"she's falling, doesn't even know it yet
having no regrets is all that she really wants"

During the following weeks, Maia woke up in the same place and in the same posture. It was very cold at Hogwarts, but especially in the Hospital Wing, so she curled up in the chair Madam Pomfrey had placed for her by the Gryffindor's bed —despite saying a thousand times that she couldn't be there, the blonde hadn't given up, so the nurse had given in to the Slytherin's wishes— and even woke up with a blanket thrown over her.

She woke up long before Ginny, who slept peacefully when she opened her eyes. She was afraid something might happen to her while she wasn't awake, so her brain was telling her when it was time to wake up. It was terribly uncomfortable at first —a backache came over her for the first few days— but then her body had grown accustomed to a chair too small for someone with such long legs.

Ginny had repeatedly told her that she didn't need to be there, that Madam Pomfrey took good care of her and her wounds, and that she was slowly healing; but Ginny's arguments didn't convince her. She wanted to make sure for herself that the redhead was fine.

Longbottom had left the Hospital Wing several days before, leaving the bed empty and allowing the girl to lie down on it at any moment —not while Madam Pomfrey watched, of course. Maia had been surprised when, one day Neville had stopped by to visit Ginny, Daphne and Eden entered the door. The boy was holding a box of chocolates in his hands, and placed it on the nightstand on Ginny's bed.

"Maia says you like chocolate. It's the best I could get, my mother's really busy these days." The boy excused himself.

"It's actually great." Ginny licked her lips while grabbing one, hungrily. "These are awesome! Thanks."

"Any news of the Carrows?" Maia asked. She had barely left the infirmary, she hadn't even attended most of her classes.

"They're more careful now, taking into account the blood status and all of that." Answered Neville. "They actually listened to you. They're still punishing Muggles and half-bloods, though."

"Peeves' been giving them hell, too." Interfered Daphne. "One afternoon, after class, they appeared with eggs on their hair and Peeves' laugh was all over the corridor. It seems like everyone has had enough, what you did was the last straw for some of them."

"The DA's come back." Noted Neville, taking a chocolate from Ginny's box. "We've been practicing harder than ever in case hell breaks loose again. This time you won't be the only one facing them." He said directly to Maia, who nodded.

A strange feeling washed over her chest. This time it wasn't pain, but pride. Pride to know that she would no longer be the only one to risk everything, but that there were others behind her who had their backs. And it was no longer just Eden and Daphne, but Neville and other Gryffindors, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Her act had triggered actions that she thought would never happen: that all houses would succeed in uniting. She was satisfied knowing that everyone could unite for the same cause: defeating the dark side.

Another day, Maia's jaw almost didn't touch the ground. Ginny was still recovering, although it was true that she was beginning to show signs of improvement, and her arms still ached when she had to brush her hair, so Maia had decided to help her and braid her. Her fingers froze when Draco appeared out the door that afternoon.

At first none of the three said anything. The boy had the backpack on his back, the suit well pressed and his hands hidden in his pockets. His gaze was indecipherable until he approached the redhead's bed —who shared a confused look with Maia— and left the backpack at its feet.

"I couldn't find you anywhere, so I figured you would be here." Draco started. "I've brought you clean clothes, in case you don't want to go downstairs to the Common Room. Besides, I've written down the homework they've been sending us; I guess they'll excuse yours, but I know you don't like to slack off."

The boy handed her all the things he had brought her. "Thanks. It's very thoughtful of you, Draco."

Draco nodded, his face more relaxed now. "I'll see you tomorrow around? Lunch has been very lonely without you."

"Sure thing." She answered. There was a strange tension between them even though neither of them wanted to acknowledge it.

"Better?" This time, Draco spoke directly to Ginny. The latter nodded slowly, muttering a small thanks. Maia's heart fluttered: Draco was really doing this for her. "Good."

