Chapter 47- Circle of Friends

-

Mr. Weasley took the acknowledgment of the veiled threat to Ginny much better than his son did. The younger redhead grabbed handfuls of Draco's shirt. "If that bastard you call a father tries to hurt my sister…."

Arthur placed a calming hand on the boy's shoulder. "He's not the enemy, Ron."

Weasley released his grip. "Oh, yeah, I forgot. Sorry."

Draco used a steam spell to remove the wrinkles from his silk shirt. "No harm done, but in the future, do try and remember that I only want to protect Ginny."

Potter said, "If you stopped seeing Ginny, she'd be safe."

It took all Draco could do not to laugh in the other boy's face. "Believe that, do you? I'd not thought you one for false optimism, Potter."

"I'm not, but admit it. You're too selfish to give her up."

Conscious of his audience, he spread his hands. "You're right. I am, so live with it." His words were spoken to Potter, but he meant them for Ginny's family too. A glance at Mr. Weasley revealed a steady gaze and a small smile. Draco's brows drew together. The wizard was unlike any father he had ever known. This calm reception made him uneasy.

"I'm not asking you to give up your relationship with my daughter, only to help thwart any attempt to harm her." Arthur's composure defused the tension in the workshop.

Draco nodded. "How can I help?"

"I'm not sure, but hearing your willingness puts me at ease." The older wizard's gaze narrowed as he looked past the boy's shoulder, out the window. His tone changed to one of urgency. "Molly's coming. Use Disillusionment Charms. Quickly!"

The four boys blended into the background only moments before Mrs. Weasley burst into the building, waving a letter. "Look at what's come in the post! It's a letter from Ginny. She says that the school is having another dance and she wants to wear a Muggle ball gown instead of Wizard robes." Shaking the envelope, she said, "What's wrong with dress robes? I wore robes to our Yule ball, and you couldn't take your eyes off me!"

Mr. Weasley cleared his throat. "Now, dear, this really isn't the time for that sort of discussion."

The hair on the back of Draco's neck stood up when the woman sidled over to her husband. "I say this is the perfect time. Bill's off on an errand. There's just me, and you, and that comfy rug over there."

His blood grew cold. He was standing on 'that comfy rug!' If he moved, she might notice a shift in the chameleon-like properties of the spell, but if he stayed….

Draco sagged in relief when Mr. Weasley said, "Why don't we go back to the house, love, and you can refresh my memory about those robes." The man raised his voice. "If Bill returns, I'll just leave a note telling him to go get a bite to eat, find something to do for a few hours, before returning"

Mrs. Weasley giggled. The sound was eerily similar to Ginny's laugh. "Hours, hmm? Let's go!"

After the older couple had left the workshop and returned to the house, the four boys broke the spell and became visible once more. Ron's face was scrunched up in his 'about to spew a slug' expression of discomfort. He said, "Crikey, they're old, they're parents. That's not right!"

Roberts snickered. When Weasley glared, the other boy wiped the smile off his face. "Sorry. Things are always more amusing when they happen to other people."

Potter looked to be fighting a smile. "What are we going to do while we wait for…er…."

Offhandedly, Draco mentioned, "Our girlfriends are shopping in London as we speak."

The other three turned to him with interested gazes.

"How could we find them?" asked Weasley.

Draco took the Trackingbrall out of his pocket.

The freckled face became thoughtful. "We could Floo to my brothers' shop and go from there, I s'pose."

Roberts' grinned. "All in favor say Aye-Aye!"

He was not humouring a would-be pirate. Draco growled, "Arrr."

Irrepressible, Roberts Wesley laughed "Close enough!"

The Weasley twins were sharing a huge plate of sandwiches at their desk when the boys began to Floo into the office. Jumping to their feet, the two didn't demand to know what their little brother was doing off school grounds. Instead, they delightedly clapped him on the back, offered his friends a sandwich and asked, "If you're managing mischief—"

"—can we come along?"

Draco watched the three brothers grinning like fools and tried not to feel a pang of envy. He bit into a ham sandwich. It was edible.

Beside him, Potter said, "I always wanted to be part of a big family."

"And now you are," Draco said.

Green eyes gave him a mock-innocent look. "Just think, Malfoy. One day they could adopt you too."

If Potter expected him to fall over in horrified shock—the way he almost had over that 'Mrs. Weasley's picking out the right shade of green for your sweater' comment—the wonder boy was disappointed. Draco shrugged and took another bite of sandwich. He noticed the disgruntled expression on his old enemy's face and smirked.

The only Weasley brothers who merited being addressed by first name left two part-time helpers and a trio of shrunken heads in charge of the shop.

The heads hung in the doorway between the public and private areas, telling children who wandered too close, "Hey, don' be comin' thru if you don' wanna look like dis!"

The twins noticed his interest. Fred said with a nod to the chortling trio, "They're brilliant. I don't know why Muggles say 'talking heads' like it's a bad thing, d'you?"

