Some Days I Wish I Were in Slytherin

Ch 8: Strange Fire

Ginny rubbed her long red hair with a towel, anxious to get as much moisture out of it as possible. She knew it would curl up unmercifully the heat and humidity of the Beijing summer, so she simply combed it out and put it up out of the way. She had bathed quickly upon reaching her room, as she was scheduled to meet Draco in less then an hour. She paused to look into the bathroom mirror and was surprised to find no ill effects from the evening before, assuming the high color in her cheeks and the bright glint in her eyes were only due to the merciless scrubbing she had given herself. She pulled on a sleeveless cream colored blouse and long skirt like she had seen many of the Chinese women wearing. As an afterthought, she added the scarf Draco had given her. She glanced at the clock and realized she had twenty minutes to spare, so she sank to the floor and began to meditate. Just when she was relaxing, a sharp rapping startled her and made her look towards the window. A tawny brown owl hovered just outside the pebbled glass. She let him in, took his letter, and gave him a drink, which he accepted thankfully before darting back outside.

Ginny handled the letter gingerly. It was from her mother, and although it wasn't a howler, she was sure it wasn't going to be pleasant. She took a breath, tore it open, and removed a piece of letter length parchment and a smaller note that had been repaired with spellotape. She read the letter first.

Dear Ginny,

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING? We've gotten the most frightful account from Mr. Perkins. HE SAID HE SAW YOU KISSING LUCIUS MALFOY'S SON IN A RESTAURANT! We've also heard from several people, who mentioned seeing the two of you together on the train. Now really Ginny, this is most unseemly. I am very disappointed in you. AT YOUR AGE! Why at your age I never. You know very well your father and I didn't even. Well enough of that. WE TRUSTED YOU TO ACT AS AN ADULT ON THIS TRIP, AND LOOK WHAT HAS HAPPENED. I want you to promise me you will behave yourself. Honestly, Ginny, consorting with the son of a convicted Death Eater. Not that he can help it, poor boy, and I'm sure he's probably good at heart or you wouldn't have befriended him, but nonetheless please think about what you are doing. I won't ask you to stop seeing him entirely, as I realize there is probably no one else your age at the conference, but if I hear of any more reports like this (and believe me I have my ways), I will write straight to Professor Snape and ask him to restrict your activities. Oh and darling, I hope you're having a good time.

Love,

Mum

Ginny stifled a laugh that was both chagrined and amused and unfolded the smaller grubbier note. Apparently Hermione was visiting her brother; she could just picture the two of them fighting over the letter.

*Earlier that day at the Burrow*

"Ron, give me that quill. I will not let you write a letter to Ginny in the state you're in." Hermione held the scrap of parchment behind her back as the red haired boy advanced menacingly towards her.

Ron narrowed his eyes; he was only half dressed and looked deranged with his wet hair still hanging in his eyes. He'd been showering when he heard his mom scream. She'd received the letter, read it, screamed, and promptly fainted. Hermione had run upstairs to get him, and they'd collided in the hallway. Once they'd sorted out legs and arms, and Ron had put his towel back on they ran to the kitchen, cheeks flaming.

After Mrs. Weasley had frantically flooed her husband at the office, and Ron had put on some trousers, they gathered in the kitchen to talk, which quickly lead to angry letter writing.

"I'm serious Hermione, give me that paper."

"No, Ron, you'll just yell at her and make her feel worse." Hermione backed slowly towards the front door, Ron following closely.

"Yell at her? Of course I'll yell at her. Lucky for Malfoy he's not here, I'll kill the bas -"

"RON!" Hermione snapped. "Language, please, your mother's in the next room."

A grin flickered across Ron's lips. "That's what I said last night, but you didn't seem to mind it then."

Hermione's face turned red, and she slapped Ron's arm while simultaneously mouthing, "SHUT UP!"

Ron laughed and put his arm around her. "Fine then, we'll write the letter together. That way you can stop me if I get too mean with your precious Ginnykins."

Hermione hit him again, but settled down on the sofa where they began to write.

Dear Ginny,

What is the matter with you? Mum's having kittens, and Dad almost lost his head in the floo. Of all the disgusting, disturbing thoughts. You and Malfoy. Snogging. In Public. He's our worst enemy Gin, he's evil, he's -

Hermione snatched the quill out of his hand. "My turn."

