Ginny Weasley and the Heirs of Darkness

Chapter Eight: A Magical Transformation

Muggle Studies finally ended, and Ginny toyed with the idea of skipping her next class, until she realized it was Transfiguration; she couldn't very well miss McGonagall's morning class and then blithely show up in the afternoon for Animagicks. She double-checked her schedule to make sure.

Nine o'clock: Transfiguration, McGonagall, with Ravenclaw fifth-year class.

Ravenclaw fifth-years- Fiona! Ginny brightened. They wouldn't be able to talk much in class, not with McGonagall as the teacher, but it would be good just to see her friend and quickly fill her in on what had happened that morning.

Rushing ahead of the rest of the Gryffindors, Ginny hurried to class, knowing the Ravenclaws would already be there; they had had Ancient Runes first thing this morning, which was much closer to the Transfiguration classroom than Muggle Studies.

Fiona was chatting animatedly with Leila Sharpe and sneaking covert glances at Linus Clearwater, who was seated in front of her, but there was an empty desk to her left that Ginny slipped into gratefully, feeling a little more sane just having an ally in the room. "Morning, Fi."

Halting her conversation with Leila immediately, Fiona looked at her friend curiously. "Gin, you don't look like you're feeling very well," she said quietly, trying to keep Leila out of earshot. "What's wrong?" Her pretty gray eyes narrowed. "Draco?"

Ginny nodded miserably. "Yes."

"Oh, what happened?" Fiona asked, a mixture of sympathy and suspicion. She still wasn't keen on the idea of Ginny and Draco, but she was a loyal friend, and would do anything she could to support Ginny.

Before Ginny could reply, McGonagall swept into the room, a long row of large boxes levitating behind her. Bringing up the rear was the woman Dumbledore had introduced at dinner last night- Professor Gillund, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. To Ginny's surprise, the boxes were vented, and growls issued forth from the slits. Delightfully, thoughts of troubles with boys slipped right out of her mind as she focused on what looked to be an interesting challenge.

"As fifth-years," Professor McGonagall said loudly over the din of growls and chattering, "you will be working on practical application of the skills you have been learning in my classes." Her mouth twitched into a barely discernible smile. "Though beetles into buttons is a good exercise, it will serve little purpose in your future careers. So Professor Gillund has agreed to work with us, and she and I will be combining our course work. Meaning," she continued, casting a narrowed gaze over the class, particularly some rather homework-shy Gryffindors, "that although you will have less volume of homework," she paused to allow the class to cheer, "two professors will be checking it, so we expect the quality to be high."

Professor Gillund cleared her throat, speaking for the first time since entering the room. "Many of you have already noted that your schedules do not include standard Defense Against the Dark Arts. Those of you who wish to carry that course in addition to this one may sign up to attend with the sixth-years."

Ginny caught Fiona's eye, grinning, and her friend nodded. Fiona wasn't as obsessed with Dark Arts as Ginny and Bronwen, since she wanted to be a writer, but they did interest her, and for a Ravenclaw, she was really quite the risk-taker. "Please see me after class to clear it with your schedules," Professor Gillund finished. "Sixth-year Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff meet at two o'clock, and sixth-year Gryffindor and Slytherin at three o'clock."

Fiona and Ginny exchanged a disappointed glance. "At least you'll be with Bronwen," Fiona whispered. Ginny nodded- this was true, as there was no way Bronwen would miss signing up. And Fiona would have the class with her older brother Evvan, which was nice.

Ginny's stomach dropped to her knees, though, when she realized who else would be in a class of sixth-year Gryffindors and Slytherins. Ron, Harry, and Draco... together. Fiona seemed to come to the realization at the same time, because she turned an alarmed pair of eyes to Ginny, ignoring the instructions Professor McGonagall was giving the class.

"Miss Wolfswaite, Miss Weasley. Are you planning on joining the class today?" McGonagall asked shrilly.

Fiona's head shot up, and she met McGonagall's gaze evenly. "Ginny isn't feeling very well, Professor. Might I escort her to Madam Pomfrey?" Fiona, thought Ginny enviously, was the best liar she'd ever met. And as a Ravenclaw, professors never suspected she was telling an untruth- Ravenclaws were universally considered perfect students. Which was interesting, since their house standard was cleverness and wit, not good citizenship.

Professor McGonagall's thin lips pursed as she considered this. She didn't like the idea of sending the girls from class, but Miss Wolfswaite was an excellent student, and when it came to Defense Against Dark Arts, Miss Weasley was an apt pupil as well. Certainly she would not miss this class unless she were genuinely ill. And though the professor would not have admitted it to anyone, Ginny Weasley was one of her favorite students. The girl had spunk.

"Very well," she said harshly, her tone in no way indicating she was happy about the situation. "Miss Wolfswaite, you are to hurry back from the hospital wing immediately. Miss Weasley, you may stop by my office at four o'clock for your makeup work." Her eyes bored into Ginny's, and Ginny nodded quickly. She hadn't forgotten her special lesson.

"Yes, Professor," both girls said quickly, scurrying from the classroom.

Out in the hallway, Ginny gave Fiona a broad grin. "Well done. If I hadn't known you were lying, I would never have suspected it."

Fiona rolled her eyes. "It's easy, really. You just have to embellish on the truth- you do look a bit under the weather today. Now come on, we need to at least look like we're going to the hospital wing. Tell me everything, and quickly."

Spilling the entire story as they walked, Ginny finished with a miserable, "So now what? He actually smiled at me at dinner last night, but this morning, he was wretched, and I'm just so confused, Fiona!" Ginny cast a begging look at her friend, wishing that she was speaking with Bronwen instead. Fiona was a dear friend, but Ginny feared she would only hear anti-Draco comments, instead of any genuine advice.

To her surprise, Fiona looked thoughtful. "I've been thinking about this ever since you asked us for advice on the train. And I want to apologize, because I think I judged the situation too quickly." Her eyes met Ginny's. "I want to ask you- Gin, do you really, truly care about Harry? As a boyfriend, not just a family friend? Because I think-" she hesitated, chewing her lip. "I think you don't."

Ginny stared at her friend, face pale. "Fiona, I-" Her eyes shimmered oddly. "Just yesterday, you seemed horrified by the very idea of Draco, and yet now-"

"I know. Like I said, I've given it some thought. Ginny, I think maybe Harry was just some childish thing for you that you weren't quite ready to give up, but now that you've got him, you're realizing that perhaps you didn't really want him in the first place." Fiona's words came out in a rush, but she took a deep breath and bravely continued. "So that's why I want to know, Gin, if you have real feelings for Harry." Still chewing her lip, she gazed uncertainly at her friend, fearing that she had perhaps crossed a line.

Ginny's expression was stricken, and she tugged her friend into a small nook between two suits of rusty armor. Both girls plopped heavily onto the stone bench that was hidden there, relieved to be out of sight. "Is it fair to say, Fiona, that I'm really not sure?" She twisted the hem of her short black skirt, and a sigh escaped her lips. "A month ago, when he asked me, I thought I had found paradise," she said, meeting her friend's gaze with a wry grin. "But now? I'm having a hard time remembering what I liked about him."

"He's nice," Fiona said lamely.

"Nice?" Ginny laughed- a dull, hollow sound. "The scary thing is, Fi, I don't think I even want a nice boy anymore."

Fiona's eyes registered surprise, and a small smile appeared on her face. "You do like Draco, Ginny."

