The Spring Production

Chapter 5

    Ginny skipped the stairs two by two as she ran happily to the Astronomy Tower. Throwing open the door, she smiled at Draco, who was sitting on the floor. He, however, didn't reciprocate her cheerfulness. Ginny came over to him quietly. "Draco, are you all right?"

    "He makes me so mad!" Draco burst out. "How did he even..."

    "Draco, what is it?" Ginny asked, looking anxious. "What's wrong? Who found out what?"

    He handed her a note that had been by his side. "You wanted to know what my father was like?" he asked softly. "Here's your answer...in a lefthanded way." Ginny took the note and read what it said in horror.

        "Draco-

            I have found out about your-relations-with the Weasley girl. Do you         have no respect for this family? If you *love* the girl, break it off with her or she     will die, mark my words. And perhaps, for your impertenance, I'll kill you both with my     bare hands.

                        Your Sickened and Shamed Father."

    "Oh, Draco..." she murmured, taking him into her arms. "We can't listen to him! We have to see where this is going to go! Look, I love you, and no matter what your father says, I'm going to stay by your side!" She looked at him stubbornly.

    He shook his head. "No! Do you really want to die for ME? I'm not worth your pains or your trouble. Well, maybe I am..." he grinned, trying the lighten the situation.

    "Look, Draco, I'm not really in the mood to laugh right now."

    He smiled sadly and ruffled her hair. "I know you're not, Daisy. But it's either laughing or crying-which do you choose? I myself would much prefer to laugh." She nodded and snuggled up next to him.

    "You know, Draco, you are one of the most complex people I know. Which is one reason I want to stay with you-it'll be rather fun to see how you work."

    "But it's still not worth your life. Do you really think I'm-"

    "Yes, Draco, you are worth it. How many times a day do I have to state it? Draco, I love you. Your father may be the biggest arse I've ever encountered, but does that make a difference to me? NO. Your father may be big and tough, but so am I." Draco snorted, and she lightly punched him on the arm. "So get over it and kiss me."

    Nodding in acquiescence, Draco leaned over and kissed Ginny for everything that he was worth.

* * * * *

    The next day at play practice, Cho divided up the cast into the Founders and their offspring. Ginny raised her eyebrows at Draco as the four youth trooped over to the far end of the Ravenclaw table. Ron, of course, was scowling at Draco like there was no tomorrow, and Lavender was at his side, trying to calm him. Ginny sat down next to Lavender and gave Draco a slight wink while Ron huffed and puffed about having to “work with a bloody Slytherin.”

    Draco caked on the sarcasm just for Ron. “Bloody Slytherin? Last time I checked, there wasn’t any blood on me. Then again, Potions class did entail rat’s blood, which could explain why there might be speckles here and there on my…”

    “Will you sod off, Malfoy?” Lavender asked in her most impatient voice. “It’s difficult enough having to work with you, let alone having you lay on the sarcasm.”

    “Oh, I’m laying on the sarcasm? If that annoys you, Brown, maybe I should try spouting some sarcasm, like that annoying Muggle Shakespeare or whatever his name was? What, my dear lady Disdain!are you yet living?"

    “Is it possible Disdain should die while she hath such meet food to feed it as Signior Benedick? Courtesy itself must convert to Disdain if you come in her presence.”

    Draco mock-scowled at her, and she raised her eyebrows in mock disdain. Cho broke the ice between the group as she came by. “Have you four gotten any work done? Get to work NOW!”

    Hiding a grin under her hand, Ginny settled down and began to study her break down the script with the rest of her group.

* * * * *

    As dusk approached, Ginny casually strolled down to the lake to meet Draco for a sunset picnic. She smiled happily as the wind rustled the grass and a few butterflies frolicked above the bushes. She was glad spring was coming soon-the perfect time to start a new romance, she thought to herself with a smirk.

    Draco flagged her down from a grassy knoll under an oak tree. “Daisy!” he yelled across the grass. Ginny laughed and ran down to greet him. He picked her up in his arms and whirled her around.

    “So how are we today, Signior Benedick?” she asked teasingly. He laughed heartily.

    “That was quite a show we put on today, Gin. I was amazed you were able to pull it off without laughing.”

    “Me? You’re worried about me laughing? That’s it. C’mere you!” she shrieked, jumping at him.

    He yelled as she tackled him to the ground, pinning him underneath her.

    “Do you give, Mr. Malfoy?” she asked, pushing a little on his arms. He turned deathly white in an instant. “What’s the matter-McGonagall got your tongue?” she teased. He shook his head.

    “Virginia, don’t move.”

    “What?”

    Draco sat still for about three seconds, then suddenly jerked out and grabbed something heavy off of her back. When Ginny saw what he had pulled off of her, she nearly fainted.

    A huge boa constrictor, about fifteen to twenty feet in length, was gripped in Draco’s hand. The thing was hissing and spitting violently. She quickly rolled and backed into the base of the tree in her fear. She began to cry as Draco threw it into the lake for the octopus to get. Quickly, he pulled her out from under the tree and into his arms.

    He stroked her hair gently. “Shhh…it’s okay, Daisy, it’s okay. It’s all over now…”     He looked up into the tree and saw Blaise Zabini hiding in the upper branches. “My father sent you, didn’t he?” he yelled up at the other boy. The boy climbed down from the tree, nodded, and ran away.

    “Draco, is it okay if we cut this picnic a little short?”

    “Of course, love. Of course,” he whispered, giving her a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll take you to Gryffindor Tower-or, at least, most of the way.”

    Hand in hand, the two slowly began the journey back across the grounds.

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