Past Life by michou Rating: PG13 Genres: Romance, Mystery Relationships: Draco & Ginny Book: Draco & Ginny, Books 1 - 4 Published: 26/01/2004 Last Updated: 27/01/2004 Status: Paused Famous detective Draco Malfoy seeks out the help of aspiring detective Virginna Weasley in a mysterious copycat case that Virginna just solved only a month ago. Mysterious parents, an even more mystifying case, and a budding romance along with cameos from various characters, just what will it take for those two to stop being so dense of their mutual attraction? 1. Header --------- **Title**: Past Life **Author**: Cybille **E-Mail**: hummingbird205@hotmail.com **Website**: http://www.nonperky.net **Rating**: PG – R **Spoilers**: None **Keywords**: Draco/Ginny **Disclaimer**: I do not own the characters in this fan fiction and am receiving no income from the writing of this. The characters belong to their numerous owners and I once again state, I am not one of them. **Feedback**: Please review or sign the guestbook if you find this at my website. **Summary**: Famous detective Draco Malfoy seeks out the help of aspiring detective Virginna Weasley in a mysterious copycat case that Virginna just solved only a month ago. Mysterious parents, an even more mystifying case, and a budding romance along with cameos from various characters, just what will it take for those two to stop being so dense of their attraction? 2. Chapter One -------------- Past Life: Draco and Ginny It was times like now Virginia Weasley wished she had been born a man, not the only girl of her well known family. She was expected to wear frilly feminine dresses and marry men like that enormous bore Harry Potter and join the two vastly respected families together. In their dreams, only such a travesty would happen. Virginia, Ginny to friends and family, was determined to never marry for convenience, but for love and respect. She, however, was a lady and a lady such as herself should not be in her golden age of twenty one, still unmarried and not without one child holding her down. That was not the life Ginny had planned for herself, she wanted to be a famous detective, figure out mysteries no one else would dare and in the process help those who desperately needed the answers only she could answer. But even in London, the big city, the idea of a woman detective was laughed at and thanks only occasional humor of rich practitioners could Ginny have her rundown office which she was forced to make into her home, unable to pay rent to both an office and flat. It was only nights when the fog was so dense and she couldn’t her own hand in front of her face and the lack of food in her stomach making her stomach growl in protest to such a strenuous movement as walking, did Ginny wonder why she continued down this path. It would be so much easier to give into her family and marry Harry. At least their babies would be pretty, Ginny mused. A little girl with long red hair and striking green eyes or maybe a boy with dark hair and chocolate brown eyes to make girls heart swoon but seeing Harry with his family’s servant girl Granger, that one afternoon a few years ago always stopped her musings downs that path. She’d only seen those secretive but meaningful glances between her Father and Mother and her brother Fred and his wife, Angelina; she could never break something like that up and was one of the main reasons of heartfelt objection to her parents match making. It was also nights like this Ginny felt the loneliness of the city. Growing up with so many brothers and now wives and their children, her nieces and nephews, Ginny felt alone. Being so caught up in her thoughts, Ginny never realized the commotion coming up behind her. She was jerked forward by a large mass of body and turned to see what was going on when a warn body collided straight into her causing her to fall backwards, but not before grasping for anything to steady herself and managing to bring the person who crashed into her down with her. Getting over her shock, Ginny looked up into grey slightly surprised eyes that belonged to a cool passive face. What a sight they must’ve made, he had to be in his late twenties, and judging by the texture of the clothes, rich which immediately made her wonder why he was out at this time of night crashing into young ladies such as herself. On a second glance, Ginny had to admit he was quite handsome, white blonde hair, grey eyes, high cheek bones, and a chiseled jaw. Each feature on another person would not have merged so well but on the man who still hadn’t managed to move it looked quite nice. “Well hello,” a voice, best described as husky and masculine, interrupted her observations, “Isn’t it late for once such as yourself to be out?” “Just what is that supposed to mean?” “A lady should not be out at such hours and unless you belong to an unrespectable profession I suspect your husband must be worried.” The blush that rose to her cheeks was first of embarrassment and after a few seconds ticked by moved to anger. “I am twenty one years old sir, and my husband does not care considering I do not have one, and for your information, I just finished a case and am was going back to my office before you crashed into me.” She wiggled, “And get off me!” The man slowly brought his arms above her head before pushing off them and lifted himself up. He offered her his hand and Ginny reluctantly took it, not wanting to get any more dirty than she probably already was. “A case madam?” “Yes a case,” Ginny said busily brushing off dirt from her dress, “I am a detective.” “Are you now?” His voice was now amused and Ginny stopped cleaning herself to look at him. He was indeed amused, he reeked of humor and it annoyed her to no end. “Yes. I am,” “And what is your name detective?” “Virginia Weasley.” Ginny said curtly not caring anymore if she sounded rude. Manners were obviously wasted on this idiot. “I have heard of you.” The man murmured more to himself than to her. “You have?” Ginny tried to keep herself from