The Dragon's Savior

Chapter 3

The next few days passed by as a blur for Ginny. Everyday she and Harry went into the chat room, and then afterwards she would talk to Hotdragon. Today was Tuesday, and Ginny's friend, Shannon, was coming to stay with them for the rest of the summer. They were going to pick her up in twenty minutes, and then tomorrow they were going school supply shopping.
"Ginny, it's about time to leave. Are you almost ready?" Her mother yelled from downstairs.
"One second, Mum," Ginny yelled back. She quickly glanced at herself in the mirror one more time, and then ran downstairs.
Ginny stepped into the fireplace, threw in the powder, and said clearly, "The O'Connor's house." Her mother followed shortly after, and about fifteen minutes later they were back at the Burrow with Shannon. Ginny helped Shannon carry her bags up to Ginny's room, where she would be staying. Chatting a little as they went.
"Did you hear that Michelle got into Quidditch camp this summer?" Ginny asked when they reached her room.
"Yeah, she told me about it. It sounds pretty cool, if you like Quidditch," Shannon replied. "So, what have you been doing the past few days? Every time I was online, you were too, but talking to someone else."
"I've been talking to this guy that I met in a chat room," Ginny told her.
"Really? What's he like?" Shannon asked with interest.
Ginny began telling her all about Hotdragon and their conversations, but left out the part that he had a terrible life, and that his father beats him. She didn't think that he told many people about it, and decided not to spread it around. When she had finished Shannon said, "You know pretty much about him. You seem to like him a lot."
"Yeah, I do. Sometimes when we're talking, I fell like I've known him my entire life, but sometimes I feel like I barely know him," Ginny said.
"Don't you wish you know his name?" Shannon asked. She could not imagine talking to a complete stranger every day.
"Sometimes, but sometimes I'm glad I don't know because he could be someone that I don't like. He could be my worst enemy. He said he doesn't have many friends because everyone's quick to judge him. He also said that the person everyone else sees is not he person he really is. If I meet him in person, I could hate him, and then everything would be ruined," Ginny replied, trying her best to explain how she felt.
"I see your point. You like the friendship you have now, and you're afraid that if you meet in person, then you won't like him. Then you'll wish you had the old friendship back, but won't be able to get it back," Shannon said matter-of-factly.
"Exactly! What do you think I should do?" Ginny asked.
"Tell him what you just told me. Chances are, he'll understand he may even agree with you," Shannon replied.
"Okay, I'll try it. Thanks!" Ginny said gratefully. "Hey, did I tell you Harry and Hermione are dating?"'
"They are? I'm glad, I always thought they'd make a good couple," Shannon said excitedly.
"So have I, but Ron doesn't think so. He was pretty ticked when they told him. He still isn't talking to them. Or me either for that matter," Ginny told her. She was glad she finally had someone to talk to besides Harry and Hermione.
"Why is he mad? I mean, I know he has a crush on Hermione, but that's a little extreme. And why is he mad at you?" Shannon asked incredulously.
"Because I tried to get them to talk again. He wasn't too happy about that, plus the fact that I found out before him. I figured it out. He's mad at them because they have been dating since the beginning of the summer, and never told him," Ginny informed her of the events of the past few days.
"So, he'd mad at you, Harry, and Hermione? He's not talking to you at all? It must be kinda nice," Shannon said thoughtfully.
"It's not, believe me. As annoying as he can be, I wish he weren't mad. He just totally ignores us," Ginny said miserably. "Harry and Hermione are talking it especially hard."
Then, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Ginny said. Harry and Hermione walked in, looking very upset.
"What's up? You two don't look too happy," Ginny commented.
"We're thinking of breaking up," Harry said bluntly.
"What? Why? You're happy together, and you make such a great couple. You can't break up!" Shannon cried.
"We're happy together, yeah, but because we're together Ron hates us. We're both totally miserable," Hermione said. "I also haven't gotten a good night's sleep since he stopped talking to us."
"Same with me," Harry agreed mournfully.
"Come on; don't break up just because Ron is being a selfish prat. You guys are a perfect couple. Forget about Ron, he'll come around eventually. He's just stbborn," Ginny said firmly. "I'll talk to him today, just don't break up."
"Are you sure it's for the best? We appreciate you offer, but will he really listen to you? He's mad at you too," Harry replied uncertainly.
"I'll talk to him then," Shannon offered.

