DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters in the Potterverse. They all belong to J.K. Rowling. Besides, why would this story be at FANFiction. Net? Notice the word FAN. I think I've made it pretty clear who owns them.
SUMMARY: Hogwarts gets turned upside down with the arrival of quirky new students. One of the quirky students has an insane idea – play matchmaker for Draco and Ginny! Wackiness ensues as good ole Voldy is thrown into the mix and Hogwarts is turned upside down.
PAIRINGS: D/G R/Hr H/OC
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is set in Draco's seventh year and Ginny's sixth. This is my first HP fic, so be nice. Please read and review!
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I
want to heal
I want to feel
What I thought was never real
I want to let go of the pain I've held so long
I want to heal
I want to feel
Like I'm close to something real
I want to find something I've wanted all along
Somewhere I Belong
8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8~
Ginny felt herself retreating further inside as she beheld the scene in front of her. It was something she saw daily; something she was used to. But it never failed to make her feel worse every time. She fought to keep her tears at bay as she tortured herself with the image.
Harry and Ron were discussing Quidditch and Hermione had her nose buried in a book. No one saw her; she was invisible to them. No one cared.
She had felt this way since her first year and it worsened with every passing year. She was Ginny Weasley – Ron's kid sister, Harry's lovesick puppy and the Girl Who Opened The Chamber Of Secrets. She was tired of being treated like a child; like a fragile porcelain doll. She would be sixteen soon dammit!
She couldn't stand the sight any longer and left their compartment as a wave of nausea washed over her. She felt like crying her eyes out and needed to do it in private. She didn't feel the need for Ron's pity and his friends 'sympathetic' looks.
She found an empty cabin and went inside. She rummaged in her purse and brandished a flask filled with amber liquid. She opened the flask and drank from it; allowing the liquid to caress the walls of her throat. Her eyes watered as the liquid burned her throat.
She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and sobbed. Soon the sobs turned into full blown weeping as she finished the rest of the flask's contents.
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"Are you okay?" came the distant voice.
Ginny slowly opened her eyes and blinked rapidly in an effort to clear her blurry vision. Ginny moaned as her stomach churned. She felt the strongest urge to empty the contents of her stomach immediately.
"She doesn't look so hot,"
"I think I know why,"
"Nothing like getting piss drunk to kick off the school year,"
"Agreed. I have a hangover potion here somewhere,"
"My twin the Girl Scout,"
"You know me - always prepared. Drink this, doll,"
Ginny was vaguely aware of the bottle touching her lips as she instinctively drank its contents. She rejoiced as the potion took effect immediately. Four heads became two as she looked up to see a boy and a girl hovering above her. They were exotic replicas of each other with their brown eyes, pointy ears, olive skin and long black hair in ponytails.
"Are you feeling better sweetie?" asked the girl with a concerned look.
"Much. Thank you," Ginny replied with a sigh.
"You're welcome very much," said the girl with a grin.
"So what's your name chèrie?" asked the boy.
"Virginia Weasley. But everyone calls me Ginny," she answered.
"Ah, Ginny … such a beautiful name for such a breathtaking angel. I am honoured to make your acquaintance. I'm Andrew Huntington," he replied, kissing Ginny's hand.
Ginny grinned in spite of herself. The girl rolled her eyes as he released her hand.
"I'm Andrea. Don't pay any attention to my brother. He thinks he's Prince Charming," said the girl.
"You wound me! I am Prince Charming," Andrew replied.
"More like the Frog Prince. Drew, you're as charming as a rabid dog," Andrea quipped.
"Where are you from?" asked Ginny.
"America. We transferred from Thisselwaite Academy in New Jersey to Hogwarts," Andrea answered.
"What's it like at Hogwarts?" asked Andrew.
"Hogwarts is … interesting. There's never a dull moment," Ginny responded.
"Sounds like my kinda school," said Andrew with a grin.
