JK Rowling Owns Harry Potter and Support Characters

FASA games owns Earthdawn, Kaers, Horrors, Books or Harrow

Note: Parcel Tongue is designated as §"Italicized words"§

Casting Shadows – Chapter 5

12 Grimmauld Place, the next day

Harry got up late the next morning and came down stairs around 11AM. Kreacher had let him sleep in as it had been a rough few weeks. Harry and Bill spent the last three weeks on the island of Malta, trying to determine if there was an ancient kaer at the site. There were a few unpleasant animals skulking about at night that had to be deal with. Even a couple lethifolds. But the nightmares were the worst challenge.

The ruins of Malta were very old, definitely going back to the last 'Scourge'. The Astral plane was showing proximity to a large amount of corruption out in the wilderness, but Harry and Bill believed the ruins held the key to finding it. The filth that was seeping out of the ground was putrid and vile. Something foul was on the island, but it was hidden deep under the ground. They had managed to locate a few ancient kaers in recent months, but this one had the markings of one that was still magically viable but 'breached'. More research was needed, and they would pick up again in a few weeks and try to find the entrance.

Harry always felt the need to just detox and relax after being around corruption like this. It reminded him too much of Azkaban. Too much like Riddle House in Little Hangleton. Too much like a Horcrux. After carrying one around in his scar for so many years, he was far more sensitive to that type of corruption than most people. He could almost taste the foulness coming out of the earth. From the feel of it, it was VERY deep and VERY powerful.

A strong serving of Earl Grey seemed to help rinse the corruption from his senses. That and a hearty English breakfast. Well, at this hour it was really brunch. Ginny would be over later and he wanted to be out of his 'work mode'.

Ginny hated hearing about Horrors and the Dark Lords (and Ladies) they frequently corrupted and worked through. Not that he blamed her, he would give a lot to be able to forget the pain and horror of the last war. But, he was Harry Potter – Lord Peverell, Champion of the Light-Bearers, Master of Death, bearer of Oak Heart, Guardian of Secrets, and the Keeper of the 'Books of Harrow'. He held the line in preventing another Voldemort. Another Grindelwald. Another Herpo the Foul. And, most importantly, another Scourge.

He was also a young man who was looking forward to spending time with his gorgeous girlfriend and enjoying some desperately needed R&R. He was planning to take Ginny to a fun dinner at Bell's and celebrate her birthday a little early. Harry loved that restaurant. Not too formal and it had the best shepherd's pie he had ever tasted. He reserved a private room in the back and invited a few of their closest friends and family. It was a casual affair - just a few friends to get together and enjoy a little down time. And it was a surprise for Ginny.

Harry mentally went over the guest list while he ate. Hermione and Ron would be there. As would Bill and Fleur, since they were in town. George said he would try to swing by. Molly and Arthur couldn't make it - but they had something else planned for her birthday. Luna was out and about looking for new and undiscovered creatures. But Neville and Hannah would be there. And not to forget Ginny's two flatmates. Katie had helped plan the surprise, and Fay was a part of that trio. Harry was in the same house and year as Fay, but really did not know her very well. She always seemed nice enough. Ginny had two weeks off before training started up, so this dinner celebration would be one she could really relax into and have a happy early birthday.

For her gift, Harry had planned to spend the following two weeks in France for a romantic birthday getaway. They would take time to enjoy just walking around and seeing the sites. He reserved an amazing room in Paris with an excellent view of the Eiffel tower. Fleur had helped pick it out. Harry really cared about Fleur, she was like that big sister that was super glamorous, but pretty cool too. She and Bill seemed to be made for each other. Harry never really understood why Ginny seemed to dislike Fleur so much. Girls are funny, they probably really love each other. He knew how much Ginny loved Bill, so this was probably just a little 'sibling' rivalry.

As Harry finished up, Kreacher collected his plate. "Thanks, Kreacher, breakfast was excellent. How have things been while I was away?"

"Kreacher is glad Master enjoys his meal." Kreacher croaked. Then, pausing to consider the question he was asked, "Kreacher keeps the house in good order. Kreacher also helps Lady Black with Master Edward. Mistress has been teaching Master Edward table manners. Master Edward has... boundless energy."

Harry knew Kreacher cared for Teddy, and not just because he was the next Lord Black. Apparently, Teddy had a few traits similar to Regulus. When Kreacher prepared the nursery, he put Teddy in Regulus' old room.

