1000 Words

Chapter Four:
Could Today Be Any Worse

"A word to the wise is infuriating." – Hunter. S. Thompson

My mind was swirling, still with Blaise's hot kiss. What could it be to me… what was I suppose to think now? Frustration and confusion were not emotions I enjoy-unless I did that to others- but here I was, walking towards the entrance hall, listening to the annoying voices call and ring. We had just arrived about half an hour ago, and I hadn't even caught sight of Mr. Zabini or his boyfriend, the infamous, Draco Lucius Malfoy. Both were supposedly bonded at the hips-at least so rumors foretold-but I've seen Blaise twice and both were without Malfoy. Then again, rumors are rumors, they aren't always true, nor were they always false.

"Virginia," Neville smiled at me charmingly as we both sat, fluidly united. "Do you see that teacher over there…?"

My eyes traveled quickly to where Severus Snap was sitting, he glanced my way, before his eyes traveled down, and caught sight of his insignia. He smirked, and nodded his head unhurriedly before his eyes landed back at his table. Next to him, however, was a woman of tan complexion, and was downright breathtaking.

"Is that…?"

Neville nodded, "Yeah, it's the new Dark Arts teacher. From what Gryffindor is saying, she's a death Eater."

I snorted, my eyes stilling on the woman. She had raven black hair…almost purple and blue shine. Her eyes were a violet, dark violet. Pale, pink lips, she seemed older, not as old as McGonagall, or Madam Hooch, but definitely around Severus's age. Interesting as that is… "Ex. Death Eater, Neville, the war is no longer upon us." I reprimand gently, "They would be the best defense, someone that can do the dark arts like second nature."

"Yeah… you would know right, Virginia?"

I flash a smile, "Course." My eyes were still distracted, I couldn't complete analyze her. This new Dark Art's teacher…She seemed graceful, mannered, uncaring, strict…I gasp quietly as her eyes lock with mine, 'Hello Miss. Weasley. I've heard quite a bit about you.' This could not be happening; no one had been able to get into my head since- 'Since Professor Snape taught you?' Her voice was a soft melody, not as hard or rough as anyone would believe. 'Voldemort talked highly about you… I'd rather like to test that. Even Severus seems to think you have a valuable…talent in this art. The way you watch and analyze tells me you could be good at this... It will be rather interesting to see you in class, Miss. Weasley Until then.'

"Virginia?"

I blinked several times, tearing my eyes away from the teacher, "Sh." My nerves were on end, and I glanced at Neville now. "Luna made it to her seat?"

"Yeah, the sorting hat is starting." Neville looked rather confused, and I give a soft smile, before turning and picking up my glass of pumpkin juice and drinking it. It seemed the house of Hufflepuff was growing… followed by Ravenclaw. It seemed Gryffindor and Slytherin were gaining as much as they were losing…that was something new.

I look over, and two seats were empty. "Ginny!"

Sighing quietly- I knew that voice- twisted my head; I look down the table, only a seat away from me, but at least away from me, was Ronald, glaring daggers at me. "What are you looking at? Don't tell me you're into those Slytherin now?"

Neville reached and took my hand, holding it tightly. "Ronald, it's nothing. Don't you know it's rude to talk when we're supposed to be listening?" I twisted my head again and looked up at the sorting hat.

"Should be in…Ravenclaw!"

It seemed the teachers were noticing the growth of the two groups and therefore the lack of growth in the others. McGonagall didn't seem so happy actually…Severus does though. Go figure.

The last of the students sat down, cheerfully and annoyingly happy…ugh, why was everything so damn cheerful?

"You have that face again." Chuckled Neville quietly, I glare at him, as Dumbledore stood from his seat. His long white beard-that I suddenly have the urge to dye-was starting his speech.

