Disclaimer: The tale of Beauty and the Beast does not belong to me.
Neither do J.K. Rowling's characters. So in a sense, nothing at all
belongs to me except the idea to combine the two and the words in which I
wrote it.~
Finding Beauty
Chapter 2: Making the Decision
The night wore slowly on. Ginny felt as if she were in a dream, walking aimlessly through her own house where nothing seemed real at all.
Hermione glanced up at Ginny as she finally stopped pacing around the house and entered the kitchen. Hermione faked a happy sort of smile that didn't fool Ginny at all. Remus, who was seated next to Hermione didn't even look up from the book he was rapidly skimming through.
"We're sure to find some type of counter-curse in one of these books." Hermione said, motioning to the pile of books stacked in front of herself and Remus. She sounded more hopeful than she looked. Ginny shrugged and plopped down in a chair across from them.
"Is there anything I can do?" She asked.
"I'm afraid not," Replied Hermione, "Why don't you get some rest? It's been a long couple of days for everyone."
Ginny shrugged again and headed up the stairs to her room. She met Harry on the way up.
"It'll be alright Ginny." He said at her solemn expression. "I just know we'll figure something out. Malfoy isn't a very clever git anyways."
Ginny stared at him for a moment and saw that he too was unsure if things really would turn out well.
"But Malfoy isn't without practice in the Dark Arts." She said glumly. "It's possible he created the curse himself. Maybe there isn't a counter- curse at all."
Harry was silent. He reached out and touched her shoulder, his hand lingering there for a moment as they both stared at the floor.
"Your father's in bed." He said at last. "Maybe you should do the same."
"That's where I'm headed. I'm beginning to think everyone wants me out of the way."
"Not at all." Harry defended his reasoning quickly. "We just want you . . . well, prepared."
Ginny nodded and moved away, climbing each stair slowly as she finally reached her room. She threw herself down onto her unmade bed, and jumped up again just as quickly.
"FRED! GEORGE!" She yelled, staring at the little creature that was running around in circles in her sheets.
The twins apparated easily into her room and smiled dumbly at her.
"I'm tired of finding animals in my room!" Ginny said, sighing with annoyance.
"What? You don't like your new pet?" George asked.
"It's a guinea pig!" Fred informed her. "And look, it changes colors!" He pointed to the animal.
It had stopped running in circles and was now resting contently on top of her pillow. It was now also a bright shade of orange, rather than it's previous white.
"Actually we were testing a new item for the joke shop." George said more seriously. "We wanted to see how our Rainbow Remedies would work by first testing it on the guinea pig. Needless to say they work, but unfortunately it never seems to wear off. I guess we'll have to go a little easier on the color substance."
"Rainbow Remedies?" Ginny asked incredulously.
"They are little pills that you can stick in someone's drink." Fred answered. "They melt instantly and the person who consumes it will soon find themselves the victim of another brilliant creation by Fred and George Weasley."
They both smiled widely at her, and Ginny couldn't help but find the little creature cute.
"We thought you'd take good care of him." Fred said. "Enjoy."
And they were gone.
Ginny sighed and changed into her nightdress. She pushed the guinea pig, which was now turquoise, off her pillow and lay down next to it. It curled up without a seconds pause and was fast asleep again. The animal was good comfort to her, and she soon fell asleep, despite the worrisome thoughts of Draco Malfoy and having to spend the rest of her life with him, that clouded her mind.
~*~*~*~*~
The next morning brought fresh worries and more headaches. The Weasley house was in a flitter of nervous commotion. Hermione and Remus had had no luck during the night . . . her trusty books had mentioned nothing about the curse Mr. Weasley had acquired.
It was Christmas Eve and everyone was beginning to fear the worst.
"What if this thing Malfoy put on dad really can't be broken?" Ginny heard Ron saying to Hermione and Harry as she stopped outside his room. "I mean, we just can't let Ginny go to Malfoy's house! Who knows what he might do to her!"
