Cementing Relationships
Part 1
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Narcissa stared into the ballroom at Black Hall. Memories of parties past ran through her mind. She could clearly see Lucius dancing her across the floor the evening of their engagement party. Time is a fickle thing; a year ago it saddened her that this place would likely not see a party for years. Today, she was sad because it would be the location of the Malfoy heir's birthday celebration, an event she thought she would always control and reign over at her home. The blonde witch sighed, at least Ginevra allowed her to take part in the planning of the event.
"Cissy" she heard a deep soft voice whisper. "Cissy, my lovely daughter Narcissa," the voice of her father seemed to float in the air and she thought it was a dream at first. "Cissy, I need to speak with you before Ginevra returns."
She turned away from the ballroom and went to answer her father's portrait in the hall, "Yes, Father."
"Your sister, Bellatrix, is a danger. She is not well mentally. My portrait hanging in the underground passageway heard her talking to Andi's youngest grandson. After your meeting with Ginevra, go to the passageway and my portrait there will provide you with very important information."
Ginny's footsteps sounded down the hall. "I will speak with you soon, Father."
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Andromeda Tonks sat outside a café in Diagon Alley. The owl she received from her baby sister was puzzling to say the least. She wouldn't have come if the owl did not imply that her youngest grandson's well-being was in jeopardy.
Narcissa smiled at her sister. "I'm so glad you had the time to meet with me, Andi."
"How could I not? Why do you believe…"
The flashing of cameras interrupted her question. "The Black family reunites. Does this meeting have anything to do with your missing sister?" asked Rita Skeeter
Narcissa took Andromeda's hand and stood saying, "If you will excuse us, we were just leaving," and walked hand in hand with her sister away from the crowd. Once in a clearing, she whispered, "Trust me, Andi," before pulling her close and Disapparating.
They landed in front of Malfoy Manor. "Is Lucius home?" Andromeda questioned.
"Yes, but don't worry, I can handle my husband. We'll go to my rose garden," Narcissa reassured as she kept hold of her sister's hand. Andromeda's small shivers of fear stopped when her childhood memory popped into her mind. She giggled and Narcissa turned to her questioningly.
"The tables have turned, Cissy. I held your hand to calm your fears when we were children coming to Lucius' eighth birthday party here at Malfoy Manor," Andromeda said.
Narcissa giggled, "I remember. Lucius had teased me at Bellatrix's party. You were the one who said you could handle him then." She patted her sister's hand. "Only a fool would cross two Blacks at once."
As they entered the manor Lucius came down the stairs. His face froze upon seeing the older Black sister and he hissed at his wife, "Narcissa, what in the magical world do you think…"
"Lucius, that is no way to greet my sister," she stated flatly.
Quickly assessing the potential costs of angering his wife, Lucius hurried to take his sister-in-law's hand, placing a gentle kiss upon it and greeting her in a most civil manner. "Andromeda, welcome to Malfoy Manor," he said in a cheerful tone.
Narcissa turned and led her sister down the hall. She looked over her shoulder and said, "We'll be in my rose garden, darling, and do not wish to be interrupted."
The two witches quickly made their way to the center of the garden and sat at a table there where an elf served them tea.
"What makes you believe John is in danger?" Andromeda asked.
"Father's portrait informed me that during Cygnus' birthday party, Bellatrix took John into the underground passageway which leads from Black Hall to the stables. He overheard her talking and she called the boy, Cepheus. Why would she do that?" Narcissa questioned.
"That is his middle name."
"Andi, according to father, Bella spent a great deal of time explaining Black Family history and politics to the boy, spinning a tale of great adventure and asking the child if he would like to be a part of it. When he agreed, she told him that his parents would not let him and that they would lie to him about her. She instructed him not to believe his parents' stories about her and that she would come for him and take him away so that they could travel the world together learning vast amounts of powerful magic." Narcissa patted her sister's hand. "Bella is insane, Andi, and she wants your John as well as my Cygnus."
Andromeda sighed. "Thank you, Cissy. I will inform Remus and Nymphadora."
"There is one more thing. Father's portrait believes Bellatrix may be in Bulgaria. He spoke of a village by the Black Sea that she favored and a mountain town. He said we visited those places often when Bellatrix was nine. I cannot recall their names and neither could he."
"She enjoyed the beaches of EmberIi as I remember. Maybe Smolyan for the skiing. Nymphadora still works in the Aurors offices. I will contact her. Thank you, Cissy. Is it safe for me to Disapparate?"
Narcissa nodded and a pop sounded moments later.
