Forever Yours

A/R- So guys, here is chapter 21!! Since Friday I have been writing furiously and I am now done the story! Yay me! So it is 25 chapters in total with another one after that, sort of en Epilogue. Even though I'm not going to write more of the story and want to do my ending notes here, I can't...because you guys haven't read the last chapter yet. But let me tell you...you guys are in for a roller coaster ride, just like Ginny. But enough of that. A million thanks to my ever faithful beta- Elisabeth. You rock! And a million more thanks to EVERYBODY that reviewed the last chapter...thank you guys soo much. Thanks to: molliemuffet¸Lady_In_Black, xoOrgullosaox, MoOnY and PrOnGs, Freedomflyer, PerfectPotter, IC04, Becks_angel, lazybug24, anafly358, Hermioneish, queentazo, Penelope Weaselby, ablondwitch, siriusluver13, luvsharrypotter, Acidstar, kitt, Cymry, brianal and everyone else so who reviewed! Your sweet reviews keep my going, so thanks to everyone who commented on my story and who read it and loved it! I love you guys! So without further ado, here it is, chapter 21. Enjoy!!

Chapter 21

The next morning, Ginny awoke to a large pile of gifts at the foot of her bed.

When she saw them she realised it was Christmas.

With a smile on her face, she eagerly began to open them. She got ruby earrings from her mum, some mince pies, chocolate frogs and some new training books from Ron and Hermione, and other odds and ends.

Finally, she got to the gift she had been waiting for. The wrapping was green, her favourite colour, with a black bow, his favourite colour.

Inside the small box fell out a string of emeralds intertwined with black onyx stones.

Ginny gasped when she saw it. It was a long necklace with small cut green and black stones. The colours would have been awful in any other combination, but the shade of green complimented the shiny black.

Smiling, she put over her robes and then found a small clasp. She slid off her old necklace and took the emerald ring he had given her before. She then put the ring onto the new necklace then slipped it on.

It was beautiful, especially with the ring at the end. It was easily be hidden beneath her robes as it was the same length as her other necklace.

Then she ripped open the letter.

December 25, 2002

Chariot,

Merry Christmas! Congratulations, we've known each other for six years now. How the time has flown, I have no idea.

But with you to write to, these six years have been amazing. They could have been the most difficult years of my life, but with you by my side, they've been wonderful.

I know we don't write to each other that much anymore, but I want you to know that there isn't a time of the day that I don't think of you. Work, friends, family all occupy my conscious mind. But at the back of my head, I'm always thinking of you.

Thank you for the gift. I know. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm sure I'll love it. Anything you give me I'll love.

I hope you like the necklace. One day I was wondering the shops and I saw this. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was perfect for you. It was made for you.

Anyways, Zebra's here to wish me Merry Christmas so I'd better see what he wants. Hope you have a good Christmas.

Don't forget- keep writing.

Prince

Grabbing a quill, she quickly penned her reply back.

Dec. 25, 02

Prince,

Thank you so much for the necklace. I loved it! It was beautiful. The black and green stones are unusual but very pretty. Whenever I look at it, I'll always think of you. The black reminds me of you.

Why on earth are you thanking me? I should be thanking you... You're the one who gave me hope when I thought there was no hope. You're the one who lightened up my dark sky. You've taught me so many things these past years and made me laugh and smile through my tears.

I hope you have a good Christmas. Let me guess, you're going to be going over to Zebra's house? For as long as I've known you (6 bloody years!), you've been going to his house for Christmas.

Don't let him bug you too much. You know he means well. Whatever happened between him and that girl you were trying to set him up with? You were right; you shouldn't push them too much. Especially the girl, because she might get angry. Just giving you a heads up from a girl's point of view.

By the way, my mum made me some mince pies. I know you love them, and frankly, I'm tired of them. So enjoy them. Sorry they are no muffins this year. But I know the mince pies should keep you happy for...one day.

Anyways, I'm off to my mum's house today and need to get ready.

Cheers,

Chariot

After that, she went into the shower with a large smile on her face.