"We don't even know for sure if Malfoy's curse is actually having any affect on either your dad or Ginny." Hermione replied. "It could all be a cruel scheme. Ginny probably won't have to go at all."
"That slimy git . . . oh if only I could get my hands on him!" Ron's anger was starting to get the best of him.
"There's no time to be wasted on that sort of talk." Hermione said commandingly. "Come on you two. Let's go get some breakfast."
Ginny hurried down the steps and into the kitchen before they knew that she had been listening. Nothing she had heard had brought much comfort to the empty feeling in her stomach. Oh why had her father stopped to pick that bloody rose? Why was this happening to her?
"Good morning Ginny!" Her mother said with false cheer. "I've fixed some eggs and bacon! Are you hungry?"
"Not really." Ginny answered. "Dad," She turned to her father, "Are you going to tell the ministry about what Malfoy did?"
"It's already been done. They say there is nothing they can do. In fact, they can't even find the Malfoy Mansion at all."
"How did you find it then?"
"You know, I'm not sure." He replied, scratching his head as if trying to remember. "I apparated outside it's grounds, and then sort of stumbled onto the property. I've done it loads of times, you know, for the routine raids that I'm in charge of. But Ministry officials tried that . . . and they just ended up . . . lost. Draco told me that you would be able to find it. He said you must bring the rose though." He paused for a moment. "Not that you'll be going of course . . ."
Molly interrupted her husband. "Now I won't have anymore of this talk. Something is bound to turn up. Here Ginny. Eat."
But nothing turned up. Not that day or the next. It was the worst Christmas Ginny could ever remember. Ministry officials were coming in and out of The Burrow, asking her questions, and getting her father to repeat his story numerous times. There was no joy in the traditional Christmas lunch and the opening of presents. Everyone was too pre-occupied. And Ginny was tired of hearing, "Everything is going to work out. Ginny doesn't have to do what that slime ball says." From all her family and friends.
To make matters even worse, the golden rose seemed to be slowly wilting as evening approached on Christmas. And along with the rose, Arthur seemed to be growing sick by the moment. His temperature had risen dangerously, and it was finally becoming revoltingly real to the Weasley household.
If Ginny didn't go, her father would die.
"He wants you to come to dinner for Christmas . . . he said you wouldn't be returning . . ." Her father's words rung clearly in her head. And as the rose wilted and her father became even more ill, everyone looked to her for the answer.
"Maybe," Hermione started hesitantly, "Maybe you should go, and we'll continue to solve it. You can send us letters to tell us what you must find out from Malfoy. He won't be able to keep you for long. He can't hide from the Ministry."
This started a debate where everyone gave their own opinions of what they thought Ginny should do.
She stood up determinedly and changed into one of her nicer dresses, pulled her hair back, and stuffed the guinea pig, squealing into her bag. Then she tugged on her cloak and marched determinedly back downstairs.
Ginny pushed past everyone to get to her dad. He was slouched over in a chair in front of the fireplace. There were beads of perspiration on his forehead, which her mother kept gently wiping at with a damp cloth. He tried to speak as Ginny approached, but she quieted him.
"Dad, I'm going. There isn't another way." At the protest of voices in the room Ginny raised her own voice. "If I don't this curse will take its full affect. I can face Malfoy. I'll probably be back tonight for all I know."
Silence fell over the room, except for the occasional sniffle from her mother.
"Well then," Ginny said uncomfortably. "I'll be off then."
She had made her decision. Leaning over, she kissed her mother. And after hugging the rest of her family, then Harry and Hermione, she clutched the golden rose and apparated.
~*~*~*~*~
Her feet landed firmly on smooth ground. It was dark all around her, and she lit her wand for light. This revealed a narrow dirt path, surrounded by tall, majestic trees on all sides.
Ginny decided to just continue down the path she was on and hope to see a clearing soon. She remembered how her dad had told of just "stumbling upon" the Mansion. So with her wand lighting the way, and her hand still firmly clutching the rose she headed north.