Ginny buried her face in her hands. "Stupid, isn't it? Of all the boys to fall for, I pick the one who thinks my family is worse than dirt, who has peppered my brother's entire school career with irritation." She gave Fiona a weak smile. "He probably torments small animals in his spare time."

"Of course he doesn't," Fiona said uncomfortably, suddenly in the unenviable position of defending Draco Malfoy, a boy of whom she was less than fond. "Bronwen likes him, remember?"

Ginny giggled, mood lightened for a moment. "Bronwen would like You-Know-Who if she thought he was rich, sarcastic and handsome," she joked.

"You know that's not true, Gin," Fiona argued. In true Ravenclaw fashion, she was certain she could win this argument logically, and her stubborn nature intended to win- even if she had to play devil's advocate. "Bronwen thinks Draco's decent enough."

"I don't know why," Ginny muttered, fighting it. "He's a prat."

Fiona's eyes were now sparkling merrily- she wasn't sure what she was enjoying more: arguing Ginny into a corner, or watching her friend mulishly fight the inevitable. Bronwen had been right- Ginny had more that just a little crush on Malfoy. She chuckled. "Oh, indeed. A prat who just happens to constantly draw your gaze when you're in a room together?" Her grin turned evil. "Defense Against Dark Arts has suddenly become your ideal class, Gin. Dark Arts and Draco, what more could you want?" she teased.

"Shut up," Ginny groaned, slouching against the stone wall.

Fiona's expression became abruptly serious. "Ginny," she said, tone low, "if you really feel this way, you need to end things with Harry. He doesn't deserve to be treated like this." Her eyes were sad. "Especially since the boy you fancy is the one person he'd like to see dropped down a Bottomless Pit."

Ginny smiled, but it held no real amusement. "I know," she said, sighing again. "But I can't do it, Fiona. Not yet."

Fiona raised an eyebrow. "Sooner rather than later, Gin." She rose, brushing her skirt straight. "I need to be back to class before McGonagall notices I'm still missing. You'll be alright?"

"I'll be fine. Sign my name up on Professor Gillund's list, will you?"

Fiona nodded.

"Oh, and Fiona? Don't tell Bronwen- she'll be too smug." Ginny rose as well, still looking tired and downtrodden. "I'll tell her myself, when I have the energy."

***

All in all, Georgine Belleton was not impressed with Hogwarts. Considering the blonde girl to be nothing more than an idiot, she had never put much stock in Fleur Delacour's stories about the British school, but Georgine thought, in retrospect, that perhaps the other girl had actually been too kind in her assessment.

Herbology that morning had been a waste of time, serving only to get dirt under Georgine's perfectly manicured fingernails, and she'd slept through Muggle Studies- who cared about les Moldus, anyway? In Georgine's opinion, those without magic were beneath her notice. Additionally, she'd been irritated to realize she hadn't even seen Harry Potter or Ginny Weasley today, much less noted anything to write down and send- either to her father or to Icarus.

Her instructions had been fairly specific- send any information on Ginny Weasley or her brother, Ron, home to her parents, and send any significant Harry Potter information to Icarus. Georgine frowned, wondering irritably who Icarus was. Mr. Malfoy, perhaps? Voldemort? Or maybe another contact of her father's. Georgine didn't really care, but she didn't like not knowing, either.

So it was that Georgine was flouncing irritably down the corridor when she ran smack into another person, who had been too busy daydreaming to watch where she was going, either. With an "mmph!" of indignation, both girls tumbled to the floor, glaring at each other in annoyance.

"Watch where you're going," Georgine said nastily, rubbing a sore knee and gathering up some of her things. She glared at Ginny Weasley, taking in the sight of the girl up close for the first time. She doesn't look a thing like me, she thought, miffed. Her eyes aren't even blue.

Ginny was eyeing her, too. "I might say the same to you," she said, sounding more exasperated than upset. She rose, dusting herself off, then offered a hand to Georgine. "I'm Ginny, by the way," she added as she helped the other girl to her feet.

"I know," Georgine sniffed, only somewhat mollified. "I'm Georgine, but I'm sure you already know that." She crossed her arms over her chest. "Since you like to run around impersonating me."

At least Ginny had the grace to color slightly. "Sorry about that." She gave Georgine a sidelong glance. "I didn't mean to, your sisters just sort of grabbed me and pulled me off with them."

Georgine was unimpressed. "And I suppose it would have been painfully difficult to just tell them you weren't me?" she asked, words dripping with acid.

Ginny raised one eyebrow, wearied by the unpleasant conversation. "I don't speak French," she snapped coolly. Flipping her hair over her shoulder, she gathered the rest of her books and sauntered off in the direction of the Hospital Wing, leaving an infuriated Georgine behind her.

Half her books still on the floor, Georgine glared after Ginny's retreating silhouette. She had found her Hogwarts surrogate for the Delacour sisters. Distant cousin or not, she hated Ginny Weasley.

***

Ginny spent the remainder of the two-hour class period lolling in a cushy chair in the hospital wing, mulling over her encounter with Georgine Belleton. Madam Pomfrey, not finding anything medically wrong with her, had made her a cup of cocoa and sent her into a sitting room, which was just fine with Ginny.

Georgine had been an absolute snot. While Ginny hadn't expected the other girl to like her, she also hadn't anticipated such a chilly reception. Ginny had gone out of her way to be friendly, and Georgine had been deliberately frosty. Taking another sip of her cocoa, Ginny decided this had not been her week to deal with members of Slytherin House, and with the exception of Bronwen, she didn't really feel like seeing any of them again any time soon.

Having lived her entire life in the wizarding world, Ginny ought to have known better than to think a thought like that.

Madam Pomfrey's voice cut through her reverie. "You can wait in that next room, Mr. Malfoy, and I'll be with you in a moment."

Hiding behind a book and her mug of cocoa, Ginny hoped Draco wouldn't notice her.

No such luck. Sweeping into the room as if he owned it, Draco positioned himself in the chair across from her, expression smug. "Weasley, what happened to you?"

"A headache- which you happen to be exacerbating," Ginny said acidly, her stomach in knots. She did not want to repeat this morning's debacle, and although Draco seemed pleasant now, his moods were as ever-shifting as the boys Bronwen fancied.

Draco took in her book and cocoa, eyes glowing with amusement. "Looks to me like you're coming along nicely, actually. Whose class are you missing?"

Ginny crossed her legs, lowering her book to rest on her left thigh. "McGonagall," she replied, feeling just a little bit of self-satisfaction.

"Always knew she favored you Gryffindors," Draco said snidely, no real venom in his voice.

Ginny laughed, letting her guard slip a little lower. "Because no teacher favors you poor, neglected Slytherins," she teased. She narrowed her eyes at him. "What are you doing here, anyway? You look fine."

He grinned. "I always do," he replied, leering at her. Ginny realized she should have chosen her words differently, but it was too late. She rolled her eyes at him, and he continued. "Ravenclaw first-year accidentally cursed himself during Charms, and I was unfortunately walking down the hallway at that moment. Since I'm a prefect, Flitwick made me bring the kid down here. Now I'm stuck waiting until Pomfrey gets him patched up."

Ginny nodded, suddenly not sure what to say. Was this really the same Draco that had snapped at her this morning? Now Harry wasn't here, Draco was charming again, as if nothing had happened. She toyed with whether or not bring the incident up, but Madam Pomfrey poked her head in the doorway before she could decide.

