Normality

Draco sat watching the small figure that was curled up in a ball of sheets, pillows and radiant, red hair.

He wasn't exactly sure WHY he was watching her...he supposed he just couldn't be bothered in the blanket of heat to do anything else. Of course, this didn't explain why he was watching her so intently, or why he was creating reasons for his actions. Lucius had long ago informed Draco that people didn't make excuses unless they were doing something wrong. By this description, Draco was most definitely doing something wrong.

He attempted to tear his eyes away from Ginny, and was disgusted when he found he couldn't. She just looked so vulnerable, so helpless, lying there as if death had taken her. It was a wonder that this was even the same woman that had yelled at him and stated she wouldn't come near him with a ten-foot pole.

"Mmm..." muttered Ginny from the bed, drawing Draco's immediate attention.

She was finally stirring, lifting her head sleepily from the pillow, and awkwardly trying to make sense of the situation she was in.

"Where am I?" she muttered, not really realizing who exactly Draco was.

"Australia," he answered simply, watching the effect of his words.

Ginny jumped up and practically flew out of the bed.

"It's you."

"Yes, it's 'me'."

"I had hoped all this was a terrible nightmare."

"Trust me, at the moment it's a very pleasant dream."

Ginny looked up in confusion, and then followed where his eyes were leading. Somehow in all the confusion that was yesterday, she had managed to get changed into a large baggy Tee shirt. The problem with this particular attire was that it barely reached her upper thighs, displaying creamy flesh whichever way she tried to move. The T-Shirt was also thinning with age, and unfortunately Ginny had neglected to wear a bra--thus displaying some of her assets to the rather lucky Draco.

"What are you doing in my room?" Ginny growled, the last remnants of sleep ebbing from her voice, as she flushed crimson and tried to tug her shirt down lower.

"Tsk, tsk," Draco reprimanded softly, "you would think you might be more pleasant to the man who stopped you crashing into around six doorways yesterday. Not to mention the fact that if I hadn't shown you where your bed was, you may have opted for the bathroom floor."

"Answer my question Malfoy. Why are you in my room?"

"Simple. This is a suite with two rooms combined to make the one. I thought it would be easier to travel like this, as we're only using this hotel for one night. The only thing we'll have to share is the shower...and that's just for tonight."

"What makes you think I would have a shower with you, of all people!"

"Ginny, dear," Malfoy replied, staring at her patronizingly, "I wouldn't have a shower with you if you were the last person on earth...and there were no sheep. Are there sheep? I was simply saying that as there is only one bathroom, we might well have to take it in turns to use the SAME shower. Thus sharing it." Quote from movie found in this text. Am I right?

"Ah," Ginny replied, coloring greatly before she thought of something else to ask. "Why were you watching me sleep?"

"Watching you sleep!" Draco spat. "Like hell I was!"

"You were in here when I woke up," Ginny said quietly.

"That's because in a second I was going to have to wake you," lied Draco smoothly, "as we have a meeting with the manager of this hotel today. I'm trying to bargain the usage of the hotel as a starting point for our tour."

"It's a nice hotel," Ginny observed, glancing around the room. It was painted a rich cream, with a king-sized bed smack bang in the center next to a small vanity. A few ornamental chairs were slung here and there, as well as a gorgeous wooden table decorated with a large vase full of gorgeous, tropical flowers in a variety or rich colors.

"I agree."

"So what's the agenda for today."

Draco whipped out a little black schedule book and consulted it quickly.

"We have that meeting this morning, and then...well, nothing. We can relax around the hotel, until tomorrow, when we can start the route that's going to be used on the tour."

"Right," said Ginny, inspecting her nails nervously.

"Good," replied Draco.

"Yes."

"Well."

"Um..."

"Uh...I might just go now."

"Ok," said Ginny, grateful to be rid of the awkward moment.

"Oh, and Virginia?"

"Yes?"

"Put some clothes on...you're distracting enough as it is."

