Summary-After an attack on the Weaselys, Ginny and Ron are taken in by a relative they wish hadn't been on the tapestry. Ron leaves under fishy circumstances, and Ginny realizes the only one who can protect her from the man who ordered the attack is his own son.
Disclaimer-All characters and situations are based on the septology in progress by JK Rowling. However the plot line is mine.
Chapter Two-An Interesting Party
The next morning, Ginny woke to someone knocking on her door. She pulled the quilt her mother had made around her shoulders and stepped over to open the door. It was Nellie, the house-elf. "Please Miss!" she squeaked, "Master wishes to see everyone in the parlor now.
"Now? Alright, thank you. Could you come back in a few minutes and show me how to get to the parlor, please?"
Nellie nodded and smiled saying, "Nellie will be most pleased to assist young Miss."
"Thank you." Ginny shut the door and opened the wardrobe, not knowing what it was she was looking for. One thing was for sure, she couldn't go downstairs in one of the twin's old tee shirts. There were several dresses, nice dresses, she noted as she looked through them. She reached in the back and pulled out a black long sleeved shirt, and a pair of jeans. She quickly brushed her hair and pulled it back in a high pony tail, with a few tendrils framing her face. She heard a knock at the door and opened it just as she slipped into a pair of black socks.
Nellie was standing at the door and said shrilly, "Nellie come to take Miss to the parlor."
"Thank you." Forgetting her shoes, Ginny followed Nellie down to the first floor and across the hall to where the parlor was. Ginny pulled open the oak doors and saw that Mr. Malfoy was sitting next to the coffee table and Mrs. Malfoy was sitting in an arm chair next to him. Ron, whose tousled hair was in a mess, was sitting on the far end of the black couch with Draco sitting lounge-like at the other end.
"So good of you to join us." Lucius drawled, impatiently. Ginny went over to the couch and sat a bit closer to her brother than Draco, with her legs crisscrossed. Draco raised an eyebrow to her black socks but didn't say anything. "Now then, perhaps we can get on with what I've wanted to say." Ron glared at Mr. Malfoy and put his arm, protectively around his baby sister. Mr. Malfoy sneered and continued, "I am playing host to a few friends of mine this evening and I expect all of you to participate in the festivities." He glared at the two red heads upon saying this. "I also," he continued, "expect you to wear proper attire." Ginny grimaced at her socks and mentally cursed herself for not putting on shoes. "Be here at seven o'clock sharp, in this house there is no such thing as fashionably late." He glared at Ginny, who wiggled her toes to attempt to irritate him. "Get out!" he snapped.
Draco, with ten times more grace than a teenage boy ought to have, stood from his chair and moved to the door. Ginny got out of her seat and led Ron away from the parlor. As they left Ron muttered aloud, "...that smug git, have a few friends over my head, more like have the few freaks who didn't go to Azkaban over, what a filthy stinking..."
"Hey Weasely." Draco snapped once the door had shut behind him. "I'd appreciate your not insulting my father, in case you haven't noticed, I've not insulted your muggle-loving git of a father for a while now."
Ginny stopped walking and glared at Draco. She pushed Ron's arm away and ran up the staircases. What'd I say that for? Draco wondered, cursing himself. Ginny slammed her door shut and ripped open the balcony doors. She heard a knock on her door and shouted, "Just go away Ron!" The door opened anyway and she wasn't surprised to see Draco instead. "Where's Ron?"
"No idea, probably got lost on the second floor." He drawled.
Ginny marched up to him, her Weasley temper getting the best of her. "You know, you've got a lot of nerve, just saying that and then coming up here and if you think that I'm going-"
"I know, and I wanted to apologize." Draco said, holding a finger to her lips. She noticed that his drawl had vanished. "I'm sorry, and I shouldn't have said that about your father."
Ginny continued to just stare at him and was very conscious of the fact that they were very close to each other, his fingers resting on her lips. His face came closer but he pulled away as someone rapped on the door. Draco, pushed one of her curls behind her ear and said, "I'll just be going then." She watched him as he opened the door to go and no sooner had he left than Ron came in.
"What was Malfoy doing in here?" he demanded.