"Miss Weasley, it's eleven o'clock. I know you mentioned that you have the hour before lunch free, so you're welcome to either stay here and continue to rest or leave if you need to."

Fraught with indecision, Ginny nodded distractedly, chewing her lower lip. She wanted to stay and continue talking to Draco, but she didn't want him to think that she wanted to stay- She smiled at Madam Pomfrey. "I think I'll be leaving. I'm supposed to meet a friend." Must find Bronwen and/or Fiona. Must beg them for advice. Think I'm officially losing it, as cannot even form complete sentences... "See you later, Draco."

"Later, Ginny."

Following Madam Pomfrey out the door of the sitting room, Ginny couldn't help but grin- she was immensely pleased with herself. That last brief conversation with him had gone spectacularly, considering. Now she just needed Bronwen and Fiona to affirm it for her. She dug in her pocket for her schedule- she had scribbled Bronwen and Fiona's timetables in the margins. Bronwen- Arithmancy, which she could easily be persuaded to cut. And Fiona- free period just like Ginny, so she would either be in her common room or the library. Crossing her fingers that she'd catch Bronwen before Professor Vector arrived, Ginny headed first for the Arithmancy classroom.

"Gin! What are you doing here?" Bronwen consulted her planner. "This class isn't a double, is it?"

"Not with Gryffindor, but I need to talk to you. Now."

Bronwen looked concerned. "Problem?"

Ginny nodded, not wanting to say more when there were other Slytherins nearby.

"Does this problem happen to be a sexy housemate of mine?" Bronwen asked evilly, voice pitched low.

Ginny just glared, and Bronwen smiled triumphantly. "Oh, lovely. Gin, I will definitely cut Arithmancy to hear more of this."

As they hurried to the library to find Fiona, Ginny filled Bronwen in on what she'd missed that morning. As they reached the library doors, Bronwen said, "I have a confession to make."

Ice forming in the pit of her stomach, Ginny ground to a halt, meeting Bronwen's gaze full-on. "You do?" she asked warily.

Bronwen nodded, expression a mixture of contrition and glee. "Draco asked me about you, in a roundabout way."

"Define roundabout," Ginny demanded, not in the mood for one of Bronwen's evasion games.

"He asked me why I had introduced you and Fiona to him on the train. Said he already knew who you both were."

Ginny gritted her teeth. "That is not him asking you about me, Bronwen. What did you do?" she asked suspiciously, uncomfortably certain she knew the answer. For a supposedly cunning Slytherin, Bronwen could be terribly rash.

"Well," said Bronwen cattily, "our conversation meandered around a bit, and finally I accused him of liking you."

"Oh, Merlin," Ginny moaned. "How could you, Bronwen?"

"Will you let me finish?"

"There's more?"

"He said, 'I don't normally waste my time on Gryffindors.' Now, at that moment, I was insulted. I assumed he was implying that I waste my time, and that you're a waste of time. But what I think he meant was that though he doesn't usually involve himself with Gryffindors, he's tempted to make an exception in your case," Bronwen finished, smug.

Ginny stared at her friend. "Bron, that is the most convoluted bit of drivel I've ever heard."

Bronwen sighed. "Knew you wouldn't agree. You are such a Gryffindor; everything has to be literally spelled out for you. Anyway, there's something else Blaise told me this morning while we were doing our hair."

"Oh?"

A nod. "She accused Draco of being interested in you, too."

Genuine surprise registered on Ginny's face. "What?" She hadn't even known Blaise paid her that much attention.

Bronwen nodded again. "Apparently," she continued, loving every moment of imparting new gossip, "after you left the mentoring meeting during prefects' training, Draco asked where you'd gone. Blaise said she didn't know, then teased him about liking you, and he became really angry. Somehow, Hermione Granger and your brother got involved, and they had a bit of a fight."

"Leading Draco to call Hermione a Mudblood," Ginny mused aloud.

Bronwen winced. "Heard about that, did you? I didn't want to say anything." She actually looked a bit abashed on behalf of her housemate. "I'm sure he didn't really mean it, Gin."

Ginny nodded distractedly. "I should hope not." She turned wide, amazed eyes on Bronwen. "I think he really does like me," she whispered.

Bronwen rolled her eyes, dragging Ginny inside the library. "Well, of course he does. Honestly, Ginny, it's like you've noticed it but you won't believe it." She smiled. "Now we just need to pair Fiona off with her precious Linus, and we'll all be happily attached."

"You, Bronwen? When?" Ginny asked, surprised. She paused. "And who?" Ginny could think of about four possibilities, and knowing Bronwen, it could be any one of them.

"Julius," Bronwen said, tone miffed. "Honestly," she repeated. "Who else?"

Ginny stifled an indignant reply. Instead, she just squeezed her friend's hand. "Well, that's nice. When?"

"Last night," Bronwen replied, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. "Look, there's Fiona."

Sitting alone with only a stack of books for company, Fiona didn't look terribly surprised to see Bronwen missing her first day of class. "Starting the year off right, hmm, Bronwen?" she asked.

A small smile. "Indeed. Anything to help a friend." She threw herself onto the brocade couch across from Fiona. "Ginny is in a crisis."

Fiona glanced wryly at Ginny. "Again?"

Seating herself next to Bronwen, Ginny leaned forward, elbows on her knees. "It's the same crisis."

"Did you break up with Harry already?" Fiona asked, shocked.

Bronwen turned in amazement. "You're definitely breaking up with Harry?" she asked incredulously.

"Keep your voice down!" Ginny hissed. "I'm only dating the most high-profile boy at Hogwarts, let's not announce this to the entire library, shall we?" She lowered her voice further. "And no, I'm not necessarily breaking up with Harry. I want to give this absurd Draco infatuation time to fade. Hopefully it will."

Bronwen and Fiona exchanged knowing looks, but didn't say anything. Ginny gave her friends a sly glance. "Do you think maybe he'd just be agreeable to staying together, but seeing other people?"

Both girls sniggered. "Not when 'other people' is Draco Malfoy," said Fiona derisively. "Draco or Harry, Gin, you have to pick."

Ginny glanced from one friend to the other, both of them staring at her fixedly, waiting to hear a definite decision. She brought her hands up to her cheeks, inhaling a deep breath.

"Harry," she said finally.

She was shocked at her friends' reactions. Bronwen looked like she wanted to slap Ginny silly, and even Fiona's expression betrayed disappointment.

Bronwen spoke first, her tone rich with indignation. "I can't believe you, Gin! When we walked in here, you'd finally realized that Draco liked you, and you looked like a third-year on her first trip to Honeydukes! And now you pick Harry? Where did that come from?!" She cast Ginny a horrified look, shaking her head. "I was so sure I knew what you were going to say."

Fiona was less vehement, but her words stung far more sharply. "I thought you knew yourself better than that, Ginny," she said disapprovingly.

"It's so easy for you two," Ginny snapped, wounded by what she saw as a lack of friendly support. "Linus and Julius are in your houses, they're boys your families would love, boys your friends approve of. If I stop seeing Harry, my brother will probably never speak to me again!"

"Your friends," Fiona interjected shrewdly, "will approve of whomever makes you happy." She gave Ginny a small smile. "I have that on rather good authority."

Moment lightened, Ginny relaxed, temper dissipating. "Thank you, Fi. I'm sorry. But the rest of it's true."

