Disclaimers: JKR owns it all, along with Bloomsbury, Scholastic Books, Warner Brothers, and who knows who else?
Notes: To those who have asked, no, I have not read Order of the Phoenix, and won't until I'm done with this story, because if I did I would probably see that I'm now out of canon and give up on it. Since I've never abandoned a story yet, I don't plan to start with this one. Any similarities to OotP are definitely coincidental, and I can't wait to read it, now. It's killing me to wait! Also, I know it's 'Lestrange' and not 'Le Strange', but my computer likes the second better and I'm too lazy to add the other. My most sincere thanks to everyone who still reads and especially the threatening emails to finish or else.
Chapter 13
The bell rang, releasing the sixth year Gryffindor students from Transfiguration. As they stood and began to mill toward the door, Professor McGonagall called to Ginny.
"Miss Weasley! A moment, please."
This was it, Ginny thought. She'd been expecting the professor to talk to her any time these last two days, since her conversation with Professor Snape, so she wasn't surprised. But she dreaded it. She already knew what the professor wanted to tell her, and she was ready to agree to whatever her family decided. She just wanted to know what was happening.
"You guys go on, I'll meet you in class," she told Colin.
He nodded, and motioned for Su and Daisy to follow him. The girls gave Ginny encouraging smiles, and Su even went so far as to give her a thumbs-up gesture. Ginny smiled wryly. A week ago, Su wouldn't even look at her. Life was just strange that way. Turning to her head of house, Ginny straightened her shoulders and approached the desk.
Labelle was already there, sitting patiently on Professor McGonagall's desk and looking contented. The woman was actually stroking the Kneazle, as it seemed everyone who got near her wanted to do. Ginny couldn't help wonder if the Kneazle planted the suggestion in the heads of the people she liked. She doubted it, though. Labelle was just the sort of creature who attracted attention.
"Yes, Professor?" Ginny said as she stood in front of the professor's desk. "You wanted to talk to me?"
"Sit down for a moment, Miss Weasley," she said kindly. "I'm sure you know what I wish to say."
Ginny sat, making sure there was room on her lap for the Kneazle. Labelle plopped herself down on the girl's legs and sprawled lazily, begging a belly scratch. Ginny's hands automatically moved to comply.
"I guess it has something to do with what Professor Snape told me on Monday?" Ginny ventured.
The professor's eyes narrowed behind her small spectacles. "That man," she said in an angry tone. "He had no business…" She paused, as though realizing she was talking to a student. "At any rate, it should have been left to me to tell you about our concerns. What he thought he was doing…"
She trailed off again, and Ginny fought the urge to say that Professor Snape was bloody well warning her, and she was grateful for it. She bit her lip and waited.
Finally, Professor McGonagall sighed and gave Ginny a weary look. It was obvious that the woman did not want to be having this conversation. I'll have to get things started, Ginny realized.
"Professor, did you happen to owl my folks yet? Do they have any plans for me at the holidays? And did you decide whether I'm allowed to go to Hogsmeade or not? I'm sorry for hurrying you, but I do have to get to my next class."
McGonagall narrowed her eyes again, this time looking sharply at Ginny. "You seem to be taking this rather lightly, Miss Weasley. Perhaps Professor Snape did not explain things as thoroughly as he led me to believe."
"He was very thorough, ma'am," Ginny assured her. "It's just that I can't see the point of getting upset if it won't help anything. I just want to know what's going to happen with the holidays and all, so I can get ready. And believe me, Professor, I'm not taking this lightly."
Labelle scrambled up and meowed loudly, as though to emphasize Ginny's point. Ginny grinned at her friend and stroked the scruffy, lovely head.
"See, ma'am? Even Labelle agrees. She's keeping an eye on me, and Colin and Su and Daisy are always looking out for me. So are—uh, other people. I'm taking what Professor Snape said very seriously."
"Yes, 'other people'," Professor McGonagall mused, an edge to her voice. "And these other people, you're sure you can trust them? Because, Miss Weasley, trusting the likes of—" The woman paused as she saw Ginny narrow her eyes. "Oh, never mind. I just don't like it, and I told the headmaster so. And I don't think it was necessary to worry you with this yet."
Ginny practically gaped at her head of house. When would she find it necessary to warn Ginny? When Flint had made off with her? When she was dropped, naked and deranged in some filthy alleyway? Ginny shook her head and tried to get back on subject.
"Were you able to contact my parents, ma'am? What did they say?"
"Hmph," the professor sniffed, adjusting the spectacles on her thin nose. "I have their letter right here. You should be getting something from them tomorrow. According to them, they have made travel arrangements to visit your brother in South America, and those cannot be changed. Therefore, you will accompany them. They will meet you here at the castle and the three of you will port key together."
Ginny's eyebrows rose high. Wow! she thought. They'd had enough trouble arranging accommodations for just the two of them. How ever could they afford to bring Ginny, as well? Ginny was about to ask, when some younger students began to file into the classroom. Ginny recognized them as fifth year Slytherins, and she felt a chill as Julius Flint and Augustus Le Strange both seemed to suddenly notice her. Flint's eyes gleamed evilly, but Le Strange looked nervously from Ginny to the Kneazle, who had suddenly stood tall and was growling low in her throat.
Ginny tried to soothe the feline, but Labelle was now positively glaring at the young men. Or, more accurately, she was glaring at Julius Flint with her ears laid flat to her head and her fur on end. Ginny could feel the tension in the Kneazle's body, just as she felt the tips of Labelle's claws suddenly start to prick her legs. Labelle was going nuts! She needed to get out of there, fast!
"Ihavetogonow,professorI'lltalktoyoulater!" Ginny blurted out, wrapping one arm around the Kneazle's middle and hefting her book bag with her other hand.
She hurried to the door with Labelle wriggling and spitting, trying to claw her way to Ginny's shoulder. The kitten finally perched on Ginny's upper arm and continued to growl and hiss until they'd put the Transfiguration classroom far behind them. When Labelle finally settled down, Ginny dropped to her knees. Her book bag slid from her arm and she released the kitten, still trying to soothe her.
In an unexpected change of behavior, Labelle started mewling and crying, bumping against Ginny's arm.
"What was it, love?" Ginny said, her voice tight with concern. "Did those boys do something to you? Or were you angry for me?"
Labelle didn't seem to care about the boys anymore. Instead, Ginny felt that the Kneazle was apologizing for something.
"What, love? You didn't do anything to be sorry for!"
The Kneazle lifted onto her hind legs and gently rested her forepaws on Ginny's arm. With a small hiss, Ginny pulled quickly away.
"Ouch, that hurts!" she said, looking down.
She blanched as she saw the rips in the sleeve of her robe. Her white blouse was plainly visible beneath, and there were long streaks of red staining the fabric. Ginny tugged the robe sleeve up and saw several slashes in the blouse, with bloody gashes in her arm. Labelle mewled again, a hurt, plaintive sound that went to Ginny's heart.
