Miss.Independent.
By: Arabella
Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter, do you think I'd be posting it here for free? Exactly. However, the plot's mine. Touch and die.
Recommended Story: Playing With Fire (Draco/Ginny) - Crimson, The Weasel and The Kneazle (Draco/Ginny) - Davesmom , Aflame (Blaise/Ginny) - Davesmom., Fallen Angel (Remus/Ginny) - Phantom Quill., Finding A Friend (Draco/Ginny) - Tikal.
A/N: This starts five years after Ginny's 6th year, and Blaise's 7th. A revel is what they call the deatheater meetings, at least I think it is.
Chapter Five: The Transfiguration Professor.
- August 25 -
Ginny roamed through the empty halls, enjoying the time before the new term started. This would be her second year teaching at Hogwarts. She just couldn't seem to give up her alma mater.
After graduating, she'd helped the effort to defeat Voldemort. For one long year she'd worked tirelessly beside Severus Snape in concocting potions crucial to the war. She'd taken Snape's job last year after he'd been killed. How he managed to teach, play Death Eater, and somehow find time to help her brew potions for a whole year she never knew. But it was finally over, Voldemort was gone forever.
She paused as she rounded the corner and a statue of Salazar Slytherin came into view. Was this still the Head Boy's room she wondered curiously, but quickly quelled the thought. Ginny eventually found herself back in the entrance of the school, and paused, taking a seat on one of the steps there.
It was over. Lord Voldemort, Tom Marvolo Riddle, whoever he was, could never harm her again. Oh, but how he'd harmed her in so many ways. She'd lost three brothers to this effort. Charlie in her sixth year, Percy had gone mad from the Cruciatus curse and was in St Mungo's, and she'd lost Ron in the final battle.
It had been between Harry and Voldemort. Harry had been fighting off the Imperious curse, but wasn't quick enough as Voldemort was about to utter the Killing Curse. That is, before Ron threw himself in front of Harry. Nearly blinded by rage, Harry had finished Voldemort off with a powerful Avada Kedavra. And even though Ron had been hailed a hero, life just hadn't been the same without her overprotective, easily-frustrated older brother.
Not only were the Weasley's upset, but worst of all was Ron's fiancé, Hermione. Poor Hermione, she thought. The two had finally gotten over their stubbornness, realised they were made for each other, and then he died. She cursed Voldemort vehemently beneath her breath. He had ruined so many lives.
Ever since Ron's death, Hermione had retreated into her books like she had before Ron. Sure she was friendly with Ginny, but it wasn't the same. There was no more light, determination in her eyes.
Speaking of which, Ginny was to meet Hermione in the library (where else) to see how her interview with Professor Dumbledore went. Though Hermione had accepted the History of Magic position, her heart was in Transfiguration. Naturally, when McGonagall retired unexpectedly, Hermione was first to apply for the position. Earlier today, she was supposed to have met with Dumbledore to find out if she'd got the job or not. She checked her pocket watch, Ron's old watch, and hurried to the library for her meeting. Once she got there, she found a very angry Hermione slamming books about the library, much to Madame Pince's dismay.
"Choose Him over me. HIM. OF ALL BLOODY PEOPLE!" One of the books tried to protest at the rough-handling it received by screeching at her, but quickly found itself stunned.
"Ahem… am I interrupting anything?" Ginny asked a bit worriedly.
"Hm?" Hermione looked up at her, still flustered. "Of course not. You did miss something though, Gin."
"Uh… what's that, Hermione?"
"Dumbledore appointing Draco Sodding Malfoy, the new Transfiguration Professor!"
"He did WHAT?!" she screeched, now understanding fully the tizzy that Hermione was in.
"You heard me. I don't care if he did turn good, that job was mine."
"How could Dumbledore appoint Malfoy? He's.."
"Evil? Dead sexy? An eavesdropper?" They both stopped and stared at each other as Draco Malfoy stepped out from an aisle over, and into theirs.
"More like a pathetic, job-stealing git." Hermione spat furiously. Malfoy's brow arched perfectly.
"Careful Granger, I could always transfigure you into one of the books you love so well."
