Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to Ms. J. K. Rowling and
Scholastic Books and Paramount Pictures (or whoever). Felina Knowles-
Cattrall and 'Knowing your Kneazle' belong to me along with any plot holes,
original characters, bad grammar, lousy punctuation, etc.
A/N: Okay, this is probably the only time I'll say this..Draco and Ginny are minor characters in the Harry Potter books. Ginny, especially, doesn't really have a character yet, other than the lame crush on Harry, which is one reason that I like working with her (other than D/G is the best of all the ships). I can make her almost anything as long as it's not too drastic, and it's not really out of character. Draco isn't so easy. He has a very definite character. He's a bully, a coward, and a mean git in the stories, but he's not yet 'evil' so I try to soften him up just a little. I like to hope (ever the idealist) that he'll mature with age and become some sort of normal human. Besides, with a girl like our Ginny by his side, he could conquer the world, don't you think?
Chapter 2
Ginny sat in her potions class several days later stroking Labelle's scruffy fur and listening absently to Professor Snape lecturing about Wolfsbane potion. She'd tried, at the beginning of the year, to keep Labelle from following her everywhere. The kitten absolutely refused to stay in the Common Room without Ginny unless it was what the Kneazle wanted. She accompanied Ginny to meals, classes and even out to the pitch when Ginny watched the Gryffindor team practice. And a quick scan of 'Knowing your Kneazle' told Ginny that this was normal Kneazle behavior. Labelle had an amazing ability to just turn up wherever Ginny happened to be, so, on the advice of Felina Knowles-Cattrall, Ginny decided it would be easier to take Labelle along instead of worrying how the kitten might disrupt Ginny's activities.
What was surprising was how readily most of her professors had accepted the tiny visitor to their classes. Hagrid, still the Care of Magical Creatures teacher, had been overjoyed to have the little creature in his class. After apologizing for Fang frightening the small kitten (Fang was due his shots but was scared of the needle) he'd even asked Ginny if he might use the Kneazle as a topic for study later in the year. In fact, the only one of her professors who had initially objected had been Snape.
The dark, imposing Potions Master had stared at the small head protruding from Ginny's book bag, then had lifted astonished eyes to Ginny's own. Ginny's heart had sunk when she saw Snape lower his thin, dark brows over his angry-looking eyes as he mouthed, 'after class' to her. She'd nodded and tried to get Labelle to keep her head down, with little success. When class had gotten over, Ginny had trudged up to Professor Snape's desk.
"Miss Weasley," he almost snarled, looking down his long, hooked nose at her. "It is difficult enough to get the thick-headed idiots that infest my classroom to pay attention without the distraction of someone's pet cat interrupting!"
Ginny was about to correct him when he had gestured to her bag, railing at her and pointing at the small head that had popped out of the bag again. Glancing in the same direction Ginny watched, horrified, as the kitten jumped right out onto the professor's desk. Snape was still lecturing while Labelle crouched low and carefully stalked the long, pale hand of the Potions Master. Ginny was about to grab the Kneazle before she could make matters worse, but didn't get the chance.
"I expect you to look at me when I'm talking to you, Miss Weasley!" Snape roared, causing Ginny to jump and Labelle to lay her ears back and hiss.
"And I'll have no impertinence from you, either, cat!" Snape added, pointing to Labelle again and eying the kitten coldly.
Labelle suddenly hopped up on her hind legs and grabbed Snape's hand with one paw, swiping at his robe sleeve with the other. Muttering 'oh, Labelle!' under her breath, Ginny swallowed and closed her eyes as she pictured spending the rest of her life in Potions detention. She was shocked when she heard a sound coming from Snape that was amazingly like a chuckle. Cautiously opening one eye, she saw the Potions Master hold his hand very still while Labelle pounced on it again, careful to keep her claws retracted. Snape actually looked amused as the small kitten gently bit at the long, white forefinger while wrapping both forepaws around Snape's wrist. Her hind legs scrabbled for purchase and got caught in the excess material at his cuff as Snape lifted her away from the desk. Ginny couldn't help staring outright as Snape brought the kitten up to his eye level, gave her an almost indiscernible smile and examined her thoroughly, cradling her dangling legs in his other hand.
"You didn't tell me she was a Kneazle, Weasley," he'd said in what, for Snape, was a mild tone. "Kneazles are very intelligent creatures. Probably much smarter than most of the student body here."
Ginny had been so flabbergasted, she couldn't think of an intelligent reply. Instead she blurted out, "She seems to like you, sir."
Snape's face had softened slightly while studying the kitten, but at Ginny's words it stiffened into its customary sneering frown. "Oh, really? And what startling insights into feline behavior do you have, Miss Weasley, to give you that impression? She is merely a young kitten momentarily amused with what she considers a new toy!"