sounding surprised and once the words fell from her lips, she knew she failed. “Yes, according to some people you are fairly good,” Before Ginny could bask in the joy of the complement he added, “for a woman.” “And who, pray tell, are you?” There was a moment of silence before the man answered, “Draco Malfoy.” The name froze any smart comment she had been forming. “THE Draco Malfoy?” “I don’t think ‘the’ is necessary but yes, I am Draco Malfoy.” Draco Malfoy was in blind retrospect, her hero. Coming from one of the most richest families in Britain he defied his family to become a working man for the common person. He refused to marry his family’s ally the Parkinson’s daughter Pansy, and swore he would only marry for love. This fool was her hero? So much for keeping up the legend. “Are you sure?” Ginny asked. “Pretty sure. Unless you know something I don’t?” This tone again suggested something crude and Ginny frustrated drew her peacoat closer to her. “No I don’t. Now have a good evening, Mr. Malfoy.” She turned and refused to look back into that infuriating face that belong to Draco Malfoy. Morning, well later that same morning, Ginny found herself cleaning her office having little else better to do. It only really needed a good sweep and what little paper work she had didn’t take long to reorganize. Seeing she had no other pressing engagements Ginny was changing from boy breeches into her dress, or was about to slip her dress on when the door banged open and for the second time Ginny fell on her butt. Scolding herself for getting surprised at someone barging into her room, and forgetting she was only in her slip, started to yell at the intruder and stopped when she saw who is was. “What the bloody hell are you doing here?” “Um Miss Weasley….” “That isn’t the answer to my question Mr. Malfoy.” Why was the idiot blushing? “You dropped your handkerchief.” Looking wildly in his pockets he pulled out a lace handkerchief in his hand and gestured it to her his eyes looking somewhat below her shoulders. “You came all this way to give back a….” Ginny realized where his eyes were directed and what she was wearing and grabbed her dress and pulled it over her head in under two seconds covering what his graze was free to see for the past few minutes. “It would’ve been nice, if you could’ve informed me of my state of dress.” “I tried. You wouldn’t let me finish.” “What do you want?” Ginny asked refusing to fall into the bait that he hung directly in front of her eyes. “I need your help on a case.” 3. Chapter Two -------------- **Author’s Note**: **Thanks** for the reviews! I love them all, I hope these chapters follows up nicely. This was actually a long long one shot and I divided it up. I hope the chapters flow well enough. **Rea Yume**, made a very good point, I never thought of the way they meet odd but it was a very interesting point. Oh well I hope everyone likes this new chapter. Any questions e-mail me. Past Life: Draco and Ginny Chapter Two “Very funny Mr. Malfoy a man of your stature needing help from me?” “I was surprised as well but here I am.” The blush this time had nothing to do with embarrassment but pure undiluted anger. “Help with what?” The question came from clenched teeth. “A new client of mine has a neighbor, who’s daughter was killed, The Blewetts and you found the killer and handed him over to the authorities.” “Yes, I remember them.” Ginny also remembered her whirlwind romance with their son with mischievous eyes and hands. Thank goodness the case finished before she did something she’d regretted later, “What of them?” “Their next door neighbors the Sanford’s daughter was killed in a strangely similar way from the Blewetts, if not the exact same way.” “That’s impossible, the killer of Katilin, is in jail for the rest of his life.” “That is why I came to you. Where there any other suspects other than the killer you put away. Any other probable killers?” Ginny did not have to think. She remembered when she found Katilin killer’s hideout. He was obsessed with the girls he killed, having articles the girls had reported to their parents or husbands missing, pictures of the girls, and if the girl was already dead a piece of their hair lining his wall. “No there weren’t.” Ginny answered sure if herself “Just as I thought. The crime happened early this morning. I almost had him until I bumped into you.” “And I am guessing you are going to say this is *my entire* fault.” “Now that you mention it….” “Do you want my help or not you prat?” The smirk that fell across his lips made her want to do one of two things, smack the grin off his face or kiss it off. Both appealed to her. “Who said I wanted your help?” Ginny closed her eyes and counted backwards. When she reached one she reopened her eyes and looked at him, “I was the only detective in Britain assigned to the killer and was the only person to find him. Paper work won’t help you find the copycat. So once again I ask do you want my help or not?” Draco shrugged, “Then get your things.” “Excuse me?” “Get your things. I live on the other side of London. If I am to work with you I am not traveling across the city every day. It would be much easier if you lived in the manor with me.” “Why Mr. Malfoy, you are asking me to live with you? Such a romantic proposal!” She dropped the act, “What type of girl do you think I am?” “A woman who knows a good opportunity when it falls upon her both literally and figuratively. If we solve this case you’ll be doing a whole lot better than operating in this dingy office.” “I happen to like my dingy office.” Ginny replied, “But it has always been my dream to work with an arrogant prat such as yourself, I always wished for such a bland proposal to move into someone’s home.” With one last withering look, Ginny turned to get what little things she’d need to go with him but stopped when she felt a hand touch her arm, and turned to look up into those grey eyes again. “What now Mr. Malfoy?” She tried to sound firm but knew her voice was breathy. His