Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters you may recognize from the wonderful world of Harry Potter, they all belong to the revered JK Rowling; I just like to play with them a little.
CHAPTER FORTY FIVE
MORNING SHOWERS
As the bright morning sunlight streamed through the windows Draco frowned in his sleep and rolled over in an effort to escape the disturbing rays. Unfortunately, the single bed wasn't quite wide enough and when he hit the floor with a thud, he woke up instantly.
"Bloody hell!"
"Draco?"
"Down here." It was more of a grunt than coherent speech.
Ginny's head appeared over the side of the bed. She tried not to laugh at her fiancé lying on the floor, flat on his back. "What are you doing down there?"
"I don't think your bed is big enough for two."
She frowned. "What are you doing here?"
"I came in to check on you last night before I left and just felt like holding you for a while. I guess I fell asleep."
"You've been here all night?"
"Umm- yeah."
They could hear footsteps hurrying down the corridor and before Draco could move the bedroom door burst open revealing a concerned Molly Weasley, still pulling her bathrobe over her shoulders.
"Ginny, are you-" Molly's mouth snapped shut as she took in the still fully dressed, wizard on the floor beside her daughter's bed.
"Sorry, Mrs. Weasley. I must have fallen asleep last night. I fell off the bed."
"Oh- well, as long as everyone is all right-"
"We're fine, Mum."
"Very well, I'll see to breakfast then."
As soon as the door shut behind Molly, Draco and Ginny looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"Oh my! The look on Mum's face - priceless."
"She thinks we-"
"Totally!"
Draco rolled his eyes toward the ceiling, still chuckling. He doubted the day could get any worse, but if he didn't laugh at his predicament he might very well go mad.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Molly busied herself in the kitchen, as she did every morning, preparing breakfast for those who had spent the night at the Burrow plus any who dropped in on their way to work. She had just finished charming the bread to toast when she heard a small pop behind her. Startled she turned, grasping her wand tightly, only to discover a small dirty house elf in her kitchen.
"Where are you from?"
"Mistress did send Millie to give Little Miss her morning tea."
It was then that Molly took note of the tea tray the elf held - a cup and saucer, and a silver pot of tea for one. Little Miss? Who was little Miss? It could only be Ginny or Angel - Molly thought.
"Little Miss is quite capable of getting her own morning tea."
"Little Miss needs special tea to help with baby sickness."
So Ginny was `Little Miss'. Well she wasn't having it! House elf's popping directly into her kitchen - how rude!
"Which family do you serve?" Molly didn't truly need to ask, she knew this had to be a Malfoy servant but just to confirm.
"Millie does serve the Malfoy family."
"And your Mistress is Narcissa Malfoy?"
"Mistress says Little Miss needs her special tea."
"You can tell your Mistress that I am quite capable of making my daughter's tea, thank you very much!"
"Mistress will punish Millie if Little Miss does not drink the tea."
"Oh for Merlin's sake! She's on the first floor." Molly vowed to speak with Ginny about this as soon as she came downstairs. She was not going to put up with house elves popping into her house whenever it took Narcissa Malfoy's fancy to send one.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"You are going to tell your mother that we didn't do anything apart from sleep last night, aren't you?"
"Why? Let her think what she wants-"
"Gin, I've seen the way she looks at Ron when he's been shagging!"
"You and I know we didn't do anything - last night, anyway."
"Just straighten her out, witch or I'll be forced to-"
"Forced to what?"
"I- I'll think of something."
"It's not going to make much difference anyway. Once Mum thinks you've done it - well you may as well have because she won't change her mind. Ask Ron if you don't believe me."
"How do I get myself into these situations?"
"You've been in this situation before?"
"Umm- no- no, of course not, love. Just an expression."
The bedroom door creaked open a little and Millie stepped through the gap. On seeing Draco sitting on the bed the hapless creature attempted to bow deeply without upsetting the balance of the tea tray.
"Little Master, Millie has brought Little Miss' special tea from Mistress."
"Place it on the night stand and take your leave."
