Ginny and Colin were still talking in the Infirmary, dinner coming. "So, Colin .. How are you and Dean?" she asked teasingly.

Colin blushed. "It's going great."

"Snogged him lately?" Ginny asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

Colin blushed an even more red color. "Ginny, I'm not one to kiss and tell .."

Ginny puckered up her lips and made kissing sounds. "Oh love me Dean! Ravish me until the end of time!" she mocked.

"Ginny .. You know I don't go that way .." said a very amused Dean Thomas, drawing the curtains back. Behind him was Hermione and Neville. "They wanted to see you, Colin."

Colin smiled. "My best friends in the whole world." he said very proud.

"I'll leave you guys." stated Dean, exiting the Infirmary.

Hermione ran over to Colin and embraced him tightly. "You gave me a fright, Colin! Don't ever do that!" she said in a motherly tone, smacking him on the head. "You scared the bullocks out of me!"

Colin rubbed the sore spot. "Bloody hell, Mione!" he yelled, wincing at the blinding pain.

Neville chuckled, hugging the boy quickly. "She's livid when she wants to be." he said to Colin. "Girls can always get away with hitting us. It's bloody unfair."

Colin snorted. "Lav smacked you upside the head, too?"

Neville nodded. "Hurt like a bloody bitch!"

Rolling her eyes, Ginny massaged Colin's forehead. "Is that better, you huge baby?" she jeered.

Colin smiled cheekily. "Yes, mother."

"Really, Colin!" exclaimed a very frustrated Hermione. "You'd think you would be able to control your body, but no! You had to faint and almost cause me to break down into pieces!"

"But, it wasn't my fault, Mione! You can't blame me for a spell gone a bit wrong!" retorted Colin.

"It wasn't the spell, Colin Creevey! It was how you put all your energy and might into it! Professor Bloom is to blame! Really! Who would think a Professor of his stature would put two of his sixth years students' lives in danger!" she screeched, fluffing Colin's pillows harshly.

Neville stared at the busy haired girl. "Mione, you really have gone bonkers." he stated loudly, watching how the pillow almost disintegrated in her hands.

Hermione scowled. "Neville Robert Longbottom! I do not want to start with you right now!"

Neville backed off, raising up his hands in defeat. "Alright .. Alright. She's all yours, Colin." Neville quickly grabbed Ginny by the arm, walking her over to the door.

Colin immediately got nervous. "What?! Nev? Gin? DON'T LEAVE ME!" he yelled, staring at the two's retreating figure. In a matter of seconds, his two other best friends were gone. "Wonderful .. I'm stuck with my second mother."

Hermione scoffed. "I can't believe you, Colin! You nearly had me dying when you fainted!"

"Ginny fainted, too!" he explained.

"Only after she recited the spell for the second time! I don't want you out of this bed until I say it's alright." scolded Hermione.

"What?! NO!" roared Colin. "I've got things to do! I've got people to see!"

Hermione smirked. "You mean .. Dean?"

Colin's eyes widened. "Hey! Who told you that?!"

"Ginny's my best friend in the whole world! Of course she told me. She told Neville, too." Hermione explained, taking a seat on Colin's bed.

Colin swallowed. "What does Nev think?"

"Colin .. He's okay with it. He still considers you his best friend. He would never like you less if you were gay, straight, or just plain rigid."

Colin laughed. "Mione?"

"Yeah, Col?"

"Thanks."

"For?" she asked inquiringly.

Colin pushed himself towards her, and hugged her once more; staying there for a while. "For being a wonderful friend. You've accepted me for me .. And you don't know how much I appreciate it."

Hermione hugged him back, rubbing circles on his back. "I love you, Colin. You have been a great friend to me, too. Anything you ask, I'll do. Don't worry about it .. Ever."

"Gin?" Neville asked softly. After they left the Hospital Wing, Ginny and Neville decided to walk around the school, talking to some paintings.

