I'm so sorry this is late, but for those of you that haven't read my profile lately and that I was able to get an e-mail to, I was unable to load any of my stories until today. Apparently I broke one of 's rules and instead of contacting me and asking me to get rid of it, they deleted the offending story and banned me from uploading for a whole week. Personally I think that was a very cruel way to do things, since it made me feel as though I was being punished for accidentally doing something wrong, but who am I do say, huh? growl Anywha, chapter 21 will be up on the 31st and I really am sorry that I couldn't post this on the 23rd.

Chapter; The Twentieth

Eye of the Storm

After the shock of getting through the rose ceremony so quickly and the repulsion of seeing that Janice had made it too Ginny got back her good mood with a vengeance! Ginny and Trista stayed up late that night talking in Trista's room. Ginny was hesitant to tell her friend about what had happened the night before, for fear that Trista would be upset, so she said nothing about it.

Trista, however, seemed to feel no such restraint and was thus regaling all the events of her date with Harry, though she had already done so days earlier. Ginny didn't really mind; she felt a pang of jealousy every once in a while, but she would quickly quash it and listen attentively again. It wasn't as though Trista was bragging, though, she was just so excited that she couldn't keep anything in. That's just how Trista was.

Ginny was tempted to sneak out again after she left Trista's room, but the chance of another midnight meeting was rare, and even if it did happen…what would be her excuse? 'No, actually I'm exhausted, but I thought I'd sleep out here on the off chance that you'd come out and we could repeat the actions of last night.' Yeah right. Ginny fell asleep quickly after Trista left, and it was of Harry that she last thought before sleep overcame her.

The next morning, Ginny was nervous. She didn't really know why, though. There were now only three of them left with Harry so she worried how breakfast would be. How would she act around Janice? How would Janice act around her? How would Janice act around Harry? Now that she thought of it, she couldn't really remember anything remarkably horrible about the way she acted when Harry was around. Though, breakfast was the only time she had ever seen them together, and Ginny had never really been part of the conversations on that end of the table.

Ginny didn't feel like worrying about make-up and decided that if she had to go anywhere today she would remedy that. So, she fixed her hair, practiced her smile in the mirror (and after realizing how dumb she was being, stuck her tongue out at herself in the mirror) and went out to breakfast. And, of course, she was late.

Janice and Trista each had a seat to either side of Harry. The table, which had recently been long enough for three on each side and one at the head was now sized for the remaining three and Harry. There was no head of the table; it was a perfect square and Ginny sat staring directly at Harry.

Ginny wondered vaguely why no one had taken this seat, until she realized that Janice had her chair pulled as close to Harry's side of the table as was possible. If the table were any smaller she could have been sitting practically on his lap. Ginny wanted to grind her teeth, but instead put on a pleasant smile and began talking to Trista.

Breakfast tasted like ashes to Ginny that morning. For the first time she was really able to hear what Janice was saying to Harry and it was a pile of steaming cow dung.

"That's so interesting. I loved my defense against the dark arts class in school, but we were never allowed to work with a boggart. I'm not even sure I know what it would have turned into for me." Janice shivered prettily as she continued. "You must be so brave."

He believes all that? I mean, yeah, he is really brave, but come on now! Can't he tell she's just feeding him lines?

Ginny looked at Harry to see him smile politely at Janice and change the subject. She latched on again. "Expelled? You were almost expelled from school? Well, I'm sure it wasn't your fault, was it?"

Harry assured her it hadn't been his fault. Ginny wanted to ask him to go into more detail, but Janice wasn't going to let her get a word in edgewise. There was one time during lunch – when Janice really went all out and decided to talk to Trista, as though it would make her look good to be friendly with one of her competitors – when Harry's attention wasn't taken completely by Janice. Ginny desperately wanted to talk to Harry but she knew there was very little chance of that with Janice at the table. She did catch his eye, though. They shared a smile and Ginny had to duck her head and occupy herself with her food so that he wouldn't see her blushing. Mm! I love his smile!

Connie joined them not much later to discuss the plans for the next couple of days. Apparently for the next three days the girls were going to be taking Harry home to meet their families. Ginny blanched. An entire day during which Harry could potentially be subjugated by her two older and twin brothers? They were sure to try and get in as many embarrassing stories about Ginny as they possibly could in the short time. This was going to be a disaster!

