"And its hard to dance with the devil on your back, so shake him off"

-Florence and the Machine

Genoa felt her throat become constricted as Malfoy spoke to her. He had seen what she had done, there was no denying it. Or was there? Yes, she would have to play like she didn't know what he was talking about, but was he that stupid?

"I have no idea what your talking about, Malfoy."

He snorted loudly, not breaking eye contact with her and it made her uneasy.

"Don't play coy with me, Valence. I know what I saw."

"And what would that be?" she challenged.

He stepped closer to her and she backed away.

"You didn't have a wand when you cleaned yourself up, thats what."

She reached inside her robes and saw him about to raise his wand, but she simply pulled hers out to show him she did in fact have one. He eyed her, still looking unconvinced.

"If I didn't know any better," he said tauntingly,"I'd say that you are a Wandless. Of course, its said that there are only few left, having been wiped out by The Dark Lord himself. Father told me all about them and how much of a -er danger they possessed to him. Wouldn't it be brilliant if you were put into that category?"

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Was Malfoy actually admitting that he had connections with Voldemort? She also was certain that he was trying to blackmail her. Her head hurt more than it should have as she tried to take in what was happening. She needed to smooth this over, otherwise, she wouldn't be the only one in danger.

"Look, I honestly don't know what your talking about and its really quite pathetic that your wasting your time annoying me. I've showed you my wand and I really don't have time to sit here and play games when the others are probably worried sick. Then again, you wouldn't understand what its like to have real friends," she spat at him, her blood boiling and she saw his smirk fade.

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"You know damn well what I mean," she responded.

"HA! I've got friends in high places Valence," he scoffed.

She folded her arms. "What? You mean like Death Eaters? I'm sure they really have your best interests at heart. Then again, your father didn't seem to, did he?"

And before she knew it, he had slammed her against the wall with such force, she could't even catch her breath.

"Don't- you- dare- talk- to- me- about -my- father you- filthy- Half-Blood!" he spat venomously.

His eyes bore into hers, she could barely make them out in the darkness and she looked at him then. He was cruel and malicious, but there was something else there that she knew he usually didn't show. Something she couldn't explain. It was as if he was desperate and afraid. She could feel him shaking as he held her as if he was about to break down at any moment. She felt sympathy for him. With her free hand, and without even thinking, she reached up to him.

"Draco…" she whispered. His body tensed and he backed away from her, letting her fall to the ground. She had never called him by his first name and he hated the way he felt when she did, because deep down, he liked it.

She stared up at him, confused, before he ran out of the shop. She had no idea how to comprehend what had just happened. She had called him Draco. He wasn't the same as she remembered, she felt a sense of urgency from him. Maybe her mind was playing tricks on her. Yes, that was it. He was still Malfoy. A devil in disguise. She decided to shake it off, knowing deep down, that she was in denial.

"OI! Where the bloody hell have you been!" Ron yelled when Genoa had finally found them inside the twins' joke shop. Harry and Ron truly looked worried sick and she, for some reason didn't want to tell them what had just happened to her.

"Sorry, ran into some people. Did you all manage okay without me?"

She noticed Harry eyeing her suspiciously, but played the smile on her face trying to show that everything was fine.

"Yea, we didn't get our schoolbooks yet. Decided to have a go at some of Fred and George's new stuff, but they're being a couple of prats to me." Ron said in a stuffy sort of tone.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she said as she saw Ginny and Hermione by a display of pinkish purple bottles,"I'll be right back."

She drifted through the crowd of students to where they were standing, each examining a bottle.

"There you are!" Ginny yelled loudly.

"Yes, about time," Hermione added.

She rolled her eyes, "So i've heard from Batman and Robin. Look, I need to talk to you guys, but I need you to keep it between us."

"Who's Batman and Robin?" Ginny asked.

"Nevermind that," she pressed on,"This is important."

She saw them look at her with concern and she really wished people would stop this, but she continued on.

