A/N: Wow, a new chapter out and it hasn't been a month yet? Odd, innit? Hope you enjoy it!

DISCLAIMER: I own none of it, although I'm sure the boys would have a lot more fun with me than with her.

Chapter 30:  New Beginnings

            "Pansy?"

            "Ginny?"

            The now auburn haired girl bounced over to the older girl, whose mouth was hanging slightly open in shock.  Millicent blinked owlishly at Ginny, too shocked to say anything.  "I'm a Black!  I'm a Black!  I have a name! A House! A legacy!" Ginny was nearly vibrating with energy, her new cane clutched tightly in her left hand.

            A delighted smile bloomed on Pansy's face.  "A Black!  Oh lovely! Ginny I'm so happy for you!" The blond girl swept Ginny into a hug, jiggling back and forth excitedly.  She pulled back, looking into Ginny's eyes.  "And I love the new look."

            Ginny preened slightly.  "I like it too.  And you should see Bill!  He looks completely different –,"

            "Ginny?" Neville stood stock still in the entrance of the dorms, until Blaise gently pushed him forward and out of the way.  Then he stopped and stared at the fourth year.

            "Hi Neville!  Hi Blaise!" Ginny waved at the boys with her free hand, still bouncing slightly.

            "You look so – so – so…" Neville stuttered.  Ginny stopped bouncing and glared at him.  "Good!  It looks good…on..you.  Er. Right.  The hair.  It's nice.  Very different – but good!" He shut his mouth and grabbed his bags from where he'd dropped them, ducking his head and finally charging for the dorms. 

            Blaise chuckled and grinned at Ginny.  "I like it," he said simply, before following Neville's example and escaping swiftly.  Once the boys were gone, Ginny broke out with an evil smile.  Pansy and Millicent laughed.

            "Boys," Millicent seated herself on one of the couches near the fireplace.  "They can be so – dumb sometimes."

            Ginny snickered and plopped herself down next to the plump girl, with Pansy taking a seat across from them.

            "So when did this happen?  What'd you get for Christmas? How was your holiday?" Pansy perched on the edge of her seat, a wide smile on her face. 

            "A few days before Christmas.  After the – uh – incident with the Weasley's." They all grimaced.  "Sirius was going to do it on Christmas day, but he decided to do it that night instead.  It was so amazing!  And weird!"

            "So what's the Black legacy then?" Millicent turned to face Ginny slightly, her eyes gleaming. 

            Ginny's smile turned into a smirk.  "Legacies actually, but don't let the Ministry hear about that." She winked at the girls, who squealed quietly and leaned in to hear.  "The Black's have three talents; every Black has the ability to become an animagus – some need to study the procedure, but others can just," she shrugged, "do it.  One minute they're human, the next they're in their animagus form!  I guess Sirius' great-uncle was like that.  He was telling me a story of how his great-uncle Orion fell into a river when he was eight and suddenly turned into duck.  He wasn't exactly pleased with his animagus form," the girls giggled quietly, "but it saved his life."

            "How funny!"

            "Helpful gift." Millicent winked at Ginny. 

            Ginny grinned and leaned forward conspiratorially.  "The ones the Ministry really doesn't need to know about are the ability to call shadows and some minor talent of healing by laying on hands."  The girls exchanged wide-eyed looks.

            "The ability to call shadows is officially considered a Dark Talent…you know that, right?" Pansy's voice was quiet. 

            Ginny shrugged slightly and smiled mysteriously.  "It's where the Blacks get the family name."

            Pansy and Millicent's mouths opened into small o's of surprise.  Comprehension dawned in their eyes.  "Of course," Pansy murmured.  "I always thought they got their name because of their particular allegiances.  How funny." Ginny nodded slowly.   "Do you have them all?  What about Bill?"

