Shame on Me.

Shame on Me by Azure Black

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything apart from the plot, all characters, places and reference belong to the almighty J K Rowling, we salute you!



Story Summary: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Ginny lost him twice. Now he’s back again with no explanation. Will she allow him back? What if he disappears for a third time? Could Ginny survive that again? A tale of love lost and found...and lost again. Set Post Hogwarts, during the War.




Chapter 1: Mundane Chaos




Ginny ran down the ward, panic and adrenaline pulsing through her veins. Lime green and purple flashed past her as she made her way through the hospital. The Medi-witch at the end of the corridor gasped, “Ginny, no, please don’t - ” but Ginny ignored her. She burst through the double doors to an unnerving silence. Her mother looked up.

“Oh gods, no!” Ginny exclaimed. Only her father’s arms around her stopped her sinking to the ground.

Ginny ran down the ward, panic and adrenaline pulsing through her veins. Lime green and purple flashed past her as she made her way through the hospital. The Medi-witch the end of the corridor gasped, “You’re not late again?”

She shouted something that resembled an apology as she skidded round the corner into the Healer’s changing rooms. She quickly stripped out of her jeans and t-shirt into her purple robes. She shoved her mass of red hair into a messy knot on top of her head and taking a deep breath she hurried out to meet her staff witch.

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Ginny rested her head against the cold metal of the staff lockers. “I will not cry, I will not cry.” was the mantra going through her head. Today had not been easy – today? More like the last 48 hours. Hundreds of soldiers had poured into St Mungo’s, in various states of health. She didn’t know why it continued to upset her so much, Voldemort had been launching attacks on the wizarding world for almost three years now.

They’d managed to stay afloat, always just beating the dark but at great cost. So many friends had fallen, today being no exception. It seemed Voldemort and the Death Eaters had attacked a camp of soldiers just outside of Derby on Thursday night. It was now Saturday morning and Ginny had finally finished her shift.

However many casualties came through the door, however long the war had raged for, Ginny never got used to seeing a friend or ally slip away. Today they had lost Dean, amongst others. She sighed, pulling open her locker. “Don’t go there, Gin.” Taking off her robes she grabbed her Muggle clothes and apparated.

She opened the door to her shared flat in West London. Melanie, her flatmate, was also a healer. She normally worked in the accidental magic reversal ward, but any healer available was now working in Emergency. Mel was obviously still at work. Dropping her bag in the hallway she walked into her room and not even bothering to undress, fell asleep.

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Ron Weasley entered the smoky pub, creasing his eyes up as he searched the small tables. His face broke out into a smile at the sight of his best mate looking slightly uncomfortable seated next to a hag in a lacy black veil.

“Harry.” He called out, the smile turning into a grin at the look of sheer relief on his friend’s face.

“Ron!” Harry leapt up, already steering Ron to the other side of the pub. “Thank Merlin you turned up then,” he said quietly out of the side of his mouth, glancing back at the hag. “She had just recognized me.” Ron didn’t miss the look of irritation flash in his friend’s eyes.

They moved to a table by the window, getting drinks on the way. Harry took a sip of his butterbeer.

“Right, what’s so important that you had to see me now? I’m not going to need a firewhisky am I? Luna’s not pregnant?” he smiled to show he was teasing, but his smile quickly faded at the look on Ron’s face.

“Merlin, she is, isn’t she!”

“No, Luna is not pregnant!” Ron said quickly. Taking a deep breath he continued, “I need your advice. Something happened, or rather someone has. Malfoy’s back.” He stopped, letting the words sink in. Harry just stared at him, mouth hanging slightly open.

After several moments of silence, he finally spoke.

“Does she know?”

“No, that’s why I need your advice! Should I tell her?” Harry ran his fingers through his hair, making it stand up even more.

“Have you seen him?”

“Yeah, he was at the Ministry.”

“Did you speak to him?” Ron shook his head. “Maybe you should leave it then. Speak to him first, find out what he is doing here before you tell her.”

“That’s what I was hoping you’d say!” Ron clinked his bottle against Harry’s and took a large swig.

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Stolen touches. Urgent kisses. Everything forgotten. No War. No Death. No one else. Mercury turned to Slate. Passion. Desire. Need.

Dreams, that’s all she had left. She stared up at the ceiling, trying to collect her thoughts. She rolled over to look at her clock, 9:36 am. She still had 25 minutes left of her break but there didn’t seem much point in waiting. Sleep only meant more dreams of things she didn’t want to think about.

She sat up groggily, reaching for her wand. Quickly re-doing her hair she left the healer’s nap room to go back to the emergency ward. The chaos she had left two hours before hadn’t died down. The number of injured was increasing but not the number of fatalities. Could the tables finally be turning? Was the end in sight? The Second War had been going for so long it was hard to comprehend that it could be nearing an end. How strange she couldn't remember what it was like not to be at war. Of course she had memories before the war, of Hogwarts and her family, but she couldn’t remember basic day to day living before war entered the equation.

“Ginny! Thank God, help me get him to a bed.” It was Colin, holding up a drooping soldier, his robes as bloody as the soldier’s.

“Colin, are you alright? You’re not hurt are you?”

“I’ve got to go Gin, they’re fighting hard, but we’re beating the bastards!” and with that he ran to the nearest fireplace and practically jumped into the flames. Ginny sighed and steered the patient to the nearest bed.

“I need a Medi-witch and potions specialist, now!” she yelled out.

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She apparated to her flat, amazed she hadn’t splinched herself, the state she was in. Despite being tired she felt good. The soldier had pulled through and would be fine, after a month at St Mungo’s, mind.

“Mel? Are you home? She called through their flat.

“In the living room.” Ginny followed her flat mate's voice, grinning as she imagined finding Mel spread out on the sofa watching muggle soaps as she often did. Instead she found utter chaos when she walked in. Mel had pretty much her entire wardrobe across the floor.

“Going somewhere?” she asked, throwing her keys down on the coffee table.

“We’re going out.” Mel said, not even bothering to look up as she rummaged through various piles.

“Oh WE are, are we?” Ginny replied, hands on hips. Mel looked up at her tone and grinned.

“Yes, Molly, we are!” Ginny looked slightly confused at the use of mother’s name until she followed Mel’s gaze, quickly dropping her hands.

“Fine, I’ll go and get ready, but I am not staying out long, I’m absolutely knackered.” She wandered into her room. It was cream and duck-egg blue, and quite bare but Ginny liked it this way. You didn’t get a chance to be spacious at the Burrow. She pulled off her day clothes and set about picking clothes for tonight.

She settled on a pair of skin-tight jeans and a black backless top. She charmed her hair so it hung in wild curls that trailed halfway down her back. Using a glamour charm she rimmed her eyes in black and decided on a clear lip-gloss. Slipping her feet in to her favourite Four-inch heels, she grinned. She never understood woman who didn’t like wearing heels, yes okay, so they hurt occasionally, if not all the time, but for Ginny it wasn’t until she sank her feet into those shoes, did she feel the excitement of going out. This time was no different. “We’re going out!” she thought, still grinning stupidly at herself in the mirror.

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Snakebite was situated at the end of Diagon Alley. The Club never had a queue outside; it was too dangerous to stand outside for long periods of time. As Ginny and Mel drew closer though they could practically feel heat and magic radiating off the building. They reached the entrance.

“Hey Jimmy!” Mel grinned at the large toothless bouncer.

“Hi girls! It’s going down heavy tonight, looks like it’s gonna be a good-un!”

He waved the girls through to the wand inspection point. Dropping her wand in, Ginny had a quick glance around. Jimmy had been right, it was heaving! Jimmy quickly checked the print out from their wands (the new form of ID in the wizarding world) and waved them through.

The club was dark and close. Hot bodies were crammed together on the dance floor. Mel and Ginny made their way through the crowd heading towards the bar. Ordering their drinks, they were soon pushing their way onto the dance floor.

The beat was heavy, pulsing up through the floor, infecting the clubbers with energy. Mel and Ginny were soon separated but Ginny didn’t mind, she liked dancing on her own, it felt much more liberating. She let out a sigh, giving herself up to the music, her hips swaying dangerously from side to side. She felt strong hands grasp them. Normally she would have removed them, but something about the way they grasped her, tightly, with authority, caused her to leave them there. She imagined they belonged to the one man she really wanted it to be. She backed up slightly, pushing her curves into the hard body behind her.

‘Good dancer.’ She thought as he ran his hands up and down her body, causing an involuntary shiver to go through her, something no one had done to her in years. She looked down at the hands that were now grasping her hips again and stopped. A silver signet ring glittered in the low lighting. A snake twisted around an emerald. She tried to swing round, to see who was behind her but the strength of the man stopped her, holding her tightly in place.

“Just let go.” He whispered, his mouth grazing her ear. The next song slowed to a dark hypnotic pace. Ginny began dancing with him again, but halfway through the song she could take it no longer and slowly turned round. Brown met silver. Her breath caught in her throat. His face remained still but his eyes shifted, betraying the emotion she knew he was trying to hide. She brought a hand to his face, tracing the livid scar that was the only mar on its porcelain surface.

She learned her head forward, a gesture deeply familiar to both. Just before her lips met his she was shoved violently away. A drunken wizard had stumbled into her. She gazed down at the offender as he tried and failed to apologize. She started to smile looking up to share the joke with her dancing partner but the smile died on her lips.

He had gone.

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Author’s Note; Thanks to everyone to reviewed, and a special thank you to my beta English_Rose, who is going through this chapter by chapter with me.

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot, all the characters, places and references belong to the almighty J K Rowling, we salute you!

Chapter 2: Memories of Darkness.



Draco slammed the door into his flat. Well, the Landlord called it a flat, it was more like a room. Not bothering to turn the lights on or draw the curtains, he sat on the small single bed. He groaned, leaning over putting his head in his hands.

‘How could I have been so stupid? Has the last year meant nothing? How could I risk everything, risk Ginny?!’

He had gone to Snakebite, knowing full well she would be there. He had only wanted to see her. Not talk to her, certainly not dance with her! He only wanted to see her, it had been so long, but when he did see her, he knew it isn’t enough. But he had nearly kissed her! He had always prided himself on control, on being able to mask his emotion and rule his actions. The again Ginny Weasley had always been his down fall, he should have known tonight would be no different. He had worked so hard though, why couldn’t he have waited that little bit longer!

Lying down he put his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling, letting memories he had blocked out for a long time flood his mind once again.

***

Malfoy Manor had become a dark place. Yes, it had always been cold and formal, but since the war began an evil had settled over the mansion.

Draco strode through the corridors, anger radiating off him.

“Draco, please?” but his mothers pleading fell on deaf ears. He had had enough, enough of the lies, of the violence. He had returned to the manor that evening to find his mother sobbing in the front parlour room, a large purple bruise already starting to show across her pale cheek. It had been the last straw. A week ago he had caught his father in bed with a young girl, the week before torturing muggles in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor. His father had drilled control and honour into him from such a young age, his father was nothing but a hypocrite.

He threw the door of his father’s study open, not bothering to knock. His father stood by the fire place talking to a masked face in the fire.

“I’m sure we have already had the talk about knocking Draco, where you four or five at the time? I would hate to have to repeat myself.” His father drawled, raising a blond eye brow at his son.

“But I, father, have had enough of your talks, enough of you actually.” Draco drawled back, but unlike the other Malfoy there was no amusement in his eyes.

“Leave us.” Lucuis spoke with out taking his eyes form Draco. Draco knew he wasn’t talking to him, this was too important. The death Eater in the fire however, did not possess the Malfoy intelligence. He looked from father to son.

“But Sir, the Dark Lord?”

“I am aware the Dark Lord is waiting, this shouldn’t take long.” The Death Eater vanished from the fire.

“This had better be good Draco.” Lucuis sat down.

“That’s all you care about isn’t it,” Draco spat out, “The Dark Lord and the fucking Mark.” Lucuis said nothing, just stared at Draco his eye brow raising again.
“Well I won’t be like you Father, I won’t worship that, that…”

“I’d be very careful how you finish that statement Draco.”

“No, you can’t control me anymore, Nor Mother. How could you do that her, hit her?”

“She spoke out of turn. I won’t tolerate cheek from anyone.”

“We’re not anyone,” Draco exploded, “We’re your family!”

“It doesn’t matter, if anything that’s worse. The Malfoy honour is paramount. Draco you know this! What is this about? The Dark Lord does not like to be kept waiting, especially about something this trivial.” The older man made a move but stopped at his son next word.

“I won’t be you, father. Fuck the Malfoy honour, you don’t know what honour means.”

“Be very careful what decisions you make, Draco, you may only have one chance to choose.”

Draco left the manor that day, he had never returned.

