A/N: Sorry about the language; I know I seldom use it. But I also know
that not all teens talk like I did when I was a kid, so I'm trying for a
little more realism. Thanks to everyone who is still reading, and Kat,
take a deep breath! I'm almost done with the next chapter, too.
Chapter 7
Ginny was furious as she left the chamber. How dare he say that about her mother! Ginny had seen Malfoy's mother, several times. The woman was beautiful; there was no doubt about that. But it was a cold, impersonal beauty that chilled rather than warmed. She couldn't carry on an intelligent conversation to save her life. And she was absolutely helpless without someone to wait on her.
Ginny's mother was still very attractive, despite her rather full figure and the lines that seven children and constant concern about money had given her. Narcissa Malfoy was at least ten years younger than Molly Weasley, and Ginny bet that, at the same age, her mum was much prettier than Narcissa Malfoy could ever be. Molly Weasley could whip up a fantastic meal with almost nothing. She kept up on current events (even though she did love her gossip), so she could discuss politics, money, or childcare with equal ease. And she could stretch a galleon farther than anyone! If Draco Malfoy thought that just because his mother had a nice face and a slim figure, she was better than Molly Weasley, he was just as stupid, shallow and useless as his brainless mother!
Ginny was so angry, she didn't really pay attention to her surroundings, although she was making her way toward the library. She had suddenly had an idea while she was seething over Malfoy's words. Ginny wanted to look over some of the Hogwarts scrapbooks Madame Pince kept in the archives. Besides, she had again told Ron that she was studying, and he was starting to look suspicious at this excuse. It didn't help that Harry kept making joking comments about this boy or that one, trying to get the name of her 'fellow'. Ginny rolled her eyes. She didn't know what it was about Harry that irritated her so much. Especially as she had been so crazy about him before. She figured it must be because he wasn't really her friend, but he wasn't really family either. She resented that he tried to act like he was one or the other.
Ginny was nearing the library. Down the stairs and round the corner and she'd be there. That was when she noticed that she was being followed. Without slowing her pace, Ginny dropped her book bag. As she paused to pick it up, she glanced behind her and saw Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle moving stealthily up behind her. When they realized they'd been spotted, they gave up stealth and walked boldly up to her. Ginny had picked up her bag, but one of her quills had fallen out. Crabbe stooped quickly to pick it up, but Ginny stepped on it and pulled it out of his reach. She didn't know why she'd done that, but something told her not to let him touch it. It felt like the same thing that had told her Malfoy had set her a trap the first day she'd locked him up. She quickly snatched up the quill and stowed it in her bag. Then she faced the two young men.
"Thanks, anyway," she said in what she hoped was a casual voice. "I'm so clumsy. And thanks again for walking me to class yesterday. Are you headed for the library, too?"
Ginny didn't really wait for an answer, but turned and hurried down the staircase. She didn't want to be alone with these two. These two made her more nervous than Malfoy ever had. She'd caught them following her twice already today, and this made it three times. She wasn't sure whether they suspected she had something to do with Malfoy's disappearance, or whether they had something else in mind, but she definitely felt uncomfortable in their presence.
Goyle fell in on her left side, while Crabbe flanked her on the right. Ginny didn't like this. It felt like they were herding her. And what would happen if, when they reached the bottom of the stairs, they forced her to the right, away from the library? But Crabbe finally spoke.
"Naw," he said lazily. "We were looking to warn you. We think Malfoy's still hanging about. He didn't get on the carriages to Hogsmeade last night, and he missed all his afternoon classes yesterday."
He shot her a look, as though trying to see her reaction. She felt a shocked look come to her face. So they HAD noticed! Crabbe seemed to accept the look as a natural reaction, though.
"Yeah, I thought you might be surprised. We just wanted to warn you. Maybe you shouldn't wander around alone. Greg and me would be happy to walk you to where you're going."
Ginny thought furiously. That wouldn't do at all! The bottom of the stairs was just ahead, and Ginny started pushing to the left. The young men moved left also, and turned toward the library after the last stair. She mentally sighed, then formed her answer.
"That's really nice of you, and I'll keep it in mind. But you know my brother would have a fit if he saw you two walking with me. He'd think you were trying to bully me, or something! So I think I'll have him or Harry walk with me."
They were at the library now, and Ginny was eager to get inside. She looked at the two and felt even more uneasy. They were exchanging a look that wasn't the least bit protective. Goyle looked at Ginny again, eying her hair. She reached up uncomfortably, and found that her hair ribbon had loosened and was ready to fall off. She pulled it off and shoved it into her pocket, feeling a chill at the way both boys watched her actions. She backed to the door of the library, suddenly wondering if it would be closed early for Christmas Eve. Turning the handle, she breathed a sigh of relief as it opened.
"Well, uh, thanks again," she said and quickly entered.
With the library door closed firmly behind her, Ginny closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't even know why she felt she'd just escaped from something bad, but her knees were weak with the sudden release of tension. Finally feeling in control of herself again, she opened her eyes and looked around. The librarian, Madame Pince was behind her desk, giving Ginny a hard look. There were perhaps five or six other students in the library, and Ginny was equally relieved to see that one of them was Seamus Finnegan. She would walk back to Gryffindor with him in case Crabbe and Goyle were still hanging about.
"Hi, Seamus," she said quietly as she slid into the seat opposite him.
Seamus looked up and grinned. He looked behind her, then around the library, then back at her.
"So, where's the mystery fella?" he asked, still grinning.
"Mystery fellow? What do you mean?"
"Well, Ron and Harry've got a bet on who this fella is who's takin' all your free time! I thought I might toddle off to the library and check things out. You're here, but I don't see him. So, who is it?"
Ginny smiled. So Ron and Harry were betting on her boyfriend behind her back? And Seamus was their spy? It was a bit irritating, but it was funny, too. She wondered what they'd all say if they found out the 'mystery fellow' was Draco Malfoy and he was her prisoner, not her boyfriend. Then there would be hell to pay.
