One Week Until Destiny

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to JKR.

A/N: Many thanks to my awesome beta, Southern_Witch_69.

This is my response to LOTM's YLC challenge. For rules see the end of chapter one.

Chapter Eight

One Week Until Destiny

Luna finished her article as fast as she could and went to lock up for the night. Impulsively, she picked a rose out of the vase and quickly Apparated home. She called on her only house-elf, Moonbeam, and asked her to prepare a picnic basket and to put the rose inside.

Rushing upstairs, she took a quick shower, changed her clothes, and added some perfume. After applying some light makeup, she quickly spelled her hair dry and brushed it until it gleamed. Satisfied with her appearance, she left her room.

Just as she was descending the stairs, Moonbeam appeared with the basket. Smiling brightly, Luna headed for Azkaban. The first thing she saw when she walked in was her Greg hunched over a parchment, furiously writing something.

"I hope I'm not interrupting you," she softly said. Greg jumped anyway.

When he realized it was Luna standing at the door, Greg's lips extended to a huge grin. "Not at all! Just writing a report. Please, come in and sit down!"

Startled, Luna said, "Greg! You have a black eye! What in the name of Merlin has happened to you? Here, let me see," she babbled as she gently took his face in her hands to examine his eye.

"Damn! Did he actually blacken it?"

"Yes, he did. Who is he?" Luna demanded.

Greg sighed heavily. "My father. He's just getting worse. I had to put him in solitary confinement tonight because of this," he explained as he pointed to his eye, "and he told me if he ever gets a chance, he will kill me."

"Oh, Greg, I am so sorry to hear that. Come here," she invited, as she held her arms out to him, wanting to comfort.

Greg didn't really need the comfort, but he would be damned if he was going to turn down a chance to be in her arms. He stepped up to her, and she hugged him tightly. "I brought us a picnic supper to share, but if you are not up to it, I can leave it here for you to have later."

"I am always interested in seeing you, love. Please stay and join me."

After awarding him with a smile and a light kiss, Luna sat at the other side of the table and started taking the food out of the basket. When she spotted the rose, Luna handed it to Greg. "This is for you. Thank you so much for the flowers; they are absolutely gorgeous! You made my day."

Feeling embarrassed, he only nodded and took the rose from her hand and started in on the chicken. They ate in companionable silence for a bit before Luna asked, "What are you doing Wednesday night?"

"Nothing," he answered.

"Would you like to come to my place for dinner? I make a very good roast beef."

Feeling very happy about receiving the invitation, Greg said, "Yes, I would love to. I get off from here at six Wednesday evening. Would seven be okay?"

"Perfect," she agreed as they finished their meal. Things are looking up for me indeed.

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

Monday morning had come too early for Hermione Granger. She hadn't slept well the night before because visions of Severus Snape kept filling her unconscious mind. Sighing, she got up to ready herself for the day.

She'd pushed Severus' file to the top of her list and was almost finished with all the grunt work and research needed to approve him. Absently, she thought about all the other requests she still had to go through. Another long day for me!

After a shower and a quick breakfast, she was just finishing her tea when an official looking owl flew in her window. Breaking off a piece of toast to feed the owl, she gently took the letter tied to his leg. Hermione gasped and almost dropped the letter as she eyed the outside of the parchment and read:

Yenta Livery Company

With shaking hands, she opened and read the letter.

Miss Granger,

The YLC

"Oh, my God! How could I have forgotten about that? Now what will I do? Well, I have some time to think on it. Ninety-nine percent? Wow, that is high. Who could it be?" Looking at the clock, Hermione sighed and put the letter in her top dresser drawer. I will think more on this later.

After she'd Apparated to work, Hermione began by going through her ingredients by owl requests. She hated those because she didn't always know exactly who was doing the requesting.

With her mind on the letter from the YLC and Severus, she began opening letters. Suddenly, two things happened at once: Her boss knocked on her door, and her hand began burning terribly from the letter she had just opened.

"Ouch! Damn! Enter, Mr. Wimple."

"Hermione? What's happened? Why, you're hurt!"

"It's nothing...just bubotuber pus."

"Nonetheless, you will go immediately to St. Mungo's. How did you get bubotuber pus on you?"

Pouting, she said, "I don't need to go to St. Mungo's." Then, sighing, she decided she would have to come clean about the threats she'd been getting. "I have been getting some rather nasty letters of late. At first, just name calling and such, but here lately, I've received idle threats. I guess she decided to actually go through with one."

