An Accpetable Risk - part 29 added 4/30/04

Post by **bistyboo1974** » Wed Sep 25, 2002 7:13 pm

Wow,  Tracie. That was intense. Those poor Hogsmeade people. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /frown.gif ALT=":("> *sniffle* Poor Madam Rosmerta. *cry* And is Sirius dead??? <img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... m/eek2.gif ALT=":jawdrop"> He can't be! Way to go to Harry for wanting to convince Ginny to be w/him. <img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... humpup.gif ALT=":thumbsup"> <center><img src=http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/sh ... R>Never trust anything that can think for itself, if you can't see where it keeps its brain.</center>

Post by **majiklmoon** » Sat Sep 28, 2002 10:47 pm

An Acceptable Risk Chapter Twenty-One The seventh year students from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff made their way across the grounds towards the greenhouses for their Herbology lesson. The sky was tinged with a gray-green smoke, and the smell of sulfur hung in the air. The sight of the smoke rising up from what was left of Hogsmeade caused Harry to stop and stare. “What’s the use?” he muttered. “There’s nothing I can do anyhow.” “Eh? What’s that Harry?” asked Justin Fitch-Fetchley who had walked up beside him. “Did you just say something?” “No, nothing,” sighed Harry. He looked around at the students assembled for class. Professor Sprout opened the door and the students filed inside. “Justin, where’s Hannah?” he asked, referring to Hannah Abbott, another Hufflepuff. “Oh, hadn’t you heard? She’s in the hospital wing,” said Justin. “Why? Is she sick or something?” asked Harry. “In shock is more like it,” said Justin as they began to dig in the soil. “Her mum and dad were staying at the Three Broomsticks. I guess her mum had bought her some new dress robes for the Yule Ball and they decided to bring them up to her instead of sending them by owl. It was supposed to be a big surprise. They gave her the robes the other day, and decided to stick around for the ball, and bring Hannah home with them for the holidays. You know, make a nice little holiday out of it. But instead, they got caught in the attacks. Professor Sprout told her about it last night.” Harry said nothing, but stood up from the patch of earth he had been digging in and approached Professor Sprout. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear. She smiled slightly and gave a small nod. He then walked over to Neville and said something to him in a low voice. The two spoke softly for several minutes and then Neville quickly gathered up his belongings and walked with Harry to the greenhouse door. Harry sent Ron and Hermione what he hoped was a reassuring glance, and then he and Neville left the greenhouse and began the journey back to the castle. “I don’t understand Harry,” said Neville when they were clear of the greenhouse. “How did you find out about my mum and dad?” “I found out by accident Neville, but then Dumbledore asked me to respect your privacy and not mention it to you. Neville, I’m really sorry that I never asked you before about why you lived with your grandmother. I was always so caught up in my own problems. I guess I wasn’t a very good friend. “But Harry,” said Neville aghast. “You’re the Boy Who Lived. You’ve always had so much going on in your life fending off attacks from You-Know-Who. Why should you even bother about me?” “Right,” said Harry bitterly. “I’m the boy who lived, you’re the boy whose parents were tortured by death eaters, and now Hannah’s the girl who’s parents were killed by death eaters. We may not be able to do much for Hannah, but at least we can let her know that she has two people close by who understand some of what she’s going through right now. We can be there for her, if she’ll let us.” “Hanna doesn’t have any other family except for her parents Harry,” said Neville as they climbed the great stone steps to the castle. “She’s alone now.” “She has me Neville, and she has you as well,” said Harry. “I’m going to owl Mrs. Weasley and see if Hannah can come to the Burrow for the holidays. “Don’t,” said Neville. “She’s coming home with me,” he said, his voice resolute. “Can I tell you something Harry?” “Sure Neville.” “I love her you know.” “I figured as much. You two are almost always together,” said Harry as they walked through the doors of the castle. Their footsteps echoed in the hallway as they made their way to the staircase leading to the hospital wing. “I don’t know what’s going to happen next,” began Neville. “As Professor Dumbledore said, we are living in a very dangerous time. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I do know that it will be easier to face with Hannah by my side.” Harry reached to open the door to the hospital wing when a voice behind them stopped them in their tracks. ”Where are you two going?” inquired Professor Snape. “I believe you are both supposed to be in Herbology right now. Flouting the rules again Potter? I expect no less of you, but  you Longbottom – I’m amazed.” Before Harry could open his mouth to say anything, Neville spoke up. “We’re going to see Hannah Abbot in the hospital wing Professor,” he said in a clear, firm voice. “Professor Sprout gave us permission to do so. Now, if you’ll excuse us, our friend needs us.” Neville turned his back on Snape and walked through the door into the hospital wing, with Harry trailing behind him. As he walked though the door, Harry looked back at Snape who stood watching them. But instead of the look of loathing that Harry expected to see in his eyes, there was a glint of admiration. After a visit to a distraught Hannah, the two boys returned to the Gryffindor common room, where Neville composed a letter telling, not asking his Grandmother about Hannah joining them for the holidays. They were just preparing to leave for the owlry, when Hedwig appeared outside the window. Harry rushed to let her in, and she landed on the window ledge. Harry quickly undid the letter that was fastened to her leg and gave her a treat. She nipped his fingers and ate the treat and waited patiently. “Hedwig, I need you to take this to Neville’s grandmother. Be as quick as possible, it’s very important. The owl pecked at his hand as if to say that she never delayed, and took off out the window. Harry sat down in front of the roaring fire and opened the letter that Hedwig had delivered.  Dear Harry, I’m all right, Snuffles. “Who’s the letter from Harry?” asked Neville. Harry thought for a moment before answering and decided to go on. “It’s from my God Father,” he said cautiously. “I didn’t know you had a God Father? Is he a wizard? How come you don’t live with him instead of those awful muggles?” “Well, he’s not in a position where I can stay with him right now, but maybe someday it will happen. Look Neville, I really want to tell you about him, but I can’t, not right now,” said Harry “It’s just that he’s working against Voldemort, and I really can’t talk about it.” “It’s ok Harry, I understand,” said Neville. “Listen, I’m going to go back and sit with Hannah for a while.” ”Ok Neville. I’ll be up later.” Harry waited a few minutes until he knew for certain that Neville was gone and he left the common room and made his way to Dumbledore’s office. He uttered the password and ran up the stone steps, Sirius’s letter still in his hand. He knocked on the door leading to the office and when it opened, he rushed in. “Professor, Professor, he’s not dead! He isn’t dead!” shouted Harry. “Yes,” said Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling behind his glasses. “I can see that for myself.” Harry whipped around and found Sirius standing behind him <center>Margo is a Super ORB!</center><center><center>It all started with a boy, a girl and a silver handprint.<center>Countess Majiklmoon Mistress and keeper of the tunes</center></color~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... 2a.gif></a> Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub129.ezboard.com/umajiklmoon.s ... iklmoon</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/images/moon18.gif" BORDER=0> at: 9/28/02 9:48:27 pm