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Ron could hardly contain himself at the sight inside Forean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour where his only brother-in-law stood holding a sack from Ginny's favorite perfume shop in his hand, Thuban next to him with a large bouquet of flowers. Cam was there as well, clasping a box of Ginny's favorite chocolates. Ron brought the sight to his companion, Charlie's, attention and the two quietly entered and stood unnoticed close to the Malfoys.
From his father's hip where he was perched, Serpens ordered a half galleon of 'Mummy's favorite ice cream' and Ron could no longer suppress his mirth. "What kind of trouble did you get yourself into this time, Malfoy?" he asked with a huge smile.
"Hello, Ron, Charlie," Draco managed to say in an attempt to play nicely with the Weasley wizards.
Ron patted his back in response to the gesture and replied, "You must be in big trouble. What'd you do? You can tell us, we're family."
Draco rolled his eyes, "I didn't do anything."
"We know better than that, Malfoy. A bloke doesn't buy his wife all those gifts unless he's in trouble. Did you have to sleep in a guestroom last night?" Charlie asked with a chuckle.
Ron cleared his throat in a failed attempt to hide a laugh. "Doesn't look like nothing to me either, looks like it was a big mistake." He put his hand on Draco's shoulder and whispered, "Did she bat-bogey you?"
"No!" Draco spat moving his shoulder so that Ron's arm fell off it.
"It wasn't Daddy. It was Cam and Serpens," Thuban offered. "Serpens broke her favorite bottle of smelly stuff and then Cam hid from her. She was crying when Grandfather and I got back home. Didn't Grandma tell you?"
Concern replaced the humor lining the Weasleys' faces for they realized how terrified being unable to locate Cam for even a short period of time would have rendered their sister. Bellatrix was, after all, still at large.
"Bloody… Haven't been to the Burrow in a couple of days. When did it happen?" Ron asked.
Draco raised a brow in inquiry at Charlie who was still living at the Burrow.
"I haven't been to the Burrow either," the older Weasley admitted.
Draco smirked wondering where Charlie had been spending his nights. It was going to be fun, indeed, to share this juicy tidbit of family gossip with Ginny later.
"Where have you been Charlie?" Draco leaned closer so his sons wouldn't hear. "Or should I ask, whom have you been with and what have you been doing with her?"
Charlie blushed, "My affairs are not the topic, Malfoy. How's Ginny…"
"So it is an affair !" Draco interrupted, grinning.
The older wizard exhaled. He'd come in to taunt the prat. Somehow the tables had been turned so he changed the subject, "How's Ginny, Malfoy? I'm sure she was rather upset."
"She's fine now. However, upset was an understatement for what transpired on Friday afternoon. Cygnus thought that it would be funny to hide from his mother," Draco eyed the little wizard, "he realizes now that there was nothing at all humorous about his actions."
"I scared Mummy. It was very wrong. I won't do it again." Cam looked at his uncles hoping, in vain, for sympathy.
"It didn't lessen Ginny's distress when she was unable to reach anyone by floo at both my office and the Burrow," added Draco. "Luckily, my father brought Thuban home soon after she'd discovered Cam's absence."
Serpens' eyes opened wide as he explained, "When Grandfather calls you, you better come. So Cam did."
Draco politely took his leave saying, "You'll have to excuse us, gentlemen, I told Ginny we'd be home before lunch."
"We need to be getting to the Ministry. See ya' Malfoy."
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Draco dropped his fork and hurried out of the dining room, wand in hand, to confront the commotion that had erupted in the foyer seconds earlier. Ginny huffed at him as he ordered her to remain in the dining room with the boys. However, she uncharacteristically did as she was told for once.
Draco approached the foyer cautiously, ready to cast a spell, but the closer he got, the more he realized his wand wasn't needed. He sheathed it at the sound of his brother-in-law's outraged voice.
"I don't care what they're doing. I want to see my sister now!" Ron demanded.
"What's the problem, Weasel?" Draco hissed.
"They've got them, Malfoy. I need to tell Ginny."
"What?"
"The Aurors. They located Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Rabastan. The Bulgarian Ministry has them in custody!" Ron shouted excitedly.
"You're sure?"
"Yes."
Draco threw his arm around the shoulder of a very shocked Ron exclaiming, "That's great news, mate. Come along and join us for lunch. You can tell Gin and we'll drink to the capture in my study after." The blond wizard's arm remained around his brother-in-law as they walked into dining room to receive dumbfound looks from its occupants.
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Ginny could not take her eyes off Lucius holding Leo. She wasn't concerned for the babe's well being, just astonished at the way the wizard handled the child. Oh, he cradled and cuddled him, as would anyone with a three month old. But he spoke to the infant as if he were an adult. While most people cooed and babbled nonsense, Lucius discussed business. She smiled remembering the first time she'd seen Lucius holding and talking to Thuban.