Draco shook his head.

Once they left the shop, Roberts said, "My mum's Muggle, and 'talking heads' are what they call people on telly who talk constantly without saying anything and—you have no idea what I'm talking about do you?"

George smiled. "Not really, but it sounds interesting."

A few meters ahead, Potter was staring at a Quidditch supply shop window. When the group reached him, they saw what had riveted his attention. It was a notice that the Chudley Cannons were holding a practise session open to the public.

Ron shouted, "It's today!" He looked at the clock inside the shop. "I mean now!" The timbre of his voice rose in excitement. "That pitch has a public Floo station nearby. We could go!"

Fred and George looked tempted. They looked at each other and then asked,

"But what about your plans—"

"—for finding the girls?"

Roberts said, "The girls don't know we thought about following them."

Draco was torn. He wanted to go watch professional Quidditch, but he wanted to see Ginny too. A thought struck. He said, "If the girls had wanted us to come, they would've invited us. They probably want to surprise us with their dresses."

Weasley immediately nodded. "I don't want Hermione mad at me for ruining her surprise. I think we should go watch Quidditch instead."

The six quickly agreed and made their way to the Central Floo Station. Arriving near the pitch the Cannons were using for the practice session, the group strode over and got in line to purchase tickets. Draco stepped ahead of the others and reserved a private box.

He heard George whisper to his identically smart-mouthed brother, "Too posh to mix with the crowd, is he?"

Without turning around, Draco answered, "If you want someone in the crowd to recognise the hero of the Wizarding world, I'll exchange the box for general seating when the man returns with my change."

Silence reigned until the money was handed over and they stepped toward the entrance.

Roberts said jokingly, "If you change your mind about publicity, Potter, my father's on the Quibbler staff."

"I'm happiest when my name is out of the papers, thank you."

Inside the box, the twins grinned.

"Since we didn't pay for the box—"

"—we'll pay for the beer."

They strolled out with a cheery, 'be back soon.' Those that remained smiled in anticipation of an ice-cold beer. When the brothers returned, Fred tossed his younger brother a bottle, laughing at his open disappointment. "I'm not facing Mum's wrath for serving her underage baby boy, Ronnikins."

George presented Draco's bottle over his arm, label out, like it was champagne. "Only the best Butterbeer for you, sir."

Potter glanced at his own bottle. "You got him a pricier brand!"

Sitting between Potter and their brother on one end and Draco and Roberts on the other, the twins exchanged glances before the one who might be Fred tapped his bottle against Draco's bottle. "Of course. Potential investors always get the best treatment."

George tapped his beer bottle with his younger sibling's Butterbeer. "Cheer up, brother. You get to see the Cannons today, and next Christmas, we may be able to afford to buy you a bigger present."

Listening with half an ear to Fred's spiel about the brilliant opportunity to invest in a small business, Draco slouched in his seat.

On the other side of him, Roberts said in an undertone, "Do you get hit up like this a lot?"

"Hit up, hit on, or just hit…yes, I'm used to it."

Wearing bright orange robes adorned with a double 'C' and a speeding cannon ball, the Quidditch team took the field. The second string players wore white robes for the scrimmage match. As broomsticks lifted into the air, Draco said, "To think Quidditch began in a place called Queerditch Marsh."

At the other end, Harry called back, "Or that the snitch was developed to replace hunting a bird called the Golden Snidget. Amazing!"

The twins said as one, "Boring!"

Their brother scowled. "Do you want to sit by Harry and talk history, Malfoy? If you do, tell me and I'll trade seats, but otherwise belt it, because I'm trying to watch a match here."

Draco was tempted. He would like to talk about the history of Quidditch, but he just couldn't make himself go sit by Potter. Sulkily, he watched a Chaser botch a Reverse Pass, a Beater hit a Bludger Backbeat into one of his teammates, and the Keeper for the white team attempt a Starfish and Stick defence without a stick. He said, "They should change the club motto to 'Piss-poor and proud of it.'

Roberts chuckled. "They changed it in 1972, and probably won't again for another hundred years."

Draco sat up straighter. He asked, "Do you know the old motto?"

Eyes on the pitch, the other boy grinned. "'We shall conquer?' I don't blame them for changing it to 'Let's all keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.'"

Mentally crossing his fingers, Draco said, "I suppose a Ravenclaw knows everything about Quidditch through the ages?"

"Not all of us," Roberts said, "But I do." Slanting an amused glance, he sighed theatrically. "How I wish I could talk about anything other than this dismal match."

While pretending only faint interest, Draco said, "Let's discuss the changes in Quidditch since the fourteenth century."

-

-

Once the girls Flooed to the Zabini London flat, Luna watched, vastly entertained, as Blaise and Hermione each attempted to take charge of the 'Girls' Day Out.' The Slytherin girl proposed that the group visit the Siren Spa, have lunch, and then go shopping for gowns and shoes.

