You & Me And Baby Makes Three

“C’mon, just ask her, will you? I have a lot to offer a woman. Money, power,…money.”

Draco Malfoy leaned over Ron Weasley’s desk at the Ministry of Magic’s Auror division and picked up the photo of Ron’s sister Ginny once again.

Ron snatched it back, set it back in its place, and said, “I’ve told you a hundred times, Malfoy. My sister is too good for you. I don’t care how much money you have. Isn’t that right Harry?”

Harry Potter folded down a corner of the Daily Prophet he was reading and said, “I’m still staying out of this…Incidentally, Ginny did say if you asked again, to ask you how much mon-”

“Harry!” Ron shouted, and threw one of his mum’s homemade pumpkin pasties at him.

Harry caught it and took a bite as he returned to reading his paper.

“Why don’t you go back to your own department, and stop bothering us, Malfoy?”

Draco smirked, and stared at the smiling picture of Ginny once again. He was fascinated with the youngest Weasley. He didn’t know how it happened, but one Friday he came down to taunt his two ex school mates with Chudley Cannons tickets, had seen Ginny’s photo, and had been obsessed with trying to get a date with her ever since.

Draco was the youngest head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, taking over at twenty three, when Ludo Bagman retired. It probably hadn’t hurt that Draco had made a large donation to help restore the damage done during the war either, but that was neither here nor there.

Draco would have tried to ask her out on his own, but he didn’t know how to find her. He’d looked for her everywhere. She didn’t work at the Ministry, Hogwarts, St. Mungo’s, Diagon Alley, or Hogsmeade. What Draco found out after an exhausting conversation with Ron’s wife Luna, was that Ginny worked as a writer for a fashion magazine in Muggle London. Draco could not understand why she would choose such a profession, but Luna said that she ’fell into it’ and Draco didn’t want to hear any more of her strange and lengthy explanations, so he figured he’d have to find out some other way. It turned out there were hundreds of fashion magazines, and Draco hadn’t been able to find her name in one.

So here he was, asking her git of a brother to help him out, and oh, how it annoyed him.

“Ron, do you think you’ll enjoy your box seats at the quidditch League Cup this year?” Draco drawled, as he removed imaginary lint from the front of his robes.

Ron looked at Harry and his eyes said League cup tickets! What should I do?

“You know Ron” Harry began, folding his paper “Ginny has been really busy, especially with her new arrival, and she could use a break, I mean one date, in a public place. How much harm could it do?”

Ron looked at Harry then started to understand his plan. No way would Draco stick around after one date when he met Ginny’s baby. He knew Draco wasn’t the type to take to ankle biters. “I guess I could call my sister Malfoy. So, box seats, huh?”

*****************************************************

Draco was pleased to have finally gotten a date with the elusive Ginny Weasley. He headed back to his office with the picture he’d knicked off Ron’s desk and tried to decide where to take her to impress her. He wanted to make an impression, although he knew he probably wouldn’t have to work all that hard. He knew he was quite an impressive package as he was. He had witches knocking down his door, but he wanted Ginny. Draco thought that perhaps he just wanted to shag her, and then he would be over this strange fascination.

He reached his office and set her picture on the desk. Could a man ever tire of a woman like that, he thought? It was a Muggle photo, black and white, and Ginny looked strikingly beautiful in it. The photo was from the waist up; she was wearing a white, high collared shirt, dark red lipstick and heavy eye make-up. She wore a slight smile, as she looked directly at the camera. Draco found his thoughts turning to naughty images of himself and Ginny, and decided to return to work.

Ron stopped by Draco’s office that Thursday afternoon and took a seat.

“Make yourself comfortable, Weasley.” he sneered from across the desk.

“Thanks, I will. I’ll take that.” Ron said, snatching the picture of Ginny back, and rubbing his shoulders back and forth in the large, cozy, leather chair. “I thought you’d like to know, I spoke to my sister, and even though I tried to talk her out of it, she wants to go out with you. So, tomorrow night, you pick her up at seven, I wrote her address down.” Ron took out a paper from his pocket and tossed it onto Draco’s desk. “Don’t be late…And you can drop off my quidditch tick-”

Draco had everything he needed, so he grabbed Ginny’s address and apparated home while Ron was still talking, he was sure whatever he had left to say didn’t apply to him anyway. Draco decided to ask Ginny which she preferred; Bella’s, a posh, Muggle Italian restaurant he found through Pansy, who was married to a Muggle, or The Hogsmeade Inn, an establishment opened by Madam Rosmerta.

Draco couldn’t wait for the next twenty four hours, and studied the map to Ginny’s flat carefully. Could he apparate there? Did she even practice magic anymore? It seemed she lived completely as a Muggle now. Draco would never admit it to anyone, but he was slightly nervous. Would they have anything in common? They had been out of school for a couple of years now, and had chosen completely different paths.

Draco hadn’t seen her since the night that the war started. He had decided not to fight on the side of the Death Eaters and his father cruicioed him, and then kept him locked in an underground dungeon at Malfoy Manor. Draco had been found by Aurors who came to raid the house, and by the end of the night, both of his parents were gone, and he was seventeen, and on his own.

It took Draco months to recover from his ordeal, but he felt that he was a lot stronger for having survived. It was odd, but when he was stuck in the dungeons, he remembered seeing Ginny Weasley’s face as she ran out with the rest of that bunch of Potter-lover’s, ready to face down Voldemort. She had so much passion, and conviction, just in that one look she gave him. He wondered if she realized how much that one look affected him. Draco shook his head at the stupid thoughts of the past and tried to concentrate on looking to the future. He finally had his date, something to look forward to.

***************************************************************

Draco glanced at his watch for probably the tenth time in the last three minutes. The day was dragging by. He’d had a horrible nights sleep, and he was anxious for the work day to fly by. Ron had sent him several memos; all threatening him not to hurt his sister, or to try and put the moves on her, but Draco tore them up.

Finally, after an eternity, six o’clock rolled around and Draco apparated home. He showered and dressed with care, wearing Muggle clothes, just in case. After inspecting his image in the mirror, he apparated just outside Ginny’s door. He checked his watch, 6:57 p.m. right on time. He looked around the hallway, and noted that no one seemed to be about to notice his entrance.

Ginny lived in a nice building, it wasn’t up to Malfoy standards, but it was nice, and she must use some magic, or allow friends and family to, there were no wards up that blocked him from getting this close. Draco realized he might be stalling, and raised his hand to knock. Ginny threw the door open, just as his hand reached it, and his mouth fell slightly open for a moment.

“Draco! Hello, come in, please” Ginny stepped back and gestured him inside.

She looked fantastic. Her hair was long, and wild, and her jeans snug. Her shirt was a deep round cut affair, that gave him a nice view of her toppers. It hugged her pretty tight, and Draco could actually feel his mouth water, and his palms getting sweaty. “Ginny, you look…Amazing, amazing…How are you?” He internally gave himself a pat on the back for getting out that much of a sentence, but as he started to walk forward, lost his balance, and fell backwards over a large brown teddy bear. He landed with a thud on the plush carpet.

Ginny kneeled down and untangled the teddy from Draco’s legs. “Oh Draco! Are you alright? I’m so sorry, I’m hardly ever home lately, and I never have time to clean anymore. My Baby’s toy’s are everywhere, are you o.k.?” Ginny tried not to laugh, as Draco brought himself to his feet, and tried to repair some of the Malfoy cockiness, but his face was bright red.

Draco stared in fascination at all the toys all over the floor, from dolls to squeaky toys, a toy box in the corner, overflowing with playthings, and a laundry basket on the coffee table with little tiny t-shirts, that were hanging over the sides of the basket. Had he missed something? She had a baby? Potter had said ‘her new arrival‘ but he had only cared about landing a date with her. Well, Ginny certainly had a great body for a woman who just had a baby.

“Yes, yes, I’m fine. Are you ready?” Draco wanted to get out of here as soon as possible. The night had not started out very well at all. Ginny grabbed a jacket over the back of the couch and pocketed her wand.

“So, you do use magic?” Draco asked.

“Of course, don’t you? Oh, you mean because I live among the Muggles. Well, it‘s a long story.” Ginny swore she heard Draco mutter ‘good’ and smiled at him as they headed out. Draco asked her which restaurant she preferred, and Ginny thought that Draco might be more comfortable in Hogsmeade, so they apparated there, and Ginny was warmly welcomed by Madam Rosmerta. She hadn’t been to Hogsmeade in years, she was so wrapped up in her life, and it was nice to be around familiar surroundings again.

Once they had placed their orders, and had their drinks brought to the table, Draco decided to open the conversation. “I know your brother is not pleased, but I am very glad you agreed to come to dinner tonight. You are not an easy woman to track down, Ginny. I tried to find you myself, but there were so many Muggle magazines, I never found your name, I even had Pansy helping me.”

Ginny blushed, “You would never find the name Ginny Weasley in those magazines, Draco. My pen name is Flora Deveraux. My editor thought it sounded much more sophisticated, so I changed it years ago.”

Draco nodded; he never would have connected those names. “How did you get into writing Ginny?”

“Well, I used to keep that diary, if you remember.”

Draco thought he should just pay for the wine now and thank her for a humiliating night. So far he’d made an idiot of himself, and now his father’s long reaching ghost was ruining things for him from beyond the grave.

Ginny put a hand over Draco’s and said, “Please, I didn’t mean to upset you, I just meant that I’ve been writing for a very long time, and well, I would write all sorts of short stories and things, and Hermione submitted some of my stories to a Muggle magazine, without my knowledge. I was so furious with her! But, it turned out to be the best thing to happen to me, I got a personal letter from the editor of M.S.B. and before I knew it I was on staff.”

“M.S.B.?”

Ginny blushed again and said, “Mischievous, Sassy, and Bold, it’s not just a magazine, it’s a way of life.”

Draco chuckled, women, he would never understand them.

They had a pleasant meal, making small talk, and flirting with each other, and as the night wore on and the wine flowed, they got bolder. Draco finally asked Ginny if she ever did any modeling, because that picture Ron had was hot.

“Hot?”

“Yes Ginny, H-O-T, hot. You should be a model you know.” That’s it, Draco thought. There’s his old confidence. She was putty in his hands. She had already scooted her chair over so they could share a dessert, and their knees were touching. Draco kept deliberately putting a hand on his own knee, so that his fingers would brush up against Ginny’s leg. He was really enjoying himself, he really liked being with Ginny. Not only was she beautiful, but she could keep his attention while still fully clothed, that was quite an accomplishment.

“Draco, are you trying to flatter me?”

“Me? Yes, is it working? Are you looking forward to our next date?”

“It’s not that easy. I have a horribly busy work schedule, and so do you, Mr. Youngest head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports. And most importantly, what about my Baby?”

Draco felt like an ass. The woman had a child, he’d even tripped over one of its toys, and he hadn’t even asked her about it all night. He admitted it was probably intentional; he didn’t like the idea of her having a child with someone else, and had probably blocked it out on purpose.

“I’m not suggesting we get married, but I would like to get to know you“ Draco gave her the once over and continued, “All of you, a whole lot better.”

“All of me?” Ginny said, and reached out to pinch his thigh. Draco tried to move his leg out of reach, saying, “I meant all of you Weasley’s, of course.”

Ginny smiled and leaned in close enough to kiss. “How convenient…My mum is having a birthday party for Harry next Saturday, ALL of the Weasley’s will be there, and you can meet my Baby. I had Mum and Dad watch her tonight, she’s not very good with strangers.”

So, Draco thought, she had a daughter. Well that solved one question. Who was the father? Where the hell was he? Draco and Ginny were interrupted when the bill magically appeared on the table with a soft pop. Draco cleared his throat and put the appropriate amount on the table, then pulled Ginny’s chair out. They apparated back to Ginny’s flat, and Ginny offered Draco tea, coffee, beer, butterbeer…

Draco shook his head, said “No thank you“ and watched from the couch as Ginny used her wand to put all of the toys back in the toy box. Of course the kid was spoiled, with all those Weasley relatives about.

“Ginny, would you really like me to come to Potter’s party with you?”

“Harry’s party? Yes, I would like that very much. You will come won’t you?” Ginny took a seat next to Draco and smiled. He took this as encouragement, and a heated snog session began. They were finally forced apart when Molly Weasley appeared in the floo. “Ginny, dear are you home yet?”

Ginny crawled off of Draco, and tried to straighten her hair, and pull her shirt back over her head. Ginny walked to the floo, and kneeled down. “Mum, hi.”

“There you are. How was your date dear…He wasn’t too forward was he? Your brother did say he could be-”

“Mum, Draco is still here, I’ll be over in a while, alright?” Molly nodded, and disappeared. Ginny turned around and saw Draco standing in front of the couch, running a hand through his hair, and straightening his own clothes.

“I guess I should go home. You have your daughter, and I shouldn’t keep you much longer.”

Ginny looked at him strangely, but shook her head in agreement and walked him to the door. “I will see you Saturday, won’t I?”

Draco nodded and leaned in for another kiss. Ginny put her arms around his waist and leaned into him. “Come to the Burrow, about 4:00 p.m.”

Draco reluctantly pulled away after a few minutes, and apparated home. He had a good nights sleep, filled with erotic dreams about Ginny, and he couldn’t wait until the next Saturday rolled around.

**********************************************************

During the work week Draco paid a visit to his two least favorite Aurors, Harry and Ron. “Good Afternoon” he greeted, laying the League Cup tickets down on the desk between them. They both reached for them, and a tug-of-war ensued. The tickets ripped and Draco laughed as he headed out the door. “Too Bad, Gryffindors, no refunds, no exchanges.” Things were indeed going well.

Draco made a trip to Muggle London to get a gift for the birthday party. He knew it would be incredibly rude to show up gift less, the height of vulgarity, so he stopped by Fortnum & Mason to get the latest perfume gift wrapped for Ginny, then Harrods for an extremely expensive pink chenille and silk bordered baby blanket for Ginny’s daughter. He would have had it monogrammed, but he hadn’t even asked the child’s name. He had that gift wrapped as well, and headed back to the manor.

Saturday finally arrived, sunny and warm and Draco spent the morning, and a good part of the afternoon in his office catching up on some of the work he’d slacked off on during the week. He had been so busy thinking about Ginny, staring at the photo he’d managed to take from Ron’s desk, until Ron came in the next day and took it back, that he’d missed a fair amount of work. He was grateful for the distraction now. In just three hours he would be surrounded by Ginny’s ten or twelve brothers, and all the other Weasley’s. He wasn’t sure he was up to this.

He and Ginny had owled each other every day for the past week, and they were getting to know more and more about each other. He definitely wanted to continue getting to know her, but wasn’t it a little soon to meet her entire family?

“Well, you’d have to meet them eventually” Draco scratched the stubble on his chin. “Wonderful, now I’m talking to myself. The woman has me confused, that’s all. Where’s that confident Draco? Alright, first order of business; stop talking to myself” Draco straightened up in his chair, and put his head down to work. He wasn’t going to let her get him all twisted after a week, by no means.

***************************************************

Draco apparated himself to the Burrow at exactly 4:00 o’clock sharp, ending up just outside the garden. The noise coming from inside of the house was deafening, and he was sure no one would hear his approach. As he got closer to the house, he saw about ten children, all with redheads, running wild in front of the dilapidated house. The children all seemed to notice him at once, and stopped their game to gather around him.

“Who are you?” one asked.

“Is that two presents for Uncle Harry? I only got one presents from Uncle Harry on my birthday, that’s not fair, that‘s…Twice the presents!” another added.

“Shut up Perce! Hey Sir, would you like a try a piece of candy? It tastes real good, and the tail only last for a few minutes”

Draco was terrified. He dealt with all kinds at the Ministry, but children…

Molly appeared in the doorway, drying her hands on an apron, and said, “I am wondering why my grandchildren are so quiet, what sort of mischief have you gotten your-” she seemed to finally notice Draco. “Draco, welcome dear. Won’t you come in? Everyone’s inside, or setting up for supper out back.”

Draco was grateful to get away from the kids, but they seemed fascinated with him, and followed him inside. Draco spotted Ginny at once; she was in the kitchen, with the rest of the Weasley women, preparing the food. She turned around and smiled at him, and was making her way over, when Harry and Ron walked over to stand in front of Draco.

“C’mon kids” Ron said, scooting them out the back door. He took a moment to ruffle the smallest girl’s hair, and Draco assumed that child must be his. “So, Malfoy, you decided to show. What an honor.”

Ginny came over and stood beside Draco. She leaned up to give him a kiss on the cheek, then turned to Harry and Ron. “Everything alright here?”

Ron had a look of disgust on his face, but he nodded slowly. All Ginny had talked about all day was “Draco Malfoy this, and Draco Malfoy that” he and Harry had turned to Harry’s favorite Muggle beer just to escape it.

“Oh, how thoughtful! You brought birthday gifts” Ginny said trying to make conversation, as the three men continued to stare at each other.

Draco nodded, and then said, “Yes, this one is for you, and this one is for your daughter.”

Ginny smiled, and then bit her lip to keep from laughing. Harry, however, who was very sensitive about his birthday, looked open mouthed at Draco.

“It’s my birthday, Malfoy.”

Draco looked from Ginny to Harry, then said. “Happy birthday Potter, can you tell me where the loo is?”

Ginny, wanting to avoid a scrap, took Draco’s hand and steered him away from Harry and Ron, out the front door, where it was now secluded. “Draco, it’s not that I don’t appreciate the gifts, I do. But it is Harry’s birthday after all.”

Draco sighed, and said, “I know, but what was I supposed to get him? Besides, I got him and your brother League tickets, out of the kindness of my heart…”

Ginny raised an eyebrow, and then smiled at him. “I want you to come in and meet my family”

Draco wanted to stall for a few more minutes alone with her, and said, “Wouldn’t you like to open your gifts first?”

Ginny smiled, gave Draco a quick kiss then said, “I suppose a minute or two…” She winked at him as she started to open the smaller package first, as he instructed her to. “Draco, No. #1 perfume! I love it. You shouldn’t have.” Ginny opened the large package and pulled out the plush blanket. “This is just lovely, but Draco too expensive for Baby.”

Draco couldn’t hide the shocked expression on his face. Didn’t most mothers want the best for their babies? Maybe Ginny was too new at this parenting thing to understand this.

Ginny took in Draco’s expression, and asked if anything was wrong. Draco said that he was just fine, and Ginny thanked him again, and invited him inside.

Draco was introduced to so many Weasley’s that he knew he would never remember all of their names. He met her older brother’s, Bill, and Charlie? Yes, Bill and Charlie, that was right. He didn’t remember Charlie’s wife’s name, but Bill’s wife Fleur was hard to forget. Percy, Fred and George he remembered from school, and their wives he went to school with, Penelope, Angelina, and Alicia.

Ron’s wife was also unforgettable, though he had tried. Harry was dating Hermione; though Mrs. Weasley said loudly that it was high time they stopped waiting for Merlin knew what and made it official. Ginny tried to introduce him to her nieces and nephews, but there were so many, and they didn’t stand still long enough for him to get a good idea of who was who anyway. Mr. Weasley was used to seeing Draco at work, as was Percy, though they rarely spoke.

When supper was almost ready, everyone was lounging around the living room, and Draco finally asked if Ginny’s daughter was there at The Burrow. This seemed to send several Weasley’s into giggles, or barely controlled laughter. Ginny glared at the offenders, then turned to Draco. “My daughter?”

“Yes, you know, your baby” Draco wondered if he had missed something. Ron was biting his bottom lip trying hard not to laugh, and Harry’s face was a blotchy red.

Ginny’s face suddenly lit up with recognition. “Oh, no. Draco…Baby…My Baby‘s not, not, well let me introduce you two.” Ginny stood up and headed up the stairs. She was back in a minute, a small bundle under her arm. It was wrapped in pink. As it got closer Draco thought it looked like an overgrown tan rat with huge eyes.

“Draco, this is Baby, my Chihuahua.”

Draco hadn’t realized he was holding his breath, and now let out a huge breath. Thank Gods. She didn’t have a child, she had a dog! Well not a real dog, a watered down version of a dog.

Ginny held Baby in one hand and extended her towards Draco to hold. Baby immediately stopped shivering, and began a yelping kind of bark directed at Draco.

“Great, there she goes.” Ron said, getting up from his chair and heading to the backyard. Harry, Bill, Fred and George soon followed, as Baby continued to bark, and Ginny baby talked to her. “Stop that Baby girl, yes; you’re a good girl, aren’t you? Yes you are, stop barking Baby.”

Ginny sat down next to Draco on the couch, as the living room soon became deserted. The dog was standing on Ginny’s lap, and kept up her barking, in what Ginny thought was a cute, ferocious stance. Baby only weighed three and a half pounds, but she thought she was as big as a Fang.

Draco didn’t think he could take much more of that irritating little bark, and when he looked at the little monster, he saw that she was wearing a hot pink t-shirt that said, ‘Fetch it yourself” and matching pink polish. He wanted to leave now. This was too strange; he wanted to ask Ginny a few questions, if that damn thing would shut up long enough for him to concentrate.

Ginny told him to try putting his hand out for Baby to sniff, so she could become familiar with his scent. Draco wanted to do no such thing, but thought that once he had shagged Ginny, it would all be worth it. He put his hand out, and Baby clamped her sharp little teeth down onto his fingers. When he pulled away, Baby was still attached to his fingers. His instinct was to shake her off, and Ginny was horrified to see her Baby being jerked around. “Draco! Stop! You’re hurting her!”

“Her? She won’t let go of my bloody fingers.” Ginny was trying to massage Baby’s neck to get her to release, but she had her jaw locked, and kept her growling up. Draco and Ginny both reached for their wands, but Ginny smacked Draco’s away, who knows what spell he would use. Ginny pointed her wand at Baby’s teeth and said “Engorgio.” Baby‘s teeth grew just large enough to release from Draco’s hand, and Ginny immediately reversed the spell. Draco wasn’t bleeding, but there were several holes in his skin where the teeth had been.

Ginny picked up baby and hugged her to herself. “My poor Baby, are you alright?”

Draco looked down at his injured hand and nodded his head. “Yes, I’ll be fine, it’s nothing.”

Ginny held her laughter in, and started to take Baby back upstairs; grabbing the blanket that Draco bought for Baby with her. When she came down she sat down next to Draco, and took his hand. “Can I kiss it, and make it better?” She asked.

Draco put his hand out to Ginny; he didn’t need to be told twice. She gave him a look that set his heart thumping in his chest, as she kissed his hand. She asked if he was feeling any better now, and he said that he was sure that Baby had taken a nip “Right here,” pointing at his bottom lip. Ginny smiled mischievously, then kissed his bottom lip, then his top, but Draco wasn’t in the mood to be teased, and gave her a real kiss. Ginny could hear her mum in the distance, saying that supper was ready. “Draco, it’s ready.”

“I’m ready too“ Draco said, hugging Ginny closer to himself. Ginny laughed and tried to push away.

“No, dinner, it’s ready.”

