Tangled Web

Chapter Four - Re-arranged

Ginny sat in the comfortable chair in Gladrags watching Hermione methodically go through a rack of dress robes, pulling out the ones she wanted to try on. She frowned as the colorful pile grew at an alarming rate. She never took Hermione for one to be so fussy about how she dressed, but then again having Harry for a boyfriend changed a lot about her. All of it for the better too.

She slumped down in her chair trying to forget she was here. She was still irritated from lunch with Harry and Seamus. And now Hermione with the dress robes was just adding to her dark mood. Ginny really hated to be reminded that she was poor. She would have loved to have a pretty new set of dress robes to wear to the ball, but seeing as she didn't have two Knuts to rub together it wasn't bloody likely. She couldn't even bear to look at the robes.

Ginny almost wished she was still in the dungeons with Snape. Almost, but not quite.

She'd arrived in the dungeons for her last day of detention that had been the result of the little altercation with Zabini the previous week. Snape had set her to work in his work room away from the other girl at the beginning of the week. He allowed her to use his personal store of books to write her potions essay while Zabini had been stuck preparing the most disgusting potions ingredients he could find. It was altogether amusing really. But this morning, she'd arrived on time as always and he'd sent her away, told her she'd served her time and to get out of his sight. Ginny didn't question him, escaping as quickly as she could, but not before seeing Zabini sitting at the worktable with a bowl of newt eyes. The thought still made her chuckle.

"What's so funny," Hermione queried. "Don't like this robe? It's too much isn't it?" She had on a very frilly gold robe.

Ginny bit it at her top lip. "Definitely not that one. Try the blue one - you look great in that color."

"Aren't you going to try on anything," Hermione called from the fitting room.

"I don't think so. I have my robes from last year."

"That red one?" Hermione modeled a deep green robe for her approval. "It was almost too small last year and you've filled out a bit since then."

"Don't remind me, but it's all I have so it will have to make do." Ginny sighed, thinking how that green robe her friend was trying on would look good on her. "You don't want that one Hermione, it's a Slytherin color.

As if on cue, the jingling bell above the door announced a customer had entered the store. Ginny glanced over to see none other than Pansy Parkinson. "Kill me now," she muttered under her breath.

The clerk that had been helping Hermione immediately dropped everything. "Miss Parkinson! It is so good to see you again! What can I help you with today?"

Pansy glanced around the small shop, her nose wrinkling in disgust as her eyes settled on Ginny. "Yes, I'm here to pick up my order and also one for Draco Malfoy," she said loftily.

"Yes, ma'am," the clerk cheerfully replied before scurrying off to retrieve the purchases.

"Well, if it isn't a weasel and a mudblood," Pansy observed, coming closer to examine the pile of discarded robes. "Shopping for robes I see. This ought to be fun: one with no money and other with no taste. What an awful combination." She fingered a couple of the robes that Hermione had tried on and discarded. "Satin? What a horrible material, a poor person's silk I suppose."

Ginny turned to look out the window in an attempt to ignore Pansy's snide remarks. Her eyes immediately were drawn to Draco who was standing outside of Honeydukes laughing with a group of other male Slytherins.

Pansy followed Ginny's line of sight right to Draco and his cohorts. She watched as Draco glanced in their direction, making eye contact with Ginny, acknowledging her with a curt nod before looking away.

Hermione stepped out of the fitting room at the sound of the Slytherin girl's voice. She knew it could only mean trouble and with Ginny's past history there was no telling what could happen. "What do you want Parkinson," she asked loudly as she hadn't failed to notice the glare the girl was giving the unsuspecting Ginny.

"I want the little Weasel to stop staring at Draco," Pansy stated dangerously. "Didn't your mother ever tell you it was impolite to stare? Oh yes, I forgot, Weasleys don't have manners."

Ginny whipped around to glare at Pansy. How dare she insult her family like that? "I have plenty of manners thank you very much." She stood up, looming over the much shorter girl.

"You could have fooled me with your manners attacking Blaise like some common," she flicked her eyes over Hermione. "Mudblood... and to think you're a pureblood too," Pansy shook her head in disbelief. "I would've expected better."

"Parkinson," Hermione said in her best Head Girl tone of voice. "I suggest you shut up before I have to take points." She shot Ginny a look before she could open her mouth.