Hermione shook her head. "I've had a massage before." When she saw Ginny arch her eyebrows, the girl explained, "It was over Christmas holiday, in Switzerland, and Karl came highly recommended."

"Karl, huh?" said Ginny.

Fiona asked, "Did Karl look like a Viking god?"

Hermione ignored the questions. "As I was trying to say, after a massage, I was too relaxed to want to do anything as stressful as shopping. So I suggest that we shop, have lunch, and then visit the spa before returning to school."

Blaise opened her mouth, probably to argue, and then shut it, shrugging. "Whatever, it doesn't matter. Let's go."

Fiona and Morrigan giggled at their roommate's snappish tone and followed, with Hermione close behind. Luna met Ginny's eyes and smiled.

Her friend grinned impishly. "I hope we get a Viking god named Karl for our masseuse."

Outside the building, Hermione asked, "Where are we going?"

Without turning around, Blaise said, "Shopping."

"Not at Dolce & Gabbana Stregone, I hope."

"Why not? They've got new shoes in, and I want to pick up some snakeskin slides."

Tilting her head and using a tone that likely had the other girl grinding her teeth, Hermione said, "Because the rest of us aren't rich, and we can't afford to purchase anything. Therefore, we should go to a Muggle shop that sells clothing at a discount."

That made sense to Luna, but Morrigan pointed out, "I don't have any Muggle money."

Fiona shook her head. "Me either, and Muggles can't send our purchases to Hogwarts."

"You have a point," Hermione said, "but I still say we should…."

"What? Dig through the racks at a Muggle Ox Farm?" said Blaise.

"It's Oxfam and no, I'm not suggesting that at all."

Luna spoke up. "I know a Wizarding resale shop that sells ball gowns."

The bickering stopped. She smiled. "It's not too far a walk."

Ginny asked, "What's the name of the shop?"

"Ananke's Closet."

"I think I've been there before. It's upscale, not grotty."

The others agreed to go there. Luna led the way, saying, "The shop name is appropriate, since Ananke is the Greek goddess of Fate and Necessity."

Beside her, Blaise made a face when Hermione said, "Ananke was the mother of the Fates. Her character never wavered and her judgment was unalterable." A faint bafflement coloured the girl's voice. "She didn't have many temples dedicated to her, although I can't think why not."

Ginny said, "If there was no changing her mind, why pray?"

The girls all laughed.

When they reached the shop located in an alley off Diagon, they entered and were greeted by an assistant in a little black dress. Luna frowned. Why did dress shop assistants always have to be petite and thin enough to look spectacular in unadorned black? Didn't the owners realise that customers had an instinctive dislike of them?

The other girls were telling the woman that they needed ball gowns. The assistant who needed a new dye potion to cover dark roots was all smiles. "Come this way. We have recently acquired a new selection of gowns."

On one side of the shop, gowns hung against cream-colored walls or draped over mannequins. Classical music wafted through the space from a Wizarding Wireless Network station. Luna saw that even Blaise looked reluctantly impressed.

Luna smiled when a plump witch bustled out of the back room. She wore purple. The lavender-haired woman returned it. "Hullo, dear. Looking for a ball gown today?"

"Yes."

"Lovely. I'm Ananke, and I've got two gowns that would suit you splendidly." She led the way to a corner and gestured to a floor length gown in a turquoise and white abstract print. "It's silk, comes with a matching stole, and the scoop neckline is very flattering."

Luna was sure it was, but her eye was on the teal blue gown displayed on a mannequin nearby. The braided rhinestone shoulder straps and ornament on the deep V bodice were pretty, but the slight fishtail hem was what made her long to try it on.

"Ah, the sea goddess gown is what you want." With a wave of Ananke's wand, the gown was off the mannequin and in the girl's arms. "Dressing room's right over there."

Staring at herself in a full-length mirror a short while later, Luna smiled at her image, dreamily taking a flight into fancy.

Holding a sequined half mask up to conceal her identity, the blonde woman scanned the ballroom, looking for a handsome pirate. The masquerade ball was in full swing, the dancers circling the room in a waltz. The melody made her long to join the throng. Pink lips turned up. Only one partner would do. Her smile widened as she spotted a man in black making his way toward her.

A fabric mask obscured his golden hair, but nothing could diminish the brightness of his gaze. Merry blue eyes admired her gown as he bowed and lifted her hand to his lips. "You look like a beautiful mermaid tonight."

He offered his hand and led her onto the floor. While they were dancing, she searched his face, asking, "Do you miss being a pirate, trading the freedom of the sea for responsibility on land?"

Dimples appeared in lean cheeks. "At times…. That's when I steal my wife away and go for a sail." His lips curved. "Do you miss being a mermaid?"

She answered serenely, "Sometimes. That's why I procure saltwater gillyweed to take with me whenever I'm fortunate enough to be abducted by my roguish husband."

