Disclaimer: 'Williams' is mine, as well as the plot, 'Odds Against Love', 'Fascinating Flobberworms' and anything else that doesn't belong to JKR et al.

A/N: Sorry it took so long. Industriously working on Chapter 7 as you read this! (Yes it IS a romance; they just haven't gotten there yet!) Many thanks to everyone who is reading, especially those of you who actually emailed me to get me off my lazy arse!

Chapter 6

The threatened rain from yesterday had finally materialized in a freezing downpour with high winds. The students were pretty much confined to the castle due to the foul weather. Even though Gryffindor's Quidditch team was scheduled for practice today, they were seriously considering canceling rather than brave the icy gale outside. It was a quiet Sunday and seemed perfect for hanging about the Common Room, reading or doing homework or just talking with classmates. At least that was what Su and Daisy were trying to tell Ginny.

"Why don't you just stay in today, Gin? I mean, what else is there to do?" Su had asked, when Ginny said she wanted to walk around the castle.

"Yeah, why don't we just have a girl's day? You know, facials and makeovers?"

Daisy looked hopefully at the other two. Usually Ginny would have loved the idea. The girls would take over one of the dorms, or, if there were enough girls interested, they would kick the boys out of the Common Room and devote the day to nail polish, curlers, makeup and gossip. Today, however, Ginny knew that Daisy was just trying to keep her close by where she and Su could keep an eye on her. And despite what had happened the day before, and last night, Ginny was beginning to chafe at the feeling of being caged up. The girls meant well, but Ginny felt like she was going nuts. She wanted more than anything to be alone so she could think about what had been happening lately. She had tried to think last night, when she'd returned from the library, but everything had been a jumble in her brain.

"I don't know, Daisy, I don't think I'm up to it today. I think I'll go to the library."

Naturally, Ginny hadn't told her friends what had happened last night, and there was really no way she could find out what Draco had been up to. But she wanted to poke around anyway, and it would give her a break from Su and Daisy's ceaseless observation. Su and Daisy were about as likely to volunteer to go to the library as Hermione was to cheat on a test. They would probably go if she asked, but Ginny didn't have any intention of taking the two girls with her. She didn't have to worry about Colin, as he had practice. Even if the team didn't practice, they would probably spend hours discussing strategies.

"Do you think that's such a good idea, Gin?" Su asked seriously. "I mean, should you really be wandering around by yourself after what happened yesterday?"

Ginny placed her hands on her hips and gave both girls a level look.

"Yesterday was a really bad day, but it's over. What do you think is going to happen to me here in the castle, anyway? I can't stick here in the Common Room the rest of the year, now, can I?"

"Mrow!" Ginny looked down. Labelle was rubbing against her legs.

"That's right," she said, as if agreeing to something the Kneazle said. "Labelle will be with me. She can just fit in my bag if I take everything else out."

"Come on, Ginny, just stay here, right? It'll be fun! Didn't you want to try some new makeup?"

Ginny shook her head. What she really wanted was to be alone for a while.

"Don't worry, you guys. I'm just going to the library. Maybe I'll do the makeover thing when I come back."

Su frowned and hurried away while Daisy continued to try to convince Ginny to stay. They were still arguing when Su returned with Colin. Great, Ginny thought, rolling her eyes.

"You talk to her Colin," Su was saying. "She always listens to you!"

Crossing her arms, Ginny gave Colin a belligerent look. "I'm not staying cooped up in here all day!" she said quickly.

Colin only grinned. "I don't blame you. It'll be pretty boring once I'm at practice. Just stick to the main hallways and you'll be all right, right?"

Ginny grinned back, relieved, while Su and Daisy looked shocked.

"What? You aren't serious, are you? After what happened yesterday? Are you crazy?" Su demanded, rounding on the young man.

"Ginny's right," he answered calmly. "She can't stay in the Common Room for the rest of her life. Best to get right back out there. You know, like getting back on after falling off a broom. Besides, Labelle's going to be there, right?"

While Su and Daisy argued with Colin, Ginny slipped upstairs and grabbed her robe and book bag. She emptied everything out and slung it over her shoulder. But then she paused. The novel she'd bought yesterday lay amid the junk now heaped on her bed. She hadn't had a chance to read it yet, so she shrugged and tossed it into the bag. Then she ran back downstairs. The girls were still trying to argue with Colin, but the rest of the Quidditch team was heading for the door. Scooping Labelle up and placing her in the bag, Ginny joined them while Colin slipped away from Daisy and Su. The girls finally gave up and turned away from the departing students. When they were finally in the hallway, Colin pulled Ginny aside.

"Just be careful, right?" he said, suddenly serious.

"I'll try," she agreed.

Colin sighed. "I guess that'll have to do. Labelle," he said, quietly addressing the feline head that had popped out of the bag. "If anything happens, I mean, ANYTHING, you come get me or Malfoy, right?"

The Kneazle meowed softly, but Ginny said, "Hey! Wait a minute!"

"Seriously, Ginny, I mean it!"

Colin gave her such a glare, Ginny stopped mid-protest.

"Okay, Colin, I understand her running for you, but Draco?"

"Ginny, love," he said, wrapping an arm around her and leading her down the hallway far enough behind the team that they couldn't hear the conversation. "You know that he would drop everything if you were in trouble. He's done it before, right? And he'll be easier to find. So don't argue, go to the library, enjoy yourself, and if the thought of seeing Malfoy again is that bad, STAY OUT OF TROUBLE!"

"It's not that," Ginny began.

Colin waited for a moment, but she didn't continue.

"Well, what is it?" he asked finally, looking anxiously toward the rest of his teammates, now far ahead.

Ginny bit her lip. "It's just-oh, I don't know! Nothing, I guess. I'll go to the library and stay out of trouble. And you go to practice and don't worry about me, right? I'll be fine."

"Good girl!" Colin smiled. With that, he released her and yelled after his teammates to wait up. Ginny watched him disappear down the main stairway, a small grin on her face. When they were out of sight, she headed toward the library.

She'd tried to tell Colin how, lately, she didn't know how to act when Draco was around. He seemed to put her on edge since the incident in the library last week, and she couldn't seem to relax now. She couldn't even banter with him as she had the first few months of school. It made her uncomfortable, and she didn't like it. She was going to have to find a way to act more natural with him again, even if he was doing his best to be the world's greatest git! With that thought, Ginny opened the library door.

When Ginny entered the library, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She hadn't been able to sleep after returning to Gryffindor last night. She'd tossed and turned most of the rest of the night, and had felt worn and frazzled. As the peace and quiet of the place flowed over her, she felt the fatigue ebb away. This was what she'd needed. There were only a few kids in the library and Ginny could relax. Even after spending hours turning things over and over in her mind she was just as confused as ever. But maybe she could figure things out now.