"Does it look like I care if you take points," she snorted, her eyes narrowing as she took a long, hard look at Ginny again. "I suggest you keep your eyes to yourself because the mudblood here won't always be around to protect you."

"Like I'm scared of you," Ginny said rolling her eyes before glancing once more out the window. "Besides, you should be worried about Zabini. Why, I think that's her being all chummy with Malfoy."

"Miss Parkinson, I have your order here," the clerk's cheery voice died away at the sight of the three girls before her.

"Just have it sent to Hogwarts," she coolly dismissed the clerk without a glance, her eyes still trained on Ginny. "I think it might be wise you mind your own business Weasel. You never know what just might happen."

She could not believe her ears. That Slytherin witch just threatened her, there was no way she was going to let that slide. "Are you threatening me?" Ginny asked incredulously.

The shorter girl tossed her hair. "I don't make idle threats, it was a promise." And with that she turned in a swirl of deep blue cloak to stalk out of the shop.

Hermione stared open mouthed as Pansy exited the shop. "Just what in the world was that?"

Ginny let out a heavy sigh before flopping back down in the chair. "I have no idea. All of Slytherin is probably out to get me now."

"Well," Hermione continued. "You best be careful - don't get caught out in the halls alone if you can help it. I'll do what I can."

"Don't worry; I think I can handle Parkinson." She glanced up at her friend still wearing last robe she'd tried on. "Aren't we here to buy some robes?"

~*~

"Damnit Blaise, go away," Draco spit out. "Pansy is around and she's not in a good mood." He shoved his dinner around on his plate. "You're making a scene."

She pouted at being dismissed. "But, Draco! It's been so long. I can't ever catch you alone anymore. She's always around."

"Yeah, well get used to it." He glared at her. "She's as good as my wife."

"I thought you said you weren't going to marry her if you could help it," she whined, looking at him with glistening eyes.

"I can't help it," he said with a cold finality. "My father says it's a done deal."

Draco was beginning to get very irritated with Blaise because not only was she causing a scene in front of everyone, she was keeping him from stealing glances over at the Gryffindor table. All he really wanted was to be left alone to eat his dinner in peace while catching an occasional glimpse of Ginny. Was that really too much to ask? Apparently it was.

"But you promised," she said, grasping his wrist.

He snatched his hand away. "I promised you nothing," he replied harshly.

Several of the Slytherin girls sitting at the table snickered while the boys watched with an avid interest. The power structure of Slytherin was just about to change. They were like a pack of jackals watching an animal slowly die before they attacked.

"No, you did. You love me!"

His eyes narrowed. "This is neither the time nor place to have this discussion." He was keenly aware of the interest they were starting to generate among the other house tables, even the Gryffindors at the far table were stealing glances. "Go away."

Blaise huffed in anger. "I bet if I were that..."

Draco snatched a handful of her long black hair pulling her roughly to him so his mouth was next to her ear. "I'd not finish that sentence if I were you," he whispered dangerously, cutting her off. "If you so much as utter another word about me and that Gryffindor girl I will rip your tongue out. Do you understand?" He waited for her to acknowledge him, but she failed to do so. He shook her hard. "Do you understand me?"

"Yes," she hissed, nodding slightly.

He shoved her away. "Good, now get lost."

Crabbe and Goyle laughed as she scrambled from the table in tears, trying to get away as quickly as possible. Draco silenced their mirth with a dark look. "You goons should have prevented that."

"I couldn't agree more," Pansy said, announcing her arrival as she settled in the recently vacated spot between Draco and Crabbe. "In the future, you two are not to allow Blaise near either one of us unless I say otherwise. Understood?" She shot scathing looks at students who were still gawking in their direction.

Draco set a plate full of steak and kidney pie, mashed potatoes and carrots in front of her; he knew it was her favorite meal while at school. "I'd really hate to get on your bad side, Pans."

"What makes you think you're not?" She placed her napkin in her lap and picked up her fork. "And thank you."

The dinner crowd was starting to thin as Pansy ate her dinner in relative silence. Draco had pulled out his Potions book to study for the test scheduled on Monday. It was just like Snape to schedule a test on Monday so that everyone would have to spend the weekend studying. A flash of red across the room caught his attention, he watched beneath hooded eyes as Ginny walked out with her brother and Finnigan in tow.

