A/N: Yes, yes I know you have waited forever. Well, read on and we'll chat after the chapter.
And as always, I disclaim, I do not own anything Associated with JK Rowling, Warner Bros. etc.
Night had encompassed the land as Arthur Weasley Apparated onto the grounds of his home, the Burrow. It had been three days since Dumbledore had summoned him to the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Three days since he had been reunited with his baby girl. In those three days, he had not told any of his family of Ginevra's return. After so many years away from her, nothing could have prepared him for the sight he beheld upon her arrival. Years of imagining what type of witch she had grown into left him ill-prepared for the reality of the young woman he encountered. Ginevra was nearly elemental. Magic radiated from her very being. Only a fool would fail to see just how powerful she was. Experience told him, though that he was surrounded by many fools. No, he knew that many people would make the mistake of assuming she was still a child in need of protection. It was a natural mistake, of course. Ginevra was the youngest and the only girl. Her brothers had been raised to look after her, and his wife always babied her only girl. It stood to reason that they would all fall back into that normal routine. Now, however, such assumptions could prove to be devastating to the Order.
When Dumbledore had first approached Arthur and Molly to suggest that Ginevra go into hiding quite the uproar was made. Of course, his wife went on and on about how she could not lose her baby girl; that the young witch could not survive without her mother. His wife's protests literally shook the walls. While Arthur did not want his daughter to leave them, his reasons were far different from his wife's. Arthur loved his wife with all of his heart, and admired her most for her love of and devotion to their children. That love bordered on obsession. She did not live vicariously through her children; rather she felt that they could not survive without her. It was not a narcissistic motive on her part; no, she simply believed that she was the only one capable of properly helping her children. She simply believed that they would not survive without her loving attention. When Percy had left the family it nearly killed her. She was certain he was going through some horrible personal turmoil that only she could fix. That was why she went to visit him. Molly had been certain that she could smooth over the turmoil her son was engulfed in. When he slammed the door in her face she fell apart. The news that her little Ginny was going to be taken from her was devastating. Molly had known for years of her precious daughter's destiny. She felt that it was her job as a mother to guide her daughter towards greatness. The reality of the situation hit her like a load of cauldrons being dumped on her head. Molly had quite a difficult time coming terms with the idea that her daughter would have to come into her own without her mother's guidance.
Arthur had his own reasons for sadness over his `little pumpkin eyes' leaving. His daughter was his pride and joy. Like any father, he was very proud to have six strong, healthy boys to carry on the Weasley name. He'd resigned himself to the fact that he, like as many ancestors as he could remember, would sire only males. With Molly's final pregnancy, he like everyone else assumed they would welcome yet another boy. The arrival of little Ginevra shocked and pleased everyone. Arthur had loved each of his children from the moment they were born, but when his daughter was born, his heart nearly burst with joy. She was so tiny, so beautiful, so, well…perfect. It was as if his life was complete having her in the world. She was his world. His joy was short-lived, though, for he knew what her birth meant. This tiny little angel would grow to have to carry the burden of the Weasley destiny he had heard whispers of his entire life. As she grew, Arthur became confident that his baby girl was up to the tasks that would be before her. She had this inner spirit, this spark, which assured him she could handle anything that life threw at her.
He had given her the nickname `pumpkin eyes' on her first Halloween. He had long been amazed by her eyes. They were the key to her every emotion. Those dark brown, almost black orbs lit up and sparkled when she was happy, and flashed dangerously when she was mad. They looked like the eyes of a jack o'lantern, brightly lit on what would come to be his daughter's favorite holiday.
Those were the days. Arthur sighed to himself as he lingered about the Apparition point. Yes, those were the days. That was before his baby girl had been exposed to the true evils of the world. When he had learned that his daughter, his baby, had been possessed and taken into the Chamber of Secrets, his world nearly fell apart. He was terrified that his precious little one would be irrevocably damaged. After a few weeks of tender loving care at home, and a heaping dose of alone time, his baby returned with that comforting spark in her eyes. It was at that moment that he realized that Ginevra would be the woman who finally completed her destiny. She had an inner strength that would make her persevere.
