After Hogwarts

Chapter 15:

The Secret Room:

Ginny woke up the next morning even before Clock woke her. The sky was still black and it was very quiet. There was a certain type of serenity first thing in the morning. She rubbed her eyes as she sat up in her bed and let her eyes adjust to the darkness. For a moment she forgot what had happened the night before, but when she went to stand up, the memories flooded.

"Oh heavens," she put her hands over her face and sat back down on the bed.

It was hard enough to deal with that her dream of Harry was exactly that, just a dream, but on top of that loss, she may have lost a good friend. Not just a friend, but also perhaps the best friend that she ever had. She was kicking herself for the way she treated Draco. Since they had become friends, he had done nothing wrong, he had only helped her. And she in return she took out her frustrations about Harry out on him. She had treated him like dirt.

"Some friend I am," Ginny berated herself, finally getting up so that she could go to the bathroom to take a bath.

Ginny drew a hot bath and filled in with bubbles. She also lit some candles and placed them around the bath. Something about candlelight always made Ginny relax. When the tub was full, she climbed in and soaked for over an hour while she gathered her thoughts. She finally came to the conclusion that she must really put Harry out of her mind, for good. She had tried not letting herself thinking about him, only to fall apart when she did see him. The problem was that Harry still owned her heart. Maybe Draco was right when he said that she needed to get out more. Obviously Harry couldn't see her for the woman she was, but how would she find anyone who could love her if she never gave anyone a chance. She knew that she could no longer hide behind work, just like she used to hide behind school. She was resolved to get past Harry Potter even though she knew that it would be easier said than done. Whenever she would falter from her goal, she would remind herself of last night. She never wanted to feel the pain like that again, not ever. She was ending this one-sided love affair.

Oh heavens, she didn't know what to do about Draco. She behaved like such an idiot. What was she going to say other than apologize for acting like such a brat? She felt so guilty about saying such ugly things to him and bringing her hurt and anger toward Harry out on him. She hoped he would forgive her and they could still be friends. She enjoyed his friendship. He didn't seem that mad, after all he did kiss her, twice...but she hoped that they wouldn't have to discuss the kiss, either of them.

Ginny dunked her head underwater to get that second kiss out of her head and the way it made her feel. She didn't want to even think about that. She and Draco were friends, just friends! He was probably just angry with her and just trying to shut her up. But why did you kiss him back? A small voice in the back of her head kept asking.

"Be quiet!" she yelled to herself before once again dunking her head under the water. She resolved such crazy thoughts and feelings were just a result of being emotional overloaded, nothing more, and nothing less. She simply didn't know what she was doing.

She got out of the bath and was determined to stop thinking about Draco. She knew that she needed to get ready for work and would see Draco soon enough.

When Ginny and Willow arrived at the Malfoy estate she found Draco was already at her favorite tree with a thermos of coffee in his hand.

"Want a cup?" he asked and Ginny nodded. "My mother won't be leaving for a while, she's feeling a bit under the weather."

"Is she okay?" Ginny asked as Draco handed her a hot cup of coffee.

"Yeah, I think so," Draco answered. "Pregnant woman just get sick sometimes, y'know?"

"Yes," Ginny smiled, but really wasn't feeling very happy. She wasn't sure what to make of the situation because Draco was acting like nothing happened.

"Once the baby comes in a month or so, she'll feel much better," he prattled on. "I just hope we have all this stuff surrounding her cleared up by then." Draco and Ginny never discussed the implications of Narcissa's involvement with the strange events. Draco still held on to the hope that his mother was innocent.

"That'd be nice," Ginny unleashed Willow as she answered. She then sat down in the grass and so did Draco. Ginny played with pieces of the grass while Draco drank several cups of coffee, while both of them watched Willow happily hop around. Neither of them said a word for over an hour.

"Draco," Ginny finally spoke up, she was tired of the silence. "I have to apologize for the way I acted toward you last night." Draco wouldn't make eye contact with her.

"It's fine Ginny, I understand," he said.