Ginny moved to one of the tables at the rear of the library and set her bag down carefully. Labelle crawled out and stretched lazily. She bumped her head against Ginny's chest and then hopped onto the floor. Ginny smiled at her and sat in one of the chairs. Labelle would keep an eye out for the librarian, so Ginny could concentrate on her thoughts. Leaning back, she pulled her novel out and opened it, but instead of reading, she let all of her confused thoughts drift through her mind.

Draco was a mean bully; he always had been. He was arrogant and conceited, and he seemed to think he was better than everyone else. And if Ginny had been born rich, spoilt and good-looking, she'd probably be arrogant and conceited, too. He could be a real bastard, too, when he tried. Ginny knew all that; she'd known it from the start and still hadn't been able to prevent herself from forming a ridiculous infatuation. And that was because she sensed something new in him, something that was trying to be different. He'd helped her in Diagon Alley when he'd had nothing to gain. He had shielded Labelle from discovery, he had tried to warn Ginny to keep herself safe and from what Hermione said, he had rushed out headlong to defend her when he thought she was in danger. And then there was last night. Ginny knew, she KNEW he'd been furious with her for being out of Gryffindor Tower, alone and unprotected. He'd yelled at her and called her stupid. He'd looked on the verge of violence, even! But when Filch had come along, he'd shoved her into the library and had got caught himself. He could have hidden, too. It would have been simple, though Filch would have just found them both. Or, more likely for the Draco Malfoy of old, he could have just disappeared and left Ginny to fend for herself. At least, that's what Ginny would have expected him to do. He hadn't done that, and it only confused Ginny more.

She had spent the better part of the night trying to sort things out, but all she got for her troubles was more confusion and a headache. In the Common Room, with Su and Daisy nearly suffocating her, Ginny had felt the headache coming back. But now things were starting to make sense. At least it seemed like things were making sense. Why would Draco continue to go out of his way to insult her and then turn around and run to her rescue? His actions were so contrary. Ginny kept coming back to the same conclusion: he must like her. Of course, it hadn't started that way. Even though she saw him differently than she had, Ginny still could not picture Draco being the type of person to go out of his way for nothing. She could imagine that the first time he'd helped her, in Diagon Alley, he probably was trying to get Ginny out of the way so he could continue his meeting. It could have been troublesome if Ginny would have recovered Labelle and begun knocking on doors asking directions. Then, again, he could have just laughed in her face and told her to sod off, right? Or he could have pointed and closed the door in her face. He didn't have to practically drag her through the endless maze of filthy back streets and bring her out safely, did he?

And, really, what had he got for his trouble? Besides Ginny making a nuisance of herself as soon as school started, with her smart aleck answers and glib responses to all his comments, all he'd got was a sisterly little peck that he'd probably laughed about. And then, when she'd made a major pain of herself, and got herself in trouble again, it wasn't Ginny's brother or friends who had come to her rescue. It was Draco Malfoy, again! That must mean that he liked her a little bit, right? Even if it was more of an amused big-brotherly affection. At this point, Ginny would take what she could get!

But what about the rest of it, Ginny asked herself? She still wanted to know how he'd known were Flint would be. What was he doing with him in the first place? And what had he been doing in the library last night? She had dozens of questions to ask him, and she might have to tie him down to get some answers. Even if she didn't get them today, she'd by-god get them eventually!

Closing her unread paperback, Ginny laid it facedown on the table, stood and moved toward the bookshelves. She loved browsing the books even though she was familiar with most of them. Just looking at the books was as relaxing as sitting and reading and occasionally she would find a new one slipped in among the old, worn spines. Nothing of interest caught her eye on the top shelf, so she looked at the next lower, then the next and the next, until she was looking at the books on the bottom shelf. Most of these were 'how-to' books by joint authors or even without a credited author, and had been lumped together on the last shelf in the entire library. Here were the books like 'Transfiguration for the Inept', 'De- gnoming Your Garden Made Easy', and 'The Magic of Beauty; Tips for the Cosmetically Challenged'. This was also where a large selection of the popular 'For Dummies' collection was kept. Ginny seldom read these books, but the titles often delighted her. This was also where she was most likely to find newer books. So she wasn't surprised to see another new volume in this section.

The book had a shiny new dust jacket and Ginny nearly pulled it out until she read the title. 'Fascinating Flobberworms' by Plato Helmunth. Ugh, Ginny thought. Who on earth would read a book about flobberworms!? Perhaps Hagrid would, she admitted, but no one else in their right minds would even look at this book. Then Ginny frowned. What was this book doing here, though? It was obviously misfiled. It should be in the natural science section, or at least alphabetically under 'H', shouldn't it? Well, Ginny would just return it to the circulation desk and let Madam Pince deal with it. She reached for the book.

"Well, well, look what the Kneazle dragged in." Draco's lazy, familiar voice cut into Ginny's thoughts.

She turned around quickly and saw that he was leaning against the shelves, much as he had been last week. He was once again wearing a superior smirk as he glanced at the book he was holding in his hand. He looked down at the book and began reading the description on the back cover.

"'Dark, handsome Julius had it all; money, power, strong magic,'" he read, his voice disgustingly overdramatic. "'Ramona was the beautiful daughter of his sworn enemy; a woman who would die rather than submit to Julius' fatal charms. Julius vowed he would have this passionate beauty for his own. But when he kidnapped her and locked her up in his castle, Julius never planned on falling in love with the spirited Ramona. Now he just had to make her fall in love with him. Proud and independent, Ramona would never succumb to Julius' determined wooing of her. Or would she?'"

He turned the book over and read the cover in the same saccharine-sweet voice. "'Odds Against Love.'"

Draco snorted. "God, do you really read this crap, little weasel?"

Ginny stood quickly and brushed the dust from her robes. She knew she didn't have ink smeared all over her face today, but she wished she'd taken more time with her hair. As it was, she could feel her cheeks begin to flush. But remembering the way she'd acted with Draco up until the last week or so, Ginny decided to try the same tactics again. She wasn't going to let him get to her this time.

Smiling brightly, she admitted, "Yeah, I do. A bit predictable, but it's okay to pass time. But since you seem to like reading it, you can borrow it if you want. Or were you looking for something a bit more romantic?"

Draco gave her a surprised look that he instantly hid. Tossing the book onto the table, he gave a short laugh.

"Sorry, Weasley, but romance isn't in my line. What were you doing down there on the floor, anyway? Scrubbing floors or just dusting?"

"Actually, I was just browsing, Draco, but thanks for asking. It's so nice to know someone cares. So what are you doing here? Looking for a particular book? The offer still stands for borrowing mine, you know." Ginny fluttered her eyelashes and clasped her hands to her breast. "And you read it so well," she said with a breathy sigh. Then she resumed her normal voice. "Or are you just here to harass the hired help?"

Draco looked sharply at her for a second and Ginny's smile grew wider. Score! she thought.

