A/N: And I'm back. YAY! Go me! –wave flags in air sarcastically- Anyway sorry for the wait. Be warned that some people are very out of character, but it is necessary. Also, some of the things that happen in this chapter and others may make no sense at the time, but will be of great significance later.
Disclaimer: See first chapter
*I need beta readers. Anybody who is interested tell me in a review or e-mail me. (dragongirl8401@yahoo.com) *
Thanks to my reviewers at the end.
^I have a quote that will come up later in the story (this one and my other story SVAMAH) which will hold significance. I will tell you it now and for the first 3 people who translate it correctly I will send you the chapter early. Here it is: "Oportunidades en la vida no las dejas pasar porque podrías dejar pasar una vida entera." And I suppose if you can tell me who said it I will send you all the chapters early. Good luck. AND NO TRANSLATOR!!! I if think you used one your disqualified.
Date Written (including author notes): 7/01/03
Beta Finished: 7/09/03
Rising TensionsChapter 2: Of Talks, Muggles, and Metal Tubes
Striding down the hall and up the spiral stairs Draco headed toward the direction of the melodious piano music coming from behind the many mahogany doors on this floor of the manor. Pausing only briefly at his bedroom to pick up the letter that Dumbledore sent and to ask Zally, who was cleaning his room, to bring some tea (preferably lemon today please) to the sitting room across the hall from the music room for him and Narcissa. Draco arrived at his destination within five minutes, occasionally associating with some of the portraits of ancient Malfoy ancestors. Stopping outside the door, Draco knocked on the door and waited until he heard Narcissa's distinct, soft voice floating out into the hall saying, "Come in." and then entered. "Oh, good Morning Draco dear. Did you receive your Hogwarts letter yet?"
"Hello to you to mother. And yes I did actually. I received them last night." Replied Draco, moving completely into the room closing the door behind him.
Looking confused Narcissa questioned "Them?"
"Yes them. My regular letter and one from Dumbledore. You remember that letter I sent that you convinced me to?" and upon seeing her nod her head in conformation he continued, "Well Dumbledore sent me a response." And seeing her face light up, added "Why don't we continue this discussion in the sitting room across the hall? Besides I asked Zally to bring us some lemon tea there." Concluded Draco, standing and holding out a hand to help his mother up.
"Don't be silly Draco. I maybe a little ill, but I can get up myself. Lets go." Laughed Narcissa, standing and heading to the door, which Draco tried to open up was prevented by Narcissa getting there first and they both entered the sitting room to find Zally pouring their tea, and she handed it to them after they sat down across from each other.
"Here Master and Mistress. Zally did just as Zally was told. Lemon tea in the sitting room. Now Zally must tend to her other duties. Call Zally is Mistress or Master require anything."
Smiling softly at Zally, Narcissa said while taking her wand and conjuring up another cup, "Come have tea with us Zally. I am dismissing your from the remainder of your duties today."
"But what if Master Lucius fin-"
"I will take full responsibility Zally. Your working too hard," said Narcissa patting the seat next to her and when Zally clumsily climbed onto the seat she poured her a cup of tea, to which Zally responded "Thank you very much Mistress. Zally shall work even harder tomorrow."
"So Draco, tell me about Dumbledore's response." Continued Narcissa sitting with her legs crossed, staring curiously at her son.
"Well, it's like this mother. I was working on my transfiguration homework and the owl arrived with the letters. Apparently Dumbledore has initiated me into the Order of the Phoenix. It's a resistance group formed by Dumbledore against Voldemort during the first war against him and now he has brought it back again. Because of my warning Dumbledore is placing me on assignment."
Cutting in looking tad frightened she questioned, "What do you mean assignment? He's not putting you into any danger is he? Because if he is I simply flat out refuse to let you do anything of the sort!" she finished, raising her voice slightly at the end.
"Don't worry mother. I'm sure I wont be in any danger. My assignment, according to Dumbledore is foreign exchange, something muggles came up with not long ago, to the United States of America. I just went to see father. Here, read Dumbledore's letter for yourself." Said Draco, handing the letter to his mother, who read it over carefully.
After re-reading it twice Narcissa replied "well I guess it might not be too dangerous but be careful. So you will be staying at the Rockridge Manor? Nobody's been in that house for so long, except for the maids and servants that clean once a month along with the house elves. I should tell Severus about this and inform the Rockridge staff later." Looking up she noticed her son smirking at her.
