3. How Things Are Supposed To Be

Disclaimer: I do not own anything but the story line...sadly. JKR owns everything - including the characters, spells, and the entire world of Harry Potter. I wonder if I could buy it from her for a dollar?

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

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Chapter 3

“Do you have no manners or do you swear at everyone that comes to your door? The least you could do is invite me in and offer me something to drink.”

Ginny stood to the side and held the door open for him. He glided into her flat and regarded it with only slight repulsion. “For crying out loud, Weasley. Seeing as I know cleaning and scouring charms, you must know them.”

She nodded. He sighed and cast the charms for her. Within minutes, the front room of Ginny's flat was pristine again and Draco sat on the couch. Ginny was still rooted to her spot beside the door she had finally managed to close. Standing with an afghan clamped around her shoulders, she rethought her views on running away or using Muggle means to terminate her pregnancy.

“So, you left me this and here I am.”

“Yes, here you are.” She wasn't ready for this. She had to find somewhere to run. So, she ran directly into the bathroom and purged her ice cream binge from earlier in the evening.

Revolted, Draco walked into the modest kitchen and put water on to boil.

When Ginny found her way off the floor of her bathroom, she reappeared in the living room. “Do you vomit for all your house guests or just for me?”

“Just you normally, but lately it's been for everyone.”

“Ah. Got a touch of the flu, do you?”

“If only that were it. Merlin knows I wish that were all it was.” Her hand instinctively went to her stomach as if to protect her unborn child from it's own father's view.

A confused look crossed over Draco's features, but vanished as he waved away Ginny's cryptic words.

“So, how have you been, Weas-Ginny. I should call you Ginny, considering I've seen you naked.”

“Yes, you could probably get away with it.” She moved to the opposite end of the couch Draco was reclining on and seated herself. “I remember very little of what happened. Perhaps you could tell me exactly how we ended up doing what we did.”

Draco had the decency to look sheepish. Rubbing his hand up and down the back of his neck repeatedly, he related the details of the story to her. “Well truth be told, I don't remember much of it either. I remember sitting in my usual spot in the back of the pub, until I saw you come in. I'd never seen anyone I recognized come in there and decided, for some reason, to talk to you. I suppose we traded barbs as usual, but that's where it becomes fuzzy. I do remember asking if you wanted to go somewhere else, you nodding and us shagging in the women's loo at the pub.”

“The women's bathroom!” Ginny was horrified. Now she met the father of her baby in a pub and simultaneously conceived and found out about the conception all in the same damn bathroom.

“Yeah, the women's bathroom. I don't remember what we talked about before or after, but I do remember that the sex was phenomenal. I suppose that explains why I responded to this letter.”

“Phenomenal? Come off it, Draco. I'm sure it wasn't that spectacular.”

“Yes, it was. No matter what you might think, I've not had as much experience as is rumored. However, I've had enough of it to know that the sex we had was phenomenal.”

“Ah. Well, I'll take your word for it.”

“So, as I said, how have you been?”

“I've been pregnant,” she spat out.

“Oh?” Draco's eyebrows shot up.

“Yes.” Silence draped the room until they were both nearly stifled by it. “I've been pregnant, and, apparently, you're the one who helped me become that way.” Ginny fidgeted with the edges of the blanket.

“Oh?”

“Yes. That was my real reason for sending the note. I didn't remember enough of the evening to recall what I had done, hence the letter. I've only known for about a week and a half.”

“Really? How do you know for sure?”

“I took a Muggle pregnancy test. Consequently, I took the test in the bathroom at the pub…apparently also the site of the conception of said child.”

“That will make a fabulous story someday.”

“I'm sure it will be funny after the fact,” she said while shooting him a wry glare.

“I'm not trying to add insult to injury, but how do you know it's mine?”

“No matter what you think of me, I don't commonly go into pubs, get pissed, and sleep with random people. In fact, I've never done that before and I've not had sex in two years except for that night. There isn't anyone else that could be the father. I just didn't know what else to do except for leaving that note. I didn't want to do this alone and my thought process led me to believe that if I found the father, I might not have to.” Ginny hid her head in her hands to conceal her tears and embarrassment.

“I wasn't trying to imply that you were common whore. I was merely inquiring as to how you came to the conclusion that the baby was mine.”

“Well, of course I didn't know it was yours or I would have been more discrete.” The thought of running away to a deserted island was beginning to appeal to Ginny more and more by the second.

“What is it that you want me to do?”

“I don't know what I want to do! How am I supposed to know what I want you to do?” The elevated level of her voice caught Draco off guard and he jumped a little as his eyes snapped up from the floor to look at Ginny.

“Alright, that's valid. In the ideal situation, what is it that you'd want to happen?”

“I don't know. I suppose having some support in the matter would be nice. I don't know how I'm going to tell my parents and I don't know how I'm going to handle the entire situation. I'd like to discuss the options like adults.” Ginny pulled her legs up on the couch and wrapped the afghan around her tightly.

“Alright, what are the options you've considered?”

“There are a few I suppose. Several viable, some completely ludicrous.”

“Do tell,” he said flatly. He turned his body towards Ginny and looked her straight in the eye in full Malfoy mode.

Ginny launched into her description of the options. “I could keep the baby. You could decide you don't want anything to do with us and I could keep you a well-guarded secret. I don't think I'm strong enough for that at this point, but I guess it's still an option. I could go away, keep this whole thing a secret, and give the baby up for adoption. I could have a Muggle abortion…” she trailed off.

Draco winced at the mention of an abortion. The sound of the teakettle whistling brought him out of his thoughts. He rose and went into the kitchen. The tea was conveniently located just beside the stove and he made tea for the both of them. Upon returning to the living room, he handed her the cup. He looked at her closely. She looked broken…hopeless even.

He resumed his perch on the couch. “This is so hard. I never thought things would happen this way. This isn't how things are supposed to be. I just want to die,” she said so quietly he almost didn't hear it.

“How things are supposed to be is a loose theory at best.” He shrugged his shoulders as his head cocked to one side. “We could try to present a united front for the sake of the child. It didn't ask to be created after all. Simply because it is the product of a drinking binge doesn't mean it has any lesser worth,” he offered.

Ginny's gaze snapped up to rest on Draco. “I suppose that is also an option.”

“Well, I'm laying it on the table. I don't think that dying is a good choice. I refuse to let you get an abortion and I don't like the idea of adoption. I don't think going away is a bad idea, though.”

“You refuse to let me have an abortion? It's my body. What if that is what I want to do?”

“It's supposedly my baby you're carrying. Given that a medi-wizard confirms paternity, I'd like to have as much say as you do in the matter. I, of course, will provide for you in any way that I am capable of,” Draco reasoned. “I can't control you at every moment of the day and couldn't stop you if that was your choice, though I'd like it if that weren't your decision.”

“What do you mean that going away isn't a bad idea?”

“I mean that I think it might not be a bad idea. We can tell the pertinent people of recent events and then leave town to avoid the hellfire raining down on us for participating in the act as if we were randy teenagers.”

Ginny smiled a little at his metaphor. They had indeed acted as if they were randy teenagers. “That sounds nice.”

“Of course this isn't the ideal situation. I hardly know you and you hardly know me. However, we should make an attempt to get to know each other better if we're going to be bonded together for life. If you had a boy, it would be my heir. I'd have to show him the family business and such nonsense. If it's a girl, she'll have to be taught societal niceties that can only be provided within the proper societal circles and with the proper training. She'll need those skills in order to marry well.”

Ginny's mind was swimming with the possibilities. Would she be thrust into the public eye? Would their indiscretion be fodder for The Daily Prophet? What would her family say? Was going away with the father of her child to some location unbeknownst to her an option she was willing to consider? “It appears to be my only option at this point? I wanted support, didn't I? He seems willing enough to give it. I should take it.”

“Alright, I suppose that's our plan of attack then. When should we go for the test?”

“What test?”

“The test of paternity.”

Draco was taken aback by Ginny's statement. Finding that he'd already accepted this child as his was startling. What was more disconcerting was that he found he rather liked the idea of becoming a father. He heard his mother's voice in the back of his head, “Draco, darling you're twenty-six years old. It's time to settle down and provide an heir. You do nothing but work. You're going to find yourself too advanced in age to procure a suitable wife if you don't move quickly.” But, was Ginny Weasley a suitable woman to marry? “I doubt it.” “Too right. I'll make an appointment with my family's medi-wizard and owl you with the time. The test will be done here as to minimize the stress and to ensure proper discretion.”

“Lovely.”

“I'll owl you as soon as I know the time and date, then?”

“I'll be expecting your letter.”

Draco rose from the couch and started towards the door. He found he wanted to give her some indication that things would be alright, but he didn't know how to go about assuaging her fears. Displays of affection weren't a part of his repertoire, so he just unlocked the door and moved to open it.

“Draco?”

He turned to look at her.

“Thank you.”

“Of course. I'd never shy away from my responsibilities.”

A bittersweet smile crossed her lips.

“Put the wards back up when I leave, if you have any.”

She nodded. “I had them down because I didn't want the father of my child knocked onto his bum when he showed up looking for me.”

“That is much appreciated. It's safe to put them back up now.”

She nodded, and he opened the door and left.

Ginny rose from the couch feeling a bit better, but a bit worse at the same time. Raising the wards, she wiped the tears from her cheeks.

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5. Papa Bear

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

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Chapter 5

“Take a deep breath. It will be all right. I'll be by your side the entire time.” Draco squeezed Ginny's fingers as if to transfer some of his strength to her.

She looked up at him, gave him a small smile and took a deep breath.

They had decided it pertinent to tell Narcissa of the pregnancy first, as she would be less volatile. She would probably yell, scream, screech and throw a tantrum, but she would not send six redheaded hit men to dismember Draco. Both soon-to-be parents decided it would be to their benefit to put off telling the Weasley clan until they were packed and the Portkey was only minutes from activating.

They entered the foyer of Malfoy Manor. Ginny had never felt so intimidated in her entire life. She imagined the grandeur that surrounded them was as intimidating to her as Draco would find her family to be. She was brought out of her thoughts by the sickly sweet voice of Narcissa Malfoy.

“Draco, darling, you haven't been home in a week. I was beginning to worry about… Who is she?”

“Mother, I'd like you to meet Ginny Weasley. We both have something we'd like to speak with you about.”

“Oh?”

Ginny saw the resemblance between mother and son in their look of surprise. Their eyebrows arched in much the same way.

“Yes. Why don't we sit down for dinner, Mother? We'll all sit down in the parlor afterwards and discuss business.”

“Yes, that would be the way of the civilized, wouldn't it?” Narcissa clapped her hands together to summon the head house elf. “We'll take our meal in the main dining room this evening. Draco has brought a guest.” With a flourish of robes, Narcissa had turned and was stalking towards what Ginny could only conclude was the main dining room.

“I wonder what she'd say if I said her rump looked very undignified in those robes and that she swaggers like a drunk when she's angry?” Ginny thought with relish.

------

Dinner was a tense affair. Narcissa dropped several veiled insults in Ginny's general direction. Draco had taken the seat beside her in a chivalrous gesture to keep both women from coming to blows. He held Ginny's hand under the table and squeezed every time her resolve began to slip.

The evening meal dragged on until Ginny thought she couldn't take it any longer. She was used to the raucous gatherings at the Burrow. Discussions were held at the table as a means to enforce family solidarity. One didn't have to wait to tell news, good or bad, until everyone was seated in the proper parlor.

She couldn't take it anymore. She leaned over to Draco and whispered in his ear. Draco whispered back to her, and Ginny removed the napkin from her lap.

Narcissa's steely gaze was focused on Ginny. “It's not polite to whisper, Ms. Weasley. Care to let everyone at the table know what is so important?”

Ginny's eyes grew quite large and Draco sprung to her defense. “Mother, it's a private matter.”

Ginny rose in order to leave the table. “Private matters are to not to be discussed at the table, Draco. You've been brought up with proper manners, unlike some people. I'd appreciate it if formalities were respected in this house. Ms. Weasley, please sit down until you are given leave.”

Ginny sat back down in her chair.

“Mother, leave her alone. She wasn't being blatantly rude. We run our home differently to the way she runs hers.”

“Draco, I'd also prefer it if you didn't challenge me in front of company. If she hasn't been taught how to properly leave a table, perhaps she ought not try to leave one.”

Ginny blushed at this comment and stared at the table. Draco had let go of her hand, so she had no choice but to fidget with the edge of her skirt underneath the table.

“Mother, she was merely asking—” Narcissa cut him off.

“I don't care what she was asking, Draco—“

Ginny had had enough. She stood up and slammed both palms against the table causing the table's contents to shake. “Bloody hell, you two! I just wanted to use the loo! For the love of Merlin, I was trying to be polite and, in the attempt to do so, have offended you in some nondescript way, Mrs. Malfoy. I'm sorry, but since you already think I'm a rude, unkempt troll, I'll say it again: I have to use the loo. Please direct me to it before my bladder bloody well explodes!”

“I'll show you where it is.” Draco stood and threw his napkin on the table.

When Draco returned to the dining room, he looked pointedly at his mother. “I've never seen you be so rude. That was completely uncalled for. I would suggest you gather the necessary niceties in the parlor immediately, because Ginny and I will be leaving soon.” He turned and left the room.

Narcissa let out an irritated sigh and clapped her hands together to signal the house elf once again. “We obviously won't be having dessert, but put a tea service in the parlor.”

------

Draco led Ginny to the parlor. They sat on the settee across from Narcissa as she served tea for all three of them.

She began tensely, “So, I believe the two of you have something you'd like to speak with me about.”

“Yes, mother, we do. It's a rather delicate situation, but we've already decided the course of action we'd like to take, in regard to handling it properly. This is not a discussion, it is merely a statement of facts.” He squeezed Ginny's hand and continued, “It seems as though, through a series of unfortunate events, Ginny has become pregnant with my child. We're going to go away for a few months on holiday, so her pregnancy is as stress-free as possible.”

Narcissa's face went from shocked to angry. As Ginny watched the woman's progression through these emotions, she felt the trepidation build up. She knew what was in store. She could count the seconds and feel the air molecules hitting her skin while she waited for Narcissa to explode.

“Do you even know this girl, Draco?” Narcissa's voice was oddly quiet, but laced with malice.

“We knew each other at school, Mother.”

“That doesn't answer my question, Draco.”

“No, Mother, we don't know each other very well. That is another advantage of going away for the remainder of the pregnancy. We need to get to know each other better.”

“You should have done that beforehand. This isn't a game. This is the heir to the House of Malfoy you're playing with Draco. Just wait until I tell your father what you've done.”

Draco stood and hovered dangerously over his Mother. “If I'm not mistaken, Father is in Azkaban. He'll die before he finishes serving his sentence. For that reason I am fairly certain he has nothing to say in this matter. This child will create no more blight on the Malfoy name than has already been bestowed upon us by my dear, loving Father. I am the head of this household and what I say is final. I have engaged in the gesture to include you in our decision, but I will not yield. You have no say in this, Mother, so, if you have any desire to see your future grandchild or myself again you will learn how to be polite and congenial to the child's mother. The matter is closed. I will owl you when we arrive at our chosen destination. Come, Ginny. I think you've endured enough for one evening.”

Draco offered Ginny his hand. He turned and bid his mother goodnight, before dragging Ginny through the halls of Malfoy Manor to the foyer. He grabbed her around her waist and Apparated.

-----

They Apparated straight into the living room of Ginny's flat and Draco released her.

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For standing up for me. I appreciated not having to speak to her more than you know.”

“It is my duty to protect my child. That duty extends to you.”

“Thank you, anyway.”

“You're welcome.” He took a step towards her and kissed her forehead. “I'll be going now. You're all right for the evening?”

“Yes, I'm fine. I'm just going to take a bath and go to bed. I'll pack my bags in the morning.”

“All right, I'll owl you for lunch tomorrow and we'll go to see your parents.”

“Okay, I'll see you then.”

Draco bent at the waist and placed a kiss on her rounding stomach. “Goodnight, I'll see you in the morning.” He straightened, kissed her on the forehead once more and rubbed her stomach with the back of his hand. He removed his wand and with a popping sound, he was gone.

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7. The Difficulties of Knickers

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

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Chapter 7

The next few weeks went by in a blur. Ginny was starting to look pregnant rather than simply looking as if she'd gained a few pounds in unfortunate places. Her back was starting to arch and she was beginning to waddle, much to Draco's amusement.

The only problem was, Ginny was becoming incredibly bored. She could conduct her daily schedule without even thinking. Wake up, shower, and get dressed. Eat breakfast with Draco after he returned from his morning run (where he ran was a mystery to her as it seemed they were surrounded by nothing but a large, grassy field and a pond), set the dishes washing, curl up on the sofa and read a book. She had read virtually every book of interest on the shelves and now knew more about American World War II fighter planes than she cared to admit. After eating lunch together, she and Draco would go for a walk around the pond outside. Afternoon went much the same as the morning, but laced with more chores Ginny invented to busy herself. They would nap in the afternoon and they'd make dinner together. Draco read the baby to sleep every night. Ginny had begun to enjoy this, as it seemed to calm the baby so it would quit treating her bladder as if it were a Bludger. The Mediwizard had been to the cottage several times to check on Ginny and to reassure the couple that the pregnancy was going according to plan.

It was after breakfast but before lunch. This was how Ginny charted time — by what meals she was in between. In a huff, she threw her book across the room.

Draco looked up curiously from whatever it was he was busying himself. “Something wrong, pet?”

“Yes! I'm bored out of my mind! Not that this isn't lovely for the first couple of weeks, but I cannot sit here for another minute! Can we please go into whatever town is nearby?”

“I thought you were happy staying here,” Draco stated in a quiet voice.

“I am happy living here, but I'd like to leave here once in awhile.”

Draco stood from the small desk he had been sitting at. “All right. That shouldn't be a problem. Go get dressed.”

Ginny went into the bedroom to change, with a grin on her face.

------

After forty-five minutes, Draco began to worry. He'd heard her get into the shower. He'd heard her muttering the charms to make her wavy, auburn hair behave and the drawers opening and shutting. Now, there was dead silence. He walked to the door, knocked and softly uttered her name.

“Come in.”

“Ginny, what's wrong? Why are you crying? I thought you were happy we were going into town.”

“Nothing fits. I've gotten too big to fit into anything nice.”

It hit him like a ton of bricks. She needed new clothes and he'd completely fallen short of taking care of her in this respect. He sat beside her on the edge of the bed and put his arm around her shoulders.

“Surely something fits well enough for us to make it into town and get you something else?” Draco stood up and moved to the armoire. He pulled out her overalls and found a short sleeved, light green t-shirt lying in a pile of clothes on the bed. He laid the overalls on the bed and held the t-shirt up for her inspection.

“The t-shirt doesn't cover my stomach. It's too short.”

He returned to the armoire and pulled out one of his own t-shirts. “This will do, I'm sure. It might be a little tight across the middle, but that's to be expected. We'll get you new clothes straight away, not to worry.”

Ginny continued sniffling.

“Ginny, what's the problem now? My t-shirt isn't going to look so terrible. It isn't as if you'll have to walk around in it for long.”

Ginny looked down to her lap and mumbled something that Draco assumed was supposed to be intelligible. He crossed the room and laid the t-shirt beside her on the bed. Reaching down, he pulled her chin up so she was facing him. “Ginny, I cannot be expected to understand you when you're staring at the floor and mumbling. Out with it.”

“None of my knickers fit.”

Draco had the grace to keep his mouth shut, but lines of color appeared on his cheeks anyway. One more time he went rummaging through the drawers and found the solution to Ginny's problem.

“Here. Wear these.”

Ginny looked at the given item suspiciously.

“They are boxer briefs. Wonderful for keeping everything in check when I run. They'll accommodate you until we can find you something more suitable.”

“Ok. I'll get dressed then.”

Draco left the room and Ginny dressed in anticipation for their outing.

-------

Several minutes later, Ginny emerged from the bedroom clad in her overalls and Draco's shirt. Draco smirked as he remembered she was wearing his knickers.

“All right, then?”

“Yes. I can't believe I'm wearing your knickers.”

“But you wear them well. You look very nice.” He placed a kiss on her forehead, wrapped an arm around her waist, and Disapparated them to the nearest shopping district.

-------

The shopping trip went without a hitch. Arriving at the clothier, Ginny picked out several new outfits.

They went from one clothier to another where Ginny shooed Draco away. She had told him there was no need for him to see her knickers. Draco bought two cold drinks from a street vendor and waited for Ginny outside the store.

Ginny appeared and gratefully took the drink Draco offered.

“Find everything you needed?”

“Yes, I didn't know they made knickers to accommodate this huge lump I'm calling a belly.”

“Did you find something suitable to wear to bed as well?”

“No. Actually, I rather like the shirt you gave me to sleep in. It's looking worse for wear though.”

Draco nodded and offered her his hand. He guided her along the street, giving foul looks to anyone who so much as brushed up against Ginny. They arrived outside a store Ginny knew to be exclusively for the bluest of the blue bloods.

“Do you need something?”

“Not particularly, but you said you'd like some more of the shirts I gave you. This is where I buy them.”

“Oh.” Ginny looked sheepish. “We don't have to buy them in here, we can get the same thing someplace cheaper, I'm sure.”

“I'm sure we could as well; however, I wear the bottoms, and I rather like the ones they sell here.”

“Okay.”

Ginny and Draco entered the store and went straight to the sleepwear section. They picked out several colors that suited both of them for purchase. Draco handed the cashier the appropriate amount of money, and they exited the store.

Once on the street, Ginny looked at Draco with amusement dancing about her face.

“What?” he asked irritably.

“I think the pink set would have complimented your skin tone wonderfully.”

“Ha—ha—you evil bint. I let you get away with the purple ones, didn't I?”

“Point taken.”

A silence had fallen over them when Draco heard Ginny's stomach growl rather forcefully. Draco looked at his watch and realized the time.

“I didn't realize it was getting so late. You're probably hungry. Where would you like to go?”

“Where ever that delicious smell is coming from.”

Draco led her to the establishment that was emitting the aforementioned pleasing odor, and they were seated inside the cool interior of the restaurant. Their orders were taken and Ginny excused herself to the loo.

When Ginny returned to the table, the food had arrived and she tucked in heartily.

“Is there anywhere else you'd like to go?”

Ginny looked pensive. She finished chewing, before opening her mouth, and, for this, Draco was grateful.

“I'd like to go to a bookshop. I'm sick to death of every book in the cottage. I was also wondering about something that I'd like to ask you about.” Draco nodded. “I was wondering if I might plant a garden and some flowers. Nothing too lavish, just something to occupy my time a bit. I was also wondering if I might do some decorating inside the cottage, just to make it feel a bit more like home. We aren't leaving anytime soon, are we?”

“Not unless you want to leave. You've still got a few months left until the baby comes. I thought we'd stay for a bit longer. We'll go and get you gardening supplies right after lunch. If you've still got the energy, we'll also go to look for things for the house.”

“Thank you.”

“I have actually been putting off going into my office for quite awhile. I didn't want to leave you alone. I thought being there would keep you from being bored out of your skull. Obviously, I was wrong.” A smirk graced Draco's features and Ginny realized the last part was meant in jest. Draco continued, “I didn't realize how bored you were, but I'm glad to bring some things to the cottage that will keep it at bay.”

“So you're going to start going into work, then?”

“Not everyday, but at least three days a week. I was toying with the idea of nicking a house elf from the Manor for you, in case you needed something.”

“I'm sure that would be fine.” Ginny's face had fallen a little. No one without a trained eye would have noticed it, but Draco did.

“All right then. Are you finished?”

“Yep,” Ginny replied.

“Ready then?”

“I'll always be ready to spend your money, Malfoy.”

Draco chuckled. “It's a pleasure to have something of value to spend it on, Weasley.”

-------

Ginny was more than exhausted. She really had pushed herself too hard, but she wanted to get everything for the cottage and her garden so she would have something to keep herself busy while Draco was gone. She had bought several new volumes for the bookshelf, some paint and Muggle brushes to add some color to the otherwise white walls, some accent pieces for the living room, and a pretty stationary set with a new quill, so she could write her family and friends. She had been able to visit a teashop and got several types of flavored tea that she was ecstatic about. The only sad part was that most of it had to be delivered, so Ginny was busying herself with putting her new clothes away.