facial features earlier that morning seemed striking but now in the gleam of the later morning night, he was beautiful, like an angel. “Miss Virginia Weasley, would you do the honor of moving into my home and working on this case with me?” Ginny took a deep breathe and fought the need to reach the distance between them and kiss him senseless. Once again interrupting her thoughts Draco asked, “Romantic enough for you?” He was still a breath away and Ginny couldn’t find it in her to get mad at his audacity. Instead she answered, “Quite.” Taking a deep breathe she continued; “Now if you’ll move away I have to get packed.” “Of course.” Draco replied moving away to sit on the surprisingly comfortable couch across from the young lady packing her things. She was quite stunning, in an unconventional way, the freckles normally would’ve turned him off and made most people look like a hick but on her made her look fetching, and the cute little nose and wide brown eyes with long beautiful red hair. She actually seemed to have some class, more breeding and the way she spoke inclined she had lessons. She wasn’t the typically city girl, Draco thought to himself. The carriage ride was quiet and uneventful. “This is where you live?” she asked him grasping his hand with her right and holding on tightly to her bag with the other. The castle or manor as he like to call it, reached high into the skies and plainly intimidating. “Yes it is.” “And you live by yourself?” “No, I have Dobby.” “Dobby?” Ginny asked. Before Draco could ask, a small creature that reached about her shoulder came hurrying to his Master and visitor. “Good day Master.” “Good day Dobby,” Draco said, “This is Miss. Virginia and she’ll be staying with us for a while. You can put her in the red room in the West Wing.” “Very good sir. Will there be anything else?” “I was wondering if you could buy a chicken for dinner tonight.” They were talking as they were walking and Ginny, who was caught up in the picture that the mansion made, had to run to catch up to them. “Well Dobby was going to clean today but if the Master would prefer it…” They were in the foyer now in the manor and Ginny only just heard the conversation. “No Dobby it is alright. I’ll go later and get the chicken myself. Do we need anything else in the market?” “No sir. I just went the other day.” “Alright Dobby. Please show Miss Virginia the room.” He turned to Ginny who was admiring the art work that that the house structure as well as the painting decorating every wall, “Virginia.” Ginny jumped at her name and turned smiling sheepishly, “Yes?” Dobby will show you to your room, “If you need anything let him know and he’ll let me know.” Ginny nodded and watched as he walked back outside to the waiting carriage. “Miss Virginia?” Dobby called. Dobby, hoping his excitement wasn’t visible. The master never brought a woman to stay at their home before, and he’d never seen the Master stare at the woman as he looked at the red haired lady. “Yes Mr. Dobby?” “Would you like me to show you to your room?” “Of course Mr. Dobby.” They walked up the stairs and moved to the left and down a long hallway and reached a door many doors down and stopped before putting her bags down and opening the door. “This is the red room miss Virginia.” Dobby said. They walked into the room and found it was indeed red. The room had various shade of red from the carpet to the pillow cases on the bed. It was beautiful in an elegant sort of way and Ginny fell in love with the room immediately. “The room has its own private bathroom through that door.” Dobby, pointed a door which stood out from the walls dark color of red but the door was a lighter color. “Mr. Dobby?” Virginia asked, “Can I ask you a question?” “Of course Miss.” “How long have you worked here?” “Since I was young Miss. Things have changed since his father lived, but for the better. The previous master was horrible to all the servants who lived here but Young Master was kind to us. When the Old Master died he gave us the chance to leave and only Dobby stays. Master only uses the West Wing to make things easier for Dobby.” “That’s very kind of him.” Ginny said still looking around the room, “He lives in this wing?” “Yes in the green room and I live in forest room.” Seeing Ginny’s observation of the room Dobby decided to leave it to her to her room, “Lunch will be at one Miss Virginia.” “Mr. Dobby a favor.” “Yes Miss Virginna?” “Please do not call me Miss Virginna.” “I cannot Miss Virginia, it would not show respect.” “But Mr. Dobby,” Before Ginny could finish Dobby managed to sneak out the room. She’d get him later, she told herself. It was one exactly when Ginny walked back down to the main staircase to see Draco waiting for her. “Punctual.” He remarked. “Of course.” Ginny answered, “Mr. Malfoy when will we get started on the case?” “We could actually start this afternoon.” They were walking to the dinning room, ”Call me Draco.” “Then you must call me Ginny.” The smirk on his face let her know before he answered that he wasn’t, “How about Virginia? I like that name better.” “What ever makes you happy.” Ginny smartly answered. Lunch was a normal affair. It was mostly question and answer, Ginny to Draco. It was easy to notice that he did not like talking about himself. It was almost like pulling teeth and after a while Ginny stopped and they finished the meal in silence. Soon after they left to go back into London the home they stopped in front of was obvious middle class, but somehow from the outside screamed home. Ginny assumed that on a normal day, the home would seem to be happy but right now it seemed to be mourning. The house next door was familiar, she was only there a few months ago reporting to the Blewetts that their daughter’s killer had been arrested and would never harm any one else. She also recognized Mathew who was helping his mother with packages. As she stepped from the carriage, he hopes were dashed when she realized from Mathew’s glance and eyes, he did remember her. “Ginny!” He