Oh, Horror of Horrors. BILL AND FLEUR'S WEDDING IS ON THE 30th OF JUNE, SORRY FOR THE MISTAKE. That's what I get for typing too fast…
YAY! 100 reviews and up, so this means two updates for you! Hit two hundred and I'll give you all three…Anyways, I just wanted to make it clear, I AM DRINKING A WHOLE LOT OF MOUNTAIN DEW AT THE MOMENT, and anyone who has read my authors notes at the beginning of fics understands that this is not good for me. Or my writing. So everything could be a little muddled. Or not. Or—just read it.

Disclaimer: …………………I suppose it doesn't belong to me. But that doesn't mean I don't wish it did.

la belle france

issalee

Ginny was enjoying herself immensely.

She'd woken early (big shock for everyone who knew her) and had snuck into Draco's room to get her trunk. Of course, it didn't help that she had screamed in horror as she saw her face plastered everywhere; on the walls, the floor, the furniture, and when Draco leapt up in bed, he ended up tearing off posters from his body.

Blaise had been leaning in the doorway when they both calmed down, laughing like hell. He explained that he had hidden the posters with a spell that would expire when someone besides Draco walked into the room…and Ginny had done just that.

So after she'd managed to dodge the curses and get her trunk, then dodge them again to get back out, it had all pretty much been the best she could hope for.

Ginny had spent her whole summer's allowance on an outfit that she loved, and had donned it for the occasion. A black, sleeveless (but not strapless) turtle-necked dress with dark blue laces wrapping around her waist, along with a dark blue ribbon and fingerless gloves that went up to just under her shoulders. And she had all but threatened Tessa with death until they'd gone five miles to the nearest shop where she could get knee-high, high-heeled, slip on boots in dark blue.

She, Colin and Tessa had been the first people to get to the leaving docks. They were going to go to Beauxbatons via Thestral drawn carriages, and she clambered into one with her friends not far behind.

"Gin! Look at that! It's the Seine, the river I was telling you about!" Ginny crawled over Colin's lap for what seemed like the hundredth time so she could see where Tessa was pointing. She looked down at the water, so much like a snake and smiled.

"It's beautiful, Tessa!" The carriage veered suddenly, and she fell of the chair and onto the ground.

"Are you ok?" Colin asked her as he helped her up. Ginny shook her head, then clutched at it. "Ach, stupid hair!" She held up her hair, which she had braided once more. "How was I supposed to know there were side effects to that damn potion!"

Tessa jumped as the braid swung her way. She prodded her own red-streaked locks. "Look at it this way, Gin. We lose the fangs, the powers, and the general Vampire-osity of it all, but gain new hairstyles, new clothes…and er…that's it."

"The bracelets!" Colin said. "Don't forget the bracelets." Ginny sighed and looked down at hers. It only came off now if she really needed it too, and even then it was like it had a life of its own.

Absently, she stroked the diamond on it. "I suppose you're right. But it doesn't mean I don't want a new hairstyle." Tessa fingered one of the red tresses in Ginny's hair thoughtfully.

"I dunno…I think I like it! The color at least, it's like a nice auburn—"

"No, it was auburn before." Colin interrupted. "It's more like a dark strawberry blonde." Ginny shook her head.

"You're both wrong! It's the color of fire—the exact opposite of Malfoy's actually, seeing as his looks like ice."

There was a sudden cracking noise, and Ginny held in a scream as the arm her bracelet rested on turned deathly cold. Colin and Tessa scooted back and she glared somewhat blearily at them.

"Some friends you are!" She cried, just as the diamond exploded. A cool, crisp voice was suddenly whispering in her head.

"My dear, are is it ok if I show myself in front of your friends?"

"Who are you?" Ginny said, panicking by now.

"I'll take that as a yes. Stand back!"

This time all three of them let out screams as something began to form in the middle of the carriage, warping the air. Ginny leapt to the far end of the carriage, and Colin attempted to get behind her. She stopped being terrified long enough to whisper fiercely in his ear.

"You're supposed to be the GUY! You're the one who protects us!"

Colin's eyes swung to the now shining area of air, and he gulped. "Suppose I'm gay?" Ginny smacked him on the side of his head.

