Disclaimer: I just write this story on days when I have nothing to do, it's just for fun. Honestly.

Chapter 25

Who Opened the Dragon's Heart

He pulled her lower lip between his own, and the taste of her, the play of textures was shocking: cool silk, a drugging sweetness and heat, maddening. Undone, Draco groaned softly, and his hand went up to cup her face, as much to steady himself as to touch her skin. He drew closer, until his painfully sensitive arousal just grazed her thighs; he dared not move any closer. His mouth moved over hers softly savoring the silk of her lips, coaxing her open. And glory of glories, her lips trembled and parted, inviting him in. Tentatively, his tongue stroked into her mouth, and then when her head went back, it stroked deeper still.

"Virginia." Half moan, half whisper.

He slid his hand from her face to her throat, his fingers finding the tender skin beneath her jaw. Her pulse jumped there. He trailed them over the column of her neck, over the fine bones at the base of it, and then down, down, to just above where her breasts swelled against her shirt. Oh Lord. Sweet heaven.

Ginny sighed, perhaps the sweetest sound he had ever heard. He felt her go boneless against his rigid, fevered body; her astonishment had dissolved into yearning. Her hands rose to touch him.

"DRAKE?" A voice shrilled out, causing the two to pull apart. "DRAKIE! Drakie where are you!"

Draco leaned his forehead against Ginny's. "If only I could kill the stupid whore." Together they chuckled, enjoying their last few moments together. "I'm sorry; I thought she wouldn't have found us this fast."

"Its fine," Ginny replied. "I like these little meetings of ours."

Draco chuckled. "Me too." He groaned as Pansy's screech reached his ears. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Mm-hmm," Ginny murmured as Draco brushed his lips against her. Taking in a breath Draco opened the door and stepped back into the Hogwarts' hallway.

"Drakie-poo!" Pansy screamed when she saw Draco close the door behind him. Draco held his breath as Pansy rushed toward him. "I looked everywhere for you! Why'd you run from me?"

Draco fought for a reply. Stupid! Draco rebuked himself. Next time come up with an excuse before hand! "I…I was just getting together your Valentine's Day gift," Draco lied.

"Ooo!" Pansy squealed. "You didn't need to get me anything." Yeah right. "Can I get it now?"

"Absolutely not," Draco replied.

"Fine," Pansy sulked. "Can I give you a bit of yours?" Draco winced as he felt Pansy place her hand boldly where Draco's arousal still lay. "Ooo, you bad boy," Pansy whispered. "Ready for me that quick?" Pansy moved her hand into his. "Come, I'll give you a little taste of what you'll get tomorrow."

Helplessly Draco was led to his Slytherin Dormitory. "No interrupting!" Pansy shouted as she slammed shut his door. Draco sighed as Pansy released his hand. "You are going to love this, Draco," Pansy whispered just as she pushed Draco onto his bed. Pansy waited not even a second as she jumped on top of Malfoy, straddling him. "I don't believe I got the chance to do this to you when you came to my house on Christmas, a pity really." Pansy's eyes raced along his body. "It doesn't work if you're wearing all of these clothes." Unable to take it anymore Draco pushed Pansy off of him.

"Dammit, Parkinson!" Draco screamed. "I can't do this right now!"

"But Drakie…" Pansy pouted.

"Don't call me Drakie!" He demanded. "I am a Malfoy and I deserve some respect! How am I supposed to be feared by damn first years if you go around calling me Drakie?"

"But I like calling you Drakie."

"Well I don't!"

"Can I call you Drake?" Pansy questioned.

"NO!" That's Ginny's name for me. Oh God Ginny, what I wouldn't give to have my arms around you right now.

"Obviously Draco you are very tense right now. Hopefully you'll calm down by tomorrow or else we'll have a very stressful Valentine's Day."

"Are you dense Parkinson?" Draco yelled. "Newsflash! I won't see you tomorrow. I've told you, I don't know how many times, that I will be in Diagon Ally with Weasley!" Draco spun around, heading for the door. "If you're still in my bedroom when I return you better have some powerful wards around you." Enraged Draco fled his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. "What are you all staring at?" Draco yelled when he saw the Slytherin students staring at him.

Incensed Draco raced off to the owlery. He grabbed a piece of paper, and scribbled a quick note. "Take this to Ginny Weasley. Now," Draco commanded the little owl in front of him. Hurriedly Draco stormed off to the Quidditch pitch, not caring about the temperature.

The hunting box had no windows

"Draco!" Ginny called out. Slowly she reached the bench where Draco still sat. "Why in the bloody hell are you out here? With no robe! It's freezing!"

