Hey guys, back again! Exams are OVER! Its summer YEH EH! Results are in, I did well.. I Came second position so..I'm glad to be back. The fics a little longer so I hope you like it.

Chapter 8:

The Culprit

"Seems like forever, doesn't it?" Hermione asked Ginny one cold morning in the Gryffindor Common Room.

Ginny sat back into the couch and pulled her blanket higher to cover the skin not shielded from the cold by her jean shorts. She folded her arms on her chest and snuggled her cheek into the soft warm fabric of her grey sweater. "Come on Hermione, its only been three days!" She replied with a laugh. She shook her head at the look of discontent on Hermione's face.

"Ginny, do you know how much we can do in three days! It's ridiculous the amount of classes we missed!" Hermione replied in a disbelieving tone.

"Well I for one am enjoying this, it's nice to get away from school, work, teachers, and.." Ginny raised her eyes to the stairs leading up to the boys' common room, "and all those things that bring unhappiness."

"All I'm saying is that if Dumbledore doesn't punish Malfoy for doing that to McGonagall, I certainly will. I've been in the restricted section of that library enough times to know some curses to-"

"It wasn't Draco who did it," informed Ginny.

"Oh, it wasn't?" Hermione said raising one eyebrow. "Who was it then?"

"I don't know."

"So how can you be sure it wasn't Malfoy?"

"Because he said it wasn't him, ok?" Ginny replied quickly.

"And you believe him?" Hermione looked at her testily. "Do you know how many lies Malfoy has told? Malfoy is the one who told Harry to meet him in the Astronomy Tower for a duel just so he could tip of a professor and get him in trouble! He can't be trusted."

"Well he's telling the truth this time. He would have told me if he had."

"You? Ginny not to be rude, but why you? Malfoy trusts no one."

Ginny opened her mouth to protest but she was interrupted by a tapping at the window. She turned to see a snow white owl perched on the ledge with a roll of parchment attached to its leg. She eyed the bird curiously. Hermione stood up to approach it but Ginny held her back. She had always been good with animals, and she was dying to know where that magnificent bird had come from. She opened the window and allowed the bird to perch on her hand. She brought it inside, stroking it lovingly.

"Well hi there," she said softly to the bird. "Aren't you a pretty thing? Where'd you come from?" She slipped the parchment off from its leg and set it on the table to drink some water. Taking a seat on the couch she untied the note and proceeded to read it, Hermione looking at her curiously. It read:

"Gin

If this keeps up much longer the plan will suffer greatly, and I have some devious tricks up my sleeve that will make Potter itch with jealousy. I figured you didn't have an owl of your own, and I've seen that thing of Weasley's in action, what's its name? Erin? Whatever it is that thing is hopeless. So this one is if you need to reach me, it's name's Firebolt. Its capable of OIM as well, cost me a pretty penny so use it well.

Draco"

Ginny widened her eyes in amazement.

Hermione turned expectantly towards her, "So whose is it?"

Ginny stared off into space too shocked to speak. She whispered softly, "Its- Its- its mine!"

"Yours? But who on earth would-"

"Malfoy..I mean, Draco. He gave it to me. You should check it out Hermione it has OIM and everything!"

"Whoah, wait a minute!" Hermione raised her hand to stop Ginny and blinked her eyes. "One, Draco got you an owl? Why? And two, what on earth is OIM?!"

Ginny rolled her eyes, "Herm come on! You really need to get your head out of those books for a while. OIM is Owl Instant Messaging. It's the hottest thing to be invented this year! Only a couple people I know have it. You send a message you get your reply instantly.. well, almost instantly." Hermione gave a nod of approval. "As for the reason Draco gave this to me.." She paused and thought about Draco's plan to help her with Harry. She could never tell Hermione about it, that was a definite no. Hermione could keep her word of secrecy, but she had a way of getting to Ginny's conscience that was very annoying.

"Ginny, what's going on between you and Malfoy? All of a sudden you guys are best mates. Aren't you a little bit worried?"

It was true; Ginny was still a little worried. Despite the benefits that Draco promised and no matter how nice he was being, she couldn't get rid of the feeling that told her that this plan would only lead to pain. And now she was faced with another worry, Draco said that he had 'some devious tricks' that would make Harry itch with jealousy. What could he have in mind? She wanted Harry, of course, but she wasn't so sure about how far Draco would take the plan. She still wanted to keep her dignity after it was all over, and she wished to do nothing to jeopardise that. She needed to do something she had forgotten in the first place, she needed to lay down some ground rules between her and Draco, fast before his evil mind went too far.