"Hello and welcome Students of Hogwarts. For those of you that are new, I am glad you have made it." His deep, old tone wore out as his mystic ways were enrapturing new magic…the new youth of our kind. "As for our old students, welcome back, the dark that has haunted us for so long has been lifted. And Hogwarts may breathe again!" Most students erupted into cheer. Neville sat there, rubbing my hand as I watched dully at the scene of affection, joy and enthusiasm. "As always, the Forbidden Forest is off limits to all students unless accompanied by a teacher." Dumbledore's gaze landed on this table, and I shrugged. If you've warned us once, I'm sure he's warned us 100 times by now. "We have a new teacher of the dark arts, Ms. Nightshade." She sighed and nodded as everyone once again seemed to have confirmed their own stupid rumors.

"Now let the feast begin!"

With magic, the food appeared and the feast began. Random food, from chicken, turkey, to cakes, and sweets….I really don't feel like eating.

"Virginia, you should eat." Neville pointed out, popping a piece of chicken into his mouth. "Luna won't be happy if you don't eat. And if she isn't happy, it isn't going to be on you but on me." I laugh quietly, and agree to eat slightly; it wasn't like anything horrid could happen right?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It was the same old drill, go up the stairs, follow the head boy or girl up the way, and follow the prefects into the dorm. Tradition… I didn't mind, of course… just this tradition was annoying. I doubt a huge crowd of the same students needed to be lead. I could understand why, of course, the first years, but couldn't they just split them up? Allow the older kids to go ahead, and then allow the first years with the prefects to follow?

I stare up at the ceiling hearing my roommates already asleep. I would be as well… but I worry about those nightmares… Tom keeps coming back. If Tom keeps returning… does that mean he's still alive? I let out a sigh, as my eyes flutter close and soon…I hear the call…his call…

"Virginia," Tom whispers into my ear, I shiver as I turn.

"Tom… Tom I don't understand." I frown, this wasn't supposed to happen. He was supposed to be dead, and I was supposed to be getting better.

"Of course you don't." He replied gently, "But that's okay… even a witch like yourself can't figure this one out." He moved and sat down, against the book shelves. This was the library this time. "Nothing makes since… you are so naïve-"

"Stop playing games!"

He smirks at me… and I know I'm losing the game. "Virginia… Virginia, you're in my world now."

I stare…I'm afraid to awaken, because he might have done something… I'm afraid to stay, because of what he can do. What I know he can do… I gave up all notions of Tom Riddle when I was with Severus… so why is he back to haunt me?

"It's real isn't it Ginny?"

"Don't call me that!" I hiss, "You know I hate that name. Why do you call me that?"

He laughs at me, and is suddenly behind me. Dreams are suppose to be your world; nothing is supposed to make you afraid-but I'm afraid. I know when I wake up, if I make him angry… I'll be bruised. If I die in this world... my body won't make it in the real world.

"This is real to… Virginia." He touched my face, and now we're in the bathroom… the entrance to the chamber of secrets. I flinch at the sight. Blood lingers on the mirror, Potter's body lay somewhere off to the side, bleeding… I know he's dead. And I know that Tom made me do it. Ronald's off to the side, head in a toilet, he was drowned… he was in my way. I close my eyes. But the darkness wasn't long, because a short scream entered my ears, as I open my eyes… hanging from the ceiling, by her own-

"This is what you dream about at night."

"No…I want them dead. I'll admit that, but I don't want to kill them-I'm not a murderer!"

"Aren't you?" Tom whispered into my ear, "You've killed chickens for me, you've slain death eaters, and you've taken out magical creatures. All because you needed to kill." It wasn't true. I did it for safety- "You sure about that Virginia? Safety…? You think you did that because you were afraid for your life?"

Tom's in front of me now, gripping my chin tightly, as I stare into his eyes. I want to wake up!

"I'm not done with you yet, my dear Virginia."

I shove away from him; my wand is taken from me. I already know. I have wandless magic, but I know that it won't stop him… my mind-his realm… Severus… I need him to stop this.

"You're not going to him, Virginia." His voice is darker, and I know he's changing. I look at him, backing away, there he stands, in his dark cloak, his skin pale, and slim… he's to near death. So why can't I be left alone?