He opened his mouth to reply when they both heard a shriek from the front of the library. Ginny jumped, startled, and hurried to see what was happening. Draco's reaction was somewhat different. He grabbed her by the arms before she could pass by. Ginny tried to pull away, but he was holding her firmly while trying to look over his shoulder.

"Draco Malfoy! What the hell do you think you're doing!?" Ginny demanded.

"Language, Weasley," he remarked snidely. "Now shut up so I can hear what's going on!"

Ginny glowered at him, but stilled. She could hear the buzz of conversation and one thin, high-pitched voice rising above the rest.

"It's gone!" the voice kept repeating. "It's gone! It was here last week! And none of the alarms went off! Who could have taken it?"

Ginny was watching Draco's face as this litany from the distraught librarian continued. He was frowning, obviously disturbed. When someone suggested loudly that the Headmaster be called, Draco's eyes narrowed. He looked back at Ginny and released her shoulders.

"Much as I'd love to continue discussing your horrid taste in literature, little weasel, I have to go. Do stay off the floors, though. Let the house elves do the scrubbing!"

With that last jab, he turned and hurried away. Ginny stared after him for a second before remembering that she had things she wanted to ask him! She wondered where Labelle had taken herself when the Kneazle trotted around the corner.

"Good job, love," Ginny murmured as she ran to the table and held the bag open for her friend.

Once Labelle was safely stowed, Ginny hurried after Draco. She pushed past the crowd that was gathering around the circulation desk and headed for the door. As she left the library, Ginny looked up and down the hallway, but Draco was already gone.

"Can you find him?" Ginny asked Labelle.

The kitten jumped out of the bag and zipped off down the corridor, in the direction Ginny had used the night before. She obviously wasn't the only one who used those back stairs. Moving quickly, Ginny followed Labelle around the corner and nearly collided with Draco.

"Little traitor," he was just saying to Labelle when Ginny rounded the corner.

Labelle meowed innocently and rubbed against his shins. He gave her a grin, but when he looked at Ginny his face was anything but friendly.

"Following me, Weasley? Bad idea, that. Get yourself a reputation by following boys, you know," he sneered.

"Stuff it, Malfoy," Ginny snapped. "I've got some questions for you, and I want some answers!"

"And what makes you think I'd bother listening to your questions, much less answer them?" he asked insultingly.

"Because if you don't, I'll have to stupefy you, tie you up and torture you until you do," Ginny answered with a sweet smile.

Draco gaped at her, especially when she pulled her wand out. "You don't have it in you, little weasel," he said finally.

Ginny stared into his eyes, trying not to let her gaze waver. She wondered if it were true, but she only shrugged. "Probably not, but you never know, do you? Are you sure you want to push it?"

Draco gave her a long, hard look. He must have decided he didn't want to push it since he shook his head. "Tsk, tsk, little weasel. And here I thought you were a NICE girl. Whatever would your mum say?"

Ginny grinned suddenly. "She'd probably say 'way to go, dear!'"

Draco lifted one fine brow and looked skeptically at her. "Now all my illusions are shattered. Weasleys are supposed to be so nice. Well, fine, little weasel. Go ahead and ask. I don't promise to answer anything, though."

With that, he started to lean back against the wall. They could hear loud voices from around the corner, from the library, and Draco straightened. He grabbed her arm and started to tug her along the passageway.

"Where are we going?" Ginny asked, hurrying to keep up with him.

"If I have to listen to your asinine questions, at least I'll do it where everyone in the castle won't wander past to gawk! Over here!"

He pulled her into an arched stairway and released her. Then he did cross his arms and lean against the wall. Ginny wondered if he knew how sexy that negligent pose was. She was certain he used it because he did know. Concentrate! she told herself. She might not get the chance to ask him again!

"Right, then. First off, what were you doing with that creep Flint in Diagon Alley?"

Ginny watched him smirk and knew this wasn't going to go well.

"None of your damned business, Weasley. Next question?"

Glaring at him, Ginny said, "Fine. Why did you warn me about Hogsmeade? Did you know Flint was going to be there?"

Casually examining his fingernails, Draco said easily, "Because you can't stay out of trouble, and none of your business. Next?"

Ginny was nearly seething. She should have known it wouldn't be that easy. "Well, how about this, MALFOY," she gritted out, wanting to get some sort of reaction out of him besides the infuriating arrogance. "How the hell did you know just where to find me yesterday? Did you have some secret meeting planned? And what was it about, huh? Just what are you two up to? And don't tell me that it's none of my business! I was the one face down in the street, not you!"

This did get a reaction. Draco's face grew red and his expression was furious. "And you wouldn't have been if you'd just listened for once in your stubborn, mule-headed life, now would you?"

He advanced on her, backing her against the wall. "I have a few questions for you, Weasley! Why were you out there alone? What was so important that you had to leave your stupid friends? Huh?"

He had reached into his pocket, just like the night before, but instead of his wand, he withdrew a paper bag. A very crumpled, dirty, torn paper bag. "This, Weasley?!" he demanded, waving the bag under her nose. "A few cheap quills? Tell me, Weasley, was it worth nearly getting--?"

He broke off suddenly and thrust the bag at her. Then he spun away, his back stiff with anger. He looked so enraged that Ginny couldn't even concentrate on the bag at first. But it struck her suddenly what she was holding! It was the bag of quills she'd bought in Hogsmeade. He must have found it when he'd moved Flint into the doorway! That was why he had been so angry when he'd returned to her side! Before she could open the bag or even answer him, he swung back to her.

"I could have strangled you when I saw those things! I could still strangle you! I--," he stopped again. Giving her a last glare, he turned and hurried away, down the corridor and out of sight.

Ginny stared after him, amazed at how he'd turned on her. His sudden anger had been completely unexpected. He'd brushed off her questions and left her as bewildered as ever. She'd wanted to reach for him when she had understood why he was angry, but the cold look he'd given her before he'd stomped off had stopped her. She took a deep breath then finally looked at the bag. It was a mess. It was ripped, crumpled and covered with dried mud. Ginny could even make out the tread of her worn shoes on the side of the bag. What a waste it had been, too, since the quills would also be ruined. She opened the bag anyway. Inside were four brand-new, undamaged quills in the same colours she'd originally chosen. Draco had replaced the ruined quills!

Ginny trudged back toward the library, Labelle quiet and subdued by her side. She was feeling a bit depressed and Labelle obviously sensed it. She was depressed because Draco had done it again. He'd done something so heart-meltingly nice, so incredibly thoughtful, at the same time he'd given her the most vile, hateful glare she'd ever experienced. It was as though he were trying to push her away from him after he'd done something for her, just to make sure she didn't get the idea that he cared. But he had to care about her, or he wouldn't have been so angry about the quills. But what depressed Ginny was that she finally figured out that even though he seemed to care for her, he must hate it, too. It must be a blow to his pride, to his ego, to have to admit that he cared, even a little bit, for someone he seemed to think was so far beneath him.