***

The trademark Malfoy smirk appeared on Draco’s face. How naïve he had been. He didn’t regret his decision; he knew he would have become some thing he hated had he stayed. He just wondered sometimes if he could have saved more lives if he had stayed, could he have saved his mother? But he couldn’t change that now.

***

He had gone to Dumbledore that night, trading his alliance. The old headmaster had sat there with a knowing look in his blue eyes. Dumbledore had known the young Malfoy would come to him at some point. He would admit he hadn’t expected him so soon, but was neither here nor there.

The other members of the Order weren’t so accommodating. Potter had been the only one not to greet him with open hostility. By no means was he there with open arms, but it was obvious Potter had more important things on his mind. The Older members of the Order thawed first, especially Mrs Weasley.

This did not mean he hadn’t had his fair share of run-ins with the fiery red head. Their first and real argument had occurred when Molly asked him to do his share of the housework. Draco had dismissed it as 'House elf work.’ This resulted in Draco not only having to clean the entire kitchen, without magic he might add, but also been subjected to a 'Hermione- on- S.P.E.W' rant. He learnt quickly though, and soon found the natural rhythm and routine at the Order’s house causing him to think of it as the first place he had ever really considered home. The War was coming though, although it had not yet start, officially, they could all feel it coming, the calm before the storm.

He had been living with the Order for nearly six months when the news of his Mothers’ death came through. Ron and Harry sat in front of the fire, playing a game of wizard chess. Draco and Hermione sat reading on the sofas, with Ginny on the floor flicking aimlessly through a copy of witch weekly.

Molly Weasley walked in, her eye red, her gaze drifting to Draco.

“Draco dear, Professor Snape has just sent a report to Dumbledore. I’m so sorry…”she didn’t need to finish. Draco already knew what had happened. He calmly shut the book he had been reading and uncrossed his long legs as he stood up.

“Thank you, Mrs Weasley. Ladies please excuse me.” He offered a small nod at the women in the room before he exited the room.

That was the first night she came to him. Nothing happened, she just lay next to him in his single bed, shedding the tears he could not. This routine had continued for two weeks before Draco acknowledged her presence. She crept into his room as usual. Slipping under the blanket she was confronted with not the bare back she was used to, but a pair of silver grey eyes.

He didn’t say anything just stared at her. Leaning forward he captured her lips in a tentative kiss. She immediately deepened the kiss, seeking permission into his mouth, which he granted willing. He pulled her closer so she was now flush against his body, her fiery curves a startling contrast against his icy solidity. He ran a hand over her hips and thighs, groaning with pleasure. He had been racked with dreams of her for days, but he knew now they had no where near prepared him for the real thing. He rolled her over, pushing her into the mattress with his weight. Her long t-shirt she wore as a night dress was rucked past her stomach. He ran is hand over her breast through the thin material and was amazed as she arched up into his hand.

He broke apart from her, both staring at each other, both breathing heavily. He rolled on to his back, swearing under is breath.

“Draco, what’s wrong?” it was the first time she had said his given name, and he decided then she should be the only one to ever be allowed to utter it.

“Just go to sleep.” She said pulling his head onto her chest, stroking his hair. It was the first good night’s sleep he had had in months.

***

The smirk changed into a true smile, a rarity reserved only for Ginny Weasley. His body now ached for the warmth his mind had been thinking of. Every night she had come to him. Always he was the one to pull away before it went too far. He couldn’t understand why himself, she obviously wanted him and Merlin knows how badly he'd wanted her. A Malfoy never truly denied himself something he wanted. Maybe this was why he always pulled back. Maybe he hadn’t wanted to be a Malfoy with Ginny. Or maybe he hadn’t wanted to get close to somebody again. The only other person he had been close to had been his Mother and she had left him. He knew it was childish and if anything he'd left her, but for some reason he still couldn’t forgive her.

The first major battle had started soon after. Draco shivered involuntarily at the thought. Many lives had been lost since then. It had all started in Diagon Alley. It had been truly the first time Draco had put some one else before himself. Suddenly

Draco was lost in a darkness that he had fought off for many years now.

***

Authors note: I know the first chapter of this story was quiet confusing but I would really love your feed back on this one. I have tried to reveal enough of the plot that it comes across but doesn’t ruin where the story is going. Have I done this? Please tell me. Thanks Azure.

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot, all the characters, places and references belong to the almighty J K Rowling, we salute you!

Summary: Ginny tries to cope with what see thinks she has seen. Ron puts his foot in it, again!

Chapter 3: Secrets and Tempers.

Ginny rushed out of Snakebite, tears threatening her eyes, Draco’s hands still burning on her body. She stared wildly around, looking for a flash of platinum. Had it been real? It has felt real, but she had thought about this, dreamed about this for soon long, had she imagined it?

“Ginny! What the hell are you doing? You know it’s not safe to be outside on your own!” Mel grabbed her arm, spinning the red-haired round to face her. Mel’s anger melted at the look on Ginny’s face.

“What happened?” she asked quietly, but with a sense of urgency, it was a long time since she had seen this stricken pale face that was now staring back at her.

“Draco…” was the only thing Ginny managed.

“What? Where? Merlin Ginny, what’s going on?!” But Mel knew she wasn’t going to get any sense at of her best friend. She needed to get her some where safe. Grabbing hold of Ginny’s wrist she dragged her to the Leaky Cauldron.

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They flooed to the Burrow as Mel didn’t trust Ginny not to splinch herself in this kind of state. Molly Weasley was humming to herself as she cleared the kitchen after supper.

“Molly, Help!” Mel panted as she tumbled out of the fire place, trying to support a dazed Ginny.

“Gods, what happened?!” Molly gasped, quickly moving across the room to help Melanie get her daughter into a chair.

“I don’t know. We were in Snakebite, it was absolutely packed. I lost Ginny in the crowd for a while, then saw her run outside, so I went after her and found her in this state!” it was Obvious to Molly that Mel was getting quite upset at this point. Mel looked like she was about to say something but Molly turned to Ginny.

“Ginny, dear, it’s mum. What happened?” the soothing tone that had worked so well with all her children suddenly sparked tears in the younger redhead’s eyes. Molly looked stricken as the tears poured freely down her daughter’s face.

“Molly you don’t understand! I’ve only gotten one word of sense out of her since we got out of the club!” Molly turned round to look at the young girl. “Molly she said ‘Draco’.” Molly gasped reaching out for her daughter.

“Ginny, tell me what you saw.” Ginny looked into her mothers eyes, finally registering exactly where she was. Her face crumpled and she sobbed into her mother’s shoulder. She managed to get out various disjointed comments out, but her mother just made soothing sounds calming her only daughter.

“Melanie, would you please go and fetch Arthur, I think you’ll need to floo him at the ministry.” Mel quickly walked over to the fire place, removing a small amount of powder from the flower pot next to the grate, she throw it into fire, causing the flames to turn green. Molly watched as she stuck her head in the fire for several minutes, withdrawing it with a sign.

“He’s on his way now.” She had barely finished the sentence when Mr Weasley appeared next to his wife and daughter in the kitchen. Molly let go of her Ginny, letting Arthur pull her into an embrace.

“Daddy?” She whispered.

“Sssh, that’s right I’m here now. Come on, let’s get you upstairs.” He pulled her to her feet. He looked quizzically at his wife but she shook her head, indicating she would talk about this later.

Arthur led her upstairs, through the familiar corridors, to her old room. He pushed her towards the bed. A faint smile crossed her lips at the sight of her old room; her mother still hadn’t been able to change it, even though she moved out months ago. She lay down on the comfortable single bed, on the old duvet and blanket, falling asleep to the soothing voice of her father.

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Ginny awoke early, wondering for moment where she was. Then the various scents of a breakfast on a scale only Molly Weasley could create wafted into her room. She sat up, only then realising she had the mother of all headaches. Wincing at the movement she lifted the covers back when suddenly the events of last night came back to her – Draco! Headache forgotten she jumped up and ran down the rickety staircase.

Her father and Ron sat at the breakfast table. Mr Weasley was reading the Daily Prophet, trying and failing to eat a piece of toast at the same time. Ron was hoovering eggs and bacon so fast one would have though he hadn’t eaten in days!

Ginny smiled at the scene, it was as if nothing ever changed in the Burrow, not matter what was going on in the outside world you could rely on the Burrow staying the same. Then she noticed the angry look her mother threw at Ron, one he was trying to ignore, unsuccessful.

“Morning.” She said, sitting down opposite her brother. Her Father said “Good Morning” were as Ron had to wave due to the danger opening his mouth may have caused.

“Oh, Morning Ginny dear. Did you sleep well? We didn’t wake, did we dear? You still look a little peaky, are feeling alright?” Molly’s face was etched with concern. Ginny knew she was going to have to nip her mother’s fussing in the bud before she got on a roll.

“Yes, thank you. No you didn’t. I feel fine, starving but fine!” her mother’s look of concern turned into one of horror at the thought of some one (especially one of her own) going hungry in her house.

“Oh of course dear, what do you want, anything at all!” Molly was already bustling around gathering breakfast foods and placing them in front of Ginny.

“Oh Scrambled egg would be great.” Ginny said smiling sweetly at her mother. When Molly turned her back to start making Ginny’s breakfast, Ron raised an eyebrow.

“Scrambled egg? You always the one having a go at us for making Mum make a cooked breakfast when there’s toast and cereal. Do the words Pot, Kettle and black mean anything to you?” Ron hissed across the table.

“So Ron, what’s going with Luna? I wonder where she got to the other night, she wasn’t in her flat when I popped-,” Ron kicked her unceremoniously under table. She glared at him until he brought his hands up in a sign of mock surrender. Ginny smiled sweetly at him as her mother placed the plate of eggs in front of her, two door stops of toast on either side. Turning to her father she asked the question she had wanted to ask all breakfast.

“Is there anything about Draco in there Dad?” Ron looked up at her then her Mother very quickly. Ginny ignored him, concentrating on her father.

“No dear, but-,” but Mrs Weasley cut him off.

“Maybe you should be asking you brother!!” This was met by incredulously stares from both her children. Ron groaned at his Mother as Ginny rounded on him.

“If you dare tell me you knew that he was back and you didn’t think to tell me…” she said this in a deathly quiet tone. Ron shrank back slightly, he had already experience the wrath of one Weasley woman today; he didn’t want to repeat that so soon.

“Now hold on Ginny, let him explain first.” Her father placed a hand on her forearm, instantly calming her. Mr Weasley knew his son was very young and had a lot to learn about women, he would need a helping hand in this situation, especially since it was not one but two woman he had to placate.

Ginny sat very still, watching her brother’s ears start to go pink.

“I saw him a couple of days ago. I don't know exactly when or why his come back. I wanted to find out what he wanted before I told you Gin. When I talked to Harry-,” Mr Weasley winced.

“Harry Knew?!” Ginny exploded. “Well isn’t that just bloody typical. I suppose Hermione knows too, all the dream team must be informed before Ginny knows anything!!! If fact why didn’t you just take out a sodding Ad in the Daily Prophet as no one tells me anything, you secret would have been quite safe! “Draco Malfoy’s back but don’t tell Ginny!”

“I DIDN’T TELL ANY ONE ELSE!” Ron’s temper was flaring now. “What was I supposed to do Gin, he buggers off for over a year, breaking my little sister’s heart on the way, going Merlin knows where, with Merlin knows who! The turns up out of the blue! I didn’t want you to get hurt again!”

“Well Congratulations on failing miserably once again! I got hurt Ron! I’m not four for God’s sake! When are you going to stop with this stupid over protective thing? I can look after myself, contrary to popular belief!”

“OH really?” Ron had now gone bright red. “I seem to remember having to save you from a group of death eaters in the first battle!”

“Ron!” Mrs Weasley gasped.

“Er, Ron…” Mr Weasley had gotten to his feet, as had Ron and Ginny. But Ginny got in there first.

“That was Draco and you know that! You should be thanking him! But no, because of some stupid school rivalry that you refuse to grow out of makes you as pig headed as ever!”

“Who brought him back last time from Moorefield?!” Ron was now yelling. Ginny stared at him.

“What the hell is he talking about?” Ginny whispered glancing at her parents.

Ron glanced quickly at his mother.

“That’s enough!” Mr Weasley said firmly. “Ron, go to work. Ginny eat your breakfast.”

“What are you talking about?” Ginny asked quietly. Ron looked at his father.

“Look Ginny this is not the time to be discussing this. It is something you have to talk to Draco about ok? Now Ron you really must go to work, you going to be late as it is.” He looked firmly at his son, who was now looking horrified that he had let one of the family's biggest secrets slip out like that. “Ginny go up stairs and get dressed. I suggest you try and find Draco today, if it’s not to upsetting for you.” Ginny was still staring at Ron.

“Ron?” he looked sheepishly at her.

