I hope you enjoy this chapter... i was happy with it! It's definitely a BIG improvement from chapter 4... and if i got 10 (or so) reviews for it... i should get WAY more cause this is much better! If everyone reviews, i'll have 50! reviews!

slytherinphoenix7

disclaimer: don't own anything except the few characters i invented.

Devil's Minion: Part 2
Chapter 5: The Yule Ball
slytherinphoenix7

I twirled in front of the mirror admiring my new dress robes. They were a Christmas gift from Fred, George and Katie. The robes were a deep navy blue. Underneath it was form fitting, and had a low-cut neck. Overtop was a ankle-length matching navy blue robe, open to the floor in the front, and coming in a little at the waist. All the girls in my dorm were jealous. None of them had robes like mine... but of course, none of them had rich older brothers with a better use for their money than their sister.

No one was shocked that I was going with Colin, but Ron and Hermione both exchanged remorseful glances when they found out. Caitlin was going with Seamus, which is a "match made in heaven." Aida wouldn't be there, as she was going home for Christmas. She and her parents were going to America to ski, so she was leaving Hogwarts early. Mia was going with a friend of ours from third year, Erick. He was sweet, and calm. Exactly what Mia needed. I'm not sure how she felt about him, but she was excited about it nonetheless. Alex, however, would not tell us who she was going with, which led me to believe she hadn't been asked. It wasn't like her to not tell us. Maybe, she wanted it to be a surprise. Whatever her reason was, she wasn't telling.

My hair was down, curling at the ends. It was very different from my usual ponytail. I finished fiddling with it, and looked myself up and down in the mirror. I was ready. Quickly, I glanced at the clock. I needed to meet Colin in the Common Room in a few minutes. For a last check, I turned to Mia, who surveyed me.

"Beautiful, Ginny," she said. "You look so nice!"

I smiled. "You really need to finish your hair and make-up, because Erick is more impatient than Colin."

"You're right," Mia agreed, sitting down on her bed and applying some kind of muggle make-up for your mouth. I think she called it 'Lipstick.' Whatever it was, it made Mia look more grown-up.

I turned around and almost ran down the stairs to the common room. Everyone in Fourth year and up was milling about, waiting for people, chatting, leaving, or nervously giggling.

I looked around for Colin. I didn't have to look far. Colin was already coming over with Erick, who, as I predicted, was impatient.

"She'll be down in a few moments, Erick," I said laughing.

He smiled nervously. "Ok, thanks, Ginny."

I turned to Colin, smiled, and took a long breath. "Ready?" I asked.

He gallantly offered his arm, which I took, and we climbed out of the portrait hole and down to the Entrance Hall.

There were so many students waiting in the Entrance Hall, and more pouring in. Many were coming from the dungeons, while others descended some of the many staircases. Not everyone was in pairs, though. There were those waiting for people from other houses, and those not going with anyone at all.

The doors to the Great Hall opened and people surged in like a giant wave of water. The Great Hall was decorated in green, red, and gold. It had tables set up all around the outer edge of the hall, and a dance floor in the middle. There was a food table along the far wall. This Yule Ball wasn't nearly as fancy as the one in fourth year, but Durmstrang and Beaubaxtons had been there, so we were trying to impress them. It's easier for the House Elves to have a buffet table instead of a million individual orders. Some Wizarding band had been hired and was setting up their stuff as Colin and I walked in. We headed for a table, and sat down. Immediately we were joined by Mia and Erick. Caitlin and Seamus also sat down, but didn't stay long as the music began to play, and they joined other couples on the dance floor. It was a fast song, but everyone seemed to be having fun... it definitely looked fun. Inwardly, I was glad that Colin hadn't asked me to dance this one. I would have made a complete fool of him and myself.

"What do you want to drink, Ginny?" Colin asked, standing up.

"Butterbeer's good, thanks!"

Colin walked off, dodging chatting groups of brightly robed students.

Erick got up and followed Colin, with Mia's order of Butterbeer.