The blond left the room, somewhat uncomfortable and also not wanting to interrupt anything. However, Maia excused herself and chased him. "Draco." She called when she reached him. She cleared her throat. "Thanks again. You didn't have to do this. "

"You're my sister. I don't understand what kind of relationship you have now with them, with her, but I'll be here. You don't need to explain yourself, Maia. Be careful, though, hmm? I believe you're free to do whatever you want, but not everybody thinks the same."

Draco left after that.

The following days Maia felt her mind travel at shocking speed. She felt that the bond with her brother had grown even stronger —for Maia, knowing that Draco would be there no matter what was the most important thing— and for that very reason her heart sank every time she realized she was hiding from him a very important part of her life.

She often surprised herself by thinking of other things, not paying attention to what was happening in front of her. What would happen when Draco found out about all this? Would he stop being there for her or, on the contrary, would they be more united than ever? Now that she knew first-hand where Draco's loyalty really lay, the temptation to tell him that she was hunting Voldemort's horcruxes to finish him off was terribly strong.

Although, it was said, she shouldn't push her luck. It was only a few days since they were the same as before, and she didn't want to confess things to him so soon for fear of his reaction: until recently he was still on the side of their parents, who knew how quickly he could change his mind again? Thinking that scared her. She wanted to trust her brother completely, but she didn't know his brain like she knew her own, and the mere thought of rejection made her dismiss the thought of telling him things.

She also didn't want to pressure Draco. After all, the task of taking down Voldemort's parts had been born in order to protect her brother, and she didn't want Draco to feel guilty for all the dangers Maia had been exposed to in order to keep him alive. Would he be proud of her or would she think she was stupid and selfish?

"You're zoning out again." Ginny waved a hand in front of her face. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I am." Answered Maia curtly.

Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Don't give me an attitude. Have you been sleeping well?"

"Shouldn't it be me who cares for you, now?" The Malfoy smiled apologetically.

"I'm an open book. No matter what, people always know if something happens to me." Ginny observed. "But you... you're a mystery. Merlin know what's going on inside your head."

Maia gave Ginny a long look. She was lying on her stomach on her bed, with the Astronomy book wide open, without looking at anything in particular. The bandage on her arm no longer existed— Madam Pomfrey had recommended that she made no effort and train her arm, but, as always, Ginny wouldn't listen— and her gaze had regained some of that characteristic shine.

Maia was surprised by the redhead's strength. Anyone would have surrendered to the constant torture of the Death Eaters, but it seemed that these events only encouraged Ginny to challenge what she didn't think was correct. She was strong, and that reassured Maia.

"Everything's fine," Maia drawled. "Gin." The blonde added, knowing the calming effect that simple word had on the redhead. "What are you doing?"

Ginny was so enchanted looking at Maia that she didn't realize the blonde was trying to change the topic. "Oh, Astronomy homework. I haven't been able to attend the past night classes, so I have to catch up. Are you any good at this?"

"Are you kidding me? It was horrible. I fell asleep one class and since that moment Sinistra looked at me every single class."

"Are you kidding me?" Retorted Ginny, surprised. "The great Maia Malfoy falling asleep during class? The prefect badge should have failed off your cloak. You seem such a great student. I bet you cried."

It was Maia's turn to raise an eyebrow. "I'm not Granger. It was a Wednesday night and I'd had to replace one of Slytherin's chasers during the training. Besides, I found Astronomy really boring—we don't use magic during class—, which is ironic, given that most of my family members are named after stars and constellations. I literally can only identify my name."

"How did you get an O in your OWL, then?" Ginny inquired.

"A Slytherin is cunning, crafty, smart. But above all, will never reveal their secrets."

Maia watched adoringly as Ginny threw her head back when she laughed. Moonlight seeped into the Gryffindor's room and her hair seemed to be even redder. The freckles on her face were now accompanied by small scars scattered across her face, but this didn't disgust Maia in any way. Ginny was impulsive and perhaps too reckless at times —she was a Gryffindor, she thought, after all— but she knew how to overcome situations and always managed to make the most of it.