"You just try, you bastard." Ginny coughed a bit uncomfortably.
"Oh, I apologise weasel, we forgot about you amidst our argument, you're free to go." She shot him a glare.
"Bugger off, Malfoy."
"Aw… but it's so much fun bugging you, Granger. "
"Well as tempting as it is for you, do try and contain yourself long enough to kick your ass out of the library, will you Malfoy?"
"Bah… you two are no fun." Draco turned and sauntered easily out of sight.
This time Ginny raised her eyebrows. Was Draco Malfoy attempting to tease her and Hermione? She turned back to Hermione, faintly amused.
"That was quite interesting." Her lips pursed tightly, reminding Ginny strongly of McGonagall.
"Quite."
- October -
The start of the new year had certainly gotten off to an interesting start. While Hermione could now admit that Draco was indeed qualified for the position as Transfiguration Professor, she was still angry that Dumbledore had chosen him over her.
Ginny, on the other hand, tried to steer clear of any arguments between the two. Surprisingly enough, she found Draco quite funny. Since the war (where he had indeed turned good, helping gather information for the Order of the Phoenix) he had changed from being the Slytherin prat she knew him as, to being a humorous friend of hers. He'd confided in her eventually, when she'd asked what had changed him, that at one of the battles, he'd been so intent upon the killing, he'd killed an innocent. A friend of his. Pansy Parkinson had been a close friend (and nothing else) of his for years. While she was frequently annoying and stupid, she had been a loyal friend of his. Death Eaters didn't have many friends. He'd stood over her, after he'd killed her. Pansy had just stared blankly back at him.
From that moment forth, Draco Malfoy traded information with Albus Dumbledore, giving dates of Revels and any other information he could provide. Ginny was startled to find that his sarcastic, Slytherin wit was much like her own dry humour. After getting a few things settled and out of the way, the two had bonded, becoming fast friends. He was what she needed in her life at the moment, humour. There was only one subject that they could not discuss. Blaise.
"So Weasley, me and Zabini were in this bar once, and... Weasley?" Draco smirked as he saw his red-headed friend choking upon her tea. "You ok there?"
"Yeah… sure." He went on to regale her about his annoying bar-room adventures with Blaise, till finally Ginny couldn't stand it.
"So then, Blaise says to the hook-"
"Malfoy, I really don't give a flying fuck what Bl-Zabini said to the hooker."
"Ah, but little weasel, didn't your mother ever teach you not to lie?"
She scowled. "Shove it."
"You first." He flicked one of the little crumpets she'd provided him at her.
"Oh it's on now, Malfoy!" She cried, and started pelting him with crumpets.
"Ow! Damn, Ginny, where'd you learn to throw like that? Never mind, those barbaric twin brothers of yours probably taught you." She threw more at him, laughing at his plight.
"Ugh! That's it, no more Mr Nice Dragon." With that, he jumped up from the chair and tackled her to the floor of her living room. "Hah! I caught me a weasel!"
"You wish, Malfoy."
"Not really, now admit it!"
"NO!"
"Yes!"
"Fine, I'll tickle it out of you." He started to tickle her stomach lightly.
"You-Are-So-Immature!" She cried between laughs, "Fine, fine, you win."
"Hah! Now say Draco Malfoy is a Supreme Being!"
"Really Malfoy, you need to do something about that oversized ego of yours." She giggled.
"I agree.."
Both their heads snapped up to stare at none other than Blaise Zabini. "If you'll just give me the password to Dumbledore's office, you can go play with your kitten, Malfoy." He practically growled at Draco. True, Draco was no longer a bastard, and was still a friend of his. But he was pawing the feisty redhead that had haunted him since he'd graduated.
"It's Chocolate Frog, Zabini." Malfoy replied, recovering quickly from his immediate surprise. "Now, Weasel, did I hear you call me Supreme Being?"
Blaise coughed loudly, and Malfoy looked up at him smirking mischievously. "Yes, Blaise, old pal, need more help?"
Blaise rolled his eyes. "Yeah, show me the way to Dumbledore's office, why don't you?"
