A/N: To those readers who expect Dramione happening, I must mirror the reply I made some chapters ago regarding Themione: I'm sorry to disappoint, but I simply haven't planned for it to happen. However, there are many great fanfics out there which contain these ships, some of them even including Blinny, so I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for in this regard. (However, I do plan on having Draco to have a cameo in this story).

I hope you'll continue on reading, regardless :)

Chapter 21: A day off

The end of January arrived sooner than expected.

Despite Quidditch being cancelled for the time being, school and Head Girl duties seemed to have been multiplied in return; both with the midterm exams and the number of students who had to be managed and guided by Prefects or Aurors when moving about the school grounds.

Ginny now had her hands full of younger students who were either too scared to venture out to the greenhouses for their Herbology lessons, or some who were all too lax about the risk of running into the rogue Dementor when going to Hogsmeade. After one of the visits to the latter, two First Year boys had even come up to her and claimed they'd spotted two of the Dark Wizards on the most wanted list that the Ministry had issued after the war. When Ginny had raised a both concerned and sceptical eyebrow and poked some more into their statement, it turned out that the two boys hadn't been able to clearly see their faces, since these presumably 'Dark Wizards' had been standing in the shadows between a couple of cottages when the boys had passed by in a hurry to get to Honeydukes. The fact that they hadn't reported their suspicions right away to the accompanying Auror either confirmed her suspicions that the boys most likely just had an overactive imagination; fuelled by the 'excitement' of having all the Aurors around and a Dementor on the loose.

Shaking her head in slight frustration of their ignorance (This wasn't a bloody game!), yet knowing that they were also just kids, she suddenly felt very old and seasoned. Most of her energy these days was spent reassuring one part of the students and reprimanding another, meanwhile getting odd, scrutinizing looks from the Aurors whenever they were nearby.

Frankly, the latter was starting to get on her nerves.

She hadn't been in much contact with Zabini, none direct at least, though, every now and then, her otherwise occupied mind strayed to their last befuddling encounter in the Owlery.

She had contemplated on the letter he had sent that day and the Italian-sounding name she had seen written on it, wondering if he was writing to the grandmother he had once mentioned in passing. (Though, it really was none of her business, was it now?). His slightly flustered, sleep-deprived appearance that morning had taken her by surprise, and she had felt anxious to be in his proximity again ever since the night of the party. From the way his Adam's apple bobbed as he stared at her, it seemed he remembered it as well. And then, he had just left. Hurried away, actually.

Not that she could blame him, could she?

She sighed, presently battling a stack of Potions' books and winter ropes in her arms, forgotten by some First Years in the library, and dumped them in the Lost & Found box by the library entrance. Making her way down the corridor towards the stairs, she berated herself for procrastinating her own homework, considering how little time she actually had to get it done by tonight.

So, once again, she would burn the midnight oil. Either that or it would end up being some very-last-minute preparations before class in the morning.

Oh, joy.

"Ah, Miss Weasley, there you are."

She blinked as she spotted the Headmistress coming up the stairs ahead and walking towards her in a billow of charcoal-coloured ropes.

Then, a couple of steps behind her, a tall, familiar, dark head materialized.

Ginny swallowed; recent images flitted across her retina and she felt heat rising in her cheeks.

Judging from Zabini's immediate bearing, he didn't seem particularly eager to be in present company either, looking both politely begrudging and blasé as he came to a halt with the Headmistress in front of her.

"How fortunate," the elder witch greeted her. "As it so happened, I was just on my way to find you both when I encountered Mr. Zabini here." Blaise's mouth pulled into a stiff scowl behind McGonagall while the latter, oblivious of this, continued conversationally, "Mr. Attwater told me you were clearing up the library?"

The name of the Head Boy made Ginny tear her eyes away from the Italian and back to the Headmistress' face, giving her a silent nod in return.

