A/N: Okay, second update in two days. I hope you like it. To my reviewers, thank you. This has not been beta'd but enjoy it none the less
Disclaimer: Okay, my therapist has advised me not to dwell on the fact that I am not JKR, and that this hobby brings me no money. There, it's been said. Let's all move on, and help each other through this trying time.
After a brief moment to recover from Ginevra's verbal attack, Draco composed himself and began to speak. "Lovely, soliloquy my dear, read much Margaret Mitchell lately? You have turned into quite the little hell cat haven't you?" His tone was light and playful.
It was her turn to be shocked. Draco Malfoy, prince of all that hate muggles was referring to muggle literature? This was incredulous to her. "You actually know a muggle author, what come across a copy of the book while you were torturing some poor muggle family, did you?" She spat back after regaining her composure.
"I assure you I have never tortured any family, luv." He commented with as much honesty in his voice as possible.
"Whatever, Malfoy, you tortured me, and my family! Oh, and don't call me luv, or dear, or anything else like that, it makes me sick!" She was flat out lying now. Every time he looked at her she nearly melted. "So, I am to believe that after years of being a total prick you had some life changing experience that turned you towards the Order?"
"No, I do not. I simply had an experience that reinforced my disgust of my father, and softened my thoughts of the Order. I assure you that I am not a member of either side." Draco explained, attempting to calm this vixen down.
"You aren't a Death Eater, whatever. Let me see your arm." She ordered. Ginevra had to have tangible proof of his declarations.
Draco pulled back his left sleeve to reveal nothing more than a perfectly toned, unmarked forearm. Despite the yelling, he liked this girl already. Physical attributes aside, and he had to admit, the front view was even better than the back; she was not one to blindly follow and trust others. He had to respect that. Only fools give their trust without exploration.
Although Ginevra was encouraged that there was no mark, she was not ready to concede. "What did you do, Malfoy, fake your own death to get out of it? Took the cowards way out, did you? I bet you couldn't tell dear old dad that you couldn't follow him. That's it, isn't it? We both have to stay neutral until meeting, so you went and hid." She shot the words at him with all the malice he had given her over the years.
"Yes, my death was in fact faked. I did not sign up for it, though. I was hidden away much like you. At the time of my departure, I thought I was helping to save my mother from Lucius." He explained, trying hard to reign in his building anger.
"Who'd have thought I'd guess it on the first try? Well, well, well, you did a selfless act to save your mum, how noble." Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "So, now what, am I supposed to just accept that you are a new man, and run into your arms, falling madly in love?" Truth be known, that was exactly what she wanted to do, damn that pendant! "Yeah, right, I would rather share a bed with a blast- ended skwret than come with in close proximity of your ferrety touch!"
"Okay, that's it princess! I have had enough of your mouth. You know absolutely nothing about me or my life. If you have noticed I am not standing here making fun of you or your loved ones. If you want me to go back to that routine, hell, I'm all for it." Draco had reached his breaking point. He was trying to be civil, and this witch was making it impossible. Well, if it was a fight she wanted, she was going to get it! "Bring it on little Ginny. I thought that maybe since we did have to eventually end up together to save the world and all that we should at least make this meeting civil. You think you know me so well, fine, let me ask you this; if I am the same bastard you remember, how hard do you think it is for me to be nice like this? Well, what's wrong, kneazle got your tongue?" He was off and running now.
"I just, well, I mean, um…Do we have to do this in front of everyone?" She was at a loss for words, and grasping at straws. Thankfully, she realized that she and Malfoy had an audience, which was the perfect excuse to end the little tit for tat banter.
Dumbledore took this opportunity to cut in, thus prevent the situation from deteriorating any further. "No, of course not, Miss Weasley, you and Mr. Malfoy may continue getting reacquainted in private. Perhaps you would like to have a few moments alone with your father. Then you may spend the rest of the day re-acclimating yourself with your friends and any family you'd like brought here." The elder wizard suggested.