* * * * *

Ginny checked her watch for about the eighth time in fifteen minutes, and tried hard to stifle a massive yawn. The meeting had now been going on for half an hour, and to tell the truth, it was as boring as hell.

After Draco had finally left her bedside that morning, it had taken Ginny much longer than usual to get dressed. Firstly, the time difference was starting to really mess her up. Although it was eleven-o-clock in the morning in Australia, it was nearing one or so in England...and Ginny was feeling the effects. Also, Draco's little visit had disturbed her quite a bit. She was positive he had been watching her sleeping. It was just too much of a coincidence that he was in her room when she woke up.

"And what do you think, Miss Weasley?"

"Huh?" she said, snapping to attention, and trying to focus on the burly hotel manager, Mr. Booth.

"I was just wondering what you thought of our facilities?" Mr. Booth questioned, looking carefully at her.

"They're great!" Ginny gushed, trying to make up for the fact that she had almost been asleep. "Simply spectacular. I was very impressed. Yes."

The manager smirked approvingly, and then turned to Draco, "And you, Mr. Malfoy? What do you think about our guest rooms?"

"They're alright, I suppose," Draco responded noncommittally, throwing the manager off balance, "but there were some minor glitches."

Ginny zoned out, as once again the meeting was thrown into the deep end of boring. She only came back to reality when Draco stood up and shook the manager hand, saying in a very pleased sort of tone, "Thank you sir. I appreciate doing business with you."

She noticed the manager looked less happy as he shook Ginny's hand, and exclaimed, "It was a pleasure to meet you Miss. Please enjoy your stay and make sure to try out all of our wonderful facilities."

"I will," Ginny promised, before looking up and realizing that Draco had just left the room. Jogging to keep up with him, Ginny finally reached him halfway down the corridor, panting heavily.

"Way to wait," she said sarcastically, before noticing something that surprised her beyond belief. "Are you smiling, Malfoy?"

"No," he said quickly, the smile dropping off his face.

"You were!" Ginny giggled. "You were smiling! Don't deny it!"

"Why would I be smiling?"

"Well, did you sort out the terms?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"I nailed him."

"You did?" Ginny cried excitedly, watching with delight as the smile worked its way back onto Draco's face.

"Yup...he was practically shivering!" Draco exclaimed in proud glee.

Ginny watched his face carefully. He looked so much younger then usual--more carefree...more accepting. She suddenly realized she had never before seen him with a real smile. Sure, he had smirked once or twice, and evil grins were nothing out of the ordinary, but this was an honest to God smile and surprisingly enough, it suited him.

"You look better when you smile," Ginny said quietly, before immediately wishing she could take it back.

"Thanks," he answered looking at her strangely.

Ginny flushed in embarrassment. This wasn't working the way she might have liked. This was Malfoy. Her enemy. She wasn't supposed to be complementing his smile! If anything, she should be mocking him, making fun of any human emotions. He seemed different though...maybe it was just the heat. Almost as if he sensed her eyes, Draco turned to her and studied her face curiously. His surprise at being watched was almost comically obvious. It was also obvious he didn't like the attention.

"What are you looking at Weasley?" Draco suddenly spat. "Admiring something you can't have?"

And the moment was gone.

Both of them were quiet during the elevator ride, and after that, the short walk to the hotel room. It wasn't until Ginny was scanning her entry card for identification that Draco spoke.

"Be ready in fifteen minutes. We're going swimming."

"Great," Ginny said, snapping into a salute. "While we're at it, do you want me to polish your shoes?"

"I'm sure that's what you are usually accustomed to doing. After all, you are a Weasley."

"The 'Poor Weasley' jokes seem to be getting a bit old, don't they?" Ginny asked angrily. "Going to come up with any new material soon, Malfoy? Because you've been saying the same old shit for fourteen years."

"I would advise you to shut your fucking mouth."

Ginny stared at Draco. He was practically trembling. For someone who could dish it out so well, he sure had trouble taking it back.

"And I would advise you to grow up."

