Nineteen
Ginny sat on a stool near the counter watching other Hogwarts students browse around her brothers' store. Harry and Ron had decided to wander around for a bit, Hermione was keeping her company. She noticed ever since the quidditch game last week that she wasn't left a moment alone. She knew they were trying to not let her on to this; of course you'd have to be extremely dense not to miss it. One evening she was heading to the library to return a book, Seamus had insisted that he too had to go to the library also and asked that Ginny walk with him. As soon as she was finished with her business he was promptly ready to leave. When she pointed out his lack of a book he shrugged it off in an uncomfortable fashion mumbling quickly that the book he wanted was out. Another time she needed to stop by the girls restroom on her way to class only to find Colin and Ginger waiting outside the door for her to come out, despite the fact that Colin's classroom was before the girls toilets. It appeared to her that the entire Gryffindor men felt the sudden need to play guard to Ginny, going so far as to surround the trio and Ginny during meals. The secret glances going between Harry and Ron and then onto the other male members didn't go without Ginny's notice. She was flattered that everyone cared so much about her well being, but not having a moment to herself was beginning to wear thin.
Ginny looked around the twins shop. They had changed it quite a bit to create their own sense of style to reflect their humor and personality. What was the biggest riot with the students and other customers alike was the twins' décor; being that their father was such a muggle fan they were able to obtain many interesting items. The walls were a black/purplish color, things like stars and other items that glowed in an odd fashion when a blue colored light shown on them. There were wild muggle pictures that didn't move at all, it was almost creepy, one of the large black and white posters had these three odd looking fellows on them with the names of Larry, Moe and Curly. There was also this pretty lady by the name of Lucy who apparently they said had flaming red hair like the rest of the family and was thought of as some sort of comedic genius in her time. There were lights that flashed and they even chose to hang a mirrored ball from the center of the room. What Ginny found to be the most interesting were these glass containers Hermione called Lava lamps. Ginny could sit and watch them all day, how they flowed and moved was almost hypnotizing.
"Hermione, is everything ok?" asked Ginny noting that for the tenth time Hermione turned the page of her book without reading it. Hermione snapped the book shut quickly slamming it down on the table, "That brother of yours!" she said a bit loudly causing some of the customers to look. "Uh, need to talk about it?" Ginny said hesitantly, last thing she wanted was to get her head bit off thanks to her prat of a brother Ron. "No, but I wouldn't mind getting my hands around his neck!" Hermione growled. Ginny chose to say nothing raising her eye brows and turning away from Hermione slightly, best to always make a quick get away before she blew. Not that she didn't love Hermione as her best friend and wanted to be her shoulder when she needed, but Ginny knew sometimes it was best to not find out what her brother had done. "Don't get me wrong, I do love your brother, but sometimes he does some foolish things!" said Hermione. "Ok, nix the get away idea" Ginny thought to herself settling back onto her stool. "I caught him trying to sneak out to hunt down Malfoy. When I tried to tell him how it was a bad idea to do something so stupid he yelled at me about not caring about you and how he wasn't going to let that slime infested git ever come even 20 paces near you again." Hermione said getting more irritated with each word. "Hermione, he was only trying to take care of me, I'm really sure he didn't mean to insult you." Ginny said in a soothing manner.
Ginny was saved from more her tirade thanks to the interruption of Fred asking for Hermione's help with some of his account figures. Ginny looked up when the bells chimed as the door opened, Pansy Parkinson led a group of fellow Slytherins in. "Well look, if it isn't the Mudblood and the Weasel tramp", said Pansy. "Aww, what's the matter Parkinson, your master forgot to put his favorite lap dog on a leash before your walk?" Ginny flashed a smile that never reached her eyes. "You stupid little bitch", Pansy said through gritted teeth. "Sweetie, I think you've gotten me mistaken with one of your own personal nicknames. Do try to remember, you're the bitch in perpetual heat." Ginny threw back. Fred and Hermione were turning their heads back and forth like watching a ping-pong tournament between Ginny and Pansy, wondering who was going to pounce first. "At least I'm not throwing myself at every male in the school!" Pansy spat; her knuckles white in a fist at her side. "You see, there you go again getting your stories mixed up. I'll tell you what honey; you need to get your facts straight. I can see why you're jealous, at least men know I exsist!" Ginny knew that it wasn't nice but she had her fill of the twit standing in front of her. "What?! " Pansy spluttered, "Men know I exsist," she said. "Alpo employees don't count dear" Ginny threw at her triumphantly.
