Willow looked at herself in the full length silver framed mirror of her bathroom in Whitehall Manor. Today was the 23rd of December and Pansy had invited her to the Malfoy Winter Ball. She didn't really want to go, but it was hard to tell the dark haired Slytherin girl no after they just buried Simon Parkinson the first day of winter break. It hadn't really been much of a funeral as hardly anyone could be bothered to attend. Apparently, holiday preparations took precedence over a funeral for a young girl's last remaining parent. It just showed Willow how much the Pureblood Elite really cared about one another.
The redheaded Wicca was wearing light blue robes with crystal white snowflakes falling it in a continuous loop. Every know and again, you could see two turtle doves wearing red scarfs flying around on it. Her boots were made of red leather from a dragon's wing that slipped on and magically fit snug to her feet. On her left hand was a large flat square ruby ring in place of her long disposed of Engagement Ring. The little snake ring had been happily returned to the Crabbe's the moment the Ministry recognized the Marriage Contract dissolved, Harry was still smiling every time he saw her empty hand.
If Willow was honest than it was also a great burden off her own shoulders as well. The constant forced social interactions, mainly acting nice to little bigots, was really grating on her nerves. She honestly didn't regret becoming a Slytherin because of the friends she had made, but she wondered if Gryffindor would have been the easier choice. Sighing to herself she reasoned it would have been easier to hide under her bed and let the world deal with its Demons rather than go hunt them herself, but that was not the kind of person she was. Willow was a fighter and the Wicca would do whatever it took in order to keep those she loved safe.
She left her room and headed for the Dining Hall. Pansy was staying at Whitehall Manor for the holidays. The Malfoy family had offered her a room for the break as well, but luckily Willow had been there when Draco brought it up. She didn't want the Dark Wizards sinking their claws into her friend now that her dad was out of the way. Not that Willow had wanted him dead, just severely hurt and in prison would have been good enough.
As she descended the stairs the Wicca remembered the night before holiday break when Draco had approached Pansy in the Common Room. The little pale Pureblood Ponce, Willow had been in England so long she was starting to use British slang, had walked right up to the two girls as they discussed Simon Parkinson's funeral. He had his pompous air about him and was in full rich boy aristocrat mode. Willow had really wanted to ram his head through the table they were sitting at.
"Pansy, my Mother wanted me to invite you to stay at our manor during the holidays. She said my Father will pick us up of the Hogwarts Express and Portkey us home."
Willow had watched Pansy flounder a bit as she struggled for a polite way to turn down the offer. Victor had written her three days before and invited the orphaned girl to stay for the holidays already and she had excepted. She didn't want to be rude to Lord Whitehall and Willow would probably be better company than Draco.
"Sorry Draco, but you're too late. My grandfather had already asked Pansy to stay with us for Christmas and New Year." Willow said coming to Pansy's rescue while trying her best to stay civil.
Draco turned to Willow with a superior air about him. "I'm sure Lord Whitehall won't mind if Pansy changes her mind."
The long black haired girl seemed a bit uneasy as she said. "You can thank Lady Malfoy for the offer Draco, but I'd rather stay with Willow. She has offered to help me go over my family's finances sense she has such a good grasp of numbers."
The little Scion had a look of complete disbelief on his face. It was like he couldn't conceive of anyone not wanting to except an invitation to Malfoy Manor. "W-well ok Pansy, if you're sure." He seemed to be waiting on the girl to change her mind. Pansy just gave him a small smile as way of goodbye. The pale boy left stunned and angry.
As Willow made it to the Dining Hall she questioned the wisdom of her attending a holiday party with people that came close to bringing out her more violent tendencies. If she didn't feel so bad for Pansy, she would have politely given the Malfoy's the finger. The California born Witch walked into the hall and immediately became on guard. She cursed herself for not checking the magical signals inside the manor before leaving her room.