Draco stared at her, like he couldn't believe her disobedience. Ginny watched as he visually composed himself, before he turned back to her, hands still shaking, and spoke in a rigid voice, "Be ready in fifteen."

Ginny, finally, in the threat of being frozen to death by Draco's anger, managed to get the door open, and Draco stalked past her into their joint room, then disappeared into his own quarters, slamming the door behind him.

* * * * *

"Stupid brat...who does she thinks she is? Next thing you know...Ouch!"

Draco stopped pacing and sat down on his bed heavily, nursing his stubbed toe. Only Ginny could work him into such a fit of fury.

Who did she think she was anyway? Nobody insulted a Malfoy and got away with it. Nobody but that stupid redhead with her pathetic, little, Harry Potter-crush. Why did she like him anyway? Couldn't she see that she was so much better than that?

Draco groaned and crushed his face to his hands. Now he was analyzing her love life! Could he sink any lower? No, he decided, he could not. It was time to get Virginia Weasley out of his system. For good.

As he pulled on the appropriate clothing, Draco wondered how he was to accomplish this near impossible feat. He knew it would be hard...she was gorgeous, and her fiery temper only matched that of his desire for her. But he knew it wouldn't be impossible. Because Draco didn't love her, and anything that Draco didn't love could be cleared out of his mind faster than you could say sex. Of course, such ability can also have a downside. It was disgusting that he was still having images of...of. But Draco had vowed never to say her name again.

Yes, the only way that Draco was going to keep his heart away from Ginny was by hating her. Pure, simple, unaffected hate.

"Malfoy?" called Ginny, rapping on the door impatiently. "Are you ready to go? The manager just called and offered you a car for this afternoon."

Draco swung open the door and mustered up the best glare he could manage, "Call him back and ask if he can put a map in the car. Tell him I want to get to Glinmey."

"Got it," Ginny answered, not shrinking in the slightest at his glare. This only angered Draco further, though a glimmer of hope on the horizon soon cheered him up. Glinmey was known for its rough terrain and unforgiving wildlife. This was going to be an afternoon that Ginny wouldn't forget in a hurry.

Soon they were both ready to go, and Draco lead Ginny impatiently through the ever-going labyrinth that most hotels are fashioned after. They passed through several levels of rooms as well as a large indoor pool and health center (including a spa, sauna and steam room). They also journeyed through the restaurant and visited the snack machine, before finally making it into the large terracotta colored lobby.

"Good afternoon. How may I help you?" asked the receptionist sweetly, when they had approached her desk.

"I would like to pick up the car Mr. Booth promised. Can I also leave some valuables here?"

"Certainly sir. Did he specify what car you would be using?"

Ginny was in her element. Cutting in, she asked in the same brisk tone, "I think he mentioned a jeep? Oh, and we also requested a map to Glinmey."

"Wait one moment," she replied, flashing them a blindingly white smile.

She was gone for several minutes, and Ginny amused herself by counting the number of paintings on the wall of the lobby. It was a large spacious room, with pot plants decorating nearly every available floor space. Hotel management, rushed around wearing unusual uniforms. Unlike the typical red suits most upper scale hotels settled for, the staff were decked out in loose fitting white shirts and artistically, creased Khaki trousers.

And no wonder...Thought Ginny. In this heat, any more would surely suffocate them.

"Yes, everything seems to be in order," the receptionist chirped, upon arrival. " Mr. Booth left you the keys to the Jeep. I assume one of you can drive? May I please see your documents?"

Both Ginny and Draco reached into their respective bags and drew out the required papers.

"Here you go," they both chorused, trying to be the first one to reach the desk.

"Hold on," Draco said, staring at the papers in Ginny's hands, "you can drive?"

"Uh, yes?" Ginny questioned. "I was taught last year when Harry bought his new car. He insisted all of us needed to know. Hold on...you can drive? But you're against all Muggle things!"

"Ever seen a Porsche?" Draco answered offhandedly.

"Typical... you don't like anything Muggle unless it's a rich thing."