"Very good, Kreacher. Miss Genevra will be coming by in a few hours. Would you be kind enough to prepare tea around 4pm? Later, we'll be going out for dinner."

"Very well, shall Kreacher prepare clothes for Master?"

Harry had given up trying to get Kreacher to call him Harry or Mr. Potter even. Sometimes, you just had to go with it. At the end of the day, calling Harry 'Master' made Kreacher feel happy. "That will be fine, Kreacher. Something casual and comfortable. It's a gathering of just a few friends."

Kreacher nodded and walked away. Harry heard him muttering under his breath, "Kreacher will pick out clothes that will not embarrass the mudbloods and paupers master associates with."

Oh, boy. Andromeda tells Harry to just let it go. Kreacher can only change so much. 'Hey,' Harry reflected, 'at least Kreacher doesn't want to embarrass anyone'. Chuckling to himself, Harry made his way into the parlor to check on the 'girls'.

Harry's familiar, a three headed snake, aka a Runespoor, was stretched out on the chaise with a copy of the latest witch weekly in front of her. The middle snake, 'Selene', was reading the magazine. Hecate, on the right, was reading a legal periodical. Artemis, on the left, was re-reviewing her next chess move against 'the GIT', aka Ronald Weasley. She seemed to be obsessed with beating Ron.

Harry had the chaise they were on custom made especially for the 'girls' so they could all enjoy their individual hobbies. He also tired of refereeing their arguments, the enchantments helped tremendously. The chaise was intentionally too narrow for an adult human so it was definitely theirs. They did share with 'little Teddy', but that's it. Harry had it enchanted to allow for 3 hovering books or magazines, one for each of them. He also had a chess board on the side for Artemis – although Hecate sometimes played too. Given the way they bicker, he delegated key design decisions that played to their strengths and gave them all an equal footing. Selene picked out the fabrics, Artemis chose the wood designs, and Hecate chose the level and type of padding.

The 'girls' were excited about tonight, even though it was Ginny's celebration. Selene had picked out a new hat for the occasion. It was a stylish little wool beret-type hat with a bow-knot on the side. Too structured to be a real beret, but definitely inspired by a beret. Harry had to call in a favor to get it for her, but she was so excited and he had no will power where his 'girls' were concerned. Harry would use a light sticking charm to set it in place. Hats weren't really made for runespoors.

Hecate was planning to pull Hermione aside to review the latest laws she disagreed with. She was such a mix of conformist and revolutionary. Sometimes the other two girls would snipe at her, but Harry knew they were a tight knit sister-hood.

Finally, Artemis was going to surprise Ron with what she thought would get her Checkmate in their current game. She even had a little victory dance planned – the other girls agreed to go with it. They liked rubbing Ron's nose in it when Artemis beat him – which was about half of the time. And that dance was super cute as well.

The 'girls' seemed to be getting along, thank goodness. They looked up when he came in and all started talking at the same time.

Hecate looked up at Harry and happily said, §"Morning Harry."§.

This prompted Selene: §"Hi sweetie. Did you sleep well?"§

Before Harry could respond, Artemis joined in, §"Come over here Harry – Look at how I have 'the GIT' backed into a corner! I'm gonna nail him to the wall."§

Harry looked over at his familiar and was immediately uplifted. §"Good morning ladies. I slept great and had a wonderful breakfast. Are you gals ready for tonight?"§ He knew they understood English, but speaking in parseltongue was, kind of their thing.

Selene answered his question about tonight, §"You know I'm ready, Harry! I love a party! Can you put my hat on a little early, I want to get used to it. If only I could find a way to wear shoes…"§

Hecate took a jab at her sister with an imperious: §"You will never wear shoes, please stop talking about it."§

Selene fired back §"What do you know, you're the one nobody likes. Always criticizing. You're just lucky to be invited to a party!"§

§"Harry! Make her stop!"§ They both said in unison.

