A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my OWNDERFUL beta charmingvisions!! Akarusa30991 gets a bottle of pansys perfume due to your cunning skills in Greek mythology stories!! UR the only one who guessed my clues!! Leave ur email addy in the next review and I'll send u a small cookie in favor of ur efforts!! I hope im succeeding in making everyone jealous of you :P.

It took all of Ginny's will power not to fall asleep during Potions the next day. Her eyelids began drooping and her head fell to the side. Someone sitting alongside elbowed her. Ginny gave a start, upsetting her quills and parchment in the process.

Snape stared at her tight lipped as she apologized and picked up her things.

Once back in her seat, it wasn't long before her eyelids were drooping again.

By the end of the day Ginny was so tired that she decided to simply skip dinner altogether instead of merely wasting her time by pushing her food around her plate, and in all likelihood she would probably fall asleep face first into it anyway. She had already been beyond tired and her lessons with Medea that afternoon had only added to her strain. Upon reaching her room she wasted no time in flopping face down onto the bed.

"Rough day?" someone whispered behind her. Ginny looked up to see Draco smirking. She buried her head back into the comforter. "Maybe because someone insisted on keeping me up last night," came Ginny's muffled reply.

She felt Draco lie down beside her and tentatively wrap an arm around her. Ginny turned to gaze at him and saw that his eyes held an unusual tenderness to them. He brought a hand up to stroke her cheek. But he pulled away from Ginny quickly when the door unexpectedly burst open. Looking up Ginny was surprised to see Grandmother Malfoy come in with Iffy behind her holding a tray of food.

"Must you starve yourself?" Grandmother Malfoy asked angrily. She then glared at Draco. "Your father has been searching the whole Manor for you boy. Where have you been?"

"Out," Draco said quickly.

"Where?" Grandmother Malfoy asked him suspiciously.

Draco shrugged, "I went to Gringotts."

Understanding sparked in Grandmother Malfoy's eyes. She then turned her stern gaze toward Ginny, "If you don't finish this plate by the time I get back I will personally hang you!" With that the old woman left.

Draco smirked at Grandmother Malfoy's antics, but faltered slightly upon noticing Ginny's reproachful gaze. She looked down at the tray of food that Iffy had set down facing her knowing it would take a miracle for her to eat all that food right now. Sighing she looked up, only to notice that suspended before her was a beautiful string of pink pearls. Ginny's eyes lit up as she gasped, snatching the necklace from its position in front of her face.

"Wow!" Ginny breathed running her fingers over the smooth milky surface of the brilliantly colored pearls. She looked up at Draco, then back at the necklace. "I can't accept this Draco," Ginny said flatly as she gently put the precious pearls back into his hands.

"Why?" Draco asked irate and slightly confused.

"Because it just wouldn't be right," Ginny replied, "i-it just wasn't part of our deal."

"But I chose to give it to you, regardless of our deal," Draco argued.

"And I should also be able to chose whether I want to accept it from you or not," Ginny replied gently.

Draco looked away from her. "Draco..." Ginny whispered quietly, "don't be angry."

"I'm not." Draco said apathetically, though he still had his back to her. "You accepted all the other things."

Ginny bit her bottom lip.

"I shouldn't have accepted those either," she said finally, "I should return them to you." Ginny stood up to retrieve the other items, but Draco pulled her to sit her back down onto the bed.

"You are going to keep every single thing I give you," Draco said imperiously. Ginny couldn't help the sudden swell of anger that overcame her, "I will not!"

"Yes you will!" Draco spat vehemently while standing up. He acerbically left the room, leaving Ginny to stare blankly at the necklace of pink pearls.

Ginny looked at her tray of food remembering her lack of appetite. However, recalling Grandmother Malfoy's words, she picked up a fork and began to pick at the chicken. The door opened again and Ginny looked up to see Grandmother Malfoy eyeing her plate.

"I see you followed my orders," she said crisply.

Ginny attempted a weak smile, "Please, I'm just not very hungry at the moment."

"Does this have something to do with the fight you and my grandson just had?" Grandmother Malfoy asked with a raised eyebrow. Ginny looked up quickly. 'How'd she know?' she thought to herself.

"I saw him storm out of the Manor." Grandmother Malfoy explained upon seeing Ginny's confused face.

Ginny sighed and held up the necklace of pink pearls.

"I just shouldn't be accepting these types of things." Ginny said, still holding the delicate pearls in her hands.

"And why not?"

"Because...because it goes against my principles." Ginny sputtered, "If I accepted this stuff it would mean...it would mean I was some kind of-of-"

"Gold digger? Concubine?" Grandmother Malfoy finished for her. "Yes I know you and Draco made some sort of deal," she sat down beside Ginny, "and that that very night he stopped sleeping with other girls."

Ginny swallowed. "He cares for you," Grandmother Malfoy said finally. "He thinks very highly of you and would never give you these things with the intention of regarding you as some type of common whore."

Ginny smiled at Grandmother Malfoy's bluntness, but shook her head, "No, it's still not right. These are personal items, they're his mother's old jewelry...it should go to his fiancé, or wife, or sister, if he had one."

Grandmother Malfoy sighed and looked at Ginny's plate, "For the time being this plate of food belongs to your stomach, now eat."

Ginny force-feed herself more than three fourths of the contents on the plate before Grandmother Malfoy was satisfied that she was not going to starve, at least for the day. "And now desert," Grandmother Malfoy said, smiling. Ginny groaned.

Ginny lay awake in bed that night, she sighed. Draco hadn't come. Shivering, Ginny began to pull the blankets tightly around her when she heard a slight creak as the door opened. Ginny sat up in bed.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"It's me." Draco's voice stated, fore she could not see him through the darkness that filled the room. However, light suddenly flooded in filling every dark corner, leaving Ginny to grudgingly blink away some of the much needed sleep from her eyes. When she opened them a document of some sort was laying in front of her.

"What's this?" Ginny asked groggily. She felt Draco's sudden weight beside her in bed as he lay down next to her.

"It is a confidential document that gives you legal right over the contents of vault # 864, which holds all of my mother's old jewelry," Draco said lazily.

"W-what?!" Ginny exclaimed. She turned to look at Draco but he'd already fallen into a deep sleep.

Ginny sighed and fell back into her pillows. The lights in the room that seemed so unforgiving mere seconds ago, extinguished and Ginny fell into a peaceful sleep knowing that Draco was sleeping beside her.

The next morning though, another argument was ensuing between the two.

"C'mon," said Draco as Ginny buttoned up a dark purple robe.

"No," she replied sternly. She cast a look at Draco who was lounging lazily on the bed.

"Who knows when I'll be free again?" Draco argued. "It was a stroke of luck I got today off. C'mon Ginny no one's going to say anything once they know you're with me."

Ginny turned on him angrily, "I don't approve of getting out of scraps the easy way. Even if I did skip classes I wouldn't ask you to get me out. I'd take any punishment they gave me."

Draco stood up and went to stand beside her. "You're something," he muttered looking into her eyes. He tilted her chin upwards, but Ginny pulled away with a distressed look on her face.

"I'm late!" she exclaimed and gathered her books. She promptly ran out of the room leaving only her scent behind. Furious, Draco walked out of the room right after her.

"I'm willing to skip classes," a voice stated from Draco's left. He looked up and smirked at the person before him.

"It doesn't go against your principles?" he asked amusedly.

"What principles?"

Ginny was ready to drop dead. She was absolutely exhausted, not to mention that she wasn't getting enough sleep these days.

Sometimes she would be whisked away to the library and have discussions with Grandfather Malfoy for hours on end until she realized that she still had to complete her homework. Lessons with Medea were going horribly, especially since she was making zero progress what so ever, well maybe not zero, but close enough. To make it all worse Medea had started giving her homework as well!

Ginny groaned as she laid down in bed on Wednesday. At least tonight she didn't have classes with Medea, and Ginny had already finished most of her homework, all she had to do was Medea's homework and an Arithmancy exercise.

Ginny looked at the homework Medea had given her, it always consisted of the oddest assignments, but to say the least she enjoyed some of them immensely. Tonight though she was supposed to shrink the white feather she had been previously trying to make levitate. This was not one of the assignments she enjoyed.

Ginny sat at her study table and closed her eyes, picturing the white feather shrinking.

"Made any progress?" asked a voice. Ginny opened her eyes and looked at Draco.

She sighed.

"Hardly," she spat bitterly. "All I can do is make the feather levitate a few inches."

"Show me," Draco said looking at her intently. Ginny took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She pictured her magic grabbing hold of the feather and levitating it.

Slowly she opened her eyes; the feather was levitating two inches from her desk. It fell back to its original resting place and Ginny looked at Draco drained.

"See?" she asked weakly.

"Are you okay? You seem...pale," Draco said finally.

"I-I'm fine. I always feel a bit...off after I've done this sort of magic," Ginny said shakily. She then looked at the feather and tried to make it shrink, but she was now hosting a splitting headache.

Draco pulled her up from the chair. "I don't think you should try anymore magic right now." he said firmly while leading her over to the bed.

Ginny cast one last fleeting glance at her unopened Arithmancy book as contractual magic flooded her veins alerting her of what was going to happen next.

Draco woke up to once again hear a quill scratching against parchment, he groaned.

"Weasley I told you I'd talk to your Arithmancy professor."

"I don't need you to get me out of these scraps. I'd be as bad as you were in Hogwarts then," Ginny replied from her study table as she did some mental calculations.

"What do you mean by that?" Draco asked slightly indignantly, "I was Head Boy!"

"But you would use your father to get you out of all your dilemmas," she looked back at him, "and I hated you because of it."

She went back to her work.

"How much more do you have left?" Draco asked.

"Not much, go back to sleep."

Grumbling, Draco wrapped a sheet around his waist and went to stand beside her. He peered at her work. He could tell she still had a long way to go.

"It's 2:30 in the morning. Do you plan on going to sleep at all tonight?" Draco asked her.

"I've just got a little bit more to do..." Ginny trailed off and used her fingers to count.

Draco took that moment to grab her parchment from the study table.

"Hey!" Ginny exclaimed looking at him angrily.

"Weasley I told you I'd get you excused from this work. Now shut up and go to sleep." Draco said in an irritated voice. Ginny stared at him angrily. Her hair fell around her and her lips were still slightly swollen from kissing. Draco couldn't help but quirk his lips upwards.

