A/N: Someone left an anon. review and I just wanted to say thanks. I hope you all enjoy this chapter...let me know!

Done disclaiming, see previous chapters if necesary.

Chapter Six

Visions

Eavesdropping and serendipity

Ginny was at her wits end. Tonks had Flooed not ten minutes ago to inform them that she and Lupin would be arriving with Harry and Hermione in time for dinner. She was more concerned with those two than Draco, Blaise, or Ron. Ron knew not to cross their mum while Draco and Blaise didn't want to disappoint her or her mum. They were trying damn it all, and there was no way Ginny would allow them to retreat back into the 'haughty, I don't care for anyone but myself' shells that they'd both perfected.

"Ginny?"

She turned to see Blaise watching her from the doorway to the kitchen. He looked concerned and she didn't know what she was supposed to do to assure him that everything was fine since it wasn't. What she did know was that Draco was in a foul mood and she didn't need Blaise to be as well. It was going to be hard enough to keep both of them, Ron, and the twins in line as it stood. So she paced the living room, desperately trying to figure out what she could do.

She smiled half-heartedly. "What do you need?"

He cocked his head to the side, his fringe falling over his eye rakishly and she couldn't help but grin at the picture he made. He's gorgeous, but then again so is Draco. No, berated herself, I can't go thinking about them like that. We're friends, it doesn't matter how they look. We've got bigger problems right now.

"What's upsetting you so much that you're pacing a hole into the rug?"

She stopped pacing and shrugged. Honesty is the best policy, she decided. "Did you see Draco stalk through the house? He's already in a horrid mood and our lovely guests are only going to make it worse. I just don't know what to do."

Blaise shrugged, crossing to where she was standing and laid his arm about her shoulders. "We can't do much about his mood. When Draco gets into a snit, the best policy is giving him space until it passes."

Ginny shook her head stubbornly. "That isn't right. You can't expect me to just sit back and do nothing."

Blaise chuckled, pulling her close. "That's the best way, I swear. The last time someone was stupid enough to try and talk him down, it wasn't pretty. Theo Nott spent a week in Pomfrey's care since the hexes Draco used have no counters."

Ginny's eyes went wide. "He didn't."

Blaise smirked. "Oh, he most certainly did. I warned Theo to step back and let Draco destroy the dorm room. It wasn't anything the house elves couldn't repair. He didn't listen. The end result was a destroyed room and Theo laid up with boils covering his entire body. That isn't even mentioning the blue hair or….well you get the idea."

Ginny sighed. She knew that Draco and Blaise had endured quite a bit growing up and that neither of them was well-adjusted as a result. But, she was too stubborn to allow this sort of behavior to continue. She turned and looked in Blaise's hazel eyes, proving the seriousness of what she was about to say.

"Neither of you can just thrash or hex innocent bystanders because you're in a bad mood. I get that you both have horrid tempers once you're pushed too far and that it's not going to change. What I have to insist on is that you find better ways to vent."

Blaise's jaw dropped, and she snickered.

"I'm dead serious, Blaise. Now that you both are training to be beaters, you can bash at the bludgers or walk it off. I don't care what you do; just don't take it out on everyone around you."

He opened and closed his mouth a half dozen times and yet nothing came out.

She rolled her eyes and patted his cheek. "I'm not joking around. Both of you have to make concessions or else nobody will believe you aren't Death Eaters-in-training!"

He closed his eyes and nodded, before looking her in the eyes. "Fine, I'll go and try to talk to him. You'd best have Molly waiting. I'll need some serious healing once he's done."

Ginny glared at him. "I'm going to talk to him. He'll not hex me and we both know it."

"No," Blaise demanded. "I'm not putting you in his line of fire, Ginny."

She turned on her heel, pulled out of his embrace, and marched through the kitchen and out into the garden. She could see Draco pacing over by the wall and groaned. She could see the tense set of his shoulders even from here. Whatever was bothering him was big, that much was clear. She cleared her throat as she walked slowly towards him. She wasn't stupid, giving him a warning was necessary. She didn't want him lashing out before he saw who it was that was approaching.

He turned, the menacing glare disappearing when he saw her.

"Go back inside, Ginny," he said softly.

She could hear his anger simmering just below the surface of his calm façade. She gave him points for his quick reaction time, but that didn't mean she had to like it. She didn't want him or Blaise to hide behind their walls with her. That wasn't friendship, at least I Ginny's mind.

