Ginny pushed her way through the mass of students looking for an open compartment, headed toward the middle of the train where most of the Gryffindors sat. Now would be a time as good as any to start her mission. She quickly walked to their usual compartment and threw open the door, causing all of it's passengers to jump in surprise.
"Ginny! We've been so worried about you," Hermione gasped as she jumped up and threw her arms around the redhead.
"Well, since my dear adoptive parents kicked me out," she paused, glancing at Ron who seemed in shock, "I had no other choice but to stay with some of my dear cousin's minions. The buffoon stuck me with the Malfoy's," she snarled. "It was hell, but I ended up making a friend."
"We saw you on the platform with Malfoy," explained Harry. Ginny looked up to The Boy Who Lived, grinning.
"The ferret at least helped me keep my sanity until my so-called family believed me enough to accept that I can't help who I'm related to," she snapped. She looked back over at Ron, who seemed dumbfounded. Ginny watched as his face then flashed from pure anger, to regret.
"Gin, you have no idea how that felt! You're related to HIM of all people. We're sorry, and I know it can't be helped, but it was really hard to accept that our only little sister, that all six of your brothers are extremely protective of, isn't your sister at all," Ron exclaimed. "I still consider you my sister, Gin. I wish you'd come back home."
"Honestly, I'd love to, however you know Molly damn well wouldn't let that happen. She may say she wants me to, but that woman despises me due to my blood and my dear cousin's trickery that was completely out of my hands," Ginny snorted. She really did miss her brothers, however. She knew she'd only see Ron through the next two years of school, she'd be lucky if she saw any of them at all after graduation.
Then Ginny turned to Harry. "Any thoughts on this," she glanced at Hermione. "I can see you've accepted me for who I am."
"As long as you accept that we're going to have to defeat your own flesh and blood," Harry said. He ran his hands through his hair and looked up to meet her eyes.
Ginny took a step closer to him. "I plan on it."
Knowing at that she had been accepted into their fold again, and she sat down next to Harry and Hermione, across from Neville, Ron, and Luna. The conversation turned to classes, and who would be the new Defense teacher this year, since everyone knew the position was jinxed. It seemed the Golden Trio wanted Professor Lupin back more than anything, and Ginny didn't blame them. The man knew his subject, and had good looks to boot. Luna wondered aloud if Snape would finally get his dream job, which made Neville shudder. It seemed he still hasn't gotten over his fear of the greasy haired "ex death eater".
Ginny was able to convince them that Dumbledore had transferred her to Slytherin for a reason, using her bloodline as an advantage to persuade some of the harder to reach students to choose the correct side in the war. This conversation took a lot of careful wording on her part so that Ginny didn't give herself or her true ideas up.
She occasionally flirted with Harry, getting the feel of their rediscovered friendship, and let Harry flirt back. Hermione had her nose in a book, claiming that she wanted to be sure she understood everything, but every now and then she would glance over at Harry. Ron wouldn't take his eyes off of Luna as she made random comments about classes and the feast, while Neville napped in the corner. It seemed that things might be almost normal this year, despite her new position and her task.
The ride to Hogwarts passed quickly, and soon the group found themselves in a thestral drawn carriage, waiting for its departure.
It was then Draco made his move. He'd been in the next compartment over on the train, careful not to be seen, but eavesdropping just the same. Dumb Gryffindors never used a silencing charm. He told himself that he was looking out for Ginny, making sure she didn't give herself up, but he couldn't help but find himself angry when he heard Potter flirting with Ginny.
"Ginevra, may I?" He asked, popping his head in the opening of the carriage and gesturing to the only empty seat. "It seems I've been shunned for being friends with you." He paused, waiting for Ron's reaction. Ron's face reddened, and his fists clenched, otherwise he kept his mouth shut.
"Of course, Draco, do make yourself comfortable," she grinned as Draco sat in the carriage next to Luna. "Evening Luna, any nargle spottings yet? I think my house is full of them." The group stared at Draco, mouths open. Ginny knew he had to be convincing, but she never thought he'd be that convincing.
"Oh, yes. Ronald's head is full of them," the blonde exclaimed in delight, looking next to her at the red haired boy. Ron found himself blushing deep red, but gave her a small smile. "I should really get him a charm from father, they seem to like Ronald's head better than any other place in the castle, you see." With that, Luna picked up her copy of the Quibbler and began to read it upside down.
Ron's stomach growled at the moment the carriage lurched forward, causing the girls to giggle. They headed toward the castle with the only sound being the occasional comment from Luna.