"She? Do you know who is sending you these letters?"

"Not for certain, no, but I highly suspect Mrs. Nott. The letters started coming immediately after I refused her an ingredient request, and she didn't even bother to disguise her handwriting or use a dicto-quill."

Narrowing his eyes, her boss asked, "Why is this the first I am hearing of this? I should have been notified at once!"

"Because I didn't really take the threats that seriously. Perhaps I should have." Suddenly, she hissed, and tears started streaming out of her eyes.

"I'm sorry, my dear! Let's go now and discuss later."

Hurting too badly to argue, Hermione gratefully let herself be Flooed to St. Mungo's. Once there, in her rush to ease the burning of her hand, she barely noticed the flash of a bulb as she was rushed back to a room.

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

Severus Snape scowled into his morning coffee as he sat at the head table listening to all the dunderheads chirping happily around him. Only two more days until Christmas break! He was still disgusted that he hadn't owled Hillary yet. The witch would be leaving on Friday. What was he waiting on? As the answer came to him, he scowled even deeper. Damn Granger! She is nothing to me except a pain in my arse. I have no commitment to her; there is no reason I should not owl Hillary. Except the fact he could not get Hermione out of his head.

Suddenly, the morning owls arrived, interrupting his thoughts. He paid them no mind, as he very rarely received anything. Just then, he was startled by an owl holding out its leg to him. The professor took the letter as the owl stole a piece of toast from his plate and flew off.

His eyebrows shot up as he read:

Yenta Livery Company

Damn Narcissa and her meddling ways! Now look at this mess. Resignedly, he opened and read:

Professor Snape,

The YLC

Ninety-nine percent? Highly unlikely. This place must've gone downhill. I have never heard of anyone scoring that high.

"SEVERUS!" Madame Hooch yelled.

"What is it? Surely there is no need for you to bellow in my ear, Rolanda!"

"Wouldn't be if you paid attention. What's that you've got there? Did you fill out a marriage compatibility test? What company did you use? What's your score?"

Cursing to himself that he'd allowed anyone to see the letter, he told her, "My letters are none of your concern. Mind your own business, woman!"

"Well, pardon me! I was just considering filling out one myself. Thought you might have some advice, that's all."

"Well, I don't." With that, Severus walked out of the Great Hall, robes billowing behind him. Now what will I do? I suppose I should at least meet with the witch. Only, he didn't want to. He wanted to see Hermione. Blast that woman!

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

Wednesday night found Ginny sitting in Fred and Padma's home with the rest of the Wicked Wazzock Warriors. Only Fred and George would name a team that, Ginny thought, amused. They were going to exchange gifts. Christmas wasn't until Saturday, but with the ball, the twins wanted to do it ahead of time. Plus, they wanted to give the team a pep talk before their scrimmage game against the Falmouth Falcons scheduled for Monday.

"Okay, team, Accio your gifts and rip into them!" George said excitedly. He was like a kid in a joke shop.

After the team had their gifts, Fred said, "What are you chaps waiting for? Let 'er rip!"

As they tore into their packages, Ginny slowly opened her gift and kept one eye on Draco. She knew he was going to be angry and decided to brace herself. She looked in her lap to find a beautiful quill and stationary set. The note read:

Happy Christmas, Ginny!

Angelina

Smiling, Ginny looked up to thank Angelina, but she instead met the furious eyes of Draco Malfoy.

Flint suddenly reached into Draco's box and pulled out his gift for all to see. It was a red and silver jersey, their team colors. On the top of the back was the number 01. Just under it were two words: Ferret Boy.

Everyone in the room burst out laughing except Ginny and Draco. She had not seen that look in his eyes since she'd spoke ill of his family that first day of practice. His cold stare made her shudder and look down. She'd known that he would be mad, but she hadn't expected to see that level of fury.

"Oh, the bouncing ferret!" Katie cried. "I had almost forgotten that!"

"Quite funny, that was," George said.

"Indeed," his twin agreed. "Instead of Malfoy on your team shirt, you can just use Ferret Boy!"

Hating to be the laughingstock in any situation, Draco got up, turning his cold, grey eyes towards Ginny, stormed over to her, threw the jersey in her face, and walked out the door without once looking back. How stupid can I be? I actually thought... Oh, well. It matters not. I will get that witch for this if it's the last thing I do! Draco vowed.

