Chapter 2

Friday October 17th, 1997
Wiltshire, England
Malfoy Manor
Josephine's library
9:28 p.m.

The next night, Eva was back at Malfoy Manor just after dinner, her husband shaking his head and coming along to keep Lucius company; so they could discuss the women who tried to drive them nuts. As they said, you could choose your friends, you couldn't choose your family… just their luck they got two women who had deemed it their job in life to drive the two men, and practically any who know them, completely insane.

Joining them this evening, unknowingly so they could join in on Josephine's latest scheme, were Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, and Gabrielle Delacour. Each of the young women had been sent to finish their training as gentile ladies with Josephine and Eva when they were ten, and after seven and five years respectively, they were exceptionally close to their two elders, and long used to Josephine's schemes.

The first to arrive had been Gabrielle, Beauxbatons having no issues with the nobility leaving any time during the day as long as they weren't missing classes or their class work didn't suffer for it. Gabby, now the heir to her family titles, was very much unlike her older sister. She had the same silvery blonde hair that Fleur and Josephine had, from their shared great-great-grandfather, Raoul Delacour. Where Josephine's own hair was naturally curly, Gabby had hers curled by spell everyday as a way to distinguish herself from Fleur. Not that she needed it, it had once been said that Fleur was haughty and looked down on everything, that the sound of her voice could make nails on a chalkboard sound like the most beautiful sonata. At the time, Josephine and Eva had shared a smile, both trying not to laugh while Fleur was complaining about it. Gabrielle though, was much softer than her sister, her eyes aqua instead of the blue Fleur had. She was kinder, gentler than Fleur, and had a melodious voice, an exceptional singer as well. She was only a few months shy of her sixteenth birthday, and while this year's Winter Ball was the ball welcoming Josephine back, it was also when Gabrielle would attend for the first time as a debutant…

It had taken Pansy and Millicent a bit longer to arrive, but soon the five were sitting around Josephine's library. Initially conversation revolved around how they would continue the younger ladies' studies. As they enjoyed a bit of time to relax and simply enjoy each other's company, Josephine took a moment to watch her other two charges. Pansy Parkinson was considered by many at Hogwarts as not a beauty in any way or form, unless they were Slytherins. In reality though, Pansy was beautiful, she had a noble look to her, high cheekbones and almost perfectly painted features. She kept her dark auburn hair in a shorter cut that brought out her equally dark green eyes. Millicent on the other hand had much harder features; she kept her black hair pulled back the majority of the time. She knew that she wasn't what people considered pretty, but hidden beneath her rough exterior was a kind and gentle woman. Of course both of the two were known for being exceptionally mean and nasty, in private though they both allowed their true selves to be revealed.

Knowing that both of the women, and Gabby as well, would be surprised by her plan, Josephine set her tea aside and decided to break the ice and simply tell them her plan. The next forty minutes were spent with her and Eva discussing their plan. When they were done all was quiet for a few moments…

"You are joking," Pansy asked sharing a look with Millicent.

"I never joke about such things Pansy, you should know that," Josephine countered evenly.

"But she's a Weasley…" Millicent argued.

"And she's the only granddaughter of Lord Prewett," Eva pointed out.

"Still," Pansy shook her head. "How can you even be sure that the nobles will accept this? Yes you hold great sway among the other families Josette, but even you are not beyond reproach. The Weasleys are famous for their hatred of us and our kind, Arthur Weasley especially. And you're proposing having his youngest child lay claim to Rosewood."

"You yourself said she showed much promise when she apologized for her brother and Potter," Josephine reminded. "Young Ginevra is not her father or her mother; she is a person entirely to herself. She cannot be judged by her family and the actions of others, but by her own actions. She bears noble blood Pansy that alone is enough to appease those who would object. All I wish is to give her the chance. We both know that when a title lays dormant beyond one generation, it is often not claimed again. The Peverell title is proof of that enough, the last Earl died nearly sixty years ago, three generations have come and gone and we have not even had one false claim to the title."

"True," Pansy agreed. "Very well then, what do you wish of us?"

"You're going to need to start being nicer to her initially, in small ways that won't raise much suspicion. I'm going to inform Blaise of this as well…"

"What about Draco?" Gabrielle asked as she picked up a biscuit.