"Do try not to be so obvious, Draco," Pansy quietly stated, bringing his attention back to her. "You will only add fuel to the fire." She folded her napkin and rose from the table. "It's bad enough Blaise has noticed and is causing trouble."

He stuffed his book back in his bag, watching her brush down her robes all the while muttering something about benches and civilized people. He figured it was best to leave that conversation alone.

"Why were you late for dinner," he asked a few minutes later as they trekked down to the Slytherin common room. " I looked for you, but I couldn't find you in the dungeons."

She regarded him with a raised eyebrow. "I had something I had to do."

"And it couldn't wait until after dinner?"

"Why are you so worried about it?"

"Why do you have to be so defensive about everything?" Draco knew that Pansy hated nothing more than have her questions answered with a question. He was irritated with her for not showing up to dinner on time. He could have been spared the incident with Blaise if she'd only been there. He really didn't think she understood how hard it was to resist Blaise, not that he liked the girl or anything, just what she had to offer.

~*~

"You know, it isn't safe to be alone in the corridors late at night."

Ginny stopped in her tracks at the sound of the voice behind her. He was the last person she wanted to run into, although she figured, it could be worse. It could be Pansy. At least Draco was easy on the eyes, even if he was a prat of unparalleled proportions.

"All sorts of evil creatures could be lurking about," he continued as he drew closer.

She closed her eyes as she felt him brush lightly up against her back, stiffening slightly. Her book bag slipped to the floor with a soft thud.

"You should always wear your hair down," he whispered against her ear as he pulled the quill from her messy bun. He moved lower to nuzzle the nape of her neck, deeply inhaling the soft lily scent of her unbound hair.

She drew in a shuddering breath as his fingers twined in her hair and his lips found her skin. "What do you want Malfoy," Ginny demanded, trying to sound as off putting as possible. She knew this was wrong, but it felt so good. No, she had a boyfriend who loved her. What the hell was his name again? Draco? No, no Seamus, yes that was it, she thought desperately. Seamus, Seamus, Draco, Seamus. Damn Draco all to bloody hell.

"To warn you, you foolish little Gryffindor," he said harshly. "Pansy isn't someone to be trifled with."

"I'm not afraid of her." Ginny straightened her shoulders, tossing her head back in defiance.

Draco smiled against her ear. "You should be afraid of her, very afraid. Some creatures have bigger teeth than you think."

"Please, if you're just trying to scare me it's not working." Her voice remained strong, but her knees were weakening with his continued presence against her back.

"What's wrong, Weasley," Draco murmured as his hands slipped around her waist, pulling her back against him.

Ginny shivered at his touch, a tingling sensation coursed through her. She unconsciously leaned back against him. Her breathing quickened as his mouth worked the soft where her neck joined her shoulder. A soft moan escaped her lips as his hands slipped down her hips. "Don't leave a mark," she managed to stutter.

He turned her in the circle of his arms as he slowly backed her up against the wall. She slipped her arms around his shoulders pulling him closer.

"Draco, kiss me," she whispered before lightly brushing her lips against his.

He deepened the kiss as her mouth parted eagerly, her tongue seeking his. Her fingers found their way into his hair as his lips left her mouth to blaze a hot trail down her neck. His hands explored the curves of her hips before coming to rest on her derriere. She moaned her approval as he pressed her softness against him, she could feel his unmistakable desire for her.

Ginny felt his hands slip up under her skirt, skimming across her cotton knickers. "Please," she begged him in a hoarse whimper. She wasn't sure what she was begging for, but all she knew was she wanted it. Wanted him. She could feel the burning need for him building in the pit of her stomach, the need that only he could fill. "Please, Draco."

"Weasley," he half groaned as she tugged his shirt out of his trousers. She could feel his smug smile against her neck. He fumbled with the buttons of her blouse until he managed to get half of them undone. She drew in a shuddering breath as his hand cupped her breast, his thumb lightly teasing the puckering nipple through the soft material of her bra. He pulled back to watch her with stormy eyes. "Like that do you?"

Unable to tear her eyes away from his, she nodded, her tongue unconsciously darted over her lips. "Yes," she hissed.