"No it's not fine," she insisted. "You were trying to help me - no, you did help me and you helped me save face. And in turn, all I did was yell at you and accuse you of having ulterior motives."

"Look Ginny, I did want to help you," Draco said. "But if I'm completely honest with you, then I have to admit that I did enjoy getting the better of Potter. I really can't stand that man."

"Why wouldn't you enjoy getting the best of Harry, I mean you two never got along," Ginny said. "But at the end of the day, you were still there for me and I treated you badly. I'm sorry Draco. I don't want to lose you as my friend."

"Then you consider me, Draco Malfoy, your friend?" he smiled brightly as he asked. Ginny felt such a wave of relief when she saw him smile.

"Yes, I suppose I do," she smiled back. He filled her empty cup with more coffee.

"Then do you think I'm a babe?" he raised one eyebrow, bantering with her.

"Don't push it," she wagged her finger at him sternly, but with a smile.

"Seriously," his attitude took a more serious turn. "Then make me a promise."

"And what would that be?" Ginny asked.

"Never speak of last night and that Potter ever again," Draco flashed a warm smile and held his mug up so that he and could Ginny toast to it, which they did.

"Agreed," Ginny grinned, taking a sip of her coffee. She felt so much better. Things were going to be okay. Life would go back to normal. And he didn't mention the second kiss!

Draco and Ginny sat outside for several hours chatting about nothing in particular and still Narcissa didn't leave the house. As the sun grew hotter and the morning changed into the afternoon, Draco and Ginny started getting restless; even Willow got bored of playing and was taking a nap in a patch of over grown grass.

"It's not like Narcissa not to leave the house at all," Ginny commented.

"She must be feeling worse than I thought," Draco said, seeming concerned.

"Maybe you should go inside and see if she is okay," Ginny suggested.

"That's a good idea," Draco stood up. "Wait here for me, I'll come right back and let you know what's going on." Draco left for his house.

Ginny stretched out on the patch of over grown grass next and lay down right next to Willow and began to stroke her bunny. The sun felt good against her skin. She shut her eyes for just a moment and speedily nodded off.

"Ginny wake up," she felt someone gently shake her. She opened her eyes and was disoriented for a moment. Where was she? This wasn't her room. She looked up and saw Draco kneeling beside her, his blue eyes gazing at her intently.

"Oh heavens, I must have dozed off," Ginny sprung up, suddenly remembering that she was supposed to be working as she dusted bits of grass off her clothes.

"You are quite a sight," his sat next to her laughing as he picked a few pieces of grass from her hair.

"How long have you been gone?" she asked.

"Over an hour," Draco answered. "I wasn't planning on taking so long, but when I went to check on my mother, she was gone. I checked the whole house and she was no where to be found."

"Gone?" Ginny scratched her head. "But we didn't see her leave."

"I know, but maybe she went to a wizarding location. She must have used Floo powder," Draco suggested. "It's the only thing that makes sense. After searching for awhile, I even asked some of the servants if they knew were she was off to, but they looked at me like I was stark raving mad."

"Don't you find that strange?" Ginny asked. "Why would your servants think you're a lunatic for inquiring as to your mother's whereabouts?"

"It's not that odd really," Draco answered. "My family has never been one that runs their schedules by the others, let alone by the servants. I should have known better."

"Sorry," Ginny didn't know what to say. His family sounded so cold, even though he never said it. However, Draco eyes always betrayed him when he spoke of his family, they glinted of sadness.

"No big deal," Draco blew it off.

"I doubt she would be able apparate being as far along as she is, so she must have used Floo powder," Ginny surmised. "I don't see any other way she could have left with out us seeing her." Certain wizards were licensed to apparate, which meant they could transport themselves from one location to another by magic alone and it was common knowledge that this could be dangerous if done incorrectly. In the past, wizards had apparated incorrectly, leaving part of their body in one location and while other parts arrived to their destination. Pregnant witches were discouraged from using this practice because if something went wrong, it could be deadly to the unborn baby.

"You don't think she's on to us, do you?" Ginny suddenly became concerned.

