Chapter 2

Tuesday November 4th, 1997
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Great Hall
Gryffindor Table
8:05 a.m.

"Oh my God!" Hermione's gasp drew Ginny's attention from where she had been taking the letter from Kat's owl, her first since the last one before Halloween, as well as the package from the owl that belonged to her Secret Admirer.

"What is it?" Harry asked as he turned from his discussion with Ron.

"I know where Malfoy's been... but why he came back this morning..." Hermione looked up from the Daily Prophet.

"He's back?" Ron turned to look across the room, "Oh yeah the prat is, why didn't you say something when we met to come down for breakfast?"

"He got in late last night," she shrugged.

"Does it matter?" Ginny rolled her eyes, "What are you talking about Mione?"

"Narcissa Malfoy died," Hermione answered as she laid the paper down; on the front was a picture of the woman in question.

"What?" demanded Ginny in shock as she pulled the paper towards her, looking down at the image of the woman sneering up at them, before looking up and over towards where Draco was sitting next to Blaise Zabini at the Slytherin Table.

"How'd she die?" Harry asked curiously. "Did it say?"

"Killing Curse," Hermione answered quietly. "Lucius Malfoy had reported that she disappeared three days ago and she was found late last night. The Malfoys aren't being charged with anything, they tested Lucius' wand and found out that it wasn't him that cast the curse or something. Says she's survived by her husband and children..." she continued quietly so others wouldn't hear, though it was obvious by now many others had noticed the article.

"Children?" Ron stared, mouth falling open, "You mean there's more than just Ferret face? How the hell did we never hear about another Malfoy spawn?"

"Ron," Harry shot him a look, "Be nice, I may not like Malfoy all that much but his mother did just die."

"Yeah, and probably thanks to You-Know-Who, who got pissed that one of his Death Eater whores wouldn't put out or something," he muttered. "You think it's a boy or girl? Must be a boy, can't imagine what a girl would look like... must be ages younger since the kid's not around, and wasn't running around when Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred or George were here before we came..."

"Ronald!" Hermione hissed at him.

"Ron!" snarled Ginny.

"What?" he looked over at her surprised.

"Show some respect for once in your life," Ginny growled in response.

"Oh for Merlin's sake, it's Malfoy."

"Ron, shut up," Harry snapped. "He's lost his mum for God's sake. And don't you dare say another word," he growled when Ron opened his mouth.

"Thank you Harry," Ginny said quietly.

He glanced at her and nodded, "Welcome Gin," he smiled slightly before sighing, "I got to go finish that assignment for Snape, come on Ron I know you didn't get yours done either and probably be best if you aren't near Draco more than necessary. I doubt anyone would take points if he hits you for something stupid you said today especially."

"But..."

"Shut up mate," Harry rolled his eyes as he rose, bending down to kiss the top of Hermione's head before turning to leave, Ron following after him with a bewildered look.

"Did you get a letter from Kat?" Hermione asked softly once they were gone, nodding towards the two owls.

"I did, but your news about Mrs. Malfoy kind of distracted me and I haven't read it yet," Ginny said.

"Well, hope it's a happy letter, we all need distraction from that," she nodded towards the cover of the paper before sighing and opening it to see what else was in there.

"Me too," Ginny said looking over towards Draco briefly before turning her attention to her friend's letter.

Dearest Ginger,

I'm sorry I haven't written it's been… well insane would be a good way of putting it. Truth is I'm still in bed now, Daddy's insisting I stay in bed for the next few days after everything. I'll explain that in a few minutes though.

I'm glad that you had a wonderful Halloween Ball, I actually know Draco, and he is a nice guy. Sounds like you had a simply lovely evening and I'm demanding a picture if you know of any that happen to have been taken (I'll send you a picture of me in all my Geisha-glory when I find one…). As for seeing a new side of Draco… truth is sounds like you got to know the real Draco. His family is wealthy, there are expectations, same as you know to be true about me and my family.

