CHAPTER 9

The six Gryffindors made their way past the main stairs and towards the great hall, stopping frequently to greet acquaintances along the way. Nevra was corralled by an eager crowd of curious students up against the sapphire filled hour glass that sorted the house points for Ravenclaw. They all wanted to ask about her new look. Colin noticed she was no longer behind him and broke through the horde to save his friend. Grabbing her wrist, they walked arm and arm through the double doors into the candle lit great hall. They spotted Harry and Ron at the head of the long Gryffindor house table. Since they and Seamus were now seventh years, they moved up to adopt their new position. Nevra and Colin sat on Harry's side opposite Seamus and Dennis. Dean Thomas sauntered in behind them minutes later, giving Nevra a double take and a nervous "hello" before sitting next to Seamus.

He had always secretly regretted dumping her for Parvati Patil last year. Although they were still together, he hadn't realized how much baggage came with Parvati, namely Lavender. It was common knowledge that Lavender Brown was in love with Parvati and the pair were scarcely ever seen apart. Many wondered if there was a hidden relationship between the two. The only person that knew for sure was Hermione, seeing as how she was their roommate. But Hermione never gave anything away and Dean was unsure of his girlfriends
sexual escapades besides their own. There was also considerable speculation about Parvati's twin sister Padma because she had never showed a confirmed interest in either sex. She was a true Ravenclaw, all absorbed in her studies, saying there was no time for such frivolity. Apart from her sister blackmailing her into being Ron's escort to the Yule Ball, she was never seen in the company of anyone besides Parvati and her books.

The rest of the house tables began to fill and Nevra spotted Draco and Blaise at the hall's entrance. As they started into the room, it seemed their entire house had waited for it's superiors before gracing the great hall
with their presence. The diplomatic duo took up the same positions as Harry and Ron , however non of the other Slytherins sat until gestured to by Draco. He really was the King of Slytherin! After witnessing the odd
spectacle of worship, Nevra was impressed to say the least. She tried to catch her love's eyes, but he was fixated on the head table. Following his gaze, she saw Dumbledore stand and call the student body to order.

Professor McGonagall came out with the old stool and sorting hat, while the students new to Hogwarts filed in behind her. The usually small ceremony was considerably longer this year. Since there was no longer a threat to the school from dark wizards, there were several transfer students from other magical academies, beside the crop of firsties. Each house gained a few transfers, along with first years. Everyone's stomachs grumbled as the hat and stool were put away. Dumbledore once again called attention and began the start of term notices. All eyes and ears were on the Headmaster with the exception of Nevra, who was plotting a rash escape. Draco noticed this and sent her a wink, complete with smirk, and mouthed for her to pay attention.

Asshole.

Dumbledore's voice, although soft, still filled the hall. "The forbidden forest is still forbidden, hence the name, and the ever growing list of things not allowed can be found on Mr. Filch's door. As many of you have
noticed, Miss Hermione Granger is no longer with us. Due to her recent discoveries, she has been accepted at the prestigious Salem Witches Academy in America to continue with her research."

Harry and Ron scowled in disgust over the lie, but they knew it had to be done. It saved them from a lot of grief over answering questions about their lost friend.

"On a brighter note, I would like you all to congratulate your new Head Boy, Draco Malfoy."

The great hall erupted in cheers from the Slytherins at their King's accomplishment. The other houses soon joined suit, though with a great lack of enthusiasm, out of respect.

"I hope you will all give him the respect and appreciation he deserves for earning such an honor. Finding our Head Girl this year proved to be a challenge, to say the least. As Miss Granger is no longer with us, we
naturally moved on to other prospects. However, those who were extended the offer politely refused."

At this, Hannah Abbott turned as red as her hair and tried to hide under the table. Nevra thought this was a good idea and began to slink downward herself. Colin took note of her actions. Whatever McGonagall had said certainly must be big news, if she was acting like this. He turned his attention back to the Headmaster for answers.

"With no other seventh years girls qualified to fill the position, Deputy Headmistress Professor McGonagall and I decided to move down to the sixth year girls."

This caused a thunderous uproar of chatter, as it was well known how few sixth year girls were at Hogwarts. Nevra could only wring her hands in anticipation as a hush went over the crowd and Dumbledore continued.

