Note: I don't really think of this as a chapter, more like a fast paced interlude. It mainly involves pieces of ideas that I wanted to skip, but couldn't because it would have caused confusion.
Chapter Four:
Ciel De Vanille
"And how did you hear about us?" Giselle's voice echoed through the main area of Ciel De Vanille.
Ginny walked around the silver stove and towards the kitchen doors, looking through the miniature window at the main dining hall.
If Ginny could use only one word to describe the design of the restaurant it would be 'fluttery'. When she looked at it with its multi-colored butterfly chairs and silver fairy dust painted walls she instantly thought of Fairies or Elves. It was perfect really, giving a person warm feelings of comfort and such. The design wasn't what many people would see in a restaurant and that's what would bring business. Ginny's cooking would get the people to stay because Vanille was very much like a fairy fantasy.
Ginny had known almost instantly when she had walked into the makings of it that it would be successful. Giselle had insisted it would be even more of a hit if Ginny were to be the chef. Of course, Ginny agreed instantly knowing that with Giselle's unique decorating skills business would flow and continue if she agreed to be the head chef.
She quietly opened the swinging doors that connected the kitchen to the paying counter and rounded the corner. Voices near the front door got Ginny's attention so by eavesdropping on the conversation Ginny could instantly tell was with a snooty customer.
"My son," the woman replied in a high, yet elegant aristocratic voice. "It seems he was in attendance of a very important wedding and 'goody' bags as he called them were passed out. The fudge in the bag was phenomenal and those Macadamia nut cookies were so tender. I'd like to see how the chef is with meals. If they're as good as the sweets than…" the silver haired woman paused and turned her deep blue eyes towards the corner of the front counter. "Hello."
Ginny straightened instantly as the fact that she had been noticed settled in. "Ah-hi!" She lifted her hand in a welcoming gesture and then smacked it back down against her jean-clad thigh, clicking her tongue and smiling.
The lady simply gave a stiff smile.
Giselle shook her head and smiled sweetly at Ginny. "Eavesdropping Ginny…really! Mrs. Malfoy has a request for you to make her some lunch."
She felt her eyes widen in shock. She licked her bottom lip and bit down a little too hard, which caused her to cry out in pain.
"Are you all right?" Giselle asked hurriedly.
Ginny shook her head. "Mrs. M-Malfoy?"
Mrs. Malfoy raised a perfectly arched eyebrow and stood up straighter as she rubbed her stomach. "You're a Weasley?"
Ginny sighed. "I'm sorry that disappoints you," she mumbled.
"I wouldn't say 'disappoints', more like 'shocks' than anything."
"Oh, well then, what can I do for you?"
"It seems my son, Draco-of course you know him from school-was in attendance at Mr. Harry Potters wedding."
Ginny shrugged. "Or non-wedding…they never got married."
Mrs. Malfoy flipped her hand in the air, her eyes becoming irritated. "Yes, yes, of course. Lets skip to the important matters, it seems a 'goody bag' as he so called it was given to him containing delectable treats. I've come to have lunch here. I'd like to see how well you do with meals."
"As I was told…Mrs. Malfoy why, may I ask, was Draco Malfoy, loathed enemy of Harry Potter was at his wedding?"
The older woman lifted an eyebrow. "Harry Potter is the most famous person in the wizarding world. He made his wedding known to all…does my son need a reason to attend it?"
Ginny folded her arms across her chest. "Yes, especially since it wasn't an open invitation and he didn't make it known that the wedding would be taking place at Sugar Beach."
"He was on business."
"The same place Harry was getting married at?"
Giselle frowned and sniffed the air. "I smell something-"
Ginny snorted. "Me too…bullshit!"
"Ginevra Weasley you will not speak like that in front of potential customers!" Giselle spoke very businesslike. "I meant I smell something burning."
Frowning, Ginny paused and turned her head to the side, smelling the air. "Well, there goes my fudge," Ginny
sighed heavily.
Giselle frowned. "Why are you standing there like an idiot-go and get it."
Ginny shook her head. "No, I left it, you have to continue stirring fudge. You can't leave it. It's completely ruined. Oh well. Mrs. Malfoy, what can I do for you?"
"I'd like to see a menu."
"We're actually in the process of choosing menu's," Giselle smiled sweetly.
"I see…"
"Look, Mrs. Malfoy-"
"Narcissa will do."
Ginny nodded. "Yes, yes, of course, how about I just make something off the top of my head and see what you think, perhaps Chicken Parmesan?"
"Hmm, yes, that will work," Narcissa spoke arrogantly and lifted her nose up in the air as she glided towards a silver butterfly seat.
Ginny snorted and swung open the swinging doors to the kitchen where she put water on the boil.
__________________________________________________________________
"Now I understand the meaning of a magical meal! That was absolutely exquisite. Every taste was pure heaven-ecstasy! I'd like you to come work for me Miss Weasley."