As he walked out, Ginny fought back tears of shame. Why is it every time I do anything concerning that wizard I am the one who ends up feeling horrid? It was just a joke! However, deep down, Ginny knew she had gone too far. I will just have to make it up to him somehow! Ginny vowed.

After she had Flooed home and got ready for bed, she noticed a small wrapped package on her bed. Cautious, she checked it for Dark magic or spells. Not finding any, she opened the gift. Inside was a small bottle of French perfume. The note simply said:

Ginevra,

Draco

Ginny gently laid the perfume down and began crying.

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

As far as dinners went, Greg decided he'd never had a better one in his life. He was now sitting in Luna's sitting room, having tea and biscuits, and could not think of any place he'd rather be.

Patting the space beside her on the couch, Luna said, "Greg, why don't you come and sit by me?"

"All right," he answered. As he got up from the chair he was sitting in, he placed his cup and saucer on the table. He wanted his hands free.

Noticing that he'd put aside his tea, Luna quickly followed suit. "I have enjoyed having you here tonight."

"Can't have enjoyed it more than I enjoyed being here. Thank you for dinner; it was lovely."

"You're more than welcome," Luna said as she blushed. Wanting to be closer to him, she scooted over a bit.

When she looked up at him with her big, silver-tinged eyes, it was more than Greg could take. Framing her face in his hands, he murmured, "Luna," almost a whisper, and then he bent his head to taste her lips.

It was Greg that moaned first when Luna immediately opened her mouth for him. She had wanted to kiss him for a long time, too.

Then, it was Luna who moaned as Greg sucked her bottom lip with his mouth. He just couldn't get enough.

Reluctantly removing his mouth from hers to allow them to breathe, he started nibbling on her jaw, sucking in places as he feasted. When his hand cupped her breast, she jumped back. "Sorry... Sorry," Greg apologized as he tried to calm himself down. "I didn't mean to--"

"No, I'm sorry. It's just that... Well, um--"

"Are you a virgin, Luna?" Greg asked kindly.

"Not really." At his raised eyebrow, she hastily added, "I have had sex...once...with Neville. It was the night before the final battle. We'd decided that should something happen, we didn't want to die virgins, so we made love. Actually, it was two times, but both in the same night," she explained, blushing as she went.

"I see, and you loved him very much, didn't you?" Greg instinctively knew that love was the key for Luna.

"Yes, I did. I still love him. I suppose a part of me always will. Does that bother you?"

"No, not really, but I am not after competing with a ghost, Luna. I won't. I also can't be a replacement."

"Oh, no, never that! Besides, I couldn't replace Neville if I tried." Smiling and leaning into him, Luna assured, "When I am with you, Greg, I don't have any thoughts of Neville, and lately, wherever I am, I only have thoughts for you."

Surprised, but happily so, Greg leaned down and kissed her. "You invade my thoughts as well. I am really starting to care for you, love."

"And I am really starting to care for you, too. Just... could we take things a little slower? I mean, the snogging can continue, but for now, can that be enough?"

"Luna, my love, just being with you is enough, and if I get a snog or two out of it, well then, all the better."

Smiling, Luna reached up to cup his face this time. "All the better it is then," she murmured, as she kissed him tenderly.

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

Hermione couldn't believe it was already Thursday. After being treated at St. Mungo's Monday, Mr. Wimple had taken her straight to the Auror division to speak with someone about her threatening letters. Exactly what Hermione had wanted to avoid.

Sighing, she remembered the lecture Auror Savage had given her about not reporting the threats. After agreeing she was totally in the wrong, he had finally let her get back to work. However, after she'd stepped into her office, she had been sent home by Mr. Wimple and ordered to take it easy the rest of the day.

Now, it was only two days until the Christmas ball. As Hermione sat gathering her thoughts, a knock on her door startled her. "Enter," she called out.

Her jaw dropped when Severus stepped into the room. His appearance suddenly made her remember the letter she had gotten from the YLC on Monday. Gathering her composure, she asked, "What can I do for you, Severus? No classes today?"

"Of course not, as Christmas break started yesterday. I was just stopping by to check the status of the ingredient you promised I would have Monday next," he lied. He had seen her picture in the Daily Prophet and wanted to make sure she was okay.

That immediately got her ire up. "I said you'd have it by then, and you will. Is my word not good enough for you? Do you want me to sign it in blood?" Why would I think he'd actually stopped by to see me? I could have avoided this if I hadn't cancelled lunch with Ginny, Samantha, and Piper, but I have so much work to do! If I had not been out Monday, I wouldn't be so far behind.