That was why although he did not want to see his baby leave he knew she would be alright. His only sadness came from knowing how much his daughter would have to endure. He had watched how Harry Potter had struggled under the enormity of his destiny; it broke his heart that his baby would face the same fate. To be so young and have so many depend on you is an overwhelming prospect to say the least.
Well, there's no sense putting this off much longer. He told himself. Truth be known, he was not looking forward to telling his family of Ginevra's return. There would be so many questions, and much calming to do. A small part of him also treasured the fact that right now he was the only one who knew. He did not have to share her; well not with the family, at least. Draco was another issue all together. Like any father, he did not relish the thought that his baby girl was all grown up, and would be married soon. The fact that she would be marrying Draco Malfoy, that she was sharing a room with him at that very moment, well, it was unsettling at best. The Weasley in him wanted to ring the neck of that spawn of Satan. He had been brought up to despise anything and everyone associated with the name Malfoy. However, the father in him wanted to protect his daughter. Like it or not, that meant he had to accept who her mate was. Arthur had always trusted in Dumbledore's judgment, and if he said the young Malfoy could be trusted, and then trust him he would. He had promised his `little pumpkin eyes' that he would help and protect her. Being a rational man, Arthur knew that whether he liked the circumstances or not, this was the path Ginevra must follow. His sons and wife would not be nearly as understanding, especially if Harry's reaction was any indication. Ginevra was going to need all the help she could get. True, he had the ulterior motive of wanting to endear both her and Draco to the Order; but more importantly this was his chance to be a real part of her life again. He would not pass that up for anything.
Well, I guess its time to face the music. He inwardly sighed as he reached the front door, and prepared to open the Pandora's Box that awaited him inside.
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It had been three days since Draco Malfoy had met his mate, Miss Ginevra Weasley. Three full days of trying to figure out the single most confusing, infuriating, and beautiful witch he had ever known. Thus far, he had definitely NOT succeeded. No, he absolutely could not get a handle on how to deal with her. He comforted her only to be met with coldness. His attempts at civil conversation were met with suspicion and distain. Even arguing gave him no insight. It did, however get him a nasty case of Bat- Bogeys, a plethora of various nasty hexes and jinxes, and more than once her temper exploded sending him into whatever inanimate object was closest. Draco could not understand why they were not getting along better. He was the one who was going out of his way to be nice, caring, and considerate; a huge feat, he may add. So, what exactly was the problem? If that damned stone was affecting him so dramatically, why was she so uncooperative?
Draco had decided that the answer was quite simple. Ginevra Weasley was not his mate. That was why she was not falling all over him. That is why she put a protection shield around herself every night before going to bed. No, this little wild cat, no matter how beautiful she was, in fact was not his mate. Keep telling yourself that. You know you're wrong, though. A little voice in the back of his head admonished. Try as he might to disagree, he could not. No, despite everything, her coldness, seeming hatred, the fact that she was a Weasley, he knew she was the woman for him. This was all very disconcerting to Draco. All his life, females threw themselves at him. He never had to chase after them. They only wanted you for your money or your name. Damn that voice! Now he was talking to himself, this was just great. Not only was he going soft, but he was becoming mentally instable. He needed to talk to some one, and fast.
Draco made his way down the stairs to the parlor of Grimmauld Place. He figured that would be the best place to find Severus, or at least his mother. Yes, those were the two people he could turn to. As he entered the large room he was taken aback by its charm. Structurally, it was quite similar to Malfoy Manor, yet it did not evoke the mixture of fear, coldness, and pain which his childhood home did. Despite its large size, there was an almost cozy feeling to it. He could feel that despite the ominous importance of the room, being the heart of Headquarters, there was a loving aura resonating throughout. Pulling his thoughts back into focus, Draco was disappointed to realize that neither Severus nor his mother were there. He ventured into the kitchen, hoping to see one of the two. Instead, he came face to face with one of the last people he felt like speaking with, Albus Dumbledore.
It was not that Draco disliked his former Headmaster. Afterall, the man had helped his mother. It was simply that Dumbledore had the uncanny ability to correctly see through any façade, no matter how perfectly created. It was a highly disconcerting quality to Draco. It made him uneasy to know that Dumbledore could read him like a book.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, I was wondering when you would begin to seek out help with your current situation." The elder wizard said, with his trademark twinkle in his eyes.
