Cat & Mouse

“So what was all that about?” asked Parvati Patil as Ginny sat down next to Lavender Brown.

“Oh, just Malfoy being the typical git that he is,” she replied coolly. She had no desire to talk on the matter. After all, if Draco Malfoy had just tried to hit on you, would you want to talk about it?

“It sounded to me like he was trying to ask you out or something,” said Lavender who made no attempt to hide the smile on her face. Ginny, unfortunately, was currently available. (Though had no desire for Malfoy to fill the vacancy.) The pressure of her O.W.L.s that year had led to the break-up with Dean Thomas. Luckily, he was understanding, and it in no way affecting his relationship with her brother.

“Unfortunately,” Ginny groaned. She was so not going to get teased for something he did.

“Actually, I think he’s kind of cute,” Parvati said, not in the least way embarrassed. “He might actually be a decent boyfriend for you, Gin.” Ginny gave her a look that said something along the lines of ‘Did you just say what I think you said?’ “Well, if he could clean up his act, stop insulting your family, grow up, get rid of his ancient ideals about muggle-borns, wash his filthy mouth, and stop being the general scum bucket that he is, then maybe.”

“Maybe,” Ginny said with a smile. It was always good to be in the presence of friends.

“I just wouldn’t count on him for that end of the year ball they’re planning,” Lavender said while looking over her Divination notes.

“I wouldn’t count on him for anything,” Ginny said taking a sip of her pumpkin juice.

“I second that,” Parvati said lifting her goblet up before taking the last sip left. “Oh! Look at the time! We better leave for class if Gin’s going to make it to Transfiguration.” The collected their books and headed out for the main staircase. Unfortunately, another group was doing the same.

“So, Virginia,” Draco said slyly walking up to the fifth year who still had Parvati and Lavender at her back.

“My name isn’t Virginia. It’s Ginny,” she said spitefully. “Maybe if you paid a little more attention to me, and a little less to yourself, you’d know that.” She could barely hear it, but Ginny swore she heard Lavender say ‘Ouch.’ Well, he had deserved it.

Draco bowed while saying, “As my lady wishes.” He looked like he was about ready to kiss her hand gracefully while she sat there fuming. How dare he act that way when she was on a rampage! He made to take her hand, as if to actually do it, but Ginny quickly drew it away, fighting the urge to slap him.

“I am not your lady, nor will I ever be!” She didn’t slap him. Her mother would have been proud she was strong. Ron would have been disappointed she didn’t just punch him. There was a definite reason Ginny didn’t trust herself to ball her fists.

“So sorry to…offend,” he said politely before making his way up the stairs.

Parvati turned, dumbfounded like the rest of them. “Since when is Draco Malfoy sorry to offend?”

“Since Ginny here gave him a piece of her mind,” Lavender replied laying a hand on Ginny’s shoulder.

“And since when has Ginny not given Malfoy a piece of her mind?” They all had an enthusiastic laugh before turning towards their classrooms.

“Don’t worry Gin, we’ll make sure the big bad prefect doesn’t make a pass at you!” Parvati called back to her.

“And if we can’t, just give him an encore of this morning!” Lavender shouted. Ginny just shook her head and laughed as she almost ran up the stairs to get to Transfiguration on time.

‘I just hope it doesn’t come down to another knee in the groin…’ Ginny nearly groaned as she took her seat next to Colin Creevey. The lesson began, and she had another thought. ‘On second thought, I do hope it comes down to another knee in the groin. Maybe then there won’t be anymore Malfoys to bug me.’ That was about the only cheerful thought she had for the next hour of the lesson.

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