"Today, Harry will be going home with Janice to meet the Torbeck family." If Janice hadn't been trying so hard to impress Harry, she would have been smiling at Ginny like a cat with cream on it's whiskers. As it was, she had the audacity to look surprised and – saints preserve us! – nervous! The day that Janice Torbeck is nervous is the day I sign up to be the guinea-pig for my brothers!

As soon as they were excused, Ginny made a bee-line for her loo. She wasn't completely sure she was going to throw up, but she recognized that it was better safe than sorry.

Trista let herself in not long after Ginny positioned herself over the toilet, and leaned against the counter looking down at her.

"Now, I really wish I had just been kicked off yesterday. Even that would be better than what I know is going to happen." Ginny kept her head over the toilet as she spoke and felt a bit too dramatic, but not in the mood to care.

"Why?" Trista asked softly. "What's going to happen."

"Don't you see? Janice has completely brainwashed Harry! As far as he's concerned, Janice is as nice a person as either of us, though a little desperate. He doesn't see that it's all a show. And now he has to meet our families?" Ginny did look up then. "You don't know my family, Trista. He'll never want to see me again after spending time with the over-exuberant twins Fred and George, the success-obsessed head-boy Percy, and the attention-starved Ron. And one could only hope that Bill and Charlie won't be around or we'll really have a handful. Then there's my dad, who's obsessed with muggles and mum who will act like the two of us haven't been fed properly since this whole thing started. But first, he's going to give Janice an entire day to brainwash him about the wonderful-ness of her, and by that time, there'll be no stopping her!"

Trista stood there looking down on her, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips. "Are you finished?" she asked lightly.

Ginny's nod was sulky as she repositioned her head over the toilet. She felt even more ill now. "Now, don't you think you may be overreacting just a bit?" Trista raised her voice slightly and talked right over Ginny's protests. "I mean, after all, Harry isn't dumb. He's sure to see what Janice really is eventually. I would bet that him spending time at her house will be the worst thing for her. And after all, she's going first, so the two of us have the chance to undo her brainwashing when we get our turns." She pulled Ginny gently to her feet. "Don't worry about it okay? Besides, your brothers are all older than you, right? Who's to say they'll even be there?"

"Oh, they'll be there," Ginny muttered sourly. "Even if Fred and George have to call in a personal holiday and close the shop, they'd never miss the chance to torment me. And Ron still lives at home, believe it or not. Pathetic sod. He needs to get married."

Trista chuckled quietly but Ginny ignored her, focusing on the contents of her stomach, which, at the moment, seemed to have a slightly lessening desire to make a re-appearance.

At length, Trista coaxed Ginny out of the loo and by that time Harry and Janice were long gone. As for one, good riddance! And for the other, please see through her!

For the sake of Ginny's stomach, Trista opted to talk of anything but the up-coming family affairs. Instead they pulled out another of Trista's contraband and watched a movie in Trista's room which was once again sound proofed. Good thing no one seemed to care what the ones left behind were doing; everyone was focused on the two that were gone.

Despite Trista's efforts at trying to change the topic, Ginny somehow got to talking about Neville. "He liked this movie, you know. He's the only guy I know who would admit to liking a movie like this," Ginny said gesturing toward the chic-flick on screen with a wave of her hand. "He was really a sweet guy. He started out as kind of a geek, but I saw through that stereotype. By the time we finished school, there were over a dozen girls that wished they had seen what I had seen in him. And yet, he still stayed humble."

Ginny glared as she recalled. "You see, it was after school ended that his head inflated. He had been rubbish in Potions until I started helping him in school, so after we finished school and I was helping with the synthesis he took for granted that I was doing the potions work. As far as he was concerned, I was merely an off-shoot of him; his potions were being brewed because of me, but his mind saw that they were getting finished because he wanted them to be. When I figured out that synthesis on my own, he had to realize that I was not some sub-set of Neville, but my own person. I'm not sure he was able to handle that."

The two were silent for a long time as they watched the movie and brewed over what Ginny had said. Ginny felt tears stinging her eyes and brushed it off saying, "Oh, I love this part," to hide the real reason for the tears.