While she shampooed her hair, she thought of Prince. Six years it had been since they had first become friends.

And they still hadn't even met each other.

She knew that she was scared. That was why she had been avoiding it for so long, pushing it to the back of her mind. She was scared that meeting each other would ruin their friendship...or whatever it had turned to.

It was true. It had started out as an assignment that they both were doing for the sake of marks, but it had changed to friendship. Over the years, though, it had changed into something else.

Over the past two years, Ginny could not count how many times she almost wrote Love at the end of her letter. She had wanted to but she didn't want to ruin their relationship.

And she loved what they had. Writing to him was like writing in a diary, someone you could tell your most private and innermost thoughts with the safety of knowing it wouldn't be revealed, as well as receiving advice back.

But maybe she wanted more.

Ginny dried herself off and looked at herself in the washroom mirror.

Did she want more? The answer came even before she thought the question. Yes. She wanted to see him and to tell him...how much he meant to her. She had been so depressed when she had first 'met' him and writing to him made her so much happier. Her problems hadn't been instantly solved, but it had so relieving to know that someone shared her burden.

That was it. She was going to ask him to meet her.

It was Christmas and a day for miracles. Maybe something wonderful would happen.

She put her clothes on and walked outside. His reply was already there and so she eagerly opened it.

December 25, 2002

Chariot,

Thanks for the advice about Zebra and the girl. I'll try to keep that in mind. I sure don't have much experience in the girl department when it comes to that.

No, I'm not going to Zebra's house today. He was shocked to when I told him, but he'll get over it.

Thanks for the mince pies! I already ate three of them while writing this letter. That's why there are stains and crumbs all over this letter. Sorry about that.

Sorry I can't write more, but I've got to run. By the way, I loved the gift. I can see your knitting has improved.

Prince

With her hair dripping wet onto his letter, Ginny tore a piece of parchment and began to write:

Dec. 25, 02

Dear Prince,

This may come as a shock, but I've been thinking about this since we started writing to each other.

I really would like to meet you. I know it may change things between us, but I'd really like to see you and speak to you face to face.

These six years have been wonderful knowing you, especially since I could tell you anything. And while I was telling you, I knew that you would keep my secret a secret. Moreover, you gave me advice and gave me faith to keep going.

And so I want to see you and tell you how much you mean to me. Six years is a long time to go without meeting.

So if you'd like, you can pick a place or I can and we can meet up in a few days.

I can't wait to see you.

Forever Yours,

Chariot

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Quickly, Ginny tied the letter onto her owl's legs and ushered her away, not noticing that she didn't tie the letter on properly.

She opened the door and was surprised to see Draco standing there.

"Hey," he said. "You said twelve, right?"

Ginny glanced at her watch and remembered that she had told him to come over at twelve to go to her parents' house.

"Oh yeah, sorry I'm not ready. I forgot," she explained, gesturing him to come in.

He grinned and said, "Got too excited about Christmas presents?"

Without noticing it, her cheeks slightly reddened. "Something like that. Would you mind waiting? I'll only be five minutes."

He nodded. "Take your time."

Smiling, she went inside and quickly put away her gifts. Then she proceeded to get ready.

If Ginny had stayed and looked at her owl fly away, she would have noticed that the letter to the Prince fell off and fluttered away by the wind.

Knowing her mum, Ginny decided to get dressed up. She put on a maroon long sleeved dress that went past her ankles. Then she brushed back her red curls into a thick black headband.

She swiped some clear lip gloss on and put on some mascara. Then she made sure that her new necklace was concealed within the folds of her dress.

Grabbing her purse, she went outside.

"Sorry you had to wait," she said.

"That was quick," he said, standing up. "Here, this is for you." He handed her a small box wrapped in pink wrapping paper.

"Oh Draco, that's so sweet," she said, smiling at him, taking the gift. "You didn't have to."

He shrugged. "I wanted to. Thanks for being my model, by the way."

"You're welcome," she said, gently opening up. Inside was a silver bracelet dripping with large diamonds.

"Wow," she breathed. "It's...wow."