"Well, now, Seamus, me lad," Ginny said in a horrible imitation of his Irish accent, "that would be a bit o' kissin' and tellin' now, wouldn't it?"
"Ah, yes, it would, lass," Seamus teased back, thickening his accent. He laid a finger beside his nose and gave her a wink and a nod. "But ye can tell yer Uncle Seamus anythin', don't ye know?"
They both laughed and Seamus finally said, "Fine. It's your business and I won't be pryin'. But," his eyes twinkled, "if you decide to finally tell, make sure you tell me first, so I can win the bet!"
Ginny giggled, drawing a frowning comment from the librarian, and nodded to Seamus. She let her bag drop to the ground and stood. "Be right back," she whispered, heading to the librarian's desk.
Ginny filled out an archive request form and handed it to the stiff librarian. Madame Pince looked it over with a sniff of disapproval, then turned and retrieved the requested volume. Ginny took the large, leather bound book back to Seamus' table and sat with a sigh of relief. It was really heavy! Ginny opened the tome and began to leaf through the pages absently. Occasionally she would study a page intently, sometimes marking it with a scrap of parchment, and then she would continue leafing through the book. Seamus observed her, but said nothing. After several minutes, though, he tapped her arm.
"I don't think he's comin' tonight, love," he said softly.
"Huh? Who?" Ginny asked, confused. Then she remembered. "Oh, him! Well, I was actually waiting for you to leave. I was going to walk back to Gryffindor with you, if that's okay?"
Seamus leaned his head to one side, consideringly. Suddenly his eyes opened wide. "Good Lord, Gin, it's not me, is it?" The mixed surprise and horror in his voice made Ginny laugh. Madame Pince harrumphed and shot them evil looks again.
"Honestly, Seamus, I don't know whether to be amused or insulted! No, it's not you. I know you and Hannah Abbott are going out. But, good grief! Would it be THAT terrible?!"
Seamus looked slightly embarrassed. "I didn't mean it that way, Gin. It's just that, the one time I told Ron what a looker you were, he offered to rearrange my face. I happen to like my face the way it is!"
Now Ginny understood. She also understood why most of the Gryffindor males were a bit standoffish with her. She could just kill Ron. He either seemed to ignore her or smother her with over- protectiveness. She looked at Seamus again, seeing that he still looked a bit uncomfortable.
"Don't worry, Seamus. I just wanted to walk back with someone, because Malfoy's goons have been hanging about, and they make me nervous."
Seamus frowned. "Crabbe and Goyle? But I thought—," he paused, thinking. "You're right. They are here, aren't they? Well, if you're really not waiting for your fella, why don't we head back now?"
After gathering their things, Seamus and Ginny left the library. Ginny had the scrapbook tucked safely away in her book bag and would look at it later. Now she just wanted to get back to Gryffindor without incident. Seamus kept up a steady stream of light conversation, mostly about their chances to win the house cup and the upcoming match with Slytherin. Ginny was listening with only half an ear. She thought she heard footsteps behind them, but was never able to see anyone when she looked back. When they were finally turning the last curve before the portrait entry to the Gryffindor Common Room, Ginny caught a glimpse of Gregory Goyle scooting into a doorway before he was cut off from her view. So they HAD been following her! She looked over to her companion, about to say something, but he shook his head slightly. He must have noticed, too.
The portrait of the fat lady asked for the password, and Seamus whispered it. Ginny was glad. She didn't want any Slytherins, especially not Crabbe or Goyle, having access to their dorms. Once inside the Common Room, though, Seamus caught her arm and pulled her to a table away from the few other students still downstairs.
"All right, Ginny, what the hell was that about?" Seamus asked in a concerned half whisper. "What are Malfoy's thugs doing following you about? Are you in some sort of trouble?"
Ginny wondered how to answer that question. Yes, she was certainly in some sort of trouble. The faculty probably frowned on taking and keeping prisoners. But she knew what Seamus was asking. He wanted to know whether Malfoy was the one ordering his goons to bother her. Ginny bit her lower lip nervously, then took a deep breath.
Letting it out in a huff, she sat in the hard chair behind her.
"I don't know, Seamus," she answered honestly. "I have no idea why they're following me. I thought they were trying to protect me from Malfoy, but now I don't think so."
"Protect you from Malfoy? What's that stupid git been doing? He been bothering you?" Seamus' eyebrows had risen almost to his hairline, but now they were lowered over his eyes, making him look quite menacing. Ginny grinned, wondering what Hannah would say if she saw her darling, laughing Irishman looking so fierce.
"When has Malfoy NOT been bothering me? Or Ron, for that matter." Ginny waved a hand as though to minimize the threat of Malfoy's behavior. He wasn't her problem at the moment. Or, at least, he wasn't as big a problem as his thugs were right now. Seamus mulled her answer over.
"I ought to tell Ron," he said finally. He didn't look happy about interfering in family business, but he definitely looked worried.
Ginny put a hand on his arm and looked pleadingly up into his eyes.
"Please, Seamus, let me handle this. Look," she said, trying to appear calm. "Malfoy was upset because I earned eighty points for Gryffindor in Magical Healing on Thursday. He only got thirty-five points. And none of the other Slytherins got anything. I guess he felt like I embarrassed him. Anyway, after class, Crabbe and Goyle walked me to my next class and Malfoy couldn't pick on me." It was all true, she told herself, just not quite in the correct order. She hurried on, forestalling any argument on his part. "I just got the feeling they weren't doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. But, if they're still bothering me in a few days, I'll tell Ron myself. All right?"
Seamus was now staring at her in disbelief. "You're the one who got those points? Wow! That's great!"
He let out a whoop and lifted Ginny out of her chair and off her feet, spinning her around the room. Ron and Harry, who had just entered the Common Room from the dorms looked on in amazement.
"Hey!" Seamus shouted at them, putting Ginny down and dragging her over to them. "Here's the hero! Our Ginny is the one who earned those points!"
