He's a Keeper. No, He's a Seeker.
The late morning sunshine caused Ginny to wake. Draco must have opened the drapes only minutes before. As she stretched and breathed, she inhaled a beautiful fragrance that hadn't been present in the room at Leo's six o'clock feeding. She opened her eyes and looked around. A variety of fragrant flowers and accompanying notes was strewn about the room. Her dressing robe was on the chair, so she put it on and went over to the first note.
Red roses to say I love you.
She walked to the next note and read the card.
Dozens of pink lilies to tell you of my perfect happiness with you, my love, and to ask you to please believe me when I say I love you and will change to make you happy and keep you with me always.
A note resting among yellow honeysuckle said,
My promise to you of a new beginning. Be my partner, love. Help me build a beautiful life with you for us and our children.
A fourth note was nestled among more red roses blended together with white ones filling the rest of the room.
These roses signify our union. I desire to one with you, my love, not a separate person, but one family.
On a silver tray lay a last note.
Leo and I are waiting in my study for you. Remember we are going shopping in Muggle London. I love you. See you soon.
After a quick shower, she put on her new red undergarments. Ginny normally would wear a nice shirt and Muggle jeans into London but for some reason she felt like dressing up. She took her little black dress out of the closet and a pair of comfortable black flats and put on her birthday jewelry, the interlocking hearts necklace, the four-leaf clover earrings and the dragon bracelet. She was playing with her hair deciding whether to wear it up, down or in a ponytail, when Draco entered her dressing room. He kissed her neck and looked at her in her mirror. "I like it down but I've noticed Leo pulls on it, go with the ponytail. Merlin, you are gorgeous."
"I thought you were waiting for me in your study?"
"I was but your son has no patience." On cue Leo cried from the other room.
She lowered the straps on her dress exposing her red satin bra. Draco smiled at her and walked with her over to their infant son.
"I'll send for the car while you're feeding him," he stated.
"Draco, the shop isn't that far from Diagon Alley. We don't need the car."
He kissed her forehead and pointed to the copy of the Prophet on the nightstand. "I don't think we want to go anywhere near Diagon Alley today."
------******------
Thuban sat at the dining room table in Malfoy Manor. He wore an ear-to-ear grin as he looked at the front page of his grandfather's newspaper. Cam walked over to his older brother, disgust crossed his face when he saw the photo of his parents kissing on the front page. Thuban turned to the society page for the complete story. Serpens walked in with both Lucius and Narcissa right behind. The little wizard went over to his brothers and saw three more pictures of his parents. In one they were kissing again, another was of them and Leo in front of the park and the last captured them walking arm in arm leaving Zabini's restaurant.
"Mummy, Daddy, baby Leo," Serpens shouted happily.
"They took Leo to the park. They should have taken us too," Cam snarled.
Thuban rolled his eyes his brother. "They didn't take him to play. They're just standing in front of it."
"Cygnus, Serpens, take your seats, please," Lucius directed his grandsons.
Thuban remained where he was, the first seat to the left of the head of the table. Serpens sat on the first seat to the right, then Narcissa, then Cam. Lucius sat at the head of the table and placed his hand out to Thuban. "My paper, young man." Thuban folded up the paper and handed it back to Lucius. "It is only polite to obtain permission before you borrow other's possessions."
"I'm sorry, Grandfather," Thuban said, before bursting into a fit of laughter at his grandfather's expression upon seeing the front page.
It was one of the few times Lucius was unable to conceal his emotions. Although it was hard to tell if he was feeling was horror, amusement, disbelief or disapproval.
"Hush, Thuban," Narcissa whispered. "Darling, is something wrong?" She looked at Lucius.
He handed his wife the paper. Narcissa smiled when saw her son and daughter-in-law embracing on the front page. She sighed happily when she read the headline. They say they're in LOVE. "Oh Lucius, isn't this wonderful," Narcissa said dreamily eyes fixed on the photos. He stared at his wife of many years, disbelief and bewilderment quite clearly on his face. His jaw even dropped open momentarily before he caught himself.
Thuban couldn't hold back his laughter seeing his grandfather's demeanor and loss of control. The little wizard had his feet on his chair, his arms wrapped around his legs, laughing into his knees.