"I'll kill him." I watch, and cry out when he grabs me roughly. There isn't a use to call for help… I'm alone again…

"That's right my precious…" He whispers softly into my ear, while holding me against the wall, his hand trailing down my side. "No one can save you. No one can stop you from killing everyone around."

"I won't… I won't Tom."

I feel him smiling, as he runs his hand through my hair, "Are you so sure… All those spells in your mind, and you don't think you can accidently let one lose?"I shrink back, I couldn't lose control. "What's wrong Virginia? Didn't you think about that? What if you black out again?"

"That was you!" I scream, "It was all you! You! You! You!" I don't want to believe that… I don't want to believe the people I love can die by my hands… I wouldn't kill them. I wouldn't kill them. "It's your fault your dead! It's your fault that you died by him! It's your fault that innocent lives paid the price!" I scream again and again, over and over… I want to believe that. "It's your fault!"

But he laughs… he's laughing… please make him stop. "Human nature, with power, Virginia, makes people use it. It corrupts people." He moves his hand over my cheek, and then down to my neck, his grip tightens there. "Corruption happens all the time. I embraced it, lived by it. And I was feared by the world." He snickers at that. "Corruption is a powerful pull, Virginia; you've faced it several times. Every day because you're stupid brother can't stop. You are still so naive…"I watch him wearily. My neck is starting to hurt… but I don't stop him. "You think that if you walk away, they'll leave you alone? You think for one moment, that they'll leave all because you're an adult?" He places kisses on my neck. "You are a fool. More of a fool than I gave you credit for." I shiver at his cold touch.

"I'll show you, what can happen, Virginia. Just because I'm dead, doesn't mean I can't harm people."

I watch him now, "What…?"

He's smirking. "Time to get up Virginia…"

"Tom!"

"Tom!" I sit up and pant, my roommates are already gone. I'm shaking…

Letting out a breath, I look at the clock on the night stand, 6:50. I probably should just miss breakfast… class starts at 7:30. I didn't need food to get to my class… but what did he mean?

I frown, and quickly dress in the school uniform. Tossing on my robes' quickly, I glance at the mirror and frown. A faint bruise is there, lining my neck where he had strangled me. Sighing, I pull my robe tighter against me and rush down to the dungeons. Tom was getting more and more dominate… if he continued. I might even lose control. I hadn't realized I made it down here, it seemed only moments-

"Virginia?"

I look at Severus, wearily and tired. He rushes me into the potions room. I'm too tired to even bother with my regular teases.

"What's wrong?"

"Tom." It was an easy answer; I sag against a desk and close my eyes, tipping my head back. Hoping that by chance I'd wake up from this mess and it was all just a nightmare. "He came back… I'm …" I feel a light touch cross down my neck. I'm sure he saw the mark that Tom gave me.

"This is from him?"

"Yes."

"How long as this been going on?"

"A few months…It's only been getting this… physical the last few weeks." He nods, "Each time I see him, it's the same issue Severus. But last night..." I'll show you, what can happen, Virginia. Just because I'm dead, doesn't mean I can't harm people. Could he… would he attack someone? Could he attack someone? "Severus… I think… I'm not sure… but I think Tom is still holding onto something… his spirit isn't letting go…and… I'm not sure who he can hurt."

"I'll handle it Virginia, go to class, the bell is about to ring… I'm sure some of your friends are searching for you."

I leave, holding my books to me, and walk out of the Dungeons. Would Tom attack someone alive? Could he attack someone alive? No… No, Tom wouldn't make idle threats, but he was dead. Potter wouldn't have screwed that up. He may not have been a dream boat, or the Mr. Polite-everything-is-going-to-be-fine… but he killed Tom. It was that easy… that simple.

I wandered out of dungeon; this just was not going to be my day…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I walk into class, as the bell rang, and look around. I let out a breath…stress was not going to help me.

"Hello Virginia," A smooth, calm, amused voice sounded behind me-it was too amused…almost crazy.

A soft smile lit my face; I could put that voice with a face. "Hello Theodore." Spinning around I glance at him, before moving over to the desks, which stood in their normal format. No one was here yet. McGonagall was not here-which was unusual… not even a trace of her cat form. "I haven't seen you for a week."