Lucius paced across the nursery with newborn Thuban cradled in his arms. The baby was crying and in an attempt to calm him, his grandfather spoke softly to him, "Yes I agree, Thuban. The recent import restrictions the Ministry has imposed irritates me to no end too. However, we must endure and maintain our composure."
The feel of Narcissa's hand on her own brought Ginny back from her thoughts. "I'm sorry Narcissa, you were saying?"
The older witch smiled. "It's quite alright, dear. I often find myself observing Lucius with Leo. It is amazing the way the baby's eyes follow him. I believe he understands every word his grandfather is saying."
Lucius continued, "The potion research laboratory you suggested is up and running. Your father rather enjoyed putting it together."
Leo looked right into Lucius' eyes and cooed loudly.
"Your father decided to start small. We have four Potion Masters, each with six assistants. Your daddy had the fourth floor of our offices in Diagon Alley transformed into their laboratories."
The baby babbled for a short time and gave his grandfather a meaningful look.
"Why yes. I deem that by next year we will need to hire more Potion Masters and build them their own structure."
The baby cooed some more.
Ginny turned to Narcissa and smiled, "They do appear to be having quite the conversation."
"Did you get your reservations settled?" Narcissa asked.
"Yes, thank you. I changed to the hunting lodge in Portsmouth. I hope Draco doesn't mind. It isn't as nice as the one we normally go to for his birthday but it's a lot closer to home in case we're needed."
"I'm sure he won't care, dear. He only wants to spent time alone with you," Narcissa patted her hand. "You need not worry, the boys will be fine at the Manor through Saturday. Aren't your parents going to stay with them at Black Hall Saturday and Sunday?"
"Yes, the children aren't used to the Burrow yet," Ginny sighed.
Narcissa smiled. She was happy her grandchildren would not spend time in that shack the Weasleys called a house, although she didn't want to hurt her daughter-in-law's feelings. "I'm sure in time they will view it as a third home."
Draco walked out onto the patio, kissed Narcissa on the cheek, greeted his father, patted Leo on the tummy and sat next to Ginny, lightly kissing her lips.
"Welcome home," Ginny whispered before returning his kiss.
He scooted his chair as close to hers as possible, took her hand in his and kissed it. "It's nice to be home. Now, what is this about a third home?"
"Your mother was merely reassuring me that the boys would get used to staying at the Burrow."
He smiled at his mother then smirked at his wife. "Is there any special reason the topic of the boys staying at the Burrow came up?"
"We'll talk about it later, Draco. Don't you want to change? We need to be at the pub in thirty minutes," she said giving a meaningful look at their boys who had not noticed their father's arrival. "We'll never be on time if they spot…"
Serpens spied his father. He was careful not to alert his brothers as he walked over to Draco and pulled on his father's slacks. "Daddy, are you really going out tonight?" The boy laid his head on Draco's lap and looked sadly into his eyes. "Don't go. I miss you."
He picked the boy up and headed inside the house. "I've got to go, mate. Uncle Blaise is waiting for Mummy and me. Come and help me pick out my clothing."
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"Draco, Miles, get over here. I've got twenty galleons Richard and I can beat you at darts," Blaise called merrily to his mates.
Miles got up from the table and started toward them. Draco, however, was very happy cuddling up next to Ginny. Blaise walked over and took the blond wizard by the arm.
"Come along, Malfoy."
"Bloody hell Zabini, you're worse than my sons. Every time I get my arm around my wife, they pull me away."
Blaise pulled his friend to his feet. "Ginbug needs to talk with someone over the age of six and under the age of thirty who's not you once in awhile."
Ginny kissed her husband's cheek. "He's not going to leave you alone, so it's best to get it over with."
The witches watched as the two men walked off. Millicent turned to Pansy, "Blaise is in a better mood this evening. He was a dragon at the office. I almost didn't come this evening."
Daphne smiled at the others, "Pansy put tulips on his broomstick before they got here."
Raven-haired Pansy blushed and exclaimed, "Daphne!"
"Pans, he was a major prat when Miles and I came to pick you up. You told us to go ahead without you and twenty minutes later you show up with a very happy Blaise. Just how did you put that big of a smile on him?"
"He was feeling unloved; with all the wedding planning, I haven't had much time for him," Pansy explained.
"Wizards are always moody when they're randy."
Pansy rolled her eyes. "He wasn't randy, Daphne. Blaise gets moody when he's feeling neglected," she giggled. "When he's randy he won't stop touching me, in public or not."
