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Isn't It Ironic

Draco sneered at the fireplace where his father's head had been only moments before. Lucius Malfoy had popped up an hour ago to give his son the same lecture he had given him nearly everyday since Draco had turned sixteen.

"The Dark Lord needs more supporters," Draco mocked quietly to the empty room. "Right, if he's such a powerful wizard why does he need supporters? Sorry Father, but that argument's invalid."

Draco sighed as he looked at the half finished potions essay he had been working on. He tried to pick up where he left off but found that he couldn't get his thoughts off his father. When would that old man realize he didn't want to be a death eater? Probably never, he thought to himself, unless I get the courage to tell him. Then he'll insult me heavily before proceeding to torture and kill me. Deciding he'd get nowhere on his essay tonight, Draco scooped up his things and went to bed.

"Draco!" Pansy gushed when she saw him, "It's about time you decided to join the living!"

"I was up late last night, Pansy," he grumbled.

"Doing . . ." but she was cut off as the morning mail arrived. A short ear owl landed on Draco's shoulder.

"Thanks," he said somewhat sarcastically as he took the letter. But when he recognized the handwriting he excitedly leapt from the table and practically ran out of the Great Hall. It had been five days since he had written V-as he was beginning to call his quill pal- and had been waiting impatiently everyday for a reply. It figured that she didn't write back until his mind was caught up in other things. Ducking behind the same suit of armor where Ginny had found him, he read the letter hungrily; hoping that it would help get his mind off his father.

D

Yes, I play quidditch, but not much. I'd really like to play on my house team, but I have an older brother at school with me who is more protective than my mum! It's rather annoying really. Last year I was a temporary seeker for my house team, but as soon as that ended my brother put a stop to any further playing. I wanted to try out for seeker this year, but he was such a prat about it that I didn't bother.

So you're good at potions? I almost wish you went to my school so you could help me! It's my worst subject, besides History of Magic, but who can be good at that when your teacher puts you to sleep?

Thank you for offering to listen to me gripe about what I was so upset about, but I'm not upset anymore . . . however there's no need to worry. Next time it happens (because it will definitely happen again) I just may take you up on your offer.

Your father's pressuring you to join the family business? I can't really see what's so wrong with that, but then, I don't know what the family business is so I can't very well relate. Is it something so awful? Exactly what is the family business? I'd better go, my roommate just walked in and is trying to read over my shoulder. She says we need to write gushy love letters. Maybe we should, just for her entertainment. Well, write back.

V

Draco's face went through a variety of emotions as he read the letter. First he was smiling then he chuckled. Next came a scowl before returning to a smile. It became a grimace when he heard Pansy calling him.

Ginny tapped her pencil on the table impatiently. She was in the library waiting for Harry. After Amber had discovered that Ginny was struggling in potions via reading over her shoulder she had decided it was the perfect matchmaking opportunity. Without so much as mentioning it to Ginny, Amber had asked Harry if he would mind tutoring Ginny. According to Amber, Harry had practically jumped at the offer and was very excited. Ginny was excited too, but not as much as she would have been one month ago.

"Hey Gin," a voice came from behind. She turned to look at the tall boy standing over her.

"Hey Harry" He didn't move. "Won't you sit down?" she said after a few awkward moments of silence.

"Oh, right," he said plopping into the chair beside her. "So what seems to be the trouble? What do you need help with?"

"Well, tonight I'm just filling out this questionnaire. However, I do need help with number three."

Harry leaned over to look at it and Ginny felt a shiver go through her. He smelled so good.

"Dragon heartstring"

"I'm sorry what?" Ginny asked feeling her cheeks flame.

"The answer is dragon heartstring."

"Oh, thank you," she felt her heartbeat return to its normal pace as he pulled away. "You know Harry, you're supposed to be tutoring me, not just giving me the answers."

"Sorry, I didn't know how else to help with that one." They remained in silence as Ginny worked on her assignment. When she had filled in the last question and stood up, Harry grabbed her wrist. She looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

"Can we talk?" he asked.

"Alright," she began to sit back down.

