Author's note: Hello all! Back with more! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my beta, Miranda Vine. She's been patient and encouraging, and her honesty and helpful suggestions have done wonders towards making this story better than I could have done alone. And thanks again to Abforth, for your kind and flattering praise. I sincerely look forward to working with you!
"Oh look," Caleb smiled brightly as they walked down High Street, "The beauty shop is having a special on facials. You should get one, Mr. Malfoy. It might help put some actual colour in that pasty face of yours."
"Thank you for the suggestion," Draco grinned, his eyes sparkling with malice, "But I'm sure they'd be more anxious to get their hands on you. It's not every day you come across a horse's arse on two legs!"
Ginny winced. They'd been like this all afternoon, in between speaking civilly to herself, that is. It had been funny for a while, but now it was getting tiresome. There was only so much childish bickering she could tolerate from two almost-adults. The only reason she'd let it go for this long was because she'd been unable to get a word in edgewise. It's hard to speak up when you're trying desperately not to laugh.
She glanced slyly at Draco, feeling a small smile touch her lips as she saw him laugh at some witticism Caleb made. He was still angry, and the verbal battle he and Caleb were waging had his face flushed, his eyes bright, and his tongue razor sharp. Should this be called his best or his worst? she wondered. For his part, Caleb had been attentive and flirtatious towards her while bantering expertly with Malfoy. He'd even bought a rose and handed it to Ginny from behind, pleasantly surprising her. Her smile grew as she recalled how Draco had scowled.
"Well, Miss Weasley," Caleb said suddenly, interrupting her reverie, "I believe I promised you lunch! Where would you like to go?"
Ginny smiled and thanked Caleb, "The Three Broomsticks would be fine."
But Caleb had other ideas, "That shabby place? I think not! How about The Knight's Castle? No finer place for a superb roast beef and Yorkshire pudding!"
"Oh," Ginny gasped, "That's…very generous of you! But I can't possibly afford—"
"My treat," Draco cut in smoothly, before Caleb could say a word. The dark haired Slytherin looked highly displeased, which delighted Draco. Ginny frowned.
"Thank you Draco, but that's not necessary. I—" she began, but Draco cut her off.
"Consider it a Christmas gift." He smiled slightly, looking at the path ahead of him instead of at her, "Besides, if we don't sit down soon, I'm going to collapse!"
"Really," Caleb grinned, "Will you go back to Hogwarts then?"
"And miss ruining your whole day? Don't be silly!" Draco sneered.
"Ah, well," Caleb sighed, linking his arm through Ginny's, "I must take comfort in your presence, Miss Weasley. Good conversation from certain company has so far been severely lacking!"
"Indeed," Draco replied before Ginny could speak, "I myself have had more interesting conversation from Merpeople!"
"Gentlemen," Ginny sighed in an effort to keep from giggling, "is it possible for us to have conversation together without all of this petty squabbling?"
"Petty squabbling?" Caleb cried, assuming an injured air, "My dear Ginny, you wound me!"
"Not enough, obviously, you're still talking!" Draco drawled. Caleb ignored him, while Ginny frowned reprovingly.
"Here we are," Caleb said brightly as they arrived at the small inn. Opening the door for Ginny, he followed her in and released the door just as Draco was about to enter, almost causing him to walk into it. With a scowl, Draco pulled the door open and followed them.
The interior of the small inn was dimly lit, and it took Ginny a moment to adjust her eyes. When she did she saw long, low wooden tables and benches, surrounded by small round tables in the darker corners. There was a huge fireplace that took up most of the rear wall, radiating comfortable warmth considering how empty the place was. The tables were covered with fine linen, and the maitre de who rushed over was dressed in handsome black velvet. Ginny was suddenly glad for the dim light, as it disguised the shabby state of her own robes.
"Good afternoon young gentlemen, and lady," he said in clipped tones, "Welcome to our humble establishment. Table for three this way."
He led them to a small corner table and laid down the menus. Caleb immediately pulled out Ginny's chair for her. After she sat, Draco handed her a menu. She smiled and was about to thank him when a glass of water was set down firmly in front of her. She turned to see Caleb smiling winningly and a serving witch holding a tray looking at him in mild surprise. Ginny decided to smile at her.
The maitre de bowed and left, and the serving witch finished handing out the glasses of water. "What may I get you to drink?"
