Shaela smiled easing her posture, but not letting Ginny go. It had been too long since she'd held someone, or even been held. But it was nice being strong for someone else. This was new for her. Something she'd never truly had a vested interest in.
"Family...is wonderful. I wish mine was close, but..." she shrugged and shook her head, "That's for another time. But no, they can't take away who you are. We can give that away, but they cannot take it away."
Did Ginny know him? How was she to tell her? "And no, I'm not...avoiding your question. You...yes, you know him, but...you can't say anything. Even if I tell you. Because...because it's stupid but he gives me hope, and I know I'm foolish about it, but...I want my fantasy. I'm not ready to give up this one just yet."
She knew Percy was above her, that no matter what he said, her options were slim, and so long as she stayed a servant, any control she thought she had over her life was just an illusion.