"Well then." McGonagall stepped back, turning away from the small talk as her grey gaze regarded both of them with her usual directness. "To the matter at hand, I'm here to let you both know that Mr. Rowe and I have decided to arrange for the Head Boy and Girl as well as the Seventh Year Prefects to have your own day off in Hogsmeade. Without the younger students accompanying you. And you will be allowed to invite one friend each to bring along."

Ginny's brow rose in mild surprise. Well, that was unexpected. But honestly, it sounded rather nice to have a day off and not having the responsibility of looking out for everyone else, for once.

"However," McGonagall proceeded, "you will be accompanied by a couple of Aurors as well, of course. For safety precautions."

Shooting an apprehensive glance at the wizard beside her, Ginny noticed how Zabini's mask had tightened significantly. Catching the direction of her gaze, McGonagall observed their interaction curiously but refrained from commenting on it and instead asked, "So, who would you like to invite?"

"Nott."

Both witches turned their heads towards the Italian at his straight-forward, quick reply. A little too quick, Ginny thought and narrowed her eyes at him.

"Pardon?" McGonagall blinked, having likely misunderstood his answer.

Blaise didn't bat an eyelid, his impassive expression only undercut by his ticking jaw. "I'll bring Theodore Nott."

"Ah. I see." The elder witch regarded him for a second longer before giving him a nod of acceptance, "Of course, you may." She then turned towards Ginny, "And you, Miss Weasley?"

"Erm..."

Ginny had no clue who she was going to invite and instinctively thought of all the people who weren't there: Luna, Neville, Dean, Seamus. She couldn't even count on Hermione to be available or even at school, given her busy schedule. And though Ginny had momentarily regained her fondness for Parvati during the last couple of weeks, she really hadn't bonded that much with the twin for them to become bosom friends all of a sudden. In so many ways, they felt miles apart.

So... who then?

She threw the Italian another uncertain look but was once again only able to get a cursory, unreadable glance from him before he studiously looked away.

Hmph. Thanks a lot for ditching me, Zabini.

"Well?" McGonagall had lifted a single slim, grey eyebrow, awaiting her answer.

"I, er, think I'll just go by myself."

The elder witch's eyebrow rose higher as Ginny tried mustering a convincing smile. From the corner of her eye, she felt Blaise observing her surreptitiously through his bored visage.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Miss Weasley," McGonagall spoke in somewhat regret. "Even with supervision, you must be paired off with another student in case something happens and the Auror is not with you or able to reach you in time. Going alone isn't an option, given the precarious situation. You do understand, don't you?"

Ginny opened and closed her mouth, before finally replying. "Ah, um.. yes, of course."

Surveying her for a couple of beats longer, McGonagall's eyes lost some of their edge.

"We have still to complete the list of attendants for the trip, but I'm sure we'll find you a companion among them. Or you can go with another pair," she clarified, reminiscent of the same almost maternal concern she had displayed as Head of Gryffindor. She wasn't about to abandon one of lion cubs to an uncertain fate. Ginny's heart warmed at the notion.

"Yes, thank you, Headmistress."

McGonagall gave a curt nod, addressing them both again. "Alright. Well, I hope you don't have any plans for this weekend since we plan on making the trip this Saturday?"

The response was in the negative. Unenthusiastically so. Despite her workload, Ginny realized she had nothing on her schedule that was even remotely close to fun.

Gauging Zabini's response, she was quietly surprised by his head giving a stiff, disinclined shake.

Of all the people on the school, the Italian surely would have a pretty decent social life. If not here in Great Britain, then some exotic, fancy place with all his rich, snobbish friends whom he must just long to return to.

But then again; perhaps not?

Perhaps the rumours were exaggerated.

But then why not just lie and say he did have plans for the weekend, so that he could escape the enforced company?

Why hadn't she?

Darn! She couldn't very well back down now. Not in front of McGonagall and definitely not Zabini. He would just see right through the lie and take the opportunity to gloat, and she wouldn't give him the satisfaction.