"Oh, Labelle! It's all right, sweet! Really. Just scratches! Colin can fix these up in no time! You were just trying to defend me, that's all."
She gathered the kitten into her lap and Labelle snuggled into her almost desperately. Ginny held her tightly, reassuring the Kneazle that she wasn't permanently damaged and that she was not angry. The gashes began to throb, though, and Ginny wondered whether she should hurry to class or go see the healer. Before she could make her decision, she heard a voice calling her.
"Miss Weasley! There you are! I wondered what had happened to you."
Professor Dumbledore was striding swiftly toward her, his expression calm, as though finding a student kneeling in the hallways with several bleeding wounds was an everyday occurrence. His eyes were concerned, however.
"Your mother is here, Miss Weasley. She wishes to discuss your travel arrangements with you and came as soon as she could. She's waiting in my office."
Labelle jumped from her lap and Ginny scrambled to her feet. "My mother? Here?"
Glancing at her ripped robes and the blood that was now starting to run down her wrist, Ginny gave the headmaster a panicked look. "But, sir! I need to change and get this…"
"Indeed!" he said, still calm. "What could have driven your young friend here to do this?"
He motioned toward Labelle, who was crouched behind Ginny's legs, looking as though she were mortally ashamed of her actions.
Ginny sent the Kneazle another reassuring thought and shrugged. "I was talking to Professor McGonagall when the next class started coming in. I don't know. Labelle took one look at Julius Flint and started going berserk! She looked like she wanted to attack him, and when I grabbed her and hurried out, she started fighting to get at him. It was an accident, though. She'd never hurt me on purpose."
The headmaster gave Labelle a thoughtful look, but shook his head after a moment. "We don't really have time to discuss this right now, but don't worry about your robe."
He took his wand from his pocket and inspected Ginny's wounds. Waving the wand over her arm, he quickly healed the cuts, then mended the robe.
Putting the wand away, he said, "You'll need to launder the blouse. I only fixed the tears. And have Mr. Creevey keep an eye on the scratches. Feline scratches are notorious for infection. Now, Miss Weasley, if you'll come with me?"
On the way to the headmaster's office, Ginny had dared to ask why he had been looking for her himself and hadn't sent someone else. He'd said that the fewer in on this business, the better, before offering her a lemon drop. Labelle followed them, slinking behind in disgrace. Even though Ginny reassured her, Labelle evidently had not forgiven herself. Finally, as they came to the statue that marked the entry to the headmaster's office, the man turned to the Kneazle.
"You have no need to feel ashamed, young Labelle," he told her. "Ginny is fine now, and I'm sure she knows that you would do your utmost to protect her. Think of this as a practical demonstration of your skills. Now, Fawkes is eager to meet you!"
Giving the password, the three entered the hidden stairwell and to the office. Ginny glanced down and saw that the headmaster's words seemed to have worked. Labelle was no longer looking guilt ridden, although she remained a few paces behind. As they entered the office, Ginny spotted her mother immediately.
Molly Weasley was sitting in the chair Ginny had occupied during her abortive attempt to save Draco from an unfair detention. Molly was wearing her 'visiting' robe. Her fiery red hair had been pulled up and was now stuffed ruthlessly under a dark, oddly fetching cap. A lightweight, knitted shawl was draped across her plump shoulders and over her full bosom, and the woman clutched an overstuffed handbag on her lap. When she looked up, Ginny could see tears in the woman's eyes.
"Mum!" she cried, hurrying to give the elder Weasley female a hug.
Molly rose and gathered her daughter in an almost suffocating embrace. Ginny struggled free, but let her mother keep an arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders.
"Ginny, dear," her mum kept murmuring, as though reassuring herself that her youngest was safe.
"Mum, I'm fine! Really! What are you doing here? Couldn't you just send an owl?"
"Send an owl?" Mrs. Weasley said, horrified. "With all that's happening?"
The plump woman finally sat again, dragging Ginny down onto the arm of the chair and holding her hand firmly. "I had to come see that you were all right with my own eyes! Your father's in a state! Wanted to come charging up straight away, without even a note to his office! But I told him I'd see to everything, dear."
Molly released Ginny's hand just long enough to firmly fix the handbag in her lap again and dab quickly at her reddened eyes, before taking her daughter's hand once more. With a watery sniff, she added, "A body would think you weren't glad to see me!"
"Mum," Ginny said quietly, conscious of the headmaster hovering just out of sight. "You know it isn't that. I was just surprised. I thought you'd be sending me a letter, not coming yourself. You have enough to do without worrying about me."
The elder Weasley drew herself up with another sniff. "And what could be more important than my own child?" she demanded indignantly.
Ginny grinned and wrapped her arms around her mother's shoulders. "When you put it like that, Mum, I guess nothing."
Molly gave her daughter a final hug and finally released her. "So, now, tell me everything," Molly said, fixing Ginny with a firm stare.
"First, perhaps Ginny would like to take a seat?"
The headmaster was already bringing a small, hard-backed chair for Ginny, which she sank into gratefully.
"And, if Labelle will come with me, I think Fawkes would like to meet her."
The Kneazle gave Ginny a questioning look. Ginny looked from the phoenix who was watching keenly from its perch, to Labelle. The headmaster must know what he was doing, she reasoned, giving the Kneazle a nod. Labelle followed Professor Dumbledore to the perch and hopped up on the nearby desk. Ginny had to bite her lip. Labelle was so large now that she would have no trouble pouncing on the mythical bird if she wanted. But the headmaster seemed to have no qualms about leaving the two alone and shortly joined Ginny and her mother.
For her part, Labelle seemed to be fascinated by the bright, beautiful bird and didn't look ready to do it any injury. Ginny shrugged and turned to her mother.
"It would probably be easier if you told me what you already know, Mum," the girl said. "I mean, I don't even know where to start."
"Perhaps you should begin by telling your mother how you met Mr. Malfoy in Diagon Alley," Professor Dumbledore offered. "Then tell the story from there."
Ginny glanced at her mum, knowing the effect the name 'Malfoy' had on most of her family. Her mother's expression was carefully neutral. Relief washed over her. At least her mum wouldn't go ballistic before Ginny even had a chance to explain. Wondering how many times she was going to have to tell this story again, Ginny began with Labelle being frightened by Fang.
"…so, you see, I've got lots of people watching out for me. I'm sorry you were worried."
Molly Weasley's expression was no longer neutral. Her mobile face had gone from shock to worry and back again, with an occasional grim smile thrown in. Now she looked ready to do battle.
"Why weren't we told this weeks ago!" she demanded, standing and rounding on the headmaster. Ginny stood, too, trying to calm the woman. "It sounds like you've know about what was going on for some time. And what is this about Draco Malfoy? His name seems to be coming up a lot."
The bright blue eyes swung back to the daughter. "Is there something you're not telling me, young lady?"
"Mum, I—,"
"Mrs. Weasley, please--,"
Ginny and the headmaster began at the same time. Molly cut them both off. "That's it!" she said in her best 'howler' voice. "I want to know what you're not telling me! Right now!"