“Oh.” Draco was disappointed. He’d never wanted food less. He was hungry, but food would not satisfy. He wanted nothing more than to leave with her, but they stood up and headed to the backyard. Draco was surprised at how nice the massive table was arranged. It was amazing that so many people could sit and enjoy a dinner together, even with kids intertwined throughout. Draco sat with Ginny on his right and Fred on his left. Bill was directly across from him, and he had an interesting conversation with him about the changes Draco had made in his department. That seemed to be Draco’s ’in’ with the Weasley men and Harry, and soon they were all in a loud debate over the best quidditch team in the league.

Ginny knew he would be fine, and headed inside with her sisters-in-law and Hermione, to help her mum clean up the kitchen. The dishes were easy work, a flick of the wand, and they were finished. They put candles on Harry’s giant cake, and levitated it, and his pile of presents out the door to the table. The kids gathered around ’Uncle Harry’ and helped him blow out his candles, and rip open his gifts. Ginny leaned back against Draco, while he rested one arm over her shoulder as they quietly chatted to themselves.

It was getting late, and the children were falling asleep in their parent’s laps, or leaning on elbows against the table, and slowly the Weasley’s family by family left The Burrow, until only Draco and Ginny remained. Molly was dabbing at her eyes as Arthur hugged her to him. “It’s so strange to have this house empty and quiet.” she explained to Draco as she headed to the kitchen to make tea.

Ginny asked Draco to go with her to check on Baby, who was staying in her old room. He would have preferred attempting a conversation with her father, but followed her up the stairs. Ginny’s childhood room looked as though it had not been changed since she had last occupied it. He would have looked around more, but Baby ran over from her pink futon couch, and began barking. She was four feet from him, holding herself stiff as a board, and barking for all she was worth.

“Baby, that’s enough. You’ll love Draco, be nice. Come on Baby girl, no, sweet girl, stop that precious, no.”

Draco wanted to rip his hair out. He thought perhaps he could find a way to live with the barking. He could always put a silencing charm on the little bitch. But Ginny’s baby talk, that was intolerable. No man would want to put up with that. Ginny Picked Baby up and cradled her under one arm, and she did stop barking, but she was now growling at Draco.

Ginny offered Draco a seat on her bed and was going to put Baby down when she saw something hanging out of her mouth. “Baby, what have you gotten yourself into now?” Ginny pulled what appeared to be a pink string, and looked over the side of her bed, at what was Draco’s gift. It was now laying in a tattered, shredded mess. “Baby! Bad girl!”

Draco looked over the side, and thought of all the things he could have used that money on, if he’d known Ginny’s baby was a dog. “Perhaps I should leave…Thank you for a lovely evening, Ginny.”

“No, Draco don’t go yet. I am so sorry. I don’t know what has gotten into her; she’s usually not so destructive.” Ginny put Baby down on the floor where she started barking at Draco’s pant leg, and put her arms around his neck. “Please, don’t go.”

Draco thought he could use this to his advantage, and said, “Well…”

But Draco never did get to take advantage of Ginny. Well, not that night anyway. Draco ended up leaving soon after, but they did make plans for a Saturday date when Ginny got back from Paris the week after next. Draco almost had a heart attack when Ginny asked him with a straight face if he would watch Baby for her while she was away.

“Gods Draco! You should see your face! I’m only joking with you. I’m taking her with me.”

Draco would have liked to laugh along with her, but the thought of that little yapper, having to care for her…Wait a sec. He could accidentally leave an upstairs window open, or the front door, or hell, just hex her into-

“Draco? Are you alright? First you looked terrified, and now you look quite pleased with yourself.” Ginny looked at him suspiciously, but Draco just smiled.

“Nothing, it was nothing. I better go; I’ll see you when you get back.” Draco kissed her goodnight, and went home feeling very relieved. Ginny didn’t have a baby. She had something he didn’t think would be too much competition, it was a tiny dog, after all.

***********************************

Draco missed talking to Ginny, but he didn’t know if he should send an owl to her posh Paris hotel. After three days without speaking to her, he began to feel gloomy. He was sitting at his desk, smashing the tip of his quill into oblivion, when an owl began pecking his beak against his office door. Draco looked up from his quill-smashing to see the shadow of his secretary, Miss Heywood take the package, and pay the owl. He was walking to the door when he heard a knock. “Come in” he said, rushing to sit back down.

Miss Heywood entered carrying a brown wrapped parcel, and what appeared to be a letter, and set them down on Draco’s desk before exiting the office. Miss Heywood was in her sixties, and very no-nonsense, she never exchanged words if it wasn’t necessary. In this case, Draco had a delivery, it was obvious it had just arrived, and there was nothing for her to say. Draco liked her, and they got on very well.

Draco ripped into the letter as soon as the door closed. It was from Ginny:

Dear Draco,

I hope this note finds all is well with you. Paris is beautiful, as always, but I wish that I could have some company as I walk through these gorgeous streets and see the couples walking hand in hand. Is that odd? I miss talking to you. You make me laugh, and you make me wonder about all the things I’ve just accepted in my life. I would never have imagined you and I starting a relationship…That is what we’re doing isn’t it? I thought we were really different people, and we are, but then we’re not. I think this letter probably won’t make any sense to you. I wanted to send you a note to say hello, and send you a little something, and now I’m rambling in my letter! I’m sending you two photos: one of me (I am sending this one because Ron says you keep taking his) and one of me and Baby in Paris. It was taken yesterday, and I love it! I hope you like them, and I hope to hear back from you…

Ginny

Draco smiled as he read her letter. There was a heart inside the ‘y’ in Ginny and he liked the feminine touch. He would like to be with her; she wasn’t reading too much into anything, they were in the beginnings of a relationship. If the final arrangements for the league cup weren’t this week, he would love to be there with her. He took the brown paper off the elegant black frames and looked at the photos. His favorite photo of Ginny looked much better in the frame Ginny chose, and he opened the back and put that one up. He looked at the other picture, Ginny looked stunning, as always, the only flaw was that she was holding Baby, who was wearing a tee that read ‘Fashion hound’ Draco put that photo up as well, and began a letter back to Ginny.

A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed! Sorry it has taken me a while to update, (Real life, grrr) anyway, this is unbeated, so hope there are not too many mistakes….And since this is based on my own life and my own sweet dog, I hope you don’t hate Baby too much! ;)

Draco anxiously waited for Ginny’s return from Paris, and they agreed to meet for dinner at Malfoy Manor the night she returned. Draco apparated to Ginny’s flat to escort her back to the Manor, and she found the idea of his escort charming. When Ginny opened the door, she practically jumped into Draco’s arms, and they snogged in the hall for a few minutes while Baby barked her head off, but they had missed each other and were able to ignore her.

When they pulled apart and Ginny went to grab her things, Draco tried to greet Baby, but she barked at him the entire time, and he couldn’t help making a face, and sticking his tongue out at her when Ginny’s back was turned. Baby seemed to understand that she had been insulted, and began barking with even more gusto.

“Baby, whatever is the matter?” Ginny picked her up and held her close, looking her over, and saying, “I don’t know what’s wrong with her. I was going to leave her alone for a few hours, but maybe I shouldn’t…What if she’s sick?”

Draco wanted to kick his own ass. All he wanted was to have dinner with his sort of girlfriend; at least she would be if that little overgrown rat didn’t have it out for him. It was like that dog was put on earth just to make his life difficult, well he was determined to win the war, even if he had to give up the occasional battle to ’Baby’ he hated the name!

“Gin, I’m sure she’s fine, why don’t we stop by The Burrow and ask your parents to keep an eye on her if you’re worried though? You’re mum did say she never minded if you wanted to bring her by.” Draco rocked on his heels in his expensive, handmade shoes waiting to see who would win, him or Baby.

Ginny hugged a shivering Baby close to her, and agreed that they should stop by The Burrow and see if her parents could watch her. They Flooed separately, as Baby went crazy when Draco stood too close to Ginny, and when Draco arrived Baby was playing fetch with Arthur while Ginny and Molly chatted. He was greeted warmly by Molly, and brushed the ash off himself as he went to shake Mr. Weasley’s hand. Baby began barking again when she spotted Draco, but everyone tried hushing her as Molly told them she was happy to watch her.

Draco and Ginny apparated to Malfoy Manor, and Draco mentally gave himself a check in the ’Draco’ column. Baby was going to be much more of a challenge than he thought. But he was a Malfoy after all, and there had to be a way around this…He would find it.

It was a beautiful evening, and Draco had arranged for dinner to be served on the terrace. Ginny gasped as Draco led her through the double doors, and she took in the scene before her. There was a square table in the center of a marble floor, candlelight, and every available space was overflowing with red and white roses. The night sky was full of stars, and the moon seemed to hanging directly above their table. Ginny thought it was all very romantic and told Draco so.

Draco leaned down to kiss her bare shoulder and asked her if he’d already told her how beautiful she looked. “Yes, three times. But a girl always loves compliments.” Ginny’s stomach was full of butterflies, and she was pleased she had worn the spaghetti-strap dress now. At first she had thought it would be a bit risqué, but now she was glad, it was getting quite warm with the looks Draco was giving her across the table.

Their starring contest was interrupted by Draco’s maid, Mrs. Linton, a squib who came highly recommended by his secretary, Miss Heywood. Draco tried not to be annoyed as he thanked her, and they began to eat dinner.

It was comfortable, Draco was asking about her trip, and Ginny was telling him about the fashion houses she had gone to, when he changed the subject and asked her how long she had had Baby. Ginny was happy to talk about her, but Draco was really trying to find just how attached she really was to that dog, and how old she was, maybe she was on her last legs…

It turned out that Baby was only a year old, and that Ginny had gotten her for a birthday present from her editor. Ginny said that she had had a hard time adjusting to life with her at first, but now she didn’t think she could live without her. Draco felt sick at hearing this news. He didn’t know what he was going to do; he wanted to keep seeing Ginny, there was no question of that. But how to get around the dog…A three pound dog for Merlin’s sake!

“Draco, are you alright? You seem distracted?”

“No, No, I’m fine. So, please go on…”

**********************************

Three weeks later, Draco felt completely foolish standing in the little Muggle shop, packed as it was on a late Friday afternoon, trying to choose dog treats from a dog bakery. Draco didn’t believe such a place existed until he confided his problem in Pansy and she told him that there was a shop around the corner from her husband’s office.

So, here he was, and he was the only male in a sea of…Well, quite attractive females. And all their dogs. The dogs were all friendly to Draco, making his situation with Baby all the more frustrating. Draco briefly thought that if things didn’t work with Ginny, and he ever decided to date a Muggle, this was the place to pick one up. There were dozens of attractive woman, in all sizes, shapes and requirements.

The leggy blonde with the bulldog was particularly friendly, and when Draco reached the front of the line and shyly asked what treats were best for a Chihuahua, the women around him sighed and swarmed closer. Draco raised an eyebrow at this new power of attraction and said, “Please make sure that the treats are fresh, and of a good quality…I don’t want anything that’s not the best for my Baby.”

The sighs and “Oh! Aren’t you sweet!” comments urged him on, and before long he was telling his audience that his girlfriend had broken up with him and said she couldn’t handle the “sweet puppy” but that he loved her, (The dog, that is) and had to give his girlfriend the boot.

He now had woman literally hanging on his arm, and before he left the shop had been given nine different phone numbers and several invitations to the dog parks. Draco tossed them before he apparated to Ginny’s, laughing a little at this new information.

His good mood vanished instantly when Baby spotted him, and began her barking though. Draco attempted to try and win her over, he wanted Ginny after all, and he knew that she wasn’t about to give up her dog. He greeted Ginny with a kiss and asked if he could give Baby one of the treats he had brought.

“Draco! You are so thoughtful. Of course! But, do be careful, she is a little, well, aggressive when it comes to you.”

Draco thought that was an understatement, but kneeled down and opened the box. Baby came closer, still barking, and he held out a ‘Pupcake’ treat. Baby seemed oblivious to the treat. She continued to bark, and after a minute, Draco gave up. Ginny took the box and tried giving Baby the pupcake. She wouldn’t take it, but when Ginny tried giving her a ’Pawline’ cookie, she took it and ran to her futon to eat it.

“You see! She hates me! She wouldn’t eat the treat I touched! Are you sure she’s a do-”

Ginny laughed as she held the box in one hand and pulled Draco close for a kiss with the other. “She doesn’t hate you. She’s just protective of me, that’s all.” Ginny saw that Draco still had a grumpy face and asked what she could do to make him feel better.

“Draco raised an eyebrow at her. “Do you really want to know?”

“How about dinner?” Ginny led him over to the table and forced him down onto a chair. Draco was a bit disappointed, but he was happy to be around Ginny, and the dog was quiet, unless he looked at her, in which case she looked up from her cookie and growled. Draco threw his arms up in mock surrender and imagined all the spells that would be put to good use on Baby.

Ginny was in the kitchen putting food on the plates, she would never know. If he say, put a sleeping charm or a silencing charm, or both…and reversed them before he went home. Ginny wouldn’t know, and he would have a nice, quiet, Baby-free evening. Draco was contemplating this idea when Ginny brought dinner to the table.

Baby forgot all about her cookie and ran to stand on her hind legs next to Ginny, crying and begging for food. Ginny looked down at her an baby talked her, telling her “No, sweet girl, you have your own food, no”

Baby kept crying, whining, and in general driving Draco mad. He had paused with his fork half way to his mouth as Ginny gave Baby small bits of chicken from her plate, but said “No more Baby, get down.”

Ginny looked up at Draco, and smiled sheepishly. “I know you are never supposed to feed dogs from the table, but…”

Draco, at a loss, just smiled and complimented here on her cooking skills. He had to get rid of the dog. And it wasn’t just for himself anymore, oh no…It was for Ginny too.

After a frustrating dinner of Baby begging the entire time, Draco and Ginny sat down to listen to Ginny’s ’radio’ and talk. Ginny explained that it was similar to the WWN, and Draco didn’t question it. He sat down with Ginny leaning back against him, and he was feeling quite content.

Baby was asleep on Ginny’s bed, a few charms and she was out of the way for the rest of the night. Draco reminded himself that he had to reverse the spells before he went home…

Draco didn’t think much of the Muggle music, but Ginny seemed to know almost every song, and either sang or hummed along. Draco was very content to hold her, and wondered what she was thinking about. “Ginny?”

“Yes, Draco?”

“What are you thinking about?” He almost held his breath. Would she say what he was thinking about? About their future? About snogging him senseless? His stomach churned as he waited for her to respond.

“I’m wondering why Baby is so quiet…It’s odd.” Ginny pulled Draco’s arm tighter around her waist as she snuggled closer.

Damn that dog! Draco couldn’t hide his disappointment. She obviously wasn’t normal. Wouldn’t most witches who were snuggled up with their boyfriends being thinking about everything but their dog? The thought of Baby being raised by Molly and Arthur if he decided to propose to Ginny, down the road, had occurred to him, but now he wondered.

Draco decided to test the waters; no one ever achieved anything by sitting on their bum. “Wouldn’t you like to have a real baby?” he asked, rubbing her flat stomach.

Ginny rolled her eyes at him and said, “You just want to get started now.”

Draco looked down at her, and sighed. “True. But I do want to be a father…eventually”

Ginny turned to look him in the eye, “Draco Malfoy, what are you trying to say?”

Draco decided that maybe it was too soon to say anything. He and Ginny had only just started dating after all, and you never knew what could happen. He assured Ginny that it was nothing, that it was the Muggle beer talking, and they continued to chat until Ginny fell asleep against Draco’s chest. Draco liked the feel of her so close, and that she trusted him so much, and he knew then that he was in for the long haul. He gently woke her up after a while and urged her to go to bed.

Ginny walked him to the door and it wasn’t until Draco got a kiss goodnight and arrived home that he remembered that he forgot to do something.

Draco knew he was in big trouble when he saw the red envelope on his desk when he got to work. It was a howler. Addressed to him. It had to be from Ginny, she must have figured out what he had done, and was a bit angry. Perhaps he deserved it. Draco paced in front of his desk, staring at the bright red letter, his name in Ginny’s elegant scrawl across the front. In the end Draco charmed the name to read ’Ron Weasley’ and sent it off to the Auror Division.

He decided to go and see Ginny himself, to apologize, and to invite her to the Ministry Ball. All women loved to dress up, and he couldn’t wait to see the looks on his colleague’s faces when he walked in with Ginny on his arm.

Draco had Miss Heywood send three dozen roses to Ginny’s work, and another three dozen to her flat, and made sure that he had a dozen when he left the office. He was sure the flowers would have calmed her temper by now, and felt perfectly safe going over to her flat.

When he arrived at Ginny’s door later that evening, she opened it and had one hand on her hip, and the other resting on the doorjamb, drumming her fingernails in a steady rhythm. “Come in,” she said in a clipped voice.

Oh yeah, he was still in trouble. Draco swallowed hard and leaned in to kiss her, but Ginny bent back as far as she could to avoid his kiss. Draco extended the roses to her, and she pointed at the table. Draco saw that all the roses he had sent had had the tops cut off, and the petals were lying all over the table and floor. He took the hint and took a seat on the couch. Baby ran out from the bedroom and began barking, but then immediately seemed to get a signal from Ginny and took the barking to a low growl.

“Forget something last time you were here?”

“My coat?” he chuckled.

“NO! Try again.”

Draco heaved a dramatic sigh, and then tried giving her the sad eyes that always worked on his mum. “I am so sorry Ginny. I didn’t mean to hurt Baby. I just, I wanted to spend time with you, alone, and I thought that a simple, completely harmless charm…I didn’t mean to upset you. I guess I should leave.”

Draco stood up and headed to the door where Ginny still lingered, waiting for her to call him back. And waited. He reached the end of the hall before turning around and calling to Ginny, “this is the part where you say ’Draco I understand where you are coming from, why you did what you did, and I forgive you’ Gin?”

Ginny stood in the doorway and waited for several seconds before crooking her finger at him for him to come back. Draco felt relieved that things were back to normal between them. Ginny grabbed his tie and pulled him forward for a kiss.

Draco was enjoying himself, when Ginny bit down on his bottom lip rather hard. She pulled away from him slowly, his bottom lip still captured between her teeth. She finally let go and looked up at him, twisting his tie tighter around his neck. “Don’t do that again, Malfoy.” Alright, he conceded, that was a check in the Baby column. Draco one, Baby one.

Draco raised an eyebrow as he stared down at her. His lip was pulsing where her teeth had bitten him, but he was definitely turned on. “Yes, my little vampire.”

Draco came in and sat down, ignoring Baby’s barks and growls as he watched every move Ginny made. He was so in love with this woman. She was perfect for him, except for her three pounds that she needed to lose…

“Ginny, will you come with me to the Ministry Ball on Saturday evening?”

“I can’t. I have to be at a fashion show in Milan. I was actually going to ask you to watch Baby for me.”

Draco laughed, expecting Ginny to join in, but she just stared at him expectantly. “I’m being serious, Draco. My Parents are going to the same ball, then off for that vacation I told you about it, and my brother’s won’t watch her for some reason.”

Draco couldn’t think of one reason why her brother’s wouldn’t want to watch her, but kept his mouth shut. This could be his chance to make amends with Ginny for what he had done, and maybe to finally get Baby to like him. He wanted Ginny in his life, and yes, he was willing to dog-sit for the little monster if he had to.

**************************

Draco had taken Baby to work with him on Friday; humiliated beyond anything he could ever dream of, carrying Baby in a hot pink Louis Vuitton Pet Carrier. Ginny had told him she brought Baby to work in the carrier everyday, and that she was well-behaved, all she needed was food and water, and a short walk. He didn’t know what he was expecting, but it wasn’t this. He had gone that morning to pick her up, meeting Ginny outside of her flat, where she was waiting curbside for her cab to the airport, her luggage piled around her.

“Take good care of her Draco, I don’t want to come home and find that you’ve lost her!” Ginny half joked.

Baby was wearing a t-shirt that read ’Rebel with paws’ and Ginny gave her several kisses before she put her in her case and turned to kiss Draco goodbye. “I’m going to miss you,” she whispered.

“Remembered I’m here, have you?”

“Draco, don’t be silly. I could never forget you. But Baby can’t take care of herself, and you, well…” Ginny ran a hand over Draco’s chest, “You are a big, strong man, and are certainly capable of taking care of yourself.”

Draco and Ginny were locked in a passionate kiss when the cabbie honked and leaned out the window. “You ready, love?”

Draco gave the cabbie a dirty look for addressing Ginny as ’love’ then helped Ginny into the car. “Ginny, be careful, and keep in touch, will you?”

Ginny leaned out the window for one last kiss and asked Draco if he wasn’t forgetting something. Did she want him to tell her he loved her? He felt that he did, but wasn’t it a little soon?

Ginny yelled “Baby!” as the taxi sped away, and waved through the back window at him. Draco went to grab the carrier, and as soon as Ginny was out of sight, apparated to the Ministry.

*************************

Draco thought perhaps he could pawn Baby off on his secretary, especially after a humiliating walk to his office. He wished he had an invisibility cloak! He had lost count of the times he had said “Girlfriend” nodding to the growling bag on his shoulder. He knew he wouldn’t be able to live this down…He finally got to his office and dropped Baby onto Miss Heywood’s desk. “Take care of her, will you? She only needs the food in the side pocket and fresh water, and a short walk, thank you.”

Draco tried walking away, but Miss Heywood covered her mouth and extended the carrier as far away from herself as possible. “I apologize Mr. Malfoy, but I have allergies to animal hair, I can’t watch the dog.”

Draco eyed her suspiciously. “I don’t remember that detail in your resume.”

She dropped Baby off and closed the door behind her, Baby beginning to bark furiously. Draco felt like a complete idiot, but since no one could hear him, he felt safe. He began to use that irritating baby-talk that Ginny used. “It’s alright Baby. Good girl, be quiet now.” Baby began to bark louder, and Draco baby-talked, “Fine you bloody little pain; I’m going to fix this, just relax.”

Draco put Baby back onto his shoulder and headed to the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office, he knew that Arthur Weasley would be more than happy to help. Draco tolerated the stares and snickers as he made his way to the office, only to find that Arthur was out of the office.

He tried Percy Weasley next, but he said he was “Far too important and busy, and had no time to dilly-dally with dogs.” Draco kept his opinion to himself, and decided that as much as it chafed, as much as he hated it, he had no choice. For the second time in less than a year, he had to go to the Auror Division to ask for help from Ron and Harry.

When Draco stepped into the office, he was greeted by his cousin Tonks, who said hello to Baby, who wagged her tail happily and licked her fingers. “What are you doing down here, Malfoy? Auror division sort of out of your league isn’t it?”

“Actually, I was looking for someone,” Draco said, turning Baby around and heading to Ron and Harry’s office. Tonks shrugged and walked away. Of course Baby loved Tonks! She was a complete stranger, and she hated Draco, although he had tried again and again to befriend her.

Draco opened the office door to find Ron pouring over a file, alone in the office. “Morning Weasley,” he greeted warmly. Ron was immediately suspicious, and looked up slowly from his paperwork.

Ron took in the pink bag and Baby’s head poking out and easily knew why Draco was there. He laughed under his breath, and said, “No way, Malfoy…Unless you have Chudley Cannon tickets up your sleeve? Or maybe in one of your cute little pink pockets?”