"Alright, but if he doesn't come around soon, we'll have to break up. It's our only other option," Hermione said finally.

*~*~*~*

The past few days had gone by incredibly slow for Draco. He stayed in his room all day, trying to entertain himself with various things. The only thing he looked forward to was talking to Fierysprite. On the bright side though, his father hadn't come into his room or yelled at him since the day had had cursed Draco to unconsciousness. Now, glancing at the clock, he noticed that it was time to meet in the chat room.
He turned on his laptop, and went into the chat room. Everyone was already there except Fierysprite. He hoped she would come soon. She was the most fun to talk to, and he felt more comfortable with her then with anybody else. His wish was soon granted about thirty seconds later when her name appeard on the list.
Hotdragon: Hey everyone, what's new?
Teenage Enchantress: today's my birthday
Fierysprite: really? Happy birthday!
Gossip Queen22: how old are you now?
Teenage Enchantress: 18!
Fierysprite: cool
Hotdragon: you're the oldest now
Teenage Enchantress: I was always the oldest
Hotdragon: yeah but nobody knew it
Teenage Enchantress: I see your point
Fierysprite: I can't believe summer's almost over
Hotdragon: I know it seems like it gone be so fast, but I can't wait to get back to school
Gossip Queen22: why on earth do you want to go back to school?
Hotdragon: I hate being at home, it's creepy and me and my parents don't get along very well
Froggylegs 91: why don't you just leave then?
Hotdragon: where would I go?
Teenage Enchantress: to a relatives?
Hotdragon: they'd all just send me home
Froggylegs 91: What about a friend's house?
Hotdragon: I don't have any friends
Gossip Queen22: you have got to be kidding
Emerald Hottie: you have to have friends
Hotdragon: I don't
Fierysprite: but you seem like a great guy
Hotdragon: that means I have to have friends?
Gossip Queen22: no what Fierysprite means is that you seem like the kind of guy who would have lots of friends
Hotdragon: whatever let's talk about something else
Fierysprite: alright what should we talk about?
Hotdragon: what about all of you? Are you looking forward to school?
Fierysprite: I don't want to go back to school but I want to see my friends
Emerald Hottie: I don't want to go back to school yet
Froggylegs 91: I don't want to go back either, I hate school
Gossip Queen22: I don't want to go back to school, but I'm glad that summer's almost over, it's my least favorite season
Teenage Enchantress: why don't you like summer?
Gossip Queen22: too hot
Froggylegs 91:: I hate warm weather, cold is much better
Fierysprite: alright new topic, this is stupid. You're arguing which season is better
Froggylegs 91: we weren't arguing, we were discussing
Fierysprite: fine whatever but it was still stupid
Hotdragon: this is so pointless you're now arguing about if their conversation was stupid or not, let's pick a better topic
Fierysprite: like what? We haven't been able to come up with a good topic and it's almost 4
Teenage Enchantress: then we need a topic
Gossip Queen22: anything but Quidditch
Fierysprite: do any of you like other sports besides Quidditch?
Froggylegs 91: what else is there?!?!
Fierysprite: muggle sports like basketball or volleyball or something
Hotdragon: you have got to be kidding me, if my father found me playing a muggle sport, he'd kill me
Fierysprite: you're laptop is a muggle thing
Hotdragon: yeah but it's charmed so it's not entirely muggle
Froggylegs 91: I've never tried anything but Quidditch
Gossip Queen22: well obviously, I like cheerleading, does that count?
Emerald Hottie: I like muggle sports, basketball, soccer, baseball
Teenage Enchantress: I played soccer before but I hated it, I like volleyball though
Fierysprite: I don't care for soccer either, I used to be on a basketball team, and I like volleyball a lot
Unsuprized: are you guys still here? Get out it's 4
