"I'm doing well, Ms. Weasley. And you?" Rita said politely.

She was sure that Ginny's motives for approaching her could not be pure, but, as her own motives for doing anything were rarely pure, she decided to be cordial. Besides, she'd learned the hard way to never to alienate a potential ally.

She'd been about to take another sip from her drink when Ginny asked her second question. She slowly lowered the glass and took a breath before answering.

"Yes, she's a lovely person. I'm very fond of her," she said guardedly. "Why?"