She heard the pop of an Apparition and hurried out of the bedroom. She was famished and Draco had just returned with take-away. How the kitchen always seemed to be stocked with whatever items she needed to make whatever meal she desired Ginny had yet to find out, but neither had felt like cooking.

They ate and exchanged small talk until they were both finished with their meal. Draco picked up the boxes and bags and trekked to the kitchen to toss them out. Ginny went to the bedroom and picked out one of her new sets of pajamas and put on the top. She took the pants out to the living room and left them on the couch arm for Draco, before returning to the bathroom to continue her nightly routine.

Draco found the pants, put them on all the while muttering about how dainty the dark purple satin made him look. Walking into the bathroom, he found Ginny applying some sort of lotion to her distended belly.

“What on earth are you doing?”

“Putting this stuff on my belly. The woman at the store where I bought my knickers said it's supposed to help.”

“Help with what?”

“Draco, for you information, pregnancy is not in any way comfortable. It feels like I'm stretching out from the inside. My ankles are swollen, my legs and lower back ache, my shoulders are so tense I can hardly move my head and I can't ever get comfortable enough to sleep well.”

“I didn't know. You didn't tell me. You don't often tell me about anything you need. You needed new knickers and you didn't tell me. You needed new clothes and you didn't tell me. I have no idea about what you need. I've never done this before.”

“I've never done this before either, and, if you must know, it's rather difficult asking you for things. It's not as if this is the most normal situation in the world. I thought you might have a better clue than me, considering you've read all those books,” Ginny reasoned.

“Ah. Well, from now on, you tell me when you need something. We may not be in the relationship typical of these situations, but you should not want for anything that will increase your comfort.”

Ginny opened her mouth to speak, but Draco had grabbed her lotion and her hand. She was being dragged towards the living room courtesy of Draco Malfoy.

Standing to the side of the couch, she asked, “What are you doing?”

Draco crawled onto the over-stuffed piece of furniture. “Sit down on that end and give me your feet.”

Ginny eyed him suspiciously, but did as she was told. Draco squeezed some of the flowery smelling lotion into his palm and rubbed his hands together to warm it. He began rubbing her feet as if he were a professional masseuse. Ginny's head fell back onto the arm of the couch. Moving up her legs, Draco increased the pressure slightly to release the tension in her calves. Ginny put her arms beside her head to dangle over the edge of the couch. Ginny had been so lost in the sensations of Draco's large, strong hands easing the aches in her calves and thighs, she hadn't expected the cool rush of air that greeted her stomach when he pushed the edges of her nightshirt open. She heard the top of the lotion bottle snap closed and Draco's hands rubbing together before she felt him begin to rub her belly.

“Feeling better?”

A hum left Ginny's throat. “Umm hmm” was her only response. He massaged her sides and moved to hover over her, his hands running underneath her lower back to release as much of the tension as possible given the position he was in. A deep moan escaped Ginny's lips as his fingers rubbed in slow, restricted circles on her lower back.

Draco bent and kissed Ginny's stomach. She had expected that as he'd made a habit of showering her rounded stomach with attention, but what she didn't expect was the shift that came next. She felt the brush of his lips on hers. It was nothing more than a moist, soft caress of lips upon lips, until Draco's hands made their way out from underneath Ginny's back to cup her cheeks. Her arms moved from the arm of the couch so her hands could tangle in the short hair at the base of his neck. Her mouth opened slightly and she felt his tongue barely caress hers. The kiss didn't deepen past this point, but the couple stayed in the same position: him straddled over her hips with his torso hovering above her pregnant belly, his hands cupping her cheeks while his thumbs stroked her face while her fingers massaged the base of his neck. It was sweet and loving, not at all typical of this unconventional couple.

Draco ended the kiss with a few drugging, yet chaste sips of her lips before he rose from the couch and offered his hand. Pulling her from the couch, he led her into the bedroom that she'd slept in since her arrival to the cottage. He peeled back the covers and helped her get situated before moving around to the other side of the bed and slipping beneath the coverlet. He curled up to her side and kissed her temple before snuggling down in the pillow and placing a hand on her stomach. Ginny fell asleep to the motion of Draco's fingers stroking her stomach.

-->

9. Comfort

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

~~~~

Chapter 8

A rustling of the covers disturbed Ginny's sleep. She felt a kiss pressing into her temple before she heard Draco speak.

“Go back to sleep. I have to go into the office today. Owl if you need anything.” He stroked her hair and removed himself from the tangled covers.

Ginny smiled sleepily and returned to the delicious dream she'd been having.

She awoke several hours later and went through her morning routine finding that she rather missed having Draco around, even if conversation was kept to a minimum in the mornings.

For the next few weeks, Ginny busied herself during the day with decorating the interior of the cottage, tending to her garden and flowerbeds, and reopening correspondence with friends and family. She hadn't seen much of Draco as he left for the office well before she woke up and, although she had tried to wait for him, returned to the cottage late at night. Every morning she was roused by a kiss to her temple and a plea to return to sleep. This was the one of the only indications that Draco hadn't abandoned her.

One morning Ginny was tending to her vegetable patch in an attempt to ward off the nagging emotion of loss. She hadn't the heart to visit her family at the present time and only halfway admitted it to herself because she held a silent vigil that Draco would return to the cottage early or surprise her for lunch. She was jerked from her musings when a singing pain in her abdomen caused her to hiss as her hand flew to her stomach. Hunched over and breathing hard she hoped the pain would pass, but soon realized it was returning every so often. This had happened before and deep breathing usually made the pain stop, but this time was unlike those before. She called for the house elf instructed to tend to her, and the creature helped her inside before calling for the medi-wizard.

***********

“Miss Weasley, you're very lucky. Your stress level is too high and your pregnancy could have terminated had you not called me immediately. You can resume light activity in one week, as long as you take this potion every day and continue with the potion even after the initial week of bed rest.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you so much for your help. I'm sure I'll be fine.”

Just then there was an audible pop of an Apparition and the clamoring of expensive shoes on the hardwood floor.

“Ginny? Is everything all right? I got an owl—it told me you were hurt and I needed to come immediately.”

“Yes, she's fine. I've put her on complete bed rest for the next week, but she can resume light activity after that. She needs to drink this potion everyday, but you can split it into two small doses if she prefers. The taste is rather acrid. Here are the instructions and supply list for the potion. It needs to sit for two days after preparation in order to cure properly. It keeps rather well, but the bitterness increases the longer it sits. I've left a week's supply here, but it would be pertinent not to wait too long before preparing another batch. I trust you to make it effectively, Mr. Malfoy.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you.”

“You're welcome, Mr. Malfoy. Owl if you should need my further assistance. Good day, Miss Weasley.” The healer gave her a curt nod before Disapparating.

“What happened?”

“I was out in the vegetable garden and I got this pain in my stomach. I've been getting them a lot lately, but they always go away. Obviously this time was different or I wouldn't have called someone.”

“You should have told me. We would have had it checked.”

“When am I going to tell you, Draco? You're never here. You told me that you'd be gone a few days a week, but, at my last count, I haven't seen you in seventeen days. I know you crawl into bed with me sometime after I go to sleep and I know that you crawl out of bed sometime before I wake up.”

“You could have owled.”

“And say what? `Draco, honey, I'd like you to come keep the fat, pregnant lady company.' I wouldn't have put my child in danger had I known the pains were serious. I've been so bloody uncomfortable lately. I didn't want to deal with your smug, elitist Medi-wizard if I didn't have to.”

“You should have owled. And if you don't like my Medi-wizard, we'll get another.”

“Fine. I'll owl if this happens again.”

“This won't happen again.”

Draco stopped going into work the very next day. He stayed at the cottage with Ginny and basically did her bidding. He allowed the house elf to stay on at the cottage as both the house elf and Ginny began to cry mournfully when he'd told the creature to go back to the Manor. In the end, Draco was happy with the decision in the end as the house elf took care of Ginny's garden when Ginny wasn't feeling able. No sense getting dirt under your nails for no reason.

Ginny was extraordinarily happy with her new Medi-witch and everything was going swimmingly for both people in the cottage.

One night over dinner, Ginny informed Draco that she wanted to go home. Her parents had gotten over the initial shock, and, while they were not happy with the situation, they would like to be present for the birth. They talked about the options in terms of living situation and decided the best decision was to buy a flat in London where all parties could be close to their families and Draco could return to work without the use of a Portkey.

The next day, they packed their belongings and headed back to London. After a short lunch at the Burrow, Draco set off to look for a flat suitable for Ginny and the baby. Ginny stayed to visit with her Mother, as she was so large that moving about was difficult and trying.

“But I want to go help pick out the flat.”

“I know, Ginny, but let me weed out those deemed unacceptable and then I'll come back for you.”

“You promise?”

“I promise. You'll get a say in the end. You don't want to be put back on bed rest, do you?”

“No, of course you're right. I'm just so tired of being pregnant. My hormones are going nutters and I just want to be able to move about like a normal human being! I wish it would just come already!”

“I know. Do you need anything while I'm out?”

Ginny gave him a laundry list of bizarre foods she was craving and a request for a specific blend of tea. He kissed her forehead, bid Mrs. Weasley a good day, and Disapparated.

-------

To say that the real estate market was flooded was an understatement. It also wasn't finishing the complete thought. The real estate market was flooded—with crap. He didn't mind the idea of Ginny painting and doing minor decorating, but the thought of her installing drywall with or without a spell was not appealing in the slightest.

He was only slightly irritated that he had been cajoled into using this woman as a realtor, but had been convinced by the matriarch of the Weasley clan. She was friend of the family trying to get her business off the ground. Mrs. Weasley assured him she was reputable. He wasn't so sure.

Draco was ready to call the hunt for a flat to a halt when the obviously barmy witch next to him promised the next flat would be perfect. She had said that before they saw even the worst flats, but he found his almost lifeless body being pulled towards the Apparation point.

He closed his eyes only to reopen them in what appeared to be a suitable neighborhood. Unlike the streets they had previously visited, there was no garbage littering the street, no large magical creatures tied to trees, and no inhabitants of Knockturn Alley inhibiting their path. It was picturesque.

He was prepared for the worst as they came up to the flat in question. It wasn't a flat, but a decently sized house. They had discussed not having something too large, but Draco really liked the idea of a house. Not a Manor, but a house. He walked up the front walk and through the door. He could hear the woman behind him droning on about the features of the house, but he was trapped in his own thoughts about how perfect the place was.

He turned asked if the house could be fitted with Muggle electricity, as Ginny had become rather attached to it. She replied in the affirmative. With instructions to stay put, he flicked his wand and returned to the Burrow to find Ginny.

-------

The only way Ginny could be happier with her life at that moment is if she weren't two weeks overdue. She'd been busying herself with decorating her new home, visiting her friends, and even had a small get-together so everyone could see the place. The nursery was done, and she was sitting miserably on the couch that had just been delivered two hours previous.

Truth be told, she had been stuck on this monstrosity for the past two hours and unable to extricate herself. She cursed Draco, the house elf, and everyone else who had the indecency to not be in her presence at her time of need. She had tried yelling, cursing, and crying, but still no one came.

Ginny grunted and groaned and finally managed to scoot herself the two inches she required to be able to reach the pad of paper on the end table. She yelled for Draco's owl that appeared with a swish of wings and feathers. She strapped the scrawled note onto the owl's outstretched leg and sent it away.

-------

Thirty minutes later, Ginny was relieved when Draco Apparated into the living room of their new home.

“You're right, I do like the color of that couch.” She extended her arms, and he helped her up from the couch. “Was that all you needed or was there something else?”

“Don't be an arse. I'd been stuck there for two hours. Nippy is off running errands and I couldn't get to the floo or my wand. I want this thing out of me!” She looked down at her stomach and yelled, “Get out of me you revolting little troll!”

Draco chuckled. She'd taken to calling the baby a troll when she was a week from her due date. He knew she must be terribly uncomfortable, but there was very little he could do to help her. Merlin help him, he'd tried everything to assuage the hormonal woman next to him and none of it had worked.

“Gin, please don't bite my head off, but what do you want me to do?” The scowl she sent up at him fueled his desire to amend his statement. “What I mean to say is, what can I do to help?”

“You know what you can do? Bring me my Medi-witch and see if she can get this thing out of me!”

“All right. She'll be here as soon as possible.”

-------

Later that afternoon, Ginny lay on the bed in her room with the Medi-witch standing above her. Murmured spells, poking fingers, and a lack of communication between herself and the Medi-witch had Ginny ready to pummel the other woman. Any questions she had asked had been shushed much to Ginny's annoyance. Draco was seated safely in the corner prepared to act as a referee and to seek cover if the need arose.

Finally, the Medi-witch seemed to be done. Ginny was flushed she was so angry. “Well? What can be done to get this vile wretch out of me?” Ginny spouted.

“Is there anything wrong?” Draco asked.

“No, Mr. Malfoy, there is nothing wrong. First pregnancies are notoriously late. There are, however, a few things you can try to speed things along. None are proven, but at least it will make the two of you feel as if you are helping the process.”

“What are they? Tell me! I'll try anything,” whimpered Ginny.

The Medi-witch listed several things that might be of service and Draco wrote them down dutifully. He not only wanted to see his child, but he wanted the mother of his child to demonstrate a personality other than that of a disgruntled Giant.

Draco quickly made his exit to procure all the necessary items for the removal of his child from the woman he now referred to as Hades.

-------

Later that night, Draco had given Ginny the tea, the food and all the other items the Medi-witch had suggested, but none of it seemed to be working. He was considering putting a silencing spell on Ginny to have a moment's respite from her moaning, but decided against it.

He had one thing left to try. Right as he was about to leave earlier in the day, the Medi-witch had rushed out and suggested one last remedy to him. He was shocked at her suggestion, as she knew their situation, but she assured him that even if it didn't bring the baby, it would relax the mother. He was in the apothecary picking up herbs for a suggested potion, and found himself in front of a display housing massage oils. It wasn't as if he hadn't done this with Ginny before, so why not try it again? One good turn deserves another, right? He picked a rich, almond scent for the oil and the apothecary mixed the oil and added it to his package.

He'd tried everything else and nothing had worked. He was about to go have a fit if Ginny didn't quit her drabble. He knew she was entitled, but he couldn't take it anymore. He stood, yanked her up from the couch and pushed her into the bedroom. Her huff of protest was silenced by a wave of his hand and a request for her silence.

She pushed her to sit on the edge of the bed and began digging around in the closet. He threw her a tank top.

“Strip down to your knickers and that tank top. Get comfortable. I'll be back in a minute.”

He went into his room, and then headed into the bathroom. He changed into the boxer shorts and t-shirt he'd found for himself. Willing himself to be strong, he dug in the bathroom cupboard for the oil he'd purchased from the apothecary. “Here goes nothing.”

He returned to the bedroom to find Ginny clad only in her tank top and knickers cuddled on her side in the U-shaped pillow the Muggle wife of a co-worker had suggested to him. He was pleased she found it in her best interests to listen to him at this point. He crouched down on the bed and popped the top of the oil. Its heady aroma spread quickly as Draco began to massage Ginny's calves. He covered her calves and thighs before he crawled further up the bed and put his hands up the back of her tank top. A moan of appreciation found its way out from between her lips, prompting him to rub harder. He removed his hands from the tank top and traveled up the remainder of the bed. He began working on her neck and her exposed arm. Draco sunk down into the bed on his side and propped his head up in one palm while beginning to rub her belly with his available hand. He could feel her muscles twitching underneath his hand as the tension from them released. He ran his hands up her ribcage and felt the side of her breast on his knuckles. He heard her intake of breath and he found it pleased him.

He craned his head down next to her ear. “Turn over so I can get you other side.” Ginny dutifully turned over and nestled her stomach down into the fluffy, supportive pillow while Draco began to massage her side, arm, and shoulder.

Ginny was very nearly asleep when she felt the telltale brush of Draco's lips against her own. His hand had moved from her side to travel underneath her tank top. Draco's tongue played with Ginny's as he began stroking her breast. He moved to hover over her without separating their lips and carefully rolled her onto her back. He began playing with the waistband of her underwear. He knew how volatile she'd been lately, and he didn't fancy her yanking off any of his important bits, so this act had to be carried off with a certain amount of finesse. He moved his hands to rub over her stomach and, finally, to palm her breasts. Ginny's hands gripped his sides as she let out little moans and writhed the slightest bit under him.

Draco placed little kisses across her cheek and down her neck as he began toying with the waistband of her underwear again. The kisses moved down her body as her underwear made their trek down her legs.

Draco sat on his knees and pulled Ginny up to sitting. He pulled her tank top off over her head and placed a kiss on her lips as he lowered her back down onto the bed. He removed his own shirt and slipped off the edge of the bed to pull his boxers off his hips. They fluttered down his legs and he stepped out of them.

He crawled back onto the bed and laid himself between Ginny's thighs. Placing her legs over his shoulders he began teasing her most sensitive parts with a mixture of teeth and tongue. Little sounds of pleasure were making their way to his ears and they pleased him more than he'd admit. He put two fingers in between her moist folds and with gentle pressure put them where they would drive her wild. He laved attention on her bundle of nerves as he curled his fingers within her.

Her thighs gripped the sides of his head, but he could still hear her as she shouted out his name as she came and he couldn't help the rumble of satisfaction that came from his throat. He continued licking her and thrusting his fingers until the last shudders of her orgasm came to a stop. She was nothing but a panting, heaving mess and he loved every minute of it.

He lay down on his back beside her. He pulled her up as he guided on thigh so she would straddle him. He held her hips up as she gently let his penis slide inside of her. Grasping her hips, he set a slow, easy pace. He let one hand trail up to a breast as he palmed and squeezed it. If the noises Ginny was emitting were any indication, she enjoyed what was happening to her.

She tried to speed up the motion, but found Draco's hand was drawn away from her breast and affixed to her hip. He wouldn't let her speed up the process, but did manage to get his thumbs near her clit. He massaged it lightly as he thrust up into Ginny gently. Sweat was dripping down between her breasts and Draco had to fight the urge to find a way to lick it off.

They'd kept up this pace for quite some time when Draco allowed Ginny to speed up, but only a little. She came with a force that made her ears ring. He followed suit only seconds later.

She rolled off of him and lay in his arms until their breathing had returned to normal. He'd managed to get her up and into the shower where he'd washed her hair and helped her get all the massage oil off of her skin.

They'd dressed in their nightclothes without conversation. Ginny hoped he was planning on sleeping with her. Once they'd left the cottage, Draco hadn't slept in the same bed with her. The house he'd bought for them had three bedrooms. She thought one would be a guest room, one a nursery and one theirs, but she'd been mistaken.

He moved to leave the room, but a small sound stopped him. He turned to look at Ginny. She looked as if she wanted to say something but wouldn't unless prompted.

“Did you say something?”

“No—but—well, I was wondering why you didn't sleep with me anymore.”

“I thought sleeping by yourself would be more comfortable.”

“Oh.”

“Isn't it?”

“No. It's lonely.” Ginny hesitated. “I'd like it if we slept in the same bed.” She stared at the floor.

“All right.”

He walked over to the bed and crawled in on the side he knew wasn't hers. He moved the damned U-shaped pillow to where it would house them both and held out his arm to show her the place he'd made for her.

She hesitantly got into the bed. She lay on her side so the pillow was supporting her as Draco curled up behind her.

“Better?”

“Much.”

“Good.” Draco gave her neck a soft kiss and snuggled closer to her. He fell asleep with a large hand laid protectively over her stomach.

-->

11. Escape

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

~~~~

Draco woke beside a voluptuous brunette who went by Pandora early one morning. He'd taken her to the Ministry's yearly Gala celebrating some ridiculous triumph for some ridiculous minority; however, he was a Malfoy and he was expected to attend.

Pandora had served her purpose. She'd driven thoughts of Ginny from his mind, but now they were back full force. How long had it been since he'd seen Ginny and Jayden? A month? Maybe two? He was unsure. The last time he'd gone home to see his child, Ginny had appeared tense and irritated. He'd asked why she as upset and she'd shrugged it off as fatigue. He'd believed her merely because he'd wanted to. He knew something was wrong, but wasn't man enough to fix it. He'd run instead. To be exact, he'd run to Sheila, Cherie, Laila, Pandora and a multitude of other witches to bury his thoughts of Ginny. He'd stayed at work late, attended numerous functions he normally wouldn't be caught dead at, and, because of his attendance, his business was booming. Who knew personal relations was this beneficial to business?

He'd busied himself with the fresh wave of mergers, investments, and meetings that plagued him day and night. He'd made more money in the past two months than he had in the previous two years. Not that any of it mattered, his fortune was great enough as is. He did it simply because it gave him an excuse to ignore what was going on all around him.

He gathered his things, dressed and Apparated to his office. Sitting at his desk, he stared down at a picture of Ginny, Jayden and himself on the day Jayden was born. He was kissing Ginny's forehead when that dolt Creevey had lit up the room with that damned flash bulb.

He stoked Ginny's face and his son's head through the glass. He had to go home. He missed them both terribly. He grabbed a freshly laundered shirt off a hanger from the bundle that hung on the back of his door and set off for home.

Only he found home to be a little less welcoming that he'd planned. Something about the living room made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. “Ginny! Jayden!”

He didn't care if they were sleeping.

He burst into the bedroom only to find it empty. He checked Jayden's room to find most of the contents previously housed in the room to be missing. The bathroom produced less than favorable results, as did the rest of the places Draco looked.

“NIPPY!”

The elf appeared quivering at his feet. “Yes, Master?”

“Where is my son? Where is Ginny?”

“Missus has made Nippy the keeper of her secret. Nippy mustn't tell.”

“Nippy must tell if Nippy wants to remain in a job,” Draco growled dangerously. “I've got a sock right here with your name on it.”

Nippy made an audible squeak and disappeared from Draco's grasp.

Draco was in a rage. He tore apart the house room by room. He wasn't looking for evidence as to where Ginny had gone; he was having a world-class fit. He dumped over bookcases, threw Ginny's remaining wardrobe out of the armoire, threw pictures, broke dishes and generally tore the house and it's contents to bits. What upset him more was that the house didn't even smell of her anymore.

Finally having vented his frustration, Draco realized he was staring at the little blue bunny he'd given Jayden in the hospital. It has been his son's first toy. He grabbed it and held it to his face. Draco slid down the wall and began to sob uncontrollably.

-----

“Missus, Master returned. Master is tearing the house apart. Master threatened Nippy with clothes but Nippy still didn't tell where Missus or Little Master Jayden were.” Nippy beamed at Ginny's feet.

“Thank you, Nippy. Will you please pack a bag for Jayden. He'll look for us here when he gets his head on straight.”

“Nippy will do it, but where does Missus want to go?”

“To see Narcissa. Perhaps she'll want to see her grandson.”

Nippy's eyes grew large, but she scurried away to pack anyhow.

-----

Ginny kissed her Mother's cheek as she said goodbye to her family. “I'm sorry, Mum, but I'll owl you as soon as I get a chance. I'm just not ready to see him or hear from him yet. I need some more time.”

“Of course, Ginny, dear. We'll just miss you. I'll miss my Poppet as well.” She kissed Jayden's fat cheeks and waved goodbye to Ginny.

-----

Ginny appeared at the foot of Malfoy Manor. It was an imposing piece of architecture. “I'm quite lucky she didn't set wards. I should have thought of that. Pregnancy does a number on your mind.” Ginny strode up to Malfoy Manor holding her son on her hip. Nippy was trailing behind like a coward.

Ginny knocked on the door and it opened with a rush of air. A small house elf by the name of Jester opened the door and escorted her in. She was instructed to wait in the main parlor. She remembered this place and it frightened her, but this was her only hope.

“Miss Weasley?” An icy cold voice from behind her caused chills to go up her spine.

“Hello, Mrs. Malfoy.”

“Why are you here?”

“I thought you might like to see your grandson.”

Narcissa's eyes softened as they found the small child clinging to Ginny's side. She took a step towards Ginny and ran her finger along Jayden's cheek.

“What did you name him?”

“Jayden William Malfoy. Do you like it?”

“It's a fine name.” Narcissa hesitated. “I would have been at the hospital to see him, but I'm rather stubborn. I apologize for the spectacle the last time you were here, but you can't expect me to approve of this—situation.”

“No, I don't expect you to approve, but it's happened and you have to accept it. It's not hard to accept, just look at what you get for a little bit of acceptance.” Ginny gestured to her son. Narcissa tickled him under his jaw and Jayden giggled. Ginny hoisted her son up so they were face to face and gave him a noisy kiss on the cheek.