Narcissa quickly read the story on the society page and handed the paper back to Lucius. She stared at him coldly. "It's a wonderful story, darling. Ginevra handled the reporter very well." She turned to her still giggling grandson. "Thuban, if you do not stop your giggling and sit in your chair properly, you will be sent to your room without breakfast."
His grandmother's tone told him she meant business and his growling tummy made it easy to stop his giggling.
"I'm very sorry, Grandmother," Thuban said.
------******------
The Rolls Royce stopped in front of Rigby & Peller, number 2 Hans Road. Although it was the most prestigious women's intimate apparel shop in Muggle London, few of their clientele arrived in such style. Draco and Ginny looked like a wealthy Muggle couple and all eyes were on them as the driver removed the pram from the trunk.
"Draco, this shop…" Ginny started.
"Is the best in M... London. You deserve nothing less." He turned to the driver. "Meet us in front of Harrods at two o'clock. The driver nodded and left the couple.
A doorman opened the door for them. The store manager walked up to Draco and shook his hand.
"Mr. Malfoy?" Draco nodded at the man. "It's my pleasure to serve you today. Mrs. Kenton sends her apologies but she had to attend a pressing business matter. Carol will be fitting Mrs. Malfoy this afternoon. This way."
The man guided them to a private area with a sitting room and a fitting room. "Sara, please bring the Malfoys some tea," the manager told an assistant, while the saleswoman took Ginny into the fitting room.
Ginny could see Draco talking to the manager before both men left the sitting room, Draco taking Leo with him.
"Mrs. Malfoy, I'll first take your measures for your custom garments. Then we'll show you our selection of ready to wear nursing apparel."
Ginny's mind spun, never had she been fitted for bras and knickers. But then, she had never been fitted for a dress or robe until she become engaged to Draco. Now practically every garment in her closet was tailor made. She was a little taken aback when Carol informed her that her current bra was not the proper size, but when Sara brought what was deemed to be the proper size bra and Ginny placed it on, she understood. Not only was the bra more comfortable, it made her chest look a lot nicer in her opinion.
After the fitting, Ginny expected to be taken to the main shop but she wasn't. She was guided to the settee and poured a cup of tea as garments were brought to her. She had selected three different styles of bras and knickers sets before Draco came back in and sat next to her. Sara poured him a cup of tea.
"Those are the styles you like, Love?" Draco pointed and Ginny nodded. "What colors do you want?"
After a short discussion, Ginny placed her order with Carol, "I'll take those three styles in red, green, brown, tan, white, and black." Both Sara and Carol left the room leaving Ginny, Draco and baby Leo alone.
Ginny turned to her husband. "I really don't need twenty-one new pairs of knickers."
He smirked at her with lust filled eyes. "You may. They look a lot more delicate than your old ones. One wrong tug and they may be ruined."
She elbowed him in the side. "You'll just have to be more patient then."
"I'd rather buy you a couple hundred pairs of those knickers."
She rolled her eyes at him but didn't reply, Sara and Carol were reentering the room. Carol lay a book of lingerie styles in front of Ginny and Sara set down three books of material. Draco indicated to Sara that the material in the top book was not of high enough quality and without Ginny noticing she removed it.
Ginny selected three different styles and materials for custom nightgowns and, at Draco's insistence, matching robes. They were informed that it would be four weeks before the gowns would be ready but after a discussion with the manager and a number of extra pounds added to the cost, delivery date was moved up to five days. Draco arranged to have their driver pick up the purchases and the family left the shop heading to Knightsbridge.
The street was packed with Muggles. The wizarding couple had fun teasing each other quietly about what many of the items in the Muggle shop where used for. They laughed at the number of Muggles who appeared to have phones growing out of their ears. After walking behind a woman for several minutes while she detailed everything she saw to her husband over her phone, Ginny whispered to Draco, "For goodness sake, why didn't she just bring him with her?"
As they walked by a small bookshop, a title in the window display caught Ginny's attention. Two Weeks to a Flatter Tummy. She stopped Draco and they went into the store. When Draco turned his nose up at his surroundings, Ginny exhaled, rolled her eyes and shot him a look. He kissed her cheek. "Sorry, I'm working on it," he whispered. They approached a middle-aged saleswoman.
Ginny smiled at the woman sweetly. "I'm looking for an exercise book that explains how to lose the weight I gained during my pregnancy and how to flatten by abdominal region."
Draco looked his wife up and down. "What do you need that for? You're beautiful! I don't see a problem with your shape, and there isn't any fat on you."