            The auburn haired girl nibbled on her lower lip as she shrugged.  "It's really too early to say.  I haven't displayed any of the talents, but Professor Snape says I should just give it time.  Bill is really excited by them – he's going to be owling constantly, or so he says, with updates.  He wanted to return to Hogwarts, but," she shrugged, "the goblins needed him back at work."

            The two older girls grimaced, but nodded their understanding.  Pansy suddenly perked up.  "So," she smiled and reached out to nudge Ginny's knee, "how were the presents?" Millicent rolled her eyes at the blond, but leaned back and crossed her hands over her stomach. 

            Ginny's smile turned wicked.  "They were amazing!  I got more this Christmas than I think I've ever got before!" She proudly displayed her cane to the girls.  "Mr. Malfoy gave me this.  His name is Jaredth." The girls' ohh and ahh'd over it.

            "Wow," Pansy breathed, tracing the lines of the cane with her eyes.  "He gave you that?"

            Ginny nodded and caressed the head of the cane lovingly.  "Yes.  Isn't he amazing?"

            "And powerful," Millicent leaned closer to the grip, but didn't touch it.  "My grandfather had one.  They're sentient – to a degree.  And loyal, if they decide to accept you."

            "How do you know if they do?" Ginny turned the cane in her hands, her eyes wide.

            Millicent leaned back and shrugged slightly.  "I don't know.  I'd have to ask my grandfather."

            "The eyes will glow and on very few occasions they are said to have spoken – but there is no proof of that." The girls whirled around at the new voice.  Sasha stood a little bit away, a hesitant smile on her face.

            "Sasha!" Ginny bounced to her feet and hugged the older girl.  Sasha patted her back awkwardly, returning her hug.

            "Hullo Ginny."

            "How was your holiday?" Ginny pulled the other girl to the couches.  She sat down next to Pansy slowly, smoothing her skirts carefully as she did so.

            "They were – good." Sasha's voice was a little sad and Ginny winced, remembering that her family had been only recently killed, and that this would have been her first Christmas without them.  The sixth year had told them she was staying with an elderly cousin, but it had completely slipped Ginny's mind.  Idiot, she smacked herself mentally.

            "That's – ah, good." Ginny looked down at the ground awkwardly as Pansy and Millicent exchanged glances.

            Sasha laughed abruptly and shook her head.  "It was nice.  My cousin took me to the opera.  Then to Rome for Christmas Eve and rest of the holidays.  It was a lot of fun…or at least interesting enough so that I didn't have time to be completely sad."

            Ginny looked up at her, a crooked smile on her face.  "That's good."

            "Rome?  Rome?  You lucky little wench!" Pansy flipped her hair over her shoulder with a wink, lightening the mood.  "How was it, what did you see?"

            Sasha snorted at the blond, but played along.  "It was rainy, but nice.  We stayed in the wizarding section of the old city, right by the old forum.  The first night we were there we walked down to the Coliseum and watched the moon rise through the arches.  Then my cousin unlocked the gates and let me wander through the arena.  He's a bit of a history nut, so he ended up giving me a lecture for just about everything in there, but it was actually kind of nice.  The moon was full and it made the whole place just glow."

            "Oh wow!"

            "It really was a lot of fun.  My cousin – his name is Herbert – he's a bit, ah, touched, but he's really been wonderful to me." Sasha lapsed into silence, and the other girls looked away briefly.

            Harry and Draco walked in through the door at that moment, talking quietly to each other, their heads bent close.  Pansy caught sight of them first and her eyes grew large.  She shot off the couch and knelt down next to Ginny.  "What happened between the two of them?"

            Ginny glanced over to the two boys and her expression softened.  "What's it look like, silly?" she teased Pansy gently, tapping her gently on the nose.  "They finally got a clue."

            Pansy and Millicent giggled softly, exchanging glances.  Sasha blinked at them silently for a moment, before it dawned on her.

            "Draco and Harry?"