(Hotdragon has logged out.)
After Draco had logged out of the chat room, he promptly Instant Messaged Fierysprite.
Hotdragon: hey
Fierysprite: hey, what's up?
Hotdragon: nothing really but I'd have to say that was the most time we've ever wasted of out hour
Fierysprite: yeah it was kinda pointless
Hotdragon: yeah and you didn't help much
Fierysprite: at least I tried
Hotdragon: what do you mean? I was the one who got us back on track
Fierysprite: whatever anyway I can't Fierysprite: because I have a friend staying at my house for the rest of the summer, and she's probably bored out of her mind
Hotdragon: you always desert me
Fierysprite: I'm sorry really I am but I don't even know you
Hotdragon: what does that matter?
Fierysprite: you could be some 300 pound 50 year old creep for all I know
Hotdragon: what's your point?
Fierysprite: I can't put you over my friend because 1) I actually know her name let alone that I've known her longer 2) she's at my house, you're not
Hotdragon: how do you know?
Fierysprite: because there are only two other guys at my house right now who have internet access and neither of them has the screen name Hotdragon
Hotdragon: maybe I'm not in your house but outside it and I'm some insane stalker trying to make you like me and then striking
Fierysprite: well you could be but I highly doubt you would have just suggested that if you were
Hotdragon: you never know I would be incredibly stupid
Fierysprite: you could be but from what I've seen you're not but I really should get off
Hotdragon: okay fine, talk to you tomorrow
Fierysprite: I'll try but we're getting school supplies tomorrow and I probably won't be in the chat room
Hotdragon: try to at least e-mail me if I'm not online
Fierysprite: I'll try my best, see ya
Hotdragon: bye
(Fierysprite has logged off.)
When Fierysprite logged off, Draco was at a loss at what to do. He stared at the screen for a few moments, and for the first time in his life was glad to see that Blaise had Instant Messaged him.
Slytherin Hottie: hey what's going on?
Hotdragon: I am so bored
Slytherin Hottie: you couldn't have been for long, you were talking to some person named Fierysprite the last time I checked which was about five minutes ago
Hotdragon: you are truly obsessed
Slytherin Hottie: no I'm not I'm just bored
Hotdragon: whatever
Hotdragon: Fierysprite
Slytherin Hottie: well I know that but who is it?
Hotdragon: "it's" a girl I met in a chat room
Slytherin Hottie: do you know how old she is?
Hotdragon: yeah she's 15 and she's going to be in her 5th year at hogwarts
Slytherin Hottie: wow you know a lot about her
Hotdragon: not really, that's about all I know, and that could be lies
Slytherin Hottie: that's true
Hotdragon: I really wish I knew who she was. I wish there was a way where I could figure out who she is without her knowing who I am, and without getting her mad
Slytherin Hottie: you'll have to find out as much as possible about her, do you have any idea what house she's in?
Hotdragon: no clue she doesn't act like a Slytherin but that doesn't mean anything, all I know is that she hates me
Slytherin Hottie: why do you say that, she talks to you doesn't she?
Hotdragon: no yeah but she hates Draco Malfoy, and news flash Blaise, I'm Draco Malfoy
Slytherin Hottie: I know that but since she sees the real you, maybe she'll like you better
Hotdragon: I doubt it, I'm and Malfoy and everyone hates Malfoys
Slytherin Hottie: I don't
Hotdragon: yeah but you're family, you have to like me
Slytherin Hottie: true
Hotdragon: thanks you're really reassuring
Slytherin Hottie: anytime Draco, anytime except now because I gotta go
Hotdragon: see ya, Blaise
Slytherin Hottie: see ya
(Slytherin Hottie has logged off.)
Well, that had passed some time, but it was still awhile before one of the house elves would bring him his dinner. So until then he decided to make a list of every Hogwarts 5th year girl he could think of.