"I'll have a glass of Little Hangleton Red," Caleb requested. Draco ordered the Little Hangleton White, while Ginny stared blankly at them both. She had only drunk wine once or twice, and it had been pretty cheap. She straightened in her seat, wondering if she should just follow their lead. She didn't really like wine, but for such a fancy place as this it might be better to just order it. After a moment she decided she'd risk looking the peasant and ordered ale.
"What kind, m'lady?" the server asked.
"Er…" she quickly flipped open her menu and found the beverage listing. There were about ten different ales listed, her favorite among them. Then she saw the prices, and nearly gasped.
Both Caleb and Draco watched her in quiet amusement, Draco stifling a laugh. She could be so charmingly naïve about things, and it made him smile. He saw her blush clearly despite the dimness, and decided to speed things along.
"She'll have the Bonnington bitters." He said firmly, Ginny started, then nodded at the waitress, who rushed off to get their drinks. When she'd gone Ginny laughed with embarrassment.
"Sorry about that, thought I was going to have a heart attack when I saw those prices. Eight sickles for a drink!"
"Ginny, you're not paying for this so please just relax." Draco smiled.
"How exactly do I do that?" she asked, looking at the menu with wide eyes. This time Draco and Caleb both laughed. The atmosphere became more relaxed between the three of them after that. To Ginny's surprise, Caleb and Draco actually began to speak a bit more civilly to each other.
"I was telling my father that I didn't fancy following along in the family business." Caleb said in a sudden moment of seriousness, sipping his wine. The Anderson's had made a fortune, in Caleb's grandfather's time, in importing and growing Mandrakes, various Tentaculas, including the venomous varieties, Gillyweed, Devil's Snare, and other exotic vegetation.
Draco stared into his glass, "Does he listen?"
"Not really," Caleb grimaced, "I fortunately have two elder brothers, but he seems set on dragging all three of us into it. Like I want to spend the rest of my life peddling plants!"
Ginny's eyes passed from Caleb to Draco. Their expressions had gone almost neutral, except for a melancholy sadness in Caleb's eyes, and a dark pain in Draco's. She wondered then just how much pressure they were under from parents who obviously had high expectations. She remembered the years her mum had spent lecturing and scolding the twins, trying to force them to become more serious so they would enter the Ministry. It hadn't worked, and Ginny had known that Molly had been wrong to try and force Fred and George to do what she wished, instead of what they wished. Thanks to their hard work and determination, Wacky Clandestine was one of the most successful businesses in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. Molly had long ago admitted she was wrong, and had been more supportive of her children since. Ginny sipped her ale thoughtfully, wondering what made a parent so certain that they knew what would make their children happy.
"Why don't you talk to your father?" Ginny asked kindly, though which boy she was speaking to, even she wasn't certain. It was Draco who replied with a harsh laugh.
"How do you talk to man who doesn't even ask questions, just gives orders and expects them to be followed?"
"Or who doesn't even entertain the idea that you might actually mean it when you say you don't want to do something." Caleb added, smiling in bitter amusement. Ginny remembered then that Draco had been cut from the Quidditch team, and wondered if that had been Lucius's decision, instead of Snape's. Now that she thought about it, why would Snape cut his favorite student from the team? That would be a punishment, and Draco was never punished by the Potions Master.
Draco shook his head, interrupting Ginny's musings, "Enough of this, Anderson. I might actually start being nice to you!"
"Oh Lord, Malfoy, don't threaten me that way!" Caleb grinned, making Ginny laugh. Their food arrived then, and further conversation was limited to comments on the quality of the food ("Excellent!" Ginny kept exclaiming), and the continued sniping of her escorts. Ginny gave up trying to stop them.
An hour later they were back on High Street, feeling full and sleepy. Ginny didn't hesitate to take the arm proffered to her by Caleb, as she needed all the support she could get. She turned to Draco, smiling;
"Thank you for paying, Mr. Malfoy, I appreciate it."
"What about me?" Caleb pouted.
Ginny laughed and squeezed his shoulder, "And thank you for inviting me along, Mr. Anderson. I've had a lovely time."
"I knew you would," He gloated, "I'm rather brilliant that way."
Draco rolled his eyes. "The carriages will be leaving soon." He said loudly, "We should start heading back."
Ginny checked her watch, "Lord, it's almost four!"
"Not yet," Caleb said, "I have to pick up something. It'll only take a moment."
He released Ginny's arm and headed towards Dervish and Banges. Ginny watched him go, "Should we stick with him?"
"Why, afraid he'll get lost?" Draco asked sarcastically. Ginny rolled her eyes.