            Pansy leapt up and clapped a hand across Sasha's mouth.  "Shh!" The petite blond shushed her, but her giggles gave her away.  Sasha snorted inelegantly at her, which made Pansy whip her hand away, still giggling.

            The girls' commotion made the boys glance over.  Harry's face flushed pink, while Draco smiled widely at them and slipped an arm around Harry's shoulders – which caused the dark haired boy to squeak and turn even redder.

            "Draco!" Harry hissed – but didn't move away.  The girls exchanged glances, then turned and as one they all cooed, "Awww!" Their chorus made the other Slytherins wandering through the Common Room stop and look over.

            "Ginny!"
            "Hey! It's what sisters are for!"

qpqpqpqp

            Severus closed the door to the Headmaster's office quietly, the click sounding loud in the silence of the room.  He hesitated at the entrance, taken aback by what he saw. 

            Albus' normal, powerful presence was gone.  His face was gray and his eyes dull.  Fawkes perched on the edge of his desk, cooing worriedly at the old wizard.

            "Albus?" Severus moved slowly into the room, moving around the desk to rest a gentle hand on the older wizard's shoulder.  A fire burned quietly in the fireplace, doing little to warm the room.  Severus shivered slightly, casting a glance around the room.  What has happened while we were gone?

            The Headmaster started, blinking rapidly up at Severus, his eyes clearing slightly.  He looked up at the younger man, a wan smile spreading over his face.  "Ah, Severus.  You're here.  Good."
            The Potions Master tightened his grip on Albus' shoulder.  "Albus – what's happened?"

            The seated man sighed and waved the hovering man away with faintly trembling fingers.  "Ah, Severus.  There has been some – problems – while you were away."

            Severus felt his gut tighten as he moved to sit.  Fawkes ruffled his feathers and cocked his head to one side, watching both men intently.  "What's happened?"

            Albus closed his eyes briefly, steeping his hands in front of his face.  "Voldemort has become more aggressive in his attacks.  In addition to the three attacks last week, four homes were Marked last night – there were no survivors."

            Severus bowed his head, his hair falling forward to hide his face.  "How many dead?"

            "Twenty."

            "Dear God." Severus' knuckles were white where he was clutching at the arms of his chair.  "Were there – were there –,"

            "Three students will not be returning to Hogwarts' Halls this semester." Albus looked at Severus sadly, heavy lines creasing his face.  "All three were first year students. One Gryffindor and two Hufflepuffs."

            "Hell and damnation." Severus placed his elbows on his knees, hiding his face in his hands.  Albus studied the other man quietly for a long moment, his blue eyes tired.  Severus sat up and raked his hands through his hair, a deep frown on his face.  "Do you know why they were attacked?"

            Albus sighed and shook his head slightly.  "Not concretely.  I was hoping you would know – or perhaps Harry had told you of any particular nightmares he'd had.  All families were moderate in the debate about Mr. Potter.  They neither supported him, nor detested him.  Their deaths will be another harsh blow to Harry's reputation, I'm afraid.  I fear the Weasley's will use their deaths against the poor boy."

            Severus glared at the Headmaster briefly before leaning back in his seat.  "It isn't as if his reputation can get any worse, Albus."

            The Headmaster nodded briefly.  "True – but there are no mobs at the gates just yet, calling for his blood."  Severus sighed and his shoulders slumped, but he nodded reluctantly in agreement.  Albus leaned forward in his chair, his eyes sharpening.  "Severus – I need Mr. Potter to gather information for me.  Is he ready?"

            The Potions Master's head snapped up, and Severus' eyes gleamed.  "No, he is not. He still has nightmares every night and refuse to talk about them."

            "But is he physically fit to take the Potion again, Severus?"
            The younger man said nothing, merely glaring at the older wizard.  "Ah," Albus sighed and leaned back in his chair.  Fawkes cooed and launched himself from the desk, settling onto his perch where he could watch both men with ease.

            "This could kill him, Albus!" Severus exploded from his chair, striding to the fireplace and staring into the flames blindly. 

