A/N: In this chapter, our lovebirds FINALLY meet. It's about time, right? Sorry for the delay, you know, real life called. I know that updates have been coming a bit slower lately, but I am working hard on this piece. I even posted it w/o beta approval to appease you all! So give me a moment of your time and submit a review. I already have the next chpt. half way done, but I'd like to hear from you all. Think of it like this; I give you what you want, you give me what I want.
Disclaimer: We've been through this before; this is not JK Rowling, I own nothing, and am making nothing from this fic. Why must we rub this in, don't you all think it hurts enough?
It was near dawn when Snape, Narcissa, and Draco arrived at the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. The Light side was still using 12Grimmauld Place as their fortified home. Despite the loss of Sirius several years before, the current owner, Harry Potter, felt the Order should continue using the stronghold for their headquarters.
A decrepit, disgruntled house elf named Kreacher entered the foyer moments after the trio's arrival. "Kreacher is seeing a new boy with Professor Snape and Mistress Black-Malfoy. Kreacher is wondering if that is Master Lucius' son, the one who is supposed to be dead like his mother, the evil blood traitor witch." He muttered under his breath. The elf was evil and crafty. He had served the Black family for many years; his entire family had, and he was extremely loyal to the dark ways. He did not like the fact that these do- gooders were in his former mistress' house, and went out of his way to cause as much trouble as possible without directly disobeying his orders.
"Kreacher!" Snape's voice was deadly quiet, yet venomous. "You were told to mind your attitude. Yes, this is Draco Malfoy. You will not tell anyone that you have seen him. You are not permitted to speak to anyone about him besides Dumbledore, myself, his mother, or Remus Lupin. Even at that you will only refer to him as Master X." Snape stared the small elf directly in the eye while giving the orders.
One had to be very explicit while dealing with Kreacher. He had played a part in Sirius' death, by going to see Bellatrix and revealing information about the relationship between Sirius and Harry. Sirius had told Kreacher around Christmas that year to `get out'. The sneaky elf took the order literally. He knew he could go to remaining members of the Black family without technically defying orders. Most members of the Order believed that Kreacher had given the information to Narcissa. The reality of the situation was that while he went to see Narcissa; he gave the information to Bellatrix who was enjoying an evening with Lucius. Dumbledore felt it best to allow Harry and others to assume Narcissa was the Black Kreacher spoke to. This was his way of ensuring Narcissa's safety. She had been a spy for many years, relaying information when possible. After hers and Draco's `deaths' the members of the Order were informed of her affiliation, but not told she was still alive. They all assumed the information she provide about Lucius came from Snape.
"Kreacher will be doing what Master Snape is telling him." The elf said defiantly. After Sirius' death, with Harry as the owner of the Manor and all in it, the elf had been given explicit instructions to obey every member of the Order. He was also forbidden to disobey any order from Dumbledore, Lupin, or Snape. "Kreacher will be getting Dumbledore, the barmy old codger." At these words Snape went to reprimand him, but Kreacher quickly added, "Dumbledore said Kreacher could be calling him that if he wants to." With a huff, he left, presumably to get the Headmaster.
"Crusty little thing, isn't he?" Draco asked with an amused smirk.
"He's more trouble than he is worth, if you ask me." Severus answered. "Shall we all move into the front parlor, and be careful to keep your voices down." He said while moving towards his desired destination.
The trio waited less than three minutes before the Headmaster of Hogwarts School f Witchcraft and Wizardry entered joined them.
"Ah, Severus, I see that you have brought both Lady and Draco Malfoy. Though surprising, I must say this is not entirely unexpected." He said as looking over the group wit ha twinkle in his eyes. "I presume, Mr. Malfoy, you have been filled in on the particulars of your situation?"
Draco nodded in agreement. He was sizing the man up. He knew that Dumbledore was highly perceptive, and did not want to give anything away by voicing his answer.