She turned to him and touched just above her pelvic area. "Are you blind, look at this!"
He smirked at her, lust in his eyes. "That's nothing. Give me a couple of weeks and I'll work it off you." He pinched her behind and gave her a sexy chuckle. She blushed when she realized the sale woman heard the whole exchange. The older woman smiled and led Ginny away from her husband.
"Here are a number of books, dear. This one is our best seller." She handed Ginny a book and walked to another section. "We have a number of books on infant care for first time parents."
Ginny laughed. "No thanks. He's our fourth. I believe we have infant care down. But if you have a book explaining how to deal with a stubborn almost six year old who believes he knows more than his parents, I might be interested."
The woman was shocked. "Four children! A six year old! Honey, you must have been a child yourself when you had your first. You can't be over twenty-two now."
"I'll be twenty-five in August. I married just before I turned eighteen, and Thuban was born ten months later." Ginny said proudly. She would have loved to show the woman a picture of her children, but she didn't have any muggle photos of them.
The woman looked over at Draco, who was sitting on the floor in the children's section with Leo lying in front of him. He had a stuffed green train in his hand that squeaked. Every time toy squeaked Leo moved his arms and legs. The woman looked at Ginny. "He's a keeper, dear."
"No, he's a Seek…" Ginny stopped with she saw the woman's confused expression. "What do you mean by 'He's a keeper?' "
"Your husband. I've seen all types you know. Men aren't the bookshop sort. Their wives and girlfriends have to drag them in. He's patient, he loves his baby and he truly hadn't noticed your little pouch until you pointed it out. He's a keeper. The kind of man one holds onto with both arms tightly so he never thinks of other women. I'd hold on to him if he were mine."
They walked over to Draco and the baby. "We have a collection of books that go along with the toys." She pointed to the other stuffed trains in front of Draco. "They're very popular with boys eight and under. All of the trains have names. The one you're holding is named Percy."
Draco dropped the train as if it was on fire. Ginny giggled at him and he pointed at another green train. "What's its name?"
The saleswoman was flabbergasted but replied, "Henry"
Still giggling Ginny whispered to the woman, "I have a brother named Percy. Needless to say, they don't get along." The saleswoman nodded her understanding.
Draco picked up Leo and the toy, placing both in the pram. "Son, you may have Henry. He's bigger anyway."
Draco eyed the wooden Thomas the Tank Engine railway set. "My older sons would like this train set, if it came with normal trains."
"We sell those trains to boys up to age twelve. Your wife said your oldest is around six?" the saleswoman replied.
"Thuban will be six in June, but he wouldn't like faces on his trains. He would think they were baby toys."
"Draco, I think the boys would like them," Ginny said.
Draco shook his head and picked up one of the larger play sets. "I'm only getting it because Serpens will like them." He looked at the saleswoman. "Do you have any trains without faces?"
"No, we don't but the toy store down the street does."
"Thank you for the information." He looked at Ginny. "Did you find what you wanted, love?" Ginny nodded. "Wonderful, shall we make our purchases then?"
-----*****-----
Narcissa and Serpens played in the shallow end of the pool, where the water was only a foot deep. Thuban swam freely in the deep end of the pool with Lucius watching him. Cam stood at the edge of the pool with his arms folded and his nostrils flaring. He called out to Lucius. "Grandfather, when are we going home?"
"Cygnus, stop asking. I have already told you that your parents will be here for afternoon tea around three." Lucius growled at the child.
"What could they be doing? Saturday is our day with Daddy, not hers."
"Cygnus darling, show your grandfather how well you can dive," Narcissa asked.
"Why couldn't they take us with them? We're good boys. Besides it's our day."
Lucius snorted good boys under his breath.
"Darling, sometimes parents need time to themselves," Narcissa offered.
"But, they took Leo," Cam huffed.
"Yes, but he's a baby. He sleeps most of the time, so they still have a lot of time to themselves."
"I didn't bother them or cause problems," Cam spat.
Lucius smirked but contained his mirth. "Cygnus, are you going to brood all day?"
"I'm not brooding. Something's wrong. They only spend time alone at night, or when going to a social party. It's our time with Daddy, Saturday morning and afternoon. Everything is changing. I don't like it."