"What is it Draco?" questioned his mother.
"You like him don't you mum?" questioned Draco leaning forward in his chair with his elbows on his knees. "Besides Professor Snape is a member of the order, so don't worry about contacting him as he already knows about it."
"I suppose he does already know. But who were you referring to dear?" questioned Narcissa suspiciously.
"Professor Snape." Answered Draco offhandedly.
"I don't know what your talking about Draco. You know I'm married to your father." Narcissa responded, a little to quickly to be convincing.
"Mum please, don't deny it. You like Professor Snape or my name isn't Latin for dragon, which might it add, it most defiantly is. And don't tell me you love father because you don't. You don't even sleep in the same room anymore." Draco responded.
"Anyway, you have no idea who's going with you?" asked Narcissa trying to change the subject from her love life.
"My guess would be either Weasel, Potter, or Granger. But like I said to myself last night I prefer if it were Gin though."
"Do you mean young Virginia Weasley? Why is she so different from her brother?"
Blushing slightly, Draco replied, "Well, um…. yes I'm referring to Virginia Weasley. And I…I wish it were her because um…" he muttered the rest under his breath.
"I'm afraid I didn't catch that last part Draco." Replied Narcissa, staring a little harder.
Keeping his eyes on the floor he said only a little louder so he could barley be herd, "I've been going out with her secretly since April."
"That's wonderful Draco! I'm so glad the rivalry between our two families is finally diminishing!" replied Narcissa happily, chatting along with Zally as well.
"Anyway mother when shall we go the Diagon Alley to get my things?"
"Well I have a social event for tomorrow you know your father wont go with you and your not suppose to go alone, although I don't see why. You are old enough to be trusted by yourself. I have a doctors appointment Wednesday, so how about Thursday?"
"Thursday is fine. Now I think I will go practice quidditch. I will see you later mother." Replied Draco heading out of the room, and Narcissa continued talking to Zally after he left.
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The Burrow:
"Well Ginny seeing as you only have for days before you leave I think today might be a good day to get your school supplies with you brothers, Harry, and Hermione. Are you up to going today?"
"Sure mum. Do you want to go now?" questioned Ginny, looking up for the book she had been reading for the last two hours.
"Yes dear. Go tell the boys to get cleaned up. They're out practicing quidditch and Hermione's indulging Arthur in a discussion about muggle politics. I'm just going to go get the key to the Gringots vault and get changed. Look at me. I'm covered in bread dough from baking this morning." Answered Molly, heading toward the stairs.
After washing up from practice Harry, Hermione, Ron, Fred, George, and Ginny gathered in front of the fireplace to wait for Molly who appeared a few minutes later and they all flooed to the Leaky Cauldron and then headed for Gringots so Hermione could exchange her muggle money and Harry and Molly could get money out of their vaults. When the transactions were complete they headed back out into Diagon Alley.
"Well I suppose first we could go replenish your kids potions ingredients, you told me when school let out you'd be needing more." And after saying this the group headed toward the apothecary. After leaving, Molly said, "Lets head for Madam Malkins."
"But why do we need to go there?" asked Ron
"Ginny needs to get new robes before she leaves."
"But hers still fit her! I'm the one who deserves new ones! Mine are to short!"
"Ronald Weasley! Stop screaming. Now if you would have let me finish I was going to say I was going to get you a few new ones too. Don't even say anything Fred and George. Yours still fit fine." Lectured Molly. Upon entering the shop they were immediately greeted and pushed up onto stools so measurements could be taken. When asked how she wanted her robes cut/fitted Ginny shocked everyone once again, even Molly by saying she wanted them form fitting and a few of them low cut in the neck. Surprisingly nobody said anything though. Getting out of Madam Malkins they went to Flourish and Blots to get their books, where Ginny got a new sketchbook for herself, drawing being a hobby she picked up during her second year at Hogwarts partially because of her alienation due to the Chamber of Secrets incident. After purchasing their items the seven of them went to Florean Fortescue's to get some ice cream before leaving. After much small talk they were confronted by none other than Narcissa Malfoy.
"Molly!" she said to get their attention, "It's been so long since I could actually talk to you. You know, with Lucius watching my every move. May I join you?"
"Of course you can. George get an extra chair for Narcissa please." And George rose, looking slightly aghast, to get another chair, placed it between Ginny and Hermione, saying "Here Mrs. Malfoy. Nice to see you today," and sat back down.
