Ron whistled happily as he went about his paperwork. Things had gone perfectly. The wedding was off. It had been three weeks and Gin still hadn't taken the ferret's floos or owls. Of course, she spent all of her time either in her room crying or in the bathroom being sick, according to his mum, but he figured she'd get over that eventually. And just incase she didn't, Ron had a back up plan for a second strike if her resolve wavered at all.

"Happy today, are we?" Hermione said, standing in the doorway.

He smiled and held his hand out to her. As she came closer, he pulled her down into his lap and said, "Why shouldn't I be happy? I have the most beautiful witch in the world as my wife, the most wonderful son, the best friend a man could ask for, and my sister is not marrying that ferrety Malfoy after all."

Hermione frowned. "Ron, I don't think its very kind of you to take glee in Ginny and Draco's misery."

"I'm sorry my sister is unhappy, but she'll move on. And Malfoy is getting what he deserves. Let him wallow in the knowledge he's lost the best thing he'll ever have." Ron said.

"You know, I still don't understand it. They were SO crazy for each other. And Draco-he's not the same. He'd become such a better person."

Ron snorted. "A better person. You all kept saying that. You, Bill, the twins, even Harry. But doesn't this prove I was right about him all along?"

"I guess so." Said Hermione, looking doubtful. "I still can't believe it though."

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Draco was desperate. It had been over three weeks and Ginny wouldn't take his floos or his owls. He'd finally shown up on the doorstep of the burrow, but the twins had steadfastly refused him entrance.

"What did we tell you, mate, all those years ago?" said George.

"Quite right. " replied Fred. "Because we've grown rather fond of you old man, we're going to let you off-This ONE time- you understand. But don't show your face around here again. Else we'll have to rearrange it a bit."

George looked sorrowfully at him "Why'd you do it mate? Why'd you have to go and ruin it? You do realize Mum's nearly as brokenhearted about it as Ginny? And Gin, Gin won't even come out of her room. Except to run to the bathroom to be sick. What have you done Draco?"

Draco had pleaded, but the twins had been steadfast. Finally, Bill, whom he considered a good friend, came out.

"Sorry Draco. They aren't going to let you in. And frankly, I'm not sure I would either, considering the state Gin's in right now. Best to just go on home."

"But Bill, I need to make it right." Said Draco. "I honestly don't remember what happened. I love Ginny. I don't want to hurt her. I'd never do that on purpose, you have to believe me."

"I do believe you Malfoy." Said Bill, clapping his hand over Draco's shoulder and steering him down the steps. "And Gin may believe you too. But not now. Give her some time. Let her pull herself together. Then try again."

"But when Bill? How long?" asked Draco, sounding quite pitiful. "I have to talk to her. At the very least to apologize."

"I'll tell you what I'll do. When Gin gets over her crying and retching, I'll get her out of the house. And when she goes, I'll owl you, where and when. Then you can have your chance." Bill said.

"Gods, Bill, if you'd do that. I can't thank you enough." Draco said, looking a little less hopeless.

Bill had been true to his word, and two weeks later, Draco had received an owl telling him when and where Ginny would be.

Bill was a good hearted fellow, and because he harbored no ill will towards Draco, and even understood how something like this, while completely stupid, might happen accidentally, he wanted to see things work out. He really did like Draco, and he loved his little sister. After watching her alternately cry and vomit for over a month over Malfoy, he understood she loved Draco, and he wanted her to be happy. The only mistake Bill made in all of this was to tell Ron about what he had done.

"WHY? Why Bill, would you let the Ferret have another chance to upset her?" Ron had bellowed at him.

Taken by surprise at Ron's venom, Bill had replied. "Little brother, you need to chill out just a bit. Ginny loves him, and I think he loves her too. Everyone makes mistakes, and I don't think he'd do this to her on purpose. A man can do some stupid things when he's drunk, believe me."

"Drunkenness is no excuse. If I had my way, he'd be tied to the nearest stake and burned properly." Ron ranted.

When Bill had left, Ron went to his fireplace and tossed floo powder into it.

He gave the time and place to the person on the other end and said, "You know what to do."