Ron was smiling, but he leveled a hard look at where Seamus was still holding onto Ginny's arm. Seamus quickly released her. Harry was smiling too, but his smile seemed a bit forced. Ginny frowned slightly at him, wondering what was eating him. He certainly didn't look very happy about her accomplishment. She shrugged it off, though, when Ron grabbed her and hugged her, too. Ginny couldn't help smiling at the obvious approval in his expression.
Ron dragged Ginny, with Harry and Seamus trailing along after, to one of the comfortable couches around the fireplace. He made her sit, and then settled himself. Then he demanded she tell them what had happened. Ginny gave them a brief account of the quiz the medic had given them, and Ron and Seamus hooted over her version of the Slytherins' general stupidity. When she finished, Ron was positively beaming at her.
"Now if only bloody Malfoy could have fallen into a pit or something, we would have had another thirty points! Way to go, Gin!"
Ginny glanced at Seamus, still wondering if he was going to tell Ron about Crabbe and Goyle. He caught her eye and gave her a small nod and thumbs up. She sighed quietly with relief. He wasn't going to say anything. Grinning, Ginny stood.
"Well," she said, hefting her book bag to her shoulder, "I'm off to bed. G'night!"
Ron and Seamus protested at first, but when she said she wanted to study ahead on the new textbook, they waved her away with their collective blessings. When she finally got to her room, Ginny quickly changed into her pajamas and crawled into the bed. She dragged out the heavy scrapbook she'd checked out and started looking through it again. There were several pictures that she liked, but she finally found what she was looking for near the back of the book. She stared at the picture, fingers lightly touching the edges.
The caption under the picture read: Arthur Weasley and Molly Donovan; King and Queen of the Graduation Ball.
The black and white picture showed a very svelte Molly in dark, form- fitting dress robes. Her fiery, riotous mass of curls had been pulled into a high ponytail and allowed to cascade down her neck and back, a tendril or two left free to frame her face. Arthur, looking handsome and proud in a nice set of men's dress robes, was looking at her with the most ardent expression Ginny had ever seen. Even as she watched, the Molly in the photograph raised a hand to the small tiara she wore, straightening it. Then she reached for Arthur and planted a firm, passionate kiss on his mouth.
Ginny blushed as she watched. It was obvious they were deeply in love. Ginny concentrated on her mother's face. Now that she looked, she saw that Molly was not beautiful. Her features were not regular enough for classic beauty. But she was lovely, and full of life and laughter. There was something alluring in her eyes, her expression, the way she held her mouth. Ginny could believe that Lucius Malfoy would find Molly Donovan worth wedding. And she knew that if the two were side by side, Narcissa Malfoy, even with her slim figure and classic looks, would be a pale shadow next to Ginny's mum.
Ginny marked the page and closed the book. She had also seen several pictures of Lucius Malfoy, but they had only chilled her. He looked similar to his son, but Ginny could also see several differences. Lucius' hair seemed thicker and coarser, his brows heavier and his nose a bit broader. Draco must have gotten the fine hair, thin brows and long, slender nose from his mother. His frame was a bit more slender than his father's, too. According to the photo captions in the scrapbook, Lucius Malfoy had been a Beater on the Slytherin team. Draco was a classic Seeker. And, even at seventeen or eighteen, Lucius Malfoy's face had been set into hard lines of cruelty. In almost every picture, Lucius' face seemed set in a permanent sneer. Draco Malfoy sneered a lot, it was true, but his face was not yet so firmly marked, and, now that Ginny thought about it, he much more often would frown or scowl, than sneer. He seemed dissatisfied more often than smugly superior. Except when he was looking at her, she added.
Ginny put the book on her bedside table, extinguished the lights and lay down. She tried not to think about her earlier conversation with Malfoy, but couldn't help it. She hadn't planned to tell him anything about her mother and his father. She knew he wouldn't believe it, and it only made her look like a vindictive, lying harpy. But once she'd started, she couldn't seem to stop herself.
Ginny sighed, wondering what she was going to do about Malfoy. She couldn't keep him locked up forever. She wasn't sure she could keep him locked up another day. For one thing, she wasn't sure how much longer she could sneak around carrying meals to him without getting caught. Also, he had other sanitation needs to take care of besides urinating, and Ginny was sure he hadn't done so since he'd been locked up. She hadn't considered that aspect. She really had to let him go, and soon. Oh, he was mean and cruel and would make the rest of her school year miserable, she was sure. But that didn't give Ginny the right to hold him prisoner. She saw that now.
She had thought she might be able to reason with him, that maybe they could work something out. She'd hoped to find out what it was about her that set him off, so she could prevent it from happening again. But every time she spoke to him, she felt stupid and weak and insignificant. She asked him a question and he ignored it, or changed the subject, or tried to provoke a fight. Good grief, he'd even tried sexual innuendo! He must be desperate to get out if he was trying to seduce her into coming nearer! And when he used that damned voice manipulation, she was nearly done for.
Ginny rolled over onto her side, punching the pillow as though it were Malfoy's long, perfect nose. She knew he was a lying, brutal, dangerous young man. But when he looked at her the way he had done earlier—as though she was beautiful—well, then her stupid brain wanted to shut down and allow her body to go on automatic. She wanted to move closer and see if he could actually be trusted not to try to hurt her. Then she would come to her senses and move away again.
The look in his eyes when she'd shown him the bruises he'd left had almost undone her. He looked horrified, shocked and ashamed. Ginny hadn't even realized he could actually manage those expressions. But it had to be a sham. He didn't give a damn about her, and was probably shocked and horrified that she still had evidence against him. Still, she'd almost reached out for the hand he'd extended to her, wanting him to comfort her and reassure her that he hadn't meant to hurt her. She rolled her eyes at her own naiveté. The thought of Draco Malfoy actually offering her comfort was ludicrous.