"I just don't want us to get separated," she said patiently, "I've had fun with the two of you. Call me sentimental, but it would be fitting to end the day together when we get back to Hogwarts."
"Oh, should we join hands and enter the Great Hall singing?" he sneered. Ginny's gaze snapped up at him, her face contorted in an angry frown.
"That is not what I meant! I-oh never mind!" turning on her heel she stalked off after Caleb.
Draco watched her for a few seconds before passing his hand over his face. Way to go, Malfoy, he thought, you've proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that you're an immature bastard. He sighed and followed her.
He spotted her red head instantly, making straight for Dervish and Banges. As he continued to trot after her he wondered why he was doing it, why he'd jumped into the carriage and wound up here in the first place. He'd spent the greater part of the afternoon bandying words with the irritating prankster that was Caleb Anderson, all in an effort to keep Ginny's attention from resting on the Quidditch announcer for too long. Why? Why did he care if she spent an afternoon with Anderson? Why did he care what she did at all? He knew why, really. It was the reason he felt his heart swell with warmth when he was in her presence, the reason he wanted to stop and touch her when they passed each other in the corridors. She was a kind, giving, brave, unselfish, and beautiful person all around, and that's not something you see on every street corner. As he drew up behind her, watching as her hair fluttered in the wind, he knew beyond doubt why he'd pursued her here.
"Ginny!" he caught up to her just as she reached the entrance of the shop. Grabbing her arm, he turned her towards him. She stared angrily up at him, yanking her arm out of his grasp, but not moving away.
"I'm sorry," He said softly, "I didn't mean that."
Ginny shook her head, a small, bitter smile forming on her face, "Yes you did, Draco. You're in a foul mood and now you've decided everyone else should be as well."
Draco frowned, not liking how close that remark struck home, "What do you want me to say, Ginny? I like how I've spent my day or that I've had a glorious time? Do you realize how much trouble I'd be in if my father knew where I was?"
"It's always about you, isn't it?" she snapped, "Poor Draco is breaking his rules of behavior, and now he has to pretend he didn't or he'll be hexed into oblivion or disowned by his father. Well excuse me if I don't pull out a tissue and cry!"
"I'm not talking about my behavior," he retorted, "I'm not supposed to be here!"
Ginny snorted and rolled her eyes, "Whatever, Malfoy!"
Draco closed his eyes in frustration, "Ginny, I'm serious-"
The sound of the shop door opening interrupted his statement, and he opened his eyes to see Ginny entering without a backwards glance.
Draco blinked, unable to believe she'd walked away from him in the middle of his sentence. Not only did she not believe him, but she wasn't even going to let him explain? Furious, he stalked in after her.
Once again he found her easily, she was standing stiffly in an open aisle, looking down its path. Caleb was standing next to a shelf of miniature Lunascopes, next to Ginny and looking at her with a strangely amused expression. Eyes narrowing, Draco walked swiftly towards them. Ginny was speaking to Caleb, but not looking at him. Probably telling the idiot what an arse I've been, he thought irritably. He quickened his steps, thinking of barging in and just dragging the both of them by their hair to the damn carriages, when a female voice that wasn't Ginny's, but was coming from where she was standing, suddenly became audible.
"…haven't decided what I'm going to get Harry yet." It said, "I've wanted to ask him, but he's been in a terrible mood of late."
Draco froze. That was Granger, or he was a toad! So she hadn't been speaking to Anderson at all. He wondered if…
"It's a bit complicated, Hermione," the voice of Ron Weasley spoke up, "You know, girl problems…"
Oh, this day just kept getting better and better!
Draco walked slowly towards her, stopping just short of the aisle. The shelves were tall enough to hide his and Caleb's presence from her brother and Granger, and as Draco looked across Ginny's head at Anderson he met a look of amused and ironic delight that surely must match his own.
"Well, I'm sure it'll pass." Ginny said in a strained and somewhat high pitched tone. Her face was flushed and her eyes seemed to be darting everywhere. Draco was caught between feeling sympathy for her plight and wanting to burst out laughing. Of course, this was what she'd meant about him not thinking of anyone else, and he felt a tad guilty that he'd up to now not even remembered that Ginny would be in a world of trouble if her brother caught her in the presence of a Slytherin, much less two!
"What will pass?" Granger asked quizzically.
"Er…Harry, of course. Whatever's bothering him, you know." Ginny replied with an overlarge smile.
"Yeah, it will," Ron agreed absently, "Say, what're you doing here alone anyway? I don't see Susan or Seamus."
