A/N: I would, first off, like to say that this has no connection whatsoever to the Order of the Phoenix, and will not have any ties from that accursed book. So, if you're wondering about spoilers, don't bother. Second of all, I would like to mention disclaimers. Harry Potter is © to J.K. Rowling and whoever owns it, and all of the songs featured in Gutterflower are © to the Goo Goo Dolls. Oh, joy!
Gutterflower
"Big Machine"
"Class Valedictorian and Head Girl, Ms. Virginia Weasley!"
An uproar of applause rose along with the bright redheaded girl, clad in her black school robes, brandishing the Hogwarts crest and a rather large emblem of the Gryffindor Lion on her back. Virginia approached to the risen stage, looking before her at her professors, and out into the crowd to her family and her friends.
Many faces shone before her, most beaming, and some grimacing. Leave it to the Slytherins to be party poopers, she told herself. A sleek wooden podium stood before her as well; she stepped behind it, separating her from the crowd.
"I'm as surprised as my family about being both Valedictorian and Head Girl," Ginny joked, looking out at her family's smiling faces, and that of her friends, "but that does not mean that I don't appreciate it, nonetheless. These have been the happiest years of my life - and some of the longest. I've discovered so many things… how to control my powers, and how to become myself. I would never have done this much, if it weren't for the lovely staff of Hogwarts.
"I do not pick favourites… but I do have teachers that have helped me more-so than others. One of those teachers would have to be the prestigious Remus Lupin, my Second Year Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. He taught me so much during that single year, and I had found more than I have ever looked for, just by entering the classroom. He showed me that there was more to Defending against the Dark Arts, and even more about life.
"I may not have known Professor Lupin for that long… but he proved to be an influence in my life that has lasted for over five years.
"My life has taken so many twists and turns, and has led me dark tunnels, and even left me for dead… but I have always had help. I would never have made it through the beginning years at Hogwarts if it weren't for my older brothers, my good friend Hermione Granger, and the infamous Harry Potter. They showed me the secrets of life, and how to enjoy myself… They were nothing less than splendid. My enemies showed me what I did not want to be, and my friends gave me a taste of what I would like to be. I wouldn't be here, if it hadn't been for both sides of the fence.
"I suppose, what I'm trying to say is, that you can't do everything yourself. You need someone, at least once in your life, to show you that there is more to life than what you know. I thought I knew everything… I thought there was nothing else to learn, but I had help, and for that, I am extremely grateful." Ginny placed her hands on her chest, lacing her fingers together. Her eyes swept through the crowd; her iris glowing magically blue. "Hogwarts can do so much for a student, and so much more for a person. Hogwarts changed my life, and has shown me more than I could have asked for… That is why it's only right of me to say, Thank You."
Virginia Katheryn Weasley smiled politely. She stepped down from the podium, once again accepting the warm applause from the audience. This was her day to shine; her day to show her family that she was as good as her brothers; if not better, perhaps.
*****
"You were so beautiful on that stage, Ginny," Molly Weasley exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her daughter and pulling her into a warm embrace. "Have I told you how proud of you I am?"
Ginny smiled, throwing her arms around her Mum's back, repaying the large hug. "Yes. I stopped counting after twenty."
"Twenty?" Ron chimed in. "Mum… you only told me that you were proud of me nineteen times." He gave a fake frown, staring at his Mother with the eyes that his sister's resembled. "You're showing favouritism."
"Oh Ron!" Molly pulled her son into their embrace. "You were Quidditch Co-Captain Ron. Of course I was proud of you. I still am." Ron and Ginny pulled out from the hug, smiles tugging at the corners of their lips. "Where have Harry and Hermione gotten to?"
"We're right here, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said, walking into view from behind Molly. "Wonderful speech, Ginny. I knew you had it in you."
"I've had wonderful coaches," Ginny replied, smiling wider than earlier. "After all, you were in the same position last year, were you not?"
"I was," Hermione began sheepishly, "and it took me two whole months to write out my speech. Perfect took a whole lot of time."
Harry put his arm around Hermione's shoulder. "Now it's your turn to find a place in the world, Gin."