"Nothing, he was apologizing." Ginny said matter-of-factly.
"He bloody well wasn't!" Ron shouted.
"Ron calm down and go get some sleep if you must."
"Ginny, I saw him looking at you, and I don't want you to get hurt."
"And I won't, I have six-" she faltered and said, "I have you to watch my back."
Ron nodded and said, "I'll see you later then." Once he'd left, Ginny realized just how hungry she was. It was nearly twelve thirty and she hadn't eaten breakfast yet. No wonder everyone was down there before me. She thought. Ginny left the room and wondered briefly where the kitchens were.
She heard Narcissa's voice say, "The kitchen's down seven rooms from the parlor, dear." She spun around to see Mrs. Malfoy smiling at her.
"How'd you-"
"You weren't at breakfast, you had to have gotten hungry at some time." She said, answering her unfinished question.
"Thanks." Ginny sped down the steps and she quickly found her way to the kitchens. Almost a dozen house-elves were working hard, cleaning dishes and preparing lunch.
Nellie saw Ginny and squealed, "Would Miss like something from Nellie?"
"Yes, could I have some food, I'm afraid I slept through breakfast."
"Of course young Miss!" Six house-elves appeared, almost instantly, carrying a tray laden with sandwich squares, complete with toothpick. Ginny smiled and thanked them as she put three or four in a white, cloth napkin. Knowing how her brother was always hungry, she went over to his room and knocked on the door.
"Would you bloody house-elves quit bugging me?" his voice called as he opened the door. "Oh. Hey Gin."
"The bloody house-elf would like to give you a snack." She squeaked, in an uncanny impersonation of the house-elves.
Ron laughed and let her in to sit down. She did and took one of the sandwich corners while he took two for himself. "How'd you know I was hungry?"
"You're Ron Weasley, aka the bottomless pit." Ron grinned and patted his stomach in a proud way, well if you can pat your stomach proudly. They finished eating and then played a game of chess.
Guests for Mr. Malfoy's 'party' started arriving a few minutes before seven. Ginny had made sure she was ready to go downstairs an hour before she had to so as not to anger Mr. Malfoy with her. She had her red curls held back with two barrettes she'd gotten from her old boyfriend, Michael for Christmas and wore a pair of emerald earrings. When she opened the wardrobe, there was only one dress there, and she assumed it had been picked for her, by who she didn't know. The fabric was like the silk drapes on her windows. It was as deep a green as her earrings. She looked herself over in the mirror. The dress was designed as a v-neck and her shoulders were bare. When she moved, it moved, like water. Ginny heard her watch beeping and checked the time, seven. She grabbed her high-heeled shoes and practically flew down the stairs to get to the parlor on time.
Draco rolled his eyes when he saw Ron come down, that red hair was like a target on him, standing out horribly with his maroon dress robes. He grinned to himself, Weasely obviously hadn't figured out how the wardrobes worked. He took a sip of his punch and turned to see Ginny rushing down the stairs. She bent down and slipped into the pair of heels she had been carrying and her hair tumbled down, over her face. His eyes widened when she straightened up, and pushed her hair irritably behind her shoulders. Heavens above, He thought. Good lord she's beautiful.
Ginny walked over as gracefully as she could to her brother and tapped him on the shoulder. Ron turned around and began to say, "I was wondering where you went, what took you so long? Leaving me alone with a bunch of death eaters- What are you wearing?" Ron asked when he saw his baby sister all dressed up.
"Clothes, would you rather I didn't cause that can be arranged-" Ginny began, making her brother practically go into cardiac arrest.
"Well I wouldn't object to that." Draco drawled.
Ginny's cheeks flushed as Ron turned to Malfoy and said dangerously, "You wouldn't believe how many ways I can guarantee that that wouldn't happen."
Draco shrugged, indifferent and took a sip of his drink before saying, "She'll do fine, just like always." He laid his drink down and put a hand suggestively on Ginny's waist. She slapped his hand away and Ron, whose ears were crimson by now, stepped between them.
"Back off Ferret Face."
"Whatever you say, King Weasel." Draco said. He turned to get his drink and hummed to his self, 'Weasely is our King'.