So the Malfoy couldn't help but remove the papers and the heavy book from Ginny's bed and take that place herself, kissing her longingly. "You're fine." Murmured Maia once she disconnected their lips. "You scared me to death, don't ever do that again."

"Of course I am. It'll take more than that to get me out of the way."

"You looked so hurt when I first saw you. I felt like I was going to explode, I wanted to ruin everyone that even touched you. I can't afford to lose you, Ginny." Maia whispered. "You're the only one."

Ginny said nothing else. She didn't ask what Maia was referring to, didn't even make jokes about the girl's notorious concern. She just forced her to lie down next to her, the covers covering their bodies and Maia gently sliding her fingertips along Ginny's arm. "I promise I'm fine. I'll try to behave from now. As you should."

Maia looked at her intently. "What do you mean? That bastard wishes he could lay a hand on me."

"You've exposed yourself and I'm the one to blame. Now everybody knows there's discord between you and those Death Eaters —basically the entire dark side—, and I would never forgive myself if something happened to you because of me."

"It's not your fault. It was me who decided to blow up the damn wall." The redhead smiled a little. "The moment when I have to face everything I've done will come, and I'll have to face that one, too. I just keep on delaying what's inevitable. Don't worry about it, I can take care of myself."

"Of course I worry, they're horrible people and I'm your girlfriend!"

There was a deep silence in the room as Ginny reddened as much as her hair and Maia tried to stifle a laugh. "You're what, now?"

To the Malfoy's surprise, Ginny puffed out her chest and her voice didn't quiver. "Your girlfriend. Now shut up."

Ginny kissed her sloppily due to her eagerness. The redhead cupped her cheek tenderly while deepening the kiss and Maia hummed happily on her lips. "Don't hurt yourself." The blonde muttered.

"Don't treat me like a baby." Retorted Ginny.

"Alright, damn." Maia sighed deeply and turned around, adjusting her hair to look at Ginny sideways. "How do you sense if someone's sad? I'm terribly bad with feelings."

The Weasley was thoughtful for a moment and Maia looked at her again. "I guess you can tell if you're close with that person. They don't act like themselves, they smile less often and might not talk as much. Are you sad?"

Maia shook her head. "No, no. It's not me. I've realized something's off with Eden. He's always so full of life, so bubbly, and now he even skips some classes."

"Maybe something happened? With his parents?"

"Eden's father passed away a long time ago. He was as devoted to Voldemort as my aunt Bellatrix —always risking his life although he had a family and torturing people. He found death in Azkaban, I guess he couldn't take the thought of being empty and locked up. Eden barely knew him, he was five when he died, but he doesn't want to be associated with him in any way. His mother, on the other hand, is a laid back woman. She was caught up in that mess because she fell in love with the wrong guy and had Eden at a very young age. She's had to raise him alone, but always with the best intentions. I think she even knows about me." Maia laughed. "Eden and I have been best friends since first year and she's always been happy to have me over at home. Every time her son rambled about liking someone, she would point at me with her fork and say 'Stay away from men or they'll ruin you.'"

"She seems lovely." Stated Ginny with a longing smile. "Maybe he likes someone now and things haven't gone as he expected?" She ventured.

"Usually we don't talk about feelings. We just know what's going on inside our heads. When he liked Daphne, back in fourth year, I knew immediately. I don't think it's about love. No, he's fought with Draco."

"And why's that?" Ginny wanted to know, propping her elbow on the bed.

"Draco doesn't want to tell me and Eden says it's nothing, but they can't even be in each other's presence. Do you think I should talk about it or let them be?"

"Eden is your best friend, I think if it was something really concerning, he would've told you already. Maybe it really is something stupid and will pass before you know it. But if you want to know what it's about, then go ahead and ask. Maybe if Eden senses your worry he gives in and opens up to you."