"No I don't," he tried to reassure he, but she didn't look convinced. "Really Ginny, I think we are fine."

"Really?" her eyes were wide.

"Really," he confirmed and Ginny then seemed to relax. "But let's use this opportunity wisely."

"How?" Ginny was curious.

"Let's check out the secret room that I've been trying desperately trying to get into," Draco suggested.

"I think that's a great idea," Ginny excitedly said and then put Willow's leash on. Willow shook her head indignantly for being woken from her nap.

"Let's go," Draco said. Ginny lifted up Willow and they were off.

The closer Ginny got to the Malfoy estate, the bigger it looked. The house was big and impressive and almost intimidating. She couldn't imagine what it must have been like growing up in such a house.

When they entered the house, they were standing in a grand foyer that had 16 feet cathedral ceilings and the floors were done in its original hard wood, which was in mint condition. There was an antique Oriental rug in the middle of the room and an antique desk and chair against the wall on the right hand side. There was a grand spiral staircase that led to the second floor in the middle of the room and there were striking paintings hanging around the room framed in rich, wooded frames. The paintings looked like they must have originals, Ginny guessed that just one painting that hung in the Malfoy house was probably worth more money than her family's whole house.

"Mr. Malfoy sir, Mr. Malfoy sir," in rushed a small house elf dressed in black and white whom sounded out of breath from running and refused to make eye contact when she spoke. "You are home. Can I get anything for you? Or your friend?" The house elf looked strangely at Ginny.

"No Shancy, we are fine," Draco stated to the house elf. The house elf didn't leave and continued to stare at Ginny.

"Why is she staring at me?" Ginny whispered to Draco.

"Did you need something Shancy?" Draco asked the house elf.

"No sir," she began to leave, but then stopped and turned around. "I was just wondering why you brought a muggle girl to the house and why she is carrying around a rabbit on a leash. Very unusual, very unusual indeed." Draco and Ginny both burst out in laughter. They were both used to seeing each other in muggle clothing, but the forgot how strange it appeared to others.

"She is not a muggle," Draco finally said.

"Really?" the house elf finally looked up and her eyes got real wide. "Then why is she dressed so funny?"

"It's none of your business Shancy," Draco scolded the house elf.

"Really Draco," Ginny elbowed Draco. "Her questions are fine," she then turned to the house elf, "My name is Ginny and this is my pet bunny Willow."

"Can I pet her?" the house elf excitedly asked and Ginny nodded. The house elf gleefully petted the rabbit while then asking Ginny why she was dressed so funny.

"I just do this for fun sometimes," Ginny lied. "But I am truly a wizard, watch..." Ginny pulled out her wand.

"WINDGARDIUM LEVIOSA!" Ginny exaggeratedly pointed her wand at her at the house elf, which started squealing as she began to float through the air.

"FINITO!" Ginny once again pointed her wand at the floating house elf and she gently glided back to the ground, the bowing before the little elf.

"Oooow, can we do that again, can we, can we?" the house elf merrily giggled while clapping her hands.

"I think that you should go back to your duties Shancy," Draco commanded, shaking his head at Ginny to stop.

"Yes sir," the house elf one again lowered her eyes and left the room.

"Ginny, don't encourage the house elves the act up," Draco warned.

"Why?" Ginny was surprised at his reaction. "I was just having a bit of fun with her."

"Because if she acts this way around my mother, she will get herself in a lot of trouble," Draco answered. "You have a kind heart, not everyone does. My mother is very particular; she believes that you must act appropriately for your class. Wizards just do not socialize with the help, at all. It's just the way it is. If Shancy tries this on around my mother, she'll probably get severely punished." His answer to her question gave Ginny a bit of insight as to why Draco acted the way he did when they were at Hogwarts. He had always acted superior like he was better than else. He had been arrogant. He had been obnoxious. He had even been cruel, when really all he had been was merely a child emulating his parents.

"Oh," Ginny responded, her heart broke for Draco. She couldn't imagine growing up in such a strict and formal environment, it must have been like living in a museum! Her home may not have been one of material riches, but it was so full of laughter and love.

