A/N: Wow! This story has already gotten over one hundred reviews! And my very first attempt at fanfiction, at that. I'm shocked, and very, very happy. A most sincere thank-you to everyone that reviewed. It means quite alot to me, I assure you.

Now, I realise this is a great hulking bit of a never-ending chapter, but I couldn't find a place to break it off into two more manageable ones. One or the other always seemed to end up as 250 words or so. And I'm bright enough to know I'd be flamed into oblivion if I did that to you. So those of you that have limited time on the Internet, I apologise for your anticipated distress. Please don't hurt me. (grins sheepishly) Remember, I like you.

Also, (I know, I know. Shut up with the inane comments and get on with the story. I wonder if anyone actually peruses the A/Ns or skips directly to the good stuff?) later this week I'm going to upload a personal thank-you to all the reviewers since the last time. It's the polite thing to do, and always good to see your name praised, no? So the chapter alert is not going to be an actual chapter. If you read this, you won't flame. HA! Now I'll know who skips the A/Ns! Brilliant! (pats self on back)

Okay, I'm just rambling now. Enjoy!

Rating: R, still. I'm not sure what precisely constitutes R and PG-13, so the rating is precautionary. Any guidance you lot have would be fantastic.

Disclaimer: Still not mine. Still waiting for a Book Six release date. Still shamelessly tweaking J.K. Rowling's characters for my own amusement.


Chapter Seven: Ever Feel Like Someone Can See Right Through You?

Ginny strolled into the crowded Great Hall.

As she entered, a cheer went up and many students began to let out whistles and shouts of appreciation. She grinned and dipped a swift curtsy before making her way over to the Gryffindor table. Apparently, taking on Malfoy brings instant celebrity. I have to admit, it's kind of nice being the centre of attention.

She had just swung a leg over the bench and sat down between Harry and Neville when a hush fell over the hall. Craning her neck to see over the taller people blocking her view of the entrance, she spotted Malfoy.

He slammed over to his place at the Slytherin table amidst much catcalling and shouldered Crabbe and Goyle apart, two bright spots of red flying high on his cheekbones.

She watched him give clipped replies to the remarks his housemates were making about something as he filled his plate from the dishes and trays in front of him. He still seemed furious, and Ginny couldn't blame him for that.

How's it feel to know a Weasley got the best of you, hmm? And a girl, to boot. Ginny's conscience began to nag at her in her mind. Okay, okay, maybe I didn't exactly play fair. But Malfoy doesn't play fair, so I was just a step ahead of him, is all. It's apropos. What I've started helps make up for all of the hurtful, nasty things he's done to everyone here. And maybe he'll finally leave Harry and Ron alone now.

(Across the Great Hall...)

When Draco dropped into his place, he was immediately bombarded from all sides.

"Are you all right?" Crabbe asked around a mouthful of mash.

Draco shuddered at the revolting sight and checked his sleeves for any resultant spittle. "Peachy, you twit."

"Where's your sling?" from an annoying sixth year he couldn't remember the name of.

He replied snottily, "Not here, it would seem."

"Thought you were supposed to stay in bed until tomorrow?" a simpering Daphne Snodgrass queried, batting her stubby eyelashes.

Draco snorted, nastily thinking she would make an excellent match for Crabbe. "Like I'd listen to that harridan we call a nurse." Ugh. Crabbe and Snodgrass. Those are two gene pools that should never merge. In fact, they should be barred from reproducing by law. Must remember to send an owl to the Ministry requesting legislation banning inadequate persons from mating. Ha! That should net me an Order of Merlin, Third Class, at the very least. Perhaps I have a future as a great humanitarian.

"I heard it was terrible!" squeaked a mousy blonde girl.

"Bloody awful, if you must know."

A glum Malcolm Baddock piped up from down the table. "Snape still doesn't know who caused the explosion, and he's locked down all the Slytherin fourth years until he gets a confession."

A brief silence followed that, as they all pondered their Head of House's vicious mood. Crabbe swallowed the enormous bite of food he had stuffed in his mouth. "Someone said you were saved by that Weasley girl?"

Unfortunately, this reminded Draco of the source of his current humiliation. He was so angry he began to shake with rage. A fine tremble ran along his hand as he viciously stabbed several slices of roast beef and transferred them to his plate.

Draco purposefully set down his fork and looked both ways down the table until he found the face he was looking for. Very slowly, taking the time to inject venom into every syllable, he said, "Bulstrode, how would you prefer to be killed?"