"Hello Willow." Pansy said with her fake superior nasally voice. "Are you almost ready to go?"
She was sitting at the closer end to the entrance between both Tracey Davis and Daphne Greengrass. All three girls were dressed nice in formal party dresses. The dresses were all strapless skirts that hung just past the knees. Daphne's was purple, Tracey's was bluish black, and Pansy's was dark red. All three girls had the shoes and jewelry to match.
Across from the girls sat two older boys Willow had never met. The oldest looked to be about seventeen and the youngest fifteen, both wearing black and silver mink fur covered dress robes. They were almost identical with brown hair and eyes, excepted the taller boy had shoulder length hair with a long goatee, while the younger had short hair with a small goatee. They both looked Willow's way as she came through the door. They stood up and bowed low in greeting.
"This is Stegnov Olegovich and his younger brother Domnin." Pansy said still using the aristocrat voice Willow found annoying. "Daphne has just entered a betrothal contract with Stegnov."
Domnin walked forward and grasped Willow's hand bringing it up to his mouth to kiss. The redhead tried to be polite and hide her annoyance. Daphne was looking on approvingly while Pansy was trying not to show emotion, but Willow could feel her amusement. The black haired Slytherin knew all too well what her friend honestly thought of the old world customs. Tracey looked like she was mostly sulking, but Willow didn't know why, from her emotions Tracey didn't seem to be interested in the Russian.
"Greetings Lady Potter, the tails of your beauty do not do you justice." The Russian Wizard said in a thick but almost perfect English.
'Could that line have been any more corny?' the redhead thought to herself while answering. "Thank you. It's .. ha .. thank you."
Domnin took Willow's hesitance to talk as a sign she was taken with him. He gave her a devilish smile he thought was quite charming and presented his elbow. Not knowing a polite way to refuse the offer, the Wicca reluctantly accepted by looking arms.
The group began to head for the front door. The Malfoy family had sent Portkeys to every family they invited as to minimize the traffic coming out of there fireplace. It was a little crystal reindeer that actually flew around the room. As much as Willow loathed the Malfoys, she had to admit the reindeer was a nice touch.
Every little deer was set to take however was holding it at a certain time exactly. From what Willow had understood the order of arrival was based on importance according to the Malfoys' views. People pretty much all year long fought for the first ten spots on the invite list, simply to gain bragging rights, by doing favors for Lucius Malfoy and his wife Narcissa. The Wicca found the task completely stupid and pointless. If it was up to her she'd tell everyone that their names had been randomly drawn from a hat or something.
The Whitehall Portkey was set to go off at 6:10 P.M. Guest started arriving at 4:30 P.M. and continued until around 7 P.M., depending on how many were coming. Willow wasn't sure if being the 6:10 arrival was good or bad, but honestly didn't care.
Pore Willow was standing there with her arm locked in Domnin's when Victor arrived. He was dressed rather nice in his simple black and dark blue robes wearing a top hat. He looked at his Granddaughter and the Russian with a raised eyebrow. "What this then?"
Domnin had been so busy trying to engage Willow in a conversation about Herbology, something Daphne said was one of her favorite subjects, that he hadn't noticed Whitehall until the old Wizard spoke. He quickly bowed low to the man still holding on to Willow's arm with his elbow. "Good evening sir, I am Domnin Olegovich. My older brother is betrothed to young Daphne and she invited us to attend the Malfoy Winter Ball. I was told you would allow us to travel using your invite Portkey. Were we miss informed sir?"
Victor studied the young man closely. He didn't really like him hanging on to Willow after she had just broken out of an arranged marriage, especially sense he didn't know this man at all.
"No, you're correct." Victor answered in a voice that reminded all four girls of Snape. "Ms. Parkinson asked me and I gave permission after contacting the Malfoys to see if it was fine. What I was asking, young man, is why you are being so forward with my Granddaughter. Especially without seeing if I had any objections first. As her Grandfather, and only living adult relative, it would have been polite."