Draco grinned wickedly just then. "You might like this as well." He deftly moved the plain white cotton of her bra aside before lowering his head to capture the now hard nipple in mouth, his tongue flicking the nub lazily.

She moaned loudly, arching against his mouth. Her fingers found purchase in his hair as she held his head not ever wanting to him to stop his ministrations. "More," was all she could manage as heat flooded her entire body. "Oh gods, please more."

He lightly grazed the tender flesh with his teeth eliciting another moan of approval from Ginny. He tore his mouth from her breast to return to her lips. She greedily returned his kiss, desperately wanting more. She didn't protest as his knee slipped between her thighs, his hands sliding back up under her skirt, fingers hooking in the material of her knickers.

"Draco," she squeaked, weakly shoving him away. "Stop! Mrs. Norris!"

The cat eyed them curiously, meowing.

"Go away you damn cat," he cursed as he tried to kick it.

She only yowled loudly.

Draco looked back a Ginny. "Filch," they said in unison. He grabbed her hand, pulling her behind him as he sought someplace to hide. He opted for a small, unused office just around the corner.

"My book bag! Draco, my book bag," Ginny cried softly.

He let loose another string of curses before slipping out to see if he could summon the bag before Filch showed up. He just managed to retrieve the bag before Filch appeared from around the corner to see what all the caterwauling was about.

"Shh," he hushed her before she could say anything. "Filch is just around the corner." He pressed her against the far wall, covering her body with his in dark shadows.

They could hear Filch conversing with Mrs. Norris just outside their hiding place.

Ginny trembled, biting her bottom lip as the door handle rattled, only to find the door locked. Draco heaved a sigh of relief before tightening his arms around her and pressing a tender kiss to her neck. They waited long minutes, scared to move, until they were certain Filch and Mrs. Norris had wandered off.

"You should get back to Gryffindor Tower before you get detention," he said softly.

She nodded against his shoulder, unwilling to let go of him quite yet.

"I think it's safe now, c'mon." He untangled himself from her arms. He watched as she did up her blouse again and refastened her robes. They walked in silence to the bottom of the stairway that led up to her dorm. He looked at her a few moments in the low, flickering torch light of the hallway.

Ginny knew she looked a mess in her rumpled uniform, her flushed face and messy hair, but somehow it didn't matter. Not with the way he was looking at her with those gray eyes that she loved so very much. Her breath quickened just being near him. "Draco."

He cut her off with a lingering kiss. "Go on now, before you get in trouble." He patted her fanny to emphasize she should be on her way. "Go."

She turned back once she reached the top only to find him still watching her. He gave her a quick nod before disappearing into the darkness.

~*~

Christmas

~*~

"Wake up," Hermione said excitedly as she shook Ginny's shoulder hard. "We've got presents!"

She groaned and stretched as much as the trundle bed would allow her legs. She loved the little bed she used when she slept in the Head Girl's room, but it simply didn't accommodate her long body fully stretched out.

"You've got a pile, Gin. C'mon! Wake up!" Hermione resorted to shaking the whole bed.

The other girl was already tearing into her gifts as Ginny managed to crawl from the bed. She plopped on the floor in front of the fireplace, eyeing her small pile of packages looking for one large enough to contain the dress robes she'd been begging everyone in the family for weeks now.

Hermione selected a present and tossed it at her. "Go on!"

Ginny carefully opened the small package from Charlie; in it she found a pewter dragon cloak pin. She continued opening gifts, leaving the largest one for last. She got plain white cotton bras and knickers (very practical according to her Mum considering no one was going to see them anyway), a new set of flowery flannel pajamas and sweets from her parents; jokes from the twins; a silver ankh charm anklet from Bill. She saved the largest package for last, trying hard not to get her hopes up too high. But it was already way too late for that. She tried not to tear into it too quickly, wanting to savor the moment. Her heart began to race when she caught a glimpse of apple green peeking through the wrapping. She couldn't stand it anymore, ripping away the rest of the paper to reveal one of her mother's infamous sweaters. The sharp pain of disappointment caused her to gasp for breath. She was nearly in tears.

"Oh Gin! What's wrong," Hermione asked full of concern as she watched her best friend's crestfallen face.

"I didn't get the dress robes I'd begged Mum for."