Ginny was too miserable to stay up much later after they finished their second movie. She begged off and retreated to her room where she quickly finished the scarf through a haze of tears and fell exhausted into bed.

The next morning Trista and Ginny ate breakfast by themselves since Harry and Janice weren't expected back for another hour at least. Connie did come in half way through to announce that Trista would have the honor of taking Harry to her house this day. After she left, Ginny felt Trista's eyes on her and was determined not to look down crest. "Now's your chance to do your half of the de-brainwashing. You had better do a good job." The smile on her face felt plastered and fake to Ginny but she held on to it with all her strength. Trista smiled, a bit surprised, and the two hurried off to get her ready.

They had just barely finished packing when Connie came to get her. Ginny followed Trista to the alcove and saw both Harry and Janice waiting. Before Ginny could so much as glare, Janice swept over and pulled Trista into a hug. "Have fun," Janice cooed. "I only wish I could see your house too," she added as she held Trista at arms length and smiled at her. Ginny closed her mouth with a snap and chanced a look at Trista who appeared to be completely dumbfounded and was looking at Janice like she was some peculiar breed of prat. Twisting her face into a brief smile, Trista squeezed Ginny's arm discreetly and walked over to Harry.

"Want to play a game of chess?" Janice asked right before everyone left, so that they would all be sure to hear her.

After they had left Ginny rounded on Janice. "What are you playing at?" Ginny's temper was flaring.

"What? I really do want to play a game of chess with you."

"That's not what I meant, and you know it. Stop using us to make yourself look good. Harry's too smart to fall for that, and we're too smart to let you do it." Janice smirked

"Harry doesn't seem to be too smart yet. He's falling for it, and he's falling for me. You might as well go home now, because you'll never make it past the next rose ceremony." She paused with another smirk. "Sure you don't want to play chess? You'll never be able to beat me." That last could have been taken either way; never beat her in the show and never beat her at chess. It also had the feel of a threat.

"I'll go get my pieces," Ginny growled through clenched teeth.

"Wonderful," Janice called after her as she stormed to her room.

The-insufferable-know-it-all: Naw, you wanting Janice to suffer isn't all that sad. I mean, I created her, and I can't stand her! lol

Joy Cutting: Yes, I rather liked their late-night meeting as well. It seemed a little contrived, but I figure I've been so realistic up until this point that I should be allowed a little cliché, don't you think? Hehehe Well, who knows how good Janice will be at "POOF"ing, but we shall see ;)

ZzSheiliahzZ: As you saw in this chapter, Janice is completely different around Harry; he's never seen her the way the other girls see her. And, as far as the guy she was talking to on the phone…that shall be revealed later. evil laughs

Alexandra5: H'mmm…is she? I don't remember saying that Trista and Ginny were both going to make it to the finals… I'll have to think about that. cruel grins

HarryGinny g2g: You're not the only one that wishes she'd be gone. I even wish for it ;)

Rayah Papaya: Yeah, see the heart beat thing (or at least the "don't worry; you're alive" thing) is something I do with my fiancé. He laughs at me all the time because the cute things that happen in this story are mirrors of things Joe and I do together. shrugs It makes sense, really; Joe is the only guy I've ever seriously dated, so all I know is what we have. Does that make sense? Anywha, I hate the sudden-ness in other stories too. I mean, why continue to read if the couple gets together only 3 chapters in? It can only get worse from there! Well, technically Janice has already made it near the end; there are only two more dates before Harry has to kick one more of them off. Yeah for semi-sweet fluff. Hopefully I'll be able to get some full-fledged fluff in her pretty soon; I'm looking forward to it giggles

Harrysmom: Thanks! Yes, Janice is around to make things interesting…and you don't know just how interesting yet… hehehe Thanks for being patient; bet you didn't think you'd have to wait this long for the chapter though, huh?

Twins-rule: Oooh! What does she say about Janice? I want to know! Lol Maybe I could use it in the story if it isn't too explicit. Hehehe Yes, isn't Harry cute, and isn't Janice annoying? evil laughs You people don't know just how bad Janice is though; you'll all see in just a couple more chapters though.