"Would you like the nickel tour or do you want to get started?" Draco changed the subject. Ginny truly wanted to see the rest of this magnificent house, but she knew they should get started because they couldn't be sure as to when Narcissa would return.

"Let's work first," Ginny replied, but when she saw the look of disappointment on Draco's face so she quickly added, "but I'd love a tour when we are finished." Draco beamed, obviously pleased with the idea of showing Ginny his home.

"Okay then, off to the secret room," Draco said and led the way. They went through several magnificent rooms until they got to what looked like a study. It was a large room with many mahogany bookshelves against the walls; the few walls that were exposed were done in a dark panel. On one side of the room was a dark leather sofa with oak end tables on each side and a matching Queen Anne style cocktail table in front. Across the room was an oak desk with lots of drawers with fancy gold handles. The desk was covered with papers and files, while behind it was a large leather swivel chair that matched the sofa. As Ginny looked around, she observed that behind the desk was a very tiny-bronzed broomstick on a plaque that hanging on the wall. She walked over to it to take a closer look.

"See that broomstick?" Draco stood next to her, pointing to the tiny broomstick.

"Yeah," Ginny answered.

"That was the broomstick I learned how to fly on," Draco smiled as if looking at the broomstick brought back happy memories.

"It's so miniature," Ginny laughed. She couldn't imagine Draco ever being small enough to ride a broomstick that tiny. "You must have been very young when you learned how to fly."

"I was only three years old," Draco eyes were bright while he remembered the day like it was yesterday. "My father said I had a real gift for it. He was certain that I would grow up to play professional Quidditch as a Seeker."

"Your father wanted you to be a Quidditch player?" Ginny was surprised that Lucius Malfoy would pick such a career for his son.

"Well he thought I'd do it until I picked a proper career," the light in Draco's face diminished. "And if he could only see me now. I have no career! Isn't life ironic?" Ginny didn't know what to say, so she opted for changing the subject.

"Your house is just breath taking," Ginny said as she walked around the room. She put Willow, who was again asleep, down on the leather sofa.

"Thanks," Draco said. "But it's just a house, nothing special. This room used to be the drawing room, but my father had it remodeled a few years ago and made it into his study." Draco may think of his house as nothing special because he grew up with lots of money, but for Ginny it was absolutely grand. She couldn't imagine living in such a home! She was certain she'd get lost.

"Remind me never to show you my family home," Ginny teased, but was afraid that if Draco ever saw where she grew up, he'd be aghast. She loved her family home and always thought it was a fine house as far as houses were concerned, but it wasn't even close to being comparable to this house.

"Ginny I'd love to see your house someday," Draco smiled, seeing the uncertainty in her eyes. "This is just a house. Just because it's beautiful doesn't mean that it was a great home. Trust me, one thing that I've learned over the years is that money doesn't make you happy." Ginny was surprised by his response. She walked closer to Draco and put her face really close to his.

"Are you sure you are the real Draco Malfoy?" she wickedly smiled. "Don't make me do it again," Draco narrowed his eyes teasingly at Ginny whose face was still really close to his. He had told Ginny briefly about how it was difficult being the son of a convicted Death Eater, but wasn't comfortable going into detail about what a hardship it had actually been for him. So he was going to avoid the subject and he was picking the most pleasant way he could think of to do that.

"Do what?" Ginny innocently asked.

"Don't make me..." Draco threatened, moving his face closer to hers. Suddenly she jumped back a bit, aware of what he was going to do.

"Stop it!" she starting nervously laughing. "You promised that we wouldn't talk about that again."

"No Ginny, not to be technical or anything, but I made you promised that you wouldn't talk about it..." Draco had a crooked smile on his face, "...besides, I wasn't planning on talking anyway."

"Yeah, I bet..." Ginny giggled, picking up a leather pillow from the sofa and then hitting him in the stomach with it. "Come on, let's get to work."

