A Stroll in Your Shoes

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter world, or characters etc…

Warning: H/G at beginning, though I wouldn’t really call it anything myself. There are quite a few lewd references, but it’s not really enough to make this story R. If you’re offended by it, I guess you shouldn’t read it. *shrugs*

 A/n:  For those of you who might have read the original story, this is where things will change. I am no longer sticking to the original plot from here on, so don’t expect the chapters to come out so fast because it will take me longer to write them now.

I also should apologise for the long wait, but with university coming to an end I have been swamped with assignments and haven’t had a chance to write. I’ve also been busy with my own Harry Potter site, http://magicsanctum.proboards105.com/  which I would be honoured if you joined ^_^

Thank you van twitch, cheepir, Michelle 14 hpfan, alayneni, Muska, and my anonymous reviewer for all the awesome reviews you gave me. They really do make my day and I love hearing from you!

Connected In More Ways Than One

Blaise looked at Ginny slyly as he stood leaning against the wall, his amber eyes filling with mischievous amusement as he watched her eating the dinner the House Elves had prepared for them. “Aren’t you forgetting something, Weasley?”

Ginny blinked absently, wondering what in Merlin’s name he was talking about. Draco and Hermione turned to look at her curiously, but Ginny merely shrugged at their expressions and turned back to Blaise.

“What?” she asked confused.

“Your date with Pansy,” Blaise replied with an evil grin.

Ginny choked on her food and started coughing uncontrollably. Hermione quickly started patting her on the back, and Ginny, finally mastering control of herself again, looked up at Blaise in horror. “I don’t actually have to go on that do I?” she asked apprehensively.

Draco clapped a hand to his forehead, letting a small groan escape from his lips. “I totally forgot about that!” he exclaimed irritably. Turning to look at Ginny, he gave her a hard glare. “Of course you have to go; do you really think I want you to ruin my relationship Pansy? Though from what I’ve heard you already have…”

Ginny glared right back at him, her eyes flashing dangerously which was a sure sign she was about to lose her temper. “Well I’m sorry!” Ginny shouted furiously, throwing her hands up in the air exasperatedly. “You see how you like it when a girl starts trying to come onto you when you’re trying to eat your breakfast! It’s not exactly something I’m used to!!”

Draco rolled his eyes, completely unaffected by her shouting. “Well I can’t say being snogged by Potter was exactly a thrilling experience,” he retorted dryly. “It’s not like I said rude things to him, so keep that damn temper under control!”

Ginny looked like she was about to go into another rant but Draco cut her off, his own eyes taking on a dangerous glint.

“I don’t care how much you complain, Weasley,” he growled in a low, angry voice. “You’re going on that date whether you like it or not.”

“But I don’t know how you act around girls on dates,” Ginny said quickly, desperately trying to find any excuse on why she could not go. She could just imagine how awkward it would be.

Draco sighed tiredly, looking thoroughly sick of the whole conversation. “You’re a girl aren’t you? I’m sure you can figure it out.”

Ginny opened her mouth to argue some more but Hermione suddenly cut in:

“I think I can find a solution to this.”

“What?” Draco and Ginny both said in unison as they turned to stare at Hermione. Ginny glared at Draco, who was glaring right back. It was slightly disconcerting that he always seemed to react the same way she did….

“You can use the esprit joindre spell to help you.” 

Blaise gave her an odd look, his amusement finally vanishing to be replaced with almost concern. “Are you sure that is safe, Granger?”

Ginny looked at Hermione cautiously. She trusted Hermione, but sometimes her ideas did end up having some unexpected consequences. “What are you talking about?”

“Esprit joindre is a spell that will connect your minds,” Hermione recited from the distant tunnels of her mind where all her innumerable knowledge was stored. She gazed at them frankly, a small smile coming to her lips. “Basically it will feel like you and Malfoy are sharing the same body. You will be able to communicate with each other in your minds.”

“I will not connect myself to that She-weasel in any more ways!” Draco declared hotly. “It is bad enough that I have to be in her body, but being able to read each other’s thoughts? No way!”

Blaise laughed, “Well I guess you won’t care if Pansy dumps you then.”

Draco gazed at Blaise speechless, clearly at a loss for words. He seemed torn between wanting to rant some more and wanting to make sure Pansy didn’t dump him.