"Got a problem?"

"Well maybe-"

"Excuse me," the receptionist cut in, "could I please see the papers."

"Yes," snarled Draco, handing her his papers. Looking back over at Ginny, he added, "I'm driving."

"Well, duh."

"There you go, and please call me Jean," the receptionist told them, handing back Draco's papers. "Frank will show you two to the car. Oh, here's your map as well."

"Thank you," Ginny replied, politely taking the map, as a young man dressed in the staff uniform, with a nametag reading 'Frank' walked up.

"This way please," he said, leading them into the elevator, then down into the basement. They took a few more turns until they finally reached a dark, dingy garage. Frank left them to once again study the surroundings, and soon came driving out in a black jeep.

Handing the keys to Draco, he wished them a pleasant afternoon, and left them with directions on how to exit the car park. After following these, they were soon driving into the bright sunlight, feeling the warmth float into the car.

Draco soon pulled up by the side of the road, making Ginny question his actions.

"It's too hot in here. I'm taking down the sun-roof."

"Alright," Ginny agreed, as she jumped out of the vehicle and helped him perform the near impossible fete. However, with both of them helping, they soon had the roof down and continued to drive, feeling the sweet tasting wind blowing their hair and ruffling their senses.

The towns they drove though were large, but all of them had a quaint feeling surrounding them. As she watched the weather beaten shanties and palm trees, they seemed a million miles from home. In this surreal setting, it suddenly occurred to Ginny that she didn't have a clue where the hell she actually was.

"Uh, Draco?" she asked nervously, as a truckload of hooligans overtook them, yelling profanities out to her, "Where exactly are we?"

"We're on the way to Glinmey."

"Ah yes, I rather gathered that much. I actually meant to ask where in Australia are we?"

Draco turned from his driving, and looked incredulously at Ginny, "You mean to say, that in all this time you didn't ask anyone where we were going?"

"Well...no. In case you can't remember, I was fighting you tooth and nail until the last moment. I don't particularly want to be here right now."

Draco rolled his eyes and said in a patronizing tone, "We're now in Queensland...actually Gin-Gin dear, better clear that up a bit and tell you that right now we're in Cairns. Cairns is in North Queensland and it's a tropical location. Cairns in famous for- "

"Alright, alright. You don't have to be mean about it. Where are we going tomorrow?"

"Well, we're going to start to make our way into the Northern Territory."

"Right."

"Anything else?"

"How much longer 'til we get to Glinmey?"

"Zero time, we're here now."

Ginny stared out of the window and admired the lush tropical surroundings. She also noticed with some distaste, the bushy landscape and dirt trails.

"So where are we stopping. A teahouse? A café?"

"No, a bush walk."

"Oh right...WHAT!"

"A bush walk."

"You're not serious!"

"Deadly. Now stop whining...we're here."

Ginny glared furiously at the dirt car park and cruddy looking toilets. She hated rough travel of any kind. It just wasn't normal and it reminded her of the dirty caves that Tom had--But now was not the time for thinking of the past. This was the present, and at this time she was mad.

"Why didn't you tell me we we're going bush walking?! I would've stayed at the hotel! I would have read a book! You stupid little..."

"Now, now Ginny-kins. What's the fun of staying at the big, luxurious hotel with a warm bath and all the little soaps? Look around us! What could be more fun then tramping through mosquito-ridden bush, with all its nasty little surprises? Why take room service when you can have the joys of snakes and spiders!"

"Snakes!" Ginny yelped, thinking of the massive basilisk that Harry had slain. She hated snakes. "Right, that's it. I'm staying in the car."

"Sure you want to do that? I heard that the banshee bushrangers were on the loose again. Some bloke not 20 miles from here had his leg cut off by one."

"You're bluffing."

"Maybe, but can you afford to be sure?"

Considering her options, Ginny decided that she would take being bitten by a few nasties , rather than having her head hacked off. Malfoy might just be making the whole thing up, but wasn't it safer in numbers?

