Stronger for You

Chp. 25 Gains and losses

Chapter Twenty-Five

“In a battle all you need to make you fight is a little hot blood and the knowledge that it’s more dangerous to lose than to win.” – George Bernard Shaw

Ginny’s P.o.V.

A chainsaw was going off next to me, as loud as dad has told me about. I groan as I wake up, noticing I was leaning against Neville who was leaning against the wall in turn. I nudge him, trying to get him to shut his trap so I could get some shuteye. “Neville, you great oaf! Shut it—” I choke on my words as I look over at Jacky, worried about her being woken up as well.

What was the ferret doing here? Why was he holding her? Did he know?

“Neville!” I hiss, elbowing him more fiercely in the ribs. He wakes with a grunt.

“I am too a man, Gran!” He half-yells. I stuff my fist in my mouth to stop from laughing. He blushes deeply when he sees me.

“You didn’t hear a thing.” He mutters. I nod while chuckling silently before pointing over to the lovebirds. His eyes widen and he straightens up.

“I don’t know what Blaise was going on about; he looks perfectly healthy to me.” I ponder quietly. Neville narrows his blue eyes at the pair.

“And so does Jacky.” I slap his arm as Draco’s stirs.

“Yes, Tigress does look much better.” I say quickly. Draco lifts his head, blinking rapidly in the dim light. The train was only a few minutes from the station. Draco tightens his arm around Jacky, snuggling her closer to his chest and running his fingers through her fur while closing his eyes again.

“I know I’m incredibly sexy, but you don’t have to stare.” He says. We both startle and gape openly at him. He stretches his legs out and moves his neck in a circle, cracking it.

“She looks a lot better.” Neville gestures awkwardly to Jacky. Draco studies her face for a few seconds; a ghost of a smile appearing on his face.

“Yeah, she does.” He pauses before adding, “And so do I. This bloody fever is finally gone.” He sighs in relief. I exchange confused glances with Neville.

“So you were actually sick?” I ask. Draco raises a slim brow at me.

“I was but how did you know?”

“Blaise told us. When…when he saw Tigress.” I blurt. Draco nods, appearing satisfied. An awkward silence falls and he begins to twitch his fingers over the slumbering cat.

“So…er…how’s your family?” He asks. He avoids our eyes, his features hinting at shame. I pity him.

“They’re doing as well as could be expected. I would tell you more but…well yeah.” I finish regrettably. He nods, still not looking at us.

“No, I understand. And you, Longbottom?” His gaze flickers up once before going back to the cat. Neville jerks in surprise.

“My Gran is doing okay; she’s slightly annoyed with all the idiots running amok.” He adds with a slight chuckle. Draco gives another ghost smile before the train begins to brake.

“I should go. My mother will be waiting.” He winces as he stands up slowly. Jacky slumps into his arms, which he keeps perfectly still. “I hope she heals completely.” He kisses her several times across her face before handing her back to me with hesitation. I take her carefully, noticing the normal temperatures of her body.

“Thank you Draco. Uh…stay safe, okay?” I wish him. He nods briskly, his façade back on, and strolls out, sauntering in a way I hadn’t seen in a long while. Neville takes Jacky from me before I dropped her.