'Here we go' Harry thought. §No fighting and no biting. Please just try to get along. Ginny will be here soon and I'd like us all to be one big happy family."§ Walking over to the chess board, Harry added, §"OK Artemis – let's take a look."§

At the mention of Ginny's name, Selene just looked back at her magazine and Hecate actually rubbed against her head in a comforting way. §"Don't worry Seleney, if she's mean to you, I'll bite her myself."§

To this, Harry looked up, §"No biting! Please give her another chance girls. She means a lot to me." Looking back at the chess board, "Now, Artemis – walk me through the 'coup de grace' you have planned."§

Harry knew the 'girls' did not like Ginny – and Ginny had brought it on herself. Why did she have to call them ugly? The one bright spot from that horrible day is the way they ban together when she's mentioned. It was kind of sweet really. If only poor Selene hadn't had her feelings hurt so badly. The girls are so beautiful, how could anyone, let alone his fiancé, call them ugly?

Later, after spending quality time with the girls, Harry went upstairs and showered, shaved, and generally got ready for the day. He reviewed the clothes Kreacher set out for him. "Nice… very nice" he said to himself.

Slim fit Grey trousers, a fitted acromantula silk shirt, and a dark navy blazer. The shirt was luxurious in a deep emerald green. It had been monogramed with his initials on the cuff. The breast pocket featured the Potter, Black, and Peverell coat of arms in a very small triangle pattern. The blazer was single breasted dark with a single vent. Single vents were perfect for those who love to ride brooms. Looking closer, he noticed that the pewter buttons were all functional and had his initials embossed on each. This was a new blazer. Kreacher usually pushed for double breasted blazers, looks like he is 'branching out'. He may not look it, but Kreacher had good taste.

Harry went ahead and dressed before coming down stairs. To his surprise, Ginny was there already. She was sitting in the parlor, looking rather uncomfortable. The girls were all whispering to each other. Harry was relieved not be able to hear them. It didn't look charitable.

"Hi, Ginny! You're here early… not that I'm complaining. You're a sight for sore eyes!" She was just smiling at him. Something was off, but he wasn't sure what.

"Kreacher?"

At this, Kreacher showed up with a silver serving of tea and scones. "Kreacher brings tea and scones earlier than expected for masters betrothed. Perhaps, Miss Ginevra would like to move into the dining room? Where no crumbs will fall on Masters antique carpet?"

Harry knew Kreacher did not like crumbs in the parlor, but he never balked at serving Aunt Andromeda there. In all fairness, Ginny is a bit of a fast (messy) eater. Comes with being raised in a house full of boys. "Here is fine, Kreacher. So, Ginny, I picked up a few of your quidditch cards. Do you think I can get an autograph or three?" At this, he pulled 3 cards out of his coat pocket and gently removed them from the protective clear case.

Looking at the three cards, Ginny realized he had her rookie card, her revised rookie card from when she was promoted to starter, and the Rookie of the Year card. Wow, that took some searching. Considering the protective case he carried them in, she knew they meant a lot to him. Feeling both happy and guilty, she replied "Sure", she said. "What would you like me to write?"

"Hmmm. How about – 'to my biggest fan and the love of my life'" Harry said with a happy grin on his face. The girls started hissing to each other again in the background. Harry couldn't quite make it out, but he knew there was nothing polite being said.

"I'm so proud of you getting the Rookie of the Year award. By the way, you look stunning in that dragon-hide jacket." Harry turns to the girls "Selene, what do you think of the jacket? Pretty cool – right?" Harry knew Selene was a fashionista extraordinaire, and this jacket was amazing.

At that Selene hissed §"It's OK. She is about a month too early for dragon-hide. I bet it looked better on the Dragon.§

"She likes it", Harry said after a short pause.

Looking at Harry doubtfully, Ginny could only respond "You, Harry Potter, are a terrible liar."

Looking back at Selene, Ginny notices the beret-hat Harry put on Selene before he went upstairs. "Is that the new Appoline design? I've seen it, but it's not supposed to be available yet… Wait a minute, why is she wearing a hat?" Damn, she had planned to get that hat as soon as it hit stores! One-upped by a snake!

At this Selene just stared at Ginny and Hecate hissed something in her ear. Artemis glared at Ginny.

Harry could see where this was going. "She wears it because it brings out her patterns. And she has impeccable style." Looking for a way to diffuse the situation, "You know, she picked out the belt you are wearing now. And you look amazing in it."

Changing the subject, Harry poured her a cup of tea, "So, I have a small surprise for you. With your Birthday being next week, I thought you might want to have dinner at Bell's. Sort of a fun dinner to kick off our two week break."