Her eyebrow rose higher and higher as each word cut through the chatter at the table like a knife. Placing both meaty forearms on the table, she smiled grimly. "You and what army, Malfoy? You had it coming, you git."

She nudged Theodore Nott next to her. He just stared at Draco, expressionless. Draco had always been a little wary of that one. There was a strange gleam in Nott's eyes that carried a sharp warning of swift and unrelenting retribution. Bit unsteady, Nott is. Father always said Nott Sr's teapot was cracked. Looks to be hereditary. I should include him in the list of persons barred from having children.

Thinking better of it, Draco changed tacts. After all, I can't very well ensure my own superior genes are passed on if Nott kills me in a fit of insanity. He replied cajolingly, "Milli, I am always a git. That's my thing, what I'm renowned for. Come on; that tiny, middling little incident with your potions was only a friendly joke. Why'd you have to go and do something like this?"

She shrugged her massive shoulders. Bulstrode should check out that muggle game. What is it? Bugby? No, no... rugby. Right. I bet she'd be world-class. Draco tuned back in just as she opened her mouth to answer. "Seemed the thing to do at the time. Besides, it wouldn't do you any harm to come down a peg or two. And I think Weasley is an okay sort."

Tracey Davis giggled, drawing Draco's attention. A bored-looking Blaise sat with his head propped on one hand, the other somewhere beneath the table. No doubt between Davis' legs.

"Sod it all, Zabini, some of us are trying to eat here! Can't you molest Davis later, preferably someplace where I don't have to watch?" Draco spat.

Blaise rolled his head lazily, until he was looking at Draco. Drolly, he replied, "What's wrong, love? Jealous? You know I'm always here for you, Draco. All you had to do was ask nicely."

Draco choked on the mouthful of pumpkin juice he was swallowing. "What?"

Blaise snorted with amusement and pulled a mock-disgusted face that he ruined by waggling his eyebrows suggestively. "You're not my type, Draco, but I might be persuaded to change my mind."

Draco grimaced as he quipped, "Didn't know you had a type, Blaise. Thought you humped anything that walked on two legs. But really, Davis? Boy's got more toes than brain cells."

Pansy shrieked. "Blaise, you shagged Tracey? I thought you liked girls! What about..." She trailed off, red-faced.

Blaise shrugged a shoulder and raised his glass, eyeing Draco amusedly. "Touche, Malfoy. Nicely done." He leaned forward around Davis and gave Pansy a comforting pat on the hand. "Pansy, love, we were wonderful. I had a fantastic time. And I adore women. All women, you lovely creature, you. And some men, too. I prefer to keep my options open, is all."

Draco turned back to his meal, leaving Blaise to deal with a horrified Pansy and an equally horrified Tracey Davis. Good luck getting out of this one, Blaise, you trouble-making bastard.

Next to him, Goyle very quietly asked, "Draco, why's she trying to hurt you?"

Draco paused and considered. He knew who Goyle was talking about immediately. Goyle wasn't part troll, like everyone assumed. Granted, he was big and loyal to him, and so had his uses for sheer intimidation. But he wasn't the half-wit he was thought to be.

Draco looked around before answering to find an avidly interested Pansy edging closer on the opposite bench. Catching her eyes, he warned her away with his expression. Pouting, she reluctantly turned to Tracey Davis and asked what he and Blaise do, exactly.

"You know how I got hurt in that explosion, don't you, Goyle?"

He nodded and continued to eat, not looking at Draco at all. Draco heaved an aggravated sigh at Goyle's poor manners and continued.

"Well, Weasley was the one that found me. She stayed and helped Snape and Madam Pomfrey patch me up. I may have commented on her breasts, I can't really remember. And then I tried to be nice when she brought my things to the hospital wing, and she acted like I was trying to mess with her head. Hot-headed harpy. Honestly, can't a guy be properly appreciative when his life is saved? And now this whole disaster she's causing..."

Goyle looked at his plate as he said thoughtfully, "But why wouldn't you just hex her? Or threaten her to be quiet or something? It's just not like you."

Not wanting to answer that, or even fully consider it, Draco just pushed around the stewed carrots on his plate. Finally he said truthfully, "I don't know, alright?"

Knowing when to leave things alone, Goyle grunted and grabbed another roll off of the platter.

Draco shoved his plate away from him and looked around the hall for the source of his ire. He spotted her annoyingly red hair halfway up the Gryffindor table, with her arm around the insufferable boy wonder, Potter. A growl trickled from his lips as they peeled back into a snarl, his eyes hot with malice.