"Not here" Harry stood up and began to wander about the library. Wondering if he had lost his mind, Ginny remained where she was. Harry turned and beckoned to her before disappearing behind a bookshelf. Scooping up her things, Ginny followed. Stepping behind the shelf, she found Harry sitting on top of a very secluded table.

"Needed someplace a bit more private," he smiled, patting a spot on the table next to him. Putting her things on the floor, Ginny slowly stepped up to the table. What was Harry up to? Was the moment she had been waiting for for five years about to take place? If so, why wasn't she more excited?

"I just needed to ask a girl's opinion on this and well, you fit the criteria. You're a girl," Harry babbled.

"Yes, I'm a girl," she slowly repeated.

"So anyway, I have this friend who likes this girl and he's liked her for a while and wants to do something about it but isn't sure what so what do you think he should do?"

"Harry, breathe" Ginny wanted to roll her eyes. Why was he even bothering to say it was his friend's problem? Ginny knew it could only be him or Ron, and it definitely wasn't Ron. Ron would never ask for someone's advice.

"Well?" Harry asked expectantly.

"I think, he should tell her how he feels. I mean, what's the worse thing that could happen?"

"She'd laugh in m-, I mean, his face." Harry said sourly.

"No she wouldn't. Unless he's fallen for a total witch, pardon the pun."

Harry smiled and rolled his eyes. "Well, she's definitely not cruel if that's what you mean."

"Then what's the problem?" Ginny asked softly.

"The problem is that-"

"Well isn't this sweet?" a cold voice interrupted. "A weasel and a scarhead. How quaint."

"Stuff it Malfoy," Ginny said turning to face the blonde boy.

"Oh, careful little weasel, don't want to lose our temper now do we?"

"Why are you speaking in plurals?" she shot back.

He scowled at her, "I'll leave you two to your 'discussion.' You might want to be careful Potter. Big brother weasel might come around and imagine his reaction when he sees you shagging his little sister."

"He's not 'shagging me,' as you so eloquently put it, we're just talking." Ginny argued. "But then, how should I expect you to know what we're doing? You can't hold a civil conversation at all and I hardly think your two goons can carry an intelligent discussion. All they do is laugh stupidly to whatever you say. It must be really comforting to know they'll laugh no matter how lame your comment is, which is often the case."

Draco stood there for a moment; his mouth moving but no sound coming out. Finally he turned about and left.

"Wow Ginny," Harry breathed, "I've never seen Malfoy speechless!"

"Yeah, it's great isn't it?" Ginny couldn't help but feel a little elated at Harry's amazement.

"We'd better get back to the common room. We can finish our talk later," Harry said sliding off the table.

"Okay" she replied, feeling slightly disappointed that the interruption had erased any chance of Harry admitting his feeling tonight.

When they reached the common room Harry went to find Ron so Ginny went to her dormitory. Sitting on her bed she pulled out the book she was reading and prepared for a quiet night alone. She had just opened the book when she heard a tapping on the window. Sitting up, she saw an owl; which she recognized as her quill pal's. Standing up, she ran over to the window and threw it open. Taking the letter from the owl she sat down on her bed and read.

V

That's too bad about your brother not letting you play Quidditch. It's a fantastic game. As for potions, if you ever have any questions, feel free to send me the question and I'll do my best to teach you. I doubt it will get there in time, but we can try. So you almost wish I went to your school? Why almost?

I don't like to talk about the family business, but yes, it is pretty horrible. And to think at one point in time I wanted to be a part of it.

As for the love letters, dearest, I don't think we're quite ready for those yet! Write back, love.

Love, D

Draco threw himself onto his bed and let out a frustrated breath. He didn't know how much longer he could keep this up. It was easy making fun of Potter because he truly loathed the Boy Who Lived. He didn't have a hard time mocking Granger, the little mudblood was an annoying know-it-all. As for Weasley, Draco gave him a hard time for the simple pleasure of seeing his reaction. But this littlest Weasley; she seemed to stop him every time. It was bad enough that she had to be so damn pretty but her reactions to his insults were unacceptable. Either she would brush the insult off like she didn't care or make a remark that pointed out his faults. He didn't like being brushed off and he most certainly did not like having his faults pointed out. He liked to think of himself as perfect, but he knew he wasn't. It was all part of his facade. Why does it all have to be so bloody complicated?! Draco punched his pillow before collapsing back onto the bed. Wait, had he called a Weasley pretty? Sighing Draco rolled onto his side and fell into a fitful sleep.