Hi Ginny this is Hermione. Don't listen to your brother, he's distraught. But really, are you all right? Did he use some kind of spell or potion on you? I hear there are a lot of things like that in Beijing that are easily accessible. I think you should go straight to Professor Snape and ask him -

Ron snatched the paper from her hand with a choking sound.

Shagging Snape. You said that before you left. I thought you were kidding, but you just settled on another Slytherin. This is all Riddle's fault. If I could get my hands on him -

Hermione rolled her eyes and snatched the paper back; it was starting to look a bit smudged, not to mention crumpled.

Your brother is forgetting that Riddle is really You-Know-Who, and we all wish we could get our hands on him. Now seriously, I am going to do some research into possible spells. If I only had access to the library -

Ron stared at Hermione. "And you call me nutters? Give me that."

"No, Ron I'm not done writing. Let go." She pulled back on the paper and tried to pry his fingers loose, but let go at a sudden ripping sound. "Now look what you've done."

Ron looked at the piece of parchment in his hand and went to get the Spellotape.

Ok, Ginny, I'm sure this is all some kind of terrible mistake. But if it's not, you tell Malfoy that Fred, George, and I are really looking forward to hitting him. I mean seeing him. No scratch that, I don't want you talking to, looking at, or even breathing the same air as that slimy git. I'll write more later, Mom wants to send this now.

Love,

Ron and Hermione

PS Ginny, I didn't get to tell you, but remember that boy I told you about? Well last night he -

Ron snatched the paper from Hermione and ran for the kitchen. He held her back with his arm as he frantically scribbled in a last line, folded it, and handed it to his mystified mother.

Ginny fell back on the bed and read the last two lines again. Sure Ron, nothing happened. She smiled, and then her glance fell on the clock. She jumped up, slipped her feet into a pair of sandals, stuffed her wand sheath into her handbag, and ran out the door.

The hotel lobby was packed at this time of day, and she had to fight her way through a crowd of wizards and witches to get to the door. Once outside, she blinked in the bright light and looked around for Draco. Just when she was starting to get her bearings, the sunshine disappeared and a pair of hands clapped over her eyes.

"If this is Minister Fudge, I told you before I'm not interested," she said in a grouchy voice.

"No such luck," Draco said, turning her around and looking pleased, "I guess you'll have to settle for me." He did a small pirouette. "What do you think?"

Ginny put her hand over her mouth and howled with laughter. "Malfoy, wherever did you get those clothes?"

Draco looked down at himself and back up at her with a perturbed expression. "It's what the Muggles in that picture are wearing." He gestured over to a small tent selling Muggle artifacts.

"Draco, that's a movie poster. Real Muggles don't wear that kind of thing, especially Muggle men." Ginny's gaze dropped down to his red sequined hose. "You'll be spotted for sure." She tried to banish her smile, somehow managed a semiserious expression, and pulled out her wand. "Let's go back into the hotel for a moment shall we?"

Minutes later the two emerged back onto the street. Inside, a potions salesman from Hong Kong was trying to explain to his wife how he came to be wearing an evening dress and a pair of strappy sandals. Meanwhile, outside, Draco was pulling a light blue jumper down over plaid madras pants and complaining about the fit.

"The dress fit much better. It was almost like a robe, only a bit short."

"Well we can't have everything, now can we?" Ginny asked with a supercilious air. "Besides, I told you, only Muggle women wear skirts or dresses."

"Well I thought the shoes made my ankles look nice," he said.

Ginny tried to keep a straight face. "I can't argue with that Malfoy, but we can't risk standing out."

"I never understood that," Draco said. "In England the Muggles aren't supposed to notice us, but if they do, a quick memory charm and problem solved."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "And you're a prefect? Lovely. Honestly Draco, if you ever paid attention in History of Magic, you'd know that since the rise of Communism in China, magic folk have to be extremely cautious. People suspected of being wizards can be held prisoner for years, or executed. That's why magic is so closely guarded here. It's strange though, because many Muggles here believe in magic spirits and potions, but no one talks about it."

"And you people think we should be kind to Muggles." Draco's lips curled up in distaste.

Ginny held back her natural response and instead gave him a haughty smile. "Why bother with hate Draco? They're really not even worthy of notice. They simply have to be kept in their place. Now really, who do you think has the better life? There's no point in rubbing it in. It's ill bred." She put her arm in his and steered him towards the sidewalk.