"That's settled then." McGonagall dipped her pointy chin towards them. "If you'll come to the entrance by the Great Hall the day after tomorrow at one o'clock, you'll meet your accompanying Auror and get further instructions there."

There was a beat of awaiting silence, seemingly concluding McGonagall's briefing.

"Right. I'm off then," Blaise broke through in a terse voice, pivoting on his heel and stalked off in the direction he came from. McGonagall cast another contemplative look over the top of her glasses after the young man who disappeared around the corner before turning to Ginny again.

"I'll not take up any more of your time, then. A pleasant afternoon to you, Miss Weasley." Another brisk smile and then the Scotswoman was off too, billowing ropes and all.

Ginny stared down the corridor, slightly bereft. Unsure how to feel about the trip, she slowly started off towards her quarters, making a mental note to herself to set the alarm and not sleep in as she usually did on Saturdays.

Well, one had to look at the bright side of things, she thought drolly: At least now she had something else to partake in other than the mountain of homework she had to get done by the end of the weekend.

X

Zabini had already arrived, leaning stoically against the wall by the Great Hall, when Ginny turned up Saturday morning along with Clarence Attwater, the Head Boy, and the rest of the Prefects and their plus-ones.

The former Slytherin didn't look directly at her, merely inclined his head as she approached, more acquiescent than chagrined about present arrangements.

She glanced around him.

"Where's Nott?"

His strong-lined face turned surly. "Couldn't make it."

"Oh."

"Yes. Highly convenient of him. As usual," he muttered wryly, shifting his gaze towards her. "Looks like he's not the only one."

She shrugged, looking over the crowd of Prefects. "I hoped someone else would be without companion today..."

"Attwater not up for it? Interesting," he drawled. "Thought he'd just jump at the chance."

She shot him a glare.

"Good, you are all here!" McGonagall drew their attention, coming towards the group alongside (sigh) an ever gloomy-looking Rowe and his group of selected Aurors. "Pair up and Mr. Rowe and I will assign you each an Auror who will accompany you on your trip."

The group did as told – all except Blaise and Ginny who were still standing, listlessly, by the wall.

"Mr. Zabini! Miss Weasley!" the Headmistress spotted them from the sideline as Rowe introduced the Aurors to the first couple of students. "Have you no companions this day? Well, then pair up with each other and come along. No dawdling!"

They looked resignedly at each other, realizing there was no other alternative since they were only two left without a partner, and then slowly moved towards the line-up. Ginny remarked how the Prefects seemed to face the arrangement with varied moods; some taking it very seriously, while others looked perturbed by the idea of being tailed by the Aurors (or 'baby-sat' as she overheard someone whisper). Yet, the overall atmosphere soon turned animated. After all, like Ginny, most Seventh Year Prefects had had little time off for themselves – if none at all – during the latest Hogsmeade visits. No wonder, they were excited to jump at a chance such as this.

"Ah. Miss Weasley. Mr. Zabini."

A frosty voice knocked her out of her musings and she looked up to see the Head Auror had reached her and Blaise, while the Headmistress remained occupied with another pair and, rather conveniently, out of earshot.

"I must say I'm a little surprised to see you here today," Rowe droned silkily, wringing a sardonic expression from his stony features. "One would have suspected the thought of this little excursion to Hogsmeade, of all places, would have made you...how to put it? Queasy? Going all by yourselves, given recent events?"

Ginny blistered under his scrutiny. Honestly, the nerve of this man! Did he really think they'd just combust somewhere along the way and fess up if he stared intensely at them long enough?

"Well, obviously, Sir, we are not going to be by ourselves, are we now?" She gestured to the Aurors and managed to send him a tight smile.

Rowe returned it with a condescending mien as if having expected her reply and pretending to be amused by it. "Right you are. After all, this trip was made just for you."

Before Ginny could form a response to his enigmatic comment, McGonagall had reached them.

"Miss Weasley, Mr. Zabini," she greeted them, pleasantly absent of the same rigid mistrust that simmered off the Head Auror on her left. "Well met. Tell me, have your original companions abandoned you?" she jested good-humouredly.