            "Voldemort will kill him and thousands of others if he does not take the potion again."
            "He is only a boy!"

            "He was never a boy," Albus said quietly. "He has never had that luxury.  He is the Boy-Who-Lived; it is his destiny to fight Voldemort, and to kill him."

            "Destiny?  Destiny?! Our fates are what we make for ourselves, Albus!  It is not a predestined plan, an inevitable path that we cannot choose! Harry –," Severus wrapped one arm around his middle, the other flinging out into space, gesturing wildly.

            "Harry will be hunted by Voldemort until the day he dies.  And even if he did not choose this fate, Voldemort did.  By choosing Harry to kill, and not another."

            "Any other wizarding child would have had the same protection! Don't try and force this pile of shite down my throat Albus, it won't work." Severus snarled, now spinning around to face the other wizard, his hands curling at his sides.

            "But it is the role he will have to play." Albus stared back to the other man, his eyes hard.

            "You're condemning him to death." Severus' words made the Headmaster flinch slightly.

            "I know."

            Severus hunched his shoulders slightly.  "And if I refuse to brew the potion again?" He lifted his chin, a stubborn light coming into his eyes.

            "I will find another to do it."

            "Who?"
            "There is a large black market, as I'm sure you're aware of Severus.  The potion is available there.  I have checked."

            "Made by incompetent fools!" Severus opened and closed his mouth a few times.  "Oh damn you Albus.  Damn you to hell." Severus wrapped his arms around his middle, his eyes haunted.  "So this is it, isn't it?  I'm damned if I do – and damned if I don't," he whispered, more to himself than to the other man.

            "Forgive me, my boy."
            "How can I, Albus, when I cannot forgive myself?" Severus closed his eyes tightly, his mouth drawing down into a tight line.  He finally raised his head, his eyes dark and shadowed.  "In return for this you will get guardianship of Harry transferred from the Dursleys to Sirius Black."

            Albus blinked slowly at the younger man, his mouth tightening slightly. "Harry is best protected at his relatives house, you know that Severus."

            Severus shook his head jerkily.  "No, he is not.  You will transfer the guardianship of him to Black or I'll arrange for Mr. Potter to disappear and the House of Slytherin will be silent to you."

            Anger crossed Albus' face. "Severus…"

            "That is my final offer." Severus held his ground, his eyes hard and cold.

            Albus eyed the younger wizard for a long moment, his face blank and his eyes impossible to read.  "Mr. Potter will not have the same protection that he has had at the Dursleys if Sirius has custody of him."

            "If you believe that, Albus, then you are a fool, and this war is a lost cause." Severus' hands balled into fists as he began to shake slightly. 

            Albus frowned.  "What exactly to you mean by that Severus?"

            The Potions Master shook his head slightly. "I – have reason to believe that Mr. Potter's home life with the Dursley's has – been anything but pleasant for the boy."

            "You have proof of this?"

            Severus shook his head, slowly.  "No, not yet.  There are small things, though, that I have noticed."

            Albus took a deep breath and let it out slowly, his mouth settling into a hard line.  "I cannot remove Harry from the care of his current guardians without sufficient proof that he is in danger from them.  Find me proof, and I will attempt to transfer that guardianship from them to Sirius.  Until then, I still deem it best that Mr. Potter stay with his blood relatives and under their protection.  Are we agreed?"

            Severus barred his teeth at the older man.  "No, we're not agreed.  But I will make the bloody potion for you Albus.  That way we can at least be guaranteed that Harry will not be poisoned by some amateur's handiwork."

            Albus closed his eyes briefly, sighing softly.  "Thank you, Severus.  When will it be ready?"

            The younger man cocked his head to the side, thinking.  "The weekend by the earliest.  I need to gather some – supplies."

            Albus nodded, his expression serious.  "Very well.  I will expect to see the both of you then." He glanced down at his desk briefly.  Severus sneered at the older man, but headed to the door, recognizing the dismissal.

