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Envy and Manipulations	By : rrabbit Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Draco/Ginny Views: 8376 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any characters from it.... therefore I do not receive any payment for this writing.

Chapter List
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"I think I'm going to go take a nap," I say in passing to my mother as I walk towards the stairs. "Don't bother waking me up for dinner. I'm pretty tired." I even find enough in me to fake a yawn.

"Are you sure?" My Mom asks as I start up the stairs. I pause and look down so I can convince her not to check on me. I have plans that would be ruined if she decided to check on me. "I'm making lasagna tonight."

"Yeah, I'm sure. I ate a big lunch." Stop talking to me. "A huge lunch actually. I don't think I could eat another bite.

"Alright….If you're sure."

"I'm sure!" I yell as I run up the rest of the stairs and I go towards my room to avoid talking to her more. She has been all over me the past week and it's annoying to no end.

When I get to my room, I close the door and lock it with sigh as I lean against the wood. I smile a little to myself and then I go over to my radio and I turn it loud enough to where my parents can hear it, but not loud enough for them to yell at me for it. I want them to think I'm in here after all.

Since my birthday I've been on virtual house arrest. Not because I was in trouble… My parents soon forgave my tardiness to my own freaking birthday party because I suspect they felt guilty about the whole leaving me alone on my sixteenth birthday thing. What happened with Ron, Hermione, and Harry really scared them and I'm reaping the rewards of it. I'm only allowed to leave the house for work and even then my Mother Apperates me there and picks me up like I was a child. I can't even go over to Luna's… not that I would get a chance to anyways… she's been hanging out with that Theodore Nott creep so much lately that she has barely enough time to answer one of my owls.

I quickly strip out of my casual clothes and I pull out the navy shirt dress that Pansy had picked out for me. Of course, just because my parents won't let me leave the house on my own... that doesn't mean I'm going to do as they say. I put the brown belt to cinch in the waist as I button the dress up the front and I slip into a pair of silver sandals that are new and pretty and sparkle in the sun. I bought a lot of new clothes recently. I didn't like feeling shabby next to my new friends and I was happy that I could finally afford them on my own... But it was all Draco's doing. After my birthday, he did show up at the club the next morning, looking his usual good looking self and my heart warmed when he smiled at me.

"Good morning," he said to me and he did the cutest thing. He actually half leaned, half hopped over the table to place a kiss against my lips.

I knew I was in over my head the moment that happened. It was official. I liked him.

"Good morning to you too," I had replied with a shy smile and I sent a quick glance around to make sure no one else was there to see what just happened. "Did you get all dressed up for me?"I asked. He was wearing another smart looking suit and I felt like pointing it out because I kept looking him up and down. It was a traditional black color, with a blue shirt and of course he looks amazing in it.

He looked down at his outfit and then back to me. "I'm an intern," he said as he placed his sunglasses into his front pocket.

"At the ministry?" He nodded his head. Of course, I knew that because Luna had mentioned it. "What do you do there?"

He shrugged and leaned against the counter, giving me his full attention. He smelled nice so I leaned in as well. "Right now I'm shadowing a Wizengamot representative. Nothing too exciting really, but it gets you in with the right people."

"Do you ever see the Minister?" I asked. I felt more familiar with him after my birthday. I felt more comfortable.

He nodded his head. "All the time."

"That must be fun." My Dad works at the Ministry, but I've never even been in the same room as the Minister of magic. "Do you like him?"

Draco shrugged and picked off something that was stuck on his suit jacket, flicking it to the side. "He's kind of thick actually. His wife is really the one who does all the work for him. I have no idea why she let him take center stage."

"Oh," I didn't know that much about it so I looked down. "Do you want to go into politics then? Is that why you're there now?"

He nodded his head. "That's the plan," he answered and I remembered what Daphne had said at the pub: Draco has a plan for everything. "This internship puts me in a good position to build the right relationships and to get my name out there. Politics is all about who you know and what story you have to fall back on." He smiled at me then. "But that's enough about me. What about you?" he asks raising an amused eyebrow and it made my heart speed up. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" he teased.

"I don't know," I lied. I knew exactly what I wanted to do… I just didn't have enough courage to explain.

He hung around for a while after that, talking about his internship and asking me questions about myself before checking his watch and glancing behind him. He stood straight because someone was approaching and he slid to the left when Mrs. Randolf reached the counter, carrying a large pool bag and a floppy hat.

"Oh, hey Ginny," she said with a grin as she took off that stupid hat and she put it down in front of me. "How is your day going?"

"It's good," I replied with a fake smile and she nodded her head as she dug through her bag. I sent a look to Draco and he smiled at me as she took out her wallet.

"That's great. I'm going to pop out for lunch, but I'll probably be back after one to go back to the pool. Do I look any tanner," she asked and then she glanced to her left where Draco was still leaning against the counter like he owned it. She straightened up right away and gave him a beauty pageant smile that I rolled my eyes at. "Why, hello Mr. Malfoy," she greeted him with a real grin as she held out her hand.

He shook it gently before giving it back to her. "How are you doing this morning, Charlotte?"

Charlotte… Even the way he said her name sounded ridiculous to me at the time.

"Oh, I am doing perfectly well," she answered with a girlish smile as she turned her body away from me. I suspect it was to but me me out of the conversation and I was slightly annoyed by it. I sighed, then, and took the bag and hat so I could place them in one of the lockers. "How's Narcissa doing?" she asked as I put her things away, and I took the ticket came out so I could give it to her. "I haven't seen her in weeks."

"My Mother is doing well," Draco answered formally, sounding like the perfect gentlemen. I smiled at the thought as I walked back towards them. "Her and my Father just returned from Australia, actually. She was taking a small holiday."

"If anyone deserves a small holiday it's your mother," she said with a fake laugh and I rolled my eyes again and put her ticket on the counter top. "So, I heard that the debutant ball is going to be at the Manor this year," she said and Draco nodded as he put a hand into his pocket.

"I think my parents are just disappointed that they never had a girl," he said with a polite smile. "They may be living vicariously through everyone else."

She laughed for a while and it was kind of odd but I learned that Draco could play the part of the polite young aristocrat quite efficiently.

"I'm sure you'll just love having those lovely ladies in your home to dance with. I hear you are quite the charmer."

His silver eyes slid to mine and I raised an eyebrow. "Yes," he said, giving me an amused look before turning back to Mrs. Randolf. "I suppose I can be."

"You'll have to make sure Benny and I get an invite, of course. I love seeing all the beautiful dresses."

"I'll make sure to mention it to my parents," Draco replied and then Mrs. Randolf turned back to me, taking a few coins from her wallet.

"Thank you, Ginny," she said as she took her ticket and placed the tip on the counter. "You're always so pleasant."

"I try," I muttered under my breath because I knew she doesn't really think that.

She looked at me and then she looked at Draco… and then back at me. "Ginny, you're so pretty." God, she was going to do that again. "Draco, don't you think Ginny is pretty?"

"I think she is very pretty," he answered and when he looked at me, he winked. I sighed loudly and started to rearrange things under the desk so they would go away and stop talking about it.

"You know, I'm always telling Benny that they need prettier faces in the restaurant." She looked back at me and I gave her an uncomfortable smile. "I think Ginny would be a perfect waitress."

"Mrs. Randolf, I like my job," I lied because it was embarrassing that was she saying all of that to Draco.

"Nonsense," she said, batting my words away and I looked down and shook my head. "I you're your grandfather owns half of this place. Perhaps you could have a word with the powers that be and help Ginny here out."

"It's really not necessary…"

"What do you say?" she cut me off and Draco gave her a fake smile.

"Of course."

"See," Mrs. Randolf turned to me again and winked. "Malfoy's get things done. See you in a few."

"Bye," I mumbled as she left and I put the coins in my pocket while she disappeared down the hallway. I exhaled slowly once she was gone and shook my head again as Draco resumed his spot right in front of me.

"Do you want to be a waitress?" he asked curiously as I busied myself with pretending to clean.

"Not really… well…" I stopped and looked at him. Could he really get me to the restaurant? "I mean, I wouldn't mind it. The waitresses make more money," I admitted as I thought of the writing retreat. I stared at him for a few moments before deciding that I was going to tell him more about myself. "There's a writing retreat I'm saving up for," I told him and he tilted his head curiously. "It's next summer and it's really expensive… I've been saving up for it for a while now."

"You want to be a writer?" he asked and I nodded shyly.

"Kind of," I answered in a small voice because even though it's something I want more than anything in the world, it's also my main insecurity because I want it too much.

"What do you write about?" he asked, leaning over the counter again. "Is that what you're doing in that notebook of yours?"

"I write about everything, I guess. I like writing stories…"

"Can I read one?"

"No," I said quickly and he raised an eyebrow. "None of them are finished or anything," I lied as I tugged on my dress. "Anyways," I said to change the subject. "You don't have to do anything to get me into the restaurant, you know. Mrs. Randolf says that every time she sees me."

"I kind of like having you back here to myself," he mused as he looked around the empty hallway. My cheeks heated up. "Do you want to work there instead?" he questioned and I shrugged my shoulders.

"I don't mind working back here."

"But do you want to work there?" he asked seriously and I glanced at him.

"There aren't any open spaces. Del said she would transfer me if there was… but there aren't…"

"Ginny, do you want it?" He asked, cutting me off and I looked down as I played with my fingers. "I can speak to someone for you."

"No," I said with a head shake. "I don't want anyone to lose their spot."

"If you're sure…" He eyed me critically and I nodded my head to reassure him. After a few moments he checked his watch again and then he licked his perfect teeth. "I have to head back," he said seriously, turning back to me and reaching into his pocket. "Pansy is going to get you after your shift to go shopping," he said and I frowned.

"What?" I didn't know anything about it and I thought it was odd that it was him that was telling me.

"Don't let her run you into the ground, though," he said, handing me a silver card that had his name on it. "I know she can be tedious at times."

"What is this?"I asked as I looked at the plastic card he handed me. When I saw the vault number in the corner I nearly dropped it. "Draco, this is your bank card," I hissed at him like he didn't know and I tried to hand it back, only he wouldn't take it. "You can't just give this to anyone."

There wasn't much money in my bank account by most people's standards so if I was ever mugged, the robber wouldn't get much out of me. I couldn't even imagine the damage someone could do with a Malfoy Gringgots card.

"Give it to Pansy," he said as he looked over my face. "I won't be able to see her before I go. Could you do that for me?"

I looked down at the card and then back to him. "Why are you giving her your bank card?" I asked softly and he smirked.

"Don't lose that," he said, nodding to the card as he buttoned up his jacket. "I would hate to have to cancel it. I've grown quite attached to it."

"I won't lose it," I assured him and he winked at me before walking off.

I held onto his card like it was pure gold for the rest of the day until Pansy came to drag me along for a 'shopping trip.' I soon found out why Draco had given me that card. He wanted Pansy to buy all of my things for me, but my pride wouldn't allow it. Pansy told me a list of the designated things I had to buy… things every girl should have in their wardrobe.

A modest, but still sexy swim suit with a teasing cover up.

A sleek well fitted dress for the theatre or dinner dates

A pair of red high heel pumps.

Silver hoop earrings

A good fitting pair of jeans

I couldn't buy all of those things, especially not at the stores Pansy was taking me too, but I refused to use Draco's card.

"He wants to buy things for you," Pansy said with an eye roll after I gave in and bought myself my swim suit after an hour long debate with myself on whether I actually needed it. "I don't understand why you won't take advantage."

"I have money," I stated bitterly as the sales person put my purchases in the bag. I reasoned with myself that I did need some new clothes before the school year started so I would have something to wear on the weekends. By that time I had three bags full of clothes. I told myself I could always ask Del for more hours to make up for it and I made sure that everything I bought was on sale. "I don't need charity."

"He didn't mean to offend you," she said with a head shake as we walked out of the store. "He just wanted to be nice."

"Throwing money at me isn't nice," I hissed as she dragged me into a shoe store.

"If throwing money at someone isn't nice, then I don't know what is," she said with a laugh. I shook my head and walked to the other side of the store to get away from her. "Ginny, you're being ridiculous. This is how he does things. He knew most of things that we would be buying today would be for his benefit."

"What do you mean?" I asked carefully, keeping enough space between us so that she got the hint that I was still annoyed.