He chuckled, and looped an arm around my shoulder; I glance over at him from the corner of my eyes, as he leads us to a couple of seats. "Well, I had business to attend, dearest Virginia." Theodore smirked as if it was an inside joke. "If I had known you would miss my company, I would have tried to have met with you again." He winked, his golden brown eyes watching me in crazed amusement. I just laughed softly. Students were pouring in now, and I sat, on the outside, next to the wall, on the last row. Theodore opted for the wall seat. I didn't mind, but it seemed with a few glances from the fellow Gryffindors, that I would be expecting an act of rampage from Ronald.

"Hmm…so much talking," Theodore whispered, leaning against the desk in front of us, lying on one hand as he watched me. "No wonder Pan was a little angry with me."

My brown eyes locked with his interestingly, "Miss. Parkinson?"

Theodore nodded, "Pansy, you shouldn't call her, her full name… she rather despises her last name." He just laughed when I gave him a baffled look. "Personal reasons." I just nodded "I didn't know you were in here, Virginia. Taking advance classes?"

I waved my hand dismissively, "Yes… you see, I didn't feel like bothering with classes-which I already know what to expect from- so I was moved up. Headmaster Dumbledore seems to have agreed with me on such a position." Theodore's crazed look grew… was that even a good thing? "The teachers should have been informed earlier… but I have no idea. I wasn't at breakfast-"

"That's right… why weren't you?" I was sure my face paled a little as I glanced forward, the students were settled and McGonagall was in.

"Personal…" was all I could get out before McGonagall walked into class. McGonagall stared at me before nodding her head. Class started…

"Hello everyone and welcome to Transfigurations. This is 7th year, so we shouldn't have a problem. You all are here because you have elected to not find yourselves and idiots. Now, take out your wands. We will be going over the basic spells, and from there we will…"

My mind seemed to wander after that. McGonagall was a serious teacher… but what would it matter? Transfiguration was only useful for stealth.

"Now, point your wand at the object on your desks." McGonagall waved her hand, I watched as a small rock sat on each desk. "And do the Avifors."

I blankly pulled out my wand and muttered the spell, precisely with the wand movement- "Avifors!"

Theodore was not far behind, he barely even moved his wand-which was almost the same movement as mine-and the rock was soon changed into a flock of birds. I gave a fitting smile. "I wasn't aware you were good in this class."

"My favorite." He responded easily, his voice smooth and calm, as if he was in peace.

"Untransfiguration." The flock of birds, soon returned to the stone, McGonagall seemed rather pleased, as the spell uttered to change both went on.

Theodore nudged me, my eyes move over and I stop as he had transformed something into a rose. A simple white rose. "I told you I wanted to give you a gift from earlier… for the trail."

My eyes wander straight up as McGonagall seemed too preoccupied with yelling at a student for only able to change half of the rock to a flock of birds… "You didn't need to." I respond carefully, as I lift my left hand and take the rose.

"If I did, I wouldn't have done it." He responded in a bored fashion, "You would think you'd know Slytherin." I gave a critical look at him, "We Slytherin do not do as we are expected. We do what we want."

I shake my head as class continued…

"Virginia?" Theodore began, but the bell rang.

"Hm?" I stood grabbing my stuff and then turned-but he was no longer there. I blinked annoyed as I walked out of class quietly.

I ended up not having to go far, because History of Magic was soon there, Hermione absolutely finds this class enjoyable. I only have to take it this year... I was able to avoid it last year.

Moving I sat in the back, as Professor Binns barely seemed to notice that the class had not begun yet. I glance around; most were Ravenclaw students. It was rather amusing, seemingly as Slytherin seemed to take this class, and then the rest of the students.

I glance over, as I see Pansy with Gregory Goyle and Vincent Crabbe there. They sat a few seats down from me.

Pansy was supposedly Draco Malfoy's ex. Or fiancé, until of recently. The Parkinson's were almost doomed for Azkaban if I hadn't done my trail phase. I sigh quietly as the lecture began. I close my eyes.