“Dad’s right Ginny. Malfoy has to be the one to tell you.”

“Tell me what!” Ron smiled slightly at her and disapparated.

Ginny swung round to look at her parents. “What haven’t you told me?!”

“Go and get dressed Ginny, you can come to the ministry with me, I’m sure someone in the Auror department will now what’s going on.”

Ginny looked at him and sighed; it was obvious she wasn’t going to get anything out of her father. She turned on her heels and went to get dressed. Suddenly a nervous excitement started in her. She was going to find Draco.

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Author’s Note; Thanks to the readers who left reviews, as I said before this story is finished, with a sequel being written at the moment. Questions shall be answer from the next chapter more, so come back! Lol thanks Azure xxx

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot, all the characters, places and references belong to the almighty J K Rowling, we salute you!

Chapter 4: Missions and Freedom.


“He’s in a meeting at the moment Sir. Would you like me to memo him?”

“Yes, alright!” he snapped, tapping the desk impatiently with his fingers. He noticed, with grim satisfaction, the Malfoy name still has some effect as the receptionist went into a flurry over the memo parchment.

She taped it with her wand, sending it soaring off towards the lift, and then asked him to take a seat in the atrium. He sat, one foot propped on the opposite knee, trying to take in the Daily Prophet, realising lately (since seeing Ginny actually) that he had been finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate.

He was also getting progressively more pissed off at being made to wait. He knew that the Malfoy name didn’t amount to much any more, but he was finding it hard to become unaccustomed to the luxury and social status he had once held.

Thankfully the little witch was now coming across the wooden floor, high heels clicked as she went; informing him he could now make his way upstairs. Nodding his head in a sign of acknowledgement he made his way to the golden doors. As the lift clunked its ways up the floors, he carelessly fell into thought. He remembered another time he had taken this path through the ministry.

“Now Malfoy, you understand why you’re here?”

“I’m not as stupid as some may believe.” Draco drawled back, only his knuckles turning white displaying his true emotion. Harry ploughed on, ignoring his comment.

“You are to undertake a secret operation for the Order and the Ministry. You will be registered as a secret unspeakable. Only yourself and a select few will know about the mission and it is paramount you don’t reveal yourself to the wizarding world after this meeting. You will take a portkey to a set location from here and await further instructions.” Harry took a deep breath, looking earnestly at the pale man in front of him.

“You’ve been through a lot recently, you don’t have to accept this if you want to recover.”

“You know full well if this is going to work it has to be now.”

Harry sighed nodding; he knew Draco was speaking the truth. It just seemed so soon after everything to be sending him back to a solitary existence with no guarantee of survival. Draco seemed to read is mind.

“Don’t get all sentimental on me, Potter! I have to be presumed missing if I can carry this off.” His expression darkened. “I can’t let myself get attached again if I’m going to help the Order. At least this time I’m doing something that will make a difference. At least I’ll have hope, how ever small.” He finished quietly.

Harry felt a new sense of connection and admiration for Draco Malfoy, he truly was a man of honour now.

“Very well, sign here.”

“Magical Law enforcement…” brought him back to the present. He walked out of the lift and strode confidently down the corridor, ignoring the stares and whispers. Not bothering to knock he entered the office at the end.

“Malfoy,” Harry rose up out of his chair, “Please take a seat.” He gestured to a chair opposite the desk. Draco ignored him, instead going to the window.

“Let’s just get this over with, shall we?” he said, glancing at his colleague, and dare he say – friend?

“Right, well your mission seems to have been successful. You’ve gathered all the necessary information we needed.” He looked up smiling at Draco, who scowled and went back tot looking at of the window.

“I’m aware of what I have achieved, why don’t we just get on with what, or rather where, I’m going next.”

“What? Oh where has it gone?” he was rummaging through a pile of parchment on his desk. Draco noticed him grimace slightly and finger the scar on his forehead.

“Where am I going next?” he said this with the air of one addressing a very stupid person.

“Going next…” Harry said snapping his head up to look at Draco. “Malfoy you’re not going anywhere!” Draco turned slowly, looking Harry straight in to eye.

“What?” Harry smiled at this.

“I asked you here to congratulate you and officially sign you off!” he waved a piece of parchment in front of Malfoy, it was the magical contract he had signed months ago. Whatever colour had been in the pale wizard’s face, drained at these words.

“But I don’t want to be signed off, I want another mission.” He said deathly quiet. The smile on Harry’s face faded.

“Well, I’m sorry Malfoy but I’ve got my orders. You are to be dismissed as an unspeakable. Naturally you are reminded of you oath and contract, they still stand even thought you have returned to civilian status. This means you can’t repeat or converse about any of the missions or situations you have encountered as an unspeakable. Now enough of the formal talk, lets go out a celebrate.” He grinned but faltered at the look on Draco’s face.

“I want another mission.” He repeated, a muscle twitched in his cheek.

“Look you can appeal on this if you really want to, but I really won’t recommend it.”

“Oh yes?” Draco reply with mock interest. “And why exactly is that, Harry?” he stressed Harry’s name, making sure the other man new this wasn’t not a term of endearment.

“I don’t think you’ll win.” He replied simply, quickly carrying on by the look of rage creeping over Draco’s face. “You need a rest, you’ve been on this mission for over 10 months now and before that…” he broke off. “Look you need to heal,” he quickly continued before Draco could cut in. “I know you’ve healed physically but mentally you’re still stuck in that cell. I see it in your eyes. You forgetting Malfoy, I know what it was like.”

“You have NO IDEA!” Malfoy yelled. “You were there for five minutes, you were there getting us out. I was in that cell for two years, on my own Potter! Two years of not speaking to any one! The only human contact being those who torture you for days at a time. So forgive me, Potter,” he spat the name out, “if I think you are talking bollocks!”

Harry looked taken aback by this sudden out burst, Malfoy never lost his cool! How ever this only cemented in his mind that he was doing the right thing by stopping Malfoy from being given another assignment.

“I also think it would be a good idea for you took go and talk to some one.”

“Oh shove off Potter, I don’t need a sodding Healer, I need another mission!”

“Well you not getting one, so bloody well accept it! Christ you would have thought I was sending you on a mission when I promised you leave!”

“What would I want leave for?” Draco snapped.

“Er, friends, family?”

“What friends and family Potter? They’re all dead, hate me, or in Azkaban!”

“Ginny.” Harry was very interested at the reaction that this name provoked in Malfoy. He was not disappointed. He didn’t miss the look of affection that past through those eyes, the flicker of self doubt, but it was gone almost as quickly as it had come.

“What about her?”

“What are you going to do about her?”

Draco had been dreading this question. He was now a free man. He no longer had to distance himself from her, he could carry out the promises he had once made to her. But what if she couldn’t, or worse, wouldn’t forgive him? What if she didn’t want him? What if she had moved on? He would fight of course, she had been the one thing that had kept him going for 3 years now and he wouldn’t give up. But the question was would she want him to? Turning to leave he said on last thing to Harry before going.

“I don’t think that’s up to me, do you?”

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Ron looked up from his desk as Harry’s door opened. His jaw fell open as Draco Malfoy strolled out, cool as anything thing, making his way back down towards the lift. Ron waited until the doors had closed to rush into his friend’s office.

“What the hell was he doing here?” Harry looked up red flooding Ron’s face, a sure fire warning sign for trouble ahead. He knew Ron had never learnt to trust their old enemy, hell, had it not been for the fact he had been Draco’s only correspondence over the last 10 months he won’t have either.

“Nothing much, just wanted to chat.” he said looking back down.

“Just wanted to chat?” Ron said, disbelievingly. “What the hell could you and he possible have to chat about?!”

“Clam down Ron, it’s nothing of interest to you.” Harry could feel the anger rolling off his friend.

“Calm down! CALM DOWN!” Ron was full on yelling now. “That bastard walks out of your office after disappearing for nearly a year, with not so much as a Christmas card and you’re telling me to CALM DOWN!”

“Look Ron, don’t you think he’s been through enough. It’s really none of our business where-,” Ron cut him off, looking mutinous.

“Don’t even think about saying it’s none of my Business. You’ve been hanging around with Hermione too much! He broke Ginny’s heart! Remember, Ginny, my little sister, practically your little sister!” he poked Harry in the chest to emphasise his point.

“Look mate I hate to sound even more like Hermione, but you really shouldn’t be talking about stuff you don’t know about.” He knew almost before he had finished he shouldn’t have said it. Ron looked as if he was about to exploded. In fact, he was so anger he could only manage short punctuated sentences.

“Snotty bastard….swanning in here….Ginny.”

“All I’m saying Ron, is there are things you don’t know about, stuff that has happened to Malfoy that means you should cut him some slack.” Harry said quietly. Ron stopped pacing, peering suspiciously at Harry.

“What do you know?” he said, trying to keep his voice even.

“Oh come on Ron, you know I can’t tell you!” Harry sighed. Ron had always struggled with Harry being an unspeakable Auror, he still thought Harry would tell him everything, like it had been at Hogwarts.

“You’ve changed.” Ron said angrily.

“Oh course I’ve changed!” Harry snapped. “You’d changed too if you had the fate of the whole wizarding world hanging over your head! Don’t you think it’s about time you got over yourself Ron! Why can’t you accept Malfoy, there are more important things to worry about!” he was yelling now, all control over his temper gone. Ron looked shocked. When an awkward silence took over, it was Ron that eventually broke it.

“Look I’m sorry,” he said flopping into a chair. “I’m just worried about Ginny. I can’t bear what that git did to her last time; I just don’t want to risk her going through that again! How do we even know he’s really on our side? He might have been working for them this whole time! How do we know?!” he sat forward, presenting these worries that had been bugging him for days now.

“’Cause he’s working for us.” Harry replied simply. He knew in theory he shouldn’t be telling Ron this, but he also knew that Ron would not stop until some one told him the truth and the magically contract binding himself and Draco had finished now. It was actually a relief to finally be able to tell some one. “Just trust me on this one Ron, ok?” Ron looked as if he wanted to say something but fortunately for Harry, decided to change the subject.

“I’ve got a message from Mum.” He said running a hand through his trade mark Weasley hair. “She told me to remind you about dinner tomorrow night.”

Harry had actually forgotten about the dinner they had organised a few weeks ago. He was about to say he couldn’t make it, when he had a brainwave.

“Yep, I’ll be there.” He said grinning. Ron looked relieved that the brief argument was over.

“Right, well, we’ll see you there about half six?” and when Harry nodded he left the office to owl Ron’s mother.

Harry quickly grabbed a piece of parchment and scribbled a hasty note across it.

Dear Mrs Weasley,

Thanks for reminding me about dinner, don’t worry I’ll be there, wild hippogriffs couldn’t keep me away. I was just wondering if it would be okay to bring a guest? Just send Hedwig back with you reply.

Thanks again,

Harry.

Tying the message to his old owl’s leg he wondered briefly if this was a bad idea. Then decided he had to happen some time and if he had learnt anything over the years it was that sooner was always better than later.

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Authors Note: Thanks to the people who have reviewed this fic, It means a lot. Next Chapter will be uploaded very soon, either later today, or tomorrow. Please review after reading, is always very nice to know what you think of the chapter and the fic so far. Here’s a sneaky spoiler for the next chapter:

We find out what actually happened that night in Diagon Alley when the war started, and just who Draco saved Ginny from.

Thanks again to those who reviewed. Azure xxx

Disclaimer: I own the plot but everything else belongs to J K Rowling, we salute you!

Summary: Ginny waits to go to the Ministry and thanks about the last tender moments she spent with Draco.

Chapter 5: Celebrations and Sacrifices.

Ginny sat in the family room as her father got ready to go with her to the Ministry. ‘What had Ron meant?’ she thought twisting the hem of her cotton skirt. ‘What secrets has every one been keeping from me?’ Ron comment, in particular, was bugging her, the one about him saving her from the Death Eaters. She knew Ron seriously disliked Draco but he knew as well as she did that it was Draco who saved her that night. She tried not to think about that night too much, although it was frequently in her dreams, but lately it had been invading her waking thoughts as well. She smiled; the night had started so well…

They had won! The Canons had finally won the Quidditch League and the younger members of the Order were out in full force. Ginny after finishing work had made her way over to the Leaky Cauldron. There were hundreds of people making they way round Diagon Alley, desperate to celebrate some thing while they still could.

Walking into the crowed pub, she started looking round the crowd for her friends and family, so realising there was no need; they were easily the loudest and merriest group there! Making her way across towards them she openly grinned at seeing an incredibly drunk Harry and an equally drunk Draco singing loudly, arms draped round each other.