Draco had to remind himself not to rise to the occasion. He needed a favor, and if he could convince him to take her, it would be worth it. “As a matter of fact, I happened to come across two box seats to the next game, against…” Draco tried hard to think of a team, of a quick lie, and blurted out “The Pride of Portree”

Ron looked at Draco, and then smiled. “Nice try Malfoy, they played them two weeks ago. It was a slaughter. Besides, why would deprive you of the joy of watching Gin’s ’Sweet girl’ now? After all, why would I help you, after that howler you sent me?”

Damn, he forgot about the howler. Draco stomped his foot in impatience and asked, “Fine! Where’s Potter?”

Ron smiled even wider. “On a mission. Won’t be back until tomorrow, possibly. Now if you don‘t mind.”

Draco gave Ron a rude hand gesture and stormed out.

Draco only spent a few hours at work, it was too distracting having Baby roaming all over the floor of his office, and every time he moved his chair or his feet, she barked, and he could hear Miss Heywood slam a drawer or clear her throat loudly in agitation. It was obviously distracting to others as well, so Draco decided to leave work early.

He apparated home and Mrs. Linton greeted him, ready for their ‘houseguest,’ as she put it.

“She’s a dog, Mrs. Linton, not a person. We are not treating her like a houseguest.” Draco scoffed at the very idea.

“Well, Mr. Malfoy, I just thought, since your Miss Weasley is so found of her, we should care for her with the same treatment she receives at home.”

Baby was scratching in her bag on Draco’s shoulder, barking to get out, and Draco would be glad to be rid of her for a couple of hours. He turned his back on Mrs. Linton while he held the carrier level with his face, looking Baby in the eyes. “Now see here, Baby…We are stuck with each other for a few days and I suggest we make the best of it. I will keep out of your way, and you keep out of mine, alright?”

Baby didn’t growl, or bark, she turned her head to the left, then the right, as if trying to understand his words.

Draco put the bag down, then a thought occurred to him, and he held Baby up again. “One more thing…I have a lot of priceless family heirlooms, so don’t take a piss on anyth-” Draco turned to Mrs. Linton, who was blushing, and apologized. “Please excuse my language. I meant, if you need to use the facilities, don’t mistake the ancient rugs, for your…What does Gin call them? Oh yes, Wee-Wee pads. Got that Baby?” he didn’t really expect a response, and he didn’t get one. He unzipped the side, and Baby immediately ran over to Mrs. Linton, tail wagging, and flopped onto her back for a belly-rub.

Draco was disgusted, but handed Mrs. Linton the bag as he made his way to the library for a drink. True it was a little early, but dog-sitting was a very nerve wracking business. Draco had had several owls while he was at work, and not surprisingly, one was from Ginny. She had arrived safely in Milan, she was thinking of him, and was ’just wondering’ how things were going with Baby.

Draco thought she had very little faith in him, but decided not to include that in his response. He penned a letter back to her, as he saw Baby run past his door, and heard the unmistakable sound of a Wee-Wee pad being opened and placed on his floor.

He shook his head, and imagined all the generations of proud, noble, Malfoy’s spinning in there graves.

He turned back to his letter, and thought about writing; Dearest, Darling Ginny, How can you ever think that I don’t care for you? You can never doubt how very much I love you, yes LOVE you, I know that I do, although I don’t know how to tell you…But I realized I did when I heard the crinkly sound of a Wee-Wee pad being placed on my antique rug…

Draco took another sip of the burning liquid, and finished his real letter to Ginny.

****************************

Draco had dinner alone in the library, as was customary. He did some work, answered the owls he had received, and decided to head up to bed. He could hear Mrs. Linton playing with Baby in the sitting room, and when Draco went to check on them, he saw they were playing tug-of-war with…

“Is that my sock?”

Mrs. Linton turned very red, and let go of the sock, which Baby immediately grabbed in her teeth, and shook back and forth furiously. “Well, yes, Mr. Malfoy. It is your sock. But it is in need of repair, and the poor thing didn’t have a thing to play with.”

Draco shook his head. “Don’t worry about it Mrs. Linton. It’s an old sock. I’ll stop by Ginny’s flat and pick up some of her toys tomorrow.” Draco wasn’t used to giving out praise, they had had house elves when he was growing up, but Mrs. Linton was a kind widow who took very good care of him, and he was just beginning to realize how valuable she was.

“Why don’t you go home now? I can certainly clean up the kitchen, and I can take care of the dog over the weekend, I would like you to have the weekend off, with pay.”

Mrs. Linton shook her head, and stood up, “Thank you Mr. Malfoy, but I will be getting back to work now.” Baby left the sock and followed Mrs. Linton into the kitchen.

Draco decided not to press her today, but he definitely was going change toward her. Draco headed up to bed, and began to undress. He stripped down to a pair of boxers, and stretched as he lay down on his huge bed. He hadn’t had a particularly hard day, but he was feeling very tired. Maybe humiliation really wore you out, he thought.

He was just starting to drift off, when he heard Mrs. Linton knock softly, “Mr. Malfoy?”

Draco shook himself awake and grabbed his robe off the chair in the corner. What the hell was wrong? She never came to his door. Draco immediately imagined every possible scenario as he made his way to the door.

Mrs. Linton had Baby in her arms when Draco opened the door. “Yes? What is it? What’s happened?”

“I’m going home Mr. Malfoy, but I couldn’t leave this little one alone downstairs.”

“And?” Draco wasn’t sure what she was saying.

“And, I knew that you wouldn’t want her crying downstairs all night, or damaging the furniture.”

Draco seemed to perk up at the last, and reached out to take Baby, but she barked and tried to bite him.

“Bloody dog.”

Mrs. Linton gave Baby a kiss on the top of her head, and bid Draco goodnight. Draco closed the door, wishing that Mrs. Linton lived on the property. Oh well, he’d just put a pillow on the floor for Baby to sleep on, problem solved. Draco did just that, then threw the robe off, and climbed back into bed.

Draco assumed Baby was fine, and was trying to get back to sleep when he heard a sad, whimpering sound. He lay still, listening for a moment, and then it stopped. The moonlight coming from his window gave some light, and Draco looked over the side of the bed, where he had placed the pillow for Baby, but she wasn’t there. He grabbed his wand and illuminated the room, again looking for Baby. He didn’t see her, and was about to give up and go to sleep when he heard a scratching sound.

Draco was horrified as he looked over the opposite side of the bed, and saw Baby run her sharp little nails in a panic over his silk sheets. “Are you mad? These sheets are pure Empress Silk! They are worth more than your life! Now, lie down on that pillow, and go to sleep.”

Baby cocked her head to the side, Her big, brown eyes smart with tears, trying to understand what Draco was saying, and Draco felt his heart melt, but only just a little. “Now, don’t give me those sad eyes…It won’t work. I don’t like you any more than you like me. Now go to sleep.” Draco lay back down, but Baby kept crying, and continued to run her sharp nails over his sheets.

“Alright, alright!” Draco picked Baby up and put her on the bed, where she immediately sauntered over to his pillow, where she turned in a circle several times before settling on a soft spot and laying down.

“Baby! No, absolutely not! You can lie at the foot of the bed if you like, but not my pillow. Draco pointed to the end of the bed, but Baby just let out a big snort.

Draco tried to poke Baby to move her, but she snapped at him, and he drew his hand away before she bit him. “I could transform you into a, a,…well something horrible, you know!“ Draco looked in disgust at the dog hair all over his sheets.

Draco ran a hand through his hair, deciding what to do, before giving up. Baby was sleeping peacefully, and he supposed the bed was big enough to share. He ‘Accioed’ some of the decorative pillows from the chest at the end of his bed, and reluctantly fell asleep.

It didn’t last long. One problem, was that Baby snored. Draco woke up at the unfamiliar sound and looked around for the source. He spotted Baby, who was on her back, half on the pillow, half off. He shook the pillow, and she slid off, waking up and walking around a bit before finding a comfy spot. Draco almost laughed. Almost.

The second problem was after a while, Baby lay too close to him, and Draco felt hot as it was, and now he had this heat generating fur ball pressed to his back. Draco scooted over, and she followed. “You remind me of a horrid ex-girlfriend, appropriately named Ivy, as a matter of fact.”

He finally fell asleep again, to be awoken a few hours later by Baby, stretching, and using his stomach and chest to scrape her nails against. Draco rolled away, but she jumped on top of him, then off, and started whimpering.

Draco felt like he had a hangover. That was one of the worst night’s sleep he had ever had! He was so tired…He gave a huge yawn as he set Baby down on the carpet, and stretched. He stared straight ahead for several minutes, trying to wake up, ignoring Baby’s whimpering until the scent of urine reached him. He was wide awake as he saw Baby kick her hind legs on the carpet behind the spot she just marked.

“Bad dog! Bad dog!” Draco stepped over the spot, grabbing his wand and cursing at her as he cleaned the mess. He opened the door, letting her downstairs, where he could hear Mrs. Linton coo out a “Good Morning, Baby!”

Disgusted, Draco slammed the door and began to dress. He had already planned on taking her by Ginny’s to grab some playthings, and stop her by the dog park. It was all for Ginny, he reminded himself. All for Ginny.

****************************

“Drake!”

Draco continued his leisurely pace, as Baby sniffed every flower, and patches of grass here and there. He heard “Drake!” again and finally turned around.

Draco realized the woman was talking to him. It was the leggy blond from the dog bakery. He forgot he had told every woman who asked his name was Drake. She came jogging over to him, her bulldog by her side.

“Hello, again,” she said cheerfully, appraising him slowly, in his slacks and button up shirt. Draco swallowed hard, uncomfortable under her scrutiny. He felt like she was about to eat him alive. “You don‘t walk her very often, do you?”

“Why would you ask that?”

“Well, you’re clothes, for one. Those shoes, more for the boardroom, then the park,” she winked and said, “I wondered if you were going to ring…”

“Well, I’ve been busy…uh…” He couldn’t remember her name, he guessed now he shouldn’t have flirted so shamelessly with all those women, and there was Baby who was barking loudly from between his legs. He shortened the adjustable lead, just in case Baby tried to attack.

“Candy,” she said, only slightly put off, as she bent down in her too-tight tee-shirt to say hello to Baby.

Baby crouched low, and growled, but the bulldog got aggressive and Candy stood up, pulling her lead back.

“Isn’t she just the most precious thing you’ve ever seen?”

Draco nodded, and tried not to notice how she arched her back as she pushed her sunglasses onto her head. Her tee-shirt said, ’Wish these were brains’ and Draco imagined she had paid a Muggle doctor a great deal for them.

Baby continued to bark, and Draco told Candy that he was sure that it was her dog, that Baby wasn’t used to other pets, and that he really should get going now.

Candy called out “Ring me!” as she jogged away, and Draco watched her for a moment, fascinated that of course when you had a girlfriend, women threw themselves at you…Or was it Baby? Was she attracted to him because of the dog? A man taking care of a tiny dog was somehow appealing to the fairer sex, he had no idea why. Candy and her amazing, fake breasts were out of sight now, so Draco turned his attention back to Baby. She wasn’t there. The lead wasn’t in his hand, and Baby wasn’t anywhere around him. Draco tried not to panic as he called out to her, running left for a bit, then right, but he didn’t see her.

Draco couldn’t believe he’d lost her! Ginny was going to kill him! He’d tried “Accio Baby!” but she’d never appeared.

Harry took a last sip of tea, and was grabbing some paperwork, getting ready to head into the Ministry for a Saturday of overtime. He had just returned from Ireland, and decided to try and get a jump on his reports, he knew that he and Ron would spend time chatting Monday, and he had a better chance of getting actual work done if he went in today. Besides, he liked working Saturday’s, it was usually quiet, and he could get a lot of work done by himself. He was going to apparate when he heard a scratching noise at his door.

Harry drew his wand and edged closer to the door. He listened for a moment, then heard the sound again. He looked out the peep hole, but saw nothing, or no one. Harry continued to hear the scratching noise, and thought perhaps someone was under a cloak…

Harry was going to open the door, ready to hex the threat, when he heard soft whimpering. “I know that sound.”

Harry pocketed his wand and opened the door. Baby ran in, shaking like a leaf in a windstorm, and jumped into Harry’s arms when he bent down next to her. “What are you doing here?”

Harry couldn’t understand how the dog could have possibly gotten to his flat. He didn’t live very far from the dog park where Ginny walked Baby, but he couldn’t imagine Ginny letting Baby out of her sight.

“Where’s your mum?” Harry asked as Baby shivered in his arms.

Ginny would stop by quite often, and Harry would join her on her walks, he wasn’t surprised that Baby had showed up if she got separated from Ginny, but how? Maybe Ginny was right behind her…

Harry looked up and down the hall for Ginny, but didn’t see her. Harry wondered if something could have happened to Ginny, but he knew that if anything had happened, he would have known about it. Mrs. Weasley still watched her special clock constantly, so Harry didn’t think that Ginny was in any danger, he just was uncertain how Baby got away.

He got out a water dish for Baby, but she did not want to be put down, and scratched his neck up trying to crawl back up his shoulder. Harry decided he better send Ginny a letter, and awkwardly penned one, while holding Baby. He let her know that Baby appeared unharmed, but he wasn’t sure how she had gotten to his flat. He sent Hedwig off just as Ron appeared in the floo.

“Harry, you home?”

Harry went to stand in front of the fireplace, still holding Baby. “Yeah, I’m here, what’s up, Ron?”

“What are you doing with that little beast? Malfoy‘s supposed to be watch-” Ron threw his head back in laughter, and wiped tears from his eyes before enlightening Harry. “Oh, this is too brilliant! He’s going to pay for that howler he sent me. I’ll be right over.”

Ron disappeared from the floo, and with a soft pop, reappeared in Harry’s living room. He was wiping his eyes on his sleeves as he leaned on the counter for support. “I was going to ask if you wanted to come to the Burrow for a quidditch match and dinner Fred and George just organized, but this is better, I think.”

Harry was still holding Baby, every time he tried to put her down, she cried and dug her paws into his neck. “What are you on about Ron?”

Ron took great delight in telling Harry about Ginny’s trip to Milan, and Malfoy’s turn as Baby’s sitter, which he was obviously failing miserably at. Ron suggested that they write Ginny and tell her that her boyfriend had lost her precious dog.

Harry informed Ron that he had already sent Hedwig off with a letter about Baby turning up at his flat. Ron seemed disappointed, he had hoped that he could stir up some trouble, but realized once Ginny realized that Baby had turned up at Harry’s flat alone, Malfoy was going to be in enough trouble as it was…

************************

Draco wandered in circles in the dog park, calling for Baby, and searched in the bushes and along the paths for hours. He stopped by Ginny’s flat several times to see if Baby had gone home, but she wasn’t there. Where in Merlin’s name could she be? Draco had pushed every button on Ginny’s ‘telephone’ trying to see if someone had found Baby and called. Ginny had explained that the tags Baby wore had her phone number on them, in case, Merlin forbid, she was ever lost.

Draco heard several voices, but the more buttons he pushed; the more the machine seemed to beep at him. He finally tried the biggest button, labeled ‘play’ when a voice said “You have no new messages.”

Draco decided to go back to the dog park, asking the Muggles he saw if they had seen a small, brown dog, but got no response. He was at a loss. If he kept looking on his own, she might eventually turn up, or he could go to the Weasley’s, but then they would tell Ginny. That was not an option. He had a horrible image of Ginny breaking up with him, slapping his face and walking out of his life forever. He had to find Baby.

He returned to the park, and a Muggle who had been there earlier gave him an idea for finding Baby. Draco thought it a little odd, of course there was no magic involved, but he was desperate, so Draco thanked the old man and headed to Ginny’s, and then a ’print shop.’

*************************

Several hours later, Harry and Ron had had lunch and were relaxing in Harry’s flat. Well, Ron was relaxing; Harry was trying to get some work done. He sat at the kitchen table writing, when Baby scratched his leg, and ran to the door.

Harry didn’t know what was wrong with Baby, she was whimpering at the door, and sitting up on her hind legs. “What’s wrong with her, do you suppose?”

“No, idea.” Ron was reading a magazine, and didn’t bother to look up.

“No idea? You have a daughter.”

Ron looked at him with a look reserved for his daughter when she was really testing his patience. “Maybe she misses Gin?” He guessed, returning to the quidditch article.

“Ron, a little help please.”

Ron tossed the magazine, and went to see what was wrong with Baby. He tried to pet her head, asking her what was wrong when she started to pee. “Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Ron grabbed the lead and attached it to Baby’s collar. He handed the lead to Harry and opened the door. He was a few feet down the hall when he realized Harry wasn’t following. “Come on.”

Harry rolled his eyes and followed with Baby trotting along beside him.

****************************

Ginny was heading to her hotel room from a late lunch when the snowy owl caught her attention. Ginny panicked for a moment, recognizing Hedwig immediately. Several other people in the courtyard pointed at the unusual sight, and Ginny hurried up the steps to her room, throwing open the window to allow Hedwig inside. Ginny accepted the letter, and scanned it quickly. Harry knew her well. The letter began with:

Ginny,

DON’T PANIC!

Everything and everyone is all right. I just wanted to let you know that Baby showed up at my door, she is UNHARMED, and seems no worse for wear. I am not sure how she got separated from you, but I will keep her with me until I hear from you.

DON’T WORRY!!!!!!!!!! -love you,

Harry

Ginny finally let herself breathe again. She was relieved, but that feeling was soon replaced with anger. What had happened to Draco? Wasn’t Draco supposed to be watching her? Ginny was sure there was a good explanation…There better be.

Ginny finally turned her attention back to Hedwig, stroking her feathers and giving her a few words of praise. Ginny looked around for some paper to send a letter back to Harry, the hotel wasn’t connected to the floo network, so she would have to send a letter. Ginny wrote to Harry, asking him to please keep Baby with him, and that she was going to be there as soon as possible.

*******************************

As Harry and Ron were walking back from the dog park, they noticed some bright-orange flyers, with pictures of Baby on them, nailed to poles, and trees. Ron tore one off, reading out loud:

“Missing, answers to Baby, needs back A.S.A.P. large stack of galleons pounds offered to Muggle person who returns her safely to me. URGENT! URGENT! URGENT! She is very sick, needs medication…she is old, ailing, pitiful really, belongs to dear old granny“ Ron rolled his eyes, and noted that Ginny’s phone number was listed at the bottom.

“Harry, look at this rubbish, Malfoy’s really laying it on thick isn’t he?” Ron pulled another flyer off a nail on the pole, and continued pulling flyers off poles as he went.

“Ron, shouldn’t we leave these? Looks like Malfoy put a lot- well, some effort into them.”

Ron pulled another off, adding it to the pile in his hand. “No, were helping to keep the neighborhood clean, we can’t leave things with ‘galleons’ and ‘Muggle’ on them, and besides, Baby is not lost; she’s safe, as you can see. Come on Harry, you know you want to do it too.”

Harry chuckled as he ripped off a few as they made there way around the block.

***************************

As soon as Ginny got home, she stopped by Harry’s, but he wasn’t home. She didn’t have her key, and knew if she tried to use magic to go in, she would be hexed. Ginny decided to go home and floo Harry every five minutes until Harry got home. After about twenty minutes of waiting, Harry finally popped up calling to her, “Gin? Are you home?“

Ginny ran to the fireplace and kneeled down. “Finally! Where have you been?“

Harry chuckled a little and held Baby up. Ginny reached out to her, cooing “Hi Baby! Mummy loves you! Harry, what happened? Harry disappeared and Ron appeared in the floo. Ginny thought it looked as though Harry had been shoved…

“Hey Gin…We were so worried, when Baby wandered in here…more of a stagger wouldn’t you say Harry? Poor soul. Can you imagine if that was your daughter or son you’d left with him? It breaks my heart, as a brother, you understand, and a father of a daughter, to think of Baby, out there alone, frightened, helpless…”

Ginny was crying now, thinking the same thing. Draco better have a really good reason for losing her…Ginny heard Harry yell for Ron to stop antagonizing her as he reappeared. “Look Gin, Baby is here, she’s fine, nothing to worry about. So, when do you want to come get her?”

Ginny had an idea…She was going to surprise her boyfriend with a visit…She had, um, missed him and wanted to see him, so she had left Milan. Let’s see him wiggle his way out of this, Ginny thought.

“Ginny? Hello?” Harry could see Ginny, but she appeared to be in a trance.

“Harry, can you do me a favor? Can you watch Baby for a while, there’s something I have to do.”

Harry groaned on the inside, but smiled at Ginny. “Sure Gin. For a while, right?”

Ginny nodded absently and stood up, pacing, as Harry groaned at this turn in events.

**************************

Ginny was at Hermione’s that night’s she needed a friends advice, and had decided to floo Draco, under the pretense that she was still in Milan, to give him the chance to tell her that Baby had gone missing. Hermione had told her that she should give him a chance to explain before she went off on him. Ginny agreed, she didn’t want to break-up with Draco, but she also wanted to have an open and honest relationship, and Draco better come clean!

“And if he doesn’t? Are you going to tell him that you know where Baby is?”

Ginny didn’t answer as she went to the bedroom to floo him.

Ginny saw Draco appear instantly, as handsome as ever, though he did look a little disheveled. “Draco! Darling, so good to see you!” Ginny was glad he couldn’t see her grinding her teeth as she forced a smile. ‘Please tell me the truth’ she chanted. She cared for him very much, and it seemed very important to her that he be honest with her now.

“Ginny…Hello love. How are you? How’s Milan?” Draco ran a hand through his hair and continued, “How was the show? Are you enjoying yourself, you really shouldn’t be wasting time on the old ball and chain…”

Ginny felt her heart sink. He was trying to distract her, get rid of her, why? “So, Draco, how is it going with Baby? She’s not too much trouble is she?”

“Trouble? No, she’s no trouble at all.” Draco felt horrible. That was the truth though, Baby was no trouble, he didn’t know where she was…

“Can I see her? I miss her soo much.”

“Ummm, Baby is using one of those…Wee Wee pads, can you floo later, got to go. Mr. Burnaby is trying to come through, very important Ministry business, you understand. Got to, run, floo me later, love you, bye.”

*****************************

After spending the night pacing, Ginny decided to go and see Draco. She was disappointed that he hadn’t told her the truth, and she was angry too. He knew how much she loved Baby, why would he keep the fact that he’d lost her from her? Unless he’d lost her on purpose…

Ginny apparated to Malfoy Manor bright and early, and was greeted warily by Mrs. Linton. Ginny felt bad for the poor woman, but was glad that she was loyal to Draco; he was going to need all the friends he could get.

Mrs. Linton escorted Ginny to the library, where Draco was getting ready to leave. “Going somewhere?” Ginny greeted, leaning up for a kiss.

Draco looked down and smiled, masking his surprise at her presence. “What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t stay away, I had to see my two favorite people…You aren‘t disappointed, are you? ”

“Of course not.” Draco held Ginny in his arms, maybe for the last time when she found out he’d lost her dog…

Ginny looked around and called for Baby. No reply. She tried again. She felt foolish, and was waiting for Draco to stop her.