"After 15 minutes you don't really notice the bitter wind blow around you," Draco whispered. Draco finally looked up into Ginny's face. Concern etched every part of her beautiful face. "You came," Draco finally realized.

"Of course I came," Ginny answered. "Why wouldn't I?" Draco didn't answer; he just lowered his face back down to the wood planks under him. "Draco, what's wrong?" Draco shook his head in reply. Draco felt Ginny wrap her arms around him tightly. "I am taking you to the locker rooms, but I'm going to need your help."

Slowly but surely they made it inside of the locker rooms. Draco collapsed onto the bench closest to the door.

"Brr," Ginny shivered, "it's chilly in here."

"Warm compared to outside," Draco muttered. Ginny placed her hands on his thighs as she kneeled in front of him.

"Draco, what's wrong?" Ginny asked again. Once more Draco just shook his head. "Oh my God," Ginny murmured. "You're freezing." Quickly she pulled out her wand. "Why can I never remember that stupid heating charm!"

Draco placed his hand upon her arm. "I want you to warm me up," Draco stated, looking deeply into her eyes. Draco's frozen fingers fumbled as he tried to undo her cloak. Ginny placed her hands on his to stop him.

"You first," was all Ginny spoke. Draco closed his eyes as Ginny began to strip him of his shirt and vest. Slowly Ginny raised his vest above his head. "I like you in the prep look, Draco. Very sexy," Ginny whispered as she stripped Draco of his Slytherin tie. A shiver ran through the length of his body as her chilled fingertips released the buttons of his shirt. Soon Draco was devoid of all clothing but that of his black slacks and wife beater tank top. Draco tried to fight his arousal that was coming on so strongly, but was unable to resist when Ginny placed her soft lips upon his skin and kissed every inch of his exposed skin.

"Ginny," Draco moaned. Unable to take anymore Draco opened his eyes and pushed Ginny unto the cold stone floor, cradling her head with his head. Draco's lips hit Ginny's, not hard but not soft, devouring every inch of her wet cave. Minutes passed as Draco enjoyed all that Ginny gave to him, taking off her cloak and unbuttoning her shirt, exposing her pink lace bra. Slowly Draco inched his kisses lower and lower, enjoying the shivers that ran through Ginny's frenzied body.

"Mmm," Ginny moaned as Draco's fingers grazed her craving peaks. "Draco, we should stop. We should definitely stop."

"I don't want to stop," Draco answered. "I want every thought of her out of my body. You're the only one who can do that." Slowly Draco traced the edge of her bra with his tongue, sending more shivers through Ginny's body.

"Drake," Ginny breathed out. "You can't come running to me after every encounter with Pansy. She might get a little suspicious."

"I don't care about that stupid twat," Draco replied as he suckled the skin between her breasts. "I love your scent."

Ginny giggled in response. "You can smell me all day tomorrow. How'd Pansy take that?"

"She got all huffy and puffy," Draco replied. "Said that on Valentine's Day you're supposed to spend time with the one you love and not with some 'penniless whore.'"

"Hmm, I'm a penniless whore am I?" Ginny questioned. "Then I must not be very good at favors."

"You better not be giving any favors," Draco growled out, nibbling on the skin of her breast bone.

"I would love for her to know that you are spending the day with someone you love."

"Me too, poppet," Draco replied as he tenderly kissed Ginny's lips. "Don't forget to go down to Snape's when everyone gathers to leave for Hogsmeade."

"Otay," Ginny pepped out, kissing Draco's lips and letting her tongue rest on them longer than necessary. Draco tried to suppress a shudder as Ginny suckled gently on his lower lip. "Ron will be wondering where I am," Ginny whispered.

"I don't care about your wanker of a brother," Draco answered.

"We can continue this tomorrow, Drake," Ginny reminded him. Slowly Draco rose, allowing Ginny to stand and rebutton her blouse. Ginny suddenly burst into giggles.

"What's so funny?" Draco questioned, trying to glare furiously at Ginny.

"Are you cold, Draco?" Ginny asked.

"Actually I'm not," Draco replied. "Why?" Ginny gestured to his chest. "Oh? You think it's funny that my nipples harden when I'm turned on?" Ginny nodded quickly. "Well sweetie cakes, my nipples harden, your nipples harden, and another body part of mine hardens, and unless you want to help me with that other part you better make yourself look ugly very quickly."

"If that's the case I should probably leave now," Ginny spoke. "Will you be all right?"

"Yeah," Draco answered. "It's not too far back to school from here."

