It Had To Be You

IT HAD TO BE YOU

Story Begun – 12/26/04
Chapter nine begun 12/3/06
Chapter nine completed – 12/5/06
Beta Thanks – RahNee

OFFICIAL DISCLAIMER: JKR owns it all, although Draco owns a piece of my heart.

A/N: Well, I’ve gotta say this chapter was a complete surprise to me. I didn’t intend to have an extra chapter added in here, but it just came out. Anyway, we’ve crested the peak kids; the rest is downhill from here on out. We may have a few more whoop-de-dos along the tracks, so enjoy what is left of the ride. The train station is now officially in sight.

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Ch 9 – Confessions, Surprise Intentions and Ridiculous Notions?

He walked into the room, spotted his friend and flung himself down onto the couch sighing deeply. When his actions elicited no response, he heaved another dramatic intake of breath and waited. When there was still no acknowledgment of his presence he reached a booted foot up and tried to nudge none-too-gently the paper his companion had been reading from his grasp.

The reader only held on and moved the paper out of his reach before the top bent in slightly and cool eyes assessed him. “If you’re trying to get my attention, perhaps you should try actually speaking to me. It works wonders in civilized cultures, you’d be surprised.”

He snorted and leaned back into the couch, satisfied that he had proper attention focused on him now and laced his fingers together, resting the back of his head in them. When he felt he’d had a long enough pause, he declared, “I’m in love.”

There was a droll snort and a roll of the eyes and then the paper was snapped back up in place. He was clearly dismissed.

“You’re not going to say anything?” he said disbelievingly.

“How would you like me to respond? Hurray? Or, better yet, how about - Hurray again?” The paper remained upright, and the tone was bored.

“Again? Congratulations would be a nice start. And since when have I ever used the words ‘love’ and ‘I’ in the same sentence?”

“This morning, as I recall, when you were looking in the mirror, you bloody, prissy peacock, and every other morning for as long as I can remember. And how about when we were five and you declared your undying love for Millie. You promised her and me that one day you would marry her.”

“Oh yeah, Millicent.” Blaise Zabini cringed, “Don’t you forget anything? And I am not a prissy peacock.”

“Not usually, no. And yes, you are.”

“Regardless, this is totally different. I’ve not said anything like that since I’ve known better.” The paper lowered slightly and a blond eyebrow quirked in challenge. “To a girl. Feel better now?” Draco made a noncommittal sound before he lifted the paper once more with an exaggerated flick. “This is serious,” Blaise said impatiently. Draco continued reading and ignored him. “Aren’t you the least bit curious as to who it is I’ve decided will be my wife?”

Draco sighed and folded the Daily Prophet up and tossed it aside. “Don’t you mean; who it is this time? Not really.” Draco paused, and then added, “As long as it’s not Granger, that is, then I could care less.” When Blaise didn’t reply Draco’s eyes narrowed and he said darkly, “Let me rephrase that. It is not Granger. She is off limits, because –“

Blaise cut him off, his voice tight, “I don’t like threats, Draco. And Granger isn’t –“

“That is not a threat, Blaise, it is a fact. Granger is unavailable, period.”

Blaise’s eyes snapped angrily. “As I was saying,” he continued, “You don’t have to threaten me, Draco. I’m not your competition. And, from what I understand, Granger remains free and unattached.” He looked pointedly at Draco. “If you want to declare her spoken for, perhaps you should stop preaching uselessly to the choir and let her know that she belongs with you.”

Draco sat up and his mouth tightened into a grim line. He didn’t like being told what to do, especially when he knew it was something he should have done a long time ago.

Blaise’s eyes glittered calculatingly and his tone was far too smug for Draco’s liking when he continued, “Anyway, a man never goes after his mate’s witch. You know I wouldn’t do that.” Draco sighed, leaned back again and began rubbing his neck and shoulders tiredly. “Either way,” Blaise said, his tone lightening a bit when he saw the sadness creep in Draco’s eyes, “Granger has never been my type. She’s pretty enough,” Blaise ignored the way Draco tensed instantly; sometimes it was too easy to get him riled up. “Very pretty, as a matter of fact. Great legs, nice smile and that hair of hers, it’s all long and wild, untamed, very sexy…makes a bloke just want to reach in and grab hold good and tight.”

Draco’s eyes darkened ominously and he growled whisper soft, “Watch it, Zabini.”

