Redemption
Demises
Hearing a noise I opened my eyes, blinking several times as my gaze adjusted to darkness of my surroundings. As I focused, I noticed the expensive furniture and elaborate sterling silver clock ticking away on the mantel. I smiled to myself as memories of where I was and how I got there came back to me. Shifting in the smooth silk sheets, I turned and looked at the man lying next to me.
Draco's eyes were closed, his hair falling lightly in his face. The covers were twisted a bit around his waist and his broad chest was exposed. Reaching out a hand, I placed it on his right peck, frowning when I felt the swiftness of his heartbeat beneath my fingertips. Setting up slightly, I peered at his face and my frown intensified when his brows furrowed. Draco began to shift in the bed, his head lulling from side to side and sweat gathering at his brow. I placed my hands on his shoulders and gave him a light shake.
"Draco?" I whispered, becoming worried when his mouth fell open a bit and his breathing became labored. "Draco?" I tried again, this time shaking his shoulders harder.
He thrashed slightly in the bed, his right hand coming out as if he were reaching for something… or someone. My heat broke a bit when a tear slipped from between his lashes and I shook him more forcefully.
"Draco!" I yelled.
He shot up, his hands clinching the sheets, and his wild unfocused gaze swinging around the room. His eyes stopped on me a moment later and he blinked slowly once, then twice more. "Red?" he whispered hoarsely.
"Hey Blondie," I whispered back.
His body visibly relaxed and he fell back onto the bed. Running his hands over his face, he took several deep breaths to calm his racing heart. I watched him for a minute chewing nervously on my bottom lip before lightly touching his chest. His right hand moved down to clasp mine while the left continued to rub his eyes.
"Are you alright?" I quizzed softly.
He gave me a small smile, moving his hand to look down at me, "Yeah," he breathed. "Just fucking peachy."
I smiled despite myself. Pulling my hand free from his grasp, I lifted it and caressed his face. "That looked like a pretty bad dream there…"
He frowned and looked away, "I guess…"
I sighed, "Do you want to talk about it?"
"No."
"O-kay," I said slowly.
I then leaned forward and kissed his chin before making my way to his neck. When I dipped my tongue into his ear, he lightly caressed my back.
"What are you doing," he whispered softly.
I lifted my head and smiled at him, "You're sad," I stated in a matter-of-fact tone, his brows rose and I put my finger over his lips when he opened his mouth to comment. "So I'm going to make you feel better."
A smile pulled at the right side of his mouth, "And just how do you plan on doing that?" He asked against my fingers.
"Like this," I whispered before sliding my hand down the length of his chest and then lower.
Grabbing him, I pumped and caressed him until he was hot and hard in my hands, and then shifted so that I was straddling him. Draco let out a low moan when I slid down his length, my body already slick and ready for him. Placing my hands on his chest, I slowly rocked back and forth and he groaned.
"You're going to be the death of me Red," he sighed putting his hands on my hips.
"Perhaps," I conceded, "after all, they do say that a really great orgasm is like a tiny death."
He opened his eyes and looked at me, his gaze hot and lust filled, "Then I die every time I'm with you."
I couldn't stop the smile that the comment brought any more than I could stop the giddiness. "Well lucky for you," I purred lifting slowly, "I'm adept at raising the dead," at that, I slid all the way back down his length impaling myself on him once more.
He let out a husky moan, "Merlin Red, what do you do to me?"
"I fancy the same thing you do to me, Blondie," I replied leaning down and kissing his neck. Pulling back as I rocked on him, I lightly touched his face. "Do something for me, will you?" I asked softly.
His brows raised, "Anything," he breathed.
I lightly kissed his lips, nibbling lightly on the lower one before pulling back once more. "Say my name," I commanded.
"Red-" he started, but I cut him off.
"No, my name Draco," I moaned and quickened my pace, "Say my name."
He moaned heavily, "Ginny," he replied.
Sitting up, I put my hands on his chest and rode him for all I was worth. His hands alternated between griping my hips, the sheet, and the headboard. His back arched, his hips moved beneath me, and his mouth panted my name over and over again. Grabbing onto his ankles, I arched back twisting and shifting my hips like I never had before, Draco shot up and wrapped his arms around my waist, his heated mouth suckling my breast for several moments before his head collapsed against my chest. He bucked wildly beneath me and cried out my name hoarsely before emptying himself once more. As his heat flooded me, I quickly followed suit, giving a little bit of my life for a taste of ecstasy.