“Hey!” she shouted to Hermione, barely being heard over the din the boys were creating. Hermione didn’t bother trying to reply, she just rolled her eyes as she leaned over and hugged her closest girlfriend. Breaking away from Hermione she saw Draco stagger towards her, she shot a glance at Ron, who was thankfully facing the other way. Hermione and Harry, however, were staring slightly opened mouthed as Draco pulled Ginny towards him, leaning his head on her shoulder. She clung on to him, reeling in this new development, she knew he was drunk but she didn’t think he was that drunk!

“Hello there, love.” He murmured into her neck, sending the most amazing vibrations through her body. Before she had time to reply he pulled his head, sealing her mouth with his.

‘Oh Merlin’ was the last coherent thought that she had before giving herself over to the kiss. Just as it was getting good, Draco pulled violently away. Ginny was about to ask what the hell he thought he was doing, and he’d better get back to it right now, when reality hit her, or rather was trying to hit Draco across the room.

“Ron NO!” she shouted, grabbing the arm he was about to hit Draco with. He dropped the arm but didn’t let go of the front of Draco’s shirt. Draco looked as if he had finally recovered form the shock and would like nothing more than to fight Ron.

“Don’t you touch my sister, you disgusting Ferret!” Ginny rolled her eyes as Ron hissed this statement into Draco’s plainly bored face.

“Oh back off Weasel, if you’d bothered to look before you so rudely interrupted, you would have seen she was actually quite enjoying it!” He replied, shoving Ron roughly away from him. Ginny took this opportunity to get in between the two, Ron had gone dangerously red by this point.

“Ron, leave it. He didn’t mean any harm.” Draco raised an eye brow at this statement, but sensibly kept quiet. The pub had gone completely silent, watching with bated breath for the notorious Weasley tempers to go head to head.

“He can’t just fucking pounce on anyone he wants! You’re not one of his whores Gin!” Harry and Hermione groaned.

“I am fully aware of who I am Ronald!” Ginny had now squared up to Ron, even though he was at least a foot taller than her, it looked like a fair fight. As many of the people in the pub had been on the receiving end of a female Weasley, they would have liked to take pity on Ron, but not enough to get in the firing line.

“If you must know, he didn’t just ‘pounce’ on me; we’ve been together for weeks now!” There was a brief pauses as Ron digested this information. Ginny backed up a bit, fearing her brother’s reaction; she had not meant to say that!

“YOU BASTARD!” Ron lunged at Draco, sandwiching Ginny between them. Draco was about to tell Ron exactly what he thought of him, when Ginny beat him to it.

“For your information, Ron, it was me who pounced on him!” oh well, in for a penny, in for a pound.

“Bollocks, he obviously took advantage of you!”

“For Merlin’s sake, if you’d bothered to look, I’m all grown up Ron! I can make my own decision and I can sleep with any one I want to!”

At this last statement Ron juts stared at her then let out of roar of fury and made a fresh lung for Draco. Only Harry’s quickly seeker reflexes, causing him to grab Ron shirt, stopped him from flooring the other man.

“Look Weasley, not that you’ll believe me, but my intentions towards your sister are honorable.”

“Yeah right, you wouldn’t know the meaning of the word!” Ron spat, shrugging Harry’s hands off.

“Oh Ron grow up!” Ginny said, turning her back on her brother.

“Open you fucking eyes Ginny, he’s using you!”

Ginny turned round quickly, her gaze cold enough to make any Malfoy proud.

“Has it ever occurred to you Ronald, that I might be using him!.” Noting with a deep sense of satisfaction the shocked look on everyone’s faces, especially her brother’s, she grabbed Draco’s hand and rushed out into the street.

Ginny smiled at the memory. These had been the last few minutes before chaos had broken out. She had often felt bad about fighting with Ron that night, always trying to stop herself from playing the ‘what-if’ game that had become so dangerous in this wartime state. She smiled again at the thought of what happened next, the last tender moments she and Draco had spent together…

”Well, well well, she bites back” Draco quipped, stopping her outside of the pub. He snaked his arms round her waist, pulling her close to him.

“Yeah and don’t you forget it!” she grinned up at him, but as she locked eyes with him she suddenly became serious.

“Did you mean what you said, about your intentions being honorable?”

“Ginny, one thing you must understand, A Malfoy’s word may not mean much now, but take it as Draco’s word, I will stand by what I said until I die.” She blushed, the grin appearing once again. She leaned forward, kissing him slowly. He broke away and began pulling her along the street.

“Now, more importantly, do you Miss Weasley mean what you said?” She looked slightly embarrassed and a little worried.

“About wanting to use you?” she blushed, suddenly realising what this must have sounded like to Draco, but before she could explain he cut in.

“Cause naturally most woman in their right mind, and many not come to think about it, would want to use me for my body, so you mustn’t feel alone.” She laughed, hitting him playfully on the arm while thinking how much she had fallen for him in such a small space in time. She slid her arm through his and they continued on their way up the street.

Ginny continued to smile, not noticing the stray tear sliding down her cheek. Gods, she had been so happy at the moment. Why couldn’t it have gone on forever, then none of this would have happened. Unfortunately fate doesn’t work like this, and fate had been waiting round the corner for them.

A scream caused Ginny to swing round. That wasn’t a drunken shout, that was a scream of terror and it was coming from the pub. She made to sprint back but Draco grabbed her hand, as people began to spill out of the doors. Before they knew what was happening they were surrounded by not only the crowd from the Leaky Cauldron but masked wizards.

‘This can’t be happening.’ Ginny thought in disbelief as Ron appeared at her side.

“Gin, get out of here!” he yelled.

“What?! Ron No WAY! I want to fight!” she said, wheeling round on him.

“Ginny don’t argue-,”

“I’m staying.” She stated stubbornly.

“Fine!” Ron snapped, knowing there was no time to argue. “Stay Close!”

Draco kissed her hastily on the cheek before he ran into the chaos.

After that it became a blur. Spells and sparks were flying, people were fighting, running and screaming, trying to escape. Ginny soon got separated from Ron. She was stunning any thing in black, fighting any Death Eater that came near her. Suddenly she saw something that made her heart stop; two children were huddled together in the doorway of a nearby shop.

Dodging several misplaced curses Ginny made her way quickly to the children. There was a little girl, about 7 and a little boy who couldn’t be more than 5. They were obviously brother and sister, as the both possessed the same dark curly hair and blue eyes, which at this point were swimming with tears.

Ginny tried to grab the little boy, but the girl shoved her back, with what felt like all her strength. ‘Brave little thing.’ Ginny thought absent-mindedly.

“It’s okay.” Ginny said quickly and in what she hoped was soothing voice, grabbing the little boy and taking the girl’s hand. Running down the street she came to Gringotts. When she was younger, she had run away from her mother on a shopping trip to Diagon Alley for Bill and Charlie’s school things. She had hidden in a small alcove under the stone steps leading up to the bank. That’s were she was heading for.

Once she reached the white building she shoved the girl under the stairs, giving her the little boy who was crying noisily now. She turned to go but felt a tiny hand grab hers. Turing back she saw the little girl clinging to her.

“Please don’t leave us.” She whispered, silent tears running down her face. Ginny’s heart gave an uncomfortable thump.

“I have to. Where are you parents?” The girl looked back towards the battling alley, even though they were hidden here.

“I’ll come back, I promise. What’s you name?” Ginny asked the girl.

“Meg and this is Jack.” The girl said her brothers name with slight pride in her voice.

“Right well Meg, I’m Ginny and I promise you I will come back for you ok? Look after you brother – don’t leave this hiding place!” She hugged the girl and started to run back towards the alley. She only made it a couple of feet before a cold voice made her stop in her tracks.

“Well, well well, look what I’ve got here, a Weasley.” Spinning round she came face to mask with a Death Eater. The silver eyes and long white blond hair was hidden but that voice had haunted her since her first year at Hogwarts. She froze on the spot and when she finally made a move for her wand, it was too late.

She felt the cold tightness covering her body as the full body bind took over. Falling to the group she felt panic and anger flowing through her paralyzed body. Lucius Malfoy bent down beside her.

“I should just kill you now but considering the last time I tried, I was rudely foiled by Boy wonder I think I’ll have some fun. Crucio.” She tried to scream, tried to struggle but the fact she couldn’t seemed to make the pain more intense, if that was even possible! As the cruse lifted she felt swear trickling down her face, she knew they were hidden from the rest of the alley, no one would know she was here.

He was removing his belt now, causing Ginny’s eyes to widen in shock. He chuckled, a sound she knew would haunted her forever.

“I’m not going to rape you little girl, but not out of mercury. I wouldn’t like to infect myself with your mudblood traitor delusions that can surely only be blamed on mental health. Oh no, you need to be punished before I kill you, show you why the Order and the family will never win this war. I think I want to hear your screams for this.” He removed the body bind, instead conjuring ropes to secure her wrists and ankles.

She was now in a sitting position, her wrist and ankles bowed together, completely immobilising her. She immediately began screaming.

“Now now now, ‘silencio’ that won’t do at all, can’t have the cavalry coming before I’ve had my fun.” She felt the screams cease. He ridded the back of her robes, exposing her back. She suddenly realised he was going to use his belt across her back.

“Muggle techniques for a muggle loving traitor I think.” He hissed close to her ear. She shut her eyes tightly, taking a deep breath as she sensed what was coming next. Nothing, however, could have prepared her for the sharp pain that sliced across her back. The air was sucked from her lungs, a scream desperately trying to releave some of the pain. Before she could recover and prepare herself, another hit slapped her pale back. She felt blood trickling down, soaking her ripped robes. She didn’t know how much more she could take of this as she felt her version started to blur in pain. Just as she thought she would faint from the pain a voice stopped Lucius in his tracks.

“Let her go, now!” Relief flooded through here – Draco!

Lucius ran a finger leisurely down her bloody spine, causing her to flinch, her month opening in a silent cry.

“Let her go now, and I’ll make it quick.” She had never seen the dangerous glint that had now settled in Draco’s eyes. It scared and reassured her at the same time.

“Stay here little girl, this won’t take long.” Lucius drawled, clicking his fingers, causing several masked death eaters to materialise. “Now, I’m going to kill you Draco, but not before I taught you a lesson about allegiance. It really wasn’t on, was it son? Turning your back on me…on your mother.” He smirked.

“YOU BASTARD! You killed her, not me! I won’t let you kill the only other person I have ever gotten close to. Why don’t you be a man, let go of the girl and fight me properly.” He was fingering his wand dangerously.

Ron had appeared behind Draco. On seeing Ginny, he lunged forward but Draco held his arm out, stopping him.

“Let GO! I knew you were a fucking traitor!” He howled, pushing Draco off and making his way over to Ginny again. Surprisingly it was Lucius’ words that stopped him.

“Oh contra, Weasley, it seems my son wishes to duel with me for your sister’s life.” His voice was full of mirth at the way these events were turning out.

The duel was fast and furious. Ginny lost count the amount of times Draco suffered the Cruciatus curse. Tears were pouring down her face, she longed to help but the Death Eaters were now restraining her. Ron was hexing them with everything he knew but he was too out numbered. Suddenly Draco had Lucius on the ground, his wand pointing directly at his father’s heart.

“Let her go, or I kill him.” Draco said simply, not taking his eyes of the wizard beneath him. The Death Eaters let her go. Ron rushed over, vanishing the ropes round her wrists and ankles.

“Take the silencing charm off her and go!” Draco chucked Ron Lucius’ wand. Sweat was glancing on Draco’s forehead, it was obviously taking a great effect to kept Lucius were he was.

“NO, Draco we’re not leaving you!” Ginny cried as soon as the silencing charm had been lifted.

“Weasley take her, NOW!” Draco didn’t even look at her.

Ron hauled her away, literally kicking and screaming. It wasn’t until they had reached the Leaky Cauldron that Ginny remember the children. Breaking away from Ron she started to sprint back in the direction of Gringotts.

“Ginny, what the Hell are you doing?! Come on, we can floo you to St Mungo’s from the Pub, it’s safe.” He grabbed her round the waist, trying not to put too much pressure on her injured back.

“Ron you don’t understand-,” she pleaded with him, but he cut her off.

“Malfoy can look after himself, you need help Gin, you need a healer!”

“Ron this isn’t about Draco. I hide two children under the steps up to Gringotts. I promised I would come back for them, please I can’t leave them!” She was getting hysterical by this point. Ron stopped abruptly, putting her down. He looked around, exhaling deeply, obviously fighting a difficult internal battle.

“OK, fine, wait here!” he said, charging back into the fighting again. He returned only minutes later, clutching the two children to his tall frame. The little girl looked terrified until she saw Ginny, when she burst into tears, reaching for her. Taking the girl in her arms she winced as the little arms brushed the cuts on Ginny’s back, but continued to move behind Ron.

They got safely to the Leaky Cauldron, and Ginny placed the children into the fire grate. As she was about to throw the powder into the grate, Ron shoved her in too.