Raising an eyebrow only, he chose not to answer her. Nodding towards her hand, he asked, "What is the bandage for?"

"I accidentally got some bubotuber pus on my hand Monday. It's nothing really."

She must not read the Daily Prophet. If she did, she would realize that her picture was on the front page Tuesday. "You accidentally got it on your hand? Read the paper much, Hermione?"

"Not really. The Quibbler sometimes. Why do you ask?"

"There was a write-up about your so called accident in Tuesday's edition. It said you are being threatened. Is that true?"

"Well, for heaven's sake! It's nothing really. I can't believe that would be newsworthy!"

Starting to get irritated at her blasé attitude, Severus told her, "Threats of any kind are never anything to scoff at. Have you reported them?"

Narrowing her eyes, she said, "I did, and I still say they are nothing to be concerned about. Bubotuber pus, for Merlin's sake! Childish pranks, it is. Nothing more. Now, if there is nothing else," she went on, wanting him to leave, "I have a busy day ahead of me. You are not the only one wanting ingredients."

Knowing a dismissal when he heard one, Severus simply said, "Fine. Good day." Perhaps I should contact Kingsley and see for myself what is being done. The tiresome woman doesn't care enough about herself to make sure it is being taken care of, so someone else has to.

As he turned and walked out, Hermione worked hard on getting her system under control. Only one thought entered her mind. Damn! I forgot to see if he is coming to dinner Saturday night!

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

Hermione awoke the day of the ball resigned to the fact that Severus was not joining her for dinner that night. She had not heard from him since that day in her office and only then because he wanted to check on his precious ingredient. After he'd left, she'd started thinking about all the inquiring he'd done about her hand, and part of her had hoped that had meant he cared on some level. However, if he did care, he would have made plans to meet her for dinner.

Deciding to go to the Burrow to speak with Ginny, who was determined not to go to the ball, she left. Once in her friend's room, she immediately asked "Why, Gin? You bought that new robe and everything. You don't look sick."

"I'm not sick, Hermione," Ginny snapped. "I just don't want to go to the stupid ball. Is that a crime? Should you alert Azkaban?"

Raising her eyebrows, Hermione said, "Whoa! Hold on there. Now, I know something is wrong. If you don't want to tell me, that's fine, but don't snap at me like that for trying to help."

"There is nothing wrong; I just don't feel like going. I'm sorry I snapped. That was uncalled for. Don't press me on this, okay?" Looking at her friend closely, she asked, "You don't read the Prophet, do you?"

"It's all right. I'm sorry I pushed. No, I don't read that rubbish, and I am surprised you do!" Why does everyone keep asking me if I read that paper?

Sighing, Ginny arose from her bed and went to her dresser. "Let me show you something."

After Ginny handed her the paper, Hermione looked at it, utterly gobsmacked. On the front page of Monday's edition was Ginny and Draco, mid snog on the dance floor. Raising her eyebrow, she looked at her ginger-haired friend and asked, "Is there anything I should know?"

"NO! That tosser just came up and started dancing with me when Harry got mad and left me on the floor. I told you about Harry doing that, remember? Well, what I didn't tell you was that Draco took it upon himself to save me from the humiliation. Did a fine job, eh?"

"Doesn't look like you mind too much," Hermione acknowledged.

"I am so confused, Mione. One minute I want to strangle him, and the next I want to snog him senseless. I don't want to be attracted to him, but I am. And after that gift I gave him Wednesday night, well, I really don't want to see what he'll do to retaliate."

"He wouldn't do anything at the ball, Gin. You should be safe there. It would likely be at practice. Please go."

"You won't even notice I'm not there. You will be all wrapped up in Professor Snape," Ginny giggled.

"Not likely! Anyway, do you want to have to explain to your parents and brothers why you're not coming? What did they say about that photo?"

"Much of what you'd expect. My ears are still ringing from it. I finally told them to either bugger off or I'd go stay with him at the Malfoy Manor."

Laughing, Hermione said, "I bet that shut them up!"

"Right in one. I haven't heard anything else about it since."

Shaking her head, Hermione regretfully said, "I'd better go and start getting ready. Will you at least think about coming?"

Rolling her eyes, Ginny said, "Okay! You talked me into it. I'll come. See you there."