Professor Dumbledore sighed and stood. "Very well. Ginny, I'll leave you alone for a few minutes. I'll be just outside."
With that the man walked to the door and exited, closing it behind him. Ginny gave the door a desperate look, but to no avail. She felt her mother's gaze and turned slowly to face the woman. But Molly wasn't glaring at her as she had suspected. Instead, her mother was giving Ginny a look of such understanding that it brought a lump to the girl's throat.
"There, dear, don't worry. There're just some things men don't understand. Now," she said, taking Ginny's hand. She sat and tugged Ginny down to the chair. "Tell me about this young man of yours. I could hardly believe it when your brother wrote saying he thought the boy fancied you."
Ginny's head was spinning. Ron wrote to their mother about Draco? Ginny had told her mother about Marcus Flint and how Draco had come to her rescue several times. She'd explained that Draco now had others watching out for Ginny as well. And she told how her best friends, Labelle included, were all keeping an eye on her. But she had never, in a million years, thought she would be sitting in the headmaster's office with her mother, discussing Draco Malfoy as a boyfriend.
"Not, of course, that I let your father read that part," Molly added quickly. "But, come on, dear, it's not that bad. We've heard all about Marcus Flint, and if this young man saved you from that sick, perverted creature…well, I'm willing to forget who his father is. Now, does he really fancy you?"
"Uh, yeah, I think so. At least, he's said so. And he acts like he does."
Ginny knew her answers sounded lame, but she was still in shock at where the conversation was going.
"You know your father won't be happy about that, don't you?"
Ginny grimaced. "I know he hates Draco's father," she said slowly.
"It's not his father, but what he stands for, Ginny. You know that Lucius Malfoy is a—a—you-know-what, even if the Ministry can't prove it. He stands for the worst of our community. I'm surprised his son didn't follow right in his footsteps, the way he acted to your brother and his friends these years…"
The woman pinned Ginny with such a searching look that Ginny felt her mother was actually looking into her head and sorting through her thoughts. Ginny had been perfectly honest with her mother, but she'd 'avoided' certain subjects, like the fact that Draco was also a 'you-know-what', at least technically, and that he had followed in his father's footsteps. Many people made the mistake of thinking Molly Weasley was exactly what she looked: a silly, fluttery housewife. Ginny and her family knew the steel behind the soft exterior. Molly knew something and Ginny would have to tread carefully.
"I'm not saying that Draco is suddenly an angel," Ginny said quickly. "There are some things about him that won't change, at least not for a long time. I'm just saying that he cares about me and I…care about him, too."
Ginny lapsed into silence, wondering just how much her mother knew and how much was just that 'sixth sense' most mothers had. Molly continued to eye her daughter, as though she knew the girl was holding something back. Finally, though, Molly stood.
"Well, dear, I'll have to trust you or we'll have to take you from school and send you away. But I think we raised a good, sensible girl, so I'll trust you. Now, let's talk about the holidays."
When Molly Weasley finally left, the fluttery housewife façade back in place, Ginny flopped back into the chair in Dumbledore's office feeling astounded. She was going to Brazil for the holidays! She couldn't believe it! Ron would be staying here at Hogwarts and Ginny was sure he would have a fit about that, but apparently her mum had spoken to him before she talked to Ginny.
Ginny never thought her folks would be able to afford to take her, too, but her mum had won a recipe contest with Witch Weekly and the prize money was enough to cover her expenses. Wow, Ginny thought. Brazil!
Even though she was excited, Ginny felt a tug of dejection. She would be gone for two weeks and she'd miss her friends. They'd all planned on staying for the holidays this year, and Ginny had been secretly plotting to get some mistletoe and trick Daisy and Colin's brother Dennis into standing beneath it.
Mostly, though, Ginny would miss Draco. Not that she always saw him. She hadn't spoken to him since Monday, after her detention. But she would miss him all the same.
I've still got this Saturday, she comforted herself. She would not be going into Hogsmeade and she was sure she could figure out some way to spend some time with Draco. As she was trying to figure out how they could be together, the door opened.
Professor Dumbledore had cheerfully escorted Molly to the castle door, but now, as he sat behind his desk and looked at the young woman in front of him, his face was concerned.
"It is a very sad statement of the times when a young woman must fear for her safety here, of all places," he said sadly. "This school should be a haven against the storms of life. I have many regrets, Miss Weasley."
The professor's old, lined face was a tragic mask as he continued. "More than anything, I regret that I did not recognize sooner the depth of young Tom Riddle's hate and anger. Perhaps, back then, when he was so promising a student…"
The man's voice trailed off as Fawkes gave a cry and flapped his great wings. He fluttered into the air and settled on the old professor's shoulder, rubbing the handsome head against Dumbledore's neck and making soft, clucking noises.
The care seemed to lift somewhat from the headmaster's face as he stroked the bird's soft, downy feathers. Ginny felt a tear sting her eye as she watched. Stroking the Kneazle who had suddenly jumped into her lap, Ginny took comfort in her friend's closeness.
"Yes, Fawkes, I know we cannot turn back the clock," Dumbledore mumbled quietly.
After a few moments, the bird flew back to his perch and the professor cleared his throat.
"It must be my age. I usually don't ramble so. Now, Miss Weasley, if everything is settled, I will write you a pass and send you back to class. Labelle is with you and I think you could ask for no better escort."
As he wrote out the note, Ginny tried to work up the courage to ask him a question that had been pressing at her. He held the note out and moved around the desk, as though to escort her to the door. Labelle jumped from her lap and Ginny stood, lifting her bag. But she didn't follow the old man. When he turned to look back at her, she bit her lip.
"Professor, could I ask you something? I mean, I just wanted to know…"
She paused, but he didn't seem upset. Instead, he moved back to her side and took the other chair.
"Yes, Ginny, go on. If I can answer your question, or questions, I will."
He looked kindly at her, making her feel much more comfortable. Sitting again, Ginny stammered, "Y-you said before, sir, that I would understand more about, well, everything, later. Could you tell me what you meant?"
The old man took her hand and patted it gently before releasing it. Giving her a small smile, a ghost of his normal smile, he said, "Indeed I could, Miss Weasley. But I think you know what I meant, don't you?"
Looking down, Ginny ventured, "You were talking about why Draco wasn't complaining about detention, and why you and Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall weren't going to do anything about it. I know that, now. It fit with his story that he couldn't take the book from the library. But you knew about Draco being marked, didn't you? You already knew, and you trusted him enough to not interfere with what he was doing in the library and…well and everything else."
Now Dumbledore gave her a real smile. "We did know, Miss Weasley, and I must say, you gave us quite a turn when you barged in here demanding that we set things right. But I will also say that it was you, and young Labelle here, who first gave us any indication that Mr. Malfoy might have suffered a change of heart. I admit that I had some reservations about his motives. But when it became clear that he was working very hard to protect you from any harm, my doubts disappeared."
