Time and classes flew by for the first three weeks, and before they knew it, it was the first Hogsmeade trip of the year.
"Gin! You have to wear the emerald green robes, the black bootlegged pants, the tight black sweater, and the black dragonshide boots!" Millificent bellowed to Gin, who was currently in the shower.
"I think you just like having me around because I am your moving doll!" Gin said loudly over the water pouring down in the shower.
"You know you like it." Millificent smirked as she started pulling out her own clothes.
"What time are we meeting them?" Gin asked nervously as she stepped out onto the cold stone floor.
"You and Draco, are meeting Lucius and Narcissa around eleven at the Cooking Cauldron. They reserved the upstairs private dining room." Millificent said as she finished pulling on her robe over her clothes.
"Why can't you come again?" Gin sulked as she dried her hair with her wand and stared at the clothes on her bed.
"I wasn't invited. This is something between you four." Millificent said frowning at the makeup case. When she unfolded Gin's make up case, that fit in her hand, it unfolded to something that took up half a twin sized bed. "We will just do natural colors for today." She said as she pulled the fully dressed Gin to the rest of the bed and began working her best skill, decorating. "After you are all done, then you, Evelyn and I will be shopping for our costumes! We'll wait for you when we finish our lunch downstairs at the restaurant."
"I don't even know what or where I will be in twenty years! I know it was my idea, but I still don't have a clue." Gin said morosely as she looked up as Millificent approached with the mascara.
"Ask Evelyn. She's the one taking divination." She chuckled lightly. "Let's go as models!"
"Where that is possible for your future, there is more chance for me getting eleven N.E.W.T.'s!" Gin laughed.
"Perhaps, a Potion's Master." Millificent said thoughtfully.
"Yes, I shall dress up as Snape." Gin said rolling her eyes.
"Well, think on it, because we will be getting them today! Don't forget your purse!" Millificent said as she ran off after Gin down the stairs and pulled her back up.
"I already have my purse." Gin said confused.
"No, that one. I laid it out so you could switch them silly." Millificent said rolling her eyes.
"Alright. Sheesh." Gin said as she pulled out her wallet and switched them. "Why does my wallet feel heavier?" Gin questioned as she opened it.
"No ifs, ands, or buts. Just buy our snacks, okay?" Millificent said as she descended the stairs.
"I really do have good real friends." Gin said smiling before she headed back down to the common room.
"Ready Gin?" Draco asked offering his hand.
"Ready as I will ever be." Gin said raising her head and accepting his arm.
The large group of Draco, Gin, Millificent, Zambini, Crabbe, Goyle, and Evelyn left the common room together. They walked silently down to the carriages awaiting the students going down to Hogsmeade. They passed the Head Boy, Harry, and the Head Girl, Hermoine, helping the third years turn in the late permission slips. They looked at Gin sadly, but made no movement or greeting towards her. She didn't even spare a glance at them, or her brother who was standing with them. To her, this was all his fault, and he didn't deserve it.
The carriage ride was more pleasant since it was just them. They laughed at the Head Boy and Girl and mocked the scared third years who've never been. The conversation changed abruptly to silence when they exited the carriage to the busy main street of Hogsmeade. The group continued to the restaurant together, but separated at the entrance to go their separate ways.
"Come Ginevra." Draco said as he led her up a marble staircase.
Gin nodded her head, and walked with as much grace, and a masked face to hide her anxiety, fear, and most of all, nervousness.
The man outside the door at the top of the stairs opened the black wooden door wordlessly, and bowed slightly as they passed.
Gin was completely shocked by the appearance of the upstairs dining room. "It must have been altered for the lunch." Gin thought. What looked like a place for more than twenty tables was only occupied by one square table draped in a thick beige table cloth. On it was four settings in what appeared real china with gold edges. And near the larger, predominant fireplace was two beige suede love seats facing each other with a matching table in between the two.
"Draco, Ginevra, I am so glad you could join us." Narcissa said standing from one of the love seats and made her way over to them with Lucius in tow.
"Son." Lucius said shaking his son's hand.
