Matters of Blood and Connection

Chapter 15: Stranger Things Have Happened

Ginny's eyes fluttered shut as Draco's lips brushed her collarbone, and she let out a low growl, her fingers tightening in his hair. She was sprawled on her back on top of the green blanket on his bed, her legs wrapped around his torso, squeezing gently until he groaned.

"Merlin, Red, you're going to kill me," he said with a slow grin as his tongue slid against her neck. He lifted his head and looked at her. "You look a little flushed, dear."

With her eyes shut, Ginny swatted at him, breathing heavy. "You're being a prick."

"That's not nice, Ginevra," he said unkindly, though he was smiling. He brushed his lips against her earlobe. "Are you still nervous about my father's banquet?"

Ginny gazed at him, brushed a hand through her hair, and sat up. "It will change everything, maybe for the worst. I don't want my presence there causing a feud between you and your family, no matter how much I don't like them."

Draco nodded slightly. "If anything happens, I'll make sure you get back here safely, or to your home, whichever you prefer."

A smile flitted across Ginny's lips as she leaned forward to kiss his cheek. Her eyes then searched around his room for her clothes, which she started to put back on, until he made a sound of protest behind her back.

"It's late," she said, turning around. "I have to go back to Gryffindor Tower sometime."

"Why can't you stay?"

The question surprised Ginny greatly. She had never seen or heard Draco be so caring and so vulnerable in the six years that she had known him, and it made her feel a rush of emotion toward him. She stepped closer to him, her eyes holding his for a moment or two.

"I've never-"

"Heard me talk like that, yeah, I know. Well, you were bound to rub off of me one day." He smiled.

"I did this?" Ginny asked, tilting her head.

"You've been so kind to me, even when I didn't ask for it, and I sure as hell don't deserve it," Draco said softly as he laced his fingers with hers and rested his forehead against hers. "I owe you so much. What can I do?"

"Just be yourself," she said. "That's all I've ever wanted."

"You want me to be a jerk?"

She smiled at him and shook her head. "No, I want you to be better than the rest of your bastard friends. Well, Blaise's not that bad really."

Draco had given her a sullen look, and narrowed his eyes when she burst out laughing, her hand covering her mouth. She clearly didn't realize what had happened.

"It's not funny."

"Oh, come on, Draco," she said, grinning. "Why are you so worried about this?"

"Because," he said through clenched teeth. "Blaise has a crush on you."

Ginny fell silent, just staring at him. For a few minutes no one spoke, and it was making them both very uncomfortable. Finally, she said, "Really?"

"Yes, really, Ginny," Draco snapped. "What reason would I have to lie about that?"

She shrugged. "Well, it doesn't make sense, especially after you accused me of already having slept with him."

"I already apologized for that."

"You shouldn't have even said it to begin with," Ginny snarled. "Are you that insecure that you'd jeopardize this relationship, you arrogant prat?"

Draco blinked at her, and slowly, his lip curled.

"You don't scare me," said the redhead as she stood up. "And you won't intimidate me, either, so stop looking like that. That doesn't effect me anymore."

Suddenly, his sneer faded, and he chuckled. "I didn't think so. You're much tougher than people give you credit for, Red."

Ginny's shoulders slouched and she relaxed, sat down beside him, and crossed her legs. She was staring at the floor when a sudden thought occurred to her.

"What if Harry and Pansy get together?"

"Well, one of two things could happen. You and the rest of your house would actually be forced to befriend her for Potter's sake, or it will simply be the end of the world. That's one couple that should never breed."

"Maybe it's just a one time thing," said Ginny uncertainly.

Draco snorted. "Oh, come on, you know that's not true. Potter has been looking for a good snog for a long time, and Pansy is, well, she just likes men, it doesn't matter who. This could have ended worse, you know. Pansy could have ended up snogging Longbottom."

Ginny glared at him. "Neville's my friend, and according to Lavender, not a bad kisser either."

"Because she knows what a good kiss means. She did kiss your brother, don't forget."

Ginny shuddered and put her hand up. "Please, don't say anymore. I don't even like Lavender, so I didn't like when they both came to me for advice. Besides, Lavender is so goddamned stupid, no wonder Hermione was mad at her."

"It couldn't also be because she had her mouth all over your brother when Granger fancied him, could it?" Draco asked.

"Ron's an idiot," was her reply.

"Oh, that's news to me."

Ginny shoved him lightly before he wrapped his arms around her. He nuzzled her neck, and his hand traveled through her fiery hair. She pressed closer to him and sniffed curiously.

"You're wearing the cologne your father got you."

"Yes, I am. And no, before you ask, it's not because I stink. It's more for the ladies."

"Where are they?" Ginny asked, glancing around. "I only know of one lady in this room."

"You're hardly a lady," he said.

"I was taking about you." She smiled.

Before she knew what was happening, he had her pinned underneath him, and she was giggling hysterically. "Hold still," he muttered as he tried to kiss her, but she was laughing so hard that she had started to roll away from him.

"You do act like a girl, you know," she said once she sobered up. "Spending so much time in the bathroom in front of the mirror, and when your hair's not perfect, you throw a tantrum."

"I'm more of a girl than you," Draco said.

"That's not something to be proud of," said a voice from the doorway.

Blaise stood there, his eyes lit, and a smile touching his lips. He had his hands shoved carelessly in his pockets and he was watching the couple with interest.

"What do you want, Zabini?" Draco said. "Come to steal my girlfriend from right under my nose?"

"As much as that idea appeals to me, and it does, that's not why I'm here. I'm here to let you both know that Potter is on his way to talk to Pansy, so you might not want to come out of your room just yet. I know you have to get back, Weasley, but could you wait until the coast is clear?"

Draco and Ginny exchanged glances, then she nodded, looking a little relieved.

"You thought he was coming for you?" Blaise asked. "That would have been a scene in itself, but I'm rather anxious to see if he can even get passed Crabbe and Goyle."

"If he does?" Draco asked.

"Oh, he's going to have about ten wands to his throat, because no one knows about his and Pansy's little encounter."

"Except you," said Draco.

"Right," Blaise said. "And the two of you."

When the door closed and they were alone, Draco turned his head to see Ginny staring at him, a strange expression now on her face. He understood immediately.

"Stranger things have happened," he mumbled, taking her hand, and jumping slightly when the common room suddenly filled with more than a dozen voices.