“No!” she said, turning round to face her brother. “I’m staying, I want to fight!”

“Oh yeah, and look where that got you last time!” he yelled, holding her in the fire place. His face softened at the hurt look on her face. “Look I’ll go and help him, but you need to go and get some help yourself, you’re bleeding badly. You need to find their parents as well, you can’t send them to St Mungo’s on their own.” She nodded, knowing he was right. Tears welled up in her eyes.

“Be careful.” He turned to leave, but she called him back. “I’m sorry about fighting with you tonight. I love you, you know that right?” he smiled.

“I know.” And with that he rushed out of the pub.

“You ready to go then dear?” her father’s voice broke into her thoughts.

“Yep.” She replied, pushing her thoughts away. Perhaps today she would finally find out what had happened to Draco that night, perhaps today she would finally be able to repay the debut she had owed him for nearly three years. More importantly she would just get to see him.

***
A/N: once again thanks to those who have reviewed, it really does make me very happy! Chapter 6 up very soon. Thanks for reading, and if you liked it, hey leave a review and tell me why…and if you didn’t, hey leave a review and tell me why!

Azure xxx

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything, but the plot, everything else belongs to the one and only J K Rowling, we salute you!


Summary: Harry seeks out Hermione for advice on his ‘plan.’

Chapter 6: Advice and Rescue.


Harry signed off early from work that day, as he needed to talk to Hermione. Even though he had sent the owl to Mrs Weasley, he couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. Hermione would be able to help, even if it wasn’t what he wanted to hear. But even if it wasn’t what he wanted to hear he knew that just talking to her would sooth him. He had realised a long time ago, when the war had just started, that he felt more than just friendship for his bushy haired friend. Now if he could just tell her…


He shook this thought away, assuring himself that when the right time came he would tell her. Tiding his desk, he grabbed his jacket and made his way to the lift. He felt he owed it to Draco to help him back into the wizarding world. After all he had been away from nearly three years; it wasn’t going to be easy.

Of course the first time had been nothing to do with Harry, but the last ten months were his fault and he needed to make that up. Draco had been through so much and Harry was partly responsible for that.

As the lift made its way down he thought back to one of the saddest and most important days of the War so far. The day he finally saw Draco after the first battle…

Harry sat at his desk going through the plan to break into Moorefield, the Prisoner of War camp the Death Eaters controlled. There had been stealth missions over the last two years to break out various important prisoners needed for the Order, but today they were going to try and free every prisoner, to break the Camp.

Harry had seen first hand the cruelty applied to prisoners, it had shocked him to his core. This was why he had agreed, in fact insisted, that he head this operation. A team of Aurors and Order members had been drafted in for the first attack. They were hoping to infiltrate as far into the prison as possible with out a battle breaking out. If, however, that wasn’t an option, in other words if the Death Eaters sighted them and came in droves, they had the back up of all the Order, Aurors and magical law enforcement. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy in anyway or run smoothly but they had left this mission for too long, there were certain things worth the danger.

Finishing the plan, he memo-ed the other members of the first attack team, ready to take them through the brief one last time before they set out. They piled into his office in quick succession. The backups had already been notified of their position and were to wait until he called for them. He looked round at the pale yet determined faces. Most, if not all, knew some one who was in Moorefield and all had volunteered for this secret mission.

He went over the mission outlined, pausing briefly at the end, looking at the team.

“This won’t be easy, in fact it’s going to be bloody difficult, mentally and physically. You will all see things that will shock you. I need to ask you once again that each of you are willing to take this on?”

Every one in the room nodded but no one made a sound, the reaction Harry had been expecting.

“Fine, well let’s go then.” They filed out to the Auror’s portkey section, leaving in twos and threes, transporting to the secret location Harry had set up. He went last, locking eyes with Ron over the paperweight they were using as a portkey. He saw the grim determination in his oldest friend’s eyes, knowing his eyes would be mirroring the same look.

“Department of Records and Resources.” Harry pushed past the other people in the lift and walked down the heavily carpeted corridor. It still made him laugh that Hermione was basically being paid to be a bookworm. What he would have given to be doing a job he loved…like Quidditch. But he knew this was where he was supposed to, at least until the war was over. The memory came flooding back, reminding him why he had made the right decision to be an Auror.

Harry breathed a deep sigh, they had been fighting hard for over five hours with more and more recruits and backup being called in as the Death Eater’s numbers swelled. However they did seem to be getting closer, they had already freed most of the low security prisoners, but there were still those kept deep in the prison.

His friends and colleagues had fought well, some were injured, some would not return from this place. He stopped himself before he could think about this too deeply, calling on his training to help him continue concentrating solely on the job in hand. He’s biggest worry was that the Death Eaters would have killed the most high security prisoners when the Order had started their attack. They need to get to them quickly, before the Death Eaters had a chance to do this, if they hadn’t already that is…

Looking up he gave an involuntary shiver. The Prison reminded him of Azkaban, although slightly smaller. The Demetors were here, he could feel them, but they did not have sole control, he could feel their annoyance at this too. The building itself was tall and menacing, constructed out of slate, it seemed to be black in the grey misty light. It was like a castle, a medieval building that had been built for this exact purpose in a much less humane time. God only knows the pain and cruelty these people had endured at the hands of these bastards. This paused seemed to spur him on, anger swelling inside.

He ran forward towards one of the main doors. A group of Death Eaters were hiding just inside, having successful made fort and were currently defending the prison from this location. Ron followed Harry, each taking up positions either side of the doorway.

Harry looked at Ron and nodded, running into the darkness. He cursed whatever moved, using not only defensive magic but attacking magic, knowing the Death Eaters wouldn’t hesitate in trying to kill him. They managed to disarm and restrain several. Harry had just cast the full body bind on a particular violent Death Eater when Ron called out to him; evidently he was having trouble with the last two. Running over he helped Ron over power them and they soon had all the Death Eaters captured and restrained. Harry called in the back-up Aurors.

“Take them out side, and secure them more effectively, then owl the Minister, we need the magical prison department, OK?” the eager yet exhausted youngster nodded, rushing off. Harry quickly made his way round the other troops. Many were bleeding, quite badly but they were getting to their feet or continuing to restrain the enemy. They seemed to have finally over come not only the Death Eaters on the outside but also the prison guards.

Harry took a small watch out of his robes; it was the chief Auror’s watch, lent to him, Harry, for this historic day. It look like an ordinary pocket watch, encased in gold, intricate engravings covered this casing. The face, however, revealed the true purpose of this watch. Where the various points of time should have been, symbols glowed different colours. The most important of these symbols right now was the one at the 6 o’clock point, a wand and bone crossed. He moved the big hand from the crest of the Aurors’ (the back-up symbol) to the wand and bone. With in seconds witches and wizards in lime green robes began appearing. The healers were here.

Ron took over, directing the healers to various injured soldiers. Harry called out to all the able-bodied Aurors and any left over healers to follow him into the stone prison. The cold hit him straight away, although it wasn’t all consuming, meaning the Dementors had fled. The shiver seemed to continue through all those with him. He knew there was a possibility of more Death Eaters inside but they had the upper hand now. He pulled his wand out, directing various groups to different directions, stressing the danger that was still very much a threat.

He made his way with Ron, Seamus and Mark, a junior Auror in training. As they descended a set of stone stairs the air seemed to thin, a stench of rotting food and human waste seemed to encase them, causing Mark to gag. Harry coughed, raising a hand to cover his mouth, as they passed through a doorway into a long corridor lined with doors.

“Right, unlocking charms, be ready for hiding guards and Death Eaters, Call the healers in as you need them, but try and get any still alive outside as soon as possible. Voldermort won’t hold off for long so we need to be quick. Mark, Seamus you take the left, Ron and I’ll take the right ok?” They split up, rushing to the nearest cell door and performing various charms to unlock them.

Harry faced a wooden door and taking a deep breath, he unlocked it. The putrid smell seemed to intensify. He coughed again making his way further into the cell. It was small, about 7 feet by 6 feet with no light source, other than the now open door. At first he though the cell was empty, until he saw a huddled pile of blankets in the corner shivering. Moving over towards it, a hand outstretch, he was startled as the blankets let out a shill scream, lunging out at him. The dirty figure was pulled violently back to the ground by an invisible force.

“It’s okay,” Harry started, making his way back towards them.

“Leave me alone, you bastard! I told you I don’t know anything.” Harry stopped dead, the voice was so familiar, but it couldn’t be…

“Lavender?” He croaked. The young woman looked up quickly. Harry noticed with a sick feeling she was chained round the neck.

“Am I Dreaming?” her voice was barely above a whisper, her once glossy hair hanging limply round her face. She began to sob, causing Harry to rush over to her.

“Stay AWAY, Death Eater!!” She screamed, causing Harry to stop abruptly.

“Lavender it’s Harry, we’ve come to get you out of here.”

“Liar!” she screamed at him, backing up against the wall, eyes rolling. She was stooping, the chain round her neck preventing her from standing up straight. Harry suddenly realise why she was reacting like this. Death Eaters must have used polijuice potion to impersonate friends and family to prisoners. Bile rose in his throat.

“Lavender, do you remember the DA?” Lavender looked quickly up at him, nodding slightly after a few minutes. “Do you remember Hermione’s patronus?” again she nodded. “It was an otter.” She stared at him for a few minutes but she stop struggling. She flinched slightly when Harry brought his wand level with her neck to free the chain, but didn’t say anything. He took her hand and led her gentle form the cell.

She squinted in the light, her eyes red and swollen. Harry noticed how dangerously thin she had become, as he grabbed her round the waist when she stumbled. It was obvious she hadn’t walked from along time, as she was relying heavy on Harry to support her.

Ron’s face looked shocked as he saw Lavender, but he didn’t say anything, as Harry handed Lavender over to a nearby healer. Turning to Ron, he tried to keep the deep emotions he was feeling out of his voice.

“Any one else alive?” Ron nodded.

“Two in those cells, one in the cell over there,” he said, pointing the cells out. “Four dead though, three from injuries but one….well, one hung himself.” Ron’s voice was barely audible now. Harry nodded, not daring to speak, they should have come sooner, they could have save this people.

“Come on” he said to Ron, turning to leave. As he did he noticed a slightly discoloured slab at the end of the corridor. He didn’t know why this caught his attention but he was drawn to it. It was slightly smaller than the other stones, leaving a small gap running all the way round.

“Harry. Mate, what are you doing?!” Ron had come up behind him, laying a hand on his shoulder.

“I don’t know yet, hang on…” Harry reached into his robes, pulling out the old knife Sirius had given him years ago. He’d managed to get it fixed after the incident in the Department of Mysteries, all those years ago. Running the blade round the edges, he leant back as blue light shone form the gap.

“Ron it’s a trapdoor! It must be if they had to lock it! Help me move it.” Pushing his fingers into the gaps he began to pull, heaving and groaning at the weight of the stone. Ron tapped him on the shoulder, raising an eyebrow when Harry looked at him as he pointed his wand at the stone and said clearly “Wingardium Leviosa.”

Harry’s mouth twitched at his own stupidity, moving out of the way as Ron levitated the stone from its hole. He moved back to the hole now gaping in the floor. It was pitch black; he actually thought it might be bottomless until he was right at the edge, where he saw a square of light on a dirt floor. It was only about five foot deep.

“It’s just a cellar Harry. Come on, let’s go.”

“Hang on Ron!” Harry leaned into the hole whispering “Lumos”, as he shined the beam of light around he noticed something out of the corner of his eye. Moving the light back it shone over a dirty bloody foot.

“Christ, Ron, someone’s down there!” He sat on the floor, moving his feet to dangle into the blackness.

“Harry, are you mad? What if it’s a Death Eater?!” Ron was gazing incredulously at him.

“Look, who ever it is, they’re injured, we can’t just leave them!” he moved further into the hole, bracing himself on the edge.

“Fine, I’ll cover your” Ron sighed, sounding defeated. Harry lowered himself into the hole, slightly surprised when his feet hit ground so soon, his head and shoulders were still out of the hole.

‘Merlin,’ he thought, struck by horror, ‘who ever was down here wouldn’t be able to stand up, unless they were incredible short!” kneeling down he disappeared into the pit.

His wand shone erratically beams around as he stumbled unsteadily round, trying to get his bearings. Finally he could stand (kneel more like) in a defensive position, ready to take on any thing. Something had crunched under his feet before; shining the beam down he saw the cracked skeleton of a small animal. He shined the light above him, seeing the dirt ceiling a couple of inch above him. Twisting round he saw that the walls were the same stone used above in the cells.