“Jayden, this is your Grandmum. She's your Da's Mum. Why don't you go say hello.”

She turned Jayden around and pushed him towards Narcissa. Jayden grinned and extended his arms in a silent plea of “Pick me up now!”

Narcissa took the chubby baby into her arms and moved to the settee near the fireplace. She cooed at Jayden who cooed back. Ginny smiled as she watched the two interact.

“Where's Draco?”

“I'm not sure, Mrs. Malfoy. We left the house in town about two months ago. I haven't seen him since. I don't even think he knew we were gone until today, if you want to hear the truth of it.”

“Too busy attending Ministry functions and going into the office for late business meetings, I presume?”

“From what I can gather. I saw more of him in The Daily Prophet than I did at home. He'd come home to change clothes and take Jayden to the park at first, but then he just quit coming around at all. I'd catch a whiff of his cologne when I stepped out of the shower or came back from running errands, but that was the only evidence of him coming around other than his mysterious disappearing wardrobe.”

“I'm all too familiar. Lucius was much the same way. Where are you staying now?”

“I'm not staying anywhere. He threatened Nippy with clothes in order to get her to tell him where I was, but Nippy's a good house elf. She didn't utter a peep.”

“Good for her. I'd wager Draco is driving himself nutters trying to find you about now.”

“Probably, but I don't really care. I was at home with my stretch marks taking care of his son day and night while he went gallivanting to parties with gorgeous women. My heart bleeds for him.”

“I know exactly how you feel. Would you like to stay for dinner?

“As long as it isn't an inconvenience.”

“Not at all. The last place Draco would look for you would be here.”

“Probably not the last place, but it will definitely take him a few days of thinking before he looks here.”

Over dinner all formalities were thrown out the window. Ginny was Ginny and Narcissa was Narcissa. Miss Weasley and Mrs. Malfoy were no more. They laughed, snorted, and made silly noises at Jayden. For the first time in a long time, both women had fun. Narcissa offered Ginny a place to stay and Ginny accepted.

Nippy showed Ginny to a room right next to Narcissa's suite. Ginny thanked the house elf as Jayden blew spit bubbles as some sort of appreciative gesture. Ginny bags were already unpacked, presumably by Nippy, so she made herself and Jayden ready for bed. Ginny set protection spells as well as silencing and locking charms on the room. No sense being careless at this point.

Ginny spent two weeks at Malfoy Manor before things got hairy. She and Narcissa got to know each other as Narcissa got to know her grandson. They took afternoon tea in the garden, trimmed the roses together, and generally had a good time together.

One night, Narcissa came into the parlor looked rather distressed. “Ginny, I have something to talk to you about. Draco has been owling me constantly for a few days. I'm sure he has no idea that you're here; he probably just wants to come and tell me what's happened. He assumes that I'll help him find you. At any other time, he might assume that conviction and be correct, but this time he is sadly mistaken. For many years I put up with his father behaving in much the same manner. I never had the strength to stand up for myself. You are much better than I was in that respect.”

“Thank you for telling me and for the compliment. I have to go pack.”

A hand on Ginny's arm stopped her. “Ginny, remember that Draco is a good boy. He'll come to his senses; you just have to teach him his lesson just as you're doing now. You don't have to run forever.”

“I know, Narcissa. I'm just not ready to talk to him yet. I still have to get my thoughts in order.” Ginny took a deep breath to steel herself. “Would it be alright if I went to the cottage that Draco took me to while I was pregnant? I don't even know where it is and I don't have a Portkey to get there.”

“Of course you can use the cottage. Stay for as long as you like. I'll floo over to the Ministry and get you a Portkey while you're packing. Don't leave while I'm gone, I'm going to raise the wards. Pack quickly, dear.”

Ginny nodded her agreement and her thank you. She walked as fast as her feet could carry her and Jayden up to her room.

“DA!” Ginny stopped in her tracks. Ginny stiffened and turned around slowly but didn't see Draco. It hadn't even occurred to her that her child had just yelled out his first word.

Jayden pointed to the portrait on the wall and yelled, “DA!” Ginny looked in the direction of her child's pointing finger and, sure enough, there was a picture of Draco making faces back at Jayden.

“Yes, Poppet, that is a picture of Da. Now we have to go.” Ginny continued walking while Jayden continued in his chorus of “Da—Da—Da—Da—Da.”

Ginny packed as quickly as she could considering Jayden seemed to be hell bent on not leaving. She would turn around to put something else in a suitcase and Jayden would take it out. This continued on until Narcissa appeared in the doorway.

“Ginny, aren't you packed yet? The Portkey activates in 10 minutes!”

“I was trying but Jayden doesn't seem to want to leave. He keeps unpacking us.”

Narcissa picked up the small, sticky-fingered little boy. “That's because he doesn't want to say goodbye to his Grandmum. Do you?” The little boy drooled on Narcissa's robes, but the woman didn't seem to notice.

“He said `Da' for the first time in the hallway. He saw the portrait of Draco and just yelled it. I wish I were in the position to be more excited about that. I thought he was a Mummy's boy, but I guess not. I show him pictures of Draco all the time so he'll know who his Da is.”

Hearing the word cross Ginny's lips, Jayden began pointing into the hallway again and renewed his chorus of “Da—Da—Da—Da—Da!”

“That's wonderful, dear. Finish packing, you only have a few minutes left.”

“Thank you, Narcissa—for everything. It's been really nice getting to know you.” Ginny gave the woman's hand a firm squeeze and started throwing things into her bags.

Ginny finished packing and shrunk the bags. She fitted them into her pocket, and took Jayden from Narcissa. She took the handkerchief wrapped Portkey from Narcissa just as a pop resounded downstairs.

“Mum? Are you here?”

Narcissa grabbed the Portkey from Ginny and unwrapped part of it. “Grab on, dear,” she hissed. Ginny felt the pulling sensation and knew she'd escaped.

Narcissa blew out a tense breath and rushed into the hallway. She hurried down the stairs to greet her son.

“Draco, darling, why are you home?”

“She's left with Jayden, Mum, and I don't know where she is. I've looked everywhere and I can't find her.”

“Oh, darling, tell Mum all about it.” She led him into the parlor. Narcissa secretly loved it when Draco called her Mum. He only called her that when he was too depressed or sick to cling to the formalities he was brought up with.

“Draco, make yourself comfortable and I'll be there in just a minute.” Narcissa watched her son's sloped shoulders move into the parlor, and she ran down the hall whispering for Nippy.

Nippy appeared when Narcissa reached the kitchen. “Yes, Mistress. What can Nippy do?”

“Nippy, I want you to make sure everything is cleaned up from Miss Ginny's stay here. Anything she forgot needs to be put away where Draco can't find it. Make sure the dinner dishes are put away, and clean out her suite. Make sure it doesn't even smell like her. Bring a tea service for Draco and myself and then get all the other elves to help you. After all the evidence is gone, go to the cottage and stay with Ginny. Help her in any way that you can. Understand?”

Nippy smiled and responded, “Yes, Mistress. Nippy is happy to help.” With a snap of her fingers, Nippy was gone.

Narcissa returned to the parlor to see a tea service had already appeared. Unfortunately, Narcissa didn't spy the yellow elephant plush that was lying on the floor in front of the fireplace that was now in Draco's grasp.

“Mother, what is this?”

“It appears to be a yellow elephant plush.”

“Where did it come from?”

Narcissa's kept her face nonchalant. She had bought that for Jayden during his stay. How could she explain it away?

A house elf appeared in the doorway. “Master! We thanks for finding it! Jester will be happy to have his Fifi back! Jester is unable to sleep without his Fifi!”

“Fifi?”

“Yes, Master, Jester's stuffed elephant, Fifi. Jester cannot sleep without his Fifi!”

Draco handed the stuffed animal down to the outstretched hands of the house elf. “Strange, a house elf with a penchant for stuffed animals. How did he get it?”

The house elf seemed to read Draco's mind. “Dobby gave Jester his Fifi! Jester is not himself without his Fifi!”

“Oh, alright, quit your babbling,” Draco remarked.

Narcissa looked over her shoulder at the retreating elf and saw Nippy smile at her from the corridor. “I must remember never to give that elf clothes. She's really top-notch.”

Narcissa sat down and served tea for both herself and Draco. She was ready to hear her son's version of what happened—in fact, she was ready to hear precisely how her son was able to shift the blame off of himself.

After several hours of hearing Draco bemoan his situation, Narcissa was quite surprised at her son's maturity. Obviously this woman and the fact that he now had a son of his own had brought him to the cusp of manhood. She was impressed. He was quite honest about what had happened, even if certain bits did still reek of a child who had his lolly taken away.

They talked throughout the night until her grown son fell asleep weeping in her lap. “What a change. He hasn't wept in front of me since he was a child. I think I may like this—change may not always be bad after all.”

--------

The next day found Ginny at the cottage clad in her favorite satin nightshirt. Jayden was chattering happily in his highchair while banging his spoon in anticipation of breakfast. Nippy had arrived sometime during the night, but was now set on making fresh applesauce for Jayden. Ginny was munching on bacon and eggs and cooing at Jayden contentedly.

After lunch, Ginny convinced Jayden he was sleepy and she put him down for an afternoon nap. Ginny went out in her garden to tend to the weeds that had grown up and not been eradicated by Nippy's frequent visits. Everything was readying itself to bloom.

She was content and tired and felt safe. Ginny mentally prepared herself for what she knew would come, but refused to feel any trepidation for the time when it would happen.

It took considerably longer than she thought. Seventeen days later, she was walking past the plate glass front window, ready to put Jayden in his playpen, when she noticed something out of the corner of her eye. She whirled around and saw Draco standing in the tall grass that surrounded the manicured lawn of the cottage. Most of the time, she appreciated that the cottage was located away from civilization, but at the moment she wished she had a neighbor to run to.

She stood rooted to the spot and stared at Draco with her mouth slightly open. He stared right back at her. He looked so forlorn she almost rushed out the front door to him. She might have found the strength to do it, but he disappeared just as quickly as he had appeared.

He appeared several more times over the next few days. He never yelled for her or spoke at all. He never tried to enter the house. He just stared at her from a distance. When she'd finally gotten used to him randomly appearing, he stopped appearing at all.

Numerous days passed with no sighting of Draco. This last day had been the hardest. She just wanted to throw herself into his arms and apologize for everything that had happened. Of course, in this little fantasy he also apologized. In reality, she doubted that he would. She had neither the desire nor the Portkey to go home. Her depressed mind seemed completely content to sit on the couch and stare out the window waiting for Draco's imminent return.

Late in the evening, Nippy appeared with a glass on a tray, “Nippy brought Missus warm milk. Milk will help Missus sleep. Nippy put Sleeping Draught in the milk she made for Missus.”

“Thank you, Nippy. Is Jayden asleep?”

“Yes, Missus, Little Master is sleeping.”

“Is he in my bed?”

“Yes, Missus, Little Master is sleeping on Missus' bed.”

“Thank you, Nippy.”

Ginny drank the milk gratefully. As she felt the draught begin to take effect, she made her way into the bedroom. She pulled out the U-shaped pillow from its hiding place and placed it in the bed around her son. She crawled into bed beside her son and gave him a kiss on his chubby cheek. The pillow made her feel safe—like she was sleeping with someone. Deep sleep greeted Ginny moments later.

Sometime during the night, Ginny roused slightly when she felt the mattress sag. The pillow shifted and a warm weight snuggled up to her back. A masculine hand came around her torso and petted her son's head. She would have been shocked, but she knew who it was.

She felt breath on her ear. “I'm sorry, Ginny.” He placed a kiss on her neck and snuggled down into the pillow.

Ginny woke in the early hours of the morning, and went into a panic. She sat up and felt around the bed for Jayden when she looked up. In front of the bedroom window, the dull morning light afforded her a view of the silhouetted form of Draco holding Jayden. Jayden was resting on his back held up by the forearms of his father. Draco was cooing into Jayden's face. Draco's hair fell into his face and he smiled.

“I love you, little man.”

Ginny lay back down in the pillows with a smile on her face.