"As I said, we have offered the honor of being Head Girl to a very qualified and talented sixth year and she has gracefully accepted the position. However she will no longer be a sixth year, she will be elevated to
seventh."

Yet again, the students burst into hysterics at his revelation.

"SILENCE! If I am not allowed to finish, it shall only delay the feast, and I for one am rather famished."

An ovation of "Sorry Professor" was heard around the hall.

"Our new Head Girl received such high scores on her O.W.L.'s and is held in such regard by her fellow classmates, we feel it necessary she be placed in all seventh year classes. She will of course graduate this year, early for her age, and we expect great things from her in the future. She should be given the utmost respect for she certainly deserves such an honor for her achievements. It is my pleasure to present to you, newly made seventh year and Hogwarts Head Girl, Miss Nevra Weasley." Dumbledore was grinning from ear
to ear and began to applaud.

A gasp spread throughout the hall as realization of who he was talking about sunk in.

Before she could be hounded, the Headmaster shouted a hasty, "Tuck in!" and the hose tables were encompassed in a feast. Harry and Ron were looking at her with their mouths agape, while Dennis and Colin were smothering her with kisses.

"I thought I said no more surprises, little missy! Why didn't you tell us?" Ron asked in awe of his baby sister.

"I promised McGonagall that Dumbledore could make the announcement. It was a secret."

"I'll say! So the Prince and Princess are going to rule the school together than?" Harry chirped, casting Draco a glance.

"I suppose you could say that." she answered.

"Imagine Ron, our little girl doing better than the two of us combined!" Harry kissed her on the cheek.

"Don't remind me, it's too embarrassing. But now Percy has less to brag about and rub in my face. He and Mum will simply go nutters over this."

"I didn't even think about that! I suppose McGonagall has already sent them an owl. I promise I will not be as insufferable as Percy."

"I don't think anyone can be as bad as Percy was!" Harry kidded before shoveling food in his mouth.

They all laughed as they filled their plates high. Nevra was scarcely able to eat for the students coming to congratulate and speak to her. When Ron had finished off the last pudding, Dumbledore announced it was time to retire to their houses. The prefects left first to escort the houses back to their common rooms and give the passwords. Nevra and Draco hung back to wait for Professor McGonagall. She had to show them their new dormitories. As they walked the hall of the sixth floor, she rattled off their required duties and expectations.

"Of course, you will do nightly rounds to ensure students are not breaking curfew. You may take, but not give house points and you may also issue detentions as you see fit. I trust you to follow the rules and not make any exceptions for your friends, especially those late night escapades. They are students just like the rest and do not deserve special treatment. Both of you should be familiar with the locations of all the entrances to the different house common rooms, as you will be returning and showing new students there. The passwords are as follows: Gryffindor-canary creams, Slytherin-pepper imps, Hufflepuff-chocolate frogs and Ravenclaw-sugar quills. I'll give you three guesses as to WHO picked those." she quirked, while rolling her eyes. "There will also be many more Hogsmede weekends this year. Mr. Malfoy I have already gotten the Headmaster's permission for you to venture to Hogsmede to oversee the finishing construction of your
business during the week. But it will only be after classes and you must still complete all of your duties. Oh, and you will need an escort."

Draco was taken off guard by that. "An escort, Professor?"

"Why yes, what if something should happen to you? You can not go alone. You will be escorted by your fellow head, Miss Weasley."

"He will?" Nevra asked, expressing a truthful look of surprise.

"Of course, you will. Seeing as how no one else can keep control over him and make him behave." she replied with a wink and an evil grin.

"You've been speaking with my cousin I see." Draco smirked.

"Mr. Zabini and I share a passion for transfiguration. Something about the two of you may have come up in our discussion on the train. Never fear, I will not let your secret out, I'll leave that challenge to you two. However, I am happy to hear of such wonderful news. This will certainly be helpful in fulfilling your plans this year to unite the houses. Ah, we're here."

She stopped in front of a large portrait of a blossoming meadow surrounding a small pond. As they approached, Nevra was startled by a loud flapping of wings. A large phoenix appeared beside the water's edge and nodded it's head to them.

