CHAPTER 1

"Ginny, come on! We're going to be late to the game if you don't hurry up!" Hermione yelled up the stairs.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Ginny sighed as she ran down to meet the awaiting brood. However, she certainly was not expecting the looks of shock she received as she stepped onto the landing.

"No sister of mine will be going anywhere dressed like that! You march your arse right back upstairs and put some clothes on, young lady! Quidditch can wait!"

A bewildered Ginny looked down at her favorite white sundress. Okay, she had grown a bit, so it was tighter in the bust and it was at least three inches shorter than it had originally been. Just because she and Ron were the only ones living at home now did not mean she got new clothes every year.

"You're not my brother Harry, and I would thank you to remember that. Besides, it's not like I have much of anything else to wear!"

"Well, I might as well be!" he shot back before looking to Hermione for help.

"C'mon Gin, let's go," she said, dragging the protesting offender upstairs. In reality, Hermione was extremely intimidated by Ginny, as were most other girls. Sure, Hermione wasn't lacking in the womanly curves department by any means, but she wasn't even in the same league as Ginny.

The titanic teen was at least 5' 8", but she was no beanpole. Ginny had significantly defined muscles and curves in all the right places from years of wrestling with the boys and playing Quidditch. She had high cheekbones, full lips, a small nose that turned up slightly at the tip, and deep chocolate eyes. Her hair had grown in the past few years to finally reach her lower back, and had attained a slight curl. Ginny didn't have nearly as many freckles as Ron; just a light sprinkle across her nose and shoulders. Bill was the only other family member besides her that could actually tan properly without looking like a tomato in the process.

Hermione on the other hand, had stopped growing last year. She stood at a mere 5' 4", and nothing about her was terribly impressive. She had straightened her hair and started taking better care of her appearance, but she would still envy the younger girl. Ginny didn't even try to be beautiful, she just was.
Fifteen minutes later, Hermione had forced Ginny into a pair of jeans that were too short in the leg and a long sleeved t-shirt once belonging to Charlie that read, "Seekers like to do it fast!"

"But Hermione, it's really hot out there!" wailed Ginny, while looking sour at Hermione's choice of a long sleeved t-shirt and jeans that showed so much of her ankle, they couyld be capri's.

"It's either this, or you don't go. The boys will never let you out in any of your other clothes. I'm sorry, Gin. I know it's not your fault." Hermione put her arm around the younger girl's shoulders and they went back downstairs.

"I think I rather like that outfit better," Harry said approvingly. Assuming the matter quite settled, the quartet made their way to the makeshift Quidditch pitch at the end of the street.

Ginny and Hermione watched the game, which was the home team (the neighborhood boys, headed by Harry and Ron) and the visiting team (mostly made of people they had never met). Ginny was dying from the heat, and the humidity was making her shirt stick to her back. Making sure Hermione was thoroughly engrossed in the game, she bent down to roll up her pant-legs and remove the offending t-shirt to reveal a spaghetti-strapped tank top. She had sneaked it under the t-shirt while changing. Deciding she was thirsty, she made her way to the snack shack ran by the local junior quidditch team. After paying for her drink, she turned to see a small group of boys gathered around her. They all started talking at once, and Ginny could hardly contain a devious grin.

Sounding like a herd of elephants ascending the metal stairs, they new entourage looked for an empty row large enough. Meanwhile, Harry had just caught the snitch, thus winning the game. As he began his decent, he noted that there was no roar from the crowd at his triumph. He strained his ears and still did not hear the cheers and screams from the spectators or the announcer. For there were no eruptions of applause, no screams... save one.

"Oy! Get the bloody hell away from my sister!"

Harry sped after Ron who was flying straight in to the crowd. Ron knocked several boys out with his fists and his broom, while Harry dived and stood in front of Ginny, shielding her from view. Hermione just stared at the three, dumbstruck. She knew they had gone too far this time. She cringed as she saw the youngest Weasley rise to her full height, narrowing her eyes into a poisonous glare at her two 'brothers'.

"How dare you two! We were only talking, where's the harm in that?"

"No one 'just talks' dressed like that!" Harry retorted.

"I will not have rumors spread about my baby sister being some kind of scarlet woman!" fumed Ron.

That did it. The icing was on the cake, and flower-shaped no less. Ginny's mouth hung open only for a second as she contemplated her next move. Suddenly, she reared her right arm back and swung, connecting spot-on with Ron's left eye.

"Ronald Bilius Weasley! If you so much as utter another syllable to me today I will make you regret ever being born a man!"