Draco looked at her as if she'd grown a second head. "I didn't know you felt that way Weasley. Your lot is always going on about their beloved Muggles."

She raised her eyebrow and squeezed his arm. "A friend of mine once told me that just because your parents are a certain way doesn't mean you have to be." She narrowed her eyes. "I've always had my own opinions on things, Malfoy; I just choose to be a bit more levelheaded about it. You could use a little coaching in that department. Discretion is the better form of valor after all."

"But my father -"

"Is not in the best place to judge is he?" she interrupted. "Muggles are different than we are. We're the superior race, and therefore it's our job to protect their feeble little minds from things they can't comprehend. For example, if Muggles had magic what do you think would happen?"

"They'd probably destroy each other."

"Exactly." Ginny hoped the subject was closed. It was harder to maintain a pretense about things like this, especially when she thought of people like Dean and Hermione.

They walked along in silence for a while, passing some children playing with a kite and a vendor selling shaved ices. They paused on a bridge to look at the water rushing and bubbling beneath. Draco looked thoughtfully at a leaf floating away downstream.

"Not a bad idea letting them destroy each other, it would save us the work."

"Honestly Draco, you're incorrigible." She gripped the weathered wood of the railing and leaned forward, looking down to where the stream emptied into the nearby river. Sunshine streamed through the trees, and the dappled light sparkled and danced on the glassy surface.

Draco laughed and stepped closer, idly stretching out his arms on either side of her. He placed his hands on top of hers, trapping her against the railing and leaned in, his warm breath tickling the side of her neck as he murmured. "You know you like me that way."

A shiver ran up her spine as she stared at a fish swimming by, being this close to Draco reminded her of last night with Snape. She could feel her body stiffen as her stomach spun lazily and her heartbeat hammered in her chest. Draco slowly ran his fingertips along the underside of her forearms and rested his chin upon the top of her head.

"Where is this going?" he whispered into her hair as he brushed it with his lips.

She tilted her head up and looked into his clear grey gaze. "Not a clue. But I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing." She smiled, and a strange spark of emotion flickered in the depths of his eyes, reflecting warmth back at her.

"That makes two of us," he said in a low puzzled voice. They looked at each other for a fleeting moment, until Draco pulled away and tugged down his jumper with a frown.

A veil fell over his eyes as he looked back up at her and gave her a cool smile. "So, today I am at your disposal. Where would you like to go first? Shopping or sightseeing?"

"Sightseeing definitely. I'm not a big fan of shopping."

Draco took her hand and pulled her down the walkway. "That, my dear, is because you've never gone shopping with me."

**********************************************

Four hours later, Ginny fell onto a bench in the lush garden courtyard of the Forbidden City. They'd just spent the morning on a Muggle tour of the compound and now, after trekking the miles of hallways and pavilions, Ginny was ready for a break. The slow heavy heat of the day had settled down on them, and she was beginning to feel unbearably warm. She used her handkerchief to wipe the perspiration off her face and neck and was fanning herself with it when Draco plopped down beside her on the bench.

"Had enough of the tourist thing Weasley?" he drawled, handing her a bottle of water and a delicate paper fan he'd just purchased from the information kiosk. He'd also bought a souvenir t-shirt and had pulled it on, wrapping the jumper around his waist.

Ginny smirked at the sight of him in a Muggle shirt that said: "I went to the Forbidden City and all I got was this stupid t-shirt". Her eyes lingered momentarily as she noted the snug fit, and she found herself flapping the fan rather vigorously. Her cheeks were suddenly quite warm. Draco gave her an amused look, and she forced her eyes to a nearby flowering shrub.

She cleared her throat. "My but it's warm out here. Oh, look. Are those peonies?"

Draco turned to see, and by the time he looked back at her she'd regained her composure. She took a sip of water and smiled at him. "I'm surprised you want to leave Malfoy, I thought you'd feel right at home, since we're at the royal palace and all."

He ran a hand through his hair. "Those old Emperors certainly had the right idea. That guide said that only the Emperor's court, eunuchs, and concubines were allowed inside. Messages could only go out and never in, keeping the peasants totally separate from them." His face broke into a smile. "If I was emperor, you could be my concubine," he said magnanimously.

"In your dreams Malfoy," Ginny said, hitting him upside the head with her fan. "On both counts. I think the heat has made you delusional."