Pansy was now visibly shaking with anger, taking a threatening step forward, George stepped out from the back storeroom and Fred stepped out from around the counter. "If you ladies have business here then please be at it, otherwise leave," said George. "I know your using the term Ladies loosely," muttered Fred. As the gaggle of Slytherins made their way to the door, Pansy being the last, Ginny took out her wand pointing it at the pug- faced girl. "Posterious Gargantious," Ginny whispered. Unbeknownst to Pansy her rear-end began to swell to the point it gave the appearance of two beach balls hidden beneath her robes. Hermione slapped her hand over her mouth, eyes wide in horror. George and Fred's faces were turning deep red trying to contain their laughter until after the Slytherin group left. As soon as the door shut the dam burst forth on the four remaining people. George and Fred were reduced to crumpled masses of laughter on the floor. Hermione had gotten over her shock and was pounding her fist on the table with laughter. Ginny sat with an extremely smug look on her face, "I wonder if anyone will even notice the difference?" she said. This brought another wave of laughter and tears.
Moments later Harry and Ron entered the store; you could hear people out in the streets laughing. "You're not going to believe what we just saw!" Ron said excitedly. "Someone hexed Pansy's rear and now's it's huge!" Harry finished Ron's sentence. The twins were wiping tears from their eyes still laughing hard. Hermione shook her head laughing, trying to catch her breath. Ginny sat calmly looking rather proud of herself. "I wonder who did it?" said Harry. George, Fred and Hermione pointed to Ginny. "No way!" Ron said looking surprised. Harry cracked up. "Your serious?" Ron said in disbelief. "She sure did little brother," Fred said putting his arm around Ron's shoulder. "We're so proud, our baby's growing up!" George said now bending over laughing.
The group at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes had finally settled down when the door opened again, this time Colin and Ginger entered. "Did you get it?" asked Hermione. "Right here," Ginger said holding up a small catalog. Ginger walked over to the other two girls sitting at the counter; they put their heads together looking over the booklet. "What are they doing?" Harry asked Colin as he approached the other men. "You don't want to get involved," Colin said thumbing over his shoulders at the girls, "Dress catalog." You could see a small shudder go through every male in the room. While the group of men stood across the room talking the females were discussing spring formal details. "How long will it take to get these in?" said Hermione. "Madam Malkin said it you could get any of these instantly, Professor Dumbledore told her before the school year began about the option of muggle or wizard formal." Said Ginger. "Perfect, what about customizing?" said Ginny. "That won't be a problem she has extra staff on hand ready to adjust as you try it on," said Ginger. Ginny turned looking at Hermione, "You up to trusting me again?" she asked. Hermione didn't hesitate for a moment, "You've never done me wrong," she said with a smile.
The girls stood up heading for the door. Ron and Harry noticed the three and made to leave with them. "Where are you going?" Ginny asked looking pointedly at the two. "We thought we'd tag along," Harry said trying to put on his most charming smile. "Oh no you don't," Hermione said putting her hand on her hip, "We're going to get our formal wear and you can't go." Harry looked at Ron for help; Ron only shrugged not knowing what to do. Both men turned around looking at the remaining members of their group. Colin put his hands up in defense; he already knew there was no way Ginger would allow him to go. Harry, Ron and Colin's eyes turned to George and Fred, a sudden dread fell over the twins. "Odd you go, even I go," George said, Fred nodded. Each put a fist out bouncing them up and down three times, Fred put two fingers out, George at the same time stuck out two. "Ha ha! So sorry dear brother, take one for the team." Fred said slapping George on the back. "Quiet alright, you never know when a gust of wind might blow a changing room curtain open," George said wiggling his eyebrows heading over to join the girls at the door. Ginny rolled her eyes letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Well come on if your going."
