As It Seems

LunarianPrincess

Alumni Week is the one time where Hogwarts is full of new and old students. A mix-up has two enemies sharing a room and learning more than they ever wanted to know about each other. However if they want to save Hogwarts and life as they know it they must band together and find a way to defeat Voldemort's final attempt at power.

Pairings: GW/DM

Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter Universe/Characters. Some of the characters might seem OOC, but bear with me. Feedback is appreciated and wanted but please try to keep criticism constructive, Thanx in advance

Draco woke gradually. He kept his eyes closed as he took in his surroundings, a habit he had picked up on his various assignments. His nose detected a hint of raspberries and his forehead furrowed in confusion. His body was warm and he was cradling something with his left arm. Opening his eyes hesitantly his gaze fell on a shimmering fall of luxurious copper hair. He lay on his side with his right arm cushioning his head. His left arm trapped her figure against him. He could see her face when he levered himself up. She had a slight smile on he face as she continued to slumber. Her hand rested across his arm as her right arm was tucked under her head. He watched her sleep for a few minutes before he looked at the clock. It was nearly 7 o'clock.

He slowly removed his arm from around her form. She protested softly as her body curled up and a frown replaced the contented expression on her lips. He covered her back up and waited until she lay quiet again. He surveyed his appearance, he was still wearing his clothes from yesterday. His once crisp white shirt was rumpled and askew. His black pants were similarly disheveled. He noticed his shoes had been removed and he found them by the side of the bed.

He strode over to his trunk and carefully lifted the lid. He thought about the day ahead before pulling out a pair of dark blue jeans and a dark green turtleneck. He grabbed his things and went into the bathroom. He set his things down and viewed the extravagant shower with pleasure. He stripped down and stepped into the near scalding spray. He showered quickly and wrapped a towel around his waist as he stepped up to the sink. He brushed his teeth and shaved before pulling on his clothes. He had just buttoned his jeans when he heard a loud yawn from the other room.

"Malfoy, are you almost done I have to use the loo," a sleepy voice proclaimed as a knock sounded on the door. He placed his shirt on his belongings before opening the door. He was rewarded with her sleepy gaze perusing his chest and her eyes widening in appreciation.

Ginny had pulled her hair from its band and it tumbled around her to mid-back her eyes were still slumberously half-closed. She swept past him and closed the door on him. He scowled at her dismissal before smirking at her earlier response. He walked back to his trunk and grabbed a pair of socks and a pair of tennis shoes. He pulled these on as she emerged from the bathroom. She yawned and stretched, raising her arms above her head, not knowing this caused the large shirt to drape across her generous figure. She headed for her trunk as he strode back into the bathroom and grabbed his things. He went back out and dropped them in his trunk. She had retrieved her things and disappeared into the bathroom again. He grabbed his shirt and pulled it over his head. He grabbed his comb and ran it quickly through his silky platinum hair. He heard the door to the bathroom open. Ginny exited the bathroom with her arms laden with her things. She wore low slung pants and had a white button down shirt on. She had tied a crimson jacket around her waist emphasizing her trim form. Her hair was pulled up in a half bun and a few curls cascaded over her crown. These flaming curls emphasized her large, expressive brown eyes. She hurriedly repacked her trunk turning she addressed him. "Well, Malfoy, let's go down to breakfast, shall we," she asked jokingly. He smirked at her and lifted an eyebrow when she stepped closer to him. She reached up and he felt the collar be tugged into position. "Can't have perfect little Malfoy go out with his clothes askew, can we?" she said mockingly, turning on her heel she strode towards the door. He scowled at her back as he followed her out.

They headed for the Great Hall. They saw students looking at them curiously as they eyed other new arrivals. Draco scowled at the staring students while Ginny smiled engagingly.

"Ginny!" she heard someone shout. Turning she saw a golden blonde head bobbing as he ran towards her.

"Collin!" she ran up to her friend and was swept up in a hug. "I'd forgotten you're so big," she giggled when he set her down. She beamed at him while they turned to head towards the Great Hall, she saw with surprise that Malfoy was looking at Collin murderously and he seemed a bit put out. She smiled at him and walked closer to him.

"Well, no wonder you forgot, I haven't seen you since that last fight and that was what 5 years ago," he reprimanded her. He took note of Malfoy falling into step with them and he looked at him searchingly. "Hi, Malfoy, so you're back as well," he said neutrally.

"Obviously, Creevey," Malfoy said in a civil voice. Collin shot Ginny a searching look but when Ginny smiled and shook her head he shrugged. He knew his best friend, she would tell him in time. The great hall had been changed for Alumni Week, the house tables had been moved farther apart and in the middle was a long table for the former students. Collin and Ginny sat on the edge and Malfoy sat across from them. "So Creevey, what have you been doing?" Malfoy asked the man, looking at him. Ginny grabbed a small roll and began to nibble on it. She glanced at the people sitting at the table. She knew a few of them but she noticed that quite a few people were missing. Malfoy held his wrist out to her and she looked at the time, it was only 7:45. Most people wouldn't be down for at least fifteen minutes.

"Well, I have a photography studio set up in London, I have a Muggle branch and a Wizarding one," he said proudly. Malfoy looked at him with something akin to respect.

"Wow, Col, that's great," Ginny told him. She beamed as she took a sip of tea.

"What about you Malfoy, what have you been doing," Collin asked politely.