"Mrs. Malfoy call me Ginny-please," Ginny said smiling gently.
"Then you must call me Narcissa. You may be a third class Weasley, but your cooking is first," Narcissa commented standing up from the butterfly chair, waving her hand elegantly in front of her. "I'm having the party of the century and I want you to be my chef! I will not take no for an answer. How much do you charge?"
Ginny opened her mouth to offer the amount, but Giselle quickly interrupted her. "How much are you willing to offer? More importantly how much do you want Ginevra's cooking skills?"
________________________________________________________________________
Ginny's face was positively flushed as she waved her good-byes to Mrs.-no, Narcissa Malfoy. As soon as the older woman was out of sight Ginny turned on Giselle. "I cannot believe you got her to hire me for so much?"
"Ginny, she managed to put you and your family down while she offered you a job all in one. She's just so talented isn't she? I don't know how you took that for so long."
Rolling her shoulders Ginny snorted. "I partially grew up with her son Draco Malfoy, who made it an everyday practice to humiliate my brother, Harry, Hermione, and on occasion me."
Giselle frowned. "Was he cute?"
Ginny paused and turned her head to the side. "I suppose in an evil, dangerous sort of way, yes."
"Gin, that's the way I like them."
"I know, but it's completely different. He was different! Definitely not one of those 'I want to change him and love him that way' people."
"Who said I would change him?"
Ginny snorted and shook her head. "You're such a loon Giselle."
She licked her lips. "I guess you'll be seeing her son in a few weeks too huh? After all it is his birthday party."
"Well, I think I'm going to call it a night. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Be careful going home!"
"Will do!"
_____________________________________________________
"Ginny, guess what?"
Ginny paused and shook her head. "Ron, what are you doing in my apartment?"
Ron rolled his eyes. "We've been invited to go to Hogwarts for a small reunion among Harry, Hermione, and I."
Ginny paused and smiled. "That's great, really."
"So, the reason why I'm telling you is because I want you to come with. Lana's coming so I'll most likely be showing her around and with what's going on with Hermione and Harry I figured you'd be the best person to go back and forth."
Ginny gave him a dull stare. "Gee, thanks," she spoke in monotone. "That's just what I need. When is it?"
"The letter said as soon as possible."
"So…"
"In two days."
Ginny nodded. "It would be good to see my old professors."
Ron grinned widely. "So you'll come?"
"Of course I'll come."
__________________________________________________
"Hermione? Are you ready?" Ginny asked, softly knocking the bedroom door.
They had all slept at The Burrow the night before so that they could get up early and get ready. It was know ten o'clock in the morning with everyone ready, except one.
The door swung open instantly, revealing a depressed looking Hermione. "Ginny, I can't do this. I can't go and see everyone after what happened."
Ginny's eyes softened. "Hermione Granger, you are not a coward. You never have been, so why are you acting like one?"
"You didn't break up a marriage! You don't understand anything Ginny!"
"You're right, I don't understand. I didn't break up the marriage, but neither did you. You can't break up a marriage if they aren't married."
"They were going to get married-it's the same thing."
Ginny scoffed. "I beg to differ."
"'Differ' away, but I won't be stupid enough to believe that it's different."
Rolling her eyes, Ginny pushed Hermione into her old room, and shut the door. "You listen to me, all you did was kiss him, a good luck kiss for all I, or anyone else, knows. If Cho and Harry had loved each other, really and truly, they would be on their honeymoon right now. So I don't want to here how terrible you feel about something so idiotic. Now let's go have a mini-reunion!"
Hermione smiled, teary eyed. "One day Ginny, you're going to fall in love, and then you'll know what it's like."
"How do you know I haven't already been in love?"
"I know-when you've been in love with someone, you can tell when other people have that glow. You haven't had it."
Ginny took a deep breath and turned her head to the side. "Maybe, but I still know what it is."
Hermione smiled. "Well, are you ready to go back to Hogwarts?"
"Yes, but also no. I'm kind of scared. I feel like something dangerous is going to happen," Ginny said slowly.
Hermione bowed her head. "I feel it too. Just like old times I guess. Do you not want to go?"
Ginny shook her head. "No, I want to-Harry will be there, so will Ron. I'll feel safe when I'm with them. I know Harry put a big stopper in Voldemort's plans and we haven't seen him lately, but I don't know. I'm just being a little over cautious I guess."
Hermione frowned up at Ginny. "Have you been having nightmares?"
"No, I don't think so. It's just that feeling. Listen to me! We really need to get going!"
"Everything will be alright Gin," Hermione said softly going up to hug her.
"I thought I came in here to say that to you?"
Hermione chuckled. "Funny how things turn around isn't it?"
To Be Continued…
Giselle frowned and sniffed the air. "I smell something-"
Ginny snorted. "Me too…bullshit!" ~This bit of dialogue came from Mortal Combat-even if it isn't the exact.