"Er, it seems–" Ginny started but Blaise intercepted her, his eyes doing a subtle, upwards roll, likely meant just for her and she blistered silently.

"Unfortunately, Nott is otherwise occupied with schoolwork this day, Ma'am," he replied smoothly. "Weasley here was just telling me that Granger too is engaged, what with her important Ministry duties." Ginny snapped her head up at his two-faced cheek, covered in a deceptively courteous tone. "They both wish they could come and send their regards, of course."

How did he do it? It was positively infuriating how he could come off so arrogant and still somehow get away with it!

McGonagall simply gave an understanding nod. "Well then, I hope you are not opposed to the idea of partnering up today. We have no spare participants and a busy schedule, so if you wouldn't mind?"

"Um, of course not, Headmistress," Ginny lied unconvincingly as Blaise drolly echoed her response. The Head Auror, in turn, had his flinty eyes narrowed in on the latter.

"Either way, I'll leave an Auror in your presence," Rowe interjected stiffly, blatantly disinterested in the minor details of who came with whom. Ginny heard Blaise emit a quiet huff and she could only agree. McGonagall shot them a look of silent reproof from the sideline, while the Head Auror, unaware of their little exchange, gestured to his companion a couple of feet behind him whom Ginny only first now spotted. Had she been standing there the entire time?

"This is Sulaima Warwick; a most able, trusted officer on my team. Anything the matter, you can call on her."

The Auror, a handsome black woman in her late 20s-early 30s, stepped forward, giving them a curt nod, her fierce face remaining inexpressive during the introduction. Her long, raven hair consisted of a large assortment of smaller braids; some of them loosely fixed at the back of her head to keep them out of her face and otherwise flowed down her back and partly across her shoulders. In her dark, severe Auror attire and with her lips painted a deep shade of lilac, a piercing running through the uppermost bridge of her nose, as well as a smattering of carefully selected jewelry in her ears and around her clothed neck, she appeared both impressive and intimidating. Even the regal Blaise seemed to shrink an inch compared to her fearsome countenance.

After a beat of looking between the newly presented parties with his usual, perusing gaze, Rowe seemed satisfied with the first impressions (if his levelled looks were anything to go by).

"Right. I'll leave you in the capable hands of Warwick. Warwick," he addressed the Auror, "A moment?"

The woman dipped her chin as the Head Auror leaned in, most likely to mumble a couple of instructions. Still, Ginny didn't care to think what 'preconceptions' Rowe could have potentially unloaded on his officer about them prior to the trip. Of course, professional as they were, they gave nothing away of the subject from their short exchange and merely drew back, inclining their heads to each other in wordless affirmation after which Rowe briskly bid them good day and moved on to the next couple alongside McGonagall.

The Auror pivoted her steely gaze back to Ginny and Blaise, taking her time to study their characters once more.

What was it with Aurors and making you squirm just by looking at you? Was it part of the job description?

"So. Where do you plan to go first?"

The question was stated blankly but accompanied by the distinctive bouncing lilt of a Jamaican Creole accent, making both students temporarily transfixed. Somehow they had not expected that and yet, it only made her overall impression all the more striking.

"Well?" The Auror arched a sculpted eyebrow (rivaling those of Blaise's).

"Um, well," Ginny looked towards Blaise who blinked a couple of times. The Auror shot them a vaguely incredulous look, having likely expected more readiness from them.

"Alright. How about you decide as you go along? I'll let you walk as madly as you want within the limits of the village, but only within. Do not venture outside of the grounds without my accompanying you. Do you understand me?"

They both instinctively nodded, exchanging a brief glance, hardly daring to imagine what punishment would be in store for them, if they didn't adhere to her instructions.

"Good. I'll give you 'till four o'clock– "

Four o'clock? Ginny silently lamented. But that only gives us one hour! She couldn't possible manage to do all that she wanted in Hogsmeade in merely one hour!