The girl couldn't help but return the smile. She felt relieved that the headmaster was as sure of Draco as she was. He was about to stand when she touched his hand.
"Just one more question, sir?"
He nodded.
"Did Professor Snape tell you about the conversation Colin and Dean overheard?"
The confused expression on the headmaster's face told her that Snape had not. She wondered why, considering the sinister connotations that could be attached to that bit of conversation.
"I'm assuming the discussion involved something unusual?"
"Well, I don't really know, sir. I didn't hear it, I just heard what Dean and Colin said. They thought it sounded serious, but Professor Snape said it probably didn't have anything to do with me."
"But it concerned you enough to ask me about it?"
The question was gentle, but Ginny could hear the steel in his voice. Now that she'd mentioned it, he would want to know. She wished she were as stubborn as Draco or even Harry about things like this, but in all honesty, she would be relieved to have Professor Dumbledore's opinion. Nodding her head once, Ginny told him of how Ron and his friends were behaving so oddly, and what Colin and Dean had overheard. She also explained how they'd tried to eavesdrop on the trio's conversations, flushing a bit at the admission. Ginny almost added a comment about Harry's strange, frightening actions Monday night, but she decided to keep that to herself for now.
Looking back into the old, kind face, Ginny blinked with surprise. The formerly light expression was replaced with one of grim foreboding. He wasn't looking at her, though. He seemed to be looking away in the past or future at something Ginny could never even fathom. She swallowed.
"It's bad, isn't it?" she dared to ask.
Professor Dumbledore started, his eyes becoming 'present' suddenly. He gave her a brief smile and stood again.
"That depends on your point of view, Miss Weasley. There are things that seem terrible, but end for the good. And others that are wonderful until the fullness of time reveals their true image. This could be either, but I think that wherever your brother and his friends came upon the bit of information you gave me, the outcome is not what will be expected."
His smile grew fierce. "In one thing our enemy does not change. He judges others by himself and cannot imagine that some people are not motivated by greed, lust for power or glory. He does not realize that by trying to force some events, he may bring his own downfall."
The old man caught Ginny's gaze.
"I agree with Severus. It is unlikely that the words were intended for you. I wonder, though, if Voldemort realizes that he's set a force in motion that he never reckoned on? I just wish I could have…" He trailed off for a moment. He smiled at Labelle as the Kneazle joined Ginny, and then said, "Well, we'll see, we'll see."
He was about to turn away when Ginny impulsively took his hand.
"For what it's worth, Professor, I met Tom Riddle when he was sixteen. Nothing you could have done would have changed him. He was already evil."
She spun on her heel and hurried down the stairway, not wanting to see how her headmaster took her impudent act. Labelle was right behind her as Ginny emerged into the hallway.
"You're going to BRAZIL!"
Su and Daisy were sitting on either side of Ginny, listening excitedly to the story of how Ginny's mum had received a letter from the editor of Witch Weekly advising her that a recipe she'd sent in months before had won second prize in their annual contest. It wasn't a large amount of money, but it was enough to take their daughter with them, and still have a generous bit left over for Ron to use at the holidays here.
"It was her homemade fudge recipe!" Ginny told them proudly.
Daisy's eyes lit up. "Oh, I love your mum's fudge. It's so smooth!"
"Not enough nuts, though," Su said. "I like lots of nuts in my fudge. And those little marshmallows, too."
"Ewww," Ginny and Daisy chimed together.
"Marshmallows? Yuck!"
"Hey, I like marshmallows in my fudge, too," Colin said, slipping in next to Daisy. "So, what happened to you the rest of the afternoon?"
Ginny smiled at Colin, who was still wearing his practice uniform, healing bag right at his side.
"Don't you want to shower first?" she asked.
"Do I smell bad, or something," Colin asked in a mock insulted voice. He made a show of lifting his arms to detect any odor that might cling to him, then wrinkled his nose and fanned at his face.
"Good lord, I do smell. Why didn't you tell me?"
He stood and headed for the staircase to the boys' dorms. "Tell me at supper, right?" he called as he hurried up.
The girls grinned as they watched him, then Su turned back to Ginny.
"You're going to BRAZIL!"
Supper was in full swing and Ginny and her friends, along with Dean and, to Daisy's consternation, Dennis Creevey, were all jammed together along the middle of the table. Colin and Ginny had carefully contrived to leave Daisy room between Ginny and Dennis, with Su, Dean and Colin opposite. Now Daisy was trying to avoid Dennis's determined wooing. Like Colin, Dennis had just sprouted up in his fifth year, and seemed determined to continue to grow. He was as tall as his elder brother already, but with a broader build. Ginny was sure he'd make beater next year with all the current seventh year players gone. He wasn't as classically good looking as his older brother, but he was rather dashing, and had a quick sense of humor.
At Ginny's questioning glance, Colin had whispered, "I told him the mountain wouldn't come to Mohammed."
"Say again?" she'd whispered back.
Colin rolled his eyes. "Biblical reference. I told him if he were interested he'd have to show her because she's too shy to go to him. He finally agreed."
Now Ginny watched them with an amused grin, seeing that despite the girl's protests, she was flattered by Dennis's interest. When Ginny felt something bump against her shin, she thought it was Labelle. But a second nudge, sharper and harder, had her looking across the table at Colin.
He wasn't looking straight at her, but as she watched, he slid his hand across the table. Just before he got to her plate, he lifted his hand and plucked another roll from the basket in the middle of the table. A small, neatly folded slip of parchment lay just next to her plate. Ginny grabbed it quickly. She dropped her hands to her lap and opened the note.
'Tonight, 8:00, library—D' it read. Ginny quickly folded it again and stuffed it into her pocket. Catching Colin's eye, she said quietly, "Safe?"
He nodded and took a bite of his supper. Ginny could feel the flush on her cheeks, but she didn't care. Draco wanted to meet her and had even contrived a way to get her a message. Glancing along the table, she saw her brother and his friends. Hermione was talking rapidly while pointing out something in Hogwarts; A History, but both Harry and Ron were watching Ginny.
Ron's expression was one of puzzlement, but Harry looked angry. When the boys noticed that she'd caught them staring, they both looked away, concentrating on Hermione. Ginny frowned. What had that been about? And what was Harry's problem?
He'd been nasty and snarky the last two days. Ginny had asked Colin, but he was bewildered, too. He'd said that Harry seemed fine on the pitch, but as soon as they were back in the common room, it was like he was a different person. And only when Ginny was around.
Shrugging, Ginny looked away, trying to spot Draco at the Slytherin table. She did see him, but he wasn't looking at her. Well, she'd see him later, she reasoned. When supper was finished, Ginny and Colin headed to the common room, leaving Su and Dean, and Dennis and a very flustered Daisy to make their way back at their leisure.
"Tell me again what you and Dumbledore talked about?" Colin asked.