Edging nervously out of the car, she sprinted up to behind Draco and hid behind his back, cautiously checking out from behind his shoulder.

"What the devil are you doing?" asked Draco, twitching. He wasn't used to having her so close.

"You know, I wasn't joking when I said I was terrified."

"That's nice...now can you get the hell away from me."

"Twitchy little ferret, aren't you Malfoy?"

"Shut-up and start walking."

They set off along the rough track, dodging fallen trees and swatting troublesome mosquitoes ruthlessly. The tracks lead them around trees and over rocks, through caves and twisting around fallen logs. Twice Ginny was terrified she had seen a snake, and these little sighting's had lead her into fits of hysteria.

Finally they reached their destination.

Draco immediately sat down on a large, flat rock, marveling in the beauty, and feeling very proud of himself for finding this little spot of paradise.

Their location was a large, freshwater pool. Aquamarine in color, the base was covered with a layer of fine, course, gray sand and tropical ferns; palm trees and exotic flowers surrounded the water. Large rock cliffs marked the edges of the pool, creating the look of a forgotten treasure, complete in its isolation. To finish the picture, perfecting the scene was a small waterfall, beating mercilessly down onto the rippling water.

"Wow..." Ginny muttered, dropping like a log next to Draco. "This view is almost worth killing myself. Wait. I forgot. I just did."

"You're here talking to me now aren't you?"

"Barely. Got any water?"

Draco sighed, and then pointed towards the pool, "What's that? Lava?"

"Ewwww!"

"What now?"

"I can't drink that! It's probably contaminated!"

"Ginny, we're in the middle of the bush...I highly doubt some toxic chemical company decided to helicopter their waste to here."

"What makes you think I'm talking about toxic waste? Excuse me Mr. Smart, but I highly object to drinking possum piss."

Draco sighed again, and stalked down to the edge of the rock pool. Grabbing a canteen from his bag, he scooped out some of the water and returned to Ginny. Holding it up in front of her face, he muttered, "Pureilioclearis," and grinned when the canteen turned blue.

"What did you just do?" asked Ginny, worried that perhaps he had transfigured the water into thousands of live worms.

"I purified the water. It's a nifty little charm a back-packer in Spain taught me."

Ginny looked at his face closely, looking for signs that he was lying. When none became apparent, she asked in an amazed voice, "So you really did back-pack!?"

"Yes?" Draco answered, staring at her strangely. "What? Did you think I was making it up?"

"Well..."

"Stupid as well as poor, I see."

"Shut your trap, ferret boy."

Draco did, then in a sudden movement picked her up and chucked her into the water.

Ginny reemerged, spluttering and helplessly flapped her arms in dismay.

"You, Prat!" she screeched, flailing wildly. "I can't swim!"

She then disappeared under the water, and Draco started to get seriously worried. It's not that he seriously objected to Ginny drowning, (sure, it might be sad, but one less Weasley would never hurt anyone, right?) but losing your personal assistant in the middle of a business trip was never a good thing.

"Weasley?" he shouted, hopping down to the rock where she had disappeared. " Virginia!"

She reemerged coughing and cried, "Please! Give me a hand!"

Draco did so, stretching out with all his might. Finally he felt their hands collide, and with relief tried to pull her out of the water.

It was really a pity how much he trusted her.

Draco found himself being pulled into the ice-cold water, and as it surrounded him completely, only one thing was running through his head.

Damn that Weasley. Damn her to hell.

When he finally emerged, he noticed she had pulled herself up onto the bank. Following her lead, he hoisted himself up from the water and settled down into the sand. A sudden movement from the corner of his eye captured his attention and as he turned he was faced with a scene that made his mouth run dry.

Ginny was standing on the bank, peeling off her wet clothes. Lowering his head to his arms, Draco tried to pretend he wasn't watching. What the devil was the mad woman doing? He supposed the water might actually be contaminated and his charm completely faulty.