Blaise grinned, “Tell me that’s not what you want to do, Draco. What you’ve already done.” Draco shot up suddenly and Blaise tossed his hands up in surrender. He chuckled; it was a low, thoroughly male sound and he leaned back comfortably into the couch once more. It was a testament to their friendship at his relaxed posture, because anyone in their right mind would never speak so cavalierly about Hermione in front of Draco and not expect serious repercussions. But he knew Draco better than most and knew how far he could tease his best mate.

Blaise tilted his chin up and continued on in a disinterested voice, “Enticing hair aside, she’s too nice, too much sweetness and goodness for me. All that sunshine and butterflies drivel is nauseating. I need a woman with an edge. Someone who matches me in wit and cunning, who -”

“That’s good, because Granger is ten times smarter than you will ever be,” Draco replied.

Blaise raised his voice not taking the bait, “Who can match me in every way. And I’ve found her. She’s smart. She’s beautiful. She’s utterly sneaky and sly. She’s perfect. Her hair is like silk and her skin is the softest I’ve ever felt, Draco. I dream about touching her, all of her, everywhere. I want to see those eyes of hers focused only on me. They’re beautiful. All the colors of the forest all rolled in there; browns, greens, shades of grey and flecks of gold. Glorious,” he sighed.

Draco snorted disgustedly and rolled his eyes, “Colors of the forest? Flecks of gold? Gods man, you sound like a sodding poof! Pull yourself together.”

Blaise shot him a sly sideways glance, completely unaffected by the tempramental reply. “I can't help that I'm a man of eloquent prose, nor that I possess a rare gift for articulating the spoken word."

"Please." Draco spat, rolling his eyes heavenward.

"Don't tell me you're not interested yet?”

“If I say that I am will you stop talking like some love-sick fool?"

Blaise looked affronted. "You wound me." When Draco turned to leave the room Blaise replied sullenly, "Yes, alright. You truly have become unbearable, do you know?"

"Fine then." Draco opened his arms wide and announced with mock sincerity, "Blaise, my curiosity is piqued. Please do tell me who this ‘glorious’ creature is.”

Blaise grinned triumphantly. “Better, but not by much." Draco snorted but Blaise continued on undeterred, "And, you’ll be happy to know she keeps good company. She’s in the house you have become so intimately acquainted with as late. Matter of fact, you know her rather well, I’d guess.”

Draco’s eyebrows shot up. “Don’t tell me…”

Blaise sat up and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and locking his fingers, he looked totally sincere and completely serious. “That’s right, mate; I’ve succumbed to a Gryffindor.”

“A Gryff…” Draco sputtered.

“’Fraid so. It was destiny.”

“Destiny my arse,” Draco grumbled, running a hand through his hair. “This is bloody unbelievable. Who is it?”

“Can’t you guess?”

“They’re all trouble, mate. So any one of them who has set their sights on you will be your undoing. Trust me.”

“Well,” Blaise said airily, “It’s more of a decision I’ve made…”

Draco laughed bitterly cutting him off, “Don’t tell me, Merlin help us all, but the feelings aren’t mutual?”

“Oh, she fancies me well enough,” Blaise grinned, waving a hand about dismissively. “Only, she doesn’t know it yet.”

“Merlin’s Blue Balls” Draco groaned, “Trouble. This is going to be nothing but trouble. Out with it then.”

“I freely admit I’m happily in deep, deep trouble.”

“And trouble’s name would be?”

“Ginny Weasley.”

Draco sank back down to the couch and shook his head. “You’ve gone mad. She’s with Potty. And what’s more, she’s been in love with the idiot since she first laid eyes on him. She won’t buy your brand of bollocks, Blaise; she’s way too smart for that. Besides, she’s actually happy, mind boggling though it may be, with the Boy Wonder. It will never work.”

Blaise replied coolly, “Some would say the same thing about you, Draco. The idea of Slytherin’s prince falling for one of the Holy Trio was unthinkable. Falling for a muggleborn was an impossibility, utterly out of the question. Getting caught with your hands deep in Gryffindor territory would never happen…” Blaise stood up and Draco glared at him from the couch. “Yet, here you are...And you want her in your life, don’t you, Draco? Don’t you? Even though you won’t admit it to me, I know you do. I’ve known you my entire life and I’ve never seen you like this. You’re in deep. And you want to be there. Don’t try to tell me that you’re not thinking about long term with her either, because you forget who you’re talking to.”