"Okay then, follow me," Draco was disappointed, but wasn't going to give up that easily. He was learning to be patient. He then walked behind the sofa and pushed it forward just a little bit revealing that underneath the sofa, on the floor there was a tiny latch. He looked around the room to double check that they were alone and then pulled on the latch, which opened the trap door. Draco then pulled out his wand.

"LUMOS!" he said causing his wand became very bright, then gesturing for Ginny to follow him. Ginny grabbed Willow and then followed Draco as he led them down the winding staircase.

The room below was very dark and dusty; it looked like no one had been down there in a very long time. There were cobwebs hanging from the ceiling and the room smelled musty. There were a few old chests lying around, a few pieces of old furniture, and a one bookcase against the wall.

Ginny put Willow down to explore while she and Draco started rummaging through the old chests, which were filled with old clothes and memorabilia, nothing of importance.

"I thought your father had kept dark artifacts down here," Ginny said while she was sorting through a chest of old photos.

"He did, but most everything was confiscated when he was arrested," Draco informed her. "I just thought it was worth looking down here."

"Does anyone use this room? It doesn't look like anyone has been here in ages," Ginny said.

"I haven't been down here in awhile," Draco explained. "This room was always off limits when I was growing up. I only came down here with my father."

When Ginny finished going through the last chest, she walked over to the bookcase and started looking though the bookcase. While she was pulling out different books and looking through them, one dropped on the ground. Willow who had been hopping around the room had begun scratching against the bookcase where the book fell. When Ginny bent over to pick the book up and saw something that grabbed her attention.

"Draco, come here!" she called.

"What is it?" he asked. Ginny was still crouched down on the ground.

"Come down here and check this out," she instructed him. When Draco bent down, Ginny pointed to what she saw, the bookcase cut off that which was a partial footprint.

"Well that makes no sense," Draco said out loud as he scratched his head.

"Is there another room on the other side?" Ginny asked.

"Not that I know about, but that foot print certainly makes it look otherwise," Draco answered.

"Let's look and see if there is a way in," Ginny suggested. Both Ginny and Draco started pulling out different books and looking behind them to see if that did anything. Nothing happened. They then tried to pry open the case and still nothing happened.

"Maybe we were wrong," Ginny said as she leaned against the bookcase, accidentally knocking over a candlestick that was on the bookcase shelf; only it didn't fall off. It bent over like a lever and the bookcase began to open revealing a secret room.

"Brilliant!" Draco cheered as Willow began to thump her hind leg furiously. Ginny bent over and lifted the angry bunny.

"It's okay Willow," Ginny soothed. "We need to go in and investigate this room. Nothing bad will happen." Willow didn't seem convinced and struggled in Ginny's arms.

"Ready?" Draco eagerly asked. "I can't believe this room is here and I didn't know about it!"

"Age before beauty," Ginny nodded for him to go first.

Draco opened the bookcase wider and they went in. This room was nothing like the other room. It was clean and polished. The room was very baron except for thirteen large pillows arranged in a circle and an object in the middle of the circle.

As Ginny got closer to the object in the center of the circle, Willow suddenly bit her, drawing blood and then jumped down. The rabbit began to circle and grunt at the object in the middle.

"Willow calm yourself," Ginny forcefully commanded as she pressed a tissue that she had with her against her bite to stop it from bleeding. She then chased the rabbit, yelling at her to stop. Willow didn't seem to like what Ginny telling her to do, but she eventually stopped running and pressed her body flat against the ground staring at the object in the middle of the circle.

Ginny walked closer to the object and she realized that she recognized it. It looked like a shiny and bright snake and it looked like it was made of silver or platinum, but what really caught her attention was a red glimmer that reflected from the light from Draco's wand. It was a statue and it was about 2 feet high and 2 feet wide.

"Heavens Draco," Ginny gasped. "Do you know what this is?" Draco hadn't been paying attention to what Ginny was doing. He had been searching the walls for additional entrances to other rooms.

"Huh?" he turned around.

"Look!" Ginny pointed to the statue.

"What is it?" Draco asked, but had this sinking feeling that he knew the answer to his own question.