“Gin, Baby isn’t here. She…she, well she, sort of…”

Ginny stepped out of his arms and looked up at him. “Yes? What are you saying?”

Draco was feeling very nervous now, and blurted out, “I lost her in the park.”

“What do you mean you lost her?!”

“I mean I lost her! She’s gone, I’m sorry!”

Ginny shoved Draco, and shouted, “You bastard, and she weighs three pounds! How bloody hard is it to take care of a little dog? Thank Merlin I didn’t ask you to watch a child!”

“Maybe that is why she was so easy to lose! She could be under a leaf for all I know! Why couldn’t you have gotten one of those big, slobbery dogs, at least then I could see when they ran away! There would be a puddle to follow!”

“Don’t you dare blame me or Baby for your incompetence! What were you doing when you lost her anyway?”

“I was.. Re- reading.”

“What were you reading Draco? What caught your attention so much that you lost her?”

Draco remembered Candy’s breasts, but wasn‘t stupid enough to say that. “I was reading the Daily Prophet of course! What else would a wizard be reading, you should see that edition, there was an article about pet care, and I thought, ‘What a coincidence, I’m watching one now’ can you blame me?”

“Did you do anything to find her? Did you really look around for her? Did you floo anyone? Owl anyone? Tell me, what did you do?”

“I put up flyers, isn’t that what Muggle’s do? It litters up the streets…Don’t worry, the photograph I used doesn’t move, I used a Muggle picture.”

“Flyers? I didn’t see any flyers. What did do? Put up, one? One doesn’t count!”

“Look at these calluses!” Draco tried to show her his hands, but Ginny wouldn’t look. “I was hammering for hours; no magic! I put up hundreds!”

“I won’t stay here and listen to any more of your lies. You should be ashamed of yourself!”

Ginny apparated away, and Draco was tempted to follow, but knew that with Ginny’s temper, it was best for him to let her cool down. Surely she would see the flyers all over her neighborhood, and someone would call, someone would find Baby, otherwise, he didn’t know if Ginny would ever be able to forgive him. And rightly so.

**********************

Ginny used to chain smoke like mad, everyone in her office did, but she had quit a little over a year ago. After her row with Draco, she had never craved a cigarette so badly. She popped into the little market on her way home and bought a pack of smokes. She took the cellophane off, and was throwing the wrap away when Ginny noticed that their was a picture of Baby in the trash.

Ginny removed the unlit cigarette from her mouth and picked up one of the flyers, in a stack of at least a hundred. The flyers had rips in the tops where they had been torn from poles. Draco was telling the truth.

A/N: Thanks to Amand-duh (j/K) for all the help, we laughed a lot with this and the next chap! Love ya, sorry we couldn’t use, “Sorry sugar, the bakery’s closed!”

TO PJ: I thought Candy was out of the picture, but she was too good to not use in this chap ;)

Thanks for reading!

Ginny felt horrible about yelling at Draco. She grabbed a flyer and looked it over, realizing that Draco had put the effort into finding Baby, although she still didn’t know how he had lost her in the first place.

But the fact that he had made the attempt was really all that mattered, Baby was safe, and now Ginny owed Draco an apology.

Ginny was walking Baby the next morning in the dog park, while she contemplated the best way to apologize to Draco. She knew that it was not enough to just say “I’m sorry.” Once he found out that she knew Baby was safe, and had yelled at him anyway, she would have to deal with a whole new issue. She wished she had controlled her temper! Ginny saw a woman approach with a bulldog, and switched the lead to her other hand, so that Baby was out of the way of the approaching dog.

The woman slowed down and lowered her sunglasses. “Is that Baby?”

Ginny looked at the woman, but didn’t recognize her. She looked as though she could have worked in the business Ginny did, she had the body for it, but Ginny knew she didn’t know her. “Yes, but how do you know her?”

“Are you the dog walker?”

“What?!” Ginny was confused and insulted, and wanted to walk away, but how did this woman know Baby?

“Are you Drake’s dog walker?” Candy repeated.

A-ha. Drake. Draco…Things were starting to fall into place now. Looking at Candy’s straining tee-shirt; Ginny now knew exactly why Draco had lost Baby in the first place. “No.” Ginny snapped and tried to walk away.

“Well, I’m Candy, his…Close personnel friend, if you know what I mean.” She raised her eyebrows meaningfully before continuing, “And I feel I should tell you, he absolutely adores that dog, treat her like a little princess!”

Adore Baby? That was a joke! Ginny thought he must have put on quite a show for her. “So, you see ‘Drake’ here often do you?”

“Oh yes, were intimate friends. You understand my meaning, oh, what the hell were both grown women! He’s an intimate friend…Very intimate.” Candy cupped a hand over her collagen injected lips. “He’s a fantastic lover! Don’t get any ideas though, he’s mine!”

Ginny was furious! Draco couldn’t be sleeping with this little tart! This fake boobed, bottle blond! She refused to believe it. The longer Ginny stared at her, the more her fingers itched for the wand in her pocket. She didn’t believe that Draco would cheat on her, but why would this woman lie?

Ginny saw Harry making his way toward her, having his morning jog, and grabbed him as he passed her. Ginny plastered herself against him, kissing him roughly. Ginny ran a hand down Harry’s back to keep him close when he tried to pull back, and moaned loudly to cover the mumble that was Harry trying to say, “What’s going on?“

Candy stood staring, open mouthed. Baby cocked her head, and growled a little, and Ginny whispered “Go with it.” before kissing him again.

Harry leaned into Ginny when she squeezed his bum, before finally coming up for air. He leaned an arm against the nearest tree for support, and held the other arm out, indicating he needed a moment.

Ginny looked Candy in the eye as she wiped her mouth. “As you can see, Blonds don’t always have more fun! Drake’s quite safe from me, right lover?” Ginny said smacking Harry on the backside.

Harry looked at Ginny, who motioned to Candy, “This is Drake’s girlfriend” she said, venom dripping from every word.

“Oh!” Harry said, “Drake…Oh!” Right, he thought, no wonder Ginny had attacked him.

Harry put an arm around her, resting it over Ginny’s right breast. Ginny controlled the wince she was feeling.

“Quite right, lover.” Harry said, smiling at her, as he rubbed his nose back and forth against hers. “Well Sugar Lips, I have to go, see you at home.” Harry nodded to Candy, “Nice meeting you,“ before he smacked Ginny on the ass and winked at her as he set off on the path again.

Candy looked like a fish in a bowl, her mouth opening and closing, her big blue eyes blinking in shock.

“Well, I’m off, as well. If I see Drake, I’ll tell him we ran into each other, goodbye.” Ginny picked Baby up and hurried home, putting a silencing charm on the room, before she screamed her frustration and anger out. Ginny grabbed her wand, took careful aim, and blasted the smiling photo of Draco by her bed into a thousand pieces.

****************************

Draco wasn’t sure why Ginny hadn’t seen the poster’s he’d left up, he knew that he had put up well over a hundred, but decided it didn’t matter now. He was going to stop by the park again, just in case Baby turned up. He knew this was highly unlikely, but perhaps someone had taken her in, and was walking her now. Draco knew this was very far fetched, but he was desperate. He knew Ginny was furious with him, and the only chance he had of soothing her temper was showing up with Baby. It was Monday morning, and he had to be at work soon, but he decided to try.

Draco was walking down the path that he had come to know well in the last few days, when he saw Candy and her bulldog approach. “Bloody hell.” Draco wished he could disappear, but it was too late, she had spotted him, and was making her way over to him.

“Good morning Drake.“ She bit her bottom lip, and rocked on her heels, trying to look coy he supposed, but Draco knew all he had to do was cock his head toward the leafy bush and she would have thrown herself backwards, ready for a tumble.

“Good morning.” Draco responded, looking over her shoulder, at an elderly couple walking their dogs. Looking directly at Candy got him into trouble last time.

“Where’s Baby? I saw your dog walker with her earlier.”

“Baby? Well, she’s- wait, you saw her?! Where? Was she all right…With my, my dog walker?”

“Yes, she was here, with your dog walker…Silly boy! That’s why I am surprised to see you here. Alone. Unless you wanted to be here alone. To perhaps run into someone?” Candy stood directly in front of Draco, pressing herself flat, well, as flat as she could against him.

Draco looked at her, craning his neck away from her searching, pouty lips, and overpowering perfume. Ginny scent reminded him of the violets his mum had in her garden, but Candy smelled like his Great- Grandmum Malfoy. Draco shivered and stepped away. “In a sec, love. Tell me more about my…Dog walker. She’s new, I wonder if you could, ah, give me your professional opinion.”

Candy puffed up, and said, “Well, since you asked, Drakey, I don’t know if I’d keep her on staff, no really I wouldn’t.” Candy thought he’d made a face at her opinion, but it was the ’Drakey’ that disgusted him. “Anyway, she was sort of rude, actually, poor, unattractive thing…”

Candy continued talking, but Draco tuned her out. When she said ’unattractive’ he knew she couldn’t mean Ginny. So, someone had Baby, now he just had to find them…

“…you know how ugly and troll redheads are, but that wasn’t the worst of it I-”

“Redhead?”

“Hmm? Yes, redhead. But as I was saying that wasn’t the worst of it, No! She was with her boyfriend, and she wasn‘t paying any attention to Baby, it was appalling!”

“Redhead? My redhead?”

“Yes, your dog walker. She was here with her boyfriend. She was hanging all over the man. I don’t like to speak ill of people, but if you want my opinion, I would not have her near my precious Cuddles.” Candy bent down to kiss her bulldog, and rub his back, as she pulled the lead closer.

Draco’s mind was reeling. She had to be talking about Ginny. She was being vicious in her description, and she could only be describing a woman more attractive than herself. Draco had learned that much about woman, they tended to cut down the ones they felt were a threat to them.

More importantly, Ginny not only knew that Baby was safe, but, wait a minute, wait a damn minute. She was with a boyfriend? Well it wasn’t him, he was too stressed out to have been in the park, he was worried about finding Baby and getting back in Ginny’s good graces. Draco cleared his throat before asking, “How do you know the man was her boyfriend?”

Candy looked curious as to why he was so concerned, but instead answered, “Well, I guess I shouldn’t say boyfriend, she kept calling him her ‘lover‘ and she was hanging all over him…he was an odd looking chap, if I do say so myself,” happy to have Drakes full attention at last.

Odd looking? Redheaded dog walker? That could only be Ginny, and his gut told him, Harry. Well, Ron was odd looking, but she would never be hanging on her brother…“What do you mean by odd looking?”

“Well, to begin with, his hair was very unkempt! Sticking up in all directions is the only way to describe it. He did have lovely green eyes, but they were hidden behind these hideous round frames, and more unusual than this, I could have sworn he had a scar on his forehead, I know it sounds odd but it was in the shape of a lightening bolt.” Candy said the last in conspiratorial tones.

Draco hissed the word “Potter.” So, she was two timing him with Potter was she? And almost as upsetting, Baby was not lost, she was safe and sound and Ginny knew it.

“Do you know him?” Candy asked as Draco’s face turned red and his fists balled in anger at his sides.

“Unfortunately, I’ve had the displeasure.”

“Why are you so concerned with the love-life of your dog walker?”

Draco looked her in the eye, and shook his head. He would never confide his thoughts to her kind. Woman, all women, were out to drive men mad. It was working, slowly but very surely, working, working, working.

**********************************

Ginny called in sick to work, deciding what her best course of action was. She could go to the Ministry and confront Draco, or she could wait for him to come to her, and then attack. Ginny did not possess a patient nature, and decided to go to Draco. She flooed her mum, who agreed to keep Baby for her, and got dressed.

Ginny rushed through the Ministry floors, avoiding familiar faces, trying to reach Draco’s office. She had a single goal in mind, and did not want to be distracted. When Ginny reached Miss Heywood’s desk she forced a smile and asked if Mr. Malfoy was available.

Miss Heywood looked down at her over her glasses, and Ginny almost felt as if the woman could see right through her. “May I tell him who is calling on him?”

“Miss Ginevra Weasley,” Ginny put her nose in the air as she responded.

Miss Heywood tapped the corner of her desk, where a small flame appeared. “Mr. Malfoy? A Miss Ginerva-“

“Ginevra,“ Ginny corrected.

Miss Heywood rolled her eyes in front of Ginny, and continued. “Miss Ginevra Weasley is here to see you.”

There was a long pause, and Ginny thought perhaps Draco wasn’t in, when he finally responded. “Miss Heywood? Kindly tell her I am out posting flyers of a lost little bitch.”

Ginny stomped over to his door and pushed it open. Draco looked up from the papers he was looking at, and released the one he had crumpled in his hand. “Miss Weasley, to what do I owe this…”

“You have a lot of nerve Malfoy! Calling Baby names! “That’s real mature.”

“Mature? You want to talk mature? Baby talking your dog is very mature. Putting clothes on your dog, an animal is very mature. Like a little girl playing dress up-”

Ginny walked over to his chair and slapped him as hard as she could. “How dare you?!”

Draco noticed Ginny’s heavy breathing, her perfect breasts rising and falling with each breath she took. Her face was flushed, and she looked so…kissable. Draco grabbed her wrists, pulling her close as Ginny tried to wiggle away. “I dare…”

Draco’s mouth came down roughly on Ginny’s, and she tried to twist out of his grip, but as his tongue began moving against hers, and Ginny soon forgot about fighting him, all she thought about was kissing him back.

Ginny didn’t realize that Draco had released her several minutes ago, and had placed her arms around his neck. Ginny felt Draco’s hands against her bare back, but didn’t remember him unbuttoning her robe. Ginny finally came up for air, but instead of pushing away, she pulled Draco’s head into the crook of her neck as he began to lick her neck and gently suck her earlobe. Ginny felt the shivers run all over her body. Ginny pulled away shaking, her lips parted, they were too swollen to close properly. She grabbed Draco’s face, bringing his face even with hers, looking into his eyes.

Draco was having trouble trying to get his own breathing back to a normal state. He was never this affected by women, but then, Ginny wasn’t the ordinary woman. He smiled down at her, pleased with her appearance, swollen lips, her eyes glazed with passion, her body leaning intimately into his. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. Draco’s smile suddenly vanished when he remembered that she had supposedly been with Potter.

“Can Potter do that to you?” He hadn’t meant to ask, but he did.

Ginny had forgotten about Candy, but everything was coming back now. She shoved herself away from Draco, but not before slapping him again and shouting, “I am so furious with you, you don’t even know!”

“You have no right to be furious with me; I am the one who should be angry with you.”

Ginny was ready to yell back when Miss Hey wood came to the door, and asked if everything was all right.

Ginny look Draco over before turning to Miss Heywood. “Personally, I won’t be requiring anything. There is nothing here that I want anyway.”

Draco rubbed his wounded heart, “You cut me to the quick, Weasley. This is not over, meet me later at the dog park, we can look for Baby.” Draco looked right through her, wondering if she would confess.

Draco’s words made her pause in the doorway. Did he know that Baby was safe? Was he trying to goad her into saying something, or was he just being obnoxious? Ginny wanted to have it out now, but changed her mind. Perhaps she should meet him later.

Ginny didn‘t turn around as she stalked away.

**************************

Draco sat behind his desk, his feet up, ankles crossed, twirling a quill pen and thinking about Ginny. She had left several hours ago, and he wondered if she would meet him tonight or not. He was confused, which was unusual for him. He hadn’t meant to kiss her earlier. He had meant to tell her off for lying to him about Baby being safe, and for possibly seeing Potter. He didn’t really believe it, but he would always be jealous of the thought of Ginny with anyone, and especially perfect Potter. But then, she hadn’t denied it either, had she? Draco got up when Miss Heywood informed him that he had a meeting to attend downstairs.

Draco didn’t listen to a word of the meeting, and agreed with everything that was presented to him, as he continued to ponder Ginny. When he was informed that he had just agreed that the Inter-League Cup game should be held at both the American and British stadiums he realized he better pay attention.

As he got up to leave, Draco dropped his best quill under the table. He bent down to retrieve it when he heard Harry and Ron enter. There was an Aurors meeting scheduled for this room right after his meeting. He was curious, and stayed crouched under the table.

“I don’t want to hear it again.”

“Just once more, I want to understand. You’re my best friend; it’s in the job description. All I’m saying is that, I love Hermione and everything, but when Ginny kissed me today, it was like, I don‘t know, I just briefly wondered why things never worked with us.”

Shocked, Draco banged his head on the table and fumbled for his wand as Harry and Ron discussed what the noise was. Draco apparated away just a second before Harry and Ron’s heads appeared under the table.

*********************************

Draco slammed his office door shut and sat down. He had left his favorite quill in the conference room in his haste to avoid being seen. How could Ginny? So, Candy wasn’t being nasty, she was telling the truth, Ginny had betrayed him. Well, he was going to do something about it. He quickly penned a note to the one other person who could understand the pain he was feeling.

Dear Mudblood, Granger,

We have been had. I am not used to this sort of thing, however, I am sure that this has happened to you many times, let’s face it; you’re not the prettiest peach in the barrel. This all new to me, but I have it on very good authority that your bastard of a boyfriend was snogging my woman in the park.

According to my source, they are ‘Lovers.’ I am going home to bathe now.

P.S. If I am going down with the ship, I am bringing you and your filthy boyfriend down with me-

Regards,

Draco Malfoy,

Head of Magical Games and Sports.

*****************************

Ginny decided to head into work after all, she couldn’t take being home. All there was to do was sit around and think about Draco, and that was driving her mad. She walked into the office, sans Baby, and had to explain that Baby was with her mum, and that she was feeling ever so much better, that she must have had a “Five-hour bug,” and not a full blown cold, like she had thought when she called in sick earlier.

Her editor sat down on the edge of her desk, leg swinging, asking what was wrong.

“Wrong?”

“Come on Dahling! I know you too well. That sad little face, the bags under the eyes, here’s a cover stick for that by the way…And no Baby. You never come to work without that dog. So, what gives?”

Ginny smiled at her editor, Magnolia “Maggie” Mayne, an American ex-model, who had been living in London since she retired and took over the magazine. She was brash, brutally honest, and naughty, and Ginny loved her.

Ginny opened her drawer, looking for a mirror, when Maggie tapped her shoulder with a mirror. Ginny accepted it, and began applying cover up to the circles under her eyes. “Well, that man I was seeing-”

“Was?”

“Well, he lost Baby in the park, and I got upset with him, and then it turns out he didn’t really lose her, but then he may be sleeping with this horrid Candy woman, who’s built like a- you know, and I lied to him, and he thinks I slept with Harry, I don’t know how he thinks that-”

“Did you sleep with Harry?”

“No!” Ginny fixed her make-up and turned her attention back to Maggie. “Then we kissed, Draco and I just, well I slapped him, I don’t know why. I am so stupid! But I am really angry with him!”

Maggie kept up with everything Ginny said, and patted her shoulder. “So, your beau lost your dog, who’s not really lost. And then he accused you of sleeping with Harry, which you didn’t do, but he’s sleeping with Candy?”

Ginny nodded, confused now. How did things get so complicated? “I don’t really think he’s sleeping with Candy…He wouldn’t do that to me.”

“So, you trust him?”

“I think so- yes, I do.”

“Ginny, you left Milan for this high school stuff? That cover up is eighty nine pounds a stick…Think about it…” Maggie stood up then stopped, “Let’s have a late lunch, nothing fancy, no food, just cocktails.”

Ginny nodded, maybe a few drinks and she would relax. How did Draco get the idea that she and Harry had kissed? Had he been in the park? Ginny sat at her desk, not getting anything done as she stared at her laptop. She had written, ’Spring fashions- How Haute is it going to get?’ By, Flora Deveraux. That was all she had written for two hours work. She stared at the blinking cursor, hypnotized.

She was getting ready to head out with Maggie when what looked like Hermione’s owl, swooped in circles outside the window next to her desk. Ginny tried to wave the owl away, but she pecked louder at the window. Ginny didn’t want to attract anymore attention, so she cracked the window and accepted the red envelope, as the tawny owl flew away. Why would Hermione send her a howler?

**************************

Ginny left work early, going home to open the howler, and have herself a good cry. Who knew that an innocent trip to Milan could set off a strange chain of events? Hermione was furious with her, a lot of the shouting from the howler didn’t make sense to Ginny, but she definitely got the gist of what she meant. She accused her of sleeping with Harry too, and Ginny wondered where she got that idea…

Ginny couldn’t wait to meet Draco in just a few hours.

**********************

Draco pretended to have business in the Auror division when he heard Seamus Finnigan, who worked for him, saying that “Potter got the loudest howler I ever heard!”

That was reason enough for Draco to snoop around. He kept a stack of parchment in front of his face, and peeked over the top at Harry, who was being fanned with a stack of papers by Ron and Tonks. “What did you do, Harry?” Tonks asked. Harry leaned toward her and asked her to repeat her question.

Draco smiled; the howler must have been loud, if Potter was having trouble hearing.

“Nothing! I did nothing! I was innocent in this! I don’t know why she was so upset, have you ever heard anything so loud?”

Draco rubbed his hand together as he headed back to his office. The day was looking up.

***********************

Draco had plenty of time to think after he got back to his office, and the more he thought, the angrier he became. Granger usually had a cool head, why had she so easily believed his letter? Because it was true! Because she knew that Ginny really was sleeping with Harry. Well, she was going to regret losing him; he wouldn’t share her with anyone else.

***********************

Ginny was fuming by the time she left for the park. How dare he send a letter to Hermione? How dare he think that she was sleeping around when he was? She had finally figured it out…He was accusing her to shift the blame from his own shoulders, she was sure of it.

***********************

Draco got to the park and began walking along, waiting for Ginny. He finally saw her making her way to him, practically running in her three inch heels, ‘She’s going to kill herself in the fall from those shoes…If I don’t do it first,’ he thought.

They finally met in the middle, Ginny hands on hips, Draco hands in pockets, and both began shouting;

“You bloody evil, two-timing Muggle shagging-

“You Potter shagging, two-timing, baby talking-

“ME!?” They both shouted.

Ginny covered his mouth, “Now I know what you were staring at when Baby ran away, and it wasn’t the Daily sodding prophet! They are fake, by the way, DRAKE!”

“I know they’re fake, wait a minute, you’ve known all along where baby was, and you didn’t tell me! You let me scar my hands for nothing! Probably getting cozy with Potter while I was pounding the pavement.”

“Pounding the Pavement? Where did you hear that expression?”

“From a very nice Muggle, who helped me put up some flyers for that little monster who wasn’t even lost, so tell me Ginevra, where was she?”

“Lovely, every time you get angry you resort to calling baby names.”

“Nice try, you haven’t answered the question.”

“She found her way to Harry’s, that’s not my fault!”

“Oh! Oh! Potters! She found her way to Potter’s! Your friend? Or should I say Lover? Yes, how would she know how to get there, unless she’d been there with you countless times…Pounding the Pavement to Potters?!”

“Not nearly as often as you to Candy’s! And don‘t take it out on Harry that Baby loves everyone but you!”