He laughed. The sound captivated her as much as it had once upon a time in an underwater grotto. Brushing tempting lips across her cheek, he whispered in her ear, "I'm feeling especially piratical tonight."

Pale eyes shining with anticipation, she returned huskily, "I'll bring the gillyweed."

The face suddenly appearing behind her in the mirror caused Luna to startle and jerk back, clearing her mind of fantasy to focus on Fiona.

The girl's auburn hair shook. "You were really out of it, Lovegood."

Luna gazed steadily at the other girl.

Fiona said, "I was just wondering if you were going to buy that gown. If you don't want it…."

"I want it." No other girl was going to play mermaid to Wesley's pirate if she had anything to say about it.

Hazel eyes were rueful when Fiona said, "I had a feeling you'd say that."

Luna tried to make up for her harsh tone by suggesting Fiona try on the turquoise and white ball gown that was hanging beside the 'sea goddess' gown. "It would look lovely with your colouring," she said.

"I will. Thanks."

The other girls were trying on their selections, except for Blaise, who said she already had a gown.

Hermione, turning sideways to look at her reflection in a nearby mirror, said, "Your mother brought it back from a fashion show, I expect."

Blaise rolled her eyes. "What if she did? Got a problem with that? No? Well, I have a problem with that dress. The cut and colour are all wrong for you. Almost anything would look better."

The owner sailed in just as the Slytherin and Gryffindor were about to go toe to toe.

Ananke held a coral strapless gown with silver beaded accents out to Hermione. "Take this, dear. The moment I beheld your perfect posture, I hoped you would try it on."

Hermione said, "Very well, since you asked so nicely." She took the dress and went to try it on, returning a few minutes later. "Will someone fasten the back, please?"

Ginny stepped up. "I love the dress. The hem is full and…." Red tresses shook as she said in exasperation, "I can't think of the right word."

"Fluttery" The girls turned to the proprietor. Her eyes twinkled. "The way your young man's stomach will flutter when he sees you wearing the gown."

From the soft, unfocused look in amber eyes, Luna could tell that Hermione was taking a short flight into fancy herself. The girl said, "I'll take it." Light brown brows drew together. "What shoes will I wear with the gown?"

Blaise held out strappy sandals. "The colour matches the beading, and the heels aren't overly high."

Hermione stared at them with narrowed eyes before asking the older witch, "How much are they? There's no price."

Luna saw Blaise shoot the shop owner a meaningful look.

Ananke said, "They are included with the gown."

Unable to resist teasing, Luna said, "If shoes are included, I'll go grab those satin slingbacks I saw earlier."

Blaise shot back, "Not with that dress, you won't. There's a pair of high heeled slides with rhinestone chandelier drops that are the only shoes that will do your dress justice."

Morrigan gasped. "Those would go great with my dress too! Where are they?"

Luna dashed for the shoe display at the other end of the shop. After the girls had made their purchases and arranged for them to be delivered, she was still feeling victorious over winning the twenty-metre shoe dash.

The group decided to have tea instead of a full luncheon. Inside a shop that rivalled Madam Puddifoot's with its glass ceiling, crystal chandeliers and oriental rugs, they ordered pots of Darjeeling. Blaise looked over at another table and said to the young woman taking their order, "Those cucumber and cress sandwiches look good. We'll have some."

The server nodded and began to move away. Ginny halted her by asking, "Today's specialty sandwich…herbed cherry chicken salad…do you recommend it?"

"Yes, they're wonderful. Shall I add those as well?"

The girls all nodded.

Hermione said thoughtfully, "We should probably have some fruit salad, for a balanced diet."

Morrigan said, "I love red currants!"

Lisa scratched her quill against the parchment once more. She grinned while asking, "Anything else, ladies?"

Luna cleared her throat and said, "Since we're trying to keep our girlish figures, I'll order something light for afters." When everyone looked expectantly at her, she said, "Chocolate Truffle Cake," and giggled, even while the others pelted her with sugar cubes.

-

-

Blaise led the way into the Siren Spa after tea with a content sigh. The classical furnishings and décor always made her feel like a goddess.

Behind her, Fiona gave a low whistle. "Posh."

Hermione asked, "What's this going to cost?"

Waving her hand as if to brush away objections, Blaise replied airily, "Nothing, it's already taken care of, so relax and enjoy." She turned her back, strolling toward the receptionist's desk. One thing she had learnt from both her parents was that acting as though something was a fait accompli often swayed others into sharing that opinion.

Since Hermione didn't object, Blaise's smile to the receptionist was a mix of satisfaction and relief.

Changing into robes a short while afterwards, the girls giggled over the gold embroidery on the soft Egyptian cotton.

Morrigan said, "S S…Siren Spa…or Salazar Slytherin…."