"I'm sorry sir, I meant no offense and, if I gave one, I deeply apologize." Domnin answered quickly doing his best to sound apologetic. "I was just so enraptured by Willow's beauty I didn't think clearly."
Willow rolled her eyes at the statement, something Victor didn't miss. "As lovely as my Granddaughter is, I would suggest you keep your wits about you in the future, am I clear?"
"Crystal sir." The Russian answered smoothly. He tried to be as placating as possible. "I assure you my intentions are purely honorable."
Victor then looked Willow over and sighed. Honestly, he didn't really care that his Granddaughter didn't wear a dress but there were certain expectations to be met. This wasn't her birthday party; this was a social ball. "Willow, would you please, for me, put a dress on."
The redhead looked down at herself and then up at her friends. She could have argued but decided that it wasn't worth the headache. She twirled her hands and turned her robes into a silk dress. Unlike her friends sleeveless and strapless dresses, Willow's had long sleeves and a V-neck cut at the throat that fully exposed her shoulders. It hugged her waist tightly, but the skirt was long and flowed all the way to the ground covering her legs completely. It retained the original color style and magical falling snowflakes.
"Will this work?" Willow asked uncaringly.
Victor nodded his head approvingly at the lovely yet modest dress while the girls didn't really react to the Wicca's magical skill as they had seen it before, but Stegnov and Domnin were shocked by the causal display of wandless magic. They had both heard of Lady Potter's extraordinary magical skill, but they believed most stories to be embellished. Domnin looked upon the girl with a desire he had never felt, this Witch's power had to belong to the Olegovich family. With it they would be the most powerful magical family in all of Russia, if not the world.
Just then everyone became distracted by the reindeer. It had begun to glow a bright yellow signaling that it was almost time to go. Victor reached out and grabbed the crystal figurine and held it out to everyone. Everyone grabbed a hold of the deer and felt a tug on their navels.
After a dizzying ride threw a whirlwind, the group from Whitehall Manor found themselves just outside a large massive gate in front of a large impressive manor. The front yard was a regular winter wonder land with ice sculpture animals frolicking here and there, snowmen sang carols and danced merrily all around. The path from the gate to the front door was made of non-slip ice that was warm to the touch. Despite all the wonderful Charms, Willow didn't think the Malfoy Manor seemed near as inviting as Whitehall Manor.
They made their way down the path and Victor used the owl head knocker on the front door. It was soon opened quickly by a small nervous looking House Elf. "Good evening honored quests. Welcome to my Master's home."
The group hurried threw the door with only Willow acknowledging the little elf, something the creature noticed right away. He had a bewildered look on his face as he shut the door and led them down the hallway. "Please fallow me."
The group entered a massive elegant Ballroom decorated with a massive Christmas Tree right in the middle. Guests we're milling around talking and laughing as they socialized. Much like Willow and Harry's birthday an area had been separated by a magical barrier for dancing. Willow could see several people slow dancing already.
Domnin turned to Willow. "Would you care to dance my Lady?"
Reluctantly, Willow agreed and let the dark haired boy lead her out to the dance floor. The song was a slow waltz so the Wicca aloud the tall boy to place his hand just above her waist and lead. The young girl was somewhat relieved when Daphne and her fiancé started dancing next to them.
Willow curiously looked around the room to see who was there. She spied Cornelius Fudge and Dolores Umbridge in a corner talking with an older tall man she didn't know. Off to her right Pansy and Tracey were talking to Draco and a pretty girl around eleven that looked like Daphne with brown hair. This must be the future Lady Malfoy, Astoria Greengrass.
The California Witch had never actually talked to the girl before. She had been sorted into Ravenclaw at the beginning of the year and never really interacted with the Slytherins much. It would seem Draco was at least trying to engage the younger girl in conversation but wasn't having much luck, if the feeling of frustration were anything to go by. Though on second thought, that could be because of the Pansy's close proximity. Willow knew her friend hadn't entirely given up on the Malfoy Heir just yet.