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Sep 29, 2002 10:45 am

Oh, I loved the way Neville just seemed to mature so much during this part. It was a great way to work in what Harry learned about his family in GoF *cry*

Post by **bistyboo1974** » Sun Sep 29, 2002 12:45 pm

Wow, I have chills! Those images of Hogsmeade ... and poor Hannah Abbott. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /frown.gif ALT=":("> But, yay!! Snuffles is OK!! <img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... n_anim.gif ALT=":grin"> <center><img src=http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/sh ... R>Never trust anything that can think for itself, if you can't see where it keeps its brain.</center>

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sun Sep 29, 2002 2:18 pm

<img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... m/eek2.gif ALT=":jawdrop"> wow

Post by **majiklmoon** » Mon Oct 14, 2002 12:17 am

An Acceptable Risk Chapter Twenty-Two  At The Ball The Great Hall was illuminated by candlelight reflecting off of the wings of a thousand fairies flying under the enchanted ceiling. Ron and Hermione walked in, followed closely by Hannah Abbott who was escorted by both Neville Longbottom and Harry. Hermione wore robes made of a shimmering magenta material. “I don’t know Hermione,” said Ron in an affectionate voice. “I think you might be trying to give Gilderoy Lockhart a run for his money in those robes.” “Oh shut up Ron,” Hermione returned good-naturedly. “You’re just jealous because my robes clash with your hair.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Hannah wore dress robes of the palest pink, their soft color broken only by the black band of mourning she wore on her left arm. A soft murmur filled the great hall as the story of Hannah’s loss passed from student to student. Within minutes, they were surrounded by a group of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff students. “What’s the matter Harry?” teased Ernie MacMillian. “Couldn’t you find a date your own?” At his question, all eyes turned to look at Hannah, Neville and Harry. “Well, we were going to duel over her,” said Harry. “But then Hannah stepped in and offered to escort us both. Boy was I happy.” As he spoke, Harry moved away from Hannah, shifting the attention towards him. “I didn’t fancy dueling with Neville. I was afraid he’d turn me into a fly and then sic Trevor on me.” The group exploded with laughter, and Hannah shot Harry a look of gratitude for deflecting the attention away from her. Professor Dumbledore stood up at the head table and addressed the students. “Students and faculty. It gives me great pleasure to introduce our musical guests for tonight, the  Haunted Hags. There was a smattering of applause from the faculty, which was drowned out by the shouts of appreciation from the students. The lead singer raised her wand and filled the Great Hall with a wispy fog, and opened her mouth to sing, when a sudden silence filled the air. Every head turned towards the entrance of the Great Hall where Ginny Weasley stood, arm in arm with Draco Malfoy. Ginny wore her red hair in an upsweep, with stray curls dangling down in a provocative manner. Her robes were red, with black lace on top, and instead of being loose and flowing, were cut to follow the curves of her body. Ginny held her head high, and the two stepped into the Great Hall. ”Ginny, cover yourself up,” said Ron, pushing his way towards his sister. Hermione grabbed Ron by the arm and pulled him away from Ginny. “Don’t Ron,” she said in an undertone. “Not here, and not now. Please?” “Fine,” said Ron. “But she’s positively indecent. Mum would have a fit if she knew.” “Well she doesn’t know, and you’re not going to tell her Ron. Now let’s go sit down and listen to the music.” At Dumbledore’s signal, the Haunted Hags began to play, and two by two, the students drifted onto the dance floor. Draco escorted Ginny to a small table in a secluded corner of the Great Hall. “Draco, would you mind getting me some punch?” Ginny asked. “I’m quite thirsty.” Malfoy nodded and headed over to the refreshment table. As soon as he was across the hall, Pansy Parkinson approached the table. “I don’t know who you think you are Ginny Weasley,” she said in her shrill voice. “Draco’s mine, he always has been, and he always will be!” “Really?” said Ginny as she raised an eyebrow and let her eyes go up and down the length of Pansy’s puce coloured robes. She then looked over Pansy’s shoulder to see Malfoy returning with their punch. “I was under the impression that people didn’t  own each other Pansy. Perhaps you could explain to me how you  own Draco. I’m not quite sure I understand how its possible.” “Quite right Pet,” drawled Draco setting the glasses of punch down on the table. Ginny smiled her thanks to him for the punch, but shuddered inwardly at the endearment. “I’d be interested in hearing that for myself. I don’t belong to anybody Pansy. Least of all, you.” “Don’t be ridiculous Draco,” simpered Pansy. “You know our fathers agreed to an alliance between our families. You know you won’t go against anything your father decides.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ginny sat back and watched with interest as Draco and Pansy argued back and forth. The angrier Malfoy got, the paler his complexion became. When he was so pale that he looked as though he were about to pass out, Ginny broke into the conversation. “You know Draco,” she said sweetly. “I’d hate to cause problems between you and Pansy. So why don’t I just…” “No Ginny, really it’s okay. Pansy was just leaving,” Draco said quickly. “Weren’t you Pansy?” “But what about your father?” shrilled Pansy. “What’s he going to say?” “My mother and my father both wish to have Ginny join us for Christmas at Malfoy Manor,” said Draco. “I believe that let’s you know where my parents stand on the matter Pansy.” His announcement caused Pansy’s face to fall. She turned and stormed away leaving Draco and Ginny alone. Draco turned to Ginny to explain. “I just got an owl from them tonight. I was going to ask you later on.” Ginny looked at him while her mind raced, trying to figure out some way out of this situation. “Draco, I don’t know what to say,” she began. “I’m really touched that your family would like me to come to your house for the holidays, but I can’t.”  Why can’t I, she thought to herself frantically. “It’s the boys,” she said brightening a bit. “All my brothers are going to be home for Christmas this year. Mum would kill me if I weren’t there too. Why don’t you come home with me instead?” she asked. The look on Draco’s face was priceless. She could no more imagine Draco Malfoy at the Burrow than she could Professor Snape. Draco started say something, but Ginny interrupted him. “Never mind,” she said. “I’m sure you wouldn’t want to come,” she said. “It’s going to be very crowded there. Besides, Harry and Hermione will be there,” she added glumly. “Ginny,” said Malfoy, trying to speak over her voice. “I’d like to come. It will be, er, different.” “You would,” said Ginny bleakly. “Oh, how wonderful. Uh, Draco, would you excuse me for a moment, I need to go, uh, powder my nose.” She stood up quickly and crossed the dance floor, catching Hermione’s eye as she left. Hermione waited a moment and excused herself to Ron and followed Ginny out of the Great Hall. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The two girls met inside Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom, holding their robes above the puddles of water on the floor. The steady drip-dripping of a faucet accented the faint sound of the Haunted Hags music as it echoed across the halls of the castle. “Hermione, you have to help me,” whispered Ginny. “What am I going to do?” “Well for starters, I’d pull up the top of that robe,” said Hermione. “What did you do, put a shrinking charm on it?” “Hermione, I’m serious!” whispered Ginny furiously. “I have a real problem here. Draco invited me to go home with him for the holidays.” “What!” said Hermione. “What are you going to do, you can’t go.” “I wish someone would invite me home for the holidays,” whimpered a voice located in the S bend of the sink pipes. “Nobody ever wants to spend any time with me.” “Myrtle, do you mind, this is a private conversation,” snapped Hermione. “I’ll come visit you after the holidays. I promise.” “No you won’t. Nobody ever visits me. I’m just so lonely,” wailed the voice piteously. “Myrtle, will you leave us alone!” shouted Hermione. “Fine, if you want to be that way about it,” sniffed Myrtle. She floated out of the sink drain and crossed over into the stall splashed into the water in the toilet, sending a fresh stream of water across the floor. “Oh really,” said Hermione. She nipped quickly into the stall and flushed the toilet and sent Myrtle rushing out into the lake. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Ok, she’s gone,” said Hermione. “Ginny, what are you going to do, you can’t go there. Dumbledore won’t let you. Your family won’t let you,  I won’t let you.” “Don’t worry, I told him I couldn’t, but, well, I,” stammered Ginny. “You what?” prompted Hermione. “Come on Ginny, tell me.” “Well,” she said taking, a deep breath. “I invited him to spend the holidays at the Burrow!” she let out in a rush. “Oh no,” said Hermione. “Well this promises to be the worst Christmas holiday ever, that is, unless he said no,” she added hopefully. “He said yes,” said Ginny dully. “Hermione, what am I going to do.” “You are going to do nothing,” said Hermione. “I, on the other hand, am going to go send an owl to your mother letting her know to expect an extra  guest. You are going to get back to the Great Hall before Malfoy becomes suspicious. Ron’s going to have a fit when he hears about this,” she added as an afterthought. <center>Margo is a Super ORB!</center><center><center>It all started with a boy, a girl and a silver handprint.<center>Countess Majiklmoon Mistress and keeper of the tunes</center></color~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... 2a.gif></a>