His reaction was noted by two very interested people.

...meanwhile...

"Huh?"

Harry continued to gaze at Ginny, his bright green eyes unblinking. He repeated his question quietly. "What's going on, Ginny?"

Gently, Ginny draped an arm around him and hugged his shoulders. She loved him dearly, this almost-brother of hers.

It ripped her heart in two as she thought about the events of last year. Things had escalated quickly, until the war was full-blown halfway through the autumn term and the school was temporarily closed.

Ginny had played a part, but it had felt so insignificant at the time. Her duties consisted of ensuring that those who came to 12 Grimmauld Place received the food and care they so desperately needed. She was constantly worried sick and felt helpless, but was forbidden from actively fighting by Dumbledore himself. So she pretended she was Mum, taking care of anyone and anything that came into her kitchen. Madam Pomfrey presided over the more serious injuries, but everything else fell to Ginny. And she did well, too.

Ginny would never, for the rest of her days, forget the morning a large group of ragged witches and wizards Apparated into the kitchen with Harry's limp, bloodied body. She had thought he was dead. And although many had died, no one she knew closely was killed. She still thanked every god she could name each morning for that.

Later, when she had come upon him alone in a dark, unused sitting room, Harry had haltingly told her how he had finally defeated Voldemort. The only way to truly destroy him had been to let him completely take over Harry's body. Harry had willingly let himself be possessed as Dumbledore cast a Protective Charm around his body to bind them together. He cried quietly in her arms as he told her of the pain that had made him beg for death, and of all of the horrible things that Voldemort had shown him, including everything that happened the night he killed Harry's parents. In the end, it had been the memory of his parents' deaths that had turned the tides. Lily's sacrifice inspired him to do the same. It had been Harry's love for everyone still with him, and his willingness to die for them now, that had ultimately destroyed Voldemort.

But, to this day, Harry was only a shadow of his former self. He had seen so many terrible things that parts of him seemed to have shut down. He was distant and introverted, and very rarely interacted with anyone other than Hermione, Ron or Ginny anymore. He did his schoolwork, ate, slept and played wizarding chess, or else just sat and stared at the fire. Even his enthusiasm for Quidditch had evaporated. He played each match like a man in a coma. Yet, it never once occured to the team to replace him as Seeker. Harry was theirs, had saved them all, and now it was their turn to protect him as best they could. Dumbledore assured everyone that he would be alright, that it was simply going to take time. He said Harry's mind had to deal with things slowly, because to face it all at once would result in madness.

Coming back to the present, Ginny removed her arm from around Harry and took hold of his hand. "What do you mean, Harry?"

He blinked as she rubbed her thumb across his knuckles. It seemed that he was more responsive when she kept physical contact with him. Harry turned his hand palm up and clasped hers. "Hermione and Ron were arguing about you. He said that you were 'playing with things far too dangerous' and that you would get hurt. What did he mean?"

Ginny sighed. "You know how Malfoy got hurt in that explosion in the dungeons?"

Harry nodded as she continued. "He said some things to make me angry, and when I brought his things up to the hospital wing, he kept at it. He was just trying to play mind games. So I decided that if he found out what it was like for everyone to pick on him, maybe he would stop acting so mean and nasty all of the time. And then he would leave you and Ron alone."

Harry smiled faintly and squeezed her hand. "Ginny, you don't have to take care of everyone anymore. Believe me, either Ron or I could handle Malfoy in our sleep. He's just not worth the effort."

"But you shouldn't have to, Harry" she replied. "That's the point. This whole" she waved her free hand around expansively "mess started with me trying to get Malfoy to just mind his own business for once."

"And now it's complicated." Harry said as he looked at her with those amazingly green eyes. They used to sparkle in mischief or amusement or anger. Now they seemed so old and tired, like they had seen every injustice of the world. She knew that look well. She had seen it often on Sirius' gaunt face that summer before her fourth year. He released her hand and said gravely, "So now what? Where does it go from here?"

Ginny looked at her empty plate, feeling inexplicably guilty. "I don't know, Harry. I just don't know."

...meanwhile...

Professor Snape and Professor Sinistra sat at the end of the staff table, as was their custom. Snape had launched into another tirade about his fourth year class that had caused the explosion, when Melissande Sinistra cut him off.

"Do you remember what we discussed earlier, Severus?"