called. Without thinking he ran forward and grabbed her into a hug, his own mother smiling. “Hi, Mattie.” Ginny said smiling, “How have you been?” “Okay, I’ve guess you heard about the murder.” “Yes. I’m working with Mr. Malfoy.” Ginny turned to introduce but stopped in the recognition of immediate dislike the two had for each other. “We’ll be going in now. I’ll see you around.” Matthew smiled and waved as they walked into the Sanford’s home. The Sanfords were an upper middle class family and it was obvious that the news of their oldest daughter’s death was a shock. Their youngest daughter was ten and was currently upstairs. She hadn’t talked to anyone since her sister’s death and it seemed that she would never talk again or at least never talk until she felt the need to. They told the two detectives what their daughter did the past two days before her death. Nothing she did was unusual, it was starting to irk Ginny is screamed the Blewetts case. The past few days before her death were annoyingly uniform from a normal girl her age day. “Alberta woke up, went to the market reported nothing strange, and only went to put out the cat. When was taking too long from doing that mundane activity she was found slaughtered.” “You have such an elegant way of putting things.” Ginny said as they rode into the market place and the people who the unknowingly had their last conversations with the girl. The butcher was no help; both Ginny and Draco found him much too busy and rude to drag any answers out of him. Ginny herself knew that Alberta like most women in the butcher’s presence left because of the suggestive sneer he directed to anybody under forty with a dress. Next they went to dressmaker’s store, a thin old lady of sixty five, with sharp eyes used to smooth out finial details and long fingers used to holding sharp scissors that cut all types of fabrics. “She was in here to get a dress made for an upcoming ball in a month. She choose a beautiful fabric,” The dressmaker turned her critical eyes to the pair before her and swept over them with no pretense of anything else, “The only problem was the shade of green she wanted for the dress. It would’ve done nothing for her, but you my dear…” She shrugged and moved on, “Mr. Malfoy I do believe your suit for the very same ball is ready. “ “What ball?” Ginny whispered. “The mayor’s ball, I am expected to go and once again bore myself to tears with the debutants of our wonderful society.” “Well since you speak so highly of it.” Ginny muttered before turning all her attention to the older woman in front of her, “Was there anything out of the ordinary that she requested?” “Just the color,” The dressmaker said bringing the dress out from the back still on the wooden model, “It’s such a beautiful dress and already paid for. She was supposed to pick it up today. I never dreamed that I would be hearing such news. I will have to find something to do with the dress…” Ginny automatically seeing the love the woman held for the green dress before her, Ginny motioned for her and Draco to leave. 4. Chapter Three ---------------- Past Life: Draco and Ginny Chapter Three “I have never been more frustrated in my life.” Draco groused as he collapsed on the sofa. Ginny sitting up right on a chair but no less tired, watch Dobby come in with afternoon tea. “Never Draco?” Ginny asked, “Never in your life has a case been this hard to figure out?” “It’s not the case. It’s the fact that nothing this girl has done has been from out the ordinary. We have no leads only a dead body and no witnesses.” Ginny was forced to admit she had to agree, this case after a week of chasing leads, they still wound up with nothing. “Well,” Ginny said cheekily, “At least you earned a new friend.” “Have I?” The looked of disgust on Ginny’s face was enough to make Draco chuckle with laughter. Ginny was beginning to wonder if the man ever laughed. She never outright heard a laugh from him and it was become slightly unnerving. “And you, my dear Virginia, have managed to reacquaint yourself with your dear Mathew.” “I don’t see why you don’t like him. He is a perfect gentlemen,” Taking a small sip of her tea she then added, “We would’ve never found that many leads without him.” “All the leads led us back to the same place. If I didn’t know better I’d say that he gave us the wrong information so he could see you again.” “No respectable man would use a young girl’s murder in such a disrespectable way.” Ginny said dismissing Draco’s words. Changing the subject she asked, “Isn’t your ball tomorrow?” “No. The mayor has become ill so it was moved to next month.” “Surely you’ve done such a thing before.” “Yes. But this case…” Draco looked up toward the ceiling, “This case is different. There is something not right about this case, not right at all.” “It’s like we aren’t seeing something.” Ginny sighed, “I’d hate to see this case end and move into that boring little office of mine again.” As much as Ginny was pulled by the case, she was pulled by this mysteriously handsome man with no wife, no children, mistresses, and welcomed her into his home without a second thought. And not only welcome, he had entertained her, whether he knew it or not, his comments, point of view, and just outtake on life was so different from any she’d ever known. He challenged her and didn’t treat her like a lesser being because of being a woman. He treated her like an equal. “I was thinking about that.” “About what?” Ginny asked. “Your office and career, and I thought you would get more exposure if you…” He cleared his throat, “…became my apprentice.” “You are offering me an apprenticeship?” The questioning in her voice was obvious. “Um…yes?” Ginny stood up and walked towards the window, “Sure. Why not? I assume you’ve become so accustomed to my grace and charm you cannot life with out me.” “Good.” Standing up Draco bid her farewell and left her to the company of Dobby. Draco figured once he managed to ask Ginny to stay, the way he acted around her would become