Very depressing, Ginny thought to herself, barely looking up until she nearly ran into a crowd of people outside the library door.

"--missing from the Restricted section!" she heard one student whisper.

Something was missing from the restricted section? Ginny lifted her head and listened to the bits of conversation around her.

"How could someone do that? You'd have to have strong magic--,"

"--said that none of the alarms were tripped! Imagine--,"

"--it was one of the most evil books, too! That one by Helmut Grindelwald!"

Ginny's eyes grew wide. This was what the librarian had been talking about while Ginny had been chasing Draco down! Someone had taken one of the restricted books! With a shudder, Ginny remembered that Draco had been sneaking out of the library last night! But he couldn't have taken it, could he? He hadn't been carrying anything. At least, not that she'd noticed. Ginny looked around and saw a girl she knew slightly. Actually it was the same girl Professor Snape had raked over the coals for spilling the ingredients for Wolfsbane potion in class a few months before. She walked over to the girl and tapped her on the shoulder.

"Uh, Williams, what's going on?" Ginny asked quietly.

The girl turned to Ginny and seemed to be trying to remember who she was. Finally she said, "Oh, Weasley."

She looked toward the library door, where the librarian stood talking quietly and emphatically to the Headmaster, then turned back to Ginny.

"Someone stole a book! Right from the restricted section! Madam Pince was doing her weekly inventory and it was gone!"

The look on the girl's face was one of awe and fright.

"It takes some doing to pull that off and not set off alarms! Evil magic!"

Ginny glanced around and saw that several other students were listening and nodding agreement. Great, Ginny thought, wanting to shake the girl. If anyone found out that Draco had been caught outside the library last night, they would assume it had been him!

"Lots of people can get books from the restricted section," Ginny said with just enough calm distain that Williams bridled. "I mean, any advanced potions or arithmancy or dark arts student has access, right? And the Head Girl and Head Boy, and all the prefects. Honestly, 'evil magic'!"

Ginny laughed lightly, and some of the other students actually laughed with her. Williams wasn't happy about this turn of events, especially since she wasn't that popular to begin with. It had been exciting for her to have so many other kids listening to her and agreeing with her! She gave Ginny a hard look.

"Yeah, maybe you're right. But how many kids could get a book from the restricted section when it's locked, in a locked library, after normal hours, without tripping any of the alarms!? Only someone who knows lots of evil hexes and magic could do that, Weasley! What do you have to say about that?"

Ginny thought quickly. The girl was right. There weren't many students at Hogwarts who could do that. She was about to reply, even if it sounded lame, when Williams continued.

"I'll bet it was Potter," she said suddenly. "Everyone thinks he's so wonderful, but I'll bet he really is Slytherin's heir! Don't forget about Justin, and Cedric! I'll bet Potter's just been waiting for the right time to show his true colours!"

This time Ginny's laugh was filled with scorn. "Honestly! Harry Potter? Of course he's not Slytherin's heir! He didn't touch Justin, or Cedric, either! He's the one who slew the monster in the Chamber, remember? Or did you happen to forget that little fact?"

Williams' face twisted into a sneer worthy of a Slytherin. "Well, we only have his word and yours for that, don't we? He says he killed the monster, but who knows if he didn't just drag you out of the chamber and leave the filthy beast there? Why should we believe you, anyway? Everyone knows you're in love with him!"

"Oh, for heaven's sake! Are you really going to stand there and try to make anyone believe that Harry Potter is Slytherin's heir? You must be more insane that I thought! And you're behind times, Williams. I had a crush on Harry for a while, but that was a long time ago. And to tell you the truth, I don't care if you believe me or not. Only an idiot would believe such ridiculous gossip. Besides, Harry would probably be the last person to take a book from the restricted section."

That wasn't quite true. Ginny could well imagine that after the many other things he'd done in his short career at Hogwarts, a bit of pinching from the restricted section wouldn't unduly bother him. But he would have a very good reason, and Ron and Hermione would also be involved, and so far this year, the trio didn't seem to be up to anything forbidden, yet. Ginny was uncomfortably aware, though, that Williams was right on one count: only someone with fairly advanced skills could have managed to get a book under the circumstances in the first place. The library had special wards in place after hours to prevent just this from happening and removing them did take some fairly advanced magic. And there were very few students in school whose parents would allow them to practice THAT sort of magic. Ginny could only think of one at the moment.

Williams gave Ginny a sullen look. But Ginny argument didn't stop her wild speculations.

"Well, maybe you're right about Harry," she finally admitted. "But there are other kids who could have done it. What about that Malfoy boy? If he's not rotten, then no one is. And I wouldn't put something like that past him! Maybe he's Slytherin's heir! Maybe he's the one who stole the book. He hates Muggles, so it makes sense!"

Ginny felt her stomach tighten again. She knew that neither Draco nor Harry was Slytherin's heir. But she couldn't very well say that. Professor Dumbledore had been very careful not to let the real story behind the opening of the Chamber of Secrets get out. It would have been devastating to Ginny's family in light of their pro-Muggle views. Unfortunately, since few people knew the whole story, with Tom Riddle's diary and Ginny's own involvement, Ginny couldn't very well blurt out what she knew. That didn't mean she had to let this gossipy old hen spread lies about Draco. Besides, even if he did KNOW powerful dark magic, that didn't make him evil.

"I think Williams is right!" one of the girls standing near them said suddenly. "That Malfoy is a bully and his family is evil! He's probably the one who did it!"

"And I think you're both a couple of feather-brained twits," Ginny snapped. "You have nothing better to do than spread lies and gossip about things you don't even know about. Do you even know what book was supposedly stolen?"

Ginny didn't like the look of triumph in Williams' eyes. "Actually, Weasley, I do. It was 'The Eradication of the Muggle Pestilence', by Helmut Grindlewald. Complete with large-scale hexes and curses that could take out hundreds at a time. Sounds like it's right in Malfoy's line, doesn't it?"

Ginny felt her skin crawl. That definitely sounded like it was in Lucius Malfoy's line. Whether the man's son followed in his footsteps, Ginny couldn't say. But she felt, deep inside, that Draco hadn't stolen the book. She couldn't explain why he had been in the library, and hoped that the disappearance of the volume was a coincidence, but she still couldn't bring herself to see him in that light. She refused to believe that he would steal something that sounded so evil. Giving Williams a pitying look, Ginny turned away.

"Get a life, Williams. Then we won't have to listen to you gossip about things you don't know anything about."