Tracing the entwined letters, Blaise said, "Severus Snape." Luna gave her a knowing look that received a moue and shrug. The rest of the girls reacted in various expressions of disgust. Fiona pretended to gag.

The spa package began with a hand and foot paraffin dip. The 'young ladies' as the therapist referred to them, broke into giggles after having their feet and hands dipped in multiple layers of paraffin and then placed into booties and mitts. Blaise enjoyed the deep heat that would leave their skin soft. Luna waved her mitts in a manner that reminded the Slytherin of a pantomime. She joked, "Hey, Bella Luna, are you doing a dread pirate pantomime over there?"

Slightly protuberant pale eyes gleamed while the blonde nodded and lifted one mitt. "This one's Wesley."

The other girls broke into laughter.

Ginny said to Hermione, "Come on, get into the spirit." She lifted a mitt and lowered her voice. "Blimey, you're gorgeous, Hermione." Raising the timbre of her voice along with the other mitt, the girl said with a prim expression, "Thank you, Ronald. You may kiss me later, if no one is looking."

Fiona and Morrigan sniggered.

Hermione looked at Ginny and raised a mitt. She curled her lip and then drawled, "I'm going to snog your lips off in the centre of the dance floor, Red, because I don't give a damn about anybody else's opinion." She lifted up the other mitt to say breathily, "Oh Draco, I love it when you sneer like that. Take me, I'm yours!"

The girls broke into giggles at the way Hermione went 'Mmm' and rubbed her mitts together to imitate passionate snogging.

Luna said, "I was only kidding about the pantomime."

The therapist returned to renewed laughter, exclaiming, "You lot are the jolliest group we've ever had!"

Blaise followed the woman into the next chamber, looking forward to the herbal wrap.

Not everyone felt the same way. "Full body?" Hermione's brows drew together. "Is that really necessary?"

The therapist nodded. "Your spirit will be calmed and your skin detoxified."

Blaise couldn't help teasing. "Don't worry, Granger," she said. "We won't tell Mr. Freckles if you've got a weird mole, or a birthmark in the shape of a Quaffle."

Hermione reluctantly smiled and permitted her body to be steeped in the detoxifying wrap.

An attendant offered champagne while they allowed the herbs to cleanse and calm. Blaise automatically reached for a glass before noticing the others' stares. She asked, "Do you have pumpkin juice?"

"Of course, Miss."

The last treatment before they were scheduled to visit the salon was an aromatherapy massage. On the way, the girls passed the mud bath chamber and glanced inside curiously. There were two women lying submersed to their necks in rejuvenating mud. Despite the turbans covering their hair and cucumber slices concealing eyes, Blaise recognised the faces and said in a voice trying not to slide into hysteria, "Last one to a massage table gets 'Cold Hands Carlotta!'"

Her friends smiled and moved on, but the girl's relief was short-lived.

"Sweetie? Darling? Is that you Blaise, dearest?"

Blaise slowly turned. Covered in brown ooze, Edina stood beaming at the group of girls who returned her inquiring smile with hesitant ones. Her mother shook her head, complaining, "Why did you run off, sweetie? Don't you know how hard it is to wade through mud, darling?"

"I said to let her go, Eddy. Who gives a toss why she and her little friends are here?"

Narcissa was slumped in the doorway, holding a champagne flute with muddy fingers.

Edina gave her daughter an apologetic glance. "Don't mind Cissy, dearest. Somebody called her baby boy a 'blood-traitor' or something equally silly at a party last night, and she's been in a nark ever since."

"You won't think it silly when the invites dry up like your skin, Eddy."

Blaise glared at Narcissa before asking her mother, "Who called Draco a blood traitor?"

Edina rolled her eyes. "Montague, baby girl, not that it matters compared to seeing you off school grounds." She reached out to caress and leave a streak of mud across her daughter's cheek. "I am so proud of you, darling! Flouting the rules for beauty…." Placing her hand against her chest, the woman blinked rapidly, pressing her lips together before saying, "Now I truly know that the mediwitch didn't switch babies at St. Mungo's like Cissy always said."

"It could've happened," said Narcissa. "Eddy told me she conned two different Healers into using pain cessation spells. She was out cold when they pushed you out."

Blaise said through clenched teeth, "Thanks, Mum. We've got to go now. Massage…."

Her mother kissed the air beside her cheeks. Blaise could feel the mud hardening but didn't bother to wipe it off. Instead, she smiled tightly and stalked toward the massage chamber, ignoring the other girls' unspoken sympathy.

It wasn't until the group was ready to have their hair done that an idea sprang to mind that made her truly relax. Turning to Hermione, who was also waiting for a stylist, she said, "I'm letting my hair grow out, so I'm going to skip a trim and go back to Ananke's Closet."

Hermione said, "I thought your mother already bought you a gown?"

"Yes, my mother." She looked away. "I want to wear a ball gown of my choice that reflects me, not this season's couture."

"Then go…and…I hope you find the perfect gown."