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Mon Oct 14, 2002 12:04 pm

<img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... xhello.gif ALT=":clap"> <img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... xhello.gif ALT=":clap"> - the image of Malfoy at the Burrow <img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... /cwm27.gif ALT=":lol"> <img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... /cwm27.gif ALT=":lol"> <img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... /cwm27.gif ALT=":lol">

Post by **bistyboo1974** » Mon Oct 14, 2002 4:05 pm

<blockquote>Quote:<hr> Well this promises to be the worst Christmas holiday ever<hr></blockquote> And that's an  understatement! <img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... /cwm27.gif ALT=":lol"> What a holly, jolly Christmas they'll be having. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> Can't wait to read that chapter! <center><img src=http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/sh ... R>Never trust anything that can think for itself, if you can't see where it keeps its brain.</center>

Post by **majiklmoon** » Tue Oct 15, 2002 12:34 am

An Acceptable Risk Part Twenty-Three  Last Dance The Yule Ball was winding down to a close when Harry whispered something to Ron and passed him a piece of parchment. Ron took the parchment, grinned at Harry and crossed the dance floor and exited the Great Hall. Several minutes later, he rushed back into the Great Hall and sat down next to Harry. Ginny watched, with a bemused expression on her face, as she and Draco danced to the music of  The Haunted Hags. The song ended, and Draco escorted Ginny back to their table. They had no sooner sat down when a large spotted owl swooped into the Great Hall and landed on the table next to Draco. He reached over and removed the parchment that was strapped to the owl’s leg and unfolded it, while Ginny fed the bird a bit of Christmas pudding. “Ginny,” said Draco, folding up the parchment. “I’m sorry, I have to leave. I’ve just received an urgent message from my father.” “I do hope nothing is wrong Draco,” said Ginny.” “No, I don’t think so. His message just said for me to go to my dormitory and wait for another message. I’m going to miss the end of the ball. I’m sorry, but really, I have to go see what he wants.” “Of course you do Draco. You go ahead, I’m just going to wait down here for the end of the Ball and then go upstairs with the rest of my house.” “This isn’t the ending I had in mind,” he said reaching out to squeeze her hand.” “Oh, me either,” said Ginny.  But I’m sure glad it happened this way she thought to herself. “Go on, find out what your father wants, and I’ll see you in the morning.” Draco left the Great Hall reluctantly, followed several minutes later by Pansy Parkinson. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Dumbledore announced the last dance of the evening, and  The Haunted Hags broke into a romantic ballad. Ginny looked across the Hall to where Harry had sat, but he was nowhere in site. She stood up and moved to a dark corner of the room where she could watch the dancing unobserved. A tap on her shoulder caused her to turn around, but there was nobody there. “Would you care to dance?” asked a disembodied voice. “Harry?” she giggled. “Is that you?” Harry’s face appeared in front of her, floating in mid-air. She felt a small breeze and found herself enveloped under the invisibility cloak with Harry. “Dance with me Ginny?” he asked again. She said nothing, but stepped closer and wrapped her arms around his neck. They swayed back and forth to the music in silence for several minutes before Harry cleared his throat. “Ginny?” “Yes, Harry,” she whispered. “I – well, I, Happy Christmas, Ginny.” “Happy Christmas to you also, Harry,” she replied, trying to mask the disappointment in her voice.  What were you expecting? she asked herself.  A declaration of love? With you following that slimy git Malfoy around all the time. She bowed her head so that she was looking directly into his chest. Harry removed one of his arms from her waist and placed his hand under her chin and raised her face so she was looking at him. He leaned down and kissed her gently. “Ginny, I,” he began. “Harry, where are you?” a voice whispered. “The Ball’s over, and everyone is supposed to go back to their dormitories.” “Just a minute, Ron,” he answered. “I’ll be right there.” “Did you ever find Ginny?” “No. No I didn’t,” he said, smiling down at her. “You go ahead, I’ll be right up. “Right,” said Ron. “Bye then.” They listened, as Ron’s footsteps grew fainter. Harry leaned down and kissed her again, very tenderly. “Thanks for the dance Ginny. You look very beautiful tonight. You sparkle like a star up in the sky.” He kissed her one more time before he peered out from the cloak to make sure nobody could see them. “It’s all clear,” he said. “Go ahead.” Ginny slipped out from the cloak and made her way across the Great Hall, catching up with a few straggling students who didn’t want the festivities to end. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The following morning, Ginny closed the lid on her trunk and prepared to go down to the Great Hall for breakfast. She paused to look in the mirror while she remembered Harry’s words from the night before. She ran a brush through her hair and went down into the deserted Gryffindor common room. She quelled her disappointment at not seeing Harry and hurried down to the Great Hall. She sat down in a deserted section of the Gryffindor table and helped herself to some bacon. She glanced over at the Slytherin table, but there was no sign of Malfoy. The Great Hall filled with the beating wings as hundreds of owls descended upon the Great Hall to deliver the morning mail. Pigwidgeon landed on the table next to her and pecked at her fingers. She fed the small owl a bite of bacon and removed the parchment from his leg.  