There was a final whooshing noise, and then everything just stopped. Tessa got up cautiously and looked around. There was nothing there. She looked out of the window, and everything looked normal.

"What in bloody hell was that?" She motioned to Ginny and Colin that they could stand up, and as the redhead did so, she lost her sense of balance and almost fell over.

"You guys!" She said, her eyes wide. "I think there's something on my braid!" Something slithered underneath the ponytail and up her back, then around her shoulders. A great gust of air in her ear told her it had wings and it had landed on her shoulder.

"What is it?" She said frantically. Colin gaped. Tessa pointed a shaking finger at her.

"Ginny, you've—you've got a dragon on your shoulder!"

"Correction, my dear. I am an Elemental Creature, not a dragon." The cool voice replied. The weight on Ginny's shoulder lessened, and the owner of the voice flew in front of her, flapping its wings to stay aloft.

Two pure black eyes were staring at her in undisguised amusement. The dragon was slim and an icy blue color. It had a long neck, and a rather rounded body, but its wings were huge things. They seemed a little awkward when they weren't moving, but when in flight, the little creature had grace. Two horns protruded from just above slightly floppy ears, and as it smiled, it showed fangs on the bottom and top jaws, and a long tail with a spade like end flowed behind him.

"Hello." It said nicely. "My name is Gwinn. I'm an Elemental Creature, and you are my charge, etc, etc, etc."

Ginny stared. "Excuse me?"

Gwinn folded his wings as he floated down to the floor of the carriage. He lifted up a claw and licked it. "My dear, you summoned me when you called my element; ice. I'm supposing Gwen might have told you about that—" He looked around, and his eyes darkened. "Where is Gwen?"

Ginny shook herself out of her stupor. "Um, if you're looking for another dragon, you're the only one we've seen." She offered. Gwinn smiled disarmingly, baring his teeth.

"No matter. It means you haven't found your second half yet, but it'll all come in due time, I'm sure. Anyways, if Gwen isn't here, then it means that I must be telling you about our work—which means you have to tell your friends to stop staring."

Colin and Tessa flushed and sat down on one side of the carriage. Ginny sat on the other, and Gwinn stayed on the floor. He flicked his tail experimentally and yawned. "Pardon. Right, well, I, as I have said, am an Elemental Creature. Salazar Slytherin captured me and another one, Gwendolyn, to serve as soul-bonders. Godric captured the other two Elements. They were much more compatible then Gwen and I."

"Wait," Tessa said smoothly. She held up the arm with her own bracelet on it. "So does this mean I have my own—er, Elemental Creature too?"

Gwinn surprised them all when he shot over to Tessa and sat in her lap, his hands wrapping around her bracelet. "Yes," he breathed. "This is Earth or Air; more specifically, Dirk or Aislinn. Find out who it is! Let them out!"

Tessa pulled her hand back. "How do I do that? And why would I anyways?" Gwinn sighed and leaned back on his haunches. Tessa resisted the urge to shiver as she felt the air cool around her.

"Because, my dear, once we are released we can't go back in until the souls of the people are bonded, and even then we may grant them one desire." His eyes glazed over a little, as though he were seeing some sort of video in his mind. "Godric wished for Hogwarts to carry their memories forevermore; thus the Sorting Hat, their portraits, things like that. Salazar wished for a protector for his house. A bit selfish, it was, but I helped him find the basilisk."

He looked back over his shoulder at Ginny. "Sorry about that, my dear girl, but understand, it was only acting on orders that it couldn't go against."

Ginny nodded silently, but then stopped mid-nod. "How did you know about that?" she demanded.

Gwinn shrugged, sending his wings into Tessa's face. He scratched the top of his head sheepishly. "Sorry. Ah, but anyways, Ginny, you and I are bonded. I can read your mind, and in turn, you and I can talk telepathically. It makes for great fun!"

Ginny crossed her arms icily. "But you won't read my mind without my permission, got that?" Gwinn nodded his head.

"Of course! I wouldn't dream of it. I'm just here to help you find your other half, your soul mate. Are you willing to accept me?" Ginny looked at the miniscule dragon in front of her, sensing that he was nervous.