"Well, the dress is a date dress," she said, nodding to the bag that had the black dress I was peer pressured into buying and the very same one I was determined to return the next day because it was way too much money for me… but I still refused Draco's card. "So when he takes you somewhere nice you have something more than a sundress."

My ears started burning and I turned my head away because I was embarrassed that she noticed that those were the only dress up clothes I had.

"We got the swim suit for boating on the lake and the red shoes," she says as she picks up a red heel that was dangerously high. "Just look good."

I grabbed the shoes and looked at the price. "I'm not getting those," I said, going to walk right out of the store so I wouldn't spend anymore of my savings, but I stopped when I saw the silver sandals. I needed them.

I left with a dent in my bank account and a few unneeded articles of clothing, but I had my pride still intact. I left Draco's card with Pansy that night before heading home to my parents and trying on everything that I had gotten. It felt nice to have new things and that buyer's remorse that was starting to eat away at me soon vanished. That night my parents sat me down and had a long talk with me about going places without telling them and without a 'grown up' present because the world was dangerous and my brother was missing.

So I was virtually grounded for no reason. That's why I'm crawling out the window in my new dress and shimming down the drain pipe like a circus entertainer. I run to the shed, trying not to call too much attention to myself and I wheel out my bike. That was another thing that got me on house arrest. A house elf had wheeled the bike to my house with my sandals stuck in the basket and my parents refused to budge until I told them whose elf it was.

I lied and said it belonged to Pansy.

When they asked me who Pansy was… I told them it was someone I worked with.

I told them so many lies that I still feel a little bit bad about it…. But not enough to stop what I'm doing.

When I wheel out my bike, I tip toe it along until I reach the gate and I send a cautious look back to the house before taking off down the road. Freedom. It feels good and I smile to myself as I bike my way towards Draco's house. I guess a part of me does feel guilty about sneaking out because I have made a few rules when hanging out with him.

I've decided that I can't hang out with him one on one anymore. Not just yet anyways because I can't trust myself around him. I've already snogged him silly when I barely knew him and I'm afraid I'd do something I'd regret if I let myself get…seduced… by him. Seduced is a good word because that's exactly what he's doing to me. The way that he speaks, the way he moves… the way he kisses me…

I need to stop thinking about it.

I shake my head and keep going until I reach that really large and really intimidating looking gate. I slip off of the bike and wheel it towards the little speaker box, pushing the button and waiting for it to beep back.

"Malfoy residence," the same raspy voice that's always there answers and I smile a little. I think I should learn his or her name sometime.

"Hey," I say in greeting. "It's Ginny. I'm here to see Draco."

The gate creeps open and I wheel my bike inside. The elf greets me before I can reach the fountain to put my bike down and I raise my eyebrows as it approaches.

"The master is down by the lake," it says in a tired voice as it comes closer and it puts his hands on my handle bars. "Linny will put the bike in the garage."

"Oh," I say softly. "Okay. Thank you, Linny," I say as I let it take the bike away from me. It starts heading down the path towards that large garage, and I make a face. It looks really odd because the elf is so small and my bike is a lot bigger. "Do you need any help?" I ask as I take a few steps towards him/it/she… I'm not sure what gender the elf is, actually.

Linny the elf looks over its shoulder for a surprised moment before shaking it's ancient head and trudging towards the garage again.

"Alright then," I say as I turn to the left to take the opposite path towards the lake. I try to keep myself from running down the concrete stairs. I've become that pitiful. I've seen him five times since my birthday and each time I find myself getting more and more anxious to see him again.

I think I like him more than I liked Harry.

That's getting into dangerous territory.

I don't see him right away when I reach the boat house and I get all the way to the dock before squinting my eyes and catching him in the water. Draco is a swimmer. He told me that it's his preferred sport, but his father made him stop doing it in a league so he could focus on Quidditch. He said that when he wakes up in the morning, before he does anything, he goes for a swim to clear his head for the day. It would explain the amazing body he has. Draco has the body of a swimmer, long and lean with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. I slip off my sandals and sit on the end of the wooden dock to watch him as I put my feet in the water. It's another humid day and the lake feels cool against my skin.

He reaches an orange floatey thing in the middle of the lake and then he pauses a second to catch his breath. I see him stop and put his arm on the orange thing to keep him afloat as he shakes some water from his hair. I wonder what he thinks about when he swims. I wonder if he thinks about me…. He turns his head towards the dock and I bring my hand up to block the sun from my eyes. He's far enough away where I'm not sure if he can see me or not, but I suspect he does because he starts swimming towards me.

I smile as the water ripples around him while he swims. I don't know if what he's doing called is a breast stroke or a…something else, but he's doing it efficiently. He's like a shark in the water and once he reaches me, he stops and flicks water from his face as he looks up at me.

I want him to be my boyfriend.

I shake my head again to rid it of that thought. It's too soon and he's still Draco Malfoy. A part of me is still hesitant about that.

"Hey," I say with a little smile as he inhales deeply.

"Hey," he repeats as he grabs my ankles. I panic for a moment, thinking he's going to pull me in, but I relax when I realize he won't.

"How was the swim?" I ask because I don't know what else to say about it as he puts one hand on the dock by my leg to keep himself up. He runs his other hand up and down my calf. I'm pleased I decided to shave my legs this morning.

"Invigorating," he says with a smirk. "Do you want to join me?" he asks with a devilish smile.

"I didn't bring my swim suit," I reply and he looks at me with darkened eyes.

"I don't mind."

Yeah… no.

I gulp and look behind me as I cross my arms nervously. "Where is Pansy?" I ask as I glance around so I can avoid looking at him.

"I suspect her and Blaise will be here shortly," he says in a deep voice and then I feel him kiss my knee. Seduction. It's like all he can do and it makes my stomach turn wonderfully every time he touches me like that. "Come into the water," he says as he swims back a little bit, pushing off the dock. When he swims on his back I can see his abs and I look away quickly. "It feels nice."

"I'd rather not," I admit as I look down at the water.

"What are you afraid of?" he asks, back at my side again. "I won't let you drown if that's your worry. We have extra suits inside."

"I…" I look at him again as he stares curiously up at me. I wish I could be more daring like a girl he'd date, but I just can't be someone I'm not right now. I want to tell him things about myself so he can get to know me better, and I guess this is something I can tell him. "I can't swim," I admit and he smiles a little.

"Like I said," he says dryly. "I won't let you drown. I can teach you to swim."

"It's not so much that I can't swim," I mutter uncomfortably. "I just… I don't like it when I can't touch the bottom… or see the bottom," I add as look at the green water again. "It makes me freak out."

"Really?" he says with an eyebrow arched and he comes back to the dock and he pushes himself up so he's sitting beside me.

"Yeah," I say like it was no big deal. "I was fishing with my Dad when I was little once and I fell into the water… I've kind of panicked in deep water ever since." I say in an embarrassed voice, thinking he'll find me silly.

"Then we'll just have to stick to the shallow end, now won't we?" he says and when I look at him he smirks again and leans in. "We wouldn't want you to have a heart attack or anything," he whispers against my lips and I laugh a little before letting him kiss me. "You taste like toothpaste," he says when he pulls back a little.

I smile as his hand comes up to my neck. "I brushed my teeth before I came."

"How thoughtful," he whispers before pressing his lips to mine again.

"You're all wet," I point out because he's still dripping and each time we kiss the water from his hair falls down on me.

"If you just give me a moment we can get you in that state as well," he says as he pushes me back so I'm lying on my back. He says some of the dirtiest things but I can't help but laugh at it.

We start kissing again and I stop his hand when it starts creeping up my thigh. He takes it smoothly and moves it to my waist, only to bring it up to the buttons down the front of my dress as his kisses move to my neck.

"Draco," I whisper in warning as he starts to pop the buttons through the holes. I always have to stop his hands from doing things. That's another reason why I don't want to be alone with him for any length of time because I know eventually I'll give in. Damn my hormones. "Draco…" That didn't sound as worried… it almost sounded like a moan and that was embarrassing.

"You don't trust my hands," he whispers against my neck as he continues to unbutton my shirt dress until my pink bra is revealed. "Tell me stop," he says as he moves back to my lips.

His kisses are intoxicating and when I bring my hand up to remove his hand again I find myself just rubbing his arm… then I sigh when he sucks on my lower lip.

Oh, to hell with it.

I bring my hand up to his hair and thread my fingers through it as his fingers skim the outline of my bra. I know this whole thing is moving way too fast. Way too fast and way too soon but it just feels so good and he tastes like candy. I love the way his tongue moves against mine. It's not too messy like Michael's or too hesitant like Dean's… his kisses are just perfect.

"Do you want me to stop?" he asks as I run my fingers through his hair again, messing it all up. I don't say anything as I tilt my neck up to kiss the corner of his mouth. His hand starts sliding under my bra and my breathing becomes heavy. I feel hot and cold at the same time and my body starts to shiver. "Do you want me to stop?" he asks again, a little firmer as he brings his lips to my ear. He sucks on my ear lobe and my whole body tightens. "Answer me, Ginny."

More tingles go through me because of the way he says my name. I shake my head after a few moments and he kisses my cheek, putting the rest of his hand under the cup of my bra and actually squeezing me… there… I arch my back, not really sure why. It just feels right.

"No," I whisper against his lips. "I don't want you to…"

"Ginny? Draco?"That's Pansy's voice and I snap back quickly and blush as I sit up and try to right my clothes. Draco cusses and lies back with his eyes clenched shut. I work quickly to button my dress up properly and I let my hair fall in front of my face like a curtain. "Where are you guys?"

"We're down here," I say after I find my voice and I stand up as her and Blaise walk around the boat house. Draco sits up as well and grabs his towel, drying off his body and hair as they approach.

"Perfect timing as always," Draco sneers sarcastically and I glance at him before nervously tucking hair behind my ear. "How's it going?" he asks and Blaise smirks when he looks at me. Then his eyes slide to my chest.

"Not as good as you apparently."

"You missed a button," Pansy whispers as she comes towards me and loops her arm through mine. I look down and quickly button the missing button with a crimson blush on my cheeks. "What were you two doing?" she asks as she wiggles her eyebrows.

"Just talking," I lie quickly and she laughs as she starts steering me towards the boat house.

"Let's get everything ready. You know the boys are useless."

"I heard that," Blaise says lazily and Pansy smiles at me as we walk towards the boat house while Draco mutters something about changing clothes.

"Blaise has been in a terrible mood all morning," Pansy says as we approach the house and I give her a look because I didn't even notice. "So ignore him if he's being odd today."

He's always odd to me. I don't tell her that, of course. "Why is he in a bad mood?" I question as we step inside and head towards the kitchen. The boat house is set up like a small town house and below is where the boating equipment is. It's bigger than my home, of course, and that's a source of embarrassment and envy.

"He found out that his Mom is re-marrying again," she says with sigh, like it was only a mild irritation to her. I go towards the counter and watch as Pansy goes to the fridge to take out the food. I guess we're having some kind of a cook out before the party. I'm glad, though because my stomach is starting to growl. That was another lie I told my mother. I didn't eat lunch. "She married some Greek heir who's two times her age."

"Oh, why would he be so mad about that?" I ask and then she looks at me like I grew another head. "I mean, if his mother loves that Greek guy… wouldn't he be happy that she's happy?"

"Uh, no," she says like I was stupid as she takes condiments out and places them on the counter. "Blaise's father died when he was very young and he hates his mom. Every time she remarries she forces him to go on a bonding weekend with his new step father. They always turn out terrible if you can imagine. They're always old and boring, only marrying his mother because she's young and interesting."

"Does she love him?" I ask and Pansy looks at me like I was silly again as she pulls out a few beers and butterbeers, placing them in a wicker basket she pulled out from under the sink.

"No, she has a shopping addiction to feed," she says dismissively. "Will you grab some plates and silverware please," she says and I nod my head, figuring it's the end of the conversation.

I go and fetch the things she asked for from the far cabinets and when I come back, all the food and drinks are in the basket. "Who all is coming tonight?" I ask as she grabs a few containers and a table cloth from one of the drawers.

"The usual people," she says with a shoulder shrug. "And maybe some more. When Drake has people over, it can get out of hand."

Drake?

I look around the boat house, and from the back window I can see the main house in all its white and green glory. "Where are Draco's parents?" I ask seriously and she glances at me.

"They're on holiday," she says dismissively like it was common knowledge.

"Are they ever coming back?" I question. "I mean, they just leave him alone like this? When my parents go on holiday, they usually take us." Not that we ever go anywhere very often.