Yes, there it is. Doesn't miss a thing this one. Draco thought to himself, holding back a smirk. "Whatever do you mean, sir? I find everything here to be quite satisfactory." He answered, not willing to make this inevitable conversation easy. He would much rather speak with some one he felt close to, and what type of Malfoy would he be if he didn't at least try to get his way?
"You and Miss Weasley are getting along well then?" Dumbledore asked, barely concealing a smirk himself. "So, I am to assume that knot on your forehead is a result of a love tap, and not Ginevra's temper exploding?" He added with a chuckle.
Draco unconsciously touched his forehead. Dumbledore was correct, as always. Draco received that particular knot when the little wild cat threw a vase at him when she caught him snooping through her journal. Draco was only trying to gather information about her so they would have things to talk about. Miss Ginevra, however felt it was an unholy intrusion worthy of death. She explained that Draco should be thanking her for only throwing a vase; she could have just as easily killed him. Seeing as the future of the world rested on their shoulders, however, she opted to simply maim him.
"She simply likes things a little rough, sir that is all." Draco answered, attempting as best he could to hide behind his well crafted shield of arrogance.
"Ah, the Malfoy pride presents itself." Dumbledore said appraisingly. "You'd best pray Miss Weasley does not hear such comments. I fear that not even I can protect you from that particular witch. Now, my boy, I realize that I am not the one you sought out this evening. However, I am the one who may be of the greatest service to you. I dare say that neither Severus nor your mother could give you much insight into Miss Weasley."
This statement gave Draco reason to pause. Loathed as he was to admit it, Dumbledore probably was the best person to aid him. While his mother and Severus would be more sympathetic to his plight, Dumbledore could give him actual insight. It was a true testament to how bad his experience with Ginevra had been that Draco was willing to take direction from the elder wizard.
"Very well, then, sir. What information can you give me on taming that wild beast you all insist is my mate?" Draco asked with a superior flare.
"Ah, Mr. Malfoy, there is your first problem." Dumbledore began with an amused sigh. "You will never tame Ginevra. You forget that she is the `Heart of the World'. She is passionate in all that she does. At times it will be a blessing, and at others, much like now, it will be a hindrance." The elder wizard paused for a moment to allow his words to penetrate the young man's mind. "Am I correct in reasoning that Miss Weasley is how shall I put this, combative?"
"That's putting it mildly. That hippogriff Hagrid brought in third year was downright cuddly compared to her." Draco commented with a rueful grin, subconsciously rubbing his forehead again. "Alright, now, this goes against everything that I am, but, then I have been doing many things lately are not me. I am at a total loss here. I can feel the pull of that gem, but she seems totally unaffected. Help me, please." The young man looked so forlorn, so desperate. This was definitely not the Draco Malfoy the Headmaster knew at Hogwarts.
"Well, let us begin, then. First, you must remove any doubts as to whether you two are fated to be together." Dumbledore began in a fatherly tone. He knew that while what he had to tell the young man was important and would prove to be helpful, it would not be the quick fix Draco was most likely looking for. "Ginevra is most definitely your mate, of this I am certain. Your greatest ally in bringing her around is time. She is hurting, Draco. Her young life has not been pleasant. It has been quite painful and trying for her."
Draco scoffed at this. He thought to himself, she had it bad, she felt pain. She grew up with a loving family, Lucius Malfoy wasn't her father! As if Draco said these thoughts out loud, Dumbledore quickly responded.
"That is exactly the point, Mr. Malfoy. Ginevra grew up surrounded by a warm, loving, and supportive family. Then, one day she was ripped from them, and sent away because she was not safe. Her destiny put her in great danger. She was alone, isolated in a strange new place where she could not even use her magical gifts as she was accustomed. There was absolutely no contact between her and her family. As a result, she became resentful. Yes, she despised her destiny for forcing her seclusion, and she despised her family for turning her away. That unfortunately is as much my fault as anyone's." Dumbledore sighed heavily, pausing for a moment before continuing on. "Ginevra cannot begin to let you in because she is terrified of being left again. Unlike you, she does not feel secure with those she once loved more than her own life."
"So she is cynical; always looking for the bad in situations? Is that correct, sir?" Draco asked, attempting to grasp the situation.