Millie shuffled over to the table and carefully placed the tray down.
"Actually, you can return to the Manor and gather my suit for work, including shoes and cloak, and bring them to me."
"Yes Little Master, is there anything else Millie can be getting for Little Master."
"No, just go."
The elf bowed deeply before popping out of the room.
"I may as well get ready for work here. It'll save me a trip to Wiltshire."
"I've never seen you get ready for work."
"It's not terribly exciting - shower, shaving charm, hair, dress, breakfast and I'm ready," Draco explained as he poured a cup of peppermint tea and passed it to Ginny.
"Shaving charm? Can I watch?"
"If you finish your tea." And don't have your head stuffed down the toilet, Draco added to himself. "I might go have a shower while you do that."
"Okay, fresh towels are in the bathroom cupboard."
"I'll be back soon." Draco placed a kiss on her nose before leaving the room.
"Don't shave without me!"
"I won't."
It was only after Draco had let himself into the bathroom did he realize that he'd left his wand in Ginny's bedroom. He thought about retrieving it for a moment, but given the early hour he considered it quite safe to have a quick shower without a locking charm on the door - no one else appeared to have risen yet.
After shedding his robes and stepping under the hot spray, Draco began to relax, stretching his back to work out the stiffness in his muscles - sleeping on a single bed didn't agree with him, especially when said single bed already contained one body. He groaned as he brought his arms above his head and he heard, what he thought, was his back clicking. For the next few seconds mayhem ruled the small bathroom as an unearthly shriek reverberated throughout the house followed by another, in reply to the first, then the slamming of a door.
The family came running from all directions.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Ginny was propped up on her pillows sipping her peppermint tea as quickly as the hot liquid would allow her to when she was startled by a terrified scream followed by another in a different tone. As she tore from the bedroom, teacup still in hand, spilling what was left of the contents onto the floor, a door slammed.
Ron was leaning against the door of the bathroom. He was as white as a sheet and his face contorted into a horror stricken expression.
"Ron, is everything all right?" Ginny approached him cautiously as her parents and the twins joined them in the corridor.
"What the bloody hell is Malfoy doing in our shower?"
"Ron, calm down," Molly instructed quietly, her panic upon hearing the screams replaced with a relaxed composure as she put together what had happened.
Arthur Weasley looked to his wife questioningly. It was the first he'd heard of Draco being present in the house this morning. Molly acknowledged his query with a look that told him she was fully aware of what was going on and that there was no need for concern. The silent communication between the pair was borne of many years of marriage and companionship. Sated by his wife's silent message, Arthur stood back and kept his silence.
"Oh no! Is Draco okay?" Ginny's hand came to her mouth, the anxiety in her tone clear.
Drake frowned, muttering quietly. "Daddy's here?"
"Where's Daddy? I want to see Daddy!" Angel pushed forward and pulled on Ginny's sleeve.
Ron looked at his sister with an expression of disgust. "I don't know - it's not like I hung around to ask him!"
"Ron, let me through the door," Ginny demanded.
"You can't go in there - he's naked!"
"Really? You mean he actually showers with his clothes off?" Ginny's mocking tone had no effect on her brother who was determined to protect her from the sight within the bathroom. "Get out of my way, Ronald."
"No, it's not - right!"
"What isn't right?"
"You and - him in the same room - he's got no clothes on, Gin."
"It's all right, Ron. I think I've seen him like that before now."
"Ewww… I didn't need to hear that!"
"Ron, move aside."
"I - aaaugh."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Draco turned the water off. He was mentally kicking himself for not retrieving his wand from Ginny's room and setting the strongest locking charms known wizardkind. Bloody Weasley! Screaming like a girl at me causing me to- to scream like a- a man, Draco fumed as he dried himself off with a towel, it wasn't quite fluffy enough for his tastes either.