-->

13. Apologies

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

~~~~

Chapter 12

After leaving the Burrow, Draco had taken Ginny back to the Manor.

“Draco, I don't want to have this discussion with your Mum and all the house elves fluttering about our heads.”

“It's just a stop-over, Gin. I have to pick something up.”

------

Ginny was shocked. She hadn't ever expected something so large. A change of clothes, an extra pair of socks, possibly a shaving kit, but nothing this sleek and bold.

“Mr. Malfoy, I'm shocked you own something so obviously Muggle.”

“It's just a car, Gin. Driving is soothing when you don't have to do it all the time. Muggles aren't all bad, apparently and they really do have some top-notch novelties.”

“So you expect me to get into this contraption and let you, of all people, drive me about all day?”

“Yes, I do expect that. I'd like to take you into Muggle London and I'd be much happier driving than I would trying to find safe Apparation points.”

He did have a point. She knew he did. So with a reluctant air she climbed into the passenger side of the car. Draco climbed in the driver's side and adjusted the mirrors and seats. He noted how amusing it was that Ginny looked completely uncomfortable.

“Gin, there are buttons on the side of the seat in between the seat and the door. You can adjust it, you know. There is also a lever that makes the seat tilt back. If you need more foot room, there is a lever underneath the seat near the console.”

Ginny found the buttons and the lever, but she had only managed to become sandwiched against the dashboard when she tried to adjust the seat. Her proximity to the dashboard at this point was nothing short of intimate and she was getting more irritated at this by the second. Draco's stifled laughter wasn't helping one bit.

“Draco, fix it this instant or I'm going back to the Burrow.”

He leaned over her and grabbed the back of the seat while searching for the lever to fix her predicament. He pulled the lever and pushed the seat back with a smug smile on his face.

“You have to pull it and push the seat back at the same time.”

“You could have told me that ahead of time. I've never been in a car with so many conveniences,” she said in a tone tainted with malice.

---------

London was a bit of a trip from Malfoy Manor. The rainy, murky day seemed to fit the mood of the couple in the car. So far, neither had spoken a word. Ginny had kicked off her shoes and placed her feet on the dashboard. Draco smiled at the thought of her footprints being etched in the finish of the wax-covered material. He reached over and snaked his hand beneath her ponytail to massage the base of her skull. She leaned into his hand as her eyes shut and a contented sigh crossed her lips.

Draco's hand slid from her hair and back to the steering wheel. “Better, love?”

“Yes, much. You don't realize how much tension is wound up in your muscles until it's gone.”

“Are you hungry?”

“Yes, but I'd rather wait until we're in London. I do have to pee though.”

Draco nodded and pulled into the next establishment they passed where the lavatory would be of an acceptable quality.

---------

The rain had let up a bit. Draco was leaning up against the side of the car getting his bum suitably moist while waiting for Ginny to return. He was picking at his fingernails when he looked up to see her walking towards him. Clad in comfortable, form-hiding clothes, she still had a grace about her. She wore her favorite, all-purpose overalls and a white t-shirt covered with a thick, cable-knit, muted green sweater. Simple wide-laced, rubber-toed sneakers had been replaced on her feet when she'd exited the car.

Draco stood up from the side of the car as she walked up to him.

“I'd like something to drink,” she said.

His hand rose to push a stray lock of hair from her eyes. “Alright, let me go in with you. I could use something as well.”

They walked into the store, selected their drinks and Draco paid the man at the cash register. He held the door open for Ginny and led her out of the store with a hand on the small of her back. Ginny smiled. She loved it when he did that.

They walked back to the car, but as Ginny began walking over to her side of the vehicle, Draco stopped her with a hand on her arm. She turned as Draco wrapped his arms around her. He embraced for just a few moments, but to Ginny it felt like a lifetime. Too soon, the embrace was broken with a kiss to the top of her head. Draco took Ginny's hand and led her to her side of the car. He held the door open for her and shut it once she was safely inside. Draco got back into the car and the rest of the ride to London was as silent as the first stretch of the trip had been.

--------

They arrived in London and found a tiny bistro that suited both their palates. They ordered and received their meals in record time. They ate in silence. When the server returned to refresh their drinks and clear their plates, Ginny broke the silence.

“Silence isn't going to help us fix our problems.”

Draco locked eyes with her and replied, “I know.”

“What do you suggest?”

“I don't know.”

“What was that hug earlier about?”

Draco looked down at the table. “I don't know how to explain it without sounding like a ridiculous hero out of a romance novel.”

“You don't love me.” It was a statement not a question that crossed her lips.

“No, not in the sense of being in love with you I don't.”

“I don't love you either.”

“I didn't expect as much.”

“I don't hate you.”

“I don't hate you either.”

“Alright.”

“What else?” Draco asked.

“Let's leave and go somewhere else. The rain is clearing. I'd rather be outside.”

Draco summoned the waiter and requested the check. He tossed the appropriate amount of Muggle money on the table and they left the restaurant. They walked down the street in silence and found a park. While they were holding hands, it seemed both had been rendered incapable of speech. He stroked the inside of her hand with his thumb continuously and that sensation was the only thing that reminded Ginny she wasn't in a never-ending dream.

“What do you want from us?”

Draco stopped walking and turned to look at her. The newly exposed sunlight was kissing the gold strands of her hair and the light breeze had freed several strands of hair from their ponytail-prison.

“What do you mean what do I want from you?”

“I mean, what do you want from us? Do you plan on coming and going as you please while expecting me to sit around and raise your child? What do you want from us?”

Draco looked at Ginny closely. He could see the tension returning to her neck and the blush creeping into her cheeks. He could also see the fire in her eyes warning him to tread carefully. She'd grown up considerably in the past few months. She was now very sure of herself and he knew she wasn't going to sit around waiting for him to make a decision again.

Ginny broke the silence again. “I refuse to have my son affected by his father's negligence. If you want to be around, then be around. How much is up to you, but I must stress this point to you: You'll be around regularly or you won't be around at all. I'm not having any of this visiting on the holidays bullshit. You're going to be a part of his life or you aren't.”

“I understand. I'd like to be a part of his life.”

“Alright, now how do you plan on doing that?”

“I'd like to start taking him to the park on Sundays again. I'd also like it if the two of you moved back into the house.”

“No, I'm moving back into the Burrow. I'm going back to work and Mum is going to take care of him while I'm there. I'd rather have her do it than a nanny.”

“Oh. Well, then I'd like it if the two of you came and stayed at the house a few nights a week.”

“You'd like it if we came and stayed at the house? Why? Why can't you just take Jayden?”

“I like waking up with you and my son. I don't know why, I just do.”

“I like it too, but it complicates an already difficult situation. It's only going to affect Jayden negatively in the end.”

“How is it going to affect Jayden negatively? He wakes up next to both of his parents and that's a bad thing?”

“It's not that. I want him growing up having a healthy idea of love. I want him to realize that there is hope for him to find someone that he loves and cares about. I want him to realize the situation that brought him into this world wasn't typical.”

“Right now he doesn't know the difference. When he starts asking questions about it or it starts affecting him in an adverse way, we'll discuss it. As for now, I'd really like both of you to spend a couple of nights a week at the house. It's our home. Will you please listen to reason?”

“I reserve the right to change my mind at any given time.”

“Fine, but we'll make it work, Gin.”

--------

Draco and Ginny arrived at the house the following day to transfer some their belongings back to the house.

Ginny was aghast. “What happened here?”

Draco looked at the floor cursing himself for forgetting to have the house elves clean up after his rather embarrassing tantrum. “I had a bit of a fit when you left.”

“Did you now?” Ginny turned to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. The air of amusement that had taken residence in her features did not please him in the slightest.

“Yes I did, woman. No need to dwell on it.” He extricated himself from her grasp and began flicking his wand rapidly to repair the damage.

She began laughing heartily. “Did someone take your favorite toy away?”

“No, some evil bint took my son and I wanted him back.” The second the words were out of his mouth, he knew he'd pay for them. Without turning around, he knew he'd crossed the line and what the expression on Ginny's face looked like at that very moment. It was a regular feature in his ongoing nightmares.

“Well, if my son's father hadn't been out shagging nearly every air-headed twit in all of Britain, maybe I wouldn't have left.”

Draco stilled his movements. This had to be handled with the proper amount of tact or he wouldn't emerge alive. With his arms out in an apologetic gesture, he turned ready to pacify the hopping mad witch behind him. The words never got a chance to grace her ears.

“Silencio!” Ginny's wand made the proper movements to quiet Draco's convoluted apology before he had a chance to present it. She stepped up to him and stared directly into his face. Her voice was deadly calm. “If you ever dare speak to me like that again it'll be the last time I ever allow myself or my son to be in your vicinity. You will never again insinuate that I didn't have proper reason to do what I did and you will never again insinuate that it wasn't your fault I reacted the way that I did. For months, I waited here for you to come home and do things in the proper manner. For months, I sat here waiting for you to stop appearing on the society pages with another tart on your arm.” Her voice continued to escalate. “FOR MONTHS, I sat here and waited for you to take an interest in your son, and for months I waited for you to acknowledge us. So, the next time you feel like delving out an insult to heal your bruised ego, remember that I left you once and I'll do it again. Only the next time, it'll be permanent. Remember that I could give a shit about what you went through or what my actions did to you. I could give a shit about your ego. What you went through was nothing compared to what I went through. I suggest you think about that before you open your mouth again.”

Ginny removed the spell and placed her hands on her hips. Her glare still deadly.

“Now, you'll apologize or I'll leave until you're ready to apologize.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Not good enough.”

“Gin, I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have said it.”

“Still not good enough.”

“Damn it! Bloody hell, woman, what do you want me to say? That I'm sorry for shagging all those women? That I'm sorry for leaving you here alone with our child? That I'm sorry for how I treated you and that I'm sorry there wasn't a full-page spread in The Daily Prophet announcing our son's birth? What exactly is it you want me to say? Tell me what it is and I'll say it!”

“That'll do, but say it again with a little more feeling.”

Draco rubbed his hands furiously over his face in exasperation. He pushed Ginny over to the newly cleared sofa and knelt down between her knees. Grabbing both of her hands, he began to speak. “Ginny, I'm sorry for the way I treated you. I'm doubly sorry that you were here by yourself while I was out shagging to my heart's content. I know I was wrong and I'm terribly sorry for it. I'm trying to be better to you and to our son, but you have to understand that this isn't a natural state for me. When you realize that, you'll realize how hard I'm trying to make this work. I want to help raise our son and I want to be a real father to him. I'm sorry, Gin.” He dropped her hands, stood up and offered her his hand. She took it and looked up into his face.

“Apology accepted, you wanker.”

“Thank you.”

-->

14. Beautiful

The arrangement between the parents went without a hitch for months. Jayden's first birthday party had been at the Manor, with most of wizarding England in attendance. Narcissa, content with her change of heart, introduced her grandson, his maternal grandparents and even Ginny to everyone. Narcissa and Molly found they shared an interest in Muggle romance novels and vowed to start exchanging volumes as part of a book club as soon as possible. Narcissa entrusted the Black Family Cookbook to Molly, as she herself hadn't ever had the desire to use it, nor did she understand why the recipes of house elves would be put into print. To put things short, everything had gone swimmingly.

After the party, Draco and Ginny returned to their home. Jayden was asleep on his father's chest, obviously tuckered out from the festivities. Piles of gifts followed the family into the home on the shoulders of house elves.

Ginny looked around at the growing mountain of gifts. “Where are we going to put everything?”

“I don't know, but we'll figure it out tomorrow. I'm knackered.”

“Me too. I'm going to take a shower and get ready for bed.”

“I'll put Jayden down, you go ahead.”

Ginny gave him a sleepy, lazy smile and went upstairs. Draco went into the kitchen to prepare a bottle for Jayden and followed up the stairs a few minutes later. He laid Jayden down in his room, content not to have his child in bed with him for one evening. After minimal fussing, Jayden took his bottle and fell back into a restful sleep. Draco put a stuffed purple gorilla at his side and covered his son up with an afghan his Grandmum Weasley had made especially for her grandchild. Before he left the room, Draco stroked his son's head lovingly.

He walked into the bedroom he shared with Ginny when she stayed at the house and rifled through the drawers for his favorite sleep pants. A picture on the dresser caught his eye and he picked it up, trailing his fingers over the glass. It was a close-up picture showing him and Ginny staring into each other's faces. Ginny was holding Jayden. It was the day Jayden had been born. Draco replaced the picture where he'd gotten it from, and silently entered the bathroom.

The air was steamy and he could see Ginny's form through the glass of the shower. He removed his clothes and slid the glass to accommodate his entry into the shower. Her head snapped up realizing she had a guest in an otherwise private moment. Draco's arms wrapped around her waist and he lowered his head to kiss her. Ginny's hands gripped his arms and the kiss deepened. As he traced little circles with his fingers on her lower back, Draco pulled Ginny closer to him. She could feel the outline of his muscles as well as his other parts hardening in want for her. With a little pressure on her hips, Draco pinned her against the wall.

She placed her hands on his shoulders and with gentle pressure she pulled herself closer to his lips. Draco's hands went to Ginny's backside. He lifted her slowly and smoothly against the wall, as her legs went around his waist her arms circled his neck.

If the pressure of Draco's lips on her hadn't pinned her head to the wall, she would have thrown her head back in ecstasy as he entered her.

Ginny was in heaven. Draco's lips never once left hers while he gently thrust within her. The even, slow strokes were something she'd never been accustomed to as most males she'd been with were in such a hurry they didn't bother with gentleness. It was driving her mad. Mewls, grunts, and sighs of pleasure were all trapped in her throat as Draco continued his assault on her mouth.

She was close; he could feel her tensing and releasing against him where he was buried inside her. Her elbows were now propped on his shoulders and her hands had found purchase in his hair. She was kissing him back as madly as he was kissing her. Her inner muscles clamped down so hard he thought he might never escape. She tore her lips from his so the sounds of her orgasm could echo against the shower walls. Draco could have died as her muscles milked his cock. He kept thrusting languidly thinking his orgasm was quite a way off, but was taken by surprise as it burst forth with a force he'd never felt before. A string of expletives shot from his mouth into Ginny's shoulder as she kissed his forehead and held on for dear life. Draco gripped her backside as he pumped the remainder of his essence into her.

Between the gentle, sipping kisses that came after their lovemaking, Ginny spoke. Still pinned to the wall, she said, “You don't love me.”

He sucked on her upper lip and released it. “How can you be so sure?”

He brushed his lips down the side of her neck and sucked on her collarbone.

“You don't love me.”

“Never make statements you can't prove.” He pulled out of her and set her feet on the floor of the shower. They washed each other while placing errant kisses on various parts of each other's bodies. Stepping out of the shower, they dried each other and dressed for bed. Draco was taken aback when Ginny found her wand and placed a contraceptive charm on her belly.

“Can't take any chances, now can we?”

He nodded his assent disregarding the gnawing in his gut.

Given their exhaustion, both slept quite well that night.

-------

Nights at the Weasley-Malfoy residence continued much in the same manner for the next two years. Ginny still refused to make it her permanent place of residence much to Draco's chagrin. Jayden had progressed from an infant to a toddler and spent many of his nights in his new “big boy bed.” Draco missed sleeping with his son, but he was enormously pleased with the privacy it afforded him and his vivacious redhead.

He took his son to the park every Sunday, unless the weather wasn't up to par. He and Ginny enrolled Jayden in Little Wizard playgroup. Celebrations were held at the Manor most often, but Christmas was held at Draco and Ginny's home to avoid any fights between the paternal and maternal families.

Draco and Ginny were at home one evening in front of the Muggle television Draco had bought her for Christmas. Jayden was in bed and they were snuggling on the couch. Ginny was stretched out on the couch under a soft blanket lying on Draco's chest. His feet flexed in white cotton socks on the footstool. Draco's hand trailed lazily up and down Ginny's upper arm as her hand stroked over his chest.

“Hey, Gin?”

“Mm Hmm.”

“I have a ball that I have to attend next weekend.”

“And?”

“And I'd like you and Jayden to be there. He'd only enough to behave himself.”

Ginny remained silent and Draco shook her shoulder. “Gin?”

“Oh, of course I'll go. Jayden and I will go out tomorrow and find him dress robes.”

“Good.”

---------

The next day found Ginny in Diagon Alley. She'd found the cutest set of dress robes for Jayden, but she hadn't been able to find anything suitable for herself. She was beginning to get irritated with the extra bit of hips she'd acquired during pregnancy. She hadn't had a need for anything dressy in quite some time, and found that what used to fit her no longer did. She stood in front of one of the newer shops and sent up a prayer to the higher powers in hopes that she'd find something in this shop of last resort.

A hook-nosed, slim man with slicked back hair greeted her. “Hello, can I help you?”

“Yes, I need something to wear to a Ministry Ball. I've had no luck anywhere else. Please, can you help me?” The desperation in her voice startled even her.

“Of course. You have a lovely figure. You need something tasteful yet elegant, yes?”

“I don't know about my figure. Pregnancy did a number on it.” She glanced down at Jayden.

“Hello!” Jayden piped up enthusiastically.

“Well, hello there. What's your name?”

“Jayden William Malfoy. This is my Mum.”

“Well, aren't you the little helper?”

“Yes, sir. I a big boy. What's your name?”

The man knelt before the small, flaxen-haired boy. “My name is Theodore. Can you be a big helper and sit quietly while we make your Mummy beautiful?

“Yep. I a big boy.” Jayden stepped closer to Theodore and crooked his tiny index finger. “Come here. I tell you a secret.”

Theodore leaned into the little boy's mouth and listened to the hushed whispers. “Da said if I was a good boy, he'd take me in the sky. I have to be a good boy for Mummy or Da won't take me.”

“Oh, well I suggest you be a good boy then.” Theodore smiled at Jayden as he nodded enthusiastically.

Ginny looked suspiciously at the pair, but didn't have time to question either her son or Theodore as the dressmaker pulled her away by her wrist.

Jayden sat down quietly in the corner of the room while the man gave his Mum several dress robes to try on. This was going to take awhile, but he had to be a good boy.

Ginny was whirled into and out of several different fashionable dress robes, but none suited her the way she liked. Each one was sent through several different color-changing charms, but still no luck. Ginny had just put on a Muggle style dress Theodore had recommended, when she heard Jayden sob.

“Mummy, I try to be a good boy, but-.”

Ginny rushed over to her son and immediately realized what the problem was. She hadn't meant to bring him without his trainer's on that day, but with all the excitement she'd forgotten to change him into them.

“Oh, baby, it's okay. Mummy's sorry for ignoring you. It's okay.” She took her son into her arms and stroked his hair lightly.

“I-try-to be-to be-a good boy-Mummy.”

“Oh, baby, you're being Mummy's best boy today. This isn't anything that a Scourgify won't fix. It's all right, honey. Don't worry.”

“You won' tell Da I was a bad boy?” The crying boy seemed to become happier with this statement.

“No, baby, you weren't a bad boy. Mummy was a bad Mummy for ignoring you. Interrupting Mummy to go to the bathroom doesn't make you a bad boy and neither does you trying so hard to be a good boy that you had an accident.”

“Ohtay.”

“You tell Mummy the next time you have to go potty.”

“Ohtay.”

“Promise?”

“I promise, Mummy.”

“Okay. We'll be done here in a few minutes and then we'll go get ice cream like Mummy promised, okay?”

“Ohtay.”

Ginny cast the Scourgify charm on her son and turned to go back to the mirrors.

“Mummy?”

Ginny turned. “Yes, baby?”

“You look beauty-ful.”

Ginny smiled. “Thank you, baby.”

Theodore cleared his throat. “I do think we've found it.”

Ginny stepped up onto the raised podium in the middle of a bank of circular mirrors. Her mouth dropped open and she turned to see the dress from all angles. It was cut on the bias with a straight seam going across her chest. The strap went over one shoulder and met the other side of the dress after plunging to reveal most of her back. The seams were decorated with little white, twinkling gemstones and the skirt went down into a subtle flourish. It clung to her figure slightly, but not so much that it made her look like a tart. It swished when she walked and made her feel like sex on heels. Theodore showed her shoes with a four-inch heel also bejeweled in the same fashion as the dress.

Theodore made minor adjustments to the length and fit before Ginny nodded her approval. He wrapped up her purchases and Ginny paid him a generous gratuity.

Ginny and Jayden left the store with smiles on their faces and headed to Fortesque's for ice cream.

---------

Draco woke on the morning of the Ministry Gala with a smile on his face. Ginny had refused to stay at the house the night before. She said she'd had appointments to attend. She had dropped by and left Jayden with him, but he still missed Ginny.

She'd crawled into bed behind him that morning and given him a kiss on his neck. “I have to go to my appointment, but Jayden is in his bed. He hasn't had breakfast, so he'll be starving when he wakes up. His dress robes are in the closet. I'd appreciate it if you could get him ready. See you tonight.”

Draco had rolled over too slowly. He'd had every intention of trapping her in bed with him for at least a few minutes of “How's your Father”, but she'd been too quick for him. Merlin, she smelled good. She left that scent wherever she went and he loved it. He supposed it was a mix of her grapefruit shampoo, flowery body butter and the Muggle perfume she wore. It was intoxicating at any rate.

Fully awake, he roused himself from the bed just as Jayden bounded into the room and into his too aroused lap. Draco seized up in pain as his son went on babbling about how he was a good boy for Mum and how he got to go flying on Sunday.

As the pain subsided, Draco cracked open his eyes to find his son eyeing him expectantly.

“Da?”

“What Jade?”

“Can we?”

“Can we what?”

“Can we go up in the sky today?” Jayden held his arms out as if he were flying.

“You said you were good for Mummy while you were robe shopping?”

“Uh huh. I extra special good. I had an accident, but Mummy said it was ohtay,” Jayden babbled in his special brand of baby talk.

Draco nodded. “We'll have breakfast first. Why don't you find Nippy and ask if she can make us something.”

Jayden nodded and slid off the edge of the bed until his tiny feet reached the floor.

Draco's voice caught him at the door. “Jayden.”

“Uh huh?”

“Do not tell Nippy that we want ice cream for breakfast again, is that understood?”

Jayden looked at the floor pitifully and nodded his head.

“Tell her what you'd like, but it must be breakfast food.”

“Ohtay.”

Draco eyed Jayden suspiciously as his son suddenly seemed to have an idea and scampered off quickly.

Draco moved off the bed and decided a quick shower was in order. He had to relieve the lust Ginny had caused along with the ache his son had inflicted.

--------

Breakfast was a jovial affair. Nippy had caught onto Jayden's tricks early on, but still hadn't found the heart to deny him. She was happy he listened to his father, so she didn't have to go to Fortesque's this early in the morning again. French toast with powdered sugar and honey was served to both Malfoy men and they ate heartily.

After breakfast, Draco dressed himself and Jayden in warm clothes and they went flying. Ginny hated it when Draco took their son flying, but she'd consented when Draco had pouted.

They spent a majority of the day flying. Draco took his son to the ground when he'd fallen asleep. They both took a nap and then headed into Diagon Alley to pick up the new dress robes Draco had purchased for the occasion.

“I need a hair cut, little man.”

“Me too, Da.” Jayden pushed the hair out of his face mimicking his father.

“Alright, let's go get handsome for Mummy, shall we.”

“Yeah!”

-------

Ginny couldn't believe she'd subjected herself to this. Not that it was all bad, the massage had been very nice, but the charms for hair removal were not pleasant. Hermione had once told her how the Muggles did it and it left Ginny horrified. She preferred magical means since they seemed far less painful. Ginny had come in rather early this morning and it was nearing six o'clock. They'd given her a massage and inflicted so many hair removal charms on her she couldn't imagine having any hair left. They'd done her hair and make up. Now she just had to wait for her toes and nails to dry properly.

She'd gone to Theodore for a recommendation as to where to procure all of these services and this is the place he'd recommended. He'd called and made the appointments for her as she knew very little as to what went on in establishments such as these. She had listened while he described what he envisioned for her and told her where to go and what time to show up. She was eternally grateful.

The pedi-witch took her hand and cast one last charm on her to ensure her make up, hair, and polish remained unblemished, handed her the instructions for the charm to remove said coif and such, and bid her good day. She grabbed her dress and shoes, paid for the services and walked out the front door to an Apparation point.

Ginny Apparated into the house to find it empty, and she was grateful for that. No good the boys seeing her look incomplete. She went into the bathroom and hung her dress on a hook next to the shower. She caught a glance of herself and was floored. She looked beautiful, even if she did say so herself. Her hair was in an elegant up-do and her make up was flawless and natural, but still striking. She couldn't believe the transformation. She heard the pop of an Apparation and heard her son ask Draco if she was home.

“Gin?”

“Mummy?”

“I'm in the bathroom. Don't come in here!”

“Alright, we'll be ready as soon as I get Jayden cleaned up and we get dressed.”

“Okay.”

Ginny heard whispering, a few moments of silence, and then a little knock at the door. “Mummy?”

“Da's not with you, is he, poppet?”

“No, Mummy, jus' me.”

Ginny opened the door and let her son in the bathroom.

“What do you need, poppet?”

“Da and I went up in the sky today!”

“Did you?”

“Yes, Mummy! Then we got Da's clothes and I got a hair cut like a big boy!”

“I see that. You look very handsome.”

“Thank you, Mummy. You look beauty-ful. I go tell Da so.”

“Alright, baby. Go with Da and get ready.”

“Ohtay.” Jayden left the bathroom and went back to his father.

“Everything okay, little man?”

“You gotta tell Mummy she's beauty-ful. She likes when you tell her that.”

“Alright, little man. Let's go get the ice cream off your face and get dressed.”

--------

“Gin, what's taking so long,” Draco shouted from the living room.

“I'll be out in a minute.” Truthfully, Ginny had been ready for quite a while, but couldn't stop looking at herself in the mirror. She hadn't ever looked so elegant and couldn't believe she was looking at herself. She'd cast anti-charms and every spell she knew to make the mirror stop showing her a false impression, but the image hadn't changed.

She finally decided that she did look that gorgeous. She was thrilled. Exiting the bathroom she made her way down the hallway and stairs to the living room.

Draco couldn't believe his eyes. She looked stunning. He never knew a Muggle dress could look so beautiful. Jayden pulled on Draco's dress robes and crooked his little finger to signify a secret was about to be told.

Draco leaned down and the little boy whispered, “Don' forget, Da.”

Ginny descended the rest of the stairs as Draco stood with their son holding on to one hand. He offered her his other arm. “You look stunning, Gin.”

“Thank you. You aren't so bad yourself.”

“You look so ravishing I might not want to take that dress off you later,” his voice toned with lust.

“Maybe I won't give you the option.”

“You can't withstand my charms.”

“Of course I can, but we'll see if I feel like resisting them later. We're late.”

Draco nodded and picked up his son. Ginny held her wand out and gripped onto Draco's arm Apparating them to the Ministry Ball.

The evening was going momentously well. Jayden was being extremely well behaved as he was escorted, via his mother's hip to and from different groups Draco felt it pertinent for them to meet. Ginny was amazed that most of the people they were introduced to were “Pleased to meet her" and “Had heard so much about her and her son."

Narcissa arrived so late it almost wasn't fashionable, but hurried over to her grandson and freed him from his Mother's grasp.

“Go enjoy yourself for a little while. Get a drink. Make Draco dance with you. I'll keep an eye on my tired, little grandson.” Jayden tucked his head into the nook of Narcissa's neck and continued sleeping.

Draco's hand found the small of Ginny's back. “Mother has a wonderful idea. Let's dance, shall we?”

Draco didn't wait for a reply as he led Ginny out onto the dance floor. The orchestra began to play a waltz and the couple swayed in step to the music.

“Having a good time?”

“I am. I do rather enjoy all the compliments I've gotten about how smashing I look. It pays to spend an entire day in a salon.”

“You didn't have to do that. You're smashing without all the trimmings.”

Ginny blushed. “Thank you. It was murder trying to find something to fit over my hips. I didn't realize how much my body had changed. I haven't had a reason to get dressed up since before Jayden was born.”

“Well, it's a raving success.”

“Thank you.”

The music ended and Draco escorted Ginny off the dance floor. He made his way over to the group they had been talking to before dancing and took back up in the conversation.

“Excuse me, but I'm going to go get a drink.”

“I can get it for you.”

“No, Draco, it's fine. I'm capable of getting it myself. Stay and chat.”

Draco nodded and Ginny made her way over to the bar. She'd been on her feet the entire night and most of it with a toddler on her hip. Regardless of what charms had been placed on the shoes she wore, her legs were killing her. She sat on a stool at the bar as the bartender waited on his last patron.

“What'll you have, miss?”

“It's been ages since I had a drink. What do the society types typically order?”

“Wine that they don't really drink.”

“Ah. Why don't you surprise me with something other than wine? Nothing too strong either, if you don't mind. I haven't had much to eat-this dress wouldn't fit properly if I had.” They both laughed and the bartender mixed her drink.

“My name is Mike. What's yours?”

“Ginny Weasley. Nice to meet you, Mike.” She extended her hand with the intention of shaking his, but he pulled her hand up to his mouth and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. Ginny blushed furiously.

“So, what brings you here, Ginny?”

“Oh, my son's father works closely with the Ministry and wanted us to accompany him this evening.”

“Your son's father? You aren't married?”

“No, we're not. It's a long story.”

“Alright. You have a boyfriend, Ginny?”

Ginny hesitated. “No, I don't.”

The conversation was light, but continued from there. Mike was a nice guy and he seemed to like her well enough. That's the reason why when he asked if he could take her out sometime, she gave him permission to owl her at the Burrow. Draco appeared during that moment in the conversation and asked for another Fire Whiskey.

“Alright, Gin?”

“I'm fine. Can I have another as well?” Ginny downed the drink in front of her.

Mike handed both their drinks.

“Thank you,” both said in unison.

“It was nice talking to you, Mike.”

“Same here, Ginny.”

Ginny walked away from Mike with Draco's hand on her back once again.

They talked amiably with much animation and laughter for the next couple of hours. As it neared midnight, Ginny couldn't take the aching in her legs any longer.

Her hand was tucked in the curve of Draco's arm, so she merely squeezed a little to get his attention.

He looked down at her with an arched eyebrow and leaned his ear close to her mouth.

“These shoes are killing me, Draco. Would it be rude to leave? You can stay if you want, I can just get Jayden and we'll go on home.”

Draco nodded negatively, but she wasn't sure to what. His arm snaked around her waist and held her tight to his side. Finally, he began making his apologies and bid his associates a good evening.

“I'm sorry that took so long, but yes, it would have been rude to leave right then. Unless our child was in serious distress, it would have been frowned upon for you to leave without saying good-bye to everyone and, most especially, to the host. In this case, the Ministry is the host, so you can get away with just saying good-bye to everyone else.”

She nodded and leaned into his shoulder. They made their way around the room with Ginny considerably shorter than she had been earlier in the evening. She patted Draco's chest pocket to make sure that her shrunken shoes were still present and continued to tell all her new acquaintances that she'd had a lovely time.

They reacquired their son from Narcissa and promised they'd come over for tea the following day. Once home, they put Jayden to bed, and made a mad dash for the shower. It wasn't until Draco's hands had freed her from her dress and began to let down her hair did she remember the anti-charms to release her hair from its servitude and vanquish the make up from her face.

She rummaged around in her bag to find the instructions. Draco snatched them from her hand once she was back in the bathroom. He muttered the incantation and removed the pins and clips holding her hair up. He massaged her scalp as her hair fell down around his fingers. He pulled the hair to one side and kissed her shoulder and neck.

“Do you realize how beautiful you looked tonight?”

“No. Show me.” Draco hoisted her into his arms and carried her to bed hell-bent on showing her exactly what she asked.

-->

15. Raging

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

~~~~

Chapter 14

The next day found Draco and Jayden running around after a football on the grassy patch beside the rose garden. Ginny and Narcissa sat at a table under a shade tree sipping tea. Beside Ginny's plate sat a rose Draco had handpicked for her.

“Did you have a pleasant evening?”

“It was much more enjoyable than I ever thought it would be.”

“I'm glad. Usually those events are so dull, but I have to admit, I did have a rather good time showing off my grandson.”

“He was sleeping practically the whole time! I think the excitement got to him.”

“He woke up for a bit while you and Draco were dancing. He charmed some of the other wives for quite some time.”

“Did he?”

“He's got his father's penchant for women.”

Ginny smirked. She knew about the Malfoy charm all too well. She stared over at Draco rolling around on the ground with their son. So un-Malfoy-like. I wonder what he'll say about the grass stains.

“Ginny, I'd like to share something with you.”

Ginny focused on Narcissa instead of her son and his father.

“I've never seen Draco quite as happy to be alive as he has been in the past two years. I'm grateful to you for that.”

“I'm sure it has very little to do with me and more to do with our son.”

“Jayden has a lot to do with it, but you should take most of the credit.”

“I'm glad he's happy.”

“I am as well. I'd like to see you just as happy, though you aren't.”

“I'm not?”

“No, you're not. I see the vacant expression in your eyes on occasion. I'd like to know if there is anything that can be done about that.”

“I don't know what you're talking about, Narcissa.”

“Have you and Draco talked about your relationship?”

“What relationship? We raise our son together. That's all.”

“If there isn't a relationship there, why don't either one of you seek out another?”

Ginny sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose between her thumb and forefinger. “I've asked myself that question so many times I've lost count.”

“And?”

“And I'm as useless for answers as you are.”

“Ah.”

“A man at the Ball did ask if he could take me out.”

Narcissa leaned forward excitedly. “And?”

“And I told him he could owl me. I haven't been home yet, but I doubt he will. Right after he asked, Draco came to the bar for another drink.”

“The bartender asked if he could take you out?”

“Yes, his name is Mike. He's a very nice bloke. Not too hard on the eyes, either.”

Narcissa laughed. “He was rather fetching. If he does contact you, what will you say?”

“I don't know. I should probably try to find some semblance of a relationship.”

“I think that's a wise move, Ginny. You deserve to find love, and if my son can't give it to you, then you should find it elsewhere.”

Ginny heard her own voice in her mind, “You don't love me.” She remembered that night, and she also remembered what Draco had said in response to her statement, “Never make statements you can't prove.”

Just then Draco and Jayden came barreling up to the table. Jayden jumped into Ginny's lap and started kissing her face from the front while Draco grabbed her sides and began tickling her. Ginny twitched and contorted her body in an attempt to get away from Draco's hands, but wasn't able to until her son vacated her lap in favor of his Grandmum's outstretched arms.

Ginny stood and spun around. “You're in for it now!”

“I'm certain I am.”

Draco took off towards the grass with Ginny in hot pursuit. He grabbed her around the waist to pick her up and swung her around in a circle. Narcissa could hear their laughter and it made her smile. They don't know it yet, but they'll figure it out.

“Do you want a biscuit, Poppet?”

“No, I want to play with Mummy and Da.”

“Leave them be for a few minutes and sit with Grandmum. Tell me about flying with Da.”

Jayden's eyes grew large as he went into an animated tale of how he and his father had gone flying the day before.

Draco continued spinning Ginny, until she managed to get free of his grasp. She ran across the grass until Draco tackled her and then ended up rolling down a small hill. Laughing and breathing hard, they looked into each other's eyes. Draco lifted his fingers to Ginny's temple and brushed a few red strands from her face and leaned down to kiss her. Ginny's hands went to Draco's back and traced large circles over the smooth muscle. The kiss was broken when they heard Jayden's voice calling for them.

Draco stood up, pulling Ginny with him. “Go back to Grandmum, Jade. Mummy and I are going for a walk.”

“Ohtay,” Jayden muttered in a downtrodden voice.

Although it was a bright sunny day, the path through the woods was shady and secluded. They pushed each other up against various trees to ravage lips, petted each other in embraces that took just a little too long, and gave furtive glances to the other in the midst of these small physical gratifications.

Once they were far enough down the path to avoid any embarrassing voyeurism, Draco shoved Ginny up against a tree trunk and began sucking on her neck. His hands caressed her breasts through her shirt and moans of pure pleasure fell from Ginny's lips. She could feel him, hard as a rock, through his causal clothes and the burning need to have him was well ensconced between her thighs. Her agile hands went down his back and around his sides, causing him to shudder. She undid his belt with practiced ease and pushed his pants and undergarments down over his hips. He pushed her cardigan over her shoulders before she lifted her arms and he pulled her shirt over her head. He attacked her neck again and let his tongue slide down onto one nipple.

“If I've never told you before, you have truly magnificent tits.”

“Thank you. Enough talk.”