"Virginia Molly Weasley," The prosecutor watched, I had ruined his case so far, and I couldn't help but be highly amused by that. I sat in my gold and crimson robes as I manipulated the outcome. It was the Malfoy's trail this time. Theodore was only a moments ago, Mr. Lucius Malfoy seemed rather surprised, as did his lawyer-but… I wouldn't let him go to jail. This way… I would have a debt with a Malfoy… one that I knew would-or could… save me from the wretched family I was living in.

"You are sure, that Mr. Malfoy did nothing to you?"

I slowly sigh and lean forward, covering my face in an act distain, "Mr. Wilson." I said softly… tiredly, the jury was giving in, I was known as Ronald Weasley's little sister. I had fought in the war, and was supposedly Harry Potter's girlfriend. This had earned me much sway in any and all political forms. And it would help again, in the justice field. "Mr. Malfoy was doing what he could to protect his family." I answer, and I look over at him, his grey eyes locking with mine for a moment, before I looked at the jury. "My family has always taught me to protect our family .Family is very important to us Weasleys." I remind everyone, with a firm notion. "Mr. Malfoy was fighting Voldemort- was with the death eaters so his wife, and his son would not be hurt. I don't know about anyone else. But my father would do the same for my mother and his children. I don't see why-just because Mr. Malfoy was caught. Why should it have any more meaning than those that have escaped? It isn't his fault that not everyone could be protected…" I bit my lip, pulling tears into my eyes. The jury flew into sympathy. I bow my head slightly, and breathe.

"Not everyone was saved… some of my friends were killed. I watched them die in my arms Mr. Wilson… I couldn't imagine what the Malfoy's would suffer if he had lost his wife, or child."

Mr. Wilson bristled and walked away, sitting back down, as the Malfoy's lawyer stood up. Seemingly more confident.

"You say that they protected their own family, like you, and your family would…correct?" I nod my head; he had better not screw this up. I had given him a light sympathy, and with the money they had, had probably bribed the jury. They would win the case. "So what you are saying is that the Malfoys are the victims, just as your family was, and many other families. Many families that have tried to fight off the dark lord." I once again nodded my head, as a tear fell. I would need to drink heavily after this. I hated crying… and THIS was not helping. "Are you all right, Miss. Weasley? You seem a little upset."

I gave a short smile, "I am fine… I just… the war has taken a toll on every family out there… and those that tried to protect and shelter their family shouldn't be punished."

The Malfoy's attorney nodded his head, and sat down, I was quickly dismissed… not soon after, was the verdict announced. "Not Guilty."

I had walked out, and stayed by the empty hall, the reports were making quick work, as if they were in a feeding frenzy.

"How could you?" Granger snapped, with Potter and My Family behind her. Molly was giving me a dark look, as Arthur shook his head, and walked away, already going back to work. The ministry would need him to handle the press.

"How could I, what, Hermione." I whispered softly as I stare at her. She didn't get to answer as Molly slapped me across the face.

"How could you defend the Malfoys?!" She hissed quietly, "They tainted you and you-"

My mind slowly started to blank as I watch in quiet disaster. Ronald had said that to Molly… and Hermione had said that to Ronald… Harry sat there with a furious look as he walked away, Ronald, and soon Hermione followed, all glaring at me angrily.

Feeling the slight pain in my cheek, I turn and look out the window, pulling my hair to cover my face.

"Miss. Weasley." A cold, calm voice spoke from behind.

Turning slightly, I see the elder Mr. Malfoy, the press already moving on, to try and get the story published first. "Hello, Mr. Malfoy." I gave a short smile, "I am glad you are not in Azkaban."

"Why?"

I blink slowly, and watch as confusion, and a sort of soft anger filled his face. "Why not?" I respond, gently. "Your wife misses you. Your son needs you… is that not enough? Have not enough mistakes been made by the war?"

His eyes darkened slightly, "You want something."