After half an hour or so, and after Ginny was beginning to fear that she may not be going the right way, the trees began to thin out and new plants lined the path. These were surely rose bushes, Ginny thought. And after closer inspection her hunch was proven correct. The flickering light cast an eerie glow on the most beautiful roses Ginny had ever seen. There was an assortment of stunning colors, and they were all in full-bloom. Ginny suspected there was some sort of magic involved to make them so large and gorgeous, but she now understood why her father had been so tempted to pick one.
That story still scared her. How was it possible that someone as young and dense as Malfoy could manage to cast such a dexterous and complex spell as the one he had put on her father? The forbidding thought that Ginny might not be able to return home had always been in the corner of her mind, since two nights ago when her father came home grasping that forsaken rose, but as she walked on and the Malfoy Mansion became somewhat visible Ginny's mind kept returning to it. What if Malfoy was skilled enough to actually keep her there . . . forever? She shivered and wrapped her cloak tighter around herself as the path abruptly ended.
She was now standing inside Draco Malfoy's own grounds. Not taking the time to look around, she walked straight up to the massive double doors at the front of the house. 'Mansion.' She corrected herself. This was no house. It was in fact the largest home she had ever seen, besides the featured homes of other wizards that were written about in her mother's magazine, 'Witch Weekly'. She prepared herself for the ridiculous thing she was about to do, and ran her fingers hastily through her wind-blown hair.
Ginny had barely begun to knock when the door was thrown open and she was confronted with a small house-elf, that was bobbing up and down at her feet.
"Miss Weasley is late!" It cried half excitedly and half nervously. "Late, late, late! Master is not happy, no not happy at all!"
And without hesitating the elf pulled her in the door, grabbing at her bag and cloak.
"Hurry, hurry!" It said again, this time lowering its voice.
Ginny wasn't sure what to make of this hasty little elf as she pulled off her cloak and handed it to him with her bag. She figured it was a 'him' and gently asked what his name was.
"I'm known as 'Elf' Miss Weasley." He said quickly. "Master never took the time to name me."
This didn't surprise Ginny in the least; it was something typical of the Malfoy family. Obviously he had been informed of Ginny's name and arrival and she followed as he started off, muttering to himself about the dinner getting cold.
She took this time to take in some of the grandeur of the Foyer and Outer Hall as she passed through. Both were magnificent in their architecture and decorations. Large oak furniture lined the walls, each piece detailed beautifully. Grand mirrors hung on the walls and plush oriental rugs decorated the floor. A grand staircase twirled upward at the end of the Outer Hall. But Elf led her off to the right through another set of double doors, these not quite so large as the front doors were.
Elf stopped for a minute and looked at Ginny. "Miss Weasley must apologize to the Master for being fifteen minutes late!"
Ginny stood in shock. "I will do no such thing!" She replied promptly. "If it bothers your master so much that I am but only fifteen minutes late, then he should think again about who's fault it is that I am here in the first place!"
Elf cowered away from her and she could see tears welling in his overly large eyes. She was beginning to feel sorry for the poor creature.
"Master will be so displeased!" He wailed. This brought forth no pity from Ginny. She did not feel like it was her place to please his wretched master.
But Elf quickly wiped away his dramatic tears and turned to the doors again. He opened them cautiously and announced, "Miss Weasley for you sir!" Then he scampered away and Ginny ushered herself into the room.
Draco was standing in front of the largest fireplace Ginny had ever seen. He was turned towards the roaring fire and had yet to acknowledge Ginny's presence. She noticed how erect he stood and the proud way in which he had his hands clasped behind his back. Dressed in slick black robes, he looked well the part for owner of this mansion.
After standing a few seconds in silence, Ginny cleared her throat to gather his attention.
"You're late."
It was all he said as he turned around to face her at last. No pleasant greetings, no 'Happy Christmas', not even a civil welcome.