She dropped the present she was in the process of opening to slide next to Ginny, wrapping her arm around her shoulder tightly. She just rocked her back and forth as the tears began to fall in earnest. "Don't worry," she said soothingly. "We'll figure something out okay? Maybe Lavender has something you can borrow."

Ginny just shook her head. She'd rather die than have to ask Lavender or anyone else for that matter to borrow robes. It was bad enough that Hermione knew her family's situation although she was too polite to ever say anything about it. She didn't need every girl in Gryffindor to know too, not that they didn't already.

"Well, the sweater is a pretty color," Hermione offered, trying to make the best of the situation. "You'll look pretty in it...oh, there's no "G" on it!"

A sharp knock on the door kept Ginny from slipping even further into despair. She quickly retreated back to her bed to cover her face before Hermione could let Ron and Harry in.

"Happy Christmas," Harry said brightly before soundly kissing Hermione. "Why don't you girls join us in the common room?"

"Yeah," Ron added, scanning the room. "There's food still. Hey, what's wrong with Ginny?"

Hermione shook her head at Ron, motioning for him to shut up.

He didn't see her or more than likely, totally ignored her as he made his way over to where his sister was laying face down in a pile of pillows. He nudged Ginny's side with his knee. "C'mon! Get up lazy bones! It's Christmas!!"

"Ronald Weasley!" Hermione shoved him hard. "Don't! Just leave her be."

He gave his best friend a hard look. "But it's Christmas and everyone is waiting."

She sighed. "Ron, it's okay. She'll be down in a bit."

"Seamus didn't get you a present did he?" He watched for confirmation from Ginny that wasn't forthcoming. "I'll kill that little bugger."

Hermione looked like she was fit to be tied. "Ron!"

"Ron, she said let it be," Harry reasoned, putting a hand on his friend's arm to get his attention. "Whatever it is she'll get over it. Let's go down stairs."

Sure enough, a little while later a more composed Ginny put in an appearance in the common room. She'd spent her alone time preparing to put on a happy face for Ron's sake. He loved Christmas more than any other holiday, like a puppy really, in her opinion, overly excited.

She also knew she was going to have to face Seamus. He was so sweet and kind. Made her almost nauseous sometimes if the truth be told, she just didn't know how much longer she was going to be able to take him. He made everyone but her happy. Ginny knew she should break up with him just like she did with Michael Corner and Dean Thomas, but there was something about him that kept her from committing the dirty deed. Maybe it was the convenient deception he unwittingly provided her. That and he never made any sort of demands on her like a normal boyfriend; he was picture perfect - someone her Mum and every single one of her brothers would approve of - hands to himself, unerringly polite and disgustingly respectful. In other words, Seamus Finnigan was dull as dirt as far as she was concerned.

What she really wanted was someone who desired her, who would kiss her breathless, someone who wasn't too polite to touch her. She wanted someone who wasn't afraid to push her against the wall and have his way with her. Someone who wasn't afraid to be a little rough sometimes. She wanted someone who would drive her family insane. In other words, she wanted the exact opposite of what she currently had. There was no two ways around it - she wanted Draco Malfoy.

There was only one problem with having Draco Malfoy, well okay, a few problems she had to grudgingly admit. First off, she would be betraying her family. While she could imagine just what Ron would say, she couldn't begin to fathom what her parents would say. She could ignore Ron, she was used to that, but she loved her parents too much to just ignore them. She couldn't bare the thought of what Charlie would say. She had wanted to so badly tell him about her feelings for Draco, because she had always told him everything, but the fear of disappointing him was too great for her to break the silence. It made her head hurt to imagine the twins, Bill and Percy's reaction. Secondly, her housemates - many of whom were victims of Draco's razor sharp tongue or worse yet his mean pranks - would literally disown her. She could feel Hermione's disapproving gaze already. To make matters worse, there were third, forth, fifth and probably even more reasons why having him was not such a hot idea.

It was all just too much to fathom right then she decided. It was Christmas and she was determined to make the best of it despite everything going on in her life. She'd think about Draco tomorrow.

Ginny stood on the bottom stair silently watching the festivities until Seamus noticed her. He immediately came over to take her hand in his.

"Happy Christmas, my love," he said softly. "You look beautiful this morning."

Ginny gave him a wavering smile. "Thank you."