Chewy1: I'm so sorry that you weren't able to read this chapter the day before you went to Paramount Canada's Wonderland. I had every intention of posting; I'm sorry :( But look, I can make a koala for you to make you feel better! See? (0) Yay for Koalas! …Anywha, this chapter wasn't quite as interesting as the last chapter, and the next chapter should be somewhere in between the two. I hope you like them!

Katmiester: Well, of course I responded to your review! You took the time to review, I take the time to respond…then again, people don't usually post over 40 reviews at a time… Anywha, everyone sure does seem to love hating Janice; I know I do! H'mmmm…well, Dustin is a complicated matter, but you'll see. At least, I think he's complicated…then again, I'm not sure if the whole background story will fit into this, but just know that even if it doesn't seem like it, the story behind Dustin is complicated. Ha! This is the only story I've ever worked on that I actually posted with some consistency. I've never even finished any of my other stories, though I am planning to as soon as I finish this one.

Granger's Twin: Well, people seem to be implying a lot of places I could stick Ginny's knitting needles. I don't think Ginny is nearly that violent though. At least her temper hasn't flared yet…oh wait, it has! Haha! Won't we have fun with the Weasley temper next chapter? Oh, I think we will :) I'm glad I can make you laugh. It would be sad if I was the only person I amused. You agree? Lol

SailorChibi: Do you really think Janice can keep her true colors from shining through eventually. Harry's not dumb, he's just a bit thick. Anywha, I never saw Outback Jack, but…can you imagine what it would have been like had he chosen the other girl? Wouldn't that have been interesting…

Jade Stellar: Gah! That would have been horrible! If I had kept Laurie instead of Trista I would have stopped reading! Lol H'mmm…what was Harry about to say instead of the comment about her nickname? He hadn't been about to reveal his decision for the next morning, had he? ponders Oh no, that couldn't have been it. evil grins No, I'm not quite stressing yet, but I will be about a month in advance. My wedding is the day after semester finals. I think I created the situation for my own death; death by stress. I think I may have to find a masseuse for the knots I'm sure will be over taking my shoulders around that time… Yeah, I rather liked the line about crushing Janice's toes into the carpet as well. I probably would have…

Miss Corker: I'm not sure; would you consider this a cliffie? Maybe a baby one… Anywha, I'm sorry I could post on the 23rd, or even the 22nd. I'm posting as soon as I can, though! I could be posting sooner if I didn't have to reply to some 40 reviews! lol Not that I'm complaining, really. giggles I'm really glad you liked the chapter so much. And, uh…I've actually asked things like that before. I was a horrible little flirt in my younger years. Hehehe

Ashlee V: Well, happy 15th birthday, and thanks for the word. "Aw" is a nice descriptive word. Lol Thanks for reviewing.

KeeperOfTheMoon: So, I take it you had fun at the Usher concert? Lol Yeah, you aren't the only one to complain about the reviews at the end of the chapter, but I wouldn't feel right not responding to everyone! And I can't very well have a chapter that's just an A/N or they'd delete this story too and ban me from posting for another week! grumbles I'm glad you like it despite the long review replies at the bottom :)

Nessie8: Actually…I'm not sure I ever described what Janice looks like. I always hate describing people's appearances in stories because if it doesn't fit with the flow of the story is just seems…stupid. Anywha, yes, typing "thanks for reviewing" at the end does get annoying. Last chapter was the only time I ever did it for all of them; good job for noticing :) And no, I didn't copy/paste it. I probably should have, since I started to spell it wrong after a while. "'I' before 'e' except after 'c'." lol Sorry…I'm an idiot. Anywha…

Kneh13: Yes, three left, and it will only be a few more chapters before someone else is sent home. But who shall it be? dramatic music lol

Bakaneko: Yes, evil laughter. You will know when I use the idea that you gave me, and I will even try to give you credit for it in my A/N for that chapter. It may be a while though. At least two more chapters: maybe three. Yes, romantic scenes are fun; too bad I haven't gotten to write many of them lately. Gah! You have an evil cat!! Oh my gosh…why did you tell me that? I think I'm going to be sick cries Don't ask me about punishment. My friend Will's cat Boots tried to claw my ear off last night! grrrrrrr

Sunflowerchild: Yes…that's a good way to describe Janice. She adds "flavor." Lol That's a very diplomatic way to put it. Hehehe I'm so glad you liked the chapter!

