You Catch More Flies With Honey
"Ginny, sweetheart. It's time to get up," Draco whispered into her ear.
She groaned as she rolled over. Her breasts were painfully engorged. She slowly forced one eye open and looked at the clock. It was nine thirty. "Go to your parents and collect Leo, honey. I'm agonizingly full and he'll be ready to eat soon."
"Sorry Ginny, the midwitch said you should pump and toss it. It takes twelve hours for the lust potion to totally leave your system." He handed her a glass of pain relief potion for nursing witches. "Drink this. It will ease all your pains." She downed the potion and he helped her out of bed.
The muscles in her legs protested when she tried to move at first. She stared at her husband strangely and he chuckled. "Give it a moment, the potion will kick in soon. You're lucky. I had to make it to the bathroom through those pains. You ordered the house elves to the guesthouse last night and they wouldn't answer my summons."
She sighed as the potion took hold. He helped her to the bathroom and into the shower. "Oh, I almost forgot. Here's your wand." He handed her it.
She placed a pumping charm on her breasts and allowed the hot water to wash the milk away. Why was he talking about a lust potion? she thought. Why do I feel like I played in a ten hour Quidditch match?
The memories of last night flooded her mind. She had eaten and drank things that her brothers had tainted with a lust potion. Images of herself groping Draco's behind, rubbing against him in a very sexual way ran through her mind. Thankfully, Draco had collected both of her hands into his early on. Few people saw the groping, but there was no hiding her randiness unless you wrote it off as drunkenness, which her husband had done. He'd lied to her parents, saying that due to nursing and all of her pregnancies more than two glasses of wines caused her to be tipsy. He'd excused them saying they'd Apparate home and if a sobering potion worked they'd return.
The next couple of memories made her smile for two reasons. First, he hadn't allowed her in her potion-induced state to perform acts on him she normally wouldn't. Secondly, their lovemaking had been very hot. That was the reason we were both so sore this morning, she thought as she smiled.
She didn't know if she should laugh, cry or kill her brothers as the next memory ran through her mind.
-----*****-----
She had just closed her eyes, after having an orgasm that caused her to scream herself hoarse, when she heard what sounded like pebbles hitting the window. Draco slid out of bed quietly, put on his boxers and dressing robe and went to the window opening it.
"Malfoy, what's up? Your elves aren't answering the door. How's Ginny?" Bill started. Ginny could tell by his voice that he was pissed or half pissed.
"She sounded like she was doing really well a couple of minutes ago," Hermione interrupted, followed by drunken giggling.
"Control yourself," Bill spat at the younger witch. "We thought you were going to take care of that little problem and come back."
"I'm sure he came," George roared with laughter.
"We couldn't return because your solution didn't fix that little problem," Draco whispered angrily back at her brother.
"Tish, tish, tish. You mustn't be doing it right, mate," Fred added.
"Oh, I think he was doing it right," Luna sighed and the witches broke into fits of giggles again.
"What are you two on about?" Charlie hissed.
"We got here five minutes before you lot and someone had forgotten to use a silencing charm," Hermione laughed.
"Our children aren't home, our nearest neighbors are a hundred kilometers away, and civilized wizards and witches do not call at one in the morning. Why would I use a silencing charm?" Draco hissed back.
"So, Ginny's alright?" Bill asked again.
"She's fine but I do need to know what the ingredients were in the potion. I'll have to floo her midwitch to see if it…"
"Damn… Bloody… Hell. She's nursing Leo. Fleur's going to kill me when she remembers that," Bill said. "Let us in Draco and the twins will give you the list."
-----*****-----
"Ginny, love. Are you alright?" Draco's voice brought her back from her thoughts.
She turned off the water. "Hand me a towel, please."
He placed a warming charm on one and wrapped it around her.
"What time did my brothers leave last night?"
"Around one thirty. I had to give them two bottles of fire whiskey and a case of meade. They were out at the twins'." They laughed then he kissed her. "You remember last night?" she nodded. "Upset with me about anything?"
"Not at all." She returned his kiss then dressed quickly. "I'm famished."
"I have breakfast in the sitting room. It's not much. I had to make it myself. The elves won't come back until ten unless you summon them."
She sat at the small table that held their breakfast and began eating the eggs and toast. "They won't listen to you?"
"Mother gave the house to you. I can't override one of your orders."
