Chapter 6

Sunday December 21st, 1997
Wiltshire, England
Malfoy Manor
Josephine's Suites
5:21 p.m.

The trip to Rosewood had filled every hope Josephine had for it, Ginny having the chance to meet her grandparents, who promptly insisted that she tell them everything about herself while Josephine went off in search of a few things there in the Manor to give the three some time alone. Just before six hours had passed, the two bid farewell to the former Count and Countess, and headed back to the Chateau, Ginny exceedingly happier than she had been. Her grandparents, even if they were just their paintings, had made it perfectly clear in many different ways that they loved her, didn't 'give a rat's arse' as her grandmother put it, about anything that happened in her past, and they would always be there for her, even if it was in painting form.

The next weeks seemed to fly by for the six women; Ginny's 'training' progressing very well in the minds of her companions, as well as the friendships made. Things at Hogwarts weren't exactly easy for them, but Pansy and Millicent did everything they could to keep Ginny's interactions with her brother to a minimum, Blaise and Draco helping out when they could. Blaise took a liking to Ginny, joining the three often, while Draco was nice, but didn't exactly become best friends with her, which would have been quite odd for Ginny so it wasn't perhaps the worst of relationships.

All too soon it seemed, it was December, final plans were being made for the Winter Ball, putting Josephine in even more of a stressed state, while the others just shook their heads and relaxed, doing shopping for the ball in Paris. A few days before the Winter Solstice, and the night of the ball, Hogwarts began the winter break, and Ginny made her way to the Manor along with Pansy and Millicent, Gabrielle already there and waiting in a suite of rooms the four would share, not far from Josephine's own rooms.

The morning of the solstice dawned bright and clear, a bit chilly of course, but lovely just the same. There had been fresh snow the night before so it seemed as if everything was determined to be magical for the night's festivities. The four girls met with Josephine for a day of pampering, spa treatments and other such fun in Paris before they returned to the Manor to get dressed, the six finding themselves in Josephine's suite as sunset approached.

"I love a ball," Pansy smiled as she spun around once.

"We all love a ball," Gabrielle teased, "Though it is interesting that the majority of us are wearing shades of blue," she mused, Pansy, Ginny and Josephine all had blue dresses, while she herself wore burgundy, Eva was in a black and white creation and Millicent wore a white gown.

"Blue is a fun colour," Millicent shrugged as she put her earrings on.

"Very much so," Eva countered with a smile as she placed one more pin in her own hair, then made sure her tiara was secure. "And Ginny my dear girl, sapphire is a lovely colour for you," she looked over at Ginny and smiled.

"It's a perfect colour for you," Josephine smiled as she walked over to Ginny; the younger woman wore a sapphire ball gown, which had a strapless lace bodice with a full skirt. Her hair a pile of hanging curls.

"I feel like a giant doll that someone's playing dress up with," commented Ginny.

"Well you are a lovely doll," Josephine laughed, "Though if memory serves me, you did pick out the dress," she winked, "I have a gift for you little one," she smiled as she looked at Eva, who walked over with a box, Gabrielle behind her with a second one. "A gift from your grandparents actually," she continued as she lifted the lid from the box Gabrielle held, revealing a diamond and sapphire necklace, with matching earrings and bracelet.

No matter how hard she tried, Ginny's brain just couldn't process the elegance of the jewellery in front of her, leaving her speechless. "These are for me?" she asked quietly.

"They are, they're yours actually," Josephine smiled before lifting the necklace, "May I?"

Ginny nodded and ducked down so Josephine could get her arms around her neck without messing up her hair.

Just as quickly, the bracelet and earrings were removed and Gabrielle moved to place the case in Josephine's private safe for the time being as the items found their place around Ginny's wrist and ears. "This was your grandmother's favourite," Josephine explained as she turned and opened the box Eva held, extracting a sapphire and diamond tiara.

"That's mine too?"

Josephine giggled, "Very much yours," she smiled.

"Please don't laugh," Ginny pleaded quietly. "I've never even dreamt of having anything like this before."

"Oh little one, I'm not laughing at you, honestly," Josephine smiled softly, "It's just such a joy to see one take such pleasure in the things many of the nobles assume is theirs and never truly appreciate."