‘Hang on,’ he though, ‘this cell can’t be more than five feet squared! Not only could a person not stand in here, but they wouldn’t be able to lie down flat!’ he stared to feel the claustrophobia he had been fighting off every since he had entered this pit, it was Aunt Petunia’s fault for shutting him in the cupboard under the stairs as those years ago.

As he shined the light into the corner of the cell he finally saw what he’s been looking for. A man was lying down, his back pressed against the wall. His chest was raising and falling in very shallow breaths.

“He’s alive” he called up. Putting his wand down, he moved over to the man, grabbing him under the arms. It was incredibly awkward but eventually Harry had dragged the man, not before he hit his head twice on the low ceiling. Using all his strength he lifted the man up to Ron, who was leaning over the hole.

“Merlin!” He heard Ron gasp as the man was pulled into the light. Ron turned back and grabbed Harry’s hand, hauling him out of the pit. It wasn’t until that moment that Harry saw the man’s face.

The head was shaven, roughly by the looks of it. Large chucks of skin were missing, some cuts look fresh, others infected scabs. But even the deep gash running down his face could hide the identity of this familiar face. His chest was bare, scars and fresh cuts running up and down it, deep welts oozed on his wrists and ankles. His rib cage stuck out in disgusting prominence.

Harry stared open-mouthed at the man, then at Ron. Draco Malfoy was alive, but only just.

Harry found himself at the door to Hermione’s office, a lot sooner than he had expected. He knocked, waiting for permission to enter. He heard Hermione call out for him to ‘come in.’ Even though the office was large, it felt tiny. It was incredibly cluttered, due to the stacks and stacks of ancient books, huge towers leaning haphazardly.

“Oh Harry, what a nice surprise!” she smiled up at him, but it faded at the look of worry on his face. “What is it? Is every thing ok? Is every one ok?” She had gotten to her feet now, a sense of urgency creeping into her voice.

“Calm down Hermione, nothing’s happened. Well it has but it’s nothing bad.” She frowned, gesturing to a chair opposite hers. “Actually, can we go some where else, for Lunch or something? My treat.” He wanted to get out of the ministry, to talk to Hermione without worrying who was over hearing. She looked taken aback for a minute.

“Oh, umm, ok, just give me a minute to finish this report.” Harry nodded and began walking leisurely round the office. He started reading the titles of the many books she had, smiling when he noticed a particularly battered copy of ‘Hogwarts: A History.’ She still kept it close.

“…Therefore we can’t help your case, so please stop owling the department.” Hermione mumbled the last part of her report out loud. “Honestly we’ve been getting about 5 owls a day from this farmer in Dorset, for months now! I keep telling him he wants the Department for the regulation of Magical Creatures, but he’s convinced there’s something in the farmer records that says he can have flying pigs!” Harry grinned at her.

“Ready?”

***

They strolled through a muggle park, eating sandwiches they picked up along the way. Harry had already explained to Hermione everything that had happened with Draco. He had also voiced his feelings of guilt about giving Draco the unspeakable mission and not telling Ginny he had known where Draco was.

“But Harry that’s ridiculous. Firstly Draco didn’t have to take the operation,” she said, sitting down on a nearby bench, “and secondly you couldn’t tell Ginny, or anyone. It was a binding magical contract, that’s the point of an unspeakable contract! None of this is your fault. Okay maybe you shouldn’t have put Draco forward for the mission,” she carried on quickly before Harry could protest, “but you know he was the best man for the job, so to speak. We’ve all had to make scarifies for the war, Draco more than most, but he chose to take this path.” She put a hand gently on his, squeezing it reassuringly.

“Harry this war isn’t your fault, its victims aren’t your responsibility.” He didn’t say anything, but felt a rush of relief. She had spoken the words he had been desperate to hear. It was so difficult to remember that he was only one person, that he couldn’t help everyone. But she was right; this war wasn’t his fault, however much it felt like it sometimes.

“Ron knows something’s up. He’s going to kill me when he finds out what I know!” Harry took another bite of his sandwich. Hermione gave a derisive snort.

“Well, Ron’s not what you would call ‘level-headed’. If you’d tried to explain it, as much as you could considering the contract, he would have flown off the handle. To be honest Harry, it really doesn’t have anything to do with him!” It was Harry’s turn to snort.

“Yeah, well try telling him take.” Hermione though for a moment then smiled evilly.

“No, I’ll go one better.” She stood up.

“Hermione, what are you up to?” Her smile only broadened.

“Don’t’ worry, all will be revealed. Come on.” Harry tried to call after her, but she had already started striding across the park. He shrugged to himself and followed her.

***

Author’s note: Hey please read and review, I would really like some feed back on this chapter, your opinions are always valid! Thanks Azure x

Disclaimer: I own the plot but the rest belongs to J K Rowling, we salute you!


Summary: Harry puts his plans into action and Ginny sees Draco when she least expects it.


Chapter 7: Invitations and Reunions.


“Just missed him? Just missed him?!” Ginny fumed, throwing her bag down on the chair. “That receptionist should be sacked for offensive cheerfulness!”

Mrs Weasley smiled at her, recognising the deep disappointment in her daughter’s anger. Harry and Hermione had just left, luckily moments before Ginny returned in this towering temper. Mrs Weasley thought their idea was an interesting one. She was secretly relieved that Ginny missed Draco at the ministry; it meant the plan would have more effect and hopefully be more successful. Plus it meant she got to play matchmaker, a roll she played at any opportunity.

She had grown very fond of Draco over the time he had spent at Grimmauld place. She had seen the effects of Moorefield on many, including Draco. It had pained her further to hear off the suffering and lonely existence he had lead since being rescued. He deserved to be happy and so did Ginny, if this meant being together then she, Molly, would do everything in her power to see this happened.

She had not liked keeping the secret of Draco’s imprisonment from Ginny but it had been a matter of security. If Ginny had known, she would have gone looking for him when he disappeared from St. Mungo’s. The senior members of the Order had know of Draco’s mission, obviously not the details, just that he was embarking on a mission that would greatly help the side of light and he would only be successful if no one knew his whereabouts.

He had been unconscious for many days in hospital after the liberation of Moorefield and the news of his disappearance from his bed had shocked them all. At first they had assumed the worst, that he had gone mad, that he had gone back to the Death Eaters. Or worse, the Death Eaters had come and taken him, desperate to continue the torture of a man they considered a ‘traitor’.

Mr and Mrs Weasley had decided not to tell Ginny when Draco was found. Yes it had something to do with the seriousness and brutality of his injuries, but it was also because he was unconscious. They had no idea what he had been through or what it had done to him physiologically. They couldn’t let Ginny get to close to him, not just for her own safety but to make sure she didn’t get emotionally attached to what could be a complete stranger, and possibly a dangerous one at that!

But for every secret there is a leak and Ginny eventually heard about Draco’s presence in her work place. Unfortunately it happened to be on the day of his disappearance. Ginny had been distraught that she had not seen him, that he had disappeared to God knows where, with God knows who.

Mrs Weasley had always felt partly responsible for the depression Ginny had sunk into that night. It has taken many months of gentle love and support to bring back the daughter they had known and loved. But now the reason for Ginny distress was back and Mrs Weasley wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice. This time Draco was fully conscious and up to telling Ginny everything himself.

“I’m going to work mum.” Ginny said, kissing her mother on the cheek.

“Oh but you’ve only just got here!” she cried, fussing over the tea pot. “At least stay for a cup of tea.” Ginny smiled.

“I can’t mum, I’ve already been late for work twice this month Morag will kill me if I’m late again.” She moved to the front door.

“Oh, of course you don’t want to be late. You’re still coming to the family dinner tomorrow night aren’t you?” her voice was suddenly firm; it was her don’t-mess-with-me-voice.

“Of course I am mum,” she smiled sweetly, “why one earth would I pass up an opportunity to wind Ron up, especially since he’s been keeping secrets from me.” The sweet smile wasn’t fooling any body but Ginny expected a least a stern look and a demand for a promise to do nothing of the sort. But her mother just smiled knowing at her.

“Fine, just don’t be late.” Ginny turned to leave but her mother’s parting words stopped her. “Oh, and wear something…nice.” Ginny looked at her mother quizzically but only got the same knowing smile. Ginny nodded in a distracted way and left the Burrow. Once outside she got ready to apparate to St. Mungo’s but couldn’t shake the feeling her mother was up to something, and that was hardly ever a good thing!

***

Harry and Hermione apparated to the address Draco had given Harry earlier. Mrs Weasley seemed to think there idea was a good one, and seemed positively excited about the prospect about cooking for even more people. They had both chickened out about telling her that they hadn’t actually asked Draco yet, deciding they would cross that bridge if they came to it. Walking up the stone stairs to the front door, Hermione turned to Harry.

“Right, I think I should do the asking, it will seem strange if you ask him to dinner.” Harry thought about this for a moment and then nodded, she was right; Draco would find it harder to refuse an invitation from a woman. Hermione knocked twice then stood primly waiting for Draco to answer.

They heard a lot of crashes and muffled grunts until finally a very dishevelled Draco opened the door. Harry was slightly shocked, Draco had been his usual well dressed and groomed self this morning, but clearly he was much worse for wear now.

If Hermione was shocked by this, she didn’t show it. She put on her sweetest smile and pushed past Draco into the flat. Draco looked at Harry, eyebrow raised; Harry just shrugged apologetically and followed Hermione.

Harry knew Draco was not the tidiest person, from their brief stay at Grimmauld Place but this was ridiculous, the flat was a complete tip! Hermione gazed round, clasped a couple of silk boxers between thumb and forefinger and dumper them on the floor, freeing a small square on what could have been the sofa, Harry couldn’t really tell.

“This place needs a woman’s touch.” She said, sitting down.

“You offering, Granger?” Draco asked swaying slightly. Hermione went pink but ploughed on.

“We’ve come to ask you to dinner tomorrow night.”

“Kinky Granger but threesomes really aren’t my thing.” He smirked as Hermione rolled her eyes.

“Dinner at the Weasleys’.” This caught his attention.

“Oh really, and why exactly would I want to go to that shack for dinner?” Harry opened his mouth to defend the Burrow but Hermione silenced him with a look.

“Because you’ve been invited.” She said sternly.

“Oh yeah, by who, Ron so he can kill me in front of an audience?” he snarled, his temper rising.

“No, by Mrs Weasley, so I can assure Ron will be on his best behaviour. And if you don’t accept now you can expect a visit from Mrs Weasley herself. I don’t need to remind you,” she raised an eyebrow, echoing Draco’s trademark smirk. “of her skills of persuasion.”

“You mean she’d nag me to death or till I agree to go?” he said, defeat now evident in his voice. Hermione didn’t answer just inclined her head. “Fine, what time does this charade start?”

“6 o’clock, and don’t be late.” Hermione leant down and grabbed a bottle of half empty fire whisky from the side of the sofa. “And don’t drink anymore of this.” Draco had the grace to look ashamed.

***

Ginny was glad she was only doing a paperwork shift; she dreaded the thought of what she might have done to patients in this distracted state. She couldn’t stop thinking about a certain blond wizard. Leaning back in her chair she couldn’t help but think about the last time she had almost seen him.


She had just arrived at St Mungo’s for her healer classes. She had only recently started shadowing a chief healer after completing her ‘hands off’ training. She would now be working as an intern for six months using her training in practise.

She didn’t have to report for another 5 minutes and decided to nip to the loo. As she shut the cubicle door the main door opened again, two chattering woman coming in.

“Did you see him?” one asked, moving into the cubicle next to Ginny’s.

“No, Sandra told me about him two days ago, apparently he’s been unconscious for days now.” The other voice moved into a cubicle further down the room. “She said his injuries were the worst out of all those people rescued from Moorefield.”

Ginny was trying not to listen but they were talking loudly. She leant closer to the cubicle wall to hear more clearly.

“What ward’s he on?” the first on asked.

“He’s still in intensive, their not sure he’s going to make it!”

“Fancy that Draco Malfoy turning up in the Prisoner of War camp!” Ginny’s head snapped up. She didn’t wait to hear anymore, she was out of the ladies and running down the halls.

Ginny ran through the ward, panic and adrenalin pulsing through her veins. Lime green and purple flashed past her as she made her way through the hospital. The medi-witch at the end of the corridor gasped, ‘Ginny, No please don’t-“ but Ginny ignored her. She burst through the double doors to an unnerving silence. Her mother looked up.

“Oh gods No” Ginny exclaimed, only her father’s arms around her stopped her sinking to the ground.

“Ginny, hello Ginny. Any one home?” Ginny looked up quickly to see Mel standing in front of her desk, grinning.

“Oh hey, Mel. What’s up?” she said pushing the parchment away, fed up with paper work.

“Just wondering if you’re ready for the big Weasley dinner?”

“Shit, what time is it?” Mel grinned at the look on Ginny’s face.