The common room was cool and drafty, but Colin and Ginny were sitting in a corner away from the main crowd near the hearth. Making sure no one seemed to be listening, Ginny told him about how the headmaster had confirmed that at least three of the staff was aware of Draco's status. She told him about the old man's regret and that she'd told him she didn't think he could have changed Riddle. And she told Colin what the headmaster had said about the 'bit of conversation' they'd overheard.
"'Set a force in motion'," Colin mused. "Think he means the 'Dream Team's' back on the job?"
"I don't know, but I don't really think that's something that would surprise Voldemort. I mean, Ron, Harry and Hermione have been fouling up his plans for the last seven years, right? Unless he's very, very stupid, and he's not, he should expect that. I just don't know. But whatever it was, neither he nor Snape think it involves me."
Ginny didn't even think about what she'd just said until Colin asked, "Snape? How did he find out about it?"
"Oh, uh," Ginny began lamely. She sighed. "I told him. Monday. The detention was an excuse so he could warn me that I might be in danger."
Colin smirked. "No, you think?"
Grinning, Ginny admitted, "It was a bit more than that. He felt it his duty to remind me that virgin's blood could be a powerful weapon in the wrong, er, hands."
"NO!" Colin looked so shocked that Ginny actually laughed. "That slimy grease ball had the stones to…"
Ginny stopped him. "He only mentioned it because Professor McGonagall refused to believe there was any need to warn me. He wasn't happy about it, either, if it makes you feel better."
"It doesn't" he declared, his face showing his obvious distaste. "There's just something wrong about Snape mentioning virgin's blood to anyone, let alone my best friend. So what else did he say?"
Ginny explained about Draco coming in and how they'd decided she shouldn't go to Hogsmeade or stay at the castle for the holidays. Colin looked surprised, but he didn't disagree.
"And can you imagine this afternoon McGonagall even said she thought it wasn't 'necessary' to worry me about this at this time?" Ginny finished.
Colin seemed to be torn between shock at the image of Snape telling not only Ginny, but her boyfriend that bit about virgin's blood, and outrage for her at McGonagall's lack of foresight. He was about to curse both of the teachers when Ginny asked him about the note.
"It's nearly eight o'clock," she said. "You're certain the note is for real?"
"Well, I got it from Blaise and he said he got it from Malfoy. I can't imagine anything being safer except Malfoy handing the thing direct to you. Besides, Gin, I'm coming with you. Now that Daisy is otherwise occupied and she and Su can 'couple up' with their guys, we don't even need an excuse to disappear to the library, right?"
Ginny slanted Colin a look. "I think a certain prefect is a bad influence on you, Colin," she said. "You seem to be getting rather Sly lately."
Colin responded with an innocent expression. "Moi?" he asked. "All I did was to arrange for you to spend some time with your Adonis. If a 'certain prefect' also happens to be there, that's just coincidence, right?"
Ginny was about to reply when Harry pulled up a chair and plopped himself down next to Ginny. The girl scooted back, but Harry simply moved his chair closer again. He tugged at his tie and gave her an unpleasant grin that reminded her strongly of the Draco Malfoy of previous years.
"Hey, Gin, how's it going?" he asked, not quite leering at her.
"We were having a private conversation, Harry," Ginny informed him, glancing at Colin.
"Oh, yeah? Well, I don't mind. You two go right ahead."
"Private as in, just me and Colin, Harry."
An edge crept into Ginny's voice, but Harry didn't seem to notice. He turned to Colin, a sneer marring his usually attractive features. "Yeah? That must be pretty interesting. What are you talking about? The latest fashions?"
Colin and Ginny could only blink at the young man. What was his problem? Why is he acting this way, Ginny wondered. Colin took more direct action.
"I'm not sure what this is about, Harry," he said calmly, standing slowly. "But you're interrupting a private conversation and you need to leave."
Harry stood as well, the sneer still firmly in place. "Oh, you'd just like me to leave? And who's going to make me, Colin? You? Not bloody likely."
Running a hand over his tie, he turned to Ginny, looming over her threateningly. "I'll tell you what this is about. I want to know why you're being so stubborn about Hogsmeade. You know you want to go with me, Ginny, so just say yes!"
Colin had stepped forward when Harry turned to Ginny, but before he could do anything, Ron hurried over.
"Harry! Come on! Hermione's got that…thing ready. We've got to go!"
Harry turned and blinked, as though he'd just awoke. "Huh?" he said, sounding dazed.
"Harry, come on! Hermione's waiting!"
Ron grabbed Harry's arm and tugged him along. Harry went easily, but turned back to Colin and Ginny. "Uh, right, then. Talk to you two later," he called, giving them a smile and a wave.
As Harry and Ron disappeared through the exit, Ginny stared, wide-eyed at Colin. Just then, Labelle came tearing into the common room from the stairs and hurled herself into Ginny's lap.
"It's okay, love, nothing happened. It was nothing."
Soothing the flustered feline, Ginny looked at Colin again. "I've seen some strange things at this school, but I think that was almost the scariest. It was like, he wasn't even Harry there for a minute." Ginny shivered.
"That was just plain weird," Colin agreed. "And I'd swear Ron didn't even notice! And Harry wasn't like that at practice. I wonder what's going on?" Both teens sat in silence, broken only by the satisfied purrs of the Kneazle. After a few moments, Colin reached over to scratch behind Labelle's ears. "Glad you came along, though, Labelle. We might have needed you."
Labelle opened one eye and gave a quiet meow. Colin chuckled and picked up his book bag. "It's time to go," he said. "We're off to the library, Labelle. You coming?"
Labelle sent Ginny a quick vision of herself and a huge rat, causing the girl to wrinkle her nose.
"Got it," she said quickly. "You're not coming!"
The walk to the library took only a few minutes and the two Gryffindors were about to enter when Blaise Zabini stepped out of the door.
"Right on time," he said, motioning them to continue down the hallway. "We're going to meet the git elsewhere. This way."
Colin and Blaise conversed softly, but Ginny was too excited to join in. She felt a thrill when Blaise led them to the corridor Draco had taken her to on Sunday. Her cheeks flushed as she wondered if they were going back to the little music room. She had wanted it to remain a secret, but she would never find it again by herself, and she didn't mind if Colin and Blaise had somewhere to go to spend time together. As they climbed stairs and went down ever-narrower passages, Ginny was certain they were heading for the music room.
At last they stood before the door. Blaise lifted his wand, but the door opened before he could chant an unlocking spell.
"Patience, Malfoy," Blaise said with a smirk. "A person might think you were eager to see us. How flattering."
"Well, I wasn't waiting for you, you prat," he growled.
Ginny saw him looking into the dark corridor anxiously, and her heart started pounding. He had been looking forward to seeing her. Smiling, she said, "Well, are we going to stand here or go in?"
Colin and Blaise stepped back to let Ginny enter first. As she stepped forward, Draco moved aside. The room seemed different now, without warm light and colour bathing it. The windows were still beautiful, but dull. Ginny saw that someone had moved a small table into the room, and there were some schoolbooks, an inkwell and some scrolls on top. Draco had been doing his homework.