"I believe we'll be seeing a number of changes in your parents' habits, Cygnus. Stop worrying and enjoy yourself, darling. Your parents' wanting to be alone is a very good change. Now, please show your Grandfather how beautifully you can dive."
"I don't want anymore things to change unless it changes back to the way things were before Leo came. I miss living here. It's not fair. Nobody asked me what I wanted." Tears started to roll down Cam's little face. "Nobody cares what I want."
Thuban placed a hand on the poolside next to where Cam stood. "Stop being a selfish spoiled brat." He splashed his younger brother.
In anger Cam stomped on Thuban's hand. The older boy grabbed his brother's leg with his uninjured hand and pulled him, causing Cam to start falling backwards on the brick pool deck. Using wandless magic Lucius was able to slow down Cam's fall, while Narcissa made a large cushion appear on the deck behind him.
"I hate you, Thuban," Cam yelled from the ground.
Thuban had climbed out of the pool and was standing over his brother. "I don't like you very much either," he spat holding his injured hand.
"Thuban, sit down," Lucius demanded, while pointing at a chair across the deck.
"I did't mean for him to fall," the older boy said in a shaky voice. "He's just…" the little wizard stammered. "He really hurt my hand."
"Do not make me tell you again, Thuban," Lucius growled. Narcissa had Serpens with her and she was already babying Cam and cooing over the uninjured children. Thuban realized he would be getting no sympathy from either of his grandparents and sadly walked over to the chair and sat.
The unfairness of this situation and his life in general ran through the boy's mind. How he wished he were Cam, Serpens, or even baby Leo. Being the oldest wasn't easy, and being the next Malfoy heir made it even harder. His grandfather demanded a lot of him; he had to be the smartest, the best at every game of skill, and display the best behavior. His brothers could get away with anything.
He looked down at his aching hand. His ring and little fingers were swelling and had purple bruises on them. He placed his hand in his armpit hoping to stop the throbbing. His grandparents were still checking over Cam, who had turned on the waterfall. Narcissa was rocking him in her arms. Thuban felt a tear on the side of his face and wiped it away. He needed to be cuddled too, but there was no one at the Manor who'd do that. Grandfather wasn't a cuddler and Grandmother was to busy with Cam. Tears rolled freely down his face now. Even if his daddy and mummy showed up right now, he doubted he'd be cuddled. Daddy would be mad at him for not controlling his anger, and Mummy would be too. His crying turned into an all out bawling jag.
Lucius looked angrily at his eldest grandson, in his opinion the little wizard had nothing to be crying about, yet. "What is your problem?"
The words that escaped Thuban's mouth next even shocked him at first. "I want my grandpa!" This declaration stopped Cam's false tears and he sat up to watch the goings on. Thuban thought about his statement. I want my grandpa. Yes, it was the truth. He wanted his Grandpa Weasley. He understood all about brothers and that sometimes the little brother was in the wrong. I bet he's even a cuddler, the Malfoy heir thought.
Thuban wiped away some tears and looked right into his grandfather's eyes. "I want my Grandpa Weasley. He knows all about brothers." The little wizard displayed his injured hand to Lucius. "See, what Cam did to my hand! It really hurts!"
Even from across the pool deck, Narcissa could tell Thuban's fingers were broken. "Cygnus, how dare you? That was horrible," she hissed while hurrying to Thuban's side. She quickly healed the boy's fingers and, to his surprise, kissed each one. She then cuddled the boy and whispered softly into his ear. "Grandmother is so sorry, Thuban. I didn't know."
Lucius approached his eldest grandson slowly. His emotions ran the gamut from anger to heartbreak. He couldn't believe that his beloved grandson, the Malfoy heir no less, wanted Arthur Weasley. What had he done to the boy to cause this? Or was the boy playing him for a fool?
His face was filled with sadness when he looked into Thuban's eyes. The little wizard looked back. "Don't be sad, Grandfather. I love you. Grandpa just knows how clever little brothers can be and he doesn't expect as much from me."
-----*****-----
Draco and Ginny sat in a hidden bench in Hyde Park. They needed some peace and quiet from the busy shopping streets, and Leo was in need of being fed. Her new son reminded her of Thuban when he nursed. No only did he get down to business right away, but he wouldn't nurse if he were covered. He wanted to look into his mother's eyes as he fed, which meant that Ginny didn't nurse in front of many people. But she didn't mind, she loved looking at her baby too. Besides, Draco had positioned himself and the pram so that if anyone did walk by they couldn't see anything.