Ron's voice seemed to change direction, indicating he was looking around. Ginny looked in Draco's direction, "I'm not alone."
As her wide eyes met his, Draco clearly saw the faint panic. She was trapped and was thinking desperately of a way out. Draco smiled at her and shrugged slightly. There wasn't much he could do to help her that didn't involve revealing himself.
"Well, who'd you come with?" Ron persisted.
"Just some people Ron," she said irritably, "I didn't pay attention. There were some Ravenclaws, and a few others."
Draco saw Caleb's eyebrows shoot up, and agreed with the obvious sentiment. Very clever how she wasn't exactly lying. She just wasn't mentioning those "others" had been Slytherins. In particular, his most hated enemy on the Quidditch field and off. Draco's smile faltered momentarily as he thought of Quidditch, but he quickly shoved the depressing thoughts away. He was having far too much fun to dwell on anything else.
"Ron, maybe we should go. It's already four fifteen, and the carriages will be filling up soon." Granger said soothingly. Ginny smiled gratefully at her.
"Yeah, all right. C'mon Ginny, we'll get one of the first carriages." Ron said, his hand suddenly appearing to grasp her elbow. Ginny pulled away.
"Oh…no Ron. I have to wait for my companions, they're around here somewhere."
"What? You just said you didn't remember who you came with." her brother responded in confusion.
"Well, we've been together all day so now I know them…er…more or less." She said lamely, "I'll meet you back at Hogwarts."
"Ginny, stop being silly. I don't like the idea of you going off alone with people you barely know." Ron said, sounding irritatingly condescending.
"I'll be fine, Ron," Ginny said patiently, a tiny line forming between her brows, "don't worry about it. They're students, after all, what could possibly happen?"
"Gin, anything could happen! Don't forget what's been happening at the school! I don't want to hear your carriage was attacked and you were turned into a blood sucker!"
"Ron, calm down!" Hermione soothed, "It's just Hogwarts students."
"You're exaggerating, Ron," Ginny's frown grew more obvious, "Dumbledore's put more security measures in place, there are three teachers with the groups today. I think we'll be just fine."
"Yeah, I know, but we can't be too careful. Please stop arguing with me Ginny and come on."
"Will you please, for once, stop treating me like a baby?" Ginny cried.
"I'll stop treating you like one when you stop acting like one!" Ron shot back. Draco's eyes widened. That had been unnecessary, and a sudden foreboding came over him. The Ginny he knew wouldn't take this lying down. And he was right.
"Ron," Granger's voice spoke in a sharp warning, but too late. Ginny's face flushed with anger, but her frown smoothed away to be replaced by a wide, gritted smile.
"All right, since you're so worried about me big brother, allow me to reassure you that I'm most definitely not alone. In fact, let me introduce my companions." and without warning, Ginny's hands shot out to either side of her, grabbing the arms of both Caleb and Draco and yanking them into the aisle with her. Ron and Hermione froze in shock, eyes widening. Draco and Caleb stared at Ginny, then turned smiling to Ron and Hermione. Ginny's smile was wide and her eyes blazed with anger. She was not a child, and she would bloody well travel with who she wished to!
"Good afternoon," Caleb cried, "So nice to speak to the famous Gryffindor Chaser personally!" he grabbed Ron's stiff hand and shook it, then shook Hermione's hand just because she looked so stunned. Draco sneered in his usual manner at the two of them, barely inclining his head in their direction. He was rather shocked himself at Ginny's boldness, and put it down to her temper flaring at the wrong time.
Caleb checked his watch, "Four thirty, time to scoot!"
"Then let's not dawdle," Draco agreed, deliberately grabbing Ginny's hand in his. Caleb, not to be left out of anything, grabbed her other hand and they began to walk swiftly away.
"Ginny!" Ron choked out finally, "What…are you…"
"It's late," Ginny said loudly behind her, walking faster as she was now quite embarrassed at what she'd done, "must go!"
"Virginia Weasley," Hermione fairly shrieked, "Where are you going with…with…"
"See you at Hogwarts!" Draco called back as the three of them fairly ran towards the exit.
Once outside they burst into hysterical laughter. Ginny was feeling torn between guilt and amusement at the looks on the faces of her brother and dear friend, which only added to the ridiculousness of the whole situation.
"Come on, before they come after us with their wands!" Caleb chortled, grabbing Ginny's arm. Still laughing, they began to make their way towards the carriages.