"Of course," he snorted. "Completely preposterous, though. Don't know what the boy was thinking, going on like that. He's lucky she didn't shove one of my remaining beakers down his throat. Weasley looked ready to kill him then and there. Can't say I'm surprised she retaliated, though her chosen manner is a little under-handed. Weasley temper and all, I suppose. Though not nearly as bad as that idiot brother of hers-"

"Severus?"

"Yes, Melissande?"

"You seem to be rambling again." She raised a dark eyebrow and cast him a sidelong glance. She did love to tease him so.

Sternly, Snape frowned at her. "No worse an offence than your hare-brained theory. They're as different as night and day. Draco is not all sunshine and rainbows; he has a bit of his father's dark streak. Believe me, I've known him since he was a baby. Don't get me wrong. I like Draco Malfoy, and I think he'll turn into a decent man. But he'll never be the 'save the world' type like Potter."

"And what has that to do with anything?" She asked archly, as she cut into her chicken.

"I just don't think their personalities mesh well. They each have qualities the other likely finds repulsive."

Sinistra laid down her fork and knife, as she stared off into the sea of students. "You don't believe that opposites attract, Severus?"

He gave the tiny, self-satisfied smile of one completely assured of his facts. "In this case, no."

"Then I suggest you see the look on Mr Malfoy's face now. Seems a bit angry about her hugging Mr Potter. Spitting mad, actually."

They both looked at the Slytherin table. More specifically, at the snarl on Draco Malfoy's face as he watched Ginny sit with her arm around Harry.

Snape leant back in his chair and took a long sip from his water goblet. "Perhaps you're right, Melissande. There may be more to this than I thought."

(A short time later...)

Ginny sat talking with Hermione, Ron and Neville after she had finished her meal and kept watch out of the corner of her eye.

She made a mental note as Malfoy got up to leave, his pale hair easy to identify. Nodding absently at whatever Neville had just said, she saw Parvati and Lavender jump up from the end of the Gryffindor table and rush to the doors. Interest piqued, Ginny turned to watch. Following her gaze, the other three let the conversation taper off and looked on interestedly as the situation unfolded.

Parvati jumped in front of Malfoy and grabbed the front of his robes, giving her best come-hither smile. He frowned and said something, causing her smile to falter. Not one to give up easily, she slid her arms around his neck, and motioned Lavender forward frantically. She ran up, long brown braiding swinging, a small camera in one hand. With the other, she grabbed the hem of Malfoy's robes and threw them up and over the blond's head. Grasping the top of his trousers, she tried to jerk them down with a fierce tug.

Malfoy flailed wildly and knocked Parvati away. Silence reigned as everyone at the tables was entranced by the sight of the two girls trying to disrobe Malfoy, who was still hopelessly entangled in his robes. Finally managing to get his robes back over his head, he backed away with his wand in his hand.

"What in the flaming depths of HELL do you two think you're doing?!" he roared. "GET AWAY FROM ME!"

Their attempt at 50 galleons failing spectacularly, Parvati and Lavender began edging toward the doors. Lavender stammered, "Er, s-sorry. Had to t-t-try, you know. Erm, no hard feelings?"

At the look on Malfoy's face, the girls looked at each other and fled. He started forward after them, then stopped. He turned and shot a look at Ginny that, by rights, should have turned her to a pile of smouldering ashes. Colour flushing up his neck, he whirled and stormed out.

Breathing a sigh of relief that he hadn't tried to kill her, Ginny looked at Hermione and Ron, who seemed immobilised by shock. And then she laughed. She couldn't help it. This is turning out so much better than I could have ever hoped! Her laugh rang out through the silent hall, prompting more laughter, until nearly everyone was choking with mirth. Even Snape looked amused, which was saying something.

Draco stood outside the Great Hall doors, his fists clenched in rage. How DARE she! How dare they all! You want a war, Weasley? You've got it! He moved to the staircase in front of him, silently planning his first act of revenge.

A few minutes later, Ginny exited the Great Hall with Neville, Ron and Hermione. She paused at the staircase when she realised she had forgotten her wand on the table.

"I forgot my wand. I'll be right back."

Ron turned back, concern in his eyes. "D'ya want us to wait, Gin? I don't want Malfoy to try anything, especially when you're wandless."

Ginny dismissed his concern with a wave. "Malfoy already left, Ron. Remember? Lavender? Parvati? Ring any bells?" She smiled at him placatingly. "The hall is right there. I'll be just fine; half of the staff is still in there. Go ahead. I'll catch up with you."

He looked ready to argue some more when Hermione grabbed his arm. "She'll be fine, Ron. Really."