"Otay," Ginny spoke as she turned to leave.

"I'll see you in the morning," Draco softly called out.

"Pleasant dreams, Draco," Ginny answered.

"You too. I love you," Draco whispered so quietly Ginny didn't hear. As soon as the door closed Draco picked up his clothing and began to dress. Not bothering to redo his tie, Draco just slung it around his neck. Sighing, Draco braced himself for the wintry blast that welcomed him as he stepped out the door.

She'd had worse days. For instance, the day she'd caught her hair in the latch of her bedroom window.

Ginny woke up early the next morning, just as she did every Saturday. Happy thoughts filled her head as she jogged around the Hogwarts' grounds, even happier thoughts filled her head when she passed by the Quidditch Pitch. Happily Ginny ate her sparse breakfast and then walked back up to her dormitory to change clothes.

"What should I wear?" Ginny questioned as she stared into her wardrobe. "It's Valentine's Day, so every girl will be wearing pink and red. But I'm not like any other girls, so I'll wear that!" Ginny quickly dressed and charmed her hair. "And now, the piece de le resistance!" Ginny carefully placed her dragon pendant around her neck. Finished Ginny stepped back to look into her reflection. Ginny was amazed by her transformation, she looked…sexy. Draco is going to die, Ginny thought.

Ginny had done her hair much as she had when she'd come back from the holidays, part of it was up as the rest flowed softly down her back, accented by soft curling ringlets here and there. Her outfit would make even a priest revoke his vow of celibacy. Ginny was wearing an emerald green shirt that hung on her almost like a second skin. Below that she wore a black skirt that barely covered her derriere. Topped off with a pair of heels that had taken Ginny months to get used to. Ginny was in her element. Nervously Ginny grabbed her school cloak and headed for her common room.

"Holy cow," Ginny heard Seamus mutter when she appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Wow, Gin," Colin added. Beautifully Ginny blushed as she continued down the stairs.

"Did Ron leave all ready?" Ginny asked.

"Yeah," Colin answered.

"Good," Ginny sighed. "I don't need another big brother lecture."

"Ginny," Colin stammered out, "you look amazing!"

Ginny blushed again. "Thanks Colin."

"Why'd you go and get so dressed up for Malfoy?" He asked.

"A girl always has to look her best right?" Ginny pointed out as she headed out of the common room.

Ginny wasn't too sure but she could have sworn she heard Seamus say, "Why couldn't she look that amazing last Valentine's Day?" followed by a smack and a cry of pain. Ginny smirked as she closed the Fat Lady's portrait, Draco Malfoy, be prepared to meet your worst nightmare.

She is quite the success, is she not?

If the looks Draco has been discretely sending me since I walked into Snape's dungeon a few minutes tell me anything, I bet Draco can't wait to be alone with me, Ginny thought to herself as she pretending to Snape's instructions.

"Remember," Snape droned on, "you must be careful. Keep your wands with you at all times." Yes mother. "If you should lose each other send a locating spell. You have both learned this, correct?" Snape gazed at each student pointedly.

"Yes, Professor Snape," both Draco and Ginny replied.

"Very well. Here is your money," Snape spoke as he handed Draco a brown money satchel. "The portkey is located here," Snape gestured to the bottle of copper nail polish sitting on his desk. I was wondering why Snape would have nail polish. "Depart when you wish," Snape finished as he left the room.

"Did you get the list of ingredients we still need?" Ginny asked Draco after the door closed. Silence followed. Ginny turned her head to glance at Draco. A look covered his face that Ginny could not recognize. Suddenly the look changed just and fraction and Draco lunged at Ginny. Heat pounded through Ginny's body as Draco's lips collided with hers. Moans were uttered by both as their tongues met. Fear of Snape walking in on them halted Ginny from continuing any further. "Snape," Ginny answered the questioning look in Draco's eyes when she pulled away. With a nod Draco understood.

"Are you ready to leave?" Draco asked. Ginny nodded. Together they stepped towards the bottle of nail polish a placed just a fingertip onto its glass. Soon the dungeon room had dissolved and Ginny and Draco appeared inside the Leaky Cauldron.

"Will you two be wanting anything?" Tom called out when he noticed the two Hogwarts students.

"No, thank you," Draco answered politely. Draco was able to reach the door before Ginny and held it open for her.

"Thank you, Draco," Ginny replied.

"Not at all, Gin," Draco spoke as he tapped the third brick from the left above the trash bin. Ginny smiled when Draco placed his hand in hers as the gateway opened up. Draco extended his free arm. "Miss Weasley, I give you…Diagon Ally." Ginny smiled up at him as they stepped into the hustle and bustle carrying on around them. "Where too, Gin?"