"Ron, you need to cool down, okay?" Ginny said, grabbing onto her brother's robes. "I'm going to go and get a drink now." Ron didn't say anything, so Ginny released him and walked over to the drinks.
Just as she was ladling herself some punch, someone snaked their arm around her waist and slurred, "Well aren't you a pretty thing..." Ginny turned around, disgusted to see none other than Goyle Senior.
"Pardon me?" she snapped, pushing his fleshy hand away.
"You must want somewhere more private, I understand. I'll show you a good time, as I'm sure you'll show me." He said. Ginny gave him a revolted look as he tried to steer her to another room.
Someone bumped into Mr. Goyle and spilled their drink all over his cloak. "Oh, I'm sorry that my date and I bumped into you Mr. Goyle." Draco said his grey eyes completely black. Ginny was so startled and grateful, she didn't even tell him off when he put his arm around her shoulders.
"Your date, eh?" Mr. Goyle asked. "I see, better keep a good hold on her, Draco, I almost confused her with your father's infamous entertainment." Mr. Goyle gave a hearty laugh and walked away, with Draco's eyes shooting him death glares.
Ginny turned to him and said, "Infamous entertainment?"
Draco looked down at her and said, "Yes, and as Mr. Goyle loves to tell me, the day's before You-Know-Who's defeat were always memorable." Draco said with disgust.
"Well thank you for stopping him from re-creating that entertainment."
"Your welcome." Draco actually smiled and Ginny thought for an instant how nice it made him look before they were interrupted.
"Did I hear right, something about a date I believe?" Draco turned and grinned. Behind him was a boy, his shoulder length black hair pulled back and tied with a red band.
"Hello Zambini."
"Malfoy." Draco took his hand that wasn't around Ginny's shoulders and shook his friend's. "And am I right in saying you're a Weasley?" The boy asked.
"Yes." Ginny said, "My name's Ginny." Blaise Zambini shook her hand, but didn't say anything. Ron suddenly came over and pulled Draco's arm off of his sister. "Ron-" Ginny began.
"I don't want to hear it." Ron took her by her elbow and walked her away a few feet and started demanding an explanation, while she put her hands on her hips in frustration.
"A Weasley, Malfoy?" Zambini questioned, his grin gone.
Draco beckoned his hand and said, "Walk with me." They left the room and Malfoy began to explain the circumstances why Ron and Ginny were staying with them and what had occurred only moments before while they walked down the corridor.
"The lethifolds killed everyone?"
"All but Ginny and that git."
"And Goyle's dad tried to hit on her?"
"That's what it looked like."
"And you poured your drink all over his robes?"
"Yep."
"Wow, interesting party, Malfoy." Draco grinned and then Blaise said, "Man, I got to get back to Pansy; she'll be looking for me."
"Later Zambini." Draco said. He continued to walk down the corridor when he heard raised voices from his father's office. He perked his ears up and listened.
"What more must I tell you Avery? The attack failed, two survived what was meant to kill all of them!" Lucius Malfoy shouted.
"But perhaps we can use it to our advantage. They do know something about the Order of the Phoenix. We could learn more about it from them, perhaps even where the headquarters are."
"We know where headquarters are, apparently though the fidealus charm is upon it! And I can't simply get rid of them; hundreds of aurors know that the children are in my family's care! Besides we would have to force them to tell us!"
"The girl may be easier to glean information from. She seems on an emotional roller coaster. She trusts your wife and perhaps even your son, just have him get closer to her and eventually she'll crack."
"Her fool of a brother is too overprotective to let her anywhere near my son for more than a few seconds!"
"Then get rid of her brother."
"I can't simply kill him!"
"But you could send him away." Draco turned away and went back to the party disgusted. It was his own father who had done this to Ginny and her brother. He wasn't sure what they meant by the Order of the Phoenix but it must be something against Voldemort to have his father that angry. He paused before going into the parlor. He couldn't just tell Ginny who had planned the attack, for tonight it seemed like she had forgotten it, and he didn't want her angry at him. He sighed and walked into the parlor to see Ginny still being berated by her brother.
"I mean have you forgotten the fact our family is completely at war with his? We have been ever since-"
"Ever since 1836 when a Malfoy stabbed a Weasley to death, I know, I know."