He wrapped the towel around his hips and listened at the door intently. The only voices he could hear were Ginny's and that prat brother of hers. From what Draco could gather, Ron must be standing in the way of the door and not letting Ginny through - well he'd fix his broomstick. Draco gripped the door handle firmly and ripped the door open quickly. He regretted his decision immediately as Ron came tumbling backwards through the doorway. The redhead's hands were grappling for purchase on anything that would slow his descent and he seized on the towel Draco had slung around his hips.
Arthur's hand slid in front of Angel's bulging eyes and he cleared his throat meaningfully. A gasp from Molly alerted Draco to her presence and he immediately began to wrestle Ron for the towel with his free hand - the other was situated to cover his private bits as best it could. It was one thing to be standing in front of his fiancée's father completely starkers but it was quite another to be doing so in the presence of her mother - Draco didn't know whether he felt more embarrassed or angry at Ron's behavior.
"Weasley, for Merlin's sake! Let go!" Draco growled as he gave one almighty tug on the towel. For a moment he thought victory was his, the towel came his way easily then the air was polluted with the sound of tearing fabric and Draco was left standing with only a scrap of fabric in his hand - barely large enough to cover the essentials.
"Look at what you did!"
"What I did? If you'd have just let the bloody towel go, Weasley, none of this would have happened."
The noise level in the narrow corridor had reached a crescendo. Both Molly and Ginny were yelling at Ron to move and give over the remainder of the towel. Arthur trying to tell both the women to stop yelling, Ron wasn't listening to them. Draco and Ron were growling at each other, arguing over whose fault the torn manchester was. Angel was squealing as she tried to pry loose Arthur's hand so she could see what was going on, but his hand did not give an inch. Drake was laughing loudly at the scene before him; he seemed to be the only one who found anything amusing at this point.
"Enough!" Molly's voice rose above the din. "Ronald Weasley, pick yourself up off the floor now and, for Merlin's sake, give the towel to Draco! Drake, there is nothing to laugh about. Angel stand still just a few more moments then Granddad can let you go."
While Molly was issuing orders, she was trying her best not to look at Draco - the scrap of towel wasn't doing much to cover his modesty - but to turn around would have left her with no impact and this situation had to be dealt with immediately. She watched as Ron stood up then hand what was left of the towel to Draco, who clutched it in front of himself and, thankfully, managed to cover his manhood. The only sound that could be heard was Drake, he was still chuckling from just behind Arthur - she'd let Ginny and Draco deal with him later, if they felt the need.
A small squeal escaped Molly as Millie the house elf appeared beside her. "What are you doing back here?" she snapped.
"Millie has brought Little Master's clothes - Little Master did order Millie to bring them."
Draco looked as though he wanted to rush out of the bathroom and seize the items Millie had for him, but for the fact that everyone - including Molly - would see his naked backside, he would have.
"Right, Arthur take the children to the kitchen. Draco, are you finished in the bathroom?"
"Yes." Draco answered swiftly. He didn't trust Ron not to come barging in again if he said no. Apart from the fact that he'd not finished washing, nor had he done his hair or shaved, he was finished. He decided that it would do for this morning - there was no way he was going back into that room.
"Good, you get yourself dressed in Ginny's room and come down for breakfast. Ron you have your shower and make it a quick one, I'm not casting warming charms on your breakfast this morning."
"Breakfast isn't necessary, Mrs. Wea- Molly, I'll grab something in Diagon Alley."
"Nonsense, you'll not leave my house without having breakfast. Now move. I'll not be casting warming charms on your food either. And I want a word with you about house elves popping into my house at will." She turned on her heel and went downstairs before Draco could form a reply.
Both wizards tried to move through the door at once, creating an impasse - a dance from side to side ensued as they tried to move around one another, until Draco reached out and grabbed Ron's shoulder with one hand. Pushing him to one side, Draco stepped through the door and quickly disappeared into Ginny's bedroom, closing the door firmly behind him.
"I don't believe this!"
"Draco, calm down. I'm sure Ron didn't intentionally walk in on you and it was you who opened the door-"
"The prat stole my towel - and your mother - standing right there! God, I'm never going to hear the end of this."