Bronwen shook her head. "I doubt it. Ron might be disappointed to see you and Harry break up, because everyone likes the idea of a best friend marrying into their family." She looked slyly at Ginny and Fiona. "Either of you interested in Blaise, by the way? She's currently single."

Eye rolls and snickers the only responses, Bronwen continued. "But Ron is capable of acting more maturely that you give him credit for, I think. And in spite of what you think, Gin, I'm sure he loves you and will support your decisions, once he gets used to them."

"In other words," Ginny said dryly, "he'll scream himself hoarse, and then when he has no voice left, he'll have to approve?"

"Something like that," Bronwen grinned. She checked her watch. "Ladies, it is time for lunch, and I'm starving." Her eyes danced with merriment. "Want to come sit with me at the Slytherin table?"

In lieu of response, Ginny looked down, straightening her gold and crimson uniform tie and clearing her throat. Bronwen laughed. "All right, fine. Fiona?"

She shook her head. "I've got to stay here."

Ginny groaned. "Fiona, it's the first day of classes, surely you don't already have that much homework."

"Hardly," Fiona replied, eyes alight. "But Linus and I are meeting here to walk to lunch together," she said hurriedly, cheeks flushed.

Bronwen squealed delightedly, and Ginny grinned. "About time!" they said in unison.

Fiona just slid lower in her seat, cheeks pink with pleased embarrassment. "I'll see you two later. And, Ginny? Rethink your choice, alright?"

Ginny nodded, wanting to keep her friends happy. But she was fairly sure that, whatever some silly emotions might be telling her, she had no right to be considering Draco. Maybe her subconscious was just telling her she needed to see Harry more often. She'd ask him to go on a walk with her tonight.

Lunch was spent with Bronwen, over at the Slytherin table, sending incessant significant glances in Ginny's direction, which Ginny pointedly ignored. She was sitting with the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, Harry next to her, and she was trying desperately to actually listen to what Katie Bell was saying.

"-so everyone is agreed, we'll meet on the pitch this afternoon from four to six-thirty?" she finished.

Nods all around, until Ginny remembered what else she had to do at four o'clock. "Oh, no, Katie, I can't!"

Katie looked exasperated. "You just remembered this now, Ginny?"

"I'm sorry, I forgot."

Harry turned to her, patted her shoulder. Ginny narrowed her eyes in irritation at the condescending gesture, but Harry didn't notice. "Come on, Gin, what could be more important than Quidditch practice?"

Ginny froze. Everyone's eyes were on her, and Ron's gaze was particularly unfriendly. He can't think I'm skipping to sneak off with Draco, can he? she thought wildly. "Um, I- I have a detention. With Professor McGonagall."

Shocked expressions appeared around the table. "Ginny," Ron said, "what on earth could you, a prefect, have already done to get a detention from your own Head of House?"

"Oh, well, you know how she can be sometimes, Ron," she stammered, wishing she could lie as well as Fiona. At least she'd followed her friend's advice, twisting the truth instead of inventing an outright lie. "She caught me chatting with Fiona in class, and she was really angry. Didn't lose any points, though," she finished hurriedly.

The team nodded sympathetically, but Ron didn't seem interested in letting it go. "Did Fiona get a detention?"

"No, she, ah, wasn't the one talking at the moment. And you know how McGonagall tends to expect more of her own house."

Ron still looked uncertain, but Katie interjected. "Leave her be, Ron. Ginny, can you come at five when you're finished?"

"Absolutely. But I have to leave promptly at six for dinner."

Now Katie looked particularly put out. "And why is that?"

At least this one was the truth. "I have to meet with Cho Chang."

"In trouble with the Head Girl, too?" Ron burst out. "Good grief, Ginny."

"No," Ginny snapped. "She's my prefect mentor. We have dinner tonight, because tomorrow we take our rounds together." She glared at her brother, muttering something rather uncharitable under her breath.

Dean Thomas, who was normally fairly quiet, inserted himself into the siblings' argument. "Look, isn't it good that Ginny can at least come for a little while?" He turned pleading eyes on Katie. "We Chasers can practice with her for the hour she's there, and the rest of the time, we can practice avoiding Bludgers that Mimi and Colin send our way. Harry could practice Bludger-dodging, too."

Katie nodded, frowning. "Alright." She raked a sharp gaze over her team. "I've booked the pitch for Saturday morning as well, will you all be there?" Her eyes rested especially on Ginny, who nodded emphatically.

"Absolutely, Katie. Wouldn't miss it."

"Good." Katie gathered her things. "See you all tonight."

Ron turned to his sister, clearly feeling that, now more than ever, he needed to keep an eye on her. "What do you have next, Gin?"

"Double Potions with the Slytherins," Ginny replied after examining her timetable. "That should be nice," she commented idly, thinking of working with Bronwen.

"Nice," said Harry sarcastically. "I think you're the only Gryffindor in the history of Hogwarts to think that a double with the Slytherins, especially in Potions, is nice."

Ginny rose from the table, collecting her bag. "I told you, I like pairing with Bronwen. And Snape doesn't hate me the way he does you, so that class doesn't really bother me." She read further on her schedule. "After that, though, I'm in your double Defense Against the Dark Arts class."

"Our class?"

Ginny explained, and Ron and Harry looked pleased. No doubt they were happy to be able to monitor her, she thought nastily. Well, not in Harry's case. Maybe Harry was actually just glad to have her around.

She gave Harry a quick kiss on the cheek, feeling guilty even as she did so. Had it really been just this morning that she'd had such a nice breakfast with him? What an emotional mess she was. Yet another reason she couldn't break up with Harry- to him, their relationship was so jolly and perfect, if Ginny broke up with him, he'd be completely blind-sided. She'd have to give it time. "I'll see you both at three." May three o'clock never come.

***

Unfortunately, the two-hour Potions class simmered away quickly, and Ginny was walking with Bronwen to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom much sooner than she would have liked.

"Gin, you look like you're going to your own execution. What's wrong with you? This is our favorite class, and you have it with me and your two boy toys."

Ginny gasped. "Bronwen!"

A giggle. "Well, they are boys, and you are toying with them."

"I am not!"

Bronwen threw an arm around her friend's shoulders. "So innocent, Gin. Way too innocent for such a short skirt and such bad-arse boots."

"Oh, shut it."

They were some of the first to the classroom, so they seated themselves near the front, next to Bronwen's fellow Slytherin, Damian Godswift. His gaze held a bit less adoration for her than usual- the news about Bronwen and the Slytherin Quidditch captain had spread like wildfire. "Hi, Bronwen, Ginny."

"Hey, Damian," the girls replied. Ginny scanned the room, silently counting. "Not too many extra desks," she commented. "Are we the only fifth-years?"

Damian nodded. "I think so. A lot of people wanted to take the class, but didn't want the extra coursework."

Ginny and Bronwen shared a glance. "Normally, that's us, too, but we really like this class." Bronwen narrowed her eyes. "Damian, you're the laziest person I know! What on earth are you doing with an extra course?"

He wrinkled his nose. "I need to do well on my O.W.L.s. Somehow, I pulled rather poor marks in Defense Against the Dark Arts last year, and my mother was extremely unhappy."

Bronwen snickered. "Hmm, odd, that. Certainly would have nothing to do with playing Wizard Chess with Draco Malfoy in the common room until one or two in the morning?"

