Chapter 22
Chapter 22
Hermione and her friends head into the village for a relaxing day of shopping. As soon as she gets into the village she spots George. Suddenly her face breaks into the biggest grin.
'George.Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?’ Hermione rushes over and wraps him in a hug.
‘I told you I would plan to visit you every time you were in the village. How is this a surprise?’
‘I guess I forgot.’ Before she can say anything else he pulls her into a passionate kiss.
Someone behind her clears their throat. The couple looks at Hermione’s Slytherin friends. George keeps Hermione in his arms as she spins around to talk to her friends. George rests his chin on her shoulder.
‘Oh I’m so sorry. This is my boyfriend George. George, these are my newest friends. Theo Blaise, Tracy, and Daphne, and this is my cousin Draco. I promise he has improved since we learned we were related.’
Before anything else can be said Ginny walks up.
‘Hey Gin, how is school this term?’
‘George? What are you doing here?’
‘Well, I came to visit my favorite people still at hogwarts.’
‘Of course you did. I’m sure it has nothing to do with you wanting to snog Hermione.’
‘Maybe a little.’
‘I miss you and Fred. Tell him I said hi.’
‘I will Gin. What are you all up to today?’ George looks around at the group. Draco is watching Ginny walk away while the others are looking at the shops. ‘Can I steal you away or do you have plans? We can meet up with them for lunch?’
Everyone nods in agreement.
‘Alright see you all later.’ George pulls Hermione with him as he begins walking. He slings an arm around her shoulder and pulls her close.
‘We can talk near the shack right?’ George whispers in her ear before placing a kiss on her neck. Hermione enjoys the feeling of his lips before nodding. They walk away from the village and along the path to the shrieking shack.
No one else is around. George walks closer to the nearest tree. And leans against it. Hermione steps between his legs and gives him a hug. Rather than beginning to talk, George pulls Hermione into a slow kiss.
‘I thought you wanted to talk,’ Hermione whispers breathlessly.
George chuckles, ‘this is much more fun.’
They continue kissing for a while before George tells Hermione the latest news around the order, describing the unrest and the increased patrols. In return Hermione tells George of the visit from the board of governors.
When they decide to walk back toward the village, George asks, ‘is there something going on between Malfoy and Ginny?’
‘I think they like each other but neither has done anything more than flirt.’
‘Alright. As long as she likes him and he treats her right. How are things with Harry and Ron?’
‘Ron and I are still not speaking. He attempted to hex me recently but I was faster. And Harry, -sigh- I thought he wanted to remain friends but he is back to spending all his time with Ron again. I guess we will see if things change.’
‘I'm sorry this is so tough on you. I can't imagine losing friends over something as simple as your name.’
‘Thank you George,’ Hermione wraps her arms around George and pulls him into a long hug.
*.*
Hermione and Neville are discussing a new Herbology book Hermione found in the village over dinner. When Harry arrives for dinner he looks like he wants to sit with Hermione. Neville looks up and sees the conflict in Harry's eyes.
‘You alright mate?’
‘Huh? Oh yea just looking for a place to sit.’
‘Sit with me?’
‘Sure Nev. How have you been?’
‘I'm alright, how are you?’
‘Not sure. I thought I was still friends with Hermione but now it feels like my mind is fuzzy when I think about talking to her.’
‘That is strange. What about Ron?’
‘I think I'm supposed to meet Ron for something but I can't remember why.’
‘Interesting.’
Ron gets Harry’s attention by handing him a goblet of pumpkin juice. Harry takes a large drink from it before focusing on quidditch conversation with Ron.
Turning away from the boys, Nev looks at Hermione, who is doing her best to pretend Ron is not nearby.
‘Hermione, I’m confused about something. Can we talk privately?’
‘Sure Nev, but can it be tomorrow? I’m eager to start reading this book. I think I almost have an idea for a research project but I need more information first.’
‘Alright, Hermione tomorrow it is.’