I laugh softly at that, and turn looking out the window. "I ask for nothing." Silence filled the air, as his cane hit the floor. "I only wanted you to be released… into your wife's custody. Mrs. Malfoy has been trying, hard, to find a way for you to get out. The ministry would not budge." A soft breath was filled into lungs…but it was not mine. But his. "She's a very strong woman and I look up to her for that. To stand by you through all the gossip, all the lies. I think she deserved something for all of her troubles. And the only thing I would-or could- give back to such a model, is the one thing she has been wanting home for some time. You." I look in the corner of my eyes, glancing over and seeing the blonde rich hair of Narcissa Malfoy. She stayed back, with her son, Draco Malfoy.

Narcissa was beautiful. Her blonde hair was not like her son or husband. Not as pale, not as snowy. It was pinned and fell back; her light blue eyes watched me in a somewhat thankful expression. She was dressed in Slytherin color-it seemed Slytherin would always be Slytherin. No matter how old or how young. She was also slim… but she did have some muscle… it seemed Ms. Narcissa-the Veela- was still and always will be a strong force to deal with.

Draco was different. He was dressed in black slacks, and a white shirt, his dress robe was in slytherin color. The lean muscles were barely hidden underneath any of his attire from the years of doing Quidditch. His deep, light opal eyes blazed as he watched me. His long silver-almost white-blonde hair lay over his shoulder. Just like his father-almost. But Draco seemed much more graceful, much more lethal than his father. His eyes were pure silver… shimmering silver.

"Virginia."

I blink and turn again, facing him slightly, hiding the red-going to be bruise- cheek. "Yes Mr. Malfoy?"I freeze slightly, as his cane went up and pulled to face me completely…

"This is…" Dark grey eyes watched carefully, "Hm… seems like no one was supporting your decision. Miss. Virginia."

I shrug and step back more against the window. "Well, Mr. Malfoy, you are one of the most evil people located in the world. Would it surprise you?" I laugh softly at that. "Your family is waiting for you."

"Hm…it seems… I am in… your debt." I watch him slightly amused, "Do call if you need anything. This isn't something I like to keep."

I just smirk, "I will not use the debt easily, Mr. Malfoy… but don't worry about it. I'm not like any other…" I turn and walk away, quietly and easily. Hearing the dim chuckling as I return home-

The bell rang and I groaned quietly, my eyes opening. I grab my stuff and head to my next hour, yawning quietly, as I reached the class. Neville and I had Herbology…

I smile slightly as I reach Herbology. Neville was sitting in the back, waving to me. I move gracefully there as I smile, sitting down next to him. "Hey."

"You know Ronald's pissed off?"

I blink curiously as I drop my stuff, "Oh really?" Neville smirked as he sat in his chair. "And what does he have to be angry about this time?"

Neville shrugged as he looked up-Professor Sprout was running around on her short legs- "Something about being too friendly with a fellow Death Eater?" I roll my eyes as Neville chuckled, class began.

"Theodore is not a death eater. The war is over." Neville nodded, grinning like a mad dog, "What?!" I hissed quietly. Professor Sprout was talking.

"You. Talking about Slytherins on a first name bases… No wonder Ronald is mad." I shrug as Professor Spout goes over the regular rules. I seem to completely forget she takes things easy. "So what are you going to do?"

I shrug, "Not sure...live through it. I have Potions next… so that will be interesting."

Neville could only laugh as class continued… but with him by my side; it seemed even more hurried. It made me a little annoyed that in Herbology, Neville could best me-sometimes-I grin as he nudged me, the bell went off.

"Did class just..?"

"Yeah, Virginia, you're a little late today." Neville pointed out, before handing me a cupcake from his robes. I grin softly taking it I unwrap the wrapping, not at all surprised that Neville had mastered some spell to not let food become smashed, and start to eat it quickly as we walk together. I would be in the dungeons next, and if I hadn't eaten, Severus would not be happy… not one bit. "Why weren't you at breakfast?"

I hummed lightly as I walked along, eating away at the cupcake, "Nightmare." I yawn again as we make it to the entrance of the dungeon, "You have Dark Arts; tell me how that goes, all right? Ms. Nightshade should be an interesting teacher." I point out, smiling, "Meet up with Luna later hm? I don't think she'll be happy if you don't see her." I chuckle as I make it down the cold, dungeons. Hufflepuffs have quit, for the simple fact that they dislike Severus.