Dear Ginny, I got Hermione’s owl. Oh, child, what have you done? Draco Malfoy in this house. Your father and brother’s will explode. However, it is far more suitable than your other option. My daughter go to Malfoy Manor indeed! I’ll meet you at Kings Cross today. Try to keep Draco away from your brother as long as possible.” Love, Mum Ginny folded the parchment and slipped the parchment inside her robe and watched as Pig flew off in the direction of the owlery. Ron sat down next to her and reached for the pitcher of pumpkin juice. “Was that Pig?” he asked, his eyes bleary from lack of sleep. “Oh, uh, yes it was. Mum just sent me a note saying she’d meet us at Kings Cross today, that’s all.” “I’m kind of glad we’re going home this Christmas,” said Ron. “I think it will do you a world of good to go home, and get away from some of the more unsavory element here.” “Unsavory element?” she asked, her voice rising a bit. “What do you mean, unsavory element?” “Don’t be dense Ginny, you know what I’m talking about,” said Ron looking over at the Slytherin table. “Ron Weasley, I think you need to keep your big fat mouth shut,” said Ginny though clenched teeth. “Who I associate with is none of your business. I’m going to my room, and I’d appreciate it if you would just stay away from me!” She stormed out of the Great Hall, and straight into the arms of Draco Malfoy. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Oh, uh, good morning Draco. I hope everything is okay with your father?” “Well, actually, about that,” he said flushing. “It turns out that the owl wasn’t from my father. It was something Pansy dreamed up to try and get me away so that she could talk to me again. I’m sorry I had to leave you alone at the Ball. I can’t believe I fell for such a stupid trick.” “It’s okay Draco, really. The Ball broke up shortly after you left and I went to bed. So, are you all packed to leave? I got an owl from my Mum, and she said to tell you that you are more than welcome at The Burrow.” “Some how, I doubt that,” said Draco dryly. “But it will give us a good chance to practice your apparating lessons as well.” Ginny smiled weakly and quickly excused herself. As soon as Draco entered the Great Hall, Ginny quickly made her way to the Headmaster’s office. “Plum Pudding,” she said to the statue and it slid back to reveal the passageway to the Headmaster’s office. She made quick work of the stairs, and knocked softly on the door. “Come in,” said Dumbledore, and the door swung open. “Problems Miss Weasley,” he said. “Yes, well, perhaps,” she said. “I’m not sure really. See, Draco invited me to go home with him for the holidays, and I knew that wouldn’t be a good thing, so I did the only thing I could think of. I invited him to The Burrow for the holiday.” “That was quite wise of you Ginny,” said the older man kindly. “For you to go to Malfoy Manor could have been tragic indeed.” “But sir, what about Harry?” asked Ginny. “Harry’s coming home with us for Christmas, isn’t he? What if Draco tries to hurt him somehow.” “Your concerns, though admirable, are unfounded. No harm will come to Harry from Mr. Malfoy over the holidays. I can promise you that.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ginny thanked Dumbledore for his time and wished him a Happy Holiday before she made her way back to her room. Several hours later she sat with Draco in an empty compartment on the Hogwarts Express. The train pulled into Kings Cross and quickly emptied of students. Ginny and Draco got off the train and stood on the crowded platform 9 ¾. Suddenly Ginny grabbed Draco’s arm and pointed. “Look, there they are! Over there!” They pushed their way through the throng of students. The crowd parted and before them stood Molly Weasley, Ron, Harry and Hermione. “Oh good, Ginny there you are,” said Mrs. Weasley. “And this must be Draco,” she added pleasantly. “We’re all very happy that you’ll be joining us for the holidays.” “Bloody hell,” said Ron. “What’s he doing here?” <center>Margo is a Super ORB!</center><center><center>It all started with a boy, a girl and a silver handprint.<center>Countess Majiklmoon Mistress and keeper of the tunes</center></color~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... 2a.gif></a>

Post by **majiklmoon** » Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:12 am

Author’s Notes Hi everyone, I’m not a huge fan of author notes this way, usually because I don’t have anything to interesting to say, but I do have a couple of things to tell you. First, this story is now being posted at <a href="http://www.sugarquill.net.">www.sugarquill.net.</a> Because it is being beta’d by one of their beta-readers (thank you Arabella), I am finding a lot of mistakes I missed previously. I am also expanding upon some ideas in earlier chapters. I am editing some of the previously posted chapters here. If you go to a chapter and it has a chapter title, it has been edited. Right now, chapters one and two have been edited. Second, I promise, no matter what it seems right now, this is  NOT a Draco/Ginny ship fic. I promise you that! Thanks to everyone for all the great feedback, it makes it so much easier to keep writing Majiklmoon <center>Margo is a Super ORB!</center><center><center>It all started with a boy, a girl and a silver handprint.<center>Countess Majiklmoon Mistress and keeper of the tunes</center></color~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... 2a.gif></a>

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Oct 15, 2002 12:48 pm

poor ron...you nailed him right at the end <img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... /cwm27.gif ALT=":lol">

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Oct 15, 2002 5:42 pm

Tracie - you got me hanging here!!! Christmas at the Burrow should be very interesting! <center> <a href=http://www.fortunecity.com="_blank"> <img src="http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/st ... mara01.gif" border="0"></a> </center>

Post by **bistyboo1974** » Tue Oct 15, 2002 6:51 pm

<blockquote>Quote:<hr> I promise, no matter what it seems right now, this is NOT a Draco/Ginny ship fic. <hr></blockquote> And I, for one, thank you for that! <img src=http://www.uniquehardware.co.uk/server- ... /cwm27.gif ALT=":lol"> Can't wait to see what Father Christmas brings Draco this year ... maybe a shiner from the brothers Weasley?? <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... s/wink.gif ALT=";)"> *evil laugh* <center><img src=http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/sh ... R>Never trust anything that can think for itself, if you can't see where it keeps its brain.</center>