She grabbed the back of his head and pushed him back into position as he undid the snaps of her pants. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her up to him as he stepped out of his pants. He thrust his tongue in her mouth as they sunk to the ground without separating. He knelt between her thighs and wrapped an arm around her as to facilitate gentle placement on the ground and aimlessly swept the earth beneath her. As soon as Ginny was deposited safely onto the ground, he attached his mouth to hers to squelch any cries she might made and drove into her.

Ginny's legs wrapped around Draco's waist, as she tried to keep up with his thrusts. Their orgasms came quickly and with a cacophony of sounds from both parties.

They lay there on the ground for several minutes catching their collective breath.

“That was brilliant. Didn't I tell you the sex was fabulous?”

“I never said I didn't believe you.”

He kissed her one last time before they separated and began the search for their clothes and wands. Ginny lifted her wand to cast the contraceptive charm when Draco grabbed her hand.

“Draco, what are you doing?”

“Don't cast the charm, Gin.”

“Why not? I don't think we need another baby.”

“Maybe we don't need one, but don't you want another?”

“Of course I want another, but hopefully I'll be married to the bloke first. I've never tried the marriage then kids bit, so I thought it might be the way to go next time.”

“Gin—“

“What, Draco? You don't love me. I deserve to find someone who does. Did you think this situation was going to last forever? You're going to meet a witch that strikes your fancy someday and, hopefully, I'll meet a wizard that does it for me as well.”

“What if I don't want to meet another witch?”

“You don't have to. You can be a bachelor for your entire life if you want to, but I do want to get married and have more children someday. I can't keep having your babies if I want that to happen.”

“What if I don't want you to meet another bloke?”

“Draco, that doesn't matter. I deserve someone who loves me and who wants to make a life with me.”

“What have we been doing, Gin? We have a life together. And who says I don't love you?”

“We do have a life together, but I need more. It's not just finding someone who loves me; it's about finding someone who is in love with me. Don't worry, Draco, it's not going to affect your relationship with Jayden.”

Draco remained silent. He nodded his head and buttoned his shirt. He found his wand and cast Scourgify spells on both of them in several different places. Ginny stood there not knowing what to say, but merely followed as Draco made his way out of the woods towards the Manor.

Draco gathered Jayden's things and packed them in the little bag they had brought with his things. Ginny said her goodbyes to Narcissa and promised to bring Jayden by later in the week. Draco pulled his son up to his side and put an arm around Ginny as he Apparated them back to the house.

When they returned to the house, Draco wandered upstairs into the bedroom and shut the door. Ginny was at a loss. What was she supposed to say? Was she supposed to tell him that life could continue as it had forever? She wanted more. She deserved more. It occurred to her this was one of the nights she and Jayden normally stayed at the house, but she wasn't feeling very welcome at the moment.

“What's wrong with Da?”

“I don't know, baby. Maybe he needs a hug. Why don't you go give him one?”

“Ohtay.” Jayden toddled up the stairs while holding onto the rail with a death grip. He opened the door to find his Da face down in a pillow. He crawled up onto the bed and laid his head beside his Da.

“What's wrong?”

Draco rolled his head to the side. “Nothing, little man, I'm just not feeling well. Why don't you and your Mum stay at the Burrow tonight? If I'm coming down with something, I don't want you or Mummy to catch it, okay?”

Jayden looked at his father and his shoulders slumped. “But I wanted to stay with you.”

“Tomorrow night, little man. As long as it's okay with your Mum, you can stay tomorrow night.”

“Ohtay,” Jayden said dejectedly.

“Go tell Mum.”

“Ohtay.” Jayden gave pitiful look.

“What, little man?”

The toddler wrapped himself around Draco as best he could, given the situation. “Mummy gives me sugars when I'm sad. Maybe it might make you feel better, too.”

Draco circled his arms around his son. “Ooh, ooh, oh—Da feels all better now.”

Jayden smiled and slipped off the bed. “Ohtay, I'll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay, little man. Be good for Mummy.”

When Jayden returned to Ginny he told her what Draco had said. “Da's sick, Mummy.”

Ginny accepted the answer and Apparated home to the Burrow.

Molly looked up from the stove where she was cooking dinner. “Oh, Ginny, dear! I didn't expect you home tonight.”

“Da's sick,” Jayden explained.

“Does he have a touch of the flu? It's been going around.”

“I don't know, Mum. Jayden, take your bag upstairs and go play outside with your cousins.”

“Ohtay.”

When Jayden had come back downstairs and run outside, Ginny flopped down in a chair at the table.

“Ginny, is something bothering you?”

“I don't know.”

“Did you and Draco have another row?”

“Yes—No—Maybe—I think so.”

“What about this time, dear?”

“I met a man at the Ball and I told him he could Floo me.”

“And that upset Draco?”

“No, he doesn't even know that part. I just told him that someday I'd like to have more children and that I wanted to find someone that was in love with me instead of just existing with someone who loved me as a person. It wasn't those exact words, but that was the general idea.”

“That makes sense, dear. Not all men are afraid of commitment. Some even relish in it.”

“It's not that Draco is afraid of commitment, he does really well with Jayden. It's just that he isn't in love with me, and that's okay. I just want more, even if he's content with what he has.”

“Well, of course he's content, Ginny. You spend a few nights a week there, you help with keeping the house up and you're there for him when he gets home. You cook his supper on most nights and you're there to help with Jayden. He has the best of both worlds. He has the family life and the single life all rolled up into one. Let me ask you a question, Ginny? Where does he end up when he doesn't work late and you're here?”

“He comes over here to play with Jayden.”

“Right. And when he's done playing with Jayden?”

“Sometimes he sleeps here. Sometimes I go back with him. Sometimes he goes home alone.”

“Right, but what happens far more often than not?”

“I go back to the house with him.” Molly gave Ginny a knowing look. “What, Mum? He pouts if I don't. I can't take the pouting. It's easier just to let him have his way.”

“But ask yourself this, Gin-bug: Why do you care whether he pouts or not? You haven't ever caved because your brothers pouted. You rarely give in when your nephews or Jayden pout. You give it to it so infrequently, Jayden hardly pouts at all.”

“I'm not following you, Mum.”

“Think about it and I'm sure you'll come up with an answer.”

--------

Ginny and Jayden stayed at the house the next night. Draco didn't speak to Ginny out of anything but necessity and got up from bed right after she'd crawled in. She found him asleep on the couch the next morning.

When she went back to the Burrow, she waited for Draco to appear after work, but he never did. Molly told her he flooed for Jayden during the afternoon while Ginny had been taking a nap, but that was the only word they'd had from him.

On the sixth day of the silent treatment Ginny had had enough. She'd been alternating between feeling like she was repulsive and like she just plain didn't exist. She left Jayden with Molly and went to the house. Draco wasn't there. She went to his office. No dice. She flooed Narcissa, who told her the wards were down and to Apparate over.

“Ginny! Where's Jayden?”

“I left him with Mum. I've been trying to find Draco. I think he and I need to have a talk.”

“He's gone away on business, dear. I wonder why he didn't tell you. It was rather sudden; it probably just slipped his mind. He'll be in Italy for two weeks.”

“Oh.”

“Well, come sit and have tea.”

“All right.”

--------

Draco was miserable. This was Italy. It was beautiful and sunny and warm. He used the excuse of business, even though they didn't need him here nearly as badly as he'd let on. He hadn't told Ginny where he'd gone and felt awful for leaving Jayden. He'd Flooed and his little man had understood that Da had to work. It tore his heart out. He was getting so grown up.

When he'd asked Ginny why she cast the Contraceptive Charm after every time they made love, he'd expected her to say something to the effect of, “I didn't think you wanted any more children.” To which he could have responded with a definite affirmative in the children department and they would live happily ever after.

But she wanted love. He thought she'd known he loved her for quite some time now. He'd used the Ministry Ball as her and his son's coming out, and he thought she'd understood that.

He'd never said the words, but he'd shown her on multiple occasions how much he loved her. Maybe she was right; maybe he wasn't in love with her. Perhaps his mother was right as well — maybe he just liked the idea of Ginny. He'd really run to Italy to figure out what it was that he wanted; what it was he felt.

He'd been there for twelve days and his conclusion on this particular day was the same conclusion he'd come up with on the first. He packed his bags and went to the Portkey Authority. He was cutting his business trip short.

------

He Apparated home, dropped off his bags and Apparated straight out again.

He appeared in the dining room of the Burrow and called out, “Jayden! Ginny! I'm home early!”

Molly appeared from the backyard. “Oh, Draco! How nice to see you, dear. How was your trip?”

“It was fine, Mrs. Weasley. Where is my son? And Ginny?”

“Oh, they aren't here, dear. They've gone out for ice cream with that Mike fellow.”

“Mike?”

“Yes, Ginny met him at the Ministry thing you took her to. He'd been Flooing or owling everyday for a week wanting to take her out. I think they finally went out three or four days ago, but today he asked if he could take her for ice cream. Jayden overheard and asked to go as well.”

Draco's temper rose by several degrees. His son was out with Ginny and this Mike bloke? The nerve of her! She was sitting here frolicking about with some random bloke she'd met while out with him and now she was taking their son along for the ride.

“Draco, dear, are you all right? You look a little peaked. Have you eaten today?”

Draco shook his head to clear his thoughts. “No, ma'am, I haven't. I should be going anyway.”

“No, dear, stay for supper. I'm making your favorite, as it turns out.”

“That would be lovely, Mrs. Weasley. Thank you.”

--------

Draco sat and waited. Mrs. Weasley kept insisting he was too thin and cramming him full of more food. Ginny was taking her sweet time, wasn't she? “Probably off sucking face with what's his name,” Draco thought morbidly.

Just then, he heard the floo flare up. “Mum, we're home.”

Draco walked into the kitchen as Ginny was casting cleaning charms on both her and his son—and some bloke.

“Sorry we're late, but Mike took us to see a picture in London. I invited him home—“ Ginny locked eyes with Draco, “—for dinner. Hello, Draco. You aren't supposed to be home for two more days.”

“I cut my trip short. I missed my son.” Jayden bounded up into his father's arms while Draco gave Ginny a cold stare. “Has he eaten?”

“No, we came home for dinner.”

Mike cleared his throat sensing the tense mood. “Maybe I should go. We'll have dinner another night.”

“No, Mike, it's fine. Stay, please.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I'm sure. Mum, Draco, this is Mike.”

“Hello, Mike. I hope you're hungry,” Molly said while ushering him to the kitchen table.

Ginny walked slowly past Draco into the kitchen.

Draco thought he had been stuffed before, but he could surely fit a little more in, couldn't he? For the sake of appearances, he was sure he could.

Draco sat down at the place he had just vacated. Jayden had refused to release his hold on Draco, so Draco went about making room for Jayden's plate beside his own.

Weasley boys kept coming in and out nicking various items off the table as after-dinner snacks. Molly and Arthur were sitting at the table with Ginny, Mike, Jayden and Draco, tucking it to their suppers avidly. Draco observed the dinner conversation. He also observed the light touches and glances thrown towards Ginny from the man to her right. Draco's wand hand itched to hex the git's arm straight off.

“Da, we went to see movies today!”

“Did you, little man?”

“Uh huh. We had ice cream, too!”

“Wow, you must have been a good boy while Da was away, huh?” Jayden nodded his head furiously. “Eat your supper, little man. We have to go in a little while.”

“Go, where are you going?” Ginny asked.

“Home, of course. I haven't seen my family in nearly two weeks.” He looked pointedly at Mike. Mike's arm fell from where it had been rubbing small circles on Ginny's back.

“I'd better get going. Thank you so much for the wonderful meal, Mrs. Weasley. I hope we can do it again soon. I'll show myself out.” He brushed a kiss across Ginny's cheek and waved to Jayden, who returned his wave with enthusiasm.

“He seems a little hyperactive, Ginny. Why did you let him eat ice cream before dinner?”

“Mike?”

“No, our son.”

“Oh, he's not hyper, he's just excited. We had a good time didn't we, Poppet?”

“Uh huh. We saw movies!”

“You like movies, do you, little man?”

“Uh huh.”

“Well, we'll have to start going to see more movies then, won't we?”

“Yeah!”

Tense silence filled the room as Ginny and Draco shot each other death glares over the table.

“Da, I'm full.”

“You've barely eaten anything.”

“But I'm full.”

“All right, but don't expect dessert until you've finished your dinner. Gin, we've leaving soon.”

Molly wrapped up the rest of Jayden's dinner along with some leftovers for Draco and gave them each a large hug. Ginny went upstairs and packed bags for both herself and Jayden when Draco appeared in her doorway.

“Jayden is downstairs waiting. Is his bag ready?”

“Yeah, I think we're ready to go.”

“We? Jayden was the only one coming to stay with me or so I thought. I assumed you'd rather go out with your new friend Mike than spend a night with your family.”

“What are you implying, Draco?”

“I'm implying that while I've been away you've been acting like nothing better than a common streetwalker and that you're now dragging our son into it.”

Ginny's ears were violet and the blush was rising in her cheeks. “How dare you speak to me like that, Draco. You leave town without even telling me and I go out with one man and take our son with me one time and I'm a streetwalker? Are you insane?”

“No, I'm not insane. I'm simply calling it like I see it. We sleep together mere hours before I leave on a two week business trip and within that time you're already cavorting with another man? What would you call it?”

“Do you not listen to a word I say? Honestly, Draco, put your fucking listening ears on. I told you that I have to find a man that loves me. I have no intention of dying an unmarried woman. I want to have more children. I want to get married. This situation cannot last forever.”

Draco stood silently in front of Ginny. He had the odd urge to shake her. He was in no mindset to be around another living thing. “You keep Jayden tonight, but I'll be back for him in the morning.”

Before Ginny could stop him, Draco had Apparated out of the house.

---------

Before Draco knew it, he was tearing his house apart for the second time. He tossed over the couch, uprooted the coffee table and threw the remote through the screen of Ginny's Muggle television. He'd thrown all the clothes out of the closets and pulled the sheets off the bed. The mattress was half way across the room and all of Ginny's toiletries were broken on the bathroom floor. The only room he left untouched belonged to his son, and that's where he fell, exhausted and void of emotion. He'd lost the strength to be angry or happy or sad. He fell into a deep sleep on his son's big boy bed.

He had a dream that he and Ginny were happy. They were happy together and there was no Mike. There were no other blokes and they were happy in their little home with their son. It was a happy place where he didn't have to beg Ginny to come home with him three or four nights a week. It was a place where she loved him. Draco liked it there.

He awoke crying. He wasn't quite sure why, but it pissed him off all over again. He went into the house and destroyed everything that hadn't previously been destroyed. He was in the kitchen smashing the dishes Ginny had picked out only months before when he heard his son's voice in the living room.

Draco turned around and flew into the living room. Jayden shouldn't be up this late and he wasn't allowed to use the Floo yet, but he watched as his son came tumbling through the Floo onto the living room floor.

“Jayden, would you like to explain to me what the fuck you're doing here? Or what the hell you're doing using the Floo without your Mum helping you? Or what the bloody hell you're doing up this late?”

Jayden's chin trembled in the sight of his father's anger. “Da, I had an accident. Mummy is crying and my sugars didn't help. You have to give them to her to make it better.”

“Fine, Jayden, but what were you doing using the Floo without Mummy or Grandmum there with you?”

“Mummy is crying so she can't help and Grandmum was asleep. I'm a big boy. Big boys use the Floo by themselves!”

Draco bent down and grabbed his son's shoulders. “You are never to use the Floo by yourself ever again. EVER. Do you understand me?”

“Uh huh. Are we going to give Mummy sugars now?”

“No, son. My sugars won't fix Mummy now.”

“Why not?”

“Because I said so, son. I can't take you back tonight, so you're going to have to sleep here. Go up to your room and watch out for glass on the floor, please.”

“You need sugars, Da.”

“No, I don't, son.”

“Ohtay.”

“Go to bed, please. I'll owl your Mum.”

Jayden went up the stairs carefully avoiding anything that might house glass and went into his room.

Draco sat down to write Ginny a letter.

Ginny—

Our son arrived at our home by Floo just a few minutes ago. He's fine and he's in bed. I had plans for the two of us tomorrow, so I'll bring him home the day after tomorrow.

It has come to the point where our situation is hurting our child. You were right. I thought this situation could continue forever, but it can't. Unfortunately, our son had to make his way up to bed amongst many broken articles that used to decorate our home. You have a way of making me go into rages. I'm sorry our son had to see that.

I'm also sorry that you're crying. I wish we could fix whatever is broken in our relationship, but I don't think either one of us knows how to do that. Jayden may suggest sugars as being the remedy to cure all wounds, but giving each other sugar was never our problem, was it?

I suggest we have dinner sometime later this week to discuss some sort of a custody arrangement.

-Draco

Draco sealed the note with his crest and called his owl. He attached the letter to her leg and went about cleaning up his house. He'd let Ginny have what she wanted and give the rest away. The house could be redecorated at a later date to ensure the eradication of her memory.

Draco pulled himself up the stairs after repairing the damage he'd wreaked on his residence. He went into his son's room and curled up in bed with him. Maybe sugars were the answer, after all.