easier. The past month, if anything, became harder. Before he could go somewhere that pertained to the case, he could go somewhere by himself and get some air from the very intimidating presence of her. Now whenever it seemed that he would leave she would ask where he was going and if it had to do with the case. If he, in his vast stupidity and care for her, answered correctly, she would tell him she’d only be a minute as she’d dash up the stairs to put her shoes on. That was another thing, which made him wonder who he had welcomed to share his home with. She always walked around without shoes! The rest of her would be covered in one her dresses or sometimes a petticoat, but always if she couldn’t help it, she would not wear shoes. Once, he’d been he’d unceremoniously staring at her feet, and she’d asked him he’d wanted her to put on a pair of shoes or maybe slippers. Would she believe he almost laughed? Put shoes on? The fact that she did not wear shoes in the house, grounded him, made her seem more like a real person because he could actually see her feet touch the ground. He was attracted to her, he could admit it to himself, but to act on it would be silly and selfish. It was obvious from the slight accent she unknowingly carried that she did not live in the city her whole life, which meant she’d never know about his family history, that he’d managed to keep quiet for the past few years. And she made him want to laugh, he hadn’t done such a wondrous thing in years. It was perhaps late in afternoon two days later, four something, close to five when Draco realized something; how did Matthew come across this information? The more he thought about it the more it made sense. And Draco was sure it had nothing to do with his intense dislike of Matthew either which Draco would have to admit he could be petty enough to pin it on the guy and no one would dare question him but Draco learned a long time ago that you got things you wanted you had to do thing the right way. He knew Matthew did it; he just had to figure why. Draco stood up from the armchair in his room and walked down to Ginny’s room and knocked on the door. After waiting a moment he opened the door halfway before opening it fully and found the room empty. He wondered where she was and called out to Dobby who strolled out of his room. “Dobby do you know where Virginia is?” “Yes sir Dobby does. She received a letter from her family a little after breakfast this morning. She asked Dobby to tell you that she would not be back for a few days.” Draco growled and grumpily thanked Dobby before walking back to his room to think. How could he prove it was Matthew? Ginny, as much as she loved her family wished that after she was with her concerned mother for three hours wish she could escape back to Malfoy Manor. Her mother already told her she was going to attend the Mayor’s ball and from what she had heard from Draco’s complaining she was not looking forward to it. There would be men that her mother would only be to anxious to wed the deputy mayor’s daughter. It was pathetic, Ginny realized three days later, as the carriage carried her mother, father, and her to the ball. The dress was a deep auburn color and Ginny though pleased with the dress was shocked that her parents actually let her wear such a shocking color. After thinking about it more Ginny came to the conclusion they wanted her to stand out more from the younger more accepted women at the party who didn’t have to sink to the low of wearing such bold colors to attract men. It was a shame her parents tried to bring her down to the level they brought her down too but they managed. The only reprieve from the hell Ginny was sure this night was she might finally be able to see Draco. It was odd; she’d barely known the man for a few months and being away from him for three days seemed a lifetime. She missed his sassy remarks and his teasing manner in which he bothered her as well as the serious side he presented to the world when he went about the case trying to find a young girl’s murderer. “Ginny.” Molly Weasley said calling her daughter from her daydream, “There are going to be important people tonight. I know you have these notions that you can change the world and show your independence but please try tonight, just for us?” The pleading in her Mother’s voice made Ginny wonder what could be so bad about being independent. Her own mother used to be like herself, Ginny thought, she heard stories from her mother’s sister Roxie that how her own mother used to argue with her father about politics and run around with boys around town skirt and all. Her sister said she changed shortly after she was seventeen and then she suddenly stopped arguing and running around to become a calm proper lady. Her grandparents though loving breathed a sigh of relief at their daughter’s change and married her oldest daughter off to Ginny’s father with a clear conscience. Unfortunately the side that Molly managed to suppress her only daughter of seven children could not change who she was no matter how hard she tried. “I’ll try mother.” With a small nod her father helped her mother from the carriage before giving his hand to Ginny to help her from the carriage. Her parents started off first and a then after they were two steps ahead of her she started to walk. The room as usual was decorated beautifully the lights bright and catching nicely on chandeliers and the orchestra playing a smooth upbeat tempo. No one could accuse the mayor of being close minded when it came to music, on other affairs however…Was that Luna? Yes it was with her brother no less. Her parents stepped away to talk to some political figure and Ron and Luna, hand and hand, walked up to her. Giving a warm hug to the both of them Ginny smiled, she knew for a few months now that they were going to engaged and saw that it was one of the few good matches. Ron’s tendency to take his self too seriously and Luna’s more down to earth nature was a perfect balance. It really was a shame