"So what brings you to Diagon Ally by yourself? Normally your son or husband is with you." Questioned Molly.
"Well I haven't been feeling well for the last week so I had a doctors appointment today. It seems as if I have a bit of the flu." Replied Narcissa off handedly after ordering herself a soft ice-cream twist. "And anyway Lucius is away today, so I can talk for a while."
"Sorry to hear about you being ill Mrs. Malfoy. I hope you feel better." Said Ginny, feeling sympathetic for her boyfriends' mother.
"You must be Virginia. I've herd a lot about you. It's a pleasure to finally meet you Virginia." Said Narcissa, to which she received a smile.
"Well since you are going on this foreign exchange trip Ginny, I think you deserve something special. Is there anything you would like?" asked Molly. Upon hearing the information about foreign exchange, Narcissa became more intrigued by the conversation.
"Umm… If it's not too much trouble mum I've always wanted a dog. And I'm sure I'd be able to take it with me and you wouldn't have to take care of it at all." Said Ginny very quickly, seeing the look on her mothers face at the word dog.
"I suppose we could get you one. But we need to go into muggle London and I'm not quite ready to go there today and its getting late so h-"
"I can take her for you Molly," interjected Narcissa, "if its ok with you that is. Besides I would like to speak with her some more, and I will make sure she gets home safely."
"Would you like to go with Narcissa Ginny?" asked Molly.
"Sure!" responded Ginny standing up.
"Thanks for taking her Narcissa." Said Molly, "and here's some money for you to go exchange. Try to be home by 6:30. That gives you nearly three hours." And with that Ginny and Narcissa said their good-byes and headed toward Gringots.
Back at the table Ron erupted, "Why did you let her go with that Malfoy bitch?! They're all nothing but trouble mum!"
"Ronald Weasley what your mouth! Sit down! Narcissa is an old friend of mine form school, at least she was before marrying Lucius. He doesn't know it and neither do you Ron, but Narcissa Malfoy was named your godmother. Even though Narcissa Black's marriage to Lucius Malfoy was an arranged one, she loved him for a while. Now I trust her with Ginny so just drop it."
"Black?" questioned Harry, "You don't mean to tell me she's related to Snuffles do you?"
"Actually she's his cousin. Now lets go." Replied Molly, ignoring their thunderstruck expressions, as they all headed back to the Leaky Cauldron.
********************
Back With Ginny and Narcissa:
After going to Gringots and coming out Ginny spoke up "Thanks for offering to take me Mrs. Malfoy."
"Please, call me Narcissa, Virginia. Now I must ask you a favor though since we are going into muggle London."
"What is it?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Help me buy some muggle clothes." Replied Narcissa laughing slightly.
"Sure," smiled Ginny, "Lets go in here. Look and see if there is anything you like."
"Well I prefer dresses so what do you think would look nice on me?"
"Why don't you go look at those over there?" Said Ginny pointing to her left. Narcissa came back with a long evening gown, a business suit type dress and a red sundress, a sky-blue one, and yellow one. "What do you think dear?"
"Give me these ones and go try on the sundresses and then I can tell you." Eventually they got the sky blue one, a pair of sandals and one of those wide brimmed hats, which Narcissa changed into and set off into muggle London.
While walking down the street Narcissa began to speak. "Draco told me about you two the other day."
Shocked, Ginny looked up slightly frightened, "He what?!"
"He told me you two had secretly been going out since April. Is that true?"
Keeping her eyes on the ground she replied "Yes."
"Don't worry Virginia. I'm actually happy about it. It's about time somebody sets that boy strait. And I wouldn't dream of telling Lucius. And to think I actually loved him before. Did you know your mother and I were best friends in school?"
"No I didn't."
"Well you do now. I'm actually Ron's godmother too."
Laughing, Ginny said, "That's so funny. I can just imagine his reaction. Here, lets go in here and see if I can find one."
"What type of dog are you liking for Virginia?"
"I'm thinking something along the lines of a golden retriever actually." Responded Ginny, looking at the dogs. Nodding Narcissa walked over the talk to the lady working there.
"Excuse me ma'am? We're looking for a specific breed of dog. Can you help us?"
"Of course Mrs…"
"Malfoy." Narcissa supplied
"Right, Mrs. Malfoy. What exactly are you and your daughter looking for?"