Her arm linked with Neville's, she replied, "Yeah, Nev?"

"If you love him, Gin .. Then .. Make yourself happy and get him back."

Ginny sighed. "Why would I want someone who doesn't love me like I love him?"

Neville rolled his eyes. "Why the hell do you keep saying that?! He loves you! He bloody loves you like crazy! What he did before was deplorable, but maybe he had a good reason. Just at least talk to him!"

"Since when did you become such a great advise giver?" asked Ginny.

"Since my friend was hurt by a heartless bastard that wasn't as heartless as I thought he was." Neville ran a hand through his hair. "I see the way he looks at you, Ginny. He looks almost as if he failed you somehow, like .. He can never have you again." Neville stopped in the middle of the hallway. "He wants you, Ginny. I can see it in his eyes. You want him, too. I can see it in yours."

Ginny stared at her best friend. "I love him so much, Nev. It hurts .. It hurt up to the point where I can't take the pain any more. I want him to want me to love him. I want him to go up to me and hug me .. Kiss me .. I want him to tell me its going to be okay .. I .. I just .. Going on without him is like .. Moving on being hollow."

Neville wrapped his arms around Ginny, giving her a shoulder to cry on. "Every time I see him .. I feel like I'm dying .."

"Sshh .. It's okay .. Don't worry .." Neville whispered soothingly in her ear.

Neville held her close, leaning his chin on her head. He's never seen her so distraught before. Closing his eyes and sighing, Neville thought of a plan. A plan to get her happy again. She was his best friend .. And if he couldn't see her smile again, then he didn't know what he would do.

Olivia was sitting by the lake with five Slytherin boys. Hermione gave Olivia to Blaise's care, giving him instructions on how to take care of her. Olivia simply loved Andy, Greggy, and Vinny. She thought they purely hilarious. They always fought, scowled at each other, and what Olivia loved the most was the fact that they stayed friends even after all that.

"Olly, did Mione tell you anything about what happened last night?" asked Blaise.

"Nope. She just told me to stay where I was. But .. This morning I had to see Ginny. I missed her!" she exclaimed. "She was crying before .."

Blaise raised an eyebrow. "When was she crying?"

"The day before we went to Hogsmeade." Olivia rolled a ball of snow on the ground. "She kept asking the question 'Why?'. I asked what was happening, but she told me I wouldn't understand."

Draco gulped. "Do you know what she was talking about?" he asked, his voice cracking a bit.

Olivia shrugged. "She said I was too young to understand anything about love."

Andrew's ears perked up. "Love?"

Olivia nodded. "A girl was screaming at Ginny. She called Ginny 'his little puppet'."

"Keira." stated Greg, putting two and two together. "Was it the same girl that tried to hit you?"

"Yes. She said that Ginny meant nothing to 'him'. I never found out who him was. Ginny wouldn't tell me. But .. I think I know who." She shot a glance at Draco. "You snogged her senseless in DADA!" she exclaimed.

Everyone besides Draco laughed. He looked away, trying his best not to blush at the girl's comment. "She said something about love?"

Olivia ignored his question. "Why did you say Ginny was only a good shag?" Her voice was still soft and gentle, but stern at the same time. Olivia may have been a six year old, but she was a very observant and perceptive six year old. She listened intently on what people would say or do. She knew more things than you would of thought.

Andrew choked. "You told her that? You said that to a girl!"

Draco opened his mouth, ashamed. "I bloody didn't know what else to do! I just .." He gritted his teeth. "I don't have to answer you."

Olivia scooted closer to Draco. "She cried all night, you know. I couldn't stop her from shaking. If you kissed her like you meant it .. Then why aren't you with her right now? She needs you, Drakie. She's dying without you."

Swallowing, Draco looked at the little girl. "I'm not worth dying for."

Blaise cut in. "Ginny thinks you are."