Despite his words, Snape seemed reluctant to relieve the kitten of her 'toy'. He was actually poking and teasing the small Kneazle, letting her play with his fingers and sleeve. Ginny gathered her courage and reached out to pet the tiny head.
"Actually, sir," she said nervously, "she lets very few people touch her. She won't go near my roommates, she barely tolerates Hermione, and she really dislikes Ron. About the only people she seems to like besides me are Hagrid, Professor Sprout, Draco Malfoy, and, er, now, you, sir!"
Snape had lifted his thin eyebrows at this little speech, then looked down at the small Kneazle who had climbed up his arm and had now graduated to tugging at his neck cloth. Holding her away from him, Snape studied her again. "Hmmm," he murmured speculatively. "Sprout and Hagrid, eh?" The speculative look turned to Ginny as he added, "And young Malfoy, as well? Interesting."
Ginny flushed under his scrutiny, but didn't comment. He finally smirked at her and moved to hand the kitten back. "Well," he'd drawled, sounding so much like Draco Malfoy that Ginny wondered whether that superior tone was something they taught in the Slytherin Common Room, "at least I'm not in the same group as Granger and, er, yes."
He'd stopped short and Ginny realized he'd decided against insulting her brother to her face. Not that Ginny minded. Ron could be a prat at times. But if Professor Snape would accept her kitten in classes (and Labelle did seem to understand that she must be quiet during class) Ginny would forgive him the near slip in courtesy. Snape had reached out to give Labelle a final scratch behind the ears. He'd then pinned Ginny with a dark look and given her a stiff admonishment that 'the first time that creature disrupts class, she's out!' Ginny had gratefully agreed, and fled, Labelle tucked securely into her book bag.
Now, listening to the man tear into one of the sixth year Hufflepuffs who shared this Potions class with the Gryffindors, Ginny wondered what it was in the man that Labelle had liked. Oh, she understood his anger right now. Wolfsbane potion was extremely difficult to make and some of the ingredients were hard to come by, so when the girl had carelessly spilled half a jar of powder on the floor, naturally Snape would be furious. But he was always furious, it seemed. Still, Potions was one of Ginny's favorite classes, even in the years she was unlucky enough to have Professor Snape. Maybe her own opinion of the class had coloured Labelle's choice. Ginny despised Arithmancy and History of Magic, and Labelle seldom graced those classes with her presence. Transfiguration was a good class and Ginny really did like Professor McGonnogal. Especially after the Gryffindor Head of House had commented that she wished her students were as well behaved as the little Kneazle. That had earned her a laugh and she hadn't protested at all to having Labelle back, particularly since the other students seemed to perform better with her there. All animals seemed to love Hagrid so it was, to coin a phrase, a no-brainer that Labelle would like the huge half-giant. And Professor Sprout had always allowed cats the run of her greenhouses as long as they didn't dig anything up, so that was also easily explained. But then, why didn't she care for Hermione? Hermione was devoted to Crookshanks, wasn't she?
Ginny thought about that, hard. She liked Hermione, but couldn't help thinking of her as, to use Professor Snape's wording, an insufferable know- it-all. And Hermione treated Crookshanks as a pet rather than a friend. Maybe it was Ginny's own ambivalence toward Hermione sometimes that had influenced Labelle. Ginny frowned, watching the poor Hufflepuff girl tremblingly sweep up the excess powder and discard it. Snape returned to the front of the class and rapped out a clipped order for everyone to get back to work, then he sank into his chair massaging his temples with his thin, bony fingers. Ginny felt a little sorry for Professor Snape. It must be hard to be a perfectionist in an imperfect world. Especially if your specialty demanded an inordinate amount of precision and accuracy. Too bad Snape didn't have a friend to help him deal with his frustration. Ginny's hand moved to stroke Labelle again, glad that she had a friend to help her through rough patches. Her hand froze! The kitten was gone! Oh, no, she thought, desperately looking around for the fuzzy creature. If Labelle started wandering around class, Snape would really blow his top! As inconspicuously as possible, Ginny edged out of her seat and crouched low, looking under the other desks. Where was that Kneazle?
"Did you drop something, Miss Weasley?" Professor Snape asked sharply, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ginny was so startled that she jumped up, banging her head against the bottom of her desk and almost spilling her own potion. A few students laughed, but quickly stifled it when Snape roared for silence. Ginny scrambled to her feet and sat hurriedly, hastily composing a lie about retrieving her quill. It wasn't necessary. Professor Snape was sitting calmly at his desk, smirking at her and gently stroking the kitten. How in the world had Labelle snuck off of her lap and onto Snape's desk, Ginny wondered? However she'd done it, there the little kitten was, making up to the professor in a disgustingly obvious manner and purring contentedly as he scratched behind her ears. Ginny moved to recover the Kneazle, but Snape waved her off.