"I'm still afraid I'm going to wake up and find this all a dream."

"It's not a dream little one," Josephine smiled, "Are you ready little one? Each of us here can say that you are ready in any way we could help you to take your place, to be known as the granddaughter of your grandparents but it is you who must decide if you are truly ready..."

"If I don't do this now, I may never do it," Ginny said.

"Then now is the time it would appear," Eva smiled, "You truly are a Countess my friend, by blood and family, but more importantly by manner."

"Never let anyone tell you otherwise Ginny, you are noble by birth, but it is by your heart that you are a Countess," Josephine agreed as she reached up to carefully place the tiara upon Ginny's head.

"That's going to take some getting used to," Ginny said as Josephine fastened the tiara to her hair. "Being called a Countess that is."

"It does," Josephine agreed, "Ready then?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Josephine smiled before taking Ginny's hand and they made their way to the door where Jozséf was waiting to take Josephine's arm and lead them to the stairs that descended into the ballroom, the group staying back out of sight.

"Remember to breathe," Josephine smiled as she stepped up next to Ginny, ahead of them at the top of the staircase, Pansy and Millicent had stepped up to the herald.

"The Lady Millicent Bulstrode, and the Honourable Pansy Parkinson," he announced before they made their way down the stairs. "The Vicomtesse de Chagny," he continued before Gabrielle began her descent.

"Breathing would be good," commented Ginny with a small, tight smile.

"Very much so," Eva smiled as Horacio joined them.

"Good evening Josephine," he nodded to her, "Milady," Horacio smiled at Ginny, "you look lovely," he continued as he took her hand and kissed the back of it.

"Thank you kind sir," Ginny said with a small curtsey.

"You're quite welcome dear lady," Horacio smiled, "Save a dance for me, it would be an honour to dance with so lovely a companion," he continued as he took Eva's hand, "We shall see you below, and do not worry, you shall be wonderful," he continued quietly so others wouldn't hear, before turning and heading towards the top of the stairs with Eva.

"I swear I have to find a man like that one," Josephine smiled

/-/I have found him but I can't have him/-/ Ginny thought sadly to herself.

"The Duque and Duquessa of León," the herald announced as Blaise and Draco approached the group, Lucius and Narcissa a few steps behind.

"Milady Winters, Milady Rosewood," Blaise greeted as he bowed, "You both look exquisite this evening."

"Thanks," Ginny said quietly, determined not to look towards Draco or his parents.

"I shall see both of you downstairs," he smiled before pulling Draco back towards the stairs.

"You'll be fine Ginny," Josephine promised as Jozséf took Ginny's hand and placed it on his arm.

"I'll be with you every step of the way Milady," he smiled as the herald announced the 'Duca di Piancenza' and Blaise began his descent. Jozséf led Ginny to the top of the stairs and told the herald their names. "The Countess of Rosewood, and the Báró Láng," he announced as every eye turned towards the staircase.

"Breathe Milady," Jozséf whispered as they started down the stairs.

"I would if I could remember how," Ginny said through her smile.

"You're doing wonderful Milady," he countered quietly as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

"The Marquess of Wentworth," the herald announced as Jozséf led her towards the others, a moment later the herald continued, "The Duke and Duchess of Grey," as Lucius and Narcissa began their descent down the stairs.

"You did wonderful," Pansy whispered as Lucius and Narcissa finished their walk down the stairs.

"I did?" asked Ginny worriedly.

"You did," Eva agreed with a smile. "Don't worry, Josephine and I were just as nervous our first ball where we were announced and had to walk on our own instead of in our family's shadow."

After a moment Josephine began down the stairs as those gathered began to clap, smiling and nodding at certain people before she reached the bottom where Lucius was waiting to escort her to the centre of the room as the quartet began to play.

"The song of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere," Gabrielle explained, "Not even Narcissa has ever had a dance to the royal anthem, it's said only those who could ever sit upon Camelot's thrones may dance as it plays."

Ginny stood and watched Lucius and Josephine for a few minutes before turning away. "Will you guys excuse me for a minute; I think I need some fresh air."

"Of course," Eva smiled.

