1000 Words

Chapter Five:
What a Pleasant Surprise


"A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friend." – Baltasar Gracian

Today is not my day. Getting stuck in a group of Slytherins- in Potions class- was something all together. Something I have never experienced… and I don't understand why. Slytherins hate Gryffindors. That fact was widely known. Slytherins could not tolerate Gryffindors, did not want to be in their presence, and did not want to be anywhere near them. Yet…here I was, in the clutches of the most notorious Slytherins of our time, in calm conversations…my day would not be ending well.

"Red," A smooth voice purred into my ear, the breath tickled and I shivered in response.

"Personal space, Blaise."

Theodore chuckled, his arm wrapped around Pansy's shoulder. I hadn't realized…until just now, how close to first name bases I was… Neville was right. Draco's smirk played pleasantly with Blaise's dazzling smile.

"We're Slytherin, love." Draco responded, gracefully throwing his arm around my shoulder. I stare at him; he really wasn't reluctant to touch me… not that I minded… who would? One of the sex gods of Slytherin-one of the most wanted males in the school-touching me? "Personal," He purred darkly, his eyes latching onto mine, my breath was caught "Is something we know all about."

I force myself to remember how to breathe… in…out…in…out. "Really now?" Pansy chuckles, smirking at me with a bizarre look. "I just could not tell… honestly... how close you all are and everything. How very interesting it is. I have to wonder how personal," I punctured my word as I slip my hand up, grasping Draco's hand on my shoulder, "You all are." I slide his arm down, I couldn't think with him playing with my hair like that! Brushing it just so very slightly, like a cat playing with a piece of yarn.

"But Red," Blaise chimes amused, "You know you like it."

Class was over; we had slowly made it out of the dungeons. The Golden Trio had left quickly. I was sure I hadn't heard the last of them. It was lunch… and by the look of these people, and Vincent's sudden nagging of food, with Gregory's assistance, they had this lunch as well.

"Blaise," I say, with a soft sigh. His eyes lock with mine, and they seemed to darken in color… hm… "I don't." I grin, and Theodore chuckles, as Pansy snickers. Draco gave a hurt look as I pull away from them. Severus is going to pay for letting them drag me out of the class. Blaise feigned a shocked look as he places his hand over his heart. "Now, I have somewhere to be."

"Where would that be, Kitten?"

Why was I getting all these nicknames? Red? Kitten? What happened to Weaslette? "Library." I walk away. It was barely past noon. The younger students already starting to eat or about to go eat. Few still had class. Luna, Neville and I would meet in the library, always had since 4th year. We would go eat in the great hall. But a few times, they would ditch-not that I minded-to spend some time with each other.

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

I glide past Madame Pince, whom probably already heard me. Irma waves as she motioned for me to come closer to her. She was never a woman to be take advantage of for she was a powerful opponent. Madame Pince had taken a liking to me, some odd years ago. I hadn't realized why until I had a talk with Severus, whom was highly amused by the fact, and told me, that Irma Pince, was his mother, Eileen Prince.

The rumor of his mother dying was a lie. Yes… it was staged. But Severus at the time didn't know that. Neither did Dumbledore. Severus lived his life alone in the Snape and Prince Manors. He mostly spent his time in the Snap manor, for the simple fact, that the Prince Manor reminded him to much of his mother. Severus learned many things-and had soon realized-that his mother's talents were close to his own. Silent spells, book reading, strict… I hadn't realized how close Irma Pince was to Eileen Prince.

I stared at him as if he was one of the mythical creatures that Luna blabbered about. I mean, who would take this bit of news seriously? He chuckled and led me straight to Irma's room by the Library and walked in. Irma sat there in her chair, by the fire as she watched Severus, her face paled even more from its white complexion, and had asked what had happened-until she saw me. It seemed they had talked about it for some time, because Irma had just chuckled, and offered me her hand, before easily going back to her tea, and a good book. That night was filled with surprise… that was the night they told me of adoption, that they wanted me in the Prince/Snape name.

"Virginia?" Irma's calm tone echoed lightly in the quiet library.

"Yes?" I ask, "Did something happen?" I frown… if something happened; I'd have to go down to Severus-

"Nothing Virginia, breathe, my son doesn't need to know." Irma watched as her eyes glowed with a sort of joy. "You are such a dear… do not worry. I am fine." I nod slowly, now confused at that… Irma always got me so wound up. "Your friends… Neville and Luna were just down here, they asked me to give you a message." I nod once more, sliding into a more comfortable stance. "They went ahead to lunch, something about you knowing what that would mean." Irma smirked as I shook my head, chuckling quietly.