Draco began rubbing his forehead; his tone was resigned, “Fine. I won’t. And I do. I want her back. I’m an unrepentant ass and she deserves better, but she belongs with me.”

Blaise sat back down and nodded smiling. “Good. Now we’re finally getting somewhere.” Draco was still kneading his forehead; he nodded and mumbled something that Blaise assumed was in the affirmative. “I’m going to get you and Granger back together, Draco.” Blaise whispered quietly, the determination in his voice making Draco’s head snap up as he met his friend’s fierce gaze. “And you are going to help me get Ginny.”

--- * ---

“Why do we have to keep meeting in such incredibly inconvenient locations?” Blaise complained. “Especially this one. It takes me for-bloody-ever to get here and it’s cold enough to freeze my bits off.”

“Are you always this disagreeable?” Ginny rolled her eyes and resisted the very sincere urging of her conscience to get into a debate with Blaise on the rather interesting topic of his bits and the possibilities of them freezing and falling off.

“Disagreeable? I’m bending over backwards to get your friend back with Draco. I take serious risks meeting you anytime you summon me, coming up with one lame excuse after another, which Draco can see right through, mind you. He’s starting to ask questions every time I disappear, and you’re calling me disagreeable? I’m offended.”

“Fine. Next time we’ll meet somewhere not so…displeasing to your bits.” She smiled sweetly and silently admonished herself for giving in to temptation.

Blaise grinned in response, his eyes dancing devilishly and he bowed low. “The gentlemen sincerely thank you, senorina.” He paused for a moment before adding wickedly, “Perhaps one day you’ll allow them to demonstrate their…inexhaustible… gratitude?”

Ginny laughed outright. She found she was becoming far more indulgent when it came to this wily Slytherin’s blatant amorous advances. It was just so hard to get mad at him when he was such the unrepentant flirt. And sometimes the way he looked at her so intently, well it just took all the angry wind out of her sails. The wanker was beginning to get under her skin, she realized. And, she also acknowledged that that didn’t seem to be such a bad thing.

“Either way,” Blaise replied smugly, tugging her out of her thoughts, “I’ve come up with a plausible reason for our frequent meetings.”

Ginny paused mid laugh, “You have? What do you mean by, ‘our meetings’? Merlin, Blaise, please don’t tell me that you told Draco you’re meeting me when you sneak away.” Ginny’s eyes narrowed; perhaps her relaxed disposition with the Slytherin was a bit premature.

“I did indeed.”

Ginny gaped at him in astonishment. “Why in the bloody hell would you go and do an idiotic thing like that?”

“Why? To throw him off the scent, of course,” Blaise chided. “You always toss a bit of truth into a lie, cara; it seasons it just right.”

“Is that so?” Ginny hissed, “And what ‘truth’ would that be?”

Blaise propped himself against a pillar and folded his arms across his chest. He looked quite the scoundrel. “I simply informed Draco that I am courting you…” Ginny’s eyes widened in shock. “And,” Blaise grinned, “that you are letting me.”

Ginny’s wand was out before he even saw her reach for it. It actually surprised him how fast she moved. She was up and in his face with the business end of her wand poking threateningly under his chin, before he could get another word in. His entire body jerked reflexively against the pillar he’d been leaning on and he smacked his head with a hard thud against the rough wood, tossing his hands up in surrender. Truth be told, he could disarm her easily, but this was proving to be much more interesting. He gritted his teeth and bit back a chuckle; his charming little Gryffindor certainly had spunk.

“Did Draco ever tell you that we got to know each other rather well when you were in your fifth year?” Ginny growled.

Blaise shook his head slightly and frowned, fighting back an unexpected wave of jealously. “Got to know you how?” he asked sharply.

“Oh, very well, I’d say. He was picking on Harry and I became a bit – perturbed.” Ginny twisted the tip of her wand into Blaise’s chin and he grunted. “You see, Blaise, I have a problem when people hurt Harry. It makes me do irrational nasty things, and my usually agreeable disposition becomes decidedly unpleasant. Draco was an absolute horrendous wanker that year; before it came out he was spying for the Order. The idiot was being such the little bastard that I decided he needed to be reacquainted with me and this.” Ginny waggled her wand. “And as a result we became very close friends. All three of us.”