"Father." Draco responded. He turned to his mother, and kissed her cheek gently. "Mother, how good to see you so soon." He told her with a smile on his face. "You already know Ginevra." Draco said making the formalities.
"Thank you for accepting our invitation Miss Weasley." Lucius said as he kissed her hand. Gin curtsied to show her respect and appreciation of the invitation.
"The pleasure is all mine I assure you." Gin smiled warmly. "It is lovely to see you again Mrs. Malfoy. It's been well over a year."
"Yes it has, and that year has been very kind to you." Narcissa smiled with joy.
"And to you." Gin responded.
"Come, lunch will be served as soon as we are ready." Lucius said leading his wife to the table. Draco took Gin's hand and proceeded to her seat in between his Mother and his Father. After he pushed her seat in, he headed around the table to sit directly across from her.
They discussed pleasantries, and the like while they ate. Gin realized then that despite what they had to say, it was going to wait until tea was served after they ate. Gin was more comfortable with them then she thought she would be, and was enjoying herself immensely.
After the remains of their multiple course lunch was wiped clear of their plates, Lucius and Draco stood. They walked over and moved the ladies chair, and escorted over to the sitting area. After they were settled, a server came in with a tray of tea, and a selection of sweets.
"Now Ginevra, I was informed our son has enlightened you to an extent." Lucius started. "Yet here you sit with us willingly, and happily I must say. Does our alliance bother you?" He looked at her expectantly, but with compassion in his eyes. Gin never thought she'd see the day when the Lucius Malfoy acted so casually, and hospitable to her.
"They are your alliances, not mine. Who am I to judge?" Gin smiled politely. "I merely see the man who has raised an extraordinary son who happens to be my best friend."
"That is too generous." Lucius chuckled lightly. "You see my son as a friend? Or more as in a substitute brother?"
"Perhaps your explanation hits closer to the truth." Gin answered.
Lucius sighed as he changed subjects. "I hear that you are having an immense amount of trouble with your family. I mean, more than I was already aware of since you were little."
"Are you referring to the letter that my mother sent me weeks ago? Or are you referring to all that you know?" Gin asked politely for him to elaborate.
"Miss Weasley," Lucius started, but Gin cut him off.
"Please call me Ginevra." Gin requested.
"But of course Ginevra. I know I've watched you closer than I should of. I was meant to spy on your family back when the Dark Lord was first in power, and that didn't change when he disappeared for a few years. I always kept my eye out. Yet, with you, it was more of a sad story, mixed in the middle of a supposedly joyful tale. For some reason, you keep us all intrigued. It was like you were the reverse Sirius Black. He was the outsider in the Black family, and you the outsider in the Weasley family. He made his way out and found his own path, are you?" Lucius said as Narcissa handed Gin a cup of tea with two lumps of sugar in what smelled like Earl Grey.
After taking a sip of tea Gin answered. "I suppose so. But then the little issue of room, and board, and whatnot threatens my quest for independence. And even though I am seventeen, a legal adult, I still am unable to support myself."
"Let me make you an offer. You don't need to answer today. But, what if I suggest you change families." Lucius said cautiously watching her reaction.
"Who would want a seventeen year old adopted daughter?" Gin laughed.
"I was subtly implying for you to join our family. Be with those who follow the same traditions that you. Have no need to hide when you are at home. Have no need to worry about money, and most of all, have no need to fear that you were under appreciated." He said slowly.
"I've always wanted a daughter, but I was unable to bear another child." Narcissa said with a tear falling down her cheek. "Even though I missed the start, I would still like the chance."
Inside Gin was a mess. Here was a man who gave her a possessed diary, a normally stony woman crying, and the whole family used to make her family's life a living hell was asking her to join them. "At least he didn't ask for an answer right now." Gin cringed. Did she want this? Would this really make her happy? She didn't know those answers, but she knew she still had a few questions.
"Why did you give me the diary? And why did you have Draco follow me and help me?" Gin asked quietly looking at Lucius with curiosity.