"Actually it was the Weasley who started it, accused the Malfoy of poisoning their crops, if I recall." Draco said from behind them. "Can't you drop it Ron, I mean it's been what a hundred and sixty years?"
Ginny cocked her eyebrow at him in surprise and grinned, "Well Ron never told me that a Weasley started this whole mess." She looked at Ron expectantly.
"What did it matter since the Malfoy did poison the crops!?"
"Sure he did." Ginny rolled her eyes and said to no one in particular, "When's this party over anyway?"
Draco checked his watch and said, "Another hour."
"Urgh! How do you put up with these every other week?"
Draco shrugged and said, "Want a tour of the place to pass the time?"
"I suppose so." She said, shrugging.
"Oh no you don't, you're staying right here where I can keep an eye on you." Ron said, pretty much to both of them with a threatening gleam in his eye. He held on to his sister's elbow and kept her within two feet of himself. Draco scowled as did Ginny. That git wouldn't trust him with Ginny for half a second, although he hadn't given him any reason to trust him, but that was beside the point.
The party was soon over and guests were leaving. Blaise came up to say goodbye to Draco and Ginny before he left, causing even more trouble with Ron. "How does he know you?"
"Draco introduced us earlier."
"Oh really, who else did Malfoy introduce you to?"
"No one."
"Who'd you introduce to Ginny?" Ron said turning on Draco.
Before he could reply Ginny cut him off. "Ron would you stop, I don't need a bloody body guard."
"I'm not being your body guard; I'm just trying to-"
"Ronald Weasley, I can take care of myself and you know that better than anyone!"
"Even against Malfoy?"
"Hey!" Malfoy said indignantly.
"Remember Umbridge's office, who was it that attacked him with that hex?"
"Did you have to bring that up?" Draco groaned.
Ron opened his mouth to contradict her and she threw up her hands in surrender. "Fine, I'll go and lock myself in a closet for the rest of the night shall I?"
"That'd be perfect." Ron shouted.
"Ooh!" Ginny stomped upstairs and to her room.
Draco turned to Ron and asked, "With me or without me in the closet as
well?"
"Malfoy!"
Disclaimer-All characters and situations are based on the septology in progress by JK Rowling. However the plot line is mine.
Chapter Two-An Interesting Party
The next morning, Ginny woke to someone knocking on her door. She pulled the quilt her mother had made around her shoulders and stepped over to open the door. It was Nellie, the house-elf. "Please Miss!" she squeaked, "Master wishes to see everyone in the parlor now.
"Now? Alright, thank you. Could you come back in a few minutes and show me how to get to the parlor, please?"
Nellie nodded and smiled saying, "Nellie will be most pleased to assist young Miss."
"Thank you." Ginny shut the door and opened the wardrobe, not knowing what it was she was looking for. One thing was for sure, she couldn't go downstairs in one of the twin's old tee shirts. There were several dresses, nice dresses, she noted as she looked through them. She reached in the back and pulled out a black long sleeved shirt, and a pair of jeans. She quickly brushed her hair and pulled it back in a high pony tail, with a few tendrils framing her face. She heard a knock at the door and opened it just as she slipped into a pair of black socks.
Nellie was standing at the door and said shrilly, "Nellie come to take Miss to the parlor."
"Thank you." Forgetting her shoes, Ginny followed Nellie down to the first floor and across the hall to where the parlor was. Ginny pulled open the oak doors and saw that Mr. Malfoy was sitting next to the coffee table and Mrs. Malfoy was sitting in an arm chair next to him. Ron, whose tousled hair was in a mess, was sitting on the far end of the black couch with Draco sitting lounge-like at the other end.
"So good of you to join us." Lucius drawled, impatiently. Ginny went over to the couch and sat a bit closer to her brother than Draco, with her legs crisscrossed. Draco raised an eyebrow to her black socks but didn't say anything. "Now then, perhaps we can get on with what I've wanted to say." Ron glared at Mr. Malfoy and put his arm, protectively around his baby sister. Mr. Malfoy sneered and continued, "I am playing host to a few friends of mine this evening and I expect all of you to participate in the festivities." He glared at the two red heads upon saying this. "I also," he continued, "expect you to wear proper attire." Ginny grimaced at her socks and mentally cursed herself for not putting on shoes. "Be here at seven o'clock sharp, in this house there is no such thing as fashionably late." He glared at Ginny, who wiggled her toes to attempt to irritate him. "Get out!" he snapped.