As the baby nursed, Draco noticed a man in a brown shirt off in the distance. He had seen the man a number of times last night and today. He pretended to have something on his hands. "Ginny love, I need to wash my hands. I'll be back," he said before kissing her cheek and leaving.
It didn't take him long before he was behind the man. He put his wand in between his shoulder blades. "Who sent you to follow my wife?" Draco hissed.
"I don't understand, mate. I'm not following anyone."
"Really, you just happened to be in a wizarding park last night and a Muggle park today. Now, why are you following my wife?" Draco pushed his wand into the man's back.
"Watch the wand!"
"Demanding for a wizard in your position. Now, one last time, why are you following my wife?"
"I'm merely to watch her and report her activities back to Mihailov."
Draco spun the man around and placed his wand at the man's heart. "Leave now, and don't return! If I see you within a thousand meters of my wife or if anything happens to her, I will hunt you down and kill you with my bare hands!"
He lowered his wand and let the other wizard Apparate away. Damn my family! First Aunt Bella trying to turn Cam against Ginny, and now what in hell is Father up to? He hurried back to Ginny, reminding himself to hide his anger. He didn't know what to do actually. Spending the next two hours with Ginny enjoying the rest of the afternoon would be nice. But he needed to have a discussion with his father, now!
Ginny was placing the baby on her shoulder to burp him when Draco returned. "Ginny, you look a little tired to me. And I'm a worn out myself. Would you mind if we went back to the Manor?" Draco inquired.
She placed Leo into the pram. "My feet are a little sore. Let's go."
~~~~~*****~~~~
The driver dropped them at the Manor at one o'clock. They left the pram and most of their shopping in the trunk and sent the car to Black Hall for unloading. Ginny carried the baby in her arms and held his new train with her hand. Draco put his arm around her waist guiding her inside the house. A house elf appeared as they stepped into the foyer.
"Where are my parents?" Draco demanded.
"Master and Mistress is being in the pool area with young master's children."
He dismissed the elf and took Leo from Ginny before heading to swimming pool.
"Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" Serpens yelled and dashed for Draco as soon as his parents appeared. Thuban and Cam started to run for their parents also, but the clearing of Lucius' throat stopped the older boys.
"I missed you, Mummy," Thuban said hugging Ginny. He stepped away from her and showed her his fingers. "Mummy, Cam stepped on my fingers and Grandmother had to heal them."
"Cam was a bad boy!" Serpens announced then stepped behind his father for protection.
"Cygnus and Thuban had a minor physical altercation. We can discuss it in my study later, Draco."
Ginny bit back her words, Lucius always insisted on talking to Draco privately about the boys' misbehavior. Draco nodded at his father, happy to have a reason to speak with him alone. He handed Ginny the baby, said his hellos to his mother and other two boys.
"Father, let's go to your study now. I'd like to get the boys home soon."
Lucius nodded and the men left the pool area. Narcissa guided Ginny over to a table, where she transfigured a towel into a cozy blanket to lay the baby on. Ginny laid Leo on it and then sat at the table with her mother-in-law. A house elf served tea to the women and Narcissa directed another to take the boys to play in the yard next to the pool.
"Ginevra, the article in Prophet this morning was perfect. You handled that horrid Skeeter woman beautifully. The kiss was a bit too much but I believe my son was likely the cause for that."
Ginny giggled, "Draco does get carried away at times." She took a drink of her tea. "Were there any problems besides Cygnus and Thuban fighting?"
"No, no. The boys were very well behaved. But," Narcissa paused not sure if you should say anything. "Ginevra, I don't want to intrude, but have you and Draco conferred with the boys about all that's happened? They seem very confused."
"We discussed a number of things with them on holiday, but it seems things change everyday. I can guess what started their fight. Cygnus was upset about Draco being with me this morning and not him."
Narcissa patted her hand. "You know your children very well, dear."
"Some things I know well. Thuban has lashed out at Draco and my parents because of all the changes in his life. But he seems very happy with Draco and me spending more time together. Serpens appears fine with the changes but I'm not sure if that is because he is so young or because he's too busy thinking of what gifts he wants for his birthday." Ginny drank some more tea and then sighed. "Cam, he's a hard one. He's blaming me for all the changes, I think. But Draco believes it may have some thing to do with Bellatrix."