"Well, I can imagine you have many questions. Let me begin by saying that I will not at any time persuade you to join our side. While I am the leader of the Order of the Phoenix, I am the head of the Wizengamont first. It is my duty to allow you and your betrothed freely choose your side of this battle. I do know who your mate is, and I will present her to you soon. Once that is accomplished, I will work with you to arrange a means by which to learn about the Dark Side." He explained with painstaking clarity.
"Fair enough, Headmaster." Draco answered. "I appreciate your candor, and I am willing, when the time comes, to listen to what your side has to offer. I am not doing this because I believe in either side; however; you saved mine and my mother's lives, and I at least owe you an audience." He explained in a very business like tone. "Now, please tell me what you can about my destiny, and when I can meet my mate."
Dumbledore paused for a moment; he was quite impressed with this young man's attitude. He was not the spoiled, arrogant young man he remembered from years ago. Severus had reported that Draco had changed, but Dumbledore knew the man was a bit biased.
"Well, I really cannot shed any more light on the subject of your destiny than what you already know. I will be arranging for your mate to be here this evening. I would like for you to meet the members of the Order who are here today. I know you are anxious to get started; otherwise you would have not come here so early." The old wizard said as a knowing smile graced his lips. "It is important that those individuals presently here are alerted to your presence. As you can imagine, your arrival will come as quite a surprise. You are, of course, thought to be dead." He finished with a chuckle. Even in the magic world, it was not often people come back from the dead!
"I understand, sir. I appreciate that you are expediting the meeting with my betrothed. Tell, me, do you think that she will be receptive to me?" This question surprise even Draco. It was not often that he was uncertain about anything, especially girls.
"In so much that she knows that you are the one that the gods created for her, I am sure. You will both have to be open minded. I pray you remember that your destiny comes first. You would not be destined for each other if there was no chance you could get along." This comment worried Draco.
"Now, I know that you cannot tell me who she is, but now you have worried me." He was beginning to get nervous. "Could you give me a hint?"
The Headmaster turned to Severus, seemingly ignoring Draco's question.
"Severus, I will speak with Remus to have the young lady brought here this evening. I presume that I can count on you to have Arthur Weasley clear his schedule to be there as well." He paused and turned to look at Draco and wink, but was obviously still speaking to Snape. "It is only fitting that he be there, since Narcissa will stand for Draco. Please do that after settling the two of them into rooms." With that he bowed to the trio and Disapparated.
Draco was floored; he could not make out what he just saw and heard. "Did he mean what I think he meant?" Draco said unknowingly said out loud.
"What did you think he meant?" Severus answered with mock innocence.
""You know damn well what I am asking. Is that young Weasley girl my mate?" The thought was scandalous in Draco's mind.
"I assure you, Draco, from all reports, she is no longer a girl. She is 24 years old now, a bona fide woman." Snape answered with a smirk. He loved being able to tease Draco like this.
"But she's a Weasley! How in the name of Merlin could SHE be my mate, not to mention the future of magic?" He was incensed. To think, that frizzy red haired boyish twerp was his intended? Surely, someone was out to get him.
"But, of course, I never said that she was your intended; that would be against the rules. I am just saying that if she is, your assumption about her appearance is wrong." He added with the familiar know it all smirk that Draco knew meant Ginny Weasley was his future wife.
The trio then retired to their rooms. Snape informed Draco that it would not be in his best interest to leave his chambers until called. He also suggested that when Draco meets the members this afternoon he let bygones be bygones. Draco had, in fact been considered dead, and this meeting would surely be a shock to these people. This was not a suggestion that Draco was keen on accepting. Despite his hatred of his father, Draco was still a Malfoy, and Malfoy's never put others in a position of power over themselves.