"What's so funny?" Ginny asked bristling.

"Did you know how cute you look in nothing but a bed sheet?" he teased.

Ginny felt her cheeks burn and her heart beat faster. "Shut up," she snapped and grabbed her parchment back from him. She went and slipped on a night robe of hers and then slipped into bed.

Snickering Draco flopped down beside her. After half an hour, when Ginny was positive that he had fallen asleep she got out of bed and resumed her Arithmancy exercise.

"Ms. Weasley will you please pay attention?" Snapped Professor Kelp.

"Sorry Professor," Ginny muttered in charms. Her eyes were fluttering closed every few seconds and all she wanted to do was sleep.

"Where are you three going tonight?" Ginny asked Blaise as both walked towards the dungeons. She had to start a conversation; it was all she could do to not fall asleep then and there.

"To some club," Blaise replied. "It just opened and we've been pretty anxious to check it out." Blaise opened the dungeon entrance. Ginny was suddenly wide awake as she remembered something.

"Oh shit." Ginny muttered and shut the dungeon entrance. "I've been so busy today that I completely forgot to do the work Medea assigned." Ginny took her white feather out and closed her eyes; she tried picturing the feather shrinking.

The splitting headache from last night occurred again, but Ginny ignored it and continued to concentrate. She began to get dizzy.

"Ginny I think you should stop," Blaise stated, worriedly.

"Nonsense," Ginny muttered while shaking uncontrollably. "I can do it," she whispered to herself more than to Blaise. When she opened her eyes in her hand lay the white feather several sizes smaller than before. "See?" she said weakly before the dark circles she had been seeing enveloped her turning her world black.

"I'm going to kill her," someone snarled furiously.

"Calm down you'll wake her," someone said imploringly.

"Let her wake up so that I can kill her!"

Ginny let out a low groan and clutched her head.

"See," snapped the voice Ginny now recognized as Blaise. Ginny opened a blurry eye to see Blaise hovering over her worriedly while Draco stared at her fuming.

"I told you I'd bloody well talk to Professor Zenith but do you listen?" he asked seething.

Ginny tried moving but scrunched her face up in pain and lay still.

Medea bustled over with a goblet full of some purplish smoking liquid. "Drink it." She ordered. Ginny did so and realized that she was being fed Pepper-Up potion when smoke began coming out of her ears.

"What happened?" she croaked.

"Exhaustion, that's what happened." Medea snorted. "You've been over working yourself."

"She stayed up all night doing her damn Arithmancy homework!" Draco boomed. "I told her not to, but does she ever listen to me? Nooooo."

"I wouldn't have needed to stay up all night if someone hadn't kept me up." Ginny snapped. That shut Draco up. Medea looked at the two with pursed lips.

"You're fine now." She said. "And you didn't faint just because you didn't get enough sleep last night. You fainted because you haven't been getting enough sleep these past days. I'm leaving now and I'm excusing you from tonight's lesson."

She then left. Ginny, to her relief, found that she could now move again.

Draco stared at her stonily as she readjusted her position in bed and pulled the comforter over her. She felt uneasy under Draco's scrutiny and couldn't help but shift uneasily.

"Let's go." Draco finally snapped at Blaise as he turned to leave.

"What?" Blaise asked confused.

"Incase you're forgetting we had plans." Draco said as he opened the door.

Blaise cast Ginny one last glance before also turning to follow Draco. Ginny felt slightly hurt that both of them had not cared enough to stick around for awhile longer but much needed sleep enveloped her before she could contemplate her feelings any further.

Another week passed by and the manor became busy in preparations for a dinner party that Narcissa was having. Blaise assured Ginny that it was strictly a family affair with Malfoys that lived in Austria and Russia coming. No furies would be there.

Draco had stopped coming to her or even talking to her. If she didn't known any better she'd say that he was avoiding her. Ginny, now with ample free time, as the teachers had stopped giving tons of homework, started helping out with decorations.

'If someone had told me last year that this is what I'll be doing in my seventh year-' Ginny thought to herself as she supervised the house elves unloading flowers from a crate. '-I'd have sent them to St. Mungos no questions asked.' Ginny expelled a small sigh as she absently tucked a white flower back into the bouquet it had fallen out of. She couldn't help but take a whiff of the flower before putting it back and that one whiff sent memories reeling in her mind. She remembered how every Christmas her mum would send her to pick flowers to put in the middle of the dining table. Ginnys heart ached to see her family, her true family but they were furies. At that moment Ginny strengthened her resolve to work as hard as she could with Medea so that one day she'd be able to free her family.

Then suddenly Ginny remembered what she did every year after Christmas. She would always get up early morning and go to the nearby village to do this. Only her mother and Ginny herself knew of this ritual and Ginny had preferred it that way. It was like a secret between her mother and her. Ginny found herself aching for normalcy, aching for her mother, aching for that secret...

'I have to do this.' Ginny thought resolutely. 'I'm going to do this for you mum. For us, for our family.'

She knew Draco would probably refuse on the account that he was still angry at her but she just had to try.

. So with a nervous heart but confident outlook Ginny knocked on Draco's study.

"Church?" Draco asked oddly putting his quill down.

Ginny nodded not looking at him. "I always used to go after Christmas when I was at the burrow...and I didn't go last Christmas so...." She decided to look up then and risk becoming lost in his eyes. He stared back at her blankly for a minute.

"I'll think about it." Draco finally said going back to writing on his parchment.

Ginny felt something stir inside of her. She was tired of this-of Draco exercising his authority over her. She felt as if the right to make her decisions had been taken away from her- her freedom had been taken away from her. "What do you mean you'll think about?" Ginny finally asked angrily. "I want a yes or no answer NOW."

"There is a church in the village a few miles away from our house." Draco said calmly looking up at her. "But there are Furies or as some say Erinyes there. I'll have to talk to them or arrange something. In fact I'll have to talk to the whole of the village so it doesn't look suspicious." He added more for his benefit then for Ginnys.

"Why couldn't you have said that?" Ginny asked. "You couldn't have said I'll try?! You just HAVE to gloat your power over me!" she spat.

Draco put his quill down and looked at her angrily. "What is the matter with YOU?" He asked in a deathly whisper. "You're ALWAYS jumping to conclusions about me!" He stood up. "You don't know me so don't pretend you do!"

"I know more than you think!" Ginny yelled and left his study making sure to slam the door.

The very next day Blaise entered her room clad in a warm black wool robe.

"Come on then." Blaise said. Ginny looked up from the charms book she'd been reading while laying her stomach.

"Where?" she asked.

"Didn't you want to go to Church?" he asked. Ginnys eyes lit up and she ran over to hug Blaise.

"Thank you." She said quietly.

"As flattered as I am to have a pretty girl hugging me-"Blaise said, laughing. "- it's not me you should be thanking. Your little Drakey-poo did everything. I'm just accompanying you on his request."

"Oh, well thanks for taking me." said Ginny, faltering. She pulled back and went into her closet to get a warm white woolen robe.

It wasn't until they stepped out of Malfoy estate that Ginny learned how cold it truly was. The village was covered in snow and it looked like a picture one would find on a Christmas card greeting. The funny thing though, was that there was no one in sight.

"Where is everyone?" Ginny asked looking around as snow crunched under her feet.

"Your little boyfriend arranged everything. For all I know he could've Avada Kedavra'd everyone." Blaise said shrugging.

"He's not my boyfriend." Ginny lashed out viciously.

"Wounds still fresh from your recent fight?" Blaise asked laughing. "Draco was also complaining to me about ranting bitches barging into his study."

Ginny rolled her eyes and then they landed on the small little church in front of her. It was small and ordinary. In fact it looked a little worn down with broken windows and its wooden steps but to Ginny it was sanctuary.

She quickly walked up the steps and realized Blaise wasn't following her. She looked back to see him standing at the foot of the stairs.

"Aren't you coming?" she asked.

Blaise smiled. "Better not. God isn't very fond of me. I'd probably be kicked out of there."

Ginny looked as if she was about to protest but then thought better of it. She turned and walked in. It was very small and she reached the altar in about five steps. There were no seats in the church. Ginny bent down in front of the altar, clasped her hands in front of her and bent her head.

She didn't pray for anything, she didn't ask for help, and she didn't bemoan the situation she was in. All she did was pray and thank God. She only asked for strength to make it through and she asked for forgiveness for Draco, for Blaise and for all her pupils that had strayed the wrong way. A white light seemed to shine around her and when she stood up she felt Ginny emerged from the church with her eyes shining and a dim glow around her.

She was surprised when she looked down the steps to see Draco staring back at her with a look of amazement on his face. She walked down the steps and looked at Draco confused.

"You're...glowing." He said finally.

Ginny shrugged. "I've noticed it happens when I'm relaxed."

"You can't walk through the village like that." He hissed. "Go back in the church."

"Why?" Ginny asked confused.

"The Erinyes will find out who you are." He pushed her back up the steps. "Go in the church."

Something like rebellion surged inside Ginny. Another voice spoke in her mind 'You're the heir of Aradia! You have nothing to fear! How DARE the Furies try and defy you? You can make their mortal lives living hell if you wish!'

Ginny turned to face Draco with the glow around her becoming brighter. "No." she said stoutly.

"Weasley are you mad?" Draco barked. "They agreed to stay in their houses for an hour and a half! Your time's up! They're going to be coming out in a few minutes. Stay in the church-"Draco stopped short when he heard a voice.

"Mr. Malfoy!" called a voice. "Mr. Malfoy."

Ginny looked over his shoulder to see a boy of about 16 calling Draco. Ginny looked at him closely and realized he was a Fury. A light red glow that was most likely invisible to everyone else could be seen around him. He was too far away for Ginny to be affected but he was coming closer.

"Shit." Draco muttered. He turned and grabbed Ginny around the waist. Ginny was surprised when she felt his warm lips close in on hers and his arms encase her.

Ginny looked over Dracos shoulder to see the boy stop short, turn and leave. Ginny pulled away from Draco, flustered.

"He's gone." She said breathlessly. Draco just looked at her with smoldering eyes and Ginny wished she hadn't pulled away.