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Several minutes later, we both lay sated and sweaty in one another's arms.
"You sure know how to make a chap feel better Red," Draco drawled, running his fingers lightly though my hair.
I made a small relaxed grunt, my body feeling too lethargic to do anything more. Sighing, I nestled closer to his warm chest and he wrapped his left arm more securely around my back while continuing to play with my hair with his right hand. After a few minutes I opened my eyes, turning my head slightly, I placed a light kiss on his chest. I felt, rather than heard him chuckle.
"What?" I asked softly.
"It's just… this -us, who'd have thought it, you know?"
I nodded lightly, "I know," I whispered, my gazed watching his wrist as his hand continued to fiddle with my hair.
Lifting my left hand, I caught his wrist and stopped his movements, my gaze studying his forearm. I felt Draco's body stiffen and his breathing stop. Making a small movement, he attempted to pull his arm away from my grasp, but I held on, adjusting so that I could touch him with my right hand also. Holding his hand still with my left, I lightly traced the tattoo on his forearm with my right, my fingers sliding hesitantly over the skull and snake as though they might move at any moment.
"Ginny I-"
"I've always wondered how you guys got these," I muttered cutting him off. "I mean, did you guys go to some evil tattoo artist or something?"
He chuckled again, "No the Dark…" he sighed, "Voldemort gave them to us himself. Some type of spell with his wand, I don't really recall…"
"Well you were pretty young at the time," I lifted my head and looked at him. "How old where you when you got the dark mark?"
He shrugged, "I don't know, right after my father got arrested fifth year. So I'll say fifteen or so -why?"
Now I shrugged, "No reason, it's just that… well I couldn't imagine at fifteen having the nerve to tell a wizard like Voldemort `No' when he wants to give me his mark. I fancy if I'd been in your spot, I'd be sporting the same tattoo."
He laughed softly, "That's sweet Red. But to be honest, though I was a bit scared when he approached me, I -well, I actually felt honored. At least at first, that one of the strongest wizards of our time needed my help," he gave a sardonic laugh. "Or at least I thought he did… now I'm pretty sure that he expected me to fail." He sighed, "I don't know, maybe he underestimated Dumbledore and thought he would kill me…"
"Dumbledore would never do that," I said automatically.
He smiled mockingly, "You don't have to convince me Red."
I blushed, "I know… it's just…"
He ran his fingers through my hair once more, "I appreciate what you're trying to do Red, but let's face facts. I was a little shite back then," he shrugged, "no getting around it. And you were right, it was my fault that Dumbledore-"
"No it wasn't," I interrupted, "Dumbledore is Dumbledore, he knew what you had to do. He also knew that you would never kill him, that's why he asked Snape to do it. Sure it was to spare your life, but only because he didn't want Voldemort to take it."
Draco closed his eyes and turned his head away, "If I wouldn't have let the Death Eaters in-"
"So? If Dumbledore wouldn't have been trying to destroy the Horcruxes; then, he would have been more than fit to take them down. If he had allowed Harry to drink the poison instead of him; then, Harry could have hidden safely under the invisibility cloak, sick, but going to make it while he fended off the Death Eaters. If Hermione and Ron had listened to Harry; then, maybe they would have been able to stop you before you completed the cabinet." I studied his turned face, "Draco, we can't live in ifs. The possibilities are endless and the various outcomes are infinite. All we can do is live with what has happened. And regardless of what happened when you were fifteen and sixteen -the man I see before me today is not the same as the boy that use to run around Hogwarts constantly boasting and bragging. "
He turned and looked back at me, studying me quietly for a minute before lightly licking his lips and turning his gaze to the mark on his forearm, "Do you… well, do you think I could have saved him?" he asked in a whisper.
"I don't know, I don't think so… I mean -I don't think he wanted to be saved. It was part of some type of large plan of his. Otherwise, he would have let Harry fight, or at least wouldn't have planned his own death," I laid my head back on his chest and pulled him close. "Dumbledore knew what he was doing Draco, he always did. He planned it all out and there is probably nothing any of us could have done that would have changed the outcome."
He was still for a moment before giving me a strong squeeze and kissing the top of my head. "Thanks Red," he whispered.