Ginny nodded. "And I have you three, and the rest of my family and friends to help me find that place."
*****
The Hogwarts Express pulled away from Hogsmeade Station, chugging its path down the steel bars placed along the planes that would lead the students aboard back to Platform Nine and Three Quarters, where they would return, once again, to their homes. Ginny watched the scenery pass by through the windows, smiling, with silent tears leaking from the corners of her eyes.
Colin Creevey slid open her compartment door and slipped inside, regarding Ginny with a simple "Hey… How are you?"
Ginny shifted on the compartment bench so that she could see Colin's face. His mousy hair had thickened, his voice had deepened, and his hyper level dropped dramatically; he was practically tolerable, now. "Hello, Colin… I'm fine, thanks."
"Then why are you crying?"
He might have been more than non-tolerate, but he was still blunt as ever.
"Crying? No, I'm not crying… I'm just torn between sad and happy. Leaving Hogwarts and all." She waved her hand at the compartment window to emphasize her meaning. "I'm sad that I'll never be a student there again… happy because now I'm an adult."
Colin chuckled. "I guess I know what you mean. Dennis has another year ahead of him… lucky prat. I would never have thought that I'd end up saying that."
"Yeah." Her gaze turned once more to the window.
"What do you think you're going to do, after this?"
"I don't know," she said. "I really don't know."
*****
"Father?"
"Yes, Draco?" Lucius' cold voice retorted. His eyes were still focused on the Daily Prophet before him.
"Buisness Trip. I have to stay in Diagon Alley for a while."
"So be it," the cold voice answered again. Lucius Malfoy was still infuriated at his son, who did not wish to bear the Dark Mark. It was at the Initiation Ceremony that Draco stood up for himself, and refused the mark to be burnt into his pale forearm… and it was at the Initiation Ceremony that Lucius Malfoy decided to stop his following of the Dark Lord. He was his own man, and shouldn't've needed to follow another man for power. He had his own power. And, not to mention, the Malfoy name and wealth.
Draco nodded. He commanded their new house elf, Evvy, to take his luggage to the front door. He would Apparate to the Leaky Cauldron and from there, rent a room. His business, working for the Department of Magical Investigations, led him to all different places; next year, he was going into Auror training.
Auror training… Draco Malfoy? It seemed absurd to himself when he said it to himself - especially when he figured himself looking like Mad-Eye Moody, complete with the magical eye and the wooden leg. He grimaced inwardly - Draco "Mad-Eye" Malfoy. If only the livid Harry Potter could see what he could see.
He found himself laughing when he entered his bedchambers. The clanking of his boots against the concrete floor filled the room, along with his laughter. Although the room was dull, gray, and empty, it was home. His home. He had no choice but to stay at the Malfoy family manor. Not until he went into Auror training, that is.
Evvy had packed his belongings for him. Just to make sure that everything was exact, Draco opened up his luggage and looked through it. Yes, everything was correct; his favourite silken button-up was at the bottom of his suitcase, as well as his lucky black trousers. Draco laughed again; he had lucky trousers.
"Evvy. Take this to the parlor," he commanded, and turned on his heel. He walked from his room, and into the kitchens that protruded warmth and a thick scent of custard. His Mother was cooking something fancy; the Malfoys would probably have guests tonight, now that their son was away for the night. He gave a curt nod to his mother, grabbed a piece of bread, and left the kitchens.
The Parlor was like his room; cold, and empty. He picked up his luggage and Apparated to the Leaky Cauldron.
"Give me a room, Tom."
*****
"I need to stay at the Leaky Cauldron tonight? Why?" Ginny looked at her parents, head cocked to the side in wonder. "But I just got back! Why can't I stay home?"
"Listen to your father, Ginny… he knows what he's talking about," Molly said, simply.
"I'm sorry, Ginny… but your Mother and I are going to be out of town tonight, and your brothers are all away… and you know, what with everything being as it is… I would feel much better if you were in a safe haven for the night. The Leaky Cauldron isn't a bad place to stay."
"I'm old enough to stay at home, alone, Dad."
"I know that, Popkin, but I don't want you to. Not tonight, anyway. This will be just for one night, I promise."