Not really hearing him, Ginny knew it was now or never. "Harry, we need to talk". She just sat there staring off.

'Oh boy', thought Harry, 'she looks… this can't be good'.

"Ginny, is everything alright?"

"Harry, let me say this before I lose my nerve. I think we need to take a break. A break from being us. From being a couple. It's not you, it's me…" Oh my god, such a cliché, Ginny wondered, 'did I actually just say that?' Continuing, "I just think we need to go our separate ways for a while." Seeing him, seeing the look on his face, she knew she had to do something fast. "I LOVE you Harry Potter! There is no other Wizard either, I just think we need to stop and take a pause."

"Ginny, what are you saying? Is it something I've done? I can fix this, just give me a chance…"

"Harry, please, listen to me." Collecting her thoughts and considering what she rehearsed all morning, "When I'm with you, I'm happy. But I am also in the background. I have a chance to be a role model for young girls everywhere. To be someone that they can aspire to be and draw encouragement from. But to do this, I need to try being on my own for a while. And... I need a break from the whole 'chasing Dark Lords'. I lived it and I hate it. I want a taste of a normal life."

"No, no… this isn't happening." Harry's eyes darted around in a panic. "Hold still, let me check you for charms or curses." He waved his wand, found nothing. Shaking his head he tried again. Same result. She just sat there looking at him sadly. "Potions. Have you been wearing the ring?" Harry knew the ring he gave her would have reacted to any malicious potion. "OK, hold still. I can read your pattern well enough to know if it is being influenced." His eyes were actually glowing a little.

'This was starting to get a little sad. And slightly creepy. Can he really see my pattern?' Ginny thought to herself.

Then abruptly he stopped, swayed a bit, and sat down. Ginny didn't need to be a healer to know his heart just broke. Gently taking her hands in his he implored her, "Let's talk about this Ginny. You say you love me and I love you. We can make this work."

"Harry… please. Just trust me on this. It's for the best." Putting her hand on his cheek, "Look, it doesn't have to be permanent. Think of it as a waiting period to get our lives together. We each go 100% focused on our own lives, live it to the fullest, then, we'll see if we were meant to be."

At this point they were both softly crying. Harry took in what she had said and asked, "Are you saying we are just taking a little time off, then we get back together? Not really broken up, just having a distant relationship?"

She started to say 'YES!', but then she remembered Andromeda's words about hurting him and leaving him hanging on… "No, Harry. We stay very close friends. We break up and pursue our dreams."

"But YOU are my dreams! Marriage, building a life together, children, family!"

'There it is' Ginny realized. Harry was ready to settle down and start a family. Then she would have to settle down and have kids while Harry travels and fights Dark Lords. Hoping not to put a target on his family.

She really hated having to say this, "That's not really my dream Harry. At least, not at this point in my life. I want to see the world. I want to be the next quidditch superstar, I want to inspire the next generation of girls to reach their true potential, I want to live life to the fullest. I want to be renowned. To do that, I need to be on my own. You cast too big a shadow. I need to cast shadows of my own, Harry. Away from Dark Lords and evil forces. Away from death and horrors. I'm sorry... I just need time to live away from all that."

By now, they were both crying. This was awful. Both of their hearts were breaking.

"I can't believe this. I don't want to lose you! I don't want to… hold you back…either" Harry painfully realized she might just be better off without him. Casting Shadows. He wished he could just be a spotlight. A spotlight just for her. But he was not a spotlight. He was a light-BEARER, not a light-GIVER. The Champion of the Light-Bearers, Master of Death, Guardian of Secrets, and the Keeper of the 'Books of Harrow'.

He knew he had to let her go.

He couldn't look away. If he broke eye contact, she'd be gone. Just a little longer… please…

"Listen Harry, let's both go out and rule the world. We'll make our mark and cast the biggest shadows on earth. Then, in a few years, let's try it again." Ginny was crying softly, she could barely say this out loud. "This doesn't have to be forever. Think of it as a pause."

She took off her engagement ring and tried to give it back. It was the engagement ring he had custom made for her. It was beautiful, a gorgeous ruby between a pair of blue emeralds. The stones were recessed to fit her active lifestyle. She knew it was heavily enchanted with protections. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever owned.

Harry took the ring, Held it in his hands and did 'something'. His eyes glowed and Ginny could feel the power emanating from him. When he opened his palm, a latin inscription ran around the ring, right up to the stones.