most marriages couldn’t be based on unions like theirs. “Ronald,” Luna was the only person to call Ginny’s bother by his full name, “Why don’t you get your sister and I some wine?” Ron knowing woman’s gossip was about to partake nodded his head and went to find a glass of wine for “I hear from a few friends in the city you have taken on a new case.” The face was impassive but her tone shone with curiosity. “Yes, I have. Why do you ask?” “Oh I have forgotten to mention, they also inform me that you are residing in Malfoy manor.” “He is the head detective in this story. He only enlisted my help because a few cases back I handed something close to what he is investigating now.” “So he invites you to live with him? Ginny my dear, if you were not a Weasley people would be calling you a whore right now.” Ginny smirked, “Who says they don’t already? Come on Luna, a female detective? They probably think it’s a new title for a street walker of some kind.” Luna rolled her eyes, “The joy of being a blue blood.” She took a look around the room before leaning in closer to Ginny, “All jokes aside, the spirits say you are in great danger.” Ginny sighed, “Luna you still go to those silly meetings?” “They are not silly!” Luna protested. In a lower voice she added, “They led me to your brother; that is all the proof in the world that magic does indeed exist.” “Luna, how much did you rave about my brother? And your family being good friends with my family helped things along. Looking into their crystal ball wasn’t that hard a task in your situation.” Luna glared and turned away to pout, “You are not the most supportive sister in law I’ve met.” “How about I’m your only sister in law? But just to be supportive, what did the spirits says?” Luna, decidedly ignoring her humoring tone turned and said, “They said you had a crucial decision ahead of you, one that can change your life.” Ginny opened her mouth to make a comment but Ron appeared just in time, “If you excuse Luna, Ginny. I wanted to introduce her to a few people from the company.” Ginny waved her hand dismissing them both, “Go, go, you children. Have fun.” 5. Chapter Four --------------- Past Life: Draco and Ginny Chapter Four As much as Ginny had grown to hate admitting Draco was right, she found herself having to agree with him once again; the party was an immense bore. She at least expected to find him wandering around shooting death glares at any person that looked like they were going to risk their necks to talk to him but she couldn’t find him anywhere. After an hour of wandering around Ginny decided she’d rest her feet and sit on a bench in the veranda. The best part about it was that there were drapes hiding the entrance and gave the most privacy. There was almost no one outside on the clear night and Ginny found her body relaxing, screw finding Draco this was soothing, and much more soothing then wondering if her hair and blush were still in place. “Such a handsome man that Malfoy turned out to be.” Ginny looked around trying to locate the female voice and found that there must be some people on the other side of the drapes not realizing she could hear every single word they were saying. “Yes, but this manners and attitude towards everything is so foul. Then let’s not forget those rumors…” “Oh yes. They managed to keep it very quiet but I really do think he killed his father.” “They say it was self defense.” “Oh please Pricilla. I heard Lucius Malfoy was a bastard and maybe one day dear Draco became tired of his cruel father and with all the money Draco inherited could have brought the police. It’s happened before.” “I don’t think…” There was a pause, “Michael sure has grown over the past year hasn’t he? Let’s go say hello.” Ginny turned her head just in time to see the shadows of the two gossiping girls move away and sighed. It was girls like them that made her wonder what misfortune decided most girls were catty. “Amusing, those rumors are.” Ginny looked to her right and saw Draco’s blonde hair in the shadows of the veranda. “How long were you there?” “A little bit before you sat down, I need to get away from those women.” Ginny could’ve sworn she saw him shudder, “You’d think I was some prize be won at the fair.” “Some prize.” Ginny said, “I can imagine it now. You think you’re going to have my child? What are your credentials? Is your womb furnished enough? I pity the woman you marry.” “Pity is for the merciful.” “Draco?” “Yes?” “About your family…” “My father is dead, and I did kill him.” At the look on Ginny’s face he continued to say, “He used to beat my mother to show me how to be a man. My mother was too much in love with him to do anything and just took it. One day he got sick” He pulled out a cigarette and the look of distaste on Ginny’s face sighed and put the cigarette back into his pocket, “It was easily curable and I went out to get it. When I came back and was about to give him the medicine he came toward me and the look in his eyes wasn’t sane. My father never approved of my, he insisted I was too soft and too into those lesser then me. He then went into detail on what he did not my mother every night.” Hearing Ginny’s gasp he shook his head, “I just walked away and burned the medicine. He died three days later. My mother never really was a strong person and she went crazy a few days after his death. She hung herself with one of the sheets in her room. I was away taking care of the final details of my father’s business. The house stunk of her body.” There was a tense silence and Ginny sighed taking a sip of her drink before opening her mouth, “I always believed in judging a person by past deeds and present deeds. You were young and such a traumatic experience. I,” she sighed, “I wouldn’t blame you or hate you.” “You might not believe me but that means a lot to me.” They sat in silence for a while neither one feeling the need to fill the silence with words looking up into the night sky. “Ginny?” A voice called. Both turned to look towards a tall red headed man with