"Thank you for breakfast. It's wonderful." Draco Malfoy cooked for her. It was only eggs, sausage, toast, and tea but he'd only done it once before and that was for her birthday. She looked lovingly into his gray eyes. "When did it change for you, our relationship, I mean? When did you fall in love with me and why?"
He leaned back in his chair quite shocked. "Well, I didn't see that coming." Nervously he looked down at his watch. "I don't think I can answer in the thirty minutes we have. Merlin Ginny, I don't know if I could answer that if I had all day. I was always attracted to you, even at school. You were too good for any of the gits you dated."
Ginny shook her head. "You, a Malfoy, attracted to a poor Weasley! I want the truth, not to be charmed."
He took her hand. "It's the truth. I would have never acted on it at school. I wasn't that fascinated with you. You were still a girl, not a woman back in your fifth year." He took a drink of his tea. "I've always desired fiery, powerful, intelligent, beautiful witches. You had become that by your seventh year. Once I saw you after my return to England, I wanted to hold and protect you. No, I didn't love you but that didn't matter. I didn't think love would happen for me." His eyes started to tear.
"Well, it has happened for you," she said as she led him to the settee and cuddled him. "When did you know you loved me? Blaise said it was after Serpens was born." She caressed his face.
He removed a photo from his wallet. It was of a very pregnant Ginny kissing ten-month-old Thuban while the wind blew their hair. "It started to change this day. Remember it, Ginny?" She nodded. "I took Thuban up for his broom ride. He wanted to keep flying and for me to hold him tight but he didn't want to fly out of your sight. When we landed he went to you and I saw it. You loved him so much. Here was this little wizard that looked just like me and you loved him. When I approached, you invited me to share in that love." He paused to collect himself. "It grew from there. I knew I loved you by the time Cam was one. I love all of our children but our last two are very special to me. Serpens was conceived because I loved you and Leo is a true mixture of us."
She pulled him into a passionate kiss when they broke she whispered, "I believe I've loved you since the day you poured the Pervalidus Potion down the sink."
------******------
The Malfoy car stopped in the driveway of the Burrow. The backdoor opened quickly and Cam ran out.
"Cam, knock first. There may be wards!" his father yelled after the boy.
The little wizard didn't have to knock though. Hearing Draco's call, Molly opened the kitchen door for him.
"Grandma!" Cam hugged her. "We had lots of fun. Daddy said we have time for a cuppa tea."
"That's wonderful, dear," she replied and waited for Draco at the door. Cam greeted Ginny, Ron, Luna, and Arthur who were sitting at the table. He took a seat next to his grandpa.
Draco walked into the kitchen with Serpens on his hip and a very moody Thuban following. They greeted everyone then sat down. Thuban sat as far away from the others as he could. He put his elbows on the table and rested his chin in his hands and pouted. Draco thought about sitting next to the boy but decided against it. It was best to let his eldest son brood when he was in a mood.
Taking a seat next to his wife, Draco exhaled trying to release some stress.
Ginny leaned over, kissed his cheek and whispered, "Rough afternoon?"
He kissed her and whispered, "Remind me why I wanted children," he eyed Thuban. "That one's more trouble than he's worth."
Ginny looked from her eldest son to her husband. Their temperaments were too much alike. She could only hope that they both didn't intend to brood the rest of the day. If they did, they wouldn't be dining at the Manor. Merlin knew she didn't need Lucius added into this mix.
Serpens squealed with delight when Charlie entered the room. "Uncle Charlie, we were at a farm that had lots and lots of puppies. They were really cute and fun to play with. Daddy said we couldn't have one, but maybe Christmas." The little wizard bounced in the chair. "We saw lots of ponies too. Grandfather got one."
A loud sigh came from Thuban and he wiped fake tears from his eyes.
"Is there a problem, sweetheart?" Molly asked.
Both Ginny and Draco shot stern looks at their eldest son to no avail. He was going to try and make Molly and/or Arthur feel sorry for him in hopes of getting whatever Lucius and Draco had refused to purchase.
"We were suppose to be looking for a pony for me. But Grandfather let Cam pick the pony. I wanted Felicity, her coat was golden and her mane and tail were white. She had blue eyes too. We ended up with a gelding with the silly name of Zephyr that's light chestnut with brown eyes. We were really good all day and they wouldn't let us have a puppy which the elves could help us take care of." Thuban wiped a few tears from his face.