I twisted in my chair to face Mia, when something caught my eye. I turned and my mouth dropped open in shock. Alexandra, my friend and fellow Gryffindor, was walking into the Great Hall on the arm of a Slytherin. But not just any Slytherin. Draco Malfoy. Alex was grinning shyly, her hand clasped in his. He was smirking and looking across the room arrogantly.

They walked deliberately to a table for two and sat down, talking quietly.

I turned away, utterly disgusted. Mia's face completely mirrored mine. It was strange though, because all the Gryffindors had looks of shock and annoyance, while none of the Slytherins seemed to care, and some even gave Draco congratulating looks. Why were they doing that? A Slytherin consorting with a Gryffindor? Completely unheard of.

Placing drinks of Butterbeer before us, Colin and Erick sat down.

"What's wrong?" Erick asked, seeing our faces.

I gestured towards the two who were committing such a heinous crime. I felt like crying. One of my friends from first year had betrayed my friends and me and left for the Slytherins. She did exactly what she knew would hurt us the most.

Colin and Erick looked nauseated. Erick rolled his eyes. Colin looked at me sympathetically.

"I can't believe she did that," I said. "Yesterday she wouldn't tell us who she was going with, so I assumed no one had asked her. I never thought she'd go so far as to go with a Slytherin... let alone Draco Malfoy. Was she that desperate?"

Mia shook her head. "No, more than one person asked her, but she turned them all down. Do you think she really likes him?"

"If she's going with Draco Malfoy, and turning down several other boys, she must like him," Erick said.

There was a moment of silence.

"The point isn't why she went with him, but why he asked her in the first place!" I said, thoughtfully.

"Is he in love with her?" Colin asked, completely confused.

"Is he turning good, then?" Erick put in. Then his eyes widened. "Or... is she going over to... to... His side?"

No one spoke for a few minutes. Everyone contemplated that thought. If she was in love with him so much she would go over to the dark side... could she remain their friend?

While we had been talking, several songs had been played, people getting up and down all around us. Now a slow one was starting. Several couples stood up and made their way to the dance floor.

"Will you dance with me, Ginny?" Colin asked.

"Yes, of course."

We swayed in time to music. I didn't think about anything, except not tripping, and not bumping into anyone. It must have worked, because I managed to get through the dance without humiliating Colin and myself.

Colin and I further discussed the Alexandra and Draco matter. I confided in him things I wouldn't want anyone to know. I knew he wouldn't tell anyone, too.

At the end of the song, we stepped off the dance floor and walked towards our table, when Harry approached us.

I quickly excused myself to get a drink.

As I walked away, I heard Harry say, "Hey, I'm sorry about the snowballs..." then I was out of earshot.

I had been sipping my Butterbeer for almost five minutes, when Harry and Colin came over. Colin looked a little put out, but smiled at me.

"Colin had consented to let me have a dance with you, as I am without a partner this evening," Harry said. "Will you?"

I smiled, "As long as you don't mind sore feet!"

He laughed, and we walked back to the floor. Thankfully, the song was not a fast one. But it wasn't slow and sappy either.

"How were your midterms?" Harry asked.

"Pretty good," I responded, "Potions and Transfiguration were the hardest. But I knew almost everything, so I'm pretty sure I did well."

"Well, that's good," Harry said, "Potions was my hardest, too…but I managed to concentrate and get it done in time. Snape shouldn't have any reason to fail me, because I made sure all my samples were sealed and my writing was completely legible."

"My hardest thing was concentrating. I sit next to a Slytherin girl who is completely obsessed with Professor Snape. She is totally in love with him!" I said.

"How can anyone possibly love Snape?" Harry said quietly.

We both snickered.

"What's her name?" Harry asked.

"Mara… something. I have no idea what her last name is."

"Well, poor Mara. Snape is much to old for her… and isn't the romantic type," Harry stated, trying hard to keep a straight face.

"Is Snape married?" I asked.

"No!" Harry said.

"How do you know? No one is supposed to know anything about the staff's personal life. Even Fred and George never found out anything about… anyone!"

Harry raised his eyebrows in amazement. "Whoa… but yeah, I only know because Lupin told me. Almost none of the Order are married, and if they are, their spouse is in the Order. They try to conceal relations as much as possible to keep the Dark side from doing anything to them, y'know, torturing them into betraying them."