"This is Eglamour and he will be the one protecting entrance into the tower. Although he cannot speak, he can understand and shake his head in acknowledgment. You may choose a password now, Miss Weasley, for this is your new home."

"Hello, Eglamour. I am Nevra Weasley and this is Draco Malfoy."

Eglamour sang a few soft notes in greeting.

"I would like the password to be...Sugar Coated Fate." Eglamour nodded his understanding and swung open to revel her new dormitory. Draco raised his eyebrows at her choice of words, but chose to say nothing.

As they stepped through the portrait hole, the room illuminated in candlelight and a fire sprung from the leftover ashes in the hearth. Because the Head Dorms were two of many towers in the castle, the enormous room was completely round. The walls were constructed in a bright white marble and were covered with the portraits of past Head Girls. Nevra rationalized they must have permanent sticking charms on them in order to hang on the circular surface of the walls. She spotted Penelope Clearwater's portrait and said "hello". Penelope returned her greeting and welcomed her. Percy had married his sweetheart shortly after graduation and they were both currently working for the ministry. Penelope excused herself to visit the family portrait at
home to spread the good news. Nevra liked the older girl well enough, even if she was a female version of Percy. At least she could have someone to talk to.

The floors were done in the same marble and had several crimson area rugs spaced out over them. A six foot high, five foot wide fireplace was sunk into the left side of the room, surrounded by two overstuffed crimson
couches and matching armchairs. In between the fireplace and the seating was an ample sized coffee table in a deep rich mahogany. It had a carving of a lion on it's top and was covered by a glass slab, so as to protect it. Above the mantle was a grand silver guilt mirror and several extravagant chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The other side of the room contained a massive mahogany desk, with a matching carving and glass topper. Behind that was a very regal looking high-backed chair made of crimson velvet that reminded Nevra of a throne. Stacked neatly on it's top were her new seventh year texts. Dumbledore must have sent for them. Surrounding the desk and a great portion of the room were nine foot bookcases filled to bursting with
tomes of literature. McGonagall noticed her stare and decided to explain.

"These are exact replicas of all the books in the library, including the restricted section. The founders believed the school Heads should not have to be bothered with going to the busy library and possibly not being able to access what they needed. This year will be full of work and these will certainly come in handy, especially if you are working late into the night, as I am sure you will be on more than one occasion."

She led them to the rear of the room and stopped before a long table, set with eight chairs. Nevra thought it looked like a dining table. Professor McGonagall pointed to a floating rope of gold thread at the head of the
table.

"This will summon a house elf to you immediately. As I said, you will have ever changing schedules and may be in need of food, blankets, new firewood, laundry and other random things at odd hours. This is here to assist you, so please do not abuse it." Both students nodded their understanding and the Professor headed behind the table to a spiraling marble staircase. There were three landings, each only having one door. McGonagall explained that they were three bedrooms, the topmost being the grandest. The other two were
to be used by research assistants or guests periodically so the Head Girl did not feel so isolated.

"I trust you are competent enough in transfiguration to decorate as you see fit. Many girls have made the lower rooms un-slept in, into potions labs, dueling arenas, astronomy towers, divination quarters and an ice rink. I must discourage the latter due to the constant need of freezing charms. We had quite a mess several years back that I'd rather not see repeated." Professor McGonagall huffed as the party reached the top landing and the final door.

They stepped in to an ivory palace. The entire room was bathed in the soft color, from the marble floors to the draperies. To the right side of the room was a gigantic armoire, a vanity, a chest of drawers and a smaller desk and chair than the one downstairs. Beyond that was a set of glass doors, presumably leading to the bath. The entire opposite side of the room was consumed by a monumental brass canopy bed. It had three small steps leading up to it so one did not have to jump and hope they land on the mountain of
frilly pillows. The sheets and duvet were a silky satin that would feel wonderful against one's skin. On the left of the bed was a night stand and to the right was a full size mirror. The walls were bare, so the occupant could have some privacy, but did not look barren. They instead held candelabra, bathing the room in soft light. The ceiling was a beautiful mural of unicorns frolicking amongst fairies in a glen. Professor McGonagall walked over beside the armoire and twisted the candle stick in the sconce above it.