"I figured all girls like silver and diamonds, right?"

She smiled at him. "Thank you. It's beautiful."

Draco looked at her and then said, "You don't like it, do you?"

Ginny cursed the gene that gave her a face that was easy to read. "No, that's not it. It's just..."

He laughed. "You hate it. I can tell."

She pushed back her hair behind her ear. "I don't hate it, Draco. It's just that I don't like diamonds or silver that much."

"Really?" he said, running a hand through his blond hair. "I thought diamonds were a girl's best friend."

Ginny laughed, slipping the bracelet on. "You shouldn't believe everything in those Witch Women? magazines."

He grinned, putting his hands in his pockets. "True. But what's wrong with diamonds?"

She shrugged, putting the box away. "I just find them too...sparkly. Too ostentatious, you know? Too much..."

"Bling?" he offered.

She laughed. "Yes. Too much bling and shininess."

He grinned. "I'll remember that for next time."

"But I love it anyways, because it's from you," she said, smiling. "It's the thought that counts. Are you ready to go?"

Nodding, he said, "I'm all set. The Burrow, right?"

She nodded. "It's a bit far, though."

"Makes no difference."

She held his arm and then closed her eyes. Within a second, the uncomfortable feeling of being squeezed through a tube was felt.

They arrived at the Burrow as Ron and Hermione were arriving, with their daughter.

Greetings were exchanged and then they all went inside to Mrs Weasley's cries of joy.

The afternoon passed by quickly, and before Ginny knew it, it was seven o'clock and she was helping her mum prepare for dinner.

Lunch had been eaten at one and then everyone had chatted in the den. Then Fred and George suggested they try to play Quidditch in the snow.

With the girls shaking their heads, Fred, George, Ron, Charlie, Bill and Draco left to play Quidditch. So while they played, Mrs Weasley asked for Ginny and Hermione to help her get dinner on the table.

"So Ginny, how're things?" asked Hermione as she mixed a pot with her wand. "You're in the paper a lot."

She grinned. "Yeah, I know. It's going good. I really love my job. It's quite fun."

Mrs Weasley shook her head as she chopped onions for a garnish. "Of course, it would be my daughter who finds the difficult job of being an Auror fun."

Ginny and Hermione laughed. "Well it is," she said. "Draco and I are really successful, and I love the suspense. There isn't much paperwork so it's great."

At that, Mrs Weasley and Hermione raised their eyebrows.

"Ginny, dear, I was wondering," started Mrs Weasley.

Ginny turned around and faced her mother. "Yes?"

"If there was anything between you and Draco Malfoy?" she said, exchanging a look with Hermione. "You seem awfully close."

Rolling her eyes, Ginny put the gravy on the table. "We are close, Mum. As friends, though. Nothing else."

"Are you sure?" she asked again.

"Yes, Mum. Seriously, there's nothing between us. We're just really good friends. We have to be because of our job," she explained, setting a pitcher of water down.

With that there was the sound of Athena crying, so Hermione rushed out of the kitchen.

Ginny took over the pot of mashed potatoes she was stirring as her mother said, "I see. But Ginny, I'm worried about you."

"Why?"

"Because, since Harry...died, you haven't seen anyone," said her mother, tears brimming her eyes. "And I worry about you. Everyone's married, except Fred and George, who are both on the brink of engagement. But there's you who's so alone. I want you to be happy, Ginny."

"I am happy, Mum," she said, sighing. "I am."

"I know, but I want you to see someone. I don't want you to be depressed about Harry's death for your whole life."

"I'm not, Mum!" Ginny said more rashly than she meant to. "I'm not depressed about Harry."

"Then why don't you go out with anyone? And don't tell me no one's asked you. Hermione's told me plenty of guys at work have asked you, but you always say no," said Mrs Weasley, her eyes alight with worry.

This was the problem of her best friend being her sister-in-law as well. Everything about her personal life was passed along.

"I'm just busy, Mum," she said. "Why do I have to be with guy to be happy?"