The Weasley family members were too shocked to reply. They were positive that Ginny's sons would be spoiled and that no request would be denied. That didn't appear to be the case.
"Thuban, was Felicity a trained jumping pony? I heard both your father and grandfather explain to you before leaving the Manor that you were to select a trained jumping pony." Ginny asked. Draco smiled at his wife letting her know she had identified the problem.
"No," he replied softly. "But we could have taught her."
"Do you know how to train ponies to jump?" she asked and the little wizard shook his head.
"Does your father or grandfather?" Again he shook his head.
"I see. Did your grandfather give you a selection of trained jumping ponies to choose from?"
"Yes, Mummy."
"Why didn't he buy the one you selected?" Ginny inquired.
Thuban looked down into his lap. "I wouldn't pick one. I wanted Felicity. She's beautiful."
Cam couldn't contain himself any longer. "Grandfather let me pick the pony 'cause he wasn't going to let Thuban's stubbornness waste his day. I let Serpens help me pick."
"Thuban's stubbornness," Ginny thought angrily. "Where does Lucius think the child acquired that trait?"
Tears started down Thuban's face again. "Then Grandfather screamed at me when I asked for a puppy."
"Thuban, your grandfather never raised his voice," Draco said firmly. He had seen enough of the boy's drama for the day. "We discussed your crying at the farm. Do not push your luck any..."
Ginny could see that her husband's temper was on the edge. She needed to step in. "Boys. Please go upstairs and wash up. Your grandma was made some lovely faircakes for you."
Charlie stood up and went to Serpens. "Come on little mate, I'll help you." The other two boys followed.
Serpens told Charlie as they were leaving, "Daddy and Grandfather told Thuban that his crying would only get him a very sore bottom."
Molly poured tea for everyone at the table and patted Draco's back to his great surprise. "Merlin knows they're not easy to raise at times, but you can't indulge their every whim."
"Were you at the Fawcett Farm, Draco?" Luna asked and he nodded.
"Felicity is a foal, not a pony."
"She'll be an excellent show horse once she's properly trained," Draco said.
Ginny shook her head. "You bought her."
"Quiet, love. He doesn't know. I haven't decided if I'll give her to him for Christmas or if she's an investment that I'll sell after she's trained. She's going to the Manchester stables for the time. Thuban's behavior will decide what becomes of the foal."
------******------
There was nothing more said about the puppies or ponies when the boys returned to the table. They quietly ate their fairycakes and drank their milk. Ginny, Molly, and Luna made plans to meet in Diagon Alley and shop Monday and Tuesday. After about an hour, Draco and his family said their good-byes and set off in their magically charmed car for dinner at Malfoy Manor.
Thuban remained silent throughout drive. His parents could tell he was thinking and, as he looked out the window, they only hoped he wasn't planning anything. Draco dearly wanted to give the boy the horse for a Christmas present but if Thuban tried to use Narcissa to attain it, the horse would be sold.
The young family walked slowly to the parlor. Once Cam heard Narcissa he started to run to her.
"Grandmother, I've missed you. Did Grandfather tell you about all the ponies and puppies we saw? The puppies were so cute. They kissed us a lot. I wanted the one with a bent tail. It would be so fun to have. I would love it and feed it and walk it. We could go to the farm and see them Tuesday if you like," the excited wizard said as he hugged his grandmother.
"I missed you too, Cygnus. I'm happy you had an enjoyable time," Narcissa stated with a smile.
Draco held his breath as Thuban approached the older witch. Hopefully, he noticed his grandmother hadn't responded to his brother's pleas for the puppy and wouldn't bring the horse up. The eldest boy greeted his grandmother with a kiss and then drew near his grandfather. He paused and appeared to steady himself before clearing his throat, getting Lucius' full attention.
"Grandfather," he started, his voice a little shaky. "I apologize for being rude to you at the Fawcett Farm. Zephyr is an exceptional jumper. It would be privilege to ride him. I promise to not behave in that manner again."
"Apology accepted, Thuban."
"Thank you." The little boy walked over to his parents. "Daddy. Mummy. I'm sorry for what I said at the Burrow."
Draco smiled brightly at the boy. "Good show Thuban," he thought. "I think Felicity will make a wonderful birthday present, no need to wait for Christmas." "Apology accepted," Draco replied.