Maia drew Ginny to herself, who squeaked. "You're right. I'll talk to him tomorrow." Maia left short kisses on the exposed skin of Ginny's neck and shoulders. "You're the best."

"Oh, am I?" Ginny teased, her laugh flowing because of Maia's ticklish kisses. "You're pushing your luck."

"Am I?" Answered Maia with a smirk. "I can't help it."

Maia's kisses grew more intense, but didn't reach the redhead's mouth. Ginny ran her hands through Maia's hair every time she left a small bite on one spot on her neck. The blonde kissed more carefully when she found one of the new scars on the redhead's body, which touched Ginny.

Maia let her hand travel down Ginny's abdomen, back, and thighs, and Ginny shuddered each time she felt the coldness of the Malfoy's hands. Ginny's cheeks were burning as Maia lifted her head from the hollow of the girl's neck and placed a loud kiss on each of them.

"Sleep tight, Gin." Maia murmured in her ear.

"Are you seriously going to do this?" Ginny whispered angrily. When she got no answer from the other girl —who had already turned around and was trying to supress a laugh— she grunted and covered her face with her hands. "I loathe you."

The next day, as she had assured Ginny, she was concerned with finding the right time to speak to her brother and best friend. However, until that moment came, she couldn't help but stay around Ginny as long as she could. It was the weekend, so she was distracted by the warmth of the redhead's blankets and the attention they gave her.

Ginny was arguably no longer upset by what had happened the night before. Maia had hugged her all night, and the Gryffindor simply couldn't stay mad. Multiple times she reproached herself for the excessive sensitivity and understanding she had towards Maia, but then she reminded herself that she was the only person who could see her loving facet, and she understood that she would forgive her over and over again just for being able to enjoy that luxury.

The redhead had gone to take a shower while Maia was lazy in bed. The blonde just opened one eye quickly when she heard the bathroom door open, knowing that Ginny would scold her if she found out she was still sleeping. She opened her mouth to apologize, but the words didn't come out. Ginny's wet hair clung to her body, and Maia looked closely at the drops that slid down her skin that the bathrobe didn't cover.

Maia realized and smirked. "I know what you're trying to do. It won't be that easy."

"Hmm?" Hummed Ginny feigning disinterest.

"You want revenge. I get it, really. But it's not going to happen." Ginny slid the fabric of the robe down, showing her shoulder and looking innocently at Maia. "Okay, maybe it is." Maia quickly got out of bed and walked to the door, but Ginny smirked and closed the door in her face. "You'll beg for me, Weasley!"

Maia decided that this would be her farewell —she didn't want to let Ginny win, but she couldn't get away from the idea that she no longer had anything else to do there— and she left the girl's room very carefully.

"Just the person I wanted to see." Someone said behind her and started her immensely. Neville smiled apologetically at her. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"Merlin, Longbottom. How long have you been waiting here?"

"Not much. Ginny said you'd be out promptly."

Maia squeezed her eyes shut and glanced at the Gryffindor's door, muttering things Neville couldn't hear. "How'd you know I'd be here?"

"Oh, that's funny. I know you and Ginny have something going on, all these not-so-discreet looks in the Great Hall, Parkinson calling you out because you're hanging with a traitor, you know? Besides, I've seen you several times getting out of this room."

Maia sighed and started walking, making sure this time no one was actually observing them. "Okay, Neville. What do you want?"

"We're having our last DA meeting before Easter holidays. I thought —Ginny decided not to comment, she'd be biased— you could join us. Look, I know you might think it's not a good idea, but this is the chance we all need. We need you because... well, you're you. You're an excellent duelist, you could teach us everything we need to know —people are likely not to return after Easter and they need to protect themselves. And you need us because it's your chance to redeem yourself."

"And why would I want that?"

"Because people will remember." Neville stated simply. Then he grabbed something from his pocket. "Take this. You don't have to give me an answer now. When the galleon starts moving it's because the meeting is arranged. If you decide to come, you know where to find us."