“Ten to Six, I knew you’d forget!” Ginny jumped up, grabbing the summer dress she brought to work with her that morning.

“Bugger, bugger, bugger, Mum’s going to kill me! Give me two minutes.” She started wriggling out of her robes. Mel had to help her in the end as she got her head stuck in her robes. In reality it was twenty minutes before Mel finally dragged Ginny to the apparition point.

She grumbled as the waited in line, using Mel’s pocket mirror to do some hasty glamour spells, not looking forward to being on the receiving end of her mum’s famous temper.

***

Draco took a deep breath and nodded at Hermione, who smiled and knocked on the old wooden door. It burst open immediately. A slightly older and more harassed Molly Weasley greeting them enthusiastically.

“Hermione, Harry dear, always a pleasure.” She hugged each in turn, moving to stand in front to Draco who remained on the threshold. “And Draco, I can’t tell you how good it is to see you.” She said with genuine affection and drew him into a tight hug. Harry laughed at the shocked look on Draco’s face but quickly turned into cough when Hermione elbowed him in the side.

“Now the others don’t know you coming so be prepared but don’t worry they’ll be fine once you’ve explained everything.” She began pulling him towards the kitchen but he didn’t move.

“Is…is Ginny here?” his voice was very hoarse and Mrs Weasley’s face softened.

“No, not yet dear. She’s late, as usual!” Rolling her eyes, she noticed Draco visibly relax.

“Right into the lion’s den, joking!” Harry said, holding his hands up in mock surrender as he received a filthy look from not just Hermione this time but Mrs Weasley as well.

Draco entered the large kitchen last, fingering his wand nervously. All the Weasley children, bar Ginny and Charlie, were standing around chatting nosily. Draco had a blissful moment to take in the kind of warm family atmosphere he had never experienced for himself. That was until Ron saw him in the door way and uproar broke out. Draco didn’t hear exactly what the 5 Weasley boys were saying due to the sheer volume but he got that it wasn’t anything pleasant.

This didn’t surprise him, what did was the look of amusement on the oldest Weasley’s face. Mrs Weasley soon shut the boys up, Draco had forgotten her almost comic power over her children. When they had been silenced Mr Weasley stood up and walked up to Draco.

“Welcome.” He said simply, shaking Draco’s hand. Draco would have smirked at the five open mouths but he was too shocked and over whelmed

by the hospitality of Mr and Mrs Weasley himself.

It was Harry that finally broke the tense silence. “It all smells great, is there anything we can do?”
“It’s so lovely I thought we’d eat outside. Hermione if you’d like to take the knives and forks, Harry and Draco could you take those dishes out?” Draco followed Harry to the kitchen counter and picked up a plate of potatoes and making sure not to make

any eye contact with anything red he walked out into the garden.

***

Ginny walked through the front door when the scene before her caused the pre-made apology she had rehearsed die on her lips. Her father was sitting at the table calmly flicking through the paper while her brothers were all red in the face and shouting at her mother.

Mel stood open mouthed behind her obviously wandering the same thing as Ginny, what on earth had happened to cause a family row on this scale. Clearing her throat Ginny would have been amused at the way her brothers all shut up at the sight of her if it hadn’t thoroughly unnerved her. She was about to ask what the hell was going on when the reason walked through the back door.

“Anything else to go out Mrs Weasley?” when he didn’t get a response he looked round, he’s eyes locking with Ginny’s. It was the first time he had looked at her properly in three years and it caused a lump to form uncomfortably in his throat. The witty greeting he had practised thousands of times never made it to his lips. Even though he’d only seen her days before it had felt like a dream, this however was in the cold light of day…and under the ever present glare of all her brothers.

She looked deeply shocked, as if he had been the last person she’d been expecting to see…then it hit him, she hadn’t expected to see him at all.

“Potter!” he snarled, wheeling round on Harry but it seemed breaking eye contact with her, brought her out of shock and into panic. She fled through the open back door into the garden. Draco made a move to follow her, as did Ron, but Mrs Weasley stop her both.

“No, give her a minute Draco, she needs a little time to calm down and take it all in.”

“She didn’t know I was coming, did she?” he said, running a hand tensely through his hair.

“Obviously Malfoy, and can’t you see now why it would have been better if you hadn’t come at all!” Ron yelled advancing on Draco but Mrs Weasley stood in his way.

“There will be no fighting in my house Ronald, do you hear me? Draco is an invited guest, if you can’t remember your manners I think you should go home.” With hands on hips, it was obvious she meant business. Ron stared at her, open mouthed but moved back to the counter, glaring at Draco.

“Right, well dinner will be ready soon, Draco dear I think you should go and talk to Ginny now.” Draco nodded and moved towards the door, taking a deep breath he followed Ginny’s path out into the Garden.

***

Ginny sat on the tree stump by the stream at the bottom of the garden, a stray gnome streaking past her, screeching when it saw her.

“Come here often?” a drawling voice asked, she didn’t look round.

“I used to come down here for hours, thinking about what would happen when I grew up. I had it all mapped out, I would get top grades in all my N.E.W.Ts, become the best healer, marry a nice man who I loved and who loved me, and have hundreds of red haired kids.”

“Well, you’re halfway there.” He said quietly, still standing behind her.

“Yeah, shame about the last two.” She said, finally turning round to face him. “What happened Draco?” It wasn’t an angry question and Draco sensed a deep sadness in her that hadn’t been there the last time he’s spoken to her.

“Would you like the long or short version?” he smirked, not comfortable with the emotions he was feeling.

“I want the truth.”

***

Author’s Note: Thanks again to those that have reviewed. Next Chapter up soon. Only 9 Chapter in this first part, as have decided to make the this story 2 or 3 parts long, with Shame on Me being the first part, so only 2 more Chapters to post. Hope everyone is enjoying it so far.

Azure xx

Author’s note: I just want to say thank you to every one that has reviewed so far. I do have a beta now, and she is going through the chapters retrospectively, so am sure any typos or mistakes I have missed will be picked up by her when this chapter gets sent! So thanks again to English_Rose, and hope you enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: I own the plot but everything else belongs to the legend that is J.K. Rowling, we salute you!

Summary: Ginny finally finds out the Truth.

Chapter 8: The Truth.

Draco moved to the bank of the stream, picking up blades of grass distractedly. The Truth? It was something he hadn’t used for a long time, whether it was under interrogation or as unspeakable. He knew it would be difficult but maybe this was the time for the truth to come out, maybe it would be a relief.

“How much do you know?” he said quietly, not looking at her.

“Not much. I know that you were admitted to St. Mungo’s almost a year ago. It was after the liberation of Moorefield but I don’t know what you had to do with that. Where you involved in the rescue or were you..?” she trailed off, obviously not wanting to continue.

“A Prisoner? Yes Ginny, I was imprisoned at Moorefield for almost 2 years, although I had no idea it was that long until I was freed.” He was speaking very matter-of-factly. “After Ron took you away from the first battle in Diagon alley, the other Death Eaters over powered me. I was taken with many others to Moorefield. That was the last time I had any real human contact, other than the ‘interrogations’.” He gave a cold laugh after the last statement causing Ginny to shiver.

“These sessions became fewer as time went one, probably because the Death Eaters were losing more battles at this point, not that we knew that! One day my father came to see me. He told me that they had you,” his voice shook with emotion for the first time since he started talking, “that they’d let you go if I gave them information. I begged him not to hurt you, to let you go but he only smiled. In the end I refused hoping it was a bluff, I was right. He reacting by beating me unconscious, I’m not sure how long I was out for but when I woke I was in St Mungo’s.”

Ginny desperately wanted him to look at her, but his eyes were fixed on the ground, the grass blades still twisting in his hands.

“I came to see you,” she whispered, “but you’d gone!” Suddenly the pain and anger she had been storing up for so long came to the surface.

“Where the hell were you?!” she yelled jumping to her feet, spinning him round to face her. The bolt of electricity form the touch was not lost on either of them.

“You left me, again! Did they take you? Or did you just decided to disappear? Or did you…” suddenly the idea that had just come to her was too horrible to think about, let alone say out loud.

“Did I join the Death Eaters?” he stared straight at her, his voice cold as ice. It was Ginny’s turn to look away. “Yes I joined the Death Eaters.” It was a whisper but it rang loud in Ginny’s ears. Her face snapped up to look into his silver eyes, looking for a trace of humour or maybe a lie but all she saw was a deep sadness and acute pain. Eyes still locked she reached forward gently taking his left arm. His eyes widened slightly but he stood firm. Not breaking eye contact she pushed the arm of his jumper up, only looking down when it was rolled up past his elbow. She let out a gasp, dropping his arm, the grotesque mark swimming before her closed eyes.

“I did it for you.” His voice was barely audible, a deep sadness obvious now. This, however, was no comfort to Ginny.

“You joined…them, for me? How can you say you joined that…that monster for me?!” She was almost hysterical now, not believing how badly she misjudged the man in front of her for so many years.

“It wasn’t my fault!” he yelled back, thankful for the opportunity to get rid of some emotion, emotions he’d been holding in for years. “I didn’t ask to be taken away! But I had to help the order, had to show I was worthy of helping.”

“So you joined the death eaters?” Ginny was thoroughly confused now, what he was saying made no sense. What she could sense though was he was telling her the truth, how ever hard it was to hear.

“I was drafted as an unspeakable, sent abroad to collect information, to spy. The original plan was to just lay low, hope to gather information for the enemy by deception but it soon became clear I would fail with this method. I was too well known in the wizard community, especially within the Death Eaters. We decided I would have to go deeper under cover, to tell the Death Eaters I had seen the error of my ways, that I wanted to join, to become one of them.” He was looking at her, pleading with his eyes for her to see that he wasn’t evil; that he did all the things he had for the right reasons.

“I had to do unmentionable things to prove that I was serious. The ministry promised me amnesty as it was an undercover mission, they knew it could bring down the other side. They weren’t keen at the beginning, obviously thinking I would actually rejoin the Death Eaters, that 2 years in that…place” he spat the word out, “wouldn’t have made me loyal to the order!” he was pacing up and down the river bank now, the tale pouring forward freely now.

It was obvious to Ginny he had never shared this much of his life over the last 3 years with any one. She sat back down on the tree slump, drawing her knees up to her chest and watched him pace.

“But I did everything they asked me to do. I recovered a lot of information that will bring down the Death Eaters, information about Voldemort that many of them don’t know.” He stopped in front of her, looking into her eyes again.

“But not anymore Gin, it’s over.”

“Why are you back now?” It was a question she didn’t know if she wanted to know the answer to.

“The Death Eaters are losing, the ministry doesn’t need any more information. The final battle is round the corner Gin, I want to fight on the side I am truly loyal to. I can’t lie though, I didn’t want to come back.” The hurt looking in her eyes made him realise what he was saying.

“Not like that Ginny. You were the only thing that kept me going over the last few years. When Potter told me I was now a free man, I didn’t want to believe it because I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to let myself feel again in case it wasn’t true. That it was some cruel joke.”

“But you’re back now, back for good?” She whispered, getting to her feet again.

“Well, I don’t plan on going anywhere,” the trade mark smirk was back in place, “besides; I’ve got a promise to keep.”

They were inches apart now, neither really knowing how they had gotten there, neither wanted to move away.

“Oh yes, your honourable intentions.” Ginny whispered as their lips were about to meet.

Mrs Weasley’s voice rang out causing the spell over couple to back.

“Dinner’s ready.”

“Coming mum!” Ginny turned back to Draco, who was pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I swear you family are conspiring against me!” Ginny laughed, grabbing his hand.

“Thank you for telling me the truth. I don’t blame you, you had to do what was right.” His heart swelling, not quite believe the words he had longed to hear for years had just been said. He tried to pull her to him but she laughed again and began pulling him back towards the house.

“We’ll talk later, ok?”

“Of Course,” replied Draco, following her up the law, “but first, the firing squad.”


***

Dinner started well enough, all the Weasley Boys behaved themselves and the stolen glances between Draco and Ginny were not missed by any at the table.

Mrs Weasley fussed over Draco through out the dinner, trying to make him eat as much as possible. This was all very well and good in theory but turned out to be a very bad idea. Half way through pudding Draco jumped up and turned to Harry. Harry, noting the greenish tinge in Draco’s already pale skin, automatically said, “upstairs, third door on the right.”

Draco took off into the house at a run, hand clutched to his mouth. He found the small bathroom and retched until nothing else would come up.

“Are you alright?” Ginny’s voice came from the doorway.

“Fantastic, thanks for asking!” He snapped, retching again.

“Fine!” she snapped back, turning on her heel and began making her way back down the landing.

“Look, I’m sorry” he called out. “I’m not used to people caring if I’m not well. I haven’t eaten anything in about three days, especially anything that rich.” He moved away from the loo and sat back on the bathroom floor, resting against wall, leaning his head back.

