Disclaimer: I own nothing but a lingering hangover from Halloween
Chapter 16: The Other Side of the Coin
The loud whistle of the train jarred Colin out of his sleep. He had fallen asleep after Ginny had left his compartment. He knew that she had been upset and needed some time to compose herself, his running after her would not help the situation.
He cracked blue eyes open and he spotted a figure sitting opposite him.
"Gin?"
A red head lifted up. "Hey Colin, sorry I ran off like that, I just needed to get some air."Ginny apologized half-heartedly.
"You don't need to apologize. Ginny, you do what ever you need to do, just remember that I will be there for you, I always will be." Colin held her eyes.
"Thank you, Colin. That means a lot to me." Ginny set aside the book of spells she had been perusing. "It looks like we're there."
Colin stood up and shrugged his school robes on. Ginny was doing the same. "Those are some nice robes." Colin remarked laughingly.
"Why yes they are! Thank you Colin I appreciate them so much."
"Well you know I need my 'pseudo-girlfriend' to look her best."
"You prat!" Ginny thwaped Colin's arm as they pulled their trunks out and made ready to leave the train. "your 'pseudo-girlfriend'!" she huffed in mock indignation.
Ginny was laughing as she exited the compartment, but was quickly silenced - leaving their compartment at the same time was Ron, Harry and Parvati.
Ginny stopped in the door way, momentarily thrown off. Colin who was more concerned with dragging his trunk along ran into Ginny's back.
"What the bloody..." Colin sputtered as he picked strands of red hair from his mouth. He looked up and saw where Ginny's eyes were directed. Ron stood in the opening to the next compartment. Neither he nor Ginny were moving. Both seemed paralyzed. Colin was shocked by the tension that now filled the small hallway.
Colin could see Harry behind Ron, his eyes were hooded and his head bowed. Colin could feel the rigidity in Ginny's back as she stared at her brother, she fairly ripped with tension. Parvati remained silent sending confused eyes between Ron and Ginny.
Ron's eyes were unreadable at first, but as the silence continued they seemed to intensify with anger.
The standoff was interrupted by a cold voice.
"Weasley... I understand that it is difficult to remember, but it is one foot then the next."
Ron whipped his head around at the sound of Draco's voice.
"Malfoy" he sneered his name with more contempt than Colin had ever heard him use.
Colin watched the red creep up Ron's neck and over his ears. He could fairly see Ron's blood boil. Colin was a bit shocked. He had been witness to many of the infamous Weasely-Malfoy confrontations over the years, but this was more intense than anything he had ever witnessed.
Ron sputtered a bit as Draco approached. Hermione followed behind him. Light glinted off his head boy pin. Colin was a bit shocked at this revelation; he had assumed Harry would be Head boy.
"You... Head... No..." Ron sputtered as he too stared at the pin on Malfoy's chest.
"Hmm... Weasley have we also forgotten how to speak? What a shame" Draco drawled as he lifted his robe away from Ron and walked by.
"Bugger off Malfoy!" Ron finally managed to respond in spite of his anger.
Colin watched Ron seethe. Hermione came to stand next to Harry who encircled her waist with his arm. Finally Colin returned his attention to Ginny. He noticed that her muscles had relaxed a bit. Looking at her profile he noticed that her vision was no longer directed at her brother, but instead she seemed to be looking at Malfoy. There wasn't fear or anger, as Colin thought there might be. He couldn't determine what expression was in her brown eyes, yet he could tell it was far from contempt.
Even more shocking, as Colin looked toward the other occupant of the small hallway, was the expression in Draco Malfoy's gray eyes. His eyes were completely unreadable, but as they looked toward Ginny, Colin thought he could make out a spark in his clouded eyes. A multitude of questions flooded Colin's mind as Draco made his way past them to his own compartment.
Colin was a bit shocked, there was no, "move it mudblood" or "I know I am attractive, but must I remind you I don't swing that way" from Malfoy as he walked past. Things had changed remarkably this summer; Colin would figure it out... eventually.
"Ron?" Hermione placed a hand on Ron's shoulder.
"I'm fine, I just hate that bloody prat!" With that remark he turned swiftly toward Ginny throwing her a deadly glare.
Colin was shocked. He now understood Ginny's tearful comments as she ran out earlier.
"Come on Ron, let's go" Harry pulled at his friends upper arm, directing him out of the train.
Colin looked down at Ginny. "What just happened there?"
"I told you Ron and I are having some problems." She laughed bitterly.
Colin widened his eyes at the cynicism and bitterness that Ginny exuded. "Gin!"
"Don't worry Colin; I'm used to it now. He's not the only one. Haven't you noticed all the stares we have been getting? As much as I would like it, it's not because people think we are dating."