Ginny made her way out onto the terrace, thankful for the fact that there was a heating spell placed around it so she could enjoy the winter view without needing her cloak on. She lost track of time as she got lost in her thoughts, never hearing the person walk out onto the terrace behind her.

"What's a beautiful creature like you doing hiding out in the shadows here on the terrace?" asked a young man as he leant back against the stone railing of the terrace.

"Who said I was hiding?" asked Ginny in quiet nervousness as she straightened up so she was no longer leaning on her elbows on the terrace railing.

"No one," admitted the young man with a smile, his blue eyes sparkling in the light coming from the ballroom through the open French doors. "But when a beautiful young woman such as yourself comes out onto the terrace by herself and doesn't come back in, what's a young man to think other than she is out here hiding."

"I just needed some fresh air is all," Ginny replied as she turned her attention from the young man at her side out over the snow-covered grounds. "I'd rather be alone out here then alone in a room full of people."

"Are you not enjoying the ball then?" he asked in concern.

"Should I be?" asked Ginny, a hint of cynicism entering her voice.

"Of course you should be," he laughed. "This is a ball after all. You should be out dancing with every young man here."

"And why would they want to dance with me?" asked Ginny quietly.

"Because you're beautiful," he told her as he brushed a few stray strands of hair off of Ginny's cheek. "And any young man here would be honoured to be seen with you on his arm."

"Would you?"

"Of course, which is why I came out here. So I could ask you to dance with me," he said as he held his hand out to Ginny. "My name is Simeon by the way. Baron Simeon von Hirsberger actually, but Simeon will do."

"Ginevra," Ginny said with a smile as she took Simeon's hand. "But most people just call me Ginny."

"Well then Ginny, shall we go show them how it's done?" Simeon asked as he led Ginny back into the ballroom and out onto the dance floor.

"I'm not very good," Ginny told him quietly as she stepped into his arms. "I might step all over your feet."

"Well I won't tell if you won't," Simeon teased with a smile as a waltz started playing. "Just remember to let me lead and you'll be fine," he reassured.

After about the fifth straight dance in a row, Ginny soon found herself making her way back out onto the terrace, Simeon still at her side, his arm wrapped around her waist. Once out on the terrace once more, Ginny found herself being slowly spun around in a circle before she stopped her hands on Simeon's chest, his arms around her waist as he looked deeply into her eyes.

"You really shouldn't do that you know," Simeon admonished lightly as he caressed Ginny's cheek.

"Do what?" asked Ginny in confusion.

"Chew on your lip like that," he explained.

"Oh and why's that?" questioned Ginny curiously.

"Because then I can't kiss you," Simeon replied with a smile.

"You want to kiss me?" asked Ginny in disbelief.

"I do," replied Simeon as he closed the gap between them, his lips gently pressing against Ginny's.

The kiss she had shared with Lucius in the halls of Hogwarts had left quite an impression on Ginny. It was almost as if that one kiss had burned itself into her very soul and every kiss she experienced after it would never stand a chance of ever living up to that one kiss, as every other kiss would be judged against it. Simeon's kiss was nowhere near as passionate or intense as Lucius' but it was pleasant just the same, and knowing she could never have the man she truly wanted, Ginny gave herself over to the kiss she was sharing with Simeon.

"Where have you been all my life?" Simeon wondered quietly when he finally broke the kiss.

"Right here…in England. It's not my fault you live in Austria," Ginny teased.

"Too true. Too true. Well then I shall have to make more of an effort to spend more time here in England," he laughed. "Would you like some punch?" Simeon asked caressing Ginny's cheek once more.

"I would love some, thank you," Ginny replied as Simeon stepped back, reluctant to let go of her hand. "Don't take too long," she instructed with a smile as he made his way back into the ballroom and leaving her alone on the terrace once more.

Ginny slowly made her way along the terrace, running her hand lightly along the railing, her mind wandering to everything that had happened in the past hour. While Lucius would always hold a part of her heart and soul, she knew there was no way that they could ever be together like she wanted. He was just too far out of her league for that, for he was the Duke of Grey, a direct descendant of the last great wizard King, Arthur Pendragon, while she was barely noble at all. Yes Josephine had told her she was of noble blood but she knew that the highest she could ever hope for was someone like the Baron von Hirsberger.