Harry/Ginnyfan4ever: looks around Who have you been talking to?? A couple of your guesses were right on the nose and several of them were very close. I'm not going to tell you which ones though, of course. And just know that I had already been planning on them before you suggested them, so, you know…don't get a big head when they come about! Lol That is so weird though…I guess I wasn't being as covert as I though. Sadness. Anywha, thanks so much for reviewing. Oh, and there is another round left for only two people. This isn't the end yet.

Spaced Out Space Cadet: Yes, bloody Janice indeed. Well, I didn't exactly keep Trista on for comic relief, but it will probably bring some interesting situations with it. I have my dress too! capers It's gorgeous! I can't wait for Joe to see it…but I have another 4 months before he gets to…

Marina eyes: You know, I'm not sure how much longer this story is going to be. I already know what's going to happen in chapter 21, then in 22 Ginny takes Harry home with her, and that will probably last until 23 or 24. Then, all hell breaks loose around that time; chapter 25 will probably be the next rose ceremony. A couple more chapters for the last couple of dates…I'd say we're looking at at least 30 chapters. How does that sound? Hehehe Sorry I made you wait so long for this update; I usually post every four days. And I'm so glad that you decided to read this! Thanks for reviewing.

IceSugarHigh: There will be one more elimination before the final rose ceremony. I don't think Ginny and Trista need to make any kind of pact; they're both good enough people that they wouldn't let something like that break them apart. Do you think that Janice is human enough to feel something like…loneliness??? I personally don't! lol

Angel: Oh there will be twists; you can bet on it! And the second one will be beyond evil! cackles Just you wait! Yes, it does sound better with him calling her Ginny; I don't know what I was thinking! Lol Thanks so much for reviewing.

Elvencherry07: Thanks so much.

LillianaRose: eh…I hope you didn't have a breakdown waiting for this chapter. I swear, I'm updating as soon as I can!! Blame them! It's all their fault! I don't know who "they" are though…they keep themselves anonymous. How ironic… Anywha, this is the first story I've written that I've kept to a schedule. It seems to work better this way though. Thanks for reviewing.

Rachel A. Prong: No, Harry isn't stupid he's just a bit…thick. Janice is very manipulative and she's a very convincing actress. You can't hold that against Harry.

Maddie: It has now become a VERY late birthday present, but happy birthday just the same! Sorry I couldn't post the day after your birthday.

PrettWithAJadedPistol: I am a fan of fluff as well. Hopefully I'll get to write some more soon. I'm in a fluff-withdrawl stage :(

FuNnY cIdE: Yeah, the "you're still alive!" thing is something I do with my fiancé. He thinks I'm a dork. Hehehe

Chaos Girly: Well, I'm glad you found that line so amusing. I wonder how Harry would have reacted had she been completely truthful…maybe I'll have a side chapter at some point where I go into that. Naw; that might be overdoing things. Thanks for the review.

Ferrit: Yay! I'm so glad you decided to read this! And I'm even more glad that you actually like it. I figure if I keep posting regularly, maybe more people like you will finally give in and read! evil laughs And then I can take over the world! …or something like that. Anywha, thanks so much for reading!

SRAndrews: Erm…how's your sanity? I swear, your sanity really does mean something to me…it just doesn't mean anything to the moderators at It's all their fault, so if you turn into a psychopath because I made you withdraw, kill them, not me! So, uh…I'm not giving anything away or anything, but most people know how this story is going to end. Most people know how almost all romances are going to end in books and movies…its trying to figure out how it will happen with the least number of people getting hurt that makes romances so interesting. And you'll really understand what I mean in a couple of chapters.

Alannah: Oh, Janice's presence is going to make things VERY interesting, you can count on it. I really liked that scene too. I hope I get the chance to write some more fluff into this story. It's fun! Hehehe

Harrysgal8: Ah, but the fun in a romance isn't figuring out if they're going to be together, it's figuring out how they're going to be together. You'll understand better what I mean in a couple of chapters.