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

Sitting in her dressing gown at the kitchen table, Hermione was eating her Chinese takeout. She had already done her hair and makeup; after she ate, all she had to do was get into her robes. Severus would be there to pick her up for the ball at eight. She still had forty minutes to wait.

As she took a big bite of her egg roll, someone knocked on her door. Throwing her napkin down, she rose to answer it. Her eyes rounded with surprise to see Severus standing there.

Raising an eyebrow at the sight of her in a thigh-length, red, satin dressing gown, he snapped, "Well, are you going to invite me in? Dinner was your idea." She looks good enough to be the main course! What does she mean by wearing something so... seductive?

Moving back so he could enter, she said, "I didn't think you were coming. You never said you were, so I just assumed you weren't going to make it. Besides that, you are twenty minutes past the time I'd requested." She looked down at her dressing gown, and her face reddened slightly. "Please excuse my attire."

"As far as I am concerned, your attire is just fine. I had an issue with some of my Slytherins." Smirking, he pointed to the table and asked, voice incredulous, "Is that what we are having? Chinese?"

"Well, like I said, I didn't think you were coming, so... I have enough to share, though, if you'd like."

Saying nothing, Severus just walked to the table and sat down, waiting to be catered to. After a few minutes of Hermione not moving, he asked, "Well? Are you joining me? Have you a plate and some flatware?"

"Oh, excuse me! Yes, just one moment." Severus admired her legs as she walked into the kitchen. When she came back, she had a plate, a fork, and some tea for him. After she made sure he was settled, she sat opposite him.

After eating a bit in somewhat companionable silence, he asked, "How did you enjoy your apprenticeship in France?"

"Oh, it was lovely! I spent a wonderful year there."

"Oh? You weren't overworked then?" When Hermione shook her head no, he asked, "What all did you get to experience?"

"Oh," she started excitedly, "everything! I saw all the sites, ate all the foods, wrote in a journal, and took a French lover of course." She smiled brightly at the memories. "I would love to go back and visit someday."

"The country or the lover? What was his name?"

Cocking her head, she replied, "Both I should think! His name? Why, Pierre, of course! What else?"

Severus snorted and took in her mischievous gaze. "Pierre? How cliché!" He smirked. "Come now, Hermione. Couldn't you think of a better name for a fake lover?"

She grinned. "It was the first name that came to mind." She took another bite of her egg roll. "How did you know I was only joking about taking on a French lover?" He simply shrugged and continued chewing his food. "Seriously, I didn't do that the first time there, but the next time I visit, I fully intend to. Isn't that what every tourist is supposed to do?"

Laughing despite himself, he told her, "I wouldn't mind going there myself again someday. It has been many years since I have seen the Eiffel Tower. Tell me, did you have time to actually do any work with potions?"

Sticking out her chin, she coolly replied, "I have my Mistress of Potions title, don't I? Tell me, do you ever regret not apprenticing me? Or how nasty you have been over the years?"

Sighing, Severus explained, "No, I don't. If I regretted one thing, I would have to regret everything, and trust me... I have done much to regret. I can't live my life on regrets, or I would not want to go on living. So, I leave the past in the past and don't dwell on it in order to survive. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I do actually. It makes perfect sense. Besides, we're not the same people we were then, I think."

"No," he agreed, "we're not."

They continued the rest of the meal, talking of his project and various things of interest, enjoying each other's company immensely.

Soon, Hermione had to go finish getting ready for the ball. She would have been surprised to find out that Severus didn't want to leave her flat any more than she did.

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

The ball was in full swing when Ginny arrived. She'd bought a deep emerald green robe for the occasion and felt pretty. Her mood was much better, and she was ready to dance. She went to the bar to get a drink in order to scope out the crowd.

Draco had noticed her the moment she'd walked into the room. It really gnawed him that she looked extremely beautiful. He wanted her with a vengeance, but he had made up his mind that he would not act on it. She goes too far. Besides that fact, she is a Weasley and beneath me!

Looking over and seeing a very inebriated Marcus Flint, an idea came to Draco. "Say, Flint, see Weasley there?"

"Yeah, he came in with his hot little wife about an hour ago. How he got a piece like that--"

"No, you dolt! Ginevra! There," he pointed, "by the bar!"

"Ginevra? Oh, you mean Ginny? Yeah, she's a hot little piece, too. Man, I'd love to get a hold of her...if you know what I mean."

"Well," Draco drawled, "you're in luck. I heard her tell Angelina and Katie that she thinks you're a looker, and she wants you. You should go make a move while she is sitting there all alone."