"Five points from Gryffindor, Miss Weasley, if you're not working on your potion in three seconds."
Ginny finally rescued her friend after class, but was amazed that Snape hadn't yelled at anyone else for the remainder of the period. Maybe Labelle had a soothing effect on the acerbic Potions master. Her mates were equally amazed and couldn't stop asking what Ginny thought she was about to let her kitten that close to Snape. Ginny could only shrug. "Labelle chooses her own friends," she said simply. Holding the kitten up and looking her in the eyes, she scolded her.
"But don't do that again, love," she gently admonished the kitten. "I thought I was going to die when you popped up on that man's desk!"
The sixth years were headed toward Transfiguration when Ginny heard a familiar voice.
"Oh, look, the Kneazle is out walking her weasel," the silky voice drawled.
Ginny stopped and turned, pasting a pleasant smile on her face. This was the first time Draco had spoken to her since the train, but Ginny had been expecting it. Some of the sixth years hurried off, but Ginny's friends stood by, ready to help defend her. Ginny shook her head at them. Still cuddling Labelle, she approached the tall Slytherin, keeping the smile firmly planted.
"Well, hullo, Draco," she said brightly, forcing herself to meet his eyes. "I was expecting you to happen along soon. I expect you're feeling a bit out of practice, right? Well, what will it be today? My hair? My worn robes?"
Ginny didn't want to give him a chance to get a word in and continued in the same bright, bubbling manner. "I do hope you'll find some new material, though. I mean, you've been using the same old insults for the last five or six years, right? About time to find something new, yeah? But try to leave Labelle out of it, right? She really does like you and I wouldn't want her to think badly of you. So, right, then. I'm ready. Give it you're best shot."
If Ginny's friends were amazed by her speech, Malfoy was dumbstruck. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Snapping his mouth shut, he glared at her and her friends, then opened his mouth for another try. Ginny glanced at her watch and held up a hand.
"Oops, sorry, Draco. Gotta run. Class is about to start. Next time, right? And do find something to snipe at besides money, right? Nice to see you again. Bye!"
Ginny turned and grabbed the arm of the girl closest to her, dragging her down the hallway and away from Draco. The rest of her friends followed them and, as soon as they turned the corner, burst into loud questions, demanding to know what Ginny had been about.
"Oh, God, Ginny! Malfoy's really going to get you now! You just made him look really stupid back there!" her friend Daisy Cotton said.
"Have you lost your mind?" Susannah Oldsmith demanded. "What were you thinking? And since when have you been on a first name basis with HIM?"
Colin Creevey hadn't said anything at first, but he eyed Ginny carefully, wishing he had his camera right now. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were bright, and she looked for all the world like a girl in love. Infatuated, at least. Suddenly both his eyebrows rose almost to his hairline.
"Ginny!" he said more loudly than he'd meant to. "You're not-not with HIM!"
Ginny looked at Colin and blushed harder.
"Not what?" Susannah demanded, while Daisy wanted to know, "Him who?"
Colin wiped the astonished look from his face and said casually, "Not trying to antagonize that prat, that's what."
Ginny shot him a grateful look. Colin had a quick eye, which made him such a good photographer. Unfortunately, he often saw things others didn't. He'd noticed immediately when Ginny had finally given up on having Harry notice her, even though half the school still thought she was infatuated with the 'Boy Who Lived'. He'd wrapped a companionable arm around her and told her to buck up. She'd find someone who appreciated her and realized how special she was. Ginny hadn't had the courage to tell him she'd already found that someone, even if she didn't think Draco would ever consider her as 'someone special'. Despite her long ranged plan to get Draco to notice her as something other than a target for his nasty comments, Ginny's expectations were low. She didn't need Colin telling her just how hopeless her case was. She knew that already.
As they headed toward their next class, Ginny's friends continued to discuss their recent encounter.
"I think you need to have your head examined, Gin," Daisy commented. "Talking to Malfoy like that is just insane! And he'll take it out on us, too."
"I dunno," Colin said brightly. "Maybe it'll keep him off balance. Maybe he'll just decide you're not such an easy target anymore and leave you alone."
Ginny looked down at Labelle and let her hair hide her face. Colin was waiting for her reaction, she knew, and she didn't want him to know that she was worried about just that.
"Well, I think its like poking a snake with a stick," Su said worriedly. "A really poisonous snake and a really short stick. He's gonna turn around and bite you!"
Ginny shrugged and refused to comment. As they filed into the Transfiguration classroom, Colin sidled up to Ginny and whispered wickedly, "Maybe you WANT him to turn around and bite you!"