"Friends, ha! My only friend here is Remus, and as for family," she looked directly at her father now. "If you all think I am going to just run back to you, and be the little Ginny you all remember, you are sadly mistaken. Maybe Remus neglected to mention, I HAVE GROWN UP!!!!!!!! I am not little Ginny anymore. I am GINEVRA, a grown woman who will control her own destiny without coddling and interference. None of you saw fit to be there for me all those years when I really needed you!" She was now yelling, allowing all of the years of pain and abandonment pour out.
With those words everyone except the father and daughter left the room. Arthur moved towards his daughter and embraced her. She struggled against him at first, but he held on to her, and began to explain, "I cannot even begin to understand what you have gone through princess. I am not foolish enough to believe that you are able to pick up where we left off. I am the only member of the family here so that this is easier on you. You know full well how overbearing your mother and brothers would be. They will be so excited to see you; despite what you may think, we all have missed and thought about you." He was barely holding back tears now.
As a parent, he was not supposed to have favorites, but this little angel was his pride and joy. It tore him apart to know what she had already endured, and would undoubtedly still go through. When Dumbledore had decided to send her into hiding years ago it literally broke Arthur Weasley's heart. She made the sun rise every morning, and hung the moon in the night sky for him. Fathers naturally gravitated to their daughters, as mothers did to their sons. His Ginny, rather Ginevra, was special, not because of her destiny, but because of who she was to him. Seeing her so angry and upset was tearing him apart.
Arthur had already assured the Malfoys that he would proceed with an open mind before Ginevra's arrival, but deep down he doubted his ability to do so. The moment he laid eyes on his daughter again, and saw the anger and hurt in her eyes, though, everything changed. He decided right there and then that he would do what ever was necessary to make life easy for her. He would battle his wife Molly, the witch Ginevra inherited her temper from. He would over rule his sons, the young men he had raised to protect their sister. No, from here on out, Arthur would be her greatest ally. It hurt him deeply that his angel considered Remus her only true friend. He was of course thankful to the man for being there for his little girl, but he now wanted to step up to the plate. He missed so much of his little girl's life, and he would give her no reason to push him away. It no longer mattered that she would have to marry a Malfoy; to hell with the feud. Draco seemed like a changed young man. The fact that he had endured Ginny's temper for so long before putting his foot down in such a subdued manner impressed Arthur.
"Please let us get to know you again, child." He implored. "I know that this will not be easy for you. It won't be easy for any of us, but I promise that I will not allow anyone to bully you. You are, in fact, a successful grown woman. You have gone out into a strange world and made quite a fortune for your self! I have read every one of your books, and I am astounded by your talent. You make me so proud, Ginevra, and I am so very happy to have you back." He could no longer hold back his tears, and wept openly as he held his little girl in his arms.
"I love you too, Daddy." She finally croaked out after a few moments. "I appreciate what you are willing to do for me. This won't be easy on anyone, but as selfish as it may sound, I am the one who has to deal with largest burden. I mean, I have to fall in love with and marry my sworn enemy. I suppose it would be easier if during all this time Draco had been a member of the Order. I know why he couldn't, the whole neutrality thing and all, but everyone is going to go round the twist over this." Ginevra was very worried, and justifiably so.
"We will get through this together. Remember, you must do what is best for you and Draco. I have already seen you have a backbone, and are comfortable speaking your mind. Never let go of that." With that, Arthur kissed his daughter's forehead, and released her from the embrace. "Now, let's go join the others, shall we?"
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Draco had followed the others out into the front parlor so that Ginevra could speak with her father. He could not imagine the anger she felt. `But still, why is she so angry with me? It's not like I had anything to do with this!' He thought to himself while partaking in the tea and biscuits Kreacher had brought out. `I mean, who the hell does she think she is? I am Draco Malfoy. Any girl would be honored to marry me! But no, she waltzes in there wearing that sexy gown, passionately fighting for her rights, yelling at me with those full, luscious lips, while…Wait, what the bloody hell am I doing? This is a Weasley I'm thinking about! But a good looking Weasley at that! Oh, what I couldn't do with, Draco, stop it! Get a hold of yourself, man!' Lucky for Draco, he was saved from his internal argument by the sound of Snape's voice.
"Draco, I believe your mother just asked you a question, would you kindly remember your manners and answer her?" His godfather's knowing voice instructed him.