"She's not my daughter. Actually she's my son's girlfriend. But anyway, do you have any pure breed golden retrievers for purchase?"
"That's ok Narcissa. I don't have enough for a pure breed."
"Don't be silly dear. You deserve the best and I'll pay the remainder.'
"Ok then. Golden retriever, let me check." Said the lady walking behind the computer. She looked up a few moments later to ask if it was a puppy or a full grown dog she wanted, and when told puppy the lady went back to the computer. "Your in luck, we have one left. The initial price is £682. Both parents champion show dogs. Oh course then there would be the vet fee as well. We can do it now for a little extra if you wish to do so, and then there is also the supplies that you would need. Would you still like to by her? "
Speaking up before Ginny could protest, Narcissa replied "Of course." The lady then proceeded to calculate the total price (including everything that they would need, and gathering it at the same time, then led Ginny an Narcissa into the back and gave Ginny the dog, which she named Luna and had already been taken care of when they were out front. Picking up the rest of the stuff they walked to the Leaky Cauldron, arriving at 6:15 and flooed to the Burrow, Ginny first with Luna and Narcissa next with the other things. After talking to Molly for a few moments Narcissa changed back into her robes and apparated to Malfoy Manor.
"So how much was the dog Gin? And what its name?" asked Bill when they were playing wizards chess in his room before going to bed.
"Her name is Luna and lest just say I paid more than expected. Mum only gave me £125."
"Come on Gin. I wont tell anyone how much you spent." He declared, watching Ginny's bishop wrestle his knight off the board, then commanding his bishop to move.
"Fine. I spent just over £800." Replied Ginny, "Queen to C-6."
"WHAT! Gin-Gin you didn't even have that much!"
"I know. I tried to talk her out of getting the pure breed but Narcissa insisted that I get it and she would pay what I couldn't afford and she did."
I can't believe Narcissa Malfoy paid for that dog! Let alone is our mothers' friend. This day is just getting stranger. I'm sure nothing you could say would make it even weirder." Replied Bill.
"I'm sure something I could say would make it weirder. Just don't tell anybody else because they don't know about it."
"TRY ME. What is it?" he questioned curiously.
"I'm going out with Draco Malfoy." Replied Ginny simply. A few seconds of silence persisted before Bill cracked up laughing.
"That was a great joke Gin-Gin. Draco Malfoy, oh that's just hilarious. You going out with the ferret." Said Bill trailing off at the sight of Ginny's death glare. "You mean its true?" and seeing Ginny nod her head he added, " I guess this day could get weirder." And started to pet Luna.
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Next Day, Malfoy Manor:
It was a cool summer day in Wiltshire causing a nice breeze to flow through the open window of the kitchen where Draco was sitting at the bar in the middle of the room while Narcissa was making breakfast for the fist time in five months because Lucius was still gone. "I spoke with your girlfriend yesterday Draco." Narcissa said flipping a pancake and putting it on a plate.
Nearly chocking on his orange juice, he stuttered out "You did what!"
"I. Talked. Too. Her. Yesterday. Very nice girl. I like her. It's about time somebody sets you strait. Oh, and I told her I knew about you two going out. She was actually a bit nervous. Afraid I'd tell Lucius about it I think." Replied Narcissa, placing a plate in front of her son and sitting down with her own.
"What else did you talk about?"
"Just girl talk Draco. Hair, makeup, fashion. Stuff that doesn't apply to you. When you're done go put on some muggle clothes instead of your robes. I know you have them even though your father doesn't. We are going onto muggle London after we get your school supplies. There's this lovely dress I saw yesterday an I want to get it."
After changing Draco met his mother in the library to floo to Diagon Alley and seeing her mother in her sky-blue sundress, asked her "Where did you get that mum?"
"Your girlfriend helped me pick it out yesterday. Do you like it?'
"It looks nice mum." And with that they left, got Draco's stuff and headed out to a very expensive looking store in London. Upon entering Draco went to look at jewelry to waste time because he knew Narcissa would ask his opinion on it to go with whatever she was buying. Suddenly he spotted a pendant necklace made of sterling silver with a fair size flower shape at the bottom. The petals were made of cut sapphires, each with a diamond tip and a center of encrusted emeralds. Just looking at it he knew he had to get it for Ginny so he went in search of Narcissa and found her in the back getting fitted for her dress. "Mum, it is alright if I got something for Gin?"