And I'll be honest I can't help but think that while perhaps Harry wasn't lying about why he didn't come, he was a bit too focused on that bloody Snitch if he missed it. I don't think he did it on purpose or that he necessary saw and didn't care… just that it proves that people shouldn't be so into the game that they miss something as major as that you know? But then again that could just be me standing here as a non-Quidditch fanatic who's always thought people were too obsessed with the game, I mean sure it's fun, even I've played once in a blue moon, but I don't get the insanity that seems to surround it… Give me riding any day, we get obsessed to be true, but at least no one can get killed except for the rare occasion, even the competitions in the Winged Horse circuit aren't all that dangerous because it's near impossible to fall off, that and if you have a well trained horse, if you somehow manage to fall off they usually abandon the course and come after you… Brooms don't exactly do that…

Gifts, oooh still jealous, and hey it's nice that you're keeping things, you deserve pretties. Did you keep the Claddagh ring? I'm a bit confused there… my Great-Grandmother had one, it's tradition in a way in our family, as you know many of the marriages in my family's history have been arranged, I can't tell you for sure who started it at the top of my head but ages ago on Daddy's side, my whatever it is Great-Grandfather fell in love with his wife and got her one as an anniversary gift. She never said she loved him or anything really when she opened it, actually didn't wear it for some time then one day she showed up at breakfast with it on her hand, pointed towards her heart. Ever since then if the male happens to fall in love with his wife, he gives her the ring and waits with heart in hand until they wear it. My Great-Grandfather gave my Great-Grandmother one on their first anniversary and it took about a year for her to start wearing it. My Grandparents were never a love match, nor honestly were Daddy and Mother so it hasn't been done in some time, but I know my Great-Grandmother has hope for my brother and I… I've been talking more and more to her portrait since learning of my engagement and she keeps telling me not to be afraid to be the one to give the ring, who knows right?

Anyway, I went off topic didn't I? As for your gifts, don't be afraid to keep them, and don't be surprised if you get a gift for Christmas that helps with the where to keep them problem. Speaking of which, I'm not trying to influence your decision about Christmas but I realized something I completely forgot, another reason for you to come, my birthday! Daddy's letting me do whatever I want for my birthday this year, and I wanted to go to Paris for the day and have a shopping spree and was hoping to take you with me (hint hint) and part of my gift being I get to spoil my best friend! That and I completely need your help in planning my wedding now, and Daddy is plotting spoiling me like mad and giving me anything I want (even more than normal). Which brings me to the Halloween Ball and everything…

The Ball was actually going pretty good for a while, then things went kind of all to hell.

My Mother finally revealed her true colours… trust me, you won't believe this. She tried to poison me. Actually, let me rephrase that, she DID poison me. Fortunately I have no tolerance for any sort of poison (how does one gain a tolerance to poison anyway?) and after a small drink of the drink she had poisoned I promptly collapsed in my poor fiancé's arms. I don't remember anything beyond seeing his face before blacking out, and waking up in the wee hours of yesterday morning to find out what happened. He and Daddy quickly figured out what was going on, my brother's boyfriend is a genius at potions and poisons (he's actually been taught by Papa Taliesin thankfully) and Papa Taliesin as well happened to just arrive from a prior commitment at the same time. They were able to figure out the poison and find the antidote; unfortunately (well not so much really), my idiot Mother drank some of the poison as well… But as you can imagine they weren't as concerned with her health as mine so…my Mother has not so sadly passed from this life.

I know, it all sounds so insane. Poor Daddy is in so much shock. Before she died she revealed that the reason she went into labour early with me was because she was trying to lose the baby and he's pretty much not left my side much since then. Who knew, I mean I always knew Mother didn't like me but honestly to not just try to kill me once but twice? She was out of her bloody everlasting mind.

I know I've completely left you in shock most likely and everything but I have to go, I hear my Aunt coming and if I want to get this off… for the most part my family's not leaving me alone for long, I think they're still afraid they're going to blink and I'll be gone. My brother was refusing to leave the room until yesterday when I ordered him to because I was fine and he had things that needed to be done, ended up calling his boyfriend to drag him from here in the end… Although it was fun while I was awake and we were together, was like when we were little again…

Okay, really honestly I'm going to stop before she gets here.

Talk to you soon

Love,

Kat

"Bloody hell," Ginny cursed quietly when she was done reading her friend's letter.

"Gin?" Hermione looked over at her, "What's wrong?" she asked quietly.

"Kat's mother died the other day," replied Ginny.

"Good God!" Hermione stared at her in shock. "I have the sudden urge to write my mum..." she shuddered lightly, "I'm so sorry Gin."

"I'm more concerned about Kat actually. Her mother tried to kill her at her family's Halloween ball."

Hermione promptly dropped her fork and just stared at Ginny, "Tell me I heard you wrong..."

"Unfortunately not. Here read this section here," Ginny said showing Hermione which section of the letter to read.

"Good God, what kind of person tries to kill their child, not once but twice..." Hermione whispered after she read.

"I have no idea," Ginny sighed. "I'm just glad she's okay."

"Me too," Hermione agreed softly.

"Thank god her fiancé was there."

