Okay guys, time for a little fun, yeah? I hope you like this chapter. I think it's one of my favorites.

Chapter Twelve

Neville woke up the next morning and found Ginny in the kitchen. "Morning Gin."

"Oh, hey Neville!" she said, turning from the stove. "I didn't wake you did I?"

"Nah. Need any help?"

She shook her head. "That's alright. Almost done. Have a seat."

"You sure?"

"Course I am. Inherited my mum's cooking abilities. Be done in a minute."

The pair of them sat at the small kitchen table. "Just wanted to have a proper breakfast, to thank you for coming over last night."

"You don't have to thank me, Gin." Neville said, taking another bite from his plate. "You're my friend."

"Thanks. It's good to know someone still likes me after everything that's been going on."

"Don't worry Gin. The others will get over it."

"What if they don't?"

"Then tough. It's their problem. You can't be blamed for loving someone." he told her. "And anyone who tries to blame you is a bloody git."

Ginny laughed. "Thanks."

"I still don't see how you could fall for Malfoy, of all people." Neville said, "but hey, what's done is done, right?"

She smiled. "I wish everyone else would see it that way. I'm dreading telling Mum and Dad. And the rest of them too. I just hope that Bill doesn't try to kill him or anything."

"Bill's the oldest one, right?"

"And the most protective." she nodded.

"Well, I'm sure it'll be fine." he said, though he didn't sound quite as convincing this time.

"He's been talking about the game all week." Hermione told Draco as she collected the papers from his desk. "I think you've finally won him over."

"I doubt he'd ever admit to that." Draco smirked.

She frowned. "You're probably right." she sighed, "Ron's always been stubborn."

Draco nodded his head in agreement. She was looking at him oddly now, however, a strange look of concern almost. It was making him uncomfortable. "What's up, Granger? Something I should be aware of?"

Hermione seemed to snap back to her senses and blinked. "Huh?"

"You're looking at me like I'm about to be attacked by a rabid beast or something." he said.

"Oh, uh," Hermione hesitated, knowing she wasn't supposed to say anything. "It's, uh, it's nothing." she said, standing.

"Granger." Draco said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Stop lying. You're awful at it."

She looked away. "Really," she said. "I should be going. I'll see you at the Burrow for dinner later."

Draco watched as she hurriedly rushed from his office, her bag clutched tightly in her arms. Something was going on here. Something he wasn't informed of.

Draco was still mulling over possibilities when he arrived at the Burrow later that night. Why does this feel like a bad idea? He thought as he reached his hand out to knock. The door was opened and he stepping inside Because it was... he grimaced, looking at a room full of Weasleys.

The older boys he had seen only once or twice in his whole life were staring at him, arms crossed over their chest. He remembered, faintly, the one called Percy, who had been Head Boy during his second year. His eyes scanned the rest of them. He noticed George, remembering Ginny telling him that the other one had been killed during the final battle. He cringed inwardly, knowing it had been his aunt who had done it. Ron stood, much like his brothers, with his arms crossed, though his eyes were not filled with the same contempt as the others. He seemed, rather, to be almost apologetic. Probably for letting me walk into my own funeral.

At least now I know why Granger why looking at me like I was taking my last breath.

Mrs. Weasley called them into the kitchen for dinner. Draco stepped back, allowing the lot of them to pass him first. No way was he turning his back on this bunch.

Hermione made to grab the seat next to him but Percy stepping in front of her, asking her about work. He knew it had been planned when either of the oldest boys took the chairs beside him. Draco shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Hermione tossed him a sympathetic glance as she took the seat on the other side of Ron.

"Now, isn't this nice!" Mrs. Weasley said as cheerily as she could, sitting beside her husband.

"Er, no offense, Mrs. Weasley," Draco began. "But what exactly is going on?"

"I thought it would be nice for you to get acquainted with the rest of the boys." She said with a smile. "I'm sure they'd like to know their future brother, after all."

The suddenness of that statement being made in front of the entirety of the Weasley boys made Draco flinch inwardly. He could feel the eyes of the collective bunch turn on him.

"What d'you mean 'brother'?" The oldest boy, Bill he assumed, half-yelled.

Draco feared to look around. He sought out Ron and Hermione, a silent plea for help in his eyes. Surely Mr. and Mrs. Weasley wouldn't let them kill him.

"Yes, dear." Mrs. Weasley said calmly. "He's asked to marry Ginny. Isn't that lovely?"

"Like hell he's marrying my sister!" Charlie said, backing up his brother.

"Why not?" Mrs. Weasley said, ignoring the anger in her sons. "Draco's a charming young man."

"And a Malfoy!" Bill snapped, his anger growing.

"He's not a bad guy." Hermione said, her voice cracking as she tried to come to his aide. Bill looked over at her, startled briefly, before glaring. "Tell them, Ron." she said, looking at Ron beside her. "Tell them he's not a bad guy anymore."

Bill and Charlie stared down at Ron. Percy and George looked over expectantly from their seats Hermione, Draco and Mr. Weasley waited hopefully for his next words.

Ron shrugged. "He's alright, I guess."

Everyone seemed to be struck. The oldest boys blinked and exchanged questioning looks. "He's alright?!" Percy said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah," Ron said. "I mean, he's an okay bloke. I guess I could accept him if Gin wants to marry him."

"Ron!" Percy continued. "What about Harry? He loves Gin."

"And she doesn't love him like that." Hermione put in. "Not anymore."

"Says who?" Charlie sneered. "Him?"

"Says Ginny." Ron replied, taking back the conversation. "Look guys, I was bloody mad when I found out too. But we can't ignore what Gin wants. And that's what I was doing. I wanted her to get back with Harry because he's my best friend and he loves her. And if they got married, he'd be part of the family. But it's not gonna happen." Ron looked over to Draco. "I realize that now."

Dumb-struck and speechless, Draco stared back. He hadn't expected Weasley to defend him. "Er, thanks Ron." he managed.

Ron nodded. "Give him a chance guys." He said to his brothers. "And if he turns out to be a git, I'll petrify him and let you guys have him."

The rest of the guys seemed to accept Ron's offer, perhaps a little grudgingly. Mrs. Weasley smiled at her youngest son, a twinkle of admiration in her eye.

So what do you guys think? Please review and let me know!