After the song ended Willow was able to convince Domnin to mingle some instead of dancing again. She led him towards Pansy and Tracey sense Draco had walked off With Astoria. Halfway to her friends though she was stopped by Narcissa.
"Hello Willow, how have you been dear?" The woman asked while seeming to glide out of nowhere. Domnin had to quickly compose himself to hide his temporary fright at being startled.
Willow was so focused on making it to Pansy, and hopefully finding a way to ditch the guy fallowing her, she hadn't been aware of Narcissa approaching. The Wicca smiled as politely as she could. "Merry Christmas Lady Malfoy, I hope you are well."
Narcissa just gave an over the top laugh and smiled at the redhead. "I told you time and again Willow you can just call me Narcissa. Though I am doing well, thank you for asking." The Malfoy Matriarch said giving Domnin a look over.
Willow held her smile even as her frustration grew. The woman had been hoping to get on more formal terms with the Potters simply so she could tell people that they were good friends. It was all political crap that didn't mean anything to ether Harry or Willow and, quite frankly, both children were quickly growing tired of it. However, it wasn't just the Malfoys ether, Willow was giving several people at the party a wide berth in hopes of not being bothered.
Noticing Narcissa seemed to be politely waiting for an introduction, Willow quickly said. "Oh, this is Domnin Olegovich. He is the younger brother of Stegnov Olegovich, Daphne Greengrass's fiancé."
Narcissa extended her hand which the boy was quick to kiss. "Yes, I've heard of you. I believe your father was the late Lord Rodin Olegovich, is that correct?"
"Yes ma'am." Domnin quickly assured the intimidating woman. He thin straightened his back a little before saying. "He and my mother died shortly before the war ended. The Aurors stormed are home attempting to capture the Dark Lord, and both my parents fell in the fighting taking as many as they could with them."
Narcissa had to think quickly. Was this idiot defending his Death Eater parents in front of the twin sister to the Boy Who Lived. The redhead herself looked like she was only seconds away from planting the fool right next to his beloved parents that he was so proud of.
"Yes, I remember the story." Narcissa answer with fake sadness. "It was a misunderstanding, correct? Someone told the Russian Aurors that He Who Must Not Be Named was holding both your parents hostage. When they stormed the manor, your parents thought they were being attacked and tragically died in the confusion."
Domnin looked at Narcissa questioning until he glanced at Willow. The truth was Voldemort had been there the day before the raid but left to attend matters in England. The Aurors had iron clad proof that his parents were Death Eaters and hadn't received any information about Voldemort's departure. They wasted a lot of time and men to take out two low level Death Eaters.
"Yes, Lady Malfoy it was tragic." The boy agreed quickly. "Luckily, my Grandfather was able to regain our wrongly seized property and my parents were cleared of all charges." Domnin thought to himself. 'That took a lot of bribes and exchanging of favors.'
In hopes of changing the subject, and because she was genuinely curious, Narcissa turned to Willow. "By the way dear, I haven't seen your brother Harry. Is he perhaps coming later with Ms. Weasley and her family?"
Willow gave the Malfoy Matriarch a bemused look wondering if for even one second she actually thought Harry, Ginny, and the Weasley family would come to the party. "Mrs. Malfoy, Harry and Ginny have never exactly felt welcome by your husband and son. Arthur Weasley told me it was a nice gesture but explained that he would feel uncomfortable being in home of a man he didn't really care for that much. Harry thought it would set a bad precedent if he attended when his future in-laws weren't."
Willow could feel Narcissa's anger as if it were a raging bonfire she was standing close to. The truth was Arthur had blasted the little crystal reindeer into oblivion the moment he realized what it was. The Reducto Curse had been so powerful it shook the Burrow. It was clear to Willow were the Weasley children had inherited their considerable power from, as all the ones she met had large reserves of energy. Though the level of fury she felt from Molly Weasley that day had dwarfed what she now felt from the blonde lady in front of her.