"Thanks." Blaise hurried back to the changing area before she was tempted to go mushy and hug the girl or something.

-

Days later, Blaise contemplated her reflection in her dorm room's full-length mirror. Sliding another hairpin with a tiny flower made of diamonds into dark curls, she smiled lopsidedly. Her strapless dress of white, layered tulle looked like one she had seen her great grandmother wear in an old photograph. Reaching for a black lace fan, the girl opened it with a snap and fluttered it front of her face.

From her seat at the desk nearby, Cassandra said calmly, "Lexx and Scarlett can't believe you're going." The girl, cheerful as ever, was applying black nail polish and shaking her head.

"I can't believe you're not going to the ball. I mean, it's awful that Kieran and Terry can't be there, but you could've hung with me for the evening."

A gleam lit fathomless eyes. "Malfoy and his girlfriend won't mind if you decide to run off, but I don't want to be alone watching happy couples, thank you all the same."

Fiona, in the turquoise and white gown, and Morrigan, wearing pomegranate red, entered the room from the lavatory. Their faces glowed, anticipating a romantic evening with their boyfriends. They were so lucky. Blaise was misty eyed and thankful for waterproof Siren Cosmetics. "Ready to go?" she asked.

Downstairs, Draco leaned against a wall, hands in trouser pockets, while Crabbe and Goyle fended off Mary Kate and Ashley. Blaise tapped a bony shoulder. Mary Kate whirled around. Blaise used her fan to point to a couple of spotty fifth years. "Your dates are over there, girls. Don't keep them waiting."

Pouting over not getting to drool over their idol, the duo flounced off.

Draco said, "Maybe I'll give the boys a vacation and let you be my bodyguard." He gave her appearance an approving smile. "No one would suspect a girl who looks like you could kick their arse."

She reached up to straighten his tie. "I'd do it, too, for you or Ginny."

His smile made watching girls sigh and their dates shrug in resignation.

Chuckles drew her attention to the pair who looked nice, if not elegant in their formalwear. "Lookin' good, Mr. C, Mr. G. How did your…erm…date go?" Blaise avoided a narrowed grey gaze to ask when they grinned and nodded, "Good?"

Vincent flashed a large white smile. "We each have a date tonight."

Draco said, "What do you mean a date? Why didn't anyone ask my opinion, and are you trying to tell me that you two are sharing a bloody date?"

Couples were leaving the common room and heading toward the Hall. Blaise said, "Come along, you'll see when we get to the entry." She patted his cheek. "Our boys are old enough to date, Daddy." He huffed in grudging amusement and then smiled wickedly before tickling her sides.

She shrieked, while Crabbe and Goyle chuckled.

Two others huffed in disgust.

"Honestly, Milty, what a disgrace to Slytherin!"

"Others will deal with them, Pansy. Let's go, Stephen, Millicent."

Crabbe stepped into Montague's path. The look he gave caused the Chaser to hurriedly move on down the corridor, with Parkinson, Warrington and Bulstrode scurrying to keep up. Blaise kissed Vincent's cheek. He tilted his head toward his friend. Giggling, she kissed Gregory's cheek too.

In the entry hall, couples lined up to get their pictures taken. Draco looked for Ginny while Blaise tried not to feel depressed over being all alone in a sea of 'happy couples.' It was no use. Her lips started to tremble. Someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned.

It was Terry. He smiled. "Want to get our picture taken?"

She touched his cheek with trembling fingers. He was there, wearing a tuxedo and looking so handsome, it was almost unreal. Blaise asked, "How…?"

He said, "I wrote and begged." Dark blue eyes travelled over her, shining. "It was well worth it."

His hands cupped her face. Her lips lifted toward his. Before his mouth touched hers, she said anxiously, "You're not restricted to your House anymore? You can be seen with me, talk to me, hold my hand in the corridors?"

Terry whispered, "Right," and then kissed her so tenderly that Blaise cried in happiness.

-

-

Ginny followed her friends into the entry hall. When she saw Blaise and Terry kissing, she broke into a wide smile. Harry and Ron, both in black dress robes, smiled faintly.

Elegant in her coral dress, Hermione nodded toward the pair. She said while attempting to tuck a fallen strand back into her upswept hairstyle, "Are you smiling because they're together, or because you don't have to share your date anymore?"

"Both." In retaliation, Ginny said, "Oh, don't worry about finding a private place to snog. I made sure some potted palms were placed in the corners when we decorated the Hall."

Ron frowned while listening to their banter. He turned to Hermione. "You were worried about finding a private place to snog?"

"No. She's poking fun at us, because we keep our affection private instead of making the public display she thinks proves true love."

The expression on Ron's face was thoughtful. He gazed over to where the reunited couple was now holding hands and smiling into each other's eyes. "Public display proves true love?"

Ginny clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh when he strode into the chamber, pulling his girlfriend along.