Cam pulled on Ginny's robes. She knelt and he whispered in her ear, "What does 'you caught more flies with honey then with vinegar' mean?"
"Where'd you hear that expression, Cam?"
"Thuban was complaining when we washed up and Uncle Charlie said it to him," the little boy answered.
"I'll explain it later, sweetheart."
Lucius handed Draco a fire whiskey. "We might as well get all of our nasty business over with." Everyone stared at him. "It pains me to have to do this, Draco, but we have important business matters to address. I need you to go to France the weeks of April tenth and May fifteenth. You will also be needed in Spain the weeks of April twenty-fourth and May twenty-second."
Both Draco and Ginny gasped. He'd never before been asked to spend so much time on business trips. He was about to protest when his mother spoke.
Narcissa had a smile on her face and her planner in her hand. "I'll floo our villa outside of Paris and have them ready it for you and your family, Draco dear."
"Narcissa, Thuban has his lessons to attend to," Lucius croaked.
"I'll floo Professor Milkens and have him provide a week of lessons. He can base them on France," she answered before continuing, "It has been too long since I've seen Paris, Madrid, or Barcelona. We'll go on the April twenty-fourth trip to Spain and the May fifteenth trip to France."
"Dearest, these are business trips not holidays," he insisted.
"Nonsense, they can be both. I have no problem shopping on my own while you're in the office. It will give me time to look up some old friends," Narcissa said in a matter-of-fact tone.
Ginny smirked at Lucius. "Paris is easy to navigate with the boys on my own. The trip will allow them to practice their French. I don't know how we'd do in Madrid or Barcelona. I may have to hire a guide to show us the city and help with the children. Although even if we stay in the hotel suite until Draco returns from his day at work, it would be better than being at home without him for a week."
Draco walked over and kissed his mother's cheek. "Brilliant idea, Mother."
Lucius hid his anger. What should have created an opportunity for his man to make a move on his daughter-in-law had just turned into a family holiday. He couldn't plan any more business trips or late nights at the office for Draco without raising suspicion.
"Maybe she does love him," Lucius thought. "Ginevra has never liked Spain. Plus who in their right mind would want to stay in the small four-bedroom company suite with three active boys and a baby instead of the freedom of her own home without her husband checking on her."
------******------
Draco walked into his wife's bedchamber to find her sitting up in bed with her planning book open. He sighed to himself. The next few months were going to be busy for their family and had to be planned out. He knew this but he was hoping it could wait until tomorrow. He was already dead tired from their weekend.
He crawled in bed next to his wife. "Let's get started."
In a very business like manner Ginny put her quill to her planner. "Only a couple of things need to be done for Serpens' party on the twenty-second and I'm taking care of all but one tomorrow. You will need to handle that. Your Aunt Andromeda and her family have accepted our invitation."
He ran his hand around his brow and forehead. He had agreed to invite his estranged aunt's family to the party but had hoped she would refuse. He had never met the witch and her presence wouldn't bother him but he didn't know if that would be true for his mother. "I will speak with my mother on the ninth about Andromeda's attending the party."
Ginny kissed his cheek. She knew that wouldn't be easy for him, but she was determined to teach her children that one should never disown a family member for marrying someone he or she loved.
The next topic scared her a little, so she took a deep breath before speaking. "I think from now on we should discuss and purchase the boys' presents together. We can still get them small personal gifts but the main gift should be from both of us." Draco opened his mouth but Ginny continued before he could say a word, "That doesn't mean you order the gift and put my name on it. I want to research brooms, caldrons, potion kits, and other things with you and be part of it."
"I've already gotten their presents for this year," Draco said sheepishly. "I guess we can go over them and reorder something else if you like."
"Why don't we do this, we'll go shopping for gifts Saturday morning, while your parents have the boys, and see what happens."
"Agreed. What's next?" he asked.
"Leo's christening and naming, I was thinking of asking Bill to be his godfather. But… Well… Blaise has done so much for the boys and us it should be him. What would you think of having Fleur for his godmother and Blaise as his godfather?"
"It's an excellent selection. Not even Father could find fault with it."
Ginny exhaled and smiled. "That was easier than I thought. I know we're going to disagree about the next one. Nine days is to long for us to take for our anniversary trip."
"Ginevra, we will be going away, just the two of us, in July and that is final." Draco said firmly.