Narcissa nodded her head. "She can be a little… well let's just say that Bella is not as open to change. I was thinking the same thing myself. Draco and I will chat with her."
"That would be wonderful. He and I should also sit down with the boys and discuss our new schedule."
"How was your shopping trip?" Narcissa asked excitedly.
"Wonderful. Draco spoiled me. And the Muggles were quite entertaining. They do the strangest things. They have these things… cell phones… they're like two-way mirrors. Many of them spend hours on them telling the person on the other end everything they're seeing and doing," Ginny said.
"What nonsense!" Narcissa interjected. "Why don't they simply invite their friend on their shopping trip?"
Ginny nodded, "That's what I was wondering."
The boys came back into the pool house. Serpens crawled into Ginny's lap and rubbed his little eyes. She kissed his forehead and gently patted his back. He fell asleep in short order.
Narcissa whispered, "He has always been an easy child to please."
On his way to his grandmother, Cam passed by Leo. He saw the train for the first time and pointed to it. "Leo got a new toy! Look Thuban, Leo got a new toy."
Cam stood glaring at the toy and the baby, while Thuban lay on his belly and closely examined the train. "This train has a face. How babyish!"
The younger boy looked at the toy again. "How silly!"
Ginny sighed, Draco was right. Well, he's likely the one who forced the boys to outgrown toys so quickly.
Thuban squeezed the train and it squeaked. Leo's eyes turned to the noise. "He likes it." Thuban made train sounds and moved it back and forth. Leo's eyes seemed to follow the train. "Cam, watch he's looking at it."
"I don't care," Cam spat. He looked at Ginny put both hands on his hips and started to snarl at her.
Narcissa coughed causing Cam to turn to her. She smiled at the boy. "I will keep the promise I made to you Friday, Cygnus. So, it would be wise if you think before you speak."
He nodded at his grandmother and then turned to Ginny. "Mummy. Did you buy any toys for us?"
"Yes, we did. They are awaiting you at home."
He hugged his mother best he could with Serpens asleep in her lap. "Thank you, Mummy."
Thuban walked over and hugged her too then whispered, "Grandmother promised Cam, that she'd take her wand to his bottom if he spoke ill of you or rudely to you again."
------******------
As Draco sat down in the armchair next to the fireplace in Lucius study, he let his anger surface. There would be no holding back, he had nothing to lose now. He had received the remainder of his inheritance from his grandfather upon turning twenty-five. He was considered one of the best businessman in the wizarding world and could acquire employment with any number of companies if Lucius was enraged enough to fire him. Draco relaxed into the armchair and smirked, realizing the charge in their positions. For years Lucius held what Draco desired, but now he controlled what his father much loved.
The sound of Lucius' voice caused his hostility to stir again. "Would you care for a drink, Draco?"
"No!" he nearly shouted.
Lucius turned to his son, bewildered at his abrupt answer. He could see the rage building in the wizard. "Draco, I assure you Cam and Thuban had nothing more then a small brothers' quarrel. It is nothing to get upset over and I have left their punishment in your hands," Lucius said calmly as he went to sit.
Draco sprung from his chair when Lucius was only halfway down causing the older wizard to resume his standing position. "My anger has nothing to do with my sons behavior!" Draco raged. "I cornered your man today, Father. I saw him following Ginevra yesterday and today. I have no idea what you are up to, but it stops now!"
"Draco, I assure you…." Lucius started remaining calm.
"You assure me? No, Father, it is I who will assure you. I promise you, Father, if any bad fate befalls my wife, you will never see your grandchildren or me again." Draco stood toe to toe with his father. "I love Ginevra with all my being. I will not be happy without her. I implore you, father, leave us be." Draco turned and headed for the door.
"Draco, son," Lucius pleaded. Having never before heard this tone from his father, Draco turned to look at him. "I was merely making sure the Weasleys were not interfering. It was only for her safety."
"I don't believe you." Draco turned back to the door but looked at his father before opening it. "I have nothing more to say to you until you have assured me that your men have been called off. And Father, my sons will not be visiting nor will you be welcome in my home until it is done."
------******------
Draco and Ginny walked into the Grande Hall where all Ministry events were held. He hated these events, while he disliked any Saturday Night event that didn't have a dance. It's hard to romance one's wife without dancing, and at Ministry events it was doubly hard. Many of the Weasley boys were always at them. They always popped up at the wrong times or they kept Ginny busy all evening.