"Oh, my apologies, mum, I did not hear you. I guess I am just distracted by the shock of today's events." He quickly apologized.
"Right, Malfoy, shock. You are probably just trying to figure out how to bed Ginny as quickly as possible." Harry maliciously retorted. He had hated Draco for many years, and a day's worth of conversation was not going to change that.
Sensing that another argument was about to commence between the two young men, only this time physical, Narcissa quickly intervened. "I understand your hesitation, Mr. Potter, but I assure you that Draco is first concerned with getting to know Ginevra and helping her readjust to life in the magical world. May I remind you, Mr. Potter, that the Order will need both Ginevra and Draco to help our side." She was polite, yet firm in her words. She knew the history between the two young men, and felt she should to her best to put an end to it right now. "I understand the animosity between both of you. Draco was not very kind to you during your time at Hogwarts, but you must understand that his attitude was not entirely his fault. You know full well the monster that Lucius is. Now, realize that you having to grow up without parents was painful and traumatic. I urge you to imagine what life would be like growing up with a father like Lucius. I am not making excuses, but I know that you have not always been the most pleasant of individuals to deal with." She allowed a moment for her words to sink in. "Now, I implore you, if you are truly looking out for what is best for Ginevra, do not make this any more difficult than it will already be; if the previous show was any indication." She added the last comment as an afterthought. While as a mother she did not like anyone to yell at her precious son, she liked this girl's spirit. Narcissa was quite confident that the young Miss Weasley could hold her own with Draco.
Before Harry could reply, they heard the door of the kitchen open, signifying the return of Arthur and Ginevra. They made their way into the parlor arm in arm, looking less agitated than before.
"Well, now, Ginevra and I have had a chance to visit. I think that it would be wise for Dumbledore to explain his plan of action." Arthur jovially suggested. He was eager to keep the conversation going in a positive direction.
"Ah, yes, Arthur, I believe that is a wonderful idea." Dumbledore responded, happy to get down to business. "Now, it is pertinent that everyone here understands that the actions I took regarding Draco and Ginevra were made in order to protect them. As Head of the Wizengamot, it is my responsibility to ensure the safety and well being of them both until they were ready to embark on their destiny. That being said, the individuals in this room are here for a specific reason. Obviously, as parents, Narcissa and Arthur are entitled to be here. Moody and Tonks are Aurors, and important members of the Order. They needed to be aware of Draco's "resurrection" and Ginevra's resurfacing. Remus and Severus are the guardians who were chosen to guide each child, and will continue to aid in their lives. As for Harry," Dumbledore paused for a moment to carefully choose his words. "He, much like Voldemort, will serve an important role in Draco and Ginevra's destiny."
He now turned to Draco and Ginevra to address them directly. "While I am the leader of the Order, as your guardian, it is my job to ensure you learn about both sides before making a decision. It is my suggestion that you both spend the next few days getting to know each other in private. You will be given a private suite upstairs. You will have the opportunity to learn about each other. There will be two beds, of course. How you pursue this relationship is entirely up to you." These words brought uncomfortable stares from Harry. "Once you have had a chance to bond, you will then meet the members of the Order, including your family, Ginevra." He now waited for her reaction. Dumbledore knew he was throwing a lot of information, and if her earlier outburst was any indication, everyone in that room could be in for a long afternoon.
After a few moments of thinking, Ginevra began to speak. "So you are going to keep me from my family, and shut me up in a room with him?" She asked in a very low and noticeably dangerous tone.
Without thinking, and with no personal comprehension of why he was doing so, Draco rushed over to her side. He reached out and held her hand. Ginny was at first surprised, as was the rest of the room. A feeling of calmness and comfort washed over her immediately. It was quickly replaced by a feeling of intense attraction that they both experienced. While they were not driven to embrace each other in a fevered explosion of passion, they each felt the need to be close; to learn everything there is to know about the other.
"I will accept your offer, headmaster. It is probably best if the two of us get to know each other before my family descends. Afterall, we have a common destiny, and it will be much easier to fulfill if my brothers don't kill him first." She said with much less certainty than her previous statements. Still, there was something about this feeling she had that told her she needed to get to know this man.