slight dusting of freckles, dressed in a suit and looking like he hated every single minute of it. “Hi Daddy.” Ginny could only imagine the look on Draco’s face at her childish recognition of the man that pushed back the drapes. Deciding to push it away from her mind Ginny stood up and without saying good bye to Draco took her father’s arm and let her lead her into the ballroom once again. “I have someone I want you to meet.” “Who? What’s his name?” “Mathew Blewetts. He is moving up around and I thought perhaps you’d like to meet him.” “You mean mother thought I’d like to meet him.” Ginny retorted choosing not to add that she’d already met this rising star of the Ministry. The thing that bothered her was that Mathew told her he wished to be an artist and didn’t really like political agendas. “Mathew this is my daughter Virginna, Virginna meet Mathew Blewetts.” Mathew smiled and as he bowed tenderly took her hand and kissed the glove covered skin. As he withdrew his hand he smiled and said quietly, “A pleasure.” “The pleasure is all mine.” In all honesty the formality was driving Ginny crazy. What happened to the charming young man she’d met only a few months ago. As Ginny accepted the invitation to dance she searched frantically for an appropriate way to ask. “Whatever happened to the young man I knew, Mathew?” “What do you mean?” He dipped her abruptly and Ginny almost screamed from the lack of coordination she felt. “You wanted to be an artist. Not some diplomat that works for other men. You wanted to sleep and wake up whenever you wanted, no definite schedule. Now you’re organized, work close with my father, and are in this ball at a few months ago you swore you’d never set foot on.” “Your perfect man correct?” “You seemed to hit it off with Matthew.” Her mother said standing by the wall with her family’s friends. “No mother.” “But-” “NO.” Her mother sighed, “I wish you would at least take your position in society seriously. Molly noticed that Ginny was not listening to her lecture and followed her eyes to land on Draco Malfoy talking to a long haired blonde. “Handsome man.” Molly commented, “Though evil to the core. They say he killed his own family.” When Ginny turned to her in what she thought was surprise, Molly nodded in smiled, “Bad blood in that family. That there is, I met the father once cruel and ruthless to the core. He was one of the people who were against your father’s promotion.” “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion Mother.” Her mother’s look made Ginny wonder if there was more to the story. The evening was drawing to an end and Ginny managed to catch up to Luna once more. “What are you and Ron doing after this?” “He has some business to take care of and I am going to visit a seer.” She paused, “Want to come?” “Luna you know I don’t believe in those things.” “I didn’t say you had to partake in it. I just wanted the company.” “I don’t know Luna.” “Oh come on. It’ll be fun.” Ginny looked around and dreaded her mother’s match making ploys and knew going with Draco would cause a scandal. “Alright, let me get my cloak.” 6. Chapter Five --------------- **Important Note**: I have a whole lot of Regents to take in the past week. I was going to post a new chapter every day this whole week so I figured I’d knock out all the chapters at one. The thing about this fic is that I have kinda **stopped** writing it, I have to stress this I have **stopped** writing this I ran out of ideas. I mean how many clichés can I use? Even I have pride. Chapter Five I just wrote and I have to force that out. I don’t really know where to take this. **Final Plea**: People review, I know it might be horrible but I can only get better with comments. I love reviews almost as much as cake and that is saying a lot. Please review! (Yes I’m pathetic I know.” Past Life: Draco and Ginny Chapter Five The last thing Ginny expected was to see an exquisite mansion in the same upscale neighborhood not far away from Draco’s manor. “This is it Luna?” “Of course, you think I am the only person who is loony enough to believe what this man says? He has quite a few people from our class visiting him forget about the common folk. “A man?” Ginny usually heard her father talking about fat ugly women in colorful robes spewing nonsense at innocent people who needed something to believe in, “What is his name?” “Dumbledore. He’s old to be honest with you. But he strikes me a young soul in an old body. He’s wise nonetheless.” Luna rang the doorbell and a stern faced woman answered the door. “Hello McGonagall.” Luna said warmly, “Is Dumbledore still up.” “He said you were coming.” The woman said blandly standing aside letting the two women into the huge house. The house, was very well furnished, the carpet was a rich red, but the walls I couldn’t tell because every single wall was covered by bookcases filled to the brim with books. They were following the woman named McGonagall up the huge spiraling staircase. “They like to read.” Luna remarked as if reading Ginny’s mind. “I can see that.” They were a few steps behind McGonagall and Ginny leaned over to Luna to whisper, “Who is the lady?” Luna shrugged, “There are some theories. Some say she’s a ghost of a past relative, some say that is his sisters, and the one I like the most is that she is Dumbledore’s wife.” They reached the very top of the stairs and she was shocked to see the top floor was just one large open room. And in that room in a large armchair was Dumbledore. Ginny couldn’t resist rolling her eyes. A voice soft but demanding attention asked, “Is there a problem Miss Weasley?” Ginny straightened out, how did he know her name? “Bonjour Dumbledore!” Luna greeted warmly sitting down happily in one of the arm chairs across from the man. He wasn’t visible from where Ginny stood so Ginny, her curiosity taking over completely, walked over to the second arm chair and cautiously sat down. The dim light from the table helped Ginny to see the characteristics of the old man in front of her. When