He and Ginny had never been seated with anyone in her family for these dinners, but tonight might be different. Her father was being promoted and the Ministry always had special tables for the family. Draco still did have hope. The tables only sat ten. Molly, Arthur, Ginny's six brothers, and two of her brothers were married, he thought before looking at the seating chart.
Draco groaned, "Bloody hell."
"What's the problem?" Ginny whispered.
"They have me sitting next to the Weasel."
Ginny took hold of his hand and patted it. "I'll trade you places."
"Thank you." He thought for a minute. "Ginny, we're seeing your family tonight can't we skip the Burrow tomorrow."
She stopped and spun in front of him. "No, we can't. I want to show off my sons tomorrow."
"Oh, forgot about that. Sorry, Love." He pulled her close and started to kiss her when two different hands slapped him on opposite sides of his back.
"There was a lovely photo of you doing just that in the Prophet this morning," George stated.
"Didn't you get enough of that last night?" said Fred.
"Randy little bugger isn't he," replied George.
"Can't have you making a scene here." Fred had taken Draco by the arm and was pulling him to the table.
"We had to stop you before the whole family saw and lost their appetite."
"Poor Ron couldn't eat his breakfast after seeing the prophet this morning."
The Weasley table was full by the time the twins dragged Draco over too it. Ginny started to sit down which caused him to break free of Fred. "Excuse me. I need to help my wife." Draco moved quickly. "Would you like anything from the bar, Love?" he asked and she shook her head. He whispered to Ginny, "Which one's Fred?" Ginny pointed and Draco greeted everyone while he stood.
"Fred, George, Bill," he nodded after each name.
"Madam Weasley, bonsoir. Vous semblez beau en tant que toujours," he said to Fleur.
She smiled brightly at him. "Merci, Monsieur Malfoy. Vous semblez bon ce soir également. Sensation librement pour m'appeler, Fleur."
"Sentez-vous libre pour employer mon prénom également." Draco bit back a sneer and addressed Hermione. "Hermione, you look well this evening."
"Thank you, Mal… Draco," Hermione replied half choking on his first name.
"Mrs. Weasley, you look lovely this evening."
"Thank you, Draco. Please call me, Molly."
"Very well, Molly."
"Congratulations, Mr. Weasley. It took the Ministry long enough."
"Thank you, Draco. Call me Arthur, son."
"Very well, Arthur."
Draco exhaled and braced himself for his next greeting. This one could be the difference between a very enjoyable shag, a cold back, or an evening in his own bedchamber. "Ron, it's nice to see you," Draco said in such a joy filled tune that one would have thought he was addressing his best mate. The twins started the snickering and it quickly spread around the table to everyone except Draco and Ron. Ginny tugged on her husband's slacks lightly to prod him to sit. He looked at her in disbelief as he sat. How dare she giggle at him for trying to be nice to her brothers.
Ginny kissed his cheek and whispered, "You over did that a little. But I love you for trying."
"I love you too, Gin," Draco replied just above a whisper. It wouldn't hurt her family to hear him say it.
Molly and Fleur sighed at the declaration.
"We know, Malfoy. We read all about it in the Prophet," Bill stated cheekly and received a not-so-gentle pat on the leg from his wife.
"Ah, Fred, love is in the air," George said in a dreamy high-pitched voice.
Molly cleared her throat stopping Fred's reply and quieting the table for a short time.
"Don't you have a clock, Malfoy?" Ron asked.
Ginny whacked her brother. "Be nice, Ronald. We're late because I over slept and while I was in the shower Cam got his hands on my wand and transfigured my shoes into field mice."
"I'm sure you have more than one pair of shoes, Ginny," Ron hissed.
Draco smiled slightly. "He got the whole lot and half of mine before I caught him." To his misfortune, a snicker escaped him.
"It isn't funny, Draco. Where were you?" Ginny asked.
"I was ambushed by our other children. They out number me. And I beg to differ with you, sweetheart, but seeing a hundred mice, some of them only partially transfigured, was hilarious."
Everyone at the table laughed. Fred and George mumbled something that sounded like, "Good man, Cam."
Ginny smiled. "Well, it was entertaining watching you and the boys chase the mice. And it was comical when one transfigured back to a shoe when it was only halfway in a wall crack." She began to frown. "But a number of them were ruined."