"Thank you Mad-"

"Virginia, we talked about this. It is okay to call me mum."

I look at her softly, before running my hand through my hair, "Okay… mum." I smile slightly as her normally neutral, strict face, glowed in a motherly shine. "But wouldn't you be my grandmother?"

Irma settled a leveled glare with me, "Virginia, get over there and do what you must. I'm sure you won't be eating, will you?" I laugh and walk over, past the bookshelves, and down the rows to my little area. I could still hear Irma muttering darkly about respect.

Yawning, I drop my bag onto the ground with a soft thud, before lowering myself onto the seat. My eyes dull as I lay there, watching my hand flicker… fire…no fire…fire… no fire…the warmth filled me. Racing through my body to give me a better feel of my control. I feel like I'm losing myself… I'm sure whatever Severus had in mind could help… him or his mother.

Once more I yawn and watch the dark red, crimson, orange, and yellow colors race together, shaping into mindless things my mind can put together… Severus… Irma… Severus, Irma, Myself… I faintly smile as my eyes drift close… I hadn't realized how tired I was….mm…

"Virginia," The distinct, cold, angry tone reached me. Fear raced through my vein as I rotate. My legs twitched as I run. Run down the hall, into the corridor…anywhere but where I was…I don't want to hear you Tom! "Virginia… Virginia… Virginia." His voice hissed as he slashes me from behind.

I fall and turn. Fire racing into my hand but was stop as hands interlock with mine, sealing my powers inside me. I hiss out as I squirm, I don't want him now; I don't want to be trapped! The power flows within me, but it is sealed, straight into my body, the flame burning inside me, wanting nothing more than to be released.

"Come now Virginia…" Tom whispered in sadistic amusement, he yanks me up, by my hand. "Did you honestly thing I would just let…" He smirks, shoving me into the wall. My body flinches, the cold brick walls not bending to my mass. I stare at him, truly afraid this time. "You go? That easily?" He stalks me now... up against the wall. Tom's hand runs down my face. "After all the time we've spent! You want me to be left alone? Alone like I used to be?"

I shiver and stop his hand from going down to my neck. "Tom! You're hurting me!" My voice hitches, I feel like I'm eleven again… "Why are you angry?! Why do you keep hurting me?!"

Tom's dark brown eyes soften at that. Almost as if I'm his pet again. "Virginia… you've harmed me as well." He caresses my cheek again, my hands feeling like stones as they fall to the side. My breathing is hard, I fear this time I may not come back… I don't want to die here. "You fought against me… everything I have taught you. Everything." He punctures his words as he puts more pressure with his fingers against my pale skin. "The magic, the touch… the power." I whimper, I feel like I'm losing energy again… is he coming back to life… is he going to kill me this time? "I won't kill you yet, my dear lovely, Virginia." He kisses my lips. It tastes like death…similar to the Dementor's kiss.

I close my eyes tightly…this seemed so similar… just like when Potter did this. I grimace as I'm thrown to the ground, my hand bracing against my face as I watch his brown eyes, turning to a red. "Potter?" He hisses, angry as his eyes are more animalistic…

"You think I'm like that filth- Potter?" I flinch and move away, "Do you like it, Virginia? Hm… when he touches you? Kisses you?"

I'm cold… I feel so cold…why can't I get warm…why isn't it warm…why aren't I warm?

"Don't you walk away from me, Virginia!"

"La suite sur Rouge, nous revenir."("Wake up Red, come back to us.") Whispers a dark, masculine voice, his tone coated with worry.

Who's that… whose calling me? That doesn't sound like Neville… it isn't Severus… whose calling me?

"I'm not done with you!" Tom sneers at me.

"Il gattino, si sveglia ora!!"("Red, wake up now!") Hiss a darker, concern tone. It was sweet…Italian…? ... I can't place it… they sound so memorable… those voices…

"Virginia!" I don't want to be here…let me wake up. "Virginia, you'll regret the day you crossed me!" I scowl slightly.

"I already do." My eyes snap open as I feel his hand wrap tightly around my throat.

"You will regret this Virginia! You mark my words! Everything I taught you! Everything I've done for you! You will pay!"

I gasp, bolting straight up. My arm swung wildly, but a firm grasp of the wrists ensured that I was kept at bay. My eyes madly browse but all I caught sight of was a snowy white hair in my vision. I try and yank my hand back to get the peculiar material out of my face, but the grip tightens enough to let me know I won't be free. My eyes spin frantically around the room; I was in the library still. I let a soft breath of relief go. It had just been a dream.