he was younger he was obviously handsome with a long face and boyish features that still remained even in his old age. He had white hair combed neatly into a ponytail, and spectacles that covered sparkling eyes. “If you were wondering I’ve seen your picture in the newspaper. Smashing break in that case of yours, really remarkable how the killer was under everyone’s nose and no one realized it.” Ginny said nothing still looking around for trick mirrors that she was sure to have to endure in a few minutes. “You are not going to find trick mirrors here Miss Weasley.” At her expression he chuckled, “I don’t even use a crystal ball.” “Really?” Ginny asked. Luna laughed and leaned forward to Dumbledore, “You’ll have to excuse my friend she is a firm prude.” Dumbledore smiled, “I don’t mind. She is refreshing. What do you want to know Luna?” “Nothing really, I just had nothing else to do…” She trailed off thinking, “How about Ron’s business venture how is that doing?” “Next week he is going to receive a new client that will move him forward. As of right now he is doing well enough.” “Gee thanks. I can get bet with me for next week. He’ll never figure it out!” Dumbledore turned to Ginny, “Anything you’ll like to know?” Ginny shrugged. What harm could it do, “What is my mother’s history?” “Why did her personality change so drastically?” Dumbledore asked, “She was an interesting character. She used to come visit me all the time. It was a series of things but it involved a man.” “My father right?” It was common knowledge that her mother once she heard the news of her engagement changed over night.” “No it wasn’t your father.” Dumbledore’s eyes were closed, “Are you sure you want to know?” “What can be so bad about the whole thing?” Ginny asked, “I want to understand my mother better.” Luna knew immediately from Dumbledore’s expression that what he was about to tell her best friend was not what Ginny would want to hear. Twenty minutes later Ginny walked out with Luna her face frozen in an unreadable mask. Luna, could be a major flake at times, but knew it was not the right time to speak. What they both heard, the implications would be a shocker to anyone who knew Molly Weasley. Once they were in the carriage Ginny turned to Luna and smiled. “Hey can you drop my off at the Malfoy Mannor.” “I knew what you just heard isn’t something that you want to accept but going to visit with son so quickly.” Ginny smiled, “Just get me there. You know its funny.” “What is?” Luna asked. “I should hate him or at least not trust him. He told me about his life and I believe him and I further understand what he did to his father. I trust him.” “That is saying a lot. It took you weeks to warm up to me. You should come back to my home and visit him tomorrow. You’re still a little off from the wine.” Ginny laughed, “That is because you are crazy. I still don’t know what you are going to do half of the time. But honestly take me to Malfoy Manor. I want to talk to Draco about it for some reason.” The one thing Luna was totally thankful for was that Luna didn’t question her anymore because honestly she didn’t know the answer herself. “What are you doing here?” Draco had been on his way to bed when he heard a carriage pull up. Curiosity, the drive of his profession moved him to see who was visiting him at such a strange hour. The pleasure that coursed through his blood at seeing the little red head walk into the opening hall did more than surprise him. But she seemed disturbed about something and walked her way up the stairs to the library to where his father kept his journals. She went straight for a certain journal without hesitation. Whatever she was reading she seemed totally absorbed in it. His drive to know everything he wanted to know that was around him he walked forward. “Hey Draco,” Ginny turned and smiled, “I have to talk to you about something.” Draco smiled slightly drawing his robe about himself to hide his pajamas. It was amazing how manners came back to a person at the oddest time. He asked, “About the case?” Ginny shook her head and smiled back, “It’s personal. Let’s sit down.” If Draco was even slightly tired those two words brought him back further into reality. They settled down firmly on the plush chairs located in the library neither one knowing where to start. “It’s about your father.” Ginny finally blurted out. It was the first time, Ginny realized, that Draco looked confused or puzzled about anything. A hoard of animals could run through his house and he’d never blink an eye, speak about his family and he’d break into a sweat. “What about him?” “Your father and my mother had a…” Ginny trailed off, “a thing.” “A thing?” Draco asked. “A thing.” Ginny answered, “It’s in his journal. He met my mother and in an odd sense they changed each other for ever. He after the relationship had to be in total control and then my mother didn’t want control.” She reached over to hand the journal in her hand to Draco, “It guess things are coming in a full circle.” Draco looked up from his reading and frowned, “It says here that they almost got married.” “Just imagine I could’ve been your sister.” A moment of silence and two shudders later the two shook their heads. “Well I’ve had enough revelations for the night.” Draco replied, “I’m going to bed.” Ginny nodded, “I might as well go with you.” Both realized the awkwardness of her statement and Ginny laughed, “And here I pegged you for a gentleman.” “I am!” Draco protested, “You just need to phrase your questions better.” Ginny snorted as she started up the stairs, “You probably just heard what you wanted to hear.” Draco’s eyebrow without preamble shot up and smirked, “Still a bit tipsy Ms. Weasley?” “Of course, but you know you’re attracted to me.” They were at her door now and Ginny turned a smirk gracing her lips, “It’s a shame we didn’t meet in different circumstances, I would’ve loved to be your fiancée.” With that she stumbled into her room and slammed the door closed leaving a totally stunned Draco.