Most Ravenclaw have all ready left Potions as well… Gryffindor was always against Slytherin… and that was never boring… just tiring.

Yawning again, I crush my hand, letting the flames of my blood power eat away at the rest of the trash before opening it, letting the junk fall to dust. I twirl into class and watch, in annoyance as Ronald, Potter, and Granger stare as I walk in. How did they make it in here before me?

"Ginny!" Ronald snaps, standing in his chair. The Slytherin aren't here yet…how odd. "What is this that I heard? Huh?!"

I yawn again- I must be tired- and watch Ronald calmly, "What did you hear Ronald? I've been minding my business for class."

Hermione frowned at that, I dug my nails into my palm to keep from laughing. Hermione is the brightest witch of her time. Of course, I am the brightest witch of my time, not that anyone would notice. At least not until this year, she hadn't gotten the chance to jump a grade or graduate early, she had only been staying with the golden trio, earning the title of 'know it all.'

"Nott-What did you do with Nott huh!"

I feel the familiar flower in my robe, my hand instantly reached in there, gently coating the rose petal. "Nott is in my Transfigurations." I state, side stepping past the door, as people walk in. "He is good at the subject. I don't see what is wrong with him being good at Transfiguration." I mention, walking up the stairs to the back of the class. As much as I enjoyed talking to my brother, I didn't want his stupidity rubbing off on me.

"Ginny!"

I bite my lip hard trying to remind myself, that he is my brother… of course, most don't call me Ginny anymore… for very…very bloody good reasons! "Yes. Ronald?" I snap, sitting down, I hadn't realized that we were getting attention. Severus stayed hidden in his ingredient room, allowing me to vent easily. He'd probably enter if Ronald got out of hand.

"Come sit here!"

I blink slowly, purposely letting my stuff on the desk. I watch as he turned a slight indigo. "Why?" It was innocent, and easy. "I can do my lesson from here, too, Ronald." Easy, simple, how hard was that? I didn't need to be under his watchful eye.

"Ginny, you're being unreasonable." Said a snobby, annoying, feminine, tiresome tone to I. Hermione and I really didn't see eye to eye. Not that we ever would. She was to bloody annoying… annoying, snobby, and to damn nosey for her own good.

"I'm not being irrational." I bite back, annoyed, as I took my seat, "Nothing happened between Nott and I." I narrow my eyes more, "And even if something did happen, it isn't your business."

"I thought we had something special Virginia!" A mocking, crazed tone entered the room, echoing in the dungeon as Mr. Theodore Nott entered dramatically. I held back a smile, some relief washing over me. "Don't we have something special?"

I blink slowly, trying to figure out what to say, but shrug, I guess I could play along, "I'm sorry… you see, my bother here thinks you and I are together."

Potter's green eyes narrow dangerous close to slit. "Ginny this isn't time to play. You're my girlfriend-"

"I am not your blasted girlfriend!"

"What is going on here?" A cold voice sneered, everyone quieted in surprise as Draco Malfoy appeared at the door. Draco had long white snow colored hair that danced around him-giving him a look of a Greek god. His black-with slytherin colored-robe was hovering, at his graceful cat like turn into the class. His shimmering silver eyes locked onto the mess that was the class. His pale skin looked a tint of blue… his high cheek bones standing out. "This is the first bloody day and the hero trio cannot stay out of trouble."

A dark chuckle erupted next to him, "Calm down, love." Blaise…

I blink as Theodore had already taken a seat in front of me. Just to annoy Potter…it seemed to be working because Potter's eyes were twitching. I gave a soft grin.

"What is it to you, Malfoy?" Hissed Potter angrily, "You aren't in charge of this class. The only reason you are out here, in Hogwarts is 'cuz your father bribed the jury!" They seemed to have forgotten that I had been the wild card.