"I think we should get the rest of the items first," Ginny replied. "I think we'll only need to go to two shops maybe only one, so we should get this done rather quickly."

"There's Slug Jiggers Apothecary," Draco spoke, indicating to the shop on their right. Draco graciously held the door open as Ginny stepped into the petite apothecary. Ginny was suddenly overwhelmed by the horrid smell of bad eggs and rotten cabbage. "Let's not stay in here longer than necessary," Draco choked out.

"Agreed. We need a third cup of armadillo bile and a dash of leech juice for Ementiorserum," Ginny read off the list. "Oh, and 11 porcupine quills."

"Let's hope that Snape gave us enough money," Draco muttered as he scooped the armadillo bile into a glass.

"Ooo," Ginny cooed, "I found the leech juice." Ginny doubled check the list. "How much do you think a dash is?"

"Probably barely any," Draco answered.

Carefully she ladled a tiny amount into a miniature cup. "Where do you think their porcupine quills are?"

"Right here," Draco called out from the end of the aisle. After, carefully, pulling out the 11 needed quills Draco walked back to where Ginny still stood. "What do we need for Veritaserum?"

"Hmm," Ginny consulted the list. "Not too much. Just a fourth cup of scarab beetles and 1 ounce of fluxweed."

"Let's hope they have more fluxweed than that stupid store in Hogsmeade." Draco measured out the scarab beetles needed. "I wonder where their fluxweed is."

"Want me to go ask the clerk?"

"Sure."

Ginny headed towards the desk. "Excuse me," Ginny spoke when she reached her destination.

"Yes?" The witch asked.

"Where would your fluxweed be?"

"In the back left corner," the witch answered.

"Thank you," Ginny spoke as she turned back to Draco. "Follow me," Ginny told Draco when she finally reached him. "There, fluxweed. One ounce needed."

"We're done," Draco proclaimed when he had tied the satchel that now held the fluxweed. Together they walked up to the counter and the witch rang up there purchase. "Where to now?" Draco asked when they had left the apothecary.

"You probably wouldn't like this idea…"Ginny admitted. "But Fred and George would be devastated if they found out I came to Diagon Ally and didn't visit them."

"How do you plan on explaining my presence?" Draco questioned.

"Well," Ginny hesitated. "I wasn't too sure. We could always just tell them about the project."

"Or I could go to Quality Quidditch Supplies while you visit with the twins," Draco suggested.

"All right," Ginny agreed. "I'll meet you back here in 30 minutes?"

"Fine," Draco answered. Slowly Ginny turned and continued in the opposite direction of Draco.

"…And in Georgia, great scaly monsters with long snouts full of teeth live in the water.

"Good day, sir," the wizard voiced when Draco stepped into his favorite store.

"Hello," Draco answered back.

"Can I help you find anything?" the man asked.

"Just lookin' around," Draco replied.

"Very well then. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask."

"I'll remember that. Thank you." Silently Draco perused the shop's shelves. Who am I kidding? Draco asked himself. I already have most of the things in here. Spinning on his heel Draco left the shop and followed the path of his red headed vixen.

"Surprise," Draco whispered into Ginny's ear.

"Oh my God!" Ginny yelped. "Draco what are you doing here?"

"I decided to come with instead. The Quidditch shop is kind of boring when you already have everything in there," Draco pointed out.

"Yeah, I know exactly how you feel," Ginny wryly spoke. "What are we going to tell Fred and George?"

"That I'm secretly courting their sister?" Draco suggested causing a smile to appear on Ginny's face.

"Try again."

"That I'm madly in love with their sister?"

"One more time."

"Fine. We'll just tell them that we hate each other's guts and the only reason why we're in Diagon Ally, alone, on Valentine's Day is because of some stupid idiotic Potions assignment," Draco conceded.

"Exactly!" Ginny squeaked out. Together they walked up to a quaint little shop. The sign protruding above the door read Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes. Draco held open the door and Ginny stepped into her brother's shop. The twins' shop was very similar to that of Zonko's, albeit a little crazier. "Fred! George!" Ginny called out into the store.

"They won't do anything to me will they?" Draco asked a little nervously.

"I'm not too sure. I'll try to protect you."

"Gin?" A voice called out from the back of the shop.

"Fred!" Ginny exclaimed.

"How in the world could you tell it was Fred by his voice?" Draco asked.

"It came natural to me, I'm the only one in my family who can tell them apart," Ginny explained, as she finished Fred came through the doorway that led to their stock room.