Ginny rolled her eyes, sick of the whole business now and just wanting to get this day over with. At least this way she wouldn’t be stuck with Pansy alone, even if she did have to share thoughts with Draco to do it. “Look Malfoy, if you care so much about your girlfriend you’ll do it. I don’t exactly want you in my mind either but it has to be done. Besides, Hermione wouldn’t suggest this if there was any way it could hurt us, would you Hermione?”

Hermione shook her head, “I’ve read a lot about it and there are no side effects. The spell only lasts for a very short time. When the time runs out Malfoy will simply leave your mind and everything will go back to normal.”

“That’s it?” Draco asked sceptically.

“That’s it” Hermione affirmed.

Ginny watched him stare at Hermione for a moment, until he finally nodded his head to show his cooperation. “Let’s do it then.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Blaise asked seriously.

“Why not?” Draco said shrugging slightly. “It seems it won’t harm me, so what could possibly happen? And I don’t want Weasley mucking things up with Pansy; I’d never hear the end of it...”

“I guess….” Blaise agreed, though still looking sceptical.

Hermione suddenly stepped forward before any more arguments could arise, her eyes levelling on Ginny and Draco. “Okay, you two need to face each other.”

Ginny glanced at Draco, who nodded, and stood in front of him, both looking rather nervous at the sudden aspect of sharing the same mind. Ginny rather fearfully wondered what thoughts Draco would have access to…

Hermione pulled out her wand, a grave expression on her face, making Ginny feel even more nervous; she seemed so calm before. “Take each other’s hands,” she instructed, still with her grave expression.

Draco took both of Ginny’s hands in his own, and she could feel them shaking slightly, though perhaps that was just her own trembling from nerves? 

“Esprit joindre!” Hermione yelled, casting her wand in a smooth arc. Blinding white light shot from her wand and encircled Draco and Ginny’s clasped hands. A strange sensation began to go through Ginny’s body, as if the light was forcing itself inside her, and then everything went calm.

What? A confused voice said in her head. Did it work?

Ginny looked around and saw her body that Draco had been occupying staring blankly into nothing. I think it worked Malfoy, she thought.

How come I can see everything you can see?

Hermione said it would feel like you were sharing the body with me. I guess our spirits some how connected, so you can hear every thought I think and see everything I see.

This is so weird, Draco said fervently.

Tell me about it.

“Did it work?” Blaise asked curiously, looking at the now blank eyes of Ginny’s (Draco’s) body. “It’s like he’s an empty shell.”

“That’s because he is.” Hermione said also looking at Ginny’s body. “He should be in there with Ginny.” She answered pointing towards Draco’s body which Ginny and Draco both were occupying.

Ginny nodded, “Yip, we’re both here.”

Why do you get to do all the talking? Draco said grumpily.

Because I'm the one who is in the body normally. Now shutup. Ginny scolded.

“That’s good.” Hermione said relieved. “I imagine that must have hurt a lot for you, Malfoy.”

Oh no it felt like feathers. Draco muttered sarcastically. You stupid, know-it-all mud blood! Could have warned me about the excruciating pain of having your soul ripped out of you!!

“He said it’s fine.” Ginny responded quickly.

What? It is not fine! Draco shouted in a disgruntled voice.

“Alright, well you’d better get to the fountain; I expect Pansy will be there soon.” Blaise said firmly, giving Ginny a slight push towards the door.

“Good luck, and remember it will only last for one hour.” Hermione warned them.

Ginny nodded to show she understood. “Thanks.”

I can't believe I agreed to this. Draco thought as Ginny left the room, taking his spirit with her.

Oh would you get over it. It’s only for an hour and then you can go back to your own stupid body. And would you stop thinking! You keep giving me frights! Ginny said in a frustrated voice.

Sorry, Draco said in anything but sorry accents.

Stupid git!

Hey I heard that!

Crap...

Half an Hour Later…

I thought I told you to stop thinking!!

It’s a bit hard to stop thinking, Weasley. You seem to be failing at the task too, so stop being such a hypocrite.

I’m the hypocrite-

-Shutup! Draco interrupted. Pansy is over there. Now stop being such a twit and get this date over with so we can both get back to our own thoughts.

Ginny glanced towards the fountain, noticing Pansy standing impatiently next to the stone basin, her dark eyes glittering with frustration and her foot tapping distractedly. She looked up at the sound of Ginny’s footsteps and her irritable expression suddenly melted into a smile, her eyes lighting up with delight.