"Episkey" Muttered a seductively calm, collective hard voice… male. With a tingle on my cheek, it soon disappeared. The pain that had erupted in my form soon allowed me to stop protesting, and wait. "You've done quite a number on yourself, Weaslette." Whispered the voice again-Draco's Voice- as he continued with his tirade of healing. I didn't bother to respond. I was getting healed… I would probably have to do something to stop this nonsense of questions that would erupt from him…

"Red… you just can't stay out of trouble, can you?" Another light voice responded…male as well. "Can you sit up?" Blaise asked… he had been the only person to have called me Red…and so it had to be him. He loosened his grip on my wrist, and went to hold my hand. and easily pulled me up into a sitting position. Draco slide in behind me. The slight movement in the couch making me lean more into Draco than Blaise. Draco was more muscular than Blaise-so the weight had shown.

"I'm fine."

"Shut up, Virginia." Draco hissed, "Fine is if you didn't have these marks on you." I blink confused as the anger pooled into him, why was he so angry? It isn't like he cares for me. I stop as he continues with the spell to deal with the bruises around my neck and face, Blaise had taken to healing my arm…when had my robe been removed from me?

I ignore the two that were slowly bickering about, looking at the clock; it had only been about 45 minutes… I glance around, on the chair farthest from me, was my robe and books, while my wand sticks out of the robe pocket. I look over, and it looks like they had been waiting for some time… I listen carefully for a trace of Irma-but she seemed to have left. She must have left for her lunch thinking that I had… no doubt Irma would meet up with Severus-and "Oh god…"

Two pointed stares were on me. I quickly move and squirm trying to get out of their grip. "He's going to kill me."

"Who…is going to kill you?" Asked Blaise, his tone taking- again -what it had been like on the train. It was dark with anger, and a hint of possessive protection. What was wrong with these two? They talked to me… it wasn't like they wanted me around that much.

"He is going to kill me...oh god… how could I be so stupid." Draco's grip had tightened even more around me, "Let me go! I need to get out of here."

"Virginia." I stilled, that voice was dark, low, and dangerous… it sent chills up my spine. "Is it the same person that-"

Blaise seemed to have finished it off, in the same lethal tone. "Did this to you?"

I stare at them confused; my struggling stopped them from trying to suffocate me from such strong holds. "You think the person that I am talking about did this to me?" I ask trying to put together what could possibly make them this… dangerous.

Blaise's mother was abused by one of his step-father. I knew this, and nothing would change that… but Draco… Draco had no real reason to be protective of me. I saved his father-could that be why he was protecting me? No… Malfoy's hate life debts… no way he'd want me alive. Was it because of Blaise? Did Blaise say something to him that could have possibly made him care? Did Blaise like me?

I frown at the thoughts, no way could Blaise like me… he was in love with Draco Lucius Malfoy. The whole school knew this…it had rocked the female population to the core when Blaise had lost a bit of control and thrown a girl off of his boyfriend. Draco had been with Blaise at the start of my 2th year. The girl had pushed her luck and- that same girl- had disappeared. No one seemed to have heard from her ever again.

"Virginia" Purred Draco, I blink and turn my head to look at him. My breath was caught in my throat as he was about an inch or two from my face. His beautiful pale face was perfect… his smoldering eyes locked with mine, and I could feel… rather than see… the craving in them. "Tell me." I try to remember how to breath-but there wasn't a point-his cologne was faint and had touched my nose making me want to snog him… everything at this moment seemed like a weird, strange and out of my normal day.

His cologne was light, rich, and faint-barely noticeable- you'd have to have a strong nose or been paying attention to the smell. I had just been lucky enough to have caught the aroma. It smelt slightly of frost… frost, a light touch of a professional field… It was something I can't place a word to.

"Virginia," Chuckled Blaise, he had reached up and played with my hair. I moved away from Draco breathing, and looked at Blaise. The two were so opposite of each other-and yet so similar. "You seemed a bit preoccupied."

"No." I said hastily, Draco chuckled. "You both are just horrible." I snap. "You better be careful with my hair Blaise Zabini!" I growl. My hair was precious to me. It was one of the things I could control. Luna and Neville teased me about it-but the last time anyone touched my hair -I had sent them to the hospital wing.

"Ah… touché aren't we?" Blaise purred in a rather careful...tempting tone. His lips were firm and soft… it was right there. I snap out of my thoughts quickly and glare.

"What do you care?"

Blaise's eyes darken, going from a nice cerulean to a dark midnight color. Why had I always paid attention to color? Why had it always them… why was I even here?

"Virginia." Draco hiss in a predator tone. "Be nice to what is mine. He took the time to come see you. I would think, you'd be grateful for such company-and… some help." I glare at him. I knew he was only here because of Blaise.