"– and meanwhile," the Auror continued in her no-nonsense style, "I will be at The Three Broomsticks, waiting for you. If there should be anything, send up a Periculum to alert me or, more conveniently, send your Patronuses. I presume you both know how to conjure the Patronus charm?"

"Yes," Blaise replied blankly, and Ginny simply nodded.

"Right," Warwick established. "What are their corporeal forms, so that I might recognize them?"

"Um, mine is a horse," Ginny stumbled somewhat at the Auror's directness.

"Panther," the Italian answered, a note of smug pride lingering in his voice.

Warwick assessed them briefly then gave an affirmative nod. "Good. Let's get going then."

They started following the rest of the group who had begun moving, making their way out the front doors of the castle and into the biting February wind. The students distracted themselves with mindless chit-chat while the Aurors (minus McGonagall and Rowe who'd stayed behind) spread out to form a vigilant, outer perimeter alongside the couples. Around them the mountainous landscape rose grey and barren from the sweeping wind, and Ginny shuddered, despite her extra layers of woolly jumpers. It wasn't long before the Scottish winter cold had seeped through every limp and bone and she honestly couldn't wait 'till they reached the village and get her hands on her favourite hot cocoa. At this point, their little short-cut beneath the Whomping Willow sounded awfully tempting.

Wait a second. 'Their' little short-cut?! She gave an internal snort. There was nothing 'their'. Never was.

She sent a sideways glance up at the stoic Italian walking beside her. He hadn't said a word since they left the castle and despite his well-guarded appearance, he didn't seem entirely unaffected by the cold; a slight crease of bored displeasure marring his broad brow as he grimaced against the wind, dressed in his expensively tailored wool coat and new blue-and-bronze House scarf.

Besides, she thought, promptly diverting her attention and eyed the intimidating Auror on their far right, Warwick would never go along with such an idea. And how would it look if the two students who ran into the Dementor in the first place – and who weren't totally free of suspicion yet – returned to 'the scene of crime'?

She left the rhetorical question hanging there and hugged herself tightly against the cold.

After half an hour walking in studious silence, apart from the howling wind and chattering students, they finally came upon the path leading directly to Hogsmeade. Once again, the familiar sight of the small clutter of houses, with smoke blowing from the chimneys, made Ginny sigh in quiet relief.

Reaching the first cottage, the other students soon scattered along with their Aurors to their predetermined destinations, leaving only Ginny, Blaise and Warwick standing behind. The few, sleepy villagers who happened to be out and about as the group had arrived understandably looked apprehensive and hurried onwards at the sight of the black-clad Aurors coming towards them.

Warwick took a step forward, her vigilant attitude no less diminished since they left the school as she surreptitiously swept her gaze among the cottages before it landed back on Ginny and Blaise.

"Remember: I'll be at The Three Broomsticks while you shop. If anything's the matter, send me your Patronus. We'll meet by the inn at four o'clock, okay?"

They nodded and watched the Auror depart in firm strides, her long hairdo swaying down her back, successfully warning off anyone to come too close.

When she had disappeared, Zabini let out a loud sigh.

"Right. You heard the woman: Do what you need to do. I'm off."

"What?" Ginny gaped at his already moving form. "You can't just go, Zabini! We're not supposed to walk around on our own!" She jogged up to him, his long legs giving him the advantage, tugging at his woollen sleeve. He stopped and looked down with a slight sneer to her hand gripping the material and back up at her face. Then he slowly turned towards her.

"Listen, Weasley. None of us –" he gestured between them "– particularly wants to be here with one another, nor wants to be dragged along the other's tedious shopping sprees." She made a wry face at the underlying dig at her shopping habits when he was vanity itself. "Besides," he continued as if he was already bored by the conversation, "I think we're perfectly capable of taking care of ourselves, so I'll suggest we go our separate ways until the clock strikes four and then meet up at Rosmerta's as if we've been together all along. Hm?"