"What in the world are you doing here, Gin?" Fred asked Ginny and gave her a tight hug. "With him," he snarled when he saw Draco standing beside her.

"We have a special potions assignment," Ginny began to clarify.

"Oy! Fred!" A second voice called out. "I think that pill did something to my hearing instead. I swore I heard Gin's voice."

"Nah," Fred answered back. "Your hearing's fine. Gin's here, with Malfoy," he growled.

"Good, I'll bring out our testers."

Fred grinned maliciously. "How would you two like to help our studies?"

"Absolutely not," Draco scoffed.

"Why are you with this wanker?" George asked when he emerged from the back room.

"Well," Ginny drawled. "As I was telling Fred, we have a potions assignment and we had to come here to get the ingredients."

"Gotcha," Fred replied.

"Speaking of that," Draco interjected. "We still have to get a few ingredients, Weasley. So let's go. This isn't time for a family reunion."

"Whatever Malfoy, go wait outside," Ginny ordered. Glaring at the red heads in front of him Draco reluctantly left shop.

After closing the door to the shop behind him Draco crossed the street to look at owls in the window. He abruptly turned around at the sound a door slamming shut a few minutes later. Brace yourself Draco, he told himself when he saw the red head stalking across the street towards him. Aw shit, she's pissed.

"What the fuck was up with that Malfoy!" Ginny screamed when she reached him, fury blazing in her chocolate eyes. "They're my god damn brothers!"

"Gin, let me…," Draco tried to get out before Ginny pushed him back.

"Shut up, Malfoy!" Ginny snapped out. "My family, my bloody family that I never get to see!"

"I know tha…"

"Be quiet! I never said you could speak," Ginny inhaled deeply. "Let's go. Now!"

Cautiously Draco followed the flaming red head as she headed to who knew where. "Where are we going?" Draco asked as they turned down an alley way. Finally Ginny turned to look at Draco, confusion filled Draco as he saw the laughter in her eyes. "What the hell?"

Ginny laughed. "Sorry about that back there. I had to put on a show for the twins. I couldn't disappoint them," Ginny answered. "Hopefully it'll keep them from getting suspicious." Ginny glanced around. "Now where do you want to go?"

"I'm going to take you to a little restaurant. Sound good?" Draco spoke.

"What kind?" Ginny asked.

"That's a secret, mi amor," Draco answered with his cute smirk on his face. Ginny giggled as Draco placed her hand onto his arm and led them towards the end of Diagon Ally. Anticipation filled Draco as they approached Sostanza. "Ginny," Draco spoke when they reached its doors. "May I present the fabulous ristorante: Sostanza, known for their wonderful Italian cuisine." Gallantly Draco opened the restaurants wooden door and directed Ginny inside. Immediately the two were welcomed by the wonderful aroma of bread and Italian food.

"Signore Malfoy!" the host exclaimed when he saw Draco enter the quaint eatery.

"Signore Valerio!" Draco exclaimed in return.

"We had no idea you would be coming today. What a wonderful surprise," the host spoke with his normal Italian flair. "You'll want your normal room, sì? Oh!" he exclaimed before Draco could answer him. "Who is this beauty? No, no, no Signore Malfoy. You cannot hide this beauty from the rest of the world!" Draco gazed at Ginny's face, admiring it as it faintly flushed red.

"True, but I don't want anyone stealing her, sì?" Draco pointed out.

"Oh! True, true!" The host turned to lead them to their table. "Come, come. I will take you to the Malfoy room." Happily Draco draped his arm around Ginny's waist and guided her as they followed the host. "Here you are," Valerio exclaimed when they entered the coveted dining area. Draco pulled out a chair which Ginny gracefully sat down upon. Draco then sat in the chair opposite of Ginny. "I shall have a bottle of spumante sent to the room," Valerio spoke as he left the two.

Draco bit back the smiling that was trying to break forth from watching Ginny. Aw and astonishment covered her face as she gazed around the room. "Amazing, isn't it?" Draco asked. Ginny slowly nodded her head. And indeed the room was amazing. It had been designed to actually look like you were in Italy. True the rest of the restaurant did to, but there was something about this room. It felt that as soon as you stepped inside you were stepping into Italy. They had even bewitched the wall to look like you were gazing out at a vineyard in the Italian countryside. In all honesty the room was breathtaking and highly sought after.

"Oh God, oh God, oh God," Rebecca murmured like an incantation over Connor's fallen body.

"Draco Malfoy!" a voice exclaimed, breaking both Draco and Ginny's enjoyment of the room.