"Lets go then." He said quietly. "The boy was supposed to come to me and ask if they could come out now.... he must've alerted the others that my 'guest' is still here."

"What did you tell them?" Ginny asked as they walked back towards the village exit.

"I told them that a friend of mine wanted to come here and that no one was supposed to leave their homes until she was out of the village. Just incase, the boy was supposed to come and check with me if it was all right for everyone else to emerge."

"Didn't they ask questions?" Ginny asked.

"They did put up quite a fuss, but I told them that she had her reasons...which they probably guessed when Eres saw me with you. Besides, they have to listen to me. It's because of my father that this village is able to run successfully." He smirked at her.

Ginny looked at the snow-clad ground before her. "Where's Blaise?" she finally asked.

"Idiot wanted to leave." Draco said grumpily. "Said he wanted to go and see the Dark Lord about something so I had to come here instead."

Ginny had a suspicion that Blaise had done this on purpose to get them alone.

"Oh." She said softly. They reached the village exit and Draco instructed her to wait outside while he went and talked to the inhabitants.

When he came back both walked towards the manor.

"Don't know why you insisted on walking." Draco mumbled. "It's bloody cold out here."

Ginny laughed. She bent down and scooped up some snow. "You have to learn to enjoy the simple things in life." She said quietly to Draco who wasn't looking at her.

"Simple things my uufff -" Draco had just been pelted with snow. He glared at Ginny and scooped up a handful of snow himself. Knowing what was going to happen, Ginny turned on her heel and ran while laughing loudly. She felt snow hit her in the back of her head. Ginny turned to glare at Draco who was smirking. Ginny took her wand out and a heap of snow came flying towards Draco soaking him from head to foot.

He was by her side in no less than two strides and pinned her to a tree behind her. He pinned her hands above her head with one of his hands and began tickling her with the other.

"S-stop!" Ginny managed to choke out. He stopped much to Ginny's relief but the next thing she knew was that a fistful of snow was being stuffed inside her shirt.

Ginny let out a gasp from the cold snow coming in contact with her skin and Draco laughed. Ginny stared up at him and his eyes were twinkling. A wave of nostalgia hit her as she remembered the old Draco...HER Draco. He let go of her hands and stared at her.

"What?" he asked and it was as if a mask had been lifted off his face. Here was the Draco she'd been looking for. Every inch of his face had sincerity covering it. Ginny suddenly leapt at him and hugged him. He caught her in his arms, surprised by her action.

Draco leaned his head back slightly to look at her face resting on his shoulder. Tears were trickling down. "Was it something I said?" he drawled. In response Ginny hugged him tighter.

"I've missed you." She whispered. Draco stared at her as if she'd gone bonkers and then realization hit him.

"I was-was busy." He explained. "That's why this past week I've-"

"Shhhh." Ginny murmured burying her head in his chest. "Stay like this always, when you're around me." She whispered.

"Like what?" he asked exasperatedly but he said no more for he rather liked Ginny clinging to him. He didn't want to destroy the mood she was in. They stood there rocking back and forth for a few minutes. Dracos head rested atop Ginnys fiery mane and Ginny had her arms around his waist. 'he's so warm.' She thought snuggling deeper into his chest. 'He smells like peppermint and cologne.' Ginny inhaled his smell wanting to wake up to it every morning from now on. Tears were streaming freely from her eyes and Dracos hands began to move up and down her back soothingly.

"Ahem." Someone cleared their throat. Ginny pulled away with red eyes and a stuffy nose. She looked up to see Lucius standing there with something that resembled anger in his eyes. "You were supposed to meet me 15 minutes ago." He stated harshly.

"I forgot." Draco said simply. Lucius stared at Ginny his lip curled upward.

"That much is obvious. You always do get distracted easily. No wonder you can't handle the Jones clients."

"I have made an agreement with them." Draco said with a light pink tinge on his cheeks. "You'll have their papers on your desk by next week."

Lucius just sneered and disapparated. Ginny bit her lower lip "Did I get you in trouble?" she asked anxiously. Draco shrugged. "Not really. I've gotten myself into worse scraps with him." He began to walk towards the manor. "We'd best hurry up though."

The rest of the walk was in silence and Ginny took time to admire her surroundings. She noted that Draco was taking care to walk a good distance away from her.

They reached the manor and Draco left her with a quick good bye.

He didn't come that night either. The next day Ginny could tell that something was up. The dinner party was set to take place tomorrow and Ginny knew something other than anxiousness was filling the air.

For one thing, Helen was looking quite smug. Something glinted on her left index finger and Ginny peered at it closely. It was a diamond ring elegantly cut and resting on a gold band. It was rather pretty Ginny thought to herself and went back to her breakfast.

Her heartbeat quickened when she saw Draco walk in. "Morning." He said off handedly. He went to sit beside his mother but then hesitated. Ginny peered at him curiously. He sent her a brief glance and then went to sit beside Helen; Ginny felt a blow to her stomach. All her mind could scream was 'Helen, he's sitting beside Helen. Not you, Helen. He chose Helen over you, Helen, Helen, Helen. Pretty, perfect Helen. He sat with Helen...'

She put her fork down and inhaled deeply before looking up again. Helen looked at Ginny smugly before returning to her breakfast.

"Draco." Helen said looking at him. "Could you please take me to the medi-wizard today? I think my fever might be coming back." She put a hand on his arm.

"I'm busy today." He said curtly. "Ask someone else to."

"But I'd prefer it if you'd come." She purred.

"I'll see if I can find the time." He said and the conversation ended.

Ginny quickly finished her breakfast and left. On the way she bumped into Blaise, who seemed to have rings under his eyes, he looked extremely tired. Blaise caught hold of her shoulders.

"Where's the fire?" He asked tiredly looking down at the redhead. Ginny looked up.

"Where've you been?" Ginny asked. She gave him a once over. He was wearing his Deatheater robes and smelled of smoke.

"Oh well the Dark Lord decided to er send us on a mission. Official Deatheater business." He said smiling wryly.

"You attacked muggles?" Ginny asked the pit of her stomach dropping. No, no, no! Blaise would never! Blaise the sweet kind Blaise that-that-was a Deatheater. This realization seemed to clunk into her mind like metal bricks.

"No." said Blaise shaking Ginny from her thoughts. "Although that would've been better. We er well there was a rebellion so me and some of the other Deatheaters were sent to handle it."

"Rebellion?" Ginny asked suspiciously.

Blaise suddenly paled. He obviously hadn't meant to say that.

"Nothing, nothing." He muttered. "I'm going to breakfast." He brushed past her as Ginny stared after him suspiciously.

"Stop by my quarters won't you?" Ginny suddenly called at his retreating back.

"Be there at noon love." He replied not turning to face her. Ginny watched as he entered the dining hall.

The following three days had been declared as holidays for the students of Malfoy manor due to the dinner party and due Candlemas. However If Ginny thought she was going to have all of today to do her homework or lounge around she was very, very wrong. The moment she entered her room she saw three house elves and a lady with gray hair and blue eyes sitting on her study table chair.

"About time." She said briskly. "Stand up on that stool over there."

"What?" Ginny asked looking around. It was then that she spotted a small stool in the middle of her room.

"Hurry up dear." the woman said standing up. "I don't have all day you know. I have to go see the other girls in Malfoy Manor."

"What's going on?" Ginny asked confusedly, standing on the stool.

"You need to be fitted for your dress robe for tomorrow's party." Said the woman. She snapped her fingers and a blue silky material encircled Ginny. It was an off the shoulders ball gown blue robe.

"Don't you think it's a bit too formal?" Ginny asked hesitantly. The woman stared at Ginny critically.

"You're right." She said finally and swished her wand. The gown immediately thinned out and became an elegant curve hugging, off the shoulder dress robe.

"No." said the woman shaking her head. She sighed. "Well I best leave the elves to take your proper measurements...I'll be back in a bit." She then turned and left. The three elves began changing the color of her robe to see which color would suit her best. One little elf began to measure her.

It was after two hours that the woman returned. She looked extremely tired and Ginny was sure she, herself was looking the same way. She had been standing for two whole hours while the elves took her measurements and made her wear different colored robes.

"Miss Francesca?" squeaked a house elf with a little clipboard.

"Yes?" the woman, whom Ginny decided was Francesca, asked.

"Here's a list of the colors that would suit her best." Said the elf and scurried away.

Francesca stared at the list for a minute and then looked up at Ginny. She flicked her wand and Ginny found herself in a forest green dress robe. It was off the shoulder and hugged her curves.

"Lets see.." Francesca murmured. She pointed her wand at the sleeves and they began to grow. Ginny felt them drape over her bare arms. The door suddenly burst open and Narcissa along with grandmother Malfoy entered.

"Helen is driving me up the wall!" Narcissa exclaimed. "She now wants black robes that are-"she made a face as if she had something particularly nasty like dung under her nose. "-backless."

Francesca tsked. "You two see to her while I go handle that girl." She turned on her heel muttering.

Narcissa eyed Ginny critically. She waved her wand and the dress turned into a light golden champagne color.

"It goes well with her hair." Grandmother Malfoy acknowledged. "It brings out the golden in it."

"Yes that was my aim. I wanted to tame that red color." Narcissa said nastily. She then waved her wand so that the dress tightened.

"Too tight." Ginny managed to choke out. It loosened immediately.

"No, no the second skin look doesn't suit her." Grandmother Malfoy muttered. The robe slightly loosened more. "Leave room for the imagination." She waved her wand and the dress robe became off the shoulder. Then it became sleeveless, then halter top...until finally the straps were totally done away with.

"No she'll have to keep pulling it up-" Narcissa argued. "-so the neck won't get too low." Another wave of the wand and the halter look was back again.

"Um-I don't feel comfortable exposing my back." Ginny said meekly.

Narcissa rolled her eyes and waved her wand again. It was sleeveless.

"That's just so typical!" Grandmother Malfoy burst out.

"Oh I give up!" Narcissa exclaimed. "You try." She spat. Grandmother Malfoy stared at the dress critically.

"The neck should be square." She muttered. "The sleeves....and now lengthen it...there."

The dress robe now had a wide square neck that if lowered slightly could serve as off the shoulder. The sleeves were half and square cut.

Francesca bustled in. She looked at Ginny. "Narcissa." She said appreciatively. "Now I remember why I wanted to hire you."