"All right, Dad… but only one night. I was hoping to stay the night in my room, but the Leaky Cauldron will be fine, if you don't trust me to stay at home."
"It's not that we don't trust you, Ginny dear," Mrs. Weasley confided.
"I know. Let me get a few things around, first, and I'll travel there by Floo."
Mrs. Weasley kissed her daughter on the cheek. "We'll be gone before you come back downstairs, Ginny, dear. Your father has an important meeting to attend to… and I have to supply the boys at the Ministry with their dinner. It's lockdown tonight."
Ginny gave her parents a hug each, and made her way upstairs. She wasn't in school anymore; she could wear whatever she felt like, now. The door to her room was decorated in pictures of various people; one was of herself and Hermione from last summer. Ginny chuckled, opening the door to her room.
She pulled the drawers to her dresser open, pulling out random clothing particles. She would go out tonight, and try to have a bit of fun; there was no way that she would spend her entire night in Diagon Alley, as a grown up, in a room at the Leaky Cauldron. A purple tank caught her attention. She threw it into a bag at her feet, and continued to dig through the drawers.
Bag full of clothes and other random things, Ginny made her way back down the stairs, heaving the bag behind her. She lit the fireplace with her wand; purple flames filled the dark corner of the house. A jar of Floo powder stood on the mantel-piece. She grabbed it, took a pinch of the green powder, and threw it into the fire.
The purple flames burned bright green. Virginia stepped into the fire, closed her eyes, and said "Diagon Alley!"
A whirl of bright green traveled with her as she whooshed from the Burrow's fire-place, and above the little village of Ottery St. Catchpole. Chimneys of all different shapes and colours, made of different matters whizzed only inches away from her head and elbows; she had traveled enough by Floo Powder to know to tuck in her elbows, and to not panic.
Almost as soon as she had left, Ginny found herself inside of the Leaky Cauldron's fireplace, which crackled merrily beneath her. She stepped from the fireplace and walked up to the counter.
"Could I have a room for the night, Tom?"
"Sure thing, Ms. Weasley," said Tom, pulling a key off of the sideboard. He grabbed Ginny's bag from her hand, and muttered a 'follow me,' walking up the wooden staircase to her left.
Tom unlocked the door to room number Six. "You have a neighbor in room Seven… young lad."
"Oh?" Ginny questioned, looking at Tom. "Who would that be?"
"Mr. Draco Malfoy. I'll bring you up a kettle of tea, in honor of your graduation." He grinned a toothless grin and bowed himself out of the room.
Ginny winced. Draco Malfoy… She remembered him so vividly, like it was only yesterday. Tall - about 6 foot 3, platinum blonde hair and cold, steely gray eyes. Ginny smiled softly. Draco Malfoy, eh?
*****
Draco looked around the room. It was nicely furnished, to say in the least - a large oak chest, an oak head-boarded bed, a large vanity stand… and two extra doors; one leading to a bathroom, one leading to a closet. He picked up his baggage and walked to the closet. His clothing wrinkled easily, so he would need to hang most of it up.
A flick of his wrist send his clothing filing itself into the closet, arranging themselves by Draco's choice of favouritism. He shut the closet door and looked back at the bed. Rest. He hadn't had a decent night's rest in almost a year - ever since that damned Initiation Ceremony. He gave a slight shrug, and looked down at himself instead of at the bed.
He was wearing a silver shirt, made out of a fine oriental silk. His pants were tight, black, and DragonHide. Draco cocked an eyebrow… he was wearing the perfect 'clubbing' clothing. Maybe he would do something tonight…. What exactly, he wasn't sure on, but seeing what he was wearing put him in the mood for something. Clubbing.
There were many clubs in Diagon Alley; most of them on the far side, near Knockturn Alley, but that didn't matter much. Wizarding Clubs included intensely loud music, women, men, ass kicking drugs, and mind soothing alcohol. In other words, they were a lot like Muggle clubs… only better.
Picking up his jacket, he turned back to the room. Using his wand, he cracked the window open, only enough to let the cool night air inside. He turned to the door and walked out of it, locking it with the key that Tom used to open it, only a half-an-hour earlier.