"I think this is the Cursed Serpent," Ginny rushed. "I can't believe we found it, I can't believe it. This is great news!" Ginny then looked at Draco who looked like he lost his last friend. She then realized that this was very incriminating against Narcissa, his mother.

"Oh Draco, I'm sorry..." Ginny didn't know what to say.

"Why are you sorry, you didn't do anything," Draco sounded bitter. He had been hoping that his mother wasn't seriously involved in what was going on even though a small part of him knew otherwise.

"But your mother..."

"My mother is obviously following a dark path, just like my father did," he dryly stated. Before Ginny could respond, they both heard what sounded like a stampede above them.

"Ginny, we need to get out of here," Draco looked alarmed.

"Why? What's that?" Ginny was referring to the noise above them.

"It sounds like the house elves scurrying around, which means my mother is probably home or will be shortly," Draco answered. "Grab Willow and let's get out of here."

"But the Cursed Serpent?" Ginny didn't want to leave it behind.

"We'll deal with that later!" Draco spat, but regretted his tone when he saw Ginny flinch at his words. Ginny hurried and lifted Willow following Draco as he shut the bookcase behind them. They quickly made their way to the winding staircase.

"Nox Extinguish!" Draco quietly commanded his wand to cease being light as they climbed the winding staircase. It was very dark when they got to the top and they stood quietly for a few minutes as he listened to make sure the study was empty before the entered the room.

"Come on," Draco finally said and opened the trap door. Luckily the room was empty and they were able to get out before anyone came in the study.

"Draco, are you okay?" Ginny was concerned about him. She knew that their newest discovery was a hard blow for Draco.

"I can't say I'm great, but I can't say I'm all that surprised either," Draco's mouth moved, but his face looked rigid as he spoke.

"You can bow out if this is too difficult for you," Ginny offered.

"Listen Ginny," Draco's face softened, "You and I made a deal to work together. I may not like what we discovered today, but I am in it with you until the end."

"Really?" Ginny was shocked at his strength. She didn't know if she'd be able to continue if the situation was reversed.

"Really," Draco confirmed but the scurrying of house elves interrupted him.

"Is your mother home?" Ginny asked.

"Let's go find out," Draco said and led her out of the study.

"But she'll see me..." Ginny complained.

"Trust me," Draco smiled.

They walked to several rooms passing several house elves running around in a panic. Ginny was surprised that they seemed to be in such a state. Draco explained this was very common; his mother was quite demanding and had quite a temper when her rules were not obeyed.

They finally stopped in a sitting room that had a huge fireplace that was built of marble and must have been 7 feet high! It was the grandest fireplace that Ginny had ever seen.

"Why did we stop here?" Ginny asked. She was wondering why they just didn't get out before Narcissa found them.

"I have an idea," Draco smiled crookedly. "Trust me?"

"I trust you," Ginny answered, but before she could say anything else a large burst of fire shot through the fireplace and out from the golden flames exited Narcissa who then walked regally, even if she did waddle, towards her son.

"And why is this...muggle...in our home?" Narcissa wrinkled her nose in disgust as she uttered the word muggle. Before Draco could answer, in rushed the house elf named Shancy.

"That isn't no muggle ma'am," Shancy excitedly rushed on, but looked at her feet when she spoke. "She is a great wizard! I saw her do magic. She had me floatin' 100 feet in the air!"

"Really?" Narcissa sounded skeptical.

"Well not 100 feet," Draco interjected. "But Ginny is a witch, a very good witch actually. Perhaps you remember her, she's the witch who got you to the wizarding hospital when you fell ill in muggle London?"

"Oh?" Narcissa's eyebrow rose as she remembered that day. "You'll have to forgive me, I was not at my best that day and I didn't recognize you."

"Nice to see you are feeling better," Ginny forced a smile. She had no idea what Draco was up to and she was beginning to get nervous.

"Can I ask why a great wizard," Narcissa shot Shancy a condescending look, "is dressed like a muggle and why are you carrying that ridiculous rabbit? Is it for dinner?" Ginny gasped and held onto Willow tighter. She was horrified at the thought of Willow being served as the evening meal.