"Leo will only be four months old. That's too young. I feel comfortable going on a four-day holiday. I'll make all the arrangements. It will be a very special trip. Then next year we can go for a fortnight anywhere you like." Draco's look was still hard. "We can go on mini-holidays in October and January also if you like."
His face softened. "I'm not happy about it but I'll agree."
"Thank you. Would you like me to make the arrangements for our trips to France and Spain?"
"Yes, why don't you floo Mother tomorrow and check on the French villa. Also look into renting a manor in Madrid," he kissed her. "Are we done now?"
"Only a couple more things. I'll be shopping Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. I'm going to get Cam and Thuban new dress robes for Leo's christening instead of waiting for their birthdays."
Draco started kissing her neck. "That's fine."
"You're still going out with your mates this Friday, correct?"
"Yep," he answered as he caressed her face and put her planner on the table.
"Fine. Luna, Hermione, Padma, Pansy, and some other ladies plan on going to the new play that evening. Your parents will be watching the children."
"Delightful," he replied as he leaned over her and attacked the other side of her neck.
"Draco," she giggled when placed himself over her and licked the back of her ear. "We need to discuss your birthday."
"I'm listening."
"Would you like to spend June second and third in the Weir Inn and go hunting with your mates or would you rather spend those two days there with me? On the fourth, we're having your mates in our Falcons suite for the match."
"I want to be alone with you." He kissed her face and neck. "Enough talk."
------******------
Her daughter's life kept surprising Molly. On Monday morning she first vowed never again to arrive at Black Hall before nine a.m. She knew what her daughter and husband likely got up to but she didn't need to see them snogging in the foyer. Especially when it was quite obvious, by the state of Ginny's hair and the lack of clothing under her dressing robe, that they had shagged moments earlier.
Secondly, Molly was surprised to find the dress Ginny wore to the twins' party Saturday night behind the plant next to the wall mirror in the foyer. She had always known that house elves weren't good at cleaning.
Her third surprise came when she went to help her grandsons get dressed to go to Diagon Alley. Thuban came into Serpens' room and explained the clothing to her. "These are play clothes and robes for around home. These are play clothes and robes for going to friends' homes. These are clothes and robes for day outings. These are clothes and robes for the office or formal parties. And of course this is a dress robe for formal events. The day outing robes will be fine for today," he said before leaving the room.
Molly shook her head. As far as she was concerned, her grandsons only needed two sets of clothing; one for play and one for outings. And dress robes for children so young were ridiculous. Well at least they only had one set of them.
Her fourth surprise came when they flooed into Draco's office. He explained to his sons what behavior was expected of them on their shopping trip, being firm yet very loving. Once again it was made clear to her that her grandsons were far from the spoiled little brats she thought the Malfoys would have made them. Draco was too strict with the boys in her opinion. It wasn't normal for little wizards to sit so quietly. In fact it bothered her so much she took the children into the reception area to wait while their parents finished their conversation.
Her grandsons did prove that they were normal children by arguing while they were at the printers with Luna. The women were looking through catalogues of wedding invitations when the little wizards' whispering become louder and louder.
"My birthday invitation will be the best and so will my party," Cam stated. "Grandmother and Auntie Bella will make sure of that."
"Mine will be better. Uncle Charlie is bringing lots of dragons," Serpens countered.
Thuban laughed heartily at his brothers. "You both still have baby parties and play baby games. My party is always the best 'cause my friends aren't gits like yours are."
They argued back and forth for a short time, Ginny would quiet them down, but they would start again. The third time their voices rose, Cam decided to start pushing Thuban. Ginny sighed, removed a small mirror from her robe and looked at her sons. "Your father informed me that he would be available immediately to address any problem I might have this morning. Should I mirror him?" The little wizards quieted and shook their heads no. "I didn't think so. Thuban, I have coloring books and colored pencils in the bottom of the pram."
Trips to the baker and the caterer were next. At both places the boys sat and colored while the women talked to the owners. Luna, Molly, and the boys left the caterer ahead of Ginny so she could add a special dish for Serpens' party.
"Thank you. My Mum will be contracting you with the directions to her home. The wedding reception will be June thirtieth," Ginny said before turning around and falling into the arms of a handsome dark haired wizard with gorgeous green eyes. He reminded her of Harry in a way.