"They always do," she says with a shrug as she picks up the basket. It looks heavy so I pick up the other side. "I wish my father would leave me alone some time. It would be nice."

"My parents never leave," I mutter as I help her carry it outside where Draco and Blaise are setting a fire in a large silver grill that looks like it's never been used. "What time is everyone coming?" I ask as Pansy starts pulling out the food. When she takes out the hamburger meat, she hands it to Blaise who smirks and pinches her bottom when she turns around.

"In a couple hours," Draco answers me with a shrug of his shoulder as he turns dials on the grill. I have no idea what for and he doesn't seem to know much about it either.

I notice he did change clothes. He's wearing a black and white stripped t-shirt that fits him well and tan slacks that are rolled up at the bottom to reveal taupe colored boat shoes. He looks like a model from a magazine and when he puts on his sunglasses and tosses his hair casually as he reads some kind of manual for the grill, I find myself being very uncomfortable just looking at him because all I want to do is kiss him again.

"Will you hand me a drink please?" Blaise says and I shake my head and look at him as he raises his eyebrows. Oh, I guess he is talking to me. I wonder if he said anything before that I missed. "Hello?" he adds when I don't say thing right away and I blush.

"Oh, yeah," I say awkwardly as I go to the basket. "What would you like? Regular beer or butterbeer?"

"What do you think?" he asked with a smirk and I grab the regular beer and I hand him one.

"Thank you," he says sarcastically, giving me a surveying look before walking back towards Draco.

I feel a little useless, so I start taking things out of the basket. I place the hamburger buns, some kind of salad, plates, forks, and napkins on one of the wooden picnic tables that's by the shore. It's so hot and I'm starting to sweat so I take a butterbeer from the basket. It's cold and condensation is starting to bead on the bottle, so I put it up to my forehead and close my eyes for a moment with a sigh to cool myself down. When I open then again, I find Draco staring at me. I put the bottle down quickly and he smiles behind his sunglasses before turning back to the grill.

It took a while to get it to work properly. There was a lot of frustrated cussing on Draco's end and Blaise actually ended up kicking it before they got it to do what they wanted it to do. They burnt most of the hamburgers, but I was so hungry, I didn't mind. It was one of the best meals I've had all summer. Maybe it was because I was hungry… or maybe it was because I never thought I'd see Draco cook anything… but it was good and I found the conversation was pleasant as well.

"…. So, he's walking down the hallway," Blaise has been telling this story for the past ten minutes and I take a drink from my bottle to wash down the salad as he lights a cigarette with his wand. "And then he just wipes out," he says, making a hand motion to replicate how it looked. Pansy laughs and Draco smirks. I have no idea who they're talking about, so I smile politely. "And you know Dex, he just sat on his ass for like five minutes before getting up and acting like nothing happened. I mean, I have never seen anyone fall like that. I swear to god I saw his feet fly above his head."

"Who decided he was a good idea," Pansy says as I wipe my mouth with my napkin. "Jeez."

"I would have liked to see that," Draco says with a smile as Pansy fans smoke away from her face with a scowl.

"Could you not smoke while we're eating," she snaps at Blaise as he taps his ashes to the ground. "That's disgusting. Not all of us want lung cancer."

"We're all going to die somehow," he says, but he throws his cigarette on the floor none the less. "Isn't that right, Ginny?"I nearly choke on my sandwich because I wasn't expecting to be involved in the conversation just now. "So, how do you like working at Folk Hills?" he asks and I glance at him before looking back down at my plate. "What do you do all day in that weird little closet?"

"Stop antagonizing," Draco says dryly as he pushes his sunglasses to the top of his head, revealing his eyes.

"It's an innocent question," Blaise answers with his hand up. "Do you really just stand there and put things in a locker? Is that all there is to it?"

"Pretty much," I answer honestly. "The money isn't bad, considering what it is," I admit and Pansy purses her lips.

"How much do you make?" She asks and Draco shoots her a look.

"Stop being tactless," Draco says and then he glances at me. "Don't answer that question, Ginny. It's impolite to talk about money while eating."

"Oh," is all I say like an idiot.

"Do you like working there?" Pansy continues Blaise's line of questions and I shrug.

"Do you like working with Nadia the slag?" Blaise adds and I make a face at the name.

"Why did you call her a slag?" I snap as I narrow my eyes. I don't even like Nadia that much, but I didn't think it was fair that he should say such a thing being who he is and all.

"Because she's a slag," Blaise says and he looks at Draco for support.

"She kind of is," Draco answers when he looks at me. "You have to know what she does half the time."

"What do you mean?" I ask with my brows furrowed and Pansy starts laughing into her napkin like she was in on a big joke.

"Obviously Nadia doesn't just sit around, checking bags and cloaks all day," Blaise says with an amused smile.

"What are you talking about?" I ask, upset that I seem to be out of their little secret joke. I look at Draco for help and he raises his eyebrows like he thought I was joking.

"You don't know about her 'special service'?" Draco says, like I should know such things. I remember some guy mentioning it to her one time, but I didn't know what it meant. "Ginny…" he trails off and shakes his head like I was doing something adorable. "She makes all her tips by…you know," he says raising his eyebrows. I let my frown get even deeper. "She 'services' people who pay her."

I look at Blaise, he pretends to be sticking something in his mouth like a… oh, like a blow job. Oh, disgusting….

"Prostitution is illegal," I say because I can't think of anything else and they all laugh as I cross my arms. "Are you sure that's true?" I ask as I lean across the table again. "I mean, she has kids." That wasn't a very good argument, but I couldn't think of anything else.

"Oh, it's true," Blaise says with a laugh as he finishes off his drink. "Ask anyone."

"Have you…" I look at Draco and he shakes his head, but then he sends a sly look to Blaise. "Blaise, you've done stuff with her?" I ask in horror and then I look at Pansy who's giving him a nasty look.

"What?" he says in defense. "It was only one time and it cost me a couple gallons. It was hardly worth it."

I look down, troubled by this information. "I didn't know she was a slag," I say to myself and they laugh again. "No wonder she makes more money than me."

"Ginny, you're so cute," Pansy says as she squeezes my shoulder. I look at her and find a bit of humor in the situation as well and I smile a little.

I try not to be distracted by the information I learned about Nadia while I finish off the rest of my plate, listening closely the conversation the other three seem to be having. They were intellectuals, that much was clear. They talked about literature and current events and Draco was very keen to bring up political things he had learned from his internship at the Ministry. I found myself very impressed with them, even if Blaise made a few sex references every now and then. I used to think all this group talked about was clothes, money, and hating everyone that lacked the first two.

I was proved wrong and I was pleased.

"People are going to start showing up soon," Pansy pointed out as she stood. "We should head inside."

We all get up, and just out of habit, I start gathering the plates and napkins until I feel a hand on my arm. I look up, realizing the sun is starting to set as Draco stares down at me. "No," he says with a head shake. "Leave them."

"But what if animals…" I trail off and look at the leftover food just waiting to attract unpleasant things.

"You're my guest, Ginny," he says, gently pulling me away from the table and towards the main house. Blaise and Pansy are already a good deal a head of us and I feel Draco's thumb hook in the belt around my waist. "And we have house elves for a reason."

I blush, but don't say anything. I don't know if he just assumed everyone has house-elves, but I don't want him thinking any less of my family.

When we get inside, Pansy is already at the bar, pouring herself a shot. "Draco, can Ginny take some shots with me?" she asks as she fills another small glass. This back room is huge and it's attached to a large patio that has a hammock attached to it.

I frown and look at Draco, not because I'm waiting for his answer, of course. I just don't understand stand why she asked him permission and not me. It's not like he owns me and decides my actions.

"I want you to have a good time," Draco says as he glances down at me. "You'll be meeting a lot of my friends tonight so I want you to be comfortable… but don't get too comfortable," he says, giving me a stern look that makes me want to look away. "Don't get sloppy."

I make a face, still a little annoyed that she asked him in the first place. "I think I will," I tell him, ignoring his little speech as I walk over to Pansy.

After two terrible tasting shots, people start showing up and Draco pulls me away from Pansy and the bar to introduce me to a few of them. I recognize most of the last names, actually. Brenda Libowitz's Dad owns a majority of the sports stadiums around the world. Spencer Mallory's great great great Grandfather invented the moving photograph and Misha Sullivan's family owns a lot of hotels. It was intimidating, and I was glad that I had taken the shots and that Draco had handed me a mixed drink as he brought me around to meet more people. I met a boy from Nigeria whose grandfather was the Minister of Magic in the eighties and I met a group of girls from the French school of magic who were heiresses to a large fortunes. I had to wonder if one of them knew Draco's old girlfriend.

I didn't dare ask of course as I sipped on my drink and let Draco steer me around with his hand around my waist. My face was becoming flushed with alcohol and I was finding myself talking more and more with everyone, but I still strained to be polite and respectful. I wanted Draco to be impressed with my conversation as well.

"You've done well," Draco whispered against my hair as we walked into the kitchen, where Daphne and Pansy were deep in discussion with Pansy's younger sister Ivy. "Thank you."

Weird. "I'm glad I can live up to your standards," I tell him with an eyebrow raised as he smirks down at me.

"Good," is all he says before he kisses my cheek. I close my eyes and smile. "I'm going to leave you in here with the girls. I'll be in the living room if you need me."

"Okay," I say slowly and then I watch him walk off. When I turn back they're all staring at me. "Hi." I say like a loser and Ivy raises her brow and then she walks past me.

"Don't mind her," Daphne says as she walks towards me and takes my arm. "She's a bitchy drunk." She says and then she grins at me. "Let's get a few more drinks in you and you can tell me all about your shopping trip with Pans, yeah?"

We go back to the bar and the next time I look up after a few more drinks I find the house crowded with people I had never seen before. The place was packed with people drinking, smoking, and taking pills and I blinked a few times to make sure it was real before letting myself get pulled around. I'm not sure how it happened, but I started playing some kind of card game with Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle of all people, in Draco's little breakfast nook. I found them to be quite funny actually. Stupid, but funny, and every time it was their turn to take a drink they burped like cave men. For some reason they reminded me of Ron. That thought made me laugh.

"Are you having fun?" Someone whispered against my ear and I tilted my neck up and smiled at Draco as I held my cards towards my chest.

"I'm winning," I gloated and he smirked as he kissed my cheek.

"Of course you are," he says as he bent down so his face was up against mine and his hands were on either side of me on the table. "Goyle and Crabbe here aren't the sharpest tools in the box," he says. I laugh, but Crabbe and Goyle don't try to deny it. "Are you almost finished?" he asks against my neck as I hold out my cards so I can make my next move. "I want your company."

"Not until I win," I sing as I lay down two cards. Vincent groans and I smirk as he picks up his pint to finish it off. I like winning things, I've decided. Draco doesn't move for a while and I glance towards him again as Goyle makes his move. "Are you going to stand there the whole time?" I ask because he's all up in my personal space and he gives me a look like he was irritated that I would ask such a thing.

"You're done playing," he says as he takes my cards and lies them face up on the table.

"Hey!" I snap as I stand up. "I was going to win."

"Come and sit with me," he says, trying not to strain his voice as I glare down at the cards. I look over at Crabbe and Goyle who are looking at me with raised eyebrows. Well, it's not like I wanted to hang out with them that bad any ways.

"Alright," I say with a sigh. "Since you asked nicely," I add sarcastically.

I have no idea why he wanted me to sit beside him, to be honest. He was talking to some kid who had a goatee and they were talking about some bill at the ministry. I was bored and I just kept drinking the mixed drink Pansy gave me as Draco put his hand between my knees. He spoke like I wasn't even there and every time I tried to enter the conversation I was either ignored or my comment was brushed aside. I tried to follow the conversation, I really did, but I gave up trying to understand and instead decided to stare at Draco. I was drunk, so I didn't mind blatantly checking him out.

I liked his nose, it was so perfect looking and straight and I wanted to touch it, but I stopped myself because that would have been weird. Instead I brought my hand up to run through his hair. He glanced at me in surprise as I ran my fingers through the soft hairs at the back of his neck and I smiled at him. He gave me a suspicious look before squeezing my thigh and turning back to his friend.