He proposed the deal as if she would be utterly stupid to choose otherwise, barely even looking at her but instead eyed their surroundings with a disinterested, overbearing mien that set her teeth on edge.

Honestly, his audacity...!

"Nope."

His aloof gaze slid back to meet hers, one eyebrow raised. "Excuse me?"

"I said 'nope', Zabini – or are your aristocratic ears having a day off as well?"

His eyes narrowed. "Don't give me that, Weaslette," he grumbled, losing some of his blasé demeanour. "We both know we are on the same page on this."

"Actually, no, Zabini, we aren't," she rebutted and saw a flash of annoyance in his slate eyes. He really was eager to get rid of her. "No matter our personal dislikes for each other, I am still the Head Girl and you are still a Prefect and it's our job to abide the rules and not do anything foolish. We've tried your 'clever' suggestions before and it didn't work out so terribly well, did it now?"

He looked away, his jaw clenched in repressed ire, sparking a similar reaction within her. But it was doing them no favours at the moment. With a heavy sigh, she decided to speak to his rationale instead.

"And think about it: How would it look if you were spotted by or stumbled across one of the several Aurors currently traipsing the area? Alone?"

His expression hardened. "What? Because being on my own in Hogsmeade is so highly conspicuous?"

She pursed her lips. "Do you really think Rowe sends so many of his Aurors to accompany us just to ward off one rogue Dementor which could roam in the area?" came the flat reply.

Staring back at her, statuesque features momentarily stunned, he blinked once and his poker face slipped back in place.

"Fine," he bit out and stuffed his hands down his coat pockets, gaze directed demonstratively ahead of him. "Lead the way."

The corner of her mouth twitched. This was the very same, stately, self-preserved Italian who – for as long as she could remember – had come off more mature than all the other students from his year...!

But, wisely, she didn't comment on it and simply started off in the direction of Honeydukes. The hot cocoa had to wait a little while. She had no inclination to go to The Three Broomsticks at the moment, for one particular reason in the shape of a daunting Auror, so Chocolate Cauldrons would have to do. Unconsciously, she licked her lips at the prospect of that sweet fire melting on her tongue, and Blaise must have caught the action out of the corner of his eye.

"Honeydukes, I presume?" he drawled amusedly, followed by his nose wrinkling in distaste, "Unless you have some clandestine meeting with a secret, ugly boyfriend of yours in the village and you're thinking of snogging him, because in that case I'm truly off. Likely getting reacquainted with my lunch."

Rolling her eyes, she turned the tables on him and threw him a falsely sweet smile, batting her eyelashes, "Why yes, my dear sir, it so happens you are correct."

She received an eye-roll in return just as they reached the sweets' shop and walked inside the always boisterous place.

While ending up choosing several candies for herself and for future birthday presents (not knowing when she would be allowed back to Hogsmeade anytime soon and do her own shopping again), Blaise, instead, settled for a single package of Licorice Snaps – to which she dryly remarked that if he kept that up he'd end up getting 100 House points for Most Predictable Ex-Slytherin by the end of the school year. His response was to merely let his gaze rake the content in her arms and then calmly state that since he was a gentlemen he would refrain from giving his exact guess to what her title by the end of the year would be, but that he would be most surprised if she was named Quidditch Player of the Year, given the scope of her sweet tooth. The fact that she had made it this far and the broom hadn't yielded beneath her was indeed a mystery to him.

With a small, triumphant smirk, he then proceeded to buy his candy and exit the shop, leaving her gaping unattractively in the middle of Honeydukes, arms full of still unpurchased sweets.

A/N: Don't worry, their little trip to Hogsmeade isn't over yet, folks ;)

Oh, and by the way, I've based my inspiration for Auror Sulaima Warwick on two amazing art pieces by Maaria Laurinen ( maariamph . tumblr post / 83023153991) and Elies Indigne ( eliesindigne . tumblr post / 115023052881 / two-guild-wars-2-portraits-of-my-norn-characters), respectively.