He pressed a light kiss to the corner of her mouth. "Here I saved some breakfast for you." Seamus led her to an arm chair nearest the crackling fire before retrieving the plate of food for her.

Seamus handed Ginny a festively wrapped square box after patiently waiting for her to finish eating. "Here this is for you." He settled on the arm of the chair to watch.

"Thank you," she said, distracted as she carefully opened it. The ribbons and paper far too pretty to torn into like a mad woman. She gasped as she pulled back the tissue paper. "Oh Seamus, you shouldn't have!"

"Go on," he urged, smiling like a fool. "I thought they'd look beautiful in your hair."

She discovered a pair of antique tortoise shell hair combs, matching barrettes and a pair of chop sticks. "They're lovely!" She had never seen such nice hair clips before. Most of her clips were hand-me-downs or ones she nicked from Hermione.

"I can't wait to see you all dressed up on New Year's. You'll be the most beautiful girl there," Seamus said earnestly. "You'll have to tell me what color your robes are so I may get you flowers." He leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

Ginny nodded trying to avoid the question as she currently had no robes to wear. She was just thankful that he was easily distracted by Ron and Harry and their new Quidditch equipment. Seamus' total obliviousness left her free to ponder what Christmas with Malfoy would be like. A small, sly grin turned up the corner of her mouth as her imagination led her to some of the more delightful ways she and Draco could wile away the hours on the holiday.

~*~

"Well, it's about time you dragged yourself out of bed," Pansy complained. She was curled up in her favorite arm chair in front of the fireplace still in her dressing gown, a book lying in her lap.

"Happy Christmas to you too," Draco grouchily replied as he stretched his long, lean body. He stood in front of the crackling fire as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and ran a hand through his messy hair. "How long have you been awake?"

"A few hours." She gave him the once over taking in the fact he was only wearing deep green pajama bottoms. "You should put some clothes on before you catch your death." She smiled wickedly. "No wait -- if you died I wouldn't have to marry you."

"Real nice there, Pans," muttered as he pulled on a black t-shirt before slipping into a matching deep green robe. "You haven't opened any presents?"

"Of course not, you git, I was waiting for you. Do you want to eat or open presents?"

He just blinked at her like she actually had to ask that question.

"That is what I thought," she giggled. "You can hand them out I suppose."

In the span of half an hour they were sitting the floor together amongst the drifts of ripped Christmas paper and ribbons.

"Draco," Pansy said thoughtfully as she fingered her new cloak. "What do you think Christmas will be like next year?"

He set down his new brass telescope. "Pretty much the same I'd imagine. Better accommodations. Breakfast with my parents I suppose."

"Do your parents do anything special?"

"Not really, the usual stuff - decorations, presents and a party. It's all very formal, like we're just going through the motions." He paused a few seconds in thought "My father seems to be more polite around Christmas."

"Well, that is something to look forward to."

"Mum and I always attend the opera Christmas night. Father used to attend when I was younger, but he hasn't gone with us for years now. We exchange private gifts then without him around. Boxing Day is spent receiving father's friends and business associates."

Pansy smiled. "My father used to make such a fuss about going to your house on Boxing Day. He'd inspect Peter and me for any hair out of place or a speck of dirt. Mum would threaten us with bodily harm if we acted out of turn. I'd never act up because I was afraid of your father."

"He is rather scary isn't he," Draco joked, giving her a lopsided grin.

"I can't believe I'm going to live in the same household as Lucius Malfoy."

"It's Christmas, Pans, I don't want to discuss my father."

She looked down at the deep blue wool spread across her lap; her fingers caressing the silky ermine fur trim once more. It was a gift from Draco's parents. Naturally it was gorgeous and made from only the finest materials. The inside pocket held a pair of matching deep blue kid skin gloves trimmed in fur.

The silence stretched on for several long awkward moments, the only sound being the occasional rustle of crinkled paper as one of them shifted.

A small box was unceremoniously thrust into her lap. "Here this is for you," Draco said without his voice betraying his feelings.

"Oh." Pansy carefully opened the ornately wrapped gift discovering a small hinged jewelry box made of cobalt glass. "Oh, Draco, it's beautiful, thank you."

He nodded his acknowledgement. "You like blue; you have lots of little pieces of jewelry, so I thought you'd like it."

"I love it, really. It was very thoughtful of you."