"Not up for the job?" he asked, his lips twitching.

Ginny fixed him with her brown eyes. "I'll leave that up to your imagination." She tossed her head with scorn and gave him a wilting look. "But so far, I've received no complaints. Now to answer your first question, I am touristed out for the day, hungry too."

"We'll get something to eat at the market," he said, standing and pulling her up by the hand, seemingly suddenly full of energy. "Then we can go shopping."

They headed out of the palace and made their way back to the magical sector of the city. It was surprisingly large, considering it had to remain hidden. They entered a small alley near Tian'anmen Square. After looking around to make sure no one was watching them, Ginny pulled out her wand and began to tap out a sequence on a calligraphy covered post.

Draco looked at her enviously. "I wish I could use magic on this trip," he said, indicating her wand. "Grandfather wouldn't even let me bring mine. He said our family was under too much suspicion to risk anything happening here."

Ginny headed through the opening. "I don't understand that Malfoy, after all I've never met anyone less likely to cause problems than you."

"Exactly!" he said, following her. "I mean why Grandfather can't understand ..." His voice faltered. "Oh nice one Weasley. Come on, I'm serious."

They walked into the Market, relieved to be in the presence of magic. A witch was levitating a selection of robes for a customer in the first stall, and next to her was a wiry haired wizard using his wand to prepare bowls of noodles and small skewers of meat.

Draco stopped at the stall and bought them each a skewer and a bowl of noodles to share. They spent the next five minutes struggling with the noodles, and the following fifteen cleaning them off each other, as well as off the wares of a highly displeased wizard.

After they finished, they began to browse the stalls. The array of merchandise was staggering. Ginny looked at calligraphy pens, beautiful silk robes, thick books in ancient languages, and lovely artwork. She dug the money from Fred and George out of her purse and bought a self boiling tea kettle for her mother, a game played with small bone tiles for Ron, a box of Chinese fireworks for the twins, a dragon kite for Charlie, and a book of Chinese calligraphy for Bill. After much deliberation, she settled on a lovely silk scarf for Hermione and a small jade stone engraved with Chinese script for Harry. The clerk had said it would bring Good Fortune to the recipient. She was browsing a display of muggle artifacts when Draco caught up with her.

"Had some luck Weasley?" he asked. She turned around at the sound of his voice, but couldn't see him. She tried to look around a large pile of boxes.

"Draco?" she said. She tried to step around the stack and tripped over a shopping bag.

"Careful Weasley!" he said. "I spent two hundred galleons on those shoes." Draco's silvery blonde head peered irritably out at her from between several boxes.

Ginny looked at the towering pile and then back at him. "Do you need some help Malfoy?" she asked, a laugh threatening to spill out of her.

"Now that you mention it, I was hoping you could help me float this lot back to the hotel. Then I can walk you back to your inn, and we can finish shopping on the way."

Her eyes boggled. For the first time he left her without words. "You mean you're not done yet?" she finally managed.

"Hardly," he sniffed. "I still have to finish picking out my school clothes, not to mention a few other things." He looked at her significantly at this point, but she decided to ignore him.

"All right, Malfoy," she said. "Just give me a minute to ring up this bead organizer." She held up an abacus.

The clerk wrapped the present for her father up in paper, and Ginny tucked it in the bag with the rest of the purchases. She gave Malfoy another amused glance, then pulled out her wand and pointed it at the pile of parcels. "Wingardium Leviosa."

The stack of boxes and bags levitated a few inches off the floor and with another flick of her wand began to trail behind them obediently. They made their way through the market and down a side street to a large, sprawling five story building. A uniformed doorman opened the front door for them and bowed as they entered. Ginny tried not to stare as they walked through the lobby, but she was a little overwhelmed by the ostentatious décor. An enormous bouquet of roses and irises overflowed a table in the reception area, and the marble floors echoed their foot steps to the vaulted ceilings as they walked towards the gilt cage of the lift.

As the lift ascended, Ginny glanced over at Draco who was preoccupied organizing his many shopping bags. "What hotel is this?" she asked.

"Trump Magi Beijing,&dquo; he said. "Some American wizard owns it, he's got all the Muggles fooled into thinking he's one of them, but how else would he make all his money?"

They reached the top floor and the doors opened onto a verdant rooftop terrace. Green vines and flowering plants covered every available surface and surrounded a large, deep pond with a waterfall and bright blue water.