'Young Kneazles need lots of exercise and attention. Your Kneazle will want to be with you as much as possible during her important first year. Make sure she gets rest, exercise and plenty of love.
You will notice that your Kneazle will pick and choose his own human friends, and some of his choices may astound you. He may take up with characters that you would never befriend yourself. The author cautions you to never discredit your Kneazle's selection. He senses hidden depths in humans and you might be wise to accept these odd alliances and even strengthen your own bonds with these humans.'
Ginny grimaced and let the thin paperback fall to the desk. Why couldn't Felina K-C tell her something she didn't already know? Like how to keep her kitten in her room or out of the owlrey, or how not to pester the house elves when they were doing their chores, or how to prevent the annoying little darling from spitting and snarling at the boys in the Common Room? Labelle was a little darling, and Ginny loved her dearly. But the Kneazle had a bad habit of hissing at almost any boy who approached her. The notable exceptions were Draco Malfoy, of course, and Colin Creevey. Ginny didn't understand it. If Labelle were jealous, wouldn't Colin, one of her best friends, and Draco, the boy Ginny was hopelessly infatuated with be just the ones she'd try to keep off? Why would the Kneazle object to Seamus or Dean or any of the other boys in Gryffindor? It wasn't as though Ginny didn't like them. She actually thought that if she hadn't already fallen for Draco, she might have easily fallen for one of them. But even as recently as last night, when Dean had smiled at Ginny and asked if he could share the couch with her, Labelle had taken instant exception. She'd hissed and arched her back, spluttering and spitting until Dean had moved to a different seat. Ginny shook her head. Whenever she encountered Draco, though, (and after two months she'd encountered him a lot) the kitten was positively shameless in demanding his attention. Ginny had had several run-ins with Draco, and it was sometimes a toss-up as to who won, but at least Ginny was holding her own. Labelle didn't seem to care. She would mewl until Ginny let her down, then saunter over to Draco and rub his legs until he picked her up and petted her. Labelle accepted it as her due, and Ginny had to admit that Draco didn't seem to mind, but it still seemed odd. Oh, well, she thought, absently brushing a loose strand of hair from her face and scratching an itch on her nose. Kneazles were odd creatures and Labelle obviously remembered that it was Draco who had rescued her and Ginny in Knockturn Alley. Sighing, Ginny picked up the book again.
The library was quiet, and almost empty, and Ginny had been able to easily sneak Labelle in. The Kneazle loved the library with its tall shelves, musty old tomes and deep window seats. She loved to curl up on a cushion in a ray of sunlight and bask almost as much as she loved to explore the huge room. Labelle was very clever and seemed to know instinctively when the librarian would show up. Then Labelle would crawl into the book bag and keep her head down until Madam Pince walked away. Right now Labelle was curled up on a cushion in one of the window seats. Ginny was sitting at one of the long desks nearby. She was supposed to be studying, but she needed a break. The thin paperback on Kneazles was distracting enough to help her relax. She opened the book, noticing how ink-smudged her hands were from doing her homework, and then found her place again.
'Although it is sometimes disconcerting, you will find that your Kneazle thinks she knows what is best for you. You will also find that she is usually right. If you are lucky enough to form a strong bond with your Kneazle, she will do everything in her power to make you happy. Kneazles react very strongly to human emotions. She will know when you are happy or sad, and will generally try to comfort you when needed. The author advises you to try to keep her needs and happiness in mind as well. A happy Kneazle is a powerful ally.'
Ginny wanted desperately to be a good friend to Labelle and wondered if the Kneazle knew how much Ginny really loved her. She absently stroked the soft feline head when she suddenly realized that she was stroking the Kneazle's head! Ginny's eyes flew to the window seat that Labelle had been relaxing at only seconds before. How had the creature known that Ginny wanted to cuddle her? Shaking her head, she looked down and smiled at her small friend.
"You're the smartest kitten in the whole world!" she said quietly.
Labelle preened and purred under Ginny's approval, arching her neck into Ginny's scratching fingers. Then she stiffened and hopped off of Ginny's lap.
"Labelle!" Ginny cried softly. "Come back!"
She didn't want Labelle to get caught by Madam Pince, so she stood to follow. She only got a few feet when she heard Draco's voice coming from around the bookshelf.
"Well, I see a little Kneazle," his voice said lightly. She could almost see his lip curling in a sneer. "That means there must be a little weasel around here somewhere."
Ginny froze. It was Saturday and she really hadn't expected to see Draco today. She wasn't prepared. Usually she tried to look her best, not only to look good, but so he'd have less ammunition to use against her. Today, however, her hair was drawn back with an old piece of yarn, her robe was dusty from pulling her study material from the stacks of books, and she was wearing faded jeans with a hand-me-down tee shirt. She was not ready to face Draco like this but it was too late. Even as Ginny considered running and hiding, Draco rounded the corner.