            "Tell Mr. Potter," Severus stopped with his hand on the door handle, but did not turn around.  "Tell him – that I'm sorry."

            "Tell him yourself." With that Severus let himself out of the office, storming down the stairwell and slamming the door behind him.  Albus watched him go with sorrow, I'm sorry Severus.  I am so sorry my boy.  But I must do what is good for all of us.  He closed his eyes and pressed his fingers to his temples, his headache blooming into a full migraine.  There is no other way, he sighed and opened his eyes, smiling wanly at Fawkes.  No other way.  His smile faded as he glanced back down at his desk, at the piles of messages waiting for him there.  With a sigh he leaned forward in his seat, picking up his quill and the nearest scroll.  There was too much to do…and not enough time.

qpqpqpqp

            Seamus' knee bounced rapidly as he waited for Sasha in the Library.  He pushed at the small box in front of him, nibbling on his lower lip.  I hope she likes it, he sighed explosively and shifted for the hundredth time in his seat.  I mean, girls like jewelry, right?  And I mean, it's not – I mean – we were friends, sorta, before, and I woulda given her a gift anyhow – but, I mean, what will she – will she think – am I being too –

            "A herd of hippogriffs could have trampled by you and I don't think you would have noticed."

            "Sasha!" Seamus leapt to his feet, snatching up the present and slipping it into a pocket.  "I – you – uh …"

            She smiled, her eyes warming as she entered into the light of the alcove.  She looked – different – he noticed; her hair was brushed back nicely and she had a new set of dress robes on.

            "Hi." He smiled back at her, aware that he was probably grinning like a fool, but couldn't help it.

            "Hi." She came to a stop in front of him, awkwardly shifting from foot to foot.  He took a small step forward, unsure.  What he wanted to do, he wasn't sure he should.  I mean, we only kissed that once…but…Sasha took the decision from him by suddenly moving forward and burying her face in his chest.  He brought his arms up around her, holding her tightly.

            "I missed you," he murmured softly, resting his cheek on her hair.

            She snuffled softly.  "Gryffindork." He snorted, but held her tighter.  "I missed you too." He barely heard her muffled words, but it caused a suddenly warm feeling to flood through him.  "I was s-so worried…"

            He pulled back, taking her by the shoulders and studying her face carefully.  "Why?"

            "Well hello! The Death Eater attacks! The Dark Mark appearing over multiple homes over the holidays! People dying?" She scowled at him, her eyes shiny with unshed tears.

            "Ah," Seamus pulled her stiff body back into a hug.  "I'm sorry." He grunted when she hit him in the ribs.

            "Fool."
            "Gryffindor, my dear.  There's a distinction." That made her laugh grudgingly and relax slightly.  He let go of her reluctantly, pulling out a chair for her, bowing extravagantly as she glared at him – but took the seat nonetheless.  "So," he took the seat next to her.  "How was your holiday?"

            "Lovely.  My cousin took me to Rome." He took her hand as she told him about her trip, tracing her fingers as she spoke. "I – uh," he looked up at her, tilting his head to one side, fascinated as a blush began to spread across her face.  "I got you something."

            Seamus felt himself redden as well.  "Er, I did too.  Get you something.  For Christmas." They looked at each other for a moment before starting to laugh. 

            "Here," Seamus finally placed the small box on the table in front of her.  "You go first." She glanced at him and slowly withdrew her hand from his grip, also placing a small box on the table.  She carefully unwrapped the present, taking time to open the paper and not tear into it before finally opening up the box and staring inside silently.

            Seamus felt his stomach drop.  "I – uh – I hope you – er, I mean…"

            "It's lovely." Her voice was soft and she gently lifted the pendant from the box.  It was silver, with a lion and a snake curled together, with garnets for the eyes of the lion and emeralds for the eyes of the snake.