"But I thought you just needed the password."
Blaise shrugged, " I forgot the way too, oops."
"Hmmm, what is it with people and lying to me today, eh Weasel? First you, then Zabini. Anyway, thanks for the tea Gin, I'll see you at dinner." With that, he released Ginny, and followed a visibly irritated Blaise Zabini outside, leaving Ginny, still frozen in shock on the floor.
Had he just referred to her as a kitten?!
~*~
"So what was all that about, Malfoy?"
"Whatever are you talking about, Zabini?" replied Draco, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
"Don't fuck with me. Why didn't you tell me you were with her?"
"Oh I don't know, maybe because I'm not with her."
"Whatever… I know the way from here."
"Oh, so I can go back to Gin's then?" Draco asked innocently, starting to turn around. Blaise gripped his arm before he got far, however.
"What can I say, I have a sudden bout of amnesia." He released his arm and they continued on to Dumbledore's office in companionable silence, each thinking about a girl.
Once they reached his office, Dumbledore seemed almost as if he'd been waiting for them both, even though Blaise wasn't actually due to arrive for another two months.
"Ah, Mr Zabini, here you are."
A little taken aback, he nodded. "Yeah, I know I'm not due till December, but I needed a place to stay, an-"
"Say no more." Dumbledore held his hand up, stopping him from finishing." You're always welcome here at Hogwarts, Mr Zabini."
"Yes, I suppose."
"Though, there are a limited number of spaces where you could stay, I'm afraid."
"I beg to differ, Albus, this castle's huge."
"Ah, but for faculty the range's limited. And, unless I'm mistaken, a new room won't open itself up until December."
Blaise frowned, but didn't protest further. After all Dumbledore had done for him he didn't wish to be seen as ungrateful.
"Very well, where will I be staying?"
"Well, let's see." He fumbled through a handful of scrolls, finally choosing the correct one. He read the scroll quietly beneath his breath. They saw his eyes widen slightly as he peered closer at the parchment, before straightening again. " It appears, that you will be staying with Ms Weasley."
By: Arabella
Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter, do you think I'd be posting it here for free? Exactly. However, the plot's mine. Touch and die.
Recommended Story: Playing With Fire (Draco/Ginny) - Crimson, The Weasel and The Kneazle (Draco/Ginny) - Davesmom , Aflame (Blaise/Ginny) - Davesmom., Fallen Angel (Remus/Ginny) - Phantom Quill., Finding A Friend (Draco/Ginny) - Tikal.
A/N: This starts five years after Ginny's 6th year, and Blaise's 7th. A revel is what they call the deatheater meetings, at least I think it is.
Chapter Five: The Transfiguration Professor.
- August 25 -
Ginny roamed through the empty halls, enjoying the time before the new term started. This would be her second year teaching at Hogwarts. She just couldn't seem to give up her alma mater.
After graduating, she'd helped the effort to defeat Voldemort. For one long year she'd worked tirelessly beside Severus Snape in concocting potions crucial to the war. She'd taken Snape's job last year after he'd been killed. How he managed to teach, play Death Eater, and somehow find time to help her brew potions for a whole year she never knew. But it was finally over, Voldemort was gone forever.
She paused as she rounded the corner and a statue of Salazar Slytherin came into view. Was this still the Head Boy's room she wondered curiously, but quickly quelled the thought. Ginny eventually found herself back in the entrance of the school, and paused, taking a seat on one of the steps there.
It was over. Lord Voldemort, Tom Marvolo Riddle, whoever he was, could never harm her again. Oh, but how he'd harmed her in so many ways. She'd lost three brothers to this effort. Charlie in her sixth year, Percy had gone mad from the Cruciatus curse and was in St Mungo's, and she'd lost Ron in the final battle.
It had been between Harry and Voldemort. Harry had been fighting off the Imperious curse, but wasn't quick enough as Voldemort was about to utter the Killing Curse. That is, before Ron threw himself in front of Harry. Nearly blinded by rage, Harry had finished Voldemort off with a powerful Avada Kedavra. And even though Ron had been hailed a hero, life just hadn't been the same without her overprotective, easily-frustrated older brother.