Reluctantly, he turned and the little group made their way up the staircase.

Ginny had grabbed her wand and was on her way out the doors as a hand landed on her shoulder. Spinning around, she pointed her wand at her attacker's face. Sheepishly, she noted it was her Astronomy instructor, Professor Sinistra, not Draco Malfoy intent on revenge.

"Oh, sorry, Professor! I thought you were-"

"I know very well who you thought I was," she chuckled, her black eyes sparkling. "Quite a show tonight, wasn't it? Poor Mr Malfoy. I hope I never anger you as much as he must have. That scene with Miss Brown and Miss Patil seemed to have truly embarrassed him. What, I wonder, could he have done to make you so angry?"

Ginny blushed. "Er, Professor, I'd rather not..."

She casually waved off Ginny's mumbled attempt at an explanation. "Of course, of course. How rude of me to push. But if you ever need someone to talk to confidentially, Miss Weasley, please consider me. I find I quite like you." Professor Sinistra smiled, and waited for Ginny to walk up the staircase before she left.

Ginny hurried to Gryffindor Tower. The empty halls suddenly seemed menacing, and each creak of a stair made her think someone was about to attack her. As she left the final staircase and moved into a long corridor, she spotted a group of third years ahead, laughing and playfully shoving one another.

Sighing gratefully at the sight, she slowed her pace as they turned the final corner and disappeared into the dead-end where the Fat Lady's portrait hung. A tapestry rustled just after she passed, causing Ginny to jump in fright. Grumbling at her nerves, but clutching her wand tightly, she turned and surveyed the tapestry and the hallway behind her. Nothing.

She turned and began walking hurriedly towards the end of the hallway when something cold hit her back and washed over her, giving her gooseflesh and raising the hairs on her neck. She could feel someone watching her.

"Lumos!" She whirled and raised her wand. Nothing. The hallway was still empty. She looked over her shoulder and down her front, checking her robes for what had hit her. Nothing. Must've been Peeves playing his tricks again.

She edged cautiously around the corner and ran to the portrait of the Fat Lady, calling the passcode as she moved.

After the portrait swung shut behind her, she paused and let her head fall against the cool stone wall. She took a few deep, calming breaths before moving into the Common Room, intent on finding Ron and telling him that she didn't want to be left alone again. He was right. It wasn't safe right now. She could feel it.

"Oi! Ron! Get your clairvoyant arse over here!"

All of the Gryffindors in the Common Room looked at her, wondering what she was yelling about. Ginny looked about at all the shocked faces and wondered at the dead silence.

"What? I've something hanging from my nose?" she groused. "Where's my brother?"

Neville, who was about to walk up the stairs to the male dormitories, was standing with one hand raised halfway to the bannister. His face flushed a deep purple, Neville stammered, "G-Ginny! Where are your clothes?!"

Ginny looked down at her robes. The same robes she had on at dinner. Annoyed, she retorted, "I'm wearing them, you idiot. What, are you going blind?"

Seamus, a grin spreading impishly across his face, shot upright in his chair. "Oh no, honey, he's not going blind. Pity the man who is, because he's certainly missing out."

Ginny rubbed the fabric of her sleeve, positive she was going mad. "Seamus, I AM wearing clothes. I can FEEL them, dammit!"

He winked at her, before dropping his gaze to parts well south of her eyes. "Maybe you can feel them, but we can see that charming little birthmark on your hip, which would be difficult if you had any clothes on, love."

She stared at him, eyes widening in horror.

Ron came down the staircase at a run. "What's this about a girl being starkers? Where?" he demanded, eyes roving the room and stopping on his sister. His baby sister. His very naked baby sister.

Yelling incoherently, Ron ran at her whilst ripping his robes off over his head. He skidded to a halt and threw them over her, effectively shielding her from view.

A chilling laugh echoed in her ears. Looking around wildly, she saw that no one in the Common Room was laughing. Malfoy's disembodied voice floated to her, coming from the other side of the portrait. "This is only the beginning, Weasley. You are the one who wanted to play with the big boys, so get ready."

That was the precise moment Ginny came out of her shocked state. She screamed in humiliation and, clutching Ron's robes tightly around her, took off up the stairs to her dormitory.

Draco stood outside of Gryffindor, laughing hysterically. Only wish I could have seen the results for myself. Splendid, Draco. Top-notch plan; you gave that jumped-up Weasley a night to remember. Ha! Haha! Congratulating himself on a job well done, he turned the corner and made his way down the hallway, plotting.