Ginny began to giggle - she couldn't help herself. Draco was pacing the room, still holding the towel in front of himself and running a hand through his dripping hair. She knew she shouldn't be laughing at him, mostly because she wasn't sure whether he was about to explode in temper or expire from embarrassment but the alternating view of the towel precariously held in front then, as he turned, his tight naked bum was driving her to distraction.
"What are you laughing at?"
"Nothing." Ginny shook her head and tried in vain to sober her thoughts.
"Ginny, this is not funny - it's- it's mortifying! That's what it is mortifying!"
"Oh Draco, you should see yourself-" Laughter rendered her unable to continue.
"There. Is. Nothing. Amusing." He ground the words out slowly as Ginny collapsed sideways onto the bed, clutching her stomach and fighting for breath.
Draco released a frustrated growl. He wasn't going to get any sense from her until she pulled herself together.
"Millie has Little Master's clothes. Little Master should dress before Little Master catches a chill." The house elf stood courageously in front of the irate wizard offering his clothing.
With a snarl, Draco seized the clothes from the quivering elf. "Leave!"
Millie bowed low before popping out of the room.
Draco threw his clothes onto the bed and dropped the towel to the floor. "I don't believe this," he muttered as he pulled his satin boxers over his hips. Still cursing to himself about the atrocious situation and Ginny's reaction, Draco pulled the rest of his clothes onto his body, not really taking as much care as usual.
By the time Ginny had regained some semblance of self-control, Draco resembled the in-control, suave businessman that he was - most of the time.
"Are you finished now?"
"Yes," she replied, swallowing the urge to giggle again.
"You're quite sure?"
"Positive."
"Good. Shall we go down to breakfast before it gets colder than Scotland in winter?" Draco asked, forcing himself to sound casual, before adding, under his breath, "I'm only too willing to believe you mother about not casting warming charms on the food - sadistic bloody family."
"Don't panic. Mum would never let breakfast go cold." Ginny slid her arms around his waist.
"She said-"
"It's her way of getting everyone to the table quickly - the boys were always afraid that one day she might just do it."
"I-" Any response Draco may have had was cut short by a sharp tug on his tie. Ginny's lips wandered softly over his, teasing until he growled lightly, bringing his hands up to cup her face, effectively holding her in place. He deepened the kiss immediately, thrusting his tongue into her mouth sending shivers of delight down her spine. Not to be left out, Ginny's tongue glided over his and Draco could feel the stirrings of desire in his groin. They could remain like this forever, but the need for air came all too soon and reluctantly they drew apart, panting slightly - their mutual desire to continue evident in their eyes.
Draco grinned foolishly at her. "Good morning, love."
"Good morning."
"Breakfast?"
"Are you on the menu?"
"I-"
Arthur's voice floated under the door. "Gin, love - Mum said to tell you to hurry down for breakfast."
"Thanks, Dad!" Ginny sighed, leaning her forehead on Draco's chest. "I guess we should go down."
"Yes, I don't want to attract anymore of your mother's attention, this morning."
As they entered the warm kitchen, Molly turned to watch them, smiling softly. "Well, don't you look handsome in your business robes?"
Draco grunted out a thank you as he took a seat. Bloody hell! It's not like she's never seen me dressed for work before this and she chooses today to compliment me - after she's seen me butt naked, he grumbled to himself. Just one meal, maybe just a couple of quick pieces of toast then I'll go - sooner I get out of here the better, I think.
"Handsome? You tell him he looks handsome, but you bawl me out the minute I step foot in here?" Ron spluttered. He, too, was dressed for work - his Auror's cloak slung over a chair at the end of the table - the indignant look on his face did not compliment his official uniform.
"Eat your breakfast, Ronald!" Molly snapped.
"He's not even bloody well meant to be here-" Ron's rant was cut short by his mother; her wand caught him neatly under the ear and he let out a howl of pain.
"There you are, Draco dear," Molly said as she placed a full plate in front of him. "Nothing like a good breakfast to start the day."
