"I can't believe I'm going to die a virgin," Ginny said mournfully.
"I highly doubt you're a virgin," Draco replied rudely.
"I know. I just couldn't think of any better way to break the awkward silence."
Draco sneered, "Well, I think that says a lot about you."
Ginny sighed, a silent white flag, completely giving up on normal conversation. She instead analyzed her situation: It was her birthday today, August 11th, and she was having a moderately nice party at the Burrow. Harry came, despite his busy schedule of saving the world, and Charlie, her favourite brother, also found time for a short visit, which was nice. Luna and Neville were also invited, and Hermione was already there visiting with Ron, so all things considered it was a pretty good crowd.
A normal Weasley celebration ensued. Molly made a bounteous meal of all of her favourite foods, along with a very delicious chocolate cake. They played a bit of Quidditch. Then it was time for presents. With silly party hats sitting atop their heads, everyone gathered around Ginny. She received the usual sort of gifts. Some chocolate from Ron, a few interesting-looking books from Hermione, a pair of (surprisingly cute) earrings courtesy of Luna…but when she got to Fred and George's gift she smiled from ear to ear.
It was a quaint, but gorgeous, dress made out of some extremely costly material. It was green, though when she spun around in circles in the sunlight, it shimmered and seemed to change colours. Though it was cut similar to a sundress, Fred and George told her it would get longer when the weather got colder, and vice versa. When she put her dragon tooth necklace on as well, which she got from Charlie, and the earrings from Luna, Molly declared she looked like a princess, before bursting out in tears about how her little girl was all grown up.
Her dress looked a lot less impressive, she decided sadly, when it was covered with grime from the cell. Stupid Death Eaters. Stupid kidnapping. Stupid dirt!
"Well," Draco said finally, "I suppose if we're both going to die, there's no reason not to talk politely to one another."
"Ha!" Ginny cried triumphantly. Draco shot her a glare of pure hatred. Ginny laughed, "Sorry, sorry. But who said we're both going to die? I don't know why you're in here, but somebody will come save me."
This caused Draco to smile nastily, "What makes you think that you'll get rescued?"
"Well," Ginny replied, as if explaining it to somebody a bit slow, "I'm one of the good guys. Anyway, I thought you said talk politely. This definitely doesn't count as polite conversation." Draco rolled his eyes, and Ginny pointedly ignored him, "Here, I'll start: What a beautiful bracelet you have, Draco!"
"Who said you can call me Draco?" he said indignantly, before remembering they were supposed to be polite, "I mean, thank you, Girl Weasel. Your necklace is very…nice."
She sighed, "Ginny. My name is Ginny."
"Ginny," he repeated, then hesitated. Perhaps they shouldn't talk, what if she did get rescued; he would be the laughing stock. But even if she got rescued, there was no way he was going to be, and he had always thought her the least disgusting of the red-haired horde, so…
"Oh!" she exclaimed suddenly, "I have a brilliant idea! Let's switch." Draco looked at her, expression puzzled, so she explained, "You can wear my necklace and I can wear your bracelet."
No, he was about to say crossly, this bracelet is probably worth more than your whole house, but kept his mouth shut. Ginny pouted, "Please? It's my birthday." Draco sighed, and started to undo the complicated clasp on it; she reminded him too much of Pansy to refuse, oddly enough.