Ginny heard the girl's huff of indignation, but she didn't care. The last thing she needed was for some nitwit to start spreading unfounded rumors around the castle. As she headed away, she noticed the Headmaster watching her thoughtfully. Madam Pince said something to him and he looked away, but Ginny felt uncomfortable. Had he heard her arguing with Williams? And if so, what would he make of her trying to change the subject when Draco's name came up? Shrugging, Ginny decided it was time to head back to Gryffindor.

Labelle ran into the Common Room and hopped up on a corner of one of the couches where she sat grooming herself. Su and Daisy were sitting on a couch reading magazines. The 'girls day' had been a bust, then, Ginny thought. Daisy looked up and gave Ginny a small nod. Su put the magazine down, though, and sat up straighter, making room for Ginny beside her.

"You're back awfully fast," she said. "Didn't find anything interesting?"

Ginny shrugged. "There was a book on flobberworms, but it looked dead boring. And besides, they closed the library early. Something about their inventory."

Su snorted. "That old prune Pince does her inventory every Sunday. Wonder what she thinks someone's going to pinch?"

Ginny wasn't about to mention what had actually happened. If she did, the girls would wangle the entire story from her, including what had happened last night. Ginny's stomach was still churning. It was bad enough for that ignorant twit, Williams to think Draco had something to do with the disappearance of the book. She didn't want Su and Daisy to think so, too.

"So what happened to the 'girls day', anyway?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Hmph," Daisy sniffed. "First we couldn't get anyone interested. Then, when we'd finally talked a few girls around, the boys wouldn't leave us alone! Stupid gits!"

She glared darkly at a few of the boys scattered around the room. Ginny smiled weakly. "Maybe next week, right?"

Daisy sniffed again and picked up her magazine. Even though she would probably just end up staring at her book and brooding over Draco Malfoy, Ginny decided she might as well try to read, too, since it looked like she was stuck here. She reached into her bag, but it was empty! With a jolt she remembered Draco tossing it onto the table. In her hurry to follow him out of the library, she'd forgotten it! Just great! Now she really had nothing to do except brood.

Labelle jumped onto her lap and nuzzled her neck, meowing softly. Stroking the Kneazle's soft head, Ginny sighed. She did not want to sit here and fret over that irritating young man, but she nearly jumped out of her skin when a picture just forced itself into her brain. A picture of Draco Malfoy smiling gently at her! The perspective was wrong, though. He seemed to be crouching and looking down at her, and Ginny suddenly realized that this was what the Kneazle would see!

"Labelle!" Ginny said quietly. "Did you-was that you?"

Another mental image came up, this of Ginny's astounded expression, much as she must look right now!

"Wow! Labelle! You can-but the book didn't mention this! I've got to go look this up in the library!"

Ginny even stood, carrying the Kneazle with her, when she realized that the library was closed! Damn, she thought, sitting again.

"Ginny, what are you babbling about?" Su demanded.

Ginny looked up, startled. "Er, nothing. That is, I was just going back to the library but it's closed!"

Su gave Ginny an exasperated look and returned to her magazine. Ginny looked carefully at the Kneazle and said quietly, "Can you do that to Draco, too?"

Another image filled her mind. This was of Labelle resting comfortably on a large bed with green bed curtains. A familiar figure was stretched out on the bed and fondly stroking the Kneazle's head and back. A familiar figure with blond hair and gray eyes! Labelle WAS sending Ginny images!

Ginny's mind reeled with the possibilities of this unexpected talent. Labelle must have done something similar yesterday when Draco had been in the Potions classroom. But that meant that she must have some sort of telepathic link to Ginny. Otherwise she wouldn't have known Ginny was in trouble. Ginny had time to wonder if Draco recognized the extent of the link before Daisy shook her.

"Ginny! Are you all right? You just, like, zoned out! It was creepy!"

"What? Uh, sorry 'bout that," Ginny stammered. "I-er-what were you saying?"

"God, Ginny! Don't do that!" Su gave Ginny a strange look and grimaced. "You looked like you were frozen! I thought you were having a fit or something!"

"No, I-uh, I was just thinking, that's all!"

Daisy shook her head and murmured, "Boy, am I glad I never think that hard about anything. I was just wondering if you wanted to do your nails? I got some new polish that's supposed to keep them from cracking and chipping. And I'm so bored!"

"I don't think so, Daisy. I'm not really in the mood for."

"PLEASE! It won't take that long and you don't even have to move! I'll go get the stuff and we'll do it right here! PLEASE?"

Ginny really WASN'T in the mood. She wanted to see what other images Labelle could give her, but the kitten had jumped off her lap and padded off. And Daisy's look of desperation was more than she could take. Besides, it was hours until supper and she couldn't very well sit here and babble about Labelle's abilities until she could study them. Daisy and Su would think she was mad! Colin would probably understand, but the Quidditch team wouldn't be back for a while, so there was really nothing better to do

"All right, then," she said, resigned. "But only normal colours and only if Su does, too!" She called the last as Daisy sprinted for the stairs. The last time Ginny let Daisy loose on her nails, she ended up with pink and purple swirls on each finger!

It wasn't too bad, Ginny told herself later when the team finally returned. Her nails were not normal-looking by any means, but at least they weren't pink and purple. Daisy's special nail polish was apparently enchanted to make a design when applied. Now Ginny was sporting bright scarlet nails with small, golden lions on each. Thankfully the little lions didn't move; that would have been too much! But Ginny did like the effect. She was a Gryffindor right down to the tips of her fingers! As the team filed into the Common Room Ginny was about to run over and tell Colin about Labelle, but she stopped dead when she saw them.

The team looked a wreck! They were soaked to the skin, their robes were spattered with mud and muck, and they looked exhausted. Their lips were blue and trembling, Dean had icicles hanging from his normally tidy braids, and Harry's glasses were completely fogged over. What had stopped her, though, was that Harry and Colin were covered with bloodstains!

Hermione, who had come in only a few minutes before, rushed over from the chair she'd been reading in. "What happened?" she demanded.

Several other students gathered around but Hermione raised her hands for silence.

"Back! All of you! You there, you first years! Shove over and give them room at the fire! Can't you lot see they're freezing?"

The crowd parted and the team was soon ensconced in front of the fire. Hermione sent for towels and slippers, then turned to Harry.

"What happened? Are you and Colin all right? Should I send for the healer?"

Ron came forward, his pale face white with cold.

"They're fine, Hermione," he told her. "We just had a bit of an accident."

"B-bit?" Harry stammered with a laugh. "I t-took a s-swan dive from my b- broom, is all!"

Dean laughed, too, and then sneezed immediately, sending tiny chunks of ice flying from his hair. "Yeah, if it wasn't for Colin, Harry'd still be bleeding like a stuck pig!"

"Colin?" Hermione said, mystified. "But--,"

"Colin's a great healer," Ginny told her quickly. "Even for being untrained. Even Madam Pomfrey says so. So, what happened?"

Harry shivered and gratefully took a towel that someone handed him. After he mopped his hair and dried his glasses, he told them.