Dinner soon came, and everyone was seated in the Great Hall. Draco kept sneaking glances at Ginny, thinking no one would notice. Greg would just shake his head and go back to eating his food. Vinny would snort occasionally at the boy. Andrew, who was staring off into space, had drool seeping down from his mouth. It wasn't a pretty sight. Blaise disregarded his stupid friends and continued to eat, making small conversation with Greg.

In the middle of supper, Professor Dumbledore stood up and approached the podium. "Good evening everyone. Due to .. Some adjustments, Christmas break will start first thing tomorrow!" Claps and whistles were sent throughout the room. "For all of those who chose to stay here at Hogwarts must find another place to stay." People then started whispering. "It is not safe here anymore. We must guard the castle, therefore, we need a long period of time. Christmas vacation is the perfect time to do this. Thank you .. I will now leave you to your dinner."

The hall was quiet. Harry and Ron didn't look surprised at all. They all knew why Dumbledore was dismissing the students early. "I can't believe Hogwarts isn't safe anymore. The world has gone nutters." said Hermione, cutting up her roast beef.

"We knew this was going happen sometime." replied Ginny, looking up and meeting Draco's gaze. They held the stare up for a while, until Olivia's spoon went flying in the air, dropping a dollop of mashed potatoes on Ron's head.

"Gross! Olly!" he yelled, seizing the nearest napkin and wiping the fluffy substance from his hair. "This is disgusting!"

Olivia giggled. "Sorry, Ronnie."

Ginny snorted. "You just love throwing mashed potatoes at people, don't you?" she asked Olivia.

The little girl pouted. "I didn't mean to throw it at Ronnie."

"Aw, baby. It's okay .. Maybe if Ronnie was nicer .. You wouldn't throw any mashed potatoes at him." joked Hermione, caressing Olivia's cheek. "Guess where we're spending Christmas!"'

Olivia's eyes brightened. "With Ginny and Ronnie!?"

Laughing, Hermione nodded. "Yep .. It'll be fun."

"How bout Mummy and Da? Are we going to see them on Christmas?" Olivia looked hopeful, making Hermione even more guilty.

"We'll see .." she said softly, knowing that lying to her sister was wrong.

Before anyone could say anything else, an owl flew in towards the Slytherin table. All the occupants in the hall looked up, curious to why someone was receiving mail in the evening. They only usually got letters during breakfast, never afterwards.

Looking across to where the owl perched, Ginny saw a very terrified look on Keira's face. The same look Ron had on his face when he had obtained a howler. Ginny smirked. "The bloody wench got a howler!" she out loud, the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff's table laughing. Most of the Slytherins even guffawed a bit, too.

The watched attentively as the girl peeled open the note and laid it gently down on the table, right in front of her. Awaiting the voice, Keira began to sweat. "Why would her parents be sending her a howler? I mean .. aren't they proud that she tried to hit a Muggle born?" whispered Hermione to Ginny.

Ron answered for her. "Harry and I heard she got expelled. She's not allowed to come back here after Christmas break." Hermione nodded.

Ginny tapped her fingers impatiently on the desk, still waiting for that howler to float up and scream in that girl's face. Everything came call so fast ..

"KEIRA LATTY-ANNE CHELTS!" boomed a very squeaky voice. It sounded almost like Pansy's voice, except much older. "HOW DARE YOU GET YOURSELF EXPELLED!" Many of the students gasped. "I AM DISGUSTED WITH YOUR BEHAVIOR! TRYING TO HIT A CHILD?! ARE YOU MAD?! YOUR FATHER AND I ARE DISAPPOINTED YOU! THIS LITTLE ACT OF YOURS HAS COST US A LARGE SUM OF MONEY! WE WILL NOW BE SENDING YOU TO A BOARDING SCHOOL IN NEWFOUNDLAND! CROSS US AGAIN KEIRA AND YOU WILL NOT GET OUT AS EASY AS YOU HAVE NOW! YOU'RE VERY LUCKY WE DIDN'T DISOWN YOU!"