"Anytime Blondie," I smiled back snuggling closer.
He lightly stroked my bare back, "Red?"
"Hum?"
"Don't you have to get back to your family? I mean, they're probably worried by now."
I sighed, damn reality. "Yeah… I suppose I should go."
He chuckled when after a few minutes I still hadn't moved, "Is that before the New Year or after?" he teased.
"Don't get lippy you," I muttered sleepily before snuggling against him, "You're just so warm."
He chuckled, "Not bad for someone made of ice, yeah?"
I grinned, "I think we melted your ice a loooong time ago."
He stroked my back, "That we did Red that we did."
I sighed and closed my eyes.
"Red," Draco warned a minute or two later.
I sighed again and looked up at him, "Are you trying to get rid of me Blondie?"
He gave me a crooked smile, "Hardly, I just don't want you to get in any type of trouble. Besides, you also have to look at the circumstances that you disappeared under… your family's probably going mental by now."
Groaning I sat up, "Fine, you win. You're right," I sighed running my fingers through my hair and ignoring his muttered `As usual'. "Do you mind if I take a shower before I leave?"
He sat up in the bed, his hair falling haphazardly into his eyes, his knees bent, and his arms wrapped loosely around them. "Not at all," he replied, motioning to a door to my far right.
"Good," I said, slipping from under the silk sheets and walking to the door in question.
"Ginny?" Draco called; I turned and looked at him, suppressing a smile at the way his eyes openly roamed my nude form. "Do you mind if I join you?"
I gave a slow grin, "Not at all."
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I sighed and plopped down onto the couch. -It was the day after Christmas and I finally had a chance to rest.
I had tried to sneak back into the Burrow that night, but by the time Draco and I finished making love in the shower, then again in his bed which caused me to have to take another shower; I didn't get back until almost five am. I had apparated directly into my room in hopes of avoiding everything at least until breakfast. However, as soon as I arrived, my eyes rested on my mum who was sitting on the bed. She released a breath, exclaimed `Oh thank God!' and then darn near hugged the life out of me. After she was done, she pulled back and gave me a hard frown before demanding to know where the hell I had been.
I sighed and let my head fall back on the couch, staring at the ceiling.
Honestly, I didn't know what was worse, my mum's third degree or the way everyone seemed to tiptoe around me for the rest of the day. I noticed that, not only did the subject of Harry and Hermione's engagement not come up in any of the conversations, but also when I saw her, the large diamond ring she had received the night before was missing from Hermione's finger. I tried assuring everyone that I was okay; I even asked Hermione if I could see her ring, but they all thought it was an act. Honestly, if it weren't for Draco, it just might have been, but… well, now Harry's relationship with Hermione is the farthest thing from my mind. And a totally different wizard dominates my thoughts and dreams.
I jumped a bit when the buzzer sounded, forcing me out of my fantasies and back into reality. Sighing, I stood and made my way over to the intercom, pressing the little button.
"Yes?" I inquired.
"Hey Red," a voice said from the other end.
I exhaled and fought a giddy smile at the sound of his voice. "Hey Blondie," I breathed back before hitting the button to buzz him in.
I pulled open the door before he even made it up the stairs and he grinned, arching a brow at me when he noticed me waiting in the doorway.
"What?" I blushed, stepping back into the flat so that he could enter.
"Nothing…" he shrugged, "how are you?"
"Fine," I said tapping my hand against my thigh.
"Good," he replied closing the door. "How did things go yesterday?" I snorted, and he gave a low chuckle. "That much fun, eh?"
"Well, considering the fact that I have now been labeled the pathetic, pining ex-girlfriend things are going bloody brilliant."
He grinned and arched a brow at me while slipping off his coat and throwing it across the back of the couch, "Are you?"
My eyes narrowed, "Am I what?"
"Pining for Potter?" he asked taking a step towards me.
"Well… he is the hero of the wizarding world, so it's not like it's too far fetched for the poor witch who had him and then lost him to want him back," I shrugged.
He lifted his right hand, running his fingers through my hair, "You never answered my question. Do you pine for him?"
I closed my eyes as he combed through my tresses before opening them and looking back at him, "I don't pine for anyone."
"Not anyone?" he inquired his head lowering and his lips lightly grazing my own.
"No," I replied kissing him softly, "Why? Should I?"