"You know how icy it was? Well, I was flying around looking for the Snitch,"

"And how he thought he could see it in that mess," Ron began, but was shushed immediately.

"Anyway, I WAS looking for it, when a Bludger came along and smacked me right in the ribs. I'd have been okay, except by then my broom handle was so slick, I just sort of slipped off!"

"You were practicing with BLUDGERS in this weather? I think you're all mad! Harry could have been killed!" Hermione glared angrily at Ron, who was the team captain. "What were you thinking?"

Ron frowned at her, but remained silent.

"He only fell about twenty feet," Colin interjected. "Good job he landed on his head, or he might have really hurt something."

This got a general laugh and Harry gave him a half-hearted glare. "Unfortunately, Colin's right. Just a big pain in the side, and a gash in the head. And THAT was from landing on my glasses!"

Hermione still looked unconvinced. "Let me see," she told Harry.

"Sure thing," he said, removing his glasses and handing them to her.

"Not your glasses," she said, exasperated. "I want to see your head!"

"There's nothing to see, Hermione," Ron told her. "Colin already healed it!"

"Yes, but, he's not a healer!"

Ron took Hermione's arm. "Neither are you, love. And if you keep going on about Harry, I'm going to get jealous! Now don't you think you should make sure I'M okay?"

As the rest of the team laughed, Ginny moved to Colin's side and tugged at his damp sleeve.

"You really should change out of those things," she said.

"Yeah, I'm going to pop into the shower first, you know, warm up a bit! It was freezing out there!"

"Okay," Ginny said. "Just don't take too long. I want to talk to you about something."

"Yeah?" Colin looked closely at her and smiled. "Something about your Adonis?"

"Colin, I wish you'd stop calling him that! And besides, not everything in my life is about that selfish prat. It's about Labelle!"

Colin's eyebrows had shot up, but he didn't comment other than to say he'd be back soon. As he headed for the stairs, though, he added, "Like the nails, Gin. They're so you!"

At supper, the house tables had been abuzz with speculation over the stolen (or lost or misplaced) book from the library. Ginny was relieved to note that the story about Draco being caught outside the library wasn't widely known. She didn't want to be defending him to everyone, including her friends. Especially as that would call for lengthy explanations on why she was so certain he hadn't taken the book. Williams and her friend were darting unfriendly glances Ginny's way occasionally, so Ginny knew the girl was still upset over their earlier conversation. Su and Daisy were chattering brightly away on her right, probably overjoyed at having had nothing horrid happen to her all day. Colin, on her left, was now warm, dry and freshly dressed. As the food appeared, he turned to her.

"So, what's up with Labelle?" he asked, spearing some roast beef onto his plate.

Ginny wasn't sure how to say it, so she just blurted it out.

"She's telepathic! Or something like that! She can put pictures, images into my head!"

Colin's fork stopped in midair. "Say again?"

"I know it sounds freaky, but she does. Today she put an image of Dr-er- you know, him, petting her. And she did it right after I asked about him! That's how she got him to come to Hogsmeade so fast! She must have sent him an image of me in trouble!"

Colin was staring at her and Ginny felt her cheeks grow warm.

"I'm not lying! It really happened!"

"I don't doubt you, Gin. But do you know how rare that is? That Kneazle must really love you to have formed such a strong bond!"

Ginny looked incredulously at him. "You knew Kneazles could do that? Why didn't you tell me?"

The look Colin returned was equally incredulous. "I figured you would have read it in your book. I found out by reading ahead for Care of Magical Creatures. It's a very rare trait, and even when it exists, it's not usually that strong. I wonder if the rest of her litter had that ability."

"Do you think she does the same thing with-him? I mean, she does like him too."

Colin shrugged. "Dunno, Gin. Maybe you should ask him. Or maybe you should ask her."

Colin grinned wickedly and glanced toward the Slytherin table. "I'll bet your little Kneazle could tell you lots of interesting things about your Adonis!"

Su and Daisy said they were going to hang out in the Common Room after supper. Ginny was tired from her night of broken rest, so she went upstairs. After changing into pajamas, she went through the text for Magical Creatures, but there was nothing much more than what Colin had told her. Oh, well, Ginny thought. What else was there to know? Labelle could share her thoughts with Ginny if she wished, and she could communicate quite effectively with others, as well. That was good enough for her! Even without this surprising talent, Ginny had loved the creature with all her heart. Tossing the book aside Ginny grabbed her towel and toothbrush and headed for the loo.

It was still quite early, but Ginny had pleaded a mild headache so she could have the room to herself for a little while. Now, lying in bed, she grinned at her kitten, currently sprawled across her belly. Labelle was draped over her, paws in the air, but giving Ginny a questioning look.

"You know, Draco was right," Ginny said with a giggle. "You're getting huge! Give it a few months and I won't be able to carry you anymore!"

She gave the exposed belly a soft rub, and then folded her arms behind her head. "Do you really give Draco images, too, love?" she murmured softly.

Labelle rolled over and padded up Ginny's chest to look into her eyes. Ginny felt something tug at her mind and she saw an image of herself, cuddling her Kneazle and smiling softly. The image melted away to one of Labelle staring intently into Draco's eyes and Ginny got the feeling that Labelle was answering her question. She could only hope that the innocuous images of Ginny holding the Kneazle were the only ones she had shared. She didn't like to think of Labelle sharing visions of Ginny in her pajamas, or brushing her teeth or any number of other embarrassing possibilities. Labelle nuzzled Ginny's neck and moved away to curl up on the pillow. In seconds, the creature was asleep.

Ginny smiled at the Kneazle. Then her eye caught the crumpled paper bag on her nightstand and she frowned. What to do about Draco? Right now there was nothing more than rumour about Draco taking the book, and Ginny thought she had managed to stifle that for a while since none of the other students knew about him being in the library last night. The word would get out, though, that was certain. In a place like Hogwarts, even deep, dark secrets didn't stay that way for long without a great deal of effort. It was a wonder that more people didn't know the real story behind the Chamber of Secrets. Staring up at her scarlet canopy, Ginny tried to decide what to do. Should she go to Professor McGonagall and tell her what had really happened last night? The Transfiguration professor would have surely heard Filch's version by now, and might be wondering herself whether Draco was guilty. If Ginny told, she would get into trouble for sneaking out of her dorm, but how could she not tell the truth? Ginny had been able to stay out of trouble for most of her Hogwarts career, and didn't relish the thought of admitting that she'd broken the rules. Fred and George had done enough of that for all seven Weasley children. But she couldn't let Draco get blamed for something she was certain he hadn't done. Finally, she and her conscience came to a compromise: she would remain silent unless it looked like the Slytherin was going to be falsely accused. If that happened, she would come clean. That must have been the right decision, or at least enough of a balm for her conscience because she finally fell asleep.