Post by **majiklmoon** » Wed Oct 16, 2002 10:52 am

An Acceptable Risk Chapter Twenty-Four  The Leaky Cauldron &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Ronald Weasley, watch your language,” said Molly Weasley, while Hermione gave him a sharp poke in the back. “Now, do we have everyone? Ron, and Hermione, Harry, Ginny and Draco. Yes, that’s everyone. Your father had a car and driver from the ministry bring me over to pick you up. I’m afraid we may be a bit cramped, but we’ll manage,” said Molly as she led them all across the platform. They crossed through the portal and appeared on the Kings Cross platform and began to make their way to the parking area. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “A  car?” asked Draco snidely. “Why not use a portkey?” “We have several errands to run dear,” said Molly calmly. “Besides, after what happened at Hogsmeade, the Ministry has asked everyone to limit their use of portkeys. Floo powder, can be used, and people are still allowed to apparate, but you all are too young for that.” Her comment caused Draco to shoot Ginny a knowing look, but he refrained from saying anything. “Where do we need to go Mum?” asked Ron. “Our first stop is Diagon Alley. I have a few things to pick up for Christmas, and I’m assuming that none of you had any opportunity to do any of your holiday shopping yet. Oh look, there’s the car,” she said, pointing to a Volvo station wagon. They quickly loaded their trunks into the back of the wagon, and piled Crookshank’s basket as well as Hedwig’s and Pigwidgeon’s cages on top of their trunks. The car seemed to magically expand to fit all of them, and the settled in to make the trip to the Leaky Cauldron. Mrs. Weasley insisted they all stop for lunch at the Leaky Cauldron before doing their shopping. Tom, the innkeeper, sat them in a private room and took their orders. “Nothing for me Mum, I don’t seem to have much of an appetite,” said Ron shooting Draco a dark look. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Ronald Weasley, you come with me right this instant!” cried Molly. She reached over and grabbed Ron by the ear and dragged him out of the room. It was humorous to see tall lanky Ron being dragged across the floor by Molly who was so short of stature, yet nobody laughed. Harry and Hermione both looked at the floor awkwardly as the door to the room slammed. Draco leaned back in his chair, with a smirk on his face. Ginny surveyed the scene, burst into tears and rushed out another door in the direction of the rest room. Draco and Harry both rose from their seats to follow her but Hermione was quicker. “You two wait here. Neither one of you can go into the woman’s room. I’ll take care of it.” She exited the room swiftly, following Ginny. Harry and Draco glared at each other and returned to their seats. An uncomfortable silence filled the room until Draco cleared his throat and looked at Harry. “So, how does this work Potter?” he asked.” “How does what work?” “The meal. We certainly can’t expect the Weasleys to pay for us. Everybody knows they don’t have any money,” Draco said in a condescending voice. “It would probably bankrupt them.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Harry glared at Draco across the table, sparks of green shooting from his eyes. “The way it works, you ignorant jerk, is that I slip out part way through the meal and give old Tom enough money to pay for me, and Hermione and you, and a little extra to help defray the cost of the Weasley’s meals as well.” “I’m not letting you pay for my meal,” said Draco. “I pay my own way!” “That’s fine,” said Harry. “Do what you want, but if you do  anything to embarrass Mrs. Weasley, you’ll live to regret it!” “I won’t,” said Draco shoving a small pile of sickles across the table at Harry. “Here, when you go see Tom, add that to the pot,” he said, looking down at the table. Harry slid the money into his pocket and nodded to Draco. The two stared at each other for a while until Draco broke the silence again. “Why aren’t you going home to those muggles you live with anyhow Potter?” “Why aren’t you going home to Malfoy Manor?” “Ginny asked me to spend the holidays with her,” answered Draco. “And I was asked by Ron to spend the holidays with him,” said Harry. “Right,” drawled Draco. “It’s more likely your afraid to be around any muggles with the Dark Lord growing more powerful.” “Hardly,” said Harry. “Voldemort and his followers just destroyed the only entirely wizarding village in all of England. There wasn’t a single muggle in the village, and he leveled it!” said Harry, his voice rising. “Do you think  anybody who fights against Voldemort is safe anywhere?” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Draco looked taken aback, as if he hadn’t realized that Voldemort and his Death Eaters had destroyed a  wizarding village. “Why do you suppose he did it?” he asked Harry. “Why did who do what?” asked Ron, as he and his mother walked back into the room. “Why did Voldemort destroy Hogsmeade?” asked Harry. Ron flinched at hearing Voldemort’s name but he quashed down his revulsion at the name and answered. “It’s a strategy,” he said. “He wants everyone to know he’s doing this on his terms. He’s grandstanding more than anything else. Remember at the World Cup Tournament, Krum caught the snitch even though Bulgaria had no chance of winning. He ended the game on his terms. Well, the same thing happened at Hogsmeade. I think he was making a grandstand play. He knows he doesn’t have a chance of winning this war, but he was letting us know that when this whole thing ends, it’s gong to be on his terms.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Harry, Draco and Mrs. Weasley all stared at Ron, their mouths hanging open both figuratively and literally. Finally Molly Weasley found her voice. “Ron, you really have given this a lot of thought, haven’t you? I’m really impressed. If you’d put half as much effort into your studying, you’ll do wonderfully on your N.E.W.T.s.” “Mum, with Hermione as a girlfriend, how could I not study?” asked Ron, giving a long-suffering sigh. “I’m hungry,” he continued. “Where did Hermione and Ginny go off to? Tom won’t bring the food until everyone’s at the table.” “There in the ladies,” said Harry, indicating with a jerk of his head, the direction the girls had taken. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ginny, splashed cold water on her face and took a deep breath. The door to the ladies room opened and Hermione came racing in. “Ginny, are you okay?” “Yeah, I forgot about Ron,” she answered cryptically. “What do you mean, you forgot about Ron?” “I was so worried about Malfoy and Harry being together, but I never gave a single thought to Ron. How stupid could I be? Mum even reminded me in a post she sent. I can’t believe I forgot how much he hates Malfoy.” “Don’t worry about Ron,” said Hermione. “I’ll take care of him. He’ll be okay. Now what else is bothering you? “N-nothing,” she stammered, remembering Harry’s kiss at the dance. “How am I going to get Harry’s Christmas gift with Malfoy with me?” she asked. “Do you know what you are going to get him?” asked Hermione. “No,” Ginny moaned, “I don’t have a clue. Oh Hermione, what am I going to do?” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Hermione looked at Ginny and burst out laughing. “I don’t think my problems are very funny,” said Ginny, pouting slightly. “No, you’re right, they’re not,” said Hermione, trying to contain her laughter. “It’s just that here you are, working so hard to help Harry, and putting yourself in danger, as calm as can be; yet the thought of why to get Harry for Christmas has you tied up in knots.” “It’s not funny, Hermione,” Ginny reiterated. “You’re right. Let me think for a second,” she said. “How about if we all shop together. When you find something for Harry, just signal me, and I’ll get it and you can pay me back later.” “Oh Hermione, thank you!” Ginny cried. “Not that I have a clue as to what to get him. And I suppose I’ll have to get Malfoy something as well.” “Oh, I hadn’t thought of that, I guess I’ll have to get him something too,” Hermione said, making a face. “Maybe something from the muggle world would be good,” she added evilly. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The two girls laughed at the image of Malfoy getting an electric mixer for Christmas. They left the restroom together, schooling their features to look as though they were with acquaintances they could barely tolerate. They sat down at the table in silence and Tom rushed in with the food. The five of them quickly fell to eating and made great inroads into the pile of food while Mrs. Weasley looked on amused. Harry excused himself from the table and stepped out of the room, but returned quickly and resumed eating. Tom came back into the room to refill the pitcher of milk. “Tom, why don’t I come out and settle up with you now,” said Molly Weasley. “No need to do that Missus,” said Tom. “It’s all been taken care of.” He set the new pitcher of milk on the table and left the room. “Harry,” said Mrs. Weasley. “You didn’t have to do that. We invited you, remember?” “Actually, Mrs. Weasley,” said Harry, reaching for another slice of bread. “It was Malfoy’s idea. He figured since we’re probably going to eat you out of house and home over the holidays, the very least we could do was treat you to lunch.” Malfoy and Mrs. Weasley both looked at him with identical expressions of shock on their faces. Molly turned to Malfoy. “Thank you, Draco. That was very thoughtful of you.” “Yeah,” added Ron. “Mum’s such a great cook that we really do eat everything in site. You’re in for a treat. Draco,” he added as an afterthought. Ginny shot Hermione a puzzled look. Something had happened while they were out of the room, and both of them were anxious to find out what it was. <center>Margo is a Super ORB!</center><center><center>It all started with a boy, a girl and a silver handprint.<center>Countess Majiklmoon Mistress and keeper of the tunes</center></color~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... 2a.gif></a>