Ginny raised an eyebrow, filing away that piece of information. She hadn't known Malfoy played chess. Then she mentally kicked herself. She wasn't supposed to be thinking about Draco, but she seemed to remember that barely as long as it took her to think it. Damn it.

"I think he enjoys losing, Bronwen," said a voice from behind them. Ginny sighed. Draco certainly had a knack for showing up when she least- and most- wanted to see him. All ten of the sixth-year Slytherins had arrived, and were seating themselves in the rows behind Ginny, Damian and Bronwen. Ginny shifted uncomfortably, suddenly very aware of the fact that she was the only Gryffindor in the room. Contrary to all the nasty thoughts she'd been having about Ron before, she now wished desperately that her brother and his fellow sixth-years were here.

Damian raised an eyebrow at Draco. "And I think your perception of the fact that my saying 'checkmate' constitutes a win for you is a bit skewed, Malfoy," he returned.

Draco's flinty eyes sparked at the challenge. "Your memory is a bit off, Godswift. As I recall, I won our last game." His eyes glittered. "But I would offer you a rematch, if you want to play tonight after dinner."

"Done," Damian replied, grinning at his friend.

Bronwen turned to Ginny. "You have to come."

Ginny met her gaze warily. "Come to what?"

"The game. Draco-Damian matches are famous. Everyone packs the common room to watch them play."

"Um, Bronwen, the Slytherin common room? I can't."

"Sure you can." Before Ginny could stop her, Bronwen turned back to her friends. "Anyone care if I invite Ginny?"

Damian shrugged. "The more people there to watch Draco lose, the better."

Pansy Parkinson looked less than pleased. "A Gryffindor in our common room? I don't think so," she said snottily, casting a suspicious glance at Draco.

"I'll let her in and make sure she doesn't hear the password," Blaise Zabini interjected, sharing a significant look with her sister. She turned to Pansy, expression chilly. "She's a prefect; she wouldn't abuse the privilege or she'll lose her badge. Nowhere does it say that students aren't allowed to visit other houses."

Bronwen beamed, thankful for the first time that her sister was the rules queen. "There, see?" She turned to Ginny, tone brooking no argument. "You're coming."

Draco had watched the entire exchange silently, and Ginny desperately wished she could see the thoughts running through his mind. As she was about to make a final protest to Bronwen that she really shouldn't come, the Gryffindor sixth-years trooped in the door to the classroom, and Harry flopped himself comfortably in the seat next to Ginny. Draco glared at her, and she turned away, face flushed.

"Harry," she said brightly, trying to distract herself, "how was your last class?"

He shrugged, grinning at Ron. "Transfiguration was fine, except for Neville accidentally turning Trevor into a chalkboard. He's not certain how to change him back, so for the moment, he's been writing notes to himself on it. Might turn out to be more helpful in the end."

Ginny nodded, rolling her eyes. She remembered all too well going to the Yule Ball with Neville in her third year. Miserable experience. "And after that?"

"Free period."

"Nice," Ginny replied as Professor Gillund came into the room.

"Good afternoon, class," she said brightly. Ginny and Bronwen exchanged a glance. This was by far the most chipper Defense professor they'd ever had. "As I'm sure you remember from the Headmaster's introduction yesterday, I am Professor Gillund. With the exception of those of you who signed up this morning, all of you should be Gryffindor and Slytherin sixth-years, correct?"

Nods from the gathered students, and Professor Gillund continued. "Good," she said briskly, brushing her hands against her severe gray robes. "I intend for this to be an active course- you all spend enough time sitting around. So, outside!"

Professor Gillund detected the hesitancy in the room and frowned. "Well, what are you waiting for, do I need to hold your hands?" she mocked, pointing at the door. "To the front lawn, please!"

Giving each other odd looks- no Defense teacher had ever made them leave the castle before- the students shuffled through the door, down the hall and out the main entrance of the school. Ginny inhaled the cool September air delightedly, glad to be outdoors. Maybe the fresh air would work its magic on her state of mind.

"Pair up, please," called the professor, gesturing her class toward a large crate that was situated on the front lawn. Bronwen and Ginny grinned at each other, silently agreeing to be partners; Harry frowned at this, then shrugged good-naturedly and paired himself with Seamus Finnigan. "Today, we will be working with Linnorices."

A murmur went through the class- some had clearly heard of the creature, while others were sharing looks of confusion. Ginny frowned. It was nothing she knew of. The professor continued. "Those of you familiar with the creature, would you like to share with the rest of the class?"

Hermione's hand, of course, immediately shot into the air, and she bounced lightly on the balls of her feet, clearly hoping Professor Gillund would call on her. Ginny winced inwardly, suddenly understanding why the other houses of sixth-years dreaded sharing a course with the Gryffindors. So it was true, then- Hermione really was an insufferable know-it-all. And Ginny had always thought Ron was exaggerating about his girlfriend's devotion to books and studying.

New to Hogwarts, Professor Gillund had no idea how irritating Hermione could be. "Yes, Miss-" she paused.

"Granger," Hermione said triumphantly, as the other students shot looks of exasperation at each other. "A Linnorix is a Dark creature, of course," she simpered in true teacher's pet fashion, "which causes rapidly developing drowsiness in warm-blooded mammals. Once its victim has fallen asleep, the Linnorix, acting as a parasite, feeds on the blood of the sleeping person or animal." She frowned. "If I remember correctly, the victim, when fully drained, is not dead, but instead turns into a Zombie."

Professor Gillund stared at Hermione for a moment. "Stating that it is a parasite that transforms its victims into Zombies would have been sufficient, unless you'd like to teach the class for me, Miss Granger," she said dryly, strongly reminding Ginny of Professor Snape. "But your direct quote from Dark Creatures and Dank Dungeons is correct. Three points to Gryffindor."

Ginny had to smother a giggle at the look on Hermione's face- the older girl was clearly struggling between being embarrassed by the professor's comment and pleased by the points she'd earned. She turned to Bronwen to share an amused smile, but her friend was staring fixedly ahead, mouth twitching, clearly afraid she'd burst into laughter if she met Ginny's eye. Ginny's gaze drifted beyond Bronwen to Draco, who gave her a small sardonic smile. She felt a flash of guilt, sharing a moment of amusement with Draco Malfoy at Hermione's expense, but she couldn't help herself. Hermione needed an occasional pinprick to her ego.

Professor Gillund had moved on to further discuss Linnorices, their habitat and usual methods. But Ginny was distracted by a sharp elbow in her side from Ron, who had seen Draco look at her. "After class," he whispered in her ear.

Ginny narrowed her eyes at her brother. "No," she hissed. "You have a problem with me, tell me now." She glanced again at Bronwen; thankfully, her friend was now raptly listening to Professor Gillund. Good- when they actually had to do their classwork, at least half of their partnership would know what was going on.

"Malfoy, Gin," Ron muttered out of the side of his mouth, pretending to listen to the lecture. "You never did tell me why you were talking to him during prefects' training. I thought you understood me when I told you he's nothing but trouble."

Mimicking her brother's stance, Ginny also kept her gaze fixed on Professor Gillund. She wasn't going to let him make her feel guilty this time. "My friends are my own decision," she said, deliberately baiting him.

Ron's face was red, but he was stopped by Professor Gillund's loud call. "Alright, everyone, you know what to do. Spread out and take some space, and I'll come around and pass you a Linnorix. Good luck!"