Ginny frowned. "I did not know I was running on your schedule."
"Well now you do." He said shortly. "We have breakfast at eight, lunch at noon and dinner at seven-thirty every night. So be on time from now on."
Ginny stood in shocked silence, trying desperately to regain her cool composure and not jinx Malfoy right then and there.
"I have no intentions of staying for another dinner, much less breakfast and lunch!" She exclaimed, her heart beginning a nervous drumming.
Malfoy only smirked and waved a hand towards the large formal dining room table. There were silver candles in the middle, and silver platters were scattered tastefully around them. On one end a large, elegant chair sat, as did the exact same type at the other end. They were the only chairs at the table. Malfoy walked towards Ginny and slowly pulled out the chair on her end so that she might be seated. He never took his eyes off her the entire time. Ginny backed away and refused to approach the chair.
"I am perfectly capable of seating myself!"
Malfoy then dropped his somewhat polite manner and said, "Fine. Do as you wish." in an aggravated tone.
He went and sat in the chair on the other end and Ginny finally seated herself, seeing no other option. It was indeed a lot more difficult to pull the immense, but comfortable chair closer to the table, and her cheeks colored a bit as she felt Malfoy's eyes on her while she struggled.
After finally inching the chair as close as she could get it, she looked up, prepared to meet his eyes.
They were gray and emotionless, like looking at the clouds on a stormy day.
"Couldn't find anyone else that wanted to dine with you Malfoy?" Ginny asked smartly, an edge of sarcasm in her voice.
"No, they all heard that a Weasley was coming. It must have frightened them away."
That was more like the old Malfoy she knew from school.
Ginny was not looking forward to the rest of the evening.
~*~*~*~*~
A/N: I'm getting really excited about this story! I hope the rest of you are too. Please review and tell me what you think! Suggestions, ideas, criticism . . . anything is welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks to:
gohansfan, Bess3, ye ye, Takari Shipper, shock-a-lot, android eleven, Angel Black1, xangelcrisisx, and sabacat.
For their reviews!
Finding Beauty
Chapter 2: Making the Decision
The night wore slowly on. Ginny felt as if she were in a dream, walking aimlessly through her own house where nothing seemed real at all.
Hermione glanced up at Ginny as she finally stopped pacing around the house and entered the kitchen. Hermione faked a happy sort of smile that didn't fool Ginny at all. Remus, who was seated next to Hermione didn't even look up from the book he was rapidly skimming through.
"We're sure to find some type of counter-curse in one of these books." Hermione said, motioning to the pile of books stacked in front of herself and Remus. She sounded more hopeful than she looked. Ginny shrugged and plopped down in a chair across from them.
"Is there anything I can do?" She asked.
"I'm afraid not," Replied Hermione, "Why don't you get some rest? It's been a long couple of days for everyone."
Ginny shrugged again and headed up the stairs to her room. She met Harry on the way up.
"It'll be alright Ginny." He said at her solemn expression. "I just know we'll figure something out. Malfoy isn't a very clever git anyways."
Ginny stared at him for a moment and saw that he too was unsure if things really would turn out well.
"But Malfoy isn't without practice in the Dark Arts." She said glumly. "It's possible he created the curse himself. Maybe there isn't a counter- curse at all."
Harry was silent. He reached out and touched her shoulder, his hand lingering there for a moment as they both stared at the floor.
"Your father's in bed." He said at last. "Maybe you should do the same."
"That's where I'm headed. I'm beginning to think everyone wants me out of the way."
"Not at all." Harry defended his reasoning quickly. "We just want you . . . well, prepared."
Ginny nodded and moved away, climbing each stair slowly as she finally reached her room. She threw herself down onto her unmade bed, and jumped up again just as quickly.
"FRED! GEORGE!" She yelled, staring at the little creature that was running around in circles in her sheets.
The twins apparated easily into her room and smiled dumbly at her.