The paper ripped itself into tiny little threads, now only leaving strips of parchment. Keira was breathing raggedly. She didn't even look affected. She looked as if she got out easy! When everyone thought that it was clear to eat again, Olivia shouted something out loud. "THAT'S WHAT YOU GET YOU MEAN AND WICKED WOMAN!" she squeaked.

The hall then became silent again. "YOU DESERVED MORE!"

Hermione watched as her little sister climbed onto the table, her face in shock. "YOU'RE VERY LUCKY YOUR MUMMY AND DA DON'T DISOWN YOU! I WOULD OF IF YOU WERE MY CHILD! YOU THINK YOU GOT OFF EASY? I SUGGEST YOU WIPE THAT SMUG LOOK OFF YOUR FACE!" She placed both hands on her hips, as if she was an authority figure. "YOU ARE A DISGRACE!"

Ginny gulped. Closing her eyes and afraid that a Professor might come and expel them too, she heard the whole hall burst into applause. "What the-?" Fluttering her eyes open, she even found the Professors clapping at Olivia's speech. "I take it no one like Keira that much?"

Hermione grinned. "You just found that out now!?"

After dinner, Ginny, Hermione, and Olivia walked back up to the Head dorms. Ginny was especially happy that Draco wasn't there. Neville and Lavender were at the Infirmary with Colin. "Mione? We really need to talk .." stated Ginny, opening the door to Hermione's bedroom. ".. Alone."

Hermione nodded. "Olly, Hon. I need you to give us some time alone. Can you go downstairs and read for a bit?"

"Okay, Mione." said a very obedient Olivia. The cute little girl trudged herself downstairs.

"What did you want to talk about?" asked Hermione, closing the door and whispering a silencing charm around the room.

Ginny sat on the king sized bed. "What happened last night? Is everything okay?" she asked softly.

"My parents were hurt." explained Hermione. Ginny gasped. "They were taken to St. Mungo's for treatment. They've been hiding out for the past couple of days. I couldn't tell Olivia .. She would break down if she found out .. So .. I kept it a secret from her. She's been asking about them all day .. And .." Hermione wept a bit ".. I can't bring myself up to tell her. Blaise told me that I should just keep it to myself .. But .. My conscience has be plaguing me! I don't know what do .. I just .."

Ginny placed her hand on Hermione's shoulder, letting her best friend lean in on her chest. "I know it's just an opinion .. But I suggest you don't say anything until after Christmas. Let Olivia be joyous this time of season. She deserves to see some light on a very dark day."

Hermione wiped all her tears up and looked at Ginny. "Did you know that Blaise invited me to his house for Christmas? His parents supposedly want to meet me."

Ginny giggled. "I can't wait to see that! You'll be more nervous than ever!"

"He got me a gift .. But he wouldn't let me see .. Ruddy bastard!" joked Hermione.

"You're lucky you have someone that loves you." whispered Ginny.

"What are you saying? That Malfoy doesn't love you? After he kissed you Gin .. I knew he was the mystery boyfriend .. I even knew way before .. Remember that day we all bumped into him and Blaise?" Ginny nodded. "There was so much tension between you two .. It was almost like something happened .. Something did happen, didn't it, Gin?"

"It was nothing, Mione. Can we please just not talk about it?" scowled Ginny, laying back into the bed and covering herself in the covers. "We need to pack."

Hermione simply got up and walked over to her closet, taking out a large trunk. She didn't want to bother Ginny about Draco, so she just kept her mouths shut. Everything will fall into place soon .. I promise, Gin.

"The princess went back to sleep, thinking the prince never really came back to her .." babbled on Olivia, reading a fairy tale book her parents bought her recently. ".. And when she asked him what his name was .. He didn't reply .."

Hearing the portrait door swish open, Olivia snapped her head to the left. "Drakie!" she squealed, dropping the book on the floor and giving her hero a hug. "Hi!"

