Pretty Kitty (completed)

Chapter 24

Harry ran a hand through his messy hair as he made his way down the stairs to the Entrance Hall. He'd barely had time for a good shower, and made a mental note to have another one after the Quidditch game. And then before dinner. Maybe even after dinner, too...

Harry's happy purring stopped when he reached the end of the stairs and his eyes met a rather suspicious scene.

Malfoy, smirking, lounged against a wall in a far corner, with Ginny standing in front of him and looking uncertain.

"What the-" Harry mumbled as Malfoy smiled winningly and Ginny laughed, the unease melting from her face as she leaned in just a little bit closer. Harry's grip on his Firebolt loosened, and the broom hit the floor with a loud clatter.

Ginny jerked back, wide eyes going to Harry. Malfoy slowly turned his gaze towards his school nemesis, looking very satisfied. Harry's eyes narrowed angrily – what was Malfoy up to?

"Looky here, it's Potty-wee-Potter, and without his bodyguards," Malfoy exclaimed, pushing off from the wall and beginning to stride forward, green Quidditch robes billowing behind him in an almost Snape-esque impersonation. Harry resisted arching his back threateningly.

"What's wrong, Potter – they finally see exactly how worthless you are, eh?" Malfoy continued, moving ever closer to Harry. Harry growled under his breath, claws extending from his hand – he was vaguely glad he no longer held his Firebolt.

"Don't think that's too good an idea." Charlie popped up beside Harry, causing him to startle with a loud hiss and nearly claw Charlie's eyes out. Charlie grabbed Harry before he could lunge.

"Relax, mate," he said, patting Harry's head. "Probably wasn't the best idea to startle you when you're so wound up."

Harry had to agree with him on that point, but consciously made an effort to calm down, which was easier with Charlie there – the man exuded a calm, kind air, much like his father. Harry's raised hackles lowered and he retracted his claws.

Malfoy sneered and turned away, stalking to the doors leading into the Great Hall – he obviously wasn't so confident with a man older and more experienced than him. Charlie smiled after him amicably, until Malfoy had disappeared from sight.

He then turned to Ginny with raised eyebrows. "Gin! What on earth are you thinking?" he hissed, striding forward to rest his hands on Ginny's shoulders. Ginny bit her lip, looking down – Charlie didn't know much about Ginny's sudden alliance with Malfoy, but apparently that wasn't going to stay the same for much longer.

"Um..." she stuttered, sending an almost pleading glance to Harry. Harry shot her a cold glare – he really couldn't forgive her for turning on her brothers like she had.

"I know Malfoy can seem charming, the smarmy bastards are too good at that. But don't let him, you know, seduce you. He's pure evil, and he'll only end up dragging you down with him," Charlie scolded, taking a hold of Ginny's arm and beginning to lead her back upstairs, presumably to his quarters for a further talk.

He seemed to remember Harry at the last minute, and turned back to him. "You'll be all right? Wait for the twins to get down and stay with them until the game," he ordered sternly. Harry rolled his eyes – he didn't need to be bloody protected. Voldemort hadn't leapt out of a shrubbery to attack him yet, and he got the feeling it would stay that way.

"Sure," Harry agreed, watching as Charlie nodded and continued on his journey, a reluctant Ginny in tow. Maybe he could talk some sense into the girl, make her see exactly what she was doing to her own family. All the Weasley children seemed to look up to Charlie and Bill as the oldest and most mature.