"Never let it be said that Draco Malfoy doesn't know how to treat the ladies."

"You are such a prat," she giggled.

He laughed in spite of himself. "I do so try."

"I know you do!"

"You don't have to agree, as my future wife you should be defending me."

"Why on earth would I ever want to do that?"

"Witch."

"You know it." She threw a ball of crumpled up paper at him.

"Hey!" He returned the favor by throwing a fist full of ribbons at her.

Pansy sobered quickly before a full war could erupt. "Our robes for the New Year's Ball will be delivered tomorrow."

Draco nodded. "What color?"

"Black for you, naturally, trimmed with deep gray. My robes are deep sea blue." She smiled slyly right then. "Guess who I saw in Gladrags?"

"There is no telling. Did you terrorize them?"

"It was the mudblood and the female Weasel, trying on satin robes no less. Well, Granger was trying on robes and the Weasel was just sitting there being useless as Weasleys are wont to do."

He glanced away quickly before his eyes could betray him. He remembered Pansy storming out of the shop right after he glanced at Ginny in the window, of course that was about the time that Blaise had tried to attach herself to his arm as well. Maybe his secret was still safe. "Satin," he said dubiously, wrinkling his nose in offense. "How garish."

"You fancy her don't you?"

"Fancy who," he asked, furrowing his brows like he was irritated.

"Weasley," Pansy said slowly, watching him carefully.

He felt a knot immediately tighten in the pit of his stomach. If Pansy suspected anything more than just his idle fascination with Ginny, things will have just gone from bad to much worse. Draco reasoned there was no way she could possibly know about the other night when he and Ginny had narrowly escaped Filch. Granted he was snippy and spent too much time in the shower that evening, but still there was no possible way. "What about Weasley?"

"You're in love with her that's what," Pansy stated in her matter-a-fact way.

~*~

Ginny stood in front of the mirror in the dress robes she wore last year to the Autumn Ball. The deep red garment was almost too small then. This year her ankles were showing and her breasts threatened to spill over the neckline with every breath. She imagined that these robes would be appropriate if she were standing on a corner in Knockturn Alley.

She picked through the colorful pile of robes Hermione had deposited on her bed earlier that morning. She'd been through them once already, finding nothing to suit her tastes, but the situation was more dire now. The ball was four days away and she had nothing to wear, well nothing that fit properly anyway.

Lavender's simple bright blue dress robes were really her only choice. Padma's richly embroidered ivory robes were too tight all around, especially in the hips, causing Ginny to curse being a Weasley. She was afraid to try an alteration charm for fear of ruining the stunning garment. She didn't know what Hermione was thinking with the deep pink robes. Didn't she realize her best friend had red hair and that simply doesn't mix with pink? Besides, Pansy used to wear pink all the time. She didn't even want to know who'd offered up the lemon yellow robes.

She slipped on the blue robes once more, the material falling loosely over her curves. She stood in front of the mirror for long minutes accessing what could be done with alteration charms.

"That isn't a good color for you, dearie," the feminine voice of the mirror observed.

Ginny cinched in the waist slightly from behind, inspecting her image. "Who asked you?"

"The ivory robes looked stunning on you."

"I like to breathe too," she snapped. "Damn Padma's skinny arse." She snatched Lavender's robe off, throwing it across the room in disgust. "This is pointless!"

She stalked around her dormitory room cursing under her breath. She cursed being poor, her red hair and freckles, and formal balls. Ginny had begged her mother for dress robes for weeks. She'd even written to Bill and Charlie imploring them for help. It wasn't like she'd asked for silk robes, she would have settled for second hand robes if they'd only fit. And for all her effort she got nothing. Tears of frustration pooled in her brown eyes.

Finally she threw herself on the bed, letting out a long, guttural howl of rage.

Ginny allowed herself a good cry until her head started to throb, after that she lay quietly sniffling. She freed her mind to explore possible solutions to her dilemma until it lit upon Malfoy.

Draco offered the most wicked solution to her problems. A sly smile curled her mouth as she turned the possibility over in her mind. She had something he obviously wanted badly, very badly if she was right. After all, he was all but stalking her in the corridors.

Although she had to admit that deep down she wanted the same thing he did.

"I wonder," she pondered aloud. "How much Malfoy would pay me to sleep with him?"