It read in very tiny script "Ab Amando Ductum est Amicitiae Nomen" – which translates to "From Loving Derives the Word Friendship"

The shape had altered slightly. It no longer looked like it could ONLY be an engagement ring. It now looked like it could be any kind of ring. If anything, it was even more beautiful. And the inscription left her stunned.

Wiping his eyes, Harry place it on her Right ring finger. "Keep this forever and know that even though we may just be 'very close friends', you are always loved."

Ginny was moved beyond words. She loved him so much. "Our Story isn't over yet Harry, please know that I will always love you. We are just having... an intermission…"

They slowly stopped crying. And it was becoming a little awkward. Harry broke the silence "Hey, you should go to Bell's tonight. It's a surprise birthday party. Katie and Fay will be there. As will most of your family. It doesn't start until around 7, so you have a little time…"

Groaning, Ginny nodded. She really wasn't up to this. A Party? Damn. Just like Harry to throw her a party on the day she shatters his heart. "Will you come too?" She really didn't want to face the crowd alone. And there was no way either of them could pretend nothing was wrong.

Harry flinched and suddenly realized he had to go. "I guess I should. Might as well get it out of the way and tell everyone together." Seeing Ginny suddenly start to panic he added, "Your parents won't be there, thank goodness. Your mom is planning something else for you. A dinner, I think. This is just Katie, Fay and some friends from school. And Bill of course." No need to mention Fleur. She's Bill's wife, so its natural for her to be there.

They agreed to meet at the Leaky Cauldron apparition point at 7PM sharp and go into Diagon Alley together. Ginny then went back to her flat to lay down and cry. She needed time to pull herself together. She might pull Katie and Fay aside and talk. She really needed her friends now.

-CS-

Fallout

The party went as well as could be expected. Harry and Ginny put on a brave face and sadly told everyone the engagement was off. Katie and Fay obviously knew as they stayed by Ginny the whole time. Giving support. The story was 'Ginny and Harry were going to put all their energy into their careers and remain very close friends'. Naturally, Ginny did most of the talking and Harry just nodded along. They both knew if Harry tried to talk, he would probably fall apart.

It was obvious to everyone there that Harry looked broken-hearted and was barely keeping it together. Anyone with eyes could tell he was not the one who broke off the engagement. Hecate, Selene and Artemis stayed coiled around Harry with a head on each shoulder and Selene draped over his head. They were whispering words of comfort and encouragement in his ear all night – just like Fay and Katie were for Ginny.

There was only one time that was really bad – Ginny went to give Harry a hug and the girls all maliciously hissed at her with fangs bared. It was easy to forget just how dangerous a Runespoor is – until they look like they want to kill you. Harry took them out of the room and when they came back, the hissing had stopped, but they were still glaring at Ginny when Harry couldn't see them – which was most of the time.

Artemis passed along, through Harry, her checkmate move and Ron made an excuse to leave early. He had to check the board. Harry knew how much Ron hated losing at wizard chess. There was no happy dance though, not tonight. Selene had more than a few sincere compliments on her hat – Fleur especially loved it. Selene loved and respected Fleur, so all was good with the hat. Ginny's off-hand comment had shaken her confidence enough that she almost didn't wear it.

While eating, Hermione came over to check on Harry, but this gave Hecate an opportunity to distract her with political opinions. Hermione and Hecate had a lively discussion – but it was hard on Harry as he had to translate everything his familiar said. His heart just wasn't in it and he frequently miss-quoted Hecate. She just looked at him with sympathy. He knew Hecate was trying to fly cover so he didn't have to talk about his feelings to Hermione.

Fleur cornered him and told him how sorry she was. When she asked if he had told Ginny about the Paris trip, he admitted that, in the pain and confusion of the moment, he completely forgot. Fleur worked to convince him to keep the trip for himself,

"Paris is not just for lovers Harry, it's also for Poets, Artists, and those with a broken heart." She hugged him and said "Keep the trip, I'll arrange for an adjustment to the itinerary. You will have a holiday to remember – I promise mon petite frere."

He reluctantly agreed. Fleur could tell he was shattered and would agree to pretty much anything right now, but she was holding him to it. For his own good.