That was beside the point, she told herself firmly. She still hadn't decided what to do about him. She could try sneaking in late and just removing the spells. If she left the rusty key on the floor inside the cell, he would probably get the idea. But Malfoy was much sneakier than she could ever be. She didn't like the idea of him pretending to be asleep while she removed the spells. Then she might find his hands around her throat again, with even less chance of escaping than the first time. Ginny shuddered. Perhaps she could open the door and cover him with her wand until he was well away from her. But that would mean she would have to follow him to a more inhabited area of the castle to be sure he didn't try to ambush her again. She just couldn't think of any way to free him and remain safe herself. Sighing, she rolled over again, trying to block out her thoughts. Finally, she fell asleep.
Ginny woke early the following morning. She sat up in bed and stretched. She was no closer to finding a solution for Malfoy than she had been the night before, but she felt more relaxed after a decent night's sleep. There was no reason to get up and she almost pulled the blankets back over her head when she remembered that it was Christmas morning! Flinging the blankets off, she jumped out of bed and saw the small pile of presents at the foot of the bed! With a small squeal of excitement, she knelt in front of them and touched them gently. There were so very many, she thought. She regretted that Ariel wasn't here to share this morning with. Ron was in his own dorm, of course, but he and Harry would be opening presents together and she was still a bit upset with the way Harry had been behaving lately.
Ginny lifted all the presents onto the bed and sat in front of them, dragging the blankets over her lap. She snuggled into the warmth of the blankets and reached for a present. It was a small box, prettily wrapped and it was from Hermione. Ginny opened it eagerly, and gasped in surprise at the tiny, delicate glass bottle inside. She opened the bottle gingerly and sniffed. Essence of lavender! Ginny's favorite fragrance! And just a tiny bit would last all day! She put the stopper back on the bottle and set it aside. The next present was from Ron. Ginny grinned, expecting the usual big-brother gift of toed socks or a stuffed animal. Instead, she found a bottle matching the one Hermione had given her. It was larger, though, and contained lavender hand cream! Obviously Ron had had help with this present, but it was wonderful! Ginny vowed to give Ron a big hug as soon as she saw him. The next present was from Ariel. Ginny thought of the present she got her best friend. They'd seen a book of blank pages at the small Flourish and Blotts outlet in Hogsmeade that Ariel had practically drooled over. Ginny didn't blame her. The book had been leather bound, in a soft creamy beige colour. The pages were rich, thick vellum that Ariel, who loved to write poetry and stories, had immediately fallen in love with. Ginny sent home for the last of her summer savings and had bought it for her. She hoped Ariel would enjoy the gift.
Ginny carefully removed the wrapping from her present. Then she gasped. Inside the festively wrapped box, nestled in gold and silver tissue paper, was a pair of ankle high, black bicorn leather high-heeled boots. The leather was as soft as satin, but more durable than regular cow leather. Ginny had seen the boots months ago and had secretly pined for them, knowing she could never afford them. They cost at least as much as the book she'd gotten for Ariel. Ginny touched the soft boots reverently, already trying to form her thanks to Ariel when she sent her daily owl later.
The boots were so wonderful, Ginny almost couldn't continue. She set them aside carefully and kept looking at them, even as her hands pulled another present from the small pile. The next was a large box from her mum. Ginny shook it and smiled. Another jumper, no doubt. But it felt rather heavier than normal. She slipped off the ribbon and opened the box, and then received her second shock of the morning. Inside was a knitted sweater, but not like any jumper she'd ever had before. This had a cowl neck and was long. When Ginny held it up, she saw that it would easily come down to her knees. The long sleeves were full but ended in ribbed cuffs, as did the bottom hem. It was a deep, rich burgundy colour and there were mittens to match. Ginny hugged the garment tightly. It was without doubt the most beautiful thing she'd ever owned. She thought quickly. The sweater would go perfectly with the skinny black jeans she never wore. And the boots would complete the outfit!
Then Ginny's joy faded a bit. She had no one to wear the outfit for. Ron wouldn't notice, and she didn't care whether anyone else in Gryffindor noticed or not. So what, she thought suddenly. She'd wear it anyway. At least she could feel smart and stylish for one day in her life. That issue decided, Ginny quickly opened the rest of her presents. They were from her older brothers, and consisted of writing paper from Bill, a soft hat and muffler matching her new sweater from Charlie, suspiciously innocent- looking chocolates from Fred and George, and a book on succeeding in professional Quidditch for women, from Percy. The final present was the usual box of fudge from her mum, along with a small box containing two galleons from her dad.
Ginny smiled as she looked at her small treasure trove. She wanted to change into her new outfit right away, but no one was up yet, and breakfast wouldn't be served for another hour or so. Ginny fretted for a few minutes when her eye fell on the scrapbook she'd checked out last night. She brightened. There was one person she could bother right now, she thought. She didn't expect him to notice her outfit, but she could still put it on and show it off, even if he didn't comment. Not that she cared whether he noticed or not, she hastily told herself. But first, she needed a shower. She gathered her things and hurried to the shower room. As she passed one of the many deep set windows along the corridor to the bathroom she saw that it had snowed in the night. Snow! She loved he snow! Then a deliciously wicked thought entered her head. She tried to shoo it away, but it wouldn't go. Ginny showered, dried her hair, added a touch of the lavender fragrance, and changed into her new clothes.
She couldn't believe her reflection. The sweater hugged her slender frame, making her appear taller and curvier. The black jeans and small boots were perfect. Ginny fluffed her curls, letting them bounce around her face. She emptied out her book bag, putting only the scrapbook back in. She donned her robe and threw her heavy black cloak around her shoulders. Pulling on the mittens, Ginny was finally ready. She looked around her room once more, and added the box of homemade fudge to the bag. Then she left the room.
Ginny hurried down the stairs, carefully looking out for either Crabbe or Goyle. She was up so early, though, she didn't see anyone about. She opened the main castle entrance and scooted out the door for a moment. Then she was back in and climbing the steps toward the Magical Healing wing. A few minutes later, Ginny carefully opened the door to the hidden chamber, hoping to catch Malfoy off guard. He seemed to have a built in clock. He was always awake and always seemed to know about what time it was whenever she came in. Ginny peeked around the door, but saw with mild disappointment that he was staring right at her.