"Yes well....I had future obligations." Narcissa said wryly and her eyes wandered to her wedding band.

Francesca looked at Ginnys dress robe critically. "How about some bead lining? The dress looks so plain." A small flash occurred and the neck and sleeves of Ginnys dress were now lined with oval shaped golden wine colored, shining beads.

Francesca eyed Ginny some more. She waved her wand and Ginny was back to having a strapless dress.

"It'll be a right bother for her tomorrow." Narcissa spoke up.

"I'll place a charm on it." Francesca said. "So that it stays in place."

"I don't like it." Ginny spoke up. She felt self conscious with bare shoulders. "Maybe if I wore a shawl the whole time..."

"Don't be silly girl. A shawl? During dinner?" Narcissa sneered making Ginny feel even lower.

The door opened at that moment and Blaise entered. "How about going to the gardens and..." he trailed off as his eyes landed on Ginny. Blaise gulped audibly.

"Blaise it's a good thing you're here." Narcissa said. "Does Ginny look better like this or-"she waved her wand and the square neck was back. "-like this?"

"Well it depends." Blaise said in a funny voice. "Blokes would definitely like the previous look but I don't think Draco would approve of her wearing a strapless-"

"Forget about Draco." Ginny snapped angrily making everyone stare at her. "Tell me how I look?"

"You look beautiful." Blaise said looking at her affectionately. "But you're previous look-"

"I veto it." Ginny said stoutly. "I don't want a strapless dress robe."

"But you looked so....pretty." Blaise finally said.

"No it makes me feel weird." Ginny said.

Francesca waved her wand and her dress robe was off the shoulder again with oval shaped beads.

Ginny sighed after all that bickering she'd ended up with the style she'd started out with.

"Too typical!" Grandmother Malfoy burst out. The three woman went back to studying Ginny critically.

"How about a cowl neck?" Ginny asked meekly.

"Brilliant!" Francesca said.

"What's a cowl neck?" Blaise asked stupidly.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "A scooping neckline that has layers..." she trailed off.

"Layers?" Blaise asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well it's hard to explain." Ginny snapped.

Francesca waved her wand and Ginny wore a sleeveless cowl neck. Her robe remained sleevless.

"At least the neck isn't that low." Ginny said with relief. She turned to look in the mirror behind her and her jaw almost dropped. "That's not me." Ginny said automatically.

"Yes it is love." Blaise said grinning. "At first I myself thought that I'd walked into the wrong room."

The champagne colored dress brought out the golden in her hair. It tamed her fiery red hair and gave it a golden-ish look. It accented well with her skin, enhancing the creamy look on her face. It also brought out the flecks of gold in her eyes.

Blaise whistled. "I think I know who the prettiest girl at the party will be tomorrow." He said teasingly.

"Helen." Said Ginny instantly. "She's way prettier than me."

"Whatever gave you that idea?" Blaise asked coking his head to one side.

"Right well I'll have this delivered by tonight." Said Francesca and with a snap of her fingers Ginny was wearing her normal robes.

"Why can't I keep that robe?" Ginny asked turning around. Narcissa smirked.

"My dear-"she said with obvious mock. "-the fabric that Francesca just used is a very rare and expensive fabric which designers use to make custom clothes. The customer can design the fabric into any shape or size they wish and the designer takes it with them and creates an exact replica with the required regular cloth. The fabric is commonly known as 'Shifty' fabric. It then goes back to its original state after an incantation is performed. You need a special robes designer license or degree to buy one." And then Narcissa added. "-or own one for that matter."

It wasn't the first time Narcissa had made Ginny feel inferior. Ginny didn't reply and looked back at Blaise.

"Come." Said Grandmother Malfoy hastily. "Helen is still having trouble choosing..." she led Narcissa out and Francesca and the elves followed.

Ginny snickered as Narcissa paled. Helen was obviously a hard person to please.

She then looked at Blaise who looked like hell.

"Where'd you go last night?" Ginny asked. "What sort of mission did You-know-Who give you?"

Blaise ran a hand through his hair. "Nothing." He muttered. "And I'm just tired. I know I look like hell." He snapped before Ginny could speak up. "I'm going to go to sleep." He stretched. "My back's killing me." HE moved his neck from side to side and Ginny heard a small 'crick'.

Ginny soothingly sat him down on the bed and began to massage his neck.

"You know-"said Blaise smiling with his eyes closed. "-if I'd known back in Hogwarts that you had such a talent with your hands I would've nabbed you before you could say 'hippogriff."

Ginny giggled. "Come to think of it, if I wasn't so much in love with Pansy I would've had you long ago." Ginny didn't know what to make of this comment.

"You're really tense." Ginny mused trying to keep her voice even because her face was now burning red. Blaise chuckled.

"I've made you uncomfortable haven't I?"

"No." Ginny lied.

Blaise grabbed her hands gently and brought them to the front of his neck.

"You're a great friend Ginny." Blaise said softly. "I care for you a lot...I'd go as far as to say that you're like a little sister to me."

Ginny felt her heart go warm at his words. She did miss her brother's terribly...and to wake up in a world where she didn't have that constant protection or affection was unnerving to Ginny.

"You're like a brother to me." Ginny replied. She leaned forward and rested her head over his. Blaise caressed her hands with his.

"My-my older sister died." He spoke up stonily. "Died a few years back."

"How?" Ginny asked softly. The grip Blaise had on her hands tightened.

"Aurors." He muttered. "She was out on the field doing The Dark Lords dirty work and they killed her." Blaise said in an even voice. "You remind me of her." Blaise said softly. "She had your eyes..." Blaise trailed off.

Ginny kissed the top of Blaise's head. "I can't be your older sister." Ginny whispered. "I'll never be able to replace her....but I'm honored that you think of me in such high esteem." She said solemnly.

Blaise sighed and let Ginny continue with her massage.

----

"She gave you a what?" Draco asked looking up from his papers.

"A massage." Said Blaise and a goofy grin spread over his face. "Merlin they are the best."

"I've spent more time with her than you and she's never given me a massage." Draco said indignantly.

"Jealous?" Blaise challenged.

"Annoyed is more like it." Draco replied. "I want a massage." He said crossing his arms. He looked oddly like a child pouting for something.

"I feel so refreshed. Her hands are so talented." Blaise said rolling his neck form side to side.

Draco smirked. "The full extent of those hands my friend are something only I have experienced."

Blaise stopped short. "Only you have experienced? You mean she was a-a-a virgin?"

Draco nodded his smirk widening. "Untouched and never used."

"You bastard." Blaise smirked. "You knew she was a virgin didn't you? Is that why you made that deal with her?"

Draco didn't reply and continued his writing.

"What if she hadn't been a virgin? Would you have still made that deal?" Blaise pressed on.

"That-" Draco began standing up and pocketing his parchment. "-is something you will never know." He ended and walked out the door.

"Always knew he was mad." Blaise reasoned with himself and followed Draco out the door.

----

To Ginnys utter horror a woman with warts all over her face entered her room. Grandmother Malfoy was following behind. 'Just when I thought I could relax.' Ginny thought to herself.

"Ginny this is the family beautician." Grandmother Malfoy said.

"I'm dead tired." Ginny complained. "Don't tell me I'm going to have to stand up some more!"

The witch chuckled and waved her wand. A white table that had been folded into the form of as suitcase unfolded itself and stood in front of Ginny waiting for her to sit on it.

"What do I have to get done?" Ginny asked resignedly.

"Well I think you need to get your eyebrows made..." the witch grabbed Ginnys face with her hands. "Those black heads need to be removed..." she then lifted Ginnys thin arm in hers. "I think waxing wouldn't hurt either..."

"W-waxing?" Ginny asked paling. She'd only had her legs waxed once and from her last experience it hurt like hell.

Around evening Ginny was seen limping towards the Dining hall.

"Bloody maniac." Ginny muttered wincing as she walked. "Why the hell did she have to...?? It's not as if anyone is going to LOOK there...ouch!" She screamed taking a particularly large step.

She heard snickering behind her. Ginny turned to see Draco leaning against a wall. Draco's eyes widened. "What happened to your face?" he asked. Ginny looked at his face and found that she couldn't muster let alone remember her recent annoyance towards him.

Ginny touched her face. "What?" she asked becoming panicky. "Is it disfigured? Do I have a burn on it? Is one eyebrow smaller than the other?"

Draco chuckled. "You look pretty." He assured. "You just look so...different."

"Oh." Ginny said with indifference. She took another step and winced.

"You look like someone put the Crucaitus curse on you." Draco said smirking.

"You'd be surprised." Ginny said darkly "That friggan beautician..."

"Ahhh." Said Draco. "So you just had a run in with her I take it?"

"She waxes every bloody thing she sees!" Ginny spat.

"Bikini wax?" Draco asked.

"Full body." Ginny spat back. Draco winced. "And it's not as if I have a lot of hair or something."

"I agree, I should know." Draco said smirking. He put a hand on her back sending Ginny into shrieks. His hand retracted quickly.

"Don't touch me right now." Ginny gritted out. "It was burning hot... Ginny winced.

It was then that Pansy caught up with them.

"My dress robe is soooooo pretty!" she squealed. "It's so different. I bet no one has ever has such a unique dress robe." She looked pretty pleased with herself. She then looked at Ginny. "What happened to you? Someone put the Crucaitus curse on you?"

"Full body wax." Draco supplied for Ginny.

Pansy laughed. "I remember I was like that my first time to...but you'll get use to it Ginny."

"Use to it?" Ginny spat. "USE TO it? How the hell can someone get use to this incredible PAIN?"

Pansy shrugged. "Well I did."

"Did you go through the exact same God Awful torture?" Ginny gritted out. "That I had to go through?"

Pansy smiled. "Two hours ago hun." She replied.

Ginny just shook her head as the three walked, or rather crept because of Ginnys refusal to walk faster, towards the Dining hall.

When they reached it Ginny grabbed the closest chair which was beside Narcissa Malfoy. Draco went to sit with Helen who smiled at him and handed him a plate. She began fussing over him and making him eat two helpings of potatoes instead of his usual one.

Ginny concentrated on ignoring this. Pansy sat beside Blaise and began telling him about how she designed her dress robe without Francesca's help.