*~*~*~*

Ginny shut don her laptop, and went looking for Shannon. She found her and Ron in the living room talking bout something. Ginny was just about to turn and go back up to her room, when Ron spotted her, and called her into the living.
"What's up, Ron?" Ginny asked curiously. She was shocked that he was even willing to talk to her, let alone being friendly.
"Look Gin, I'm really sorry about everything. I was being a jerk and I know it now. I shouldn't have taken my anger out at you because all you were doing was trying to help me. I see that now, and I also see I was a jerk to Harry and Hermione too. I guess they did have a point about my having a crush on Hermione. Anyway, I'm sorry. I'm going to go apologize to Harry and Hermione," Ron said cheerfully, giving Ginny a hug. Ginny hugged him back eagerly. She was shocked that Ron had come to his senses. Whatever Shannon had said to him, had sure made a difference, and for that she was glad. When Ginny asked Shannon what she had said to change his mind, Shannon replied blushing, "Nothing really, I just told him that if he didn't make up with Harry and Hermione soon, they were going to break up. When he heard that he was pretty shocked, as we were, but he said that no matter how much he liked Hermione, he wasn't going to let them break up over him."
"Wow, so he's not a total idiot after all," Ginny said when Shannon finished her stry. At this, Shannon giggled. "No, he's not a total idiot. Not all the time at least," Shannon replied, laughing harder. Ginny joined in too. It was nice to have someone her age around again. Harry and Hermione are great, but sometimes someone your own age is some fun to hang out with, Ginny thought contentedly.
"Well thanks. Harry and Hermione have been miserable since Ron stopped talking to them. I also kinda missed Ron actually acknowledge my presence," Ginny said gratefully.
"I told you, I didn't really do anything," Shannon replied modestly.
"Whatever. So, wanna go up to my room and read Witch Weekly's 50 most eligible wizards?" Ginny asked, giggling.
"Sure, let's go," Shannon agreed.

*~*~*~*

Draco sat in his room, still making a list of 5th year girls. He was not having much luck. He thought of a few Slytherins, Weasley's little sister and friends, and Loony Lovegood. In his mind, he automatically ruled out Loony Lovegood. Fierysprite was definitely not as weird as her, and seemed smarter.
So that left the Weaslette and her friends. He highly doubted it was any of them. There possible way the Weasleys could afford a laptop, one of her friends a total bookworm, one who's obsessed with Quidditch, and the other one's kinda ditzy.
Well, a lot of good that did me, Draco thought bitterly. I'm never going to figure out who Fierysprite is by myself, but my only friend is Fierysprite and she can't help me because then she'll want to know who I am.
My one friend, and I don't even know her name. Man, my life sucks. It can't possibly get any worse.
Just then, there came a knock at Draco's door.
"Open up, boy," Lucius yelled as he pounded on the door.
I think I spoke too soon, it just got worse.
Before Draco could get up to open the door, Lucius unlocked the door with his wand.
"You've been up here for four days straight, without coming downstairs, and your mother is getting worried. She thinks your sick, so you better be down for dinner in five minutes or you'll be sorry," Lucius roared.
"Well, what gotten you panties in a knot? Has Harry Potter avoided death again or has Voldemort died of shock when he can't beat Potter?" Draco shot back, one eyebrow raised.
"Don't you dare talk back to me! Crucio!" Lucius yelled the Unforgivable Curse casually. As if he could not go to Azkaban for it, which he could.
The spell hit Draco square in the chest, and he immediately fell to his knees from the pain. It was shooting all through his body, and it was a searing pain. Like thousands of lightning bolts shooting through his body. Even though it hurt, Draco refrained from crying out. He knew that if he did, Lucius would only use the Curse longer Because Draco had shown "weakness."
All of the sudden, the pain stopped. Lucius left the room as Draco got to his feet, and went downstairs for dinner, walking through the halls still gave Draco the chills. You could almost smell the evil that was around the Manor.