"Actually, Ginny dresses like a muggle on purpose," Draco answered for Ginny. "And as for the rabbit, it is a gift that I bought for her."

"And what possible purpose could she have for dressing as a muggle?" Narcissa asked as she took off her cloak and threw it at Shancy. "And for that matter," Narcissa suddenly became aware that her son, was also dressed in muggle attire, "why are you dressed as a like that?"

"Ginny and I enjoy going to muggle London and reeking havoc on the stupid muggles," Draco laughed and nudged Ginny so she would laugh as well. Ginny did laugh, only she didn't recognize the sound from her mouth. She thought she sounded really forced; however, Narcissa didn't seem to notice.

"Oh really?" Narcissa walked over to one of the comfortable chairs, sat down and snapped her fingers two times in a row, then paused before then snapping her fingers three times in a row. Immediately one house elf brought over a footstool to her and lifted her feet on to it in response to the first set of finger snaps and then another house elf brought her something to drink when she snapped her fingers the second time.

"Yes," Draco once again answered for Ginny. "That's how we met again. She was roughing up these three stupid muggles and I happened upon her and joined in her fun. It was love at first sight." Ginny nearly gasped, but covered her mouth like she had a tickle in her throat.

"You don't seem the type," Narcissa sneered, and then realized that something about Ginny seemed vaguely familiar. "Aren't you a Weasley? I'd know that brassy red hair anywhere," Narcissa then turned to the house elf a muttered so that Ginny couldn't hear her, "it really is the most horrendous color. The whole lot of them has it, like some sort of heinous calling card." The house elf giggled.

"Pardon me?" Ginny nicely asked, even though she was fairly certain that Narcissa had just insulted her.

"Don't be fooled into thinking she is less than I know she is," Draco interjected before his mother could respond to Ginny.

"Really?" Narcissa turned to her son.

"Ginny is a full blooded wizard, mother. She's a pure blood," Draco pressed. "And to be honest, we have been having quite a riot together. She has the most sinister sense of humor," Draco paused looking affectionately at Ginny, trying to make a point with his mother, "and it's because she is a Weasley, she can get away with a lot more than most." Narcissa nodded in agreement, she seemed to like that.

"Well, well," Narcissa said. "Who would have guessed? I suppose I miss judged you." A house elf then approached Narcissa with a piece of parchment. While Narcissa read the parchment handed to her, she began to reprimand the house elf. While Narcissa wasn't looking Ginny mouthed the words, What are you doing, to Draco, but he waved at her to be quiet.

"Anyway Darling," Narcissa looked up to Draco. "I am thinking of having a small dinner party next week, why don't you bring your little friend."

"That would be great mother," Draco answered and Narcissa left the room to attend to some matter with another one of the house elves.

Ginny's face was blanched when she turned and faced Draco. Even though she was mortified, she waited until she knew they were alone before she spoke.

"What do you think you doing?" Ginny was at a loss.

"Getting you an invitation in my house?" Draco smiled, obviously pleased with himself.

"And what does that accomplish?" Ginny put her hands on her hips.

"You want to get the Cursed Serpent, don't you?" he asked and then continued to stare at her. After several moments, she understood! If she were welcome in their house, getting the Cursed Serpent wouldn't be as difficult.

"I see..." Ginny smiled, but was still concerned that this would be too difficult for Draco. "Are you sure that you still want to help me?"

"I told you, we are a team," Draco answered; thinking that at least this time, he knew one of his parents was up to no good and he was old enough to understand it. "And remember, I told you once, awhile ago, that I'd surprise you."

"Draco," Ginny said as he walked her to the front door. "You really are a good guy." Draco swung his head back and put his hand to his heart like he had been hurt.

"Ginny, how can you say such a cruel thing?" he teased. "I have a reputation to maintain!"

"Huh?" she didn't understand.

"How can you so heartlessly disparage my reputation? After all, I am Draco Malfoy, meanest man in the land," he flashed her a brilliant smile and she laughed.

"Oh don't worry," she teased back. "I won't tell a soul. You're secret is safe with me!"