The hours ticked by very slowly. He could not sleep, so he simply stared at his pocket watch. Anticipation had taken him over. He could care less about meeting the members of the Order. No, he wanted to meet Ginny. Yes, she was a Weasley, but he felt this odd desire to see her, to hold, her, to really get to know everything about her. Wait, what was he thinking? This is a Weasley he was talking about. A member of the lowest class purebloods in the magic world! She was the sister of that Weasel King, Ron. She followed Harry Potter blindly around for as long as he could remember. Still, there was something that kept drawing him back to pleasant thoughts of Ginny.
At around 11 am, Severus knocked on Draco's door. The young man had finally drifted off to sleep. He was in the middle of the most delicious dream in color, a first, about that mysterious woman who had haunted his dreams for years. She was a crimson haired goddess. Needless to say, when he was awaken from the dream he was less than pleased.
"It is time for you to meet the Order. Dumbledore has notified them, and your presence is requested." Severus quickly said, and gave Draco a look the clearly said, `Get up now, don't ask questions, and follow me.'
Draco quickly did what the look commanded. He may not be eager to meet the goody-goodies, but he was not in the mood to battle Snape. They swiftly made their way to the entrance to the kitchen where the meeting was being held. There they met Narcissa, and both mother and son where given robes, and instructed to put the hoods up so their heads were covered. Narcissa's robe was white, and Snape explained that it signified her long standing allegiance to the Order. Draco's was gray, thus signifying his neutrality. They entered the kitchen, and where led to two chairs on the opposite sides of the room. Once situated, Dumbledore began to speak.
"Now I would like to formally call to order this meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. I will now call attendance for the benefit of our new guest. Severus Snape."
"Present."
"Remus Lupin."
"Present."
"Arthur Weasley."
"Present."
"Nymphadora Tonks."
"Present."
"Alastor Moody."
"Present."
"Harry Potter."
"Present."
"Now that we are all accounted for and identified, I will proceed to the business at hand. You have all been notified as to the purpose of this meeting. A long time secret member of the Order has come to Headquarters, and will from here on out aiding in our endeavors. The other individual is the male carrier of the destiny of completion, and is therefore a neutral party. I warn you all that the identities of these two people may shock you; however, they would not be here unless their alliances and intentions were certain. Now, if our guests will please remove their hoods."
With that, Draco and Narcissa removed their hoods. Looks of astonishment were on the face of every person in the room except Dumbledore, Snape, and Lupin. Draco sat proud and emotionless despite his nerves. He may be a Malfoy, but he would be stupid to not fear the reaction of this skilled group of people. Mad-Eye was the first to speak up.
"I never believed that story about Narcissa dying. I remember you from school; always had a strong spirit you did. Even after you married that shit head, and I would raid you home, I saw it. This magical eye let me see that pure, determined aura of yours. Glad to have you aboard, Cissa! As to him," Moody pointed his wand straight at Draco. "I did think that maybe she had to disappear because she did in fact kill you. I never thought that you of all people would be part of such a great destiny. Dumbledore, I am sure has tested to make sure you are really Draco and not Lucius using Polyjuice, or Draco perpetrating some other deception of the like." He studied the young wizard carefully, using his magical eye to look for any abnormality. He might have said he trusted Dumbledore to have checked, but years of training compelled Moody to double check. "I hope you realize the importance of your role. Neutral or not, you will have to pick a side one day. Am I correct in assuming that the Dark Lord is not aware of his survival, headmaster?"
"Yes, Alastor, you are correct. Voldemort does not know he is alive. We will need to come up with a way by which Mr. Malfoy and his mate will be able to meet him." Dumbledore explained.
Harry had been uncharacteristically quiet until this point. Whether it was out of shock, or anger it had not been clear. Dumbledore's last statement however set him off.
"Mate? Mate? Don't you mean Ginny?" He yelled, jumping up from his seat. "Little Ginny Weasley, who has not been a part of the magical world, who faced Tom Riddle at the age of 11, is going to have to meet Voldemort with no more protection than this slimy, ferret?" Harry's face was red, and his breathing was fast.