"Very well, then. I will have your personal items taken to the room, and it prepared. Don't worry, Ginevra, Remus will go to your flat and collect your things. I suggest that we all have dinner together to give time for the preparations, and for Ginevra to have some time with her father." Dumbledore suggested while rising from his chair.
The group agreed, and began preparing dinner. They worked much as they dined; making uncomfortable small talk. Tonks, Moody, and Dumbledore carried the bulk of the conversation. Now and then one of the others would add a comment here or there. It was quite clear that everyone was uneasy.
"It is nice to see you back, Ginny." Harry finally piped up.
"It is nice to see you as well, Harry, and it is Ginevra, please." She politely answered. "So, tell me what has gone on in your life, you know changes."
"Well, I've been fighting since my sixth year, but you probably know that. Hermione and I got married, though. Four years ago next week, actually." He told her, a grin gracing his face.
"Oh, that is great, Harry. I always had a feeling about you two. In fact, in my latest book I started a romance between you both." She laughed. Although Ginny was not ready to be buddy-buddy with anyone, it was still interesting to catch up and old times, and see just how accurately she pictured things.
The mention of a book caught Draco's attention. He did not know Ginevra wrote. He was about to ask about this when he decided it was a subject best left for later. This would give him something to talk about with her. Besides, he was enjoying the fact that Ginevra did not seem to still be hung up on Potter.
"So, how many other weddings have I missed out on?" Ginny asked, an edge creeping into her voice.
"Princess, maybe this is not the time to go into that. You will have plenty of time to get caught up on all that has gone on." Arthur gently asked his daughter.
Ginevra nodded her head in approval, and the group finished their dinner. After dessert, Ginny and Draco were led up to their room by Dumbledore. They exchanged niceties while their former Headmaster, and were then alone. The room was quite nice. Ginevra did not remember a room nearly as nice as this being there when she spent her summer cleaning the house. It was as big as a mini apartment, sans kitchen. The walls were a navy blue with windows that stretched from floor to ceiling. Shiny oak floors stretched out all around, while plush rugs were intermittently spaced about. There were three distinct rooms inside; a parlor, a bathroom, and a bedroom containing two queen size beds.
"Well, home sweet home, huh, Malfoy?" Ginevra finally broke the silence.
"No, it's not too bad. Please, call me Draco. We will be getting married afterall." He gently responded.
"Yeah, right, okay, then, Ginevra it is, I guess." She was a bit uncomfortable with this pleasant conversation,
This timid change was not what Draco wanted to see. He preferred her fiery and full of life. So he did what any Malfoy would do, he went in for a kill shot. "If you're uncomfortable with that, I could always refer to you as my little hell cat." He added with his trademark smirk upon his face.
"No, Ginevra is just fine, thank you!" The comment definitely re-ignited her spunk. "And consider yourself lucky to call me that. Oh, I cannot believe that I have to learn to love you! Damit! You are the most arrogant, self- centered, aristocratic, snob I have ever met!" She yelled, regaining some of her earlier fire.
"Oh you want to go back to what we recall of each other?" His voice was intense, but he was enjoying this little argument. "Well, where should I start?" He asked while eyeing her up and down. "Looks like you have finally learned how to dress properly. Oooh, did the little Weasley finally get her mits on some money? Then again you have been with muggles. I imagine the meager galleons you have are worth much more in their pathetic currency." He knew this one would hit home, and he braced himself for a full on assault.
"See, that is exactly what I am talking about. You know nothing about me, and yet you see yourself fit to pass judgment on me. I may not have seen you in many years, but you are acting just the way I remember!" She was not the girl he once knew. She had changed, and matured. Ginevra was above partaking in childish rivalries.
This revelation floored Draco. For a brief moment the idea dawned on him that this woman could actually be his equal. "Fine, I don't know much about you. So, instead of us falling into, what did you call it, `childish rivalries', let's calm down and get to know one another." He was not the type of man to apologize, but when he saw formidable opposition, he changed tactics. Besides, this gorgeous woman in front of him was to be his wife. It would be to his benefit to get on her good side as soon as possible
Ginevra regarded Draco carefully. Her rational side was telling her not to trust him, but her heart was pleading with her to talk with him. She decided on a compromise. "Okay, we'll talk, but you have to start."