Chapter 7
Ginny was furious as she left the chamber. How dare he say that about her mother! Ginny had seen Malfoy's mother, several times. The woman was beautiful; there was no doubt about that. But it was a cold, impersonal beauty that chilled rather than warmed. She couldn't carry on an intelligent conversation to save her life. And she was absolutely helpless without someone to wait on her.
Ginny's mother was still very attractive, despite her rather full figure and the lines that seven children and constant concern about money had given her. Narcissa Malfoy was at least ten years younger than Molly Weasley, and Ginny bet that, at the same age, her mum was much prettier than Narcissa Malfoy could ever be. Molly Weasley could whip up a fantastic meal with almost nothing. She kept up on current events (even though she did love her gossip), so she could discuss politics, money, or childcare with equal ease. And she could stretch a galleon farther than anyone! If Draco Malfoy thought that just because his mother had a nice face and a slim figure, she was better than Molly Weasley, he was just as stupid, shallow and useless as his brainless mother!
Ginny was so angry, she didn't really pay attention to her surroundings, although she was making her way toward the library. She had suddenly had an idea while she was seething over Malfoy's words. Ginny wanted to look over some of the Hogwarts scrapbooks Madame Pince kept in the archives. Besides, she had again told Ron that she was studying, and he was starting to look suspicious at this excuse. It didn't help that Harry kept making joking comments about this boy or that one, trying to get the name of her 'fellow'. Ginny rolled her eyes. She didn't know what it was about Harry that irritated her so much. Especially as she had been so crazy about him before. She figured it must be because he wasn't really her friend, but he wasn't really family either. She resented that he tried to act like he was one or the other.
Ginny was nearing the library. Down the stairs and round the corner and she'd be there. That was when she noticed that she was being followed. Without slowing her pace, Ginny dropped her book bag. As she paused to pick it up, she glanced behind her and saw Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle moving stealthily up behind her. When they realized they'd been spotted, they gave up stealth and walked boldly up to her. Ginny had picked up her bag, but one of her quills had fallen out. Crabbe stooped quickly to pick it up, but Ginny stepped on it and pulled it out of his reach. She didn't know why she'd done that, but something told her not to let him touch it. It felt like the same thing that had told her Malfoy had set her a trap the first day she'd locked him up. She quickly snatched up the quill and stowed it in her bag. Then she faced the two young men.
"Thanks, anyway," she said in what she hoped was a casual voice. "I'm so clumsy. And thanks again for walking me to class yesterday. Are you headed for the library, too?"
Ginny didn't really wait for an answer, but turned and hurried down the staircase. She didn't want to be alone with these two. These two made her more nervous than Malfoy ever had. She'd caught them following her twice already today, and this made it three times. She wasn't sure whether they suspected she had something to do with Malfoy's disappearance, or whether they had something else in mind, but she definitely felt uncomfortable in their presence.
Goyle fell in on her left side, while Crabbe flanked her on the right. Ginny didn't like this. It felt like they were herding her. And what would happen if, when they reached the bottom of the stairs, they forced her to the right, away from the library? But Crabbe finally spoke.
"Naw," he said lazily. "We were looking to warn you. We think Malfoy's still hanging about. He didn't get on the carriages to Hogsmeade last night, and he missed all his afternoon classes yesterday."
He shot her a look, as though trying to see her reaction. She felt a shocked look come to her face. So they HAD noticed! Crabbe seemed to accept the look as a natural reaction, though.
"Yeah, I thought you might be surprised. We just wanted to warn you. Maybe you shouldn't wander around alone. Greg and me would be happy to walk you to where you're going."
Ginny thought furiously. That wouldn't do at all! The bottom of the stairs was just ahead, and Ginny started pushing to the left. The young men moved left also, and turned toward the library after the last stair. She mentally sighed, then formed her answer.
"That's really nice of you, and I'll keep it in mind. But you know my brother would have a fit if he saw you two walking with me. He'd think you were trying to bully me, or something! So I think I'll have him or Harry walk with me."
They were at the library now, and Ginny was eager to get inside. She looked at the two and felt even more uneasy. They were exchanging a look that wasn't the least bit protective. Goyle looked at Ginny again, eying her hair. She reached up uncomfortably, and found that her hair ribbon had loosened and was ready to fall off. She pulled it off and shoved it into her pocket, feeling a chill at the way both boys watched her actions. She backed to the door of the library, suddenly wondering if it would be closed early for Christmas Eve. Turning the handle, she breathed a sigh of relief as it opened.
"Well, uh, thanks again," she said and quickly entered.
With the library door closed firmly behind her, Ginny closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief. She didn't even know why she felt she'd just escaped from something bad, but her knees were weak with the sudden release of tension. Finally feeling in control of herself again, she opened her eyes and looked around. The librarian, Madame Pince was behind her desk, giving Ginny a hard look. There were perhaps five or six other students in the library, and Ginny was equally relieved to see that one of them was Seamus Finnegan. She would walk back to Gryffindor with him in case Crabbe and Goyle were still hanging about.
"Hi, Seamus," she said quietly as she slid into the seat opposite him.
Seamus looked up and grinned. He looked behind her, then around the library, then back at her.
"So, where's the mystery fella?" he asked, still grinning.
"Mystery fellow? What do you mean?"
"Well, Ron and Harry've got a bet on who this fella is who's takin' all your free time! I thought I might toddle off to the library and check things out. You're here, but I don't see him. So, who is it?"
Ginny smiled. So Ron and Harry were betting on her boyfriend behind her back? And Seamus was their spy? It was a bit irritating, but it was funny, too. She wondered what they'd all say if they found out the 'mystery fellow' was Draco Malfoy and he was her prisoner, not her boyfriend. Then there would be hell to pay.
"Well, now, Seamus, me lad," Ginny said in a horrible imitation of his Irish accent, "that would be a bit o' kissin' and tellin' now, wouldn't it?"