"She's engaged? Oh wait, did you mention that before? I'm afraid my brain has rather stopped working after everything... And is the other one from her too?"

"It's an arranged marriage that her father approved of only recently. Apparently he's been a friend of the family for years," Ginny explained. "Unfortunately, it's not," she sighed as she turned her attention to the other owl, hesitating slightly when she noticed the package it brought was quite a bit bigger than all the others she had received. /-/This can't be good/-/ she thought to herself.

"Do you know who it's from?" she asked concerned.

"If I told you Kat believed it was a secret admirer would you believe me?"

Hermione smiled, "I think it's sweet."

"Hermione if you saw some of the stuff they've sent so far…my family wouldn't have to pinch pennies anymore if my mother got a hold of them," Ginny sighed. "I've sent most of the gifts back actually."

"Why did you send it back? I mean, yes, for all we know it could be not the safest person in the world to encourage but if nothing else has happened..."

"Mione, the jewels he was sending would feed my entire family for an entire year. How could I possibly accept something like that?"

"Because he thinks that you deserve it, and you do," Hermione pointed out.

"And how would I explain it all to Mum when I go home? Promise me you won't say anything about this? If Mum and Dad hear about this they're going to freak and think it's the Chamber of Secrets all over again," pleaded Ginny.

"Breathe Gin," Hermione ordered lightly, "I promise I won't say anything to anyone, except Harry if you're okay with it, though I kind of hope you are, I hate keeping things from him. I'll only say something otherwise if I think you're in danger okay? But promise to let me know if things start to get weird, okay?"

"I promise. Just tell Harry that I don't want this spread around and I really really really don't want Ron to know about this," Ginny said.

"I promise, besides we both know Ron, as much as I love him as one of my oldest and dearest friends, he would tell your mum in a heartbeat and I think she's been a right pain about everything with Harry, you and I..." Hermione rolled her eyes. "If this person," she nodded towards the box, "Really knows what a great girl you are Gin, I'd say don't be afraid to give it a shot. You deserve happiness too, you know."

"I know," Ginny sighed as she turned her attention back to the owl still sitting patiently on the table. Reaching over Ginny relieved it of its package and opened the box before her. "Sweet Merlin help me," she groaned as she closed the box and dropped her head down on top of it.

"What is it?" Hermione asked eagerly.

"Here," Ginny said sliding the box over.

Raising an eyebrow, Hermione pulled the lid up and peeked in before shutting it and looking back at Ginny, "Well... that's one that so requires further inspection, in my rooms I'm thinking..." she smiled.

"Please," Ginny said taking the box back from Hermione before turning her attention to the owl still seated on the table. "Come on you, I haven't decided yet if I'm keeping it or not," she said sticking her arm out indicating to the owl it should hop on.

"I'll take it if you don't..." Hermione offered, "For a few years from now when I get married," she continued quickly.

"My guess is, and I don't mean to offend you or anything, but I'm guessing that somehow this is going to be too small for you," Ginny said as they made their way from the Great Hall.

"True and no offence taken," Hermione smiled. "But hey, things work out with your mystery man I'm insisting you get pointers so you can show me these wonderful places for said wedding some day."

"I would actually have to get married for that," Ginny sighed.

"Gin, how would you having to get married affect you being able to help me hunt for my wedding?" Hermione frowned confused. "And even then, you're so getting married some day, if I have to make Harry make a statement that you broke up with him when you found out he was bi or some such thing to get the whole male population of the world to stop avoiding you for totally stupid reasons."

"Doubt it would help Mione," countered Ginny. "I've accepted that I'll never get married since probably the only person who would ever want me is some blind Death Eater that Tom has taken pity on and hasn't killed yet," she said as they stopped outside the Head Girl and Boy's quarters.

"Ginny don't be stupid," Hermione rolled her eyes. "You're prettier than ninety-five percent of the girls here, and the remaining five is just because I swear some of them use beauty enhancing charms. You're going to find some guy that recognizes the gem he's getting in you and get down and thank the Gods every day for you, and if he doesn't I'll be glad to tell him exactly how lucky he is to have you."

"Have you been talking to Kat recently?" questioned Ginny as she followed Hermione into her shared common room. "Cause you're starting to sound an awful lot like her."

"Gin, how would I be talking to Kat?" Hermione glanced at her, "And maybe we sound the same because it's true?"

"If you say so," Ginny mumbled. "Can we just get this over with so I can decide if I should keep it and encourage this strange gift giving person on or send it back in the hopes he gets the message?"

"Sure Gin," Hermione smiled as they made their way towards her room.