"Give me your veritaserum Ginevra. Yes, I know you always carry a little vial." She took it out of her pocket, and he poured a few drops in his tea. After he finished the cup he continued. "What your family screams as attempted murder, I saw it as a chance for you. Did you not learn anything from him? Did you not help out willingly? He may have took possession of you, but you know as well as I do, that you had to actually allow him to. I know you are more capable than your family, or Dumbledore have ever given you credit. And most importantly, I thought it was only you who could achieve that." Lucius answered honestly. "I think you would be free to improve yourself in any manner you see fit, and would lead a more desirable life than you could possibly imagine."
"Would be betroth me as well?" Gin asked curiously.
"Yes, as is our ways." Narcissa answered kindly. "Of course, it's at our discretion at whom. We were highly selective about Draco's, and just recently finished."
Draco shifted in his seat, but held his tongue. He had a feeling, but didn't know anything concrete. It was well overdue for him to be.
"Can I have some time to think about it?" Gin said quietly.
"That means a lot to us that you didn't outwardly say no. At least we have hope." Narcissa smiled as she took Gin's hand with beaming eyes. "I have so much to give to a daughter."
"Draco, would you please bring Millificent up?" Lucius asked calmly.
"Right away sir." Draco said rising quickly.
"Ginevra, if you need me do not hesitate to use this." Lucius said back to Ginevra, and handed her a small parcel. "It's a two way compact mirror. I've had it made charmed to match with whatever else is in your purse. Also, there is a book on what happens when you decide to change families in our world. I thought it would help you make your decision either way."
"Thank you. Should I leave?" Gin asked softly as she saw Draco and Millificent emerge.
"No, I'm sure you'll find out as soon as you leave anyway." Narcissa smiled at her, but still kept her eyes averted from Millificent.
"Draco, your assumption was correct. You are betrothed to Millificent Bulstrode." Lucius smiled. "Congratulations." Lucius said as he shook his hand, and kissed Millificent's hand.
"May your years together be prosperous on more than one account." Narcissa said politely. "Ginevra, would you mind if we went shopping?"
Gin looked at Millificent who told her to shoo.
"I would love to." Gin smiled genuinely and stood to rise.
"I will see you at around six back at the Manor." She said to Lucius and kissed his cheek.
"Have fun darlings." Lucius said to the ladies as they turned to leave.
Once outside, Narcissa told Gin to hold on.
"Where are we?" Gin asked confused.
"Paris!" Narcissa chuckled. "It's already twelve thirty, and I have to have you back at school before six! We only have five hours to shop."
"I've never been to Paris." Gin told her.
"You'll love it, and beg us to bring you back. Well, I don't know about beg. I will probably agree before the thought even strikes you." Narcissa said as she led her to an upscale boutique. "This was the first store I've ever owned. Lucius gave it to me as a wedding gift. I've owned it for almost twenty years now. I come in once every five years, and go to town, on the house of course!"
"Five years?" Gin questioned.
"Well, I do have other stores to visit." Narcissa grinned.
Not knowing what to say, Gin just nodded in understanding, and allowed herself to be drug inside.
"My office first, and then shopping." Narcissa instructed. Once seated in the office on the top floor of the store and cast a few spells to prevent eavesdropping or surveillance, Narcissa looked at Gin with pure joy in her eyes, but a streak of fear in them as well.
"Come on. I know you have questions you felt uncomfortable asking Lucius." Narcissa antagonized playfully.
"What does a full change of family entail? I've never known anyone to do it. I just know that you denounce your family, and have a change of name." Gin blurted out shocked at herself. She was never even that comfortable with her own mother.
"You talk as fast as I!" Narcissa exclaimed. "Well, now that I know you can keep up, I am free to as well. Firstly, you are correct, you have to officially denounce your family. And, then someone says that you are welcomed to their family under your new name. The name is your first name, your new mother's name, and then your new last name. That person then calls you, in your case, Ginevra Narcissa Malfoy. Another person in that family has to second it. A spell is performed by another family member, and then they all sign a magical form making it legal. That spell gives you physical traits of your new family. They replace any appearance that was hereditary. Your soul, mind, and magic stay the same though. That has nothing to do with your birth. But let's keep that last part between the two of us. I hope I didn't scare you away with that." Narcissa said as an afterthought.