"Ah, yes, it would, lass," Seamus teased back, thickening his accent. He laid a finger beside his nose and gave her a wink and a nod. "But ye can tell yer Uncle Seamus anythin', don't ye know?"
They both laughed and Seamus finally said, "Fine. It's your business and I won't be pryin'. But," his eyes twinkled, "if you decide to finally tell, make sure you tell me first, so I can win the bet!"
Ginny giggled, drawing a frowning comment from the librarian, and nodded to Seamus. She let her bag drop to the ground and stood. "Be right back," she whispered, heading to the librarian's desk.
Ginny filled out an archive request form and handed it to the stiff librarian. Madame Pince looked it over with a sniff of disapproval, then turned and retrieved the requested volume. Ginny took the large, leather bound book back to Seamus' table and sat with a sigh of relief. It was really heavy! Ginny opened the tome and began to leaf through the pages absently. Occasionally she would study a page intently, sometimes marking it with a scrap of parchment, and then she would continue leafing through the book. Seamus observed her, but said nothing. After several minutes, though, he tapped her arm.
"I don't think he's comin' tonight, love," he said softly.
"Huh? Who?" Ginny asked, confused. Then she remembered. "Oh, him! Well, I was actually waiting for you to leave. I was going to walk back to Gryffindor with you, if that's okay?"
Seamus leaned his head to one side, consideringly. Suddenly his eyes opened wide. "Good Lord, Gin, it's not me, is it?" The mixed surprise and horror in his voice made Ginny laugh. Madame Pince harrumphed and shot them evil looks again.
"Honestly, Seamus, I don't know whether to be amused or insulted! No, it's not you. I know you and Hannah Abbott are going out. But, good grief! Would it be THAT terrible?!"
Seamus looked slightly embarrassed. "I didn't mean it that way, Gin. It's just that, the one time I told Ron what a looker you were, he offered to rearrange my face. I happen to like my face the way it is!"
Now Ginny understood. She also understood why most of the Gryffindor males were a bit standoffish with her. She could just kill Ron. He either seemed to ignore her or smother her with over- protectiveness. She looked at Seamus again, seeing that he still looked a bit uncomfortable.
"Don't worry, Seamus. I just wanted to walk back with someone, because Malfoy's goons have been hanging about, and they make me nervous."
Seamus frowned. "Crabbe and Goyle? But I thought—," he paused, thinking. "You're right. They are here, aren't they? Well, if you're really not waiting for your fella, why don't we head back now?"
After gathering their things, Seamus and Ginny left the library. Ginny had the scrapbook tucked safely away in her book bag and would look at it later. Now she just wanted to get back to Gryffindor without incident. Seamus kept up a steady stream of light conversation, mostly about their chances to win the house cup and the upcoming match with Slytherin. Ginny was listening with only half an ear. She thought she heard footsteps behind them, but was never able to see anyone when she looked back. When they were finally turning the last curve before the portrait entry to the Gryffindor Common Room, Ginny caught a glimpse of Gregory Goyle scooting into a doorway before he was cut off from her view. So they HAD been following her! She looked over to her companion, about to say something, but he shook his head slightly. He must have noticed, too.
The portrait of the fat lady asked for the password, and Seamus whispered it. Ginny was glad. She didn't want any Slytherins, especially not Crabbe or Goyle, having access to their dorms. Once inside the Common Room, though, Seamus caught her arm and pulled her to a table away from the few other students still downstairs.
"All right, Ginny, what the hell was that about?" Seamus asked in a concerned half whisper. "What are Malfoy's thugs doing following you about? Are you in some sort of trouble?"
Ginny wondered how to answer that question. Yes, she was certainly in some sort of trouble. The faculty probably frowned on taking and keeping prisoners. But she knew what Seamus was asking. He wanted to know whether Malfoy was the one ordering his goons to bother her. Ginny bit her lower lip nervously, then took a deep breath.
Letting it out in a huff, she sat in the hard chair behind her.
"I don't know, Seamus," she answered honestly. "I have no idea why they're following me. I thought they were trying to protect me from Malfoy, but now I don't think so."
"Protect you from Malfoy? What's that stupid git been doing? He been bothering you?" Seamus' eyebrows had risen almost to his hairline, but now they were lowered over his eyes, making him look quite menacing. Ginny grinned, wondering what Hannah would say if she saw her darling, laughing Irishman looking so fierce.
"When has Malfoy NOT been bothering me? Or Ron, for that matter." Ginny waved a hand as though to minimize the threat of Malfoy's behavior. He wasn't her problem at the moment. Or, at least, he wasn't as big a problem as his thugs were right now. Seamus mulled her answer over.
"I ought to tell Ron," he said finally. He didn't look happy about interfering in family business, but he definitely looked worried.
Ginny put a hand on his arm and looked pleadingly up into his eyes.
"Please, Seamus, let me handle this. Look," she said, trying to appear calm. "Malfoy was upset because I earned eighty points for Gryffindor in Magical Healing on Thursday. He only got thirty-five points. And none of the other Slytherins got anything. I guess he felt like I embarrassed him. Anyway, after class, Crabbe and Goyle walked me to my next class and Malfoy couldn't pick on me." It was all true, she told herself, just not quite in the correct order. She hurried on, forestalling any argument on his part. "I just got the feeling they weren't doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. But, if they're still bothering me in a few days, I'll tell Ron myself. All right?"
Seamus was now staring at her in disbelief. "You're the one who got those points? Wow! That's great!"
He let out a whoop and lifted Ginny out of her chair and off her feet, spinning her around the room. Ron and Harry, who had just entered the Common Room from the dorms looked on in amazement.
"Hey!" Seamus shouted at them, putting Ginny down and dragging her over to them. "Here's the hero! Our Ginny is the one who earned those points!"