Draco gave a leisure shrug, he had completely ignored Potter half way through 6th year for the simple fact their bickering held nothing to him anymore. "Neither are you," His dark, seductive, cold, masculine tone said, his eyes gliding over the class quickly, before locking with my eyes. "And you forget… we had a little support..." He drawled lazily. I shiver, sitting down in my chair. My heart was beating wildly… how could a look make me feel like this? Something was definitely wrong with me. It must be the hormones.

Draco was much more muscular than when I saw him at the trail, he had worked out more. Something even deeper seemed to have changed. His body was lethal-huge-intimidating… how easy it seemed it would be for him, now to disrupt the natural order of Hogwarts. His pale hand held Blaise's hand… the tan skin and the white skin seemingly mixing and glowing.

"Ginny!" I blink again, holding back a blush as I watch Ronald's face turn a deep purple, his ears turning red. "Get your ass down here!"

"Mr. Weasley" A dark sinister sneer broke out from the front of the class.

Blaise had already made his way up-surprisingly without my notice-to sit next to me. Pansy sitting next to Theodore, as Draco sat next to Blaise, his amusement danced clearly in his eyes as Severus gave a detention to Ronald. I feel my lip twitch, and can't help but snicker silently at the obvious displeasure it was for him to receive such a thing this early in the year. Molly was not going to be happy.

Granger gave me a glare as she sat promptly in her seat, Potter sitting next to her, with a bit of whispered pleas-I was sure it was pleas- to get him to calm down. Ronald sat down, perfectly embarrassed at such a show this early in the year. Sitting below Draco and Blaise was Gregory and Vincent, each laughing in their seats.

"Now," Severus sneered at the class, the Gryffindor jerked back, and I shook my head quietly from where I was seated.

"Some courage, you Gryffindors have."

I moved my eyes to the corner, it was Pansy whom had talked, her eyes narrowed on me. I didn't blink. Shrugging my shoulders in boredom I watch as Severus tells us all what is going to happen. "Is there a reason, Miss. Parkinson, that you would address me in the middle of class?" I retort, "You have Mr. Nott right next to you, why don't you give him some attention and not me. It would keep his mouth shut." I grin as Theodore flashed me a smirk.

Blaise chuckled, "Red, you should be careful. You're in the snake's den now."

I shrug, weary at that. Slytherins don't talk without gaining some type of information. "You only have a den because of Professor Snape."

Draco leaned forward, tipping his head towards me, his face filled with an emotion I wasn't sure… it looked almost like amusement. "And how would you know about that, little lion?"

I kept quiet as Severus glanced up at us. He seemed purely amused, and hid his smirk. I bit back a groan. Today is not my day.

PosionSeductress: I am rather sorry about the late update, everyone. I have worked a few nights, and have completed this chapter! I had to do some major changes… I didn't like how the chapter progressed. A full 12 pages, to my lovely reviewers, and readers, I hope this wasn't a disappointment. I hadn't originally wanted to show Draco in this chapter- but I decided that with the wait I have made you all endure…Draco Lucius Malfoy has arrived!

Thank you to:

Snowfire81: My first review for the last chapter. Thank you for your compliments. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.

Xpeachykeen: I'm glad your curiosity has lead you to my story. But when Blaise had said: I want to please you ... both of us ... Draco and myself." It was not a grammar mistake. It literally was "I want you to please" "Both of us… Draco and myself." The break was purposely added, and I added 'Red' as the nickname of Virginia, for that sole purpose. You had to have read it carefully, and connected his sentence. But thank you for your concern. I went back, and noticed a few other mistakes I did make. Keep up with the reviews. And do find more mistakes… I rather don't want to have any more confusion.

Slytheringrl17: Is that all you had to say? –Bows- I appreciate your review. I hope this one is to your enjoyment as well.

Veronica: Hello, Thank you. Your review actually made me continue writing. Reminding me how addicting some stories can become. Here is Draco Malfoy. I hope he met your standards.

Emorocks91: A Stalker? Well My dear Emo…-chuckles- I have shown no stalkers here… unless you count Crazy Theodore. Enjoy.