A/N: Okay, this is probably the only time I'll say this..Draco and Ginny are minor characters in the Harry Potter books. Ginny, especially, doesn't really have a character yet, other than the lame crush on Harry, which is one reason that I like working with her (other than D/G is the best of all the ships). I can make her almost anything as long as it's not too drastic, and it's not really out of character. Draco isn't so easy. He has a very definite character. He's a bully, a coward, and a mean git in the stories, but he's not yet 'evil' so I try to soften him up just a little. I like to hope (ever the idealist) that he'll mature with age and become some sort of normal human. Besides, with a girl like our Ginny by his side, he could conquer the world, don't you think?
Chapter 2
Ginny sat in her potions class several days later stroking Labelle's scruffy fur and listening absently to Professor Snape lecturing about Wolfsbane potion. She'd tried, at the beginning of the year, to keep Labelle from following her everywhere. The kitten absolutely refused to stay in the Common Room without Ginny unless it was what the Kneazle wanted. She accompanied Ginny to meals, classes and even out to the pitch when Ginny watched the Gryffindor team practice. And a quick scan of 'Knowing your Kneazle' told Ginny that this was normal Kneazle behavior. Labelle had an amazing ability to just turn up wherever Ginny happened to be, so, on the advice of Felina Knowles-Cattrall, Ginny decided it would be easier to take Labelle along instead of worrying how the kitten might disrupt Ginny's activities.
What was surprising was how readily most of her professors had accepted the tiny visitor to their classes. Hagrid, still the Care of Magical Creatures teacher, had been overjoyed to have the little creature in his class. After apologizing for Fang frightening the small kitten (Fang was due his shots but was scared of the needle) he'd even asked Ginny if he might use the Kneazle as a topic for study later in the year. In fact, the only one of her professors who had initially objected had been Snape.
The dark, imposing Potions Master had stared at the small head protruding from Ginny's book bag, then had lifted astonished eyes to Ginny's own. Ginny's heart had sunk when she saw Snape lower his thin, dark brows over his angry-looking eyes as he mouthed, 'after class' to her. She'd nodded and tried to get Labelle to keep her head down, with little success. When class had gotten over, Ginny had trudged up to Professor Snape's desk.
"Miss Weasley," he almost snarled, looking down his long, hooked nose at her. "It is difficult enough to get the thick-headed idiots that infest my classroom to pay attention without the distraction of someone's pet cat interrupting!"
Ginny was about to correct him when he had gestured to her bag, railing at her and pointing at the small head that had popped out of the bag again. Glancing in the same direction Ginny watched, horrified, as the kitten jumped right out onto the professor's desk. Snape was still lecturing while Labelle crouched low and carefully stalked the long, pale hand of the Potions Master. Ginny was about to grab the Kneazle before she could make matters worse, but didn't get the chance.
"I expect you to look at me when I'm talking to you, Miss Weasley!" Snape roared, causing Ginny to jump and Labelle to lay her ears back and hiss.
"And I'll have no impertinence from you, either, cat!" Snape added, pointing to Labelle again and eying the kitten coldly.
Labelle suddenly hopped up on her hind legs and grabbed Snape's hand with one paw, swiping at his robe sleeve with the other. Muttering 'oh, Labelle!' under her breath, Ginny swallowed and closed her eyes as she pictured spending the rest of her life in Potions detention. She was shocked when she heard a sound coming from Snape that was amazingly like a chuckle. Cautiously opening one eye, she saw the Potions Master hold his hand very still while Labelle pounced on it again, careful to keep her claws retracted. Snape actually looked amused as the small kitten gently bit at the long, white forefinger while wrapping both forepaws around Snape's wrist. Her hind legs scrabbled for purchase and got caught in the excess material at his cuff as Snape lifted her away from the desk. Ginny couldn't help staring outright as Snape brought the kitten up to his eye level, gave her an almost indiscernible smile and examined her thoroughly, cradling her dangling legs in his other hand.
"You didn't tell me she was a Kneazle, Weasley," he'd said in what, for Snape, was a mild tone. "Kneazles are very intelligent creatures. Probably much smarter than most of the student body here."
Ginny had been so flabbergasted, she couldn't think of an intelligent reply. Instead she blurted out, "She seems to like you, sir."
Snape's face had softened slightly while studying the kitten, but at Ginny's words it stiffened into its customary sneering frown. "Oh, really? And what startling insights into feline behavior do you have, Miss Weasley, to give you that impression? She is merely a young kitten momentarily amused with what she considers a new toy!"