“Oh Draco, where have you been?” Pansy asked half-scolding, half worrying. She walked forward until she was directly in front of Ginny, her eyes gazing at Ginny expectantly.

She doesn't expect me to kiss her does she? Ginny thought, a horrible feeling twisting inside of her.

That is the normal custom Weasley.

Ewww, I can't do that.

Then kiss her on the cheek, but don't just stand there gaping like and idiot.

Ginny inwardly scowled and leaned forward, giving Pansy a quick kiss on the cheek. Immediately she felt like vomiting but that was out of the question. Especially with Draco occupying her thoughts.

“Why have you been avoiding me all day?” Pansy demanded. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed.” A scowl crept into her expression, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You and Blaise have both been very secretive. You know I hate being left out.”

“I’ve been busy,” Ginny said quickly, praying that Pansy would just let the matter drop.

“Too busy to talk to your girlfriend?” Pansy asked quietly, her voice taking on a dangerous tone.

Ginny had no idea where this was going, not knowing what Pansy was like, but she could tell that Pansy was not amused. Um, what do I say?

Tell her that she knows you care about her. You just had a lot of things to do today.

Oh, how sweet.

Shutup and talk to her!

Okay, okay…

“Pansy,” Ginny said calmly, taking the Slytherin girl’s hand and steering her towards a seat. “You know I care about you; I just had a lot of things to do today. You know how it is?”

Pansy nodded her head, “I understand Draco. I just wish you’d talk to me more... I feel like all we do is have sex now. Don’t get me wrong, the sex is great, but I just wish we could go back to how we were when we first were dating- when we used to talk for hours together…”

Um…I really don’t want to hear about this. No offence, Draco, but your sex life really doesn’t interest me.

Trust me, Weasley, you hearing about my relationship with Pansy is not exactly thrilling to me either, Draco muttered in an annoyed voice.

What do you want me to say?

I don’t know. Draco replied grumpily, and Ginny could tell he was uncomfortable about having this conversation with her. Just try change the subject or something.

To what? And How?

Dammit Weasley, I don’t know! Just say anything!

“What are you talking about?” Ginny said slowly, her brain desperately trying to think of what to say, but it was proving difficult with Draco shouting at her. “We talk all the time…”

“No we don’t,” Pansy said in a low voice, her eyes gazing intently at Ginny. “You spend more time with Blaise then you do me. I miss you, Draco!” she cried earnestly, clutching Ginny’s hands. “Don’t you love me anymore?”

Help Me!

Why the hell does she have to say all this now?  Draco thought angrily.

This isn’t helping me give a reply!! Ginny muttered, near hysterical at having an emotional girl demanding answers she had no idea how to answer.

“Even when we have sex I feel like you’re distant,” Pansy continued, her eyes staring at Ginny in disappointment. “You don’t kiss me like you used to; you don’t even touch me like you used to. What’s happening to us, Draco?”

Please don't say anything more Pansy. I’m already facing enough embarrassment without you making it worse!

You do realise I can hear your thoughts.

Oh go to hell Weasley. If you don't make her shutup, I will hex you so you aren't even recognisable.

But that will be your body you're hexing.

Shutup…

“Is there another girl?” Pansy asked sadly, the pain evident in her eyes. “I mean, I can understand if you’re seeing another girl, but please don’t just string me along…”

Is there another girl? Ginny asked curiously.

What? No! Draco stated vehemently. I would never do that to her.

Then what do you want me to say to her?

I don't exactly want to be spilling my heart out to you.

She's waiting for your answer Draco, and I can’t say anything for you….

Tell her I know I've been distant, it's just…I don’t know what I want anymore… I don’t even know how I feel about her anymore... Merlin, I can’t believe I’m telling you  this…

Hurry it up Malfoy. She’s getting impatient.

Damn it! Just tell her I don't know how I feel. I just need time to think.

“Pansy,” Ginny said in as nice a voice as possible. “I know I’ve been distant and I’m sorry, but I don’t know how I feel anymore. I just need time to think…”

“I understand.” Pansy replied in a slightly cold voice, standing up as she did.

“Where are you going?” Ginny asked in surprise.