"Oh course Draco. Just let me get done here. The dress was a little big so they're going to alter it for me so I can leave with it. It shouldn't take less than an hour." And after let down from the stool and removing the dress she followed Draco out to where the pendant was. "Oh Draco it's lovely I'm sure Virginia will love it. I'll get it with the diamond chocker that's supposed to go with my dress. Look its right there. Don't you think it's stunning?" About and hour and £3,000 less, they headed back to Malfoy Manor.
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Sunday, August 25th, The Burrow
10:30 am:
"Ginny!" hollered Molly at her youngest child who was still in bed. "Get up! We have to make sure you have everything packed!"
"Ok mum! I'm getting up!" replied Ginny sleepily from behind the door of her bedroom.
11:20 am:
Ron barged into his sister's room only to find her fast asleep with Luna at the foot of her bed. Picking up Luna and placing her next to Ginny's head, the dog started to lick her Masters face. Ron heard her mumble "No, dragon, don't." and roll back over. Sighing and wondering what that was all about he hollered to Bill and asked him to use his wand to pour water on her, which he did, with the result of Ginny jumping out of her drenched bed and slapping them both, screeching more than saying "What the fuck was that for?!"
"Ginny its 11:30! Mum wants you up so you can have breakfast, well lunch now, and then go over your packing to make sure you have everything so your ready to leave for the airport at six, so you can be there by seven, to catch you eight pm fight for the United States. Truthfully I'm jealous Gin. I want to go." Wined Ron, who had picked up Luna. "And why couldn't I have a dog?"
"Mum got you a new broomstick for becoming a prefect because its what you WANTED remember?"
"Yeah, yeah just get dressed. I'm gonna go feed Luna. Don't take forever in the bathroom so I'm sent to fetch you there to Gin." Said Ron walking out of the room with Luna. After he left Ginny walked into the bathroom, took a quick shower and returned to her room where she got rid of her towel and got dressed into a pair of black pants that zipped up the back and flared slightly at the bottom, a salsa shirt that fell loosely in two long strips at the elbows, and a pair of knee high black boots. Walking downstairs, she was jumped on by Luna, who she carried into the kitchen with her and sat her on the counter while she made herself a bologna sandwich while talking to Harry.
"You know that I'm taking Luna with me already Harry, but how will they transport her on the airplane? Can I have her with me during the flight?"
"Sorry Ginny but their going to put her in the cargo hold." Replied Harry, who was sorting his chocolate frog cards with Ron.
"What's the cargo hold?" questioned Ginny, sitting down.
Hermione, who had just came in said, "Its where they store the luggage. Remember to put and invisible charm on anything you don't want the muggles to see. It's a good thing our wants aren't made of metal or you'd have a hard time explaining why your warring a strange looking stick without them confiscating it when you pass through security."
"Luggage!" cried Ginny, "They can't put her in there! She's just a puppy."
"They put all the animals there Ginny." Said Hermione. "At least its not an owl your taking. And I hope you remembered to buy an animal carrier or you won't be allowed to put her on the plane." Seeing Ginny shake her head no, Hermione franticly said, "You didn't! I'd give you Crookshanks' but I left it at home! Go see if you dad can take us real quick so I can get it for you." And Ginny ran off too find Arthur, fiddling with a radio, but agreed to take them down in the new NON-BEWITCHED car.
"Come on girls lets go. I can believe you JUST though of this. Hurry up." Replied Arthur, shuffling around to find the car keys and ushering them out the door and to the car.
2:40 pm:
Hermione and Ginny finally mad e it back with the carrier for Luna. Molly immediately began to shove Ginny up the stairs to her trunk, which had been magically expanded, and they began going through it to make sure they had everything, while Hermione packed Luna's things. By 4:30 they had checked and double checked everything, confident it was all there and after diner (6:15) they set off for the airport.
***************
Malfoy Manor
1:00 pm:
"Draco!" Narcissa yelled up the stairs, trying to find her son, on the way to check the library. "Draco where are you!"
"I'm in the gym mum!" yelled back Draco
"Gym. Why didn't I think off that? I mean if he's not on the quidditch pitch were else would he be?" muttered Narcissa sarcastically to herself, turning around heading the other direction and down a few corridors and a secret passage to save a little time. Upon entering the room she saw her son fencing with air. "Draco! Do you have any idea what time it is?"