"I'm tired of finding animals in my room!" Ginny said, sighing with annoyance.
"What? You don't like your new pet?" George asked.
"It's a guinea pig!" Fred informed her. "And look, it changes colors!" He pointed to the animal.
It had stopped running in circles and was now resting contently on top of her pillow. It was now also a bright shade of orange, rather than it's previous white.
"Actually we were testing a new item for the joke shop." George said more seriously. "We wanted to see how our Rainbow Remedies would work by first testing it on the guinea pig. Needless to say they work, but unfortunately it never seems to wear off. I guess we'll have to go a little easier on the color substance."
"Rainbow Remedies?" Ginny asked incredulously.
"They are little pills that you can stick in someone's drink." Fred answered. "They melt instantly and the person who consumes it will soon find themselves the victim of another brilliant creation by Fred and George Weasley."
They both smiled widely at her, and Ginny couldn't help but find the little creature cute.
"We thought you'd take good care of him." Fred said. "Enjoy."
And they were gone.
Ginny sighed and changed into her nightdress. She pushed the guinea pig, which was now turquoise, off her pillow and lay down next to it. It curled up without a seconds pause and was fast asleep again. The animal was good comfort to her, and she soon fell asleep, despite the worrisome thoughts of Draco Malfoy and having to spend the rest of her life with him, that clouded her mind.
~*~*~*~*~
The next morning brought fresh worries and more headaches. The Weasley house was in a flitter of nervous commotion. Hermione and Remus had had no luck during the night . . . her trusty books had mentioned nothing about the curse Mr. Weasley had acquired.
It was Christmas Eve and everyone was beginning to fear the worst.
"What if this thing Malfoy put on dad really can't be broken?" Ginny heard Ron saying to Hermione and Harry as she stopped outside his room. "I mean, we just can't let Ginny go to Malfoy's house! Who knows what he might do to her!"
"We don't even know for sure if Malfoy's curse is actually having any affect on either your dad or Ginny." Hermione replied. "It could all be a cruel scheme. Ginny probably won't have to go at all."
"That slimy git . . . oh if only I could get my hands on him!" Ron's anger was starting to get the best of him.
"There's no time to be wasted on that sort of talk." Hermione said commandingly. "Come on you two. Let's go get some breakfast."
Ginny hurried down the steps and into the kitchen before they knew that she had been listening. Nothing she had heard had brought much comfort to the empty feeling in her stomach. Oh why had her father stopped to pick that bloody rose? Why was this happening to her?
"Good morning Ginny!" Her mother said with false cheer. "I've fixed some eggs and bacon! Are you hungry?"
"Not really." Ginny answered. "Dad," She turned to her father, "Are you going to tell the ministry about what Malfoy did?"
"It's already been done. They say there is nothing they can do. In fact, they can't even find the Malfoy Mansion at all."
"How did you find it then?"
"You know, I'm not sure." He replied, scratching his head as if trying to remember. "I apparated outside it's grounds, and then sort of stumbled onto the property. I've done it loads of times, you know, for the routine raids that I'm in charge of. But Ministry officials tried that . . . and they just ended up . . . lost. Draco told me that you would be able to find it. He said you must bring the rose though." He paused for a moment. "Not that you'll be going of course . . ."
Molly interrupted her husband. "Now I won't have anymore of this talk. Something is bound to turn up. Here Ginny. Eat."
But nothing turned up. Not that day or the next. It was the worst Christmas Ginny could ever remember. Ministry officials were coming in and out of The Burrow, asking her questions, and getting her father to repeat his story numerous times. There was no joy in the traditional Christmas lunch and the opening of presents. Everyone was too pre-occupied. And Ginny was tired of hearing, "Everything is going to work out. Ginny doesn't have to do what that slime ball says." From all her family and friends.
To make matters even worse, the golden rose seemed to be slowly wilting as evening approached on Christmas. And along with the rose, Arthur seemed to be growing sick by the moment. His temperature had risen dangerously, and it was finally becoming revoltingly real to the Weasley household.