Blaise shrug good natured, "Don't listen to him, he wanted to see you as well." My eyes trailed over to Blaise. This was annoying. "He just doesn't want to admit it, Red."

I huff and detangle myself from them. Pulling my hair back in place I grab my robe tossing it onto my person in a rush. Severus was not a patient man…he was very punctual…or early. And Irma was always punctual. Always at the exact time, at any place, no matter how far away or busy she seemed to be. "I don't care." I glance at the clock and curse mentally.

I. Am. So. Fucked.

I didn't have time to send any form of an apology. Severus was going to have my head. Today is just not my day.

"Come now, kitten." I glance over at Draco's cool voice. He seemed to have calmed down. His normally shimmering silver eyes were now a charcoal color. I'm starting to wonder if Draco's eyes are hazel. It would make sense… right? "You need to get to class."

I sigh, it was true, and I grab my books and look at them. They had been with me for the whole nightmare ordeal… healed me. I suppose I could allow them to walk with me. "Now which of you two will be walking me to class?" I ask, and watch both eyes flash and smirk.

Maybe I was better off with neither of them walking me to class. I would be safer-but Potter was probably lurking around. Ronald most likely told him my schedule…unless Granger got a hold of it first. I'd need to see what I could do.

"Aw, Love" Blaise purred again, slinging his arm around Draco. I hide my disappointment and watch him. "We both would love to accompany you." I just shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. "After all, wouldn't want you to miss any class-especially-after we did so much work to make sure you were all right." Draco only gave a lazy smirk before his face became cold. Blaise looked at him in concern, before letting him go. Something was wrong.

"Virginia, I'm leaving Blaise with you." Draco locked eyes with me, and I swear to god, he could only look at a person and make them feel like they were in bed. "Don't do something stupid." He moved and pressed his lips forcefully and possessively into Blaise's lips before he quickly turned and walked away. Draco's robe floats around him…much like Severus's robes.

"Red, you are stalling." Reprimand Blaise softly, as he took my hand, his lips bruised slightly, and walked out the library quickly. I blink unsure of how to take this.

It seemed that the Slytherin gang was already outside, not ones that I noticed. Some were younger, others the same age. I recognized Pansy and Theodore immediately as they gave Blaise a quick look. He just stared, but something was conveyed as both of them turned and left. Snarling at any young children-that weren't Slytherin-to get out of the way…it almost seemed hurried and unusual for them. Something must have happened.

I was brought out of my thoughts as Blaise kissed my knuckles. "Didn't I tell you, you were stalling?" He gave me a pleasant smile, one that didn't reach his eyes.

"Blaise…if something is bothering you…"

He blinked his brilliant cobalt eyes at me innocently as he strolled to Charms. I followed obediently. His heart wasn't with him to stay with me, because something was wrong, and I had one idea what it was. Draco Lucius Malfoy.

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

"Miss. Weasley," I look over as Flitwick called me in a bumbling manner. Blaise had taken off as soon as I reached the door. Something was going on in the school and I had no idea what it was. Though Mr. Flitwick seemed very near knowing what it was, because he was rushing me out the door as he muttered something along the line of "Head Master" and "Jolly Ranchers."

I frown at this as I glance around, the halls were empty and people were in class. So why was I being demanded to attend to the Head Master?

"Jolly Ranchers," I hiss out in front of the phoenix statue, watching as it moved and allowed the staircase to be shown. I move up and freeze as I hear a rather angry female voice.

"Where is she Albus?"

"Mother please, I was just with her," Draco whispered calmly, as he rubbed her arm. "I'm sure she just reached Charms."

"Of course she did Dray." Blaise snapped, "If I had known you wanted her here, I wouldn't have left her, and would have came straight here with her."

I blink slowly as I walk up the stairs quietly; it seemed no one noticed my entrance just yet. The woman that had been hissing was Narcissa Malfoy. Her beauty was slightly marred by her red eyes; I could already see a hand changing into a claw.

"Mother please." Draco said again, his tone calm and collected as his mother moved from her angered form, to her normal human form. "Virginia will be here in a mom-" his eyes turned and stared at mine, "She is here."

I step forward completely as Blaise gives me a calm smile, his neutral mask in place. "I'm glad you are here Virginia."

I nod and glance at Narcissa, she seemed collected in that moment as soon as she saw me. Something was terribly wrong.

"Hello Mrs. Malfoy." I watched as her eyes seemed to go back to their light blue shade. Draco seemed to be feeling much better as he watched me in his cold, aloof manner. Blaise stood on the other side of Draco's mother. "I'm assuming that you all needed me present."

Albus Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled as he nodded towards me. Somehow that didn't give me any comfort. "Mrs. Malfoy seems to need your assistant."