Draco chuckled and lifted her up. "Hey, what are you going here by yourself?" he asked inquiringly, hoping Ginny wasn't around. How could he face her?

He settled them both on the couch, Olivia sitting on his lap, her book now back in her possession. "I'm not by myself. Mione's upstairs with .." Olivia stopped there. ".. She's by herself packing." The girl was pretty good at lying.

Draco believed her. "That's nice. So .. Where are you spending Christmas?"

Olivia smiled. "I get to stay over at Ginny and Ronnie's house! They give the best presents!"

"I see .. What do you want for Christmas?" Draco asked, both eyebrows raised.

Olivia sighed. "I want someone to explain to me .. Or at least show me what love is. Everyone's been going on about it .. And I just .. Want to know." she explained tiredly.

"How about I get you a unicorn?"

Olivia's eyes widened. "A unicorn?! Really?! How can you get me one!?"

"Well .. I happen to know some people who own some baby unicorns. I don't think you're sister would like it much if I got you one though .." he replied sadly.

"You're right .. Mione would go absolutely nutters. She's always like that, you know." stated Olivia, as if the sentence she just said was right.

Draco laughed. "Hey .. What are you reading?"

"A story .." Olivia yawned. "Drakie, will you read it to me?"

Draco nodded and opened the book, Olivia resting her tiny little head on his chest. "There once was a princess who lived on a very big hill. Her father, the King had recently lost his third wife. He was getting old and would soon need someone to take over the throne. This is when he decided that his daughter should marry and share the kingdom with a prince .."

Hermione packed the last of her knickers. "Hey, Gin? Do me a favor and get Olivia for me."

"Alright." Ginny responded curly, opening the door to the bedroom and creeping delicately down the stairs. She heard a very manly voice speaking and almost fainted at who she thought it was. Nearing the bottom of the landing, she snuck up behind the couch and stared at the sight in front of her.

Draco Malfoy was reading the sleeping Olivia a bedtime story, his voice a little tired. "The princess still could not find her prince, so what her father did was lock her up in the dungeons .. Hoping that someone would save her. If someone did succeed in rescuing the girl .. That man would be named king .."

Ginny stared in awe at the two. Draco almost seemed human right then and there. His blonde hair was falling over his forehead, both his hands on the book. His voice was like a melody ringing through her ears. This made her realize just how much she really missed him. He, too, soon fell asleep, the book dangling from the couch. His head was now plopped onto the arm of the couch, Olivia still slumbering in his arms.

Ginny cautiously stepped forward, making sure not to make any noise. She didn't want him waking up. Now in front of the two, she kneeled forward and placed a chaste kiss on his lips. The touch alone gave her memories of their love together. "I love you, Draco Malfoy .." she whispered, playing with his hair. ".. I don't think it's even possible to stop loving you."

Quietly lifting up Olivia, Ginny held the girl in her arms, making sure not to wake her. She took one last look at Draco, blowing him one last kiss. "Goodnight .. My Dragon."

She proceeded up the stairs, not hearing the few words that escaped the boy's mouth. "I love you, too .. My red-headed Angel."

(A/N): OMG! i got so many reviews from my last chapter .. i swear to gog .. you guys are freaking awesome! how did you like this chappie? i loved the end and the howler .. my personal favorites .. lol .. :) .. keira's a bitch, no? lol .. well anyways i want alot of reviews for this chappie .. the next one might be a tad bit longer .. i don't know .. this is the whole introduction for Christmas! .. next chappie shows the train ride back home .. and .. well .. some Hermione/Blaise action .. and some Ron/? action .. you guys all know that Harry and Cho are together right? okay .. good ! thanks so much my dear chickies!

as always - fawning over cheese,
chalk & gatorade :)
(someone asked me whats w/ me and cheese .. lets just say it tastes so good .. and i don't think i can live without it .. lol )