Ginny sat at breakfast the next morning listening to Amber ramble on about her quill pal.

"And she said at her school they have separate rooms! What I'd give for separate rooms. Not that I don't love rooming with you guys."

"Oi!" Ron called as he and his friends approached. "Are you talking about your quill pals?"

"Yes" Chloe said, "Do you know the name of yours?"

Ron's face suddenly went very red, "Yes"

"Well? Aren't you going to tell us?"

"flurdelcor" he mumbled.

"I'm sorry, what?" Ginny asked.

"It's Fleur Delacour"

"You mean that prissy part-veela you fell head over heels with and made a fool of yourself for two years ago?" Ginny asked incredulously, "Shouldn't she be done with school by now?"

"Well, it seems that after graduating she became a teacher's assistant at Beauxbatons. She liked the idea of quill pals so much that she begged Madame Maxime to let her participate. Beauxbatons was one short on the minimum number of students needed to make a go of the program, so the headmistress sent her name in with the students." Ron continued to look like a tomato throughout his explanation.

Ginny nodded, thoughtfully. "So," she said, a wicked grin crossing her face, "does she know who you are?"

"No, I'm anonymous," Ron said through clenched teeth as his face turned a deeper red. "And she's not prissy," he added, almost as an afterthought.

Hermione, who had looked rather upset through this entire conversation, chose this moment to break in with a snort. "Yes she is Ron and you know it! You just think you have to defend her because you're her little 'quillykins!'"

"Hermione!" Ron looked absolutely mortified.

"Quillykins?" Amber giggled, "This girl's more than prissy. She is positively nutters!"

Ron began to sputter and looked to Harry for help. "Well, you have to admit Ron," he said trying to hold in his laughter, "it is a bit much." By now everyone was laughing, even Jackson who usually looked morose. Everyone, that is, except Hermione.

Ginny looked in the mirror and smiled. It was the first Hogsmeade weekend of the school year and Harry had asked her to go with him; just the two of them. Checking her hair and make-up in the mirror one last time, she grabbed her cloak and threw it over her shoulders as she left the dormitory.

"Hey Gin," Harry said when he saw her walking down the stairs.

"Harry" she greeted. Together they walked out of the common room.

Draco sat at a table in the Three Broomsticks sipping his butterbeer. Crabbe and Goyle sat across from him sticking straws up their noses and laughing idiotically. Draco rolled his eyes and glanced across the room. His gaze stopped when he spotted Potter and the little weasel sitting in a secluded corner. Potter was leaning forward and speaking earnestly. The little weasel seemed to be entranced with his words. Since when is Potter able to charm girls? Then again it is the little weasel. What's her name again? Piggy? Bah, who cares? This is my chance to prove that I will not be unsettled by her. Placing his usual smirk on his face, Draco stood from the table and left fully expecting to get a different reaction out of the little redhead than usual.

"The thing I'm trying to say, Gin, is that I don't think she feels the same as I, erm, my friend does."

Ginny sighed inwardly and took a sip of her butterbeer. They had been in Hogsmeade for two hours and all Harry had talked about was what he, wait, what "his friend" should do concerning his crush. Ginny just wished he'd ask her out already. All these preliminaries were causing her to become annoyed with Harry. Is it always this complicated when a guy asks a girl out? She looked at Harry, who was still babbling on about "his friend's" girl troubles. Nope, I'm pretty sure it's just Harry. Ron did mention once that girls make Harry nervous.

"Harry," she sighed impatiently.

"I mean, this could crush h . . ." he stopped; realizing she had spoken. "Did you say something?"

"Harry, you can stop talking about your friend now. I know who you're really talking about."

"You do?"