"Now Harry, I understand your shock, but I warned you not to question their intentions. Mr. Malfoy will be treated with respect. I trust him to follow the correct path towards his destiny. May I also say that no one here should write off what Miss Weasley is capable of handling?" Dumbledore was pleasant, yet firm in his orders. "You are all aware of the specifics of the destiny. Despite what you or anyone else may think of him, you know that he will be compelled to protect her with his life. Harry, you of all people should be aware of the importance of having Mr. Malfoy here. Though he is neutral, the impression we make upon him will shape the future of our fight." The elder wizard's tone had a definite sense of finality.
"Of, course, Dumbledore, I understand," Harry conceded. He then turned his attention to Draco. "You had better take care of her, Malfoy. I will personally kill you if any harm comes to her." He said in a menacing tone.
Draco could not pass up this golden opportunity, and replied, "What's the matter, Potter, pissed off that I get the head of your little fan club to be my wife?" The words were said with malicious glee, but as soon as they left his mouth he felt a pang of guilt for some reason.
"Why, you no good son of a bitch!" Harry screamed as he advanced on the blond wizard.
"Don't you EVER refer to my mother in such a manner. She has helped your precious side for many years, even before we left Lucius! She could have died, and all you can do is throw insults at me by degrading her? I have at least always had respect for your mum!" Draco exploded with vehemence.
"I think that we should all tone it down a bit." Tonks chimed in as she positioned herself between the two young men. "Listen, I love and know you both. Draco, I am your cousin, and I love you. I would never side against you unless I thought you were wrong or misinformed. Harry, the same goes for you. Now, Draco, I am sure that Harry meant no disrespect to your mum; he was simply insulting you. On the flip side, Harry, you must realize that Draco is very close to Narcissa and ANY slight against her, intentional or not, will upset him greatly." Tonks spoke with understanding and conviction. She really did love both of them. They were two sides of a coin to her. Harry was so openly good, yet at times self-conscious, while Draco was unmistakably self assured, yet inwardly good. Harry was encouraged to become what he wanted, yet Draco was demanded to be what others wanted. They reminded her so much of herself. Her mother and father encouraged free thinking, but the love and attention of her extended family had always come at a price. If she did not follow their dark, narrow- minded ways, they had no time for her. She loved them both as younger brothers, and it killed her that they could not appreciate each other.
"Well, err, okay, for you, at least Tonks. If you can see something good in him, I'll try to be accepting." Harry grudgingly agreed.
"Oh, that's so big of you, Potter." Draco spat.
If looks could kill, Draco would have died on the spot. "Draco Arthur Malfoy, you can be such a prick sometimes! I go out of my way to build you as a decent person, and this is the thanks I get. You had better shape up, or you will soon find yourself out of allies!" Tonks was so angry, her blue hair turned to a vibrant red to reflect her anger.
"If I may interject, I believe that I have a few things to say. Afterall, we are talking about my little girl." Arthur Weasley's voice broke through. He had been watching the entire scene since the identity of the Malfoys had been revealed. He was in fact shocked to learn who would marry his daughter. It was no secret that there was an ancient feud between the two families. Being the proud Weasley that he was, Arthur was not overly pleased that his little Ginny was destined to marry a Malfoy. The fact that Draco had been under the care and guidance of his mother for many years did, however; ease some of his concern.
"Of course, Arthur, please ask say anything you wish." Dumbledore implored Mr. Weasley.
"Now, first of all, I am quite happy to have you as a known member of the Order, Mrs. Malfoy. It now makes sense how we obtained such detailed information concerning your husband." He slightly bowed in Narcissa's direction. She in turn smiled and nodded her head in thanks. "Now as to the subject of Draco, if I may be so bold as to call you that, and as to my daughter…" Arthur paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. "I would be lying if I said that I opened this arrangement with open arm. I do, however, realize the importance and magnitude of your destiny. Despite everything, I know that you will never be able to force Ginny's hand in any decision, and you will always protect her. I want you all to be aware that my daughter has started to become disillusioned with our side. We sent her away at a very young age, telling her that one day she would serve a great purpose. We have next to no contact with her, though, and in Ginny's mind that is akin to abandonment. I trust Dumbledore that Draco is in fact neutral. You must all understand that Ginny will have to be considered the same. I know my daughter, and it is not wise for us to make her feel as if her decisions have been made for her." Arthur explained to the entire room. While he was a loyal member of the Order, he was not about to allow anyone push his daughter around.