A wide grin split her face. "Sure. But you've got to be inconspicuous!" Gwinn let out a happy trill and took a deep breath. He let it all out in his hand, and it formed a rose. He flew into Ginny's lap and handed it to her, smiling somewhat sheepishly.

"Thanks very much!" Ginny took the tiny flower and tucked it in her hair, knowing she'd probably regret having to feel it melt later. "Now, Tessa, you have to get yours out. If all I had to do was say ice, you try earth and air."

The dark-haired girl smiled nervously. "Now, Tessa, you have to get yours out. If all I had to do was say ice, you try earth and air."

The dark-haired girl smiled nervously. "Um, sure. Earth?" the diamond shook gently, but nothing happened. Gwinn clapped his claws together.

"It'll be Aislinn, then!" Tessa took a breath, and squeezing her eyes shut, she whispered, "Air?"

The diamond burst, and a brilliant light filled the room. Everyone save Gwinn covered their eyes and crouched against the seats as the same phenomenon happened again, and this time, when it was over, a dragon that looked exactly like Gwinn was floating gently in midair, only it was snow-white with blue eyes.

"Hello." It said gently. "My name is Aislinn, and I'm here for Tessa, my charge?" Tessa raised a finger nervously, and the dragon smiled.

"Ah, there you are. I sense Gwinn is here, but no one else. A shame, really, I sort of miss Gwen. She's much funner then Gwinn."

The ice dragon flapped his wings till he was level with her. "Nice to see you too, Linn. You don't seem very much different." His tone had turned brusque, and Ginny was reminded of Draco for a moment.

"Um, you guys?" Colin interrupted before the dragons could start anything. "Getting past my feelings of jealousy and all that, it's great to have mini-dragons and all—"

"Elemental Creatures," Gwinn said.

"Whatever." Colin decided to ignore the murderous glared both Creatures shot him. "The point is, most people will think you're dragons, and that's reason enough for Tessa and Ginny to get in trouble. So you'll have to hide somehow."

Aislinn landed next to Tessa, and nuzzled her charge's arm. Tessa smiled and scratched at the Creature's head. "Maybe they could transform into something. Could you?"

Gwinn cocked his head to the side. "Actually—yes. But I don't like it."

Aislinn snorted. "Only because you don't get to shoot your mouth off." Gwinn opened his mouth to protest but Aislinn cut him off. "Just shut up and do it, pretty boy."

Grinding his teeth audibly, Gwinn obliged, and there was another bright flash of light.

Ginny stepped out of the carriage and breathed in the scent of flowers gladly. She stopped though, she saw the castle.

Beauxbatons was beautiful. Clouds on every side surrounded it, and it was only then that Ginny realized they were either situated on a very tall mountain or floating. The actual castle was located in the very middle of a huge field of multi-colored flowers, branching out on every side. Students in the traditional Beauxbatons uniform were lounging about, looking very much elegant even though they were supposed to be sprawled on the ground.

The fortress was of a lighter brick shade than Hogwarts, and had blue-capped turrets and shutters. There was a large, ornate iron door leading into it that was open, and a glint of blue caught the afternoon sun. Music was coming from inside, and students were walking all around clutching cotton candy and stuffed animals.

"Ginny! Tessa! Colin! Comment vas tu? Je suis tres contentre pour te voir!" Gabrielle Delacoeur approached them, with a boy about her age trailing behind resignedly. Gabrielle embraced all three of them, perfectly at ease while other people got out of their carriages and rustled about.

She turned to Tessa, and the dark-haired girl offered a comment in French. "C'est jolie, n'est pas?" She held up her right arm, to show the bracelet that closely resembled a white dragon with sapphires for eyes. Ginny had a matching one, only pale blue with onyx for the eyes.

Gabrielle smiled obligingly. "Oui, oui, c'est tres jolie! Er, Ginny, eet eez a pleasure to 'ear zat in June we shall be sistairs!"

Ginny smiled. "I'm looking forward to it." She looked behind Gabrielle to see the boy, still looking rather disgruntled, especially when Gabrielle had hugged Colin. "I take it he's your date?"