Still holding her smile Narcissa said. "Well that's too bad dear. I hope in the future that can change."
With one more polite smile the woman left to see to her other guests.
Willow finally made it up to her friends. During her talk with Narcissa, Daphne and Stegnov had joined the group. The older man appeared quiet bored lessening to a bunch of thirteen and fourteen year old girls gossip about people he didn't really care about. Sensing an opportunity to get a little breathing room, Willow turned to Domnin. "Would you and your brother mind getting us girls something to drink? All that dancing made me thirsty."
The younger Olegovich brother beamed down a smile at the younger redhead. "It would be an honor my lady." He turned his head to Stegnov and both boys left to get drinks.
The moment they left Daphne asked her friend. "So how have you and Domnin been getting along?"
Willow kept a close watch on the boys as they walked off. "He has been a perfect gentleman and wonderful dancer. He is your typical courting young noble. If only he wasn't so proud of his dead Death Eater Mother and Father things would be perfect."
Daphne had a rather smugness about her as Willow started talking that left the moment the redhead finished he speech. The blonde looked embarrassed about the situation. It wasn't like she hadn't known about the Olegovich Family's dark past but, the young heiress had hoped her future brother-in-law would have had the sense to not bring it up.
Tracey spoke up on her best friend's behalf. "Willow, the war was ugly and brutal. There is no denying that many innocent people died at the hands of misguided Witches and Wizards, but the time has long come to let it go. Our world can't truly move forward until both sides let go of their hatred for one another."
Pansy and Daphne looked between both girls apprehensively. Finally, after a long moment of silence, Willow turned to look at Tracy. "Perhaps your right. This world can't move forward as long as old hatreds continue to exist. It was the old hatreds of Muggles that lead to the war in the first place after all."
"However," Willow said, her eyes hardening. "Go to my parent's graves, or the graves of Gideon and Fabian Prewett, and ask them if they forgive the ones that killed them. Ask them to accept that several men and women who helped murder them got of Scott free without punishment and see what they say. Ask the Weasley family if they can let go of the hatred for the ones that took away their family members. Ask them if there ok with the Death Eaters responsible still influencing this world with money and politics. Ask them if there ok that after all that was sacrificed nothing changed."
With that Willow stormed off heading towards the back wall of the room in hopes of finding a quiet place to set and calm down. Pansy watched her go, glanced apologetically at her other two friends, and fallowed after the redhead.
Pansy saw Willow setting quietly with a glass of water in her hand. She sat down next to her glancing curiously at the glass. The Wicca waved her hand and a second appeared in front of the Pureblood Witch.
The dark haired girl took a drink of water, sense she was thirsty, then gave Willow a solemn look. "I know you lost a lot during the war, but so did a lot of other people. Tracey is a half blood, the daughter of a Muggleborn Wizard, but her mother's brother was a Death Eater. Despite everything her mom and uncle loved each other. Tracey's mom still morns the man even to this day on his birthday, the day he was killed by Auror Alastor Moody."
"Tracey has no firsthand knowledge of her uncle except for what Mrs. Davis tells her. I know you hate it when she tries to make excuses for the Death Eaters and place all the blame on You Know Who but, if she actually admits that they were evil than that means admitting her uncle was also evil. I know it sounds foolish to you but not so much to Tracey."
Willow sat at the table sipping her water. She finally turned to acknowledge Pansy. "I didn't know about her uncle. I'm sorry I snapped at her and will apologize later." The redhead then smirked at her friend. "You know when you aren't trying to be a stuck up Witch your actually pretty nice."
Pansy just rolled her eyes and left. Willow continued to stay at the table hidden behind a Notice Me Not Charm. The Wicca figured that eventually people would start wondering where she went, but until then she could relax a little bit.