"You'll never believe what just happened to me-" and before she could start explaining, she was interrupted by Fred and George Weasley themselves. She felt herself get frustrated.

"Hello ladies!" they said together.

"I see you've found the love potions," George went on.

"They really do work, not that you need it Ginny," Fred said.

Genoa saw Ginny's ears go pink.

"Knock it off you two," Genoa snapped.

George beamed at her,"Feisty today are we? I know you don't need them either."

Genoa couldn't help but snort. She had as much luck with men as she did of winning a lifetime supply of chocolate frogs.

"Anyway, Fred said turning to Ginny again,"Aren't you currently dating Dean Thomas."

"Fred!" Genoa and Hermione shouted.

Ginny began to walk away,"That's none of your're business."

"I really can't believe you two sometimes," Genoa rounded on them as Hermione followed Ginny.

They both moved so that one was on either side of her.

"I'm flattered," George said.

"Here take this," said Fred, handing her a little blue pill. Genoa looked at it with caution. Knowing Fred and George all too well.

"What is this?"

"Well, since your're going out for Quidditch this year-" Fred began.

"We know your're probably a little nervous-" George said.

"So we invented this hot new item," said Fred,"Its called No Nerves. We're still working on the name." he added.

Genoa looked at the pill, then at each twin on either side of her.

"So you guys invented this pill for me? So I wouldn't be nervous?"

They both smiled.

"Well, you were the main inspiration if that's what you mean. Don't let it go to your head now though." George laughed.

Genoa couldn't help but feel appreciated. She pocketed the pill and threw her arms around the two of them.

"I love you guys."

They hugged her tightly.

Two hours and 25 pranks later, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Genoa left the joke shop and left Ginny with Dean Thomas, who was more than eager to be alone with her. After angry protests from Ron about this situation, they made their way to Flourish and Blotts, where they picked up the books required for the new year, but Diagon Alley wasn't the same as it use to be. With the War beginning, many of the shops had been closed down or vandalized, and the streets were dark and as uninviting as the sky.

"Fred and George are lucky business is so good." Ron stated as they passed Ollivander's, which looked as if someone had robbed the place. Genoa felt her heart stop. She had heard about Mr. Ollivander's disappearance recently and she was heartbroken about it. The man had made the wands that every student at Hogwarts called their own, even hers, and he had always been so kind to her.

"What will people do now without him," she whispered to the other three.

"I'm sure they'll find other wand makers," Hermione responded, and they began walking away from the empty shop. Genoa felt like she left a piece of herself behind.

"Hey, Harry," Ron said in a hushed tone, making them all stop to look at him,"Is it just me, or does it look like Mummy and Draco don't want to be followed."

They all looked up immediately and Genoa especially, felt a pain in her stomach.

"Come on," Harry motioned.

"Are you mad? What if they see us?" Genoa said in an angry whisper.

"They could be up to something for Voldemort, in which case the Order will want to know, Genoa," Hermione stated.

Feeling defeat, she followed them as they followed in Draco and Narcissa's footsteps to a rundown alley. They stayed back a little as they watched them enter a grungy building and disappear inside, leaving a distinct sense of suspiciousness.

"Psst, guys over here," Harry beckoned them to a ladder that they all climbed up and onto the roof. Walking as quietly as possible, they settled themselves over a window that gave them a clear view of what was going on inside. Genoa watched as a few dark figures she couldn't make out, conversed below with Draco, a large object remained covered in the far corner. She felt herself become immersed in the situation that was unfolding below. She watched Narcissa lean down and kiss her her son, a look of worry she could just make out in her eyes, and felt something she couldn't explain. Was it realization? Realization that Narcissa Malfoy perhaps loved her son too dearly and didn't want what was taking place on their lives at this moment? And why wasn't Lucius present? Was he too busy running around with Voldemort himself? Just then, a man of great stature came into view and they all ducked before he could catch them, but Genoa could tell he wasn't' human. His body was covered in thick dark hair and his teeth were sharp and menacing. He was huge and his face looked as if he ate nothing but raw meat. Looking at him made her feel sick. Before she could get a look at him any further, he drew the drapes, hiding everything from view. She turned to the other three, who also seemed to be taking in what they just saw and when Harry's eyes bore into hers, she knew they were thinking the same thing.