"You didn't scare me, but I didn't think it entailed so much to be frank. So basically, I would look like a more feminine version of Draco with long hair." Gin giggled. It also caused Narcissa to as well.
"I would like to think a younger version of myself with Lucius height. No woman should ever be referred to, in any way, a man." Narcissa spoke.
"What would happen afterwards?" Gin continued.
"I would go home ecstatic and get to decorate a room for a young woman, and prepare for our first Christmas. The moment you got home, I would pull you aside and give what I would give my daughter on her coming of age, the knowledge of the women of my family who came before I. My sister will never have a child, and it will die with me if I don't have a daughter. But do not let that dictate your decision though. You would live with everything you wanted. Even though we don't portray it, we are a very loving family, and highly protective. I'm sure you already saw that side of Draco." Narcissa said talking a mile a minute.
"And of course, the old family traditions. I do not know all the Malfoy traditions." Gin admitted.
"Mostly the same as all the old families. All the major ones are the same anyway. I did learn after I married Lucius that there was a tradition that once a man takes over the family he grows his hair out. He can not get it cut off more than an inch willingly. Also, women have this tradition of being the first to sing Christmas carols. I'll admit I hate singing by myself every year. My favorite one by far is the men having to wear whatever the women choose. They are the only family I know of that has that. And it's so nice when we are the best coordinated couple in our circle." Narcissa explained.
"They don't sound that bad. I'll admit I follow them even if I don't like them. Like doing whatever Father says. He says they are silly and out of date, but where would we be if we didn't follow some sort of manners, tradition, or family pride?" Gin told her. "He didn't even notice when I wore the customary black on my seventeenth birthday. Well, he did. He asked if I was going to a funeral."
"I'm sorry." Narcissa said taking her hand. "What did your mother do for your birthday?"
"Made me a cake, and bought me a watch." Gin answered solemnly.
"She didn't?" Narcissa said outraged.
"Nope. She said that the tradition of rubbish nonsense was died with her mother because she refused to take it." Gin said upset.
"Come, let's go shop. That will be loads more fun. We will talk about this later." Narcissa said hugging her closely.
True to her word, Gin did love Narcissa's store, and had a blast shopping.
"Now, for your costume you will be wearing this! Well, if you want to." Narcissa said sheepishly handing a bag Gin didn't see at the store as they were separating at the gate of Hogwarts.
"What's this?" Gin asked curiously.
"A dress that the co-owner of the chain of WitchyWays, WizardingWears, and YoungYarns would wear in twenty years." Narcissa said hopefully.
"Thank you Narcissa. This means more to me than you ever could imagine." Gin said as she wrapped her arms around her tightly and shed a tear of happiness.
"Go, you better get up there. You have fifteen minutes to lug all this up there. Don't forget to give those two bags to Millificent." Narcissa said as she shooed her through the gate. "Write soon Ginevra sweetie!"
"I will!" Gin called back.
When Gin arrived back at the school most people were already at dinner. But Gin was so exhausted and had so much going through her mind that she decided to skip dinner. On the way down to the common room she stumbled across Professor Snape.
"It looks like someone had more fun than possible in Hogsmeade." Professor Snape said smirking.
"Too true." Gin said quietly.
"How about a cup of tea?" Professor Snape said as Gin shrunk the bags again small enough to fit in her pocket easily.
"That would be most welcomed sir." Gin said as she looked up at him.
"I've never truly appreciated his appearance. I always saw him as an exemplary Potions Master, and a member of the Order. Or so I thought..." Gin thought as she followed him down the hall and to his office. She allowed herself to be taken over with the thoughts of how his walk threaded the line of graceful, and masculine effortlessly; or the idea that he was quite handsome if he cleaned up. But then Gin thought that it would be ridiculous to shower after every potion classes. By dinner time came he looked wore out, greasy faced, and oily hair. Yet, he had looked amazing when he walked into class the first time in the morning.