Smiling happily, the blonde girl pulled the boy forward. "Zis eez Christophe Mequen! 'E and I 'ave been going out for seven months now." Ginny put her hand forward.

"Nice to meet you, Christophe." He smiled, and took it. "Likewise." Ginny was surprised not to hear any accent tracing his tone. He noticed her expression and explained. "I am American. I moved here only a few years back, as my parents, who are French, wanted me to learn in a French school."

But Ginny didn't get to hear anymore, as Gabrielle was dragging her across the grounds. "We must go inside! Today eez ze Faire Du Selene, for ze Moon Goddess, you know? And I have set up a booth I vould love for you to join me in!"

Ginny couldn't help but laugh at this bubbly blonde. "Sure, Gabrielle, I promise you I'll help in the booth."

"Ginny!" The redhead turned and waved to her brother and his friends. Harry, Hermione, Luna and Neville smiled and waved back. She didn't notice the group of Slytherins getting out of the carriage behind her, nor the pale-haired one that gaped at her for a moment before shutting his jaw.

Gabrielle had raced up to Harry and thrown her arms about him. Recognizing that this was NOT a member of the family, Christophe suddenly grew a scowl. Harry patted the girl awkwardly on the back.

"Er, hello." Gabrielle beamed and kissed him on the cheek, then did the same to everyone there. "You all must come! Ze Faire, eet eez fantastique! I look forward to eet every year. We have rides, and games, and this year, I have set up a nice booth for us all. Would you, 'Arry, and Ronald, and—oh, what is your name—Neville! Would you like to participate in it?"

The boys nodded a little uncertainly. Gabrielle extended a hand to Hermione and Luna. "Of course, you may also participate if you wish, and Colin will do so too, as will Tessa!" She frowned as she counted them. "Very good, but I want to get you something—" So saying, she turned around and disappeared into the crowd.

"Well—she certainly is—enthusiastic!" Hermione said. Christophe chuckled.

"That's not part of it. Wait till you find out what you have to do! Thank the Gods I made sure she stayed out of this one, and me too."

"What do you mean?" Harry frowned. "What kind of a booth is this?"

Christophe looked over his shoulder. "She'll find us wherever we are, so come on, follow me." He led them past the students lounging in the flowers, and through the gates. They all gasped.

"Tut, tut, shut your mouth this instant! Your jaw is touching China…"

Ginny ignored Gwinn's voice and let her eyes focus. The courtyard here was huge! And lining every yard of it was one booth or another, selling things. Further down she could see a few rides and food booths. "Awesome…" She breathed, and ran to catch up with Christophe, who had led the others farther away.

He stopped in front of two large booths with stools behind then. On the top of one, scrawled in elegant script were words written in purple. On the other were the same words, but in pink. Christophe covered his ears expectantly just before a simultaneous scream arose.

"A KISSING BOOTH!"

"You know, this isn't that bad." Tessa lounged on one of the stools, picking idly at her nails. Hermione glared at her and wiped her mouth.

"You say that because you had that cute sixth year go after you! I got the hulking behemoth of the third years!" Ginny and Luna giggled.

"At least the boys seem like they're having fun…" Luna said. They looked over just in time to see Neville blush bright pink as a girl plunked down a few coins in front of him.

"How much is that?" Tessa asked, and Ginny leaned as close as she could. Her mouth opened in a small 'o'. "That's three Galleons! I think she wants three full snogs!"

The girl was a petite blond (all the students seemed blond or part veela, at least. She had to stand on her tiptoes to kiss Neville, and even from where they were the girls detected a smattering of tongues.

"Oh, gross!" Ginny started laughing. Ron looked over at her, an irate expression on his face until a girl who was full veela walked by and all but demanded a kiss from Harry. He stared morosely at the girl while Harry gave her a Galleon's worth of kissing. Ginny wasn't sure, but she thought she saw Luna's eyes narrow and tear a little.

"Oh, Ginny, are you enjoying yourself?" Gabrielle bounced in front of them, carrying a large and white stuffed bear and a box of chocolates in the other. "I brought zees for you!" And she handed them the chocolates and was off.

Ginny opened the box and picked a random one, commenting lightly on her soon to be sister-in-law. "Does she remind you of anyone?"