"A looker, you say?" Marcus was surprised. Ginny had never looked twice at him that he had ever noticed. "Yeah, I think I will. Thanks, mate."

Draco just grinned and sat back to enjoy the show.

Ginny was startled when a big hand grasped her shoulder. "Marcus! You scared me. Are you having fun?"

"Not really, but I hope to be soon," he said as he leaned towards her.

Ginny backed away. He was obviously drunk. "Well, that's nice," she said, not knowing what else to say.

"Let's dance... for starters."

"Um, no, thank you. I was just going to finish my drink here." Ginny was really starting to get a weird feeling.

"No problem. I don't mind waiting." Marcus all but leered at her.

"Well, I really need the loo. Have a nice evening." Ginny suddenly wanted to get as far away from Flint as possible.

Saying nothing, he watched her walk off. After a minute, he decided to follow her.

Draco laughed. Any minute now, Flint will come back with a handprint on his cheek, and Weasley will be thoroughly disgusted. Serves the witch right, I say!

After a few minutes, Draco wondered what was keeping Flint. Deciding to go see for himself, he was shocked at the sight before him. The idiot had Ginny pinned against the wall with his body, trying to stick his tongue down her throat and his hand up her robe.

"Geroff! I said no!" Ginny was desperately trying to push Flint off of her, but to no avail.

"Come on, Ginny! I know you want it. Draco said you like my looks! He said that you said you want me!"

"Stop it! You're drunk, and I don't want your hands on me. Leave me be, Flint, now!" Ginny was really getting scared. "Get your damn hands off of me!"

Suddenly, Flint was pulled from her and thrown on the ground. "What the bloody hell do you think you are doing, Marcus? When a woman says no, it's no she means!" Draco was barely holding his fury in. He wanted to kill Marcus Flint with his bare hands. How dare he put his hands on her in that manner!

"But... but you told me--"

"Shut it! It doesn't matter what anyone told you! When a woman tells you to stop, you stop. Now, the best thing for you to do would be to remove yourself from my sight before I do something I wouldn't truly regret."

Seeing the murderous look in Draco's eyes, Marcus fled. He knew that Draco meant what he said.

After Marcus left, Draco turned to a trembling Ginny. Softening his voice, he said, "Ginevra? Are you okay? I'm so sorry."

"It's fine. I am just a bit shaken." Turning her frightened eyes to Draco, she said, "I didn't think he was going to stop!" After the first tear fell, Draco tenderly took her in his arms, murmuring to her softly.

Suddenly, she remembered what Flint had said. "Why would he say you told him I wanted him? I never said that! What would make him think...? Oh, I see," she said furiously, shoving Draco away from her. "So, Draco, this is your revenge? Getting me pawed by a drunken Flint? Well, bravo! A job well done, I say."

"No! That is not what I meant to happen. I just meant for him to hit on you some. I never thought he would put his hands on you unwanted."

"Perhaps under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have, but he was drunk, Draco. What did you expect? Now, I have had enough of all this. I can't take anymore. Stay away from me, and I will do you the same courtesy, okay?"

Never, my fiery temptress. "Fine, whatever you want." Nodding once, he walked away, too shaken to argue with her at that moment. He couldn't believe Marcus! Damn! I will just have to make things right between us. Smiling to himself, Draco thought, She won't be able to resist the Malfoy charm once I turn it on full blast! Now, I think it is time I had a little chat with my mate, Marcus.

Ginny decided to go home after that. Not that she was worried about Flint anymore. She knew he would not bother her after Draco had threatened him. She just wanted to leave, especially since she hadn't wanted to come in the first place.

Searching the floor for Hermione, she smiled as she saw the happy look on her face as she danced with Professor Snape. Not likely to be wrapped up in him, eh?

Luna looked just as happy in Greg's arms. I am really going to have to owl her soon and find out the scoop on that!

Hermione or Luna never noticed their friend's distress or observation of them, as they were too busy in the arms of their favorite wizards, exactly where they wanted to be.

Christy's Notes: Well, the first letter has been sent! I wonder how our couple will react to them! Poor, stupid Draco!! *Shakes head*

Southern's Notes: Ginny feels guilty about what she did, and she can't see that Draco didn't mean for it to go so far. What a hypocrite, I say! I like that Snape and Hermione seem to enjoy each other more. Greg and Luna are so very cute.