"There you are," Ginny chided lightly when Simeon finally returned a while later. "I was beginning to think something had happened to you. Were they out of punch?" she teased when she noticed he had returned empty handed. "Simeon, what is it? Is something wrong?" she asked when she noticed the look on his face. "Simeon say something, please," she pleaded as she took his left hand in both of hers.

Ginny was in no way prepared for what happened next. The last thing she expected was for Simeon to backhand her as hard as he could across the face, sending her crashing to the ground.

"You lying little two faced bitch," Simeon sneered.

"I don't understand," Ginny replied. Her voice quiet as she tried desperately to hold her tears back as she gently touched her cheek, only to pull her hand back and find blood on her fingers, before placing her hand on the slice on her cheek, which was caused by his signet ring, applying pressure to try to stop the bleeding.

"Did you actually think that you could pass for one of us? Pass for noble birth?" Simeon demanded as he stepped up next to Ginny, towering over where she still lay on the ground.

"I don't…I don't understand…"

"I know Ginevra," Simeon sneered as he stooped down and grabbed a hold of Ginny's arm, pulling her up towards him. "I know the truth about you. I know that you are nothing more than a common filthy little peasant whore, trying to snag herself a noble husband."

"No, I…"

"You disgust me," he snarled as he threw Ginny to the ground once more, spitting on her dress before turning and stalking back into the ballroom.

Sunday December 21st, 1997
Wiltshire, England
Malfoy Manor
The Ballroom
7:08 p.m.

Some time had passed; Josephine tried to keep her eye on Ginny when she appeared on Simeon's arm for a dance, but there were too many other things that demanded her attention, the nobles coming to give their greetings and welcome her back.

"Good evening sister," Lucius greeted as he joined her once more.

"Good evening my Lord," she smiled as she looked up at him.

"There is someone I want you to meet," he spoke before turning to the man behind him, "a dear friend of mine, Thomas. Thomas, may I present my sister, the Countess de Winters."

"A pleasure to meet so lovely a lady," he smiled as he took her hand, and bent to place a kiss upon it.

"The pleasure is mine, though I fear my brother has been negligent to mention a friend who is so dear to him," she looked up at Lucius questioningly.

"A pity, I shall have to rectify his silence," Thomas smiled.

"I see my wife would require my presence for this dance, will you both excuse me," Lucius spoke quickly before bowing to Josephine, then making his way across the room.

"I think we've just been set up," Josephine chuckled; she knew full well he despised dancing with his wife, Narcissa never did learn to dance really.

"So do I," he smiled and she focused completely on the man next to her. He was five-ten by her guess, with dark brown hair that fell in waves that brushed his collar, a thin moustache and the hint of a goatee with a thin beard on his chin. Dark brown eyes with impossibly full lashes were watching her intently; he had a ruggedly handsome look, noble features, though Lucius hadn't introduced him as a noble, which made her exceedingly curious about him. "Might I have this dance Milady?" he asked, pulling her from her obvious gaze.

"Certainly," she smiled as she took his hand and let him lead her out to the dance floor.

Sunday December 21st, 1997
Wiltshire, England
Malfoy Manor
The Terrace outside the Ballroom
7:24 p.m.

Ginny stayed where she way lying on the terrace for a while, wanting to make sure that Simeon would not be returning. When she heard a set of footsteps approaching, fear coursed through her.

"Lady?" a soft voice asked, definitely not Simeon's. "Are you alright?" he continued as he came closer.

"I'm fine," Ginny said, her voice quiet. She kept her face turned away so he couldn't see her bleeding cheek or the tears in her eyes.

"Do not take offence, but it is quite obvious that you are not fine Milady," he countered gently. "Can I help you, perhaps help you go to someone, or find someone to come and be with you?"

"I would prefer it if people did not know," Ginny said as she slowly got to her feet, using the stone railing as support.

"Let me help you," he reached over to help support her as she rose, "Perhaps we can get you out of the ballroom without notice?"

"Please, there are too many people in there that would take great pleasure in seeing me like this."