Ginny screamed as she pushed past her brother, who was now covering his eye, with a pained and confused look on his face.
She ran straight home and to the duck pond at the back of the house. Sliding down the side of the willow next to the water, she sighed heavily, feeling just how lonely this summer had been. She had been under the greatly-mistaken impression that it would be different once she came home from school. It was well known at Hogwarts that Ginny was off-limits to anyone that didn't want to die a painful and merciless death at the hands of half a dozen possessed redheads and a raven-haired hero. Still, she imagined coming home for break and meeting a nice boy away from her brothers. Being domineering at school was one thing, but now all of Ottery St. Catchpole had witnessed the wrath that was Ginny's protectors. Even boys she used to play with wouldn't even speak to her after that scene. Well, not if they wanted to reach 17, anyway.

It just wasn't fair! She couldn't have close female friends because she was always bombarded with questions about Harry. She couldn't have male friends (for obvious reasons), and a mother can only know so much about the thoughts running through a teenage girl's mind. As she wiped away a stray tear, she thought of the one person she was allowed to talk to...Colin. Hell, the only reason she was allowed to be friends with him was because he was more of a dandy than Professor Lockhart, but Ginny could care less. They had bonded in first year, both sharing an infatuation for Harry. That was long gone for both, but they did have fun coming up with fantasies about their crush. If he only knew!

Ginny decided to go to her room and owl her long time friend. Thankfully the golden trio, a.k.a. death-to-Ginny's-social-life were in their last year of school. At the end of last term Harry had defeated Voldemort permanently in the Ministry battle and all of the Death Eaters had been sent to Azkaban. Ginny knew she should be as elated as the rest of the wizarding world, but she was too lonely to rejoice. As she could have no friends, cover every part f her body with ill-fitting attire, and never participate in anything remotely dangerous, she sometimes felt she was in Azkaban, too. Ginny sat down to write a letter to Colin. They had a set pattern were they would write to one another as though they were romantically involved and in some cheesy soap opera-ish novel. Seeing as how neither of them were romantically involved, they practiced on each other. Colin thought it was hilarious considering his sexual preference.

My Dearest Colin,
I can't help but miss you on this bright, beautiful day. Your shining smile and your sweet strength would be such a comfort to me now in my time of need. My 'brothers' have seen to it that I am yet again, locked in the tower of loneliness like a ghost cursed to remain in the living realms. Can you hear my cry to you, my blessed one? Please come and save me from my misery!
Always and Forever Yours,
Ginevra

She tied the parchment to Pig's leg and lazily flipped through last month's Teen Witch. About a half hour later, Pig burst through the window. Ginny unrolled the heavily scented scroll, spicy vanilla-just like Colin, and read it quickly.

My One and Only,
Words cannot express how much I have missed you these past months. It pains me to know you hurt so, and to have such a terrible injustice done to you by your family--it shall not happen any longer! Wait for me, and I shall free you.
Always and Forever Yours,
Colin

Ginny could hardly believe her luck as she ran downstairs to ask her Mum. The reaction was rather less than accepting; her mother was in shock for a bit, then prepared to start a tirade that looked to last a while. Ginny cut her losses and left the room before she could get started. As if they had an animal's sense of smell, the trio came running in to the kitchen for dinner. Mrs. Weasley grabbed Ron's arm, pulling him into the kitchen.

"Tell me everything you know about this Colin…." she demanded of her youngest son. Ron, grinning that he wasn't in trouble for once, told his mum all about the Creevey brothers and how they were nephews/employees of Madame Malkin.

"Well, I shall be speaking to Madame Malkin about just how she is raising these boys! Honestly, a sixteen year old boy asking a girl to stay with him until term starts! What cheek! In my day we never-" but she stopped when Ron burst out laughing, unable to contain himself anymore.

"But Mum, Colin's gay!" Ron gasped while holding his middle, he was laughing so hard.

"Oh my, well yes that is a different story then. Why, I have always admired Madame Malkin's work..." Ron just rolled his eyes at his mother and left her talking to herself.

Mrs. Weasley then went to find Ginny and tell her that, yes, she could go for the remaining weekend before school started. But, she would have to wait for her father to get home in order to get some gold. The family was going shopping tomorrow and since Ginny wouldn't be there, she would need to buy her own school things and robes. Ginny happily sent a hasty response to Colin, and went down to eat.

At 7:30, a loud thump was heard from the living room fireplace. Hermione, who was reading in a chair by the fire, dropped her book as she stared open mouthed at the most beautiful person she had ever seen.