"Besides you?" Tessa deadpanned.

Ginny choked on the chocolate. "I am NOT hyperactive! I've told you; it's just something I do, for Merlin's sake! I just get bored very easily." The three girls next to her rolled their eyes, but she ignored them and hunted through the chocolate.

"Hey, awesome!" she held up one that was a pure white. "It's a Snow Glow!" The chocolate was shining alternately, and she popped it in her mouth and was satisfied to feel complete and total numbness in her mouth.

"Ah… At's oo!" (That's Good!) Hermione chose to move away from her and sit at the very end of the booth. Luna smiled out to the crowd, and Tessa decided it would be best if she took the chocolates. They were just about to start wrestling over the box when a voice interrupted them.

"A Kissing Booth?" Draco quirked an eyebrow up. "That's very low, Weasley. Are you that desperate for money?" Behind him, Blaise rolled his eyes, but Pansy (who had been stalking them) giggled in a high-pitched voice.

Ginny's face turned a light shade of red, but she kept her mouth shut (This was mostly due to the fact that the Snow Glow was still in there, and she wouldn't risk embarrassing herself). Hermione decided this was the best time to stick up for Ginny, whether or not she was interested in Malfoy.

"At least she can kiss, Malfoy." Draco looked icily at her.

"Oh? And who's saying I can't?" Ginny (who had, thankfully, regained a lot of her speech) interrupted. "I am, Malfoy."

He looked at her with something reminiscent to amusement on his face. "And you would know this because? It's not like we've actually snogged, Weasley." She narrowed her eyes. He was teasing her.

"Malfoy, leave her alone." The boys had by now noticed what was going on, and Harry had leaned over to talk. Draco sneered at him.

"Oh, are you jealous that someone else is talking to your girlfriend, Potter?" Harry turned a bright red, but Ginny was already there. She leaned over the booth, letting her chin rest in her hands.

"Listen, Malfoy, unless you can put your money where your mouth is, I suggest you shut up and sod off." Her voice was surprisingly calm, and Draco looked as though he was going to leave, but he suddenly reached into his pocket.

Ginny every faintly heard the sound of ten Galleons clinking against the table and the loud gasps from everyone around them, but by then, she was engaged in an otherwise time-consuming activity.

Draco didn't bother starting out sweet and slow this time. It was all passion, all instantaneous. Ginny felt the feeling rush back into her mouth with his tongue in tow. She only hesitated a moment before returning the move.

His hand went up unconsciously to stroke her cheek, and hers in turn went straight to the collar of his shirt. Vaguely she heard someone behind her saying it had to be ten minutes or else Draco would get his Galleons back, but all was lost as said boy nibbled at her lower lip and she moaned into his mouth.

Ron looked on in horror as his sister snogged Malfoy—and seemed to enjoying it! Harry was a little green around the gills, Colin was smirking inwardly, and Neville had been long pulled away by the blond girl.

Luna and Tessa were fighting giggles, while Hermione seemed caught between being sheepish and disgusted. Blaise was smiling, and Pansy looked like she was about to be going into a coma. Ginny was once more on top of the world—

And she decided that it was a very good feeling.

Sometime during the whole kiss, they had both started breathing through their noses, so as tongues darted in and out and the kiss deepened, never once did they lose air. They pulled apart only as both lost their footing when they tried to get closer to each other.

Draco ran his fingers through his hair. "Well."

Ginny, who was winded and still trying to remember who she was didn't say anything. Draco attempted a smirk, but it came up a bit grotesque, so he settled for a slight frown. "There's my money," he said, picking up a Galleon and biting on the edge gently. "And there's my mouth. I suppose this means I'm done, correct?"

And without waiting for anyone to speak, he sauntered away, Pansy crying sporadically as she followed him. Blaise punched the air in a little triumphant gesture before hurrying off after him.

"What in bloody hell was that about?" Ron demanded, looking at his sister irately. "It almost looked like you enjoyed that kiss! Why didn't you shove him away?"

Ginny, still somewhat dazed answered quickly. "Because he's a damn good kisser, that's why." She wondered faintly if Ron hit his head too hard when he passed out.