XX

After excusing herself from Hermione (not without curious glances) Ginny took her new owl to her dorm and proceeded to write to Draco. She had only just written the first line when she was interrupted by Hermione.

"Ginny, Ginny! They've caught them!" The bushy haired witch shouted while bursting through the door. Ginny looked up, confused, at Hermione.

"'Mione, what?! They've caught who? Slow down."

"The perpetrator, the one who cast the spell on McGonagall, they've got them and they have them in the Great Hall. They're calling us down there right now."

With a large sigh Ginny put down her parchment and quill and secured Firebolt in his cage. She slipped on her robes and headed off with Hermione.

It would be back to regular school again. Just one more day would have been sufficient. Damned school. But then again, her plan to get Harry could continue. She smiled as she headed down the stairs. It was about time the plan got back on track...about time.

XX

The Great Hall was packed with students all anxious to know who was the one who cast that spell. Everyone was engaged in what seemed to be an interesting conversation, no doubt about the person who was caught. As she walked towards her seat she noticed Draco scowling at the Slytherin table. He must have realised what she figured out before: the person who was responsible for this could very well be a threat to his rep. that person could be the next hottest thing to hit Hogwarts.

She took her usual seat at the Gryffindor table, beside Hermione and opposite Harry and Ron. They were busy trying to predict who did it.

"Bet you 20 sickles it was Blaise. 'T was about time before the Slytherins stroke again," said Ron Confidently.

Ginny rolled her eyes, "Ron, you don't have 20 sickles to bet. Honestly, sometimes you just speak without thinking."

"I never recalled talking to you," said Ron coldly. "Why don't you go off and talk to Malfoy?"

"You never recall anything Ron," She shot back. She raised one eyebrow as if inviting him to challenge her. But he declined as he resumed talking to Harry about how Slytherins had been full of bad eggs since the day of Salazar.

A hush fell over the body of students as Dumbledore stepped forward ready to speak. The usual twinkle in his blue eyes was replaced by disappointment. He clasped his hands and began to speak. "Students, today we have discovered the one who put McGonagall in the Hospital Wing for two days. I must express my disappointment as well as disgust about what has taken place. Magic should be used not to harm, but to protect, to create, to fight against evil. With this said, I have good news and bad news." He looked at the students and smiled, "The good news is that you will be resuming regular classes tomorrow morning." The Great Hall erupted. Many students were seen with looks of anger, disappointment, and a mixture of both on their faces. Others seemed quite happy to get back to work. Ginny was unsure of her feelings, she cherished the break from her sorrows, the time to rest and reflect, but she wanted to get continue the plan she and Draco had started. She wanted to take it to the next step. "This afternoon however," Dumbledore continued, "I am allowing you some time to get some fresh air, and to do the things you could not do during the last three days." Many faces brightened at this last piece of information. Clearing his throat Dumbledore proceeded to inform the students of what they were anxious to hear, his face sober once more. "The bad news is that one of our students has crossed the line. One of our students has physically harmed a teacher. One of our students has disrespected the staff, the school and magic itself. The bad news children, is that Mr. Neville Longbottom is hereby expelled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Harry turned shocked to Hermione, "Neville?!" He screamed. Many Gryffindors jumped from the table astonished. The Great Hall erupted. Many voices blended to create a sea of confusion. Dumbledore's voice could no longer be heard over the chaos.

"SILENCE!!" He screamed. The sea of confusion slowly settled. "Yes, you heard right. Mr. Neville Longbottom was the one behind the prank. He is packing his bags as we speak. He will leave the school tomorrow morning. I am sorry to see him leave, as I would have been for any of you, but there is no other way. But let's not dwell on the bad. Let the feast begin!"

As the food appeared on the table Ginny wondered how Dumbledore could expect any of them to eat at this time. Even the Slytherins were too shocked to eat. She looked to the side of her to see many first years engrossed in conversation.

"OMG! Like that Neville is such a bad ass!" said a blonde first year. "OMG, like I know! He has some balls!"

"Is it me or did he just become like totally hot!"

"I know! He is like the hottest," squealed yet another.

Ginny rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the trio.

"What do you suppose he's going to do after he leaves?" asked Hermione. She was obviously very concerned about Neville.

"I have no idea, he can't very well get a decent job in the ministry. He's got no credentials," replied Ron, his mouth full of chicken.

"This doesn't make any sense," Harry intervened. "Neville just wouldn't get up and cast a spell on McGonagall. For Christ's sake, he fainted from Mandrakes! No, there is something more to it, and I think we need to find out what it is." He eyed Hermione and Ron, and the two immediately got up from their seats and headed out the door. Harry stayed behind and tapping Ginny on her arm he asked, "Ginny, are you coming?"