The just keep on talking about boring things that I didn't know about and I got really restless just sitting there. So restless in fact, that I started to fidget and Draco gave me a sharp look when I slouched back into the seat with my arms crossed. It didn't last long, though, he went back to his discussion and I went back to looking at him. I liked his hair as well. He has a very nice hair cut… its short like most modern boy haircuts, but its longer on the top and styled differently in a careless but controlled way. I wonder who does his hair because it seems like a professional must to do it each day. I like the color as well… it's such a soft white blond that I could barely believe that it was his real color.

"Is that your real hair color?" I blurt out my inquiry and his friend stops talking as they both stare at me with raised eyebrows. I'm pretty drunk, so I don't even care. "I mean, your eyebrows are darker," I say in defense and the goatee kid smiles.

"Yeah, Malfoy," he smirks maliciously as I sit forward. "Does the carpet match the drapes?"

"Luckily for you, Ginny," Draco says as he leans in closer to me so his forehead is almost touching my own, not even bothering to acknowledge his friend's comment. "You are in a prime position to find out," he says with a smirk before turning back his friend and steering the conversation back to politics. It took me a few delayed moments to figure out what he meant by that and then I made a face.

"Ew," is all I say before going to stand up so I can go talk to someone else. His hand tightens on my thigh, holding me in place.

"Stay," is all he says and I make another angry face because I am not a dog that can be commanded like that but I forget all about my anger as I take a few more drinks from my glass.

I take his hand and place my hand against his as he speaks, noticing how much larger his is than mine. There's something to that, I think. He has beautiful fingers as well and when I look at his fingernails… really look at them… I realize that they're in better shape than my own. I quickly hide my hands and make a deal with myself to stop biting my nails and to start taking better care of them.

With a bored sigh I look towards the other room only to see people dancing to the music that's blaring through the house. I spot Daphne and Pansy in the group and I smile as I see them all dancing.

"I know this song," I say in excitement as I sit up on my knees. Draco looks at me as I put my arm across his shoulders."Oh, I want to go dance," I say and then I turn to him as I climb off the couch. "I'm going to go dance."

I don't wait for him to reply and he doesn't try to stop me this time as I put my drink down and I nearly run towards the dancing group. "Hey!" I yell at Pansy as I start to dance my way towards them. My dancing consists of a lot of jumping up and down and few hip movements but it feels good right now.

"Ginny!" Pansy's a little drunk as well and she puts her arms around my neck, giving me a hug. "I'm going to do it tonight." She yells against my ear as we dance.

"What do you mean?" I ask with a laugh as she continues to hold onto me.

"Blaise, I'm going to finally ask him to be official with me," she says, pulling back and giving me a girlish smile. "I think he'll say yes this time."

"This time?" I say with a snort. My drunk mind not realizing I need to be sympathetic right now. "Do you think now is a good time?" I ask. I glance towards Blaise. He's dancing with some Latin girl in a pink dress. "I mean, he's dancing with that girl and all."

Pansy's head snaps likes a snake and then she narrows her eyes at the dancing couple before turning back to me, plastering a fake smile like she could care less. "We have an open relationship," she admits and I make a face as I jump to the music, running my hand through my hair and messing it up because I like the way it feels. "But… after tonight it will be different," she says and I look at her as she sends a nasty look towards the dancing couple before turning back to me. "That doesn't mean we can't have fun right now," she says spitefully.

Three more shots and a rum and coke later I was dancing with everyone like a fiend. After a while, I opened my eyes to see Pansy dancing all up on some tall guy in a yellow shirt. That's not Blaise and I blink a few times before continuing to dance against someone, someone who smells like smoke and sweat. I was having a good time until I felt my arm being tugged on, pulling me away from the crowd. It was Draco, of course, glaring down at me with silver eyes. I'm out of breath and sweating from all the dancing and I run my fingers through my bangs. I know they're sticking up now.

"What are you doing?" I ask and he glares at me for a few moments before bringing a hand up to twist in my hair, tugging it back as he places a harsh kiss against my lips.

I don't want to kiss him. I was dancing and I didn't like the rough way he was treating me in front of everyone, so I tried to push him back, but he held me in place firmly, biting my lower lip painfully until I whimpered and he gathered my hands in one of his to keep me in place. I relented and gave in after a few moments, letting him kiss harshly without a fight and I even let myself lean against his body when it started to feel good. When he pulls back he lets go of my hands, but he still has that cold glare in his eyes. I furrow my brow because I don't understand why he was acting this way towards me.

"Why did you do that?" I ask as I bring my hand up to my lip. It was really hurting right now.

"You have your rules, I have mine," he says hatefully, still holding onto my hair. I bring my hand up to his wrist to deaden the pressure. "You do not dance with other guys like that. Especially not when I'm around" He raises his eyebrow before glancing at Pansy like he was mad at her. "Will you keep her in check, please?" he says hatefully as he lets go of my hair and Pansy looks uncomfortable.

"Excuse me," I say, anger boiling in my veins as I take a step back. "Don't talk about me like that. No one needs to keep me in check," I tell him as I rub my aching scalp. "I'm not a child and you don't get to pull on me like that either," I add, still rubbing out the pain. Jerk.

"You," he hisses as he looks down at me. "Were dancing with every guy here," he says and I open my mouth to protest, but I stop because I think he may have been right. "I was sitting right in there, Ginny. I could see you."

"It was just dancing," I defend myself. I know everyone is watching us now and I glance around quickly with my cheeks heating up. "It was just fun," I add because I wasn't dancing with guys because I wanted to dance with them. I was just dancing and they happened to be there. It wasn't like I was grinding up on them like Pansy was.

"It wasn't fun for me," he says dryly. "I would appreciate it if you wouldn't do it again."

I look at Pansy for some back up, but she's just standing there with her arms crossed and when I make eye contact with her, she looks down.

"It's not like we're official," I mumble. I know that's not what I wanted to say, but I just thought of Pansy and Blasie and how they were dancing with other people. Something dangerous flashes in Draco's eyes and I almost take a step back to get away from it.

He looks around sharply at the people who have all stopped dancing to watch our exchange and then he grabs my arm, pulling me towards the back door. I push his hand off of me when we get outside and I cross my arms, angry that he's just dragging me around like he is.

"That maybe so right now," he says flatly as he slams the back door. It makes me jump. "But do what you want in your own time. Do not embarrass me in front of my friends."

"How am I embarrassing you?" I snap at him. "I was just dancing!"

"You are only here because I want you to be," he says and I look up at him, trying to mask my hurt. "I wanted to spend time with you. I don't want to watch you rubbing up on other guys. How would you feel if the tables were turned?" he asks and I cross my arms. I think of Draco dancing with other girls, especially Cho and jealousy prickles my brain. "Hm?"

"I wouldn't like it," I mutter in defeat and then I glance up at him again. Does he have a point? "You're right," I say after a few moments, deciding that I was in the wrong no matter how barbaric he's acting. "I really didn't realize…. I was just dancing. I've had so much to drink," I admit, bringing my hand up to my forehead.

"Why don't we take a walk for some fresh air," Pansy says as she opens the back door and steps outside where Draco and I are. She takes my arm and I look away, upset with this odd fight Draco and I seem to be having. "Go on the dock to cool off?" she offers and she looks at Draco like she was asking for permission and he nods his head tightly. "Let's go, Gin," she says as she puts her arm around my shoulder and starts steering me towards the concrete stairs.

"Is my lip bleeding?" I ask as we walk into the back yard and Pansy looks at me.

"No, why would it?" she asks as I bring my hand up to my mouth.

"I think he bit me." I look over my shoulder as Draco walks back into the house.

"Oh," she says and then she gives me a smile as she squeezes my shoulder. "You know Draco, just felt the need to claim territory."

"I'm not his territory," I state bitterly. I know I may have been wrong dancing with those guys in front of him, but he could have handled that a different way.

She looks at me, but doesn't say anything as we make it down to the water. I sit at the edge of the dock and cross my legs with my shoes still on because I don't want to put my feet into the water when it's so dark outside. Pansy sits beside me with a heavy sigh and I glance at her from the corner of my eyes.

"Are you still going to tell Blaise about being official?" I ask and she shrugs her shoulder.

"I don't know… maybe I should wait until we're both sober."

"I think that would be best," I admit and she looks at me with her head tilted to the side before facing forward again. "You like him a lot," I point out and she shrugs again.

"I guess so… he's so hard to figure out." She says and I frown.

"How so?"

"He's just… I never know what he's thinking. I think his Dad dying messed him up big time because he never lets me in and he can be so mean."

"Like Draco?" I say and she shakes her head.

"No, Draco…. Draco can be cruel, but his cruelty is usually honest. He notices everything and he'll point it out," she says, talking about him like they were old friends. I guess they are. "But Blaise…" she shakes her head. "He just lies, and half the time it's about stupid things. Like the other day he told me he was going to transfer schools but I knew it was a lie because he already bought all of his things for Hogwarts. He said it just to see my reaction."

"That's odd," I say and she nods her head, dipping her toe into the water. "Do you think what Draco did inside… was that… I know he had the right to be upset or jealous or whatever," I say in a timid voice as I stare at my knees. "But is that okay what he did?" I ask cautiously. None of my girlfriends had ever been in relationships and this is a whole other world to me. "He kind of hurt me when he did that," I say as I bring my hand back up to my lip.

"Draco is intense," she admits and I think of what Daphne told to me at the pub. He's intense… she had said, don't go out of your way to make him jealous. "What he did wasn't so bad. You're new to our group and he probably felt compelled to put it out there that you were with him despite your actions." What is that supposed to mean? "He's just… give it some time, yeah?" she says, looking into my eyes. "He has trust issues."

"Why?" I ask and she makes a face.

"Why do any of us have issues?" she asks as she stands up and dusts off the back of her skirt. "Blame the parents," she says with a smile and I figure it's a joke so I laugh a little as well. "You know, Draco decided to have a cook out earlier because he thought you would like it. None of us have actually done one before. He can be thoughtful sometimes."

"Oh," I whisper. "I didn't even realize…"

"It's okay," she says with a smile. "It was fun…Do you want to go back in? I think Draco is cooled down enough."

"Is that why we came out here… for him to calm down?"

"And you," she says with a smile and then she puts her hands in her pockets. "I meant what I said," she says as we start walking back. I stop and glance at her. "Before… Draco can be a good guy. I know sometimes it's hard to see that… but underneath it all he is good…sometimes."

"I can see it," I say honestly and she nods her head.

"And you know… it wouldn't be bad to let him touch you."

"What?" I ask dryly. That kind of stopped me in my tracks to be honest. "What do you mean?"

"When you're ready," she says quickly to cover her tracks. "Look, I know that you haven't done anything with guys," she says and I make a face. Why is this any of her business? "Draco could teach you a lot if you let him." She says. I don't say anything to that and she sighs. "Was that too much to say?" she adds and I nod my head.

"A little." I confess and she shakes her head.

"Sorry, it's just that I don't want you to get all caught up on who he is instead enjoying being with him, you know? Having a boyfriend is fun. Sex is fun… I just don't want you to limit yourself for any reason."

"I'll keep that in mind," I say slowly and she smiles a little.

"Good," she says and then she walks to me and takes my arm again. "Let's get back inside and pretend like we're not bothered by anything."

"Sounds good."

"Where is she!" I stop walking and blink a few times at the ridiculous screaming from the house. "No, let go. Where is she?"

"Oh, for fucks sake," Pansy sighs and I look up at the house as two figures come stomping down the stairs. I realize halfway down that it's Millicent and Daphne.

Daphne sends a panicked look to Pansy as Millicent sets her eyes on me. It looks like she's been drunk girl crying and she has her glare leveled at me. I let go of Pansy and take a step back as she comes barreling down.

"Back off it, Millie," Daphne scolds as she tries to hold her back. "This is such a bad idea. You'll know what he'll do if you…"

"Oh, shut up," Millicent snaps, pushing Daphne to the side. Daphne falls and makes a whimpering noise. Then she cusses at the taller girl who is getting closer and closer towards me. "I have something to say to you, Ginny Weasley."

She's drunk, I can tell. She's drunk and angry and I clench my fists in fear. I don't want to get into a fight, and especially not with her. She's scrappy.

"Go away, Millicent." Pansy rolls her eyes as Millicent passes her, headed towards me. I take another step back. She's wearing a purple halter dress and she hikes it up when she approaches. "It's not her fault he doesn't want you."

"Shut up, you skinny bitch," Millicent says and Pansy looks at me with a smirk.