"Yes. Does that sound like anyone you know?" The Headmaster asked with his mischievous twinkled in his eyes once more.
"I would say myself, before mum and I, um, died." It was as if a light had been turned on in his head. She was quite like he had been back in school. She would look at him with the same venomous expression he shot at many of his former classmates; most especially the Weasleys. Yes, back in school he hated them, but not for the reasons he normally voiced. He knew that though they were poor, they were happy, they had a loving family; something he wanted more than anything.
"So because I had the opportunity to be with my mother, and had a pleasant life, she resents me, as well." It was not a question. Draco finally understood the first piece of the puzzle that was Ginevra Weasley.
"Indeed, Mr. Malfoy. Perhaps now, you can see just how perfect you are for each other. You are exact opposites, yet you share striking similarities." Dumbledore explained simply.
"That is all fine and good, sir, but how does this help me, exactly?" Draco countered, losing his patience. "It does me no good if the little hell cat will not speak to me."
"Ah, you are forgetting your own strengths, my boy." The elder wizard reached out and patted Draco's back reassuringly. Quite surprisingly, Draco did not flinch at this gesture; rather he took some degree of comfort. "You are the Soul of the World. You have the ability to shoulder the problems and pain the world throws at you. You must be patient, and willing to listen. Ginevra is in far too much pain to allow herself to come to you at this time. However, I do believe that Arthur Weasley is returning home this very night. Despite my requests for the Weasley family to allow Ginevra time to readjust to this world, I doubt they will." The aging wizard's eyes, darkened with sadness at this thought.
"Yes, their intentions will be in the right place, but I fear that they will fail to see the reality of the situation. They will be expecting their little Ginny to come home. The young woman upstairs is anything but. Yes, whether they realize it or not, the Weasleys descending upon her might be what pushes her from them, from us, and from the Order; but that is not your concern. No, Draco you must be there for her. Your main concern must be her happiness, even if she is pushing you away. Be her rock. She needs to know that you will never leave her. That you are the one person she will always be able to turn to and count on."
"So I get to face her wrath, and her family's?" Draco asked incredulously. "Why don't I just put on a sign that says `I LOVE POTTER', and walk into Voldemort's hiding spot? At least my death would be quick."
"Ah, my son, it might be a quicker end, but it comes without the benefits of gaining your mate's love and trust." The elder wizard barely contained a broad smile. "Now, off you go, I believe you have a witch to woo."
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"Arthur! Oh, I am so happy that you are home, I was beginning to worry. "Molly Weasley's voice boomed through the humble abode known as `The Burrow'. "Honestly, I know that our service to the Order is valuable, but I just hate it when you are sent off and I don't have any idea where you are. Really, what if something were to happen to you? Remember, that snake bite? You barely made it out of that alive, and then what did you do? Oh, yes, you used Muggle medicine! Really, Arthur, I appreciate their world as much as you, but to think for one moment that their technology could fix a magical wound, Merlin help us all!" Upon finishing her rant, Molly placed a heaping plate of Shepard's pie in front of her husband.
For his part, Arthur simply allowed his wife to banter on. They had been together for so long that he knew this was just part of her normal routine. She was a worrier, plain and simple. Actually, Arthur was quite sure that if his lovely wife did not have anything to worry about she would simply worry about that. Not that he could really blame her; no being the mother of six boys, two of which being the undisputed masters of mayhem, she had much practice with worrying. No, Arthur just ate his dinner while listening to his wife go on about all he missed the past few days. With every bite he knew that the inevitable was coming.
One mouthful.
"Bill and Fleur are visiting us this weekend. Neither has duty, so they figured a family get away was well overdue …" Molly's voice bantered on.
Second bite.
"Charlie and his wife sent an owl from Romania…" Two children down, he had better eat quickly.
Third and fourth heaping bite.
"I think I will invite Percy and Penelope over. They might feel more comfortable with Bill here…" Oh, yes, Molly was on a roll now. She was naming off the kids as if looking at a list.
He was now shoveling the food in as fast as he could without choking.
"Oh, and those boys of yours, Fred and George, you will never believe what they did now. Honestly, those pranks of theirs are going to land them in Azkaban someday." Arthur always loved how when any of the children did something wrong, they were his.