*.*
Ginny finds herself on the pitch before breakfast at the end of November. She is alone and practicing her maneuvering. She has no bludgers or opposing chasers to dodge but she tries her best. After some time she begins to fly laps around the pitch.
Unknown to Ginny, someone else walks up to the pitch this morning. He was also interested in an early morning workout. Draco looks up at the redhead, realizing she has no idea he is watching. He watches as she skillfully dodges her imaginary foes. Her body is slender but without the heavy robes of their school uniform he can see curves that he cannot help but admire.
Ginny transitions to doing laps while Draco mounts his broom and rises to her height.
When he is close enough, Draco calls, ‘Morning Red.’
Ginny startles slightly before relaxing when she sees Draco matching her speed.
‘Morning, Dray.’
‘Ready for that race?’
‘I actually was thinking about taking a break. Walk around the lake with me?’
‘That sounds nice too.’
Together they descend to the grounds and walk their brooms to the storage shed. As they begin walking down the path away from the pitch their hands brush against one another. Slowly Draco links his pinky with Ginny’s and she doesn't pull away. Out of the corner of his eye Draco sees Ginny blush slightly.
‘What are you doing out this early Red? I thought you would be sleeping until closer to breakfast.’
‘I guess I had a lot on my mind. I thought flying around might help some.’
‘Did it?’
‘No, not really.’
‘Is there anything I can help with? Even if it is just to listen.’
‘I'm not sure, I guess talking it out might help me think it through.’
‘Do you want to keep walking or sit for a bit?’
‘I think I want to sit.’
Ginny points out a place near the lake where a boulder can be seen. Draco follows her into a secluded clearing. Ginny walks to a fallen tree and sits down facing the lake. Draco slides his leg over the tree until he is now looking at Ginny.
‘I'm all ears, start whenever you are ready.’
‘Mum wrote to me, she is unhappy that I have been hanging around Hermione and. . .’ Ginny’s voice falters.
‘And various Slytherins?’
Unable to speak, Ginny nods. She cannot look in his direction.
‘Did her letter upset you?’
Again Ginny nods. Her eyes are closed and she is fighting to keep from crying.
‘She is my mum. I'm supposed to trust her advice. But I don't think I am doing anything wrong. Slowly tears escape and run down her cheeks.
‘Hey, don't cry.’ Draco scoots closer and wraps her in his arms, holding her close. ‘Have you spoken to your father?’
‘Dad said he will talk to mum about Ron but I received mum's letter before dads and I'm not sure what to think. I guess I will see them both for Christmas but until then.’ Ginny’s voice trails off.
‘Until then? What do you want to do? I like spending time with you but I promise I don't want to cause trouble for you.’
‘It's not you causing trouble.’ Ginny reaches up to wipe the tears from her face. ‘Ron is, and I can handle him myself.' the determination that she radiates is powerful. 'You are warm.’
Pulling his cloak around them both Draco comments, ‘I didn't realize how chilly it was this morning. Do you want to head back inside?’
‘No, just keep hugging me a little while longer? It's soothing.’
‘Anything for you.’ Draco dips his head to place a kiss on her temple.
Ginny smiles into his chest and relaxes into his embrace. Looking up, Ginny notices Draco's smile as he looks down at her.
‘I think it is almost time for breakfast. We should head back inside.’
*.*
Hogwarts Headmaster Pilfers Post
Children not writing to you as often as you like? Or is their mail being monitored and stolen. News has reached this reporter that several students' mail has been redirected or halted all together. It is understood that our children go away to school for the majority of the year but they are supposed to be able to correspond with family members as often as needed. Suddenly students are unable to send or receive letters from parents.
Who is responsible for these atrocious actions? Sources point to the Headmaster and former teachers. Is this the man you want running our school? Caring for the welfare of our children? I, for one, am truly appalled by this behavior. The ministry was unavailable for comment but sources say the minister has been in meetings nearly nonstop for days. The headmaster has not been available for comment. I wonder what else we have to learn while this man retains his titles and positions.
*.*