"A great many of those out there do not deserve the title that they hold, there are times I truly believe that the Great King and Queen would be truly horrified to see what has become of the great names their friends and companions began," he smiled sadly, "Those who would treat you unbefitting one of your station certainly do not deserve to even be in the presence of so lovely a lady. But come, let's get you somewhere more private," he gently took her arm in his.

"Thank you," Ginny said. "I fear it's me who doesn't belong.'

"You weren't raised in the nobility," he commented quietly, "neither was I, but that does not mean we do not belong Milady."

"It's been made apparent that I'm not welcome amongst the nobles," Ginny commented quietly as they made their way through the ballroom, keeping to the shadows at the back of the room. "There is only one way he could have learned what he did. There is only one person here who holds those beliefs."

"Oh?" he looked down at her. "Who could possibly believe you do not belong amongst them?"

"It may be best if I don't say his name. If word got back to the Duke…"

"I would never share unless it was necessary Milady," he countered honestly.

Ginny waited until they were out in the hall and away from prying ears. "The only person it could have possibly been would have been the Duke's son. I've known him for a number of years and he hates my family. If he realized I was getting close to someone like the Baron, he would do what he could to ruin it. He puts up with me for his Aunt's sake, nothing more."

"He should not judge you upon his hatred for your family Milady," he smiled sadly. "Would you like me to stay with you?"

"It's alright, you don't have to. You should return to the ball and enjoy yourself."

"I would be glad to stay with you Milady," he countered quietly.

"I'll be fine milord. I'm used to being alone and I'm afraid I wouldn't make very good company right now."

"If you are sure..."

"I'm sure milord. Go. Enjoy yourself."

"Then I take my leave of you Milady," he bowed before making his way back into the ballroom.

Now that she was outside the ballroom and in the Manor proper, Ginny tried to remember the way back to her rooms, but she was so unfamiliar with the big house, despite the fact that she had been here for a few days, that she got completely turned around. Unsure of just whereabouts she was in relation to her rooms, Ginny decided to just start trying doors at random, the first one she tried opening easily for her. Closing the door quietly behind her, Ginny collapsed back against the door for a few moments as her eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room that was lit only by the blazing fire in the fireplace. Once her eyes had adjusted to the dim light, Ginny pushed off the door and made her way over to the fireplace, stopping just in front of the fire, her arms wrapped protectively around her middle.

"You look beautiful Miss Weasley, especially in the firelight," Lucius said from one of the wing chairs in front of the fire.

"Your Grace," Ginny said spinning around to face the direction she had heard Lucius' voice come from. "Forgive me your Grace, I did not mean to intrude," she said as she dropped into a curtsey, her gaze on the floor.

"It is no intrusion Miss Weasley," Lucius said as he rose from his spot in the chair and walked over to where Ginny was standing, something about her having caught his attention. "Who did this to you?" he asked as he raised Ginny's chin so he could get a better look at the cut on her cheek.

"No one your Grace," replied Ginny quietly, desperately hoping he could not hear the nervousness in her voice.

"The truth Miss Weasley," instructed Lucius sternly. "It was that young Baron I saw you with earlier wasn't it."

"Yes your Grace," Ginny replied. Her voice was barely louder than a whisper as she took a step back from Lucius before turning and slowly making her way over to the window in the corner.

"Do you know what would make him do such a thing?" Lucius asked. Watching as Ginny made her way across the darkened room. "The two of you seemed to be enjoying each other's company when I saw you on the dance floor earlier."

"No your Grace, I don't know why he did what he did," Ginny said. She took a moment to look back at Lucius before turning back to the window and carefully pulling the curtain open in front of her so she could see out on the grounds. "After we left the dance floor he took me back out onto the terrace."

"Did he kiss you?" asked Lucius curiously.

"Does it matter?" countered Ginny, looking back at Lucius over her shoulder before turning back to the window once more. "After we had been on the terrace for a bit, he asked if I would like some punch. When I said yes, he went back inside to get it. He was gone quite a long time and when he came back empty handed, I teased him about the punch being bad. The next thing I know, I'm on the ground and he's saying some really horrible things to me."

"What did he say?" asked Lucius quietly as he slowly made his way over to where Ginny was standing.

"It's private," replied Ginny. Once more fighting back the tears the memory of Simeon's words brought forth.