"Pardon me. I didn't think there was anyone behind me," Ginny said with a smile.
"No problem. You have a spectacular smile. Has anyone ever told you that?" the wizard flirted with Ginny.
"Why yes. My husband said that very thing this morning."
"Oh, that's sad to hear," he paused, "that you have a husband, that is," he continued to flirt.
"I have four sons too."
"I love children. I wouldn't mind a ready made family or just a little fun," the green eyed wizard winked.
Ginny couldn't help but giggle. Only Blaise had dared to flirt with her in the last seven years. Well, besides Draco of course. "Sadly, my husband doesn't like to share."
His hands went to her waist and he pulled her close. "What he doesn't…"
She pushed away sharply. "I'm sorry," she said firmly. "I didn't mean to give you the wrong impression. I'm happily married and I'm not interested." She turned and strolled down the street looking for her mum. She caught up to them just outside of Madam Malkin's Robe shop.
Mrs. Weasley's fifth surprise came when she entered the robe shop with her daughter and grandsons. Cam and Thuban stood straight and tall as they were measured, never complaining when asked to hold up an arm or move just so. She watched with amazement. Ron complained to this day when he was measured.
"They are so still," she whispered to Luna. "It's not normal."
"It's normal for a Malfoy. They're use to it. I'd guess they've been measured four or more times a year since they were two. One learns things go quicker if you stand still," Luna answered.
Once the boys were measured, Cam went and sat on Molly's lap but Thuban moved by Ginny and Madam Malkin.
"May I have gray dress robes, Mummy?" Thuban said.
"No, sweetheart. They will be black. We are going to use them for Leo's christening."
"Well, may I have a silver waistcoat and tie to wear at my birthday party?"
Ginny hadn't thought about this. She normally got the boys black robes and waistcoats, white shirts and ties. Visions of Draco's dress robes ran through her mind. He had black and gray robes and trousers. His shirts were white with slightly different patterns on the front. His waistcoats were black, white, silver, and Christmas red. His ties. Merlin does he have ties, she thought. She put the numerous work ties out of her mind. For dress he wore a black or white bowtie, a black, green, or gray Windsor tie (American Muggle's call them neck ties), or one of a number of different colorful ascots.
The beautiful silver patterned material that Thuban was pointing out reminded Ginny of an ascot Draco had worn a number of times. The tint brought out the color of his eyes wonderfully. The image of Draco and Thuban having their birthday photograph taken wearing the silver ascots appeared in her mind. They would look marvelous.
"I'll need a white shirt for each, standard black robes and trousers, white bowties and waistcoats. For Thuban, I'll also need a waistcoat in this silver and an ascot," Ginny stated.
"Thank you, Mummy," Thuban said gleefully.
"It may not be proper to wear for your party but you will have your birthday photograph taken in it." She turned to Madam Malken. "I'd almost forgotten. The Malfoy family crest is needed on Thuban's robes and the Black family crest is needed on Cam's."
"Will that be all, Mrs. Malfoy?" Madam Malken asked politely.
"I believe so. Please send the charges to my husband's office today. He does not want this billed on my account."
"As you wish. If you need anything else for the children, merely owl me, Good day ladies," Madam Malken stated as they left the shop.
Molly pushed the pram with the three older boys holding on to it with Ginny and Luna walking next to her.
------******------
On Tuesday, Luna, Lisa and Ginny sat at a table in the Leaky Caldron waiting for their lunch. Ginny couldn't remember the last time she had luncheon at the pub. The shepherd's pie was outstanding but Draco loathed dining here with her. He told her during their engagement, "A true gentleman would never dine in such a common place with a lady. A lady must always be treated with respect and should only dine in the best restaurants." The memory made her smile. Although he wouldn't dine with her here, when she was expecting Serpens he'd obtained their shepherd's pie and returned to the Manor with it numerous times to satisfy her cravings.
"I like this gown for my bridesmaids. What do you think, Ginny?" Luna said pulling the red haired witch from her thoughts.
"It's very traditional," she replied
"It's beautiful. What color are you thinking of, Luna?" Lisa asked.
"Lilac, icy blue, dusty rose, burgundy or sky blue." Luna bounced in her chair a little and whispered, "I have to use the loo, excuse me."
"I'll go with you," Lisa said and they left Ginny at the table.