            "So – uh, you like it?" Seamus winced at the sound of his voice.  He cleared his throat and drew in another breath to start babbling when she suddenly leaned forward and kissed him swiftly. 

            "Shut up.  It's perfect.  I love it."

            "I – uh – er, oh.  Um.  Good.  I'm glad." Seamus smiled widely at her, watching as she carefully slipped it over her head and tucked it beneath her robes. 

            She smoothed down her clothes carefully, making sure the pendant lay flat, then glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.  "Open yours."

            He picked up the small box left on the table, tearing into the beautiful paper with abandon.  He cracked open the small, wooden box and felt his mouth drop open in shock.

            "I – uh.  I  know you're Catholic, an well, I was in Rome and well…" Seamus didn't see her squirming as he lifted out the most beautiful rosary he'd ever seen.  The beads were made from garnets and the links looked like real, solid gold.  He ran them through his hands, feeling the smoothness of the stones and noticing the delicate detail on the crucifix. 

            "I – thank you," he breathed, staring at it in awe.  "It's beautiful."

            "You're welcome. I'm – I'm glad you like it.  I – I didn't know if it was appropriate or –," he leaned forward, silencing her now with a kiss.  They pulled apart a while later, flushed and grinning.  Seamus looked at Sasha, whose eyes were alive and gleaming.  God but she's beautiful, he could feel the skin near his eyes wrinkle as he smiled back at her. 

qpqp

            A while later they settled into a more serious conversation. 

            "So," Sasha took a deep breath.  "I found out some information that I think may help us."

            Seamus nodded slowly, leaning back in his chair.  "Me too.  But please, go first."

            She flashed him a small smile, before putting her hands on the table and leaning forward.  "The Cwn Annwn are the hounds of Annwn, the netherworld region of Welsh mythology.  The lord of Annwn is Gywn ap Nudd and in some legends he is the leader of the Wild Hunt.  I think that's whom this Erin was referring to when she said the Lord of the Dead.  In the information that I was able to obtain, they only say that he is a tricky, irritable figure that meddles more with humanity than helps them.  Now," she paused, wetting her lips nervously, "this is where things get tricky.  I was thinking, that in order to help Harry we would need to contact the Lord and get him to call off the dogs instead of one of us trying to do so.  Unfortunately, he's a sleeping god."

            Seamus frowned.  "A what?"

            Sasha shifted in her seat.  "A sleeping god.  One that held power and influence before the arrival of the Christian god.  The church, " she cast an apologetic glance at him, "basically eradicated all lore and traditions of the Old Ways.  Which," she added, "was another reason Salazar Slytherin was against muggles and muggleborns."

            "Eh?"

            "Slytherin's family was of the old traditions.  He believed in his gods, and saw the mostly muggle religion as a treat, which it was, to a degree." She bit her lower lip and shrugged.  "It's a moot point now, but," she paused. "It would stand to reason that a Slytherin would have more of a chance to contact him."

            Seamus made a sound in his throat, his gaze locked on a faraway point. "But –," he pointed out.  "You said he was a sleeping god."

            Sasha nodded briskly.  "Yes. To get him to help would also mean waking him up and that is a repercussion that needs to be discussed."

            "What would that entail?"

            At this Sasha shrugged, sighing.  "I don't really know.  I think we need to research more about him.  I do know that in order to invoke a number of – other – things, you need a blood offering." She looked away from Seamus.

            "A sacrifice?" Seamus went pale.

            "No you doofus.  Although many people probably would kill an animal to take the easy way out.  The best way I read was to offer up a pint or so of your own blood.  It's more potent – but also more binding…if there's any dealing going on.  Or so I've heard." Sasha's face was flushed and she kept her gaze on her hands, not meeting Seamus' gaze.

            He let out a long breath.  "Just a pint?"
            She nodded.

            "Well." She glanced up at him and he smiled, shrugging slightly.  "It's just a pint."