“I’m not just your girlfriend, Draco; I’m your friend, and until you start treating me with a bit more respect, I can’t be with you. I’m sorry,” Pansy said quickly and walked away, tears glistening in her dark eyes.

I'm sorry Malfoy. I tried…Do you want me to go after her?

No, it's okay... I guess I kind of knew it was going to happen.

What happened between you two?

What do you care?

Just curious I guess. It’s a bit hard not to be after hearing all that.

Mind your own business Weasley. I’m not going to discuss anything- especially my love life- with you. Draco snapped rudely.

Fine, I get the point.

Let’s just get back to Blaise and Granger…

OOOOOOOOO

“How’d it go?” Blaise asked curiously, seeing Ginny come in the room looking a little frustrated, and even a little sad.

“Well it didn’t go that great,” Ginny said with a sigh. “Hermione, how do we change back?”

“Oh that’s easy,” Hermione replied, standing up and pulling out her wand. “Finite Incantatum.”

Immediately Ginny felt like something was leaving her, which she figured must be Draco’s soul. She looked around and saw her body blink its eyes several times before taking a deep breath.

“I’m going to bed,” Draco said quietly and left the room, not even bothering to look at any of them.

Blaise looked at Ginny, a frown in his amber eyes. “What happened?”

“I’ll tell you later,” Ginny said with a pointed look at Hermione. She didn’t think that Draco would be too thrilled to learn that she had been telling Hermione about his love-life, and there was no point making this any worse for him.

“Alright,” Blaise replied, and turned his gaze towards Hermione. “Well Granger, I guess I’ll be seeing you around.”

“Bye Hermione. Thanks for everything.” Ginny called over her shoulder, as she followed Blaise out of the room.

“Bye.” Hermione said in a distant voice, watching them leave with a frown on her face. “How strange…” she mumbled to herself before heading off to her own bed.

OOOOO

Ginny and Blaise settled themselves down on a seat in the Slytherin common room, Blaise watching her intently, Ginny gazing worriedly at the floor. She wasn’t sure if it was her fault that Pansy and Draco had split up; maybe if she hadn’t been there he would not have been so uncomfortable to speak his feelings to Pansy? She knew Draco was angry with her, but then what else could she have done? It’s not like she chose to be stuck in his body, and really it was his own fault for treating Pansy like that, even if she did feel guilty for making it worse by getting smart to Pansy at breakfast…

“Alright what’s this about?” Blaise asked with a frown. “You’ve been acting weird ever since you got back from that date with Pansy.”

Ginny sighed and proceeded to tell Blaise about what had happened on the date. She sneaked a look at Blaise’s profile and saw the thoughtful expression on his face.

“So she finally dumped him, eh?” Blaise mused out loud.

Ginny nodded her head. “I feel like it’s my fault, and I know he’s furious with me for not helping the situation, but I-”

“Don’t feel guilty,” Blaise said firmly, cutting off any more words she might say. “Draco deserved a wake up call. Pansy’s always been our friend; we’ve known her since our cradle days, but she and Draco started liking each other. They’ve been dating since fourth year, but lately he’s been unsure how he feels about her. He’s been trying to keep his distance to figure things out, but since you two switched bodies I guess things just kind of fell to pieces.”

“Oh...”

“Don’t worry, Weasley,” Blaise said kindly, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Draco’s not going to kill you because Pansy broke up with him. If anything you’ve done him a favour.”

“Thanks Blaise,” Ginny said in relief. “Well, I’m pretty tired. I guess we should go to bed.”

Blaise nodded and together they walked off to the Slytherin boys’ dormitory.

OOOO

Draco lay in Ginny’s bed staring at the roof, a scowl on his face. Pansy had dumped him; he was stuck in Weasley’s body, and to top it all off he just had to be craving chocolate for some strange reason.

“Why does this have to happen to me?” he mumbled to himself in a disgruntled voice.

He was still angry that Ginny had been the one to over-hear the date. Out of all the people in the school he still didn’t understand why she had to be one he should swap bodies with. He felt frustratingly embarrassed that Ginny had to hear all about his love-life troubles, and no matter how much he tried to put it behind him, knowing that she had heard all of that was very disconcerting.

“Curse this spell. I’ll find a way to break it. I’ll find that damn Granger and Blaise tomorrow and make them stay in the library till it kills them. I can’t let this go any longer!”