"Marcellio Pontiero!" Draco shouted back. Ginny was surprised they spoke on a first name basis and even more shocked to see Draco stand up and embrace their waiter.

"It is good to see you Draco," their waiter spoke as he poured Ginny's and Draco's drinks.

"It's good to see you as well, Marcellio," Draco replied as he sat down. "How are things going?"

"Good, good. Business is booming here at the ristorante."

"Marvelous," Draco answered.

"I already placed your order is that all right?"

"Fine, but I'm not sure what Ginny wants," Draco spoke.

"I am amazed Draco was able to capture a beauty as magnificent as you," Marciello spoke as he kissed Ginny's hand, causing giggles to explode from Ginny.

"Watch it Marciello," Draco growled. "She's mine."

"Very well," Marciello conceded, releasing Ginny's hand. "What would the ravenous young lady wish to eat?"

"What's Draco having?" Ginny timidly asked.

"He is having what he always has," Marciello replied. "Capellini Pomodoro."

"Oh," Ginny breathed. "From what he's told me about it the dish sounds marvelous. Not as wonderful as Beef Stew however, but I'll take a big plate of the Capellini."

"Excellent choice, signorina," Marciello spoke as he swept into a bow. "I shall be back momentarily with your bread and salad."

"Thank you for bringing me here, Draco," Ginny whispered as soon as Marciello left the room.

"It was no problem at all," Draco answered. "I love coming here. It reminds me so much of Italy, great place Italy."

"You've been to Italy?" Ginny exclaimed.

"Mmhmm," Draco replied. "It's beautiful, absolutely amazing. You'd love it."

"I don't see how anyone wouldn't," Ginny murmured.

"What me to take you there sometime?" Draco asked.

"You would do that?" Ginny whispered in shock.

"Why not?" Draco questioned. She shrugged in reply. Ginny was saved from really replying by Marciello's entrance with the appetizers.

"Signore, signorina," Marciello announced as he placed they food in front of them. "Enjoy, but do not enjoy so much that you can not eat the true treasure of the meal."

"How do you know Marciello so well, Draco?" Ginny coyly asked.

Now it was time for Draco to shrug. "We're pretty close in age," Draco started. "My mother used to bring me here all the time to eat. Marciello's family own this restaurant and we would somehow always end of playing together. I was actually personally taught how to make some of the Ponterio family cooking secrets."

"Wait, wait, wait," Ginny interrupted. "Let me get this straight. A Malfoy knows how to cook? I am in shock, or I'm dead."

"I certainly hope you're not dead," Draco spoke.

"And why's that?"

"Because, I don't want to kiss a dead person," Draco replied, a smirk covering his face.

"Ahh, well that's good to know," Ginny voiced. "So what can you cook?"

"I'm not going to tell you," Draco answered. "But I'll make them for you sometime."

"Mmmm," Ginny moaned. "This food is amazing!"

"And it's only salad and bread," Draco pointed out.

"How do they do it?" Ginny questioned.

"I can't tell you," Draco replied.

"Tell me!" Ginny demanded.

"Uh uh." Draco's smirk grew.

"Well fine, be that way," Ginny pouted.

The first light of dawn always seems to obscure

"I am stuffed," Ginny proclaimed an hour later.

"I second that," Draco spoke.

"The food was absolutely amazing," Ginny remarked.

"I'll agree with that too."

"It seems like I could just walk out onto the terrace," Ginny thought aloud as she gazed at the wall.

"Do it then," Draco suggested.

"Can I?" Ginny asked.

"Mmhmm."

"Wow," Ginny breathed as she stepped closer to veranda. Finally she fully stepped onto it, "This is amazing. It feels like I'm really it Italy. I love it!" Ginny turned around to discover Draco was standing behind her, a huge grin upon his face.

"I'm glad," Draco whispered. Ginny slowly turned back to gaze out at the Italian scenery. "We should go to Italy," Draco remarked as he enveloped Ginny in his arms. Contently Ginny sighed and leaned back, now able to hear Draco's soft, pulsating heartbeat.

"You two are adorable," Marciello piped from the doorway. "Let me get a camera, I'll be right back." Together they stared out at the vineyard, waiting for Marciello to return. Finally he came back. "You two must rotate so the lighting is perfect," Marciello decided. "Perfect!" He exclaimed as Draco wrapped his arms back around Ginny, this time with their backs to the countryside. "Just keep being cute," Marciello directed. "Gaze into each other's eyes, give each other a kiss." Ginny turned her head and neck to stare at Draco. She smiled as Draco placed a kiss upon her nose.