"Give me two minutes," Ginny said as she made her way into her friend's closet to change, allowing the owl to settle itself on Hermione's desk. Ginny emerged from the closet a few minutes later wearing a simple red silk nightgown that hung to her ankles. It had a split up one side of the leg to mid thigh, the top in a rather deep v-neck with spaghetti straps, the silk only just covering her breasts. Over top of the nightgown she wore a matching silk dressing gown that was just hanging from her shoulders, the sash hanging down the sides undone. She had forgotten that she had been wearing the diamond solitaire necklace that she had received a few days earlier and hadn't noticed that the nightgown left it plainly visible on her chest. "Well? Keep or return?"

"I vote for keep it," Hermione smiled, "Is the necklace from him too? It's gorgeous, as are the bracelets."

"Oh Merlin, I forgot I was wearing this," Ginny sighed as she reached up and wrapped her hand around the necklace. "Are you sure about this though? I feel so exposed," she said feeling rather self-conscious.

"I think that's the point Gin," she giggled. "If you don't want to, then don't keep it. But you look wonderful in it, and you never know you may find an occasion when you want to wear it and feel 'exposed' as you put it."

"I vote for keeping it," came a voice from the doorway leading to the common area shared by the Head Girl and Boy.

"Draco!" Hermione shrieked slightly.

"What?" asked Draco curiously. "I was merely offering an opinion. Besides Weaselette and I have come to an understanding, haven't we?"

Hermione blinked a few times before looking between them, "I think I missed something..."

"Do you remember the Halloween Ball? The couple nobody could seem to figure out who was under the costumes?" asked Ginny quietly, wrapping the dressing gown around herself as tightly as possible.

"The Geisha and Samurai," Hermione nodded, "Their costumes were amazing... and it was you..." she realized. "Okay, I am so making you tell me where you got the costume because that was just amazing detail... you went to the ball together?" she suddenly seemed to realize.

"That surprises you Granger?" questioned Draco.

"Well, okay so honestly you probably picked on Ginny more because she was dating Harry and she's Ron's sister last year but yeah you've always picked on her and okay so yes I know you're not quite the git you portray from having to share this place with you this year but still... wouldn't you be initially surprised if you heard Pansy and Neville went to a ball together... and I know, horrible, simply horrible comparison."

"I would pity Longbottom for getting saddled with the likes of Parkinson," Draco drawled. "Ginny and I have called a truce between us, doesn't mean her brother and scarhead aren't fair game, you on the other hand…let's just say my truce with Ginny extends to you as well Granger. We have a mutual friend in common and she asked me to see to it that her friend had a good time at the ball with no pressure and no gossip. That's what I gave her," he shrugged.

"Oh?" Hermione blinked, "Oh!" she exclaimed as the article came back to her. "Draco, I know you're probably hearing this like mad but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about your mother, and if you ever need like to take a break from duties or something some night, I'll gladly take over..." she continued before catching herself, "I should probably not keep going cause we all know I can ramble when I'm nervous..."

"Thanks, but that won't be necessary, it was no real loss," Draco shrugged. "Keep the outfit Ginny. Trust me, you look amazing in it and Granger's right. There may come a time when you need it," he finished cryptically before turning and making his way out of the room.

"You know, I may not know that man very well, but every day you got to wonder a bit more about how much we misjudged him," Hermione mused before looking at Ginny, "So, keeping it?"

"I guess. Just promise me that word of this will never reach my brother's ears?"

"If it does through me, you can burn my copy of Hogwarts: A History... page by page. How's that sound?" Hermione offered before shuddering at her own offer.

"Deal," Ginny smiled. "Okay there Mr or Ms Owl," Ginny said as she walked over to the window and opened it. "Return to your master."

With an approving hoot, the owl took off out the window, leaving Ginny and Hermione alone.

November 29th, 1997

Kat,

Oh sweet Merlin save me please or hell, I'll take any god or goddess that's listening. Bloody hell, Tom, if you're out there I could seriously use your help in killing whoever this blasted person is who keeps sending me all this stuff. Kat this is starting to get ridiculous. Now granted I probably brought this on myself having not returned a gift for two weeks but come on! Satin and silk nightgowns are one thing, but this? Circe above. Goddess help me because this is just too much! Okay I admit I started to get a little concerned the other day when I noticed how short the nightgown was but there was hardly anything to this one and what there was of it, didn't cover anything! There were slits in the top that would allow your nipples to show through and there was a huge slit down the middle of the panties. I can't believe he would send something so…so…I don't know what they were but there was no way this side of Hell that I would keep them let alone wear them. What the hell was he thinking!