Andrea looked at her twin and look of understanding passed between them. Andrew nodded and got up.
"Right then. I'm going to wreak havoc while I still can. See ya Ginny, Andy," said Andrew.
"Later Drew. Don't do anything I would do," Andrea replied.
"Whoring is not my style. I'm not that kind of guy!" said Andrew in mock indignation.
"Ha ha. Get lost Drew," Andrea replied
Andrew grinned and left the cabin. Andrea rolled her eyes and sighed.
"Brothers," said Andrea.
"I know. I've got six," Ginny replied.
"You poor child. No one should ever have to endure such suffering," Andrea teased. Ginny grinned.
"Why were you crying, doll?" asked Andrea.
Ginny looked at Andrea, trying to decide whether to confide in her or not. Ginny needed to talk to someone or she would gradually self-destruct and Andrea looked like someone she could trust. The decision was made, as she found herself confiding in Andrea.
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"Ginny, it doesn't matter how they see you. What matters is how you see yourself. It's all about self-confidence, sweetie. If you think you're the best thing to have graced the halls of Hogwarts since Albus Dumbledore, then others will treat you likewise," said Andrea.
"That sounds… conceited," Ginny replied.
"It depends on the degree you take it to. If you act like they're lucky to breath the same air you do, then conceit steps in. You'll be a whole new you with a little confidence; and a makeover wouldn't hurt either, said Andrea.
+++++
"I wonder which house you'll be in," said Ginny.
"Only one way to find out," Andrea replied, as they entered the Great Hall.
"I hope you're in Gryffindor. I've got to join the others," said Ginny heading for the Gryffindor table.
Andrea scanned the crowd, looking for her twin amidst the sea of pointed black Hogwarts hats. She found him among the First Years who were filing into the hall. She joined him and watched as Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on the scared First Years' heads. After the First Years were sorted, it was time for the twins to be sorted.
" This year, we have two special new additions to Hogwarts- Andrew and Andrea Huntington. They will be joining the Seventh Years," said Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall motioned Andrew to sit down. He grinned as the Sorting Hat was placed on his head. "Gryffindor!" the hat bellowed. Cheers erupted as the Gryffindors welcomed the new addition to their fold.
Andrea took a deep breath as she sat on the stool. She looked at the Gryffindor table to see her brother and Ginny smiling at her reassuringly. Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on her head as she awaited her fate.
She frowned as the Sorting Hat deliberated as to whether she belonged in Gryffindor or Slytherin. She soon became impatient, as the hat remained undecided.
"Would you decide already? You've been doing this for years. How hard is it to sort me into a house?" said Andrea in exasperation.
"Slytherin!" the hat bellowed, finally coming to a decision.
Ginny looked crestfallen at Andrea's placement. Andrea shrugged and mouthed " Sorry", as she made her way to the Slytherin table. Andrea decided to sit across from none other than – Draco Malfoy.
"Did I request your presence within my vicinity?" asked Draco, his voice dripping with disdain.
"Believe me. Your face is not one I'd want around me when eating or just around me for that matter. But I just have to suck it up and sit here. Besides, who are you to dictate seating arrangements? The freaking Charlemagne?" Andrea replied coolly.
"No. I'm Draco Malfoy," he said snidely.
"Is this the part where I cower in fear and lick your boots? Who you are doesn't matter. You could be Voldemort for all I care. Just know this, you arrogant, callous, over-compensating, ass-kissing jerk – I am not someone to be messed with. If you mess with me, there will be hell to pay. I'll fuck you up so bad; you'll be begging me to end your pitiful existence. So back off, you sorry excuse for a human being," Andrea replied venomously.
She glowered at Draco as Dumbledore finished his beginning of term speech and the feast began. Dumbledore sat in his chair and observed the newly arrived twins. The coming year was going to be an interesting one at Hogwarts. He could feel it in his bones. He also felt something niggling him in the back of his mind as he observed the girl. There was something about the girl … she reminded him of someone. But who?