"I trust you did have your lunch with Lucius and Narcissa then?" Snape asked delicately as he took out his tea set and began waving his wand.
"Yes. It was truly unexpected to be frank." Gin answered.
"The lunch, or the topics of discussion?" He asked.
"Sir. I really don't mean to be rude, but how do I know I can trust you. I do not even know where you stand." Gin changed topics.
"I could also say that to you." Professor Snape said as he looked at her.
"Yes, but you don't because I known you've performed legimency on me, multiple times." Gin smirked.
"Why did you allow it?" He asked curiously. "How did you notice? Unless they were trained in it, I can, if I choose, lurk around undetected."
"I had nothing to hide." Gin said proudly.
"Had. Correct choice of words." Professor Snape said as he sat down and became pouring them tea.
"Well, things have changed." Gin said evenly.
"Too right you are. How do you like being in Slytherin?" Professor Snape asked changing the subject.
"I feel as if I fit in, but I still cannot call it home, or anywhere for that. Unfortunately, the only place I could ever say that about was the Gryffindor common room.
"Why do you feel that?" Professor Snape questioned curiously.
"I guess because of all the nights I've spent in there staring at the fire while everyone was sleeping. The warmth, and the fire bouncing off the red and gold walls. One could say that I prefer the familiar." Gin said thoughtfully.
"Is that really true?" Professor Snape said quietly.
Gin sat and thought about what she said and was immediately thought of how she was wavering towards the Malfoy's family over her own. "Perhaps you are right. What do you think about the change of family sir?"
"For you in particular, I think it would be a welcome change. Yet, I am more partial to any place that you were happy. And I am certain that you were never happy at your home, more like bearing, and surviving the inevitable time you spent there." Professor Snape answered.
"Are you going to talk to my parents about this?" Gin said softly looking at him with pleading eyes.
"No. This is a family matter, and I am not your family. I trust your judgment. But how do you feel about all that it would require? Your looks? Being betrothed? The new home? A new mother and father? A completely new set of rules and regulations?" Professor Snape asked her honestly.
"To be frank, I think that it would be a welcome changed if I was as beautiful and elegant looking as them. I've never fit in at home, but I felt right at ease with them, Narcissa especially. Being betrothed, I was quite upset when I learned that my mum and dad had no desire to set one up for me. I don't believe that the love that they say they feel is real, as least in experience. They talk about how they love me, but I don't see it. I'd rather see it, then hear it. Actions speak louder than words. They turned words that use to mean so much to me to utter rubbish. As for my home, you've seen how I live, and what I put up with. It would be a relief to not have to deal with any of it. Regardless of how I feel about either of my parents, I wordlessly followed everything they've told me without question because of family duties. I'd rather give it to those who deserve it and in some way, appreciate it without mocking or judging me. As you know, I've always followed the rules and regulations of the Weasley's without being told. I do not think it would be different in any respect." Gin answered.
"Why did you want to be betrothed?" Professor Snape asked. His curiosity was mounting the more she spoke.
"I don't believe in love. Why should I have to pretend to for another man to make me an offer. At least this way all the hard work is done. I'd also be pleasing my parents by marrying who they think is my best match in some sense." Gin questioned. "Sir, you are a pureblood, why are you not married?" Gin asked.
"My parents both died while I was in my last year at Hogwarts. At the time they were interviewing with other parents for a perspective bride. I never felt the inclination to marry early, and to be frank, was not anticipating my parent's decision." Professor Snape truthfully.
"Oh." Gin responded. "I'm sorry to hear about your parent's death sir."
"Thank you, but it is far too long to hold any regrets about it." Professor Snape smiled. "But, we are not here to discuss me. Being betrothed doesn't always work out for the best. Look at your friend Millificent. Her parents fought to high heaven almost every single day until her mother died."
"Yes, but look at Lucius and Narcissa, and a lot of other's that I've met through my family." Gin countered.
"With the exception of Lucius and Narcissa, because I know you're right, but what about your family. Were you thoroughly acquainted with them, or was it what you saw at first sight?" Professor Snape countered.
"Touche." Gin replied.