Nevra and Draco were surprised as the marble wall faded away to reveal a small balcony. It was situated just under the steeple of the tower and overlooked the lake. There was a small breakfast table and chairs, as well
as a settee, and a telescope was positioned on the northern wall. Nevra stole a glance at Draco, but he was looking to the north at a very similar tower balcony. That must be his tower. Nevra thought she could grasp the stars from here, but the magic was broken by Professor McGonagall ushering them
out. They still needed to see Draco's room quickly before returning to their houses to law down the law, as it were.

Draco's room was just down the hall a ways from her own. The Professor stopped by another large portrait. This one was a close up of the forest ground and a large bramble of twigs and leaves, presumably a nest. Professor McGonagall cleared her throat to alert the portraits occupant of their arrival. After several seconds, nothing happened.

Rolling her eyes, she shouted, "THURIO!" A rustling was heard and the nest began to move as a shrewd voice countered, "What do you want, you old bat?"

Draco and Nevra stifled a laugh, but McGonagall was unaffected by the jab.

"Thurio, the new Head Boy and Girl are here. Your tower is to be used for our new head boy Draco Malfoy. I would appreciate it if you would greet them and accept the password he gives you." she pursed her lips into a thin line, awaiting his appearance.

When he did sit up from his nest, Nevra lost her composure. It seemed that Thurio was a rather fat jarvey. She poked Draco who was not amused by his guard's species.

"Is it time for that crap again? I was just having a long lie in before I was so rudely awakened by your wrinkleyness. So, you're the new butt-squirt, eh?" asked Thurio as he eyed Draco up and down. "What happened to your hair? Did she cast a bleaching hex on you for oogling her goodies or what? Not that I wouldn't mind enduring a hex for such a treat."

Nevra was shocked at his brass and Draco was seething.

"Thurio, that will be quite enough. Now I believe Mr. Malfoy needs to give you a password."

"Whatever. So are you still shagging that old codger Dumble-dork on the quidditch pitch?"

Professor McGonagall had a very bright blush creeping up her neck, rather it was from embarrassment of the truth or anger, the two students were unsure as they politely closed their mouths.

"I said that was enough! Mr. Malfoy, if you please!" she snapped.

"Could we not find a more "suitable" portrait to guard my dorm?"

"I am sorry, Mr. Malfoy, but Thurio is the only one available that can ward off anyone with a few comments. I'm afraid besides Eglamour, they're the best we have and I will not let him guard Miss Weasley's rooms. Besides, I am sure you are quite capable of sparring with him. You may even enjoy it."

"You do have a valid point." turning back to Thurio who was currently giving him the finger, he said, "I wish the password to be "loss for words". Do you understand?"

"What that you are an ugly git or that you picked a stupid password?"

"Look here you over grown salad dodger! I asked you a direct question and I demand an answer you pathetic little beast!"

"Same to ya with brass knobs on you snarky scrote! And yeah, I heard you the first time."

Nevra and McGonagall were now laughing freely at the pair and Draco was enjoying a good fight. He needed his spirits lifted before addressing his house.

"Well, then open up!" he demanded.

"I ain't asked you for the password yet, you baltic bamstick."

"Well do you plan on doing so soon? As much fun as I'm having with you, I do have other matters to see to. Or do you plan to sit on your fat ass all day?"

"Fine, no need to insult my curvaceous figure. Password?"

"Loss for words." Draco sneered, so he was sensitive about his chubbiness, that would come in handy later.

McGonagall went through the open portrait first and Nevra raised an eyebrow at Draco's choice of password.

"What? No one will ever guess that!" He replied with a smirk and a twinkle in his eye.

McGonagall overheard this and was silently beside herself. The portrait guardians and their choice of password could not be more fitting. The three walked in to an identical version of Nevra's tower. The only differences were that where her room was white and crimson, Draco's was black and green. Where there were lions carved in her furniture, his held snakes, but the magnificent room was just as spectacular as hers.

"Mr. Malfoy, this is an exact copy of Miss Weasley's quarters so I should not need to show you around. If you will excuse me, I need to go prepare the students class schedules for tomorrow morning."

"Yes, of course Professor. Good night." Nevra replied.

"Good night to you both and please make haste to your common rooms to speak to your house, for it is getting rather late. I don't want students falling asleep in my classes tomorrow." with a nod, she left.