Draco, with ten times more grace than a teenage boy ought to have, stood from his chair and moved to the door. Ginny got out of her seat and led Ron away from the parlor. As they left Ron muttered aloud, "...that smug git, have a few friends over my head, more like have the few freaks who didn't go to Azkaban over, what a filthy stinking..."
"Hey Weasely." Draco snapped once the door had shut behind him. "I'd appreciate your not insulting my father, in case you haven't noticed, I've not insulted your muggle-loving git of a father for a while now."
Ginny stopped walking and glared at Draco. She pushed Ron's arm away and ran up the staircases. What'd I say that for? Draco wondered, cursing himself. Ginny slammed her door shut and ripped open the balcony doors. She heard a knock on her door and shouted, "Just go away Ron!" The door opened anyway and she wasn't surprised to see Draco instead. "Where's Ron?"
"No idea, probably got lost on the second floor." He drawled.
Ginny marched up to him, her Weasley temper getting the best of her. "You know, you've got a lot of nerve, just saying that and then coming up here and if you think that I'm going-"
"I know, and I wanted to apologize." Draco said, holding a finger to her lips. She noticed that his drawl had vanished. "I'm sorry, and I shouldn't have said that about your father."
Ginny continued to just stare at him and was very conscious of the fact that they were very close to each other, his fingers resting on her lips. His face came closer but he pulled away as someone rapped on the door. Draco, pushed one of her curls behind her ear and said, "I'll just be going then." She watched him as he opened the door to go and no sooner had he left than Ron came in.
"What was Malfoy doing in here?" he demanded.
"Nothing, he was apologizing." Ginny said matter-of-factly.
"He bloody well wasn't!" Ron shouted.
"Ron calm down and go get some sleep if you must."
"Ginny, I saw him looking at you, and I don't want you to get hurt."
"And I won't, I have six-" she faltered and said, "I have you to watch my back."
Ron nodded and said, "I'll see you later then." Once he'd left, Ginny realized just how hungry she was. It was nearly twelve thirty and she hadn't eaten breakfast yet. No wonder everyone was down there before me. She thought. Ginny left the room and wondered briefly where the kitchens were.
She heard Narcissa's voice say, "The kitchen's down seven rooms from the parlor, dear." She spun around to see Mrs. Malfoy smiling at her.
"How'd you-"
"You weren't at breakfast, you had to have gotten hungry at some time." She said, answering her unfinished question.
"Thanks." Ginny sped down the steps and she quickly found her way to the kitchens. Almost a dozen house-elves were working hard, cleaning dishes and preparing lunch.
Nellie saw Ginny and squealed, "Would Miss like something from Nellie?"
"Yes, could I have some food, I'm afraid I slept through breakfast."
"Of course young Miss!" Six house-elves appeared, almost instantly, carrying a tray laden with sandwich squares, complete with toothpick. Ginny smiled and thanked them as she put three or four in a white, cloth napkin. Knowing how her brother was always hungry, she went over to his room and knocked on the door.
"Would you bloody house-elves quit bugging me?" his voice called as he opened the door. "Oh. Hey Gin."
"The bloody house-elf would like to give you a snack." She squeaked, in an uncanny impersonation of the house-elves.
Ron laughed and let her in to sit down. She did and took one of the sandwich corners while he took two for himself. "How'd you know I was hungry?"
"You're Ron Weasley, aka the bottomless pit." Ron grinned and patted his stomach in a proud way, well if you can pat your stomach proudly. They finished eating and then played a game of chess.