Draco’s face was red, and Ginny noticed that a crowd had gathered, “Draco, this isn’t getting us anywhere, let’s talk at another time.”

“Good idea, I know the floo network is connected to Harry’s flat, if I want to reach you, I’ll contact you there, all right? I‘ll try not to catch you when you‘ve got your knickers down for Potter!”

Ginny flipped him a rather rude hand gesture, and walked away as Draco yelled, “Very ladylike Weasley!”

Ginny turned once more to yell, “I wish I never went out with you! I lost my best friend, my family thinks I’m nutter’s, I hate you!”

The crowd gave a collective “Ooooooh,” and turned to see how Draco would respond. Draco yelled “Bugger off!” and started walking in the opposite direction. That was fine with him! Let her hate him, he hated her too…No he didn’t. He was hurt, but he didn’t hate her.

Draco walked the streets for hours, his emotions running the gamut from anger to guilt. He knew Ginny really hadn’t been with Harry. That he was sure of, but he didn’t know what he should do now. He had really ruined things, and knew he should apologize, but then, Ginny owed him an apology as well. Not only had she lied to him about Baby being safe, causing him needless worry, but she had accused him of sleeping with that vile Candy woman.

What bothered him more than the prospect of having to make a sincere apology to Ginny, and the possibility that she might reject him, was Ginny voice, echoing in his head, “I hate you! I wish I’d never gone out with you!” over and over. He didn’t blame her; every woman he’d gone out with eventually screamed these similar words at him. He usually ended relationships before things got too serious.

But Ginny was not other woman. He had stayed around even though she had the most annoying dog in the world, the most obnoxious brothers in England, and a temper to rival Snape on a bad day. But he couldn’t stay away from her. He didn’t want to. He was walking the streets of London, trying to decide the best way to apologize, instead of finding her replacement.

By the time Draco made up his mind to go and see Ginny, to see if she would even speak to him, it was midnight. He tried to find an open flower shop, but had no luck. He ended up pulling some daisies out of a flower bed on his way to Ginny’s and had to stop in a pub to scrub his hands clean from the dirt under his nails. He was going to use his wand, but had decided that if he was really going to commit to Ginny, he would have to start using less magic…She lived half her life as a Muggle, and he supposed this was a good, small place to start.

He didn’t like the experience. He had scrubbed his hands raw in the dirty bathroom, before he was positive his nails were immaculately clean again. Draco grabbed a tea towel off a clothes line to wrap around the muddy daisies, and headed to Ginny’s.

*****************************

Ginny had cried the whole way back to her flat. She was tempted to call her parents and pick up Baby; she shouldn’t have left her there in the first place. Ginny was getting ready to floo the Burrow, but she felt like wallowing, and knew her mum would ask too many questions she wasn’t ready to answer.

Ginny cried harder and harder as she undressed, putting on her oldest and softest jimjams, they were once a bright green with hot pink flamingos, but were now a soft mint color. Ginny leaned against the wall to cry as she thought about Draco again, then sniffed a little a searched the back of the closet for her panda slippers. They were hideously ugly, but warm and comfy. Ginny had stopped wearing them when she got Baby, because she mistook them for other animals and tried to attack them. Ginny slipped her feet into them and shuffled to the couch.

Ginny flopped down on her back and kept crying. Why had Draco said those things? Why did she care? He was out of her life. She had made sure of that with those stupid things she had yelled at him in the park. Of course, he wasn’t innocent either, but she had really ruined things. Ginny rolled over and heard the squeak of one of Baby’s toys.

Ginny picked up Baby’s picture off the end table and looked at it. “This is all your fault!” Ginny folded the picture face down onto the table and started crying again. Ginny sat up and set the picture right. “Mummy’s sorry! It’s not your fault…It’s mine.” Feeling even more guilt, Ginny cried harder.

Ginny moped around for the next few hours, crying, then composing herself, then crying again. She was sitting in the dark, staring into space, her eyes stinging and sore when someone knocked at the door. Ginny slowly turned to look at the door, then at the clock on the wall. Ginny couldn’t read the time, but she knew it was late. She got up and flipped the switch for the lamp near the couch on, glancing at the clock. “It’s almost 12:30 in the morning, who could…” Ginny felt her breath catch in her throat as she ran to the door. Ginny leaned against it, as the person knocked again. She could feel Draco, she knew it was him before she asked, “Who there?”

“Gin, I know it’s late, and I know you hate me, but I was hoping that you would allow me to come in for a moment.”

Ginny covered her mouth to hide the happy scream that wanted to escape, then pressed her cheek to the door. Ginny took a few deep breaths and straightened up, ready to face Draco. She was very happy that he was there, but so nervous too. Ginny opened the door and took in Draco’s appearance. He was wearing a white long sleeve work shirt, the same one from earlier in the park, but his tie was loose, and hanging, and his usually tidy hair was disheveled and hanging forward onto his forehead.

He was holding a bunch of daisies at his side that looked like they had been yanked from someone’s flowerbox. Draco looked down at Ginny, and she tried not to start crying again. He looked so sad, and she felt so bad for saying those things to him earlier.

Ginny had her arms crossed over her chest, and sniffled every now and then as she stared at him. Her eyes were red and puffy, and Draco wanted to reach for her, but wasn’t sure what she would do.

“What do you want?” Ginny asked

“I brought you these.” Draco extended the pathetic looking flowers, but Ginny accepted them, looking at the tea towel. “There wasn’t a florist open…” Draco defended.

Ginny nodded, and looked at her panda slippers, who seemed to be looking at her.

“I, uh, I wanted to apologize for my behavior in the park, and my office, my temper, it was uncalled for. I just…I was a real bastard, sending that letter to Grang- Hermione.” Ginny thought he looked like he just swallowed porcupine quills. Was this his first sincere apology? Or was it saying Hermione’s name that was so difficult?

Ginny ran a finger over a petal of the daisy she was holding. She wanted to apologize, and she wanted to do it right. She didn’t want to start another row, but she did want to get her point across. “Draco, I am sorry too. I shouldn’t have slapped you. And I know that you wouldn’t really sleep with that Candy woman, but when she said that you were a ’fantastic lover’ I just-”

“She said that?”

“Yes.”

“And you believed her lies? That I had shagged her I mean,” Draco corrected quickly. Of course he was a fantastic lover, but Candy wouldn’t have any way of knowing that.

“Well…No…Yes. But only for a moment!” Draco seemed to walk away, but only made a circle in the hall before he stopped in front of her door again.

“So, that is why you were hanging all over Potter, putting on a show, and calling him your lover?”

“Yes.” Ginny had her chin almost to her chest. She felt so foolish. She had walked wide-eyed into the trap that Candy had set up for her. She was so wiling to believe that Draco would prefer a built blond, even if she was mostly fake, than her. Ginny’s head flew up when she heard Draco chuckle.

“What is so amusing?” Ginny asked through gritted teeth.

“It’s not funny really. It’s just; I didn’t think Candy was smart enough to start all this trouble.”

Ginny began crying again and dropped the daisies. She was getting ready to slam the door on Draco when he put his hand in the way. “Please, please Ginny. I am so sorry. I am not trying to hurt you, I promise.” Draco walked in and tried to hold Ginny, but she turned out of his embrace.

“Come here, baby girl.” Draco picked her up and hugged her to him, Ginny’s feet dangling off the floor. Ginny wrapped her arms tightly around Draco’s neck and started to cry even harder. Draco held her for several moments, before walking with her, her feet swinging with each step he took, as he shut the door with his foot and sat down on the couch, adjusting Ginny on his lap.

Ginny kept her arms around Draco’s neck and tried to stop crying. “I’m sorry,” she sniffed.

“I’m sorry too.” Draco cupped Ginny’s face in his hands and wiped the tears that remained. “I’m sorry I accused you of sleeping with Potter, I know you wouldn’t.”

Ginny sat up a little straighter in his lap to look in his eyes. “I wouldn’t. I prefer blonds…Who were in Slytherin house.” Ginny ran her hands through Draco’s hair, tucking the loose strands behind his ears.

“Speaking of Slytherin’s…Where is the little darling?”

Ginny glared at Draco, “Baby is with my parents.”

“I thought your parents were on holiday?”

“They returned early, my dad got sick on their cruise.”

“So, were alone?”

“Yes, quite alone.”

Draco smirked, and gave Ginny a soft kiss. He ran his hands over her back, and began massaging her shoulders, making his way down to her lower back. Ginny sighed and leaned into him.

“You are perfect, absolutely beautiful,” he whispered.

Ginny looked up and bit her bottom lip. “Even with red, puffy eyes?”

Draco ran his thumbs over the corners of her eyes, “Were those tears for me?” Ginny nodded, and Draco kissed her again, this time it wasn’t such a gentle kiss, and Ginny turned from sitting sideways on his lap, to facing him, resting her wrists on his shoulders, a knee on either side of his thighs. This kiss was quite hot, and they were both left wanting much more when Ginny pulled away.

Draco pulled the ribbon from Ginny’s hair, running his hand through her silken tresses. Draco stroked Ginny’s hair, from the top of her head, to her tail bone, where the length of her hair stopped, and began the process again.

Ginny kissed the spot just under Draco’s ear and whispered, “Make love to me, Draco. I need you.” Ginny held her breath, waiting to see how Draco would respond.

She didn’t have to wait long. Draco looked at her for a second before grabbing her around the hips and running his hands over her thighs, encouraging her to wrap her legs around his waist. He walked down the hall to Ginny’s room, leaning over the bed and gently placing her in the middle. Draco kept eye contact with her as he slowly removed his tie. Ginny sat on her bed, transfixed, as he dropped his tie on the ground, and raised an eyebrow as he grabbed one of her panda slippers and slowly pulled it off her foot. Ginny almost moaned out loud, her whole body was so sensitive to every touch. Draco tossed the other slipper over his shoulder and leaned on the bed to give Ginny another kiss.

Draco used his wand to light several of the fat candles Ginny had around her room, removing his shirt on his way back to the bed. It didn’t take long for them to undress each other, slowly, it was a blissful torture.

Draco lay next to Ginny and took her into his arms. He had never wanted anything as badly as he wanted her, but he wanted to make certain that she was sure.

“Ginny, I don’t want you to have any regrets…I don’t want you to do this because we fought earlier.”

“I want you Draco, not because we fought earlier, but because I want you.” Ginny pulled Draco close, kissing him, and pulling the back of his hair to encourage him to lie on top of her. “I’ve wanted you since dinner that first night.”

Draco didn’t need to hear anymore, and it wasn’t until hours later, after they had learned some of each others intimate secrets, when Ginny was resting her cheek on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart, that Ginny spoke again.

“Draco, I want you to stay with me, will you?” Ginny ran her fingers over his collar bone, and up his neck.

Draco leaned up and kissed her on the tip of her perfect nose, looking into her eyes, “I won’t ever leave you, unless you ask me to…And even then, I don’t think I’ll be able to accommodate you.”

Ginny snuggled closer and fell asleep, quite content with that arrangement.

*******************************

Draco literally strutted into the office the next day. He felt on top of the world. He smiled and greeted everyone he passed, “Morning Larimore! Is that a new Robe? No? Well, it looks great on you!”

“Top O’ the Mornin’ Finnigan! Looks like Ireland is going to lock it up for the World cup, good for them!”

“Smith! Have you lost weight, you look great!”

Everyone was staring as he passed; no one had ever seen him so…Cheerful. Draco reached his office; presented Miss Heywood with some flowers he’d knicked off a desk, and said, “Miss Heywood, you look a vision this morning!”

Draco tried to walk into his office, but Miss Heywood put out a hand to stop him, “Mr. Malfoy, wait one momen-”

“One sec love.” Draco was sniffing the flowers, and put them out for Miss Heywood to smell. “This fragrance reminds me of love in spring, or fall, as it were.”

Miss Heywood stared wide-eyed at him as she pushed them away.

She tried to interrupt again, as Draco set the flowers on her desk. “Mr. Malfoy wait ple-”

“In a minute love,” he grabbed his mail and put his hand on the door knob. Draco was looking down at his mail when he opened the door, and therefore didn’t see the fist flying at his face. Draco, in shock fell backwards, dropping the mail and grabbing his nose.

“What the hell was that for?” Draco leaned up on his elbows, still on his back, looking up at Harry Potter. He was in too good a mood to get up and start a fight with him. He rubbed his nose, as he looked up at Harry.

“You know what that was for, you and your girlfriend!”

Draco continued to stare, and he could see Harry was just getting started.

“Ever since Baby showed up at my door, my life has been unrecognizable! Watching spoiled dogs, getting molested in the park, my girlfriend sending me the world’s loudest howler! Maybe if you kept your eyes on that dog, and not those double D’s-”

“They are nice though, aren’t they?”

“They are…But that’s not the point! I want you to write to Hermione, and not be insulting this time, and tell her the truth, that I was forced into this farce! This farce that it is yours and Ginny’s life that is screwed up and twisted, not ours, that…” Harry continued talking as Draco stood up and guided him to the door.

“All right Potter, I’ll take care of that straight away, Good Day to you.”

Harry had stopped talking and looked confused as he found himself in the doorway. “Good day, you will write to Hermione?”

Draco pushed Harry farther out of his office, “Yes, yes, top of my list, I’ll use the good stationary this time. Do grab a cauldron cake on your way out, for your trouble. They’re the good kind, not the cheap one’s you’d get off the Hogwart’s express trolley. Goodbye.”

Harry dug his feet in. “What happened last night?”

Draco rubbed his hand over his chin, “Last night? I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

Harry looked at him with a knowing look, “I think you do.”

“A gentleman never tells.”

“You got lai-”

“Out with you Potter. I won‘t have you use such common talk to speak about Ginny.”

Harry shook his head at Draco, grabbed a few cauldron cakes and shook his head some more, as he left his office. He was going to have a hell of a time explaining to Ron that he had gone to give Malfoy what-for, and walked out with sweets and bad news for Ron, who was hoping to celebrate the end of Draco and Ginny‘s relationship.

*************************************************************************************

A/N: Hope you liked this chap! I guess I’m a little pervy, but I had trouble keeping this PG-13! Hopefully I did though, and everyone is satisfied! Working on the next chapter now….

A/N: Baby’s POV/Thoughts will be preceded by an (*) so there is no confusion, although, a dogs thoughts are confusing, aren‘t they?

*************************************************************************************

Baby woke up to the sound of her mum moaning.

* “Something must be wrong,” she thought.

Baby had been under the weather, and had been to the vet that very day. The horrible, painful, shot seemed to be wearing off, and she got up from her futon to investigate. That man was here again. That no-good, despicable, unaffectionate, man who was always around, was here somewhere. When Baby had fallen asleep, her mum and that man were lying cuddled up on the sofa. They were whispering, but Baby was a dog after all, and could hear every word.

Feeling disgusted with all their romantic ramblings, and being yelled at for barking, Baby had gone to bed in frustration. But now, Baby heard her mum say the mans name, and pushed open the bedroom door to see what was going on.

* “He’s attacking her!”

He was lying on top of her mum, and he was hurting her, she was crying out for help! Baby hopped from the hope chest, onto the bed, and growled at the man, biting down on his ear as hard as she could, trying to drag him away from her mum.

“Baby, stop!” Ginny yelled, mortified.

Draco didn’t know what the hell was going on. One minute he was making love to his girlfriend, and the next he was having his ear bit off by that damn dog. Draco rolled to the side of the bed and grabbed his ear. When he looked at his hand, it was covered in his own blood. Draco growled back in frustration at Baby, and went to the bathroom. Baby followed barking, before Ginny grabbed her, trying to calm her down, and her put her outside the bedroom door, going to see Draco in the bathroom.

Draco was running the cold water and wincing as he put a washcloth to his bleeding ear. Ginny came in and grabbed the cloth, standing in front of him, and taking over his care. Draco tried to be brave, but when Ginny made a face at the condition of his ear, he decided to use this to his advantage. “Oww…Is it horrible? Will it scar, do you think?”

Ginny shook her head, and continued to clean up Draco’s chest and face. “Oh,…I think you’ll live.” Ginny kissed his cheek and tried to apologize for Baby. “I think that she thought that you were trying to hurt me.”

“I told you we should have used the Lullaby charm, it’s completely harmless.”

Ginny sighed.

“All I am saying is that the Lullaby charm is as safe as can be! Practically no side effects. Come on Gin! Your mum and dad must have used it dozens and dozens of times on your brothers…I mean how do you think you got here?”

Ginny narrowed her eyes, and told him to apply pressure to his wound while she went to grab her wand.

Draco wasn‘t quite finished pleading his case.

“You know your parents must have used it a lot, especially on Ron, I bet they were trying for a girl. In that git’s case, kind of explains things…”

She returned and repaired the damage to his ear in quick time; the only evidence that remained was the bloody towels. Draco got up close to the mirror to judge her handiwork, and raised his eyebrows in admiration.

Baby could still be heard in the hall, and Draco snatched Ginny’s wand, striding toward the door, his intent clear.

“Draco…”

Draco opened the door, mumbled something at a growling Baby, then, complete silence.

Draco opened the door, tossed Ginny’s wand over his shoulder and picked Ginny up and carried her to the bed. Ginny tried not to smile, or let the laugh that wanted to bubble up escape. She was so happy with Draco, but he and Baby just didn’t get along. She loved Baby, and she wouldn’t live without her. She loved Draco, and everyday that went by she was realizing she couldn’t live without him either.

“What are you thinking about that’s got you looking so serious?” Draco brushed the hair away from her temples and leaned over her, looking at her with that smile that made her want to tell him every secret she had.

“I, I was thinking, about you.”

Draco smirked, and gave her his cockiest grin, “Of course you were, thinking about me. About how lucky you are perhaps?” Draco flexed his muscles and wiggled his eyebrows at her. “You get to shag this, lucky girl.”

Ginny rolled her eyes, but smiled despite herself. She and Draco had been ‘Seriously Dating’ for almost four months. It had been that long since the night they had first made love, and they were closer, and more committed to making their relationship work. Ginny traveled less, and Draco made more of an effort to get along with Baby. The only complaint that Ginny had was that Baby had to be knocked out every time Draco stayed the night. Draco always gave her the same speech, about how safe the Lullaby charm was, but she always felt guilty.

“I know that look,” Draco sighed, kissing her neck, and placing small kisses along her shoulder. “You’re feeling guilty about Baby, but you shouldn’t, she’s fine, sleeping like a, a, well, a baby. But you, Miss Weasley,” Draco began to kiss a path lower, down her chest, “Are not going to get much sleep tonight.”

Ginny rolled her head to the side of the pillow, and sighed, “Draco, I do want you, but poor Baby, she-”

Draco looked up at her and frowned, “Have you forgotten what she did to my ear than?”

“So, this is sympathy sex?”

“Ginny! We don’t have sex…We make love.” Draco nibbled on her ear, sending shivers through her body.

“What about that broken lamp from the other night?”

“That, was, well, making love, with a sense of urgency.”

Ginny smiled, as Draco kissed her and pulled the covers over their heads.

*************************************

Ginny woke up to the buzz of her alarm and smacked her hand on the large snooze button, its best feature, in Ginny’s opinion. It was a Saturday, and normally, she wouldn’t have set an alarm, but she was going shopping with her mum in Diagon Alley for an anniversary party for Ron and Luna, and her mum suspected, a new baby gift. Ginny looked over at Draco, and cuddled up against him again. She tried waking him up by kissing his chest, and his neck, and making her way up to his cheeks.

“Draco…Draco…Come on darling, wake up sexy.” Ginny ran a hand over his shoulders, and down his arms, but Draco just shivered and snuggled closer. Ginny drummed her fingernails on his chest, and knew he was awake when he grabbed her hand and laid it flat, groaning and pulling her closer. Ginny bit his earlobe, but he only groaned again, and squeezed her. Ginny started poking Draco on the shoulder, and leaned her elbow on his chest to reach the alarm when it went off again.

“Draco, wake up, please…My mum is going to be here soon. You have to go home.” Ginny continued poking Draco‘s shoulder, but he didn’t budge. Ginny grabbed his face and squeezed his cheeks. “Draco! Up! Let’s go-”

Ginny stopped when she thought she heard something. “Draco? Did you hear that?”

Draco lifted his head, eyes closed, mumbled something unrecognizable to Ginny, then tried to go back to sleep.

“Ginny! Good Morning Dear!”

“Oh Merlin! My MUM!” Ginny jumped out of bed, pushing against Draco and grabbing her robe. Draco scrambled to the end of the bed, and grabbed the sheet, trying to wrap it around himself. “Where’s my wand?!” he whispered.

Ginny was looking for it, but in the pile of quickly discarded clothes from the night before, it was impossible to find. Ginny motioned to the closet, but Draco shook his head. Ginny pushed him toward the closet doors. “This is like one of those horrid Muggle movies you make me watc-”

“Sshh! If you had gotten up when I told you to!” Ginny slammed the French doors closed, smashing Draco’s foot, and hearing him yell out. She shushed him again as she shoved the clothes under the bed.

Molly appeared in the doorway just as she was straightening up. “Ginny? Didn’t you hear me calling you?”

Ginny tied her robe tighter around her waist, and brushed her hair out of her eyes.. “Sorry mum, I didn’t want you to see my messy room.” Ginny used her foot to push Draco’s protruding shoes under her bed.

“Where’s Baby?”

“Oh, well, she was barking so much last night, I had to put the Lullaby charm on her.”

“Goodness, dear. What was she barking at?”

Ginny had a mental picture of Draco, and his injured ear, but didn’t dare mention it. “Oh, you know how sensitive she is to…Noise.”

Molly smiled at her daughter and asked if she was going to shower before they headed out for the day.

“Well, wouldn’t it be better if I met you their mum? I woke up so late, and I don’t want to keep you waiting while I shower and dress.” Ginny used all her willpower not to glance at the closet where Draco was hiding.

“Don’t be silly! “It will give me a chance to make you breakfast like I used to…I miss doing those things for you.” Molly hugged her daughter and cupped her cheek. “Besides,” she said measuring Ginny’s wrist with two fingers, “You look like you could use some home cooked meals, you are far too thin!”

Ginny knew it was pointless to argue, so she smiled and headed to the shower and her mum headed down the hall to the kitchen. Ginny poked her head out of the bathroom door when she thought the coast was clear, but her mum stuck her head around the corner.

“Did you need something dear?”

“Forgot my Splash soap…”

“I’ll get it dearest.” Molly went into Ginny’s bedroom and asked which soap she wanted. Ginny answered, keeping the frustration out of her voice, and accepted the soap, deciding to shower as fast as she could, then help Draco. Her mum was far too clever.

Draco’s heart was hammering in his chest. So, it had come to this…He was twenty three years old, and hiding in his girlfriends closet. Part of him wanted to come out and great Mrs. Weasley, they were adults after all, how bad could things get? But then he thought about Ginny’s temper, and knew that her mum’s was rumored to be twice as fierce. He remembered that howler that Ron had received second year…Draco was contemplating his situation when the doors opened, and light flooded into the closet.

“Good Morning, Draco.”

Draco swallowed hard. “Good Morning, Mrs. Weasley.”

Molly kept her smile in place as she stared at him, looking over his ensemble of Ginny’s sheet.