"At least she said skinny," Pansy jokes and I manage a smile before gulping once Millicent is right in front of me.

Holy hell.

"You have no idea what I've been through!" she yells at me and I furrow my brows, looking to Pansy for help. She looks as worried as I am and she starts inching towards the stairs. "I have done everything!" she screams at me with watery eyes and I flinch.

"What are you talking about?" I ask her and she sneers.

"I did everything I was supposed to. I changed everything," she says. I wonder if she's talking about the charms and surgery she had to make her beautiful. That's the only change I can see. "But I'm still not good enough. What makes you so special?" she hisses and I feel my heart start beating faster. Fear. It's making me shake. "You're just poor and you're not even that pretty."

"Hey," I say, offended and she makes a face as she looks me over. "Don't talk to me like that."

"And to top it off you're the help. The help," she says slowly, like it would sink in for me. "You're supposed to fuck the help behind closed doors. You never make them your girlfriend!" she stomps her foot and wipes her eye, smearing her eye makeup. It makes her look like a clown. I look for Pansy again, but she's nowhere to be seen. Where did she go? I need her help! "I stopped eating chips for this!" she yells at me. I would laugh if it wasn't so scary. "Do you have any idea how hard that is!"

"I don't know what you want me to do," I say calmly, like I was talking to a dog with rabies. "Maybe we can talk when you're not drunk and shouting at me," I say and then fire ignites in her eyes.

"You know what you can do," she says as she takes a step closer to me. I take another step back and when I realize I'm at the edge of the dock I feel panic shoot through my system. My body is warning me to get the hell out of this situation, but I can't seem to move. Where did Pansy and Daphne go? "You can go away. Just go away!" she screams at me before bringing her hands up and pushing me.

My back smacks against the water and I panic.

I wasn't lying when I told Draco about my fear of deep water. It's too dark, I'm still a little drunk, and I'm panicking. I stay under the water for a few moments, thrashing around and breathing in lake water before surfacing and spitting some water out so I can catch my breath. I really can't swim, so I try to dog paddle my way back to the dock, but I'm in too much shock to do much good and when I feel myself sinking further down my heart beat starts hammering and my muscles tighten. I hear a ringing in my ears…

I just want to go home.

I shouldn't have lied to my parents. I shouldn't have snuck out and now I'm going to die in a fucking lake in Draco Malfoy's back yard. Swim or die. I'm pretty sure I'm going to die. I can't breathe. I can't move. I can't do anything and I clench my eyes shut because the water hurts my eyes. I can't even think of anything solid right now… nothing… shapes, sounds, Mom…. Then I feel a hand pulling on my arm, pulling me out of the water. I inhale deeply when I surface again and then I start coughing up the water I swallowed. I don't even care about the disgusting noises I'm making as I try to catch my breath… I just let myself get pulled back towards the dock.

"You're okay," I hear him say. I blink a few times and when we stop I realize it was Draco who had jumped in and saved me. Literally saved me. I was going to die. He pushes hair away from my face and I hug him tightly around the neck as he holds onto the dock to keep us afloat. A swelling of gratitude bursts through me and I even wrap my legs around his body because I don't want him to let me go. "It's okay," he repeats and then he looks up. "Pansy," is all he says as he pushes me forward.

I'm reluctant to let go as Pansy comes running over and she puts her hands down to help pull me out as Draco pushes me from below.

"That was scary," she says seriously, looking shaken up. "You went under. I didn't think you were coming up," she whispers and when I reach the safety of the dock, Daphne runs over to me holding a towel. She wraps it around my shoulders as I sit down. I just need to sit down and I can feel my jaw chattering.

"Oh, Ginny. I'm sorry," she says and I glance back at the water as Draco climbs out. His clothes are soaked and he looks positively livid. "I didn't think she'd actually push you in. Pans and I went to get Draco to make her leave you alone… we didn't know she'd do that."

"I c-can't swim," I say with a chattering jaw and she gives me a sad smile.

"I kind of noticed that," she says and I would have smiled if I wasn't still a little shook up.

"She likes him," I state as I spot Millicent with a gang of girls around her, all trying to fix her makeup.

"She kind of hates him, actually," Daphne whispers as she rubs my arms to keep me warm. "She just wants him." She looks at me and gives me a little smile. "Everyone wants him."

Speaking of 'him', Draco starts walking over to me, his shoes squeaking with each step. I realize he jumped into the water with them on as well and I look down at my own feet in a panic. I'm missing one of my pretty silver sandals. I look out at the water as Draco gets closer to me and I feel like crying again.

"Are you alright?" he asks in a deep voice as he kneels in front of me and Daphne moves away as I nod my head.

"Just a little surprised," I whisper and I glance up at him. He sighs and runs his fingers along my nose and under my eyes. When I realize he's fixing my fudged make up, I blush. "I think one of my shoes is still in the water. I think it fell off," I say quickly, trying not to cry. I just bought them, after all. I'm allowed to be upset about it.

"It was just a joke," I hear Millicent's annoying voice and I make a face as it grates on my ears. I glance up at the house as people start coming out to watch the show. "How was I supposed to know she couldn't swim? What kind of idiot doesn't know how to swim? She's like sixteen or something, isn't she?"

Draco narrows his eyes and then he stands up. I watch as he turns around and starts walking towards Millicent who's standing by the edge of the dock with her arms crossed, trying to defend her actions. "Draco," she says as he approaches with determined steps. Daphne sits beside me and puts her arm around my shoulder as I watch their exchange. "It was just a joke."

"It wasn't funny," he says flatly and she makes an exasperated sound.

"Who doesn't know how to swim?" she says in disbelief and my ears burn in embarrassment again, but it's short lived because Draco pauses for a few moments before bringing his hands up and pushing Millicent in the lake.

I widen my eyes when she splashes against the water.

He said he would never hit a girl but I guess pushing them in a freezing lake is still on the menu.

I don't even mind.

"Fuck, Draco!" she yells once she resurfaces and I stand up so I can see how she's doing. Unfortunately for me she can swim.

"I don't want to see you again until you've thought up an adequate apology," he says coldly. I shiver and it's not because of the water. "While you're in there, I want you to find Ginny's sandal," he says as she starts to pull herself out of the water. He puts his foot on top of her fingers to stop her and she looks up at him fearfully… She actually looks afraid and I look back at Draco. His face… that's the cruel way he looks at my brother and Harry when he's fighting with them. "It's silver. Find it and then leave my fucking house."

"Oh my," Daphne whispers and when I look at her I notice even she looks surprised.

"Come on," Draco says when he gets closer to me. He grabs my hand and pulls me up. I don't protest as he pulls me towards the house and I glance over my shoulder once to see Millicent's shocked face.

I smile at her.

And it felt good.

"You're shivering," he says as we walk up the stairs.

I nod my head but don't say anything. When we get to the back door, I see Blaise leaning against the house with a cigarette in his hand. He winks at me as Draco walks past him. "The party's over," Draco says flatly and Blaise throws his cigarette on the ground.

"Yes, General," Blaise says with mock salute as we head towards the stairs.

I let myself get led like a child until we reach a bedroom. I hear the music get turned off and I hear people leaving. I figure this is Draco's bedroom and I look around me as I he disappears into the closet. His room is large, with white walls and large windows. It's clean looking and bright, unlike what I imagined his room to be. I expected something dark and old looking.

"One of my t-shirts should be fine," he says as I cross my arms. When he walks out of the closet, he's only wearing a pair of sleep pants that rest low on his hips. I look away quickly to his bed… it's large with a white down comforter and a modern looking leather headboard. "It will fit you like a dress anyways and I'll pull some pants from my mother's closet."

"Alright," I say as I take the shirt. It's red and it has a pocket on the right chest. I look around for a few moments until I find a bathroom. I walk towards it, stopping only when I realize something. "Can't you dry my clothes with magic or something?"

"You were in lake water," he says with a head shake as he turns down his covers. "They need to be washed."

"Oh," is all I say before disappearing into the bathroom. I peal out of my wet clothes and even my wet knickers and I slide on his shirt. It smells like him and it's the softest cotton I've ever felt before. There's only one problem… I don't have any knickers to put on.

"Draco?" I say softly through the door way.

"What is it?"

"Do you have those pants?"

He hands me a pair of tight yoga pants when I crack open the door and I put them on quickly. They're almost too small and l hold up the shirt and turn around so I can look at my bum in the mirror. Yeah, way too tight. "How long will it take to wash and dry my clothes?" I ask curiously. "Because I have to be home before it gets too late," I say as I walk out of the bathroom, trying to tug down the shirt so it doesn't reveal too much.

"It will only take half an hour. You look tired," he says as he brings a hand up to my face. I lean into it and realize I want to be held so I give in and wrap my arms around his waist, pulling him for a hug as I put my head on his shoulder. "Being in the water really frightened you."

"I told you it would," I say seriously and he kisses the top of my head. "Thanks for saving me, though."

"Let's lay down for a bit," he says as he leads me towards his bed.

I know I shouldn't. I know I should just go home now in wet clothes and dry them by myself… but I look at Draco again.

"I won't touch you anywhere I shouldn't," he says with his hands up in defense and I smile as I crawl under his covers. "Unless you want me to," he adds with a smirk and I snort before turning on my side and tucking my hands under his pillow. It feels nice to lay down and I close my eyes when he turns out the lights.

"I can't believe you pushed her in."

"I wonder if she enjoys it half as much when the joke is placed on her," he says as he scoots closer to me, spooning around with his arm tucked over my waist. I smile and let myself get comfortable as he kisses my neck.

"She likes you," I point out and he makes a noise. "I mean, Daphne says she hated you, but she wants to be with you. That's why she had all that work done."

"Do you remember what she looked like before?" He asks as he moves his lips to my jaw. "I can't show my future children that. They'd be horrified." I frown. That was an odd thing to say and I shake my head to get rid of the weird feeling. "Unfortunately magic can't fix everything," he adds as he pulls back to place a kiss at the corner of my mouth. "Personality for example." He says and I laugh a little. He's officially making me feel better about the whole thing.

"We should go back down," I say, pulling away from him. I realize this is a dangerous situation to be in with him and I need the safety of other people. It's one of my rules.

"Not yet. Let's wait for your clothes. Even though you look wonderful in those pants."

I make a face. "I didn't realize your mother was so small."

"That's what happens when you barely eat," he says dismissively and I frown.

"Does it…" he looks up. "Does it bother you that your parents are never home?" I ask and he raises his eyebrow. "Pansy said that your parents are always gone."

"I don't mind it," he says as he takes my hand until I'm sitting beside him. "I don't know what I would do if they were here all the time, actually. They bother me."

"My parents bother me too," I admit as we lay back on the bed and he props himself above me with his elbow. "You know, I've been sneaking out to hang out with you." I admit and he frowns.

"Because they don't like me."

I shake my head. I haven't even told them about him to be honest. "No. They don't want me leaving the house any more without supervision. My Mom even brings me to work now…. It's ridiculous."

"Why are they doing that?" he asks as he puts his hand on my hip, under his shirt.

I open my mouth to tell him about Ron and his friends leaving, but I stop myself. I don't know why. "I'm not sure," I say with a shrug. "They just want to keep better watch on me I guess."

"That's no fun," he says and I nod my head.

"Draco?" I ask as he goes back to nuzzling my neck.

"Hm?"

"Do you think…" I was going to ask him if he thought the Dark Lord was back… no one believed Harry but my family and Hermione…. But I stop myself from saying anything. "Nevermind."

He doesn't say anything to that and I close my burning eyes again, yawning against the pillow. I fall asleep like that and when I wake up its morning.

"Fuck," I say as I sit up.

Draco's not in bed at me and I look at the clock on the bedside table. It's six o'clock. My father will be getting up for work soon.

"Fuck," I say again, a little more panicked as I jump from the bed. I look around his room for a moment and spot my clothes, clean and folded on one of his chairs. I strip quickly and pull my newly cleaned clothes on, all the while cussing softly to myself, praying that my parents haven't noticed that I'm gone. "Fuck," I say again as I slip on my one shoe and leave the bedroom. "Fuck, fucking, fuck," I say as I go running down the steps.

"Watch your mouth." I stop in my tracks at the bottom of the stairs and I sigh in relief when I see Draco looking all amused as he leans against the wall. "Ladies shouldn't be cussing," he says with a smirk as he holds out my silver sandal.