"I think that it really is a good idea for you, but I want to help you dig deeper at the roots of your fears. That way, you have no regrets. Let's say that Lucius decided that the best match for you was someone fifty or even sixty years old. Would you be happy then?" Professor Snape said.
"Why would he?" Gin asked confused.
"To bring two families together even closer. You would be well taken care of, but your happiness that would be any body's guess. I do not know of any particulars, I'm just trying to put it into perspective. Your looks, and your answer honestly surprises me, would be different. Would you honestly mind looking at another face day after day knowing how you were before?" Professor Snape asked.
"Why are you surprised? All I see is another Weasley anymore. The unwanted Weasley." Gin said.
"Perhaps a change would benefit you. You wouldn't see them any time you looked at yourself, but see who you truly are inside. The last thing I shall ask is, that you think you wouldn't be judge or criticized? If anything, you would be watched and judged even more. True, it wouldn't be your family, but newspapers, magazines, the Order, the Death Eaters, and everybody else that the Malfoys deal with." Professor said slowly.
"I get judged daily here as is. But, I should be able to relax at home when it is just us, and not have to worry about such things." Gin said tensing up. "Home should always be the place that you feel most comfortable at. And unfortunately, by saying that, I should say that I feel as if I do not have a home anymore."
"It's getting late." Professor Snape stated as he stood. "If I upset or offended you, I'm sorry. That is not what I set out to do. If you need to talk, my door is always opened." He offered kindly.
"Thank you for everything sir. It means a lot to me." Gin smiled as she left.
When Gin arrived back at the common room it was well past nine. Gin walked straight up to her dorm room and found Millificent looking as if she was about to pull out her hair.
"Where were you? I need you!" Millificent said as her eyes began to water as she ran over and collapsed on Gin's bed.
"I didn't know you needed me. After I got back, I had tea. What's wrong?" Gin asked as she rubbed Millificent's back.
"How am I suppose to MARRY my best friend?" Millificent cried loudly.
"Don't you think you are lucky?" Gin asked delicately.
"What do you mean?" Millificent sniffled.
"At least you know him, and like him. What if he was fifty or sixty?" Gin said regurgitating Professor Snape's words from earlier. "You two get along quite well."
Millificent rolled over, and hugged Gin. "I was honestly hoping that's why they called you for lunch. If not for that, then why?"
"They've offered me a place in their family, as their daughter if I choose." Gin whispered.
"You'll be my sister! A real sister!" Millificent said jumping up and down, but stopped by the look of a lost puppy on Gin's face. "Do you not want to?"
"I'm scared. What if I don't fit in, and they decide they don't want me after all? And I don't notice? What if it turns out like what I have with my own family?" Gin cried.
"You know that Draco wouldn't let that happen. Besides, would they really offered if they weren't 100 sure?" Millificent said changing from the upsettee to the comforter quite effortlessly.
"I guess your right." Gin said as she wiped her eyes.
"Draco says he's hears crying, and DEMANDED me to come check on the two of you. He also REQUESTS your presence in his room, NOW." Evelyn said as she emphasized his demands. She rolled her eyes and left immediately.
"We should go. Wouldn't want to keep your fiancee waiting do we?" Gin chuckled.
"Yes, your brother would be quite upset." Millificent grinned.
The ladies went as fast as they could to his room. He was pacing more anxiously than either one has ever saw. His head shot up as soon as he heard them open his door. He cast a glance at each girl and headed over to Gin first.
"Are you okay?" Draco asked pulling her chin up delicately to see her tear stained cheeks.
"Yes, thank you." Gin whispered as he wrapped her in a tight hug.
"Sorry, family first." Draco grinned as he turned to Millificent.
"I'll let you two be." Gin said as she turned to leave.
"Thanks." Draco whispered.
"Anytime bro." Gin said testing the word out on him. "Yes, he definitely would be an amazing and caring brother." Gin thought as she headed to her room. She pulled out the book Lucius had gave her and did not stop reading until she finished. The sun was breaking over the horizon as her eyes drifted close.