Guests for Mr. Malfoy's 'party' started arriving a few minutes before seven. Ginny had made sure she was ready to go downstairs an hour before she had to so as not to anger Mr. Malfoy with her. She had her red curls held back with two barrettes she'd gotten from her old boyfriend, Michael for Christmas and wore a pair of emerald earrings. When she opened the wardrobe, there was only one dress there, and she assumed it had been picked for her, by who she didn't know. The fabric was like the silk drapes on her windows. It was as deep a green as her earrings. She looked herself over in the mirror. The dress was designed as a v-neck and her shoulders were bare. When she moved, it moved, like water. Ginny heard her watch beeping and checked the time, seven. She grabbed her high-heeled shoes and practically flew down the stairs to get to the parlor on time.
Draco rolled his eyes when he saw Ron come down, that red hair was like a target on him, standing out horribly with his maroon dress robes. He grinned to himself, Weasely obviously hadn't figured out how the wardrobes worked. He took a sip of his punch and turned to see Ginny rushing down the stairs. She bent down and slipped into the pair of heels she had been carrying and her hair tumbled down, over her face. His eyes widened when she straightened up, and pushed her hair irritably behind her shoulders. Heavens above, He thought. Good lord she's beautiful.
Ginny walked over as gracefully as she could to her brother and tapped him on the shoulder. Ron turned around and began to say, "I was wondering where you went, what took you so long? Leaving me alone with a bunch of death eaters- What are you wearing?" Ron asked when he saw his baby sister all dressed up.
"Clothes, would you rather I didn't cause that can be arranged-" Ginny began, making her brother practically go into cardiac arrest.
"Well I wouldn't object to that." Draco drawled.
Ginny's cheeks flushed as Ron turned to Malfoy and said dangerously, "You wouldn't believe how many ways I can guarantee that that wouldn't happen."
Draco shrugged, indifferent and took a sip of his drink before saying, "She'll do fine, just like always." He laid his drink down and put a hand suggestively on Ginny's waist. She slapped his hand away and Ron, whose ears were crimson by now, stepped between them.
"Back off Ferret Face."
"Whatever you say, King Weasel." Draco said. He turned to get his drink and hummed to his self, 'Weasely is our King'.
"Ron, you need to cool down, okay?" Ginny said, grabbing onto her brother's robes. "I'm going to go and get a drink now." Ron didn't say anything, so Ginny released him and walked over to the drinks.
Just as she was ladling herself some punch, someone snaked their arm around her waist and slurred, "Well aren't you a pretty thing..." Ginny turned around, disgusted to see none other than Goyle Senior.
"Pardon me?" she snapped, pushing his fleshy hand away.
"You must want somewhere more private, I understand. I'll show you a good time, as I'm sure you'll show me." He said. Ginny gave him a revolted look as he tried to steer her to another room.
Someone bumped into Mr. Goyle and spilled their drink all over his cloak. "Oh, I'm sorry that my date and I bumped into you Mr. Goyle." Draco said his grey eyes completely black. Ginny was so startled and grateful, she didn't even tell him off when he put his arm around her shoulders.
"Your date, eh?" Mr. Goyle asked. "I see, better keep a good hold on her, Draco, I almost confused her with your father's infamous entertainment." Mr. Goyle gave a hearty laugh and walked away, with Draco's eyes shooting him death glares.
Ginny turned to him and said, "Infamous entertainment?"
Draco looked down at her and said, "Yes, and as Mr. Goyle loves to tell me, the day's before You-Know-Who's defeat were always memorable." Draco said with disgust.
"Well thank you for stopping him from re-creating that entertainment."
"Your welcome." Draco actually smiled and Ginny thought for an instant how nice it made him look before they were interrupted.
"Did I hear right, something about a date I believe?" Draco turned and grinned. Behind him was a boy, his shoulder length black hair pulled back and tied with a red band.
"Hello Zambini."
"Malfoy." Draco took his hand that wasn't around Ginny's shoulders and shook his friend's. "And am I right in saying you're a Weasley?" The boy asked.
"Yes." Ginny said, "My name's Ginny." Blaise Zambini shook her hand, but didn't say anything. Ron suddenly came over and pulled Draco's arm off of his sister. "Ron-" Ginny began.
"I don't want to hear it." Ron took her by her elbow and walked her away a few feet and started demanding an explanation, while she put her hands on her hips in frustration.
"A Weasley, Malfoy?" Zambini questioned, his grin gone.