The person in question was at least 6'3" with a broad stance and muscular body. He had shoulder length blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail and deep chocolate eyes. With a perfect smile and a deep gravelly voice he said, "Is Ginny ready?"

"Who?" she asked dreamily, losing herself in his eyes.

"Ginny Weasley. I-I do hope I got the right grate," he stuttered. At that exact moment, the sought-after young lady entered the room. She walked past Hermione, shutting her mouth for her, as she hugged the stranger.

"C-c-c-Colin?" Hermione managed to spit out, "My, how you've changed!"

"Sorry love, but no. I'm Dennis." he replied releasing Ginny.

"You look wonderful darling, how are you?" asked Ginny.

"Hello to you too, Gingersnap. Colin and I have missed you and I am happy to see you are well as can be expected while under such a heavy guard." he winked.

"There are two, of you? Do you look alike?" Hermione blurted out, feeling the shock of shame and embarrassment at the same time.

"Almost, except Colin has hazel eyes and a bit of a wave to his hair." he supplied with a smile. "Shall we go then, love?"

"Yes, I just have to tell Mum I'm leaving."

Hearing all the commotion, Ron and Harry walked in after Ginny. "Dennis! I thought that might have been you, mate. So, Gin's spending the weekend with you lot then?"

Before Dennis had a chance to reply, Ginny re-entered the room. "Shall we?" She didn't want to stay here any longer than she had to, and she could practically feel the awkward questions building up.

"Oh, yes, let's." replied a grateful-sounding Dennis.

"Say hello to Seamus for me, mate." Harry yelled as the duo disappeared in green flame. Hermione looked lost.

"Ron, why on earth would he know Seamus? I mean they are in Gryffindor, but it is rare for a seventh year to associate with a fifth year."

"Well I should hope he would know his own boyfriend!" Ron guffawed.

Hermione was still not registering his meaning.

"He's a dandy, 'Mione and so is Colin," Harry said, sighing. Sometimes, Hermione had trouble processing the hard facts when they were not out on the table in front of her.

"Oh, what a cold, cruel world...all the hot ones are gay or taken!" she faked fainting, putting a hand to her head.

"Hey, we're hot!" they retorted in unison, pointing to themselves. Hermione chose not to respond to this comment, but rather lose herself in her new thoughts of the sexy brothers.

Ginny stepped out of the fireplace in Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, falling into the strong arms of her best friend. He helped her up, brushing off soot and trying to make sure she was all right. She kissed him on the cheek and he returned the greeting.

"My darling, how I have missed you. Come quickly, and be my muse," Colin said as he pulled Ginny to the drafting table. He was solely responsible for the fall and spring designs for the shop, while Dennis oversaw production. Their aunt was getting up in years, and was delighted they wanted to take over the shop. Colin put page after page of the most beautiful robe designs in front of Ginny.

"Oh Colin, these are all wonderful. You don't need a muse, you ARE a muse! Come, we need to have a serious talk." At that, Dennis excused himself to owl Seamus, somehow already knowing what it was that Ginny wanted.

After Ginny told Colin all her woes through tears like he was her diary, she told him of her idea to become someone different, someone who would have the strength to be her own person. As Colin pondered this, he told Ginny he was in love for the first time.

"That is wonderful sweetheart, who's the lucky boy...er, man?" she asked, dying to hear some gossip.

"Well, I met him at a club down the 'Alley a few weeks ago. Normally, I wouldn't have even looked his way because he is a Slytherin, but he is very scrumptious. The guy actually pursued me, Gin! He asked me to dance in front of Dennis and Seamus. I thought he was joking, and was very surprised they didn't completely lose it! He assured me that wasn't the case, however, and pulled me to the floor. We danced all night and have been going out ever since."

"I am so happy for you 'Lin. But a Slytherin, really?"

"Thinking about this little plan of yours, his house may just be useful to you, despite what you think. I am going to owl him to meet us tomorrow because we need to have a chat. Cinderella, your Fairy Godfathers have come to your rescue!"

"Wait 'Lin, you never told me his name..."

"Oh, sorry love. It's Blaise. Blaise Zabini."

Ginny promptly hit the floor, as if someone had hexed her.

Colin was standing over her when she came to. "Are you feeling all right, Ginny? Do you need a bit of a lie-in?"

"Silly me," she laughed. "I'm fine, thanks, but I think I must be hearing things. I could have sworn you said you were dating Malfoy's cousin, Blaise Zabini. That couldn't be right, though. But I'm interrupting you--who did you say it was?"

"Blaise Zabini. You were right the first time," he confirmed.

Ginny felt that same weakness in her knees once again and was pulled securely into Colin's strong arms. He held her until she could find her feet.