Draco chose a club that was near enough to the entrance of Diagon Alley and went inside. People filled the main room, giggling, laughing… all of the sort. A few Wizards, who appeared only years older than Draco, were ordering a round of drinks at the bar for a group of ladies.
He scanned the lady-group - a blonde, two brunettes, a black-haired girl whose hair spiked upward and around her, and an auburn haired lady. Nothing too interesting - though the auburn caught his eye… only because it was the only trace of colour within the place; everyone seemed to be dressed in black, white, gray… something dark, or a simple 'shade.'
The bar had stools lining around it; Draco picked one, and sat upon it, ordered a beer, and waited. He really didn't like the taste of beer, but it didn't matter much; he couldn't afford to get piss drunk tonight, so light alcohol would have to do. The tender set the beer down before him. "Five Knuts."
Draco fished out the copper and handed it to the man. He picked up the beer and lifted it to his lips, tipping back his head to let the liquid slide down the throat without interference. The auburn chatted with the group she was still in, taking drink after drink that the older Wizards offered. How old was that girl?
"Well, I still live with my parents," he heard her say, over the tumulus noise of the crowd. "But I told them that I was going to stay somewhere else tonight, whether they liked it or not!" She slapped her hand against the counter, chuckling.
One of the older Wizards nodded, grinning. He sipped on his drink - Vodka, Draco guessed. It was like older men to drink Vodka straight - it really loosened you up, and gave you a good buzz at the same time. The auburn swayed and quickly corrected herself… Draco laughed inwardly as he watched her from his perch.
The auburn stood up, grabbing the older Wizard's hand, and led him to the dance floor. That was the first time Draco got a good look at the girl's face… Weasley? Ginny Weasley? He hadn't talked to a Weasley in so long… but then again, he had his reasons. Her brother worked for the Department of Magical Cooperation… he, himself, had a few run-ins with him. Percy, was it?
Didn't they have little money? he asked himself. He watched Ginny move through the crowd with the older man, chuckling and dancing wildly, flinging her hair over her face and moving her little body around with the sway of the music. Why does she look like a million galleons, now?
Ginny did look more than what met the eye - her clothing was clean, crisp, and looked extraordinarily new - which was a big 'I doubt' on Draco's mind. But then again, she didn't have her brothers living with her - she would get the fruit of her parents efforts that way. Her shirt was tight and fitting, contouring with every curve of her body. Her ample bosom spilled from the top of her shirt only slightly. Her skirt was black, short, and mysterious, showing off her cleanly-shaven legs in all of their glory. Draco chuckled, taking another swig of his beer.
He pulled himself from the stool, making his way through the dance floor. He could feel sets of eyes watching him from behind, but he couldn't give less of a damn. Ginny was grinding against the older Wizard.
Draco frowned slightly. "May I cut in?" he asked, looking at the older man. The man arched an eyebrow, growled, and looked down at Ginny.
"Yes, you may," Ginny answered, without looking to see whom it was. She knew, already… but Draco didn't know that.
Ginny placed her body very close to Draco's… a new song had just started, fast and exuberant. She began to sway against his torso, putting her arms around his neck. Draco mimicked her movements, thrusting his torso closer to her so that they were grinding against each other in full force.
While Draco grunted, Ginny chuckled wildly. She was beginning to have a lovely night… and this would only be the beginning.
*****
Ecstasy is all you need
Living in the big machine
Oh you're so vain
Now your world is way too fast
Nothing's real, and nothing lasts
And I'm aware
I'm in love and you don't care
Turn your anger into lust
I'm still here but you don't trust at all
And I'll be waiting
Love and sex and loneliness
Take what's yours and leave the rest
So I'll survive
God, it's good to be alive
I'm torn in pieces
I'm blind and waiting for you
My heart is reeling
I'm blind and waiting for you
Still in love with all your sins
Where you stop and I'll begin
And I'll be waiting
Living like a house on fire
What you fear is your desire
It's hard to deal
I still love the way you feel
Now this angry little girl
Drowning in this petty world
Oh who you run to?