"Be there in a minute Harry," She told him. She looked around the Great Hall one last time and followed Harry out.

XX

The trio, and Ginny, hurriedly entered the Gryffindor Common Room.

"He's not here," Ron said, disappointed.

"Let's check the Dorms," Harry suggested. The four proceeded to the Gryffindor Boys' Dorm, Harry in the lead.

"Neville, what are you doing! Put that out before you get yourself in trouble!" Harry screamed.

The others gave a gasp as they saw what was going on. Neville was sitting on the side of his bed with his trunk already packed, with his robes carelessly put on revealing a white vest. He was smoking what looked to Ginny like some leaves rolled in parchment. He turned to face Harry.

"Newsflash Potter, I'm already in trouble," He said while releasing a puff of smoke.

Hermione rushed to his side and grabbed the roll of paper from him. "Neville Longbottom! Is this marijuana, what are you thinking?! Have you gone insane?" She rambled.

"Take it easy woman," said Neville. "And give me back my Mary-Jane would ya!"

"Neville calm down," Harry spoke, trying to avoid any trouble. "Neville what happened? Were you really the one who did that to McGonagall?"

"What if I did?" he retorted.

"Neville don't you get it? You're being expelled! What are you going to do when you leave here? How are you going to get a job?!" Ron exclaimed.

"I've got my home boys waiting for me."

"Your home boys? What on earth are you talking about? What home boys?!" Hermione told him.

"Those in my hood. We're going to start a band. You'll see my name in lights!" he spoke as if he was speaking to himself. "Lumos," he muttered and a light ignited at the tip of his wand. He took out another roll of parchment and lit it up.

"But Neville," Harry said to him again, "Why McGonagall? She's been nothing but an inspiration to us all!"

"The bitch was going to have us transfigure frogs! You call that an inspiration? I needed to give her a taste of her own medicine."

"So this was all over frogs?" Ron said confused.

"Yes, you have a problem with that?! Frogs are wonderful creatures! She shouldn't be allowed to touch them! I doubt she'll have the nerve to approach one after what I did to her," He sniggered to himself. He looked around the room and noticed Ginny leaning on the wall in the corner. His lazy eyes lit up. "Aaaaaah, Ginny, there you are. Come to say good bye have you?" He slowly approached her. "You look more and more radiant every time I see you." He was now dangerously close and Ginny couldn't help but feel threatened. "If there was one thing I regret not doing while I was at Hogwarts," he whispered while trailing his finger up and down her neck, "it's getting together with you. But.. maybe it's not too late.." He took her face in his hands and held it tightly. Ginny's face contorted with disgust as he came closer and closer. She closed her eyes unable to face what was happening.

"Don't you dare touch her!" boomed Harry's voice.

Neville licked her cheek and turned to Harry, "What's it to you Potter? Is she your girlfriend now?"

"I don't think that's any of your business." Harry's face was full with anger and he headed over to Ginny's side. "Step away Neville."

"Or what? Will I get expelled? I don't think so." Neville took Ginny by her waist and pressed her body against his. Ginny whimpered as she felt his body on hers.

Harry held up his wand, "Neville don't make me do this!" But Neville seemed too busy (or high) to even listen to Harry. "Mobilicorpus!" Harry yelled. Instantly Neville's motion was restricted as if he was being tied up by invisible strings. He fell to the ground, screaming swears at Harry and the others.

Harry ran over to Ginny and embraced her. "I'm sorry Gin, so sorry" He said stroking her red hair. "I'd never make him hurt you. never." Ginny closed her eyes as she rested her head against his chest.

I love you too, Harry, she whispered in her head.

"What do we do with him?" Ron asked.

Harry let go of Ginny to look at Neville lying on the floor, although he was still cursing, he looked a lot more exhausted.

"I'd say we leave him here till Dumbledore comes to get him," said Hermione.

"Good idea," Harry told them, and he proceeded to exit the dorm. They followed.

XX

Once they were in the common room Ron flopped down on one of the couches and yelled, "Wizard's Chess!"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Ron not again!"

Harry gave a laugh. "I guess it would help us pass the time." Harry and Ron started setting up the table and Hermione settled by the fire with a book Ron had gotten her for the summer. Ginny excused herself to go to her dorm and wash her face. She could still feel Neville's warm tongue on her cheek. She went into the bathroom and after numerous scrubbings, washings, and dryings she decided that not even the dark mark could have survived those cleanings. When she entered her dorm she noticed that there was an owl on her bed with a note on its leg. She approached it and untied the note. She placed the owl into firebolt's cage to have a drink. Laying on her bed she opened it and read:

"There's a party tonight at nine p.m. in the garden for students only, you're going to be my date and we are going to make this relationship public. Then I can finally start my devious plan. See you there. wear something sexy.we need to make Potter jealous.
Draco."

