Open Arms
Intro-
16 year old Virginia Weasley came down the stairs of her home dressed in a pink tank top and a pair of hip-hugger jeans. Of course she had received the 'be responsible' speech from her mother. It was 7:15 p.m., and her date was fifteen minutes late. Usually before she would go to parties with and guy, even just a guy friend, Ron would be pacing around the living room, afraid that something would happen to his baby sister. But not today. He was calmly sitting on the couch, working on his Potions essay. She approached him; his face was too smug for him to be innocent.
Ginny's night-
"Ron, have you by ANY chance seen my date?" I had almost yelled it, but had tried to conceal my rage. He had done this before.
"Uh…yeah he came but then he had to leave," his voice had so much mock-innocence, and his expression gave him away even more, "I-"
"RON, god dang it! You did it again didn't you?" I had had enough, and began screaming. "You chased my date away didn't you! Oh god, I can't stand you! What am I supposed to do now? I can't go to Samantha's party without a date and you KNOW that!"
"Well, Gin, you still have to finish your charms homework before we leave for Hogwarts tomorrow." Ron had such a disgusting smile on his face I just wanted to smack it off, and mind you, leave a mark.
"FINE!" I stormed up the steps and retrieved my homework from my very small bedroom upstairs. I had tried to remain angry with Ron, but it was impossible, and his brotherly protection was overwhelming as well. I sat on the couch with him, the fire crackling merrily in front of me and began on my homework. The only thing that was good about having a bunch of older brothers was that they gave good help when it came to schoolwork.
"Ron," I cooed sheepishly, "can you help me with this question?"
"Yeah, yeah, no need to suck up Gin. Let's see, oh, we had this paper last year! Hmmm…I think I got that one wrong though. Sorry."
So much for Ron being useful. I supposed it was time to 'break out the books', as Hermione phrased it. Finally, when I was done, I glanced at the clock and was surprised to find it was so late. I still had to pack, as the family would leave home at a quarter after ten to catch the train. I was only halfway through packing my trunk when I lay down and drifted off to sleep-
Draco's night
I lay on the floor panting. All I could hear was the few words that Father had whispered moments before. You're pathetic and Crucio was all it took for me to be writhing on the floor in pain. Father had become more murderous than ever in the last couple of months, what with all the ministry officials raiding our manor to make sure he was not keeping anything suspicious. When I had refused to join and become a Death-Eater, as I did not want to turn out like him, that seemed to enrage him even more. He had already scared my mother off, and so I was left on the floor of my bedroom to suffer with no one to confide in.
I was 17 with blonde hair that hung shamefully in my face. I was absolutely covered in bruises, which I concealed with a simple charm, however that did not relieve the pain. Just one more night, one more night and then I'm out of this hellhole for almost a year. I had to get packed so we could leave on time. I looked in the mirror and noticed yet another awful black and purple bruise. Shaking, I whipped out my wand and covered it. As I finished packing, it was all I could do to collapse on my bed and drift off to a dreamless slumber, however, that suited me well, as I did not want to dream of Father.
Ginny's morning-
Beep, beep, beep
Ugh. I hated that stupid muggle alarm clock! I threw it against the wall in fury as I realized that I had overslept, as I did every year. If sixth year was going the way my day had begun, it would be hell. I threw on a black long sleeved T-shirt and some light blue jean shorts. I slipped on my tennis shoes and finished packing. At that, I threw my hair up into a messy bun, and as my hair was so short, little red curls always seemed to fall down and frame my face. I had changed so much over the summer. Let's just say that I grew in places that was not my stomach. I smiled at myself in the mirror when I realized how funny it would be for my friends not to recognize me, and even funnier to see Ron's face if any guys tried to make a move on me.
I had Bill levitate my trunk down stairs and load it into the car. Charlie had made me (and only me) breakfast. I was his favorite by far, and vice-versa. I shoveled it down and hopped in the car and we headed off. Of course, it was a long ride, as Ron sat in the back with me telling me my shorts were too short or that I shan't stray too far from him on the train, that bad things could happen.
"Ron, I'm 16, I can take care of myself, but thanks for the concern."
With that he finally shut up. Alleluia. Sooner than I knew it, I was running through the barrier to platform 9 ¾. I was finally going back to my home away from home, where luckily, Ron couldn't keep a constant watch on me, what with Harry and his crush (that only I knew about) Hermione.
As I had guessed, hardly any of my friends had realized who I was. It was so funny. I even played around a little with Dean Thomas as I told him I was an exchange student from America. He actually bought it until my brother broke up the fun. I ran into Malfoy (and I hate to admit it but he was looking FINE as ever) and he looked quite perplexed when he saw me, but still managed to mumble, "Weaslette", and I of course responded with the ever-popular "ferret-boy"
I sat in the compartment with the 'Golden Trio' and waved good-bye to my mother. I then began to think, but Hermione interrupted my thoughts of the upcoming year.
"Guess who got Head Girl!"
"Hmmm…You?" It was just a wild guess of mine. She flashed me her pretty and polished Head Girl Badge and led me out of the compartment. She wanted to show me the Head's compartment. When we came to it, it was empty. Hermione confessed she still didn't know who Head Boy was. I sat down and was again submersed in my thoughts as Hermione blabbed on endlessly about study tactics. It wasn't as though I didn't find this interesting, as Hermione was my best friend, but having been watched all summer by Ron, I needed some time to think to myself.
"Come on Gin, let's go back and find the guys. Knowing them, they are probably gorging themselves on chocolate frogs or something." I giggled at this.
"Hermione, do you mind if I stay here, I kind of have to get away from Ron for a minute."
She nodded her approval and left. She wouldn't tell Ron where I was. She would understand and let me be.
Draco's morning-
"Wake up you filth, get ready to leave, and remember my warning about telling anyone about your uselessness."
Glad I don't have to wake up to this for a while. I was too tired to think. My whole body ached and screamed for painkillers as I arose from my bed. I had a house elf load my trunk into the car as I threw on whatever was left in my closet. I found some jeans and an old sky blue T-shirt. I ran downstairs, but there was no scent of food in the air, of course with mother gone, I hadn't really expected anything anyway.
The car ride was silent as I began to ponder what crap I would have to face on the train. Of course Pansy would want me to snog her, and I found this repulsive. Thankfully, now I was Head Boy, I could escape to the compartment, I just hoped that that mudblood Granger wasn't Head Girl. No way she could understand me, she led a life that was much too simple.
I walked onto the platform and Father left. He didn't even wave good-bye. I ran into the little Weasley girl in the hall and was astounded by what I saw. Thin frame, long legs, messy hair, and a nice figure, just how I like them. Too bad that her whole family were muggle-lovers. I stalked off and found my usual compartment with Crab and Goyle. Luckily, Pansy wasn't there, so I could have a moment's peace. But as soon as those thought crossed my mind, in came the devil herself.
"Hi there Draco." She was trying to sound seductive, but it only made me want to hurl. I made an excuse for leaving and went to explore the Head's compartment. I passed the mudblood in the hall, but was too tired to say anything. God, I thought I saw a badge. Oh well, at least I can sit alone in the compartment. I reached for the door handle and…