She noticed Domnin in the distance looking around while holding an orangish colored drink that appeared to be Butterbeer. An older girl she didn't know approached him in a blue dress. He turned to talk with her, and they walked of together as he gave the glass of Butterbeer to her. Willow also noticed Cornelius in the corner talking quietly with Lucius. Having an uneasy feeling Willow cast her eavesdropping charm to hear their conversation.
"Our we in agreement Cornelius?" She heard Malfoy ask darkly.
"I don't know Lucius, there could be blow back from an inquiry." Fudge explained sounding scared.
"Do you know what is at stake? The very values and traditions of our world. The Potters must be brought to heel." Malfoy said venomously. "Whitehall and his grandchildren have done as they liked for too long already and it's high time we reminded them exactly who had the power in our society."
Just then Narcissa walked up to join her husband. She placed her arm within his and said. "Now what could the two of you be talking about that is more interesting than this party?"
The Minister looked around nervously before explaining. "Just today, me and Lucius believe we have found a way to gain leverage over Whitehall. Possibly something that could force him to place his grandchildren in more suitable matches that we would have more control over."
Narcissa gave her husband a contemplating look. "I hope it works, whatever it is. That fool Arthur Weasley had the audacity to turn down are invitation, something no one had ever done, which means the plan to get the blood traitor's daughter to dishonor herself can't be carried out."
Willow noticed the concerned look on Fudge's face. "What's this now? I wasn't made aware of any plan regarding Arthur's daughter."
Lucius gave Narcissa a quelling look before turning back to his puppet. "It's nothing Cornelius, nothing at all. The girl would have been completely fine. There just would have been an embarrassing situation that could have possibly caused the marriage contract to be dissolved."
Cornelius gave the elder Malfoys concerned looks. He then gave his goodbyes and left to shack more hands among the other guests, not really wanting to know what Lucius had planned. He would sleep easier that way.
Narcissa turned to her husband and asked. "What possible leverage do we have against Whitehall?"
Lucius looked to make sure the coast was clear before whispering. "An old overseas perches from just before the war began to pick up. When looked at from a certain way it could be proof that Whitehall funded the American Campaign that his three sons lead."
Lady Malfoy looked intrigued. "What could he have bought to make it seem like he funded his sons' war efforts?"
Malfoy gave his wife a cold smirk. "That's the thing dear, there was never a description of the item given. All we know is that it was very expensive, and the seller of the undisclosed item was a Wizard found guilty of conspiring with Death Eaters after the war ended. He had been caught red handed with several contraband Dark Artifacts."
"How did Whitehall pull that off, getting something in the country without going through customs.?" Narcissa wondered out loud.
"He hid it behind the Family Secrecy Act of 1543. We ourselves have used it a time or two. There is also the possibility he didn't actually buy anything, just used a fake purchase to send money to his sons." Malfoy commented.
Narcissa gave her husbands the same evil smirk he had given her, then lift him alone. Willow watched her walk up to another boy the Wicca had never seen. The young man appeared to be around fourteen to sixteen years of age with blondish white hair in the same straight back cut as Draco. He stood about a foot taller than the Malfoy Heir and was much more muscular, his eyes were an unnatural yellow that had to be the result of magical cross breeding.
Willow was torn between keeping up with Lucius or eavesdropping on Narcissa and the unknown boy. She settled on Lady Malfoy sense she had lost her husband and direct sight was needed to use the eavesdropping charm.
"Mr. Boudet." Narcissa gained the young man's attention. He looked her way, nodded his head to show he heard her, then excused himself from the small gaggle of girls that were hanging off him. He then approached the Malfoy Matriarch.
"Lady Malfoy, has the girl arrived yet?" He asked in a heavy French accent.
"No Mr. Boudet, she apparently will not be attending. Just enjoy yourself for now and we'll come up with another plan later." Narcissa explained in an aggravated manner. She then stormed off to attend her guests.