A smile spread across her face as she read the last sentence on the letter. That she definitely could do. She had always had a knack for stylish dressing. One thing she prided herself on was dressing sexy without being slutty and she couldn't wait to show it off. Then she remembered what she had planned to do. She needed to set down the ground rules with Draco. Praying for no more interruptions she let Draco's owl go and took up a parchment and quill and began writing:

"Draco Before the party I need to talk to you about laying down some ground rules. I want to get Harry, but not at the expense of my dignity. We need to discuss how far you're going to take these 'devious plans' of yours. Gin."

She took Firebolt form his cage and tied the parchment to his leg. He perched on her arm and gracefully flew away to deliver the note. She had only just sat on her bed when her bird was back with her return.

That OIM really does work, she thought in amazement.

She took the note from her owl and put it back in its cage.

" Fine then, meet me at my dorm at 7:30pm in the Slytherin Dungeons. I'll leave my door open for you. You'll know which room it is, my name is written on the door. Draco"

She put the letter away and went to her closet. She knew the perfect outfit for that party, and she couldn't wait to show it off.

XX

It was 7:00 and she was all ready for the party. She was dressed in a white corset, laced up in the front, with low cleavage revealing the top of black lace bra. The corset ended just above her naval and fit snugly to her perfect form. With it she wore her white hip hugging loose long pants. Her hair was fit up into a loose bun with some curls draping down. She put on her black necklace, and slipped on some bangles. She checked the time again: it was 7:05. She decided that it was best that she left for Draco's dorm now for fear that she might miss the meeting like she did last time. The last thing she needed was to have Draco mad at her...again.

She took her purse from her bed and headed down the stairs. She passed Ron and Harry in the common room playing Wizard's Chess and Hermione still reading. Harry looked up from his game, "Off to the party already, Gin?"

"Not yet, I'm just making a quick stop before I go," she casually replied.

"You look nice," Harry commented casting his eyes on Ginny's outfit.

"Thanks Harry," she blushed.

At this Ron looked up from his game and furrowed his brow in anger. "You call that nice?! Ginny you will not go out in public with that outfit!" he yelled.

Ginny rolled her eyes, "Who says?"

"I say!" Ron screamed as he stood up.

"Let me rephrase that," Ginny told him calmly. "Who important says?"

"That's it! Ginny I am sick of you and your sarcasm-"

"Threatened Ron? Maybe one day you'll muster up enough intelligence to make a come back."

"Ginny that outfit is ridiculous! Why would you even wear that?"

"I dunno." Ginny replied sarcastically, "maybe because I like it?"

"Ron, really, there's nothing wrong with her outfit," Harry intervened.

"I can't believe you Harry! Ginny's too young-"

"She's grown up Ron," Hermione pointed out.

"I don't care what you two say I will not allow my little sister to walk out like that."

"Since when do you care?" Ginny shouted back.

"Ginny if I had to tell mum and dad about this they would be so angry. I know what's best for you. Do you know who you're dealing with? Malfoy's not all you think he's cracked up to be," he rambled.

"Ron, why don't you save it for the only two people who care," she said glancing from Harry to Hermione, and quickly exited the Common Room. Ron was not worth wasting her time on. Now she was off to a place where no Gryffindor should ever go: The Slytherin Dungeons.

It was so dark down there that she had to squint to see. She was startled as she heard the portrait of a knight speak, "Password."

"Umm, I don't have it," she said unsurely. "I'm here to see Draco. Draco Malfoy."

"Miss Weasley I presume," it replied.

"Yes," she smiled, impressed. "How'd you know?"

"Mr Malfoy has often come down here scowling and arguing over the disgrace to magic, the Weasley's, and their unusual red hair." Ginny felt a little awkward at this remark and it showed on her face. "Plus," the portrait continued, "Mr Malfoy has told me to expect you. You may enter."

"Thanks," Ginny replied.