It wasn't until her shirt was off, shorts discarded and Draco was seriously hot and bothered, that her true intentions became clear. She was simply ridding herself of her wet clothes in order to swim in an actual swimsuit.

And what a swimsuit it was. It wasn't particularly revealing, being a blue lycra full piece with a basic scoop neck...but the way it hugged her every curve, showing off her delicious body to the maximum. Draco had always wondered what she had going for her under those smart little suits and tailor cut robes, and now that he knew, he doubted anything else would ever capture his attention again.

"What are you staring at?" came Ginny's indignant voice from far off.

"Your body," Draco answered curtly, only the slightest bit put out by the fact that she had caught him, "quite impressive really...who would have guessed that the littlest weasel had so much potential?"

Ginny shot him a dirty look, and then strolled into the water, hugging her arms over her chest.

Draco decided that this was far too much of an opportunity to pass up, and quickly stripped down into his blue swimming trunks. He could out-swim Ginny any day.

"Coming in? Or is it too cold for you?" she taunted from far out in the pool.

"You wish!" he cried, as he hastily swam out to where she was treading water, and tried hard not to breathe too heavily.

"Oh dear," Ginny taunted, "did the big bad swim tire poor 'ittle Drakie out?"

"One of these days that little mouth of yours is going to get you into trouble."

"Don't you worry about my mouth. It's certainly had its share of trouble in its time."

"I'd bet," Draco smirked, imagining the escapades of her dainty little lips.

Suddenly an evil plan struck him, and before Ginny even had time to blink, he had disappeared under the water, in one smooth liquid movement.

"Draco?" she called nervously, looking around for air bubbles. "Draco?"

It took a few more moments before she really started to panic...how long could people hold their breath for anyway?

If he dies, I am so busted...imagine that, keeping my job only to lose it again, what- AUGH!

And Ginny disappeared under the water.

After Draco had submerged, he had swum around silently for a while, contemplating his next move. Finally he spotted the pale ankle, kicking away furiously against the murky green water. He waited a few extra seconds, just to get her that tiny bit more concerned then struck.

Grabbing her ankle, he tugged her under the water and watched with satisfied amusement as she began her struggle. As her body came more into view, a second part of the plan seemed to catch up to the first part, by hitting him quickly.

Pretending to dunk her further under the water, Draco reached out and roughly grabbed her shoulders. While she was distracted with freeing herself, he slowly lowered his hand until it was resting on her left breast. Feeling another wave of courage, he gave an experimental squeeze.

Whether it was because of pure lust, or perhaps because he had been under the water for a rough twenty seconds, a sudden urge for air rushed into Draco, propelling him to the surface, the amorous encounter with Ginny's body almost blocked from his mind.

It wasn't until he had reached the surface that he observed the true effects of his actions on Ginny. She was breathing heavily and her eyes were wide open, showing her large brown eyes to there full extent.

"What was that?" she whispered, half furiously.

"What?" he answered non-committedly.

"You know very well, what," Ginny shot back, volume rising.

"No I don't."

"Gah!"

"Calm down there, Gin-Gin."

"Don't. Call. Me. That."

"Sorry Ginny-kins."

"My name is Virginia!"

"Virginia or Virgin?"

"Why you!" Ginny cried, launching herself onto Draco which wasn't a wise move, judging by the fact that he was already extremely turned on. Grabbing her by the arms, before she could do any major damage, Draco held her at arms distance and stared down at her, blazing eyes and all.

"You need to stop getting so worked up."

"What do you expect me to do, you stupid rat!"

"I'm not sure," Draco muttered, eyes fixed firmly on her plump lips, sticking out in an unmistakable pout. "Why don't you just take it like a normal girl?"

"Normal girl! Normal! I'll have you--"

But she got no further.

Draco had crushed his lips down, to her mouth, mid-yell, pulling her into a dizzying kiss, that was a strange mixture of water, air, lust, passion, hate and a sudden yearning that hadn't quite existed before.

MOVIE QUOTE

Wasn't sure what this word meant.