Ginny could feel Narcissa watching her as she ate. It made her feel self conscious and Ginny felt as if there was something wrong with each bite of food she took it. This one had too much chicken in it....she didn't take enough potatoes...the peas fell of her spoon halfway to her mouth...she drank too deeply from her goblet.

'I am never going to sit beside Narcissa Malfoy again.' Ginny thought to herself.

None of the girls ate desert Ginny noted. She along with the other girls rose as one and Helen spoke up for all of them.

"Have to make sure we fit into tomorrows robes." She stated smiling with humor in her eyes. She turned and left. Some of the girls Ginny didn't know or hadn't even spoken to yet left behind her and then Ginny also left the room.

As Ginny lay in bed that night something like dread filled her stomach. Tomorrow was going to be a long day indeed. How right Ginnys last thoughts were was what she found out the next day.

------------

Narcissa ran around the house in a flurry and Ginny was given the task of making sure the sweeper dusted the rooms on the first floor properly. Ginny tied her hair up in a bun and began to help her dust. It was then that Narcissa Malfoy floated into the room and suddenly barked:

"Adeline, don't think that just because I'm not here you can take whatever you like!"

The sweeper, Adeline, looked at Narcissa Malfoy.

"Miss please, I took nothing." She pleaded. "I s-swear."

"Give it back Adeline." Narcissa said imperiously. "I have too much on my mind today." She took her wand out. "I don't want to use force."

"Um I've been watching her all day." Ginny spoke up. "And she hasn't taken anything."

"See!" Adeline said quickly. "Miss here can vouch for me. I took nothing!"

Narcissa pointed her wand at Adeline.

"O.K., O.K." Adeline said quickly and from underneath her voluminous robes she unsheathed an expensive looking silver dagger with emeralds encrusted on its hilt.

"I believe this belongs in the Den." Narcissa said eyeing Ginny.

Ginny felt as if someone had hit her with a mallet over the head.

The Den...but they'd cleaned that hours ago and Adeline hadn't...had she?

"A word if you please Ginevra." Narcissa said pointedly and beckoned her to the side of the room.

"I-I didn't know." Ginny began speaking. "I swear I kept my eye on her the whole time."

"People like her are extremely skilled and don't need to use their hands to steal." Narcissa searched Ginnys eyes. "Keep an eye on her. I knew she'd try something. I've been going through all the first floor rooms and making sure she didn't take anything. Keep her away from the China in the dining hall and you'll be safe. She's too scared to take anything now." Narcissa stared at Ginny oddly. "There will come a time when you won't even need to recheck the rooms; you'll know she took something just by looking at her. Also-"Narcissa added. "-it is not respectable for girls of our family to act like 'the help'." Ginny furrowed her eyebrows. Narcissa elaborated. "Put that silly rag away before someone thinks you're the maid. I didn't send you here to help her I sent you to supervise her." Narcissa said sharply. She then went on "I suggest you go up and get ready when you're done with the dining hall."

Ginny nodded and Narcissa left the room. Ginny put her dusting rag away and her eyes never wavered from Adeline's hands.

After all the rooms had passed Narcissas inspections and Ginny and Narcissa were positive that Adeline had stolen nothing else they sent her off.

"Why do you allow her to come and clean when you know she steals?" Ginny asked Narcissa Adeline apparated away.

"She's been in the family for ages. It was her mother before her and her mother's mother before her. They specialize in cleaning. They all know all sorts of cleaning charms, some of which they have created themselves, and I always call them over before a function. It's too risky with house elves; they might sweep the dust under the rug or forget to clean behind the couches." Narcissa said coolly. She looked at Ginny critically.

Ginny didn't know why but she felt as if the resentment Narcissa had for her was something more than the Weasley/ Malfoy grudge. She couldn't point her finger on it....or maybe it wasn't resentment at all....

----

Ginny stared at herself in the mirror. Her hair fell in long tresses down her back and the robe was far from skin tight on her. It hugged her curves loosely giving an elegant and modest touch to her. Ginny as an afterthought put her diamond earrings on that she'd worn to Malfoys Christmas ball. She looked at her earrings wistfully before putting them on. Looking at them sent a wave of nostalgia through her. She found herself yearning to see her family, Harry, Hermione and even Percy.

Ginny descended the stairs and nervously walked towards Narcissa who was waiting at the front door to greet her guests.

"Don't just stand there." Narcissa hissed. She handed Ginny a pitcher of red juice. "Go put this on the dining table. Then go sit in the den with the other girls."

Ginny did as she was told. Ginny went towards the den and saw Helen standing at the entrance of the den.

"Go right in." Helen snarled moving out of the way. Helen wore a dark midnight blue robe that went with her hair and brought out her eyes. It was strapless. ('She's going to have to keep pulling that up' Ginny thought dully to herself wishing she'd sported the same look.) Her wrist was decorated with a single silver bracelet and around her neck was a thin silver necklace ending in an elegant oval shaped blue stone. She had earrings to match.

Helen spoke up not bothering to keep her voice down. "I must go and find dear Draco. He'll need my help."

Ginny shook her head. She knew there was nothing to worry about. Draco himself had said that there was nothing going on between them. Then again there had been nothing going on. 'What if now...'Ginny shook her head. She needed to clear her head of these thoughts.

Ginny entered and chose a seat beside a girl she recognized as Helens younger sister.

"Hello Camilla." Ginny said politely.

"Hello." Camilla said in a bored voice. She could've said hello to a rubber plant and not known the difference. Ginny resignedly settled herself in for a boring evening.

Slowly, people began to gather in the den. 'No wonder it's huge.' Ginny decided in her mind. It was amazing how so many people could fit inside the den. Ginny was introduced to each family member by Grandmother Malfoy. Halfway through Ginny decided that she didn't care if Uncle Algie was her cousin thrice removed and married to her aunt who was her mother's cousin's sister-in-law. The names and faces all became a blur for Ginny as she smiled and nodded politely. After the initial introductions Ginny would walk off and sit in a small corner trying to search Pansy or Blaise out but to no avail.

"Virginia Weasley is it not?" inquired a voice form Ginnys left as Ginny walked away from yet another introduction.

"Um-"Ginny began and looked at the woman. She seemed to be in her late thirties. .

"Nasty common name if you ask me. Your father should've had more sense. However-"she sighed. "-what can you expect from a bunch of blood traitors? But it is nice to see you here. Trying to mend old broken ties?" she asked with a curled lip and looked at Ginnys dress robe. "Obviously not." She deadpanned. "Guessing from the perfect condition of your dress robes I take it you have come to join ourside then?"

Ginnys hands clenched together. She knew the woman was egging her on...and Ginny let her succeed "First of all my name is Ginevra." Ginny spat. "Although I hate my real name and wish it was Virginia. An extremely odd name Ginevra is." She said evasively. "And second of all I have not joined you people, trust me it's the last thing on my mind and I have not come to mend broken ties especially if it's with the likes of you I have to mend broken ties with." She said angrily before stalking away.

Narcissa clenched her arm painfully as Ginny passed her.

"I knew you had a mouth that was likely to shoot off after every two minutes but have you realized what you just did?" Narcissa asked with wide angry eyes. "She is Divon Malfoy, sole owner of the Malfoy estate in Austria. She has only ONE son."

Ginny blinked. "What does that have to do with anything?" she asked.

Narcissa shook her head. "I knew your mother didn't educate you in this area but honestly, she was a Black herself. I cannot believe she'd overlook this in your upbringing." Narcissa stared at Ginny. "You really are a dull-witted dingbat."

"Now wait a minute-"Ginny began building up steam. Narcissa cut her off sharply.

"I don't want you shooting your mouth off towards your elders anymore. It looks bad. If I so much as hear that you've insulted a hat belonging to an elder, the consequences will be dire." Narcissa had a fire in her eyes that made Ginny nod mutely. It wasn't until Narcissa left that it suddenly struck Ginny who she reminded her of:

Molly Weasley when she was angry.

It wasn't until dinner was announced that Ginny spotted familiar faces. Helen walked into the dining room.

"Helen did you handle the guests in the lounge?" Ginny heard Narcissa whisper urgently.

"Yes." Helen replied. "Though I must say I was worried about Ethel and Maria being in the same room together. Luckily no fights broke out and I was sure to keep Maria away from Ethel."

Ginny felt something sting inside her. It was the same thing that reminded her she was nothing in Malfoy manor. She realized that everyone had been put in charge of different areas in the mansion. She hadn't been assigned to do anything other than sit around...her fists clenched as she walked towards a seat.

"Ginevra come sit here." Narcissa spoke up from a few seats away. She motioned towards the chair beside her.

"Hell no.' Ginny thought automatically. She spoke up in a sickeningly sweet voice. "I'm fine here thanks."

"No dear I insist you sit beside me." Narcissa said. Her eyes promised a long, painful, torturous death if she refused.

Ginny quietly went and sat beside her. Her eyes bulged when she looked down at the table. 'These are about fifty friggan utensils!' her mind screamed. 'Surely, surely all these weren't used for eating?'

"Work your way in." Narcissa whispered smoothly. Ginny looked up sharply. Narcissa was, however, conversing with a man sitting across from her.

"How are the children doing?" she asked pleasantly.

"Well little Ruth has been sent of to finishing school. Madam Butterlets Wizarding Finishing School. Best one in all of Britain and in the world at that." Muttered the man. He had a big bushy moustache and golden rings with precious stones set in them on each finger. He was a bit bulky and had a very expensive looking cigar in his mouth.

"Ah yes our Helen is also going to be sent there once she's completed her final year of schooling. Tell me where is Ruth staying? Given her home is Russia, does she commute?" Narcissa asked.

"No, she's staying in a hostel." The man said.

"In a hostel? Fragnov I thought better of you." Narcissa scolded. "Ruth living in a hostel? When she has a home here? I won't hear of this. She's to pack her bags immediately and come live here."

"But-"the man began protesting saying that Malfoy Manor was full of guests as it was.

"What did you say?" Ginny whispered.

"You heard me." Narcissa replied out of the corner of her mouth. She flashed Fragnov a smile. "Nonsense this mansion is huge! Why, I've been looking for an excuse to air out the back part of this mansion. No one's used it for ages. My son Draco would be delighted to-" She suddenly broke off and looked around and then looked at Helen who was sitting a few seats away from Fragnov. "Helen dear, where's Draco?"