“All three of you?” Blaise wanted to know who else she was sharing her talents with.

“That’s right, three; Malfoy, me and one of my tried and true pals: the Bat Bogey Hex. Every time the little prat got me right good and brassed off for picking on Harry I would seek him out, wait till he was alone, and then Malfoy would get up close and personal with Bat Bogey and me.”

Blaise tried to laugh but found it difficult with Ginny’s eyes flashing so dangerously, it was downright distracting how gorgeous she looked when she was furious. “I do recall Draco spending quite a bit of time in the infirmary back then, now that you mention it. Madam Pomfrey couldn’t seem to cure one particular hex he kept showing up with. He would never tell me who it was that got him. That was you?” He didn’t try to disguise the appreciation in his voice. Ginny nodded curtly. “He was miserable for weeks. No one could cure that hex.”

“That’s right, Zabini. And if you don’t watch your arse, you’ll find out just how miserable a well done Bat Bogey can be.”

Blaise sighed, “You truly are my perfect woman. Marry me?”

Ginny let out a frustrated growl and dropped her wand stepping away from him. “Ugh. You’re incorrigible,” she snapped.

Blaise removed one of his gloves and rubbed his chin and jaw slowly, his eyes never leaving Ginny’s wand hand. “I prefer to call it being determined.”

“Please, you’re pushy and arrogant.” A little of her anger was fading.

“I’m assertive and confident,” he countered pleasantly, “And what’s more, you like that I am.”

Ginny sniffed. “I don’t like it one bit. Nor do I like your being sneaky and underhanded…”

“Uh, uh, uh. What you mean to say is that I’m clever and creative.”

Ginny shook her head. “Not in the least. You’re incredibly annoying.”

“I’m charming and intriguing, admit it.” He stepped forward and lifted her chin with his warm hand.

She removed his hand firmly and he caught hers gently, twining his fingers with hers. She pulled her hand away and glowered at him. “I think you’re self-absorbed and a bit on the boring side, if you must know,” she added haughtily.

Blaise looked at her for a moment then tossed his head back and laughed heartily. Before Ginny knew what was happening he had picked her up and spun her around. He set her down seemingly a bit taken aback by his own actions, but he smiled fondly at her nonetheless. “Ah, Ginerva,” he sighed wistfully as his fingers grazed her cheek. She valiantly fought back a shiver. “Whatever outcome we achieve between our two stubborn friends, getting to know you will have made all this madness worthwhile.”

“I am with Harry, you know.” She became instantly angry at the breathless sound of her voice.

His fingers drifted to her jaw. “Yes, I know. It’s hard to forget when you prattle on endlessly about him.” He was lost in her eyes. “Does he make you happy?”

“Incredibly. What happens if Malfoy goes and opens his big mouth and tries to tell Harry that I’m cheating on him?”

“Would that really be so bad, Ginny?”

Ginny hesitated for just a second and then sighed, “It would hurt Harry if he thought I was being unfaithful, even though I’m not. I won’t ever hurt Harry, Blaise. It’s not something I’m prepared to do, not even for Hermione. Even though all this is a ruse for her benefit, I can’t risk his feelings."

Blaise dropped his hand. “Right, a ruse.”

“I just want to be assured that Malfoy won’t tell Harry –“

“Oh yes, because Potter and Draco are such chummy mates, you mean?” Blaise growled impatiently. “I see your concern. How could I have overlooked something so glaringly obvious?”

“You’re many things, Zabini, but stupid isn’t one of them. Don’t tell me you didn’t consider the possibility of him approaching Harry. If he tries to sabotage my relationship…”

Blaise sighed discontentedly, “Why would he do that?”

“Gee, I don’t know, Zabini? Maybe because I’m dating his least favorite person on the planet and getting back at Harry by telling him I’m involved with his best mate would make him feel better because he’s so damn grouchy and alone? Misery does love company you know. Oh, let’s not forget the fact that I’m the sister of his only real competition for the affection of the woman he loves.” Ginny waved a hand around in frustration. “Then again, it could just be because he plain old doesn’t like me. Take your pick.”

“Ginny, I know you have a soft spot for Draco, but really, you're being a bit obvious. It's embarrassing.”