"Twirl for me, mi amor," Draco whispered in her ear. Ginny's smile grew as Draco spun her around and then back into his arms for another kiss, this one on her forehead.

"Perfetto!" Marciello exclaimed. "I'll shall be right back with a copy for each of you."

When Marciello had left, Draco and Ginny's lips met yet again, this time in a slow lingering kiss. "Are you enjoying our trip?" Draco questioned Ginny as they broke apart.

"Mmhmm," Ginny whispered. "Immensely, I don't want it to end."

"Me either, amore mio," Draco whispered back as he squeezed her tightly.

"I've decided that I don't mind when you speak to me in different languages," Ginny confessed. "It's very sexy."

"Is it?" Draco smirked.

"Extremely sexy."

"Good to know," Draco replied.

"Really?"

"Mmhmm," Draco whispered as he rained light kisses upon her exposed neck.

"Let's not go back," Ginny murmured as shivers ran down her spine from Draco's touch.

"We have to," Draco reminded her.

"Why?" She whined in return.

"Your family would believe I had kidnapped you, Gin," he reasoned.

"Fine," Ginny capitulated as she spun his arms to face him. "But to make up for it you have to kiss me."

"Do I have to?" Draco moaned.

"Absolutely!" Ginny cried out.

Slowly their faces inched towards each others and slowly their lips came together. Ginny inadvertently gasped as their tongues touched. Though they had kissed many times before this one seemed more intimate, more passionate than all that had come before. It was as if they had never kissed before and were exploring each other for the first time. Gasps escaped from Ginny's lips, groans rumbled deep in Draco's throat. Neither wished to part from the other's lips, but a cough from the doorway separated the pair.

"Sorry to intrude," Marciello spoke from the door. "But your photos are on your table, and I put the meal on your family's account, Draco."

Draco cleared his throat before speaking. "Sì, grazie, Marciello."

Marciello grinned from the doorway. "Mantere la presa sua."

"Io arbitrio," Draco spoke in return.

"Arrivederchi."

"Arrivederchi."

"Ciao, Marciello," Ginny added.

"Ciao, cuoro di drago," Marciello replied as he left the room.

"What did he say?" Ginny asked Draco. "And what did you two say to each other?"

"Nothing really. Are you ready to go?" Draco asked.

"I guess," Ginny answered. She walked to their dining table. "This is a cute picture." Marciello had captured the moments when Draco was twirling Ginny and then when he kissed her forehead. We look like such a cute couple, Ginny mused.

"You look beautiful in the photo, love," Draco voiced after he saw the pictures.

"Thank you, Draco," Ginny whispered, surprised by his compliment. She smiled up at him as he grabbed her hand and led her out of the restaurant and out on the street, never letting go of her hand. "What about my brothers?" Ginny asked.

"I don't care about them," Draco spoke. "I just want to hold hands with you.

He's writing poetry to me, now, Connor.

"Wow," Ginny whispered. "We stayed out late."

"I didn't mean for this to happen," Draco whispered back.

"Oh well. I should probably head up to the tower now," Ginny yawned.

"Wait," Draco murmured, placing his hand upon her arm.

"Mm?"

"Come with me, Ginny," Draco suggested. "Sleep beside me, just this once."

A/N:

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! How did you all like that chapter? Was it good? Long enough for you all-P I didn't mean for it to be this long at all, but this just kept coming out and coming out. I had also wanted to update the day before V-Day, but it wasn't nearly finished enough. No idea where Marciello came from, I did not plan him at all. How was that bit with Pansy? Did you guys like it:ducks throwing objects: AHHHH brain freeze! Stupid ice cream! Did you guys like the Italian stuff? I love everything Italian, the language, the food, the guys….hehe. Sorry if the translations are weird, also sorry for making you have to work to discover what Marciello said to Draco and what Draco replied back.

How'd you guys like that ending:) Hehehe. You have no idea if she said yes or not! Ha ha! Only I know if they did or not!

:Sigh: I lost my author's note, cause the stupid computer didn't save it so I can't remember what I had put. So I guess I'll just continue on.

I was really sad when I saw no one had guessed correctly what the breaks were in the last chapter. I didn't think they were too hard. The first break was love in different languages, a lot of you caught that; the second was passion in different languages, the third was lust and the last one was infatuation. Oooooooo. No winner. :( Maybe next time.

Special question. Winner(s) get(s) mentioned somehow in the story, I'll think of something. The question is: What does Charles Duc d' Orleans have to do with Valentine's Day? Ooooooo, interesting.

I can't remember if I'm forgetting anything or not. Does that make any sense? Oh well.