Ever since Draco was old enough to remember, Malfoy Manor had scared him. With it's long, dark corridorsand secret winding passageways. He had been ecstatic when he was eleven, and getting away from it for the first time.
Draco came to a stop before too large oak doors with beautiful brass handles. He opened the doors and stepped into the large, elegant room. The dining room at Malfoy Manor was about ½ the size of Hogwarts's Great Hall. In the middle of the room was a long table, and above it hung a glittering diamond chandelier. The ceiling was painted a shiny gold color, and the walls were made of oak wood, just the doors were.
Draco walked to the end of the long table where his parents sat. Lucius at the head of the table, and Narcissa at his right. Draco at his right. Draco walked over, and took a seat across from his mother.
As soon as he was seated, the house elves began to bring out all sorts of food. There was anything from steak to pumpkin pie. After all the food was brought out, the house elves quickly sped back to the kitchens.
The three Malfoys then began to eat their dinner, and Narcissa engaged Lucius in a slightly hushed conversation. Draco looked across the table at his mother. She was an elegant woman. She had long, pale blonde hair, just like Draco's except hers was touched at the roots with some gray. This was the only indication that Narcissa Malfoy was a day over twenty five. She still had a beautiful figure, and her face showed none of the usual signs of aging.
"Draco dear, is something wrong?" Draco snapped out of his reverie at the sound of his mother's voice, and realized he had been staring at her.
"No, nothing's wrong," Draco replied.
"Then quit staring at your mother, and eat your dinner," Lucius growled roughly.
"Now Lucius, there's no need to be so harsh with him, he's only a boy after all," Narcissa said, smiling soothingly at her husband, and shot her son a sympathetic glance.
"He's no longer a boy Narcissa, he'll be seventeen in December, and the Dark Lord is waiting for the day Draco will join our rnks," Lucius said, smiling maliciously.
"I will not become a Death Eater!" Draco shouted. "I've told you before that I don't want anything to do with the Dark Arts!"
"Alright, let's not worry about this now. Let's just eat a nice quiet dinner as a family for once," Narcissa cut in before Lucius could respond to his son.
"I won't be a Death Eater, I won't" Draco mumbled to himself before looking at his mother and smiling. He mouthed a quick thank you before continuing to eat his dinner. Although what he really wanted to do was go back to his room away from his parents, his father in particular. He loved his mother dearly, and always wondered why she married a jerk like his father, but he knew why. It was Because of him. When Narcissa and Lucius had been in school together, Lucius had always been infatuated with Narcissa Black, but Every time he asked her out, she refused.
Several years after they had graduated, Lucius had asked one last time, but she had once again refused. The next time Lucius saw Narcissa, he put the Imperius Curse on her, and made her have sex with him. As a result, Narcissa became pregnant, and married Lucius as to keep the honor of the Black name. (This was before Sirius was sent to Azkaban, and dishonored the name of Black.) He always had resented his father for putting such a wonderful woman in such a terrible situation.
"Draco?" his mother's sweet voice cut into his thoughts again.
"Yes, mother?" he asked.
"I was wondering if you were still planning on going shopping for school things in Diagon Alley tomorrow. For if you were, I said that I would like to accompany you," Narcissa repeated for him.
"Yes, I am still planning on going, and it would be an absolute joy for you to accompany me," Draco replied. In all honesty, he had completely forgotten he was supposed to go shopping tomorrow. He had promised Fierysprite he would he there, and knowing she would be there was a comfort. At least I have more to look forward to than staying in my room all day trying to amuse myself, he thought happily. He was also glad that his mother had decided to come with. He always enjoyed her company.
Draco finished his dinner quickly, and asked politely. "May I be excused?"
"Yes, you may," Narcissa said quickly before Lucius could say anything more to him.
Draco got up from the table quickly, and went through the twisting corridors to his room. His head had begun to pound, and he decided to go to bed and try and get some rest.