((((((Aurthor's Note: Oral sex is discussed in the scene by pass to the next set of ((((( if you don't wish to read. )))))))
But Daphne was adamant, "Oh, get off it, Parkinson. You must have had sex with him before you came to the pub. Likely a blowjob, based on his mood."
Pansy smirked. "I can tell you were brought up with Victorian mores, Daphne, you still have the old beliefs about oral sex and are confused about the difference between sex acts and lovemaking.
"I know the difference, Pansy," Daphne took a drink and grinned, "and I enjoy both. As for oral sex, well, I know it chippers Miles right up." She laughed, "I could throw out his broom and he'd forgive me if I cleaned his wick."
Millicent laughed, "Pans, I bet Daphne even enjoys giving head."
"Damn right I do! It's very intimate and makes me feel powerful and sexy," Daphne said.
"Why do you think wizards like it so much?" Ginny asked.
"For the same reasons we like having it done to us. They get to lie down and just enjoy. It's a gift and one that wouldn't be given indiscriminately. Then there's the physicality of it; the tongue and mouth can do some wonderful things." Pansy paused and looked at Daphne, confessing, "I did make Blaise feel loved before we left the house, but I don't kiss and tell."
Daphne blushed. "I can't believe we are discussing this."
"Grow up!" Millicent interjected. "It's not like we're exchanging intimate details about our wizards...hmm, different wizards do like different things though. Shall we compare notes?"
"Said the most experienced mouth at the table," Pansy laughed.
"Bint!" Millicent replied playfully.
"Wench!" Pansy's tone, although playful, did hold a note of distain.
"Millicent performed oral sex on Blaise many times at Hogwarts," Daphne whispered into Ginny's ear, "and Pansy slept with Richard. We need to change the subject before they begin to argue."
Ginny nodded and taking a page from Narcissa's book, she changed the subject, "Leo has been sleeping through the night. I put him down at ten and he doesn't get up until five. When we get back from holiday I'll work on getting him to sleep from eleven to six."
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(((((
The ward sounded softly letting Ginny and Draco know that Leo had awakened. Placing her hand on her husband's chest, Ginny whispered, "I'll go get him," before carefully getting out of bed. At the door to the nursery, she looked back. Cam and Serpens had crawled into bed with them shortly after their return home. Something the boys and even Thuban had been doing a lot of lately. For the first time she realized how much she, herself, needed this holiday without the boys.
Ginny sat in the rocking chair nursing Leo and thought of their upcoming trip. They had always spent a long weekend at a wizarding hunting lodge for Draco's birthday, but had brought his friends and their children along. This year he'd requested that they go alone, just the two of them. He couldn't seem to get enough alone time with her and she felt the same way.
Though she had fallen in love with Draco at least a year ago, their recent confessions of love for one another had changed things for her in a fundamental way that burgeoned within her seeking expression. It was now her desire to remain with him, to truly be his wife, and her decision to stay had nothing to do with their children. True that it had started out that way; he was, after all, an amazing father. But that was no longer the reason. She, Ginevra Molly Weasley, loved Draco Black Malfoy and would be devastated if she lost him. She felt overwhelmed at how lucky she was that he loved her in return. How lucky they both were.
Pansy's words from the night before ran through her brain. Blaise had been feeling unloved. Ginny understood the difference between having sex and making love. She had indulged herself in all the normal romantic notions girls have before she had married and had been very careful within the context of their forced marriage, to have sex with Draco. Great sex, but sex. That, she had believed, was all he was entitled to.
Now, however, their relationship had undergone a sea change and she didn't want to hold back any longer. She wanted to give herself completely to Draco, to make love to him. In the private recesses of her soul, she knew that she'd refused to perform oral sex on him because she saw it as too intimate for just sex. For her, it was an act of love, and she hadn't felt willing to indulge in it until now, hadn't felt that he deserved to be so intimate with her. She did indeed know how much wizards prized the act. After all, she had six brothers whom she'd overheard talking on many occasions and boys at Hogwarts as well.
Her mind raced back to her teenage years at Hogwarts and she recalled the numerous conversations she'd overheard; awestruck young wizards extolling the delights of having witches' mouths wrapped around them.
((((((Aurthor's Note: Oral sex is discussed in the scene. By pass to the next set of ((((( if you don't which to read. )))))))
"I can't believe she sucked me off three times yesterday. It was fantastic. What a brilliant witch," said a seventh year boy.
"I love to see her eyes gazing up at me when I come into the back of her throat," said another. "And, Merlin, when she swallows, I actually see stars!"