"He's a death eater!" Harry said in an urgent tone, when they had all settled into a compartment on the Hogwarts Express a few days later.

They had all had this discussion the same night they left Diagon Alley, and the only person who agreed with Harry's suspicion, was Genoa herself. she, however felt that Draco had no choice. It was odd to her that he had acted the way he did in the shop and even more, when she saw the look in Narcissa's eyes. She had not told Harry or the others this though.

"Stop it Harry, I know where you're going with this and we've already discussed this," Hermione said, exasperated.

"Genoa thinks so too! I mean, think about it! His father's one and now he's taking his place. it was a ceremony! Genoa, you saw," he said looking at her desperately.

She fidgeted in her seat, "Honestly, I'm starting to wonder what I did see. It is, odd," she added eyeing Harry who looked annoyed,"But, I don't know if we should jump to conclusions right away."

"We're not saying we don't think your right, mate," Ron added,"But it is pretty far fetched. I mean, Would You-Know-Who really let him join so young?"

Harry shook his head. "Who knows, but I'm going to find out whats going on." and they left the discussion at that.

The rest of the train ride consisted of visits from close friends. Neville and Luna stopped by, and Genoa gladly purchased a copy of the quibbler. They told each other about their summers and she asked Neville how he was getting on with his grandmother after what had happened last year at the Ministry. She apparently, was very proud and this made Genoa glad for him. Although they were all laughing and enjoying eachother's company, she sensed that Harry's mind was still on Draco and she hated to admit that she was still thinking about it too.

"I'll be right back, I need some air," Harry stated randomly. Genoa didn't object, although she knew he was up to something.

"Oi! Hurry up! We're almost there!" Ron called after him.

An hour later they all changed into their school robes and collected their things for departure. Genoa felt suddenly nauseous as the train came to a complete stop at Hogsmeade station.

"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked.

He still had not come back.

"Maybe he's already off," Ron replied.

Not sure whether Harry had in fact gotten off or not, she decided to follow Ron and Hermione off the train and to the carriages that would take them to the school, like every year before that. A sense of peace that she hadn't felt in a long time came over her as they approached the iron gates. She was back home at last, at least to her home away from home.

"Somethings not right, he should have been back by now," Genoa said, worried now when Harry hadn't shown up 30 minutes later in the Great Hall. The sorting was over and the feast had begun. Ron was shoving food into his mouth. Hermione hit him hard.

"Will you stop eating! Your're best friend is missing!"

Ron swallowed and leaned away from her, "Look over there, you lunatic."

Hermione, Genoa and Ginny looked over to see Harry hurrying over to them, his face distinctly covered in blood.

"What the-?" Genoa said.

"He's covered in blood, again," Ginny stated.

"Looks like his own this time," Ron added.

Harry took a seat between Hermione and Genoa.

"What happened to you?" Hermione asked urgently.

"Later," he replied waving the question away,"What did I miss?"

"Nothing, just the sorting and Dumbledore's speech, and not later, tell us now," Hermione pressed on.

He told them about the incident on the train that had occurred with Draco and how he had used his invisibility cloak to eavesdrop.

"You should't have done that!" Genoa snapped at him when he had finished.

"I'll kill him!" Ron said angrily throwing his fork down,"Wait till I get a hold of him!"

"Oh shush, Ron. You don't want to get into any trouble either." Hermione stated, "But it was stupid of you Harry."

Harry clenched his teeth," Yea, I get it ok? Lets just drop it."

He had barely eaten anything, when Dumbledore stood up and spoke.