George sat in the waiting room armchair his feet propped on the coffee table, bored out of his mind after seeing every dress made on the planet. "Oi! Gin, I'm growing grays waiting on you three," George shouted, twirling his wand between his fingers. "You're the one who chose evens so suffer!" Ginny's muted voice came from one of the dressing cubicles. Ginger was the first to emerge from the back dressing area in her normal cloths with a bagged dress in her arm followed by Ginny and Hermione. "What, I don't get to see the final product?" George complained. "Absolutely not! You would run right over and tell those men exactly what we're wearing and spoil the surprise," said Hermione in her most stern voice. "Well ruin all my fun why don't you." George said as he stood up and stretched.
A small group of Ravenclaw girls entered the shop as Ginny was paying for her purchase. "Did you see the size of her rump?" a blond Ravenclaw girl said to her friends, "Someone needs to cut back on the sweets," the girls giggled. "She's going to need an extra bolt of fabric just to cover that broad butt of her's," another blond said. "I wonder who did it too her?" a light brunette said as the girls moved further into the shop. It was all Ginny and the others could do to keep a straight face while trying to leave. Just as George reached to open the door he stopped, throwing his arm out he pushed Ginny behind him. A dark look crossed his face watching out the door window, Malfoy and his goons walked past not giving the boutique a second glance. Once George was sure Malfoy was well out of sight he let Ginny moved from behind him. She chose not to say anything. Ginny knew everyone was worried and cared for her; otherwise they wouldn't be acting as they were. Letting out a sigh she followed George out the door, Hermione rubbed her arm sympathetically. "I have no idea what's gotten into that damn Malfoy, but I'm going to have to figure it out otherwise I'll never have a moments peace again," Ginny determindly thought to herself.
Ginny sat on a stool near the counter watching other Hogwarts students browse around her brothers' store. Harry and Ron had decided to wander around for a bit, Hermione was keeping her company. She noticed ever since the quidditch game last week that she wasn't left a moment alone. She knew they were trying to not let her on to this; of course you'd have to be extremely dense not to miss it. One evening she was heading to the library to return a book, Seamus had insisted that he too had to go to the library also and asked that Ginny walk with him. As soon as she was finished with her business he was promptly ready to leave. When she pointed out his lack of a book he shrugged it off in an uncomfortable fashion mumbling quickly that the book he wanted was out. Another time she needed to stop by the girls restroom on her way to class only to find Colin and Ginger waiting outside the door for her to come out, despite the fact that Colin's classroom was before the girls toilets. It appeared to her that the entire Gryffindor men felt the sudden need to play guard to Ginny, going so far as to surround the trio and Ginny during meals. The secret glances going between Harry and Ron and then onto the other male members didn't go without Ginny's notice. She was flattered that everyone cared so much about her well being, but not having a moment to herself was beginning to wear thin.
Ginny looked around the twins shop. They had changed it quite a bit to create their own sense of style to reflect their humor and personality. What was the biggest riot with the students and other customers alike was the twins' décor; being that their father was such a muggle fan they were able to obtain many interesting items. The walls were a black/purplish color, things like stars and other items that glowed in an odd fashion when a blue colored light shown on them. There were wild muggle pictures that didn't move at all, it was almost creepy, one of the large black and white posters had these three odd looking fellows on them with the names of Larry, Moe and Curly. There was also this pretty lady by the name of Lucy who apparently they said had flaming red hair like the rest of the family and was thought of as some sort of comedic genius in her time. There were lights that flashed and they even chose to hang a mirrored ball from the center of the room. What Ginny found to be the most interesting were these glass containers Hermione called Lava lamps. Ginny could sit and watch them all day, how they flowed and moved was almost hypnotizing.