It was indeed lucky that Bronwen had been paying attention. As soon as the Linnorix was released from its cage, it hovered nastily in front of Ginny, flapping its leathery, bat-like wings. Steadying her nerves, Ginny raised her wand in front of her body, belatedly realizing that she had absolutely no idea what to do. "Immobilius," she said lamely, hoping to freeze it in midair.

The Linnorix dodged the hex, hissing angrily and sending a jet of vapor at Ginny. She wavered on her feet, suddenly exhausted. "Oh, honestly," Bronwen snapped, rolling her eyes. "Vigor Indefinitus," she said, wand pointed at Ginny.

Instantly, Ginny was wide awake again. "There, now fight it," Bronwen said. She snickered. "Too busy mooning over Draco to listen today, hmm?" she teased quietly, knowing Ginny was too occupied by the Linnorix to respond.

Though it dodged a few hexes at first, Ginny finally hit the Linnorix with a Full-Body Bind, and it fell to the ground, frozen but emitting a shrill whine. "Quietus," Ginny snapped irritably, wishing she could cast the same spell on her brother. "Thanks," she said wryly to Bronwen.

"No problem."

Professor Gillund surveyed the class, pleased to see a multitude of Linnorices immobilized in various ways. She smiled. "Well done, class." Even Neville Longbottom, with the able assistance of Dean Thomas, had been able to prevent the attack of his Linnorix. The class collected the frozen Linnorices, placing them back in their cages and stacking the cages inside the crate. "Finite Incantatem," said the professor, waving her wand at the students. Ginny blinked, feeling Bronwen's spell ebb away, though a few dregs remained- she knew she'd be unusually hyper for the rest of the day.

"You're free now, right?" Bronwen asked, perusing her schedule. "Want to come round early? I could give you the Slytherin tour before dinner, then we could watch the chess match."

Ginny shook her head. "I wish I could, but I have to meet with McGonagall, then Quidditch practice, and I'm eating with Cho Chang tonight. Where should I find you so I can be let in?" She was still apprehensive about the idea of being alone in the Slytherin common room, but for some odd reason she didn't really want to miss the opportunity to see Draco play, either.

"In the Great Hall when you're finished with dinner. Then Blaise can let you in."

Ginny frowned. "No good. I can't let Ron and Harry see me troop out of the Hall with all of Slytherin House."

Bronwen, a bit miffed, crossed her arms over her chest. "Fine." She chewed her lip thoughtfully. "Blaise and I will meet you outside Snape's classroom after dinner. But, Ginny?" she asked, looking over Ginny's shoulder at Harry, Seamus, Ron and Hermione, who were still helping Professor Gillund pack the crate.

"Yeah?" Ginny replied, not liking her friend's tone.

Ron was walking toward them. "Never mind," said Bronwen, frowning. She joined Blaise for the walk back up to the castle. "We'll see you tonight."

"You're meeting with the Zabinis tonight?" Ron asked suspiciously, eyeing his sister. "Why?"

Ginny pushed past him. "I don't want to talk to you right now."

To her surprise, Ron looked wounded. "I know. You never do anymore."

Feeling another flash of guilt, Ginny suppressed it irritably. "And you only want to talk to me on your terms, at the time you choose, and about topics that suit you, Ron," she snapped. "Lately, those topics seem to be lectures about what I can and can't do, and I'm sick of it." She checked her watch. "I have to go to my detention. But I'm not finished with you, and we'll talk again when I decide we will." Spinning on her heel and feeling gloriously vindicated, Ginny marched up the lawn to the castle.

Eavesdropping on Ginny's speech to her brother, Draco smiled internally, daring to make a bet with himself. Mine by Christmas, he decided.

***

The lingering effects of the Envigorate Charm still buoying her steps, Ginny bounced into McGonagall's classroom a few minutes ahead of schedule. The professor was seated at her desk, mulling over a sheaf of parchment.

Ginny frowned- it was a bit early in the year for grading papers. Even McGonagall didn't assign work to be completed during the first day of class. She cleared her throat. "Professor McGonagall?"

"Hello, Miss Weasley," the teacher said, looking up with a rare smile. "I was just re-reading your application essay." She gestured to a chair next to her. "Please, have a seat."

As Ginny moved closer to the desk, she recognized her own handwriting on the paper in front of McGonagall. "You aren't reconsidering me, are you?" she asked uncertainly.

"Absolutely not," McGonagall replied firmly. She folded her hands over the parchment. "Today, as it is the first day we will be working together, is for discussion. The actual attempts at changing into your chosen animal will come later. So make yourself comfortable," she finished, again indicating the chair.

Ginny took it, relieved. "What do we need to discuss?"

"Most importantly, you need to select which of your three animals you'd like to become. I can help you with that if you'd like."

Ginny nodded. "I am a bit torn between the three. I think a bird could be useful, though it has its disadvantages as well."

"And cats?"

"Well, you can transform into a cat, Professor. What do you feel the advantages are?" Ginny asked. She hadn't really had any good ideas for a third animal, so had added cats because she was fond of them, and because she'd hoped it would flatter the professor.

McGonagall raised an eyebrow. "Good question, Miss Weasley. Cats have excellent night vision, built-in defenses, and are often overlooked. Additionally, they can pass as Muggle pets or strays." Her shrewd gaze searched Ginny's face. "However, I think you're most attracted to your third choice."

Ginny squirmed. "A snake? Maybe. But do you think it's a wise decision?"

Professor McGonagall nodded, removing her pince-nez glasses. "It certainly has positive aspects. What do you like about it?"

"I'm sure you're aware of what happened to me in my first year, Professor," Ginny said frankly. "To be completely honest, I'd like to ensure it can never happen to me again. Somehow, a snake form seems fitting."

Another nod from the professor. "I thought as much. And," she continued, much to Ginny's surprise, "I think it's an excellent choice, and definitely the best one for you." She smiled again. "I'm pleased you agree.

"However," she continued, tone becoming serious, "this brings me to something else I wanted to discuss with you."

Ginny looked at the teacher warily. "Yes?" she asked, voice querulous.

"Part of the reason I chose you for this very exclusive course, Miss Weasley, has nothing to do with your essay." Ginny's eyebrows rose almost to her fiery hairline, but she didn't say anything. McGonagall continued. "As you may already know, Harry Potter, when he encountered and conquered the Dark Lord, absorbed one of the many special skills of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."

"Yes, Professor, I know- Parseltongue. Harry's my boyfriend. But what does it really have to do with me?"

McGonagall's nose wrinkled briefly- clearly, she didn't care to know the details of her students' personal lives. "Miss Weasley, you have not just encountered the Dark Lord, you have been possessed by his powers. As such, you, too, have been impressed with certain of his abilities. Have you heard of 'Blending' before?"

"Only in the context of You-Know-Who," Ginny replied. "I read that he was able to make himself- well, not invisible, exactly- more, he could convince people that he was something other than what he was."

"Precisely. Have you ever noticed yourself doing something like that?"

Ginny instantly thought of Georgine Belleton's sisters in Diagon Alley. So that was what had happened- the girls hadn't looked carefully, assuming she was Georgine, and even though her later actions should have given her away, her magic had already convinced them. She raised innocent eyes to Professor McGonagall, smug only on the inside. "Just once, recently."

The teacher nodded. "Now that you know about it, you'll be able to exercise it more effectively." Her gaze was sharp. "I expect you to be responsible, though, Miss Weasley. I don't want to hear about any abuses of this power."