"You don't," she said, "but I don't want you to spend the rest of your life alone. I know you think I'm old fashioned, but there it is. Life is vicious and it can sometimes bog you down, but it's always better to have someone to share the burden with you. That's all I want for you."

Ginny sighed and was about to say something. But at that second, Hermione walked in with Athena.

"Gramma, I'm hungry," Athena said.

"Oh here, honey, have some garlic bread," said Mrs Weasley as she fussed over her granddaughter.

Dinner was served and everything was delicious. Conversation flowed easily, and Ginny was happy to see Draco talking to Fleur and Charlie at various times.

After dinner, Mrs Weasley and Hermione served hot chocolate.

A little while after that, Ginny decided to call it a night and started to say goodbye to everyone.

As she leaned in hug her mother, she whispered in her ear, "Don't forget what I said."

Ginny smiled at her mother. "I won't, Mum."

Draco and Ginny then walked out the door after a flurry of goodbyes.

Outside it was snowing, with large flakes of snow falling.

Without realising it, Ginny tilted her head towards the sky and opened her mouth, tasting the sweetness of the flakes of snow.

Suddenly something cold hit the back of her head, and she shrieked as it dripped down her coat.

Draco stood a few feet away, with a smirk on his face. "Look alive, Ginny."

With that, Ginny grabbed a lump of snow from the ground and whirled it at him.

But he was much faster. He threw more balls faster than she could make them.

After several minutes of their snowball fight, Ginny plopped down in the ground, not caring if her dress got wet. She was panting and held up her hand as Draco walked over to her.

"Truce," she said.

He grinned. "All right, you wimp. Truce." He sat down beside her and with her, watched the large flakes of snow fall.

"I guess my plan failed," he said, running a hand through his hair.

"What plan?" she asked him, tilting her head towards him.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a miniature broom. "Engorgio," he said and the broom became regular size.

"I was thinking we could have flown back. I love flying in the night, but because of the weather..."

She got up and said, "So what if it's snowing? I haven't been on a broom since..."

"Since our last mission in Scotland?" he said.

She nodded. "That's it. So let's go."

He mounted the broom and she sat behind him. "Are you sure?"

"Of course," she said. "What do you think I am, a wimp? A little bit of snow doesn't scare me."

He gripped the front of the broom. "This is more than a little bit of snow."

With that, he kicked off from the ground and they went up! He flew them high up and then dived down, while Ginny held on to him for dear life.

Since they were in the air, he decided to show off a bit.

He did loops, dove and went back up, flew through the clouds and got them wet (to the screaming delight of Ginny) and flew with birds beside them.

By the time he dropped her off home, they were soaking wet, and it was one hour after they had left her parents house.

He apologized for making her late, but she just laughed. She had had the time of her life and told him so.

"I can't believe I haven't flown since school. It's amazing. I can't believe I forgot all about it," she breathed, drying herself magically.

He grinned. "It was fun, eh?"

"More than fun," she said. "Exhilarating."

Draco laughed, shaking his head. "I'll see you later, Ginny."

And with that, he flew off into the night air with Ginny watching him. If someone had told her when she was younger that she would become friends with Draco Malfoy, she would have told them to shut up.

The holidays passed by quickly enough, but for Ginny, they were slow.

Every day, her first thought was "Did Prince write back yet?" But every day the answer was no. Each minute ticked away slowly as Ginny's eyes scanned the sky for the letter from the Prince.

She hoped he would want to meet her too, just as much as she wanted to meet him.

But every day there was nothing. There were letters from her mum, Ron and Hermione, Bill and Draco- on the last day.

Draco invited her to come over to his house the day before they had to go back to work.

At one time, Ginny would have found this request strangely odd, but because of the twist their relationship had taken and the closeness they shared made sense to her.

Besides, she needed to get out of her flat. Every time an owl pecked at her window, her heart swelled, thinking it was Prince. But of course it wasn't and she would sit there, dejected, reading the letter that wasn't from Prince.

So she dressed in a pair of jeans and a long sleeved sweater then popped over to his house.

As to be expected, Blaise was there.

Ginny joked about it with him. "Do you live here?"