Post by **bistyboo1974** » Wed Oct 16, 2002 7:03 pm

Muwahahahaha ... I'll bet Draco  is in for a treat! I hope it's a good one. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /devil.gif ALT=":evil"> <center><img src=http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/sh ... R>Never trust anything that can think for itself, if you can't see where it keeps its brain.</center>

Post by **majiklmoon** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 12:12 am

An Acceptable Risk Chapter Twenty-Five  At the Burrow “Now let me see,” said Molly Weasley, pursing her lips thoughtfully. “Hermione, you’ll be in with Ginny, and Harry, you’re in with Ron, as usual. Percy, you’re going to share with Bill, and Charlie, you and Draco will share a room.” “Great, someone new to listen to my dragon stories,” said Charlie. “Mother, I must object,” said Percy. “I’ll be bringing home far too much work to share a room with Bill. You know how he is. He’ll keep me up all night talking about curses. I’m working on something very important for the ministry you know,” he added pompously. “Yeah, what is it this time Percy?” laughed George. “The length of the straws on broomsticks?” “No,” chimed in Fred. “He’s got that report on proper wand waving procedures to finish.” “You’re both wrong,” said Ron. “He’s got to write new regulations regarding the prohibition of flying vacuum cleaners. “That was last month,” said Percy earnestly. “And I’ll have you know, that was a very serious situation.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “He isn’t serious, isn’t he?” Draco whispered to Ginny. “Yes, I’m afraid he is,” she answered regretfully. “Mum, how about if I bunk in with Charlie and Draco?” asked Bill. “I don’t know,” said Molly thoughtfully. “That room is a bit small for three. Maybe I could put Percy in there and the three of you can share his room?” “We could always move Percy out to the shed,” said George helpfully. “Mum, why don’t you put Draco in with us,” said Ron in a resigned voice. “Charlie snores, and you don’t want a guest to have to listen to  that. Harry leaned past Ginny to whisper to Draco. “So does Ron, but Hermione showed me a bloody brilliant snore blocking charm. Remind me to show you before bed.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Draco looked taken aback to be included so readily in the cheerful banter. It wasn’t something he was accustomed to. “Hey!” shouted Charlie. “We’ve got enough people here to make up a couple of mini-quidditch teams! Lets go get the brooms and go play.” “Really, Charlie,” said Percy pompously. “I have far too much work to do. I’m not on vacation like the rest of you.” At the same time, Hermione tried to explain that she had a prodigious amount of gifts to wrap. “Nice try, Hermione, but it isn’t going to work,” said Ron. “You’re going to have to play. There’s no getting out of it. Don’t worry, you can be on my team.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Everyone stored their belongings in the appropriate bedrooms and trooped outside to the small paddock where the twins had set up a makeshift quidditch pitch. They quickly divided into teams, with Fred and George acting as team captains. Draco surprisingly suggested that to even things up, nobody be allowed to play the position that they played in school. What followed was perhaps the most humorous game of quidditch in the history of the sport. Hermione and Ginny were beaters on opposing teams, Harry and Draco were keepers, and Percy, and Ron were seekers, while Charlie and Bill were chasers. Several hours later, the tired group trooped back into the house where Mrs. Weasley had cups of hot chocolate waiting for all of them. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Quiet down!” said Mrs. Weasley over the noisy retelling of the match. “You have three hours before dinner to take care of any wrapping you may have to do. Dinner is at 7:00 p.m. sharp tonight! Do I make myself clear?” “Well, no, Mum, not really,” said Fred. “You’re not looking a bit clear to me. Actually, you look quite solid if the truth be told.” “Enough of you,” said Mrs. Weasley, shooing them out of the kitchen. “Ginny,” whispered Draco, grabbing her by the hand. “Go for a walk with me?” “Sure,” she said. “Let me just run upstairs for a second, and then we can go.” “Grab that stone. Don’t forget, okay?” She nodded reluctantly and skipped up the stairs. She scribbled a quick note to Hermione, grabbed the stone and headed back downstairs. “Mum, Draco and I are going for a walk. We’ll be back in a bit,” she said. “Well, okay,” said Mrs. Weasley. “Don’t be too long though, I’m going to need some help with dinner.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Draco and Ginny walked outside and started down the lane. “Don’t you have a house elf to help your mother?” he asked. “No. Mum would love one though. We have a ghoul in the attic and more garden gnomes than you can imagine but no house elf. Listen, Draco,” she said abruptly changing the subject. “I’m not to sure about this apparating business. I’m a bit scared.” “I was too,” he admitted. “But Father insisted I learn. It’s not hard, really. But listen, I have another problem. I need to go back to Diagon Alley. I forgot to get something.” “Oh, well how long do you think you’ll be gone?” “Not very long, I know exactly what I need to get. If I leave now, I can be back in about half an hour.” “Go ahead then,” said Ginny. “I’ll wait for you here. But why did you tell me to bring the apparating stone?” “I couldn’t get mine with Potter and your brother upstairs. Can I borrow yours?” “Of course Draco, but be careful, will you?” He took the stone from her and vanished. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ginny walked around for a while, and then sat on the bank of a small stream that ran through her parent’s property. She leaned against a large oak tree and watched as the swirling eddies of water carried leaves from the tree away. She sighed and absentmindedly twirled a strand of her red hair around her finger. “Ginny, Ginny, wake up,” a voice whispered. She opened her eyes to find Draco standing in front of her. “Oh, you’re back,” she said, her sleep-fogged brain not thinking clearly. “I need your help to get these things back into the house,” he said. She looked to where he was pointing and saw a huge pile of parcels. “What?” she asked, shaking her head to try and clear it. “What did you buy; all of Diagon Alley? We’re going to need help to get all of this inside. We can’t do it alone.” “Who are we going to ask?” asked Draco. “Potter and your brother?” “Not even close,” snorted Ginny. “Something this big requires experts in the field. We’ll get Fred and George to help us of course,” she said with a grin. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ginny pressed Fred and George into service, and with their help, they managed to smuggle all of Draco’s parcels into the house unseen. He refused to tell them what he had. Ginny tried unsuccessfully to sneak a peek, but found that all the packages had been gift-wrapped already. Dinner proved to be an interesting meal with everybody crowding around the table in the Weasleys small kitchen. Draco was quite, but the smirk that he perpetually wore was missing. Everyone but Hermione tried to engage him in conversation with little success. He wasn’t rude, and answered everybody politely, but all attempts to draw him out met with failure. After dinner, everybody moved to the sitting room, where talk inevitably centered on the attack of Hogsmeade. “It happened so quickly,” said Arthur Weasley. “And it was totally unexpected. “An entire wizarding community destroyed. “Owls started coming in as soon as the attacks started, but we weren’t quick enough. All those people,” his voice trailed off and he shook his head. “Well it seems to me that He-who-should,” began Percy, when Harry interrupted him rudely. “Voldemort!” he shouted and everybody winced. “His name is Voldemort. Every time you refuse to say his name, you give him more power. If you name your fears, you can conquer them!” “A lot you know about it Potter,” said Draco, with a trace of his former nastiness.” “I reckon I know a lot more than you ever will,” said Harry. “Do you remember the year the Dementors were at Hogwarts? You thought it was so funny how they affected me, but do you know what I heard every time I saw them? I heard my mother. I heard her pleading for my life and Voldemort laughing at her. She died to save me, so I reckon I know just a bit more about it than you do!” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Everybody in the room, except Draco and Harry looked at the ground. “I-I didn’t know,” said Draco softly. “You  heard that? I,” he stopped suddenly. “If you’ll all excuse me, I, uh, I have a few more things to wrap.” He stood up and left the room quickly. An awkward silence filled the air and the all avoided looking at each other. “Harry,” said Mrs. Weasley suddenly. “What about that black dog you, Ron and Hermione used to see when you went to Hogsmeade – the one you used to feed. Has anybody seen him?” “Oh, you mean Snuffles,” he said, his face cheering immensely. “Yes, actually, I received word that he was safe.” “That’s good to know,” she said. “You know, if you ever want to bring him home with you, he’s always welcome.” “I always knew Mum loved Harry best,” said George, nudging Fred with his elbow. “None of us was ever allowed to have a pet.” Everyone laughed, and the awkward moment disappeared. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Not long after that, the evening came to an end, and one by one, the others went upstairs to go to sleep. Ginny stayed downstairs to help her mother with the rest of the cleaning. “Ginny dear,” said Molly. “I’m worried about you. You look so pale, and you’ve lost weight since I saw you last.” “I’m ok Mum, really. It’s just that this is,” “Harder than you ever thought possible?” asked Molly. “Yes, exactly,” she admitted. “I’m finding that nothing is as cut and dried as I thought. Draco’s actually turning out to have some rather redeeming qualities. He’s not the pure evil monster that I always thought he was.” “I’m going to tell you something Ginny,” said Mrs. Weasley. “He did used to be an ‘evil monster,” as you called him. I honestly think that your friendship with him is showing him that things can be different. And I’ve noticed a great change in Harry as well. He’s been a bit more outgoing than he was earlier this fall. I think, perhaps its time to call an end to your scheme. You may not have accomplished all you have set out to do, but you have done a lot for one so young.” Ginny hugged her mother tightly. “I’ll give what you said a lot of thought Mum,” she said. Molly kissed her lightly on the cheek and sent her off to bed. Upstairs, Ginny undressed quietly, so as not to disturb Hermione. She climbed into her bed and pulled the covers up around her neck. Rolling over onto her stomach, she slid her arms under her pillow to raise it up a bit when her hands encountered two packages under her pillow. She sat up quickly and looked at the packages. One was rectangular, and flat, and looked like it could be a book. The other was very small, and looked like it was in a box. She tore the wrappings of the rectangular package and saw that it was a journal. She opened it up, and inscribed on the front cover was a message  Dear Ginny, I know I’m probably the last person you would ever want to receive a journal from. I promise you that this one is safe. I know I can’t ever make up for what my Father did, but I want to thank you for being a friend to me, Draco She smiled and put the journal aside and opened the other package. The cheerful gift-wrap hid a small box. She lifted the lid, and found, nestled on a bed of cotton, a gold chain with a small gold star attached to it. There was no note, but none was needed. Her mind flashed back to her dance with Harry at the Yule ball, and she had no doubt whom the gift was from. She touched the small charm, closed the box, and set it with her journal on her nightstand. Lying back down, she drifted off to sleep, with a smile on her face. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp <center>Margo is a Super ORB!</center><center><center>It all started with a boy, a girl and a silver handprint.<center>Countess Majiklmoon Mistress and keeper of the tunes</center></color~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... 2a.gif></a>