Colin could tell she was lying; she wasn't used to the hatred Ron seemed to harboring toward her. It hurt her deeply, but Ginny was good at putting up a façade this he knew. Colin wanted to ask about the encounter with Malfoy that intrigued him more than the confrontation with Ron. He knew that he would not receive a satisfactory answer now; he would have to hold that question for later.
"Come on lets get into the school." Ginny sighed as she gripped her trunk and forged ahead.
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Blaise Zabini sighed. He ran long tan fingers through his black hair. His uniquely violet eyes were sharp with intellect as he surveyed the occupants of his compartment. It was nearly the entire Sylterin house, years 4 and above.
It was sad really, the glory that their house was renowned for was now lost on the battlefield as with most of their classmates. Those that were left were a mismatched group. Some had chosen to fight against the Dark Lord, others had remained neutral, others were questionable. But all had been taken down a notch.
It was a bit odd, while other houses grieved the loss of classmates, Syltherins didn't or rather couldn't. They took strength from their cold exterior and ability to turn an indifferent shoulder to death and destruction.
For Blaise it was a chance to enhance his own standings, an opportunity he gladly took up. Draco was out. No Slytherin could respect the Malfoy heir. They knew he had turned on his own father and his own legacy. They didn't know why he chose that path - it wasn't necessary. All they saw was the potential power vacuum; Blaise was one of the first to act upon it.
Blaise himself had remained an observer to the battle; his family was aligned with the dark lord, but on a more economic basis rather than on the political or physical basis. The Zabini's were deeply steeped in continental politics, they invested heavily in Britain. His father was the family's liaison with British investors. They dealt primarily with potions supplies and wine, an odd combination that proved quite lucrative. As much as high crust wizarding society detested muggle Britain they were enamored with the wines of the continent and it was up to the Zabini's to provide. Blaise had been taught since birth that profit was the motive and politics mattered only when it could be manipulated to your favor. He never took an unwavering stance; after all you never knew when a little flexibility could work in your favor.
Speaking of flexibility Blaise looked down at the lithe blonde who was curled at his side. What was her name again; she was a fifth year that much he knew. Mary, no... Lauren, no - she was the girl from the pub last week, Gwen that was it! She was a flexible one Blaise thought, thoroughly appreciating her attentions in the water closet halfway through the trip. But her clinging concerned him a bit - that wouldn't do now would it.
Blaise looked up and caught Millicent's blue eyes. He smirked at her eliciting a small smile from the larger girl. He knew she was hurting; most of her family had been wiped out in the war. It wasn't because they were adamant supporters of Voldemort rather they had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Millicent's father dealt heavily in the importing of magical creatures. They had been caught in a ploy to bring out Dumbledore and his army. False reports of a transfer of a herd of dragons would occur on the Bulstrode's property had reached Dumbledore. A large battle ensued, with both her parents falling as casualties.
Millicent had been at his house at the time; her younger brother remained at their home and somehow survived unscathed. During the summer Millicent often spent time at the Zabini home. They had been friends since they were children. They had played on a quidditch team together before they had entered Hogwarts and their parents had been acquaintances. They weren't as close as when they were younger - Blaise had discovered women and no longer had time for childhood chums - but they were still friends and he worried for her.
Her little brother was a first year. Pansy hadn't allowed him to come in. It was probably for the better considering the debauchery that occurred in the compartment. He didn't understand what Pansy held over Millicent that was making her do her bidding.
He watched Millicent's eyes dart to the door and back to him. She wanted to go to her brother he could read it in her eyes. But as a Slytherin it wouldn't do to show too much emotion, even if it was a family member. She would have to watch herself.
Blaise looked over toward Pansy who currently was currently wrapped around a sixth year (pickings were slim now). He locked eyes with Millicent again and mouthed 'go'. She smiled weakly and mouthed back a 'thanks'. She quietly snuck from the compartment to find her brother.
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Millicent escaped the small compartment that she had been forced to spend several hours in, Merlin she hated Pansy Parkinson! Millicent understood the dynamic that was emerging. Pansy was making a move for power, with Draco out of the picture little stood in her way. But did she have to be such a slag about it.
It had been suffocating to be held in that room, forced to be witness to the debauchery and games that were being played. Millicent wasn't a participant in the acts that occurred she never had been, and wasn't sure that she ever wanted to be.
Millicent preferred the company of her friends, chatting about quidditch as such. She wasn't interested in gaining power through her sex appeal. A small voice in the back of her head reminded her that her lack of interest in such activities may stem from the fact that she possessed no sex appeal.