"She actually got it?" I ask as I take it from him and slip it on my foot. He nods his head.

"Of course she did. I told her to," he says like everyone always follows his orders.

I look him over. He looks all refreshed and ready for the day. He's wearing another suit and his hair is combed perfectly into place. I think of my own disheveled appearance and I sneer inwardly. I hate him a little right now.

"Why didn't you wake me up?" I ask as I run towards the front door, angry with myself. "You knew I had to be home."

"I wasn't going to wake you up," he says as he follows behind me. "You looked like you were too comfortable."

"My parents are going to kill me," I mutter to myself as I start off towards the garage so I can get my stupid bike. "I'm going to be grounded until I'm thirty."

"Only if they find out," Draco adds, and then he grabs my arm. "Let me Apparate you," he says and I shake my head.

"I didn't bring my wand."

"That's why I said I'd Apparate you," he says like I was stupid. "I am a wizard after all."

"Oh…" I look at the garage and then to him. I still don't want him to see my house. "No… no it's okay."

A house-elf wheels out my bike and then I walk it toward the front gate with Draco by my side.

"Be careful," he says as the gates open and I hop on my bike. "I'll see you later, right?"

"Right," I say with a nod of my head and then I feel his hand on my back, so I tilt my neck to kiss his cheek. "Thanks for saving my life," I tell him honestly.

"No problem," he says with a wink and then I take off.

When I get to my house, I creep back into the yard and carefully place my bike into the shed. I climb up the drain pipe to my room and I turn off my radio. I peel out of my clothes and crawl into my bed in my underwear, falling into a deep sleep after I yawn into my pillow.

Then my alarm goes off.

"Oh, bloody hell," I mutter tiredly into my pillow.

"Ginevra," Dr. Carol grins at me with her tortoiseshell glasses on the bridge of her nose. "I haven't seen you since you were thirteen. You've grown up beautifully."

"Thank you, Dr. Carol," I say politely as I put my hands on my lap and look around the room. Not much has changed in the three years I've been gone. There are still blue and white bird paintings on the wall behind her head and there's a book shelf full of books I've never read before to the left of me. "It's good to see you as well," I add as I look back to her. She looks older and her hair is shorter than I remember. I notice all this, but I don't point it out.

"I'm glad to hear that," she says as she picks up her quill. I hate this part and I look down at my knees. "So to get right into it… how have you been?"

"I've been good," I tell her honestly. "I've got a summer job and I'm still saving up for that retreat."

"You're still writing?" she asks as she marks something down with her quill. I learned when I was eleven not to be bothered by it.

"Yes," I tell her seriously. "I like it."

"What do you write about?" I hate the series of questions that always come along during these sessions. I used to like it when I was young and needed someone to talk to, but now… now I just hate them.

I shrug. "Stuff."

"What kind of stuff?" she presses and I sigh.

"Just stories I think up and things like that… nothing like a diary," I finish so she doesn't think I'm falling back into that dangerous habit. "I only write topical things from my life when I'm mad."

"Do you think about the diary often?" she asks and we both know what diary she's talking about. We talked about it at length when I was younger.

"No, I never think of it," I state honestly. In fact, I've put it so far back in my mind that I barely even remember most of it. For the best, of course.

"Never?" she questions with her sharp eyebrow raised.

"Never," I confirm, wanting to drop it.

"Dr. Carol," someone beeps the speaker on the desk and Carol apologizes to me before leaning forward and pressing the main button.

"Yes?" She says into the speaker, looking impatient.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but Eddie Meyers out here. He says it's important."

She looks at me and then back at the speaker. "I'll be there in a moment," she says, taking her finger off the button. "I'm sorry, Ginevra," She says formally as she stands up and buttons her suit jacket. "I must see what this is about. Make yourself at home while I'm gone," she says gesturing around the room before leaving me alone with the door closed.

Dr. Carol is a children's psychiatrist and everything in her room is designed to put young people at ease. I glance beside me at the table full of children's books and casually pick one up.

Fairy tales and other stories…. I raise my brows before setting the large book against my lap and flipping through it, looking at the pictures and scanning a few words before settling back to read one of the stories. Of course, I know most of these, learning them from my own childhood.

The tale of the serpent and the Queen

This one seems good and depressing. There's a drawing of a snake with its tail dipped in blood and I lean back into the chair to read it.

-A warlock king was traveling through a small village in disguise to see how his people lived. While walking, he saw three beautiful sisters sitting in a garden, braiding each other's long fair hair. Entranced, he approached the sisters who remained oblivious to his presence and he hid behind a rose bush to listen to their sweet voices.

There's a drawing of the three sisters on the page. They all look the same, really, with hair all the way down to their knees. Impractical is what that is. Who would want hair that long?

The oldest sister, by far the tallest of the three, said that if she were to marry the king she would fill each hall with jewels and golden coins in his honor to please him.

The second sister, by far the smallest of the three, said that if she were to marry the king she would hold a weeklong festival for everyone in the kingdom to attend in his honor to please him.

The third sister, by far the fairest of the three, said that if she were to marry the king she would give him two strong sons who would grow up to be very powerful wizards who will one day rule the world.

The king revealed himself to the three surprised sisters and chose the third to be his wife for he liked what she had said. When the youngest sister married the king and became queen, the other sisters grew jealous of her status and they planned to ruin her.

The new queen soon became pregnant and the king rejoiced, but was soon called to war. While he was away, the Queen gave birth to twin boys who were both healthy and strong. The sisters, in their jealousy, kidnapped the children just seconds after their birth while their mother was sleeping and brought them to the lake where they put each baby under water until they stopped breathing.

I make a face at that last sentence and turn the book over to read the title again. This is a terrible story to tell a child, talking about killing babies and all that… but I want to know the rest so I turn back to the page.

A dark wizard saw the other sisters drowning the young princes and he turned himself into a serpent to hide his form. When the children were pulled from the water, the dark wizard noticed that each baby had a spark of magic still left in them. Knowing them to be from a powerful lineage with powerful magic, the dark wizard put a spell on the babies to keep that spark of life alive before the sisters buried them in the King's garden. Two rose bushes grew over night where the boys had been buried and they would whisper to each other when no one was around.

The oldest sister had taken two small dogs from the courtyard and placed them in the princes' cradles. Finally, when the Queen awoke she asked to see her children, but the oldest sister told her that she had given birth to beasts and she showed her sister the dogs. The queen was distraught. She knew in her heart that something terrible had happened to her children, but when the King came back from war and was shown the two dogs by the middle sister he did not believe her worries.

The king, thinking his new Queen was a dark witch, snapped her wand and banished her to the sea. On a small boat, where she was sure to die, the Queen spent days alone in the middle of the ocean adding more water to it with her tears. On the seventh day, thirsty and hungry, the youngest sister was near death when Dark wizard found her and disguised himself as a serpent once more, appearing on her small boat.

The dark wizard told the youngest sister he could bring her children back to life only if she would make a oath to swear by magic that one of her decedents will give themselves to someone from his bloodline, making them heir to the kingdom and passing on the powerful magic of her family to his. The serpent also added that for the resurrection to work, the Queen would have to die by her own hand.

The Queen was sad, but knowing she was going to die on the boat anyway, and wanting her sons back, she considered his offer. The youngest sister asked the serpent when and who the decedents would be and the Dark wizard looked far into the future, having the gift of sight, and he replied that when the seventh moon is in the second house, their families would become one.

The youngest sister was hesitant, but wanted her children alive again so she agreed. A dagger appeared in front of the sister and she plunged it in her chest….

"Oh, my," I whisper as I raise my eyebrows. What kind of person reads this to a child? There's even a picture….

She died, sealing the agreement with the dark wizard who went to the king's garden to awaken the sleeping dead children from the dirt. Because of their mother's sacrifice the Dark Wizard was able to bring them to life to fulfill his deal and the boys went to their father's house. The king knew them as his sons and when they told their father of the older sisters misdeeds he had them burned as dark witches.

When the seventh moon is in the second house a powerful union between…

"I'm so sorry that took so long."

I jump and slam the book shut as Carol comes back into the room, looking a little flustered but trying to hide it.

"Let's see," she says as she sits down and takes out her notes again, placing her glasses back on her nose. "Where were we?"

I put the book back on the table and stare at the cover for a few moments, trying not to be disturbed by that terrible children's story.

"Ah, yes," she says with a small smile and then she looks at me, becoming serious once again. "Have you had any nightmares recently?"

"No," I say quickly as my palms begin to sweat and I wipe them on my skirt. Being here with her is bringing back things I'd rather not remember right now. "Not since… the last time I talked to you," I say awkwardly. She nods and writes something down.

"No headaches or panic attacks either?"

"Nope," I say, trying not to be uncomfortable. The last time I had a panic attack was when I was twelve. I went into my grandmother's basement to get a jar of peaches and the damp smell of the room triggered memories of the chamber and the snake and him… It was the same smell and my grandfather found me an hour later, curled in the corner trying to catch my breath. I avoid triggers like that now. "I've been perfect."

"Let's move on," she says and I nod. Thank god. "Why do you think your parents wanted you to see me again?"

"Because they're annoying and overprotective," I say bitterly and she looks at me before nodding her head. She doesn't say anything, so I give in. "Ron left with Harry and Hermione… no one knows where they went and my parents are worried. That's why I'm here."

"Do you believe the Dark Lord is back?" she slams that question on me and I blink a few times.

"What?"

"I know Harry Potter has been blasted in the media for saying so. Do you believe him?"

"Of course," I say with a furrowed brow. "My whole family does."

"Why?" she questions and I pause a moment, trying to think of what I want to say, and then I narrow my eyes for her even questioning it.

"Why would anyone lie about that?" I snap and she smiles at me again, a serene and irritating smile.

"Indeed," she says. "The last time we spoke you were still quite enamored with Mr. Potter…."

"I'm not anymore," I say quickly. Of course, I loved him then. He saved my life and he was the sweetest boy. "I'm dating someone now," I say as I think of Draco, not wanting her or anyone else thinking I'm still hung up on Harry Potter. "I like him a lot."

She smiles at me… it's a genuine one this time. "I'm pleased to hear that. Is he a good guy?" she questions.

"Not really. I mean he kind of is… in a different way," I say truthfully as I tug on the bottom of my skirt. She looks at me oddly for the admission and I bite my lip because I'm about to say something very revealing, something that I haven't even admitted to myself. She is my psychologist after all, maybe she can help. "He reminds me of Tom." I whisper and she pauses a second, letting it sink in. I haven't even dared that thought to surface and when I finally say it, I realize how true it is.

"How does he remind you of Tom Riddle?" she says, her voice taking a different tone, a serious tone, a worried tone.

"He's really smart," I say as I start rubbing my hands along the fabric of my dress again. She notices it, so I start doing it even more. It's a nervous gesture I haven't done for years. "He's handsome," I say as I start pressing my palms into my thighs until it actually starts burning. "He can be cold and cruel, but charming at the same time. He makes me feel special." I remember that look that flashed in his eyes during the party at his house… that jealous and malicious look that made me feel uncomfortable. I know why now… it reminded me of him.

"What do you mean by cruel?" she asks and I shake my head. "Does he treat you well?"

"Very well," I admit as I think of Draco and how nice he was to me on my birthday. "And my parents would hate it if they knew who he was."

"Why is that?" she asks. "Who is he and why would your parents care?"

Might as well tell the truth, she is under legal obligation to keep my secrets anyways. "Draco Malfoy."

The name hangs in the air for a while and I know she hasn't been able to come up with a proper response just yet. The evil part of me is pleased by that.

"Draco Malfoy?" she repeats, like she was testing the name out and I nod my head. "His father is Lucius Malfoy," she says and I nod again. "The man who gave you the diary that started all of this in the first place?"

"Yes." I'm not an idiot.

"And you think that's a good idea?" she asks, but I stand up, wiping my fingers on my skirt one last time.

"I have to go to work," I say quickly because I don't want to talk about it until I come to terms with it.

"Alright," she says as she takes off her glasses and then she pulls out a thin sheet of pink paper. Prescription paper. "I know you've been off medication for a while," she says as she scratches something down. "But I want you to fill this. They're anti-panic pills. If you feel an attack coming on, I want you to take two."

"Okay," I say, grabbing the pink paper from her once she hands it to me. "See you later, Dr. Carol."

"Good bye, Ginevra," she says as she stands up as well. "Be safe."