"Then of course, Ron stopped by. He and Luna are back from their honeymoon. They had to keep it brief of, course, considering the circumstances." Now was the moment Arthur dreaded. Molly would definitely bring up her daughter. He was desperate. He wanted to keep Ginevra a secret for just a little longer; until morning if at all possible. Arthur needed a diversion, and fast. Then it dawned on him.
"What about Harry? If we are having some family together we should include her, don't you think, Molly?" Yes, good old Harry. Molly could go on forever about the young man who had become another son to her. Hopefully they could bypass any and all mention of Ginevra, and he could choose the proper time in which to tell his wife about their daughter's return.
"Yes, we should invite Harry and Hermione. Oh, speaking of Harry, an owl delivered a letter from him just as you arrived. I hadn't had the chance to open it yet. Let me just look at it." Molly happily announced. As she pulled the letter from her apron pocket, Arthur just knew he was out of time.
`Why, oh, why did you have to bring up Harry, Arthur?' He mentally berated himself. `Harry knows she is back! Now they'll know where Ron gets his less than stellar common sense from.'
Molly's eyes looked over the note from Harry; her face becoming twisted in confusion. As she finished, she looked towards her husband. "What's this Harry is writing about? He says that it is okay for you to tell me about the meeting you had with Dumbledore. Is there something wrong, Arthur? What's going on?" She became more excited with each word.
"Now calm down, dear." Arthur began. He held up his hands in an attempt to soothe her. This was definitely NOT the manner in which he wanted to tell Molly about Ginevra. The time had come, though, so he might as well get on with it. "Molly, nothing is wrong, in fact the meeting was about some happy information."
"Happy news? What Arthur is there a new development? Please tell me that we are closer to defeating them?" Molly's face lit up with hope. She so wanted this war to be over, and all of her family to be safe.
"Yes, possibly dear. Now, do not over excite yourself, and remember how important winning this war is." He was trying to keep her in a business context. If he could take just a tiny bit of emotion out of her thinking, maybe he would be able to handle this witch's temper. "The meeting was to inform me that Ginevra is back."
For a moment, there was silence. Arthur Weasley simply stared at this wife's expressionless face. He had done it. He had actually shut down Molly Weasley's temper. He was going to be able to calmly explain the situation, and come up with a viable plan to welcome their daughter back into their lives without smothering her!
"My baby girl, my little Ginny is home? Oh, Arthur, why didn't you say anything sooner? This is happy news, very happy news." Molly began, her eyes glistening with tears, and her face beaming. "Well, where is she? Why didn't you bring her home? Naturally she needs her mother right now. Honestly, Arthur, how could you keep this news quiet from me?" She was now becoming quite indignant.
Arthur thought, dejectedly. "Now Molly, listen. She is back for a reason. You know full well what her destiny is. The time has come dear. Dumbledore has united her with her mate."
"Her mate, her mate? She has been in hiding all these years and he is going to ship her off? Oh, no I don't think so. Arthur, she is important to this family, and to our cause. I will not have her meeting her mate, and starting a new relationship without her family's support. Let me just floo the boys. I presume she is at Grimmauld Place, well, then let's go." In an instant, she had already begun telling the entire Weasley clan off their youngest member's return.
Yes, dear, I think that letting Ginevra slowly decide how she wants to proceed with this reunion is the best choice, too. I am so glad we had this talk. Arthur glumly thought as he shook his head. He knew he now had his work cut out with his family. He could only hope that his little one was ready.
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After his conversation with Dumbledore, Draco decided to try again with Ginevra, yet with a different method. As attractive as she was when she was upset, he needed to get past the surface with her. He would try to simply be supportive, whatever that really meant. As he entered their suite he heard a faint noise from the bedroom area. There, on her bed was Ginevra, crying.
"Are, are you alright, Ginevra?" Draco asked quietly. It hurt him in some strange way to see her upset.
"O-oh, I didn't see you there, Draco. Nothings, wrong. I just want to be alone, thank you." She said while quickly wiping her eyes. She attempted to put on a calm and controlled face. When Draco did not begin to move, she turned to him with an accusatory glare. "What are you doing still doing there, Malfoy? I just want to be alone."