"Draconis is not going to like this one bit. Much like his father… I have no desire to bring him into this yet."

"Very well mi'lady," Gabrielle nodded.

"How do you plan to inform Ginny of your offer?" Millicent asked after a moment.

"I have my ways," Josephine smiled. "But you two must get back to Hogwarts before Dumbledore has a fit about you leaving the school on a Friday night, even with the greater rights afforded to those of our status."

"You're right; and we'll make sure Draco stays out of Hogsmeade tomorrow. And Blaise as well…" Pansy nodded as she rose.

"Thank you Pans," Josephine smiled.

"It's nothing Josie," Millicent grinned. "After all, how often do we get to drive Blaise and Draco absolutely batty?"

"Don't you do that every day?" Gabrielle teased.

"Oh hush Gabby," Pansy giggled.

"Bite me," Gabrielle shot back with a smirk as she, Millicent and Pansy left the room.

"That went rather well…" Eva mused as she glanced over at her friend.

"Now to purposely arrange a run in with poor Mistress Weasley," Josephine smiled evilly.

"You're bloody scary Josie, when you want to be."

"Only when I want to be? Hmm… I'm loosing my touch," Josephine frowned before both women lost it and laughed. Poor Ginny had no idea what was coming for her…

Saturday October 18th, 1997
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Great Hall
8:05 a.m.

"Hey Ginny," Hermione greeted, as the younger girl sat down at the Gryffindor Table.

"Hi," replied Ginny quietly as she took a look around her. She had arrived at breakfast at her usual time of about twenty minutes before it ended and was surprised to see her brother, Harry and Hermione still sitting at the Gryffindor Table. Usually on a Saturday or Sunday they would have left well before she had arrived.

"Listen Ginny," Hermione said as she slid over so that she was facing Ginny, leaving Harry and Ron a few feet away talking Quidditch. "I'm really sorry about what happened yesterday."

"It's okay 'Mione. I'm really not that surprised quite honestly. I guess I figured it was just a matter of time before Mum found out," replied Ginny with a shrug.

"Ginny, I'm the one that told Ron about the book. I'm sorry. I thought I was helping. I was trying to explain to him how you knew what to do to stop Blaise from pummelling him," Hermione explained.

"Really Hermione, it's all right," Ginny said, her voice still barely above a whisper.

"Well to make up for my helping to get you in trouble, I'm dragging you off to Hogsmeade and I'm going to let you drag me into any store there and I'll get you anything you want, within reason of course," she smiled.

"Hermione really…"

"No arguments Ginny," countered Hermione. "Harry's with me on this aren't you Harry," she asked as Harry slid over next to Ginny, putting his arm around her shoulders.

"Of course," agreed Harry. "You saved my neck Gin, you gotta let me get you something to say thank you."

"Harry I…"

"Back off guys," snapped Ron in irritation. "She said she doesn't want to go so leave it alone. If she wants to sit around the castle sulking all day that's fine with me because at least she'll be as far away from me as possible."

"RON!" snapped Hermione as she smacked him across the back of his head. "Don't listen to him Ginny. You're coming," she said as she got up, Harry handing Ginny a piece of toast before taking her hand and pulling her to her feet before leading her out of the Great Hall, Hermione falling into step next to her and Harry with Ron bringing up the rear.

The entire trip into Hogsmeade, Ron's mood grew worse and worse. As they walked, Harry never let go of Ginny's hand, when Harry's arm wrapped around Ginny's shoulders while they walked down High Street he couldn't take it anymore. "Merlin's Blood Harry people are going to think you two are a couple!" Ron finally snapped. "It's bad enough we brought her with us, do you have to hang all over her like a dog in heat?"

"Ron!" cried Hermione in outrage. "Don't listen to him Ginny," she said turning to face Ginny.

"Apologize to your sister Ron," snapped Harry angrily.

"God's blood," Ron rolled his eyes. "I know my mum is hoping you two will get married but Gods is it necessary for you to come to her rescue like a bloody knight in shining armour?"

"Well somebody has to since apparently her brother isn't up to the job," snarled Harry as he stepped away from Ginny and towards Ron.

"Harry please," begged Ginny quietly as she tried to tug on the back of his robes, her pleas going unheard.

