Author's Note: I know I'm updating fast now – sorry for that (wait a minute… sorry? bah.), but I was brainstorming with my sister in the car on the way to a Barenaked Ladies concert last night, and I'm in 'the zone' now!

Sooo… no one has reviewed chapter twenty yet (because I'm sure that no one expected me to update so soon! ), but I'll post this anyway – I owe you guys.

            There was a light tinkling noise, a spoon being tapped against a finely made goblet, and one of the many butlers (Draco couldn't remember his name) announced that dinner was about to be served, and would you all please take your seats.

            He breathed a sigh of relief, and started towards the table. As he drifted further and further away from the Minister and his mother (hands slightly clenched as she took the stupid man's arm), a flash of red caught his eye. Weasley! What had she been doing all this time, while he was roped into exchanging pleasantries with Fudge? Not thinking about me, that's for sure… He paused. What, now you want her to like you? As if that's going to happen. And for goodness sakes – she's a Weasley, Malfoy. It would never work. Like you even want it to work. You don't. Because it won't. And why in the world am I thinking all of this?!?

            Virginia was talking to a boring looking woman who was speaking with intense passion about something. Virginia was smiling, almost smirking, though Draco couldn't figure out why. Lurking behind her was a miniscule man who kept looking around as if watching for someone. What is she up to? He thought. Plotting my demise, is she? He glared in her direction, and stalked off to the table, determined to remain aloof and standoffish around her. This is what she expects of me anyway, right?

            If Ginny had to listen to another minute of this woman talking, her head was going to implode. She couldn't take it. Surely this was cruel and unusual punishment, and all of the Ministry officials in this room should be sentenced. Not to mention the fact that Mr. Peanickle was still hanging around, trying to stop any other Ministry members from approaching Ginny, and hoping to woo her into the Department of Distribution. It's what the country is built on, after all.

            Finally, Ginny rolled her eyes. Dinner had just been announced, and she was more than thankful to get away from these people. As she approached the table, she kept an eye out for Draco. She wanted to see if his mood had improved, or if he was still angry at her. She caught a glimpse of pure blonde hair at the head of the table, but couldn't see his face. Oh well. Not like I care, anyway…

            "Miss Weasley? Right this way, please." Servants were escorting guests to their seats, and Ginny started as one appeared suddenly at her elbow.

            "Oh, of course." She allowed herself to be led towards her place. The table was quite long, and it took a considerable amount of time to maneuver through all of the guests from one end towards the other; it was only after a while that Ginny noticed she was being taken towards the head of the table. This is odd…she thought. Ginny grabbed the servant by the elbow. "Excuse me – are you sure you're taking me to the right place?" she asked.

            "Certainly, Miss. You're right up here, across from Mr. Malfoy." Ginny's eyes narrowed. Across from Mister Malfoy, am I? What a coincidence…

            "Thank you." She set her jaw, determined to maintain a steely manner with him, since he obviously had something miserable planned for her. Just ignore him, and eat the food. Talk to the person next to you, and whatever you do, don't look at him.

            A chair was pulled out for her, and Ginny sat down, carefully avoiding looking across the table. Out of the corner of her eye she could tell that Draco was talking to someone behind him, so she chanced a glance to see who was sitting nearby. Mrs. Malfoy was at the head of the table – traditionally a man's spot, and Ginny was surprised that the Minister wasn't seated there, it being his party and all – and Draco was at her right hand. Ginny was seated directly across from him, and to her left was a plump, gaudy lady that she didn't recognize. To Draco's right was none other than Mr. Ollivander, of Diagon Alley fame. A little further down, she recognized various heads of prestigious departments in the Ministry. She let out a little sigh. This is going to be a blast, I can tell…

            Hands in her lap, Ginny studied the many utensils laid at her place until everyone was seated. Finally, Mrs. Malfoy stood, and everyone turned to watch her.

            "Welcome to my home," she smiled, and Ginny noticed that she really looked much prettier now that she wasn't being shown off by Lucius Malfoy all of the time. "As all of you are well aware, my son and I," she gestured towards Draco, who stood and nodded his head, before sitting again. "are hosting this event to honor the re-election of our capable and admirable Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge." At the foot of the table, Fudge stood, and smiled benevolently upon them all, before Narcissa Malfoy led polite clapping. "I hope that you enjoy this meal, and the rest of the evening." With that, she sat down, and servants began to serve food.

            Don't look at him, don't look at him, don't –

            "Why Virginia! What a surprise," I'm going to have to develop a new strategy. That chanting to myself never works. Trying not to cringe, Ginny dragged her eyes upwards, and met the challenging glare of Draco Malfoy.

            "Yes, quite." She smiled dolefully, and returned to smoothing her dress, attempting to make it clear that conversation was not wanted.

            "What a pity your parents couldn't be here tonight," Draco said, quite loudly, and a number of Ministry heads turned her way. She glared at him.

            "They have other priorities,"

            "Indeed." He was glaring fiercely at her now, and Ginny finally gave in and glared back.

            Draco wasn't really sure why he was suddenly feeling so nasty towards her. It wasn't as if she'd done anything to him – just giving him a glimpse into the impression that she held of him. And now he was going about reinforcing that. Malfoy you pompous, overgrown ferret, stop this before you regret it. Shit, I already do regret it. So STOP already!

            For once, Draco decided to listen to his conscious. It was high time he began that practice anyway – he let his emotions get the better of him far too often. She's going to be completely confused though… Draco sighed a little.

            "Of course your parents have other priorities," he stated, gradually softening his glare. (he couldn't just stop it all at once – he had to keep some dignity) "Dinner parties are hardly at the top of the to-do list for today's leading wizarding families." He fought back a chuckle as Virginia's glare turned quizzical.

            "How true, Draco!" His mother had apparently overheard. "Why, I'm flattered that you could at least be here to represent your family, dear," she said to Virginia, who looked flat-out confused now. "Though it really is a pity that your parents aren't here. I've always found them quite delightful!" She smiled at Ginny, and allowed a plate to be set in front of her.

            "Thank you," Ginny said, obviously surprised at the sudden change from hostility to friendliness.

            The woman next to Ginny began chatting with Mrs. Malfoy, and Draco began eating. Ginny just sat there, dumbfounded. What is going on? One minute, the boy's got a death threat out against me, the next, he and his mother are making small talk. I'm very confused.

            She shook her head gently, still trying to decide whether or not to reciprocate the sudden change in mood, or stay annoyed at him, and looked at her food. It was some kind of fish, topped with a creamy sauce, and there were delicately prepared vegetables arranged along the side of the plate. Ginny decided that confusing emotions could wait until after dinner.

            She started to pick up a fork, but received a light kick on her shin. She jumped in surprise, and looked irritably up at Draco. He had one eyebrow cocked (ignore the eyebrow, ignore the eyebrow…ooh, how I love that eyebrow thing…damn it!), and was subtly pointing to a specific fork with one finger. Ginny looked at her forks. There were six of them. One for each brother, she thought. Then she looked back at Draco. He was miming eating with one hand, and pointing to the middle fork with the other.

            Now why is he helping me out, and not letting me make a fool of myself? She wondered, and picked up the correct utensil. She shot him a curious glance, and started to eat. This was turning out to be a really weird night.