Draco liked her attitude. She was willing to take risks, yet she had a game plan to follow in order to benefit her the most. It was like looking into a window of his own psyche. "Well, alright. Where would you like me to begin?" He knew the ball was now in her court.
"Tell me how you went into hiding." This first question led to a 2 hour explanation on Draco's part, with Ginevra interrupting and steering now and then. By the end, she had a rather good general understanding that Draco hated his father and was not as bad as she previously thought; or so he wanted her to believe.
"Now, Ginevra, I believe it is time for you to do some explaining." Draco announced. He was quite interested in learning as much about her as possible.
"Who said that I was done interrogating, I mean, getting to know you?" She asked, giving him her own version of the Malfoy smirk.
"Well, you didn't, but as a kind gesture, I thought I would give you a break. Isn't answering easier than questioning?" He countered.
"Depends on what I have to answer. You have opened up to me some, and I suppose I thank you for that. Make no, mistake, though, I am not ready to have you dissect my mind. You saw my contempt towards my own family. What do you think I am feeling towards you?" She was testing him now; Ginevra wanted to see what he was really about. It has been her experience that words are just that. Actions reveal true motivations. And she wanted to know what his motivations were.
"I can only imagine it is similar to what I felt when I found out about you." He answered unabashedly. Draco knew what she was doing. "I wasn't thrilled to be honest. Now, I wasn't flat out told, no it was more like a hint in your direction. I can only assume that the powers that be wanted to give me a chance to think about my reaction; a luxury you for some reason were not given. Perhaps they felt I would be more resistant to the idea." He paused to allow Ginevra to think over his words. "I was raised by Lucius to hate Weasleys, as you were raised to despise Malfoys. Now, after the initial shock wore off, I began to find myself thinking of you. I wanted to get close to you, to meet you, to learn all I could about you for no ulterior motive. I realize this might seem weird, but it was a compelling force overtaking me." He was subdued now; he desperately wanted her to understand what he was saying.
"I can understand that. It's really odd, like there is a magnetic force pulling us towards each other." She agreed. "I am not ready, though to spill my whole life to you."
"Okay, we can start small." Draco could not believe he was doing this. He had never given a damn about any girl's feelings. "Why don't you tell me all about the woman you have become? Tell me what you favorite color, food, and the like is."
The pair spent the next three hours learning about the general like and dislikes of each other. They found themselves having a surprisingly good time. Draco learned that Ginevra adored strawberries dipped in Godiva chocolate and despised waking early in the morning. She, on the other hand learned that growing up his closest friend was his house elf, Dobby, a fact she found rather sad, and that contrary to popular opinion, his favorite color was midnight blue. True, Draco's revelations were far more in-depth, but he was happy with whatever information he could get from her.
Before they realized it, the evening had progressed to after midnight. They had each had a tiring day, and decided to turn in. After a few awkward moments, Ginevra went into the bathroom to change. When she was finished, Draco changed, while Ginevra snuggled into her bed. Once they were both settled into their respective beds, silence fell over the once boisterous room. For a good half hour they each tossed and turned, willing sleep to take over.
Finally, Draco broke the silence, "Hey, Ginevra, what was Potter talking about when he said he had read your books? Are you an author?"
"Yes, Draco, I am. "She answered. "Actually, I have written a series that is the best selling of all time." There was mixture of pride and hesitation in her voice.
"That is rather impressive. What are they about?" He asked, eager to learn about her.
After a full minute's silence, she answered, "Harry Potter".
And then there was silence. They had been off to such a good start. The silence in that room resonated. This was definitely going to take some time.
A/N: Sorry there was not as much Draco/Ginny as you might have liked, and before anyone says it, I did not feel that the two of them would jump into the sack the first night together. This isn't a fluffy piece, so ya'll will have to wait for the intense romance.
Now, at the risk of nagging, I've now written over 10,000 words (A/N and disclaimers excluded), please be kind enough to write me a couple or so in a review!!! Remember, the more reviews I get, the faster an update you get!!!
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