"I thank you for your kind words, Mr. Weasley, and please call me Narcissa. As a parent of such a special child, myself, I understand and support your views." Narcissa Malfoy warmly spoke to Arthur. "I have been lucky in that I have spent the past years with my son. Unlike you, I have not had to endure life without him. I simply cannot imagine how you and you family endured without your child. I remember both you and Molly from school, and was always quite fond of you both. Molly is a distant cousin of mine you know. I am sorry that Lucius kept us apart for so long. Families should not be that way." She finished with an air of sadness in her voice.
"That is quite alright, Narcissa, and please, call me Arthur. I am to blame as well. I allowed that feud to bias my opinion of your whole family as well." Arthur explained as he walked over, and to everyone's surprise, embraced Narcissa.
"Well, now that all that is settled, Remus, you will summon Ginny immediately. I ask that all except Arthur, Severus, Narcissa, and of course, Draco adjourn for now. This will be difficult enough without a larger than needed audience." Dumbledore explained.
With that, Harry, Moody, and Tonks left the kitchen. Harry was still not happy, but he knew when to stop arguing. Lupin immediately left to gather Ginny. The remaining occupants anticipated her arrival, and enjoyed a spot of tea and light conversation.
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Remus Lupin Apparated into Ginny's London Flat and began to look for her. "Company calling for my favorite niece!" He called out. This had become their customary routine when he arrived unexpected. He never knew which persona she would be in, and did not want to solicit any uncomfortable questions.
"Uncle Remus, this is such a surprise! I was not expecting you!" Ginny greeted him in her muggle identity. `Thank Merlin he always remembers our secret code!' She thought to herself. She was dressed in a beautiful designer gown. It was a beautiful black fitted gown that shined as if covered in glitter. Quickly, she wrapped her arms around him so her ear was within inches from his mouth.
Remus began to quietly whisper in her ear so that anyone who might be in close proximity would not hear. This had become a normal scene to all of her muggle acquaintances. They all been told and believed that he was simply a shy uncle discretely expressing the pride he felt towards his niece.
"I am sorry to spring this on you so quickly, but I need you to come with me to Headquarters immediately." He quickly, yet cautiously told her.
At these words, she quickly tensed up. "I have spent how many years without so much as a letter from any one, including my family, and the Order expects me to drop everything, and run to them?" It was very difficult for Ginevra to keep her voice at a whisper, for she was rather irate.
"Yes, dear, they do. Actually, Dumbledore, head of the Wizengamont, requests your presence. He has information about your destiny." Remus hoped this information would ease some of her anger.
"Oh, my destiny, is it? So kind of him to finally decide to clue me in. How rich, he summons me to tell me about my destiny. I will have you know, I am about to leave for a fundraiser I am hosting. What am I supposed to do, Remus? Cancel on them; I think not!" She replied with contempt.
"Yes, Ginevra, I do. You have a purpose greater than this fundraiser, greater than your muggle career, and greater than your pride. You will be harming no one but yourself if you refuse this. Now is not the time for anger; it is the time for acceptance and action." He firmly told her.
"Okay, you are correct, of course. I may be mad, but I not let spite keep me from my obligations. Let me make my apologies, and I will be ready to go." She gave him a weary smile, and left to take care of her business arrangements.
Five minutes later, she returned. "Well, I cancelled my appearance. I'll have you know that there are many people who will be disappointed tonight. That means, they will donate less, and children will suffer." She said in an attempt to illicit as much guilt as possible.