Ginny stepped back as Ron and Harry got into it right in the middle of High Street before Hermione stepped in to try and stop them. Taking the chance to get away from the scene and the quickly gathering crowd, Ginny slipped away unseen.

Ginny had been walking along for a few minutes, not really paying much attention now that she had managed to escape the trio and their public display. The last thing she expected though was to find herself on the ground looking up and finding a familiar face from the newspaper looking at her. Before her stood the Countess de Winters, wearing black pants, and a white turtleneck with a long white cashmere jacket that ended about her knees, a matching white hat on her head.

"Forgive me my Lady," Ginny begged lightly as she scrambled to her feet before she sunk into a curtsy.

"It was my fault little one," Josephine argued as she offered Ginny her hand. For a moment Ginny looked at it unsure, before hesitantly taking it. "Allow me to buy you something to drink, for knocking you over," Josephine continued as she helped Ginny stand back up.

"There's no need…"

"I insist," Josephine argued.

"Of course," Ginny agreed after a moment.

"Good," Josephine smiled before looking over her shoulder. "This is my friend Eva," she continued as Eva moved to join them, "And my name is Josephine."

"Ginevra," Ginny answered as they began to walk away from the spot of the collision.

"Nice to meet you Ginevra," Eva smiled; she was wearing ivory pants with a matching tank and an ivory lace jacket; like Josephine, her clothes spoke of wealth without being excessive.

"Thank you," Ginny replied softly as she kept her eyes down. Josephine and Eva exchanged a glance over Ginny's head before Eva began to talk about the latest Daily Prophet that had an article about some of the newer businesses in England, number eight had been Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes.

Having the topic of her brothers' store to talk about, Ginny was able to relax a bit as they walked, even able to raise her eyes from the ground to watch both women out of the corner of her eyes – one on each side of her.

"You know, there's something familiar about you Ginevra," Josephine began as they approached a building, the door opening so they were able to walk in.

"There is?" Ginny began before she was interrupted.

"Your cloak madam?"

"Um…" Ginny began when she saw the older man standing there. Glancing around, she finally realized they definitely weren't in Rosmerta's or Madam Puddifoot's. Were they even still in Hogsmeade?

"Actually, we'd like a private salon please James," Josephine began. "Is the West Salon available?"

"Just now Milady," James nodded. "Please, follow me," he continued before leading them to a private room, twice the size of any at Tom's. Ginny was a bit afraid to actually sit down in any of the chairs, before James arrived with a pot of tea and she really had no choice.

"Where were we?" Eva asked after a few moments. "Oh, you were thinking something was familiar about Ginevra…"

"That's right," Josephine nodded. "You said Fred and George Weasley were your brothers?"

"Yes they are," replied Ginny quietly, her eyes on her teacup.

"Hmm..." Josephine mused. "Your father is Arthur? Your mother Molly Prewett?" she asked after a moment.

"Yes my Lady."

"That explains it," Josephine smiled. "You look just like all the paintings I've seen of your grandmother."

That certainly caught Ginny's attention, causing her to almost drop her teacup as her head shot up. "Par…pardon my Lady?"

"Your grandmother, Elsie Prewett..." Josephine frowned slightly. "Haven't you ever seen a picture of your grandmother?"

"No," Ginny replied quietly, dropping her eyes to her teacup once more. "Mum…my mother never speaks of her family my Lady."

"Goodness gracious..." Eva whispered. "You don't know that your grandparents are Lord Peter and Lady Elsie?"

"Please Lady Eva, do not say such things. I do not wish to be made a fool of just for your sport," commented Ginny quietly.

"Dear child, we would never do such a thing," Josephine shook her head. "And we would certainly not joke about the Lord and Lady Prewett. They are greatly missed in our circle, both were exceptional people."

"We're not allowed to ask our mother about her family," Ginny said.

The two shared a look before shaking their heads. "That makes sense little one," Josephine sighed. "Your mother disgraced herself when she left our world; she despised us and our ways. None ever understood why... But it is true Ginevra... your grandparents were the Earl and Countess of Rosewood..."

"Please don't do this," pleaded Ginny as she fought tears. "Please don't."

"Oh Ginevra... we do not wish to make you cry," Eva whispered.