Helen shrugged. "He was with me in the lounge; we got separated when Great Aunt Kipley wanted me to help her walk towards the dining hall."

"Blaise and Pansy?"

Helens lip curled upwards. "They'll be here in a minute. Pansy was with me in the lounge but Blaise was sitting with the young men in another room. Pansy went to call them to dinner." She craned her neck to look at the big oak doors. "Here they come." She said suddenly.

Ginny now knew why Helens lip had curled upward. Pansy was right. Her robe was unique. It was a god awful turquoise robe with turquoise sequins covering every inch of it except the bell shaped sleeves. "Oh my....." Ginny whispered. She shot a look at Narcissa who had put her head in her hands momentarily before looking back up at Pansy.

A disgruntled Blaise was walking beside her. From the look on his face they had obviously had a small disagreement. Draco walked in behind them with a look akin to Blaise's set on his face. Pansy sat beside Ginny while Blaise sat beside Pansy. Draco made to sit on his mothers other side but Narcissa shot him a look. He hastily backtracked and sat beside Helen.

"Draco dear what took you so long?" Helen asked putting her hand with its glinting diamond ring on his shoulder.

"Nothing." Draco said curtly. At that moment food appeared and no more was said.

If Ginny had thought that Narcissas scrutiny from yesterday was horrible she'd been off track. That was nothing compared to the other woman who stared at her. They tutted when she used her hand to eat a roll and tsked when she used her hand daintily to hold her chicken while she pried meat from the bone with her fork. Tears were stinging in her eyes as she heard Helen converse with another girl.

"Yes, yes she's a Weasley. Draco's friend...." Whispers and then. "...yes, yes I know. I don't know why everyone insisted she also attend. She's not one of us."

More whispers and then some giggling.

"Pansy I'm so sorry." Blaise suddenly spoke up as Ginny helped herself to some Russian looking expensive dish. It looked like stew with bread crusts on it.

"Blaise what you said to me was...inexcusable." Pansy said in an odd wavering voice.

"What happened?" Ginny asked turning to look at Pansy and hoping that she could turn the giggling girls' voices out of her mind.

"Shoulders off the table." Blaise spoke up in a low voice to Ginny. Ginny instantly let her elbows slip off the table. She leaned forward.

"Sit up straight." Narcissa suddenly hissed. "Keep your spine straight, shoulders back. Yes that's good. You can still hear Blaise and keep a perfect posture." Narcissa said as if she was talking to a child. She then smirked and went back to chatting with a woman on her right side.

Ginny shifted her attention to Pansy. "He-he-".Pansy's voice wavered and then she regained control. "-he said my robe was awful and that I must've gone colorblind while designing it. He said it looked as if my wardrobe had clashed together." Her voice began wavering again. "Ginny I worked so hard on my robe. It took me a good part of yesterday to carefully design this. Francesca tried making suggestions but I simply told her to leave and come back after awhile. I designed the whole thing on my own and-"she took in a shuddering breath. "-Blaise said I look aw-awful." She got out. Her eyes were filled with hurt and tears were forming in them.

"Pansy don't start crying." Ginny pleaded. "You're dress robe is simply beautiful. ISN'T IT Blaise?"

"Yes." Said Blaise quickly. "It's wonderful. Even Draco said so. He told me I was a fool for saying it made you look like a mermaid." He wrapped his fingers around Pansy's hand which was sitting in her lap.

"Come on Pansy, you know I can be stupid sometimes"

"More like all the time." Pansy cut in angrily.

"All the time." Blaise corrected with a grin on his face. He squeezed her hand. "There's my Pansy." He whispered. "Come on dear you know how much I love you."

Pansy took in a shuddering breath. "I admit it's a bit flashy." She said. "And I knew you'd disapprove of it but you were just-mean." She ended. She looked down at herself. "Besides I like it."

"And that's all that matters." Blaise said quickly. Pansy smiled at him. Their hands remained joined together in her lap as both began to eat.

Ginny found herself wishing she had someone she could do that with also.

"I can't wait until after desert." Pansy said excitedly.

"After desert?" Ginny echoed. "Why?"

"You don't know?" Pansy asked. Ginny shook her head. Pansy's eyes widened and she glanced at Narcissa who was still talking with the people sitting around her.

"-yes I know it is hard to teach your children practicality if you have enough money to buy them their every demand and wish. It was a tough job for me but I taught my Draco properly. Not a more practical boy you would find in Hogwarts even if you searched. Yes he was even Prefect and Head boy. Always levelheaded though. He never let his fathers position or money go to his head-"

Ginny stopped herself from snorting. Pansy turned her gaze on Ginny. "Well Narcissa decided, actually Grandmother Malfoy also had a say in this, to call dancing girls."

Ginny almost dropped her fork. Strippers?

"What?" she asked in disbelief.

Pansy laughed realizing what Ginny was thinking. "No, no not those type. These are a bit more respectable you could say. Though they do sleep with men but uh...well they're being paid to perform tonight. They'll do respectable dances, it's in celebration of Cadlemas actually. It'll be fun." Her mouth curled upwards. "Lucius said something about bringing back the old traditions."

"Old traditions my foot." Blaise muttered. "Just because one of his ancestors was King and had courtesans and concubines to dance for him after meals and during the harvest celebrations....it's all going to his head." Blaise suddenly smirked. "I wouldn't say no though to watching a show they put on-uuff." Blaise was cut of by Pansy's elbow digging into his stomach. "Course I'll be looking at Pansy the whole time." He added swiftly.

Adrenaline began pumping in Ginnys veins. For some reason she felt excited...but why? It was just a bunch of woman dancing like they use to in the old days of Kings and Queens. Maybe it was the fact that something like this had never been done before...or maybe it was the fact that this was underground. Woman like those worked underground, no one would ever publicly call them...the ministry would go ballistic. Ginnys lip curled upwards in a cold smile. Then again the Ministry was no longer in the control of the people. It was solely in the control of Lord Voldemort.

Desert finally ended and Ginny used all of her willpower to block off the assaults Helen and her friends were making on her as she ate. But what hurt most was that it wasn't just Helens friends. All the women in the hall looked at her critically, sized her up as if she was a newt's eye being sold in Diagon Alley and they all wanted a good deal on her.

Narcissa then stood up. "I'd like this time to speak and say that any of you who will be offended in any sort of way by the show that is going to take place should leave now. I don't want indignant outcries or anyone booing the women off the stage. It took us a lot of coaxing to convince them to come like this."

Immediately some middle aged men and women got up to leave.

"Helen please show them to the lounge where they can sit and have tea." Narcissa said. Helen stood up. Some younger woman were shooing their children away while quite a few teenage boys, with disgruntled looks, got up to leave. On Narcissas request everyone else stood up also and with a wave of Narcissas wand the huge table suddenly disappeared and chairs appeared. They seemed to be creating a huge circle around an acceptably huge space in the dining hall. It took up where the rectangular table had been.

The chairs had aligned themselves so that after every three or four chairs an aisle was there for people to walk through.

"Make the space wider." Lucius snapped coming in. He waved his wand and instead of a circle a semi circle appeared. There was a single row of seats on the other side where the older men like Grandfather Malfoy sat down.

"Come on." Pansy urged shaking Ginny out of her stupor. "We have to hurry if we want front row seats."

Excitement filled Ginny again as she, Pansy and Blaise walked towards the front row seats. Some of the women were purposefully sitting in the back as if they didn't want to taint themselves with something dirty by sitting upfront. Four women walked in behind Lucius. They all wore sweeping dark purple robes. An old lady hobbled in behind them with a young man in his late 20s. Ginny looked to the other side where there was a single row of seats. Draco stood with a huddle of men around his age. They all stared at the women who had just walked in. Suddenly Draco snapped his eyes toward Ginny. Her heart seemed to skip a beat at his acknowledgement.

He glanced at her briefly before looking at Blaise and motioning for him to come join the others. Blaise shook his head tightly and grabbed onto Pansy's hand.

The old lady and the man both conjured stools for themselves. The man waved his wand and music filled the hall. It was something like old Egyptian music yet there was a definite Persian touch to it also. One of the women began taking her robe of and the side where the majority of the males were ( Draco's side Ginny couldn't help but notice) cheered. She took her robe off to reveal a light green robe, no a light green CLOTH was more like it. It was a two piece and the shirt showed of her belly button, doing nothing to hide her huge bust which might pop out of her shirt any second. The shirt had two thin straps which were more likely keeping her shirt together. She wore a voluminous skirt with a slit going up to about mid thigh. Her hips swung from side to side as she began to move with the music. More cheers from the male side.

The other three followed suit and by now cheers were erupting from Ginnys side of the room also....not ALL of them were male cheers.

Grandmother Malfoy, for one, was clapping and throwing sickles towards the girls' feet.

The four moved with perfect co-ordination. They were doing some kind of old Egyptian dance most likely, where their arms swayed and they moved their feet lightly as they turned in circles side by side. Each of them passed Ginny turn by turn and then Ginnys stomach dropped as the last girl who was also most likely the youngest passed her. Ginny saw a huge scar on her stomach. It was covered with make up but Ginny could still see it. She didn't know what hit her at that moment. It was like ice being poured into her stomach as she looked at that scar. It was huge and ran across her stomach. Ginny didn't know why but it was extremely important that she find out how the girl had gotten that scar. So she did something Medea hadn't taught her yet but she already knew how to do. Something she'd done unintentionally with Draco and concentrated on doing it again, except this time with more power: Ginny looked into the girls eyes and probed her mind.

Ginny emitted a small gasp and grabbed Pansy's other hand. 'This wasn't fun, this was sick! Absolutely sick!' The full impact of what was actually going on hadn't hit Ginny until she probed that girls mind. Tears began forming in her eyes. She'd been so caught up in this world that she'd forgotten reality. All these people were wrapped up in their cotton cocoons. They didn't know the cruelty of life, the hardships people had to face to get by. Ginny looked around and then back at the girl. She shuddered.

They had children back home. Little starving children that were either results from deficient contraceptives or legitimate children belonging to her brother. Her family made her and her three sisters do this. That old lady was their grandmother, that man was her BROTHER. The scar was a result from the girls drunk father when she came back home one night with no money and not being able to secure a man to sleep with. Ginny felt her stomach turning into a block of ice.