-->

16. The Birthday Party

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

~~~~

Chapter15

“DRACO MALFOY, GET YOUR ARSE DOWN HERE RIGHT NOW!”

These were the words that began Draco's second day of hell.

“What in the bloody hell do you want, you shrieking banshee?” Draco yelled from the top of the stairs. Draco walked down the stairs to confront her face-to-face.

“I want my child! And I want a fucking explanation!”

Jayden peeked out from behind his father. “Mummy! You swore! Grandmum's going to spank your bottom!”

“Hush, Jayden. What the hell were you thinking using the Floo without Mummy or Grandmum there? You could have been lost or hurt—what the bloody hell were you thinking?”

Jayden cowered behind his father who was offering very little protection. “I just wanted you to stop crying. Da's sugars make it all better.”

“He came to get me so I could come give you sugars, Gin. Said his sugars didn't make it any better so he thought I should come give you sugars.”

“Jayden, baby, thank you for the thought, but that isn't any excuse to blatantly go against the rules. Come here, we're going back to the Burrow.”

“No! I want to stay with Da!”

Draco spun around. “Listen to me, little man. You're never to talk back to your mother like that. Are we understood?” Jayden nodded his head. “Now apologize to your Mum.”

“I'm sorry for talking back, Mummy.”

“Apology accepted. Now, come down here. I'm taking you back to the Burrow.” She hauled Jayden up on her hip and gave a pointed glare to Draco. “We'll finish this when I get back.”

“Can't wait,” Draco responded dryly.

Ginny arrived at the Burrow, gave Molly strict instructions as to what Jayden was allowed and was not allowed to do until she returned. She quickly Apparated back to the house.

She stood in the living room and heard no signs of life. She stalked up the stairs and threw open the bedroom door to find Draco lying in their bed with his hands behind his head.

She jumped onto the bed and straddled Draco. “What the fuck do you think you're doing? You come home early from a business trip you told me nothing about, and then antagonize my date in my own home?”

“What the fuck do I think I'm doing? What the fuck do I think I'm doing? Get the hell off me, woman!” Draco sat up and tossed Ginny off of him. He stood up and began pacing around the room. “What the fuck I think I'm doing is trying to save my family. I don't understand why we can't just continue on the way we were. Everything was fine. There is nothing stopping us from having more children or living together. Why does everything have to be tainted? I love you.”

“You do not love me.”

“I do love you.”

“You do not!”

“DO TOO!”

“DO NOT!”

“Fuck it. Bugger this to hell! I do love you, and I don't care if you believe it or not!”

“You aren't in love with me and that's what I need, you evil little troll! So, why do you have to make this so hard for me! If you loved me at all, you'd want me to be happy, not just sit here with you and pretend it's all I want in the world! It's all you want, so you selfishly think that's what works for everyone! But it doesn't work for me!”

“What about our son? Doesn't it work for him?” Draco pleaded.

“It probably does. He had both his parents together, loving him. But I would wager that eventually he's going to catch on to the fact that this isn't how things are supposed to be. He's going to realize that Mums are supposed to love Das and Das are supposed to love Mums. They aren't just supposed to be friends who fuck a lot!”

“We don't fuck a lot,” Draco replied.

“We do, too. What the hell would you call it?”

“We don't fuck. What we do isn't that vulgar.”

“Well, what the fuck would you call it then?”

“I don't know; I just wouldn't call it fucking.”

“Whatever. Call it what you want, but I want to be in love. I'm never going to find it if we continue on like this. It's ridiculous.”

“Fine. I'm through fighting with you.”

“Fine.”

They sat there silently just staring at each other for the longest time.

“What are we going to do?” Ginny asked.

“I guess you should move your things out. Whatever you don't want, you can give away. Leave Jayden's things or take them. We'll buy new for whichever place doesn't have the right stuff.”

“All right.”

“He can stay with you three nights one week and two the next. I'd like to have him on Sundays— you can have him on Saturdays. You can drop him off Saturday nights if you want to.”

“All right.”

“Take him to my Mum's once a week if you could. I'd appreciate it.”

“Of course. Narcissa and I have tea once or twice a week, anyway.”

“That's it, I suppose. The dissolution of our family and our happy home. We were happy for a little while, weren't we?”

“We had our moments,” Ginny replied.

“Okay, then. I'll help you pack if you want.”

“Okay.”

And so they began to pack Ginny's things. By late afternoon, they had finished and Ginny had instructed Draco where she wanted everything sent. He agreed to have to done the following day. She went home and he started sending her pertinent articles through the Floo and she placed them around the living room.

“Ginny, dear, what's going on?”

“I moved out of the house with Draco. We've decided that it's too difficult on us and not good for Jayden. We're just going to share time with him and Draco is going to help with expenses.”

“Oh, Ginny, I'm so sorry. Do you want to talk about it?”

“No, Mum. I'd just like to get the rest of my stuff and go to bed.”

“All right then. I left some tea steeping in the kitchen if you'd like some.”

“Thanks, Mum. I'll see you in the morning.”

-------

Months passed. Jayden was turning four in a matter of days and Narcissa was planning his birthday party. She passed Ginny yet another small square of cake.

“Ginny, are you paying attention?”

“Oh, I'm sorry.” Ginny popped the piece of cake in her mouth. “It's good.”

“You've said that about the last twenty samples, dear. We really do need to decide on a flavor for the party. It's in just a few days, you know.”

“I know. Just pick one. I trust your judgment. He likes chocolate. Any of them will do.”

“Ginny, is something bothering you?”

“Nothing more than usual.”

“Are you having problems with Mike?”

“Mike and I are over.”

“Good heavens! Why?”

“He proposed and I said no.”

“Oh, Ginny, congratulations! Wait—you said no?”

“Yes.”

“You said yes or you said no.”

“I said no.”

“Why on earth did you turn him down? I thought everything was going so well.”

“It was going well. I'm just not ready to get married.”

“I rather thought that was the whole point,” Narcissa scolded.

“It was. I just wasn't ready to marry him.”

“And who are you ready to marry, dear?”

“I don't know, it just wasn't him,” Ginny lamented.

“Oh. Well, then, let's change the subject to something a little less sensitive, shall we?”

“That would be good.”

“Any news about where your new flat will be?”

“I found a nice place in London not too far from work and close to Jayden's new school. It's a bit out of my price range, but I'll manage. Draco said he'd pay for Jayden's schooling, so I should be able to swing it.”

“What's it like?”

“It's nice. Big kitchen, two bedrooms, only one bathroom though. It has lots of windows. I like that. It's a Muggle building, so it has electricity. I've become rather attached to television.”

“It sounds lovely, dear. How are you going to decorate it?”

“I'm not sure, but I'll figure it out. Nothing too fancy at first, money is kind of tight for that sort of thing. I mean, I have quite a bit saved up, but it's going to have to last.”

Narcissa looked thoughtful. “Ginny, don't worry about decorating it. You deserve a nice flat. I'll send over my decorator and you pick whatever you want. Consider it a gift.”

“That's very nice of you, Narcissa, but it's too much. I couldn't accept it.”

“Nonsense, it's my pleasure and I insist.”

“It's no use arguing with you, is it?”

“No, I'm quite stubborn when I set my sights on what I want. A family trait, from what I understand.”

Ginny nodded, but missed Narcissa's underlying meaning. She half-heartedly went through the rest of the various aspects of the party Narcissa wanted her opinion on.

-------

“Mummy! Wake up, Mummy! It's my BIRTHDAY!” Jayden jumped into the middle of Ginny's stomach.

“Oof! Jayden, are you trying to kill Mummy?”

“No, I wouldn't try to kill you. I love you.” Jayden smiled a white-toothed grin.

“Good, because it just so happens that I love you too. Give Mummy sugars.” Jayden showered Ginny with hugs and kisses. “Oooh, Mummy loves her sugars.”

“I'm hungry! What's for breakfast?”

“Ooh, I suppose that just because it's your birthday you want me to get up and make French toast, do you?”

“Yeah! Like Nippy used to make!”

“Oh, all right. Get off Mummy and let her go potty.”

“All right, but hurry up!”

“Ok, Mr. Bossy Britches.”

Ginny walked into the bathroom, used the facilities, and tied her hair up in a ponytail. She padded out into the main room of her apartment and screamed.

She felt ridiculous once she realized it was just Draco sitting on her couch. “I thought you'd never get up, Sleepy Head. We've been waiting for breakfast forever.”

Ginny rolled her eyes. “And you couldn't start it or set the table or anything, right? You had to send my son in to break me in half?”

“Well, yeah. I'm a nightmare in the kitchen. You know that.”

“Oh, no you aren't. You're just too impatient.”

Draco walked over to Ginny and wrapped his arms around her. “But you make the best French toast in to world, pet.” He nuzzled her neck after he finished buttering her up.

“Draco, stop. You can't keep showing up here like this and acting like nothing has changed. I can't handle it.” She pushed his arms from around her.

“Come on, Gin. Don't be like that.”

“Draco, for crying out loud, what do I have to do? Move to Germany?”

“Why would you move to Germany?”

“For the love of—I'm not moving to Germany!”

“Why did you say you were?”

“I didn't! I want this to stop. I would set wards, but I don't want my son's father going splat in such a manner.”

“Why would you set wards, Gin? Then I couldn't sneak in at night and—“

“That's enough, Draco! I can't take this! It has to stop! I can't tell you to stay away totally, because Jayden needs his Da, but I can tell you to stay away from me.”

“What if I can't do that, Gin?”

“You're going to have to.”

“Gin, don't do this, you don't mean it.”

“You don't love me, Draco. You care about me because I'm the mother of your child, and because we're friends. The sex is a by-product.”

“Gin, I'm telling you, don't do this.”

“Draco, you have to leave me alone. If you care about me at all, you'll leave me alone.”

“Fine.”

“Fine? That's it?”

“Yes.”

“All right. I'm going to go make breakfast. Will you help Jayden set the table?”

“I've lost my appetite. Tell him I'll come by and take him to lunch.”

“Draco, don't do this. He'll be crushed.”

“Jayden! Come here.”

Jayden scampered into the room and looked between his parents. “Were you two having a row?”

“No, Jayden. Come here and listen to me. I have to go into the Office so I can't stay for breakfast. I'll come by and pick you up for lunch. We'll go to Diagon Alley and eat wherever you want to. Then, if you're good for your mum until then, we'll go flying after lunch, okay?”

“Why do you have to go to work on my birthday, Da?”

“It's not all day, little man. It's just for a couple of hours this morning.”

Jayden stared at the floor and shifted on his feet. “Ohtay, Da.”

“That's my little man. Be good for Mummy.”

“Ohtay, Da.”

“Go start setting the table, Poppet. I'll be there in a minute to make your breakfast.”

Jayden drug his feet all the way into the kitchen. Ginny waited to hear him pulling silverware out of the dishwasher.

“How could you do that to him? He's heartbroken. He just wanted to have breakfast with you and you don't even have to go into the office.”

“I always have to go into the office, Gin. I just pawn the work off well. That's what happens when you own the company. And, just for the record, Gin: he wanted to have breakfast with us. He'll get over me not being here for breakfast. It appears as if though he'll have to get used to it.”

Ginny flinched at the last remark. “Draco, can't you put aside our difference of opinion for our son's well-being? I can't be with you, because it makes me crazy. It's not that I don't enjoy being with you and it's not that I don't care for you. Things would just be so much easier if we were in love. You don't understand how much I want someone to love me with all they have, Draco. It's too hard to have you half way. It can't be as hard to live without your affections, as it is to live knowing you don't love me and that you'll eventually leave me for someone you do love.”

“I'll never leave you, Gin. I have no interest in any other women.”

“But you'll have interest in one of them someday. And then I won't be enough anymore. I sent Mike away, what more do you want?”

“I didn't ask you to send Mike away. I just told you not to marry him.”

“But why did you tell me not to marry him? He was good to me; he was good to Jayden. Why wasn't he good enough?”

“Because he wasn't me. It doesn't have to be like this, Gin. I offered you the ring, didn't I?”

The voice in the back of her head piped up at that moment.

“Gin, don't marry him. Marry me.”

“Why?”

“Because you deserve better than that Mike bloke.”

“And you think you're better than him because?”

“Because I love you.”

Ginny shook her head to shut off the mental playback of that horrible night. “You offered me a ring as a means to an end. You don't want me marrying someone else, so you thought I'd marry you and then I couldn't find someone else. You weren't asking me to marry you for the right reasons.”

“So why did you turn Mike down?”

“Because he wasn't right for me.”

“Why not?”

“Because I didn't love him enough. I wasn't in love with him.”

“Was he in love with you?”

“I think so. He was the first, so I can't be sure.”

Draco placed a kiss on Ginny's cheek. “No, he wasn't the first, Gin. He won't be the last either, I'm sure. I have to go to the office. I'll be back around noon to pick Jayden up for lunch. Have a good breakfast.” With that, he Disapparated and was gone.

Ginny felt a knot form in her stomach. Why did they always do this? It just wasn't healthy—for them or for Jayden. She went into the kitchen to make breakfast for her birthday boy.

---------

Later that day, Jayden's birthday party was in full swing. Draco hadn't yet made an appearance. He'd gone home after taking Jayden for lunch claiming he had to change for the party.

Jayden was running around with all his cousins shooting the water guns Narcissa had ordered from a Muggle toy store. Apparently, Fred and George had gotten a hold of them, because every time the water from one of the guns hit someone, they would let out a random animal noise. Molly had made all the food except the cake and the even the most stodgy guests were enjoying the home-cooked extravaganza.

Jayden ran by Narcissa and Ginny making monkey noises while Fred and George were barking like dogs. Everyone was having a great time.

“Narcissa, you did a wonderful job this year. Everything is really great. Jayden's having such a good time and thank you for including my mum. I know she really enjoyed trying the recipes out of the Black Family Cookbook. I'm sorry I just didn't have the concentration to help plan as much as I would have liked.”

“Oh, Ginny, don't think on it another second. I had a wonderful time doing it. After all, what am I good for besides planning parties? It's in the blood, dear.”

“You're good for other things besides planning parties.”

“Pish posh, it doesn't really matter, does it? Where is Draco? It's been an hour since he dropped Jayden off.”

“Speak of the devil and the devil shall appear— with a Playwitch model,” Ginny replied.

Draco was honestly disgusted by Pandora, but she was a persistent one. She'd managed to hang out doing secretarial work at the Ministry, so he ended up seeing her quite often. It was obvious what she was doing, but, at this point, Draco didn't care. He placed an arm around Pandora's waist and escorted her over to his where his Mother and Ginny were standing. Her perfume was going to make him pass out. Apparently, she didn't abide by the fashion motto “less is more.”

“Draco, darling, what took you so long?” Narcissa kissed her son on the cheek. “And who is this sickeningly sweet smelling creature you've brought along with you.” Pandora beamed at Draco's side.

“This is Pandora, Mother. Pandora, this is my Mother.”

“Charmed.” Narcissa was obviously not pleased.

“This is Ginny, she's Jayden's mother.”

Ginny shook the woman's limp-wristed hand.

“Da! You're here! Look what Grandmum got for the party! Uncle Fred and Uncle George put charmed water in them!” Jayden squirted Draco and he began roaring like a lion. It wore off within a couple of seconds and everyone laughed, even Draco. “Thanks again, Grandmum!” Draco picked Jayden up in his arms.

“Don't forget to thank your other Grandmum for making all the food and everyone else for your presents. Better yet, do you want to write out thank you cards with Grandmum next week?”

“Yeah! I'll help!” Jayden paused and shifted in his Father's embrace. He whispered in Draco's ear, “Da, who's that?” Jayden glared at Pandora.

“This is Pandora. Be polite and say hello.”

“Da, she smells funny. Why is she here?” Draco stifled a laugh.

“I'll have you know this is designer French perfume! It does not stink!” Pandora exclaimed.

“Pandora, there is no reason to yell at my son,” Draco commented. “Jayden, would you please apologize for being rude.”

“I'm sorry, Pandora,” Jayden said ruefully.

Draco sat Jayden down on the ground. “Go play, little man. We're probably going to have cake and presents in a bit.” Jayden ran off to rejoin his cousin in their water gun fight.

Narcissa's smirk curved abnormally. Draco knew what was coming next. This ought to be amusing.

“So, Pandora, what is it that you do?”

“Oh, I do lots of things. I work at the Ministry. I'm also dabbling in modeling. I am quite photogenic,” Pandora bragged.

“Oh, really? What do you do at the Ministry?”

“I help out in a lot of different areas.”

Ginny scoffed. Helps in what `different areas'—her boss' stick and berries?

“Oh, you know—I help wherever I'm needed.”

“Pandora, are you being blatantly coy, or are you just so intrigued by your own climb up the social ladder that you cannot answer the question due to the nature of the services you provide?”

Draco's mouth fell open. I was right, this is amusing.

Pandora opened her mouth to speak, “Mrs. Malfoy, are you insinuating—“

Narcissa continued, “I can only imagine that with you apparent lack of class and the way you are clinging to my son's arm that you think he is the key to your acceptance into civilized society. And make no mistake, I am not implying anything, I'm stating it outright. Unfortunately for you, dear, you were obviously not raised with an extensive enough vocabulary to be blessed with the sarcasm and wit that is characteristic of such an upbringing. Normally, speaking one's mind is not characteristic of someone of my position; however, I have paid my dues and am old enough where I can get away with it.”

“Mrs. Malfoy, I don't know what I've done to offend you, but whatever it is, I'm sure it was a simple misunderstanding.”

“No, your mere presence and scent offends me. Pandora, I'm sure that your liberal application was purposeful. No doubt you assumed the more liberally you apply it, the faster my son would jump on top of you. I'm sure you can open your eyes and see what is in front of you?” Narcissa gestured to Ginny. “While I'm sure her birth was to a family you consider far beneath yours, she has a brain between her ears. My son finds that far more attractive than your assets.” Narcissa gestured to the rather large breasts that were hanging precariously from Pandora's shirt.

“Mother, that's enough. Pandora is our guest—“

“No, she's not. She is your guest. Who brings a date to their child's birthday party? You and Ginny should be hosting the party celebrating your son's birth together— not from opposing corners.”

“Narcissa, that's enough. If Draco wants to bring a date to the party, that's fine. It's really not an issue.”

“Honestly! You two are impossible! I must see to my other guests.” Narcissa began to walk away, but turned towards them again, as an afterthought. “I would say it was a pleasure to meet you, but it wasn't. Have a nice time at the party, Pandora.”

The three remaining members of the group stared after Narcissa with mixed emotions on their faces: Draco looked amused, Pandora looked furious, and Ginny was shocked. She'd never know Narcissa to be anything but poised and collected—such outbursts were completely uncharacteristic of her.

“I'd better go check on Jayden. I'll see the two of you later.” Ginny walked across the lawn towards her son.

“How could you let them treat me as if I were common waste on the street?”

“Well, Pandora, when you smell like `common waste,' as you so eloquently put it, how can they come to any other conclusion?”

Pandora laughed as if Draco were joking. “Oh, Draco, such a sense of humor you have!” She reattached herself to his arm. “Never mind them, why don't you introduce me to some of your other friends?”

Draco stared off into the distance where Ginny was running around with Jayden and the other guests. She shot Jayden with the enchanted water and he began to howl like a coyote. Draco smiled.

“Draco?”

Draco shook his head to clear his mind. “Actually, Pandora—“ he removed her nails from his bicep, “—this was a mistake.”

“A mistake?”

“Mother was right, you don't have the brains of a parrot. I shouldn't have brought you here.” Draco wrapped an arm around her and Disapparated.

Ginny heard the crack of Draco's Disapparation and felt her stomach fall. Jayden ran at her and knocked them both to the ground. He was giggling as if his life depended on it and kissed her cheeks.

“Mum, don't look so sad—Da will be back. He wouldn't miss my BIRTHDAY PARTY!”

“I know, Poppet.” She kissed his cheek and began tickling him madly.

------

Draco and Pandora appeared outside Pandora's apartment. Immediately, Pandora tore herself from Draco's grasp and began pummeling him with her fists.

“You're such a prat! What is your problem?”

“My problem, Pandora, is that I took you to that party for all the wrong reasons. I shouldn't have taken you at all.”

“You think I'm not of your stature?” Pandora sneered.

“No, that's not it. I know you're not of my caliber, but I used to halfway enjoy your company. I don't anymore.”

“But, Draco, why did you bring me home then? You know you fancy me.” She traced a long, manicured nail down his chest while attempting to press herself further against him.

“Asking you out today was not out of a desire to see you.”

“Fine! Go then!” Pandora pushed Draco's chest as if to hurry him on his way.

“I planned on it. I just didn't fancy you being a lump of goo against the wards at my son's birthday party.”

“You're repulsive, Draco.”

“And a prat, don't forget that.” Draco disappeared from Pandora's grasp as she began to throw a temper tantrum in the hallway outside her apartment.

------

Draco returned to Malfoy Manor and made his way up to his old suite of rooms. He quickly changed into something more appropriate for rolling around on the ground with his son.

He quickly descended the stairs with practiced ease and made his way out onto the lawns.

He scanned the lawns and found what he was looking for. Ginny and Jayden were fighting a losing battle with Fred and George, but seemed to be having a great time all the while. He grinned and jogged over to them picking up a discarded water gun on the way.

He joined the water fight and helped Ginny and Jayden win their war against the twins. They were all caterwauling like various species of animal when Molly announced it was time for cake.

Presents were opened and more water fights were had. As darkness approached, fireworks erupted in the sky as a crowning event to the evening. People made their excuses and said their good-byes as the house elves began to make themselves known to clean up after the party.

Ginny lay in a wide, reclining chair in the rose garden. She was nearly asleep with Jayden curled up into her side when Draco appeared and motioned for her to shift over.

Ginny scooted over towards the side of the chair to make room for Draco. She turned on her side and cuddled her son closer to her chest. Draco lay down on his side facing Ginny and began stroking his son's blonde hair.

“Where did Pandora get off to?”

“I took her home.”

“Why?”

“Because Mother was right. My son's birthday party is the wrong place to bring a date.”

“When are you going to see her again?” Ginny asked, tension apparent in her voice.

“It doesn't matter. Did you enjoy the party?”

“I did, and it does matter.”

“Why does it matter?”

“Because I said so.”

“I'm not our son. That excuse doesn't work on me. Why does it matter when I do or do not take Pandora out? Why does it matter when I take any woman out? You're the one that told me to leave you alone,” Draco reasoned.

“I just take offense to you bringing such questionable women into our son's presence.”

“I'm sure that's all there is to it.”

“That's it,” Ginny said succinctly.

“No one assumes that any of the women I would consider dating are up to your high standards, but since I can't date you I have to take the next best thing.”

“And the next best thing is some tart only interested in climbing the social ladder and being a trophy wife.”

“The sex must be spectacular as well.”

“Draco! Our son is right here!”

“He's sleeping and we're whispering. He hasn't heard a thing.”

Ginny let out an exasperated sigh. “This is hard.”

“What is?”

“Nothing.”

“Don't lie, it doesn't become you. I also heard it's bad for your complexion.”

“You vain git.” Ginny smirked at the look that crossed his features briefly at her comment.

“Maybe so, but that doesn't change the fact that you're avoiding the topic.”

“What topic?”

“Fine. We'll discuss it later. It's late. We should get him home.”

“It's all right. I can manage.”

“I know you can, but I don't care. I'm tired of this. We're going to put him to bed and sit down on the couch and talk all of this out once and for all.”

“Draco, I'm too tired to deal with this right now.”

“You'll always have an excuse.” Draco was so irritated he got up off the lounge chair and flung his hands through his hair.

“We're going home. We'll figure out the presents tomorrow.” Ginny picked herself and her child up and stalked off into the night.

---------

Ginny had arrived home in a huff. “I'm surprised I didn't splinch us.”

She put Jayden to bed kissing his forehead. “I love you, Poppet.”

Jayden mumbled, “I love you, too, Mummy.” He turned over and buried himself in his pillow.

Ginny smiled and shut the bedroom door behind her. Shedding clothes as she entered her bedroom she couldn't shake the feeling that she was doing being watched. “I would have heard someone come in and Draco wouldn't set faulty wards. It's fine. I'm just tense.”

The spray of the shower eased some of the tension out of her muscles. She dressed in her pajamas and went downstairs for some hot chocolate. After what resulted in the startle of her life, she went over to Draco and slapped him square across the face.

“When I said I was coming home, I didn't mean that as an invitation for you to follow. This is the second time you've appeared in my living room without an invitation today. Do you enjoy making a nuisance of yourself?”

Draco rubbed the spot on his cheeks that was reddening rapidly. “Ginny, I don't make a habit of hitting women, but you make me want to shake the shit out of you sometimes.”

“I'd like to see you try.”

“Don't push me, woman.”

She literally pushed him.

“Ginny, we will not beat the tar out of each other within earshot of our child. It isn't a fair fight. I have no desire to have my bits disintegrated and I do not have the presence of mind to allow you to batter me without striking you back.”

“I don't give a flying fuck if it's a fair fight. I think I fancy the idea of taking out some of my aggression on your patrician features!”

She pushed him again.

“Stop it!” Draco grabbed her wrists as she raised her arms to push him again.

“I've had enough, Draco! I have had fucking enough of this horseshit!” She thrashed from the wrist trying to free herself from his grasp.

“Ginny, we are going to discuss this calmly and rationally.”

“How do you suppose we'll do that? This isn't a calm or rational situation!”

“Point taken, but as I said before, we are not going to knock the tar out of each other within earshot of our child. With that said, this type of volatile situation can't do any more for him than our extremely complicated relationship.”

Ginny's death glare gave him shivers. If she was within reach of her wand, she'd have hexed his balls off by now—that much could be considered gospel.

“Let—me—go—now.” Her words were cool and calculated.

Draco considered his options. Let her go and possibly be hexed or keep a hold of her and be hexed later for sure. He released her wrists and Ginny showed him her killer right hook. It knocked him back a few steps. His hand flew to his jaw.

“I don't need my wand to cause you pain, Draco.”

Rubbing his jaw Draco stared at Ginny incredulously.

His voice was low and dangerous when he spoke again. “That's it. I've had it.”

Pushing past Ginny he walked straight into Jayden's room.

“Don't even think about it, Malfoy.”

“I'll think about whatever I want, Weasley.”

Before Ginny could stop him, he'd picked up Jayden and disappeared with him.

“BLOODY FUCKING HELL! I'M GOING TO BEAT YOU SENSELESS, DRACO MALFOY!” Ginny screamed into the empty room.

-->

17. Better

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

~~~~

Chapter 16

Ginny lay in a sweaty heap on the floor of her living room. She'd gone catatonic and when that happened she did what every red-blooded woman did — she cleaned. She cleaned without her wand.

Her whole house was sparkling. The clothes were washed, ironed and put away. The dishwasher had been run and emptied. Everything had been dusted. Jayden's room was spotless. All the junk drawers had been cleaned out and there were twelve sacks of garbage by her front door. Her bathroom grout was white once again courtesy of three toothbrushes and a bottle of bathroom cleaner.

Clad in only white knickers and a tank top, Ginny was an exhausted woman spread-eagled on the hardwood floor of her living room. She was still panting from the speed at which she had cleaned and was inspecting her ceiling for possible dust specks.

She hadn't followed Draco for a number of reasons. She didn't trust what she would do to him when she found him and she didn't think it would do her son any good to see his father torn limb from limb by his angry mother. She really didn't know where Draco had gone either. He was probably just pacing about the Manor, but he could be at the house, or the cottage, or any number of other places and she didn't see the need to splinch herself over such a prat. She knew her son was safe, and that's what really mattered. Jayden had no idea that he'd actually been brought home so he wouldn't know the difference when he woke up.

“Ugh!” Ginny flung herself into a sitting position. She had no idea what to do. Dawn was breaking. She could go shopping or to the Burrow. She could owl Hermione and see if she wanted to have lunch. What did she normally do on the days when Draco had Jayden? Sunday was his day and this was indeed Sunday. She was used to this, but she wasn't used to being this angry on her days off.

She began stomping around the flat with no apparent reason or direction. She flung off the tank top she was wearing and shed her knickers on the way to the bathroom. Her wand found her palm and the bathwater began to splash into the tub with a tap of her wand. Her favorite bath salt flew from the shelf by the mirror and added themselves to the rising water followed by a dab of lightly scented bubble bath. She sunk into the water and flipped the switch to the jets located around the tub. “Bless Draco for this gift, but screw him for everything else.” Draco had insisted on replacing the small tub originally located in the flat with the monstrosity she was now basking in. Chin deep in swishing, foaming water, she began fade into her own thoughts.

Over the hum on the jets, she didn't hear Draco shedding his clothes or stepping into the bathroom.

“Scoot up.”

“Damnit, Draco! What the fuck? You just show up here every time you feel like it without any regard to what I'm doing! I'm pissed as hell at you right now and I don't think us being in the same room is beneficial to the health of either one of us!”

Ginny began to rise out of the tub without a stitch of modesty. He'd seen it all before, hadn't he? Yes, he'd seen it many, many times before and Ginny really didn't care if he saw any of it again.

“I didn't say `get out of the tub', I said `scoot up.'”

“Fuck you.”

“Maybe later, I'm not in the mood right now. Scoot up.”

“Bugger off, Malfoy. Where's my son?”

“Jayden's with my Mother and I'm coming in whether you like it or not. We're going to have a bath and talk this out. We can't do any harm to each other in such a relaxing setting.”

“What if I drown you?”

“I'll take my chances. Are you going to scoot or not?”

“Not.”

“Fine.” Draco put one foot in the tub and swung his other leg over Ginny's head. He sat on the edge of the tub and slid off the edge of the tub into the water. Ginny held on to the edge of the tub and tried to brace her feet to keep him from sliding in behind her.

“If only I were a little taller I could put up more resistance, damnit,” Ginny thought.

“If you were just a hair taller, you might have more luck keeping me out.”

Ginny gritted her teeth in aggravation. “Reading my thoughts again are we?”

Ginny had scooted up as far as she could without being out of the tub. She made a move to get out of the bath, but he grabbed her around the waist and hauled her back to his chest. She struggled with all the force she could muster, but was unable to unwind his hands from around her.

“Damnit, Draco. You can't keep doing this.”

“Can't keep doing what? Taking baths with you?”

“You can't keep showing up and having your way. That's your problem, you don't compromise.”

“I compromise with you all the time. We raise Jayden together very effectively thanks to our compromises.”

“That's not what I'm talking about.” His grip loosened on her waist and her head fell back onto his shoulder.

“What are you getting at then?”

“I'm saying that whenever you feel the need to have a conversation about something you consider important, you just show up here and force me to talk to you. You never take into consideration that maybe I don't want to talk.”

“I have to do it this way or you'd never talk to me about the important things.”

“What important things do we have to discuss, Draco? We know this isn't working and we know why. The only thing I can think of that we could possibly need to talk about is how we're going to manage to quit shagging.”

“Why would we quit shagging?”

“Because it's not good for either one of us. I want something that you're never going to be able to give me. It's not that I want it from you necessarily, but it would make life a tad simpler.”

“What's that?”

“I've told you millions of times. I want to fall in love. I want someone to fall in love with me. No matter how wonderfully functional our situation is, I can't watch you go off and shag other woman, and then come back to me.”

“I don't do that anymore. I haven't done that since you left me when Jayden was a baby. I haven't shagged anyone but you since then, either.”

“That's not the point. The point is that I don't want to continue this when I know it'll end someday.”

“What do you mean?”

Ginny let out a breath. “What I mean is what I've told you a hundred times before. You'll meet another witch and you'll leave. I'll be crushed and that'll be that.”

“Ah, now we're getting to the meat of it. Why do you think I'd leave you? I've been with you for three years now.”

“Three years—a lifetime, what's the difference, right?”

“Fuck, Gin. What do you want me to do?”