When they had all entered, Ginny watched as Draco carefully closed the door and locked it, placing a few spells for good measure. She loved watching him move, and took advantage of his distraction to watch her fill. He was almost too graceful for a boy, and she wondered if he'd had fencing or dance lessons when he was younger, or whether it just came naturally to him. A loving, probably sappy smile spread across her face. It faltered when he turned and gave her a long, hard look.
"Wow, this place must be something else during the day," Colin was commenting.
He and Blaise were examining the stained glass and Colin was saying he wished he'd brought his camera.
"Perhaps you should return to Gryffindor and bring it back," Blaise answered. "I'll accompany you."
Ginny glanced at them, seeing the looks of confusion on both of their faces. But they weren't looking at her or even each other. They were watching Draco. She knew how they felt. She couldn't think of any reason for him to be angry, but he obviously was. The blond Slytherin had transferred his angry look to them and was eying them almost belligerently. Why did he bother sending her a note to meet him if he was going to be bad tempered, she wondered.
"Draco?" she said quietly.
His cool gaze shifted back to her. "Yes?" He stood near the door with his hands on his hips. His whole attitude was one of aggression and anger.
I can be mousy and try to wheedle some answers from him or I can just give him back his filthy attitude, Ginny told herself. Squaring her shoulders, she said, "What the hell is your bloody problem?"
The fine eyebrows shot up. "What are you talking about, Weasley? I've got no problem. I'm just fine."
"Yeah?" Ginny challenged. "That's news. I didn't realize that you glowered and snarled at people when you were 'fine'. I thought you just sneered at them. My mistake. Well, then, since you're fine, I'll go with Colin and Blaise to get Colin's camera. Maybe by the time we get back, if we come back, you'll figure out what the problem is."
Watching him back peddle was almost comical. The angry look was replaced with one of surprise and concern. He hurried to her side and reached for her arms. She held a hand up, stopping him with the simple gesture.
"Are you going to tell me why you're upset?" she asked, her voice tight. "I'm not going to guess."
He stared at her for a few seconds, then threw his hands up.
"Fine!" he snapped. "You want to know what's upsetting me? How about the fact that Potter was mauling you and you didn't even tell me? I had to find out by listening to your brother rake him over the coals about it in potions yesterday. Did you let him? Did you want him to grab you?"
Ginny felt a surge of anger at his attitude. She'd actually been frightened. Of Harry Potter! And he was jealous? She was about to snap at him when she really looked at him. He looked uncertain, something she'd never seen in him before. He looked uncertain and in pain. Ginny was shocked. Unable to think what else to do, she closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his waist. He stood stiffly for a few seconds, then pulled her into an almost painfully tight hug.
"God, angel, I just…I wanted to strangle him when I heard about it. I…"
He was whispering, his breath coming in small puffs that teased the fine hair at her temple, and his arms were shaking as he held her. Ginny was shocked at his vehemence. She hadn't realized the depth of his hatred toward Harry. It went beyond rivalry; it was downright scary.
"Draco," she said shakily. "I hope you don't think I encouraged Harry to corner me in the common room and ask me to go to Hogsmeade. And you had better know that if I came here tonight it's because I care about you, and not him."
Draco pulled back. "He asked you out?"
Ginny swallowed at the black expression that crossed his face. "I'll kill him!" he gritted out.
This couldn't be good. Ginny decided she was going to have to stay level headed and not give in to the righteous anger that was welling up in her. Remembering that she'd been able to keep this young man on his toes and off balance for nearly four months, Ginny adopted a take charge attitude.
"You'll do no such thing," Ginny said firmly, grabbing at the front of his robes. "You will sit over there and talk sanely with me about what is going on here. I'm not putting up with you acting like a jealous lunatic every time another boy talks to me. You're going to have to either accept that I have a life myself or not. But don't act like you can dictate to me! I don't like it. And besides, it upsets Colin and Blaise, and confuses Labelle."
Draco glared at the two young men. They didn't seem overly upset. In fact, Blaise was looking smugly amused and Colin just looked bewildered. Ginny felt sure Draco was about to say something nasty like 'hell with them' or worse, but he grimaced all of a sudden, and then turned back to her.
Giving her a smirk, he said, "Zabini said you'd put me in my place. He said I'd have to learn I couldn't bully you. I didn't believe him. That's why he's sitting there gloating."
Ginny frowned, then smiled as she realized that most of Draco's bad mood was gone. She took his hand quickly and led him to the table. A glance at Colin and Blaise showed her that they were no longer interested in her argument and were now talking quietly.
She was about to sit across from him, but Draco stopped her. He dragged the chair around the table so it was next to the one he'd been sitting in earlier. Motioning Ginny to the seat, he finally took his own. Ginny sat and looked cautiously at him.
"Can you tell me why you're so fixated with Harry? I know you two never got along, but this is just too much. I've never done anything to encourage him, and I've never done anything that should make you jealous. So, what's the problem?"
Draco was facing her, bent over with his elbows resting on his knees and his hands clasped. He was staring at his hands.
"I—I don't know," he said finally. "I never liked the holier-than-thou prat, but its worse now. I look at him and…"
Ginny took his hands and pulled them into her lap. She gripped them tightly as she said, "And, what? What is it?"
Keeping his head down, Draco mumbled, "I'll never be him."
Thank God he wasn't looking at her, Ginny thought. Her eyes opened wide and her mouth dropped open at that statement. It was all she could do not to jump up and shout, 'What the hell are you talking about?'
"I don't understand," was what she finally managed.
Draco pulled his hands back and ran one of them over his long hair. He still wouldn't meet her eyes, instead picking up one of his quills and toying with it.
"I'm never going to be as good as Potter. I'll never be the headmaster's pet, or be worshiped like Saint Potter," he said with an angry sneer. Then, as though spitting the words out, he hissed, "He'll always be the one you loved first."
And that's what this is all about, Ginny realized with a feeling of awe. Although he'd never come out and said it, Draco loved her and it was killing him that she'd cared for Harry before she came to love him. She was so stunned by this that she couldn't reply at first. A quick look at Draco's face told her she needed to say something, fast. Instinctively she took his hands again. Relief washed over her when he didn't resist.
"You're right about one thing," she said quietly, calmly. "You'll never be Harry Potter. But before you decide to jump down my throat," she added as she felt him tense, "tell me why you would want to be? Tell me one thing that Harry has that you really want? Do you want to be the headmaster's pet? Do you want to be 'Saint Draco'? I can't imagine that you want to be thought of as 'nice'. So what is it that Harry has that you just can't live without?"
Draco scowled at her, but Ginny continued to look at him, her eyes demanding that he answer.
"Of course I don't want to be like the stupid git. But…" He looked away again. "You admire him. You were mad about him for years, even when you were going out with other boys. Why should I be any different?"