"Well, I have been traveling quite a bit, my occupation isn't very definitive," he answered cryptically. Ginny cocked her head at his confusing answer. "Well, Weasley, what about you, anything worthwhile," Malfoy said, a knowing gleam in his eyes.

"Well, a bit of this and that, nothing real distinct," she breezed. "Oh, look here comes the dream team," she whispered sarcastically before turning and smiling at her family and their friends. "Hi, how are you guys?" she asked.

"Hi, Gin, Collin," Ron said nodding to her seat mate.

"How are the kids, Jami and Vini and Rissa?" she asked, calling them by her playful nicknames.

"All the kids are at your mother's, James was fine when we left him, but we know your parents spoil him so," Luna said leisurely, a proud smile on her face. Harry beamed at his wife, who was 6 months pregnant.

"Well, Lavinia and Nerissa are up to their old tricks, I swear those girls are smarter than they have a right to be at 3," Hermione said. Ron smiled and Hermione glowed under his admiring gaze. Ginny couldn't help the feelings of longing she felt when she saw them exchange looks and loving touches. She blushed and turned away.

Silver eyes observed her silently, a look of pity and understanding shining in the impenetrable depths. She blushed even more profusely and decided to rejoin the conversation. "So, are George and Alicia's kids there as well?" she asked.

"Yeah, Gin, so when did you get here?" her brother asked.

"Oh, last night, I think you guys had better find a seat before there are none left," she hedged, not wanting to answer anymore questions while viewing the loving couples.

"Well, we'll catch up later, see ya," Harry said. Ginny nearly sighed with relief when none of them had noticed Malfoy.

"So, still as haughty as ever, I see," Collin commented brightly. Ginny snickered at her friend's comment. She was reminded of the times she and he had spent joking about the Fabulous Three when they were still in school.

"Well, that is unexpected," Malfoy remarked.

"What, that they're still a bunch of gigantic prats or that they didn't take the time to notice you?" Ginny asked. She smiled brightly at him and his eyes darkened, for some reason she felt her breath catch.

"Neither, it's the fact that you two see past the perfect acts and realize what they truly are," he stated matter-of-factly. Ginny and Collin exchanged a glance before breaking into hearty laughter.

"Well, you're a little late on that memo Malfoy, it went out about 10 years ago," Collin told him when he had stopped laughing. Ginny was still giggling softly as Malfoy surveyed them skeptically.

"Hmm and I thought my whole holier than thou attitude was bad," he stated self-mockingly. He smirked as he watched the other people and new students, who were staring at the famous four.

"Sorry, Malfoy, at you least you were up front about it, you never made people think you were someone you weren't. They are just a bunch of priggish gits, but they are related to me so can we change the subject?" she asked seriously.

"So, what are your plans for today, I mean we pretty much have free reign while we're in the castle. Did you bring your broom?" Collin asked her. She nodded as she shoveled some hash browns into her mouth.

"Why, Creevey, still think you can best me," she challenged playfully.

"Not a snowball's chance in hell, honey, I have no further ambitions to have my arse handed to me," he joked back. Malfoy watched the exchange suspiciously, Collin looked up and looked him in the eyes. Ginny was surprised when they seemed to share a look that made both of them nod decisively.

"Right then, so Malfoy care to have a chance with the vixen from Gryffindor?" Collin asked him. Ginny blushed, not many people knew about her silly nickname from her younger years.

"I hate to say that the little weasel doesn't stand a chance," he said haughtily.

"My arse, Malfoy," Ginny said indignantly. "But you know what, I'll beat you at Quidditch tomorrow, too many people will be on the pitch today, besides it's snowing and I want to enjoy it," she informed him. She buttered another roll and took a bite.

"Up for one of our famous snowball fights, Gin?" Collin asked.

"You know it, but watch out Creevey, my aim has gotten so much better, so down by the lake in what about a half hour?" she returned jokingly. Malfoy watched the exchange silently.

"Ah yes, but Malfoy will be on my side, as it will be boys against girls so who will you grab?" Collin asked, Malfoy gave him a surprised look but didn't back out.

"Another snowball fight, eh, boys against girls, I don't know Collin, seems you'd be better served being on the girls side, as were going to win," a haughty voice returned.

All three turned to observe their new companion. She stood there vivaciously, her black hair pulled up in a pristine bun, her blue eyes glinting mysteriously. She had a beautiful white chenille sweater on and beautiful navy slacks. A navy scarf was thrown negligently across her narrow shoulders. All in all, the look was one of understated elegance and beauty. Ginny observed her in jealous good-humor.

This was a long chapter! Oh my god I had sooo many reviews, I love you all!

Dracosbaby7- I'm one of your favorite authors, wow that is such a great honor! I'm glad you like this fic, my best friend is the one who said I should write about that, so I'll tell her that you liked it! Can't wait to read more of your fics!

SilverMoonset- HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!! OK, I'm glad you liked the premise!

musicgirl141- thank you, I'm glad sometimes I tend to ramble about descriptions so I'm glad you liked them!

Atin- thanks, how was this chapter?

PnAyxTrAcKsTaR01- thanks, I hope it is interesting for you guys!

BTW I loved recording in the studio! It was sooo wonderful the people were great and they were so helpful and everyone was really supportive! Now just Bang! Bang! You're Dead and my vocal recital then I'll be pretty free until x-mas, except for musical practice, so I should be able to write and post regularly! Thanx-LP