Hermione said, "Honestly, Ronald, you are not dragging me into the middle of the entry hall to…Mmm!"

While her brother did the family proud in the snogging department, Ginny met the gaze of a boy so elegant, her breath caught and then released on a heartfelt sigh. Draco wore a tuxedo tailored to perfection, but she'd bet that even in a set of her brothers' cast off dress robes he would be breathtaking. She took a step forward, thinking possessively, All that gorgeousness is mine, mine, mine.

When they met, he lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss. "You look exquisite."

Impulsively, she curtsied. "You like the dress?"

His slow smile caused her cheeks to heat. "I love the dress. Turn around, slowly, so I can get the full effect."

She felt both hot and cold shivers in the delicious way that only Draco inspired. Ginny turned, displaying the navy ball gown. She had almost passed it up when shopping. The deep 'V' neck had received a 'too daring' from Hermione when she asked the girl her opinion. Luna, Morrigan, and Fiona had liked the way the gown complimented her colouring. In the end, it was Blaise's single word comment that had sealed the purchase. Fingering the sheer straps on the open back, the pronouncement was, 'sexy.'

Masculine fingertips ran lightly over the same straps now. Ginny was startled into giggles when her boyfriend drawled, "Sexy."

Draco slid an arm around her waist to lead her over to the line of couples waiting to have their picture taken. Blaise and Terry allowed another couple to go ahead of them so they could talk with their friends. "Luna and Wesley just got their picture taken. They looked so cute together!" Looking past Draco's shoulder, Blaise added, "You'll look adorable too Mr. G and Ms. E!"

Amused to see Draco pivot sharply to stare at the couple behind him, Ginny thought he made gaping incredulity look good. Platinum strands shook while he tried to articulate, "You…you're dating the sister of that Kells girl…how…why…?"

She said, "When Blaise told me about finding a girl for Crabbe and Goyle, I immediately thought of Esmee."

The shy girl turned pink. "Conjuring cookery is one of my hobbies."

Goyle patted the pleasantly rounded shoulder of his date with a beefy hand. "She likes to eat, too." With pride, he boasted, "When we met at Honeydukes, Esmee ate more chocolate samples than I did!"

The girl gave her date a melting smile. "That's only because you offered me the last truffle." She told the others earnestly, "Gregory is such a gentleman."

Draco looked like he couldn't quite get his mind around the idea of Goyle having a girlfriend and being considered a gentleman. Ginny patted his hand consolingly. He would get used to the idea of his 'boys' having lives of their own.

After they got their picture taken, Draco stayed in the entry to watch Gregory and Esmee have their portrait taken. His eyes narrowed in suspicion when Crabbe made his way to the front of the line. "Tell me that the boys aren't sharing a date, that Vincent's not coming up here to take his picture with Gregory and Esmee."

Rosaline photographed the couple and then said, "He's not coming up here to take a picture with them. He's going to take a picture with me."

The expression on Draco's face was priceless. He shot Ginny a 'I'll deal with you later' look before asking her roommate, "Why?"

A gleam of warmth lit the blonde girl's icy blue eyes. "He came up to me in Honeydukes and said 'I see you only took one sample. Is that because you think you're fat? Because you're not. You could eat the whole basket if you wanted to.'" The girl said with wry humour, "How could I resist such gallantry?"

Crabbe smiled broadly upon reaching them. He looked to Draco, seeking approval. "Isn't Rosaline the most Slytherin-like Gryffindor you ever met?"

"Hmm," Draco said. "Enjoy your evening."

While they headed toward the open doors of the Hall, Ginny pretended to pout. "I thought I was the most Slytherin-like Gryffindor you ever met!"

He leaned close. "That's why I said 'hmm' instead of…." His fingers brushed her hair aside so he could whisper in her ear, "MmmHmm."

Every nerve ending went 'MmmHmm!' in response to the tingle his breath sent throughout her body. Inside the dining hall transformed into a ballroom, that tingling sensation changed into tension. Ginny realised that two sets of friends each expected them to join their table. At one, Ron, Hermione, Harry, Morrigan, Neville, and Bindy waited. At the other, Luna, Wesley, Blaise, Terry, Colin and Mindy sat talking. Each group had reserved two seats at their table.

Ginny turned to Draco, who shook his head. "Don't stick me between a bat and a Bludger. Wherever you lead, I'll follow."

She would remind him of that the next time he tried to linger for 'a few more minutes' in the Quidditch supply shop. Right now, though, that wasn't much comfort.

While she was debating, Luna drifted over. "I'm going to ask Cindy and Jason to join our table, so you can stop worrying about hurting our feelings."

Ginny smiled her thanks and pulled Draco by the hand toward Ron's table. The moment they sat down, her brother asked, "When did you get emerald earrings?"