Making sure she was gone, Nevra threw her arms around Draco and kissed him. She nibbled his bottom lip, asking for entrance and he gladly welcomed her affection. He missed being in her arms and vowed to stay that way as much as possible.

"Get your bloody hands off my sister, if you please!"

The snogging duo jumped apart and whirled around the room, looking for Ron. But there was no way he could have gotten in here!

"Over here, my dear genius sister!" growled the voice again. She knew that voice well, and seeing as how they were in the Head Boy's dormitory and the portraits of past Head Boy's lined the walls...

"Percy!" she shouted.

"Took you long enough. So, you are to be a seventh year and the new Head Girl, eh?"

"Yes, Percy."

"And I see that Malfoy is the new Head Boy. However, Penelope failed to mention that the two of you were in a relationship."

"No one knows, except Ron, Harry and my friends, honestly Percy. Please don't tell Mum yet. I'd like her to get over Hermione first."

"Well, I suppose they will certainly keep this young man in line and in his toes. I worked very closely with your father Draco, and if you are anything like him, you are a fine man. I do hope that I will not have to kill you for hurting my only sister some time in the future. I rather liked Lucius and I hope I can feel the same about you. As for you young lady, no I will not tell Mum. With Hermione gone and your startling appearance, yes we've heard all about your phase, I will not add to her burden. Now I suggest you both leave and head to your respective houses. It was nice to meet you, Draco."

"Yeah, same here, I think."

"Bye, Percy!"

Draco took hold of Nevra's elbow and guided her out of the portrait. She breathed a sigh of relief that it was over.

"We need some large blankets to cover up him and his wife, or we'll never have any peace!" Draco whined.

"You do have a point. I had forgotten all about them, but if they're there than that means that...oh! I've got to get to Harry!"

"How can you think of Potter at a time like this? We need to figure out how to get them down, so we can have some "us" time uninterrupted by your family!"

"Draco, those portraits were of all the past Head Girls and Boys right?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Harry's parents were Head Boy and Head Girl when they were here! He can finally see them for real and speak to them!"

"Holy Shit!"

"You'll do well to leave Harry Potter alone, if you want a peaceful year, young lady."

Nevra froze. She knew that voice, but why was he here? "Bill...?"

Draco was beyond worried at this point. "Who in the bloody hell is Bill?"

"Me!"

Draco finally spotted the portrait that Nevra was fixated on. It was of a tall man with a strong jaw and a long red ponytail down his back.

"You're that Weasley!"

"How good of you to notice. It took you long enough."

Nevra cringed at her brother's statement. She should have known it was him, how could she have forgotten he had been Head Boy? She also knew they were in trouble. The Weasley temper was not one to be reckoned with. Ron, Charlie and the twins inherited traits from their father. They all share a naturally
easy-going attitude, though their eccentric ways get them in trouble, constantly, as well as their irresponsibility. However, when good and angry, they always choose fists first, questions later. Nevra and Bill were exact duplicates of their mother, both making people cower in fear at their words when necessary. Percy was, well Percy. He was an enigma that she assumed was adopted somewhere down the line, as he rarely lived in the present world, preferring to live primarily in his own. This lack of attention had gotten
him in to trouble on more than one occasion.

Draco yelled back at Bill as he helped Nevra to her feet. "But why are you refusing to help your own sister and Potter?"

"First of all, I never want to hear you say a word about my sister. Don't even think about her, she has nothing to do with this. And as for Harry, I will not let the two of you play some kind of sick joke on him after all he's been through."

Draco was seething. "What do you mean she has nothing to do with this? Are you blind or just incredibly stupid? She's right here! And as much as I would normally love to get one up on Potter, even this would be too far."

Nevra was amazed at Draco's second admission of not going there with Harry. He really wasn't the man they had all thought.

"That girl beside you is no more my sister than Rita Skeeter is! I know full well she is your little slut from the club and thanks to the two of you, I had to lie to the people I love the most about why I ended up in the
hospital!"

Nevra was beside herself. "You really have no clue who I am, do you?"

"Other than a troublemaker that hangs around the likes of him, no, and I don't care."

Draco was almost laughing at Bill's childish tone and mocking. "Did you not just hear your own brother Percy talking to us earlier?"