Ron was smiling, but he leveled a hard look at where Seamus was still holding onto Ginny's arm. Seamus quickly released her. Harry was smiling too, but his smile seemed a bit forced. Ginny frowned slightly at him, wondering what was eating him. He certainly didn't look very happy about her accomplishment. She shrugged it off, though, when Ron grabbed her and hugged her, too. Ginny couldn't help smiling at the obvious approval in his expression.
Ron dragged Ginny, with Harry and Seamus trailing along after, to one of the comfortable couches around the fireplace. He made her sit, and then settled himself. Then he demanded she tell them what had happened. Ginny gave them a brief account of the quiz the medic had given them, and Ron and Seamus hooted over her version of the Slytherins' general stupidity. When she finished, Ron was positively beaming at her.
"Now if only bloody Malfoy could have fallen into a pit or something, we would have had another thirty points! Way to go, Gin!"
Ginny glanced at Seamus, still wondering if he was going to tell Ron about Crabbe and Goyle. He caught her eye and gave her a small nod and thumbs up. She sighed quietly with relief. He wasn't going to say anything. Grinning, Ginny stood.
"Well," she said, hefting her book bag to her shoulder, "I'm off to bed. G'night!"
Ron and Seamus protested at first, but when she said she wanted to study ahead on the new textbook, they waved her away with their collective blessings. When she finally got to her room, Ginny quickly changed into her pajamas and crawled into the bed. She dragged out the heavy scrapbook she'd checked out and started looking through it again. There were several pictures that she liked, but she finally found what she was looking for near the back of the book. She stared at the picture, fingers lightly touching the edges.
The caption under the picture read: Arthur Weasley and Molly Donovan; King and Queen of the Graduation Ball.
The black and white picture showed a very svelte Molly in dark, form- fitting dress robes. Her fiery, riotous mass of curls had been pulled into a high ponytail and allowed to cascade down her neck and back, a tendril or two left free to frame her face. Arthur, looking handsome and proud in a nice set of men's dress robes, was looking at her with the most ardent expression Ginny had ever seen. Even as she watched, the Molly in the photograph raised a hand to the small tiara she wore, straightening it. Then she reached for Arthur and planted a firm, passionate kiss on his mouth.
Ginny blushed as she watched. It was obvious they were deeply in love. Ginny concentrated on her mother's face. Now that she looked, she saw that Molly was not beautiful. Her features were not regular enough for classic beauty. But she was lovely, and full of life and laughter. There was something alluring in her eyes, her expression, the way she held her mouth. Ginny could believe that Lucius Malfoy would find Molly Donovan worth wedding. And she knew that if the two were side by side, Narcissa Malfoy, even with her slim figure and classic looks, would be a pale shadow next to Ginny's mum.
Ginny marked the page and closed the book. She had also seen several pictures of Lucius Malfoy, but they had only chilled her. He looked similar to his son, but Ginny could also see several differences. Lucius' hair seemed thicker and coarser, his brows heavier and his nose a bit broader. Draco must have gotten the fine hair, thin brows and long, slender nose from his mother. His frame was a bit more slender than his father's, too. According to the photo captions in the scrapbook, Lucius Malfoy had been a Beater on the Slytherin team. Draco was a classic Seeker. And, even at seventeen or eighteen, Lucius Malfoy's face had been set into hard lines of cruelty. In almost every picture, Lucius' face seemed set in a permanent sneer. Draco Malfoy sneered a lot, it was true, but his face was not yet so firmly marked, and, now that Ginny thought about it, he much more often would frown or scowl, than sneer. He seemed dissatisfied more often than smugly superior. Except when he was looking at her, she added.
Ginny put the book on her bedside table, extinguished the lights and lay down. She tried not to think about her earlier conversation with Malfoy, but couldn't help it. She hadn't planned to tell him anything about her mother and his father. She knew he wouldn't believe it, and it only made her look like a vindictive, lying harpy. But once she'd started, she couldn't seem to stop herself.
Ginny sighed, wondering what she was going to do about Malfoy. She couldn't keep him locked up forever. She wasn't sure she could keep him locked up another day. For one thing, she wasn't sure how much longer she could sneak around carrying meals to him without getting caught. Also, he had other sanitation needs to take care of besides urinating, and Ginny was sure he hadn't done so since he'd been locked up. She hadn't considered that aspect. She really had to let him go, and soon. Oh, he was mean and cruel and would make the rest of her school year miserable, she was sure. But that didn't give Ginny the right to hold him prisoner. She saw that now.
She had thought she might be able to reason with him, that maybe they could work something out. She'd hoped to find out what it was about her that set him off, so she could prevent it from happening again. But every time she spoke to him, she felt stupid and weak and insignificant. She asked him a question and he ignored it, or changed the subject, or tried to provoke a fight. Good grief, he'd even tried sexual innuendo! He must be desperate to get out if he was trying to seduce her into coming nearer! And when he used that damned voice manipulation, she was nearly done for.
Ginny rolled over onto her side, punching the pillow as though it were Malfoy's long, perfect nose. She knew he was a lying, brutal, dangerous young man. But when he looked at her the way he had done earlier—as though she was beautiful—well, then her stupid brain wanted to shut down and allow her body to go on automatic. She wanted to move closer and see if he could actually be trusted not to try to hurt her. Then she would come to her senses and move away again.
The look in his eyes when she'd shown him the bruises he'd left had almost undone her. He looked horrified, shocked and ashamed. Ginny hadn't even realized he could actually manage those expressions. But it had to be a sham. He didn't give a damn about her, and was probably shocked and horrified that she still had evidence against him. Still, she'd almost reached out for the hand he'd extended to her, wanting him to comfort her and reassure her that he hadn't meant to hurt her. She rolled her eyes at her own naiveté. The thought of Draco Malfoy actually offering her comfort was ludicrous.