He shrugged smiled subtly, "I guess not."
I looked up and smirked, "Aww, did I wound your pride Blondie?"
"Nope," he grinned, "though my ego did take a bit of a hit."
I laughed and moved away from him, leaning against the couch, "What did you do yesterday?"
He shrugged, "Watched a couple of films, ordered some food-"
"You didn't cook?" I teased with a grin.
He rolled his eyes, "I don't know -is the Prophet running a story on a huge building fire today?" I pretended to ponder it before shaking my head. "Then I guess not."
"Maybe you should learn to cook, it'll give you something constructive to do with your time," I suggested.
He arched a brow, "Are you implying that I waste my days Red?"
"Of course Blondie. Then again, I wouldn't expect anything less," I smirked, "it is a family tradition after all."
He gave a slow grin, "Are we really going to get on family traditions? What is a tradition in the esteemed Weasley household anyway? Knitting horrible looking sweaters with crooked letters on the front," he smirked.
I glared, "Excuse me, my mum puts a lot of time and love into those sweaters."
"Too bad she doesn't put money; then, she could afford fabric that is actually meant to be worn." When my hand twitched he grinned, "Temper, temper Red. You wouldn't want an after Christmas spanking would you?"
I glared, "You- are a prat."
"I've been called worse," he shrugged.
"And I'm sure you will be again," I muttered; he grinned. "You know, I don't know why I even got you anything for Christmas."
"You got me a present?" he asked his brows rising in surprise.
"Yes, though Merlin knows why. After all, I doubt you've ever even heard of the word nice, especially being a Malfoy," I taunted.
He just arched a brow and hitched his shoulders, "I'm not going to argue with that, especially when we both know that I specialize in naughty," he finished with a suggestive wink.
I blushed and turned away, "Whatever," going to the closet; I pulled out a small package and handed it to him.
Draco took the item from me, turning it over in his hands before giving me a questioning look.
"Go ahead," I urged, anxious to see his reaction.
He arched a brow before tearing at the wrapping paper. A moment later, he had the present unwrapped and was studying the box.
"It's a Muggle game called a Play Station Portable," I grinned, "I figure you have a lot of free time so why not. You can play games, watch films, look at pictures, and a lot more from what I understand."
"Really?" he looked up at me then back down at the game, "May I open it?"
I smiled, "Of course, it's yours," I moved closer, watching as he opened the box and removed the game system. "Oh and it's enchanted also."
He arched a brow at me.
"What? You have to have known I would add some type of magical element," I shrugged unapologetically, "anyway I didn't do it alone, my dad helped me. We put at least twenty or so games on there, we also added some music -uh mainly stuff I like. I'm not very sure of your tastes. And a few films."
"Wait -your dad helped you with a present for me?" he inquired incredulously.
I blushed and looked down "Well not exactly… I kind of told him it was for Tiffany."
Draco laughed and set the game and box down on the couch before coming towards me and cupping my neck. "Thanks Red," he leaned down and placed a light peck on my lips. "I really appreciate it. Who knows, maybe later we can learn how to play it together."
I smiled, "That would be nice…"
The door opened and Draco and I each took steps away from one another.
"Hey," Tiffany commented entering fully and shutting the door behind her. "Am I interrupting?"
"No," commented Draco, while I shook my head.
"Right…"
"Well," Draco sighed moving to grab his coat once more, "I guess I'll head out then."
"Oh, wait Draco, I got you something," Tiffany exclaimed, reaching into the bag she was carrying. After a moment of rummaging she pulled out a small box and handed it over to him.
"Wow, another Christmas present," he commented dryly, "well I can say that's two more than I thought I would be getting."
Tiffany and I rolled our eyes, "Just open it," she said.
He gave her an impudent salute and proceeded to unwrap the package. A second later, he opened the brown box under the paper and smiled. "A new watch -thanks Tiff."
"I know it's not magical or anything, but I think it would look really good on you," she blushed.
Draco grinned at her and pulled her into a hug, "Me too, I can't wait to wear it," he replied before pulling away and removing his current watch to replace it with the one she had given him.
"You didn't have to do that," Tiffany laughed.
I watched the scene quietly my heart beating painfully in my chest as I observed them interacting with one another. When Tiffany grinned up at Draco and flipped her long auburn hair over her shoulder, I sighed. Who was I kidding? She was gorgeous and I… well, I was me.