Not only were the Weasley's upset, but worst of all was Ron's fiancé, Hermione. Poor Hermione, she thought. The two had finally gotten over their stubbornness, realised they were made for each other, and then he died. She cursed Voldemort vehemently beneath her breath. He had ruined so many lives.
Ever since Ron's death, Hermione had retreated into her books like she had before Ron. Sure she was friendly with Ginny, but it wasn't the same. There was no more light, determination in her eyes.
Speaking of which, Ginny was to meet Hermione in the library (where else) to see how her interview with Professor Dumbledore went. Though Hermione had accepted the History of Magic position, her heart was in Transfiguration. Naturally, when McGonagall retired unexpectedly, Hermione was first to apply for the position. Earlier today, she was supposed to have met with Dumbledore to find out if she'd got the job or not. She checked her pocket watch, Ron's old watch, and hurried to the library for her meeting. Once she got there, she found a very angry Hermione slamming books about the library, much to Madame Pince's dismay.
"Choose Him over me. HIM. OF ALL BLOODY PEOPLE!" One of the books tried to protest at the rough-handling it received by screeching at her, but quickly found itself stunned.
"Ahem… am I interrupting anything?" Ginny asked a bit worriedly.
"Hm?" Hermione looked up at her, still flustered. "Of course not. You did miss something though, Gin."
"Uh… what's that, Hermione?"
"Dumbledore appointing Draco Sodding Malfoy, the new Transfiguration Professor!"
"He did WHAT?!" she screeched, now understanding fully the tizzy that Hermione was in.
"You heard me. I don't care if he did turn good, that job was mine."
"How could Dumbledore appoint Malfoy? He's.."
"Evil? Dead sexy? An eavesdropper?" They both stopped and stared at each other as Draco Malfoy stepped out from an aisle over, and into theirs.
"More like a pathetic, job-stealing git." Hermione spat furiously. Malfoy's brow arched perfectly.
"Careful Granger, I could always transfigure you into one of the books you love so well."
"You just try, you bastard." Ginny coughed a bit uncomfortably.
"Oh, I apologise weasel, we forgot about you amidst our argument, you're free to go." She shot him a glare.
"Bugger off, Malfoy."
"Aw… but it's so much fun bugging you, Granger. "
"Well as tempting as it is for you, do try and contain yourself long enough to kick your ass out of the library, will you Malfoy?"
"Bah… you two are no fun." Draco turned and sauntered easily out of sight.
This time Ginny raised her eyebrows. Was Draco Malfoy attempting to tease her and Hermione? She turned back to Hermione, faintly amused.
"That was quite interesting." Her lips pursed tightly, reminding Ginny strongly of McGonagall.
"Quite."
- October -
The start of the new year had certainly gotten off to an interesting start. While Hermione could now admit that Draco was indeed qualified for the position as Transfiguration Professor, she was still angry that Dumbledore had chosen him over her.
Ginny, on the other hand, tried to steer clear of any arguments between the two. Surprisingly enough, she found Draco quite funny. Since the war (where he had indeed turned good, helping gather information for the Order of the Phoenix) he had changed from being the Slytherin prat she knew him as, to being a humorous friend of hers. He'd confided in her eventually, when she'd asked what had changed him, that at one of the battles, he'd been so intent upon the killing, he'd killed an innocent. A friend of his. Pansy Parkinson had been a close friend (and nothing else) of his for years. While she was frequently annoying and stupid, she had been a loyal friend of his. Death Eaters didn't have many friends. He'd stood over her, after he'd killed her. Pansy had just stared blankly back at him.
From that moment forth, Draco Malfoy traded information with Albus Dumbledore, giving dates of Revels and any other information he could provide. Ginny was startled to find that his sarcastic, Slytherin wit was much like her own dry humour. After getting a few things settled and out of the way, the two had bonded, becoming fast friends. He was what she needed in her life at the moment, humour. There was only one subject that they could not discuss. Blaise.