“I want you to really listen to me, for once. You say we're getting to the meat of the issue, but this isn't anything I haven't said to you before. You just choose what you want to hear and ignore what you don't. I am sick of wasting my breath.”

“I'm listening now.”

“And?”

“I want you to tell me what you're thinking and how I can fix this.”

“You can't fix it, Draco. I want someone to fall in love with me, marry me, and be the father of my future children. I want to buy a house with him and sleep in the same bed with him. I want to have fabulous sex with him and eat meals with him. There is so much that I want, but it's all wrapped up in one person.”

Draco's fingers linked with Ginny's over her stomach. “I don't know how to give that to you. I don't want you to find another bloke that makes you happy.”

“Why not?”

“Because we're happy right now. Notice that everything you just mentioned with the exception of the marriage we've already done. We have a child, we've bought a house, we have slept in the same bed many times over the years, and we eat meals together several times a week. We also have fabulous sex, if I do say so myself.”

Ginny's shoulders started to shake in what he originally thought was laughter. The jets of the tub had long since gone off. Ginny's hands pulled from his and covered her face. When she leaned forward and crossed her legs under the water, he realized she was crying. Draco put a hand on her shoulder to try to pull her back to his chest, but she pulled away from his touch. He slid up towards her and gave her no choice when he wrapped his arms around her.

The width of the tub was enough so he could turn her around without much effort. With his legs spread wide, he yanked her to face him and pulled her into his chest. He wrapped his legs around her hips at the knee to afford her no possible means of escape.

“Gin, I'll give you anything you want if you'll stop crying. I'll even buy you a pony.”

This only proved to make her cry harder. Her sobs made her body shake as tears poured out of her hands. He was forced to into action. He only knew of one way that made her quit crying, and it had always proved effective. “Jayden really is a sharp kid—Da sugars really do make the Mummy stop crying.”

He pried her hands away from her face and lifted her chin to look at him. He ran his thumb along her lower lip while tears continued to course down her face. A sob made it's way out of her body as he lowered his lips to hers. She tried to pull away, but Draco had a firm grip on her to avoid that very situation from occurring.

When she finally stopped trying to escape, Draco lowered a hand to her happiest of places and moved his thumb gently over her clit. A moan rumbled in her chest when he increased the pressure. He slipped a finger into her and kissed down her neck.

“I do love you,” he whispered into her shoulder before catching her lips in another kiss. His hands captured her backside. Lifting her slightly, he put his legs straight and she moved to straddle him. He lowered her onto his newly sprung erection and kissed her hard.

She didn't move. He pulled away from her lips. She was crying again, and her head hung low.

“I'll make it all better, love. Ride me. I'll make it all better.”

Her tear-filled eyes moved up to his gray ones. Her hands moved up to his shoulders and she began to move. His hands grasped her hips in an attempt to control the pace, but she didn't seem to care. She shifted in all different directions in a quest for the orgasm that would make her see stars and forget her problems.

“That's it, Gin. Come for me.”

She rode Draco with all she had. Bathwater sloshed onto the white tile below and screams of built up passion and rage reflected off of the walls.

Wrapping his arms around the woman that had collapsed on his chest was all he could think to do after an orgasm of that magnitude.

Their breathing eventually stilled and Ginny let his depleted member fall from her when she got out of the lukewarm water. She wrapped in a towel and left the bathroom. Draco was left alone with his thoughts.

In the bedroom, Ginny dressed herself and left her flat.

--------

The next two months progressed and neither parent talked to the other much at all. They dropped Jayden at meeting places with Grandparents as much as possible, to avoid seeing each other.

That is, until one Sunday morning when Draco arrived to pick up Jayden.

Jayden was sitting at the breakfast table looking miserable.

“What's wrong, little man?”

“Mummy's sick again. She made my breakfast and got sick again. It's not my fault is it?”

“I'm sure it isn't, little man. Where is Mummy?”

“She's in the bathroom.”

“I'll check on her. Finish your breakfast, little man. We're going flying today.”

“Ohtay, Da.”

Draco walked down the short hall to the bathroom and heard Ginny retching.

Draco grasped the handle of the partially open door and knocked softly. “Gin?”

She stopped dry heaving long enough to say, “What?”

Draco pushed the door open and sat on the floor beside her. “Gin, do you have the flu?” He gathered her hair at the base of her neck and twisted it up in a makeshift bun.

She swatted his hand away and fell back onto her bum. She scooted her back against the wall beside the toilet bowl and put her hand on her forehead. Draco stood and wet a washcloth under cool water. He wrung it out, folded it and handed it to her. She looked dreadful.

“Gin? Are you ill?”

“Yes, you bastard. It's all your fault, too.”

“I don't have anything. I'm not ill. How is this my fault?”

“You said you'd make it better and I guess you did. You made it better for you.”

“What the bloody hell are you on about, Gin?”

“You got what you wanted. I'm pregnant again, you fertile bastard.”

-->

18. Giving Up

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

~~~~

Chapter 17

“Pardon me?”

“You heard me.”

“You're pregnant again?”

“Yes, you insufferable moron.”

“How—when—I didn't mean to, Gin.”

“This is what you wanted though. It's my own fault for forgetting the charm. I knew I should have kicked your arse out that night.”

“Gin, it'll be all right—“

“No, it won't be all right! Not for me it won't!”

“How can you say that? You know I'll take care of you no matter what.”

“I could give a shit. I'd rather have nothing and be doing this the right way. I'm going to be fat and pregnant again. Just when I got my life back in order, I get knocked up with another one of your kids. It's ludicrous.”

“I don't know what to say.”

“What is there to say? This is my lot in life. Keep spitting out your kids and live this way. I may as well learn to live with it.”

Draco sighed and scrubbed his hands over his face and through his hair.

“I should just accept that I'm never going to have the fairy tale. I'm never going to get married for the right reasons and I'm never going to have children in the right circumstances. I feel so humiliated. I don't even know how I'm going to tell my parents. You're mother will probably be thrilled.”

“Of course she will. She loves Jayden. Your parents will be happy as well.”

“My parents want me to be happy. This doesn't make me happy. My father would eventually like me to become an honest woman.”

“Gin, I'll marry you if that's what you want.”

“I don't want it like that, and you know it. I want to be courted and I want to fall in love. I don't want to get married for convenience or for function. If I wanted that, I would have married you years ago.”

“I know.”

“Yeah, you do.”

“All right, do we want to tell Jayden?”

“No, not yet.”

“Ok, well I promised him I'd take him flying today. He's finishing his breakfast.”

“Go ahead and go. I'll be all right. It's just going to take a few minutes to be able to move. Retching for thirty minutes, twice a day, doesn't add to your energy level.”

“Okay, we'll be at the park if you need anything.”

“Okay.”

-------

Draco and Jayden returned to the flat early. Both were worried about Ginny. They walked in the flat quietly.

Creeping down the hallway, they pushed the door open to find Ginny asleep in the bed. She was on her side cuddled up to a pillow. Both men crawled into bed with Ginny: Draco behind her and Jayden in front up against her chest. Draco wrapped an arm around her middle and rested his head in her shoulder.

“Mmmmm. Is Mummy getting sugars from both her boys?”

“Mummy, do you feel better?”

“Yes, baby. Mummy just didn't feel well this morning. I'm sorry I scared you.”

“It's okay as long as you feel better, Mummy.”

“I do, baby.”

“Good.” Jayden snuggled closer to Ginny.

“Are you hungry, baby?”

“Uh huh.”

“Draco, would you go make him some lunch?”

“Sure, do you want anything?”

“No, I'm fine.”

Draco and Jayden both got up, and went into the kitchen leaving Ginny behind in bed. Draco made Jayden his favorite lunch and went back into the bedroom with Ginny, leaving Jayden with strict instructions not to disturb them.

“Gin?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I come in?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you really feeling better?”

“What do you think?”

“I think you still feel like shit.”

“And you'd be correct.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“Lay with me.”

Draco got into bed behind her and put his hand on her stomach. “This feels like old times, doesn't it?”

“Yeah, it does. You used to go to sleep and pet my stomach. Even after you were asleep, if I moved you'd start petting it again. Every time I moved, you'd start. It was sweet.”

“I'm sorry it turned out this way, Gin, but I'm not sorry you're the mother of my children.”

“That's sweet, Draco. Thank you for that.”

“I only speak the truth. I do have one request though.”

“And what's that?”

“Think we could have a girl this time?”

“Maybe. We'll see.”

“I'll take a maybe. Are you going to be all right for a bit?”

“Yeah, I'll be fine. You should go have fun with Jayden. It's your day.”

“I'll be back later. I'll bring dinner. Let's see if I can remember what it is that you liked the last time, huh?”

“Okay. I'll see you later.”

Draco kissed her neck and whispered his good-bye in her ear.

--------

Jayden and Draco went to Diagon Alley because Jayden wanted to get Ginny some flowers to help her feel better. Draco also had to pick up take-away for supper.

They went into Fortescue's for ice cream. Draco wasn't above bribery and his son knew it. They sat at a table with their ice cream when Draco spoke up.

“Jade, how would you feel about staying with one of your Grandmum's tonight?”

“Yeah! I went to Grandmum Weasley's last weekend, so I could spend the night with Grandmum Malfoy tonight?”

“Okay, we'll go home and pick up some stuff, and you can give your mum her flowers.”

“Okay.”

They finished their ice cream and did just as they had planned. Ginny loved her flowers and was out of bed arranging them when he and Jayden left. Draco dropped Jayden off at Malfoy Manor and returned to Diagon Alley to pick up Ginny's take-away. It wasn't from the place she used to like it from when they were at the cottage, but it would have to do. He picked up the last few odds and ends he wanted for dinner and Apparated back to Ginny's flat.

Ginny was in the shower and Draco smiled. He thought about joining her, but he had another purpose this evening. He set up the dining room table with the candles he'd picked up and laid out the cloth napkins he'd purchased just to add to the new place setting he'd bought. He put the dessert in the freezer and put the take-away onto the new plates.

He heard Ginny emerge from the bathroom and start down the hallway. “I'll be out in just a minute. I have to put on clothes.”

“Don't get dressed on my account. I'd be content if you walked around starkers all the time,” Draco yelled after her.

“Hush, you!”

Ginny came out of the bedroom in a pair of cotton, elastic waist sweat pants and a thread bare, white, baby doll t-shirt. She was rubbing a towel through her hair.

“It smells great. What's all this?

“I thought since you're carrying my baby, you deserved a nice dinner.”

“Well, this is more than nice. Thank you.”

“This isn't nearly as tense as I thought it would be. We just kind of fall back into old habits, don't we?”

“The old habits are kind of entrenched.”

“I suppose so. We should eat before it gets cold. Reapplying heating charms makes it taste funny.”

“I agree.”

They ate and had tense, if not polite, conversation. They moved to the couch and watched television until around midnight.

“I'd better get going.”

“You're not staying?”

“I have to go into the office tomorrow.”

“Okay. Tell your Mum I'll pick Jayden up tomorrow after work.”

“I'm going out of town tomorrow evening and I'll be gone for at least a week. If you need anything during that time, owl Mum. Promise me that you'll go stay at your Mum's or at the Manor if you start getting as sick as you did with Jayden.”

“A herd of wild horses couldn't stop me. If I start getting that sick, someone will have to help with Jayden.”

“I'll see you in a week, okay?”

“Okay. Have a good trip.”

--------------

Draco had been gone for six days and Ginny was staying at the Burrow. The morning sickness had hit her full throttle and she couldn't even stand the smell of eggs cooking, so breakfast was a nightmare.

Draco had owled almost everyday he was gone to check on her.

Ginny had come back to her flat to get ready for work. I was easier to come back to the flat everyday, rather than transferring all her things to the Burrow.

An owl tapped on the window. Yet another letter checking on her made her smile. I wish he'd get a mobile, so I could just call him.

Ginny got ready for work and left her flat with a smile on her face. It may be time to buy some maternity clothes for work, these are a bit snug.

Ginny arrived in the office and dropped her purse off at her desk. She picked up her messages and went into the break room to make a cup of tea. “Don't forget to drink caffeine-free tea, Gin. Caffeine isn't good for the baby,” Draco's voice reminded her. “Pushy bastard. You're giving up caffeine again, as well,” she thought.

She came to a dead stop in the doorway of her office. There was a huge bouquet on her desk already attracting the attention of her female office companions. She shooed all them out of her office shutting the door in their curious faces. She plucked the card from its holder.

To the Mother of my Children

Ginny smiled. How sweet of him.

The day drug on with every woman in the office coming into her office at least twice, asking ridiculous questions about her flowers. Deciding to leave early, Ginny grabbed her purse and her flowers just as an owl began tapping on the window madly. Sighing to herself, she set her things back on her desk and let the tired looking owl in the window. She removed the note while the owl waited obviously wanting a response.

Ginny-

I hope you enjoyed the flowers.

I just wanted to let you know that things aren't going as smoothly as I'd hoped, and I'm going to have to stay here for another few days. I'm sorry, pet, I'll be back as soon as I can.

I owled my Mother and told her about the problems you were having with the smell of assorted breakfast foods and she said you're more than welcome to stay at the Manor. I'd like it if you went and stayed there, but you don't have to if the Burrow works out better for you.

Owl if you need anything. My mother is waiting to hear from you, if you could owl her and let her know whether or not you'll be staying there, she'd probably appreciate that.

If not for the fact that you've given me two children, I'd love you anyway.

--Draco

She scribbled a note to both Draco and to Narcissa. The owl looked slightly annoyed with being issued two tasks, but nipped at her hand when Ginny tried to remove one of the messages from its leg.

---------

Ginny and Jayden had been staying at the Manor for a few days when she felt Draco crawling into bed behind her. He'd been gone for eleven days. He hardly ever went out of town and it drove her nutters every time he did. The little voice in the back of her head always acted up and told her Draco was afoot with evil deeds when she wasn't there to keep him in check: He was eating bad food, drinking too much, and bedding amorous women. She knew in her heart of hearts this isn't what actually happened, but the little voice made her worry regardless.

She snuggled back into Draco's cool skin.

“Is it cold out there?”

“Yep, warm me up, wench.”

“You're already raping me of my body heat. You'll get warm in a minute. How was your trip?”

“Boring. Italy is gorgeous, but too many of the people in that branch are morons. The ones that aren't morons are wankers. The next time I go, I insist that both Jayden and yourself go with me—the new baby, too. I was frightfully bored without you lot there with me.”

“I'm sorry you were bored. I've never been to Italy.”

“We'll go after you have the baby.”

“That'll be nice. Now pipe down and so I can go back to sleep. What time is it?”

“A little after three.”

“Ok. Cuddle me.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

--------

Ginny's second pregnancy went much like the first. She was dreadfully uncomfortable every day at work where she had to sit in a desk chair for most of the day and her ankles were the size of purple softballs.

“This is ridiculous!”

“What's ridiculous, Gin?”

“Draco, what are you doing here?”

“I came to take you to lunch. What's ridiculous?”

“Sitting in this chair all day is ridiculous. I'm so uncomfortable.”

“I don't know what to say to make that any better. You won't listen to me when I say you should quit, so all I can do is treat the symptoms every night at home. You checked with the Medi-witch about a charm or something?”

“She said there isn't anything they can do unless the I had poor circulation every where.”

“Ah, well, are you hungry?”

“Starving.”

“Let's go to lunch, then.”

“I can't get up from this blasted, wheeled chair.” Draco offered his hand. “Wait a minute, I have this part down to an art.” She tucked her toe underneath the bottom drawer in her desk and pulled it out and picked her wand up from the desk. She looped her purse string around the tip of her wand, and yanked her purse out of the desk drawer.

Laughing, Draco asked, “Why don't you just use your wand to levitate it out, Gin?”

“Because I have quite a time figuring out new an inventive ways to do things. They've lightened my workload considerably since I told them I was pregnant. Stop spoiling my fun.”

“Ok. Let's go to lunch.”

Draco helped Ginny up from the chair, and Ginny waddled down the hallway with Draco talking small steps beside her.

-------

A few days later, Ginny's boss, Sandra, came into her office and shut the door behind her.

“Ginny, we need to talk.” Sandra sat down in one of the chairs in front of Ginny's desk. “I think maybe you should take some time off.”

“What?”

“You're obviously horribly uncomfortable and you're going to be taking maternity leave soon anyway, so I thought maybe you'd like to take an extra couple of months to get ready.”

“Are you firing me?”

“Oh, Ginny, heavens no! I'm going about this the wrong way, aren't I?” Sandra laughed heartily and Ginny's heart rate began to return to normal. “I'd like you to start working from home. There is no reason that you can't do what you do here while sitting on your couch with your feet up. You live in a Muggle building, don't you?”

“It's wired for electricity if that's what you mean.”

“That's what I mean. You can do everything you need to do from there. I don't want to see you in the office until your maternity leave is over.” Sandra stood and walked towards the door. Opening the door, she turned and smiled at Ginny, “Have a nice day!”

------

Ginny was in a fit. The Daily Prophet hung from her hand as she stomped outside onto the Spanish tile of the rose garden.

“What in the bloody hell is this shit, Draco!” She gestured to the paper.

Draco lifted his eyes to Ginny briefly and then resumed looking at the sports rag he had previously been reading. “I bought the magazine.”

“You what! What on earth did you do that for?” Ginny screeched.

“Because I didn't like you sitting in the office every day and coming home dreadfully uncomfortable, so I bought the magazine.”

“Draco, I don't want special treatment because you own the magazine.”

“Tough shit.”

“See, this is your problem! You never consult me on what I'd like. You just barge in and take control, and I'm forced along for the ride!”

“Ginny, this is what's best. You can still work from your flat or the house. You won't be able to stay here or at the Burrow, but I'll be around to help you when you need it.”

Ginny gave an indignant huff.

“Eat Ginny, the baby needs food.”

“I'm not hungry. Just so you know, I don't need to gain forty pounds to have a healthy baby. The Medi-witch says I'm on target for weight gain.”

“Fine.”

“Fine.” Ginny flopped down in the chair across from Draco.

“I think you should move back into the house.”

“No.”

“Why not? There isn't another bedroom in your flat.”

“I'm just going to put the bassinette in my room. I'll consider what to do about another bedroom when the baby gets big enough for that nonsense.”

“There is an extra bedroom in the our house. It needs to be decorated.”

“I don't live there anymore. It's not my house. I have a flat, and just because I'm not living there, doesn't mean I can't decorate it.”

“I'd like you to move back into our house. Do I have to buy your apartment and have you evicted as well?”

“Don't you dare.”

“I'll do it, Gin.” Draco hadn't lifted his eyes from the magazine he was reading, until this point. He had expected this and wasn't surprised at all.

“Don't you fucking dare.”

“Don't push me, Gin.”

He sighed and put down his reading material. He scooted his teacup to the side and put his forearms on the table. “Let's try this again. I'd like you to move back into the house. I'd like you to be there to decorate the nursery and I'd like to be nearby to help with Jayden and all the pregnancy related things. I'd like for both of us to be close to our belongings and there isn't enough room for a baby, myself and my belongings in your flat.”

“That's it. I'm moving to Germany,” Ginny muttered.

“You most certainly will not.”

“I'm not your child, Draco. You shouldn't be able to buy and sell my life the way that you do, but you've managed to do it. You enjoy taking all my choices away from me.”

“If you'd just listen to reason, I wouldn't have to do things this way.”

“Why do I have to do things your way?”

“Stop looking at it as my way and start looking at it as the sensible way. Working from home affords you more comfort. You'll have time to shop to decorate the nursery. You won't have horridly swollen ankles every night. You'll have help with Jayden. It is a sensible choice, Gin.”

“I'm not necessarily saying that it isn't sensible, I'm saying that it isn't a choice as you've made a habit of taking all my choices away. I know your spoiled brat tendencies well enough to know that your threats aren't empty. You wanted me to quit my job and I wouldn't, so you bought the magazine and put me on forced leave. You'll buy my building and then I won't be able to work unless I move back to the house if I don't do what you want willingly. I'm no better than a prisoner.”

“It's not like that, Gin.”

“What is it like, Draco?”

“I just want what's best for you and our children.”

“Jayden has been just fine through all of this. The new baby will be fine with the way things are as well.”

“I don't disagree, but things will be better this way.”

“Says you.”

“Says me.”

Ginny got out of the chair she'd been sitting in with tremendous difficulty and walked silently into the Manor. Draco sighed and only managed to stay seated for a few minutes before he followed her into the Manor.

He searched for her for what must have been thirty minutes, but hadn't managed to find her. He was getting irritated when Nippy appeared in front of him. “Master, why is Missus crying?”

“Where is she?”

“Missus is wandering about the old wing of the house the last time Nippy saw her, Sir.”

“Thank you, Nippy.” Draco stalked off towards the dusty, unused wing of the Manor.

He found Ginny in the main hall. It hadn't been used since before he was born. Narcissa had renovated a section of the Manor when she and Lucius had married, and this is where his Grandparents used to live.

He saw her next to a large, mounted painting tracing her fingers through the dust on the surface of the paint.

“Gin?”

“What?” She sounded defeated and small.

“Are you mad?”

“No, Draco, I'm not angry. I've given up instead. I don't have it in me to fight with you anymore. You always get what you want in the end anyway.”

“Gin, you know what's best for you just like I do.”

“We have different ideas of what is good for me.”

“Gin—“

“No, Draco, just stop. I can't remain who I am when you force me to do things that go against everything that I am. Since who I am seems to be so offensive to your palate, maybe I'll just give up and become what you want me to be instead. I'm just tired of it being a constant fight. It's obvious I'm never going to be free of you, so I may as well acquiesce now, rather than wasting more time.”

Draco felt an inch tall and said as much.

“I don't understand why you'd feel an inch tall. You never have when you've done this before. You'll feel better in a little while when you've realized you got everything you wanted.” She patted his cheek and started her walk back to Narcissa's wing of the Manor. “I'm tired. I'm going home. I'll leave Jayden and come back for him later. He's having fun with his Grandmum.”

She Flooed home as Draco had insisted she quit Apparating in fear she'd splinch herself, and their child.

She stepped out of her fireplace and turned the Floo off. “No Apparating is so aggravating. Draco is impossible,” she said to no one in particular.

She lay down on her couch, exhausted, and cried herself to sleep.

-->

19. Scarlet

Thanks to my wonderful, wonderful beta - dragonsangel68.

To everyone who has reviewed, thank you so much. This is my first complete story (that wasn't a one-shot), and y'all have made it a pleasure to complete. I finished writing it a little over a year ago, and I'm so excited to finally be done. I'd prefer to not hear the word "sequel" -- although there is one in the works. It won't be completed for quite some time, but, until then, I have a slew of one-shots that I'm going to put up (still every Sunday) until I've completed the sequel to ROADB.

Thanks again, everyone!

~~~~

Chapter 18

Later that night Draco Apparated to Ginny's flat. He stroked the hair back from her face and shook her gently awake.

“Gin?”

“What could you possibly want now?”

“Get up and get dressed. I want to take you out.”

“I don't want to go out with you.”

“Gin, get up, take a shower and get dressed. Please?”

“Bugger off. I want to lay here by myself and be depressed.”

“Gin, will you please get up and get dressed?”

“Oh bloody hell! You'll never just leave me alone, will you? You insist on making my life this bloody roller coaster of emotion. Everything is fine one minute, then the next you're ordering me around again. Fine, I'll get dressed. You won't leave me the hell alone until I do.” Draco helped her up from the couch and she did the best mock curtsy a pregnant woman could do. “I'll be back when I've done your bidding, my Lord.”

Draco's cheeks tinged with pink as he watched her mock him and walk away. He flopped down on the couch and turned on the telly flipping through channels until she emerged from the bedroom.

“Draco, come in here please.”

Draco sighed and walked towards the bedroom.

“What should I wear?”

“I don't care what you wear, Gin.”

Ginny clasped her hands around her stomach and made her eyes wide and innocent. “But, my dear sir, I have been rendered completely incapable of making my own decisions. If I wear something my Lord disapproves of, he might take all my clothes and make me walk around BLOODY STARKERS! Then, he'll buy all the shops he doesn't like and ban me from shopping in them! It will be the catalyst for an entire chain of events that little old me wishes to avoid.”

“Bloody fucking hell, Gin!” Draco rummaged through her closet and threw her the first thing his hands met. “Wear that!”

“If my Lord would like me to wear a brown skirt and a purple top, both of which haven't fit in months, then I will squeeze my fat arse into them, as long as it does indeed please my Lord.”