Draco kissed her cheek. "I know this will disappoint you, Love, but it looks like you'll have to good shopping for more next week."
"Well, if I have too."
"Cam can transfigure at only four years old?" Fleur questioned.
Draco smirked proudly. "It was his first try, too. The spell had a short life, between ten to twenty minutes."
"Which was long enough for a number of them to make their way to the grounds," Ginny replied.
Draco laughed, "We'll be finding shoes everywhere for months. Cam's going to be a handful for McGonagall."
"Why would he be McGonagall's problem? Rumor has it that your children won't be going to Hogwarts?" Ron spat.
"We plan on sending most of our children to Hogwarts," Draco replied.
"Most?" Molly questioned.
"We still have five years to decide, Mum, but it might be better for Thuban if he attends Beauxbatons," Ginny said.
"Do you really think that, Ginny?" Hermione asked.
"Beauxbaton is a very good school. I want Gabriel to attend it also," Fleur added.
"Can we change the subject please? There's no reason to discussion things that are four and five years away," Bill asked. It was obvious that he didn't want to argue with his own wife.
"Right now, yes I do. Thuban loves working at the office and if the business keeps growing in France, he'll be needed to run the offices there when he is grown. Plus, do you have any idea of the number of children who will be in his class at Hogwarts?" Ginny inquired.
"Two-fold of any other," Bill answered. "Gabe is a year ahead of them. McGonagall is already thinking about how they will handle that class."
After looking around the table, Draco realized how to change the topic. "Where are Charlie and Percy?"
"Merlin be. He noticed some of us were missing," Ron quipped.
"Ronald Weasley, behave yourself," Molly scolded.
Draco focused on keeping a straight face. Laughing at Ron wasn't as much fun as shagging his wife. He was secretly hoping that the Weasel would keep trying to bate him. He wasn't going to fall for it and it only improved his chances for a good boy shag.
"Charlie's on a special assignment for the Ministry. Dragon smuggling is on the raise in the Isles. He's been very busy lately. They collected a full grown Fireball the other day," Arthur stated.
"They're going after a Ukrainian Ironbelly tonight," Bill added.
"How in the magical world could you hide one of those? It would take two-dozen wizards to contain that beast. If you were going to keep a dragon why would you not choose an Antipodean Opaleye? They're the safest and dragon parts are dragon parts when it comes to potions and wands. All types of dragons work equally well." Draco interjected.
"For a business man you know a lot about dragons, Malfoy," Ron hissed.
Draco chuckled, "Much to my father's dismay, I believe Serpens is a great deal like his Uncle Charlie. He can't get enough information about the fire breathing flying beasts. Our other two like dragons too, just like most young wizards. But Serpens has to have all the real facts about them. No storybook dragons for my little wizard."
"Where's Percy, Mum?" Ginny asked.
Narcissa Malfoy patted Draco on the shoulder. "Pardon me, everyone. I'm so sorry to interrupted." She turned to Draco handing him a scroll. "I'm sorry, darling but your father insisted I bring this over to you the instant we arrived." While his mother talked to Ginny. Draco read the scroll. "Ginevra, you look lovely this evening and very well rested."
"Thank you, Narcissa. I was able to take a short nap."
"I will see you later, dears," she said turning to walk away.
"Mother," Draco called. "Let Father know we will see him at dinner Monday night."
Narcissa gave Draco a puzzled look but nodded and walked away. Ginny addressed her husband, "What was that all about, Draco? Your father already knew we were coming for dinner and what's in that scroll?"
"It's relates to business, sweetheart. We can discuss it at home this evening if you like," he replied.
"I want to know now. Remember no secrets," she whispered into his ear.
In front of her family wasn't the place to have a conversation about his father. He would tell her at home tonight or tomorrow morning. He didn't want to worry her but it would be safer for her if she knew. But how was he going to get her to drop it. An evil thought came to mind.
"Ginny, love, have you told your mother about your midwitch's appointment?"
She whispered to her husband, "Draco, she'll…"
"Is everything alright, Ginny?" Molly asked worriedly. The entire table grew quiet.
"It went well, Mum, nothing to worry about."
"Well, if having your midwitch recommending you see a Healer Monday is nothing," Draco added.
Ginny gave Draco a piercing look as Molly started questioning her only daughter.
------******------