Ginny laughed despite herself. “No, I don’t mind him actually. And since he’s been with Hermione, well, he’s easier to tolerate. I just don’t trust him as far as I can toss him.”

“He is a big bloke,” Blaise agreed, and when Ginny turned abruptly to leave, he grasped her hand and kept her where she was. She glared at him challengingly. “He won’t say anything.” Blaise’s tone was blunt.

“How do you know?”

“Because I asked him not to. And I do trust him.” Blaise said simply.

Ginny searched his face for any signs of deceit before she whirled around and began pacing nervously. “Look, I really want to see Hermione happy again, and I think Draco will do that for her. But, listen Zabini, if this relationship comes at the expense of my own…”

“I won’t let that happen. If for nothing else, because you and I have become,” he paused and when her eyes met his, his lips quirked up in a lop-sided grin, “I suppose, cara, that you could say we’ve become friends, and - ” Blaise seemed to choose his words carefully, “I, too, get unpleasant when anything happens to those I care about. No one is going to hurt you, Ginny. And yes, I know that hurting Potter will hurt you.” His eyes remained locked on hers and Ginny found herself unable to look away, “I suppose the next question now would be: do you trust me?”

Ginny didn’t know what to say, so she just nodded mutely and Blaise whispered, “Good.” If she’d not been so very close she wouldn’t have heard him at all. Just then, the realization that they were standing very close together and staring at each other took hold and she felt her breath catch. Seconds later, the intensity of the moment caught up with Blaise as well and he stepped away from her and turned to find a spot to talk. “Come on,” he said quietly, “We have a bit more plotting to do. Our Prince is only a carefully planned nudge away from reclaiming his Princess.”

Ginny nodded and they got down to work.

---

As they were leaving the Owlrey later that hour, Blaise turned to Ginny and said in a low voice, “I understand, you know.”

Ginny’s brow furrowed. “Understand what?”

Blaise’s eyes roved over her face; his voice was low and husky from the cold and she ignored the little responsive shiver her body gave in acknowledgment to the timbre of his voice. “Potter is the only man you’ve known. He’s the only one you’ve let yourself see. Your childhood fantasy. But perhaps now that you are a woman, you will begin to realize there are more of us out here, Ginny. Maybe some even better suited for you than Saint Potter.”

Ginny wanted to scream out to Blaise in vindication that Harry was her everything. That he was her sun and her moon. Her universe. That he was the only one she’d wanted to know since she first laid eyes on him and was not only aware of her level of devotion to Harry, but that she liked it that way. Harry wasn’t the only man she’d dated, but Blaise was right, he was the only one she’d known. She wanted to tell him that she was content and would never leave Harry. That nothing could ever separate them. But instead she could only whisper shakily, “I’m with Harry, Blaise.”

He smiled; it was a hint of confidence and dash of ego. “Cara, who are you trying to convince; me or you?” She was ready to reply but he shook his head and added, “I hope Potter appreciates what he has. Remember what I said, Ginny. If anyone hurts you they will answer to me. That applies to Potter as well.” He took her by surprise then by bending over and kissing her cheek quickly and turning away to leave without another word or backward glance.

Ginny stood there silently and watched until his broad form disappeared from view, completely at a loss for words. The usually feisty redhead was totally taken aback at what Blaise had said to her. And more so at how she reacted.

There had never been a time in her life that she doubted she belonged with Harry. From the moment she first locked eyes with his, she knew.

It had just always been so final, so settled in her mind. Until now.

One thought fought its way to the top of the rest of her jumbled reflections, and that was that she had to get Draco and Hermione back together quickly.

Before she and Harry ended up apart.

It was time to take matters back into her own hands. She’d been relying on Blaise too much. Letting him distract her and fill her head with all kinds of confusing, preposterous ideas...and it had to stop.

Ginny belonged with Harry, just like Hermione belonged with Draco.

And no one was going to tell her any differently.

Not even herself…
--- * ---

A/N: OH MY! Honestly gang, I am just as surprised as you are by that sneaky, pushy, wily Blaise. Seems he took me captive and is pushing for a little sidebar B/G love affair here. What do you think?

Anywhoo…next chapter will be back to basics.

Hope you enjoyed the Blaise interlude.

Do leave me a review...I work so very hard for them and they just make my day. Even makes me want to write the next chapter that much faster...(wink)

Cheers,

Lorett