*~*~*~*

The next morning Draco woke up around nine o'clock, and went downstairs to get some breakfast. Lucius had already left to go to the Ministry, but Narcissa sat at the table waiting for him.
"Good morning, Mother," Draco said, kissing her on the cheek.

"Good morning Draco," she replied smiling.
"I see you're ready to go to Diagon Aly already," Draco commented casually.
"Yes, I got ready as soon as I got up," Narcissa responded distractedly.
"Is something bothering you?" Draco asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Actually, yes. There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about," Narcissa said.
"What's wrong?" Draco asked.
"Nothing, I was just thinking about what went on last night at dinner between you and your father. You seemed very adamant about not being a Death Eater," she said, her voice revealing that she was happy with this choice, but something was still bothering her and Draco couldn't figure out what.
When Draco inquired about this, she said, "I think it's wonderful that you don't want to become a Death Eater, but Lucius, Lucius has had your name on the waiting list ever since you were born. Saying that you'd be there to carry on his word after he dies, and that you would be one of the chosen ones in Voldemort's inner circle. Whenever he said things like this I'd always secretly hoped it wasn't true. I already have a Death Eater husband, and I don't want a Death Eater son too. I just want you to know that it's totally up to you, but if you say no, Lucius will be after you . I also want you to know that if you do say no, I'll do everything I can to help you avoid Lucius."
"Thanks. You're a good person, Mum, and you don't deserve any of this crap that's been forced upon you," Draco said gratefully.
"What do you mean?" Narcissa asked, quirking one eyebrow inquiringly.
"Well, you have a pretty bad life. You have a crap husband, a crap son-" Draco began to explain, but was cut off when Narcissa said, "You are not a crap son, Draco. You are a wonderful son, and I love you."
"You still have a terrible husband," Draco shot back.
"That may be true, but without him, I wouldn't have you, my son, the light of my life," Narcissa replied, smiling lovingly at Draco. He returned the smile, and gave his mother a hug, muttering, I love you.