Ginger.

Sunday November 30th, 1997
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Great Hall
Gryffindor Table
8:21 a.m.

Ginger,

Oh bloody hell! You poor thing... (and don't get any ideas from that for my bridal shower please!) I'm sure your S.A. will definitely get the point though after this one...

Sorry I didn't write back sooner, Daddy took me to Paris yesterday, I had this horrible craving for lunch at my favourite restaurant there, and it gave me a chance to visit Madame Bellerose, she makes the most amazing wedding gowns and has agreed to custom make mine as well as the gowns for my attendants, well attendant...

Oh, I picked a wedding date; I know it's amazingly quick but... I'm being scarily romantic considering I don't love my fiancé, Valentine's Day, I know, so horribly cliché but I don't want to get married around my birthday and I've always wanted a winter wedding so... it works, and my fiancé isn't all that concerned as to when, as he put it, it's my day and he wants me to have what I want (isn't he sweet?) He's been by often, especially after everything at Halloween.

Oh, I don't want to push, you know that, but I was wondering if you had decided about Christmas and my birthday. There are a few things I need to discuss with you and I thought that would be a good time, or we could on the next Hogsmeade visit if you want to go home for the Holidays or stay at the school. Though I may show up and kidnap you for the day, the day after my birthday for that Shopping Trip Daddy promised.

And I'm still expecting you on the twenty-second for my show, but I'll have a portkey and such for that if you aren't here for the holidays. Sorry it just popped in my mind because I caught the time.

I hate to talk and run but Madame Josephine calls, I'm actually planning to retire from the company after the New Year (she's so upset about it... ) but with my marriage and everything else going on I want to just focus on my marriage obviously and the horses and such. Course I'm still planning on dancing and Madame Josephine is trying to convince me to come back for special events like the Christmas production. So are some of the others in the company but I don't know yet. I mean I'd have to bow out anyways when I become pregnant and it's not like I can put that off forever. It's part of the whole marriage thing, have to produce an heir and God knows it's an unspoken thing for my family anyway since the family has died out so much over the generations, my brother and I are the first time there hasn't been only one child in the last four generations. (Scary huh?) and what with him being gay... we're not judgemental but in many ways it's fallen to me to provide grandchildren and all that until he and his significant other decide if they want to adopt or have a surrogate mother, this being if they want children at all...

And I'm so rambling, not enough sleep. And I'm making myself later than I already am...

Talk to you soon

Love,

Kat

Looking up from her letter, Ginny was no longer surprised to see the now familiar eagle owl sitting waiting patiently on the table near her plate. "Hello Mr. or Ms. Owl," Ginny greeted since she still had no idea what the bird's actual name was. "I take it that's for me from your master," she said indicating the rather large package the owl was currently perched on. Receiving a hoot in reply, Ginny carefully pulled the package towards her, allowing the owl to hop down onto the table. /-/This can't be good/-/ she thought to herself as she took in the large size and relative lightness of the box. "Oh Circe help me…" she giggled when she peeked into the box.

"What did you get today?" Hermione whispered next to her.

"Something to help me sleep?" replied Ginny, trying to hold in her giggles.

Hermione's eyebrows shot up, "Well that's mysterious isn't it... should I be concerned?"

"Only if you have something against berets, scarves and fur…"

"Okay, now you're really confusing me..."

"He sent me a teddy bear…" Ginny giggled as she pulled the bear out of the box. It was about eighteen inches tall with chocolate brown fur and it was wearing a little red beret and matching red scarf. When she accidentally squeezed the bear's hand, she couldn't hold in her giggles anymore when the bear suddenly proclaimed 'Je t'aime'.

"That's adorable!" Hermione grinned. "Maybe he wants to take you to Paris someday."

"I would kill to see Paris," Ginny sighed as she hugged the bear to her, turning to look at the owl. "Thanks but I'm not returning this one," she told it, receiving a hoot in response before watching the owl make it's way out of the Great Hall.

"You and me both," Hermione agreed.

"At least he seems to have moved on from the lingerie. I can totally go for teddy bears," Ginny smiled. "I'm going to head up to the library though and work on my letter to Kat, let her know what's happening with Christmas."

"Have fun," Hermione smiled before waving her wand and the box vanished.

"Thanks!" Ginny called back over her shoulder as she raced from the Great Hall, nearly crashing head long into her brother and Harry in the process. As quickly as she could she made her way up to Gryffindor Tower to grab her books so she could study after writing her letter to her friend.