Willow taped her fingers on the tabletop thinking. Coming to a decision, the Wicca stood up and made her way over to the boy. She kept the Notice Me Not Charm activated as she walked into the gaggle of laughing girls that had once again crowded around the young French teen. The redhead noticed that every girl appeared to have slightly glassy eyes.
One Japanese looking girl said. "Please dance with me Joseph. We can then go out to the garden and get to know one another more privately."
Joseph took it all in stride and appeared to be thinking about who he wanted to dance with. Willow boldly walked up to the guy and grabbed his hand. She then forcibly dragged him away to slow dance. The boy was so startled by the sudden action he didn't fully recover until his hand was around Willow's back.
The light blonde haired boy gave Willow his devilish smile. "I must say, mon ange, I have 'ad many offers to dance but none so forward as this."
"I'm Joseph, 'ou are?" He asked politely.
"Sorry, I'm usually not as bold as this. I don't know what's gotten into me." Willow said acting a little confused. The French teen gave her a knowing look. "I'm Willow Potter."
At her name, the boy grew nervous. He looked around but saw no one really paying attention, so he relaxed. "I must say Lady Willow the pictures in la paper have not done you justice."
They danced in silence for a time and then Willow led Joseph down a side hallway marked Christmas Path. The hallway emptied out into a lovely winter garden covered in snow and frost. All around the shrubs, cut to resemble various animals, would shake themselves to knock off the frost. Actual Unicorns were standing around a small fishpond eating grass that was enchanted to grow in the cold. Despite the snow and weather, the garden temperature was nice enough not to need a jacket and scarf.
'Probably a continuous Warning Charm barrier.' Willow thought to herself.
The Wicca turned to her escort smiling before ramming her hand into his chest. Joseph looked down in surprise and pain to see that Willow's hand had done no actual damage. Instead, it was more like the two had become joined at the wrest and ribcage. However, the terrified boy could actually feel the girl's hand gripping his heart.
"Wha-what are 'ou doing?" He said in a gasping voice.
"I just wanted to get your attention. I can see that you're not entirely human and you appear to possess a magical thrall." Willow explained coldly. She then let her eyes go black while asking. "What are you?"
Joseph tried to take a breath, but it was becoming harder. He looked up pleadingly at Willow, but the redhead gave no slack. Instead she tightened her grip on his heart and yelled. "Well?"
"I'm a crossbreed. Half Veela." He managed to get out in a horse whisper.
"I thought all Veela males were mindless drones that served the females of the species?" Willow asked in a slight snarl.
"Yes, this is .. true .. but I'm .. only half. My father .. was a .. Wizard." Tears now fell from Joseph's eyes as he struggled for every breath.
Willow was smart enough to figure out what this boy was explaining. As a hybrid, he still retained a mind of his own despite the fact Male Veela didn't. He also possessed a power like Female Veela that allowed him to unnaturally attract the opposite sex. She then remembered this boy had been looking for Ginny and her hand squeezed tighter still.
In a voice cold enough to freeze hell Willow asked. "What were you going to do with my twelve year old soon to be sister-in-law?"
Joseph's eyes widened comically at the question. He didn't know how Willow knew but figured lying would mean his death. Still struggling for breath, he desperately explained. "The Malfoys .. wanted me .. to get a picture ..(cough) of us kissing p-p-passionately .. for the paper. They wanted me .. to take it as far .. as I could but .. I would .. never do .. anything more than .. kiss,.. I swear."(cough, cough)
Willow's eyes turned back to hazel as she let go of Joseph's heart. She removed her hand from his chest and let him fall limply to the ground. "I'll let you live since I know you told me the whole truth and you had no intention of truly harming Ginny Weasley, but if I catch you anywhere near my family and friends they will never find your body."
The Wicca walked off leaving the Half Veela gasping for breath on the snow covered ground.