"I am sorry, sweetie, but you can donate the losses yourself if it helps." Remus assured her.
"Fine. But let me tell you, I fully intend to make my anger known! I'm gonna make them all wish Dumbledore never brought me back." She announced with fiery determination.
"I am sure they wouldn't have it any other way." He added with a chuckle. "Now, take my hand so I can Apparate us. Oh, and her, let me change you back to yourself." With two flicks of his wrist and a pop, Ginevra was changed back into herself, and they disappeared from he flat.
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Forty-five minutes after leaving, Remus Lupin reappeared in the kitchen of Number 12 Grimmauld place with a very irritated Ginevra Weasley in tow. As luck would have it, they arrived facing only Dumbledore, her father, and Snape. Before anyone could say a word, she started into a lively rant.
"So nice of you all to remember me! How dare you summon me on such short notice! I have not heard from a single one of you since I was 14 years old, and you think you can make demands on my time? Just who the bloody hell do you think you are?" Ginny's voice boomed through the room.
Snape and Arthur both stood taken aback by this outburst. This was not the young girl they sent into hiding so many years ago. Dumbledore quickly, but calmly spoke up.
"Yes, Miss Weasley, I know that we have been rather rude, but there is important information u need to know concerning your destiny…"
Ginny cut him off before he could go any further. "My destiny, oh, you mean that thing where I am supposed to help one side destroy the other? Let me tell you, I am beginning to see some benefits to joining good old Voldemort. At least he would have kept me around!" Her anger alone was speaking now.
"Ginevra Morgaine Weasley! I do not ever want to hear words like that come out of your mouth again!" Arthur reprimanded his daughter. Though he was ecstatic to see her, he would not stand for any child of his to speak in such a manner.
"I would think you'd be happy to hear any words out of my mouth!" She spitefully retorted. "Now, what do you feel I am entitled to the privilege of knowing about my destiny?"
Draco sat behind the newly arrived pair watching the entire event unfold. To say he was impressed would be an understatement. Before him stood the most beautiful vision he had ever beheld. He saw a petite, yet curvaceous fireball. Her luxurious red hair fell just above her tiny waist. She was wearing a form fitting elegant floor length black gown that flared out as it reached her knees. She was so full of life; defiantly not the girl he remembered from Hogwarts. No, he could tell this woman was a force to be reckoned with. He quietly thought to himself that despite being a Weasley, this girl had potential. He was brought out of his revelry by Dumbledore's voice.
"Ginevra, we have brought you here to meet your betrothed." He gently told her.
This revelation floored the young woman. It never occurred to her that other people would know the man's identity. "You know who he is? Who else knows? How…"
"Only I and your respective guardians know your identities. Your father is here to offer a level of support. Now, you may be surprised by his identity. Dear, are you okay?" Dumbledore asked seeing Ginevra begin to go flush, and wobble a bit.
As Dumbledore was speaking, her pendant began to react. It was radiating a very strong pulse through her entire body. A feeling of love was overtaking all of her senses. She had not felt anything even remotely close to this since leaving Hogwarts.
"I'm f-fine. I can feel him; he is here, in this house, isn't he?" She croaked out.
"Yes, I am right here." Draco spoke up, unable to contain himself any longer. He was experiencing a similar sensation.
Ginevra whipped around, and came face to face with Draco. Her jaw nearly hit the ground in shock.
"You! You! What the hell is going on? It can't be you!" She screamed.
"It is no joke; we are destined for each other and betrothed." He simply stated. There was no malice or disgust in his voice.
"When hell freezes over! With Merlin as my witness, I'll never marry a Malfoy and be ridiculed again!" She shook her fist as she said this, the crossed her arms across her chest. She then fixed a venomous glare on Draco that made him recoil instantly.
A/N: As promised, they met. I know quick cop-out, and cliché cliffhanger. Next chapter will be about mostly about the two. Oh, and yes, Gin's last statement was homage to Gone With The Wind!
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