"Hermione, is everything ok?" asked Ginny noting that for the tenth time Hermione turned the page of her book without reading it. Hermione snapped the book shut quickly slamming it down on the table, "That brother of yours!" she said a bit loudly causing some of the customers to look. "Uh, need to talk about it?" Ginny said hesitantly, last thing she wanted was to get her head bit off thanks to her prat of a brother Ron. "No, but I wouldn't mind getting my hands around his neck!" Hermione growled. Ginny chose to say nothing raising her eye brows and turning away from Hermione slightly, best to always make a quick get away before she blew. Not that she didn't love Hermione as her best friend and wanted to be her shoulder when she needed, but Ginny knew sometimes it was best to not find out what her brother had done. "Don't get me wrong, I do love your brother, but sometimes he does some foolish things!" said Hermione. "Ok, nix the get away idea" Ginny thought to herself settling back onto her stool. "I caught him trying to sneak out to hunt down Malfoy. When I tried to tell him how it was a bad idea to do something so stupid he yelled at me about not caring about you and how he wasn't going to let that slime infested git ever come even 20 paces near you again." Hermione said getting more irritated with each word. "Hermione, he was only trying to take care of me, I'm really sure he didn't mean to insult you." Ginny said in a soothing manner.
Ginny was saved from more her tirade thanks to the interruption of Fred asking for Hermione's help with some of his account figures. Ginny looked up when the bells chimed as the door opened, Pansy Parkinson led a group of fellow Slytherins in. "Well look, if it isn't the Mudblood and the Weasel tramp", said Pansy. "Aww, what's the matter Parkinson, your master forgot to put his favorite lap dog on a leash before your walk?" Ginny flashed a smile that never reached her eyes. "You stupid little bitch", Pansy said through gritted teeth. "Sweetie, I think you've gotten me mistaken with one of your own personal nicknames. Do try to remember, you're the bitch in perpetual heat." Ginny threw back. Fred and Hermione were turning their heads back and forth like watching a ping-pong tournament between Ginny and Pansy, wondering who was going to pounce first. "At least I'm not throwing myself at every male in the school!" Pansy spat; her knuckles white in a fist at her side. "You see, there you go again getting your stories mixed up. I'll tell you what honey; you need to get your facts straight. I can see why you're jealous, at least men know I exsist!" Ginny knew that it wasn't nice but she had her fill of the twit standing in front of her. "What?! " Pansy spluttered, "Men know I exsist," she said. "Alpo employees don't count dear" Ginny threw at her triumphantly.
Pansy was now visibly shaking with anger, taking a threatening step forward, George stepped out from the back storeroom and Fred stepped out from around the counter. "If you ladies have business here then please be at it, otherwise leave," said George. "I know your using the term Ladies loosely," muttered Fred. As the gaggle of Slytherins made their way to the door, Pansy being the last, Ginny took out her wand pointing it at the pug- faced girl. "Posterious Gargantious," Ginny whispered. Unbeknownst to Pansy her rear-end began to swell to the point it gave the appearance of two beach balls hidden beneath her robes. Hermione slapped her hand over her mouth, eyes wide in horror. George and Fred's faces were turning deep red trying to contain their laughter until after the Slytherin group left. As soon as the door shut the dam burst forth on the four remaining people. George and Fred were reduced to crumpled masses of laughter on the floor. Hermione had gotten over her shock and was pounding her fist on the table with laughter. Ginny sat with an extremely smug look on her face, "I wonder if anyone will even notice the difference?" she said. This brought another wave of laughter and tears.
Moments later Harry and Ron entered the store; you could hear people out in the streets laughing. "You're not going to believe what we just saw!" Ron said excitedly. "Someone hexed Pansy's rear and now's it's huge!" Harry finished Ron's sentence. The twins were wiping tears from their eyes still laughing hard. Hermione shook her head laughing, trying to catch her breath. Ginny sat calmly looking rather proud of herself. "I wonder who did it?" said Harry. George, Fred and Hermione pointed to Ginny. "No way!" Ron said looking surprised. Harry cracked up. "Your serious?" Ron said in disbelief. "She sure did little brother," Fred said putting his arm around Ron's shoulder. "We're so proud, our baby's growing up!" George said now bending over laughing.