This was SICK! Ginny shuddered. Even her family was poor and they'd gone through rough times but at least she'd never had to-to-to-do this.

Ginny closed her eyes.

Was this all women were left for? Anger began to rise in her. It was as if they were circus animals. Ginny stared at them as Lucius threw some galleons towards their feet. They were being made to dance as if they were monkeys or some other animals being put on show! Ginny clenched her fists. This wasn't entertainment! This was an insult to woman everywhere to be seen like this. This was-this was-

"Sick." Ginny suddenly spat letting go of Pansy's hand. Pansy who had thought Ginny had been gripping her hand from excitement looked at her with surprise. "Eh?" Pansy asked weakly.

"Sick." Ginny spat getting up. She didn't want to cause a scene and she just might if she stayed here any longer. "I need to get out of here. This is just-disturbing." Besides there was just something unnerving about the way the women made cool, calm Lucius turn a slight tinge of pink or how the oldest and boldest (Ginny noted) ran her hand through an elderly mans hair making him look at her with desire filled, heavy lidded eyes. Ginny stood up to leave and walked out avoiding the floor where the girls were dancing. On her way she passed their grandmother who was looking in her bag filled with sickles. Ginnys eyes softened. They had to pay the rent and this wasn't nearly enough. She reached up and took out her diamond earrings.

"Here." Ginny said softly and pressed them into the grandmother's hands.

"Bless you." She murmured staring at the earrings. "They're real." She said in amazement and kissed Ginnys hand.

Ginny left hastily wiping her hand on her dress robe once she neared the door. Opening it Ginny went towards the lounge where everyone was drinking tea.

"At least one of them has come to her senses." A voice snapped as Ginny walked in.

"Be polite Fragnov." A woman replied whom Ginny suspected was his wife.

"It was sick." Ginny stated sitting down. She clutched her stomach. "I think-I think I'm going to be sick." She was already pale from using her powers and the after effects of probing that girls mind were now getting to her. She felt dizzy, light headed and sick. What that girl had to go through....Ginny clutched her forehead. Her brother, HER OWN BROTHER was allowing this...Ginny found herself surging with affection for Ron and his protectiveness.

"Is everyone O.K.?" a voice asked coming in. Ginny recognized that voice. It was a boy Ginny knew vaguely of. He was Daphnes oldest brother Dray. He was usually at college but was visiting. "Mum and Narcissa wanted me to make sure everyone was doing alright. Where's Ginny? She walked in here quite shaken-"

"Right there." Fragnov pointed to the corner in which Ginny sat doubled over and clenching her stomach. Cold sweat was running down her face.

"Ginny." She heard a voice coaxing. "Get up. You're going to be sick-"

"I know." She murmured dizzily. "The rooms moving...."

"Come on." Dray muttered and wrapped both arms around her shoulder to help her walk. He dragged her out of the room and into the cold night air. Ginny sat down on a bench in the back lawn of Malfoy manor and became violently sick in a patch of daisies. Dray held her hair back awkwardly as Ginny gagged and retched. She emerged feeling better.

"That was just sick." Ginny murmured putting her head in her hands. She began to sob. "They have to do this to get by....it's sick, it's repulsive, it's disgusting. Her brother, her own brother." Ginny managed to choke out. "Her grandmother, her mother, HER father...what's the world coming to?" Ginny suddenly had another flash.

A man twice her age, over her...panting...Ginny vomited again.

Cold sweat was coming down in torrents. Dray patted her back. "Iffy!" he called. Iffy appeared, looked at Ginny and began to sponge Ginnys forehead with a newly materialized cold sponge.

Ginnys breath was coming out in short gasps.

"What's going on?" asked a new voice. "Dray their calling you in-OH."

Ginnys tears mingled in with her sweat. An arm came around her instantly.

"Gin its O.K." Blaise breathed coming to sit beside her. "Dray-go. They want you in there....to choose."

"Don't you want to choose?" Dray asked suddenly.

"Pansy would kill me." Blaise replied. He then turned to Ginny as Dray got up. "What happened?" he asked as Ginny rested her head against his shoulder.

"It's sick! It's aw-aw-awful." Ginny managed out before sobbing again. "I-I-I-I look-k-ked into her mind." Her sobs increased.

"Aw Gin you shouldn't have done that." Blaise said groaning. "No wonder! They've had so many disgusting experiences-"

"It's not their fault." Ginny yelped. "You talk as if 'they' are from another world. They're wizards like you and me! They're just poor because we're too inconsiderate to help them." Ginny lost her voice and began crying again.

"I can see though that that's not the case with you." Blaise said and pulled on her ear lobe fondly.

"You saw?" Ginny hiccupped nuzzling into his shoulder.

"Everybody saw Gin." He mumbled. "Everyone watched walk away and give your earrings to that woman."

"She-she had to pay the rent and feed her family and-"

"Shhhh." Blaise muttered patting her back. "I know, I know. I'm the one that recommended them."

"What?" Ginny yelped snapping away from him like a rubber band. She seriously regretted it though as her head was sent reeling again. Iffy was hovering beside her with the wet sponge. Ginny clutched her head and Blaise pulled her to him.

"-because I knew they needed the money." He sighed. "They were also at Marcus Flints bachelor party. Lucius was looking for some girls and I asked Marcus and he told me about them and one thing led to another."

"Ginny?" a voice spoke up. It was Pansy. She came to sit beside her. "Are you O.K.?"

"I'm fine." Ginny muttered. "I just-didn't you get this odd feeling of dread?"

Pansy shook her head. "No but seriously you missed the funniest thing." She began giggling. "Helen suddenly got up and started yelling and ranting that this was despicable and she couldn't believe how some people would stoop so low to make money and that it was basically an insult to all woman." Pansy giggled some more. "And Narcissa had to lead Helen out. Then a boy, who had been standing with Draco, got drunk and started dancing with the girls. It was so funny. He was trying to mimic their moves and he soon fell to the floor knocked out cold due to Firewhiskey."

Ginny didn't know what to laugh about. "What's going on now?" Ginny asked.

"Oh um the boys are choosing."

"Choosing?" Ginny asked looking up from where her head was perched on Blaise's shoulder.

"Well it's not every day that these girls come here...and it's perfectly acceptable in our family..." Pansy trailed of as Ginnys stomach did a flip flop.

"You mean the boys are choosing which girl they get to fuck?" Ginny spat.

"Well there are only four so the four ranking high in our family, yes." Pansy said. "Lord Fragnovs son was quite pissed off at his father for making him come into the lounge, when he heard what was going on. He would've been second in line to choose."

"Who's first?" Ginny asked her stomach dropping oddly as she knew the answer.

"Never you mind that." Said Blaise quickly. "I was fourth and I gave my turn to Dray."

"If you're going to gloat it about-"Pansy began.

"I am not gloating it about. I'm just TELLING you-"

"You didn't need to tell me. I have eyes of my own. I know you're here and not off with one of them-"

"What now I can't even comment on-"but Blaise was cut off as Ginny said in a dead voice.

"Draco's first isn't he?"

Both Blaise and Pansy shut up.

"Now I don't know if he'll actually choose." Pansy started. "I left the moment Dray told me where you were..."

Ginny gave a hollow laugh. "I don't care. Do I look like I care?" she spat bitterly.

Her eyes dared either one of them to say yes.

Ginny stood up. "I best be getting to my room now." She sighed. "It's been a long night."

"Ginny are you O.K.?" Blaise asked.

"Yes, yes I'm fine." Ginny said and walked towards her room.

She bumped into Narcissa on the way.

"All these people are staying the night." Narcissa said briskly.

"All of them?" Ginny asked her eyes bulging.

"Well not all but the majority are as they live extremely far away and they'll have to apparate too many different places to reach home. Anyway Grandmother Malfoy will be sleeping with you tonight-" Narcissas lip curled. "-she and Grandfather Malfoy had a-disagreement of sorts." With that Narcissa left to direct the guests to their proper rooms. Helen was helping her and Pansy hurried in to also help. For once Ginny was glad she hadn't been asked to help.

Ginny reached her room to see a peeved off Grandmother Malfoy sitting in her room.

Ginny quickly changed and got into bed.

"Are you alright dear?" Grandmother Malfoy asked.

"Fine." Ginny murmured. She felt grandmother Malfoy pat her back.

"I know that that show disturbed you." Grandmother Malfoy spoke up.

"It was disgusting." Ginny replied. "Is that all us women are left for? Then on top of that you allowed them to choose..." Ginny trailed off.

"Are you disturbed by them choosing or him choosing?" Grandmother Malfoy asked gently.

Ginny didn't reply. She just closed her eyes to give the impression that she was extremely tired.

"It's been along night." Ginny said quietly and turned her back towards Grandmother Malfoy.

Ginny tried to get to sleep but she couldn't. Thoughts kept racing her mind about that girl, her family, Draco with her....

"Is she asleep?" a voice whispered startling Ginny. It was Narcissa.

"Seems like it." Grandmother Malfoy sighed. Ginny felt the bed heave as Narcissa sat down next to Grandmother Malfoy.

"I just got everyone settled down." Narcissa explained. "Thank Salazar that Helen and Pansy were efficient enough to help me." There was a silence and then. "Helen is coming along nicely isn't she?" Narcissa suddenly asked.

"Yes. She's living up to every bit of our standards." Grandmother Malfoy sighed. "Except for that little outburst tonight." Narcissa chuckled.

"Yes, I expect there will be hell to pay in the morning. It took Draco in the end to calm her down. Though he seemed quite upset about missing some of the show."

Both women laughed.

"Lord Fragnovs wife asked me about Ginevra." Narcissa spoke. Ginnys ears perked up at the sound of her name.

"Oh?" Grandmother Malfoy asked interestedly.

"Yes, although in the beginning of the night her reputation among everyone was quite....tarnished one might say -due mainly to her outburst towards Lady Divon, she rose in their eyes when she left the room and when she showed her generosity." Narcissa added.

"She is quite a catch isn't she?" Grandmother Malfoy asked. "Has one of the purest bloodlines there is and I've traced her descent all the way back to Aradia herself."

"You have?" Narcissa asked surprised. "You mean Aradia? The Aradia?"