"Swimming pool," Draco said, gesturing. "We can use it some time if you want."

"So you can sneak a look at me in my skivvies?"

"That's another good reason," he said with a grin. "But I was actually thinking because it's so hot. I've been in it every day."

Ginny followed him around the pool and into the cool shadowy interior. They entered a large white room with all white furniture. "A little modern for my tastes Malfoy," she said as she looked around.

"Me too," Draco said with a derisive expression. "But Grandfather likes it. You should see his house in London, a five level Georgian entirely furnished with glass and cubes." He shook his head in disgust. "I prefer more traditional styles myself."

He led the way down a narrow hallway. "We can leave the packages in there Weasley." He waved a hand towards a room on the left. "The house elves will unpack them later."

Ginny raised her wand and the packages turned the corner and rocketed into the storage room. She winced as a loud crash along with the unmistakable scream of a house elf, emanated from within, then tried to look innocent as Draco turned around.

"What was that?" he asked, looking puzzled.

"House Elf," Ginny said succinctly, as she passed him and peered into a nearby room. It had a gorgeous view of the river. "Is this your room?"

"Yes," Draco said, bracing his arm against the doorframe and looking in. "It's suitable enough for a hotel room I suppose. The bed's comfortable anyway. Don't suppose you'd like to try it out?"

"Maybe later," Ginny said, ducking under his outstretched arm and back into the hall. "Besides, I don't think your grandfather would appreciate it."

"Why?" asked Draco.

"Because he's standing right there." She nodded in the direction of the living room, where a tall, well groomed old man with short white hair stood with a book tucked under his arm. He looked at them intently through a pair of reading glasses.

"Oh, Draco," he drawled, in a voice remarkably like Draco's. "I wondered who was making all that racket. Surely you can be a bit more considerate. Your mother's influence I suppose, she always was a clumsy girl." His gaze flickered over to Ginny and he raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"

"Of course." said Draco. He turned and indicated Ginny. "Grandfather, this is Virginia Weasley. Ginny, this is my grandfather, Julian Malfoy."

Ginny walked over to the elderly wizard and held out her hand. "It's a pleasure meeting you sir. Draco has told me how much he's been enjoying his stay with you."

Julian took her hand and smiled at his grandson. "As charming as she is lovely Draco." He bowed gallantly and raised her fingers to his lips. "I'm delighted to meet you my dear. Draco's spoken of nothing else since we left London. Tell me. Are you really Arthur Weasley's daughter?" He pushed his glasses up and looked at her intently.

Ginny fixed a natural-looking smile on her lips. "Yes sir, I am."

"Astonishing," he said, raising an eyebrow. "Pity you're the only one in the family to take after your grandmother. She and I are distant cousins you know. We went to school together. You have her smile. And her keen wit, from what Draco tells me."

She raised and lowered her eyes in a semblance of modesty, then gave Draco a mischievous smile. "I do hope Draco's been giving you a good report sir."

Julian took her arm and led her to the couch. "Nothing but compliments, Virginia. I trust he's been behaving himself? He can be such a difficult boy at times." He turned to his grandson. "I hope Virginia will be a good influence on you."

Draco's eyes were cold, but he smiled courteously. "I'm sure she will be Grandfather."

"I hope so," the old man told Ginny. "He's had such a difficult time recently what with his parents and all. I'm pleased he has found a suitable friend. Would you care for some tea?"

"Actually, sir," Draco interrupted. "We were about to leave. I still have to finish that shopping you wanted done."

"Ah, yes," he said, checking his watch then looking at the two of them. "Well, if Virginia can't stay, perhaps she can come for dinner tomorrow."

"Oh, I'm sure she can't -" Draco began.

"Actually," said Ginny. "I'd love to Mr. Malfoy."

"Excellent. Oh, and Draco," he turned, examined what she was wearing, and then looked at his grandson, "while you're out today, pick up some new things for Virginia as well."

Ginny felt her neck and chest growing flushed, but she managed a stiff smile and murmured in a sweet voice, "Oh, no Mr. Malfoy, I couldn't..."

"Nonsense, my dear, it would be my pleasure." His voice was unyielding. He smiled reassuringly and said in a more pleasant tone, "Forgive me, but you must indulge an old man. I never had a granddaughter, and since my wife passed away I've missed having a lass to spoil. Besides, I know we'll be seeing a great deal of you this summer, and after all, we're almost family."