She turned the page and a saw a stunning strapless dress. The hem started just below the knee in the front on the left side and dropped to the floor in the back and around to the right front. It reminded her of a toga. It was sky blue with an icy sheer trim at the bottom.
"That would be excellent for the Wales Ball," Ginny thought. "Draco wouldn't be able to keep his hands off of me but a moss green would be a better color."
"Spectacular dress, Red. I can see myself now, spinning around the dance floor with you in my arms," came the deep seductive voice of the dark haired wizard Ginny had fallen into at the caterers the previous day.
Ginny glared at the man. "Funny, I was thinking about dancing across the ballroom in that dress myself. In my husband's arms of course."
Lisa came back for her bag and smiled at the handsome wizard. "Ginny, are you going to introduce me?" she asked excitedly.
"Daniel James Jones," the wizard said placing a card on the table.
"It's nice to meet you, Daniel. I hope you're still here when I return." She took her bag and walked away.
Daniel sat down at the table. "I'm an exceptional dancer, Ginny. Are you sure you won't give me a try?"
"It's Mrs. Malfoy to you, sir. I don't recall inviting you to sit. And as I told you yesterday, I'm happily married."
He stood up. "My apologizes, Mrs. Malfoy. I hope to see you soon." He walked away as Luna and Lisa approached the table.
"Oh Ginny, he was handsome. I wanted to meet him," Lisa huffed.
"He's a cad, Lisa. I bumped into him yesterday and no matter how many times I tell him I'm happily married he still tries to ask me out. Some wizards!" she said as she placed her wand on his card and set it a fire. I wonder if Lucius or Bellatrix sent him, she thought. He is a little too aggressive.
Luna looked at the catalogue. "Merlin, that's it. I love that dress. Colors and all!"
------******------
Ginny walked out of the travel agency Thursday afternoon a very happy witch. She had arranged Draco's birthday weekend getaway and their anniversary trip. She knew he would love both locations and she thought he would like what she had planned for both. She looked down at her watch and started to hurry along. Draco would be waiting for her at the restaurant by now.
"Just the sight of you brightens my day, Mrs. Malfoy," Daniel Jones said as Ginny turned the corner in front of Etrier Barrière restaurant. "You look enchanting."
She sighed, "I think my husband will agree. If you'll excuse me, he's waiting for me inside." Ginny walked into the restaurant and over to the maitre d' who showed her to Draco's table.
"I've been waiting all morning to see you, love," he said as he helped her into her seat and kissed her cheek. When he sat down he noticed that she was flush. "Ginny is there a problem? You look bothered."
"It's nothing. I had to rush to get over here in time."
"I would have waited, love," he replied before taking a drink of his water.
She smirked at him. "Did it not occur to you that I've been longing to see you all morning?" She reached across the table, took his hand and seductively said, "I've missed your touch."
"Behave, my love, or I will have to bolt to the Chilworth Manor Hotel and ravish you before my return to the office." He raised his eyebrow at her.
She replied with great cheek, "Promises! Promises!"
Before Ginny knew it, Draco had placed a number of galleons on their table, wrapped his arms around her and Disapparated with her.
------******------
"Damn him," Ginny whispered as she looked in the foyer mirror at Black Hall. "I'll have to wear my hair down for a week," she mumbled to herself while looking at the dark purple spot high on her neck behind her right ear.
As her hair fell down, she heard her mother-in-law, "Wonderful, you're back. Leo was starting to fuss."
"I'll take him, Narcissa. Thank you," Ginny said as they walked into the family parlor. She sat down and started to nurse.
Narcissa smiled at her knowingly, "Did you and Draco have a nice lunch?"
"Yes. Thank you for watching the children. I was able to finish my shopping. Everything is ready for the children's birthday parties and Leo's christening. I wouldn't have been able to do it without your help," Ginny said.
"I enjoy watching them, Ginevra. They were very well behaved. You and Draco deserve time alone." Narcissa motioned to a gorgeous flower arrangement in the room. "These arrived for you moments ago."
------******------
Draco stood in front of the flower arrangement, a fire whiskey in one hand and the card in his other. His look was one of bewilderment as he read the card. The boys ran into the room and hugged their father. Strangely the wizard paid them little mind. Sensing something was wrong, Ginny sent the children upstairs with Nan to wash up for dinner.
"Draco, is there a problem?" she asked.
"The flowers," he stated softly. "Where did they come from?"
