"Are you done? How long to I have to sit here listening to you kissing Umbridge's ass?" Gin hissed into my ear. I continued to smile at the fat, despicable pink cow in front of me.

"Do you have something you wish to share Ms. Snape?"

"I was merely reminding Draco that his parents are expecting us at a certain time. And his mother does worry ever so much. I would hate to worry her. I adore her ever so much. And I have relatives awaiting my arrival at Malfoy manor as well. For the ball they have every year you know. It's really spectacular." She was such a clever liar. She was so equipped for social activities, her graces outshined even my mothers.

"Oh I am so sorry I did not mean to keep you both here. Off with you both. And do enjoy your little party. I am sure you shall have fun."

"Thank Merlin we are away from that nasty, overbearing, racist, dreadful cow of a woman. You are such a kiss ass. I cannot fathom how you can listen to her. Or do what she says."

"You handled yourself very well. You expedited the trip, and managed not to be rude. Perfect pureblood woman you are."

"Except that you forget I am not pureblood. Yet you still seem to tolerate me."

"You are the Dark Lord's granddaughter. That over shadows it."

"And the last heir of Slytherin. As of this moment that is." I extended my hand to her as she stepped into the coach. She thanked me as I stepped in.

"I really couldn't care less about your blood."

"You're parents wouldn't agree."

"You are incredibly well bred."

"Except for my father."

"Indeed, but he is a fine man and teacher." I meant it. I admired Snape.

"Much better than Umbridge that's for bloody sure."

"Of course. No contest." She smiled, her chin upon the back of her hand as she looked out the window.

"That's the only thing I like about you. Even though I'm not pureblood, you respect my father and I. And you condescend to speak to me. How kind of you."

"You are better than most pureblood women."

"Well thank you Draco. How flattering."

"I'm not being sarcastic."

"I know. I'm not either." The glow in her eyes was gone. I wished she would open her heart to me. But I knew she would not.

"Merlin Draco are we almost there. I should have taken the train with Audrey. But I missed it so you wouldn't have to go home alone."

"You know where we are. It shouldn't be more than five minutes. You're always so eager to see my mother. You won't be so happy to see my aunt and uncle however."

"They produced Audrey. They can't be all bad."

"No social graces, completely devoted to the Dark Lord. Insane, from Azkaban. They only try for Audrey, as she is their miracle child. Or something like that."

"Well I'm sure I can manage. I have dealt with worse. Like my grandfather who is generally mad all the time, instead of just some of the time."

"I swear my aunt is mad all the time as well. Still better than your grandfather."

"Oh we've stopped."

"I'll get out first for you." I stepped out and helped her step down. Until she tripped. And I caught her. Her lips were inches from mine, her body was pressed against my own. And she was laughing. I looked into her eyes, her beautiful eyes. Beautiful and green, shimmering.

"Ginny, I…"

"Draco darling!" Damn my mother. I lowered her.

"Hello mummy." Gin's mother was standing next to mine. My father was standing behind them.

"Mummy!" Gin squealed and ran from me into the arms of her mother. She looked just like her. She had pale skin, green eyes and curly dark hair. Not much about her looked like her father. Her mother, Katrina Colette Riddle Snape, the writer was known for not only her blood but her novels. She was much loved by my mother but more so by my aunt. They had been best friends since school I had heard. I walked over and could hear them conversing about how she had not written in a few days, and how she worried. Gin was laughing and smiling in a way I had not seen in a long time. Since before the Yuleball. She sent me a smile and my heart lurched.

"Draco dearest you are late."

"Forgive me mother I was speaking with Madame Umbridge and lost track of time."

"We had to listen to that odious woman forever Mrs. Malfoy. I had to urge him to return to you."

"Oh thank you Ginny dearest. I have missed my only child."

"Now if you will excuse me I do believe I have a best friend to reunite with. I love you my dearest daughter but Bella and I haven't seen each other for fifteen years. You shall have to excuse me." Her mother retreated, and we could hear the squealing through the walls, as much as my aunt tried to suppress herself. Gin and I went to my study, where we would always get the game of wizard chess out.

"Can you believe it's only two days away?" We were about half way through the game and I was letting her win as usual.

"You really love this ball thing don't you?"

"I love to dance." She beamed from ear to ear, "What's not to like? I get to be in a beautiful dress, wear makeup, make my hair beautiful and dance with Draco Malfoy, all well random men try to stare down my dress." The last part pissed me off.

"I wouldn't expect it to be as fun as last year."

"Why?"

"Well, let's just pretend that your parents might decide to engage you this year."

"They wouldn't."

"I said pretend."

"Fine."

"And lets say you don't like them."

"And?"

"It would ruin your day. Your whole year probably."

"Obviously."

"I'm just warning you because your grandfather is back and he's obsessed with blood purity. He'll be prowling for your future husband."

"I honestly didn't even think about that. Thanks for warning me Draco. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"That's what I'm here for."

"Checkmate."

"You win again."

"You let me. Every time since we were little."

"It's chivalrous."

"I suppose."

In the middle of the night I heard a scream. I jumped out of bed and ran to the door and into her room. She was sitting up, crying. I crawled into the bed like when we were little and held her, despite being in my boxers. She laid down next to me and held me.

"Tell me about it."

"You died in this one. I tried to save you, but I couldn't. It was all my fault. You were ripped apart."

"I'm here it's going to be alright." She snuggled into my chest.

"If they have to match me up with someone I hate… I hope… it's you Draco…" She drifted back into slumber. I rested my head on hers and fell asleep, knowing I would have to disappear before she awoke. Tomorrow was going to be a living hell. But at least right now, she felt safe with me