Kat,

Oh my god you are not going to believe what he sent me today. It was the most adorable French teddy bear! It even says 'Je t'aime' when you squeeze its paw. There was no way I could even dream of sending this gift back. I've always wanted a roomful of teddy bears but Mum and Dad couldn't even afford one half the size of this one. He's sitting on my lap right now as I write this in the library. I know I probably look like an idiot, sitting here in the library writing to you and hugging a teddy bear at the age of sixteen but I can't help it.

As to your question about Christmas, I would love to come. Turns out Mum and Dad plan to go visit Bill and Fleur in Egypt for the holidays, or so they say. Yes, you read that right. I don't really believe they're going to Egypt but I don't want to get into that right now, at least not on paper when it can get intercepted all too easily. I don't know how much I'll fit into your world but I'm willing to give it a shot.

A Valentine's Day wedding! Oh, you are so lucky. I've always dreamed of getting married on the most romantic day of the year but…I promised myself I wouldn't bring up my feelings about my future in this so I'm not going to finish that sentence.

Ron is being so utterly annoying recently. Unfortunately he witnessed something he probably shouldn't have. I was standing in the hall talking with Draco Malfoy, I was thanking him for his help on a problem I was having with one of my homework assignments in potions. I couldn't figure out why the bloody thing never turned out right no matter how many times I tried it and Draco was nice enough to help me. Well, there we were talking quietly when my idiot brother and Harry come walking down the hall. The minute he saw me with Draco he started in on the both of us. Demanding to know what was going on and what Draco had done to me. When I told him nothing, he didn't believe me. Even when Draco told him nothing it made no difference except to piss him off more. Ron's lost it! He thinks I'm secretly dating Draco Malfoy of all people now and he refuses to believe me when I tell him that is so not the case. Not that Draco's not that good looking, I mean look at his father of all people and the saying 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree' comes to mind, but I so cannot see myself with Draco…Lucius maybe…in my dreams of course since it would never happen in real life…and I'm babbling so I'm going to shut up now and study while hugging my adorable French bear.

Love

Ginger.

Wednesday December 24th, 1997
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Head Girl and Boys Chambers
Hermione's Room
11:29 a.m.

December passed quickly for Ginny; more presents from her Secret Admirer arrived daily, after the first bear he seemed to realize that the bears were a big thing and more and more came, each dressed in a different outfit from around the world, a Geisha from Japan that had Hermione grinning like an idiot, one in a hula outfit from Hawaii, and many, many more. There were other things interspersed, chocolates and more jewellery, a beautiful journal with gold leafing on the edges that Hermione had drooled over.

A portkey had arrived a few days earlier from Kat that would activate at eleven-thirty in the morning exactly on Christmas Eve, and anyone touching it would be brought to her house, which was why Ginny was hurriedly gathering the last few things as the time drew near, she had taken shelter in Hermione's room to prepare for her trip. Her parents didn't really care if she was going to see her long-time pen pal as long as she wrote and told them she arrived safely and was okay, and had an emergency portkey that Dumbledore provided, just in case. Ron though had blown his top, not believing she was leaving for the holidays, much to Hermione and Harry's annoyance, though it was Harry who got to keep the youngest Weasley male occupied while Hermione spent her time with Ginny.

"Have a good trip," Hermione smiled as she took Ginny's hand and put the portkey, an old edition of the Daily Prophet, into it. "Write and tell me everything!" she ordered as the portkey activated a second later.

When the spinning of sorts stopped, Ginny found herself facing a wall with a large bay window the equivalent of two or three windows actually, which looked out over an extensive garden, though for now the garden was dormant with the winter months. Turning she took in the rest of the room, a bedroom, with an arched opening on the opposite wall to a sitting area. The bedroom was a mix of light blues, shades of white, and hints of silver, while the sitting room looked to be greens instead of blues.

"Hello!"

Turning quickly she grinned when she saw the large bird that was various shades of green and blue. "I've heard about you before..." she smiled.

"Nice to meet you," the bird continued as she tilted her head to look at Ginny from another angle.

"Aíne introducing herself is she?" Kat's voice came from behind Ginny.

"Yep," Ginny smiled as she turned to face her friend.

"God, it's good to see you," Kat grinned, "Oh and hope it's not too shocking," she held up a lock of pale blonde hair.

"Wow blonde…" Ginny said taking in her friend's appearance. "I'm used to the black but I have to admit the blonde suits you better," she shrugged. "It's good to see you too, especially since my brother tried to nearly kill me the other day…"

"Oh for Merlin's sake," Kat rolled her eyes, "Well hug first? Then lunch and conversations? And I can show you to your rooms, they're across the hall actually..."