"I was away form my portrait visiting a friend, if you must know. I just got back." he snapped before crossing his arms.

Nevra had enough of this charade. "Bill, it's really me, Ginevra. I'm sorry about what happened at the club, but frankly you deserved it. You were acting like a complete ass, not to mention hitting on your own sister in
public. If it had been any other establishment, the same thing would have happened if you acted that way."

"My sister would never be in a place like that, let alone look like you. I think I would know my own flesh and blood, better than the likes of you two."

That was it, he opened the gates of wrath. "Sod off, William Arthur Weasley! You don't know shit about me and never have! Not even Mum understands me. Now go home to the Burrow and visit the family portrait over the mantle in the family room. Ask Mum what Ginny has done to herself, how she looked
today on platform 9 3/4!"

Portrait Bill's mouth fell open. "I don't know how you found out where my
family lives or what is in our home, but I'm sure the ministry would be interested in the fact that a Malfoy and his trollop are spying on the home of a ministry official. However, just to prove you both wrong and get you out of here, I will go speak with my mother!"

He disappeared, but not before sticking his nose up in the air. Stubborn ass, maybe he was a bit more like Percy. When he was gone, Nevra turned to Draco.

"I can't believe this! How can he be so stupid?"

"Well, he is a Weasley."

Nevra reached back her hand to smack him and was in mid-strike when she saw him smirk at her. Asshole.

Smiling at her protectiveness over her family, he pulled her to him. "Princess, it's not your fault. He just refuses to believe what's staring him in the face. As for the club, he did deserve it and he would have been
thrown out anywhere else, had he acted like that. Besides, you couldn't have told him, it would have blown your cover and caused more problems and we would have never had such a riveting discussion. It's his own fault if he's too stupid to recognize you."

Now it was her turn to smirk. "But YOU didn't know who me either, until I told you."

"Yes, but I am not a member of your family. It would be wrong to hit on my sister." She rolled her eyes at the cheap shot. "Besides, I honestly never paid much attention to you before."

She raised a perfectly arched eyebrow at him, "Oh so just because I change a few things relative to my outer appearance and stand up to you for once, I'm now worthy of your precious attention?"

Draco's smirk never faltered at the question. "No, no it wasn't like that at all, smarty-pants. You were strictly forbidden to me before. Even if you were not surrounded by the trio of terror, my father would never have
allowed it. Your appearance, I must admit was what first caught my eye initially. But it was the fact that you held no more fear for me than a dustbunny and that you refused to cater to me like all the rest, that held
it. I've never met someone like you before. Someone who has such strong feelings and beliefs, who does everything with such a passion. You-"

"GINEVRA MOLLY WEASLEY!"

"Oh shit, not again." She rolled her eyes and turned away from Draco to face her now irate eldest brother.

Draco looked interested. "You're named after your mother?"

"Later!" she hissed, as she awaited what grand things her brother had to say. When he said nothing, only stared at the pair in horror, she added, "So I take it you believe us now, eh?"

"Head Girl and a seventh year now, huh?" His tone was very flat. "Little Gin-bug isn't nearly as perfect as Mum and Dad think she is. Look at you, what have you done to yourself? And consorting with a Malfoy? Have you no family honor or pride? So I take it they know nothing about your little trips to a night club, then? Or the fact that you are obviously seeing Malfoy?" He smiled at his brilliance of having something on his sibling to hang over her head.

Any pity Nevra felt for Bill over being the cause of his injuries faded at that moment into pure anger. "Yes Mum and Dad know I was in the club with COLIN and DENNIS, and they don't care! No, they don't know about my relationship with Draco yet, but Percy wanted me to tell them myself, as it is no one else's business!"

"Oh, I think they need to know about this! Seeing as how you don't deserve the pedestal they've got you on right now."

Draco was staying out of this one. It was bad enough having one enraged Weasley to deal with, he didn't even want to think about attempting two. He was satisfies to sit back and watch the show, he might pick up a few things.