Ginny bit back an angry reply. Keeping her voice level, she said, "Fine, let's talk about that. But I'm warning you; I'm only having this conversation one time. If you can't deal with my old crush on Harry and realize that I've outgrown it, we really can't go on. So, yes, I do admire Harry, most of the time, when he's not being a moody, secretive, controlling prat. He saved my life once, so that's understandable. But I'd never, ever go out with him, even if I weren't hopelessly mad about you. Since I am hopelessly mad about you, Harry doesn't a chance in hell with me. Maybe I liked him first, but there's only one boy I ever loved. If that's not enough for you," Ginny said, shaking her head and looking sadly at their clasped hands, "it's just too bad. I can't make you trust me."
Now Draco hung his head. "God, I'm so stupid," he said.
"Yes, you are. But I love you anyway. So can we please stop fighting about Harry, of all things? I don't want to waste our time together."
He looked up at her, something like hope in his expression. "Has anyone told you that you're absolutely, barking mad?"
Even though Ginny was tired of the subject, she and Draco had discussed her old crush and his jealousy for another several minutes. Ginny did tell him about Harry's latest display of uncharacteristic behavior, which nearly sent the Slytherin into another fit. Fortunately, Ginny was able to downplay it, and mentally swore that she would stay away from Harry from here out. When Draco finally seemed convinced that Harry wasn't a rival or a threat, Ginny breathed a sigh of relief. And even though he never came out and apologized for his own behavior, Ginny felt certain they'd gotten through the issue. When they shelved the conversation, Draco asked her about her talk with Professor McGonagall.
"How did you know about that?" Ginny asked, amazed.
Draco shrugged and gave her a smirk. "Heard those two idiots talking about seeing you there. I figured the old bat finally decided to warn you that you might not be safe. So, what happened?"
"Those two idiots?" Ginny asked, mystified. "Oh! You mean Flint and Le Strange. Ugh, now if you have to go kill someone, start there!"
Draco smiled, a nasty smile that chilled her. "I just might if they ever touch you," he assured her.
"Draco, you know I was just joking!"
As his expression softened and he gathered her into his arms, Draco whispered, "I know, angel. I know."
If she'd seen the look that crossed his face at that moment, she would have known that he was thinking, 'But I wasn't.'
Ginny quickly told Draco about her less-than-satisfying conversation with her head of house, and how Labelle had reacted to at least one of the two boys. She added her encounter with her mother. She even mentioned briefly that the two Weasley women had discussed him, causing Draco to express astonishment that her mother hadn't carted her off to a madhouse directly. She grinned when he joked that he might have to smuggle himself into her bags if she planned to traipse off to South America without him.
As she mentioned her conversation with Dumbledore, Ginny was feeling much better and was actually not paying much attention to what she was saying. So she was totally unprepared for Draco to demand, "How could you have seen Tom Riddle? And how did you know who he became? Almost no one knows that and his followers have been careful to keep it that way!"
Ginny made a face as she realized just what she'd revealed. Giving the young man a hopeful look, she said, "I don't suppose you'll be willing to let that go for now?"
"Not bloody likely without a very good reason," he answered immediately.
She might just as well tell him, Ginny thought. It was something she planned to tell him, anyway; she just hadn't planned on it quite this soon.
"Fine," she said. "But remember, I didn't want to say anything yet. And if you blow up, or lose your temper or anything, I'm never speaking to you again!"
Draco's eyebrows rose slightly, but then lowered. "Fine!"
Ginny couldn't think where to start. She clasped her hands tightly for a moment, looking at the floor, as though the answer was written there. When he placed his hand on top of hers, she jumped.
"Angel," he said quietly. "Please just tell me, all right? I can't imagine anything you could say that would be worse than knowing you don't trust me."
The look in his eyes was so full of understanding that Ginny gave him a tiny smile. "All right." Taking a deep breath, Ginny said, "You wanted to know about when the Chamber of Secrets was opened, and how Harry saved my life. They're all related. Remember, I'm not accusing, but it's the only thing that makes sense. Do you remember that time when our dads got in a fight at Flourish and Blotts?"
Ginny had told the tale, briefly outlining how Tom Riddle had manipulated her and used her to do the things he could not without a real body. As she spoke, she felt her hands and feet grow cold and numb, almost as though she were still in the chamber, unconscious with her life ebbing away as Riddle became stronger and more real. She kept her eyes firmly fixed on her chilled hands, which were now clasped tightly in her lap. Ginny didn't dare look at Draco, afraid to see anger or accusation there. He hadn't said much, so far, besides questioning her on how exactly she'd actually opened the Chamber.
"Anyway, after Harry drove the basilisk fang through the book, the spell was broken. I was unconscious through it all, but I still heard what was happening, and I saw the monster when I woke up. I was in shock, I think, because the only think I was worried about was what everyone would say about me. I'd almost died, but having everyone know I'd opened the Chamber or caused those kids, especially Colin, to be petrified was more important."
Ginny paused and chanced a look at Draco's face. His expression was unreadable. "Look, I had a lot of time to think about it. The only thing that makes sense is that your dad put the book into my cauldron before the fight started. And Harry said that when he gave it to your dad and told him what he suspected, all your dad said was 'prove it'."
Draco stared at her for a few more moments before standing abruptly. Oh, God, he's going to storm out, Ginny thought miserably. She shouldn't have said anything. Suddenly he grabbed her shoulders and dragged her to her feet. Before she could protest, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a tight hug.
"My God," he whispered softly. "You knew. You knew it was my father and you still believed in me."
Ginny was just relieved that he wasn't raging at her at first. When his words sank in, though, she pulled away suddenly. "What do you mean?" she demanded, her voice louder than she'd intended. Colin and Blaise looked up from the conversation they'd been having and Draco looked, for the first time Ginny could remember, guilty.
"You knew!? All this time and you were angry at me for not trusting you?"
"Wait, angel, it's not like that! I didn't know! I didn't even suspect until I found out you were the one who opened the chamber. I mean, I knew my father tried something that year. He kept telling me to keep my eyes open for Slytherin's heir, and to look for something unexpected that would discredit your father. And that summer, after we lost Dobby, he seemed ready to murder someone. But he never told us, either me or my mother, exactly what happened."
Ginny glared at him, wondering whether he was telling the truth or not. She wanted to believe him, but how could he have not said anything to her?
He tried to take her into his arms again, but she shook her head, holding him off with one hand. "You knew I opened the Chamber, you knew what trouble it caused. And you knew your father nearly killed me! What else do you know that you're not telling me?" she demanded, knowing she was being unreasonable, but unable to control the anger that had suddenly consumed her. "Why is it so important to know how I opened the Chamber? So you and your mates can…"
Ginny stopped abruptly as she realized what she'd almost accused him of. Her mouth snapped closed and she gave him a challenging look. His face was paler than usual and his lips were pressed into a tight, thin line. His expression was hooded and unreadable.