Draco beckoned his hand and said, "Walk with me." They left the room and Malfoy began to explain the circumstances why Ron and Ginny were staying with them and what had occurred only moments before while they walked down the corridor.
"The lethifolds killed everyone?"
"All but Ginny and that git."
"And Goyle's dad tried to hit on her?"
"That's what it looked like."
"And you poured your drink all over his robes?"
"Yep."
"Wow, interesting party, Malfoy." Draco grinned and then Blaise said, "Man, I got to get back to Pansy; she'll be looking for me."
"Later Zambini." Draco said. He continued to walk down the corridor when he heard raised voices from his father's office. He perked his ears up and listened.
"What more must I tell you Avery? The attack failed, two survived what was meant to kill all of them!" Lucius Malfoy shouted.
"But perhaps we can use it to our advantage. They do know something about the Order of the Phoenix. We could learn more about it from them, perhaps even where the headquarters are."
"We know where headquarters are, apparently though the fidealus charm is upon it! And I can't simply get rid of them; hundreds of aurors know that the children are in my family's care! Besides we would have to force them to tell us!"
"The girl may be easier to glean information from. She seems on an emotional roller coaster. She trusts your wife and perhaps even your son, just have him get closer to her and eventually she'll crack."
"Her fool of a brother is too overprotective to let her anywhere near my son for more than a few seconds!"
"Then get rid of her brother."
"I can't simply kill him!"
"But you could send him away." Draco turned away and went back to the party disgusted. It was his own father who had done this to Ginny and her brother. He wasn't sure what they meant by the Order of the Phoenix but it must be something against Voldemort to have his father that angry. He paused before going into the parlor. He couldn't just tell Ginny who had planned the attack, for tonight it seemed like she had forgotten it, and he didn't want her angry at him. He sighed and walked into the parlor to see Ginny still being berated by her brother.
"I mean have you forgotten the fact our family is completely at war with his? We have been ever since-"
"Ever since 1836 when a Malfoy stabbed a Weasley to death, I know, I know."
"Actually it was the Weasley who started it, accused the Malfoy of poisoning their crops, if I recall." Draco said from behind them. "Can't you drop it Ron, I mean it's been what a hundred and sixty years?"
Ginny cocked her eyebrow at him in surprise and grinned, "Well Ron never told me that a Weasley started this whole mess." She looked at Ron expectantly.
"What did it matter since the Malfoy did poison the crops!?"
"Sure he did." Ginny rolled her eyes and said to no one in particular, "When's this party over anyway?"
Draco checked his watch and said, "Another hour."
"Urgh! How do you put up with these every other week?"
Draco shrugged and said, "Want a tour of the place to pass the time?"
"I suppose so." She said, shrugging.
"Oh no you don't, you're staying right here where I can keep an eye on you." Ron said, pretty much to both of them with a threatening gleam in his eye. He held on to his sister's elbow and kept her within two feet of himself. Draco scowled as did Ginny. That git wouldn't trust him with Ginny for half a second, although he hadn't given him any reason to trust him, but that was beside the point.
The party was soon over and guests were leaving. Blaise came up to say goodbye to Draco and Ginny before he left, causing even more trouble with Ron. "How does he know you?"
"Draco introduced us earlier."
"Oh really, who else did Malfoy introduce you to?"
"No one."
"Who'd you introduce to Ginny?" Ron said turning on Draco.
Before he could reply Ginny cut him off. "Ron would you stop, I don't need a bloody body guard."
"I'm not being your body guard; I'm just trying to-"
"Ronald Weasley, I can take care of myself and you know that better than anyone!"
"Even against Malfoy?"
"Hey!" Malfoy said indignantly.
"Remember Umbridge's office, who was it that attacked him with that hex?"
"Did you have to bring that up?" Draco groaned.
Ron opened his mouth to contradict her and she threw up her hands in surrender. "Fine, I'll go and lock myself in a closet for the rest of the night shall I?"
"That'd be perfect." Ron shouted.
"Ooh!" Ginny stomped upstairs and to her room.
Draco turned to Ron and asked, "With me or without me in the closet as
well?"
"Malfoy!"