If Ginny didn't go, her father would die.
"He wants you to come to dinner for Christmas . . . he said you wouldn't be returning . . ." Her father's words rung clearly in her head. And as the rose wilted and her father became even more ill, everyone looked to her for the answer.
"Maybe," Hermione started hesitantly, "Maybe you should go, and we'll continue to solve it. You can send us letters to tell us what you must find out from Malfoy. He won't be able to keep you for long. He can't hide from the Ministry."
This started a debate where everyone gave their own opinions of what they thought Ginny should do.
She stood up determinedly and changed into one of her nicer dresses, pulled her hair back, and stuffed the guinea pig, squealing into her bag. Then she tugged on her cloak and marched determinedly back downstairs.
Ginny pushed past everyone to get to her dad. He was slouched over in a chair in front of the fireplace. There were beads of perspiration on his forehead, which her mother kept gently wiping at with a damp cloth. He tried to speak as Ginny approached, but she quieted him.
"Dad, I'm going. There isn't another way." At the protest of voices in the room Ginny raised her own voice. "If I don't this curse will take its full affect. I can face Malfoy. I'll probably be back tonight for all I know."
Silence fell over the room, except for the occasional sniffle from her mother.
"Well then," Ginny said uncomfortably. "I'll be off then."
She had made her decision. Leaning over, she kissed her mother. And after hugging the rest of her family, then Harry and Hermione, she clutched the golden rose and apparated.
~*~*~*~*~
Her feet landed firmly on smooth ground. It was dark all around her, and she lit her wand for light. This revealed a narrow dirt path, surrounded by tall, majestic trees on all sides.
Ginny decided to just continue down the path she was on and hope to see a clearing soon. She remembered how her dad had told of just "stumbling upon" the Mansion. So with her wand lighting the way, and her hand still firmly clutching the rose she headed north.
After half an hour or so, and after Ginny was beginning to fear that she may not be going the right way, the trees began to thin out and new plants lined the path. These were surely rose bushes, Ginny thought. And after closer inspection her hunch was proven correct. The flickering light cast an eerie glow on the most beautiful roses Ginny had ever seen. There was an assortment of stunning colors, and they were all in full-bloom. Ginny suspected there was some sort of magic involved to make them so large and gorgeous, but she now understood why her father had been so tempted to pick one.
That story still scared her. How was it possible that someone as young and dense as Malfoy could manage to cast such a dexterous and complex spell as the one he had put on her father? The forbidding thought that Ginny might not be able to return home had always been in the corner of her mind, since two nights ago when her father came home grasping that forsaken rose, but as she walked on and the Malfoy Mansion became somewhat visible Ginny's mind kept returning to it. What if Malfoy was skilled enough to actually keep her there . . . forever? She shivered and wrapped her cloak tighter around herself as the path abruptly ended.
She was now standing inside Draco Malfoy's own grounds. Not taking the time to look around, she walked straight up to the massive double doors at the front of the house. 'Mansion.' She corrected herself. This was no house. It was in fact the largest home she had ever seen, besides the featured homes of other wizards that were written about in her mother's magazine, 'Witch Weekly'. She prepared herself for the ridiculous thing she was about to do, and ran her fingers hastily through her wind-blown hair.
Ginny had barely begun to knock when the door was thrown open and she was confronted with a small house-elf, that was bobbing up and down at her feet.
"Miss Weasley is late!" It cried half excitedly and half nervously. "Late, late, late! Master is not happy, no not happy at all!"
And without hesitating the elf pulled her in the door, grabbing at her bag and cloak.
"Hurry, hurry!" It said again, this time lowering its voice.
Ginny wasn't sure what to make of this hasty little elf as she pulled off her cloak and handed it to him with her bag. She figured it was a 'him' and gently asked what his name was.