She was under no self delusion that she was a pretty girl; in fact she found it easier to rarely contemplate her status as a woman. She knew she was a big girl - she had been told so every day of her life. Her mother often felt that reminding her of her size would prevent her from eating and thereby rectify the problem. Unfortunately for her mother, her plan seemed to have the opposite effect, prompting Millicent to consume more in anger and sadness. She had a plain face that she supposed would be passable if she were thin, framed by shoulder length dark brown hair. She never gave much time to her looks, knowing that it would go to waste. She was better off remaining friends than piddling away time pining over them.
But, that little voice reared up again, that isn't entirely true now is it. You do pine away for a boy, a boy that will never see you as anything but a friend. You waste plenty of time thinking about him don't you. Millicent tried to block her thoughts regarding a certain seventh year Slytherin from her mind, but knew she was fighting a losing battle. She had loved him for far too long...
She was interrupted by a shout down the hallway "Millie!" Millicent cringed slightly at the familiarity, but quickly smiled when she caught sight of her younger brother, Wesley.
"Wes!" Millicent sat down on her haunches and let the small form of her brother plow into her. He was a bit young for school, but Dumbledore had made an allowance since her family was gone and her nearest relatives were in Romania.
Wes hugged his sister fiercely. He had been left alone for hours and missed his sister dreadfully. He had developed an especially strong attachment to his older sister since the death of their parents. It had been hard on him he had watched his parents die from the window of his room. Millicent had found him huddled in his room with tears pouring down his cheeks. It had taken him nearly a week to speak again. Then it had been a torrent of memories that had brought tears to Millicent's eyes and still did to this day.
Millicent had vowed to never leave her brother alone like that again. He was all that she had left.
"How are you doing Wes? Have you made any new friends?"
Wes lowered his head. "Naw" Millicent ruffled his light brown hair.
"It's alright kid. You'll have plenty of time once you get sorted." Millicent grabbed his hand and headed down the hallway in search of a compartment they could sit in. She found Malfoy's compartment empty so she entered and sat down with her brother.
Wes sidled up next to her, still holding her hand for reassurance. "What will sorting be like? I heard that they make you swim across a lake and fight off a giant squid!" His eyes were wide with horror and excitement.
Millicent laughed. She remembered her time on the train her first year. Rumors had run rampant regarding what they would go through in order to be sorted. She wasn't about to ruin this tradition. But she was worried for him.
"Wes, I promise you, you will be fine! But that is all that I will tell you." She finished, tweaking his nose.
If anyone had walked by in the remaining hour of the trip they would have been shocked to see this side of Millicent Bulstrode. This Millicent was far from the tough as nails girl that they saw on a daily basis. She stroked her brother's hair as he slept soundly on her side.
Blaise smiled as he peered inside the compartment. They were nearing the school and he thought it best if he found her before Pansy started asking questions.
He cracked the door open, "Millicent?" he whispered.
Millicent raised sleepy eyes to the new occupant. "Blaise!" She smiled broadly at him.
Blasie entered the compartment and took a seat next to her. "How is he doing?"
"As well as to be expected..." Millicent sighed. "I don't know how he is going to handle being separated from me at school."
"He'll probably be a Slytherin and then you'll see him all the time." Blaise reassured her.
He thought he heard her whisper "I hope to god not" as the train whistle blew, but he wasn't sure.
Wes awoke at the sound of the shrill whistle. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and smiled as he saw Blaise.
"Blaise!"
"Hey there tyke! How goes it?"
"Great! I'm a little scared about this whole sorting. I don't know if I can fight off a giant squid." Wes screwed up his features in comical worry.
Blaise laughed. "I'm sure you will fight them off admirably! Now its time for us to get off this blasted train and head to school."
Wes jumped up and gladly followed the older boy out.
Millicent stood back in silence. Thanking Merlin that they had Blaise, for however they had him...
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I know this chapter is a bit short *apologizes profusely* but I wanted to wait before but starting their entrance into the school, which would be a little much for one chapter. I will try my best to get the next part of the chapter out soon!
I want to remind everyone to check out my live journal http://www.livejournal.com/users/scarlett_wfu/ for somereason this link is not showing up so check out my profile and I will put the link there
Currently there is a Remus/Ginny fic posted there entitled "Red hair... that I wrote (I know it sounds bizarre especially from me - but if you read it you might be pleasantly surprised!)
In the next few days an out-take from this will be posted - it's H/Hr the night before they get on the Hogwarts Express.
Remember that these are of the NC-17 variety so you have been warned : )
There is also a plot bunny that I had to get out involving an Oliver Wood fic - it will be developed into a full story when I find the time
Leave me a note - thanks for all the reviews!