Holding him in a tight embrace, she internally considered her options 'If Ginny is this stupid, she doesn't deserve him. Something good may come of this after all! Perhaps I will just smile the next time she calls me Phlegm…'

She then told the girls "Look after Harry, Belles Femmes. I'm so glad you are here for him". It was a sincere statement and the girls ate that up. Artemis stretched out and nuzzled her.

Bill came over and put his arm around Fleur. "Look, come to shell cottage for a few days. Don't be alone. You know we love you, Harry." At this Harry actually broke down for a minute, but he pulled himself together quickly.

Hermione stepped out and across the street, turning on her phone to call her mother. She had to keep he phone off around so many magical people or it would get fried. Actually, Harry alone would fry almost any electronic device in his vicinity.

Harry and Ginny's breakup was a shock for Hermione – to say the least. She always regretted not connecting with Harry. Too many distractions and mistakes. The opportunities were there and she blew it. Insecurity would do that, but she is a mature and confident witch now. Would Harry be worth making life changes? Even if it hurt people close to her? She needed time to consider her options. Time to get her act together.

"Hello mum, do you mind if I come over for a few days, I need to get away for a while… No mum, nothing is wrong, I just have an 'opportunity' I need to think about… yes, one I have been thinking about for a while now, but didn't think was possible…. Yes, mum – Harry. Am I that transparent? ... well, it is not without complications... Look, I have to go, but we'll talk more this weekend… ok, bye… Love you." Hanging up the phone and turning it off, she went back into the party. Hermione decided to stop thinking with her head and let her heart lead for a change. Maybe.

Neville was as supportive as always, being close to both Harry and Ginny. He was just such a nice guy. But Hannah just faded back. She was not really that close to either of them and she seemed to be 'the odd witch out'. Like many others, she had screwed up Royally in their 4th year when Harry's name came out of the cup. Unlike the others, they had made amends. There were reasons, but that would wait. Putting that aside, she never dreamed Ginny would leave Harry. After all those years... Obviously, Ginny decided to put all her attention on her career. Hannah shook her head and wondered – 'She broke up with HARRY POTTER! What was she thinking?'

-CS-

The next day, at Andromeda Tonk's House

Andromeda met her young guest and proceeded to lead her into the parlor. "Hello Ms. Greengrass, so good to see you again. Please, sit down."

Daphne Greengrass entered the Parlor looking very well put-together. Her outfit was modern, but impeccable. She obviously was wearing tailored clothing of the highest quality. Sitting in the nearest chair, she looked like a perfect genteel young witch. Her posture was as perfect as her outfit. Her hair was done up with only a small strand stylishly out of place. Her nails were perfectly and professionally manicured.

"I was so pleased to hear from you Lady Black. The opportunity to work for you sounds intriguing. I must ask, however, how do you prefer to be addressed? Is it Mrs. Tonks or Lady Black?"

"Thank you for asking. Informally you may call me either. When in a professional or social setting, I would prefer Lady Black." Andromeda responded. Pausing briefly, she added, "I only ask that you not refer to me as 'Andi'. I have always despised that nick-name." It was what Bella used to call her...

"Social standings and professional image is very important. Lady Black it is, then." Daphne responded.

As Andromeda looked at Ms. Greengrass, she proceeded to size the young witch up, 'Impeccable young witch. Seems very intelligent. I appreciate a witch who dresses for afternoon tea. She will do very nicely. Very nicely indeed.'

"Tell me Ms. Greengrass, do you like children?"

This would be a very interesting discussion.

Authors notes

Belles Femmes = 'Beautiful ladies' in French

Mon Petit Frere = 'My little brother' in French

Note on Ginny: She is 19 years old and about to turn 20. She does not want to be married and starting a family. At least not yet. She was enjoying a life she really did not expect to have. She sees Harry as a great guy and, yes, a hero. She knows he hunts emerging dark lords and she needs a break from that. It is hard to break up a young couple where there is no one at fault, but I tried. Based on the reviews, I missed a bit. But hey, if anyone had to be a little selfish/at fault, it's not going to be the hero. I need Harry to be single so he can go out and live an adventurous life that I can write about.

In the long run, I like a happy ending and I don't see any of these characters as bad people. Even Andromeda was actually trying to help Ginny as she clearly did not want to be married. She just went about it in a slytherin way. And let's face it, Ginny would not be a very good Lady Black. At least not until she matures a bit.

There are other options.