"Food would be fantastic. I've been hiding out in Hermione's Head Girl room all morning."

Oh lords," Kat rolled her eyes, before crossing the room to get a hug, "Come on," she began when she pulled back, "You can put whatever you brought there on the bed, though I'm sure you've shrunken it... Oh and I'll warn you, she flies," she nodded towards Aíne before turning to head to the sitting room area and ringing a bell.

"Well I didn't bring much," Ginny said as she put her bag down on Kat's bed.

"Well you weren't suppose to since we're doing a grand shopping spree in two days, if you decide to stay that is," Kat began in a teasing tone before turning serious from the other room.

"Why wouldn't I be staying?" Ginny asked as she made her way into the sitting room.

"Cause you might not like the things I have to tell you," Kat admitted, "Lacey went to get us something to eat," she continued as she nodded towards the couches. "Heaven only knows what she'll turn up with, but I wouldn't be surprised by a great number of treats. The House Elves have been creating holiday foods for weeks I swear."

"Okay," Ginny said a little hesitantly as she sat down on one of the couches.

Before Kat could say anything, the house elf appeared, "Lunch is ready Miss Kitty," she spoke before snapping her fingers and a table appeared next to the couches covered with food.

"Thank you Lacey, I'll ring if we need anything else and Lacey this is my friend Ginny, I'd like you to help her in any way you can while she's here if she asks for anything."

"Of course Miss Kitty. Lacey is pleased to meet you Miss Ginny," Lacey inclined her head to Ginny.

"Nice to meet you too Lacey," Ginny replied with a smile.

"Miss Ginny to be in the lavender rooms?"

"Yes," Kat answered simply.

"Good, good," Lacey nodded before simply disappearing.

"Lavender rooms?" asked Ginny in confusion.

"The rooms across the hall, there's a lavender theme to it of sorts. The bedroom is pale lavenders and silvers while the sitting area is mostly whites with fresh lavender as decoration and such."

"Sounds pretty," Ginny said as she picked up a sandwich.

"I had fun decorating my wing," Kat chuckled. "So Ron was being an idiot?"

"Yeah, he thought I was lying when I said I was leaving for the holidays," Ginny said rolling her eyes.

"Bloody idiot," Kat rolled her own eyes. "Duck," she continued quickly when she heard the familiar sound of wings. Ginny looked at her odd before ducking her head down, just in time for Aíne to fly over her head on her way to the couch where Kat was curled. "Get hungry or something?"

"Please?" Aíne asked before raising one foot and pulling her four claws in towards each other then stretching them out and repeating the motion a few times as she said, "Hi."

"Hello again," Ginny laughed, watching the bird's antics.

"Crazy bird," Kat chuckled before holding up a piece of chicken from her sandwich. "Happy, my little cannibal?"

"Thank you."

"You're welcome," she smiled, as the bird held the meat in one foot and took bites, waving her wand and another glass appeared at the end of the table. "It's there if you get thirsty, no going after my drink," she gave Aíne a look before focusing on Ginny. "You get to witness first hand all those things I wrote about."

"I see that," Ginny smiled.

"Yes, she's nuts. Daddy says she takes entirely too much after me," Kat smiled.

"Must be nice to have an animal of your own," Ginny mused.

"You'll have one," Kat smiled once more.

"My parents can't afford to replace Errol Kat, never mind buying me an owl or anything," commented Ginny.

"Remind me to smack you later," she rolled her eyes as she moved to get a piece of apple cake.

"And when are you going to realize that I'm not you?" countered Ginny. "I don't have a father that can shower me with gifts simply because he feels like it."

"Trust me Ginger; I know you're not me. I think that's why we make such wonderful friends; you're someone who knows me outside my family name. And who says it has to be your father that gives you gifts?"

"Because who else in their right mind would?"

"Your friends, for one," Kat offered, "Your brothers I'm sure would love to be able to give you gifts if they can... well I wouldn't be so sure about Ron, he sounds rather selfish and annoying to me, but the others..." she shrugged.

"The twins might but I never see them now that they have their shop in Diagon Alley."

"Well, once the school year is over, you'll probably see them more..."

"Can we not talk about my family anymore? I feel bad enough about the stuff I'm keeping from them as it is…"

"Sure," Kat nodded, "So... I suppose we should get to my confessions..." she sighed softly.

"Probably," Ginny agreed quietly.