"Can what?" he questioned tersely. "Can sneak down there and try to bring the basilisk back to life? Try to summon the shade of Tom Riddle back? Or were you thinking maybe we'd be performing some ritual orgies and rapes? With a few sacrifices thrown in for good measure? Tell me, Weasley, is that what you really think? Because it's obvious you'd never believe that I was wondering whether it might be a good place for you to hide since you're the only one who could open the damned thing in over fifty years."
"Is that what you were thinking?" Ginny challenged.
"Obviously not," he snapped, glaring at her.
"Fine!" Ginny cried, stepping away from him.
"Fine!" he retorted, crossing his arms and turning his back on her.
Ginny stared at his back for a moment before spinning on her heel and turning her back to him. She crossed her own arms and glared angrily at nothing in particular.
"I imagine this would be an excellent opportunity to retrieve your camera, Colin."
Blaise's smooth tones cut through the tension surrounding the young woman. She glanced toward her best friend and saw that he had risen and was now headed for the door with the Slytherin prefect.
"Wait! You can't…" she began.
"We can, and what is more, you two will remain and settle this once and for all," Blaise interrupted, taking Colin firmly by the arm.
Instead of shrugging him off, as Ginny expected, Colin nodded. "You two have to resolve all this crap between you or you'll never get anywhere. We'll be back."
As Blaise removed the wards and opened the door, Ginny glanced quickly at Draco. He still had his back to her, but his hands were now at his sides, fists clenched. She couldn't see his face, but she could feel the anger rolling off him in waves. The door closed, and Ginny heard the lock engage again.
The silence that filled the room was almost deafening. Ginny wanted to break it, to turn to the angry young man and say something, anything. She wanted to apologize, but she could not. He'd known about his father, and she'd wasted all that time feeling guilty for suspecting the man and thinking her suspicions would hurt Draco. He'd probably been laughing at her the whole time. She would not apologize. Finally, when she couldn't take the silence any longer, Ginny stalked to the door. Obviously Draco didn't give a damn, after all. Otherwise he would have said something, wouldn't he?
She didn't even make it halfway across the room before he caught her from behind and pulled her back against him. His arms snaked around her waist and she could feel him bury his face in her hair.
"Don't leave me," he whispered softly. "Be mad, or yell at me, but don't go."
Ginny struggled, but half-heartedly. The truth was that she had wanted him to do something to let her know that he did care. His whispered plea was more than she'd hoped for and it instantly melted her anger away.
"You're a sneaky, manipulative snake, you know," she whispered as she allowed herself to settle back into his arms. "You know just what to do to get your way, don't you?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he wrapped his arms more tightly around her. As he sprinkled her hair with tiny kisses, Ginny sighed. "And you accused me of wrapping you around my finger. I'm so pathetic."
When Colin and Blaise returned, Colin's camera strangely absent and the younger boy looking flushed and mussed, they found Ginny and Draco sitting at the table once more.
"Everything worked out?" Colin asked distractedly.
Ginny flashed him a smile and tightened her hold on Draco's hand. "The most recent disaster has been averted," she quipped.
"There'll probably be plenty more ahead, but we'll take them as they come," Draco added with a typical smirk. "We were just planning what to do for the Hogsmeade trip. You two going?"
Colin glanced at Blaise before saying, "Um, probably not. I thought I'd study in the library. Or even explore the castle a bit. Never know what interesting rooms you can find."
Blaise smiled, a smug, superior smile that he directed toward Draco. "I think I'll be dabbling about the Charms classroom. I'm working on something special. In fact, I'll probably have it finished by then. What about you two?"
Draco put a possessive arm around Ginny's shoulders and said, "I'm staying, since the little weasel is confined to the castle. Maybe we'll check out your 'special' project if Creevey's willing to bring her down to the classroom."
Ginny had the odd feeling that the three boys knew something she did not, but their expressions weren't very illuminating. She shrugged and gave Colin a questioning look.
"Well, Colin? Willing to play nursemaid again?"
"No problem," he answered. "In fact, I'd better start now. Curfew's almost here and we need to head back to our dorms."
All four teens seemed unwilling to leave, but after a few minutes of dithering, they finally exited the small music chamber. At the library passageway, they parted ways. Draco had made a half-joking comment about Ginny staying away from 'Potter', which she answered with an intense, length kiss. When she finally released him, Draco's eyes were glazed and he seemed to have difficulty focusing. After laughing at him, Blaise took his arm and dragged him off toward Slytherin while Ginny and Colin headed for Gryffindor.
"So, did you get things settled finally?" Colin asked.
"Mostly," Ginny answered slowly. "I think Draco's just the jealous type, but I think for the most part he's coming round."
Colin nodded and walked beside her in silence for a while.
"Ginny, did I hear right?" he asked carefully. "You opened the Chamber of Secrets?"
Ginny froze in mid-stride and stared at Colin, a frightened, guilty expression on her face. "Oh, God, Colin, I'm sorry I didn't tell you before, but I thought you'd hate me!"
"Hate you?" Colin looked truly perplexed. "Why would I—Oh, the petrifying thing! Well, yeah, that was unpleasant. But you're my best friend, Gin. I know you wouldn't purposely hurt me. I just can't believe that you didn't trust me enough to tell me."
Ginny looked away from the hurt in his eyes. "I—I'm sorry, Colin," she said finally. "I—it hurts to talk about it, and it was like I wasn't even myself when it all happened. I guess I just didn't know how to tell you."
"Well, can you tell me now? Now that you've told Malfoy? I think I deserve at least that."
Glancing up quickly, Ginny saw that he was serious. He wanted to know about it, too, and he wasn't about to give it a rest. Sighing, Ginny nodded. "When we get to the common room. We'll find a quiet corner, and I'll tell you all about it."
Colin gave a single, quick nod and took her arm. "Right, then, let's go."
Labelle mewled from her place on Ginny's lap. Apparently she'd felt Ginny's turmoil and had been waiting when the two teens had slipped into the common room moments before curfew. They'd settled into one of the corners in the nearly empty room and Ginny had begun her tale, with much encouragement from the Kneazle. After Ginny had finished telling Colin about her first year and the events with Tom Riddle's diary, she looked up into her friend's face, fearing what she'd see. But Colin was watching her with a concerned expression.
"Lord, Gin, that must have been awful. It must have felt like you were going mad. And no one would listen to you! Being petrified seems like a small nuisance compared to having you-know-who driving you crazy. But…" he added as he fixed her with a hard look, "To think that I would hate you for something you couldn't control. Now that hurts!"
Ginny choked back a sob as she wrapped her arms around Colin's neck. "I'm sorry! I should have known better!"
Grinning, Colin pulled her away. Glancing around to make sure no one was within ear-shot, he said, "I don't fancy Malfoy coming after me with murder in mind, so mind how you hang all over me!"
Giving him a watery smile, Ginny sniffed and said, "You're the best, Colin!"
Labelle's meow seemed to second her opinion, and the teens began to laugh. Neither they, nor the Kneazle noticed the dark haired young man sitting in the shadows across the room, glaring balefully at the cozy, friendly image the three of them presented.