Monday morning dawned dark and dreary. The rain had finally moved off, but the weather had grown even colder and several dark clouds remained. Ginny barely noticed. Her morning classes had gone smoothly enough, and lunch had seemed fine, but when she and her friends had returned to the Common Room before afternoon classes, she'd been in for a shock.

Ginny, Su and Daisy had just entered the Common Room when they heard arguing from near the hearth. Su quickly motioned them to silence and they listened to the loud conversation.

"-that there's no proof, Ron! Honestly! Just because he's in Slytherin doesn't mean he took it!"

Hermione had that edge to her voice that she got when she was ready to lose her temper. It happened so seldom that the three sixth year girls stared at one another, shocked. Ginny was even more shocked at where the conversation seemed to be leading.

"But Hermione, its MALFOY," Ron insisted, as though that explained everything.

"Even you have to admit that it sounds just like something Malfoy would do, Hermione," Harry's voice added reasonably.

"Oh, good grief!" Hermione exclaimed. "Why did I ever tell you two about him being found outside the library Saturday night?"

The Head Girl sounded exasperated, but Ginny wondered the same thing. Hermione should have known that Ron and Harry would automatically assume Draco was guilty.

Hermione went on in still angrier tones. "What I told you was privileged information. If I hear rumours about it, I'll know exactly who to blame!"

"Aw, Hermione, don't! This is way too good not to spread! Even if it isn't true!"

Ginny could gladly have thrashed Ron at that moment, but she remained where she was, motioning Su and Daisy to remain silent. Then Hermione spoke once more.

"I'm warning you, Ron! Not a word! You know, you're an ungrateful brute! Who was it that rescued Ginny from that Flint fellow? Malfoy! And all you can think of is your personal feud with him! You ought to be thanking him!"

As the girls listened, they heard Hermione stomp away. They saw her throw herself into a chair at the far end of the room and bury her nose in a heavy book.

"Thank Malfoy?" Ron's voice was incredulous. "Not bloody likely!"

Su and Daisy were wide eyed, staring at Ginny as though looking for direction. Thinking quickly, Ginny strode forward making as much noise as possible.

"Say, Daisy, how'd you like the pies for lunch?" she asked heartily.

Daisy gave her a confused look, but played along. "Er, uh, yeah the pies," she agreed loudly. "They were good, but a bit overcooked, don't you think, Su?"

By the time the girls entered the room proper, Ron and Harry were both watching them with a mixture of embarrassment and surprise.

"Uh, Ginny, hi!" Harry said. "You girls just come in?"

"Yeah, why?" Ginny asked, plopping down next to her brother.

"Oh, nothing! Nothing!" Ron's face had grown red, even to the tips of his ears. "Er, we were just leaving, right, Harry?"

"Yeah, leaving!" Harry and Ron picked up their book bags and hurried out of the room.

"What was that about?" Su demanded.

"You heard Hermione," Ginny answered. "Privileged information. If they knew we'd heard, Ron and Harry could blab as much as they liked, then say it was us!"

"But, Ginny, what are you talking about? Malfoy took that book from the library? Have you told anyone?" Daisy's eyes were still wide and she speaking in a hushed whisper.

"Malfoy didn't take the book!" Ginny whispered back emphatically. "I saw him leave the library, and he wasn't carrying-uh, oops."

She looked sheepishly at her friends. They were looking at her as though she'd suddenly turned green or something.

"You saw him? And just how did you do that?" Colin's voice was calm, low and right over Ginny's shoulder. He'd heard, too.

When Ginny had explained briefly to her friends, Su and Daisy were scandalized that Ginny had left the tower, especially without them. Colin only frowned.

"I don't understand. What is Malfoy up to?"

He saw Ginny's look and immediately held his hands up. "I don't mean with some stupid book; I agree with you. I don't think he took it. But I don't understand why he's acting the way he is. It's so bloody obvious that he's mad about you.I don't like it. Something's not right."

Ginny opened her mouth to refute his statement, but he waved her off. "Think what you like. But if anything else happens, let us know. And keep Labelle with you if you're going to be alone. Right?"

Ginny promised, and after assuring Su and Daisy that Draco hadn't done anything to hurt her (emotional hurts didn't count, she figured) she gave them all a big hug. As they gathered their things for afternoon classes, though, Ginny realized that if Hermione knew, so did the Head Boy. That meant that others did, as well. With a sigh, she realized she would have to speak with Professor McGonagall.

Their last class of the day was the double Potions with the Hufflepuffs. Williams and her friend were still glowering at Ginny, which didn't bother her a bit. Especially not after Professor Snape just happened to ask Williams a question while she was bending a particularly ugly look on Ginny. She missed the question and was rewarded by having five points deducted from Hufflepuff. Labelle was prowling around the edges of the room, having learned to not bother the professor when he was lecturing, and unable to fit comfortably in Ginny's bag any longer. Ginny did miss the comfort of being able to stroke her friend's fur during lectures, but it was reassuring to know she was nearby.

As the class came to a close, Professor Snape gave out the homework assignment.

"Miss Weasley, I need you to stay behind for a few minutes," he said as the final bell sounded. "The rest of the class is dismissed."

Colin, Su and Daisy looked questioningly at her, but Ginny shrugged. She didn't have any idea what the professor wanted to talk about, but she was eager to get away. She wanted to hurry to the Transfiguration classroom to catch Professor McGonagall before she disappeared.

Snape's angry voice cut into her thoughts.

"I wish to speak with Miss Weasley, not a Gryffindor delegation," he snapped when he saw Colin, Daisy and Su waiting with Ginny. "You three are dismissed."

"We'll wait outside," Colin muttered quietly as they headed for the door.

Ginny approached Professor Snape's desk and stood before it. The tall professor slid into his seat and did something odd. He motioned for Ginny to take the hard, straight-backed chair beside the desk. Ginny frowned. He usually seemed to like making students stand before him, like criminals before a judge when he told them off. Ginny sat and Labelle immediately jumped onto her lap. Ginny stroked her friend, relieved to have her support.

Snape's eyes seemed to glitter strangely as he watched, but then his face relaxed.

"You've been blessed in your friends, Miss Weasley," he remarked cryptically.

Ginny frowned and was about to ask him what he meant when the door to the classroom opened. Teacher and student looked at the young man who had just entered. Ginny wondered what Draco was doing here when she knew the Slytherin team had the Quidditch pitch booked for practice today. But Professor Snape rose from his desk and strode toward the young man.

"Ah, yes, your detention, Mr. Malfoy. I believe that the first year students have found new and inventive ways of ruining their cauldrons. You will take that lot." Ginny watched as the Potions Master gestured toward one of the many sinks; this one filled with blackened, potion encrusted cauldrons. ".and restore them to some form of cleanliness. And, Mr. Malfoy," he added with a malicious satisfaction that surprised Ginny, "you will NOT use magic."