The password shook its head, "Those Gryffindors, always gracious, 'G'day Mr Painting!' 'How you doing today?' 'Thanks lots!'" he said in a mocking tone. "Sappy Bunch if ya ask me!"
XX

She entered the Slytherin Common Room to find it completely empty. She wondered where they had gone, but decided to leave it alone. It was lucky for her that they weren't around. Who knew what'd happen if she came face to face with them...in their territory. There were two stairs to the left and right of her leading up to rooms. She was trying to decide which one to take when she noticed a door in front of her which read "Malfoy D." She guessed that that was Draco's dorm and turned the handle. No one was there. She entered the room slowly, when she noticed a tall masculine figure in front of her. The body was glistening with drops of water. The firm lean abdomen ended with a white towel wrapped around it. The arms were muscular and strong, the chest smooth and enticing.

"Well you're here early," came Draco's voice. She looked up to see his silver blue eyes staring down at her. His blonde hair not slicked back as usual, but carelessly tossed about his head. She blushed. Malfoy was right there with nothing but a towel on, and worse than that she had been admiring his body.

"I-I didn't want to miss another meeting," She told him, trying to regain her composure.

"Alright, I'll go upstairs to change, you can wait here. I'll be back in a minute."

"Thanks," she smiled.

The door was closed behind her and she was left in his extremely large room all alone. She looked around. His walls were neatly painted in dark green. He had his own library stock full of books. She went over to it. The first shelf held his school books, the second all the books you could find on Quidditch. He had some Charms books on the third, and on the last shelf were books about the Dark Arts. Ginny was hardly surprised considering who Draco's father was. She trailed her fingers over the books as she passed. She noticed a silver cage that held the owl who had delivered Draco's invitation earlier. It was a charming owl, much better that the one she had. Its wings were extremely wide when outstretched, and it looked strong enough to deliver a heavy parcel across England in a matter of hours. She continued exploring the room and then settled onto the large bed with silk green sheets. She noticed a small parchment addressed to Draco from his father. She had always wanted to find out what Lucius was really like, and a letter from him to his son would tell her exactly that. But right now something else had her attention. On the side of her was a brown tattered book. It was such a curious looking book. Draco seemed the person who hated old things, so why would he keep this ancient book? She turned it at all angles to find any clue that would tell her but she found nothing. She would just have to open it to find out.

XX

How was it? I hope it wasn't too bad.

feLtOnZLuVr : Thanks, well as for Draco having sex with Ginny..hmmmmmm...I'm not sure yet..lol. I hope you liked the chap, thanks for reviewing

Fezza : Glad you're back Fezza. I hope you had a good time on your trip. You probably wont believe this but, lol, I have no idea what step 3's going to be. And don't worry about me posting spoilers.I haven't read the book yet either. Thanks for always being there.

GothicVampress: lol, I love it when Draco's hot and sexy too! dreamy sigh Yes, I think its hot that he's playing her..but Ginny isn't exactly at the losing end..I mean Harry's beginning to notice her..don't ya think?

candygi523 : Thanks, I hope you like this too.

Stunned Angel : Tom is very hot..totally hot.hotter than fire..hotter than the sun...so hot he makes me feel faint.lol, I could go on and on. Yeh I know I made Harry kinda on the zoolander side (lol) but I mean, I think if he couldn't do something about Ginny for 4 years he was either stupid, or egotistical. But other than that I like Harry...I don't intend to make him TOO stupid. I had this recent dream of Tom.sigh ...

Rens-BombRush : lol, rens. Thanks so much! Lol. Yes, I hope the chap ok and all.

DracosGurl2003 : Hey, cool. I read the chap, it was great as usual. Thanks for reviewing.

SlytherinSweetie: Thanks for putting me on your favs! Yay! Lol, yeh I know harry's a lil git here but hey...maybe it'll change? I dunno. I like him as a git though, it humors me. Yes, when the Weasleys and the Malfoys find out it'll be very interesting.

Nicole: Hey, sorry I kinda annoyed you with the reviews and all. I'm trying not to make them too long. But I just want to show my gratitude to each person. Thanks though for liking my fic, and thanks for the comments.

niiri : I'm glad you're having fun. Lol, that's what I'm here for..I don't know who's gonna win either. I'm as clueless as you guys..well almost as clueless.

Draco's Babe!!!! : Thanks so much for your review.

MelissaAdams: lol, Missy. Thanks lots. Yeh Ron is a little on the dense side.. poor kid. Glad to see you cracking up, lol, I did too.

La Bella Yu-gi-oh : Yeh, My name's Seka (weird I know.lol). Awwww, I cant believe you deleted that story. I was laughing so hard! But anyways, I'm sure the others are great. Thanks for putting me in your fic too!

Ginny001: Thanks. Your fic is so good also. But you haven't updated in a while, have you?

Well thanks lots guys, your reviews always mean a lot to me. I hope you like the chap.