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 1:41 pm

How sweet, the ending! :sob Tracie - you're doing a magnificent job with this! <center> <a href=http://www.fortunecity.com="_blank"> <img src="http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/st ... mara01.gif" border="0"></a> </center>

Post by **bistyboo1974** » Sat Oct 19, 2002 7:14 pm

Great part,  Tracie! I love the Burrow. <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /smile.gif ALT=":)"> <center><img src=http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/sh ... R>Never trust anything that can think for itself, if you can't see where it keeps its brain.</center>

Post by **majiklmoon** » Sun Oct 20, 2002 8:46 pm

Thanks <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/im ... /smile.gif ALT=":)"> <center>Margo is a Super ORB!</center><center><center>It all started with a boy, a girl and a silver handprint.<center>Countess Majiklmoon Mistress and keeper of the tunes</center></color~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... 2a.gif></a>

Post by **majiklmoon** » Wed Oct 23, 2002 4:28 pm

An Acceptable Risk Chapter Twenty-Six Happy Christmas to All &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Ron woke up first and looked at Harry and Malfoy both still sleeping on the floor. “Oy, wake up you two! It’s Christmas. We have presents!” “Happy Christmas, Ron, Happy Christmas, Malfoy,” said Harry, reaching for his glasses. “Happy Christmas, Potter, Happy Christmas, Weasley,” said Draco, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Great, fine. Happy Christmas to all of us,” said Ron. “Now let’s get downstairs and open our gifts. The three started down the stairs, Ron knocking on doors as they went past. “Wake up everyone,” he called. “Or we’ll open all the gifts ourselves!” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The entire Weasley family, and Hermione followed the three boys downstairs. Stacks of presents spilled out from underneath the tree. Arthur waved his wand and the lights on the tree lit up, filling the room with a soft glow. “Shall I go make tea first?” asked Molly. “We’ll do it Mum,” said Ginny. “You sit down and relax.” She stood up and walked into the kitchen, followed closely by Hermione. There was a clattering of dishes, followed by a sharp scream. Molly and Arthur jumped up and ran to the kitchen, with Bill, Charlie and the others on their heels. Inside the kitchen, their eyes were met by amazing sight. The table was filled with enough food to feed the Weasleys several times over. “What happened? Who did this?” asked Molly. “Who cares,” said George. “Right,” said Fred. “Let’s eat!” “Happy Christmas Mr. and Mrs. Weasley,” said a small voice. “I is a gift for you from Harry Potter.” Everyone turned in the direction of the voice and saw a small house elf working industriously by the sink. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Oh Harry,” said Molly. “It’s too much.” “Harry,” said Hermione. “I can’t believe you of all people are participating in this type of slavery!” “Oh no missus,” said the elf. “Twinkles is a free elf. Harry Potter hired me for the Weasleys. I gets paid 2 knuts a week and I gets a tea break and days off if I’d like. But Twinkles is thinking she doesn’t want to have days off. A good house elf should be working all the time.” “Twinkles is Dobby’s cousin Mrs. Weasley,” said Harry. “Apparently the need to work for wages runs in the family.” Ron and Hermione laughed, while Fred and George sat down at the table and began to eat. “This is great,” said George, through a mouthful of scrambled eggs. “Not as good as yours Mum, but good nevertheless.” “Don’t be ridiculous, George,” said Molly. “Anything I don’t have to cook automatically tastes one hundred percent better. “Now sit down all of you and eat. Since Twinkles has made this wonderful meal, we might as well eat it now and open the rest of the gifts later.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp They all tucked in and quickly demolished the great servings of food. As soon as the table was cleared, they adjourned to the sitting room to open gifts. Percy suggested a systematic approach where he would pass out a gift to one person and they would all watch while the gift was open. “Corking good idea, Percy,” said Fred as he reached under the tree and began to toss presents to their recipients. “You go right ahead and do that.” Draco was surprised to see what a large pile of gifts landed at his feet. He looked surreptitiously down at the labels, certain that he had gifts belonging to someone else, and was shocked to see that his name was printed on all the tags. He reached down and picked up a gaudily wrapped package with pictures of smiling Santa’s waving up at him. He tore open the wrapping and pulled out a hand knitted sweater in pale blue. He held it up and noticed that one arm was unfinished. “Oh Draco,” said Molly. “I’m sorry. I started it as soon as I found out you were coming, but I didn’t get it finished. I’ll see to that sleeve after dinner tonight.” “You  made it? For[/i]me[/i]?” he asked, astounded. “I’ve never had anybody make anything for me before.” “You should have said something, Malfoy,” joked Ron. “I’ve thousands of maroon sweaters that you could have had. Mum just finally realized that I hate maroon.” Everybody laughed and resumed opening their gifts. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “This is extraordinary,” said Arthur looking in a box. “What did you call it Hermione?” “It’s called a torch Mr. Weasley. In America, they call it a flashlight.” “And it works on batteries?” “Yes, Muggles use it to see when it’s dark out. Press the button up near the top.” Arthur Weasley pressed the button on the torch and a beam of light shot out. “Well bless my buttons,” he said smiling. “What will they think of next?” Harry shot Hermione a grin as he pulled the wrapping paper off of his next gift. He pulled out the latest Chudley Cannons Year in Review annual. “Thanks, Ron,” he said. “And it’s autographed. How’d you manage that?” “It’s not from me,” said Ron. “Blimey, look. I’ve got one too! Who’s it from?” Harry reached down and picked up the wrapping paper and read the tag. “Malfoy thanks. This is terrific!” “Yeah,” agreed Ron. “They’re excellent!” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Draco flushed a dull red, and smiled slightly. “I’m glad you like them,” he said. “And thanks to both of you,” he said holding up Falmouth Falcon’s uniform, folded and displayed in a frame. “How did you know I favor the Falcons?” “I noticed you had the name engraved on your broomstick at our last match,” said Harry. “Oh Mum, it’s lovely,” said Ginny as she watched her parents unwrap a very elegant tea service. “I’ve no idea,” said Mrs. Weasley. “Let me check the tag. Why it’s from Draco. Draco, thank you very much, it’s quite lovely.” “Your welcome,” he muttered. “I wasn’t quite sure it would be okay.” “Nonsense, it’s perfect, and it should last a lifetime,” said Molly. “Provided Fred and George keep away from it.” “Really mother,” said George self-righteously. “We’re responsible businessmen now. We are far to mature to do anything to such a lovely gift.” “Bloody hell!” shouted Bill, who now had a purple unicorn horn sprouting from his head. “Excellent!” cried Fred. “They work! Don’t worry Bill, it should wear off in about ten minutes.” &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The laughter and merriment continued for quite a while, as the gifts were unwrapped. After everything was unwrapped, Harry, Hermione and Draco excused themselves to give the Weasleys a chance to spend some time alone together. “Thanks for the book token to Flourish and Blotts,” said Hermione, looking at Draco. “Well, I wasn’t quite sure what kind of book to get you. I wasn’t sure what you had read.” “Just about everything,” joked Harry. “You know Potter, you’re different than I thought,” said Draco. “I always thought you were full of yourself.” “Thanks, I think,” said Harry. “I have a question for you. Did I see you unwrap an old shoe?” “Oh, that. Yeah, that was a Christmas gift from the Muggles that I live with. It was better than last year.” “Yeah, last year they gave Harry an old used fish and chips wrapper,” laughed Hermione. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp “Oy! Get in here now!” shouted Charlie from the doorway of the Burrow. “There’s trouble!” Hermione and Harry broke into a run with Draco right behind them. Within minutes, they were back inside the house, panting as they tried to catch their breath. “What is it?” gasped Harry. “What’s wrong?” “I’m afraid there’s been another attack,” said Arthur Weasley looking grave. “Voldemort’s attacked the Ministry of Magic.” <center>Margo is a Super ORB!</center><center><center>It all started with a boy, a girl and a silver handprint.<center>Countess Majiklmoon Mistress and keeper of the tunes</center></color~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ <a href=http://pub84.ezboard.com/bmajiklmoonsrealm><img src=http://members.aol.com/majiklmoon/image ... 2a.gif></a>

Fan Fic and More

An Accpetable Risk - part 29 added 4/30/04

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 20 added 9/25/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 21 added 9/28/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 21 added 9/28/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 21 added 9/28/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 21 added 9/28/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 22 added 10/14/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 22 added 10/14/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 22 added 10/14/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 23 added 10/15/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 23 added 10/15/02

lol

Re: lol

Re: lol

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 24 added 10/16/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 24 added 10/16/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 25 added 10/18/02

Re: An Acceptable Risk - part 25 added 10/18/02

Re: An Acceptable Risk - part 25 added 10/18/02

Re: An Acceptable Risk - part 25 added 10/18/02

Re: An Accpetable Risk - part 26 added 10/23/02