Despite his words, Snape seemed reluctant to relieve the kitten of her 'toy'. He was actually poking and teasing the small Kneazle, letting her play with his fingers and sleeve. Ginny gathered her courage and reached out to pet the tiny head.
"Actually, sir," she said nervously, "she lets very few people touch her. She won't go near my roommates, she barely tolerates Hermione, and she really dislikes Ron. About the only people she seems to like besides me are Hagrid, Professor Sprout, Draco Malfoy, and, er, now, you, sir!"
Snape had lifted his thin eyebrows at this little speech, then looked down at the small Kneazle who had climbed up his arm and had now graduated to tugging at his neck cloth. Holding her away from him, Snape studied her again. "Hmmm," he murmured speculatively. "Sprout and Hagrid, eh?" The speculative look turned to Ginny as he added, "And young Malfoy, as well? Interesting."
Ginny flushed under his scrutiny, but didn't comment. He finally smirked at her and moved to hand the kitten back. "Well," he'd drawled, sounding so much like Draco Malfoy that Ginny wondered whether that superior tone was something they taught in the Slytherin Common Room, "at least I'm not in the same group as Granger and, er, yes."
He'd stopped short and Ginny realized he'd decided against insulting her brother to her face. Not that Ginny minded. Ron could be a prat at times. But if Professor Snape would accept her kitten in classes (and Labelle did seem to understand that she must be quiet during class) Ginny would forgive him the near slip in courtesy. Snape had reached out to give Labelle a final scratch behind the ears. He'd then pinned Ginny with a dark look and given her a stiff admonishment that 'the first time that creature disrupts class, she's out!' Ginny had gratefully agreed, and fled, Labelle tucked securely into her book bag.
Now, listening to the man tear into one of the sixth year Hufflepuffs who shared this Potions class with the Gryffindors, Ginny wondered what it was in the man that Labelle had liked. Oh, she understood his anger right now. Wolfsbane potion was extremely difficult to make and some of the ingredients were hard to come by, so when the girl had carelessly spilled half a jar of powder on the floor, naturally Snape would be furious. But he was always furious, it seemed. Still, Potions was one of Ginny's favorite classes, even in the years she was unlucky enough to have Professor Snape. Maybe her own opinion of the class had coloured Labelle's choice. Ginny despised Arithmancy and History of Magic, and Labelle seldom graced those classes with her presence. Transfiguration was a good class and Ginny really did like Professor McGonnogal. Especially after the Gryffindor Head of House had commented that she wished her students were as well behaved as the little Kneazle. That had earned her a laugh and she hadn't protested at all to having Labelle back, particularly since the other students seemed to perform better with her there. All animals seemed to love Hagrid so it was, to coin a phrase, a no-brainer that Labelle would like the huge half-giant. And Professor Sprout had always allowed cats the run of her greenhouses as long as they didn't dig anything up, so that was also easily explained. But then, why didn't she care for Hermione? Hermione was devoted to Crookshanks, wasn't she?
Ginny thought about that, hard. She liked Hermione, but couldn't help thinking of her as, to use Professor Snape's wording, an insufferable know- it-all. And Hermione treated Crookshanks as a pet rather than a friend. Maybe it was Ginny's own ambivalence toward Hermione sometimes that had influenced Labelle. Ginny frowned, watching the poor Hufflepuff girl tremblingly sweep up the excess powder and discard it. Snape returned to the front of the class and rapped out a clipped order for everyone to get back to work, then he sank into his chair massaging his temples with his thin, bony fingers. Ginny felt a little sorry for Professor Snape. It must be hard to be a perfectionist in an imperfect world. Especially if your specialty demanded an inordinate amount of precision and accuracy. Too bad Snape didn't have a friend to help him deal with his frustration. Ginny's hand moved to stroke Labelle again, glad that she had a friend to help her through rough patches. Her hand froze! The kitten was gone! Oh, no, she thought, desperately looking around for the fuzzy creature. If Labelle started wandering around class, Snape would really blow his top! As inconspicuously as possible, Ginny edged out of her seat and crouched low, looking under the other desks. Where was that Kneazle?
"Did you drop something, Miss Weasley?" Professor Snape asked sharply, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ginny was so startled that she jumped up, banging her head against the bottom of her desk and almost spilling her own potion. A few students laughed, but quickly stifled it when Snape roared for silence. Ginny scrambled to her feet and sat hurriedly, hastily composing a lie about retrieving her quill. It wasn't necessary. Professor Snape was sitting calmly at his desk, smirking at her and gently stroking the kitten. How in the world had Labelle snuck off of her lap and onto Snape's desk, Ginny wondered? However she'd done it, there the little kitten was, making up to the professor in a disgustingly obvious manner and purring contentedly as he scratched behind her ears. Ginny moved to recover the Kneazle, but Snape waved her off.