That was beside the point, she told herself firmly. She still hadn't decided what to do about him. She could try sneaking in late and just removing the spells. If she left the rusty key on the floor inside the cell, he would probably get the idea. But Malfoy was much sneakier than she could ever be. She didn't like the idea of him pretending to be asleep while she removed the spells. Then she might find his hands around her throat again, with even less chance of escaping than the first time. Ginny shuddered. Perhaps she could open the door and cover him with her wand until he was well away from her. But that would mean she would have to follow him to a more inhabited area of the castle to be sure he didn't try to ambush her again. She just couldn't think of any way to free him and remain safe herself. Sighing, she rolled over again, trying to block out her thoughts. Finally, she fell asleep.
Ginny woke early the following morning. She sat up in bed and stretched. She was no closer to finding a solution for Malfoy than she had been the night before, but she felt more relaxed after a decent night's sleep. There was no reason to get up and she almost pulled the blankets back over her head when she remembered that it was Christmas morning! Flinging the blankets off, she jumped out of bed and saw the small pile of presents at the foot of the bed! With a small squeal of excitement, she knelt in front of them and touched them gently. There were so very many, she thought. She regretted that Ariel wasn't here to share this morning with. Ron was in his own dorm, of course, but he and Harry would be opening presents together and she was still a bit upset with the way Harry had been behaving lately.
Ginny lifted all the presents onto the bed and sat in front of them, dragging the blankets over her lap. She snuggled into the warmth of the blankets and reached for a present. It was a small box, prettily wrapped and it was from Hermione. Ginny opened it eagerly, and gasped in surprise at the tiny, delicate glass bottle inside. She opened the bottle gingerly and sniffed. Essence of lavender! Ginny's favorite fragrance! And just a tiny bit would last all day! She put the stopper back on the bottle and set it aside. The next present was from Ron. Ginny grinned, expecting the usual big-brother gift of toed socks or a stuffed animal. Instead, she found a bottle matching the one Hermione had given her. It was larger, though, and contained lavender hand cream! Obviously Ron had had help with this present, but it was wonderful! Ginny vowed to give Ron a big hug as soon as she saw him. The next present was from Ariel. Ginny thought of the present she got her best friend. They'd seen a book of blank pages at the small Flourish and Blotts outlet in Hogsmeade that Ariel had practically drooled over. Ginny didn't blame her. The book had been leather bound, in a soft creamy beige colour. The pages were rich, thick vellum that Ariel, who loved to write poetry and stories, had immediately fallen in love with. Ginny sent home for the last of her summer savings and had bought it for her. She hoped Ariel would enjoy the gift.
Ginny carefully removed the wrapping from her present. Then she gasped. Inside the festively wrapped box, nestled in gold and silver tissue paper, was a pair of ankle high, black bicorn leather high-heeled boots. The leather was as soft as satin, but more durable than regular cow leather. Ginny had seen the boots months ago and had secretly pined for them, knowing she could never afford them. They cost at least as much as the book she'd gotten for Ariel. Ginny touched the soft boots reverently, already trying to form her thanks to Ariel when she sent her daily owl later.
The boots were so wonderful, Ginny almost couldn't continue. She set them aside carefully and kept looking at them, even as her hands pulled another present from the small pile. The next was a large box from her mum. Ginny shook it and smiled. Another jumper, no doubt. But it felt rather heavier than normal. She slipped off the ribbon and opened the box, and then received her second shock of the morning. Inside was a knitted sweater, but not like any jumper she'd ever had before. This had a cowl neck and was long. When Ginny held it up, she saw that it would easily come down to her knees. The long sleeves were full but ended in ribbed cuffs, as did the bottom hem. It was a deep, rich burgundy colour and there were mittens to match. Ginny hugged the garment tightly. It was without doubt the most beautiful thing she'd ever owned. She thought quickly. The sweater would go perfectly with the skinny black jeans she never wore. And the boots would complete the outfit!
Then Ginny's joy faded a bit. She had no one to wear the outfit for. Ron wouldn't notice, and she didn't care whether anyone else in Gryffindor noticed or not. So what, she thought suddenly. She'd wear it anyway. At least she could feel smart and stylish for one day in her life. That issue decided, Ginny quickly opened the rest of her presents. They were from her older brothers, and consisted of writing paper from Bill, a soft hat and muffler matching her new sweater from Charlie, suspiciously innocent- looking chocolates from Fred and George, and a book on succeeding in professional Quidditch for women, from Percy. The final present was the usual box of fudge from her mum, along with a small box containing two galleons from her dad.
Ginny smiled as she looked at her small treasure trove. She wanted to change into her new outfit right away, but no one was up yet, and breakfast wouldn't be served for another hour or so. Ginny fretted for a few minutes when her eye fell on the scrapbook she'd checked out last night. She brightened. There was one person she could bother right now, she thought. She didn't expect him to notice her outfit, but she could still put it on and show it off, even if he didn't comment. Not that she cared whether he noticed or not, she hastily told herself. But first, she needed a shower. She gathered her things and hurried to the shower room. As she passed one of the many deep set windows along the corridor to the bathroom she saw that it had snowed in the night. Snow! She loved he snow! Then a deliciously wicked thought entered her head. She tried to shoo it away, but it wouldn't go. Ginny showered, dried her hair, added a touch of the lavender fragrance, and changed into her new clothes.
She couldn't believe her reflection. The sweater hugged her slender frame, making her appear taller and curvier. The black jeans and small boots were perfect. Ginny fluffed her curls, letting them bounce around her face. She emptied out her book bag, putting only the scrapbook back in. She donned her robe and threw her heavy black cloak around her shoulders. Pulling on the mittens, Ginny was finally ready. She looked around her room once more, and added the box of homemade fudge to the bag. Then she left the room.
Ginny hurried down the stairs, carefully looking out for either Crabbe or Goyle. She was up so early, though, she didn't see anyone about. She opened the main castle entrance and scooted out the door for a moment. Then she was back in and climbing the steps toward the Magical Healing wing. A few minutes later, Ginny carefully opened the door to the hidden chamber, hoping to catch Malfoy off guard. He seemed to have a built in clock. He was always awake and always seemed to know about what time it was whenever she came in. Ginny peeked around the door, but saw with mild disappointment that he was staring right at her.