"Thank you, Molly," Draco replied politely. Merlin it's going to take me all morning to finish eating all this food - and I can think of something I'd rather start the day with, he thought wickedly as he glanced at Ginny.
"You're welcome, dear. Now these house elves that keep popping into my house - I understand that you are used to them being at your beck and call, but around here we do things for ourselves."
"Sorry. I'm sure my mother thought she was doing the right thing by Gin and the baby sending the tea over and the second visit was on my order. I'll have a word to her and see that she doesn't send the servant again."
"Thank you. I don't have anything against house elves, but like I said we're more than capable of doing for ourselves."
"Mum, where's Dad?" Ginny interrupted, noticing Arthur wasn't in his usual position at the head of the table.
"He had to go to work early."
"A raid?"
"Yes, another - he's so busy at the moment."
Angel had been eyeing Draco quizzically since he had sat down. "Daddy?"
"Yes, Angel."
"Why are you here?" A small frown creased her forehead. She knew her daddy wasn't normally at the Burrow in the mornings and the scene outside the bathroom had alerted her to believe something out of the ordinary was happening this morning.
"I fell asleep last night."
"Where?"
"Umm-"
"Angel, eat your breakfast," Molly interrupted, saving Draco for the time being, at least.
"Mum, I'm off to work." Ron rose and reached for his cloak.
Molly sighed heavily. "Ronald, I'll never know why you don't get indigestion. The speed in which you shovel food into your mouth-"
"He'd probably get it if he slowed down, Mum. His body wouldn't know what was going on!" Ginny offered with a cheeky grin.
"Are you home for dinner or are you going to the Parkinson's?"
"The Parkinson's. Pansy's mum wants to start on the wedding arrangements."
"I see." Molly's lips drew into a harsh white line. She knew this was one wedding she would have no say in whatsoever, and while it saddened her greatly she made a conscious effort to keep her opinion to herself. Ron and Pansy's happiness was all that mattered.
Ron looked pained at his mother's expression. He could have kicked himself for being so tactless. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a quick hug, placing a kiss on her cheek.
"Have a good day, dear and be careful," Molly told him seriously as she patted down his robes.
"Yes, Mum - we're always careful."
Molly looked up at her youngest son, giving him a look that undeniably told him she knew different. He and Harry often took chances, sometimes - unnecessary chances in their work of protecting the wizarding world.
After Ron left Molly ushered the twins upstairs to help them dress for the day. Draco finished his breakfast as quickly as he could, knowing he would pay for his haste later but he was eager to escape the Burrow, preferably without conversing with Molly again.
"I've got to get going."
"Already?"
"I've no doubt Father will be waiting for me when I get to the office wanting to know why I didn't come home last night and I've got a pile of work to get through if I'm going to take a day off this week. Okay?" Draco stood and placed a kiss on Ginny's head as he finished.
"Okay. Aren't you going to say goodbye to the kids?"
"Of course." Damn - forgot about them, Draco added to himself.
"They won't be long getting dressed."
Draco smiled and sat down again while Ginny continued to nibble at her toast.
"Hey, you weren't sick this morning. Were you?"
"No I wasn't, the tea really helped. Besides, it would've been too bad if I had have been sick with you and Ron fighting over the bathroom, I wouldn't have stood a chance."
"He walked in on me! Then the great ponce squealed like a girl."
"He squealed? The second squeal wasn't Ron-"
"He startled me! And I didn't squeal, I- I- yelled!"
"Oh, my mistake. Though I could've sworn I heard two squeals."
"Like you said - your mistake!"
"What I don't understand is why you would open the door when we were all standing right outside-"
"I didn't know your parents were there. I could only hear you and Ron arguing over his not letting you into the bathroom and I thought I'd fix him up by making an appearance."
"Poor Mum didn't know where to look." Ginny stifled her giggles at his look of horror.
"I didn't know she was there, Gin."
"I know. I know."
"I guess I should apologise."
"I think Dad would appreciate it."
"He said something-"
"No, silly. I've been with you the whole time. But he would appreciate it - I know my dad."