"Now that we have all eaten and are in joyous spirits, I must wish you all goodnight. First years will please follow Prefects to their house dormitories and the rest of you, should know your way by now. Now, off to bed!"

The Great Hall was filled with the uproar of voices and feet as everyone made their way up to bed, but Genoa felt a sudden urge of anger flow through her when she spotted Malfoy. He had taken things to far by hurting Harry and she no longer felt the sympathy she felt for him a few hours, even days ago. Without thinking, she moved towards him.

"Genoa! What you doing?" Hermione shouted after her when she realized she wasn't by her side. Harry and Ron looked up too.

"Hey! Malfoy!" she heard herself yell. He turned toward her, his face clearly bored.

"What do you want, Valence?"

She approached him so that they were closer to one another.

"Who the hell do you think you are hurting Harry like that?"

He raised his eyebrow and looked suddenly amused,"Aw, Potty cried to his best friends did he?"

"Come off it you arse. Your not fooling anyone with your 'I'm not scared of anything act.' Your just a pathetic, scared and arrogant prick who thinks he can get away with anything. If you ever hurt him again, I'll personally see that you can never raise you're wand again."

She turned on her heel and began to walk away until he opened his mouth to respond.

"Thats almost tempting. Too bad its just empty words."

She turned around to face him again as people stopped to stare now. "What?"

A cruel smile played his lips. "You don't have the guts to threaten me, and as for being pathetic, I think you need to look in the mirror, or at least your father does. He couldn't even save your own mother in the end, could he?"

It happened in an instant. There was a blast of silver light and before she knew it, Draco was on the floor across the hall, groaning in pain. She heard people scream in shock. Unaware that she had even done it, all she felt was red hot anger inside of her and then fear. How had he known about her mother? It wasn't a coincidence. Genoa looked up to see Hermione in front of her, trying to gain her attention. Harry and Ron were there too and seemed to be taken aback by what she had just done.

"I-I don't know what just-it just happened, he provoked me."

"Its okay, Genoa, calm down," Hermione soothed, but just then Proffesor McGonagall came rushing in.

"What on earth is going on here?" she yelled, her eyes darting to all four of them and then to the moaning Draco. "Ms. Valence! I should have known! Mr. Filch," She said to the man who was lurking in the shadows,"Would you please escort Mr. Malfoy to the hospital wing while I deal with ?"

He nodded and after two attempts, managed to lift Draco to his feet. Genoa could have sworn he was smiling at her.

"You three, return to Gryffindor tower immediately," she said to Harry, Ron and Hermione,"Ms. Valence, you follow me."

She looked at the three of them, pleading with her eyes for help before she turned the corner and was lead to Professor McGonagall's office. She shut the door with a wave of her wand and sat in her chair at her desk, clearly exhausted.

"Now then, Ms. Valence, I see that you have let you're anger get the better of you once again."

Genoa opened her mouth to explain, but was silenced by Proffessor McGonagall's hand.

"I don't care what happened Ms. Valence, and I know that you are under great stress, but you need to keep yourself together. There is much on the line right now, and Mr. Malfoy is the wrong person to mess with at the present time. I know he isn't the best person, but you need to keep composure. The Order is on the edge right now and Draco Malfoy is being watched as you know. Don't let him get the better of you. With that being said though, I'm afraid i'll have to take 5 points from Gryffindor."

"But, I-Proffessor no! I'm already being tortured by him, why do I have to be punished more!" she yelled.

"Because, Ms. Valence," she said peering at her through her spectacles, "I am trying to help you learn self-control. Now don't let me catch you in anymore trouble. You may go."

Genoa made her way to the door before she heard heard Proffessor McGonagall speak again.

"Oh, and , please remember that sometimes you need to look past things to see what truly lies within."

Genoa turned to her, understanding what she meant.

"Trust me Proffessor, I know that all to well."

And she headed up to Gryffindor tower, praying for a good night's sleep.

*please review*