"Then why are you saying these things to me," begged Ginny as she wiped away an escaping tear.

"Because you deserve to know little one," Josephine smiled sadly. "You're nobility. You deserve the chance to learn about your kind and take your place, no matter how much your mother and father would wish to deny it of you."

"No," Ginny said shaking her head. "No you're lying, you have to be. This isn't true. I can't be."

"Why don't we leave things as is?" Eva suggested. "It's been lovely meeting you Ginevra, but I'm sure you need to get back to Hogwarts..."

Ginny nodded and rose from her seat. "Thank you my Ladies," she said quietly with a small awkward curtsey before turning and making her way from the salon and back out towards High Street and up to the castle.

"That could have gone better," Eva murmured once Ginny was gone.

"I expected it to go as such," Josephine shrugged as she picked up her tea once more.

"Why do you still seem as happy about things as you did two hours ago?" Eva frowned.

"Because ma soeur * (my sister), she may not have taken the news well, but she will no doubt go looking to see if what we said is true. We both heard about the Howler she received, Pans and Milli made sure to tell us last night. Right now she is terrified of her family… but she has fire in her soul. When she learns that her grandfather was Rosewood, she's going to be very upset at being lied to… when that happens, I suspect I'll be getting a letter."

"You're entirely too optimistic," Eva shook her head. "If she does agree to this, have you considered the fact that your Grandmother will be at the Winter Ball? She is not going to approve of you taking a commoner under your wing."

"Grandmére is a pétasse* (slut)," Josephine snapped lightly as she rose. "I'll take anything she has to say about it, she won't change my mind and she can't ignore the fact Ginny is the granddaughter of Rosewood."

"True," Eva agreed as she stood. "Come on Josette, let's go for a ride, it will calm your nerves and mine. We just have to wait and see what happens with young Ginevra."

"Oui," Josephine agreed as they made their way from the saloon.

Saturday October 18th, 1997
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Library
12:24 p.m.

Once Ginny reached Hogwarts she made her way as quickly as she could up to the library, determined to at least look into what Josephine Malfoy had said about her grandfather, and to do that she needed the books she had returned the day before.

"Madam Pince, do you still have those books out that I returned yesterday," asked Ginny quietly once the librarian had turned around.

"I'm sorry Miss Weasley but those books have been removed from the library at the Headmaster's request," replied Madam Pince.

"Oh…thank you Madam Pince," replied Ginny in defeat before turning and making her way out of the library

After leaving the library, Ginny started wandering the corridors, not really paying attention to where she was going or what was going on around her, eventually making her way into the Entrance Hall as her feet took her towards the Great Hall. For the third time in as many days, Ginny found herself looking up at who she had just run into. Was there something about the Malfoys that she kept running into them?

At this point in time, Ginny had just decided that the Goddess was having just a little too much fun at her expense and figured it was time to put herself out of her misery and the fastest way to do that was to anger Draco as much as possible. She just hoped her death was quick and painless as she collapsed back onto the floor, her hands covering her face as she laid there flat on her back. "By the Goddess, just kill me know," she mumbled into her hands.

"I don't kill people from pity Weasley," Draco drawled.

"Draco..." Blaise groaned lightly. "Don't you think you've terrified her enough... Let's just get to dinner..."

"They're gone," Pansy spoke a few moments later. "You manage to survive that crash intact?" she asked softly.

"Three Malfoys in as many days," mumbled Ginny from her spot on the floor. "Other than the fact that I'm amazed I'm still breathing I'm fine," she replied as she lifted her head to see who was speaking to her only to drop her head back to the floor with a thunk when she realized just who it was that had spoken.

"By the Goddess, are you trying to give yourself a concussion?" Millicent frowned. "Here, something tells me you're not getting up in one piece without help," she added as she held out her hand.

Ginny reached out and took Millicent's hand, allowing the other girl to help her to her feet. "Thank you," she said quietly with a small awkward curtsey before turning away from Pansy and Millicent, and away from the Great Hall.

"Ginny," Pansy called after her before the two quickly followed after her. "We wanted to tell you... what you did two days ago... That took a lot of guts."

"Stupidity more likely," countered Ginny before she realized just who she was still talking to. "What's going on here?" she asked as she stopped in her tracks.

