Disclaimer: If you recognise it from the books, I don't own it!
Draco wearily contemplated the serious face of his baby sister. Things had happened so fast since his failed attempt at killing Dumbledore. Now he was motherless, with a half sister who also played daughter to The Dark Lord. His face darkened as his thoughts turned to the brutal way Kristiana had been conceived. Voldemort had clearly reveled in stripping Narcissa of her dignity as punishment for her husband's failure. Draco snorted quietly, gazing into a set of solemn grey eyes bearing so much resemblance to his own.
"It's just you and me now, Kristiana," he told her, rocking her gently. She began to cry.
--
Ginny was counting how many aurors she could recognize after stepping onto Platform Nine and Three Quarters. She did it whenever she went out. There were aurors everywhere these days, and it had become almost a game to find as many as she could. It had been decided that Hogwarts was to remain open, and trusted ministry officials had been working on improving security all summer.
She was the last Weasley at Hogwarts, school of Witchcraft. Her brother Ron would have been in his last year of school, but he, Harry and Hermione had left some weeks ago to find and destroy each of Voldemort's Horcruxes. Ginny sighed; it was likely to be a very lonely year.
"Hello Ginny," a dreamy voice came from behind her, and she turned to find Luna Lovegood.
"Oh hey Luna. I thought your father wasn't going to let you come back this year."
Luna smiled vaguely. "Oh, I managed to convince him that I'd be quite safe from One Eyed Sniggles at Hogwarts."
Ginny bit her lip to keep from laughing. 'Trust Luna and her father to be more worried about One eyed Sniggles than Voldemort,' she thought to herself, grinning.
They were about to get on the train when they were stopped by a very harried Mr Weasley.
"There you are Ginny," he said to his daughter. "Hello Luna, is your father well?"
"He came down with a bad case of Toad-poxies the other week, but he's fine now," she said seriously, and Mr Weasley stared at for a moment before shaking his head in bewilderment.
"Right. Anyway, I've got to check that neither of you are imperiused."
"Dad!" Ginny complained.
"Minister's order's Gin. It'll just take a moment," he muttered something under his breath, and both girls glowed faintly.
"Right, you're fine," he said, waving his wand again and the glow vanished. He hugged his daughter quickly and ushered them onto the train.
"Be careful," he told them as the train began to move. He then disapparated, and the girls began the search for a compartment.
As luck would have it, the only compartment that was even moderately empty, housed a Slytherin.
"Why, if it isn't the little Weasel and her crazy friend, Loony Lovegood," a handsome, dark haired boy grinned at them.
"If we're so horrible Blaise, then why do you even know our names?" Luna said smartly, with a perfectly straight face.
Blaise and Ginny laughed, and the two girls sat down with him.
"She got me there," he admitted sheepishly.
--
The train ride to Hogwarts was uneventful, and before they knew it, they were entering the Great Hall for supper.
"Welcome to Hogwarts!" Professor McGonagall said, and the huge room went quiet. "I am sure all of you know why all of the extra security is necessary. Professor Dumbledore has gone from us, as have several of the staff. I am sure you are all aware of students that aren't with us this year either. I am the new Headmistress. As some of you may be aware, we have two vacancies in the teaching staff here at Hogwarts. Please welcome Mr Percy Weasley, our new transfiguration teacher and Mr Kingsley Shacklebolt, our new Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher."
Ginny stared at her brother in surprise as the rest of the school clapped.
"I also have several other announcements to make. First, due to the need for rising security, it has been decided that several of the other wizarding schools will be joining us this year. Please give a warm welcome to the students of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons!"
The doors to the Great Hall opened, and the two schools poured in. "These students will be sorted along with the first years, so to save time dinner will be served as the Sorting commences."
--
An hour or so later, the hall was very full, and Ginny was talking to two Beauxbaton six year students, Jae and Chantell. Jae was very mischievous, and VERY hot, with blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. Chantell was quiet and sort of serious, with long chestnut brown hair, and soft brown eyes.
"I am glad we 'ave come to 'ogwarts," Chantell said, smiling. "Englishmen are so much more polite, and so much cuter!" she said, laughing huskily.
Jae looked hurt. "But Chantell, I'm the best looking guy you've ever met!" he turned to Ginny. "Don't you agree Ginevra?"
Ginny looked at him thoughtfully. "Well, I wouldn't say you're the BEST looking guy I've ever met, but you'll do."
Jae looked hurt. "And 'ere I am, being rejected by two beautiful women. My 'eart can't stand it!" and he fell to the floor, his hands over his heart and twitching spasmodically. The two girls laughed and he stood up, grinning.
"Jae, you're an idi-"
"Excuse me Ms Weasley, may I please have a word?" Professor McGonagall asked her, and Ginny stood up quickly.
"I'll see you two later," she said to her new friends.
"Okay Ginevra, I'll meet you in the dormitory," Chantell said, waving.
"I will too," Jae added, earning a playful slap from Chantell. Ginny could here them laughing behind her as she left the Great Hall with Professor McGonagall.
"What?" Ginny could vaguely hear Jae ask indignantly, and she smiled.
--
Ginny sipped on the cup of tea that Professor McGongall had given her, and made herself comfortable in a plushy purple armchair.
"So what did you want me for, Professor McGonagall?"
"I need you to do something for me."
"I'll help in any way I can, Professor."
Ginny then noticed a cloaked figure off to one side. "Who's that?" she asked, gesturing vaguely.
The figure stepped forward and threw off his hood.
"Malfoy!"
--
Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed that first installment, and terribly sorry for that 'cliffhanger'. You know, I went to call Professor McGonagall, Mrs McGonagall. How weird does that sound!
Please R & R! I'll love you forever!
Xela