*~*~*~*

Ginny and Shannon were on their way to Flourish and Blotts to get their school books for their 5th year at Hogwarts.
"Okay, what books do we need?" Ginny asked.
"Let's see, we need Standard Book of Spells Grade 5 by: Miranda Goshack and Defending Yourself Against the Dark Arts by: Celestina Cole," Shannon replied, reading from the booklist.
"Alright, let's go get them, and then we can head to the Apothcary to restock our potions ingredients," Ginny said as they walked into the store.
"Hogwarts students?" the witch at the counter asked. When they nodded, she continued, "What year?"
"5th."
"Alright, wait here," the witch said as she hurried to the back of the store.
Just as the witch disappeared into the back of the store, someone entered through the door, and that someone was Draco Malfoy. He asked another witch to help his get this books, and then turned to Ginny.
"Well, well, well if it isn't the little Weaslette. Where's the Dream Team? Did your boyfriend and his fries finally ditch you? Or doesn't your family have enough money to get your brother books this year?" he taunted her.
"For your information, Mal-ferret, my family has plenty of money, and for the record, Harry's not my boyfriend, nor do I like him in that way," Ginny shot back cooly.
Draco smirked at her. "Yeah, and Lord Voldemort isn't evil," he retorted.
"Whatever, don't believe me. I don't see why you care anyway, I mean, it's not like it makes a difference in your life if Harry and I are dating of not. Unless, of course, you like me, or maybe it's Harry that you fancy," Ginny said, trying her best not to laugh. It didn't work very well because as soon as she finished, Draco's jaw dropped, and her and Shannon burst into giggles.
"Right Weasel, like I'd ever fancy a Gryffindor, let alone a Weasley. I'm sorry if it hurts, but it's true. Only in your dreams would I ever like you," Draco replied with as much composure as possible. Now it was time for Ginny's jaw to drop. She could not believe he had just said that, and was about to give a witty response when the witch came with her and Shannon's books. Ginny glared once more at Draco, and then walked up to the counter to pay for her books.
Then her and Shannon left, and headed towards the Apothecary. To restock their potions supplies. After that they headed to Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Ginny had never been there to shop for herself, but now that only she and Ron were left in the house, the Weasleys had a little extra money. Ginny used to have all hand me down robes, but Mum had given her money for a new set of casual Hogwarts robes, and a new set of dress robes in case of a dance or other formal occasion.
First, her and Shannon got fitted for their robes, and then they went to pick out the style and color of their dress robes. Ginny marveled at all the different choices there were. There were ones that almost reached the floor, and there were ones that stopped before your knees. There were ones with tight bodices, and ones with looser ones. There were robes with low necklines, and robes with higher necklines. There were ones with long sleeves and ones with no sleeves. She could go on and on. Then there were the colors Ginny couldn't believe it. There was every color imaginable from electric yellow and hot pink, to dark purples and reds. I'll never be able to pick anything out. Ginny thought dazedly. It'll take years.
"There are so many choices," Ginny commented casually to the witch who was helping her.
"Yes there are, how about we pick out some colors that look good with your hair, and then go from there," the witch suggested cheerfully.
"Alright," Ginny agreed. The only problem was that a lot of colors looked on her. Despite the fact that she was a red head, her hair was a deep auburn color, rather than a bright orange color like Ron and the twins.
They went through all the colors, finding many that looked good. Some Ginny liked a lot, but others, like the forest green that reminded her of Slytherin, she wouldn't want dress robes those colors. For example, they found a deep, navy blue color that looked good, but with her red hair, and pale, almost white, skin that made her slightly resemble the American flag.
After looking through hundreds of colors, Ginny finally decided on one. The material she chose was a pretty, light lavender color with a pattern done in a darker purple. It was made of a shiny, silky material, and looked great with Ginny's skin tone and hair color.
"Now, we have to pick what style robe you want," the witch said to her, and handed her a book showing all of the different robe styles.
"What style do you think would look good on me, Shannon?" Ginny asked her friend.
"What about a long robe, with a tight bodice, and a v-neck, but nothing too far down. That way, you can show off your figure without your brother totally freaking out and you can get a pretty necklace to go with it," hannon said logically.
"I like that idea," Ginny replied smiling. "Granted, I don't have much of a figure to show off, but at least I won't be totally ugly, I won't be gorgeous or even pretty, but I won't be ugly either."
"Oh come on, Gin. You're not anywhere near being ugly. You are one of the prettiest girls in our year, without dressing up," Shannon said, shocked that Ginny didn't think of herself as pretty. "And with those robes, you'll be absolutely gorgeous."
"Whatever, let's just drop it," Ginny said firmly.
Shannon thought about pursuing the topic some more, but finally decided against it. She would bring it up to Hermione later, and together they would convince Ginny that she was pretty.
"So, that's the style you want?" the sales witch asked, pointing to one in the book. Ginny nodded, the sales witch quickly Transfigured the robe from the fabric, and had Ginny try it on.
When she came out of the dressing room, Shannon's jaw dropped. She knew that it would have looked good, but not that good. As Ginny turned to look in the mirror, she saw Shannon's jaw drop out of the corner of her eye. It cannot look that good, Ginny thought to herself. Or maybe it looks really terrible, and that's why Shannon's so surprised, she never thought she'd see anyone so ugly. She looked at herself in the mirror, and her own jaw dropped. For once, she actually looked good in something. She wouldn't go as far as to say she was beautiful, buy she actually looked passably pretty. What a difference it makes, she thought, to have clothes that actually were the right size and not previously worn by someone. She looked ten times better than normal, and she was happy.
She turned to the sales witch, and said," I'll take them."
"Alright, that will be 100 galleons. (A/N: I'm not sure how much money 100 galleons is, but I'll just say that it's expensive for robes.)," the witch told Ginny.
"What? I didn't even have that much money to buy all of my school things, let alone a set of robes!" Ginny cried indignantly. One hundred galleons for robes! That was insane, but they're such pretty robes, I have to find a way to get them.
"How much money do you have, Gin?" Shannon asked.
"74 galleons, 10 sickles, and 4 knuts," Ginny replied.
"Here, take fifty galleons, I'll split the price with you," Shannon said, holding out the money.
"No way! I can't take that much money from you!" Ginny said.
"Yes you can, consider it an early Christmas present," Shannon told her, trying her best to get Ginny to go along with it.
"You wouldn't spend that much money on me," Ginny pointed out. She wished, for about the trillionth time in her life, that the Weasleys had more money. "The only way I'll take it is if you let me pay you back."
"Fine, just take the money," Shannon sighed exasperatedly. Getting any of the Weasleys to take money was like getting a Malfoy to give up money, pretty much impossible.
After the girls had paid for their robes, they walked out the door, and headed for Quills 'N' More, the store that sold all sorts of different quills, parchments, and more. This store had everything form plain ordinary quills and things, to things liked scented and colored inks and parchments. Ginny and Shannon quickly got what they wanted, and left the store. Ginny had been half tempted to buy a scented ink, but then decided against it, remembered how little money she had left. After leaving the store, they decided to go back to the Leaky Cauldron to Floo back to the Burrow. It was now nearing on o'clock, and both girls were hungry. They had decided against buying lunch, knowing that Mrs. Weasley would have something ready when they got back.