"So Weasley, me and Zabini were in this bar once, and... Weasley?" Draco smirked as he saw his red-headed friend choking upon her tea. "You ok there?"
"Yeah… sure." He went on to regale her about his annoying bar-room adventures with Blaise, till finally Ginny couldn't stand it.
"So then, Blaise says to the hook-"
"Malfoy, I really don't give a flying fuck what Bl-Zabini said to the hooker."
"Ah, but little weasel, didn't your mother ever teach you not to lie?"
She scowled. "Shove it."
"You first." He flicked one of the little crumpets she'd provided him at her.
"Oh it's on now, Malfoy!" She cried, and started pelting him with crumpets.
"Ow! Damn, Ginny, where'd you learn to throw like that? Never mind, those barbaric twin brothers of yours probably taught you." She threw more at him, laughing at his plight.
"Ugh! That's it, no more Mr Nice Dragon." With that, he jumped up from the chair and tackled her to the floor of her living room. "Hah! I caught me a weasel!"
"You wish, Malfoy."
"Not really, now admit it!"
"NO!"
"Yes!"
"Fine, I'll tickle it out of you." He started to tickle her stomach lightly.
"You-Are-So-Immature!" She cried between laughs, "Fine, fine, you win."
"Hah! Now say Draco Malfoy is a Supreme Being!"
"Really Malfoy, you need to do something about that oversized ego of yours." She giggled.
"I agree.."
Both their heads snapped up to stare at none other than Blaise Zabini. "If you'll just give me the password to Dumbledore's office, you can go play with your kitten, Malfoy." He practically growled at Draco. True, Draco was no longer a bastard, and was still a friend of his. But he was pawing the feisty redhead that had haunted him since he'd graduated.
"It's Chocolate Frog, Zabini." Malfoy replied, recovering quickly from his immediate surprise. "Now, Weasel, did I hear you call me Supreme Being?"
Blaise coughed loudly, and Malfoy looked up at him smirking mischievously. "Yes, Blaise, old pal, need more help?"
Blaise rolled his eyes. "Yeah, show me the way to Dumbledore's office, why don't you?"
"But I thought you just needed the password."
Blaise shrugged, " I forgot the way too, oops."
"Hmmm, what is it with people and lying to me today, eh Weasel? First you, then Zabini. Anyway, thanks for the tea Gin, I'll see you at dinner." With that, he released Ginny, and followed a visibly irritated Blaise Zabini outside, leaving Ginny, still frozen in shock on the floor.
Had he just referred to her as a kitten?!
~*~
"So what was all that about, Malfoy?"
"Whatever are you talking about, Zabini?" replied Draco, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
"Don't fuck with me. Why didn't you tell me you were with her?"
"Oh I don't know, maybe because I'm not with her."
"Whatever… I know the way from here."
"Oh, so I can go back to Gin's then?" Draco asked innocently, starting to turn around. Blaise gripped his arm before he got far, however.
"What can I say, I have a sudden bout of amnesia." He released his arm and they continued on to Dumbledore's office in companionable silence, each thinking about a girl.
Once they reached his office, Dumbledore seemed almost as if he'd been waiting for them both, even though Blaise wasn't actually due to arrive for another two months.
"Ah, Mr Zabini, here you are."
A little taken aback, he nodded. "Yeah, I know I'm not due till December, but I needed a place to stay, an-"
"Say no more." Dumbledore held his hand up, stopping him from finishing." You're always welcome here at Hogwarts, Mr Zabini."
"Yes, I suppose."
"Though, there are a limited number of spaces where you could stay, I'm afraid."
"I beg to differ, Albus, this castle's huge."
"Ah, but for faculty the range's limited. And, unless I'm mistaken, a new room won't open itself up until December."
Blaise frowned, but didn't protest further. After all Dumbledore had done for him he didn't wish to be seen as ungrateful.
"Very well, where will I be staying?"
"Well, let's see." He fumbled through a handful of scrolls, finally choosing the correct one. He read the scroll quietly beneath his breath. They saw his eyes widen slightly as he peered closer at the parchment, before straightening again. " It appears, that you will be staying with Ms Weasley."