Trying to think of a good answer, but failing miserably, replied "Umm…daytime?"
Smacking her head into her hand muttered, "How did I end up with such an imbecile as a son?" and then spoke up saying, "Its quarter after one. We need to leave by five, so you have time to make you eight o'clock flight. Which give you less than four hours to get showered, I know you stink; look what your doing and I can smell you from here, write your father a note like you were ordered to do TWO DAYS AGO, and have dinner. Well? Get going! Don't just stand there looking stupid. I have to floo Amillio so he know to pick you two up at the airport at 6:00 in America." Ranted Narcissa.
"But mother I thought we were flooing to the Leaky Cauldron and then walking?"
"No, Lucius gave direct orders before he left that we were to talk the limousine and prove to the muggles that we are above them or something. Get going Draco. NOW!" she barked out the last part and with that she headed off to the library to use the fireplace. By five everything had been completed, although barley, and Narcissa and Draco headed off to the London International Airport.
***************
It was 7:15 an the Weasley had arrived at the boarding terminal just in time to hear Ginny's plane, flight 624 to New York, being called for boarding, after having only a slight problem with security.
"Bye Ginny," said Ron. "We're all going to miss you." Bill, Fred, George, Molly, Arthur, Harry and Hermione followed with similar good-byes.
"See you all later. I'm gonna miss you too. I'll try to come home for Christmas mum. Bye." Replied Ginny, hugging each in turn and then boarded the plane with her carry on luggage.
***************
Narcissa and Draco arrived at the airport twenty minutes later than expected, hearing the murmurs of others from inside the limo asking questions of 'Who is in there?' and others like 'You don't think it could be the prime minister do you?' It wasn't surprising that they were shocked when Narcissa was helped out by the driver, and Draco following her out. On lookers continued to stare, trying to figure out who those people were when Narcissa started talking. "Draco get your things form the driver. We are late as it is." Upon which Draco grabbed his luggage, including his black eagle owl, Diablo, following his mother inside to the terminal, people staring all the way. "It looks like your flight is boarding dear." Mentioned Narcissa.
"Yeah, and the dream team is here too. Look mother." Draco said pointing in their direction. "I bet I'm going with one of them. Oh well." Said Draco, not noticing his mothers' sly smile. "I should be going. See you later mother." Replied Draco, hugging his mother.
"Goodbye dear. Remember to write. I'm going to talk with Molly." And with that she kissed him on the cheek and headed over to Molly while Draco boarded the plane.
"Good evening Molly, Arthur, children."
"Hello Narcis-" began Molly, but was cut of by Ron saying, "What the bloody hell is Malfoy getting on that pane for? He's going to school next Sunday!"
"Ron! Don't swear!" reprimanded Arthur and Molly both.
Speaking up Narcissa said, "Didn't I tell you? Draco is the other person going on that trip created by Dumbledore." And at this point Arthur, Fred, George, Bill, and Harry grabbed hold of Ron to prevent him from boarding the plane himself, ignoring protests of "Let go of me!" and "I'll kill him before he gets near my sister!" from Ron.
*****************
Draco made his way up and down the rows in first class trying to find his seat and when he finally did, shoved his carry on luggage above the seat and noticed somebody sitting in his seat, the persons face concealed behind a newspaper. Not bothering to be nice because of the Dram Team incident, Draco said to the person in a rather cold and icy tone, "Move. You're in my seat. Get out if it and into your own." The person behind the newspaper thought to herself, 'I know that voice!' and she lowered her newspaper only to see the shock of her life standing before her. They both spoke out to each other at the same time.
"Draco?"
"Virginia?"
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Sorry for the long wait. School sucks, and so does writers block. Hope the long-ness makes up for the wait.
Nirvana: Here is you long awaited update. Thanks for the encouragement.
Justanotheraspiringauthor: Has potential? You really think so? Y de nada, I really like your story so why not review something you like.
Americasweetie: glad you liked it and there should be some action in the next few chapters. Gotta get it going first. Good writing skills? First time I herd that one directed toward me.
Midnight Mistress: good to know you like the plot and not to give anything away, but not all of it is set in America and England.
The Totally Sarcastic Sprite: here's you update but not all of them will be this LONG. Oh, and I didn't know that chapter was so addictive.
Kassie: Updated!
*dama_de_tinieblas*