous times in the past few days. She had valued the time they spent together immensely. Despite her reservations she had to admit that she didn't think she could have made it though the past week without him. He hadn't pitied her or mocked her, instead he was simply there. It dawned on her that she had begun to consider him a friend, despite her better judgment. He was a prickly wanker there was no doubt about that. But he had moments, such as the one right now, which confused his whole image and her feelings regarding him.
Ginny had been wary of letting her mind run down the path of friendship. She had a less than stellar track record with friendship. Her loneliness during her first year which led to her involvement with Tom was indicative of her troubles. It was one of her greatest insecurities. Growing up there were always her brothers around, they were friends yet they had made it easy for her avoid making friends. When she had reached Hogwarts it had only gotten worse. She had wasted the majority of her years since entering school trying to gain entrance into Ron, Hermione and Harry's inner circle. This had resulted in isolation from many of her classmates, only Colin chatted with her regularly. Most thought her stuck up, or just a bit off since her first year. Ginny over the years had learned to distance herself or experience the pain of rejection, and she was no fool.
"You consider me a friend?" Ginny managed to choke out.
"I suppose, although don't make too much of it, I'm not one for girl chats and slumber parties."
The idea of Draco participating in any of the activities of her dorm mates, brought a smile to her face. Suddenly a mental image of Draco with curlers and an avocado mask painting nails entered her mind and forced a bubble of laughter out.
Draco raised one gilt eyebrow at her.
"Thank you, thank you for making me laugh."
"I have to say that I have been thanked by women for many things…" Draco winked seductively while Ginny rolled her eyes, "but never for making one laugh."
"Well there is a first time for everything. I never thought I would consider Draco Malfoy the evil prince of Slytherin a friend, but here I am."
They sat quietly for a minute, Draco found himself holding one her small hands as she finished composing herself.
"I used to raise roses when I was younger." She began softly. Draco sat and listened he didn't know much of friendship but he assumed that this was what she needed now.
"I had every color I could get my hands on. In fact I think I named them the year Ron left for Hogwarts - they were my friends. I was so alone that year; I had never seen the burrow so empty. My brothers hated the roses; they were constantly falling in their thorns while practicing quidditch. I loved them nonetheless."
Ginny stopped and raised her eyes to his gray orbs.
"They think I did it, don't they. That's why I am here. My family thinks that I joined Lord Voldemort." Her eyes were haunted.
Draco remained silent. He didn't know exactly what the Weasley's were thinking, but he was sure that it was along those lines. Dumbledore had asked Draco to prepare Ginny to return home tomorrow. He had mentioned that as a possible attitude that her family would have.
Draco was torn by his intense hatred for the Weasley clan and a desire to prevent Ginny from experiencing any more pain than was necessary. This desire to protect someone was new and unexpected to Draco. He was used to selectively using information, but that was singularly for his own advancement. He wasn't sure what to do with his knowledge in this situation. He had never been conflicted in such a manner.
"I don't know what your family is thinking Ginny. Those were the rumors flying about during the summer, but I am sure they didn't believe it."
"If they didn't believe, why am I here then?" Ginny was beyond the point of beating around the bush. She wanted the truth and damn if it hurt her.
"You were too injured to move, Aesa and Professor Dumbledore thought it best if you healed first."
"I know, I know but why didn't my family find me in that cave and take me home. Why was it you?" The anger that she had held in for so long began to mix with her sorrow.
"I just happened to find you first. Everyone was busy there were injured everywhere."
"Don't fuck with me Draco! Just tell me the bloody truth." Ginny snapped at him. She had finally lost it; her composure was officially gone.
"Fine. I'll tell you what I know. When the battle ended I honestly don't know where your family was. I know Ron was injured," Ginny gasped suddenly contrite for her outburst. "It wasn't serious, just a full body bind. I saw a medic with him. I was near the entrance to the cave when Harry and Voldemort had their final battle. We all know the end result, Harry the Bleeding-Hero-of-Everything defeated the Dark Lord, and then experienced a loving reunion with his girlfriend, know-it-all Granger. They ran off into the sunset and left the clean up for everyone else." Draco's voice dripped with sarcasm and cynicism.
Ginny was shocked. She knew Draco hated the trio, but she hadn't known the depths of his anger.
"They do tend to do that." Ginny responded after a bit. "I suppose I wasn't expecting that Harry save me, I just didn't think he would have completely forgotten me. I thought that at least for Ron's sake he would have looked for me."
Ginny's head hung down in a bit of defeat. She had known that Harry didn't care for her, but to have it so brutally thrown in her face hurt.
"I tried to be a good daughter and friend. I always did what they asked. Damn Tom and that diary! They never trusted me after that day. I was always poor Ginny. Better go sit with Ginny we wouldn't want her talking with a diary again… I didn't want pity I just wanted to be the girl they wanted me to be. Apparently I wasn't good enough..." Her frustration was evident in her voice.
Draco lifted her chin up to meet his eyes. It felt as if she had read his soul and voiced all the pain he ever had during his youth. "They do care for you Ginny. Don't think otherwise." He grabbed her other hand and forced her attention. "I talked to Dumbledore yesterday, you are going home tomorrow. Your family wants you back."
Ginny stared dumbly at him. She was going home: home to her mother, her father, and her brothers. God she was scared. What if they did believe that she had worked with, she wasn't sure she could handle that sort of rejection.
She felt his thumb swipe across her cheek. Merlin, I'm crying! I told myself I wasn't going to cry.
"Ginny… Please don't cry. You are strong you will make it. Your family won't deny you."
"I'm not so sure of that…" Ginny trialed off, letting her silent tears fall.
Draco gathered her in his arms and they sat on the bench until the sun reached its zenith and threatened to burn their fair skin.
Tomorrow would come and they would deal with it then. Ginny was scared, but somehow she had forged a friendship with the boy in front of her and she knew that they would make it through… together.
__________________________________________________________________________________
This section was like pulling teeth to write. I am not quite satisfied with how it turned out; so there is s good chance that I will put a revised section up. I am open to suggestions. I'll be sure to let everyone know if I decide to change it.
Thank you for the wonderful reviews! I thought I would actually respond to some of them
Reese Darling - Yeah!!! You got exactly what I was going for with the relationship between Draco and Ginny. That is why this chapter was sooooo hard to write. Getting them to put a name to their relationship was difficult - they wanted nothing to do with it : ) Thank you for the praise!!!
Ezmerelda - I'm glad that the last chapter helped explain the relationship that I was trying to establish between Draco and his mother. It is key!
Sexytexy - Oh my! You are such a great reviewer!!!!! I'm glad you enjoyed their interaction - it's fun to write! I haven't yet revealed who the father of her child will be. This story is taking forever to unfold - but I promise you will find out. I'm still psyching myself up to write the scene where she remembers that night exactly - it will be quite the test of my skills. Thanks for the fabulous review!
Kathryn Mason-Sykes - Sorry you don't enjoy the problems with the trio but I'm afraid that it may only get worse - before it gets better. It is all part of my master plan. Here is a secret (I'm not a H/Hr shipper - this has been really hard to write), I will have you know that it doesn't mean it won't end up that way! I must be sneaky...super sneaky! Thanks for the review and I hope that you enjoyed the D/G interaction in this chapter.
Thanks to everyone else who reviewed - I wish I had time to write out a response to everyone, but unfortunately I have to study ugh!