Swallow all your bitter pills
That's what makes you beautiful
You're all or not
I don't need what you ain't got
I'm torn in pieces
I'm blind and waiting for you
My heart is reeling
I'm blind and waiting for you
I'm blind and waiting for you
I'm blind and waiting for you
"Big Machine"
"Class Valedictorian and Head Girl, Ms. Virginia Weasley!"
An uproar of applause rose along with the bright redheaded girl, clad in her black school robes, brandishing the Hogwarts crest and a rather large emblem of the Gryffindor Lion on her back. Virginia approached to the risen stage, looking before her at her professors, and out into the crowd to her family and her friends.
Many faces shone before her, most beaming, and some grimacing. Leave it to the Slytherins to be party poopers, she told herself. A sleek wooden podium stood before her as well; she stepped behind it, separating her from the crowd.
"I'm as surprised as my family about being both Valedictorian and Head Girl," Ginny joked, looking out at her family's smiling faces, and that of her friends, "but that does not mean that I don't appreciate it, nonetheless. These have been the happiest years of my life - and some of the longest. I've discovered so many things… how to control my powers, and how to become myself. I would never have done this much, if it weren't for the lovely staff of Hogwarts.
"I do not pick favourites… but I do have teachers that have helped me more-so than others. One of those teachers would have to be the prestigious Remus Lupin, my Second Year Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor. He taught me so much during that single year, and I had found more than I have ever looked for, just by entering the classroom. He showed me that there was more to Defending against the Dark Arts, and even more about life.
"I may not have known Professor Lupin for that long… but he proved to be an influence in my life that has lasted for over five years.
"My life has taken so many twists and turns, and has led me dark tunnels, and even left me for dead… but I have always had help. I would never have made it through the beginning years at Hogwarts if it weren't for my older brothers, my good friend Hermione Granger, and the infamous Harry Potter. They showed me the secrets of life, and how to enjoy myself… They were nothing less than splendid. My enemies showed me what I did not want to be, and my friends gave me a taste of what I would like to be. I wouldn't be here, if it hadn't been for both sides of the fence.
"I suppose, what I'm trying to say is, that you can't do everything yourself. You need someone, at least once in your life, to show you that there is more to life than what you know. I thought I knew everything… I thought there was nothing else to learn, but I had help, and for that, I am extremely grateful." Ginny placed her hands on her chest, lacing her fingers together. Her eyes swept through the crowd; her iris glowing magically blue. "Hogwarts can do so much for a student, and so much more for a person. Hogwarts changed my life, and has shown me more than I could have asked for… That is why it's only right of me to say, Thank You."
Virginia Katheryn Weasley smiled politely. She stepped down from the podium, once again accepting the warm applause from the audience. This was her day to shine; her day to show her family that she was as good as her brothers; if not better, perhaps.
"You were so beautiful on that stage, Ginny," Molly Weasley exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her daughter and pulling her into a warm embrace. "Have I told you how proud of you I am?"
Ginny smiled, throwing her arms around her Mum's back, repaying the large hug. "Yes. I stopped counting after twenty."
"Twenty?" Ron chimed in. "Mum… you only told me that you were proud of me nineteen times." He gave a fake frown, staring at his Mother with the eyes that his sister's resembled. "You're showing favouritism."
"Oh Ron!" Molly pulled her son into their embrace. "You were Quidditch Co-Captain Ron. Of course I was proud of you. I still am." Ron and Ginny pulled out from the hug, smiles tugging at the corners of their lips. "Where have Harry and Hermione gotten to?"
"We're right here, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione said, walking into view from behind Molly. "Wonderful speech, Ginny. I knew you had it in you."
"I've had wonderful coaches," Ginny replied, smiling wider than earlier. "After all, you were in the same position last year, were you not?"
"I was," Hermione began sheepishly, "and it took me two whole months to write out my speech. Perfect took a whole lot of time."
Harry put his arm around Hermione's shoulder. "Now it's your turn to find a place in the world, Gin."
Ginny nodded. "And I have you three, and the rest of my family and friends to help me find that place."