She giggled at him. "Stop being silly. You sent them." She removed the card from his hand and read it.
'Your smile this afternoon brightened my day. I wait breathlessly for our next encounter.'
"What are you playing at? Who else would have sent them?" she asked.
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Who else indeed, Ginevra? For it wasn't I."
"They're not from you?" she asked and he shook his head 'no'.
"Simon," she called and the house elf appeared. "Do you know what flower shop this came from?"
"Yes, Misses."
"Take them back. There has been a mistake," Ginny said.
He disappeared only to return minutes later with the flowers, "There be no mistake. A dark haired man with green eye had them sent to Misses."
Ginny sat on the settee and put her face in her hands. "This isn't happening. It's impossible." Her distress turned to anger and she stood up. "It must be your father or your aunt." She addressed the elf. "Take them back. I don't want them. I bet Daniel Jones isn't his name," she ranted and paced.
The elf disappeared with the flowers and she pulled Draco to the settee. She placed her head on his chest. "This is unbelievable but whoever is behind it knows I'm faithful to you." Her husband gave her an annoyed look. She looked into his eyes. "I'll explain everything to you but you have to promise me you won't do anything illegal once I tell you."
"This doesn't sound good, Ginny."
"Just promise me, Draco. Your going off and using an unforgivable on another wizard will make things worse."
"All right, I promise."
She kissed his cheek. "It all started Monday. I ran into this wizard at the caterer. He flirted with me a little. I told him I was married." She looked at Draco sheepishly. "He continued to flirt, I flirted back."
Draco growled, "Ginevra"
"Don't you dare growl at me, Draco Black Malfoy. I've seen you flirting with witches. It's harmless and it's nice to have an attractive wizard other than your husband tell you you're beautiful."
He growled again, "You shouldn't flirt, especially with strange wizards. It can be dangerous."
"Flirting with witches can be dangerous too! I'll have Hermione get us the Muggle movie Fatal Attraction. That's not the point." She paused to contain herself from losing her temper. She needed him to understand what was happening. Rowing wouldn't help them. She rolled her eyes at him. "I thought it was harmless. I told him I was happily married when he made a move on me."
The blond wizard shot out of his seat and stood in front on her. "He did what? Did he touch you?"
"Sit back down, Draco." She pulled him back onto the settee. "He hugged close and said he'd like to start a relationship with me. When I refused and told him I was married, he implied he wouldn't mind having an affair."
Draco's breathing had become very loud, he was about to explode. "Sweetheart, you need to calm yourself. I turned him down." Ginny tried to add humor to relax him.
"Another wizard wants to bed my wife and you tell me to calm down!" he complained.
"Your wife wants to shag no one but you. That's why you should calm down."
He kissed her cheek. "You're right, love. Why the flowers today?" he asked.
"That's what makes me think your father or your aunt send him to set me up. He made a pass at me Tuesday at the Leaky Caldron, and I saw him again today on my way to the restaurant. I think he made another pass at me but I can't be sure." Draco gave his wife a questioning look.
She returned a sexy smile. "You see, I was late for a luncheon engagement with a sinfully sexy wizard. I kept having these amazing shag flashbacks as I hurried to meet him. I wasn't paying attention to much else."
"I see." He smirked before kissing her soundly and when he released her lips he asked, "What should we do about this gentleman and my father or aunt?"
Ginny said. "If I run into the man again, I'll have Preston chase him off. You've been paying him for weeks to keep me safe, he might as well earn his keep." She learned into him seductively. "Now, where's my 'glad to be home kiss'?"
Draco stood up bringing her with him. He pulled her close and placed his hands on her behind. She thought he was going to kiss her then she felt his right hand playfully smack her bottom cheek. "You were a bad witch for flirting." He leaned down and kissed her passionately.
"Start counting, Serpens," Thuban instructed in a whisper as the boys peered around the corner and watched their parents kiss.
"One, two, three, four, five,..." Serpens continued as his brothers talked.
"Their record is thirty-two," Cam giggled.
"Bet they'll go longer if we're quiet," Thuban said.
"Twenty-six, Twenty-seven… I'm hungry," Serpens said.
"Twenty-eight, twenty-nine…" Cam picked up the count.
"Have an apple." Thuban removed one from a bowl and handed it to his little brother. "I don't think they're going to stop anytime soon."