"Okay, I'll apologise before I leave." Draco knew it was the right thing to do, even if he really didn't want to revisit the horror of the morning's events just yet - perhaps in a century or two, but not just yet. Still by making the gesture he could, hopefully, put the matter aside, something he was eager to do before the rest of Ginny's brothers found out - not that he believed they wouldn't.
Drake and Angel came running into the kitchen a short time later followed by Molly. Angel promptly situated herself on Draco's knee, while Drake sidled up beside him. It was clear the little boy had something to say and knowing Drake it was only a matter of time before he voiced whatever was on his mind - Draco could only wait and hope it wasn't something offensive, he didn't think he had the strength to deal with disciplining his son this morning.
"Daddy-" Drake began pensively.
Draco took a deep mental breath and braced himself for what was to come. "Yes, Drake."
"Can we go flying today?"
"Flying?" It was on the tip of his tongue to berate his son again - did the child actually believe he'd be flying in the near future after his behavior - and he probably would have if Ginny hadn't touched his arm gently. "Sorry mate, I've got to go to work in a few."
"Oh - okay." Drake didn't even sound disappointed, it was as if he knew the answer would be no before he asked.
Draco put Angel on her feet, whispering in her ear that he needed to talk to her Grandma, and stood slowly, he took his time approaching the older witch.
"Molly?"
"Yes dear."
"I- I just wanted to apologise for the scene this morning - it was inexcusable."
"Quite all right dear, no need to apologise at all - these things happen when there are a number of people in the house." She smiled gently at him. "Did you finish your breakfast?"
"Yes, thank you it was delicious-"
"Good."
"I'd best be off."
"Of course, you shouldn't be late for work."
"Thanks again for breakfast-"
"Don't mention it." Molly reached up and pulled him down so she could place a kiss on his cheek. "Now off you go."
"Umm- yeah- thanks."
Draco turned and wandered back to the table, he still wanted to get out of there as soon as possible - the apology hadn't made him feel any more comfortable about being in Molly Weasley's presence and then to have her kiss his cheek just escalated his discomfort.
"Gin, I need to get going."
"Okay - kids say goodbye to Daddy."
Angel immediately jumped into his arms, hugging him tight and covering his face with kisses. "Are you coming tonight?"
"Yes, I'll see you tonight." Draco would Floo Ginny later and invite her to the Manor for dinner.
Draco put Angel on the floor and looked to Drake. He was standing slightly away from them scowling. Not sure as to why his son would have that expression on his face at this juncture, Draco closed the distance between them and squatted in front of him.
"I'll see you tonight, okay."
"Okay."
"I want you to be a good boy for Mummy today, okay?"
"I will."
Draco reached out and gathered Drake into his arms, holding his close. "Good. I'd better say goodbye to Mummy before I go or she might get angry at me." He winked as he released Drake and was surprised to see a half smile tug at his son's mouth.
"Well, I guess I'll see you tonight." Draco's arms snaked around Ginny's waist as soon as they reached the back porch.
"You have your orders-"
"That daughter of yours is a bit pushy."
"My daughter? Funny, I thought she was more like you-"
"Me? No- she definitely gets her bossiness from her mother." Before Ginny could protest Draco covered her mouth with his in a soft, searching kiss. "I'll Floo you once I've worked out what day I can take off."
"I'll look forward to it-"
"Watch Drake today, he was scowling before - I don't like the look on him, it only means trouble."
"Draco, I handled Drake for almost five years on my own. I think I can handle him for one day, bad mood or not."
"But you weren't pregnant before, you need to look after yourself and you shouldn't have to deal with his bad behavior."
"He'll be fine - we'll be fine! Now go to work and we'll see you tonight."
"All right, but if he starts, promise me you'll Floo me straight away-"
"I promise. Now go before you're late!"
"Love you."
"I love you too."
With one last kiss on her forehead Draco Disapparated.
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AUTHORS NOTES
Hugs to Rainpuddle13 for her fantastic beta skills *hugs*
Thanks to everyone who reviewed :D
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