"Yeah," Kat nodded before setting her plate aside and shifting in her seat. "I've never told you much about my family, I mean you know my Mother was psychotic and we never got along, and that I have a brother who's gay, and Daddy spoils me to bits, mostly cause I've always been his favourite after being born so early and nearly dying and all that. And you know that my family is wealthy, but beyond that...

"Uh huh…"

"And you've always known me as Kat, but as you just heard I'm also called Kitty, actually that's what my brother calls me, most people call me Kitty actually instead of Kat, except for Daddy, he calls me Kitten..." she began to babble before catching herself, and took a deep breath. "My full name is actually Ekaterina Morrigan Epona... Malfoy," she added quietly.

"Could you repeat that because I don't think I heard you right? I thought I heard you say your name was Malfoy…"

"It is," Kat agreed softly before hurrying on, "I know I should have said something sooner, but when we first met at St. Mungo's we only exchanged first names and you were so nice and you were someone who knew me not as a Malfoy but as me and I only had that with Daddy and Draco and I wanted so badly to have a friend who wasn't around me just because of my name and everything. And then as time went on I was terrified that you'd just cut off all ties if you knew I was a Malfoy. But I kind of can't avoid it any longer and I know I shouldn't have all this time but with everything going on now it just can't be, you know, since if you come to my wedding Daddy would be there and I wouldn't want that to get thrown at you then and oh Gods, I should shut up," she groaned, dropping her head into her hands. "The Floo is active if you want to use it or whatever," was muffled through her hands.

"Did you honestly think I would give a shit about your name?" snapped Ginny defensively, her hurt coming through in her voice. "I can't believe you thought so little of me Kat. After everything I've told you…I trusted you with my inner most thoughts and feelings and you didn't even have the decency to do the same? My Gods Kat, I gave you the perfect opportunity to say something about Lucius Malfoy being your father when I wrote to you after the crap at the Ministry! Oh God, I think I'm going to be sick," she grumbled when realization hit that the man she had been dreaming of for the last year and a half was the father of her best friend.

"Powder Room's that door," Kat pointed behind Ginny, "And I know, I was an idiot and silly and ridiculous and down right stupid. I should have trusted you and it wasn't that I didn't trust you, it was just that I was so afraid that I let my fear override the trust I had in you and was imprudent and I'm probably not helping myself in any way. But as for the thing about Daddy, you have no idea how much I wanted to hug you and thank you for letting him go and I never cared that you had dreams about him or any of that, in fact I was actually rooting for everything even though Mother was an annoying factor and I'm really, really, not helping..."

"You're not the one having erotic dreams about her best friend's father," Ginny said.

"No, if it's any consolation I've been having them about Tom Riddle..." Kat offered, "Could be more shudder worthy than your best friend's father..." she shrugged slightly. "Wait, I'm still your best friend?" she looked up hopefully.

"I'm angry and hurt by your lack of faith in me Kat but that doesn't mean that you're not still my best friend," Ginny said quietly.

"I'm sorry Ginger, so very much so," Kat smiled slightly.

"I think I'd like to lie down for a while if you don't mind…"

"Not at all," Kat nodded before rising. "There is that Christmas Eve dinner I mentioned for tonight but you don't have to come. There's going to be about ten people other than you there... Lacey will help you with anything you need or find me if I happen to be out. Or if you want to, feel free to roam, we're on the second floor but this section of the house is entirely mine, no one comes here without permission, one of the things I made Daddy swear to when I came home after Beauxbatons. The stables are just outside and a few yards away if you want to go see the horses or something... and I'm babbling," she rolled her eyes. "Ten to one, Lacey's already grabbed your things from my room and taken them to your rooms so... just follow me?"

"Lead the way."

Kat nodded before leading her to the closed door and out into the hallway, over to the door across the way and inside. As she had said the sitting room they were in was done in various shades of whites and creams with hints of darker purple here and there and sprays of lavender around the room. "Bedroom is through the archway," she pointed towards it before moving her hand towards a door, "That's the bath, there's another door from the bedroom, and the closet is the other door as you could guess," she explained before turning to lift a chain that was hanging around the door handle, "And the key," she held it out, "The rooms are charmed so they can't be unlocked with a charm unless it's actually me casting the charm, so no one can get in here when you want to be alone, or while you're gone."

"Thanks," Ginny said, taking the key from her friend.

"You're welcome," she nodded, "I'll be around, if not just call for Lacey if you can't find me and want to or whatever. I'll stop by in a few hours but if you're still asleep or something..." she trailed off with a shrug. "See you later then..."

"Bye."