Ginny moved back in through the doorway, noticing the thin film of sweat on his forehead, and sat on the edge of the bath. Her mother appeared in the doorway.

“Draco dear, are you alright, you’re awfully pale?”

If he hadn’t been concentrating on not being sick again he would have pointed out he was always pale, but however much he tried not to, he felt deeply touched by the concern in her voice.

“He’s fine Mum, just hasn’t eaten such good food in awhile. I think you should go to bed Draco.” Ginny said turning to him. He was about to reply ‘only if you come with me’ when he remember her mother was still in the room and sensibly just nodded his agreement.

“I’ll go and set Charlie’s room set up.” Mrs Weasley bustled out of the room, obviously happy to be doing something useful. Draco tried to protest but Ginny held her hand up to stop him.

“You’re in no state to apparate and I’m guessing you haven’t bothered to set your flat up to the Floo network?” he shook his head, not trusting himself to speak as a fresh wave of nausea overtook him.

Mrs Weasley reappeared, a pair of tartan pyjamas folded in her arms. If he had been in any fit state he would have refused point blank to wear such tatty night clothes, Malfoy pride still etched in. Instead he took the garments gratefully and waited for the two women to leave.

Mrs Weasley did but Ginny just gave him a defiant stare. Never one to turn down a challenge, Draco smirked and began undressing. Pulling off his jumper, he started to unbutton his shirt revealing a well defined chest. Normal he would have been proud of his body but he knew the gasp that came from Ginny was not an appreciative one.

“I would say ‘like what you see’ but I don’t think that’s the case.” She didn’t smile at the joke.

“What did they do to you?” she whispered, still staring at his bare chest.

Draco suddenly wanted to be alone; he couldn’t bear the look of shock and pity in her face. “Would you mind waiting outside?” she nodded absently still looking at the zig zags of livid scarred across his chest. “Gin?”

“Huh? Oh, right, yeah sorry, I’ll be outside.” She walked quickly out of the room, closing the door behind her.

He was out in a couple of minutes, changed and his breath smelling of mint. He followed her silently up another flight of stairs up to Charlie’s old room. Draco felt a tinge of jealousy at the name plate on the door, nothing so personal had been allowed in Malfoy Manor.

The room was small but very tidy. A cosy glow was coming form the lamps on the desk and bedside table. The only other pieces of furniture were a chair and the bed, which stuck out in the middle of the room. A patchwork quilt lay on the end of the bed, clashing horrible with the flying colours from the peeling Quidditch posters on the walls.

“It’s…” Ginny raised an eyebrow at him, “nice.” He finished lamely. She grinned, moving back towards the door.

“My room’s at the end of the hall, if you need anything then just come in and wake me up. Do you want a glass of water or anything?” Draco shook his head, his gazing falling on the bed that was staring to look very appealing. “Ok, well Goodnight then.”

“Goodnight Ginny.” He waited until the door had clicked shut to remove the night shirt, suddenly feeling incredibly hot. Pulling the bed clothes down, he placed his wand and watch on the bedside table and climbed under the covers. He lay awake for a while, listening to the hustle and bustle of the house until all became quite, only then did sleep finally come.

***

A/N: Ok so there it is. This is the second to last chapter in Part 1 of this fic and the last Chapter will be up very soon.

Disclaimer: I own the plot to this story but everything else belongs to the legend that is J.K. Rowling, we salute you!

Summary: Things never did run smooth.

Chapter 9: Nightmares and Awe.

She was running down the ward again, doors flashing past her. She couldn’t understand it, the faster she ran, the longer the corridor stretched out in front of her. She could hear Draco shouting out her name, screaming in pain, but still she couldn’t reach the end. Her heart was hammering, almost there, almost there…..

She woke with a start, disorientated in the darkness. Her heart was still hammering, Draco’s cries echoing in her ears but they weren’t fading like the dream. She grabbed her wand off the bedside table and murmured ‘Lumos’. The light illuminating her old bedroom, she quickly sat up and listened; the shouts were definitely real. Climbing out of bed she made her way to the door and opened it quietly.

“What the bloody hell is going on?” George had poked his head out of the twins’ old room at the same time, eyes still puffy with sleep.

“Nothing George, go back to sleep.” Ginny was walking quickly up the landing now, passing the twins on her way to Charlie’s old room.

“And what do you think you’re doing?” Fred had appeared by George’s side.

“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m going to see if he’s alright!” She was almost at the door now.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea Gin.” George had stepped over the threshold, grabbing Ginny’s upper arm.

“Yeah, I think we should get Dad.” Fred said, already starting towards the stairs leading up to the second landing.

“Oh don’t be ridiculous!” Ginny yanked her arm free of George’s grip and rounded on the twins. “I’m not leaving him like this!”

“Gin you don’t know what is going on in there. For all we know he’s a raving psycho!” Fred was looking warily at Charlie’s door. Ginny snorted.

“Oh how ludicrous! Look, I promise if he’s a ‘raving psycho’, I will shout for help and you two can tell me ‘I told you so’ till the cows come home, ok?” She turned back walking quickly to the door.

“Bloody Malfoy” Fred muttered under his breath.

“Yeah waking the whole house up with his ranting” George agreed, walking back into their room after Fred. Ginny rolled her eyes and opened the door.

Draco had almost completely kicked the covers off. She could see a thin film of sweat coating his chest and face in the wand light. He was mumbling now, worry etched across his face. She moved round the bed, kneeled down and gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

It happened almost instantly. Before she could register what was going on, Draco had his wand to her throat. For a split second Ginny thought the twins had been right and Draco had gone mad. Panic rose in her and a shout was almost out of her mouth when Draco’s face changed.

“Merlin Ginny, what the hell are you trying to do?!” He was angry now, sitting up, resting his weight on his fore arms.

“I came to see if you were ok.” The words sounded weak and feeble even to her ears. She was still shaking and her eyes, wide and scared, were fixed on Draco’s wand held limply in his hand.

“Christ, sneaking up on a bloke like that in his sleep, you’re lucky I didn’t hex you!” His tone was so patronising that it snapped Ginny out of her shock.

“I wasn’t sneaking up on you!” Her voice was much stronger now that her temper was beginning to flare. “You were having a nightmare, shouting out and calling my name. Almost woke the whole bloody house up! I only came in to check that you were alright!” She got to her feet, glaring down at him. How dare he be angry with her!

“Well as you can see I’m fine!” he glared back.

“Well it certainly didn’t look that way to me!” Her voice was rising with ever word, anger boiling in her stomach.

“Well you were wrong!” He shouted back. “I’m fine; I don’t need your fussing!”

“Fine!” she spun round on the spot and stomped back to the door.

“Shut the door on your way out.” She spun back round, more angry words on the tip of her tongue but they died when she saw him. He was lying back now, his head on the pillow, fore arm draped across his face, over his eyes. He looked utterly lost.

She padded back across the room, absently fiddling with the edge of the over sized canon’s t-shirt she using as a night shirt. She reached the edge of the bed again, staring down at him. The scars over his chest stuck out lividly against his pale skin. She wasn’t as shocked as she had been earlier that evening in the bathroom and really looked at him this time. Under the scars was a well built body, if not still on the skinny side. There was a patch of very fine blond hair running down, disappearing into the tartan pyjama bottoms he was wearing.

“Take a photo Weasley, it will last longer,” came a muffled drawl. Ginny felt a grin tug at the corners of her mouth.

“You really are an insufferable prat Malfoy.”

“So you’re brother has told me on many occasions.” She leant down to poke him in the chest, but he was too quick for her again. He grabbed her out stretched arm and pulled. Losing her balance, Ginny felt herself fall heavily on to him.

“Oof!” she felt his stomach muscle tense as she landed on him.

“As graceful as ever I see Weasley.” She twisted her head round to look at him. He was smirking at her, but his eyes were full of sadness. Before she lost her nerve she bent down and sealed her lips to his. She felt him stiffen in surprise, and then relax into the kiss.

Fire burst through her, spreading all over her body, settling in her stomach. Gods how she had missed him! His arm can round her waist, pulling her closer to him, their bodies pressed together and she moaned into his mouth. Taking advantage of this Draco slipped his tongue passed her open lips, deepening the kiss. She moved to straddle him, never breaking the contact.

His hands moved from her waist, pushing the t-shirt up and running his hands down her back, as her hands found their way to his hair. She broke the kiss moaning out loud, as Draco began to kiss down her throat, sucking at the pulse point. She arched up into him, feeling for the first time his hard on pushing into her groin. Dizzy with lust she hadn’t felt for years she pulled his lips back to hers and kissed him hungrily again. It was his turn to moan as she ground into him.

“Oh Gods Ginny.” He broke away from her, panting. She took her turn to kiss down his throat. “Ginny, we’ve got to stop.” She ignored him, continuing to kiss and suck any new skin she could find. He pushed her back lightly. “We have to stop.” He repeated, not meeting her gaze.

“Why?” she said simply, her mind still clouded with lust.

“Because….just because!” he still refused to look at her.

“Well that’s all sorted then isn’t it!” She replied sarcastically.

“I just can’t ok.” He moved to push her off, but she pushed down, causing him to hiss with pleasure.

“It certainly feels like you can!” she rolled her hips and he started panting again. “Come on Draco, you always do this. Always stop us. Why?” she pulled his chin up, so that he would have to meet her eyes. And what she saw there shocked her more than anything she could have imagined. Draco was crying.

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Draco felt…well absurd to be perfectly frank. This whole situation was what he had been dreaming of, it was what had kept him going all this time. He had thought of little else at night than warm curves and fiery curls. But now that it was here, now that he could feel the feelings he had kept at bay for so long coursing through him, it was wildly overwhelming.

He felt the wetness on his cheeks, so foreign to him that it took a moment to realise what it meant. He, Draco Malfoy, was crying for the first time he could remember. They were tears of sadness but also of awe. Awe at a situation he had dreamed of but never once thought he would find himself in again. He sat there, Ginny Weasley in his lap, staring down at his hands as the tears rolled down his face.

He felt her hand under his chin, dragging his eyes up to met her. Saw the sadness he was feeling echoed in her brown eyes, but also another thing. Pity.

This stirred something in him; deep unadulterated shame and anger. How dare she pity him! A Weasley pitying a Malfoy!

He shoved her roughly off his lap and on to the bed. Standing up he paced across the room, trying to put as much space between them as possible. The look of shock and hurt from her was not lost but heno longer cared. At any other time he would have given anything not to see that look in her eyes, but now it only fuelled his fury. This he could do, anger he could live with.

“Is that why you’re here Ginny?”

“What-,” she started to interrupt but he cut her off.

“You’re here ‘cause you pity me. Poor sad Draco, all on his own, crying out in his sleep. So, what? You come in here to give the lonely Malfoy some action?! After all it has been three years since he even looked at a woman!”

Heno longer seemed to have control over what he was saying.

“Well I’m not that pathetic, and I don’t need charity from anyone, especially a Weasley!” he practically spat the last sentence out. He knew he was being cruel, knew he shouldn’t have said those things, but deep down this was what he had been terrified of. That she would only come to him out of a sense of duty, because she felt sorry for him and not because she burnt to be with him the way he did for her. He was breathing hard now, glaring down on her as she continued to kneel on the bed.

She leapt up and before he knew what had happened, slapped him with such force across the cheek his head snapped to one side. He stood there, not moving his head back and brought a hand up to touch the stinging skin. The trademark Malfoy smirk played at his lips but died as soon as it looked back at her.

Her eyes were filled with tears but her mouth was set with rage.

“How dare you.” It came out low and cracked, as if she could barely get the words out. Tears poured down her face but she made no movement to brush them away.

“I came here because I was worried about you. I did not come here to sleep with you in order foryou to feel better. Unless you had forgotten Malfoy, the last few years have not been fun for me either. You may have been through hell but so have I.” She turned to leave again but his hand grabbed hers.

“I’m sorry.” It was barely more than a whisper. She turned round to look at him, anger still etched all over her face.

“For what Draco?” it sounded cold, something he had never heard in her voice before. Passion, yes, anger, definitely, but this iciness was something new and it chilled his heart to think of things that she must have been through for it to be there now.

“For everything.” he was crying again. His time as an auror had taught him to never use his emotions, but being with Ginny seemed to have dragged them all out of whatever box he had placed them in. This whole day was beginning to feel like a ridiculous rollercoaster, and he wanted to get off.

She sighed, and cupped his cheek with her hand.

“How about we start again? Hello Draco.”

He smiled.

“Hello Ginny.”

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A/N: Ok, that’s the end of part one. A sequel is in the works, but I shall not be posting that until it has been typed, beta’d and all chapters are completed. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, and I hope everyone has enjoyed this fic.

Azure x