When I reach the waiting room, my Mom is sitting on one of the green couches with a magazine across her lap. When she sees me, she stands with a smile on her face.

"How was it?" she asks as she walks towards me, noticing the pink slip in my hand.

"I don't want to go back," I tell her hotly as I hand the prescription to her and I stomp outside so she can Apparate us to folk hills. "You're overreacting. I'm perfectly fine."

"I just thought with Ron gone, and things being as they are, that you would want someone to talk to again."

I cross my arms and huff. "I'm fine."

"If you say so," she says sadly as she puts her arm on mine. When we Apparate to the club, she puts my hair behind my shoulder and studies my face. "You would tell us, wouldn't you Ginny… if you were having the headaches again?"

"Of course," I say with an irritated eye roll and she kisses my cheek before seeing me off to work. I'm a little early, so I wonder around the lobby for a few minutes before heading back to the check out station. Nadia is working with me today and when she greets me I can barely manage a smile.

I can't even look at her.

I try my best to avoid getting in her line of sight, but being in this little closet is making it very difficult. "Ginny?" Nadia says as I pretend to clean the same section of the counter with a cloth I found.

"Hm?" I ask, trying not to glance behind me. I don't want to see her and make a face after finding out about her 'special service' stuff.

"Are you angry with me?" she asks worriedly. "You haven't been speaking to me all day. It's making me feel weird."

"No, I'm not angry with you. Why would I be angry with you?"I laugh nervously as I wipe the counter yet again. "I'm just feeling unwell." I say and then I make a face. I'm just feeling unwell? What the bloody hell does that mean?

"Oh, well, I hope you feel better."

"Thanks," I say awkwardly and I look up when I see movement. Daphne and Pansy are walking towards my booth, flanked on each side of a very sour looking Millicent Bulstrode. I would hide if it wasn't so obvious.

"What can I do for you ladies today?" Nadia says nicely, but they ignore her as they slide in front of me.

"Do you have something you'd like to say to Ginny?" Pansy asks as she pushes Millicent towards me. I flinch a bit.

"I'm sorry I pushed you into the lake," she says flatly, obviously not meaning it. I'm glad I'm behind my work counter because I don't know what I would do with myself if I didn't have the barrier. "It was careless and rude of me. And I'm sorry."

"Don't act like you mean it or anything," Daphne says with an eyeroll. "What do you say, Ginny?" She says as she looks at me with twinkling eyes. "Do you forgive her?"

"Um…" Is all I say because this is awkward and I bite my lip. I glance at Nadia, but all I can see is Blaise doing the blowjob movement and I turn away quickly.

"Can we just get this over with so we can tell him it's fine now?" Millicent says with a huff as she crosses her arms.

"Tell who?"I ask but no one says anything. "Whatever. It's okay," I say so she'll go away.

"There, see, everything is fine." Millicent makes a face before walking off, leaving Daphne and Pansy to smirk in her wake.

"Draco yelled at her again," Daphne smiles a little as she leans over to counter. "It was kind of sweet actually," she says as she fixes my hair. I make a face as she pushes the bangs away from my face, but I don't go to stop her.

"If you say so," I say and I look at Pansy who's watching Nadia with an arched eyebrow. "Uh, well…What are you guys doing tonight?" I ask, trying to get the attention away from the girl I work with.

"Not too much," Daphne says with a shrug as she starts picking her nails. "Sleep over maybe." She looks at Pansy. "What do you say, Pans? Maybe we could hit up the boardwalk. I haven't even been on the Ferris wheel yet."

"Yeah, sure," she says flatly, still staring at Nadia. I cough to get her to look at me… but she doesn't. "So, your name is Nadia, right?" she asks snidely and I look at Nadia as she nods her head nervously. "How does it feel to suck—"

"Oh, okay," I say quickly, cutting her off and actually sliding in front of Nadia. "Enough of that. Nadia, do you want to take your break? I'll watch the floor," I say quickly.

"Yeah. Uh, okay," she says with wide eyes and then she leaves. Once she's gone I turn to Pansy and make a face.

"I'm glad you didn't finish that sentence," I say and Daphne laughs as Pansy hops on top of the counter with her legs crossed.

"I almost wish you would have let her keep talking. How does it feel to suck sounded like such a wonderful way to start a conversation."

Pansy laughs a little, breaking her cold façade as she shrugs her small shoulders. "Oh well. I think we're going to go to the pool for a little bit," she says and I nod my head in understanding. "I'll get a hold of you later, yeah?" he says and I nod my head.

"I'll see you guys later."

They walk away and I get back to work, putting rich peoples things into a locker and getting paid for it. Nadia comes back from her break some time later, and I try to ignore her. A part of me is disgusted with what they said she does and then another part is kind of curious, but I stomp that part down. It's not in my best interest to question anything further.

"So…" She starts, but I cut her off… rather rudely, actually but I try not to feel bad about it.

"I'm going to dust in the back before I leave," I tell her and I take the cloth and go towards the back by the lockers.

"Whatever," I hear her mumble bitterly. I guess she's fed up with the way I'm acting towards her and I can't say I blame her.

I start wiping down the lockers, pretending to clean when I hear high heels tapping against the marble floor. I don't bother looking until I hear Nadia's voice.

"Mrs. Malfoy," she says and I freeze. Mrs. Malfoy? That has to be Draco's mother. I've seen her at the club once or twice but never here, never this close. "It's so good to see you."

I look over my shoulder at Draco's mother as she answers. "Charmed," is all she says and her voice sounds like a bell.

Mrs. Malfoy is beautiful. I mean, like really beautiful. She's very tall and very thin and her honey colored hair is always smooth and styled to perfection making her the darling of every magazine that talks about style and fashion. Today she's wearing a yellow dress with a chic white jacket that she has cinched at her waist with a black patent belt. Her golden hair is done up in a twist with two strands curled around her temples making her look like a polished modern day princess.

"What can we do for you today?" Nadia asks and I peek over my shoulder again, trying to hide my face.

She's wearing large black sunglasses and she brings a gloved hand up to pull them off. She's looking right at me and a slow smile creeps onto her lips as her ice blue eyes look me over. I gulp and face the lockers again, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"Just put these away for me please," she says and I dare another glance. She's taking off the delicate white gloves and she's still looking at me. Surveying me… judging me. Does she know about Draco and I? I feel my heart drop… does she know I wore her pants?

"Of course, Mrs. Malfoy," Nadia says as she gathers up her things and starts walking back towards me by the lockers. She makes an excited face and puts them away, taking the ticket that pops out. "The Malfoy's tip so well," she whispers happily before walking back to Draco's mother.

"Here you go, Mrs. Malfoy," Nadia says, handing her ticket to the regal looking woman who is still looking at me.

I feel very uncomfortable and I tuck some hair behind my ear before smoothing out my skirt nervously. Why is she looking at me?

"I will see you later," Mrs. Malfoy's bell like voice says and I look at her again. She winks at me and walks off.

Oh, dear lord, what was that about?

I put my hand on my forehead once she's gone and I lean against the wall as Nadia counts her tip. "Jeez," she whistles as she puts the coins in her purse. "She just tipped me two weeks worth of pay. Can you believe that?"

I don't say anything.

It remains awkward and uncomfortable until my shift ends and I leave as quickly as I can so I can meet my mother at the Apparation point. While I'm going down the back hallway with my bag slung over my shoulder I hear an odd thumping noise coming from one of the closets. I've learned my lesson not to bother when I hear strange noises coming from places like that and I walk on past. Then I think of finding Cho and Draco in the closet and something like paranoia runs through me.

What if he's in there with Cho again, fooling around with her when he thinks I'm not here?

The jerk.

I put my bag down and take out my wand before stomping back towards the closet. Unjust jealousy is pooling through my system as I imagine all the terrible things Cho is probably doing to Draco in there. I open the door without warning only to find a very surprised looking Luna and Theo the Creep.

"Oh," I say as I lower my wand. She quickly lowers her dress and he smirks as he buckles his pants. "Oh," I repeat because Luna is the last person I thought I'd find doing dirty things in the closet. "What?" I end up saying as Luna straightens herself out before turning to me, not looking least bit embarrassed.

"Hello, Ginny," she says like it was an everyday occurrence for this to happen and I open my mouth a few times for a reply but nothing comes out.

"Luna," I whisper as I send a look to Theo. "You barely know him," I settle on saying and she smiles at me. I can't recall her even kissing anyone before.

"Ginny, you're one to talk," she says and I raise my eyebrows in surprise because of the way she just said that. "You snog Draco all the time, and in a roomful of people no less," she says and I open my mouth to defend myself before realizing she wasn't even at the party when that happened.

"How do you know?" I ask suspiciously and then I look at Theo who's smiling at me like the creep he is.

"Theodore told me," she says as she pats down her hair. "It's not a big deal, Gin. Everything is consensual and exciting."

I glare at that Theodore kid again and he leans against the closet wall. "Consensual maybe," he says with a smirk. "It looks like you were being punished actually."

"What are you talking about?" I hiss because I don't like him.

"At Draco's party," he says as he pushes off the wall. "I was there when he pulled you away to scold you."

"He didn't scold me," I lie.

"Perhaps I was wrong," he says and I sneer before turning to Luna. She's braiding her hair, not noticing our exchange in the least bit.

"You were. Anyways, Luna….. I just got off work. Do you want to walk with me to the Appration point?" I ask so I can talk to her some more but she shakes her head.

"Not particularly."

I glare at her, she doesn't notice, and then I glare at Theo the creep before turning on my heels and leaving angrily with a blush on my cheeks. Without fail my mother is waiting outside for me. I don't say anything to her and when we get home I take a quick shower and then get dressed in my pj's. It's barely even dinner time, but I feel like being comfortable anyways.

I grab some fingernail polish and I tie my hair back before going down stairs and sitting in the living room. I shake the pink fingernail polish before unscrewing the lid and putting my foot on the table so I can start on my toes first. My parents are sitting around the radio, listening to the news and I roll my eyes at them before carefully painting my nails.

"Did you have a good day at work?" my father asks me during a commercial and I nod my head before putting my chin on my knee. "Anything worth talking about?" he asks and I shake my head as I move to my second toe.

"Have you been paying attention to the news, Ginny?" My mother asks and I shrug as I think about Luna in that creepy closet with creepy Theodore Nott. I need to write her a letter, I've decided.

"Why?" I ask lazily as I quickly do the rest of my toes, wiggling my right foot to dry the polish quicker before moving to the left.

"Things are happening," My father says and out of the corner of my eye I see him stand and walk to where I am until he's sitting down on the table I'm using to prop up my feet. I continue to paint my nails, but when he coughs and my mother sits beside me on the couch, I realize this is going to turn into a serious talk, so I put the lid back on and set it to the side. "It's very on the down low right now but you know that Lord Voldemort is back."

"Yes," I say uncomfortably as I put my feet back on the ground. "That's why I'm never allowed to go anywhere by myself now," I add softly.

"Things are happening right now," he says again and then he glances at my mother. I look at her too and then back to him. "The world is changing and people aren't accepting the facts," he says seriously and I raise my eyebrows. "There have been instances in the muggle community… deaths…. Unexplained disappearances..."

"You think he has something to do with it?" I say flatly and he nods his head. Of course he has something to do with it, I think bitterly. He's the Dark Lord.

"Gin," he says and then he makes his thinking face as he pushes up his glasses. "What I'm trying to say is that I don't know if it's the best idea for you to work at Folk hills anymore."

"Why?" I ask sharply and he looks at my Mother for support.

"I think that the kind of people who frequent that club are not the kind of people you want to be around right now, Gin," she says as she gives me a sympathetic smile. "We have no idea what 'you-know-who' is doing or why he's in hiding, but half of those people at Folk Hills are sure to follow him."

"That's very judgmental," I state and she raises her eyebrows.

"Ginny," my father sighs and leans forward with his elbows on his knees. "You know that most of the rich aristocratic purebloods backed Lord Voldemort during the first war," he says and my spine tingles at the name again. "And it can only be assumed that most of them helped him come back."

I don't say anything right away. I stare at him for a few moments and then I turn to my mother. "So, what is this about?"

"Sweetheart," my mother puts her hand on my thigh. "We want you to quit Folk Hills."

"What?" I say and then I look at my Dad. "But I'm saving for the retreat," I say and my Dad shakes his head.

"You can find another job," he says and I narrow my eyes.