“Your arse isn't fat.”

“That isn't the point.”

“What is the point then?”

“The point is that since you've taken away my ability to make my own decisions on all the topics that really matter, why don't you just make all of my decisions for me.”

“Fucking hell.” Draco took the few steps it took for him to stand in front of Ginny and clasped her shoulders. “What—the—bloody—hell—is—wrong—with—you?” Each word was enunciated with a gentle, but sharp shake of her body.

“Get your bloody hands off of me!”

“I've told you before that you try my patience, but that I'd never hit you—although I desperately wanted to shake you on occasion. I just couldn't resist at the present time.”

“Get the hell out of my bedroom. I'd tell you to get the hell out of my house, but you won't leave until you decide to. Otherwise you'll just stay here and drive me INSANE!”

“You're already there.”

“Only because you've made me that way!”

“I'll be in the living room waiting.”

“Fine.”

Ginny found her trusty overalls and white tank top. Flip-flops and a deep, jewel-toned cardigan sweater were the finishing touches to her outfit. She desperately wanted to dress like a hag and embarrass Draco, but she knew it wouldn't do any good. He's such a bastard.

The second Ginny walked into the living room, Draco walked over to her and Apparated them to Diagon Alley.

“I had planned for this to be nice, but since you threw such a fit at the house I believe we are destined to have a hellish evening. However, we both need to eat and I neither feel like cooking nor do I trust you not to poison me presently.”

Practically dragging her down the street, Draco kept his death grip on Ginny's hand. She finally managed to yank her hand away.

“Damnit, Draco. I'm heavily pregnant and am wearing flip-flops, you fucking wanker.”

Draco had made it several steps in front of Ginny after she'd freed her hand, so he closed the gap and ran his hands from her shoulders down to her thin fingers. “I'm sorry.”

“Fine, just walk slower.”

“No, I'm sorry for being such a wanker all the time. I'm just trying to do what's best for my family. I don't deal well with situations when I don't get my way. I don't have much experience with that.”

“No, you don't.”

“I am sorry, Gin. Can we please put all the nastiness, however warranted, and have a decent dinner and talk?”

“Why bother? You never listen.”

“I listen.”

“No, you hear me. You don't listen. You hear what I say, and then do whatever the bloody fuck you feel like doing regardless of what I've just said.”

“Fine. We'll have a nice dinner and I'll listen.”

“You've told me that before—that you'll listen. You didn't then either.”

“I'll listen, I promise. I'm even open to discussion about work and the move.”

“I don't want to fight anymore. It's so draining.”

“We won't.”

“Yes, we will, but only if you don't get what you want.”

“Gin, give me one last chance. I promise I'll make good.”

She looked—really looked—at his face. He seemed sincere, but then again he'd seemed sincere before. “Fine.”

“Leave the `fine' behind, Gin. Now, would you like to go and have dinner?”

“I suppose.”

“You suppose?”

“The smell of random foods makes me ill.”

“How about this, I'll go get something—anything you want—and we'll go eat it in the park so you don't get sick. It's a lovely night.”

“That sounds fine.”

“Ok, what do you want?”

“Fish and chips and a cold pumpkin juice.”

Draco thought the combination sounded horrible, but he grabbed her hand and led her through the crowd towards the establishment that made the best fish and chips in town.

------

Draco had left Ginny outside the restaurant to wait for their food so he could Apparate home for a blanket a couple of pillows.

They walked to the park in silence. Draco carried the take away carefully wrapped in one arm while Ginny carried two pillows under her arm with the blanket hung from her hand in a neat roll. The hands that were unoccupied clung together as they wove their way through the crowd.

They searched the park for a place with a nice view, but little foot traffic. Ginny spread the blanket and Draco unpacked the food. They ate in the same silence they'd walked to the park in.

Lying back on the blanket they stared at the stars with their heads cushioned on pillows.

“So?” Draco cautiously asked.

“So what?”

“So we should talk.”

“What should we talk about?”

“Lots of things that I promised to listen to you about.”

“Yeah. What should we talk about first?”

Draco rolled onto his side so he could see Ginny properly. “Let's talk about you moving.”

“Okay. It makes sense for me to move back into the house, but I don't like the way you went about the whole situation. Yes, you asked me to move back into the house previously, and I said no—I understand that. However, that doesn't give you the right to run around behind my back and manipulate my life, as if you are the God of my universe.”

“I'm sorry, Gin, but I really was doing it for a good reason. My heart was in the right place.”

“Sure it was—if the right place is shoved up your arse. When you originally asked me to move back to the house, and I said no, you threw a tantrum. You knew my job and my flat were important to me. You also knew that if I didn't work, I'd have to give up my flat unless I moved back to the house, and I knew you wouldn't pay for my flat unless I moved back into the house.”

“Gin, in my mind, my heart was in the right place.”

“Yes, I'm sure in your mind it was, but what you have to realize is that I put up with a lot of selfishness from you on a lot of different levels. I put up with it because I know that underneath it all that you're a good person. Plus, you get me gifts, because in your mind that makes you better on some level. I don't bitch because I still get the presents.”

“Okay, so I'm selfish.”

“Yes, on some levels. You aren't always selfish and you've gotten better over the years, but buying the magazine I work for and forcing me out of a job—that was pure selfishness. That was your wounded ego proving to me that you could make me do what you wanted me to do. You refused to take into consideration what I might want, or what I might need. It isn't as if my job was strenuous. I could understand you putting your foot down if I was endangering the baby, but I wasn't.”

“I know you weren't putting the baby in danger, but I hated seeing you in so much discomfort. Maybe I was being selfish in the end, but it started out well enough.”

“It did, and that's why I say you're not always selfish. But I'm allowed to say no, Draco. I'm even allowed to say no to you. I don't do it often. I normally let you have whatever your little heart should desire, but if you make all my decisions, I'm not me anymore—I'm merely an extension of you.”

“Okay. What about moving?”

“It does make sense and I find myself not wanting to move simply to refuse you. That's not right and it's not fair to me or the baby.”

“It's fair to me?”

“There's the selfishness again. This isn't about you. It's about me and our unborn child.”

“Maybe it is a little callous and selfish, but I enjoyed being around for the pregnancy last time, and I'd like to be around this time. I know how hard the last one was on you, and I know this one is going to be worse, simply because you don't have as much help, and you have Jayden with you all the time. I want to help, Gin. Why won't you let me help?”

“It's not that I don't want you to help, and it's not that I don't need help, because I do. I just don't want to give in to you, and have you thinking you've won the right to control my life again. Simply because we have children doesn't mean that you have exclusive rights to me, or can make demands of me.”

“Okay, you can knock my block off the next time I'm being unreasonable. Just be sure to let me know why you're knocking me out first.”

“All right.”

“Are you going to move back in with me?”

“Yes, but know it's just because I need help and the flat really isn't big enough for another baby. I still want to keep it though.”

“Okay, that's not a problem. Are you still mad about working?”

“No, I just wish it could have gone a different way. It was completely ludicrous of you to buy the entire magazine, just to get your way. I ought to have beat the hell out of you.”

“Yeah, you probably should have. I guess I deserve it.” Ginny shot him a scathing look. “Okay, okay! I deserve it, but please don't hit me. I bruise like a peach.”

“You really do.”

“Are you going to keep working?”

“I don't know. I'd really just like to do some freelance writing.”

“You could write for the magazine. I'm sure it could be arranged, as I know the boss intimately.”

“No, I don't want any special favors. Of course now my boss isn't going to be honest with me about my work, because you own the magazine, and because of our relationship.”

“Well, if you want to keep working, do it. If you want to quit, do it. You know you don't have to work. I've always supported you and Jayden, and that's never going to change.”

“You say that now.”

“I mean it now, too.”

“I might cut back, but I don't want to quit. I enjoy editing, but I'd like to write as well. I'll write under a pseudonym, or something, to get honest reactions.”

“That's a good idea. When do you want to move back in?”

“After I get the house redecorated. You did an atrocious job after I moved out last time. Trying to rid the place of my memory?”

“Yeah, I let Mother's decorator have free reign. I hate it. I liked it the way it was when you lived in there. It's far too art deco for my taste.”

“I'll start tomorrow. I don't have a lot of time to get it all ready.”

“No, you really don't. I'll help if you want me to.”

“That would be nice.” Ginny sighed and stretched her arms above her head. “I have to pee.”

“Do you want to go or do you just want to find a restroom around here?”

“I'd like to stay, but I think I'll be too stiff to move tomorrow if I lay here much longer.”

----------

“Gin, when I said I'd help I really didn't bargain for this.” Draco was splattered in yellow paint from head to toe.

“I know, but you said you'd help, so quit your bellyaching.”

“This is going to take forever.”

“I like doing it the Muggle way.”

“I don't.”

“I don't care, Draco. If you're going to keep up with the complaining I'm going to have to insist that you get the hell out. I'm the pregnant one, I'm the one the gets to bitch.”

“All right, I'll stop.”

“Good.”

“Hey, Gin?”

“Yeah?”

“Look at this.”

“What?” As she turned, she was hit with huge dollops of paint launched from Draco's brush.

“Oh, you're going to get it!”

A full on paint war erupted with both parties flinging paint from brushes and rollers at each other.

“Okay, okay—I give!” Draco held his hands up in defeat.

“Okay,” Ginny said, laughing. “Get to work, the people come to put in the new carpet tomorrow and we still have to finish in here and then do the living room.”

“What color are we doing the living room?”

Ginny walked over to the paint cans in the corner of the kitchen. “This one,” she said gesturing to a steely lavender color.

“I like that. Let's finish up here and order delivery. I'm starving.”

They finished painting the bottom floor of the house as well as the stairwell. Draco felt like he was home again. The warm jewel tones were back and Ginny was moving back in. What was this feeling he was having? Was it happiness? Yes, of course, I'm happy again.

-------

By the time Ginny finished what she called her “nesting phase,” Draco had bought completely new furniture for virtually every room in the house, there were new draperies, new dishes, even new silver. The purchase he enjoyed the most was the new bed Ginny had picked out for their room. It was four-posted, had a thick, plush mattress and she'd topped it with a feather comforter covered with silvery rose colored satin. Pillows of all different shapes and sized in varying shades of green added a contrast that he'd found he rather liked.

The only thing they hadn't completely finished was the nursery. Draco had bought a frilly new bassinette for their bedroom. Ginny had fawned over the surprise and had given him a kiss on the cheek that made him blush.

They were sitting together eating lunch at their new dining room table. Jayden was absent as he was still staying at the Burrow while renovations were still in progress.

“Draco?”

“Yes, pet?”

“Have you ever heard of a sonogram?”

“No, why?”

“Well, I owled the Medi-witch and she said it's too late to find out the sex of the baby with a charm. She advised a Muggle sonogram.”

“You want to know?”

“Yeah, I want to buy some more things for the nursery. I'm tired of the white walls. I'd like to put up some border or wallpaper, or buy frilly blankets or something. I'd do green or yellow or some other neutral color, but I did that with Jayden's nursery. I'd really like to do another color this time—a more gender specific color.”

“It doesn't hurt the baby?”

“No.”

“How does it work?”

“I don't know, but I can find out.”

“All right, make the appointment.”

------

A week later, Ginny and Draco were in the sitting in the waiting room of a Muggle obstetrics office. The stood and followed the nurse into the back of the office when they heard Ginny's name called.

“Ms. Weasley, you can undress behind that screen. Put on this gown, opening to the front. You can leave your knickers on, but please remove your brassiere. When you're done, please get up on the table and the doctor will be in a few minutes.”

“Thank you. Draco can stay with me, can't he?”

“Of course. You can have a seat in the chair beside the table, sir.”

Draco sat in the armchair beside the table Ginny was to lay on and Ginny undressed behind the screen. Draco helped her onto the table when she was done and the doctor came into the room.

“Hello, I'm Dr. Watkins.” He shook Draco's and then Ginny's hand.

“Draco Malfoy. This is Ginny.”

“Nice to meet you. How's the patient feeling today?”

“I'm fine.”

“Do you want to know the sex?”

“Yes, we do. Rather the whole point, isn't it?” Draco asked.

“There are a lot of reasons for a sonogram, Mr. Malfoy, but determining the sex is usually the primary reason expectant parents have the procedure done.”

The doctor squirted lubricating gel on Ginny's stomach and turned on the machine. A loud thumping began reverberating through the room.

“Whoa, what's that?”

“That's the baby's heartbeat, Draco.”

A look of amazement crossed his face. He stroked Ginny's hair and kissed her forehead.

“There's a leg and an arm. Finger and toes: five of each so far. Oh, there are the others all in tact. That's the head.” Dr. Watkins pushed a button between each view.

“Do you know what it is, yet?” Ginny asked with an edge in her voice.

“Yes, I just like to let the excitement build a little.” Dr. Watkins winked at her and smiled. “You're having a girl.”

“A girl? Are you sure?”

“She's a girl or he's missing some parts.” All three chuckled.

Dr. Watkins wiped Ginny's stomach clean and turned the machine off after ejecting a videocassette from a slot underneath the monitor.

“Here are a few pictures of your baby and here's the tape of the whole procedure.”

“Thank you, Dr. Watkins.” Draco shook the man's hand before he left the room.

Ginny changed and they left the office after paying their bill.

They were walking down the street to The Leaky Cauldron when Draco asked, “What is this for?”

“It's a videotape, silly. You play it in a VCR.”

“Whatever that is we should go buy one immediately.”

They stopped at an electronics store before reaching The Leaky Cauldron. Draco couldn't stop looking at the pictures of their new little girl.

“Are you excited?”

“Of course.”

“Are you excited it's a girl?” Ginny questioned.

“I would have been excited either way, but I'm quite pleased it's a girl.”

“Good. Me too. I'll let you in on a little secret. I've already bought a bunch of stuff for a little girl.”

“I figured as much. I actually have quite a few things on order.”

“Do you really?” Ginny squealed.

“Yes, I couldn't help myself. We really have to do this sonogram bit every time.”

“Every time?”

“Yes.”

“You're planning on knocking me up again? When were you planning on letting me in on this?”

“Eventually, when the time was right.”

“Ah.”

They went back to the house to hook up their new VCR.

--------

“That's my new baby sister?” Jayden asked excitedly.

“Uh huh. Da did good, didn't he?”

“Yeah! I always wanted a baby sister!”

“That's good, because you're getting one really soon.”

“What's that?”

“That's her tummy. And those are her feet, and that's her neck.” As each part of his daughter flashed on the screen, he tickled the matching body part on Jayden.

“Are you lot watching the sonogram video again?”

“Yes, we are. Do you have a problem with that?”

“No.” She sat down with Draco and Jayden and snuggled under the blanket with the two of them. It was early on a Saturday morning and all were still clad in their bedclothes. They were smiling and looked like the perfect family. Ginny looked at the two men and smiled.

“Ooh.” Ginny grabbed her stomach.

“What's wrong, Gin.”

“Nothing, just a little pain. It'll be fine. I'd appreciate it if you'd rub my back a little though. It's been testy for a couple of days now.”

Draco rubbed slow, firm circles on Ginny's lower back with his knuckles while Jayden turned the telly from the sonogram video to cartoons.

“Ooh!”

Draco stopped rubbing. “Did I hurt you?”

“No, but I'm fairly certain my water just broke. Ugh, yeah, my water just broke. All over the new couch, damn it.”

“Don't worry about the couch, Gin. Jayden go get dressed and Floo your grandmums. Tell them Mummy's gone into labor and we'll on our way to St. Mungo's in a few minutes.”

“I'm not allowed to use the Floo yet, Da. I'm not big enough yet.”

“You're about to be a big brother, I think we can make an exception today. Go!”

“Stay put, Gin. I'll be right back.” Draco took the stairs two at a time and ran into the bedroom. He changed into a cerulean button down dress shirt and rolled the sleeves up. He slipped slacks over his hips while toeing trainers on his feet. He grabbed Ginny's overnight bag and yelled for Jayden to hurry up.

He ran down the stairs and helped Ginny change into the set of clothes he'd brought.

“Jayden, let's go!” Draco yelled.

“I'm coming, Da!”

Jayden started coming down the stairs a little too quickly. “Jayden! Use the handrail! We don't need Mum to worry about you getting stitches while she's having your baby sister!”

“Draco, we've got to go. It hurts.”

“I know, love. Let's get you up. Jayden! Get out of the kitchen!”

“But Mummy hasn't had breakfast!”

“I don't need it, baby—ooh---thank you for the thought though, Poppet. Come out here—ooh—with me and—mmm—your da.”

Jayden ran out from the kitchen, grabbed onto Draco's leg, and the three of them Apparated to St. Mungo's.

They went to the admissions desk. Draco helped Ginny into a wheel chair and pushed her down the hall after the nurse. The nurse helped her change, cast a few charms to dull the pain, and left the room to call the Medi-witch.

“Oh, that's so much better. Those charms work wonders.”

“Does it hurt, Mummy?”

“Yes, baby, it does, but it's worth it in the end. This is how I got you.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Why don't you go in the hall and wait for everyone to get here, little man?”

“Okay, Da.”

“Draco, we haven't thought of a name yet.”

“That's right, we haven't, have we?”

“What do you think?”

“Agnes?”

“No, that's too matronly.”

For the next twenty minutes, they went through all the girl names they could think of.

“How about Scarlet?” Draco asked.

“I like that. What about a middle name?”

The brainstormed over the middle name until Jayden came back into the room.

“Mummy, everyone's here. When's my baby sister going to be here?”

“I'm not sure, baby. Soon, hopefully.”

“What are you lot doing in here?” Jayden asked.

“We're thinking of baby names.” Draco said.

“I like Elaine. We read a story in school about a little girl named Elaine.”

“That's perfect, baby. What do you think, Draco?”

“First or middle?”

“Middle.”

“Scarlet Elaine Malfoy. What do you think, little man?”

“Is that going to be my baby sister's name?”

“Maybe, what do you think, Poppet?”

Jayden's grin got quite wide and he ran into the hallway. Draco and Ginny laughed when they heard Jayden yelling, “Grandmum Weasley! Grandmum Malfoy! I got to pick my baby sister's middle name!”

Later that afternoon, Ginny delivered Scarlet. Later the room was filled with Weasleys all staring at Narcissa holding her newest granddaughter. Colin was snapping pictures with reckless abandon.

Everyone had their turn holding the little strawberry blonde baby with hazel eyes, and during the din Ginny had fallen fast asleep. The family had left and had taken Jayden with them. All were on their way to a celebration at The Leaky Cauldron and on a quest for a flower shop with enough flowers for everyone to get something for Ginny. Draco sat in the reclining chair holding his sleeping daughter. He petted her hair as her little hand wrapped around one of his large fingers.

“Where did everyone go?” Ginny asked sleepily.

“They went to eat and find you flowers.”

“Did they take Jayden with them?”

“Kicking and screaming. He wanted to stay here with you and his new sister, but they got him started on how he got to pick out her middle name and he didn't even realize they were walking him out.”

“That's funny.”

Draco put Scarlet in the crib the nurse had brought into the room and walked over to Ginny's bed. Ginny scooted to one edge of the bed to make room for the rather imposing man beside her. Draco lay on his side and propped his head up on his elbow. His hand cupped her cheek as his thumb stroked over her lower lip.

“I do love you.”

“Maybe. I haven't decided yet,” Ginny retorted.

“The jury's still out?”

“Uh huh.”

“They'll find in my favor, I'm sure.”

“You think so?”

“They won't have a choice, because I am head-over-heels in love with you.”

“It's just the excitement of the day, Draco.”

“Nah, that can't be it. If that were the case, why would I feel like this everyday?”

“Keep it, and tell me on another day when you're sure.”

“I am sure.”

“Just keep it, and tell me on another day when I'm covered in baby goo, and the newness has worn off. Tell me when we're staying up all night taking care of a squalling newborn.”

“All right, I'll save it for as long as you want me to, but only as long as you realize that I like you covered in baby goo.”

“You do not. When Jayden was a baby, you used to make me go shower.”

“That was only because I like you better wet and naked. That's how we ended up with Jayden, and I'm fairly certain Scarlet was the product of a very, very nice bath.” Draco smirked.

“Of course, I should have known. Wet and naked, I rather prefer you that way as well.”

“Do you now?” Draco's chest puffed out slightly.

“Yes, it means you're silent except for the moaning and grunting.”

“Yes, except for that. I rather enjoy that part as well.” Draco's eyes closed and a leer settled on his face.

“I'm sure you do, pervert. Now, stop picturing me naked.”

“I think you enjoy it as well.”

“You would think that.”

“I might have to cut you off, if you keep it up.”

“No sex for a few weeks anyhow. Even if we did have the energy to shag, we're not supposed to.”

“Why not?”

“Because everything has to settle back into place and regain its old shape.” Ginny laughed at the look on Draco's face. “Draco, I just pushed a baby out of there. It's only natural that everything would be a little—displaced.”

“I hadn't thought of it that way.”

Scarlet began fussing. “Give her to me. She might want to eat. We'll see if she'll breastfeed. Jayden never would.”

“That's because I told him your tits belonged to his da and weren't for eating.”

“You're incorrigible.”

“I know, and you love me for it.” Draco retrieved Scarlet and laid her in her Mother's arms. “Now, Scarlet, I would have a pep talk with you, but since it's so important to your Mummy to breastfeed, I think I can share.”

“She's not wanting to.”

“Because you're smothering her. Hold it up like this.”

Scarlet latched on and began eating heartily.

“I might have read a few books and I might have attended a few meetings. I also might know because that's how I like to do my suckling as well.”

“Draco, you're disgusting! I'm trying to feed my child and it isn't sexual. Tits were made for function, not for decoration!”

“But they are so much fun as decoration.”

“You can't make feeding our child into a sexual act. That's gross.”

“In my mind, what I do with your tits and what Scarlet is doing to your tits are two separate acts: one sexual and one not sexual. I am sexual, Scarlet is not. I'll stop though. I'll remind you that I'm sexual soon enough.”

Colin opened the door silently and took a picture of the two proud parents staring down at their new child happily eating her first meal. The next picture he snapped captured Draco placing a soft kiss on Ginny's lips.

--------

Ginny had ordered the nursery repainted a warm ivory shade and had bordered the room half way up the walls with a pretty striped pattern of the same ivory and a dainty pink, not that anyone would notice that considering the state the room was in.

Scarlet had been home for two weeks and last night hadn't been pleasant. Ginny lay in an exhausted sleep with Scarlet draped across her chest. She had tried everything. She'd brought Scarlet to bed with her and Draco. She'd tried walking her and dancing with her. She'd tried singing, and even begging. Finally, she'd sat in the rocking chair and Scarlet had been lulled to sleep after fussing and fighting for an hour.

Ginny woke up when Scarlet started rooting against her chest. She helped Scarlet find her proper place and pushed the rocking chair back and forth with her toes.

“Look at my girls.” Draco was leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. His silken sleep pants hung from his hips lazily and his hair stuck out in all directions.

“Nice hair.”

“You should talk. Yours isn't exactly the height of fashion.”

Draco sat on the floor beside the rocker. His hand moved to play with Scarlet's hair in a soothing motion. Ginny smiled down at him before his gaze returned to their daughter.

“I love you, you know.”

“I know.”

“I'm in love with you, but you knew that too.”

“I didn't,” Ginny stated as though she was unaffected.

Draco's hand went to cup Ginny's cheek and forced her gaze to his. “I do love you and I am in love with you.”

“That's good.”

“Why is that good?”

“Because I'm fairly certain I return the sentiment,” Ginny admitted in a hushed voice.

“Do you now?”

“I think so.”

“It took knocking you up twice for me convince you that you belong with me, huh?”

“I'm pretty stubborn.”

“I noticed.”

“You are as well.”

“I know.”

Draco rose up on his knees and placed his hands on the arms of the rocker. A small smile played on his lips. “I love you.”

“I think I love you too,” were the last words Ginny spoke before Draco gave her a gentle kiss.

The End

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The Result of a Drinking Binge

1. The Realization of a Transgression

2. An Awful Accident

3. How Things Are Supposed To Be

4. Daddy Dearest

5. Papa Bear

6. Interlude to Disaster

7. The Difficulties of Knickers

8. Author's Note

9. Comfort

10. New Addition

11. Escape

12. Foolish

13. Apologies

14. Beautiful

15. Raging

16. The Birthday Party

17. Better

18. Giving Up

19. Scarlet