Draco winked at her, "I wanted to -oh, I got you a present too."
My mouth dropped slightly as he went into his coat pocket and pulled out a small package for Tiffany. I felt my heart constrict painfully and took a step back, my leg brushing against the couch. Tiffany accepted the present and excitedly ripped into it, squealing in pleasure a moment later when she pulled the case for a Muggle iPod from beneath the paper. Grinning widely, she barreled into Draco and gave him a tight squeeze before pulling back and smiling up at him.
"You are just tops! It's even pink!" she beamed letting him go so she could tear into the package.
"I'm glad you like it." Draco chuckled, "Well… I should go, I'm supposed to floo my mother in an hour and I still have to stop by the market. I'll see you ladies later alright?"
"Yeah of course," Tiffany grinned, giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
He turned his gaze to me, "Red?"
Not trusting myself to speak without sobbing pathetically, I swallowed and gave him a jerky nod before turning my head. I could feel his continued gaze on me.
"Thanks again for the game Red. I'll… well… maybe you can show me how to work it later."
I bent down and picked the instruction booklet up off of the floor and tossed it to him, he caught it with one hand and frowned at me.
"Ginny are you okay?" Tiff asked.
I took a deep breath and gave her a strained smile, "Just fucking peachy," I breathed.
Draco arched a brow at me, an amused expression crossing his face, "Well as long as you're alright." He smirked before throwing Tiffany a look, "I'm going to head out, see you later."
"Bye Draco," Tiffany said with a smile, "and thanks again!"
"No problem," he smiled back, "bye Tiff," he looked at me, "bye Red -and stop looking so festive, yeah?"
I glared at him and he laughed before grabbing his present and heading out of the door. Tiffany smiled after him before closing it and leaning against the frame, looking down at her new iPod.
"I can't wait to program this," she grinned looking up at me, "this is so much better than my mp3 player."
I shrugged and lightly hugged myself, before turning to head to my room.
"Gin? What's wrong?" asked Tiffany.
I looked back at her, "Nothing."
"Don't `Nothing' me, I mean -come on it's me… Look, I know that we haven't really talked much since the fight, but… you know we're still mates, yeah?" she offered a hesitant smile.
I smiled back, "Yeah, thanks Tiff."
She arched a brow, "This isn't about the gift Draco got me is it?"
I flushed and frowned, "No."
"Good," she laughed, "besides, I'd much rather like the one he got you anyway."
I snorted, "He didn't get me a gift."
Her brows furrowed "Really?" I gave her a `duh' look and a slow nod. Tiffany looked at me confused, "Then who got you the…" she made a motion with her hand at her neck.
I frowned, "What are you talking about?"
"The necklace," Tiff said with a frown of her own.
"What necklace?"
The brunette looked at me like I had gone daft for a moment before coming forward and grabbing my shoulders. She then led me over to a small mirror that was hanging on the wall in the hallway.
"That necklace," she stated, pointing to my reflection.
I froze, mouth agape, staring at my image. Around my neck was a beautiful platinum chain, it was braded together intricately and between every other twist there were small deep green emeralds. In the center, resting in the area just above my chest, was a larger emerald the sparkling stone was surrounded by tiny white ones that looked like they may be diamonds. As I reverently traced the necklace with shaky fingers, Tiffany tapped me lightly on the shoulder.
"Yeah," I exhaled slowly pulling my eyes away from the mirror.
"I think this is for you," she commented holding out a card.
My eyes widened and I slowly took the small light blue card from her grasp. A smile pulled at my lips as I noticed the name `Red' scrawled elegantly across the front. Breaking the seal, I opened it up, my eyes quickly scanning the contents.
To dying in your arms,
And living in your dreams.
Happy Christmas, Red
~Blondie
"Where did you get this?" I asked quietly, looking up from the missive.
Tiff gave me a knowing smile and shrugged, "On the back of the couch, I think he dropped it when he picked up his present from you."
"Oh," I muttered, blushing once more.
"Oh indeed," smirked Tiffany; I shot her a glower and she laughed.
A.N. Awww, Draco's so sweet *fangirl swoon* *lol* Anyway, if you're wondering when he gave her her gift it was when he cupped her neck. ^.^ Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the next chappy! Thanks again to my awesome Beta too!! And Please Review!
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