"We're talking," Millicent shrugged. "Look yes we're little bitches to the world as a whole, but that's because it's expected of us. And we wanted to tell you that what you did, stepping in for your brother and Potter was bloody brilliant."

"Well the howler says differently, doesn't it," argued Ginny quietly as she stepped into one of the alcoves off the corridor, looking out the window. "It's cut off my last line of knowledge," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"No, it was pretty admirable actually. We just thought you should know that and know that hey, you ever want someone to talk to about anything... And that letter from your mum, bloody rude that was... but if you're interested, we have some books that you might like," Pansy shrugged.

"Books?" Ginny asked a note of curiosity in her voice as she turned her head to look at Pansy, a look of hope in her eyes, a hope that had been missing since she had received the howler.

"Girl, we have enough books on nobility to kill a dragon," Millicent chuckled. "Milady, our teacher for those lovely studies they don't cover at Hogwarts..."

"Like decorating, dance, horsemanship," Pansy interjected with a grin.

"Yeah like that, well she insists on us knowing everything about past nobility, current nobility, how the noble lines run... bloody annoying really. But trust me, we have books."

"Oh," commented Ginny, turning back to the window. "Must be nice to have so many books on just about anything."

"Guess so, personally I don't really like reading, I prefer to be outdoors," Millicent shrugged. "You want to borrow some; I can send them up to your room via house elf or owl..."

"You would do that?" asked Ginny nervously.

"Of course," Pansy agreed with a wave of her hand as if to say why wouldn't we. "Girl, you stood up to Dra and Blaise, as far as we're concerned you're okay."

Ginny didn't know what to say. "O…kay. If you're sure."

"We're sure," Millicent agreed. "And hey, you ever get bored with the rest of your housemates, come visit. We're not all that evil in Slytherin like we pretend to be," she continued with a wink before she and Pansy turned to leave Ginny, not wanting to scare her too much with their change in attitude.

Ginny stood there for a few minutes after Millicent and Pansy left, simply staring at where they had been. /-/What in the name of the Goddess just happened here? Mother Goddess why are you doing this to me?/-/ Ginny thought to herself, dropping her head to her hands for a few minutes before rubbing her face tiredly. Making her way out of the alcove she traced her steps back down to the Entrance Hall, only instead of entering the Great Hall she made her way down to the kitchens, grabbing something to take with her before heading up to her room in Gryffindor Tower where she hid herself away behind her bed curtains, the promised books arriving via house-elf a few hours later. Ginny spent the evening locked away in her bed reading before falling asleep with a book on her lap.

Friday October 24th, 1997
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Owlry
7:12 a.m.

It had taken a week for her to finally come to her decision; a week of reading too many books to keep count of; a week of listening to her brother do nothing but bad mouth any and all of the noble students behind their backs; a week of being in the shadows once more.

Ginny stood in the owlry watching the owl fade into the distance before turning and quickly making her way out of the tower and back to Gryffindor Tower as quickly as possible, hoping to make it back there before any of the other Gryffindors came down. The last thing she wanted was word of her sending an owl getting back to her brother and eventually her mother who would demand to know who she could possibly be writing to since she had not written to her mother.

Miles away Josephine had just risen and was fixing her make-up for the day when the familiar sound of an owl flying in to perch on the perch permanently left for owls caught her attention. Rising she walked over and took the parchment, grabbing a treat before sending the bird back to its home. She didn't open it until she was seated once more.

Lady Malfoy,

I've done as you requested. If your offer is still open for discussion, you will find a receptive audience.

Smiling to herself, Josephine rose from her vanity and made her way from her bedroom towards her study, waking Lolana when she entered the room. Crossing to her desk she pulled out her ink and chewed on her lip a moment before setting the quill to paper.

Friday October 24th, 1997
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The Gryffindor Tower
The Sixth Year Girl's Dormitory
12:09 p.m.

Ginny stepped out of the Transfiguration room, her last class before lunch and turned to head back up to Gryffindor Tower instead of towards the Great Hall like the rest of her classmates. She knew she wouldn't be missed at lunch so decided to head up to her room to do a little bit of reading before heading down to the dungeons for her first class of the afternoon with Professor Snape.