Draco couldn‘t stand her hard stare very long. He cleared his throat to get his voice to work. “I, I have been meaning to come by the Burrow…To have a talk with you and uh,” Draco cleared his throat, “Mr. Weasley, about Ginny, Ginny and I about our future…together.”

Molly hadn’t moved a muscle. She nodded her approval, the slowly closed the closet doors. Draco let out a big breath when he heard the bedroom door close.

**************************

Draco had decided to go to the Burrow that night to speak with Mr. Weasley. He told Ginny that her mum had found him in the closet, but that she had reacted rather well.

“Rather well?!” Ginny had just gotten out of the shower, and was appalled that he was eating breakfast at the table as her mum hummed, and used her wand to dust.

Draco took the calm approach, and kissed her forehead as he headed out, putting his plate in the sink, and whispered to Ginny, “I’ve got to go home tonight, ton of work to do, but I’ll see you for dinner tomorrow, alright?” Draco gave Ginny a quick kiss, then said loudly, “Good day, Mrs. Weasley, thank you again for breakfast, it was delicious. You ladies have fun today.”

Draco apparated home, before Ginny could argue. What Ginny didn’t know was that Draco had planned on proposing, he just didn’t plan on asking her parents permission beforehand. But, he would do what would please her family, if it would please Ginny in the end. Draco knew that Ginny was the woman he wanted for his wife, for the rest of his life, he didn’t have any doubts.

He didn’t feel this way about the other women he’d dated, nor had he ever considered marriage before. He had dated women better suited to him, but Ginny was the most amazing woman ever created, as far as he was concerned…He tried to think of all the things he wanted to tell Mr. Weasley, he was sure that he would be agreeable to their union, after all, Ginny would be marrying into a wealthy family, an ancient respectable, if somewhat tarnished wizarding family.

The Weasley’s should be grateful, this shouldn’t be difficult. Draco talked himself out of the nerves he was feeling, and got some work done before apparating to the Burrow. He was welcomed at the door by a shocked looking Molly. “Draco! Dear, what a surprise!“ Molly winked and ushered him inside.

Draco entered to see Mr. Weasley in a chair in front of the fire, and Ginny’s brothers Fred, George, and Ron around the family room, chatting with him. Draco suddenly felt very uncomfortable.

Ron stared at Draco as Molly patted him and gave him a few words of encouragement. “NO!” Ron yelled, standing up quickly. “No, no, no!”

All eyes in the room turned to him. Ron’s daughter, who was asleep on the couch, woke up and yelled for her daddy to use his “Inside voice.”

Draco smiled and shook everyone’s hand as he entered their turf, feeling like a trapped animal, being sent into a lions den. He chatted for a moment with Ginny’s brothers, ignoring Ron’s attempts to get his attention, as his daughter tried to teach her father manners about interrupting.

Draco stopped in front of Mr. Weasley, and asked if they could speak privately for a moment. Fred, who was sitting in the chair across from his father, stood up, vacating the spot, and motioning with a grand gesture for Draco to sit.

Git. He was already nervous, and now one of those clowns was making it worse. Then there was Ron, who was being restrained by his wife, who had come from upstairs, and his mum, and daughter. They were all trying to calm him in their own way, Luna was stroking his hair, Molly was trying to feed him, and his daughter was bringing him books to read, hitting his legs quite hard with the things.

Draco would have found this funny, but the twins were staring at him, leaning against the table, arms crossed, extendable ears clearly visible, trying to hear the conversation between Mr. Weasley and himself.

Draco looked at Mr. Weasley, who was glancing sideways at him, a stern look on his face. “Good evening, sir.”

Mr. Weasley didn’t respond.

Draco cleared his throat and continued, trying to ignore his audience, and the chaos that was Ron and Luna. “Well, I am sure you are wondering why I am here, and so I will get right to the point. I would like to,” Draco swallowed hard and noticed the entire family was looking at him, silent and waiting.

“I would like to marry Ginny.”

Mr. Weasley narrowed his eyes even more as Luna gasped and hugged her daughter, while Ron sneered, and Mrs. Weasley came to stand behind her husband’s chair.

“Arthur-” Molly began.

“Isn’t it a bit too soon?” Mr. Weasley asked.

Well, at least he spoke….But that was not what Draco wanted to hear. He thought that he would get a yes, and then leave. The twins looked at each other, eyebrows raised, waiting to see what Draco would do.

“It has been over six months sir, I know that may not seem like a long time to some, but I can tell you for me and Ginny, six months is more than enough time to know that this is the woman that I want forever.” Merlin, why did he have to have an audience for this?

“She’s my only daughter.”

He had him there. He couldn’t argue with that, but he could try and put his other potential concerns to rest, before he brought them up, otherwise, they might be there all night.

“I understand your reservations, but I love her, and I will love and protect her the rest of her life. I plan on arranging my estate to ensure that when I am gone, Ginny, and any children we have-”

Arthur sat up in his chair, and leaned forward. “Do you have something else to tell me?”

Ron cracked his knuckles, and ran two fingers across his neck, and across his crotch, and Draco resisted the urge to flee this family, and take Ginny away.

“No, no sir. I just meant to say, that when the day comes, that Ginny and I have children, into the future…” Draco cleared his throat, and continued. “As I was saying, I plan on ensuring that Ginny and any possible, future children, that are not yet conceived, will be well provided for.”

“Well, I suppose that-”

“Oh Arthur! All of our children married!” Molly threw her arms around her husband’s neck, squeezing him tight. Arthur tried to point out that he hadn’t actually consented, but Molly and Luna began making wedding plans, and Fred and George came over to shake Draco’s hand.

Draco shook Arthur’s hand, as he told him in a quiet voice, “Welcome to the family.”

Ron looked like he was ready to cry, and Draco tried to hide his smile.

Draco wanted everything to be perfect for his proposal to Ginny. He decided to call Maggie, she was the only Muggle he knew that he could ask, and he did not want to ask Granger. He remembered a song that he had heard when he and Ginny had been listening to her ‘radio’ and thought it would be romantic, and perfect. Draco didn’t particularly like the Muggle music he heard, but this song fit Ginny so well, he stopped to listen. He just had to get a copy of the song now.

He had met Maggie on several occasions, and liked her very much, he felt totally at ease calling her and asking for help. Maggie agreed to meet him at a music shop, and help him in any way she could once she had wormed the fact that he was proposing out of him. Maggie was late, and Draco felt like an idiot, standing in the loud shop, with all kinds of mad looking Muggles, with odd looking hair, and piercing’s in the strangest places.

Maggie finally showed, and hugged Draco, “It’s about time you made an honest woman of her!”

Draco could feel his cheeks flame, but tried to maintain his composure. “Thank you, well, I do appreciate you coming out, any help, would be welcomed. After this I am heading to the florist, and picking up the ring, so…Let’s get started.”

Maggie winked and asked Draco what song he was looking for. Draco reminded himself that she didn’t know they were wizards, and might find it odd that he didn’t have general musical knowledge.

Maggie knew the song the instant that Draco had given her a few lines over the phone, but she was nosy, and wanted to be in on all the goings on. She knew he didn’t need help at the florists, but she wanted to tag along anyway, and she was dying to see Ginny’s ring!

“Well, I don’t really remember exactly how it goes…”

Maggie was having too much fun watching him squirm. “What are the lyrics, again?”

Draco sighed, “Something like, ‘Unforgettable, that’s what you are, that’s what makes you so incredible…”

“Hhmmm…Doesn’t sound familiar. Can you sing it for me?”

Draco looked appalled, “Certainly not!”

“Well, if you don’t want help…”

“Alright, I’ll try to hum it,” Draco looked extremely uncomfortable, but it was quite loud, no one would hear…

Maggie walked over the clerk, and asked him to please turn the music down a little, and he complied.

Draco was feeling totally exposed. People were looking over at him now as Maggie said loudly, “Go on then, hum it, so I can get an idea of what you are looking for.”

Why did he have to have an audience for everything he did anymore? He ignored his fellow shoppers, and did his best to hum the tune, as Maggie did her best not to burst out laughing.

“Um, sort of rings a bell. Might be better if you sang it.”

“No, forget it, ridiculous idea anyway.” Draco was weaving his way through the racks when Maggie stopped him.

“Don’t give up! Ginny said you were as tenacious, and stubborn! Why give up so quickly?”

Draco turned slowly to face her. She was right; he shouldn’t let a little embarrassment stop him from making the evening as romantic as possible for Ginny.

Maggie stared expectantly, and several shoppers were looking with interest as Draco decided to get this over with as quickly as possible. Ginny would value this. Draco spoke-sang, in a nervous, broken voice, “Un..Forgetable…That’s what you are…And you’re incredible…”

Draco’s face felt like it was on fire. He couldn’t believe he had sung, publicly. He couldn’t have felt any more humiliated, but he was when he demanded, “Well?”

The clerk, who was across the store answered first, “Nat King Cole, mate. Easy Listening section.” He took the licorice stick out of his mouth and used it to point to the section.

Several customers clapped, and Draco gave Maggie a dirty look as he headed off to find the CD. It was almost like using the library, shouldn’t be too hard to find, if only he’d spent more time in the library…

Maggie came up behind him and clapped. “That was so incredibly romantic! You have to forget the CD, and sing it instead!” Maggie began to sing the song as she swayed in the aisle.

“Doesn’t ring a bell, might be better if you sang it,” Draco imitated in a high pitched, female voice.

Maggie put her hands on her hips. “Don’t be upset! I was only teasing you.” Maggie grabbed the CD and grasped Draco’s arm, “C’mon! Let’s go get the ring!”

Draco decided it was better to drop Maggie off as fast as possible, and agreed to take her to pick up the ring. He was still angry with her when they stopped in front of a posh jewelry store. Maggie couldn’t keep her mouth closed when the jeweler brought the ring out. Draco used his fingertips to close her mouth, but it popped open again.

“That’s a huge rock…”

Draco looked smug now, “I know. Ginny deserves the best.” Draco looked over the ring carefully before he accepted it, paid, and pocketed the black velvet box.

Maggie walked with him to the florist and fingered her mobile phone. “Please, please let me call her.”

Draco grabbed the phone, “Are you mad? Do you think I would let you call Ginny and ruin everything?” Draco held the phone over a trash bin, and Maggie, as tall as she was, still couldn’t reach.

“Alright, I won’t call. But I want a call first thing from Ginny tomorrow with the details!” Maggie grabbed the phone and kissed Draco’s cheek, wishing him luck as she dashed away.

Draco checked his watch and made a few more stops as he headed to Ginny’s. Mrs. Weasley had agreed to keep Ginny at the Burrow until at least six, then Draco knew Ginny would come home, thinking that she would change for dinner at the Manor. Only dinner was going to be at Ginny’s, and it wasn’t going to be a normal dinner, Draco was positive it would be a celebratory engagement dinner.

Draco walked into Ginny’s flat and left the door open to allow the deliveries of flowers to be brought in and set up about the house. Once Draco was satisfied with the floral arrangement, he began to mess about with Ginny’s radio. He had a little trouble getting the CD working, and almost called Maggie, when he figured out how to operate the thing. The song he wanted began to play, and Draco listened several times, while he set the table for dinner. The next time Draco glanced at his watch, it was ten to six, and Ginny and Baby should be home any moment now. Draco used his wand to light the candles and went to the loo to freshen up.

Draco looked in the mirror, and half smiled. He was ready, and excited, and anxious for Ginny to come home. He felt the weight of the ring in his pocket, and couldn’t wait to ask Ginny to be his wife. Draco heard Ginny’s key in the door, and Baby bark, and headed down the hall to Ginny.

**********************

Ginny was shocked when she opened the door to her flat. The room was swimming in flowers, red and white roses, and white candles in every shape and size all over the place. The table was set up for dinner, and Ginny suddenly felt very excited and dizzy. Was Draco going to propose? Ginny looked around but didn’t see him, and wanted to scream with joy.

She just knew he was going to propose. Ginny went to the coffee table and pulled a rose from the arrangement. Ginny was taking in the sweet fragrance when she looked up and saw Draco in the hall. He looked so handsome. He was leaning against the wall, watching her, and Ginny blushed and rubbed the rose petals against her bottom lip. Draco thought Ginny was never more beautiful than at this moment. She was bundled up from the cold, and she looked absolutely gorgeous in the glow of the candlelight. Ginny lowered the rose and unfurled the scarf around her neck.

“Hi,” she whispered. She meant her voice to sound stronger, but she was ready to cry, and that’s all she could think to say.

Draco walked over, and Ginny felt like her heart would beat right out of her chest. She could hear it echoing in her ears, and managed a smile when Draco grabbed the ends of her scarf and pulled her closer for a kiss. Ginny felt the nervousness ease away being held by Draco, feeling secure and safe in his arms.

When they pulled away, Ginny smiled and looked shyly at Draco, “What’s all this?”

Draco pulled her closer and looked around the room, “Oh, I just felt like a little something special tonight.” Draco finally looked down to acknowledge Baby, and her halfhearted growls. “Hello Baby. Did you have a nice time with your family?”

Draco helped Ginny out of her coat, and Ginny wanted to come out and ask him if he was going to propose. She was so excited and nervous, she didn’t want to make small talk, she wanted to find out if her guess was correct, now!

“Gin? Are you alright?”

“Oh, yes, it’s just, it’s so lovely in here, I got distracted, that’s all.”

Draco knew that Ginny knew that he was going to propose, he could see it in her expression. He didn’t want to make her suffer, so he decided not to make her wait until after dinner to propose.

Ginny let out a shaky breath, waiting…

“I popped into the jewelry shop; I bought something I think you’ll really love.”

‘Oh Merlin, this was it, he was going to ask!’

Draco reached into his pocket, then hid his hand behind his back. Ginny thought she might faint, waiting for him to say something.

Draco had a surprise for Ginny, he didn’t want to just propose, he wanted something special and memorable. He had bought Baby a new collar, and had the jewelry store customize it. Draco adjusted the collar across his knuckles and brought his hand around, holding up the leather collar, the ID tags shimmering in the candlelight.

“Oh.”

Ginny felt her stomach turn; she could feel her tears ready to fall. She had truly thought that Draco was going to propose. When he put his hand behind his back, she fully expected him to bring it in front of her with a ring on it.

“You don’t like it?” Draco saw Ginny’s face fall, and felt bad for disappointing her, but hoped that she would be happy with the rest of what he had for her.

“No, no, it’s lovely.” Ginny fingered the tag, letting it slip through her fingers. For the first time since she’d had her, she was jealous of Baby. Baby was getting diamonds tonight, and she wasn’t.

Draco hid his smile. A look of indignation had passed on her face. “Why don’t you read the inscription?”

Ginny wanted to toss the expensive collar in the rubbish bin, but forced a smile, and held the tag to the light. “Baby..Malfoy?” Ginny whispered the last as she looked at the heart shaped tag.

BABY MALFOY

If lost, please return to:

DRACO & GINNY MALFOY MALFOY MANOR

Ginny felt the tears running freely down her face as she looked at Draco. He lowered his hand with the collar, and raised his other hand. On his pinky finger was a large, sparkling diamond.

Ginny covered her mouth to hide her scream. Draco stared intently at her for several minutes, before finally asking the question Ginny had been waiting for.

“Ginny, ever since I saw your photograph on Ron’s desk, I’ve been concerned with little else but you. I would love to share my life with you. You are the most intriguing woman in the world, I am fascinated with every move you make, I would love to spend the rest of my days loving you. I now know what love is really meant to be like.”

Draco took Ginny’s shaking left hand in his and knelt down in front of her. Baby lifted her head, but seemed to know something important was happening, and stayed away.

“Ginny, will you be my wife?” Draco looked up at Ginny, his heart in his eyes, and Ginny couldn’t seem to find her voice to say yes. Ginny began to cry harder, covering her mouth with one hand, and caressing Draco’s cheek with the other.

“Yes,” She whispered. “I would be perfect if I had you.”

Draco smiled as he slipped the ring onto Ginny’s finger. He was always telling her how perfect she was, and he truly believed she was. Draco stood to take Ginny into his arms, and hold her as she sobbed onto the front of his shirt. He carefully flicked his wand in the direction of the radio, and the song he chose began to play.

“Unforgettable, that's what you are
Unforgettable though near or far…”

Ginny jumped away for a second when the music began. “What’s this?” she asked.

“I heard it somewhere; It made me think of you.”

Ginny and Draco began to sway with the music, and Ginny rested her hand over Draco’s heart, feeling it pound in time with hers. She couldn’t have asked for more than this man. She was lost in thoughts of how romantic he was, the music, the flowers, the candles…

“Do you like the ring?”

“Draco, this ring is so beautiful, but it is too much.”

“Nonsense. You are a Malfoy now, there is no such thing as too much! We do everything too much.” Draco kissed Ginny the way he wanted to, with passion and possession and love.

Ginny leaned into him, trying to catch her breath, smiling. “I feel like I am dreaming.”

Draco pulled her even closer, “You’re not dreaming, this is very real.” Draco pressed himself closer, and Ginny tried to push him toward the couch.

“Can we have dinner after?”

Draco allowed her to lead him backwards, felt his knees hit the back of the couch, and collapsed back onto it. Baby began barking when they knocked over the photos on the coffee table, and Draco was pointing his wand blindly at her as Ginny began pulling his sweater over his head. Draco finally took a moment to cast the Lullaby charm on Baby, and then the hover charm to place her on her bed. Ginny kept her face turned away and continued kissing Draco.

*************************************************************************************

A/N: Hope you like the proposal! I tried to come up with something different…The next chapter will be up soon; Draco will take a stand with Baby- a showdown coming!

“Ginny, why in Merlin’s name do you need so many magazines? You only need one gown. There must be twenty in this stack alone.”

Ginny put her hands on her hips. “Draco, you know nothing about dresses. It has to be perfect! I can’t just pick any old dress!”

Draco tried to smile and be patient as he left the stacks in there place and tried to find the memo from Larimore about the coming visit from the Canadian Quidditch League President. He looked for a few moments, then gave up. Baby barked at him when he grabbed Ginny around the waist and pulled her onto his lap.

“Sshh, hush Baby, good girl.” Ginny cooed.

Baby growled, but trotted off to her new pink pillow in Draco’s office. Ginny had taken over Draco’s office trying to make wedding plans, as well as the library, the long dinning table, and Draco‘s bedroom. Anyplace with a flat surface. This wedding was turning into the society event of the year.

Ginny cuddled into Draco’s side as Baby kept up a low growl. “Have you noticed, Draco? Baby has been acting more jealous than usual lately? I’m worried about her.”

“I think it’s just that you’re spending so much time on wedding plans that,…Baby is feeling a little neglected.”

Ginny looked up at Draco and ran her fingertips over his cheek. “Just Baby? Have I been neglecting you too?”

Draco wasn’t one to show his vulnerability, but he had been feeling the loss of Ginny lately. After they had announced there engagement to their friends and family, it seemed they rarely saw each other. Ginny was always off with her mum, Hermione, and sisters in law, shopping, shopping, shopping. When Draco did come by, they all descended on him with patterns, samples of centerpieces, and such, and he got out of their as fast as he could. It was quite intimidating to have nine women come at you, talking at once. Ten, if Maggie was with them.

Draco smiled at her, and kissed her softly. “No, of course not. You have a lot to do, and when this is all over, I will have you all to myself.”

Ginny leaned her cheek to his, admiring her ring for the millionth time. Sure, it got caught on her clothes, and snagged all her sweaters, but it was gorgeous. “Yes, you will. You and me…and Baby.”

Draco almost cringed. He was hoping they would add the other kind of baby to their little family. Ginny and he had discussed having children, and decided that, once they were married, they would, ’let things happen.’ Draco hoped that Ginny would be pregnant within the first few months, he didn’t see any reason to wait, and while Ginny was distracted with baby things, he would have the chance to properly train Baby.

Draco had decided when he knew that he was going to propose that he would like to take a firm hand with Baby. He doubted that she had ever had any training at all. Well, if she was going to live in Malfoy Manor, she was going to live by the rules.

Draco was staring at Baby over the desk when Ginny grabbed his face. “What are you thinking about?”

“The future,” he smiled, it wasn’t a lie.

*********************

It was a normal Thursday evening, Draco and Ginny were having dinner at Ginny’s flat, when Draco finally had had enough of Baby’s behavior, and Ginny’s as well, and decided to do something about it.

Ginny was flipping through a designer cake magazine, showing Draco several photos, as she fed Baby bits of food from her plate.

At first, Draco tried to ignore the fact that Ginny was feeding her from the table again, then he imagined trying to entertain at the manor…His beautiful wife at his side, being gracious and charming with his guests, Draco jr. making witty conversation, Ginny jr. smiling sweetly as she put the table at ease with her inherited charm… Then, in runs Baby, yapping, begging. Ginny feeds her right from the table! The children think this is acceptable and do the same…The guests look at each other in horror, and whisper about ‘Those horrid Malfoy’s’ shocked, they shake their heads in unison at Draco…

Draco watched as Ginny said, “Last piece Baby,” for the third time, and continued to flip through magazines. He cleared his throat to get her attention.

“Ginny, if you’re Baby’s mum, then that makes me…” Draco swallowed hard, “Baby’s father, does it not?” He didn’t wait for a response, but continued on. “There fore, I get to boss her around, and try to teach her some manners. The first thing she needs to learn is that there will be no more eating from the table. And no more human food what so ever. She is a dog, she will eat dog food.”

Ginny gave him a mutinous look, but said nothing. He was right. And she was actually pleased that he was taking an active role in Baby’s life, and not trying to pawn her off on her parents, or something horrible like that. Even though she did not approve of the tone he was using.

Baby went to Ginny’s chair and began begging again. Draco told her in a firm voice, “Baby, NO! You have your own food,” scooting his chair away from the table and picking up Baby’s dish to show her the dog food. Baby barely gave Draco a glance, and continued whining at Ginny’s side. Ginny turned to Baby and was going to say something when Draco cut her off.

“Don’t, Ginny. She is going to learn by my rules now. She is far too spoiled. Baby! Come here.” Baby stopped begging at Ginny’s chair and sat down. She barked at Draco’s command, and looked to Ginny to do something. Draco had had enough. He picked up Baby, who sank her sharp little teeth into his hand, and ignored Ginny’s protest that he was being too rough, and put Baby in the kitchen by herself to eat, shutting the door behind him.

He cast a silencing charm on the door, but the kitchen door moved slightly as Baby pushed her three pounds against it. He sat down to eat his cold food, “There, now we can have a nice dinner.” Baby was still moving the door, wanting to be let out from the kitchen, but Draco ignored her, and tried to engage Ginny in conversation. Ginny picked at her food, not eating, staring at the kitchen doors.

She was so furious she wanted to scream! Poor Baby! She wasn’t used to being handled so roughly. Ginny resolved that rather than have a shouting match, that might end up in hot make-up sex, she would ignore him for the rest of the night.

Draco could see Ginny’s bottom lip tremble slightly, she was trying not to cry. Had he been too rough? Merlin, he hadn’t harmed the bloody dog. “Ginny, have you chosen a dress yet?” he asked as Baby continued to push against the door.