"Humor him, Ginny," Draco said. "Besides, a true Slytherin never turns down a gift."

Ginny shifted her position on the couch and looked at both of them. "Well, I suppose a few things would be all right. Thank you." Her fingernails dug into her palms as she spoke. Behind his polite words, she knew the real motivation behind his generosity.

"Wonderful!" Julian said. "Now it's been delightful to finally meet you, and I'm looking forward to seeing you tomorrow." He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek with his dry papery lips. "Remember, you're welcome any time."

Ginny smiled and fought the urge to wipe the spot with her hand.

Julian turned to Draco. "Before you go Draco, I need you to sign those papers regarding your Gringotts account. Could you join me in my office for a moment?"

"Certainly, Grandfather." Draco handed Ginny a book and whispered, "I'll just be a minute."

Draco followed his grandfather into the study and closed the door. "Well?" he asked as soon it clicked shut.

Julian turned and his carefully pleasant expression changed into a sneer. "She's better than I thought, considering her background. She'd actually be rather attractive if she got rid of those hideous clothes. And that hair ..."

He sat down in a black leather chair. "Do you think she's falling for you yet?" he asked, searching through some papers on his desk.

Draco leaned forward. "It's just a matter of time Grandfather. It's going better than I thought. Actually," he thought for a moment, "she's different than I thought she would be. I get the feeling she has a lot of hidden resentment towards her family. I think we can exploit that."

"That's what Severus said." Julian took off his glasses and looked serious. "You know Draco, at first I thought this would just be a good way to find out some information, but I've been giving this a great deal of thought over the past few days. Sit down for a moment."

Draco sat on the edge of the desk, ignoring his grandfather's glare.

Julian shook his head and tapped his fingers together. "As I was saying, Draco, you need to learn a little discretion, to keep a low profile. With your father in trouble, we can't risk you appearing as anything more than a slightly high spirited, grievously misunderstood young man, who had the misfortune to grow up in a house of Death Eaters. Now that your kindly, beloved grandfather has taken you under his wing, I think the best way to show how much you've changed would be for you to be seen courting the sweet, innocent daughter of the righteous and honorable Arthur Weasley. If, as you've said, she has leanings towards our side, she'll be a valuable ally. If not, I'm sure you can keep her in the dark as to your true feelings." The old man stood up and began to pace around the room as he continued to speak.

"Luckily for you, she's pretty and knows how to act in public, which is more than I can say for the rest of her abysmal family. Severus tells me she's very intelligent as well. Yes, Draco, I definitely think we should give this serious consideration. Who knows, it may even be a beneficial long term involvement. After all ...." He paused and narrowed his grey eyes at his grandson. "It will soon be time for you to consider taking a wife."

"Married!" Draco sputtered, standing up and walking towards his grandfather. "To that blood traitor? No. I don't care how pretty she is, or how much she might lean towards our side, I will never marry a Weasley. If my father -"

"Your father has no say in your life." Julian grabbed Draco's shoulder with a claw-like hand. "From now on, you will do as I say. Never forget that you are here at my mercy. Your father's money is gone, and your mother has run off with her lover like a common whore. If you want to remain the sole beneficiary of my considerable estate, you will obey me." His cold grey eyes stared into their mirror image. "Your father and mother were betrothed before they left Hogwarts. You're sixteen already Draco. She is a pureblood, and if I decide it, you will marry her."

"But ... the Dark Lord."

"The Dark Lord does not concern me. I offer him what service I can, but I will never sacrifice myself for him. Your father never understood that more can be done by deceit and subtlety than by force, and neither do you."

"That's what Ginny said," Draco said thoughtfully.

"A wise girl." Julian nodded and smiled. "Yes, I think with a little instruction the girl will be a worthwhile ally for us. And as I said, she may be a very suitable match. I will think on it, Draco, but mark my words. I will choose who you will wed, even if it's not her. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir," Draco said, pressing his lips together and trying to control a twitch in his cheek. "I understand perfectly."

"Very well then Draco, I expect another report on your progress soon. You may go. Oh, and please find the girl something decent to wear. That rag she has on is mortifying."

Ginny quickly hid the extendable ear in her purse and picked up the book, feigning interest in the graphic depictions of torture. She smiled up at Draco as he entered the room, her inner emotions well hidden. "Ready to go?"