"Five points from Gryffindor, Miss Weasley, if you're not working on your potion in three seconds."
Ginny finally rescued her friend after class, but was amazed that Snape hadn't yelled at anyone else for the remainder of the period. Maybe Labelle had a soothing effect on the acerbic Potions master. Her mates were equally amazed and couldn't stop asking what Ginny thought she was about to let her kitten that close to Snape. Ginny could only shrug. "Labelle chooses her own friends," she said simply. Holding the kitten up and looking her in the eyes, she scolded her.
"But don't do that again, love," she gently admonished the kitten. "I thought I was going to die when you popped up on that man's desk!"
The sixth years were headed toward Transfiguration when Ginny heard a familiar voice.
"Oh, look, the Kneazle is out walking her weasel," the silky voice drawled.
Ginny stopped and turned, pasting a pleasant smile on her face. This was the first time Draco had spoken to her since the train, but Ginny had been expecting it. Some of the sixth years hurried off, but Ginny's friends stood by, ready to help defend her. Ginny shook her head at them. Still cuddling Labelle, she approached the tall Slytherin, keeping the smile firmly planted.
"Well, hullo, Draco," she said brightly, forcing herself to meet his eyes. "I was expecting you to happen along soon. I expect you're feeling a bit out of practice, right? Well, what will it be today? My hair? My worn robes?"
Ginny didn't want to give him a chance to get a word in and continued in the same bright, bubbling manner. "I do hope you'll find some new material, though. I mean, you've been using the same old insults for the last five or six years, right? About time to find something new, yeah? But try to leave Labelle out of it, right? She really does like you and I wouldn't want her to think badly of you. So, right, then. I'm ready. Give it you're best shot."
If Ginny's friends were amazed by her speech, Malfoy was dumbstruck. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Snapping his mouth shut, he glared at her and her friends, then opened his mouth for another try. Ginny glanced at her watch and held up a hand.
"Oops, sorry, Draco. Gotta run. Class is about to start. Next time, right? And do find something to snipe at besides money, right? Nice to see you again. Bye!"
Ginny turned and grabbed the arm of the girl closest to her, dragging her down the hallway and away from Draco. The rest of her friends followed them and, as soon as they turned the corner, burst into loud questions, demanding to know what Ginny had been about.
"Oh, God, Ginny! Malfoy's really going to get you now! You just made him look really stupid back there!" her friend Daisy Cotton said.
"Have you lost your mind?" Susannah Oldsmith demanded. "What were you thinking? And since when have you been on a first name basis with HIM?"
Colin Creevey hadn't said anything at first, but he eyed Ginny carefully, wishing he had his camera right now. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were bright, and she looked for all the world like a girl in love. Infatuated, at least. Suddenly both his eyebrows rose almost to his hairline.
"Ginny!" he said more loudly than he'd meant to. "You're not-not with HIM!"
Ginny looked at Colin and blushed harder.
"Not what?" Susannah demanded, while Daisy wanted to know, "Him who?"
Colin wiped the astonished look from his face and said casually, "Not trying to antagonize that prat, that's what."
Ginny shot him a grateful look. Colin had a quick eye, which made him such a good photographer. Unfortunately, he often saw things others didn't. He'd noticed immediately when Ginny had finally given up on having Harry notice her, even though half the school still thought she was infatuated with the 'Boy Who Lived'. He'd wrapped a companionable arm around her and told her to buck up. She'd find someone who appreciated her and realized how special she was. Ginny hadn't had the courage to tell him she'd already found that someone, even if she didn't think Draco would ever consider her as 'someone special'. Despite her long ranged plan to get Draco to notice her as something other than a target for his nasty comments, Ginny's expectations were low. She didn't need Colin telling her just how hopeless her case was. She knew that already.
As they headed toward their next class, Ginny's friends continued to discuss their recent encounter.
"I think you need to have your head examined, Gin," Daisy commented. "Talking to Malfoy like that is just insane! And he'll take it out on us, too."
"I dunno," Colin said brightly. "Maybe it'll keep him off balance. Maybe he'll just decide you're not such an easy target anymore and leave you alone."
Ginny looked down at Labelle and let her hair hide her face. Colin was waiting for her reaction, she knew, and she didn't want him to know that she was worried about just that.
"Well, I think its like poking a snake with a stick," Su said worriedly. "A really poisonous snake and a really short stick. He's gonna turn around and bite you!"
Ginny shrugged and refused to comment. As they filed into the Transfiguration classroom, Colin sidled up to Ginny and whispered wickedly, "Maybe you WANT him to turn around and bite you!"
'Young Kneazles need lots of exercise and attention. Your Kneazle will want to be with you as much as possible during her important first year. Make sure she gets rest, exercise and plenty of love.