"I'm not going anywhere, Draco," she said as she stepped up and tipped her head back to look him in the eyes. His eyes were a dark, stormy gray and she realized how expressive they really were, when you took the time to look. "You're not going to sulk out here all night."

He shook his head looking exasperated with her. "Ginny, just go inside."

She crossed her arms over her chest, narrowed her eyes, and tapped her foot in irritation. Did he truly think she was going to be set aside that easily? If so, Draco had a lot to learn about her.

Something must have registered as he sighed, ran a hand through his hair, and sat on the wall.

Ginny hopped up and settled in next to him. "You know, this is where Mum would bring me for girl talks."

Draco shook his head, clearly trying not to snarl at her.

She sighed heavily. "I won't ask you what's wrong, Draco. What I will say is this, find a way to get rid of the anger before they show up. It goes against my instincts to leave you out here pacing and brooding all alone."

He held a hand up to stop her. "I need the time alone, Ginny. I don't know any other way."

Her heart clenched and she laid her hand on his forearm. "You've got people to go to now, Draco. I'm not saying that you have to by any means. But, Blaise understands, I understand, and my Mum is always a willing listener."

Draco blanched before quickly resuming his bland expression.

"I didn't say that you had to. Just remember you're not alone anymore." She slid off the wall and brushed a quick kiss on his cheek. "I'll leave you in peace now. Just be inside and in a better mood by dinnertime."

Ginny hurried away, wondering if she'd said too much. She didn't dare look back, afraid of how Draco might have reacted to her meddling.

--dbgdbgdbgdbgdbgdbg--

Molly stayed hidden in the pantry. She honestly hadn't meant to eavesdrop on Ginny and Blaise, but their voices had carried well from the living room. When Ginny grinned, her heart lurched. Ohh, that's the way of it then? Does Ginny even realize? Does Blaise know how much he's giving away? Does Draco for that matter?

She stayed hidden. If the view was perfect from her spot, then she would call it serendipity. She absentmindedly set the sugar tin on the nearest shelf, caught up in what was unfolding across the room. When Ginny stomped off, Molly grinned. She'd seen Draco storm out earlier, but hadn't wanted to push. The poor boy would've run fast and far if she'd approached him. Ginny though, he'll not snip and snarl at her. My baby girl is all grown up. She'll talk him out of his mood.

Her eyes went wide as Blaise trailed after Ginny, looking troubled. But, he went no further than the kitchen door. His soft, "Ginny, I hope you know what you're getting into," caused Molly's knees to go weak.

Dear Merlin, he's worried about both of them. So worried. If he wasn't a Slytherin I'd expect to see him pacing and wringing his hands. It will do both young men good to have Ginny taking them to task, bringing them out of their shells…teaching them how to truly live.

I can't let anyone ruin this.

--------

Blaise wanted to run out into the garden, but stopped himself at the door. Ginny could handle Draco, better than he himself could. He knew that. So, why was he so damned worried? He sighed, laying his head on the door frame. Because she matters…because he matters…oh hell.

"Ginny, I hope you know what you're getting into."

He sighed heavily, prepared to go out there if Draco was too far gone to realize who was with him.

"Damn," he muttered. "They both matter, more than anyone before. What the ruddy hell am I going to do?"

"You do what you're doing, dear."

He jumped and whirled around as Molly stepped from the pantry, flushing lightly.

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

He shook his head and smiled wryly. "It was just too good an opportunity to pass up?"

Molly smiled at him, skirting the table and laying her hands on his shoulders. She turned him around and said, "You see, Ginny's talking him down. There's not a thing to worry about."

"He wouldn't have hurt her. You know that…right?" He mentally cussed his weak voice. It wouldn't do to show weakness in front of anyone; he'd been taught that well enough.

Her hands tightened just a bit. "I know, just as I know you'll do your best not to hurt either of them."

"They're my first real friends," he admitted, watching Ginny and Draco out on the wall. "I finally have friends and I'll fight to keep them."

"I know you will, dear. I'm on your side in this, don't forget that. Harry and Hermione will have to accept the fact that you two are as welcome here as they are."

Blaise watched Ginny kiss Draco's cheek and jealously flared. No, don't go ruining this. Stop that!

"Why don't you set the table for me, that way she'll not yell at you for being over-protective," Molly suggested, steering him towards the cabinet that held the dishes. "Everything will work out in the end, you'll see."