Ginny gave him a dirty look and nodded to the kitchen before she got up and went to her room.

Draco knew she was angry, and that was fine. He was not going to bend. That was no way to start a marriage. So, he had one woman in his life in her room, probably crying, and definitely upset with him, and the other woman in his life, in the kitchen, barking and howling. Draco got out parchment and quill and sat down at Ginny’s table, ready to do some work. He definitely wasn’t the ladies man he thought he was. He was also testing Ginny, to see if she would come out or not. She didn’t after two hours, even after Draco let Baby out.

Baby ran out when Draco opened the kitchen door and went looking for Ginny. She ran to the bedroom, but Draco cast a silencing charm on the hall, and grabbed Baby, keeping her away from the door. He insisted that she sit in the living room, and Baby fought him all the way. Draco finally used magic, casting an invisible barrier to keep Baby from going down the hall to Ginny’s bedroom.

After almost twenty minutes of trying to get through, Baby got tired and stretched out on her little futon. She sighed every few minutes, and Draco felt bad, but kept working, sure that Ginny would emerge at any moment. He went to the kitchen, and as he suspected, Baby hadn’t touched her food. Draco suspected that Baby would lose a pound or two, before she was trained. She was so stubborn; she might disappear before she came around to Draco’s way of thinking.

*********************

Ginny was furious with Draco’s high handed approach! How dare he think that he could just walk into their lives and try to change them! She and Baby were fine the way that they were, why did Baby need to change? She wasn’t hurting anyone. Ginny agreed that she needed to stop feeding her from the table, and she was…soon. Ginny didn’t know why she was bothering to look through these stupid bride magazines anymore; she didn’t want to marry a man that would treat a defenseless little dog like that.

Ginny was wondering if she should save Baby, but knew that Draco would never really hurt her, she just didn’t like his methods. Ginny’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock at her door.

“I’m leaving.”

Draco waited for several moments, but all he heard were the pages of a magazine being flipped.

“Did you hear me? I’m leaving, Ginevra.”

Ginny continued to ignore him, flipping through her magazine. Then Draco said the one thing he knew would get her to speak to him. “We’re leaving.”

Ginny jumped off the bed and ran to the living room.

Draco yelled, “Baby! Come!”

Ginny saw Draco grab the lead off the wall. Baby who always recognized this as a sign she was going out, ran to the door.

“What in bloody hell do you think you’re doing? You are not taking my dog!”

“Technically, she’s our dog.”

“Not yet! Who says I am going to marry you?!”

“Oh? Then I’ll take that ring back then.”

Ginny sucked in a deep breath and put her hand behind her back to hide the ring.

Draco smirked. “That’s what I thought. Come on Baby, you‘re going home.” Draco looked her in the eye and said, “Someone needs to take a firm hand…With both of you.”

“Draco, you bas-”

Draco shushed her like she shushed Baby, and Ginny found herself watching in fascination. He wasn’t really going to take Baby…

Ginny watched as Draco attached the lead, and walked Baby to the door. “It’s not as if you don’t know where she is, and she will be safe. This is for all of us Gin. We can’t go our entire marriage putting her under the Lullaby charm. This is for you; I’m doing this for you. Do you think I like knocking Baby out? I don’t. She’s a huge part of your life, and therefore a huge part of mine now.”

Draco didn’t look back as he apparated home, Baby with him.

*************************

Draco hadn’t expected training Baby to be easy, but it was so much more difficult than he anticipated. She was incredibly stubborn, and he had already lost two nights sleep trying to keep her off the bed, and teach her to sleep on the round pillow that he bought for her. She cried and barked for hours, and Draco was ready to use magic, just to get her to stop crying. He should have thought this through. He should have known that it would take months and months to reverse the habits of a dog as spoiled as Baby.

The only benefit of spending all this time with her was that Draco got to practice all his long forgotten healing charms on himself, when Baby bit too hard, or attacked his feet, and it kept his mind off of Ginny. He hated the way things had ended between them, he knew that they would speak again, they hadn’t broken up, but he didn’t like that Ginny was so angry with him.

***********************

Ginny stared at the picture of Baby on her desk and sighed. She had decided not to call Draco, no matter how much she missed him, and Baby of course.

Maggie came over and snatched the picture. “Ginny, what is wrong with you? Pining over your dog? When you have that incredibly hot, sexy,” Maggie admire Ginny’s ring, “Clever man who’s mad for you?”

Ginny frowned and looked away, “I do miss Draco…But I miss Baby too. And you don’t know how horrible he was to me! He had no regard for my feelings, he-”

“Gin, look kid, I don’t want to bring you down…But the harsh reality is that Baby is a dog. Draco is a man. A gorgeous man. Baby can not give you what Draco can. I think it’s fabulous that Draco is trying to help convert Baby back into a dog. If I were you, I would go down on my knees and thank that man, if you get my meaning.”

Ginny rolled her eyes and said “I have to get back to work.” Pleasing Draco was the last thing on her mind…

Ginny decided to go see Hermione that evening; perhaps she could give her some perspective on her problem. It had only been three days without Draco and Baby, but it felt like weeks. Hermione, still angry with the letter she received from Draco accusing Ginny and Harry of being ’Lovers’ was touchy about the subject.

Harry avoided eye contact with Ginny, and made sure to give Hermione a kiss before leaving, “Sorry ladies, got to run, meeting Ron down the pub.” Hermione smiled at him until he apparated away. Ginny was a little nervous being alone with Hermione.

She and Hermione had talked everything out months ago, and Hermione understood why Ginny had done what she did, but being around Harry and Hermione was still slightly awkward.

Hermione smiled wider at the expression on Ginny’s face. “Don’t look so worried! He has been so attentive since that whole ridiculous Candy incident! I just wish that he would relax around you. I think he thinks if he looks at you at all, I’ll get jealous! I should thank you, our sex life is better than ever! Men…Speaking of, what can I help you with?”

Ginny felt ready to cry, if Hermione didn’t support her, she didn’t know what she’d do. Hermione and Draco did not get along, that was no secret, if Hermione thought that Draco was doing the right thing, than she supposed she would have to acquiesce.

Ginny told Hermione the full details of Draco’s dog-napping of Baby, and was slightly put off as Hermione only raised her eyebrow through her dissertation.

Hermione took a deep breath, and began, “Draco is, can be a horrible man. There is no way around it. I’m sorry that hurts your feelings. But hear me out. Draco,” Hermione rolled her eyes and mumbled, “I can’t believe I am defending him…But Ginny, Baby is a dog, I know you love her, and you treat her very well, but Draco is a-”

“I know!” Ginny snapped, “Draco is a man! I should run over there this very minute and apologize right?”

“Not exactly. I would let him suffer with that dog, I mean with Baby, not that she’s annoying or anything! But let him do what he’s doing, it’s admirable of him to take responsibility the way he is. Not like other times, when he is supposed to do things and he doesn’t…”

Ginny raised an eyebrow in question, and Hermione pretended to be writing. Ginny now knew what it was that Draco hadn’t done yet. “He still hasn’t written you and apology or told you he was sorry?”

“No,” Hermione sniffed, “I’m not bitter. I won’t make a fuss at your wedding…If there is one.”

Ginny put her head in her hands and cried, as Hermione stroked her hair. “I’m only joking! Don’t worry, Gin. Everything will be fine.”

******************************

The following afternoon, Ginny showed up at Malfoy manor, with a large box of fudge from Honeydukes. She knew it was Draco’s favorite, a small gesture, she had behaved horribly, and she missed him. She missed Baby too, but having a dog to cuddle with, was nothing compared to Draco’s love and affection. She missed having Draco to talk to and hold; it wasn’t the just intimacy, though that was fantastic, it was the other parts of their relationship. He would call her, or floo her several times a day, and he was always physically affectionate.

Ginny knew he wasn’t raised in a loving home, and he was making up for it now, he always held her hand, and kissed, and touched her in some way, and he had made the effort to adapt to the Muggle life she lived in. A gigantic step for him.

To her surprise, it was Draco, and not Mrs. Linton who opened the door. Ginny felt her pulse begin to race, and the tears starting to form. She could smell his cologne from here, why had she been so stubborn?

“Hello, Draco.”

“Hi, Gin.”

“So, how are you?”

“I’m well, Thanks. And you?”

“I’m…Well, thank you.”

“That’s wonderful.”

“Work alright?”

“Works good, thanks, and you?”

“Good, good, busy.”

“Busy is good.”

“Yes, isn’t it?”

“Yes, better than being bored.”

“Too right.”

Draco wanted to take her into his arms and apologize for making her suffer. He could see that she was suffering, that she had spent nights crying, that wasn’t his intention at all.

“I bought this for you…They had your favorite. Double chocolate fudge with caramel and toffee. I would have bought you some-”

“Do you want to see Baby?”

Ginny burst into tears, and sobbed out, “Yes, please! I miss her.” Ginny dropped the fudge and threw herself into Draco’s arms. She began sobbing and whispered, “I’ve missed you so much Draco.”

Draco hugged her tight and closed his eyes, inhaling her sweet scent, grateful that she was there. He felt terrible acting so cold to her, but not wanting to back down either.

“There, there love, let me wipe away those tears. That’s a good girl. Come on, love.” Draco escorted her into the house and set her down on the sofa. Once Ginny was settled in the crook of his arm, he called Baby. Ginny heard the sound of Baby’s little paws on the marble in the foyer, and sure enough, she appeared in the sitting room.

Baby stopped in the entry way and cocked her head, looking at Draco and Ginny. Ginny called out to her and she ran to the sofa, every intention of jumping into Ginny’s lap, when Draco said, “Baby,” in a firm voice.

Baby stopped just short of the sofa and wagged her tail.

“What’s wrong?” Ginny asked.

“Baby is learning not to jump on the furniture. She is allowed on her own furniture, but not on ours.”

Ginny bit her bottom lip to keep from responding.

Ginny wiggled out of Draco’s arms and got down on the floor to play with Baby, “I guess you have us both trained, are you happy?”

“That is not what I want. I am not trying to hurt or punish you. I love you.”

Ginny bowed her head, then looked back at Draco “I know you’re not trying to hurt me, but it does hurt. I know that the way I treat Baby is…Irritating, but I love her, and I know that I have spoiled her but I don’t want to live without her or you. I know that I need to stop feeding her from the table and taking her to work in that bag you hate. I am sorry that you had to endure that at work, and I am sorry that I contributed to you being called ‘Pinky Malfoy’ I am so sorry! I know that I need to adjust to-”

“Wait, wait! What? What did you just say?”

Ginny used both hands to cover her mouth. He didn’t know! “Um, I said that I know I need to stop feeding her scraps?”

“No, no, I heard that! But I heard something else!”

“Draco, that’s all I said.”

“I heard ’Pinky Malfoy’ explain yourself.”

“Um, well, I heard from someone, I don’t remember who, exactly…But it seems, I mean it would appear, that when you took Baby to work that day, in that pink bag? Well, it seems that someone took it upon themselves to um, give you, an um, nickname…”

Ginny’s voice was so low at the end that Draco had to lean at the end of the sofa to hear her. How humiliating. He had done a favor for his girlfriend, and now, he was known as ’Pinky.’ He knew exactly who had given him the nickname too.

“Would this ’someone’ be redheaded, and a Weasley?” Draco asked.

“I am a Weasley,” Ginny reminded him.

“No, you are a Malfoy. We may not have been married in front of an official yet, but you are mine.”

Ginny smiled, and cuddled Baby close to her. She hadn’t meant to upset Draco, and perhaps she better not say anything else.

“I will see to it that this ridiculous ’Pinky’ business is taken care of.”

Ginny stood and went to kiss Draco when Baby began growling. Ginny put her down and leaned her hands on Draco’s knees, kissing him softly. “I know you will, love.”

Ginny was getting ready to move completely out of her flat. She had already moved most of her things into Malfoy manor, even though her mum was against her and Draco living together before they were married, but Ginny didn’t see any point in wasting money on a flat she didn’t live in.

Ginny loved having a lot of material possessions, but she never forgot what it was like growing up with nothing, and truly thought that she would be just as happy without all of the designer clothes, and bags, and shoes.

She knew that she was about to be catapulted into an even higher class world than the one she lived in now. Draco played it down, but his job was an important one, and he traveled just as much as she did, he entertained Quidditch representatives from all over the world, and as his wife, she was expected to make a good impression. She had attended a few dinners with him, but she had yet to be truly tested yet. No wonder he was so appalled at Baby’s being fed from the table! He was probably having heart palpitations, thinking about her sharing her food with the family dog in front of company.

Ginny laughed to herself as she walked down the hall of the almost completely empty flat, the sound of her heels echoing loudly. She hadn’t packed her hanging pictures, or her bed and bathroom items yet. She took a picture off the wall of her and Draco at Christmas, in front of the tree at the Burrow. Draco was standing behind her, he had his arms around her waist. They looked so happy. She remembered that Ron had to be cut out; he had his finger down his throat behind them, making a gagging face.

Ginny ’Accioed’ a box, and began to pack the photos, she had told her landlord she would be out by tomorrow. She smiled as she stopped to remember the circumstances of each photo, and laughed at the one of Draco and Baby, sitting at opposite ends of the sofa, each looking out of the corner of their eye at the other.

Ginny glanced down at her watch. Draco, Mrs. Linton, and Baby would be with Kirk about now. Kirk McCurry was a nice old man who was a friend of Mrs. Linton‘s, and he just happened to be a dog breeder. He had fifty years of experience with all sorts of dogs, and agreed to help train Baby.

In exchange, Draco had to endure watching the older ‘couple’ flirt, in between actually learning something, but it seemed to be working. Baby was stubborn, but between the water bottle, and the soda can with the change in it, (the noise bothered her, when Draco shook it to get her to stop barking) she was making vast improvements.

It bothered Ginny a little to see Baby get sprayed in the face with a water bottle, but Draco was usually aiming for her tail, and she would turn on him. She hated being wet, and would shake the water all over the rugs and furniture. Draco had spray bottles all over the house, and in a few days, all he had to do was grab the bottle, and Baby would stop doing whatever she was doing.

Baby had completely stopped coming in to beg at dinner time, she went to the kitchen, and stayed there to eat as Ginny and Draco had dinner together in the dinning room. This was a new habit for Draco too, he was used to eating at his desk in his office, alone. The only time he ate at a table was at Ginny’s, but he liked having dinner’s at this table again, he and Ginny.

They sat in the same chairs that his father and mother had sat in, but it was very different. They were not like his parents at all, they talked to each other, and Ginny sat as close to him as she could, smiling, touching him absently as she chatted. She knew that Draco was anxious to get married, to make it official. They were already married in his heart, but he wanted to make it real to the outside world. He knew that it bothered Ginny that her mum didn’t approve of their living arrangements, and Draco would have married her yesterday, but Ginny wanted her big wedding, and that’s what she was going to get.

Draco would not let Baby sleep on the bed, that bothered Ginny, but she tried not to argue with him. Baby was still in the room with them, and Ginny knew that Draco was thinking about the future.

When they had children, Baby couldn’t be on the bed at the same time, it wasn’t safe. As much as Ginny loved her, she knew that that was Draco’s train of thought. Baby wouldn’t intentionally hurt a baby, but she was already jealous of Draco, how would she react to a real baby? Draco had already told her that was why he wanted Mrs. Linton included in Baby’s training sessions, so that she would follow her commands as well. He reasoned that once they became parents, Baby would be spending more time with Mrs. Linton, who didn‘t mind at all, and it was best that Baby learn to obey her now.

Ginny found that Baby was slow to follow her commands, at that did chafe a bit, but she assumed it was because she wasn’t there for the training sessions with Kirk, and not because Baby was punishing her. Baby was still affectionate with her, but she did seem to listen to Draco, and want to play with Draco more often than her…When they were relaxing in the study, or the sitting room, or even the tea room, Ginny would be typing on her laptop, working, or looking at dresses and wedding details, and Draco would be trying to work too.

Baby would come in and bring a tennis ball or a squeaky toy and drop it at Draco’s feet. Ginny would call to Baby and try to get her to bring the toy to her, but she would want Draco to throw it, and would look at Ginny when she would call to her, but continue to stare at Draco, waiting. Draco would pick up the toy and throw it, and end up having his work interrupted as he played fetch with Baby.

Ginny tried to act like it didn’t bother her, but Baby’s shift in loyalty did hurt. She still barked at Draco when Ginny was holding Baby and he kissed her goodbye in the morning, but most of the time, they got on great. Yes, Ginny decided, she was glad that Baby and Draco were getting along…

**************************

It was a rare occasion when the entire Weasley clan was able to get together at the Burrow, but Molly made it a point to request that on all holidays and birthdays, everyone make the effort to come home.

Tonight was Arthur’s birthday, and Draco checked the wall clock, to make sure he was running late. He was always punctual, but when it came to going to the Burrow, and having the entire Weasley family there, he preferred to be there with Ginny, and Ginny always ran late.

He had Miss Heywood pick up a very nice, expensive watch for his future father in law, and put the box in his pocket. He better wait another half hour. Ginny had moved into the manor over the weekend, and he wasn’t looking forward to this dinner. He was sure that his future family would have something to say about there new living arrangements, Molly had already expressed her displeasure by floo, he didn’t know if he could tolerate an entire evening of her brother’s and her mum’s lectures.

He had his own problem with a member of the Weasley family, namely Ron. He had sent out a general memo to the departments that he knew were using the nickname ‘Pinky.’ Now that he knew about the ridiculous, insulting, name he realized that he had heard it, but he had never connected it with himself.

Draco bristled inside just thinking about how much he wanted to hurt Ron…He hoped that Ron would say something about the living arrangements…

*****************************

Ginny arrived at the Burrow and was welcomed by her nieces and nephews, running and throwing themselves at her. “Where’s Baby?” they asked.

Ginny smiled, and explained that Baby was home, at her new home, where she and Baby would be living with Uncle Draco. They gave a collective sigh of disappointment; they liked to play with Baby, though Ginny knew that Baby would be glad to have a break from so many tiny hands.

Ginny said hello to everyone, and finally asked the room in general, “Where is Draco?”

Molly wiped her hands on a towel, and ushered her oldest grandson away from the birthday cake. “He’s probably just working late, don’t worry dear. Ron and Harry were telling Hermione something about an important memo he sent to them earlier, there’s probably some to do at work.”

Ginny found that odd. Draco’s department would have nothing to do with the Auror division…She had noticed when she greeted the three of them they were acting odd, like they were hiding something. Ginny headed back to Harry Ron and Hermione and tapped her foot.

“Well?” she asked.

Ron tried to hide his smile, but couldn’t quite manage. He glanced at the door, Draco still wasn’t here, might as well show her.

Ginny followed Ron’s glance to the door, and repeated her question.

Ron showed Ginny the memo, as Harry and Hermione tried to cover their smiles. Ginny read the document and even she had trouble hiding her smile.

To whom it may concern, and you Weasley:

A horrid rumor has caught my attention, about a certain nickname, bestowed upon me, from a pathetic, low-life, that is not worthy to lick the bottom of my boots. This outrageous name will not be tolerated.

I will personally jinx the person using it pink, permanently, then you will see what it is like to bear the burden of this nickname.

If this does not cease, I will personally raise the price of Quidditch tickets by two knuts a seat, so that you Weasley will not be able to afford it.

Regards,

Draco Malfoy,

Head of Magical Games and Sports

“Oh, my poor Darling! You are too awful! I told you to stop calling him that!“ Ginny socked Ron on the arm as hard as she could.

Ron made a face and rubbed his arm, as Charlie’s son Shawn yelled, “Uncle Draco’s here, we can eat?!”

Everyone made their way to the table that had been magically enhanced to accommodate all the adults, while the children occupied a smaller table right behind them. Ginny greeted Draco at the door with a kiss. “Hey you. Work alright?”

Draco lifted her off the floor and held her close. He wasn’t sure if she needed the support, or if it was for himself. He kept his face buried in the crook of her neck, her hair was down, and it felt silky against his cheek.

The children gave a loud, “Eeeewwww!” And he reluctantly let her slide to the floor.

Draco wished Mr. Weasley a happy birthday, and greeted everyone, taking his seat at the table next to Ginny. He hadn’t said hello to Harry, Ron, or Hermione directly, which was awkward, as he was sitting directly across from all three of them.

Ginny and Draco were quietly talking when Ron said, “Hermione, that’s a lovely pink sweater, did I tell you? You always look nice in pink.”

Ginny looked up, wide eyed at her brother. Draco was about to say something, but Ginny put her hand on his thigh under the table. “Draco, don’t. He’s just being obnoxious; he showed me your…um, memo.”

“What is so amusing? I have never written anything so eloquent! That was some of my best work! I haven’t written such a fine document since Grangers…I mean Hermione’s letter!”

‘Oh wonderful,’ Ginny thought.

Hermione gave Draco her dirtiest look, “For your information, I am the prettiest peach in the barrel! Pinky!”

“How dare you? You should hold your tongue!” Draco stood up as he yelled, and Hermione did the same.

Harry and Ginny stood at the same time, trying to defend their respective partners. Ron, on the other hand, was trying to aggravate the situation. “Hermione, are you going to let the ferret talk to you like that?!”

“No, I’m not!“ Hermione shouted. “Maybe I’ll find my apology letter in your little pink bag!”

The room was completely silent, watching the shouting match between Hermione and Draco.

Molly was standing now, and raised her voice, yelling, “Can we please-”

“You better apologize, right now, Malfoy!” Harry shouted.

Draco had had it! He was frustrated with Baby, he was pissed off about that stupid nickname, and now, he had blown it in front of his family. He really should apologize.

He wasn’t going to though. “I have your apology right here, Potter!” Draco pulled his wand.

Ginny grabbed his arm, and tried to get his wand away from him, but he pushed her behind his back, as Harry drew his wand.

“Let’s clear off the table!” George said, drawing his own wand.

Fred wiped his eyes, “Reminds me of the dueling club, back at old Hogwart’s…”

Fred and George both cleared their throats and began to sing, “Hogwart’s, Hogwart’s, Hoggy Warty Hogwart’s, Teach us something please…”

The children were jumping up and down, screaming and laughing, as Uncle Harry and Uncle Draco were going to duel!

Molly shouted at the top of her voice, “Children! Children! Stop!”

All of the grandchildren responded, “Yes, grandmum?”

Molly shook her head, “No, not you! The grown up children! The one’s that should no better! Goodness, even the little ones no better!”

Everyone froze and looked over at Mrs. Weasley. Draco felt horrible. Mr. Weasley was sitting at the head of the table, in that absurd birthday hat that one of the children had made, and here they were, fighting.

“I apologize, Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, forgive me.” Draco said, still angry.

Ron sat down and muttered, “Kiss ass.”

Luna looked up at Draco, who held his wand in a threatening way towards her husband, and smiled, rubbing her swollen stomach. She was due in three months; surely Draco would let her husband live long enough to meet his child.

Draco reluctantly sat down, with Ginny’s urging, and gave Ron a dirty look, tapping his wand on the table.