"They don't need to know shit right now! With all that's happened over the past week, this is the last thing they need. Let them have a moment of happiness in the midst of their grief, damn you! Although, I feel terrible for poor Fluer. I am sure she is still recovering from the shock of Hermione's framing attempt. Should she find out that her only love was in Malfoy's club, trying to commit incest, when he was supposed to be on his way to see her after a lengthy expedition to Egypt, she might do something drastic. She is very emotional right now, I'm sure, she may even try to kill herself after her heart completely breaks from this new shocker. And I think our loving, adoring family that rushed to your bedside as soon as they heard about your time of need, should be made aware that you lied to all of them. Especially Mum, who I know was up all night watching over and tending to her first born child!"

Nevra's face was as red with fury as her hair once was. Draco was impressed, to say the least. Especially seeing her use a Malfoy family favorite, blackmail. She would make an excellent Malfoy. Wait, did he just think of marrying Nevra? He did, and he didn't mind it. He smiled as he looked at her, "I love you!"

She gave him his own smirk, "Love you too."

Portrait Bill, however missed the exchange of mutual admiration. He was too lost in his sister's threats, no promises. He knew she would carry them out if need be and he did not need that. He tried to speak several times. But kept tripping over his words. "You, you, you-"

"Oh yes I would. Do not underestimate me, Bill." She stated, absolutely calm now. Draco beamed with pride at his deviously tactful and clever love. He looked to Bill and shook his head in agreement with Nevra. He had already learned his lesson. This caused her brother's eyebrows to shoot up and his face bore the
confirmation he had suspected earlier. His baby sister, like their mother, was a force to be reckoned with.

"Fine, "he huffed, "I may live to regret this, but name your terms."

Nevra didn't hesitate for a moment. "Percy, Penelope, Ron, Harry and yourself all know about the relationship between Draco and I, as does his mother. Whether you approve or not, I could care less and will not do as you wish me to. As I have stated previously today, I am almost of legal age and that entitles me to be allowed to make my own decisions and suffer the consequences of my mistakes, should I make them. It is time I was my own person and not my family's paper doll anymore. You have my word that I will inform our parents at the appropriate time. This is not it, nor has there been a chance to previously. They do not need anymore scurries right now. As for you, I feel that you have dug yourself a large enough hole to never get out of. However, myself and my associates will keep your secret adventure and subsequent lies quiet if you do the same. Furthermore, your's, Percy's, and Penelope's portraits will all be removed from both dorms as soon as possible. It's bad enough dealing with the dynamic duo, we don't need the rest of my family breathing down our necks. Is this agreeable?"

Bill started to protest the removal, but he knew she needed some privacy and he didn't particularly want to look at Malfoy everyday. "Yes, I agree, but know this. If he so much as looks at you the wrong way, he'll have six red furies and a raven to deal with."

Draco snorted and started to shoot his mouth off, but catching Nevra's pleading stare, he simply nodded.

"Now that everything is understood, where are James and Lily's portraits? They graduated just a few years before you, yet we can't seem to locate them." she asked.

"Well, you see the thing is-"he was cut off by the portrait being slammed open and a very pissed off Professor McGonagall tore through the room.

"Miss Weasley, Mr. Malfoy, you are not off to a good start in your duties as school heads! I do believe I told you to address your houses thirty minutes ago! The first years are passing out from exhaustion on the floor! Why have you chosen to disobey a direct command from a teacher?"

Draco chose to let Nevra handle this one. McGonagall liked her way better than him.

"We're sorry Professor, we did not intend to disobey. You see, we were trying to leave, honest, but my brother's felt the need to hold us up for a round of twenty questions." She batted her eyelids and put on her
I'm-so-innocent-couldn't-you-just-eat-me-alive face.

Professor McGonagall slapped a hand to her thin lips. "Oh, my goodness, how could we have forgotten? Well, it's no wonder with everything else that's happened. It never crossed my mind that they were here."

"Penelope too, Professor." Nevra reminded her.

"Yes, yes, I do apologize to you both. I will have the school elves remove them immediately. Now I really must insist that you go now, or we'll be levitating the first through third years to their beds all night."

Nevra stole a glance at Bill who shrugged his shoulders. She needed to know where the Potter's were, but she really did have to go now. He gave her an understanding look and said, "We'll resume this later."

They walked in silence to the main stairs, Draco splitting off to head towards the dungeons. Nevra followed McGonagall to the Gryffindor common room.