Both Malfoy's just watched as Blaise's eyes became more aloof as they both watched. It was almost unreal to me that this day would call a Malfoy into my life. Several Malfoy's apparently.

Smoothing out my robe I nod towards her, "What can I do for you, Mrs. Malfoy?"

Narcissa quickly strolled over to the fireplace. "Come to the Malfoy Manor dear. I'm sorry about this. I never meant for this to be rushed. But with things being incomplete-"

My eyes completely locked onto the fireplace. How could I have forgotten to complete the Life Debt? It would cause immense pain for the other if it wasn't finished. How had I been so stupid?

"Right away, I wouldn't want this more dragged out than it is. I am so sorry about this, Mrs. Malfoy."

Draco watched me in slight surprised, but nodded.

"Draco dear…I want you to go back to class. I'll give you an owl when everything has calmed." Narcissa watched as she motioned for me to come to her. "Albus I suggest everything be finalized for the class?"

"I'm 16, Mrs. Malfoy; it is my consent that allows me to go. Not my parents. I'm sure I'll be back by dinner if this is done quickly." I assure her. I watch Dumbledore's eyes darken. Did something bother him about this? He had wanted to help the Malfoy's for some time… did something go wrong with the plan?

"Good." Narcissa gave her son a quick peck on his cheek, hugged Blaise, and departed with a quick, "Malfoy Manor!"

I frown at this. I hated to use the fireplace. Who knows what is going to happen. "I'm sorry about this Draco… if I had known I would have done it before school started." I reach up to the apparition powder, and threw it into the fire place.

"It's fine Weaslette. At least this is getting sorted now." It was a type of acceptance… and I was happy.

I turned flashed a smile at them both before quickly saying. "Malfoy Manor!"

I was gone. I could vaguely hear the shifting from Dumbledore's office. I knew Draco trusted me to save his father… I guess I had to do this… I didn't want to cause any more family problems for them. Not this time.

I look around, and saw Narcissa Malfoy there, standing tall in all her glory. Her eyes were carefully concealed… but any women could tell that the look on Narcissa Malfoy was like any one in love. Afraid to lose the one they loved to something terrible…

I sigh silently. Yep…

What a blood pleasant surprise today is turning out to be…

PosionSeductress: Hello Everyone! I am glad to say that this chapter is done! I am not so happy with it…but I think it comes as a nice fill in to show how close Virginia is to be exactly Slytherin, and to add, that Virginia is quiet attracted to the Slytherin crew…not just Blaise. I have been thinking as I wrote this. That I may up the rating, but in the end, I will do as my readers would wish. Should I stay with the rating "T" or should I move it to "M" for a future scenes? I hope to read the reviews soon. It always brings me a satisfying comfort that I didn't stray. I'm happy that I got to respond to so many reviews! Off we go now to the thank yous:

Thanks To:

Veronica: Hello Veronica. I'm glad you were my first review. I always look forward to your words. I'm glad the last chapter amused you. This was a little a filler and a bit more Draco. So I hope I didn't fail for you. Keep in touch.

Edwardc: I am hoping, this chapter put your question of is Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini gay. I had thought that I settled the gay issue earlier, but I suppose not. This should put your puzzled mind to easy. Thank you.

Snowfire81: -laughs softly- Thank you, I'm glad that Draco and Blaise were to your liking. I hope this fits in to your joy.

Chloe Maria LiClaire: Hello Chloe. You have a long name… -bows- Thank you. I tried rather hard to keep her and everyone in character. I try to manipulate everything from the actual book (I don't own Harry Potter) and my story similar. The characters, people, places, and such. Your review had me smiling and flinging around many ideas. Thank you for your review.

Emorocks91: Well now, not just yet Emo. Trust me… if you believe they are "tight" now. You'll just have to wait until next time. Keep paying attention. ^.^

Slytheringrl17: Well now, to say I was surprised when you were in my first three reviews were an understatement. But I'm glad you stuck around. I thought the last chapter was a bit too long… and I was happy with it. I like playing with Theodore's character. His was the first I had to establish, and now it seems very easy. Keep reading. I hope this was to your liking.

WitchyWiccan: Your review sent me into a bit of puzzlement. I had to say, that idea is not too far off with what I had wanted. (I haven't read the series… Isn't that a surprise? I haven't even watched the movies!) I had to play off of many thoughts, and research of each character. Let me tell you… hours of research, and reading people's thoughts about each character is a bit of a stretch. But nothing will stop me from getting them 'perfect.' Haha… I wanted to keep Lily's personality and Virginia's very close-but at the same time far. So. I hope that showed.