"Yes and it's alright, I'm sure whoever the lucky girl is she'll at least be flattered. You don't have to worry about her laughing at you. I know you would never fall for someone like that."

"Really? Thanks Gin, you have no idea how much better I feel now. I should have come to you with this problem a long time ago."

Ginny nodded and held her breath waiting for the question she was sure would come next. How should I answer? "Yes!" or "I suppose." How about "I thought this day would never come! Of course I will!" No that sounds like I've been in love with him for the past five years. Oh wait, I have . . . Her thoughts were interrupted by what Harry said next.

"So when should I tell her? I mean, when's the best time? Cho's usually surrounded by friends. Giggling friends . . ." his voice died off when he saw Ginny's face. Tears were welled up in her eyes and her bottom lip was quivering. "Oh, oh Gin I'm sorry. I thought you knew about my feelings for . . . I'm so sorry. I didn't think."

"No you didn't think Harry!" she spat, "You never do! That's the problem! You knew how I felt. It's been obvious since my first year. And yet you still came to me, the girl who likes you, to talk about Cho, the girl you like."

"I-I'm sorry," Harry stuttered, "but I thought you were over me . . ."

"Well obviously I wasn't! But I am now. Goodbye Harry. Tell Ron I went to the castle early will you?" Ginny stood up quickly and walked with her head ducked to hide her tears. Her progress was halted as she smacked into someone's chest. Tilting her head back, she found herself looking into the smirking face of Draco Malfoy.

Draco opened his mouth to make a cutting remark but stopped when he saw her red, puffy eyes. For a fleeting moment he considered asking her what was wrong. Quickly pushing that thought aside he searched for insults.

"No need to cry," he said cruelly, "I'm sure there's some spell that'll make him love you. I can't think of any other way anybody would love a little weasel like you."

She ducked her head again and for a moment Draco thought he had succeeded. Just as a victorious smirk began to creep across his face, she looked up at him with a glare that made his insides shake. Her red eyes didn't help. Before he knew what had happened, Draco was lying on the floor. Looking up he saw Ginny standing over him and putting her wand away.

"I'm only going to say this once Malfoy," she hissed, "Leave. Me. ALONE!" Yelling the last word she left the pub, purposely stepping on his fingers on her way. Holding back a yelp of pain Draco sat up and massaged his fingers.

"What are you all staring at?!" he spat at the silent crowd. Rising from the floor, he stalked out the door and returned to Hogwarts.

After a visit to the hospital wing where he received a pain-killing potion from Madame Pomfrey, Draco returned to his dorm where he spent the rest of the day doing homework. He skipped dinner because he was too embarrassed. No doubt the entire school knew by now that he had been beaten by a girl, a Weasley girl no less. Hearing a tapping at the window, Draco stood up and let the owl in. Taking the letter, he read what V had sent.

D

Today has been the most horrid day of my life! It started with the boy I like. He's been talking to me lately about the girl he likes. Silly me, I thought he meant me, but no, it's some Quidditch babe he's liked ever since he set eyes on her. He doesn't even know the girl! He just likes her because she's pretty. Are all boys so shallow? Anyway, after I realized who he was talking about I started to cry. He realized that I had misunderstood and began apologizing. It only added humiliation to injury. Finally, after yelling at him, I got up to leave. And who should I be lucky enough to run into? The school bully! He made some rude remark that I don't care to remember. I lost my temper and pulled my wand on him. The only highlight of my day was seeing his stunned face! Anyway, I'm sorry to gripe to you but you did offer to listen. Well, I'd better go. I want to mail this before dinner.

V

Draco folded the letter and pondered what he had read. How ironic that she had pulled her wand on somebody the same day he had had a wand pulled on him. No, it wouldn't be the same day. It'd been a couple weeks since he had sent his letter. Considering the time it took to deliver, this could've happened anytime between now and then. Still, it was rather odd.

A/N: Sorry about going off on Harry liking Cho, but it's always kind of bugged me that he didn't bother to get to know her before falling deeply and madly in love with her. rolls eyes Anyways, let me know what you think. And thank you to all my wonderful reviewers! I love you! REVIEW!!!!!