Ginny waited for the explosion, but although Draco scowled angrily, he merely said, "Yes, sir."

He did, however, manage to direct a hateful sneer in Ginny's direction. Ginny winced inwardly. Colin was obviously the one who was mad. She was doubting her own assessment of Draco's motives. No, he did not care for her or he would not be giving her that disgusting look. He probably blamed her for his detention. Not that she blamed him. If she hadn't happened along on Saturday night, he would have probably been able to get safely away. Ginny dropped her eyes and turned around once more.

Snape slid into his chair again and cleared his throat. There were several loud bangs and crashes from the sinks, but he ignored them.

"Now, Miss Weasley, I wanted to ask you a few questions. I understand there was some trouble in Hogsmeade on Saturday?"

Ginny's eyebrows shot up and she said, "How did you know?" before she could stop herself. Of course he knew. Hadn't he been on hand when Labelle had warned Draco?

The Potions Master's stern mouth turned up in a mocking smile. "It would have been difficult not to know with the way your Kneazle was reacting," he answered, resting an elbow on the desk and gesturing to the creature in Ginny's lap.

Labelle hopped onto his desk and padded over to bump his arm with her head, demanding a pet. The mocking smile was replaced by a small smile of pleasure as Snape obliged. Without looking up, he asked another question.

"Are you all right now, Miss Weasley?"

"Er, yes, sir," Ginny stammered. She wasn't used to Snape showing any concern for anyone, and she was very disconcerted. "A bump on the head, that was all."

A loud clang from the sinks caused Ginny and Labelle to jump. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Draco throw her a hard look. She looked away.

"It could have been much worse, Miss Weasley. You realize that, don't you?" The professor's eyes were hard and piercing, almost accusing.

"Yes, sir, I-uh, I do realize that. If it hadn't been for Dr-er, Malfoy, I'm not sure what would have happened."

"Yes," Snape said, almost sneering. "Good job Mr. Malfoy was there."

Ginny didn't understand any of this. What was Snape getting at? Did he blame her for getting herself into a jam that one of his students had had to rescue her from? Had Draco told him about Saturday night? Another series of crashes from the sink along with a healthy round of cursing caused both the professor and Ginny to jump and stare. Labelle hissed and jumped down from the desk, cautiously approaching the sink area to investigate. Draco had piled all the cauldrons into stacks on the floor, but had somehow upset all of them. The cauldrons were scattered about, and soapy water was spilling over the rim of the sink. Amid this mess, Draco stood with a scrub brush in one hand and a sponge in the other.

"Mr. Malfoy!" Snape snapped. "Are you purposely making a mess or are you really that inept!?"

Again Ginny was shocked at the venom in the professor's voice. Wasn't Draco one of his favorites? According to Ron and Harry, Draco NEVER got in trouble with Snape. And the few times he'd had to serve detention for the Potions Master, they swore that he was given tasks like erasing the chalk board or writing his name on a scroll of parchment and turning it in. He must be very upset with Draco to berate him in front of another student, especially a Gryffindor!

"You said no magic, sir," Draco was answering in a stiff voice. "Since I've never needed to scrub anything, much less a cauldron, you can't blame me."

Ginny bit her lip and cringed. Surely Snape would rip him apart for arguing in front of her! She wasn't a bit surprised when Snape nearly leaped from his desk.

"When CERTAIN STUDENTS are accused of acts that bring shame and embarrassment on MY HOUSE, Mr. Malfoy, I will CERTAINLY blame them! I don't care how much money your family has, there are some things you will NOT get away with! Do you understand, Mr. Malfoy?"

Ginny was horrified. Draco was serving detention for taking the book! At least that's what it sounded like! She had to say something!

"Professor!" she said suddenly, standing. "I have to tell you something!"

Snape turned away from Draco and glared at her. "Miss Weasley, you're interrupting!" he seethed.

"But, Professor, it's about-," she stopped abruptly. She'd glanced at Draco, and his look had frozen her.

He was giving her a ferocious glare. And he was making flat-handed cutting- off gestures across his throat, obviously telling her to shut up!

"Yes, Miss Weasley?" Snape said, his voice dripping sarcasm. "About what?"

"Er, it was-that is," Ginny looked at Draco again and now he was emphatically shaking his head from side to side. 'NO!' he was mouthing.

"Uh, I-forgot," she said, her shoulders slumping. Maybe he was embarrassed that he'd helped her and didn't want to further anger his Head of House.

Snape, however, glanced for Ginny to Draco, his eyebrows drawn over his eyes. "Forgot?" he said in a musing voice. "I see. Well, let us finish, Miss Weasley, and then I'll deal with." he trailed off as he gestured toward Draco.

Ginny sat again. When Snape was seated, he leaned forward and folded his hands in front of him on the desk.

"Miss Weasley," he said quietly, almost urgently. "You understand that people sometimes make errors in judgment? That they sometimes make mistakes?"

He did think she'd acted stupidly! Ginny bowed her head and nodded. "Yes, sir. We all make mistakes."

"And when someone realizes they've made one of these mistakes, when they are truly sorry, what do you think should be done? Should they be forgiven?

Ginny glanced up, her brows knit. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe he wasn't talking about her. "I'm sorry sir, I don't understand. I was wrong to leave the Broomsticks, especially since Malfoy had already warned me, but what should I be forgiven for? I mean, no one else got hurt, right? Or did." she trailed off when his expression changed to one of confusion.

"Miss Weasley, let us say that I am speaking in the abstract. Should someone be forgiven for making a gross error in judgment that, thus far, has not caused much damage?"

"Er, in the abstract, sir, I would say yes. But what--?"

Snape cut her off. "Fine, Miss Weasley," he said briskly. "Just remember that. Now, you're free to go. MR. MALFOY! Is it possible to be any messier?"

Ginny was bewildered by his abruptness. He had turned from her to harangue Draco, leaving Ginny to return to her desk to gather her things. Labelle rubbed against her ankles and Ginny smiled down at her friend. At least she understood Labelle. She had no idea what to make of Draco and her Potions professor. Snape finished his harangue and then stalked out of the room mumbling about summoning someone to bring in a mop and bucket so Draco could clean up the mess he'd made by cleaning up. Ginny moved toward the door, Labelle by her side, but paused to give Draco a quick glance. Then she stared. She could not believe that he was so ignorant of common domestic chores that he actually thought it was normal to scrub dishes with his sleeves buttoned. But there he was, up to his forearms in soapy water with his sleeves down!

"What's your problem, little Weasel?" he demanded when he noticed her staring.

Ginny shook her head and shouldered her bag. She had better things to do than take his abuse. Lifting her nose, she said, "You know, Draco, it helps when you roll up your cuffs."

With that, she hurried through the door, hoping Professor McGonagall was still in her classroom.