"I heard what you said, but it would hurt less if you opened up to someone." Draco coaxed. He wasn't sure if he was doing this whole comforting thing correctly. He had only ever had to be there for his mother.
"What would you know about it? You had your life with your family. Your dad may have been a bastard, but you had a mother who loved you. Yes, she loved you enough to take you with her when she left. You weren't shipped off." Tears were steadily streaming down her face. "Why would I even tell you about the pain? As if you don't have enough things to torment me about!" Her small frame was now shaking with rage, and Draco knew that he was just one wrong comment away from experiencing the full impact of Ginevra's emotions.
"Take a deep breath. I was only trying to help out, some. Believe it or not, I am on your side." He hesitantly explained.
"Why would you want to help me? You've never helped anyone but yourself in your entire life." She spat at him venomously.
"You can insult me all you want, Ginevra, but I am not going anywhere. I am here for you if you ever want to talk. Maybe if we did a little more of that you would learn that I am not as despicable as you remember." Draco kept his voice steady and soothing. HE did not know what was coming over him. He felt as if he was being guided in his answers.
"I'll keep that in mind, Malfoy, but seeing as everyone who I ever loved turned their back on me, I don't see why I should trust you of all people. I mean, my family turned their backs on me, but my enemy is going to be my light in the dark." Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.
"Believe what you want for now, but I am not going to desert you. In time you will see that." He added firmly.
They both sat there in silence. Ginevra resolved not to look at Draco. For his part, Draco looked at her sympathetically. They were both startled out of their separate worlds by a loud knock at the door.
"Excuse me, but the blood traitor girl is wanted downstairs." Kreacher spoke rather disgustedly into the room.
In a flash, Draco was across the room, and had Kreacher by the neck. "Don't you ever call her that again!" He ground out at the elf.
"Oh, I am sorry, I mean the miss is requested downstairs." Kreacher said in a sickeningly sweet voice.
Though shocked by Draco's sudden behavior, Ginevra was quite impressed by his adamant defense of her.
"Um, thank you, Kreacher. Please tell whomever wants to see me that I am not in the mood to receive visitors at this time." She flatly told Kreacher.
"Yes, but it is your mother and her pack of blood traitor brats are wanting to see you." He added, throwing in a dramatic bow.
"My, my family…b-but I can't, I don't…" her world was spinning now. She was not prepared to deal with them. Not now, she could not handle them now. She simply was not ready.
Sensing her apprehension, Draco rushed to her side. It was as if a puppeteer was controlling his every move. He wrapped his arms around her in a comforting manner.
"It's alright, I'll go see them with you." He told her. "I mean, if I'm there they'll have someone else to focus their frustration on." He gave her a sheepish yet reassuring smile. It was at this point he knew he was possibly in too deep with this witch. Without blinking an eyelash he had offered to willingly face the entire Weasley clan in an attempt to protect her. It was only an afterthought that reminded him that he might fare better keeping a bear cub from its mum.
"You will?" Ginevra's voice cracked with surprise at this revelation. "Alright, I'll go see them, but if I'm going down, Malfoy, I'm taking you with me. I hope you're prepared, I doubt this will be pleasant." She explained with a glint in her eye that Draco wasn't sure was such a good sign.
Oh well, time to meet the in-laws. Draco thought drearily to himself as he followed Ginevra out the door of the suite.
A/N: I know horrible cliffy, but I actually have most of the next chapter written already. This was just a cool place to end it.
Sorry this installment took so long. Summer is the busiest time of year for me. I started my own business this year, and it took up much of my time, but I am proud to say that I actually made a profit for this fiscal year. Thank you to all of you who have faithfully reviewed and for all of the kind sentiments that you sent me regarding my crazy personal life.
You may have now realized why I made Ginevra JKR in my fic…it was just my own creative way to get around the canon that the original characters are in with HBP. We'll now follow this format; yes, everything in the books written by the master JKR is still true in this little ficdom. There is also the reality that Ginevra left behind, which is what this story is based on. I also went back into chapter nine, and cleaned up a few comments in Ginevra and Harry's conversation so it now coincides with HBP.
Hopefully this came out alright, I know ya'll will let me know.
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