"How did you make it from the terrace through the ballroom without being seen?" pressed Lucius lightly as he stepped up behind Ginny and looked at her through her reflection in the window.

"A kind man helped me, but even if he hadn't I would have made it, when someone is forced to grow up in the shadows of society, they learn to become one of them your Grace," Ginny said rather cryptically.

"I don't understand," Lucius admitted quietly.

"When you were at Hogwarts a few months ago, you ran into a young woman in the halls did you not?" Ginny asked quietly dropping her gaze to her hands.

"How…"

"Would you have even seen me had I never walked into you that day?" she asked, her voice a mere whisper as she raised her gaze to finally meet Lucius' in the window.

"That was you?" Lucius enquired as he turned Ginny around to face him.

Ginny nodded her gaze once more on her hands, afraid to say more for fear of the rejection she knew would follow.

"Miss Weasley…Ginevra, I…" Lucius began as he lifted Ginny's chin as he slowly closed the distance between them.

"Lucius Darling, are you in here?" Narcissa called as she opened the door to the study and stepped just inside the door.

The minute Lucius heard the door open and Narcissa's voice echo into the room, he gently pushed Ginny further back into the window, his finger on her lips to let her know to keep quiet, while he pulled the curtain back once more to not only give Narcissa the impression he was looking out the window, but to further hide Ginny's presence from his wife.

Ginny had never been more grateful for her slight five foot six frame than she was at this moment. With Lucius being a good five to six inches taller than she was, it helped to keep her hidden behind him from the Duchess' view.

"Lucius Darling, you're neglecting your guests," Narcissa chided from the doorway. "You can't hide in here forever you know."

"Of course my Dear," Lucius agreed with a final look at Ginny to remind her not to move or say anything, before turning on his heel and making his way over to Narcissa, making sure to keep Ginny blocked from his wife's gaze. "Shall we?" he said as he stopped at the open door and indicated for Narcissa to precede him from the room, never once looking back as he made his way from the room.

A few minutes after Lucius and Narcissa left the study, Ginny collapsed to the floor next to the window, exactly where she had been standing, her tears finally winning the battle to be free as all the emotions she had been bottling up over the evening finally found an outlet.

Not ten minutes later, Josephine quietly entered the room after Lucius had found her and told her where Ginny was, "Little one?" she spoke softly as she approached the window and Ginny.

"Go away," Ginny said quietly from where she still sat against the window.

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" she countered as she knelt down next to her. "What happened?"

"Reality happened."

"What?" Josephine frowned in confusion.

"I woke up from the dream Josette," Ginny said her voice full of bitterness as she climbed to her feet and stalked away from the window.

"Ginny..." Josephine followed after her, managing to get in front of her and finally seeing her cheek in the firelight, "Dear Merlin, what happened?" she asked as she reached up to touch below the cut, summoning a bowl of water and a cloth. "Come, sit down little one, we should clean that, and I need you to explain what you are talking about..."

"It turns out I'm not good enough for someone like Baron von Hirsberger. I mean what would someone like him want with a common filthy little peasant whore," Ginny said quietly, her gaze on her hands.

Josephine eyes flew from where she had been watching her hand as she cleaned the cut, to Ginny's eyes, "I'll have him bloody denounced, have his title stripped," she growled. "Ginny, listen to me. Simeon von Hirsberger is a bastard, and I mean that in every meaning of the word. He was wrong; he is not good enough for you. And you are not a common filthy little peasant whore as he called you. You are more of a noble than he could ever hope to be, my love."

"He was so nice to me to begin with. I thought…I thought that he really liked me and then…"

"Simeon is a rake little one, and to be honest I think he was looking at your title, unfortunately there are far too many young male nobles who are like him. It wasn't you sweetheart, it was him, truly and completely him."

"I don't think I can go back there Josette. Everyone will be laughing at me."

"Shh, you don't have to tonight; I'll go and make your excuses. And I promise, no one will be laughing at you sweetheart."

"I think I'd just like to lie down if that's alright."

"Of course it is," Josephine nodded before rising and helping her to her feet. As they made their way from the study she made a quick decision, hopefully one that wouldn't backfire in her face...