Sometimes the things you are most afraid of are the things that can make you the happiness -- Fall 1998

I wanted to smack Vincent.  "Oh, don't mind him," I said instantly.  "And no drink for me, but thank you."  I smiled kindly at Draco and sat down with Pansy.  "Are you going to drink?  You can... I'm just not in the mood."

I smiled at Millie and shook my head.  "No, I wasn't planning on having any either," I said to Millicent.  I knew to dismiss Crabbe; he was always like that.  I never really got along with him anyways.  "How about some water, then?" I suggested instead of the wine.

I gave Crabbe a drink and the girls both waters.  "It seems like it has been awhile," I said to them once we were seated at teh table to talk.  "How have things been?"

"It has been quite a bit," I agreed.  "We are fairing better than you, however."  I looked around the flat once more.  I knew that Draco was trying to do things on his own, but what was the point?  I wouldm uch rather have a more glorious life than this.

I politely thanked Pansy.  I ignored the boys and looked at my mate.  "You don't have to work, do you?  I mean... that would be a bit distasteful," I said to her quietly.

Of course Millicent would automatically go to something like that.  I shook my head.  "No, I don't work," I said to her.  I may end up having to at one point, but I was not going to say that to Millie right then.

I was glad the ladies were catching up.  I looked over at Crabbe.  "What are you doing these days, anyways?" I questioned, wondering what type of work Crabbe was able to get as he was a bit dull and dense.

I took a drink that Malfoy handed to me.  "McNair got me into the Ministry where I take care of those idiotic creatures like that beast that should have been beheaded when it attacked you," I said, not rmemebering what the bloody thing was called.

I smiled at Pansy. "Oh, good," I said to her.  "Vince is in the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures now," I said, boasting about my husband.  "I don't work because of that, either."

"Oh, that's lovely," I said to her.  "Draco is in training to become a Healer."  I was so proud of him for doing what he wanted to do instead of what his father wanted him to do.  Of course, that was not the best for being part of the Death Eaters' inner circle.

I nodded, thinking that actually suited him quite well.  "Ah, I'm sure you're doing well there, aren't you?" I said, taking a drink.  I never realized before how strained conversations with Crabbe were.

I chuckled and nodded.  "Of course I am," I assured Malfoy.  "I have noticed that you haven't been in the Ministry. I thought your father had you in with the Unspeakables?"

I raised my eyebrows.  "oh, well, that explains things then," I muttered. "I woudl have thought that Mr. Malfoy would get him into the Ministry."

I took a deep breath and shook my head.  "Well, I'm sure he could have done that," I said to Millicent.  "Draco, however, wanted to forge his own path and I am rather proud of him for that."

"That was his plan," I said to Crabbe.  I pursed my lips slightly.  "I am going about my own path, however, at St. Mungo's.  I'm in training to be a Healer." Unlike Crabbe, I could think for myself.