A/N: Ah another chapter! Wow! Okay...Ian makes his first real appearance here. Enjoy. Read and review! Thanks. -Mac

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry P.

Chapter Ten

It's Party Time

Ginny ended up getting ready for the party in my room. It wasn't going to take us very long, we were wasting time until the party was supposed to start. Having quick spells that dried, straightened, curled, and styled our hair saved a lot of time. I tend to be inclined toward doing my make up the muggle way rather than with a bunch of cosmetic charms. It took longer, but I don't really mind all that much.

We were lounging around in front of my vanity as I began to do my makeup. Ginny was staring at her reflection as she contemplated how she should do her hair. We had been quiet for awhile, but that was about to change as Ginny could no longer keep herself contained.

"You are going to be okay, aren't you Val?" Ginny questioned.

"Ginny, I..." I started to answer, but as if sensing my answer she cut me off.

"Honestly, Val." Ginny stated, giving me a look.

"Honestly Ginny...I think I'll be fine." I answered. "I really don't have much of a choice in the matter."

"Val, maybe seeing him again will be a good thing." Ginny said.

"Why would you say that?" I asked.

"From the way it sounds, it ended badly between you two. Maybe you could use this as an opportunity to work things out." Ginny suggested.

"Doubtful." I shook my head, "I don't think I'm going to be able to even speak coherently in front of him. Let alone talk things through with him. It's impossible."

"It's not impossible." Ginny replied. "Just think about it, okay."

"I'll think about it." I agreed. "Now, for a change of subject..."

Before I could finish my sentence, Ginny answered my yet-to-be-asked question. "Nothing happened."

"I haven't even asked you a question." I exclaimed.

"Nothing happened." Ginny repeated as she started to test out hairstyles with quick flicks of her wand.

"I still haven't asked you a question." I replied.

"Nothing happened." Ginny said once again, this time drawing it out in a sing song voice, while she flicked her wand and all her hair piled itself on top of her head. Another wave and it braided itself. "Besides I know what you're going to ask anyway."

"You do, do you?" I smirked. "How do you know I wasn't going to ask about the weather?"

"Because that's too trivial for one Valerie Hart." Ginny mocked in a voice very similar to my mother's. "Because I'm not dense Val, that's why."

"Fine. Nothing happened." I said and watched as Ginny tested out the exact hairstyle my mother had fort he charity ball, then tried another style, then another. "Will you stop that! It's distracting."

Ginny smiled, "Sorry."

She settled on a style and started her make up, and I continued. "Anyway, as I was saying--nothing happened, but did you want something to happen?"

I looked at Ginn to gauge her reaction. She blushed. "Look, Will is great. He's a really nice guy. I just don't know if I would feel comfortable dating your brother. It'd be weird...Like you dating Ron."

I shuddered at the comparison. "First of all, Eew. Second, there's a big difference between you and Will, and Ron and me. A big difference. Third, you are sick to even imply...eew, just eew."

"I'm sorry." Ginny laughed. "I don't know. Will's like no one I've ever met. Cute. Respectful. Sensitive. Shy. Oh my God, he's just a little bit of everything. I mean he'd be the perfect boyfriend...but I..."

"That would be a yes." I murmured. "You wanted it bad."

I chuckled as Ginny blushed again. She shoved me playfully. "Shut up."

We finished with our hair and makeup and then got dressed. I must say we looked gorgeous in our dresses. By the time we exited my room, the party had been going on for a while. I say we were the definition of fashionably late. We emerged into an already crowded house.

As we stepped into the room, I took a deep breath to calm myself. I saw Will in one corner and he waved us over to him. Ginny followed me over to him.

"Here, Gin. Stay with Will. I have to make my rounds." I said as we reached him.

"What do you mean?" Ginny looked at me with wide eyes that screamed 'don't leave me!'

"I have to go. My mother will slaughter me if she finds out I neglected my duties. I'll see you in a few." I responded. And before Ginny could utter another word in protest I walked away.

Since my mother was the host, that made all of her children the hosts as well. We're obligated to make a round of the party, meet with the Important People, and play the part of a kind-natured, generous host. Obligated, as in my mother would fly into a steaming fit if she found out we hadn't done it. And as funny as that would be, I would much rather not have her wrath directed at me. So I did my part. I played friendly with the Important People for my required time then returned to where Will and Ginny were still standing.

As I walked up, Will handed me a glass of champagne he had wainting for me. He asked, "How bad?"

We had this routine. We each made our respected rounds, Will was usually first as he came down to the party long before I did. Once I finished my round, Will would ask me that question. What he meant by it was how many times my mother caught up with me during my round. She liked to check up on us, many times.

"Mom cornered me twelve times...twelve times! How can she catch me twelve times in twenty minutes?"

"You win." Will mumbled as he took a big sip off his champagne. "She only got me seven."

"I always do." I groaned. It was unlady-like but there was no one around.

"I dare say it, you're her favorite child." Will remarked sarcastically.

"I best not be." I shook my head. I made to continue when I heard it..."

"Ian Winchester! Oh it's been far too long!" My mother's voice called. It was loud enough for me to hear from across the room. I turned around completely to watch the exchange.

Ian looked so different. I guess time does change a lot of things. He was still the incredibly hansome Ian I had known all those years back. He just had a different air about him. He stood taller, society posture. I guess he had adjusted to his life away from here. I let out a sigh despite myself. I tensed as I realized what I had done and my stomach tightened. It was tying itself into knots, as I realized that he was here now and it was only a matter of time before he saw me. I was starting to panic.

"Mrs.--" Ian started to greet her but paused. He must have been unsure of her latest name change.

"It's Donald now, sweetheart." My mother smiled sweetly.

"Mrs. Donald." Ian nodded politely. "I apologize for being late. I had a couple of things left to do at home."

"It's completely understandable." My mother replied.

"My family should have arrived already." Ian stated.

"Yes dear, they're around." My mother responded. "Your sisters are really the most gorgeous thing's I've ever seen. And they have the most proper manners. I just wish Valerie had manners like them."

Ian chuckled at the reference and then looked up, straight at me. I froze. My breath stuck in my throat.

"Oh God." I breathed.