Blaise laughed through his butterbeer. "Draco would say that."

While shaking his head, Draco said, "He spends more time here than at his own house. There's nothing wrong with that, though."

Ginny laughed while Blaise threw Draco a dirty look.

After a few minutes of silence, Blaise said, "Hey, Draco, can I have another butterbeer?"

He nodded and said, "I think we might have some more downstairs. I'll be back." And he went downstairs to look for Butterbeer.

Ginny found this situation a bit strange. Usually Draco would Accio whatever it would be that Blaise wanted or Blaise usually just helped himself.

Shrugging it off, she smiled at Blaise.

"So..." she began to say at the same time he said, "What..."

They both laughed. "Go ahead," said Ginny, grinning.

"No, you go ahead," he said, smirking.

She rolled her eyes. "Oh please, Blaise. Just go ahead and say it."

Blaise smiled nervously and said quickly, "WhatareyoudoingthisFriday?"

She stared at him. "Sorry?"

He sighed and then said, "What are you doing this Friday?"

Ginny immediately felt herself blush. "Nothing much. Why?"

"I was wondering if you wanted to go out on Friday," he said, staring at her.

She bit her lip and felt herself go redder. Blaise was asking her out? This was so weird.

"Umm..." she said, stalling for time.

"I promise you it won't be boring," he said. "I know this great restaurant in Hogsmeade, really multicultural."

Mrs Weasley's voice filled Ginny's head. It was true. She hadn't been out with anyone since Harry had died. And okay, she didn't love Blaise, but he did make her laugh and he was fun to be around.

And even though she didn't expect anything magical to happen, she thought it was time to go out. Besides, it would keep her mind off of Prince and waiting for his letter.

Smiling at him, she said, "Sure, Blaise. I'd like that."

"Cool," he said, grinning. "You won't regret it, I promise you."

The rest of the afternoon passed by awkwardly because of Blaise asking her out. Draco didn't seem to notice any difference and chatted away, and so did Blaise. But Ginny was a bit quiet.

The last date she had been on was with Harry, and he had lit candles for her in Grimmauld Place during the bleak days of the war. This would be her first date in...seven years.

This alone made her nervous. Did she remember all those stupid rules of dating? Don't owl the guy back until he calls you? If he doesn't owl you after three days of your date, he's not interested. That stuff was always so stupid in her opinion.

Or maybe it was stupid because that kind of stuff never mattered to her when she had her last boyfriend, a guy who loved her unconditionally, no matter what dating protocol she broke.

But she supposed it was all fine until Prince wrote to her back and met up. Then she would tell Blaise that she had met someone else. But for now...he was fine.

Ginny went home that night, thinking about their date nervously.

By the time work started, it flew out of her head. The week passed by so quickly because it was such a busy one. By the time Friday rolled around, Ginny had completely forgotten about her date.

She and Draco had gotten several new missions that gave them so much more work to do that Ginny felt like crashing on her couch as soon as she got home.

When she told Draco her plan, he gave her a weird look. "What about Blaise?"

"What about him?" she asked him, while walking to the foyer at the end of the day, six thirty.

He gave her another weird look. "Aren't you meeting him in Hogsmeade?"

"Oh shit!" she cursed, biting her lip. "I totally forgot. I was so worked up about work."

He nodded. "It makes sense. You'll be over at twelve tomorrow, right? We should get started right away."

Ginny rubbed her eyes and nodded. "I'll try to come earlier if I can. Parkinson needs to be caught as soon as possible."

"All right. I'll see you then. Have fun."

She smiled and waved to him as he Disapparated. Closing her eyes, she followed suit.

A/N- and the roller coaster has begun! Haha, just joking...or am I? Oh my god, I am dying of suspense here, wanting you guys to finish reading the story so you can tell me what you think! But the next chapters (all 5 of them) won't be up until my beta's done with them, which might take awhile. But hopefully she'll do one at a time and will send them to me so I can quickly put them. Please tell me what you think and what you think might happen! Muhahaha....P.S- after I am done with this story, this will be the longest fanfic I have ever written! Yay me!