Lucky that it was Sunday, Gin slept in well past lunch. Even then she still did not want to get up, but had no choice as Adonis was nudging her.
"Huh?" Gin yawned as she rolled over and saw the addition in her bed.
"Ginny, we have to talk -Ron." Was all that the letter said.
Gin rolled out of bed cursing, and headed towards the shower. Fifteen minutes later she was dressed and walking out of the dorm and into the common room.
"Gin! Here's the schedule. We start practicing tomorrow." Draco said as he handed her a piece of parchment.
"For what?" She asked confused.
"Quidditch, duh!" Draco said making fun of her.
"I didn't even try out!" Gin said as she noticed her lack of attention lately.
"I already know you can play. We only needed one chaser since Nott left, and I figured you'd do well on our team. First practice is Wednesday. But I want you at the pitch after dinner tonight, tomorrow, and Tuesday to get you trained on a few of our tactics and maneuvers." Draco explained. "Sheesh, you need more sleep."
"No, I got a letter from Ron. I am going to meet him." Gin sighed.
"Alone?! Are you nuts?" Draco exclaimed.
"Fine, come on." Gin said as she took his offered hand and led him out. Ron would only be one place at this time of day, the Lake. "You knew I would agree, you wouldn't of offered your hand before I consented otherwise." She smirked.
"I was going to go regardless if you did or not." Draco sneered.
"Don't take this out on me." Gin said quietly.
"I just have a bad feeling." Draco said lowly.
"As do I. As do I." Gin said as she cleared her mind as they stepped out into the hallway.
Five minutes later they found Ron laying down on the ground staring at the Lake.
"Took you long enough." He moaned as he sat up. "What the bloody hell is he doing here?" Ron hollered.
"Both of us, or none of us." Gin said as she crossed her arms. Draco just smirked as his hands sat casually in his pockets, and his head tilted slightly sideways.
"Fine! Sit!" Ron bellowed. "Mum wrote me. She said that she has talked to Dumbledore, and he says that he hasn't talked to you since...well, you remember. Mum gave me one chance to get you back on the straight and narrow before she comes on Saturday to pull you out." Ron said angrily.
"Are you angry that she pried you away from your friends, or angry for the fact that she made you talk to me?" Gin said standing and shaking with anger.
"You are WASTING my time. I tried, and you blew me off. I have no problem writing to her about that. Goodbye." Ron said coldly as he went past her.
Unfortunately, Gin wasn't having that. She moved her wand in three close circles and jabbed. Ron flew to the ground screaming. He crawled towards her in horror as he stared at her cold face.
"I do not know you anymore." Gin said as she lifted the spell, and led Draco back to the castle.
"Reverus Emoti?" Draco asked confused as they started the first hallway in the dungeons.
"Miss Weasley?" Professor Snape said warily as they passed his office.
"Yes sir?" She said as they turned and made their way back.
"Mr Malfoy, would you please let us speak in private?" Professor asked upset. "What spell did you use?"
"Reverus Emoti, why?" Gin asked coldly.
"Madam Pomphrey wants to know so she can heal him. She said it looks dark, but she doesn't know to be sure. She's a nurse, not a mediwitch." He said indicating her seat as he wrote, and sent a black owl that looked like an older version of Adonis out the window. "Apparently, he looks as if he's been attacked by dementors. No wonder the poor women is mystified that chocolate isn't helping him." He said as he leaned back into his seat.
"I-" Gin started, but was interrupted by the professor.
"Spells are against the rules on another student. Even though he's not permanently injured, the Headmaster found out. You will be serving detention with me, right now." He said as he stood and walked around the desk.
"Right now sir?" Gin asked confused.
"Can't let the team suffer, can I?" He said grinning. "Come."
Professor Snape led her out in to his classroom, and shut the door. "Your punishment tonight is to clean the desks. Come on, get out your wand."
"Really sir?" Gin smiled. She reached in for her wand and pointed to each desk and thought "Scourgify". Within ten seconds each desk was sparkling clean.
"Very well Miss Weasley." Professor Snape said as he swept out of the classroom and back into his office.