Hmm, I couldn't think of anything good for the breaks, so I just put the first line of a book that I've read in the past month, basically a book beside my computer chair cause I'm too lazy to stand up and walk.

I must know! What age are all of you? I would love to take things further, but I don't want to be guilty of corrupting extremely innocent minds.

Hey, I've almost hit 6,000 words, time for the thank you's!

Thank you's:

Dracosbaby7: Did you enjoy this chapter as much as the last? I certainly hope so.

sakura-no-hana-hoshi: I'm glad you like it. How was this chapter?

Gracie Black: Did Draco get better or worse? You must tell me! How can I fix him?

CoolMilena: More suggestions for improving please. It's fine if you don't review for each chapter. Did you like this chapter?

Toby Keith Fanatic: I don't want any more snow days. No more! I want to graduate dammit! Lol, sorry. Senioritis is kicking in. Did you enjoy the chapter?

Aries-chica56: Did you like this chapter has much as you thought you would? And are you excited for the next one as well? MUAH HEHEHEHE caps are fun : )

Fizzie-Lizzie: Did I disappoint you on the trip? I certainly hope not.

Krystal1989: Was this one good too?

HPFreakout: Sorry the update was right away, I feel badly, but the chapter was long!

Kuroi Tenshi - Dark Angel: You got part of the break right. I hate Spanish class, but that's because of the teacher. She's a moron. How was the chapter?

Jixnce: Did you enjoy this chapter too? Sorry the story took you so long to read.

Damia- Queen of the Gypsi's: I'm sorry the chapter took so long to come out, and not on time either. Did you like the chapter?

LiLy MaLfOy13: How was this chapter? As good as the rest of the story?

Mz. Sammiz: luv this chapter too?

Iced Faerie: Did you like this chapter as much as the last one? Seamus is sexy, hehehehe, course not as sexy as Draco. :sigh:

Gin: I'm going to consider using your idea in the future, the bit about what the next section is about. Crafty.

Kailie: How did you like this chapter? Try to get the mystery question, it's easy.

Calla-ForEvEa: Good guesses on the breaks. Was this chapter now the best or will chapter 24 still be the best?

SAKBL: I know her name is really Ginevra, but I didn't know that when I started and I'd already had her called Virginia, and I like Virginia better cause it's more normal and I can't mistype it as easily.

Emo-Kitty: Who said their going to get more intimate? They just might die in the next chapter-P Hehe, how was the chapter? Good?

Chantal J: I'm sorry the update wasn't very soon. But the length was good right?

Evil-mittens: cute pen name. Was this chapter even better than the last one?

Padfootedmoony: Did you enjoy their V-Day trip? And the length of the chapter too!

Lyra Lestrange: Wow, such a lengthy review, and so complimenting. Hehe, I love those reviews. Did you like this chapter? Don't stay a silent reader! And no I don't need reviews for the previous 23 chapters.

Chiyoko: How was this chapter?

I-forgot-my-name: How did you like this chapter?

Dark-Angel-Felton: I love everybody's reaction to chapter 17. Draco was basically horny. If he does stuff with Pansy it's basically because he feels pressured to hold up appearances or he's horny or is trying to get back at Ginny. Any of those are possibly reasons. Can't remember the one for that scene though.

Hoppers: I love your compliments, much better than my proofer's. Oh well, I'll keep going out with the guy anyway. Lol. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Lenora Spiderleaf: More reviews! More! More:) You're silly. -P How did you like the chapter? Was it good?

SportiChic319: Good question about the newts. But I don't think I'm going to have her do that. Let's say 7th year she'll have a special advanced class with Snape, her and the other 6th years in that class, plus she'll be tutoring some younger years and she'll take the newts then. Did that make sense? How was the chapter?

OCTFD: I have every intention of finishing my story. I can't imagine not finishing it. Did you like the chapter?

Mrs. Jesse McCartney and …: Why should she find a stray kitten hmm? But I'll keep that in mind. Why in the world have you read my story so many times? Ay yi yi! Silly girl. I had it written down on a piece of paper somewhere what the roses stood for, and I think you might be right. I can't remember. How did you like this chapter? Did it hold up to your expectations?

Mistress of the Sand: I am no where near done with this story, don't worry. Just keep reading. Did you like this chapter? Good. :)

YAY! TONS OF REVIEWS! I love you all! Wow, definitely my longest chapter yet. According to this program after I finish this sentence I will have words 6,729; true that's including my thank you's, but they didn't take up nearly as much room this time.

Reminder: TELL ME YOUR AGE!