Immensely comforted, Blaise shot her a little smile and did as asked. It was the least he could do considering Molly's home was about to become a battle zone. Odd as it is, I feel like the Burrow could feel like my home if I gave it half a chance.

--dbgdbgdbgdbgdbg--

Ron spotted his mum and Blaise in the kitchen, talking quietly and decided not to interrupt. He tip-toed back up and knocked on the twins' door. "Can I come in without being pranked?"

Fred was grinning mischievously when he threw the door open. "I thought you were going downstairs."

Ron cocked his head towards the window. "Look out in the garden. Mum and Blaise are talking in the kitchen too. I figured I would leave them to it."

George sniggered when he glanced out the window. "We heard him storm out earlier. Quite a surprise that was."

"I rather thought he was an ice block," Fred quipped.

Ron checked in the blankets and under the bed before sitting down. "Umm…yeah… well…they're both like that from what I've seen. It makes me thankful that I didn't go up against either of them over the years, really go up against them I mean."

"Or for the professors stepping in and saving your arse," George teased.

"Harry and Hermione are in for quite the shock," Fred added gleefully. "I can't wait to see you four have a go when they get all pompous."

"Ginny's coming in," George told them. "She looks worried."

"Aren't we all?" Ron retorted. "I don't want those two here. I have been best mates with them for years…but…"

"They've been off since the Ministry battle," Fred suggested.

"We saw it too," George added.

Ron leaned back against the wall and nodded. "That's just it. It's addled their brains from what I can see. He ignored Ginny, did you know that?"

"When?" Fred demanded.

"In the hospital wing. Without her hexing the Inquisitorial Squad and bringing our wands to us…we wouldn't have survived. If she, Luna, and Neville hadn't insisted on coming with us…it would have been a slaughter."

"Potter didn't even thank her?" George asked angrily, clenching his fists.

Ron winced. "Calm down, big brother. No, he didn't. Though you would have thought Luna and Neville deserved Order of Merlin's first class for their part. He was all but tripping over his own feet to thank them."

"Ginny doesn't deserve that," Fred spat.

"I know," Ron said attempting to calm them a bit. "She didn't seem to care. She expected it actually."

"Draco and Blaise wouldn't ever treat her like that," George interjected. "I was wary at first, but now I'm seeing how they are around her."

Ron laughed. "Too true. I nearly fell over when she explained it to me…"

"But, now?" Fred asked dropping down on the end of the bed, knocking Ron's feet to the side.

Ron shrugged. "You saw them earlier. The main motivation for becoming beaters is obviously to keep Ginny safe during the Slytherin matches."

George chuckled. "Well, I have to say that it'll only take one person harassing her for the whole school to find out just why it isn't a wise choice."

Fred grinned maliciously. "Ohh, going back is looking better by the minute."

"COME DOWN HERE, YOU THREE! YOU'RE HELPING TOO!"

"The little dictator," Fred said fondly.

"She is isn't she," George quipped.

Ron slid from the bed and shook his head. "I don't know how she does it. She just gets that look in her eye and then that tone."

All three cringed.

"It's Mum's doing," George said as he pushed them out the door.

Ron raced done the stairs, staying far enough away from the twins to assure himself that they couldn't prank him and stopped dead when he reached the bottom. His mum and Ginny were sitting at the table having a cup of tea while Draco and Blaise were being directed. And they weren't grumbling about it either!

"I want a camera," he hissed to the twins. "No one would believe that Draco Malfoy actually mashed potatoes, without magic."

Fred whispered back, "Or that Blaise Zabini knew how to do dishes."

"Fred, you're drying and putting away the dishes. Do try not to break any."

"Yes, Mum," he replied immediately, hurrying over to help Blaise.

"George, you're to get the drinks set out," Ginny said, cocking up an eyebrow as if daring him to argue.

"On it."

Ron just waited for his instructions.

"Ron, you will be assisting Harry and Hermione clean up after dinner."

He knew better than to argue. He'd find himself doing something now in addition to his after dinner chores. He'd never understood why his Mum insisted on cleaning before and after dinner, but he knew better than saying anything now. Watching the show would be far easier and not to mention funnier. Draco and Blaise looked so miserable. But, Ron reasoned, they wouldn't dare complain either. Not with his mum and Ginny both here.

Seconds later, he spotted the group crossing the garden and groaned, loudly. "Here they come."

This is going to go badly, no matter how optimistic Mum is.