"Of course not," Ginny replied quickly, still thinking about her newfound ability. Why hadn't she had the same effect on Draco and Lucius Malfoy, then, when she'd convinced the Belletons? "Professor? Does it work identically on everyone?"

"It's situational," McGonagall said crisply. "For example, someone who knows you already will be less susceptible, and someone who is a family member or close friend will be almost impossible to fool." She rose, indicating their meeting's early end. "For next week, Miss Weasley, please research the sort of snake you'd like to become."

Ginny left McGonagall's classroom, checking the clock on the wall. If she hurried, she could be dressed and on the pitch in five minutes, making her only half an hour late for practice instead of a full hour. Maybe that would get her back in Katie's good graces, even if Ron was still angry with her.

Sporting ragged jeans, a wide belt she had pilfered from Bill at the same time as the boots, and a comfortable T-shirt, Charlie's old broom in hand, Ginny arrived on the pitch. The Gryffindor Quidditch team was already assembled and swooping around the arena, all four balls released into the air. Mimi and Colin were whacking the Bludgers at each other and at Harry, who was practicing his ability to dodge while searching for the Golden Snitch. Katie, Ron and Dean were executing complex maneuvers, passing the Quaffle back and forth as they flew.

Watching Harry fly, Ginny felt a shiver of her old crush. He was like a phoenix- liquid poetry. She kicked off from the ground, swooping in next to him. He grinned. "Hey, Gin, how was detention with McGonagall?"

Ginny smiled back. "Not bad. Didn't even make me clean the classroom- just gave me a lecture about respect and talking during class. Which is why I'm-" she ducked a Bludger ("Sorry, Ginny! Good to see you're here!" called Mimi) "early," she finished breathlessly.

Mimi's greeting had attracted the rest of the team, and Katie pulled her wand out of the pocket of her jeans, freezing the Bludgers momentarily. "Good, everyone's here." She consulted the back of her hand, where she'd scribbled the moves she wanted everyone to work on. "We're going to play a mock game. Ginny, Mimi, and Colin, you play this end; try to prevent me, Ron, Dean, and Harry from scoring. Got it?"

Everyone nodded, and they set to work. Time sped by faster than the Snitch, and Ginny's mouth dropped open in horror when she heard the six-thirty dinner bell. She was meant to meet Cho at six!

A broomstick appeared suddenly in her left-side peripheral vision. "Forgot about our meeting, Ginny?"

Katie was across the pitch in an instant. "What are you doing here?" she demanded angrily. Cho Chang might be Head Girl, but she was still Seeker on a rival team.

Cho met her classmate's gaze evenly. "You've kept my prefect an extra half hour, Katie. Ravenclaw can win without cheating- I'm here to fetch Ginny, not to spy on your game plan. "

Katie's dark eyes blazed, but she nodded curtly. "Saturday, don't forget," she said to Ginny before flying away again.

Cho and Ginny touched down, stowing their broomsticks in the broomshed before leaving the Quidditch pitch. "I see you and Katie aren't exactly each other's fans," Ginny commented, not wanting to walk back to the castle in silence.

Cho scowled. "More our parents than the two of us. But yes, Katie's not my favorite person." She cleared her throat, indicating the subject was closed. "How's your first day back? I was surprised to see that you're already practicing Quidditch."

"Harry tells me Katie's worse than Oliver Wood when it comes to fanaticism about winning." Ginny halted abruptly, realizing Harry was a somewhat awkward subject with Cho.

The older girl seemed at ease, though. "It must be strange," she commented. "Being friends with Harry Potter when you're dating Draco Malfoy."

Ginny's eyes widened, and she stopped in the middle of the path, staring at Cho. "Who told you that?"

"I guessed," Cho said. "And Draco confirmed it."

"He what?" Ginny gasped.

Cho laughed. "Don't be angry with him, Ginny. From the way he acted, I think I'm the only one who knows. But you should be careful; Harry and Ron will find out eventually. It would be best if you tell them yourself."

"Cho, I am not seeing Malfoy. I've told you that before," Ginny protested. "I'm dating Harry!" How could Cho have missed seeing them together in the Great Hall that morning?

"What?" Cho looked confused. "But Draco said- and the way you acted-"

"During training?" Ginny demanded. "Is that when he told you this?"

Cho's expression had turned pensive. "Yes, during training..." she trailed off for a moment, lost in thought. "But now that I think about it, he probably did it just to escape a lecture." She smiled, but Ginny wasn't mollified.

"When?"

"After he had an altercation with Hermione Granger." Cho raised an eyebrow. "I assume your brother told you about that?"

"Actually, Harry was the one who mentioned it." Ginny resumed walking toward the castle, not sure whether she wanted to laugh hysterically or shake Draco until his gray eyes rattled. How dare he tell Cho something like that?

Cho didn't appear to notice Ginny's odd expression. "It's nice you're seeing Harry," she said. She winked. "Better you than me."

Ginny laughed weakly. Though she had been thrilled to her very core in her third year to see Cho with Cedric Diggory instead of Harry, something within her now wished things had happened quite differently. "Yes, I'd always wanted to be Harry's girlfriend," she said hollowly. She schooled her expression into a pleasant one. "Are you dating anyone, Cho?" She hesitated, realizing this might be an inappropriate subject to broach with her prefect mentor. "If you don't mind my asking, that is."

"Of course not," Cho said, looking a bit exasperated. "It was two years ago, Ginny, and we only went on a handful of dates." A frown. "Cedric was a very sweet boy, and I really liked him, but I'm not his widow, and I wish everyone would stop treating me that way."

"I'm sorry," Ginny replied. "I just meant, though, if you didn't mind my asking because it might be an intrusion."

Cho flushed, and Ginny felt an irreverent smugness at seeing Miss Perfect caught off her guard. "Oh, I'm sorry. It's just that- the way everyone treats me-" she sighed, shrugging. "To answer your question, no, I'm not seeing anyone. Every boy at this school seems to think I'm cursed."

Ginny's eyes widened- the possibility had never even occurred to her. "Oh, Cho, surely that's not true-"

"It is true." Cho smiled, and Ginny saw the bitterness there. "But I don't care," the Head Girl continued breezily. "I'd prefer an older boy, anyway, and now that I'm a seventh-year, there's no hope of finding someone at Hogwarts."

Ginny returned Cho's smile, trying to lighten the situation. "Wish I could help you," she said, "but the only older guys I know are my stupid brothers, and somehow all six of them have managed to find girlfriends, much to my amazement."

Cho laughed. "Really?" Eagerly, she latched onto the change in subject. "What are Fred and George doing now? I always liked them- unlike Colin and Mimi, they were much less likely to slap a Bludger in the direction of my head."

"Well, they're still working on getting their joke shop arrangements finalized- they've decided to do it by owl-order catalogue instead of having an actual store, since it will save them quite a bit. They had checked into rent on Diagon Alley, but it was absolutely outrageous, and they don't really want to set up in Hogsmeade. So for now they're staying at home. Fred's seeing a Muggle girl from London, and George is with Alicia Spinnet now- you remember her? She was a Chaser for Gryffindor."

Cho nodded. "She's a good friend of mine."

Ginny raised an eyebrow, wondering how anyone could be good friends with Alicia Spinnet and yet not like Katie Bell. Katie and Alicia, along with fellow Chaser Angelina Johnson, had been practically inseparable during their time together at Hogwarts. "Oh," she said lamely, guessing Cho wouldn't want to discuss it. Their conversation then meandered in the direction of classes and prefectural matters, and they passed a fairly pleasant dinner together in the Great Hall, seated at the far end of the Gryffindor table.

