Chapter Four

She Just Wants Me to Dare Her

Draco threw up a shield and evaluated his situation. From the mist he could hear Sirius' cackles of delight. Sometimes he wondered if his uncle really hadn't gone insane in Azkaban.

Sirius had charmed the great hall of the castle into a battle field. He wanted to get a gauge for their talents and Draco didn't blame him.

Draco was the last of them. Cedric had only been in for a few minutes and Ginny for even less time. Cedric had come out looking like he'd run afowl of a stampede of angry Hippogryffs. Ginny had looked like she had done nothing more strenuous than wash her hair.

Draco was doing pretty well for himself. He'd avoided the obvious spells, the ones that Sirius would see coming. Sirius had returned the favor, which was why they were in this current stalemate.

He yelped in surprise as someone tackled him. He spun quickly only to find his uncle's wand in his face.

"Magical sheilds only protect you from magical attacks," Sirius said, getting off him.

"Thanks for the advice," Draco drawled but accepted Sirius' hand.

"You did good, Draco. Better than Cedric at any rate and better than Harry would have done."

Draco felt a rush of pride at that last part. "You didn't mention Ginny," he pointed out.

Sirius sighed. "Here's a word of advice: when she can do magic outside of school, you had better stay on her good side."

Draco was pretty sure he was joking but, remembering when Ginny spoke the counter curse, he figured maybe he wasn't.

"You didn't explain how we can do magic in here without the Ministry knowing."

Sirius shrugged. "Who the hell knows? There are so many wards and defense spells on this castle, its a wonder it hasn't turned into a rabbit under the magical pressure."

"That's not the real answer," Ginny said as she and Cedric came in. Sirius waved his wand and dispelled the mist in the room. Spell marks were everywhere, remanants from their fight.

"You're right. The truth of it is that Black Castle exists outside of time. Now don't get all hot and bothered, kids. time here still flows like it does in the regular world. It's just...different."

"Eloquently put," Draco drawled.

"So what next?" Cedric asked, probably to forestall an insult contest. They had all learned in the past few days that the cheif means of communication between members of the Black family was insults.

"Well, I was going to start the three of you on the same level. You all have potential, even if you don't know it yet. I'll start with some basics and we'll see where your specialties lie. For now? Take the afternoon off."

Cedric vanished faster than Snape at the mention of a cauldron sale.

"What is that about?" Sirius wondered aloud.

"Long distance relationship," Ginny and Draco said together.

Sirius looked at them then shook his head. "See you at dinner, kids."

They watched him off.

"How did you do?" Ginny asked, looking at Draco seriously.

"Just fine. I think. Well, I was doing fine until he tackled me."

"He tried that on you too?" she asked, smiling.

"Yeah. It worked too. How about you?"

"Well, let's just say you learn a few tricks having six brothers."

Draco laughed. "I believe that. But how did you do?"

She looked away and he wondered if he'd pushed too far. Then she sighed. "I guess I ought to tell you. I mean, I really like you, Draco. I don't want to have this conversation ten years down the road and have you accuse me of keeping things from you."

"Okay..." he trailed off.

"You know about that whole thing in the Chamber, right?" she said.

He nodded.

"Well, after that, I had an...aptitude for Dark spells. I fought it for the longest time, but eventually I decided I was done running. I started looking up dark spells. Then I started looking up counters. I got really good at countering spells, even better than I was at Dark spells. I've even made up some counters."

She looked up at him through her bangs, as thought waiting for an answer.

He wrapped an arm around her neck and pulled her to him, kissing her temple. "Come on. I want to show you that new Quidditch move I learned."

He felt her relax into him. "You're dreaming if you think you're going to stand a chance at beating Harry," she said.

"I'll make you eat those words."

"I can't wait."

(A/N: Holy crap, I forgot to update. (laughs) I've been swamped with various things lately and completely forgot that you guys were all waiting patiently for a new chapter. I'm such a bad updater.

To Roni2010: Sorry for the delay!