She was surprised to find her bed curtains closed when she stepped into her dormitory. /-/I could have sworn I left those open/-/ she thought to herself as she made her way over to her bed. Pulling back the curtain she was surprised to find an envelope waiting for her on her pillow. Picking it up, she took a closer look at the unfamiliar dark green writing. Turning the envelope over she noticed a deep green wax seal with the impression of a W with a cat wrapped around the base of the letter.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Ginny climbed onto her bed, pulling the curtains closed around her, she broke the seal on the envelope and pulled out the contents, opening the parchment to reveal a letter.

Ginevra,

I was thrilled to receive your letter, and do not worry, this is spelled so only you can read it. I'll also have my owl deliver it to your dorm room rather than to the Great Hall.

As for your decision, if you have no regrets and wish to still accept my offer after having time to consider what you've done, then Eva and I shall be in Hogsmeade Sunday for breakfast. We can discuss how things will work over an early lunch, so you can understand how we will begin your lessons.

Yours,

Josephine

Ginny lay back with a sigh. "Mother Goddess, can I really do this?" She was unaware of how long she had lain there, only snapping back to reality when she heard the bell sound telling her she had ten minutes to get to class. Tucking the letter under her pillow she grabbed her books for her afternoon classes and ran as quickly as she could all the way down to the dungeons, making it to class just moments before the second bell rang, signalling the start of classes.

Sunday October 27th, 1997
Hogsmeade Village
High Street
10:48 a.m.

It was mid morning Sunday and Ginny found herself once more standing on the High Street of Hogsmeade Village, trying to remember exactly where it was that Josephine had taken her the week prior; after wandering around the village for a little while, she finally came upon the establishment. Taking a deep breath she put her hand on the door only to hesitate opening it, wondering if she was actually making the right decision or if she should just head back up to the castle and rebury all her dreams in the darkness in which she lived her life. She was just about to step away from the door, when something inside her made her push the door open and step inside.

"Miss," the man from last time, James, began when he saw her. "Milady Winters and Milady Léon are in the West Salon. Would you like me to escort you?"

"Yes please," Ginny said quietly, her voice shaking a little.

"Certainly Miss," James nodded before leading her to the Salon. "Milady Winters, Milady León... the young Miss has arrived," he spoke when he opened the door for Ginny.

"Thank you James," Josephine smiled before he left silently. "Hello little one."

"Lady Winters, Lady León," Ginny greeted quietly, dropping her gaze and giving an awkward curtsey.

"Please Ginevra, call us Josephine and Eva in private," Eva began with a smile. "Or Josette if you wish. All of us shorten her name."

"Are you sure?" asked Ginny worriedly. "I wouldn't want to offend either of you."

"Certainly," Josephine smiled. "Everyone in our immediate circle calls us Josette and Eva... well you'll hear me calling Eva Evita and her calling me Josie... but everyone else including family just call us Josette and Eva."

"Well, everyone just calls me Ginny, at least when they notice me at any rate," replied Ginny, a hint of sadness in her voice.

"Do you prefer Ginny? Or would you like to be called by your full name? Or even a middle name?" Eva asked softly.

"In all honesty, I actually do prefer Ginny. I don't really care for my first name and one Molly Weasley is enough I think," Ginny replied.

"Well definitely for the sake of avoiding confusion," Josephine smiled. "Ginny it is then, and we'll make sure to not use your full name much more. Though it is a lovely name... traces back to Queen Guinevere I believe..."

"It does?" asked Ginny in surprise.

"Oh yes, it's the Italian form of Guinevere," Eva smiled. "What would you like to eat though Ginny?" she continued with a smile.

"Oh…" Ginny trailed off as she bit her lip in nervousness. "Nothing too heavy please. My stomach's been doing flip flops since Friday and I don't know how kindly it will take to food at the moment."

"I know the feeling, I was the same way from the time I was five until I left for my sabbatical whenever I had to visit my Grandmére," Josephine chuckled. "Still have that problem every now and again today..."

"I'm that way when I have to see your grandmother," Eva argued lightly. "Her grandmother is despised by every member of the nobility. I think someone actually painted the scowl on her face..." she told Ginny with a smile. "How does a bowl of soup sound though? Or some toast?"

"Soup sounds alright," agreed Ginny, not quite sure what to make of the conversation that was taking place.