The group at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes had finally settled down when the door opened again, this time Colin and Ginger entered. "Did you get it?" asked Hermione. "Right here," Ginger said holding up a small catalog. Ginger walked over to the other two girls sitting at the counter; they put their heads together looking over the booklet. "What are they doing?" Harry asked Colin as he approached the other men. "You don't want to get involved," Colin said thumbing over his shoulders at the girls, "Dress catalog." You could see a small shudder go through every male in the room. While the group of men stood across the room talking the females were discussing spring formal details. "How long will it take to get these in?" said Hermione. "Madam Malkin said it you could get any of these instantly, Professor Dumbledore told her before the school year began about the option of muggle or wizard formal." Said Ginger. "Perfect, what about customizing?" said Ginny. "That won't be a problem she has extra staff on hand ready to adjust as you try it on," said Ginger. Ginny turned looking at Hermione, "You up to trusting me again?" she asked. Hermione didn't hesitate for a moment, "You've never done me wrong," she said with a smile.
The girls stood up heading for the door. Ron and Harry noticed the three and made to leave with them. "Where are you going?" Ginny asked looking pointedly at the two. "We thought we'd tag along," Harry said trying to put on his most charming smile. "Oh no you don't," Hermione said putting her hand on her hip, "We're going to get our formal wear and you can't go." Harry looked at Ron for help; Ron only shrugged not knowing what to do. Both men turned around looking at the remaining members of their group. Colin put his hands up in defense; he already knew there was no way Ginger would allow him to go. Harry, Ron and Colin's eyes turned to George and Fred, a sudden dread fell over the twins. "Odd you go, even I go," George said, Fred nodded. Each put a fist out bouncing them up and down three times, Fred put two fingers out, George at the same time stuck out two. "Ha ha! So sorry dear brother, take one for the team." Fred said slapping George on the back. "Quiet alright, you never know when a gust of wind might blow a changing room curtain open," George said wiggling his eyebrows heading over to join the girls at the door. Ginny rolled her eyes letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Well come on if your going."
George sat in the waiting room armchair his feet propped on the coffee table, bored out of his mind after seeing every dress made on the planet. "Oi! Gin, I'm growing grays waiting on you three," George shouted, twirling his wand between his fingers. "You're the one who chose evens so suffer!" Ginny's muted voice came from one of the dressing cubicles. Ginger was the first to emerge from the back dressing area in her normal cloths with a bagged dress in her arm followed by Ginny and Hermione. "What, I don't get to see the final product?" George complained. "Absolutely not! You would run right over and tell those men exactly what we're wearing and spoil the surprise," said Hermione in her most stern voice. "Well ruin all my fun why don't you." George said as he stood up and stretched.
A small group of Ravenclaw girls entered the shop as Ginny was paying for her purchase. "Did you see the size of her rump?" a blond Ravenclaw girl said to her friends, "Someone needs to cut back on the sweets," the girls giggled. "She's going to need an extra bolt of fabric just to cover that broad butt of her's," another blond said. "I wonder who did it too her?" a light brunette said as the girls moved further into the shop. It was all Ginny and the others could do to keep a straight face while trying to leave. Just as George reached to open the door he stopped, throwing his arm out he pushed Ginny behind him. A dark look crossed his face watching out the door window, Malfoy and his goons walked past not giving the boutique a second glance. Once George was sure Malfoy was well out of sight he let Ginny moved from behind him. She chose not to say anything. Ginny knew everyone was worried and cared for her; otherwise they wouldn't be acting as they were. Letting out a sigh she followed George out the door, Hermione rubbed her arm sympathetically. "I have no idea what's gotten into that damn Malfoy, but I'm going to have to figure it out otherwise I'll never have a moments peace again," Ginny determindly thought to herself.