"So," Cho said, putting away the last bite of her shepherd's pie, "do you feel ready for tomorrow night?"

Ginny looked at her quizzically. "We're just going on rounds, and you'll be with me; do I really have much to worry about?"

Cho shrugged. "You're the first fifth-year prefect I've spoken with who doesn't seem concerned. Everyone is worried about the reasons for the extra security. Combined with Dumbledore's confiscating the Restricted Section, I guess people are just more on edge than usual."

"Hard to be more on edge than we were last year," Ginny relied grimly, alluding to Harry's most recent Voldemort showdown. "But there's nothing to be gained from worrying, so why bother?"

That earned a smile from Cho. "Good point. Well, that's everything I wanted to go over, so if you feel you're ready, I guess I can let you go."

"Alright, see you tomorrow- top of the main stairs, right?"

Cho nodded affirmatively, and Ginny scurried out of the Great Hall, ignoring the looks the Dream Team was sending her way. Ron had likely filled Harry in on the afternoon's events, and Ginny really didn't want to know what her boyfriend thought of her flirting with Draco Malfoy during Defense Against the Dark Arts. Nor did she feel like hearing Hermione's opinion on Ginny's very un-sisterly behavior. The three of them could be so wearying.

Instead, despite her better instincts, what Ginny really wanted was to spend the evening in the Slytherin common room, watching what promised to be a particularly edifying game of wizard chess. Luckily, that happened to be her evening's plans.

As promised, the Zabini sisters were waiting for her outside the Potions classroom, looking perfectly immaculate and elegantly bored. Ginny had decided long ago that Blaise must practice that particular expression of ennui in her bedroom mirror. She was the very picture of refined haughtiness.

"About time," Bronwen announced, completely spoiling her aristocratic air by punching Ginny in the arm. "Blaise and I were afraid you weren't coming- the match is in five minutes."

"Sorry. Dinner with Cho ran over."

Blaise raised a perfectly-plucked eyebrow. "How is she as a prefect mentor?" she asked. "I'd always thought she was a bit of a snob."

Ginny coughed, covering her choke of laughter. Blaise Zabini referring to someone else as a snob- that was certainly a fifty-ton slab of onyx calling the kettle black. "She's alright," Ginny managed around her mirth. "We have rounds tomorrow, and she's been very helpful so far."

"That's nice," Blaise replied, already bored with the conversation thread. "Let's go."

Curious, since she didn't even know where the entrance to Slytherin House was, Ginny followed the sisters through the dungeons, memorizing the twists and turns carefully. Blaise, who was in the lead, finally halted in front of a broad expanse of dank stone wall.

"Here we are," she said. "Now, Ginny, hold still, this shouldn't hurt but a little."

Shouldn't hurt? Ginny thought, panicked. What have I gotten myself into?

Before she could protest, Blaise had pulled out her ebony wand (nine and four-fifths inches, swishy). "Sphera Silencia," she muttered.

Ginny's ears popped, as if she were riding a broomstick and had flown too high too quickly. She looked nervously at Bronwen, wondering if this was supposed to happen. Her friend's lips were moving, but Ginny couldn't hear what she was saying.

"What?" Ginny demanded. She could hear her own voice just fine- loud and clear. Blaise seemed satisfied, though, because she turned to the bare wall and spoke a few words. A hidden stone door ground open, revealing an archway into a dark room, lit only by flickering firelight and dim lamps with green glass shades. They stepped inside, and the wall slid closed behind them. Blaise waved her wand, and suddenly Ginny could hear again- and wasn't certain she wanted to. Apparently not everyone in the House had been informed about the evening's non-Slytherin visitor.

"What's she doing here?"

"A Gryffindor!"

"Get out!"

"What the-"

Blaise held up her hand for silence, but before she could say anything, Draco Malfoy had risen from his chair by the fire. "Ginny Weasley is our guest." He shot a nasty look at Pansy Parkinson, who was sitting sulkily in a corner. "Anyone who has problems with that can speak to Blaise, Damian, or myself," he finished, staking his gamble on the fact that all three of them were prefects and prominent members of the House.

Stony silence. "Good," Draco said, smiling. He spoke to the whole room, but his eyes were on Ginny. "I believe I have a chess game to win."

Years of watching her older brothers play chess had given Ginny an excellent understanding of the game's nuances and strategies, and she was quite impressed by the abilities of both boys. Damian had more raw skill, she decided, but Draco's finesse and ability to see his way out of tight situations were amazing.

The game was winding down; each of them had captured a sizeable amount of each other's pieces, and the floor around the board was littered with debris. Ginny frowned, trying to see her way clear to the end of the game. Suddenly, she had it- if Draco sacrificed his queen, Damian would move his bishop out of the way, and Draco could use his knight to put Damian's king in check. She watched Draco's face carefully, and she knew he had seen it, too.

Which was why her mouth dropped open when Draco moved his king's side bishop instead. Damian made a follow-up move, and they continued to play, the board's position shifting so that the possible Draco victory Ginny had envisioned was no longer an option. The game stretched on, and many of the younger Slytherins finally gave up, suppressing yawns as they wandered off to bed.

"Who do you think will win?" Bronwen whispered in her ear. Ginny frowned thoughtfully, examining the board once again. Draco had again moved himself into an excellent position, if he would just follow through with it. Was he stalling? "Malfoy," she whispered back.

Bronwen looked surprised. "Really?" Then she shrugged. "Maybe you're right- I don't know, I'm not very good at these sorts of things."

Ginny nodded distractedly, not paying full attention to her friend. The game was in its last moments, and she was eager to see who the victor would be.

"Checkmate," Draco announced, tired voice betraying a hint of pleased triumph. Damian scowled balefully, but to no avail- Draco's queen smashed Damian's king mightily, and the game was finished. Collecting themselves from the rubble on the floor amid a burst of applause from the remaining viewers, the pieces reassembled themselves for another game.

"I think not," Damian snapped at his set, shuffling them into a wooden box. "I've had enough of you lot for tonight." Exhausted, he gestured vaguely at Draco. "Good game, Malfoy."

Draco seemed too spent to be obnoxious. "You, too, Godswift." He smiled at his audience. "Good night, everyone." He disappeared through a doorway that Ginny surmised must belong to the sixth-year boys' dormitory. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of sharp disappointment- she had come to see him, yet after those initial words, he hadn't even acknowledged her presence. She prodded Bronwen, who was nodding off, slumped in the arms of a black leather wing chair. "Bron? I'm heading back to Gryffindor Tower."

"Night, Gin," Bronwen replied sleepily.

"Good night." Saying a quick thank-you to Blaise, and assuring the older girl that she could easily slip past Filch and any patrolling prefects, Ginny left the Slytherin common room, making her way to more familiar parts of the castle. It had been an enjoyable evening, but the day had been terribly long, and she wanted nothing more than to crawl inside her comfy feather bed. Nor had she realized how on her guard she had been throughout the entire time in the Slytherin common room, until she set eyes on the Fat Lady's portrait and felt a whoosh of sleepy relief. "Treacle tart," she murmured, glad to be home. She stumbled through the portrait hole, jolting in surprise when a cold hand grabbed her arm and another pressed itself over her mouth, muffling her shriek.

"Where have you been?" hissed an angry voice.