"Certainly," Eva smiled before calling for a house elf that worked for the restaurant. Moments later the elf left with their requests. "Now then Ginny, you're probably curious just how these lessons will work..."

"You could say that," admitted Ginny.

"Well to start with, there is a standing law that the staff at Hogwarts must follow," Josephine began before their food arrived. Once the elf was gone once more she continued. "Basically any member of nobility who attends the school can leave over the weekends if they are going to be staying with a noble who is of age, and it will not interfere with their school work. There are a few young nobles who attend the school now who participate in the program as it were..."

"So the teachers and Dumbledore can not stop you from these lessons," Eva agreed. "What happens is that if you don't have class work, or even if you do, you can leave the school Friday night after dinner and return Monday morning before breakfast. If you have class work, you can do it while away in our opinions."

"But the Headmaster will never agree to let me leave. I don't have the same standing as the other nobles," countered Ginny.

"Dumbledore can not deny though that you have noble blood. You are Lord Prewett's granddaughter. He has already gone up against the Governors in the last weeks once. He won't be foolish enough to fight this; he knows the Governors will not be happy with him. Dumbledore knows that if he continues to go against the Governors in this, he may be removed from his position. Trust me little one, he will agree to this."

"Even if my mother forbids it?" asked Ginny. "She's always so adamant about me not fantasizing myself better than I am. How am I supposed to turn against everything my family stands for?"

"Ginny, first, your mother can't stop you. You're of age," Eva began shaking her head.

"And if you think about it, she turned against everything her family stood for. You're only finding out things about another side of your family that she denied you and your siblings."

"I'm just afraid that my doing this might tear my family apart. I have no one but my family."

"Oh little one... I am sure that your family wouldn't turn on you for this. Yes your mother may not be happy, and I suspect your youngest brother may not. But I suspect that if anything, your brothers are going to be upset with your mother for not telling them about your grandparents more than they would be upset with you for wanting to learn about them," Josephine sighed softly.

"Then I'm afraid you don't know Molly Weasley as well as you think you do," replied Ginny quietly. "She would punish me as a child simply because I would pretend to be a princess."

Josephine and Eva exchanged surprised looks before looking back to Ginny. "Oh Ginny, she had no right to do that..."

"I got in trouble simply because I knew enough to apologize for my brother and Harry, thereby saving their necks. And neither Ron nor my mother said thank you. No, I get yelled at in front of the entire school. It's not fair," Ginny snapped, her long buried temper finally finding an outlet.

"No it's not," Eva agreed. "You know what; you should do this just because they don't want you to. Show them that they can't control you."

"I'm just so tired of being told I can't or you're not. I'm tired of living in the shadows. When's it my turn to be in the spotlight?"

"Then let's give you the chance to take that spotlight," Josephine smiled.

"Are you sure I can really do this?" asked Ginny, her nervousness suddenly returning.

"Little one, none of us are perfect at being noble. We have rules to live by, extensive rules to be honest. But at the same time, you'll quickly learn that we are just as normal as anyone. We simply have an act that we portray to those not in our circles. You can't fail at being noble... and as for the outer act; it won't take much to learn."

Ginny sat there for a few minutes chewing her lower lip as she thought before taking a deep breathe. "When do we start?"

"Saturday morning we'll meet you here in Hogsmeade. And you will have the chance to meet the other girls in our immediate circle," Eva answered with a smile. "We'll have you back Sunday night, we thought it might be easier the first few weeks to not leave immediately after dinner and get back just before breakfast."

"What do I tell the Headmaster?"

"Don't worry little one, I'll take care of that," Josephine smiled. She was looking forward to that...

"All right," agreed Ginny. "I should go. I have a potions essay to finish for tomorrow."

"Of course," Eva agreed. "We'll see you in six days then, and if you want to talk to someone before then, Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode have been in training since they were ten as is tradition. They may be able to help ease your worry."

"Thank you," Ginny said as she began to curtsey, only to have Josephine stop her.

"Little one, in private, as far as I'm concerned, you're the same as me."

Ginny nodded as she stood up straight once more. "Josette, Eva," she bid before turning around and making her way from the room, waiting until she was back out on the High Street before breaking into a run and running all the way back up to the castle.