Everyone was now seated again, except Molly, who asked, “Can we have a nice, calm, family dinner now?!”

*************************************************************************************

A/N: Since wedding invitations go out months in advance, here is your invite to Draco & Ginny’s wedding! (Although, you only have to wait one chap…I think) I saved this and it is centered, but when it gets converted for Portkey, it gets moved, (like Baby’s collar inscription) so if this invite is not centered, I apologize, but hope that it works, anyway, hope to see you there!

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Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Weasley

request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter

Ginevra Molly

To

Mr. Draco Malfoy

on Saturday, the twenty-second of May

at six o'clock in the evening

Malfoy Manor

Wiltshire, United Kingdom

Reception

immediately following the ceremony

Malfoy Manor

A/N-I apologize for the length of time it has taken me to get this out. I have been having major personal problems, and haven’t been very creative. I hope this chapter is decent, and I am working on the next, (better!) one now…Thanks for reading.

Ginny took several deep breaths, but she just couldn’t shake the nervous, jittery feelings she was having. Her wedding was tomorrow, she couldn’t believe it! Where had the time gone? She had been over and over the list she had made, trying to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything, but she was still sure something would go wrong. She calmed herself with the thought that she did have one advantage over other brides; she could use magic to fix most problems, as long as none of her Muggle friends were around…

Ginny had left work early that Friday afternoon, after saying goodbye to Maggie and Sarah Hayes, Maggie’s personal assistant, and Ginny’s close friend, who would be over for a bridal tea later that evening. Ginny had asked Draco to stay at the Burrow with the rest of the Weasley men so he wouldn’t see her before the wedding, and in turn, all the Weasley women would stay at Malfoy manor. Draco reluctantly agreed, he wasn’t looking forward to it, but it was one night, and he wanted to make her happy, so he determined to it.

When Ginny apparated to the manor, she found Mrs. Linton ready to take Baby to Kirk for the weekend. Ginny felt guilty, but knew that she would be in good hands. Originally, she wanted Baby in the wedding party, she had even found a cute, fluffy white dress, but Draco just stared at her as she showed him the tiny dress.

“Ginny,” he said, in the tone he used to get Baby to stop begging at the side of the bed.

Ginny finally agreed that it was best that Baby not be at the Manor, she would be in the way, there would be too many people around, and it was for her own safety. Baby would be coming home while Ginny and Draco were off for a two week honeymoon in France; Draco’s family had a chateau, that Mrs. Linton called a palace.

Ginny said a tearful goodbye to Baby and went to the window to check out the progress being made outside. The chairs, tables, and tents were being delivered, and set up, and she was able to mark that off her list. “Deep breaths,” she reminded herself. She still had twenty four hours.

Ginny was chewing on her pen and tapping her foot as she looked over her list, when she felt Draco put his arms around her waist. “You look worried, love. Everything will be perfect, like you.”

Draco began kissing the back of her neck, and just under her ear. Ginny leaned her head back, letting her list fall to the floor. She sighed, the feel of his warm breath sending shivers through her, helping her to relax her body.

“Oh Draco, I love you, you always know what I need.”

Draco pulled her closer against him, and ran his hand under her shirt, feeling her warm skin…His

fingers brushed the silk of her bra when someone cleared their throat. They broke apart, and turned to see Mrs. Weasley standing in the hall, holding her overnight bag, and a big velvet bag with Monique Lhuillier written on it.

“Mum,” Ginny smiled, walking forward to help her.

“Is that the dress?” Draco asked, trying to sound innocent and change the subject.

Ginny grabbed the huge white bag that concealed her dress, hugging it to herself. “Yes, and you can’t see it yet.”

Draco smiled, and went to kiss Mrs. Weasley’s cheek. “Sorry about that…Mum.” Draco felt awkward calling her mum, but she had insisted, he had called his own mum, ‘mother.’

Draco was walking down the hall to grab his own bag and head to the Burrow when Ginny called to him,

“Draco, did you remember to speak to the port traits? About not speaking with the Muggles?”

Draco made a face before turning around. “Actually, I was going to do that on my way out. I don’t want them to forget…Stubborn Malfoy’s you know,” he winked.

Ginny raised a brow, and picked up her list from the floor. “Just don’t forget, please. The last thing we want is the Ministry involved, modifying memories.” Ginny shivered, thinking about a new worry, when Draco took her into his arms.

“Don’t worry. It will work out.”

“Save some for the wedding night, dears!” Molly said, wedging herself between them, and handing Draco his overnight bag. There would be no more funny business until they were married.

Draco took the hint, and kissed Ginny goodbye, whispering, “This is the last sleep as Ginny Weasley you know, tomorrow you are mine, forever, Mrs. Malfoy.” Draco gave Molly a kiss on the cheek and gave Ginny a last glance before apparating away.

************************

Once Draco had left, Molly began preparing for Ginny’s bridal tea. The ladies were going to arrive six-ish, so she supposed she couldn’t exactly call it tea, but it was a dinner/Bachelorette party. Maggie thought differently, and had planned on hiring a stripper for a wild night, but after having gone to dinner at Malfoy manor, had changed her mind. The old manor would probably never recover from one of Maggie’s parties, so she and Molly, and all of Ginny’s bridesmaids were going to have a subdued party.

As Ginny made her way down her list, checking on the flowers, and the cake, Molly kept herself busy, getting the sitting room that led out into the garden organized for the party. She headed upstairs to check on her grandchildren, who were playing happily in Draco’s old nursery, supervised by Mrs. Linton.

Ginny and Molly chatting in the garden when Maggie arrived with Sarah, horn blaring as she pulled up. She had a lot of brown paper bags, besides all her luggage. Sarah’s face was as red as fire, and Ginny immediately became suspicious of the brown bags.

Maggie put a bag down and patted Ginny’s cheek. “Don’t you worry your little red-head about what’s in here.” Maggie began walking toward the doors. Sarah cast a sympathetic glance at Ginny and followed Maggie inside.

Ginny took a deep breath. She wasn’t going to let this faze her; she was going to enjoy herself. Over the course of the next hour, all of her bridesmaids, a.k.a. her sisters in law and Hermione apparated to the manor. Maggie had already had a few cocktails and didn’t ask how they just appeared, but Sarah did.

“We all got a ride in Bill’s big van.” Hermione supplied. She didn’t think Sarah believed her, but she just smiled until Sarah turned away.

Maggie swirled the cherry stem in her glass and looked over the fare on the elegant table, shaking her head. This wouldn’t do! There was a fruit and cheese plate, and some type of Mediterranean antipasto, prosciutto pinwheels, and apricot baked brie with almonds encroute. Maggie stopped looking at the other dishes and focused on the bright pink liquid in the punch bowl. She knew how to really get this little party started.

Maggie reached for her flask, but shaking it, found it to be empty. She headed down the marbled hall to the kitchens and went through the cupboards. Nothing. Maggie continued to snoop, and finally found what she was looking for in what must be Draco’s office. There was a sidebar next to a very large, heavy looking antique desk. She grabbed the first bottle and read the label.

“Ogden’s Old Firewhiskey?” Maggie had never heard of that brand, and she had tried it all. She removed the cork and took a whiff.

“Woo!”

Maggie shook her head and pinched her nose, positive that her nose hairs had just been singed off. She looked at the label again, and noticed the fire breathing dragon. “Well, what the hell.” She took a big swig, and stomped her foot as the liquid burned a path down her throat. Maggie kept stomping her foot and smacking her thigh with her free hand until the whiskey made it’s way to her stomach, then she felt a warm sensation through her entire body.

Maggie re-corked the bottle and headed back to the party. She smiled at Alicia and Charlie’s wife Rachelle, who were getting plates from the buffet. Maggie poured the whole bottle of Firewhiskey into the pink punch that was sitting in a large silver bowl. “Pass it on, ladies!” she grinned.

Rachelle nodded and grabbed a bottle of milk. She was three months pregnant, and knew that Alicia was expecting too, and would want to avoid that punch now. There was enough booze in there to knock out a mountain troll.

Ginny was oblivious as she sat in a high backed chair, in the middle of a circle of all of her closet friends. She was the only one not eating or drinking, she was too nervous to eat, and she was wondering how Draco was fairing with her brothers…

******************

Draco was sitting on the sofa, in between Ron and Harry. His future brothers in law and father in law were scattered about the living room. The only noise that could be heard was Mrs. Weasley’s knitting needles, feverishly knitting a blue blanket for Ron’s new son, and the occasional whisper from Fred and George.

Draco wanted to flee very badly. This was horrible.

Bill cleared his throat, and all eyes turned to him. “Just had a tickle in my throat,” he said, sorry that he had all the attention at the moment.

Fred and George got up and walked to the door. They were not going to allow Draco to enjoy the company of a stripper, though they had met a knock-out named Candy, who stripped for a living, while walking Baby in the park near Harry’s. No, no strippers, but they weren’t ones to sit and let the grass grow under their feet either. Since they were all stuck at the Burrow for an evening, they might as well make the most of it.

“Quidditch, anyone?” they asked in unison.

They moved out of the way as every man in the house headed for the door, saying what a great idea that was.

Once they reached the orchard and started to divide into teams, they realized they didn’t have even numbered teams. They tried to coerce Percy to play, as Arthur agreed to referee, but Percy turned up his nose, and took a seat under an apple tree to get some work done. Draco asked if anyone minded if he flooed a few friends to join them, and soon it was a Gryffindor vs. Slytherin game. Theodore Nott, Draco’s best man showed up with several of his friends. Theodore was something of a loner, but he and Draco had spent a lot of time together growing up as their fathers were both Death Eaters.

Harry and Ron recognized several of the men Theodore brought with him as Slytherin’s, though they had never played on the team at school. The two teams huddled on opposite ends of the ‘field’ planning their strategies.

“Why bother with a plan?” Ron asked, looking over at the Slytherin team. “They probably never played quidditch before; this should be a quick game.”

Ron was wrong. Theodore, Draco, Adrian, Paul, Gavin, and Donovan gave them a run for their galleons. Arthur finally called the game a tie, as the sun went down, and a bloodied Harry and Draco continued to slam into each other, neither overly anxious to catch the snitch.

Harry and Draco cleaned up back at the Burrow, and Arthur invited the Slytherin’s to stay for the dinner Molly had prepared. Draco was grateful they accepted, and the evening went much faster surrounded by people who actually liked him. They ended up playing cards into the night, and even Ron’s snarky comments didn’t bother Draco. The clock struck midnight, and Draco smiled. He was that much closer to being married to Ginny. He wondered what she was up to.

******************

It wasn’t until ten o’clock that Ginny got to open her gifts. Her nephews and nieces were finally asleep, and their mothers felt it was safe for Ginny to open gifts, once a silencing charm had been put on the nursery. It was a good thing. The woman screamed and yelled as Ginny opened one racy gift after another. Hermione bought Ginny tiny knickers that had ‘Property of Draco Malfoy’ printed on them. Ginny blushed, and Molly laughed and accepted more spiked punch. The brown bags Maggie brought contained such naughty items that Ginny refused to pull them out and show them.

Molly screamed and laughed the loudest as each gift was opened, and Ginny finally asked if she was alright. Molly and Maggie put their heads together and laughed louder. Ginny was informed by Fleur that they were the only two drinking the spiked punch. Ginny had never seen her mother drunk, and didn’t think Molly had even known what she was doing. Ginny was grateful however that perhaps her mum wouldn’t remember some of the embarrassing gifts she had received.

By the time Ginny had opened every present, the ladies were all yawning. It was almost midnight as everyone made there way to their rooms for the night. Ginny shook her head as she checked in on her mum and Maggie, sleeping on top of the covers in their clothes, snoring loudly.

She headed up the last few steps to the bedroom that she shared with Draco. When she changed and climbed into bed, she was exhausted, but couldn’t sleep. She was nervous, and excited, and she missed Draco. She couldn’t get warm, and she couldn’t get comfortable. She usually slept in the circle of Draco’s arms, and lying in the large bed alone made her realize how much she needed him. She said his name before she began to cry into his pillow.

At the Burrow, Draco tossed and turned on Ginny’s old bed. He was grateful that he could feel her presence in her room, but it wasn’t nearly as good as the real thing. He couldn’t wait for tomorrow.

********************

The next morning arrived, sunny and mild, but absolutely beautiful. There wasn’t a cloud in sight. The men hung around the Burrow, gathering their clothes and shoes and preparing to apparate to Malfoy Manor. Draco made Ginny’s bed, (the first bed he’d ever made) and was just placing her pillows against the headboard when Arthur knocked and told him that brunch was downstairs, and they would leave after.

“Mr. Weasley…”

Arthur turned around, and Draco was unsure of what to say. He wanted to thank him, to tell him how much he loved his daughter, but he couldn’t find the words. Arthur seemed to understand, and nodded as he headed downstairs.

Draco ate in silence as everyone chatted around him. Bill tried to engage him in conversation, but Draco wasn’t paying any attention. He wanted to get to the manor, he wanted to be near Ginny, to get married and start his new life.

********************

Ginny managed to get maybe an hours sleep, but she had tons of energy as she headed downstairs to begin the day. She had so much to do, and while she sipped her tea, she noticed everyone was present but her mother. Ginny turned to Hermione and asked where her mum was.

“Not so loud,” Molly responded from the doorway. She shuffled in, wearing Maggie’s oversized sunglasses. Ginny started to panic. She needed her mum, today of all days! Hermione pushed away from the table and patted Ginny’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry, a little pick me up potion, and she’ll be right as rain.” Hermione headed off to Draco’s library, Molly swaying behind her.

Ginny went to the garden, and looked out at the huge white tent that would hold her reception. There were hundreds of chairs in front of the outdoor altar, and a trail of white roses was being spread all along the grass, forming a path from the garden behind the tent where her father would walk her down the aisle. These were the last moments of peace Ginny had. She got to work double and triple checking on flowers and food, and guest lists when a refreshed Molly tapped her on the shoulder and told her it was time to change and get her make-up done.

Ginny went upstairs to her bedroom and showered, then sat and let herself be pampered as her hair and make-up were done for her. She was getting anxious, glancing at the mantle clock. It was five-thirty, and everyone was dressed except her. All she had to do was put on her gown and veil, so she stayed in her robe and went to the window. There were guests all over the lawn, milling about, and the candles were being lit as the sun was beginning to set.

Ginny took a deep breath. Not much longer to wait. She knew the moment Draco had arrived home, she was tempted to run to him, to tell him how much she loved him, but she didn’t want to jinx anything…Just in case the old wives tales were true. She stepped behind a dressing screen, and tried not to cry as her mum helped her into her dress, and told her how happy and proud she was.

Ginny stepped out from behind the screen, and heard the sighs of the women in her life. Hermione smiled and told her she was the most beautiful bride she had ever seen. Fleur would have normally taken offence, but even she agreed that Ginny looked breath taking.

********************************

Draco stood with his best man Theodore, impatiently waiting for Ginny to appear. The crowd was seated as the music began, and the bridal party made its way down the aisle. First came Percy and Penelope, Harry and Sarah, Ron and Luna, Fred and Angelina, George and Alicia, Charlie and Rachelle, Bill and Fleur, then Hermione, Ginny’s maid of honor, and Maggie, her matron of honor. Her nephew Phillip waved at the large crowd as he balanced the rings on a white pillow, and Ron’s daughter Sally tossed red rose petals on top of the white. The crowd rose as “Here comes the bride” began, and turned to see Ginny and Arthur, arm in arm walk down the rose covered aisle. The sun was setting, and making Ginny shine like an angel in her long white gown.

Ginny smiled as she spotted Draco. He looked absolutely dashing in his black tux. He wore a red rose on his lapel, the exact shade of her bridesmaid’s dresses. “This is it,” Ginny sighed.

Arthur smiled at his daughter, and held her arm tighter. He was losing his baby. The minute he put her hand in Draco’s, she wouldn’t be his little girl anymore. Ginny noticed her father tremble and pull her tighter and smiled at him.

“Daddy, you were the first man I gave my heart to.” Ginny kissed her fathers cheek as he closed his eyes to keep the tears at bay.

Arthur smiled, and kissed his daughters cheek. He was ready now.

Draco swallowed hard as he saw Ginny step through the double doors, on her fathers arm. She looked amazing. She smiled as she made her way to him, and Draco couldn’t help but walk to meet her.

“You’re supposed to wait for me to come to you,” Ginny whispered.

“I’ve waited all my life…I don’t want to wait another moment.” Draco extended his hand to her and hugged her to him as he shook Arthur’s hand. He looked him in the eye as he said, “I want you to know, Mr. Weasley that I understand the treasure that you are entrusting to me…” Draco turned to Ginny, “And I promise to cherish, love and protect her forever.”

Arthur nodded solemnly, and kissed Ginny’s cheek again. Molly was openly sobbing, and leaned her head on her husbands shoulder when he sat beside her. Draco and Ginny walked the rest of the way together, to stand at the altar.

“You are the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen,” Draco whispered.

Ginny smiled as she looked at the patiently waiting wizard who would marry them. “I wore my hair down because I know you like it.”

“I do,” Draco answered.

“We aren’t at the ‘I do’ part yet, son,” the officiating wizard smiled.

Draco grinned, still staring at Ginny, as they turned to face each other, and vowed to join their lives together, for always.

When asked if he would take Ginny for his wife, Draco responded, “I do…And I couldn’t ask for more.”

Ginny was already weepy, and let the tears fall as they looked into each others eyes. Draco wiped the tears away as the woman around them sighed.

When Draco was finally told he could kiss his bride, he gently pulled Ginny’s face close to his own, “I love you Ginny, today, tomorrow and for always.”

The crowd was on its feet as the couple sealed their union with a kiss, and was announced to the gathering as Mr. And Mrs. Draco Malfoy.

Ginny and Draco led the crowd into the gigantic white tent, as Draco received handshakes and wishes of congratulations. He held Ginny close, even as she was hugged by her friends and family. The tent was beautifully decorated with red and white roses, and ivy winding around the room. Fat white candles burned on every table, as well as tiny rose topiaries.

They made their way to the wedding table, set on a small platform. Draco pulled out Ginny’s chair and they seemed to be the only two in the world as they tried to share a dinner, but couldn’t seem to take each other’s eyes off the other long enough to eat.

The spell was finally broken when Theodore stood up and raised his glass, saying, “Attention, attention, if you please.” The loud celebrants began to quiet down as they turned to the main table “Can you hear me at the back?” Theodore asked as the small orchestra quieted.

When he was satisfied that all eyes were on him, he turned to raise his glass to Draco and Ginny, who were cuddled together. “When Draco asked me to be his best man, I reluctantly agreed. He was taking off the market, the most beautiful woman in England.” Ginny blushed as Draco hugged her tighter, and she heard whistles and claps.

“Honestly…I could see that Ginny, you have made my friend happier than I have ever seen him, and I am honored to stand before you both, and wish you all the luck, love and good fortune that the world has to offer…To Draco and Ginny!”

He raised his glass, as the gathering did the same, shouting, “To Draco and Ginny!”

The next few hours passed in a flash for Ginny and Draco. They had their first dance as husband and wife, and Draco was reluctant to let Ginny out of his sight as she danced with her father and Fred and George at the same time. When Draco finally had her in his arms again, he asked if she was ready to leave the party. “I can’t wait to get you alone; I want to show you how much I love you, how much I need you, how much I desire you.”

Ginny giggled, and said that she was anxious to be alone with him too, but they should at least make the rounds, and thank everyone. Draco reluctantly agreed. They made their way through the crowds, saying hello to their guests, and thanking everyone for attending the wedding. Molly dabbed at her eyes as she watched her daughter, now a married woman, move gracefully through the sea of tables. Draco kept an arm around her waist, or on the small of her back, but he always touched her in some small way, just to let her know that he was always by her side.

After having made their way around the entire room, Ginny leaned on the empty chair next to Ron. It had taken a good three hours to make their way around the entire room.

“Oh! Thanking people is exhausting!” Ginny rested her head back on Draco’s chest, and waited until she received his kiss before continuing.

“Ron, Luna, have you met my ‘old man‘? This is my husband, Draco.” Ginny glowed with pride, and had to keep the little girl inside her from jumping up and down. She finally had her dream wedding, and she was having the time of her life…Teasing her brother was part of the fun.

Ron made a face, and rolled his eyes. Luna smiled and adjusted the baby on her shoulder. Draco bent down next to her and ran a hand through the baby’s red curls. He smiled inside as he looked up at Ginny. “He is so…Precious. Isn’t he Gin? I can’t wait until we have one of our own.”

Ron stood up in his chair, and made a fist, but Draco just smiled.

“Ron, dance with me?” Ginny asked.

Ron looked over at Draco. “Don’t you want to dance with your old man?” he sneered.

Draco shook his head and kissed Ginny, taking a seat next to Luna. “Go on Weasley. It’s our wedding night; I need to save my strength.”

Ron reached back to hit Draco, but Ginny stood in front of him, and Harry jumped up from his chair to grab Ron.

“Don‘t ruin it for her, mate.” Harry whispered.

Draco smiled, checked Ginny was alright, and watched as she walked to the dance floor with her brother looking back at him.

Ron felt his temper rise a bit, until he looked down at his little sister. How could he be irritated with anything, when Ginny looked so happy? She was only a year younger than him, but he had always felt older and wiser than her. “You look really beautiful, Gin,” he said trying to control the emotion in his voice.

Ginny smiled as she looked up at her brother. “Thank you Ron. I am so pleased that you are here…You had me worried for a while there.” Ginny continued to smile, but Ron didn’t smile back, and he’d stopped dancing. Ginny looked at him with a worried expression, until he spoke.

“You really love him, don’t you? It’s like you’re not my little sister anymore…I feel like I’m looking at a shining star, you absolutely glow.”

Ginny bit her bottom lip to stop the tears, and stretched up to hug him. “I love you so much Ron, thank you for understanding me. I do love him.”

Ron hugged his sister closer, and shut his eyes tight. He finally did understand. As much as he disliked Draco, she truly loved him. But was she going to change towards him, now that she had married someone he didn’t have the best relationship with? Would he not see her as often as he used to? He didn’t want to lose her.

Ginny seemed to read his mind, and leaned up to kiss his cheek. “I will always love you Ron, no matter what.”

The song ended, and they made their way to the table where Draco and Luna sat chatting. Ginny yawned dramatically, and Draco insisted that she needed to rest before they left for their honeymoon tomorrow.

They walked out of the reception, hand in hand, being showered by more rose petals.

Draco carried Ginny over the threshold, and up the stairs to their bedroom. He opened the door slowly, and Ginny sighed, “Oh Draco…It’s amazing.”

Draco set her down, and led her into the room. The forest green comforter was covered in white rose petals, and the only light was the candles placed throughout the room.

“You are so handsome,” Ginny whispered, running her fingertips over Draco’s cheek.

“I am glad you think so…You are going to be looking at this face for the rest of your life, Mrs. Malfoy.”

“Do you think you can help me out of this dress, Mr. Malfoy? “ Ginny asked, pulling Draco towards her by the lapels.

Draco pulled her close and kissed her neck as he worked on the tiny buttons. “I really couldn’t ask for a single thing more…”

,