The Hogwarts Express pulled away from Hogsmeade Station, chugging its path down the steel bars placed along the planes that would lead the students aboard back to Platform Nine and Three Quarters, where they would return, once again, to their homes. Ginny watched the scenery pass by through the windows, smiling, with silent tears leaking from the corners of her eyes.
Colin Creevey slid open her compartment door and slipped inside, regarding Ginny with a simple "Hey… How are you?"
Ginny shifted on the compartment bench so that she could see Colin's face. His mousy hair had thickened, his voice had deepened, and his hyper level dropped dramatically; he was practically tolerable, now. "Hello, Colin… I'm fine, thanks."
"Then why are you crying?"
He might have been more than non-tolerate, but he was still blunt as ever.
"Crying? No, I'm not crying… I'm just torn between sad and happy. Leaving Hogwarts and all." She waved her hand at the compartment window to emphasize her meaning. "I'm sad that I'll never be a student there again… happy because now I'm an adult."
Colin chuckled. "I guess I know what you mean. Dennis has another year ahead of him… lucky prat. I would never have thought that I'd end up saying that."
"Yeah." Her gaze turned once more to the window.
"What do you think you're going to do, after this?"
"I don't know," she said. "I really don't know."
"Father?"
"Yes, Draco?" Lucius' cold voice retorted. His eyes were still focused on the Daily Prophet before him.
"Buisness Trip. I have to stay in Diagon Alley for a while."
"So be it," the cold voice answered again. Lucius Malfoy was still infuriated at his son, who did not wish to bear the Dark Mark. It was at the Initiation Ceremony that Draco stood up for himself, and refused the mark to be burnt into his pale forearm… and it was at the Initiation Ceremony that Lucius Malfoy decided to stop his following of the Dark Lord. He was his own man, and shouldn't've needed to follow another man for power. He had his own power. And, not to mention, the Malfoy name and wealth.
Draco nodded. He commanded their new house elf, Evvy, to take his luggage to the front door. He would Apparate to the Leaky Cauldron and from there, rent a room. His business, working for the Department of Magical Investigations, led him to all different places; next year, he was going into Auror training.
Auror training… Draco Malfoy? It seemed absurd to himself when he said it to himself - especially when he figured himself looking like Mad-Eye Moody, complete with the magical eye and the wooden leg. He grimaced inwardly - Draco "Mad-Eye" Malfoy. If only the livid Harry Potter could see what he could see.
He found himself laughing when he entered his bedchambers. The clanking of his boots against the concrete floor filled the room, along with his laughter. Although the room was dull, gray, and empty, it was home. His home. He had no choice but to stay at the Malfoy family manor. Not until he went into Auror training, that is.
Evvy had packed his belongings for him. Just to make sure that everything was exact, Draco opened up his luggage and looked through it. Yes, everything was correct; his favourite silken button-up was at the bottom of his suitcase, as well as his lucky black trousers. Draco laughed again; he had lucky trousers.
"Evvy. Take this to the parlor," he commanded, and turned on his heel. He walked from his room, and into the kitchens that protruded warmth and a thick scent of custard. His Mother was cooking something fancy; the Malfoys would probably have guests tonight, now that their son was away for the night. He gave a curt nod to his mother, grabbed a piece of bread, and left the kitchens.
The Parlor was like his room; cold, and empty. He picked up his luggage and Apparated to the Leaky Cauldron.
"Give me a room, Tom."
"I need to stay at the Leaky Cauldron tonight? Why?" Ginny looked at her parents, head cocked to the side in wonder. "But I just got back! Why can't I stay home?"
"Listen to your father, Ginny… he knows what he's talking about," Molly said, simply.
"I'm sorry, Ginny… but your Mother and I are going to be out of town tonight, and your brothers are all away… and you know, what with everything being as it is… I would feel much better if you were in a safe haven for the night. The Leaky Cauldron isn't a bad place to stay."
"I'm old enough to stay at home, alone, Dad."
"I know that, Popkin, but I don't want you to. Not tonight, anyway. This will be just for one night, I promise."
"All right, Dad… but only one night. I was hoping to stay the night in my room, but the Leaky Cauldron will be fine, if you don't trust me to stay at home."
"It's not that we don't trust you, Ginny dear," Mrs. Weasley confided.