            She slowly smiled back at him.  "It's – it's still technically Dark Magic," she pointed out hesitantly, nibbling on her lower lip. 

            Seamus shrugged philosophically.  "So are a lot of things.  And it's only Dark if your intent if for evil."

            "That's arguable."

            "I'm a Gryffindor."

            She laughed, her expression lightening.  "I'd noticed." They shared a long, warm look before sobering again.

            "We'll have to present this to the others." She pointed out.

            Seamus nodded.  "And we have to tell Dumbledore about this."

            Sasha made a face.  "I'd rather we go to the House first and then to the Headmaster." Seamus gave her a long look, under which she squirmed.  "Oh fine," she finally snapped.  "You tell the Headmaster and I'll tell the House.  Happy now?"

            "Yes." She scowled at him, but there was no real heat in her glare.  "Now," the scowl slipped off her face slowly as he leaned into her, what he was going to tell her he'd learned over the holidays slipping from his head.  "We had another conversation going earlier that I'd like to return to…"

qpqpqpqp

            Hermione stepped into the noisy Common Room, her presence going all but unnoticed.  She made a face at the cacophony of sound. She could immediately hear Ron and the twins, along with Lavender and the rest of the Quidditch team near the fireplace, all yelling at each other, talking about their holiday.  She turned away from the scene and headed for the girl's dorm, hoping her presence would continue to be unnoticed.

            "Hermione!" Her shoulders hunched slightly at Ron's loud bellow.  She sighed and turned back to the Common Room, shrugging her luggage to a more comfortable spot on her shoulder.

            "Ron." She looked at him as he skidded to a stop in front of her, careful to keep her expression neutral.

            "Hey," he smiled at her hesitantly, wiping his palms on his robes in a nervous gesture she knew well. "How was your holiday?"

            "Good." She sighed and shifted her bags again.  "Look, I need to put these down." She turned away, only to be stopped by Ron's hand on her arm.  "Let go of me Ron." She kept her voice quiet, knowing they were being watched by most of the room.

            "Herm –," she kept her head turned from him.  "Hermione please.  Look at me."

            She slowly raised her eyes to his face.  He loosened his grip on her arm, rubbing it gently once before letting her go.  "I – I miss you Herm.  How many times must I say I'm sorry until you believe me? I never, never meant to hurt you.  I just," he flushed, "You know my temper.  It just gets away from me.  I just – you got me so mad…I swear I'll never do it again.  Just come back to me, please Herm. I – I – I lo-,"

            "Don't." He recoiled slightly from her sharp tone.  Tears sparkled in her eyes.  "I don't know how you can even think I'll forgive you for what you've done.  No one, no one touches me like that Ronald Weasley.  No amount of apologizing will ever get me to give you another chance.  Do you understand?"

            Ron's face flushed a darker shade of red. "Herm –," he began, the beginnings of anger sparkling in his eyes.  She shook her head swiftly, the tears almost spilling over.

            "See?" she whispered.  "I say something you don't like and you're angry again.  I can't just agree with everything you say Ron.  Relationships aren't like that.  People have to respect each other, and their differences.  You can't just hit someone and expect them to forgive you if you profess your – your feelings to them.  How can I trust you not to do that again if you say it was all my fault?  All I expressed was my opinion – one that may just be completely valid and you slapped me, Ron.  If you can't hear me out without getting angry –,"

            "How can I respect an opinion that's obviously wrong?" He burst out, his hands curled into tight fists at his side, trembling.  She sighed and shook her head again, looking down at them.

            "See?"

            "See what?"

            "Never mind." She started up the stairs to her room.  "Leave me alone, Ron.  Just – leave me alone."

            "Fine! Be that way!" His angry shout followed her up the stairs. 

qpqp

            Lavender placed a soft hand on Ron's shoulder.  "Ron…" He shrugged her off.