The memory of an unforgettable dance on a rooftop with city lights shimmering in all directions made her smile, even while she shook her head at her brother's question. When asked why she wouldn't say, Ginny said, "I learn, you take things ill which are not so, or being, concern you not."

Ron made a face at his girlfriend. "I don't know what that's from, but is she telling me to mind my own business?"

Hermione smiled. "It's from Anthony and Cleopatra, and yes, she is."

Harry directed Ron's attention to a nearby table where Seamus had enchanted the candelabra to 'dance.'

While the others watched the spectacle, Draco said in a low, silky voice, "I would have bought you sapphires to match your dress had I known."

She reached up to finger a dangling drop. "I like these. Every time I look at them, I hear you say..."

His fingertips tracing her lips stilled her voice. Draco said, "Then come and kiss me sweet and sixteen." He pressed a short, sweet kiss to her lips. It wasn't short enough. When he drew back, Ginny saw her brother gazing at them with the expression he had once worn regarding a cockroach cluster.

She lifted her hand to show Ron the mood ring. "Sorry, the ring made us do it."

Blue eyes turned speculative, glancing from the ring to Hermione. Ginny repressed a laugh when Ron leaned toward Draco and asked, "Where would I find a ring like that?"

Later, dancing with her boyfriend, visible to all their friends, wasn't quite as romantic as being secret lovers, but it was a lot more fun. Slow, fast, disco, or techno, they danced every dance until an oldie's song played. The Long and Winding Road was a Beatles classic that brought the Hogwarts' staff onto the floor in a wave that pushed the students off to watch in amusement.

Low laughter brought Ginny's gaze up to Draco's face. He gestured to the palms in a corner. "Snape and Lorelei are dancing over there."

Luna, standing nearby with Wesley, pointed to another couple. "Captain Hook found his happy thoughts."

Ginny hadn't a clue what the girl meant, but Professors Hook and Trelawney did look contented swaying together. The woman's green dress robes complimented her colouring in a manner grey clothing never had—or maybe it was the way the wizard smiled while sliding his hook down his partner's back that was responsible for the radiance.

Blaise brought Terry over and promptly announced that she needed to 'fix her makeup' before dragging Luna and Ginny off toward the entrance hall. In the outer corridor, Ginny said, "Why didn't you just tell Terry you needed to use the loo?"

Pressing her hand to her chest in an excellent imitation of her mother, Blaise gasped, "Sweetie, darling, talk of bodily functions is hardly conducive to romance!" In her own voice, the girl confessed, "Besides, it's more fun to have girl talk."

Inside the lavatory, Pansy and Millicent were slathering on another layer of cosmetics. Waiting for a stall to become available, Ginny tried to avoid the beady eyes glaring at her, but the witches who obviously believed 'too much is never enough' wanted a confrontation.

Pansy said, "Millie, what is that horrid smell in here?"

Blaise sneered. "It's your designer imposter perfume, Pansy."

The broad-shouldered girl acted as though no one had spoken. "It smells like manky weasel to me."

Luna began to twirl one of her small side braids around a finger. She said, "I knew a girl who smelled manky weasel before. It turned out that she hadn't used a deodorant spell that day, and only smelled herself!"

Millicent lifted her arm and sniffed. Pansy threw a makeup brush at her, snarling, "Don't be so stupid, Milly." The girl spat at Ginny, "You think you're safe, but you're not. Your big brother couldn't even keep hold of a raven. How's he going to protect you?" Pansy said before she stomped out, "I'd be finding a rock to crawl under if I were you, little weasel."

In the mirror, Ginny observed that her freckles stood out against skin pale with apprehension. She turned from her reflection to look at her friends. "No one outside our group and my family knew about the raven escaping." Remembering Draco's account of how Bill had Apparated and inadvertently broken the Includere charm, which gave the Raven its freedom and her brother the gashes sharp talons had raked down his arm, she told them, "Even after what Montague said, I didn't really believe Draco's father wanted to harm me." A short laugh escaped. "Scare me away, yes, but not physically harm. What am I going to do?"

Luna hugged her. Blaise squeezed her hand. "We'll think of something. Right now, let's go back to the ball and show those hags what a Weasley is made of."

Ginny said, "Sounds like a bit of Ron rubbed off on you."

"Good," Blaise said fiercely.

In the Hall, the lights were dimmed and the music was dreamy. Reunited, the couples drifted out onto the dance floor. Looking up into Draco's face while they moved together in languorous rhythm, Ginny pressed closer. She would tell him what had happened, but not now. Tonight, she would think only of being together without cares or concerns. Reaching up on tiptoes, she slid her fingers into silken hair and brought his mouth down to hers for a kiss.

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A/N: 'George' isn't a nice bird! For those of you wondering if Crabbe was pulling a Napoleon Dynamite… ("I see you're drinking 1 per cent milk. Is that because you think you're fat? 'Cause you're not. You could drink whole milk if you wanted to.") Moi, use a movie line? Hello! McFly! LOL