"Not one that would pay as well," I defend, angry that they would approach me this way. I just bought a lot of new things… I need to replace the money in my account and Folk Hills is one of the only places that can do that for me. "You didn't mind when I first started working there."

"I know that," Dad says with his hands up. He knows that I'm getting upset and he's trying to calm me down. "But I think now is the time for you to stop going there. It's for your own good. I can talk to Browning to see if I can get you a job at the Ministry for the duration of the summer," he says quickly and I narrow my eyes.

"There are more snakes at the Ministry than at Folk Hills," I hiss and he nods his head.

"But at least at the Ministry I could keep my eye on you."

So, that's what this is about.

Hmf.

"I wouldn't even need a job if you guys could afford to send me to that stupid retreat on your own," I say hatefully before standing up and stomping towards my bedroom. I wanted that last part to sting, but I think it just made me feel guilty instead.

I lock my door and lay down on my bed with my arms crossed angrily under my chest. I inhale a deep breath and then I look down at my toes. I sneer. There are three on my left foot unpainted and I make a face when I remember I left the nail polish down stairs.

Just wonderful.

I refuse to go back down after my dramatic exit, so I just hide out in my room the rest of the night. After a very fitful and annoying night without any sleep, I pull myself out of bed for breakfast. I dress quickly in my typical shorts and tank top and I tie my hair in a bun before heading down stairs. I refuse to eat my mother's cooking because it didn't seem right because I was still mad at them, so I grabbed a banana, peeling it while my father ate his eggs and bacon.

"Ginny," he says when I go walk out of the room, and Mom looks at me over her shoulder. "Take a seat," he says and I sigh loudly before falling down into the seat beside his own like a pouting child. I take a sour bite of the fruit and slump back. "Listen, I know why you're upset…"

"Do you?" I question like a brat after swallowing and he nods his head.

"After you went to bed, I got a hold of browning. He said there was a spot open in the janitorial squad. It would be part time and you would work in my wing."

"Janitorial squad?" I question snidely. "Like cleaning?"

"There is nothing wrong with cleaning," My mother sniffs and I make a face.

"No and no," I say as I stand up.

"You don't have much of a choice, Gin," my father replies, trying to be stern with me and I glare at him. "You live under my roof, you follow my rules."

"This isn't a set rule," I hiss. "This is just something you made up because you don't trust me."

"It's not that I don't trust you, sweetheart. I just think it would be better…"

"You're only doing this because Ron left. It's not fair that I'm being punished because of them!"

"You're not being punished," my dad sighs loudly. "Just calm down and listen to me, alright."

"I'm going for a walk," I cut him off as I pull on my shoes.

"You are not leaving this house," My mother says, waving a spatula at me like a crazy person. Why is she always cooking? Doesn't she ever do anything else! "You will stay here and talk to your father like a sane person."

"I'm going for a walk!" I yell because I'm mad and I stomp outside with my arms crossed tightly over my chest. She follows me out, but I end up running until I get to the gate. I don't even bother unlatching it… I just jump over the fence and take off.

I haven't been keeping in much shape this summer and I get a knot in my side halfway down the road. I stop running to walk it out with my hand on my hip. I'll need to start exercising again if I want to make the Quidditch team this year… that is, if my parents allow me to go back to Hogwarts. That might be one of their new made up rules for me. I know I can't go back, not yet anyways, so I go to the only other place where I know I'm welcome and a place that would make my parents skin crawl if they knew.

It takes me half an hour to walk there, but it was well worth it. My temper had gone down considerably and I had some time to clear my head before pressing the button on the speaker.

"Malfoy residence," the elf says and I exhale slowly.

"Is Draco home?" I ask, all shyness gone.

The elf must know my voice because the gate creaks open without me having to identify myself. I step inside and go straight towards the front door that opens for me as well.

"The Master is in the study," a small elf with silver hair tells me as I walk inside and I nod my head before heading that way after it gives me directions.

Draco is reading a book and when I walk into the room, he stands up. "I think I need to give you the password," he says as he puts a book mark between the pages to hold his spot. I realize it's the blue ribbon he stole from me and I feel something warm in my chest. "You come here so often," he finishes with a small smile.

"I'm sorry for coming by unannounced again," I tell him as I slip off my shoes. I don't want to get the cream colored carpet dirty after all. "I just wanted to get out of the house for a little while."

"That's alright," he says as I start to walk towards him. "I understand completely," he says with a smirk and when I get close enough I take his book and throw it on the couch. "What are you—"

He didn't get to finish that question because I grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. He didn't seem to mind much because he opened his mouth right away and he laughed a little before wrapping his hands around my waist. I'm so upset with my parents and if they ever knew I snogged Draco Malfoy or went to his house on my own they would probably lock me in my room for the rest of the summer.

That thought makes me kiss back with more passion and Draco maneuvers us until we're lying down on the couch. My hands slide through his hair. It's damp and I figure he must have been swimming in the lake not too long ago…It still is pretty early in the morning. I even dare to go under his shirt to feel his strong stomach and he breathes out heavily as I hook a leg around his. We kiss heatedly for a while until he pulls back, moving his lips to my neck as his fingers start to skim up my thigh. When he reaches the button on my shorts, I tense up and grab his wrist.

"I know, I know," he whispers before pulling his hand back and placing a kiss on the corner of my mouth.

I pull back for a second and I look up at him. His eyes look especially silver today and the sun is hitting him at just the right angle, making him look otherworldly. I bring a hand up to his forehead, running my fingers along his hair line… His eyelashes are so dark, making his eyes stand out brightly against them. I know he looks like his father, but after seeing Narcissa Malfoy, I know that there's some of her in him too.

He's so good looking and I love the way he feels.

I think about Luna in that closet with Theo… she's never even had a boyfriend and now she's doing that with a boy she just met in a closet… I don't think I would be a slag if I let Draco touch me like Pansy had said…

"No," is all I say as I take his hand and bring it back to the top of my shorts as I unbutton them myself. Being with Draco makes me feel good and the things he does make me feel good too. Who cares what my parents would think? Not me right now.

"Are you sure?" he asks as I put his hand under the waist band of my knickers. I kiss his neck and shiver as his fingers slide all the way down until they're…. there.

"Yes," I whisper, tilting my head so I can find his lips again. I can feel him smirk against my mouth as his fingers dip inside of me and the tightness it makes my body feel causes my hips to raise.

"It hurts," I whisper worriedly and he bends down to shush in my ear.

"You're tight," he says and I blush. "I'm only using one finger," he says and I inhale a shaky breath.

"Just kind of go slow." I tell him awkwardly as I lift my hips again as his fingers run against me. "I don't…" I trail off because I don't want to admit my inexperience right now.

"I know," he says with a little smile as he kisses my cheek. "Haven't you ever touched yourself down here?" he asks and my cheeks heat up again. I found out on my own that I didn't need to put my fingers in anywhere to have an orgasm and when his fingers slide against that particular bundle of nerves, I make a noise in the back of my throat. I refuse to answer his question, though, because that's embarrassing. Instead I put my face in the crook of his neck and suck on his skin.

My body starts to heat up and put my hand on his face so I can turn his head to mine so I can kiss him again just because it feels good. He removes his hand from my knickers for a second and I make a disappointed noise before I realize what he's doing. He pulls down the strap of my tank top and pushes my bra to the side to reveal my breast. He kisses me there and I feel my hands shaking as he opens his mouth and actually sucks. Everything tingles and everything feels intense and I want to feel his skin so I push him back and grab the bottom of his shirt, pulling it over his head until he throws it to the side with an amused smile.

He settles back on top of me, his body warm and heavy against my own and he kisses my neck again as his fingers disappear beneath my knickers. I don't think I've ever been this turned on actually.

I'm getting fingered by Draco Malfoy and I haven't even had lunch yet.

He whispers in my ear that he's going to add another finger and I cover my mouth with my hand and make a muffled moan as my body begins to tingle everywhere. I know what's going to happen next if he keeps moving his hand against me like that, so I put my hand in his hair and pull him up so I can kiss him again. Pulling back for air, I look down and I can see his hand moving inside of my shorts and I can feel myself getting more turned on as he sucks on my ear. I move my face towards his for another heated kiss and then I just bite his lip when I feel my body starting to burst. It starts from my middle and then waves all through my body in a pleasurable hum. I make another whimpering noise against his mouth that he smiles at as I turn my whole body towards his because I like feeling the closeness of it.

I feel overly relaxed and happy once it's over and I blink a few times as he pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket to clean his fingers. I don't even find that disgusting because I'm feeling too wonderful right now. I slump against the couch, not even realizing when I started breathing so hard.

"You liked that," he points out smugly and I would have hit his arm if I could find the energy.

"Yeah…" I trail off and when he smirks down at me, I kiss him. "Thank you," I say and he laughs.

"You haven't seen anything yet," he says with a devilish smile and I laugh as he rolls on top of me, holding my wrists down. A thrill goes through me and I laugh again when he playfully bites my neck.

"Draco."

I freeze when I hear that sharp, deep voice and Draco sits back as he lets go of my wrists, giving me an amused smile because I'm frightened.

"Relax," he says as the footsteps come closer to the door. He stands up and casually throws on his shirt like it wasn't a big deal. "It's just my father," he says as I quickly button up my shorts and I sit straight, putting my tank top and bra back into place as my cheeks burn. Just his father, indeed.

"Should I leave?" I ask seriously and he laughs.

"Of course not," he says like I was silly and I pull my hair tie out so I can redo my bun to make it more presentable. "Just try not to act like you just came all over my fingers," he says with a sly smile and I glare at him.

When the door opens, I grab a pillow and cradle it to my chest.

"There you are," Lucius Malfoy says as he takes off his cloak and walks into the room with a raised brow. He's wearing a three piece suit his short white hair is combed back away from his face. "I've been calling for you," he says in that deep voice as he takes out a pocket watch to check the time. "We were due for brunch at ten thirty," he says and I bite the insides of my mouth so hard I think I might start bleeding.

"Good afternoon, father," Draco says and then he looks back at me as I stand up. That makes Mr. Malfoy look at me too and when his silver eyes level with mine I suddenly remember everything.

Just like when I was twelve and had a panic attack in my grandmother's basement it all came crashing down at me at once. The diary, the chamber, Tom Riddle and his cold fingers…. It was already on the forefront of my mind after that stupid therapy session, but seeing Lucius Malfoy looking at me like that…. I just can't handle it.

I can feel myself starting to breath heavier, I can see Draco and his father's confused faces as I back up, trying to catch my breath. I can see Tom standing there, telling me wonderful things to get me to do what he wants. I can't breathe…. I keep backing up until I hit the wall and I close my eyes as I make terrible noises and my head becomes dizzy. Dating Draco was a bad idea. I'm clenching my fists so tight that my nails break skin and it burns. I feel like the walls are closing in and that my heart is going so fast that it will probably stop soon. I'm going to die. I slide down the wall until I'm sitting on the ground and I cover my face with my right hand.

Dark magic lingers, little Ginny.

That's what Tom always used to say. I wonder how much of it lingers in Mr. Malfoy.

"For god sakes, call a healer," I hear Lucius Malfoy quip cruelly and I can feel tears leaking from the corner of my eyes. I feel like I'm drowning again, only this is worse, much much worse.

"Ginny," I hear Draco say as he kneels in front of me. "Ginny, look at me," he says and I shake my head, still trying to catch my breath. "Look at me," he says with his hand on my shoulder. He pulls the hand I have covering my face away, and I snap it back to my side. Every muscle in my body is stiff and my lungs are on fire. "It's okay. Just look at me."

"Perhaps I should leave," I hear Mr. Malfoy say and I nod my head. "Oh, and she agrees." I can practically feel the sneer.

"Stop it," I hear Draco say seriously. He gets even closer to me and speaks in a soft, calming voice. "Gin, just calm down. Everything is okay."

It is not okay. It is not okay. It is not okay.

"Ginny," I feel hands on my face. "Baby, calm down."

Baby, calm down. Honestly. I shake my head. I need my pills. Carol was right to write me a new prescription for them. I should have brought them. I should have brought them. I should have brought them. I should have brought them.

I can't hear Draco anymore. He's talking to me, but I can't hear him so I just clench my eyes tighter until it all stops and things go dark.

I faint.

I actually pass out.

When I open my eyes again I'm on a boat in the middle of the sea talking to a snake with a dagger in my hand.
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Envy and Manipulations