I inhaled sharply, glancing between Ginny and Hermione and their curious expressions, "I'll tell you later"

They nodded, I could see they werent pleased with my answers, but they didnt dare to press the subject further. Ginny gave me a skeptical glance, while Hermione pursed her lips together.

"Well, I'm going to get some breakfast" Ginny announced, smoothing out her skirt, she checked herself in the mirror quickly and left.

"Are you coming, Candice?" Hermione asked sitting next to me, her normally frizzy hair was smooth today and her brown eyes were anxious.

"Yeah, in a minute" She nodded, leaving the room in a hurry, probably to impress Ron.

I stood up and looked in the mirror, I know Ginny and Hermione are my best friends, but would they abandon me if I told them I had to marry Draco? I wasnt sure, and I didnt want to lose our friendship over something this stupid. I mean, Im NOT going back there to marry that git.

I brushed my dark raven colored hair and put it in a low ponytail, making some pieces fall out, and I quickly applied a little eye liner to my dark brown eyes. I was wearing a red tank top and a black skirt with my chucks.

I trotted down the stairs only to be engulfed by Mrs. Weasley, I was gasping for air in her tight bear hug.

"Oh, Candice dear, Ronald told me you arrived late last night! How are you!" She asked in her cheery, delightful voice, "come, sit and eat!"

I smiled graciously, slipping into a sit between Harry and Hermione where I was greeted with an unwelcoming silence. Ginny and Hermione wore solemn expressions, eyes glued to their breakfast. Harry glanced at me, but quickly looked away; anger was burning in his eyes. I felt incredibly uneasy as Ginny looked up, giving me a sour face of. Dislike. Hermione how ever made her lips thin, shaking her head sadly at me.

I nodded good morning to Fred and George, but they seemed too preoccupied by their fingers. I nervously bit my lip, trying to eat but felt everyones eyes boring into me.

"Alright, children," Mrs. Weasley said, causing everyones eyes to jump from their food to her, "we are going to Diagon Alley to go school shopping, Candice, you do have money dont you?"

I nodded, pulling it out of my skirt pocket, she smiled, Good, alright, "Ginny, you have to use Floo powder" She grimaced, walking towards the fire place, but gave me another one of her sour looks which made me cower slightly under her gaze.

I glanced at Ron for a second; he wore an I-did-something-I-wasnt-supposed-to-do look, which made me angry, he told everyone I had to marry Malfoy and now theyre mad! I was going to strangle him later

I sat outside the ice cream parlor licking away at my cone, staring at the sunset which was a purple and orange color with a faded pink hue. Candles were hung outside the building, illuminating the towns poorly. The sun was incredibly calming, watching it turn from light to dark.

Witches and wizards, young and old walked along, chatting to each other about news and older news. Some couples would walk behind their child, with content facial expressions as the child skipped joyously with their new pet held safely in their arms.

I would never be like those happy couples, Id be miserable. Walking beside a smug looking Draco, with a spoiled little child carrying whatever they wanted under their arm. I dont want this, who would? Marriage is about love, not being forced into it.

I sighed heavily, looking at the now black sky; night mustve crept up on me. The stars were hanging above, glistening brightly, which made me a lot calmer.

"Candice?" A soft voice called from beside me it startled me a bit, it was Mrs. Weasley.

"Hello, Mrs. Weasley" I said politely, throwing away my cone.

"I heard you have to marry that horrid Malfoy child." I laughed slightly

"Yeah, believe me, it wasnt my idea," I sighed, "but Ginny and Hermione hate me for it"

"They will get over it" She said soothingly, "they know its not your choice, dont worry, dear."

I smiled gratefully, "Thank you so much, Mrs. Weasley"

"No problem, but remember, only do what YOU think is right"

"I mean, that isnt the only thing thats bothering me" She gave me a worried look, "Lucius and my mother want to kill me and they want to give me the Dark Mark." She grimaced and gripped my arm tighter

"Honey, thats horrible"

"I know, thats why I apparated to the burrow, to get away from everything."

We apparated back and the smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafted through the air. I breathed it in, becoming extremely relaxed. Mrs. Weasley was cooking a stew and reprimanding Fred and George for making Rons nose grow incredibly large.

"Candice, we need to talk" Ginny spoke from behind me, causing me to jump in my seat, she didnt seem as angry as before. She seemed a little depressed looking; her normal cheery brown eyes were worn down.

Hermione nodded, "Thats right, we need to talk, about Malfoy" She was a little more calm as well, her eyes were basically drained of energy.

I nodded, but they dragged up the stairs and plopped me on the bed.

"We know it isnt your fault you have to marry Malfoy" Ginny began, becoming less tense.

"And were sorry about being jerks" Hermione finished, sitting next to me; I gave them both hugs and smiled.

"I wouldve reacted the same way if I heard my best friend had to marry that prat" They laughed, but screamed when a loud pop emerged from the center of the room

"Good evening, ladies!" George's excited voice boomed, causing the room to echo.

"Would you like to test our new product?" Fred asked, giving us a cheesy smile

"No." Ginny spat, glaring at them, "Stop trying to poison everyone"

"Didn't you make Ron's nose big?" Hermione inquired, her eyes narrowed

"Yep!" George smiled

"No way, who knows what will happen!" Hermione screeched sharply, crossing her arms.

"I'll try it" I said softly, walking towards the twins.

"It's called Animal Formers, Fred began, you think of the animal you want to be, then eat this, and youll be that animal for an hour!"

Ginny huffed, "It's called STUPID!"

I took the oddly shaped object from Fred and thought of an animal, I swallowed the object and grimaced, it tasted like one of Madam Pomfreys nasty concoctions.

Ginny and Hermione gasped in amazement as I transformed into a Raven I was going to spy on Malfoy