You will notice that your Kneazle will pick and choose his own human friends, and some of his choices may astound you. He may take up with characters that you would never befriend yourself. The author cautions you to never discredit your Kneazle's selection. He senses hidden depths in humans and you might be wise to accept these odd alliances and even strengthen your own bonds with these humans.'
Ginny grimaced and let the thin paperback fall to the desk. Why couldn't Felina K-C tell her something she didn't already know? Like how to keep her kitten in her room or out of the owlrey, or how not to pester the house elves when they were doing their chores, or how to prevent the annoying little darling from spitting and snarling at the boys in the Common Room? Labelle was a little darling, and Ginny loved her dearly. But the Kneazle had a bad habit of hissing at almost any boy who approached her. The notable exceptions were Draco Malfoy, of course, and Colin Creevey. Ginny didn't understand it. If Labelle were jealous, wouldn't Colin, one of her best friends, and Draco, the boy Ginny was hopelessly infatuated with be just the ones she'd try to keep off? Why would the Kneazle object to Seamus or Dean or any of the other boys in Gryffindor? It wasn't as though Ginny didn't like them. She actually thought that if she hadn't already fallen for Draco, she might have easily fallen for one of them. But even as recently as last night, when Dean had smiled at Ginny and asked if he could share the couch with her, Labelle had taken instant exception. She'd hissed and arched her back, spluttering and spitting until Dean had moved to a different seat. Ginny shook her head. Whenever she encountered Draco, though, (and after two months she'd encountered him a lot) the kitten was positively shameless in demanding his attention. Ginny had had several run-ins with Draco, and it was sometimes a toss-up as to who won, but at least Ginny was holding her own. Labelle didn't seem to care. She would mewl until Ginny let her down, then saunter over to Draco and rub his legs until he picked her up and petted her. Labelle accepted it as her due, and Ginny had to admit that Draco didn't seem to mind, but it still seemed odd. Oh, well, she thought, absently brushing a loose strand of hair from her face and scratching an itch on her nose. Kneazles were odd creatures and Labelle obviously remembered that it was Draco who had rescued her and Ginny in Knockturn Alley. Sighing, Ginny picked up the book again.
The library was quiet, and almost empty, and Ginny had been able to easily sneak Labelle in. The Kneazle loved the library with its tall shelves, musty old tomes and deep window seats. She loved to curl up on a cushion in a ray of sunlight and bask almost as much as she loved to explore the huge room. Labelle was very clever and seemed to know instinctively when the librarian would show up. Then Labelle would crawl into the book bag and keep her head down until Madam Pince walked away. Right now Labelle was curled up on a cushion in one of the window seats. Ginny was sitting at one of the long desks nearby. She was supposed to be studying, but she needed a break. The thin paperback on Kneazles was distracting enough to help her relax. She opened the book, noticing how ink-smudged her hands were from doing her homework, and then found her place again.
'Although it is sometimes disconcerting, you will find that your Kneazle thinks she knows what is best for you. You will also find that she is usually right. If you are lucky enough to form a strong bond with your Kneazle, she will do everything in her power to make you happy. Kneazles react very strongly to human emotions. She will know when you are happy or sad, and will generally try to comfort you when needed. The author advises you to try to keep her needs and happiness in mind as well. A happy Kneazle is a powerful ally.'
Ginny wanted desperately to be a good friend to Labelle and wondered if the Kneazle knew how much Ginny really loved her. She absently stroked the soft feline head when she suddenly realized that she was stroking the Kneazle's head! Ginny's eyes flew to the window seat that Labelle had been relaxing at only seconds before. How had the creature known that Ginny wanted to cuddle her? Shaking her head, she looked down and smiled at her small friend.
"You're the smartest kitten in the whole world!" she said quietly.
Labelle preened and purred under Ginny's approval, arching her neck into Ginny's scratching fingers. Then she stiffened and hopped off of Ginny's lap.
"Labelle!" Ginny cried softly. "Come back!"
She didn't want Labelle to get caught by Madam Pince, so she stood to follow. She only got a few feet when she heard Draco's voice coming from around the bookshelf.
"Well, I see a little Kneazle," his voice said lightly. She could almost see his lip curling in a sneer. "That means there must be a little weasel around here somewhere."
Ginny froze. It was Saturday and she really hadn't expected to see Draco today. She wasn't prepared. Usually she tried to look her best, not only to look good, but so he'd have less ammunition to use against her. Today, however, her hair was drawn back with an old piece of yarn, her robe was dusty from pulling her study material from the stacks of books, and she was wearing faded jeans with a hand-me-down tee shirt. She was not ready to face Draco like this but it was too late. Even as Ginny considered running and hiding, Draco rounded the corner.