"I know. Let me get a few things around, first, and I'll travel there by Floo."
Mrs. Weasley kissed her daughter on the cheek. "We'll be gone before you come back downstairs, Ginny, dear. Your father has an important meeting to attend to… and I have to supply the boys at the Ministry with their dinner. It's lockdown tonight."
Ginny gave her parents a hug each, and made her way upstairs. She wasn't in school anymore; she could wear whatever she felt like, now. The door to her room was decorated in pictures of various people; one was of herself and Hermione from last summer. Ginny chuckled, opening the door to her room.
She pulled the drawers to her dresser open, pulling out random clothing particles. She would go out tonight, and try to have a bit of fun; there was no way that she would spend her entire night in Diagon Alley, as a grown up, in a room at the Leaky Cauldron. A purple tank caught her attention. She threw it into a bag at her feet, and continued to dig through the drawers.
Bag full of clothes and other random things, Ginny made her way back down the stairs, heaving the bag behind her. She lit the fireplace with her wand; purple flames filled the dark corner of the house. A jar of Floo powder stood on the mantel-piece. She grabbed it, took a pinch of the green powder, and threw it into the fire.
The purple flames burned bright green. Virginia stepped into the fire, closed her eyes, and said "Diagon Alley!"
A whirl of bright green traveled with her as she whooshed from the Burrow's fire-place, and above the little village of Ottery St. Catchpole. Chimneys of all different shapes and colours, made of different matters whizzed only inches away from her head and elbows; she had traveled enough by Floo Powder to know to tuck in her elbows, and to not panic.
Almost as soon as she had left, Ginny found herself inside of the Leaky Cauldron's fireplace, which crackled merrily beneath her. She stepped from the fireplace and walked up to the counter.
"Could I have a room for the night, Tom?"
"Sure thing, Ms. Weasley," said Tom, pulling a key off of the sideboard. He grabbed Ginny's bag from her hand, and muttered a 'follow me,' walking up the wooden staircase to her left.
Tom unlocked the door to room number Six. "You have a neighbor in room Seven… young lad."
"Oh?" Ginny questioned, looking at Tom. "Who would that be?"
"Mr. Draco Malfoy. I'll bring you up a kettle of tea, in honor of your graduation." He grinned a toothless grin and bowed himself out of the room.
Ginny winced. Draco Malfoy… She remembered him so vividly, like it was only yesterday. Tall - about 6 foot 3, platinum blonde hair and cold, steely gray eyes. Ginny smiled softly. Draco Malfoy, eh?
Draco looked around the room. It was nicely furnished, to say in the least - a large oak chest, an oak head-boarded bed, a large vanity stand… and two extra doors; one leading to a bathroom, one leading to a closet. He picked up his baggage and walked to the closet. His clothing wrinkled easily, so he would need to hang most of it up.
A flick of his wrist send his clothing filing itself into the closet, arranging themselves by Draco's choice of favouritism. He shut the closet door and looked back at the bed. Rest. He hadn't had a decent night's rest in almost a year - ever since that damned Initiation Ceremony. He gave a slight shrug, and looked down at himself instead of at the bed.
He was wearing a silver shirt, made out of a fine oriental silk. His pants were tight, black, and DragonHide. Draco cocked an eyebrow… he was wearing the perfect 'clubbing' clothing. Maybe he would do something tonight…. What exactly, he wasn't sure on, but seeing what he was wearing put him in the mood for something. Clubbing.
There were many clubs in Diagon Alley; most of them on the far side, near Knockturn Alley, but that didn't matter much. Wizarding Clubs included intensely loud music, women, men, ass kicking drugs, and mind soothing alcohol. In other words, they were a lot like Muggle clubs… only better.
Picking up his jacket, he turned back to the room. Using his wand, he cracked the window open, only enough to let the cool night air inside. He turned to the door and walked out of it, locking it with the key that Tom used to open it, only a half-an-hour earlier.
Draco chose a club that was near enough to the entrance of Diagon Alley and went inside. People filled the main room, giggling, laughing… all of the sort. A few Wizards, who appeared only years older than Draco, were ordering a round of drinks at the bar for a group of ladies.