Fred-George-Lee-Luver: Well, I normally update every four days, this is obviously an exception. And Ginny is never going to take Harry or Trista to the garden to listen to Janice, so don't count on it. Don't worry. Something will make the proverbial…crap…hit the fan, but we've got a couple chapters yet before that happens. I listen to a lot of different types of music; most of it is of the Christian persuasion. I love the Benjamin Gate and Relient K, but I also like Evanescence and Incubus, Hoobastank and Muse. Then I also like softer stuff like Stacie Orrico and La Rue. And no, I don't have any pets at all, let alone out of the ordinary pets. Do you?

Loves to Read: Yes, there is indeed a twist coming with Janice still in the show. And what a twist it shall be…

Essiekl: It's addicting huh? Alright, I can deal with that ;) Thanks for reading!

Notice-me: Janice fall? Oh, but she's too perfect to do something clumsy, wouldn't you say? Yes, I figured that Ginny couldn't be in a situation like that without thinking something that would make her blush. Hehehe

Danu3: lol I'm so sorry! But you see, I didn't kick Ginny off; I wouldn't do something like that…yet anyway. Lol Well, I hardly updated "super quick" but I hope you can forgive me this time.

Milky way bar: Why hasn't he eliminated her yet? Why, because I still need her of course! Lol And don't worry about reviewing late; I'm just glad to be getting reviews!

EternallyMine: Don't ever lament about writing a review that is too long; the long ones are my favorite! Lol As for the school Harry went to…he went to Hogwarts, but I don't know where the others went. Apparently Hermione, the Weasleys and Neville went to a different school but I don't know where. It doesn't matter too much to the story, that's why I haven't gone into detail about it. I'm very flattered that you like my story so much, and I hope you continue to enjoy it (and review it winks) thanks for reading!

ZigZag722: lol No, no love potions, just good old fashioned…acting and manipulation. She's very good with both, it would seem, don't you think?

Nat: Lots of angst coming up, yes…As far as a happy ending…there is another twist to the story, so I can't really answer that question; it would be unfair.

Phenix-tears: Thanks so much!

HermioneRon 4ever: Thanks! It may just be my favorite chapter too :)

Darcy16: Well, I didn't update as soon as I had hoped, but I think it may be soon enough, yes? Thanks for reading and reviewing and I'm really glad you like it!

Me: I was going to update on the 23rd.

Author of the Mark: Well, I didn't think that their schooling was incredibly important, so I haven't gone into great detail. Basically, we have to put to use the "will suspension of disbelief." In other words, I know it doesn't seem possible, but that's the way it is in my story, so I need to pretend to understand it. And…would you explain what you mean by "define sentences" and check my words to make sure I "got them down right." I really have no idea what you mean by either of those phrases…

Kat: Yay for polka-dotted monkeys! I'm glad you like the fact that I don't keep things the way they are expected; life isn't like that, so why should "reality" be? (see the point of the title now? Hehehe) I updated as soon as I could, and I usually update every four days so you don't have to wait too long for updates :)

Lilypotter15: Thanks so much for reading this! I'm now very glad that I posted at SIYE because several of the reviews for this chapter have been from people who saw this story there! Lol Thanks for checking this out and reviewing!

Ann: Well, here's an update for you! Enjoy :)

Irishlass08: hehehe I actually hate reality shows; all of them. I never watch them, isn't that ironic. Anywha, I'm glad you came here to read the story and I'm so glad you like it! Thanks for reviewing.

Angiegs: Yeah, I know; people complain about the chapter length all the time. Though I did have someone tell me that the chapters were too long once! Lol Thanks for reviewing!

Gah! That took forever to respond to all of those! Thanks so much for your reviews everyone! Oh, and happy 15th birthday to Ashlee V and happy birthday (don't know the age) to Maddie. And, congratulations (and THANK YOU!) to Loves to Read for being my 400th reviewer!!!!

Next chapter will be up by the 31st…I think. Thank you everyone for your reviews; you really don't know how much they help! Several of you have given me ideas just by the questions you ask. This story wouldn't be nearly as good (or as long, for that matter) if it weren't for you. Thanks! Jaa, mata ne.