"B-b-but Colin, that makes no sense! What will you do once you're back at school? You'll never have any peace!"

"That's the thing Gin. Slytherins may be more nasty things than we can count, but they do actually have some good qualities."

"Like what, their mouths?"

"How did you know?" he smirked. "Seriously though, all Slytherins have a very strong loyalty to one another. That loyalty has been forced into their little heads since the day they were born. They are also very protective of their own kind, and those they consider friends. You have to think that more than half of their parents were Death Eaters, or at least thought Voldemort had the right ideas about pure bloods. They were taught to never question another's motives because bad things happened to those who did.

"So, you're saying that Blaise has an ulterior motive for you and you are his possession? Like his toy?"

"Not really. Blaise is different. At first I thought he might be trying to use me, but I realized he wasn't. When his father died in the Ministry battle and his mother went to Azkaban, he went to live with Draco and Narcissa. With no overbearing mantras shoved down his throat and no punishment to be fearful of, Blaise changed. He began to think about things for himself, not for some insane racist. Hell, if Voldie was still around, Blaise would have never been allowed to come out. He just wants to be happy for once, and he is, with me."

"If you say so, but what about that whole possession bit?"

"Okay, you remember last year how all of the Slytherins looked to Flint like a king and always did things his way?" Ginny nodded. "Flint is gone now, the long-standing Slytherin "Prince", Draco, will now become "King." They will do as he commands, if not only for the fact that he is:
1.) Head Boy
2.) The only child of the most evil wizard still alive today.
3.) Because he is Blaise's cousin and pure bloods are all inter-related somewhere.
4.) All he has to do is say it and it will be so.
Draco is just a natural leader with a commanding presence. He loves Blaise and would not wish to see him hurt anymore than he already has. I make Blaise happy, I stay ALIVE."

"Are you sure we are talking about the same Malfoy? And since when do you call him Draco?"

"Since he asked me to three weeks ago at the club. Yes, we are talking about the same person. You are not the only one that's changed, little missy. Maybe he hasn't done a 360 like Blaise, but he does have feelings, even if you can never see them."

"At least Hermione will be Head Girl this year. That should help you out too."

"You'll be surprised when we go back to school. There have been many students crossing house lines for friendship and relationships. But you've had a big day, and I have an even bigger one planned for tomorrow. Let me show you to your room, you need sleep."

The next morning, Aunt M. roused Ginny bright and early. She dressed quickly, running a brush through her hair and putting it in a messy bun because it was so hot outside. As she was just about to grab a piece of toast, two hands grabbed hers and began pulling her out the door.

"Where are we going you two?" Almost identical grins flashed her way as the blonde duo led her down the alley.

"We need to get all of the minor stuff out of the way first," said Dennis.

The minor stuff consisted of getting new/used books, refilling potions supplies, purchasing new quills, ink and parchment, and buying a larger cauldron. After all of that, they found their way back to the robe shop to dump the new gear.

"I still need robes, uniforms and normal clothes. I am afraid mine are all indecent." Ginny said sheepishly.

"Well, good thing we came home then, isn't it? Get up on the stool."

"But Colin, I can just grab a larger size off the rack, honestly."

"Nonsense, Princess." Dennis began as he pulled out his measuring tape, some parchment and a quill.

"And just when did I become a princess?" asked a bemused Ginny.

"Ginny, you always were a princess, you just couldn't see it. But now, you will have hand-tailored clothing to your exact measurements and all made of material of the finest sort to help show off such dignity." replied Colin with an air of smugness.

"But, guys really, you know I can't afford this. Please just let me go look at the gently used section and we can continue our day," she begged.

"Merlin no! You are looking at the next top designer in the wizarding world. I will not have my best friend and future godmother to my children wear anything but the best! Don't worry about the money, it's all on the shop."

"No, Colin, really that is too much! You can't possibly--"

"Ginny," Dennis spoke up, "You could pass as a muggle supermodel and you don't even know it. Now, what do models do? They wear designer clothing because it looks good on them and it inspires others to buy it. We couldn't pay for better advertising than for you to wear the new fall and spring lines, along with Colin and I. Think of it as a business trade; we both get what we want."

"Since you put it that way, how can I refuse?"

"You can't, we won't let you. Even if we have to hold you down and dress you ourselves." Colin teased. "Now, how brave are you Ginny Weasley?"

"Well, I do come from a long line of Gryffindor blood. Why?"

"While Dennis sees to your clothes, we are going on an adventure."

"What kind of an adventure?"

"Summon up that courage, girly, because we are going into Muggle London!"