Cinderella

Beaner-Bop

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A/N: Ugh.

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Disclaimer: Haven't you seen the sad, sad truth enough?

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Chapter Nine: Invitations

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Ginny was walking around her current place of residence when Peter and his wife came barreling into the door together. The older woman (who Ginny has taken to calling Lady in her head) was practically smothering Peter with affection Ginny had seen since Peter gave Lady a new gold necklace.

I wonder what he bought her now?

She looked back down and continued reading another book she got from the shelves. She saw a flash of something bright pink and transparent. Wondering what it is she closed her book and walked over to them.

"Hello, how was the theater?" Lady turned around rapidly before glaring harshly at Ginny.

"Oh, it's you." She pasted a smile on her face, "It was wonderful, dear. How were you and the girls?" Ginny shrugged.

"I couldn't find them, so I read." Ginny ignored Peter who was glaring at her. She didn't need to feel the glare from a parent that wasn't her own. Lady snorted very…un-ladylike.

"It's because of things that you aren't going to the ball." She waved the clear pink plastic in front of Ginny's face. "Your father," Lady turned and grinned at Peter seductively, making Ginny want to gag, "Was so…sweet. He was able to rustle up a few tickets to the ball…" Ginny's eyes widened.

"There's going to be a ball?" She whispered. Where the hell did that come from? She asked herself, once again. Lady nodded.

"Yes, in honor of Prince Draco's Eighteenth birthday." She grinned happily to the ceiling and brought her hands together in a praying motion, "They say he's looking for a bride!" Her grin got wider, "I just know it'll be one of my girls." She turned her stare to Ginny again. "Your father didn't get you an invitation, but I'm sure that's alright, right? You're a little bit to tomboy-ish to really like dances and such." She practically twirled away from them. "I must go tell Mildred and Donna." Ginny stared at her, wondering if the woman was serious.

I can't believe the woman wants to sell her daughters away like that! Doesn't she care at all what they want?! …Wait a second, did she say…Ginny's eyes got larger than platters, or would've, had it been possible.

Did she say 'Prince Draco'? No way in hell!

She shook her head.

This is my luck.

Dammit.

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"The dance is WHEN?!" Draco screamed. His mother was leaning on the doorway ringing her hands, and not looking at his face. His friends had left earlier and his mother asked if she could have another word with him.

"Tomorrow night." Draco started moving his hands around quickly.

"I thought you said something else." His mother shrugged at him.

"Whatever I said, it doesn't matter. It's going to be tomorrow." She looked downcast for a moment before biting her lip and looking into his eyes. "If it makes any difference Draco…I really am sorry." She told him.

A knock came from the only door in the room they were in. His mother went to answer it. He waited somewhat impatiently for her to get back, when she did, she looked more downcast than before.

"All the girls are from the kingdom - all those who are coming." She whispered to him, trying to be somewhat kind. "And remember, don't marry for looks, or money." She shivered again, "Marry for kindness, and now," She took in a deep breath, "Your father wants a word with me." Draco nodded at his mother as she left him alone in the room. Shaking his head he fell down to the floor.

Damn.

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The liquid burned her throat, but her sister told her to drink it, so she did.

She was supposed to follow her sisters orders.

She missed Ginny.

She was becoming a new sister to her.

She wasn't now though.

The liquid burned, she kept drinking.

Her sister was watching her.

Her sister told her to drink everything in the glass.

When she drank the full glass she began to lick it a little, trying to get it all.

Linette nodded at her.

She was happy.

Carminda drank all the liquid.

It would take a while to work.

That's okay.

Linette was telling her something.

What was she saying?

Oh.

That.

Yes, Linette.

Carminda will be a good girl again.

Would you like some tea, Linette?

Carminda will go make you some.

Maybe some cookies too?

Caminda will make those for you.

Yes, Linette.

You are the best sister anyone can have.

You are perfect.

You told me so.

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A/N: another chapter done!

Bean