"Surprising isn't it?"

"Why would you trace her descent and bloodline?" Narcissa asked amusedly.

"Well-" Grandmother Malfoy began carefully. "-lets just say she would be a huge asset to those who already have the blood of King Arthur running through their veins."

"Yes she would." Narcissa mused. "But for heavens sake she needs to improve her manners. Have you seen the way she walks, talks, eats-"

"I know the list is endless." Grandmother Malfoy commented. "But she's been raised by the Weasleys. What else would you expect?"

"The only good thing is that her upbringing has kept her levelheaded." Narcissa retorted. "People were watching her tonight. Watching her very carefully, might I add? She has potential. A lot of potential." And then Narcissa muttered. "Maybe even more potential then Helen herself."

"People asked me about her also." Grandmother Malfoy spoke up. "I said we'd think about it."

About what? Ginnys mind screamed.

"I myself had many proposals." Narcissa spoke up.

"Until we finally got a hold of you in your fifth year." Grandmother said with air of someone who was reminiscing.

"Yes I remember how Lucius was so against our engagement. He pointedly ignored me and I him in our Hogwarts days." Narcissa said almost fondly.

"Now Narcissa if anyone else asks for her hand in marriage anyone with potential and high status that is, we are to ask her before refusing." Grandmother Malfoy spoke up. "I had to refuse one or two on her behalf because of course I mean Algies' son is related to the LONGBOTTOMS. But what about lord Fragnovs son? He is respectable enough."

"I daresay that she is of an age where she can think properly. What if she makes a mistake? Why, I allowed my parents to make these decisions for me." Narcissa said.

"Yes but we are not her parents." Grandmother Malfoy reminded." I recognize that fire in her. She won't take it lightly if she finds out we're refusing proposals on her behalf."

"No one of real status other than Lord Fragnov asked for her hand for their son." Narcissa spoke up. "She's a catch in more ways than one but the basic problem is that she hasn't been taught the etiquettes of our society."

"That is a small bumper we've just hit." Grandmother Malfoy muttered. She sighed. "Narcissa dear it's late and you should get to sleep."

"Yes Lucius will probably hang me if I don't get my proper amount of sleep." Narcissa spoke up.

"We need you dear, in more ways than one. You NEED your sleep." Grandmother Malfoy said with a tremor in her voice.

Ginny got the impression that both were hugging each other and then with hasty goodnights Narcissa left and Grandmother Malfoy fell asleep. Ginny however remained awake.

She now had another problem to deal with. A problem that went by the name of marriage.

Ginny shook her head. She was so YOUNG. How could anyone think of marriage at this age....but Narcissa had been engaged to Lucius when she was in her fifth year....Ginny couldn't help but feel as if this was the exact part of wizarding society her parents had been trying to keep her away from, to keep her safe from. For the second time that night Ginny was jolted out of her thoughts by the creaking of her door. Someone entered.

"Grandmother?" someone spoke up tentatively. Grandmother Malfoy kept sleeping soundly. "Grandmother?" It was almost as if they were checking to see if she was awake or not.

"Cadmus you're an ass." She murmured and turned over in bed.

Ginny couldn't help it when tingles ran up and down her spine. That familiar voice, those familiar foot steps as they walked towards her...

"Ginny?" the voice whispered. Ginny opened her eyes.

"What?" she asked. Some of the resentment she felt towards him for paying more attention to Helen was returning. He'd bloody ignored! She then remembered how he'd also had to choose.

"Where's your girl?" Ginny asked bitterly. "Aren't you supposed to be with her?"

Draco chuckled softly. "I didn't choose." He whispered. He sat on the bed and leaned down so that his face hovered above hers. Relief spread from Ginnys finger tips to throughout her body. He hadn't chosen. He leaned closer to her.

"You didn't?" Ginny asked fuzzily. He was close...to close...

Draco brought a hand to run through her hair. "Are you alright?" he asked trailing his hand down her arm to grip her hand. "I saw you walk out of the room quite shaken up."

Ginny nodded tightly. "I was just shaken up because of the show." To her horror tears were forming in her eyes. "It was sick. Her brother Draco, her own bro-"

"Shhh." He murmured. He leaned down and nipped at her earlobe lightly making Ginny gasp. "That was a noble thing you did." He whispered in her ear. "I knew how much those earrings meant to you." Ginny felt a small pang. Those earrings were all she had had left to remind her of her previous life. They were more precious to her than all the jewelry in Narcissas old vault. Ginny cleared her head and tried to focus on the matter at hand.

"Why've you been avoiding me?" Ginny asked suddenly.

Draco stiffened. "I haven't been-"

"Yes you have. It's been ages since..." Ginny trailed off and Draco chuckled into her ear.

"Looks like someone's randy."

"Shut up." Ginny snarled. Draco silenced her with another nibble on her earlobe. She gasped as he trailed kisses down her neck. His hands were working their way up and down her sides, squeezing the right spots to send her into shivers. "Draco." She murmured letting her hands trail down his back. An extremely large amount of affection surged inside her as he kissed her shoulder. "Draco." She murmured again and felt static electricity crackle between them. He'd never been like this before...he was being so tender, so caring. Or maybe it was just her... but he'd never kissed her like this before.

Is this what happens when you don't have sex with someone for a long time? Ginny thought to herself but she knew it was something else....this wasn't about sex...this was...this was...

"Virginia." Draco groaned as Ginny slipped her hands into his robes.

She tensed.

"My name's Ginevra." Ginny whispered. Draco's hands around her waist loosened slightly.

"How come you never told anyone that?" He asked confusedly the mood faltering. "I always thought-"

"I hate the name Ginevra." Ginny cut in lightly. Draco resumed his exploring.

He squeezed the dip in her waist. "I think it's sexy." He said and Ginny could practically hear the smirk in his voice.

Grandmother Malfoy suddenly snorted. In seconds a thump was heard confirming to Ginny that she'd successfully pushed him off her.

"Who's there?" Grandmother Malfoy asked sitting up groggily.

"No one." Ginny said nervously. Draco cursed softly from the ground.

"I thought I heard someone." She said peering around the room.

Ginny tried to look sincerely confused. "There's no one here." She said finally. "I can check or something if you want."

"No, no, it must've been my imagination." Grandmother muttered groggily. She fell back into her soft pillows and pretty soon her light snoring could be heard.

Ginny breathed a sigh of relief. Draco stood up rubbing his head. "That hurt." He muttered angrily.

"That was close." Ginny snapped sitting up with crossed arms. Draco smirked. He leaned down and whispered huskily:

"I'll see you tomorrow Ginevra." And with that he left.

Ginny lay back in bed with her face burning. A pleased smile appeared on her face as she tried to go to sleep. However, it was a futile attempt as whenever she closed her eyes her mind screamed six simple words at her.

Draco thought her name was sexy.

A/N: Whew drop of sweat...I cant believe I FINALLY got this posted. Alright now why was this not posted sooner? Simple oen of my betas got caught up in something called 'real-life' (lol I wonder what that is?). I STILL haven't gotten this chapter back from her ;)....and I decided I was being a cruel bitch and better update soon! So here it is!

Ok updates WILL be slower due to SCHOOL and the simple fact that I have fallen in love and all my spare time is now devoted to the object of my affections gag gag gag......augh I hate being MUSHY makes face .

But don't forget...I LOVE EACH AND EVERY OPNE OF YOU! YOU ALL MAKE MY DAY BY REVIEWING!! blows kisses to all

Now I know we all hate authors who don't update for long periods of time looks around innocently which is why I have devised a plan. On my profile page you can go to my homepage which is my livejournal. I have renovated that damn thing and made it into an..erm..curent situation journal :P...so if anyone wants to know the progress on my stories..go there. I'll also post cookies there from time to time. There's already one of the next princess lily chapter sitting there.

Alright now on with the thank you's :

Lildragongurl: Im sorry you had to wait so long for the next chapter...I tried my hardest to make it worth the wait as some say....

Entrancer: I'll get back to you on that offer once ive written the next chappie! And I cant believe you actually DID that...do u remember the word count?? I'VE never done that....do you remember the word count?? LOL. Seriously though I feel...honored that you'd take the time out to do that...U RULE....do you remember the word count?:P

Yellow notepaper: Yes I have a fear of commas and am freakishly addicted to full stops :P. I hope I didn't take TOOO long in updating.

Naughtygrl: yea ur right. He's an old softie at heart...Ginny just needs to work on peeling away those tough outer layers.

WIDz: I continued....after a really..really...REALLY long time....SORRY.

NeonBlue21: Aww...u almost CRIED? blows nose on tissue that makes ME want to cry!!

AnitaBlake/BuffyFan: Thanks! Oh I love buffy tooo!!

Madison27: The answer to your question...will be answered (hopefully) in the enxt chapter...for some reason I just LOVE writing about Helen. I bet this chapters the longest yet. Im actually worried it wont download properly on

L.M. Lachance: thank you so much! raises eyebrows so whats ur assessment of THIS chapter??

Meryl12: Haha...that's ok! I usually eat too much sugar to!! We should get together and get high on sugar :P

Jen103: ahem ahem...ALL her families and friends are furies?......ill leave u to ponder that line...

Me myself and i: thank you so much for the offer! Await my reply in...checks watch...two months...dives behind couch JUST KIDDING! As soon as I start the next chappie ill get back to you!

Magica: FINALLY A QUESTION I CAN ANSWER! Yes, yes he will get his memory back by the end of the story. DON'T WORRY.

Jen: Yea of course! Thnx for the offer! Ill let you know once the next chappies written.

Angela: Yes this fic is really emotional and ANGST-ie....main problem now is...HOW THE HELL AM I GONNA WRITE SUCH A SAD STORY WHEN I FEEL LIKE IM ON CLOUD NINE??...looks around desperately

purus.flere: madam wut the hell has happened to you? You have my monster chapter most likely lying around in your inbox! Lol...if ur reading this...plz email me!

power of the stars: an authors gotta treat her readers well winks

karlin88: hmmm if ur really curious ill tell you. Draco stares at Ginny curiously as Ginny falls asleep. :P

Lanna/Jon4eva: more bits of romance will be coming up considering my mood and situation these days :P.

Until the next chappie...

LUV U ALL!!!