"Hmm, that makes sense," I said. "Sometimes I wonder about Snape though. How is he surviving, being a spy for both sides, and not having anyone find out?"

"No clue," Harry said. "But… he knows a lot about the dark side, and potions, and he is careful. Although, you'd think he'd be nicer to us, considering we're almost part of the order… I mean, we know about it and everything…"

"Harry," I sighed. "If he's working as a double agent… he has to be mean and bitter towards the Gryffindors, because the Slytherins will suspect something if he isn't!"

"Someone told me that a while ago… I guess I just needed reminding," Harry said. "I suppose it's my father too. He was never the nicest to Snape…"

"I'm sorry, Harry. But it's not like I don't know what persecution is. Draco and all the Slytherins forever teasing my family and me. It really wears you down. Sometimes I'll fall asleep crying, but I've learned to ignore them somewhat… unlike Ron."

"I guess that's why you were really upset when Alex came with Draco," Harry said, looking uncertainly at me.

"Yeah…wait. How did you know I was upset?"

Harry reddened, but only slightly. I never would have noticed if I hadn't known him for so long.

"Uh… Colin told me…," he said, weakly.

I didn't believe that for a second. Colin wouldn't have told him that. Colin and I had been dating since September, and through those four months of dates, fun, walks, and long talks in the common room I had learned to trust him, and I knew he wouldn't betray that. He knew I wouldn't want everyone to know I was that upset about it.

"I don't believe you," I stated, firmly.

"Oh… well… uh… I saw you guys talking about it and you looked upset."

There had to be more to it, but I didn't push him any further, he was clearly embarrassed. Instead, I changed the subject.

"Where are Hermione and Ron?" I asked. "Weren't you with them for a bit?"

"Yeah, I was, but then they said they wanted some cool air. They went outside for a walk in the garden," Harry grinned, and raised his eyebrows suggestively.

"There are some nice private benches hidden by bushes in the garden," I said with a straight face. Then we collapsed in snickers. I leaned on Harry for support, but he wasn't much help as he was laughing too.

He let go of me, and I tripped on my robe and gracelessly fell backwards into Professor Snape, who was walking by. He grabbed my arm and pulled me to my feet. While I apologized profusely, he nodded and handed me back to Harry.

"Careful Potter. Keep a better hold on your partner."

After he had left we started snickering again. Mara was sitting at a nearby table with a couple other Slytherins, staring at me with a jealous look on her face.

Colin had to give me up to a couple other boys that night. I think the only one he really minded was Harry. But I think he also realized he couldn't keep me to himself the entire month. Not that he would have done that, anyway. I danced several more times with Colin. After the fifth dance, I felt hot and told Colin I was going outside for a breath of fresh air. He offered to accompany me, but I declined the offer, wanting to be alone for a bit. I promised to come right back.

As I stepped out the door, a blast of cold air swept over me. It felt so wonderful! I flung out my arms and closed my eyes, breathing in the cold air. I walked through the garden silently, enjoying the cold. I walked around a corner and quickly stepped back behind it. I turned around and walked back down the path. I had just seen my brother kissing Hermione Granger. Not that they're a bad couple or anything. I just would much rather not see my brother kissing anyone. I have a bad habit of interrupting my brothers while they're kissing their girlfriends. I walked in on Percy and Penelope in an empty classroom in first year. Last summer I accidentally saw George kissing Katie in the kitchen… although they were married then. If I hadn't been quiet, I would have interrupted Ron and Hermione making out. It was a disturbing thought. Bill and Charlie never brought their girlfriends home and I had been too little to go to Hogwarts, so I was spared.

I was almost back to the door inside, when I heard a noise, and I tuned around instinctively. Behind me, partly covered by a thick bush, were Alexandra and Draco. That was enough. I had seen enough kissing to last me a very long time. I was going to bed.

Erick is mentioned in chap 12 of Devil's Minion... he's my character.. just in case you were wondering.

PLEASE review! I HAVE 39 REVIEWS! if everyone reviews i'l have 50! HALFWAY TO 100! i am grinning happily!

slytherinphoenix7