He scanned the lady-group - a blonde, two brunettes, a black-haired girl whose hair spiked upward and around her, and an auburn haired lady. Nothing too interesting - though the auburn caught his eye… only because it was the only trace of colour within the place; everyone seemed to be dressed in black, white, gray… something dark, or a simple 'shade.'
The bar had stools lining around it; Draco picked one, and sat upon it, ordered a beer, and waited. He really didn't like the taste of beer, but it didn't matter much; he couldn't afford to get piss drunk tonight, so light alcohol would have to do. The tender set the beer down before him. "Five Knuts."
Draco fished out the copper and handed it to the man. He picked up the beer and lifted it to his lips, tipping back his head to let the liquid slide down the throat without interference. The auburn chatted with the group she was still in, taking drink after drink that the older Wizards offered. How old was that girl?
"Well, I still live with my parents," he heard her say, over the tumulus noise of the crowd. "But I told them that I was going to stay somewhere else tonight, whether they liked it or not!" She slapped her hand against the counter, chuckling.
One of the older Wizards nodded, grinning. He sipped on his drink - Vodka, Draco guessed. It was like older men to drink Vodka straight - it really loosened you up, and gave you a good buzz at the same time. The auburn swayed and quickly corrected herself… Draco laughed inwardly as he watched her from his perch.
The auburn stood up, grabbing the older Wizard's hand, and led him to the dance floor. That was the first time Draco got a good look at the girl's face… Weasley? Ginny Weasley? He hadn't talked to a Weasley in so long… but then again, he had his reasons. Her brother worked for the Department of Magical Cooperation… he, himself, had a few run-ins with him. Percy, was it?
Didn't they have little money? he asked himself. He watched Ginny move through the crowd with the older man, chuckling and dancing wildly, flinging her hair over her face and moving her little body around with the sway of the music. Why does she look like a million galleons, now?
Ginny did look more than what met the eye - her clothing was clean, crisp, and looked extraordinarily new - which was a big 'I doubt' on Draco's mind. But then again, she didn't have her brothers living with her - she would get the fruit of her parents efforts that way. Her shirt was tight and fitting, contouring with every curve of her body. Her ample bosom spilled from the top of her shirt only slightly. Her skirt was black, short, and mysterious, showing off her cleanly-shaven legs in all of their glory. Draco chuckled, taking another swig of his beer.
He pulled himself from the stool, making his way through the dance floor. He could feel sets of eyes watching him from behind, but he couldn't give less of a damn. Ginny was grinding against the older Wizard.
Draco frowned slightly. "May I cut in?" he asked, looking at the older man. The man arched an eyebrow, growled, and looked down at Ginny.
"Yes, you may," Ginny answered, without looking to see whom it was. She knew, already… but Draco didn't know that.
Ginny placed her body very close to Draco's… a new song had just started, fast and exuberant. She began to sway against his torso, putting her arms around his neck. Draco mimicked her movements, thrusting his torso closer to her so that they were grinding against each other in full force.
While Draco grunted, Ginny chuckled wildly. She was beginning to have a lovely night… and this would only be the beginning.
Ecstasy is all you need
Living in the big machine
Oh you're so vain
Now your world is way too fast
Nothing's real, and nothing lasts
And I'm aware
I'm in love and you don't care
Turn your anger into lust
I'm still here but you don't trust at all
And I'll be waiting
Love and sex and loneliness
Take what's yours and leave the rest
So I'll survive
God, it's good to be alive
I'm torn in pieces
I'm blind and waiting for you
My heart is reeling
I'm blind and waiting for you
Still in love with all your sins
Where you stop and I'll begin
And I'll be waiting
Living like a house on fire
What you fear is your desire
It's hard to deal
I still love the way you feel
Now this angry little girl
Drowning in this petty world
Oh who you run to?
Swallow all your bitter pills
That's what makes you beautiful
You're all or not
I don't need what you ain't got
I'm torn in pieces
I'm blind and waiting for you
My heart is reeling
I'm blind and waiting for you
I'm blind and waiting for you
I'm blind and waiting for you