"I'm known as 'Elf' Miss Weasley." He said quickly. "Master never took the time to name me."
This didn't surprise Ginny in the least; it was something typical of the Malfoy family. Obviously he had been informed of Ginny's name and arrival and she followed as he started off, muttering to himself about the dinner getting cold.
She took this time to take in some of the grandeur of the Foyer and Outer Hall as she passed through. Both were magnificent in their architecture and decorations. Large oak furniture lined the walls, each piece detailed beautifully. Grand mirrors hung on the walls and plush oriental rugs decorated the floor. A grand staircase twirled upward at the end of the Outer Hall. But Elf led her off to the right through another set of double doors, these not quite so large as the front doors were.
Elf stopped for a minute and looked at Ginny. "Miss Weasley must apologize to the Master for being fifteen minutes late!"
Ginny stood in shock. "I will do no such thing!" She replied promptly. "If it bothers your master so much that I am but only fifteen minutes late, then he should think again about who's fault it is that I am here in the first place!"
Elf cowered away from her and she could see tears welling in his overly large eyes. She was beginning to feel sorry for the poor creature.
"Master will be so displeased!" He wailed. This brought forth no pity from Ginny. She did not feel like it was her place to please his wretched master.
But Elf quickly wiped away his dramatic tears and turned to the doors again. He opened them cautiously and announced, "Miss Weasley for you sir!" Then he scampered away and Ginny ushered herself into the room.
Draco was standing in front of the largest fireplace Ginny had ever seen. He was turned towards the roaring fire and had yet to acknowledge Ginny's presence. She noticed how erect he stood and the proud way in which he had his hands clasped behind his back. Dressed in slick black robes, he looked well the part for owner of this mansion.
After standing a few seconds in silence, Ginny cleared her throat to gather his attention.
"You're late."
It was all he said as he turned around to face her at last. No pleasant greetings, no 'Happy Christmas', not even a civil welcome.
Ginny frowned. "I did not know I was running on your schedule."
"Well now you do." He said shortly. "We have breakfast at eight, lunch at noon and dinner at seven-thirty every night. So be on time from now on."
Ginny stood in shocked silence, trying desperately to regain her cool composure and not jinx Malfoy right then and there.
"I have no intentions of staying for another dinner, much less breakfast and lunch!" She exclaimed, her heart beginning a nervous drumming.
Malfoy only smirked and waved a hand towards the large formal dining room table. There were silver candles in the middle, and silver platters were scattered tastefully around them. On one end a large, elegant chair sat, as did the exact same type at the other end. They were the only chairs at the table. Malfoy walked towards Ginny and slowly pulled out the chair on her end so that she might be seated. He never took his eyes off her the entire time. Ginny backed away and refused to approach the chair.
"I am perfectly capable of seating myself!"
Malfoy then dropped his somewhat polite manner and said, "Fine. Do as you wish." in an aggravated tone.
He went and sat in the chair on the other end and Ginny finally seated herself, seeing no other option. It was indeed a lot more difficult to pull the immense, but comfortable chair closer to the table, and her cheeks colored a bit as she felt Malfoy's eyes on her while she struggled.
After finally inching the chair as close as she could get it, she looked up, prepared to meet his eyes.
They were gray and emotionless, like looking at the clouds on a stormy day.
"Couldn't find anyone else that wanted to dine with you Malfoy?" Ginny asked smartly, an edge of sarcasm in her voice.
"No, they all heard that a Weasley was coming. It must have frightened them away."
That was more like the old Malfoy she knew from school.
Ginny was not looking forward to the rest of the evening.
~*~*~*~*~
A/N: I'm getting really excited about this story! I hope the rest of you are too. Please review and tell me what you think! Suggestions, ideas, criticism . . . anything is welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks to:
gohansfan, Bess3, ye ye, Takari Shipper, shock-a-lot, android eleven, Angel Black1, xangelcrisisx, and sabacat.
For their reviews!