            "Leave me alone, please Lav.  I just thought –," he sighed, looking away.  "I thought she'd gotten over it by now.  It was an accident.  She knows that.  I don't understand why she doesn't understand that.  She just got me so mad…"

            "She's muggleborn, Ron." Lavender reached out to touch his arm gently.  "I'm not saying that's bad – but, well, they're different.  They see things differently.  She was raised in a completely different world.  She's only had four years in our world – she probably still needs to adjust."

            Ron nodded slowly, this time allowing Lavender to keep her light grip on his arm.  "Yes.  Of course." He nibbled on his lower lip.  "The muggle world is such a – weird place."

            "Yes, it is." Lavender took a step closer to him, her robes brushing against his legs slightly.  "They're so – afraid.  Of themselves.  Of their neighbors.  They don't have the wizarding worlds' – better grasp on life.  On propriety.  You know Hermione's a smart girl…she just doesn't see things the way the people who were born into the wizarding world do."

            He sighed and scrubbed a hand over his face.  "Yeah.  I guess you're right." His shoulders slumped as he glanced up the dark stairwell leading to the girl's dorm.  "Sometimes…" he broke off, shaking his head slightly.

            "Sometimes what?" Lavender's voice was soft.

            "Sometime I wonder if it wouldn't be such a bad idea to separate the muggleborn students from their families and have them fostered in the wizarding world.  I mean," he turned to her, frustrated.  "Then they'd understand us better.  Be able to adjust to our world, to our customs, our traditions and not be – influenced, scared by their world's view on magic.  Then they wouldn't be – be –,"

            "Corrupted?"

            "Exactly! The muggle world is so afraid of magic and our kind! We have to hide ourselves from them, just because they outnumber us.  And more often than not, muggleborns don't stay in our world – they go back to their world, marry muggles and just continue the cycle!"

            "Hey there mate," Dean piped up from one of the couches, a concerned expression on his face. "What are you saying?"

            Ron shrugged uncomfortably.  "Nothing really, Dean.  But – haven't you seen it?  The fear?  The way some muggle families are so – against their children learning magic?  I mean, there's at least one kid every year that's made a ward of the state because their families disown them.  Dad was talking about it once…or maybe it was Percy…anyhow…" he shook his head slightly.  "It's so awful, you know? To see that hate, that fear of us and that maybe we could do something about it…"

            "Ron, you're sounding, uh – sorta weird.  I mean, separating families?  Clear lines between muggle and wizard?  That's sorta like You-Know-,"

            "Shut your mouth! I do not!" Ron roared at Dean, causing the other boy to shrink back.  "How dare you even suggest such a thing.  You know better than that!"
            "I – uh –,"

            "Merlin," Ron spat, glaring at the other boy, who shut up quickly under the now multiple glares going his way.  "I can't believe you." People edged away from Dean, looking uneasily at each other.

            "C'mon Ron," Lavender gave Dean a cold look, taking the red head by the arm and leading him towards his brothers.  "Let's talk about something else." Dean slid down in his seat, completely alone now, his face scarlet.  The rest of the students gathered in a far corner of the room, gathering around the Weasley's, chatting about Ron's points, completely ignoring the silent figure by the fire. 

End Chapter 30

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Lady Phoenix Slytherin: Yep

Athenakitty: The Lord of the Dead will eventually find out, yes.  And Lavender has lots of things lined up for her.  I'm glad you're still enjoying the fic!

ArchAngel Of Fire: 'Appareo versicoloris domesticus ater atra atrum': appear the colors of the House/family Black.  Latin, if patchy.  I couldn't find a site that translated all of it, so I picked it out as best I could from a latin dictionary.  Ended up sounding pretty cool…if a mouthful to say.  And Michael Serpent?  Is he on ffnet or elsewhere?  I'm glad you liked the chapter.  Thanks for the review!

TigerBlak: You're welcome!  And thank you!!!

sugur-plum-faerie: LOL, don't worry.  There's a few deaths planned, but most of them deserve it!