*~*~*~*
After Ginny and Shannon had finished eating lunch, they went upstairs to Ginny's room. They decided to surf the web for a little while. When they logged on, Ginny saw that she had an e-mail from Michelle.
Hey Gin! What's up? I haven't e-mailed in awhile, sorry about that, but I'm having sooo much fun here, at Quidditch camp. I can't believe school starts in three weeks! It's too soon! Is Shannon staying at your house now? If she is tell her to check her e-mail! Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.
Michelle
"Let's e-mail her back from both of us," Ginny suggested.

"Okay," Shannon agreed.
Hi Mich! I'm glad you're having fun at Quidditch camp. It sounds really cool. We're (Shannon and I) are both having fun. We went shopping in Diagon Alley today. It went pretty well. I (Ginny) got a new set of dress robes! They are so pretty, but they were a little expensive. Besides the cost of the robes and a slight run in with Draco Malfoy at Flourish and Blotts, the trip was great! Enjoy the rest of the summer!

See ya at school,
Ginny and Shannon

"Ginny," Mrs. Weasley yelled up tstairs.
"Yeah, Mum?" Ginny yelled back.

"Come down here, and show me your new robes," Mrs. Weasley replied.
So Ginny and Shannon went downstairs, and showed Mrs. Weasley the dress robes Ginny had gotten. She was amazed at how pretty they were, and imagined how great they looked on her daughter.
"Oh Ginny, they're beautiful. Let's see them on you," Mrs. Weasley gasped. Ginny went and changed, and when she came back her mother exclaimed happily, "Ginny, they look gorgeous on you! You made a wonderful choice! How much were they?"
Ginny had decided earlier not to tell Mrs. Weasley the real price of the robes, so Ginny lied saying, "50 galleons."
"A bit on the expensive side, but they are beautiful, and you do deserve to have something you picked out for a change," Mrs. Weasley said, beaming. She had always felt sorry for her daughter, who always got the hand me downs from her brothers.
"Thanks Mum," Ginny replied, glad her mother approved of her new robes.
Then, Ginny and Shannon went back upstairs to Ginny's laptop.

*~*~*~*

After Draco and his mother finished their shopping, they went back to Malfoy Manor. Draco politely excused himself, and went to his room, to go online. Once he had logged on, he saw Fierysprite was online too, and decided to IM her.
Hotdragon: hey
Fierysprite: hi what's up?
Hotdragon: nothing much, what about you?
Fierysprite: nothing exciting, shouldn't you be in the chat room now? I'm not because I have company
Hotdragon: the only reason I went to the chat room was to have something to do and I was going to stop, until you joined. Now you're the only reason I still go
Fierysprite: well to tell you the truth, if you hadn't have been there, I wouldn't have gone back
This statement surprised Draco a lot. It also cheered him up. He hadn't planned on telling her that, and When he did, he hadn't expected her to have the same feelings.
Hotdragon: really?
Fierysprite: really
Hotdragon: so if you have company how come you're online talking to me?
Fierysprite: we were surfing the web, until you interrupted
Hotdragon: I said that to you when you when you first came to the chat room
Fierysprite: I know besides it's called multi-tasking
Hotdragon: oh
Fierysprite: did you go school supply shopping today?
Hotdragon: yeah what about you?
Fierysprite: I did too, I go the prettiest new dress robes
Hotdragon: I'm sure they look great on you
Fierysprite: how would you know?
Hotdragon: I wouldn't, I'm just guessing
Fierysprite: whatever
Hotdragon: what? It's true
Fierysprite: I believe you, how could you know what I look like?
Hotdragon: I can't
Fierysprite: exactly
Hotdragon: anyway now that that's settled let's talk about something else
ns?
Hotdragon: well you said that you didn't want to go back to school, why not?
Fierysprite: Because it's school, no one likes school
Hotdragon: what's your favorite and least favorite subject?
Fierysprite: I like Charms and Potions but I hate Divination. I don't know why I even signed up for that class
Hotdragon: I'm not too fond of Divination either, but I do love Potions
Fierysprite: really? Not many people like Potions class
Hotdragon: I don't see why not
Fierysprite: a lot of them don't like Snape but he'd not that bad if you do well in Potions
Hotdragon: everyone says he favors slytherins which I guess is partially true but he also is nicer to his talented students
Fierysprite: exactly, if everyone would just try and do well he wouldn't take as many points away. What other classes do you like?
Hotdragon: I also like Defense Against the Dark Arts and Herbology because it has to do with Potions, what about you?
Fierysprite: I like Care of Magical Creatures too
Hotdragon: don't much care for working with magical creatures, I've had some bad experiences with them.
Fierysprite: yeah sometimes Hagrid does bring in some pretty dangerous creatures
"Master Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy requests your presence downstairs for your father's arrival home," one of the house elves informed him.
Hotdragon: can't argue with you there. Look I gotta go but I'll talk to you soon
(Hotdragon has logged off.)
Once he had turned off his laptop, he leisurely walked downstairs to where his mother was waiting for him.