"You can tell a girl's a keeper if she gives good head. Of course, you have to teach them. And pussy! Nothing tastes better than hot, pretty, pink pussy. Don't you just love it!"
(((((
Those were boys talking honestly to each other, and their opinions had influenced her own attitudes about oral sex: that it was definitely a gift. That Draco loved her and gave her this intimate gift, had for a long while as his feelings for her deepened throughout the years of their marriage, was not lost on her. She loved him endlessly and wanted to show him just that. She longed to move with him into a more intimate physical relationship. Now she had to learn exactly how to go about it!
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Thuban rolled the large rocks in the garden collecting bugs from underneath them as Cam swung happily on the swing set, Serpens napped and Ginny nursed Leo in peace. It was the first serene moment she'd had in days. Three and a half hours, she thought. In three and a half hours she'd drop the boys off at the Manor and then head to the Portsmouth's hunting lodge for a mini-break with her husband.
She leaned back in her lounge, daydreaming of having a romantic evening with the wizard she loved. She ran the list of items she needed for the weekend through her mind. The champagne, roses, strawberries and chocolate sauce were waiting in their suite. She had the candles, three new and very sexy sets of lingerie, her little black dress that Draco favored and her even littler green dress. Wicked!
Then Thuban's screams of pain rang through the yard breaking her reverie. Cam ran to his brother and added his voice to the yelling, "Mummy, Thuban's finger's under a rock!" Cam cried through his tears.
Leo joined in, shrieking along with his brothers. Ginny had no choice except to lay the infant in his cradle and attend to her eldest. She drew her wand. Thuban was bent over the rock, so she had to levitate both the boy and the stone. Once his fingers were no longer trapped, Thuban straightened himself. Ginny then Accioed the boy to her arms.
Although he was free and safe in his mother's arms, Thuban continued to wail, as did his brothers. Ginny ran her wand over his fingers and found no damage. She kissed each one lovingly and tried to calm the boy to no avail. She rocked Thuban in her arms as a still crying Cam tried to crawl into her lap.
Thuban pushed his brother away, "NO! I get Mummy. I'm hurt!"
Cam sat on the ground and cried louder. In his cradle, Leo's screaming also increased. The thought of placing a silencing charm on each of the children crossed her mind briefly, none of the boys was in pain but they all needed attention.
"Tipsy," she called and the elf appeared. "Go to the Manor and ask your Mistress..."
"Mistress Narcissa is needed?" She nodded and the elf vanished.
Ginny did her best to calm her boys. She put a rocking charm on Leo's cradle and his screams turned into light sobs. She rocked Thuban in her arms and caressed Cam's back as he sat on the ground next to her. Their wails were still loud when Narcissa entered the garden.
"Grandmother! Grandmother!" Cam said through his crying and hiccupping. He left his mother's side for his grandmother's warm embrace.
"Thank you for coming," Ginny said over the crying, "Thuban rolled a rock on his fingers and then everyone decided to have a meltdown."
Narcissa sat next to her daughter-in-law with Cam on her lap. It only took a short time for her rocking to reduce his crying to soft whimpers. She kissed his forehead and said, "Cygnus, Leo needs to be cuddled too. Would you be so kind as to share me with him?"
Cam went to wipe his runny nose and tears on his arm, Narcissa quickly handed the little wizard her hankie. "Bet he's scared like me. Thuban screamed really loud. I'll share," he told her so she placed the five year old on his feet and gathered Leo in her arms. Once seated, she motioned for Cam to join her.
Ginny smiled at her mother-in-law. "Are you still sure you want to watch them for forty-eight straight hours, two whole days?"
"They can be a handful at times. However, unlike you, I don't have to look after them everyday. You've needed an extended break from parenting for years, my dear." She looked at the boys who were all asleep. "Ginevra, you should head to the lodge now. A couple hours of peace and quiet will do you good."
Relief crossed the young witch's face, "A long bubble bath would be wonderful."
Ginny placed a sleeping Thuban on the settee, collected her things from upstairs and Apparated to the lodge. Once inside the suite she opened her bag and removed the parchment that Pansy had given her. She blushed as she read it. "Get a hold of yourself, Ginny," she said, "it's a simple sexual act. Oh Merlin, I'm talking to myself."
She read the parchment again, focusing on its detailed explanations. She found herself flush with arousal as she read. This was really sexy stuff and she felt a trill of anticipations flow through her and settle between her legs. "Relax, everything will go great," she mumbled, "Draco is going to love this." She put the parchment under the cushion of the chair and went into the bathroom to take a bath. As the water ran, she thought of her plans for the evening: it would take time to distribute rose petals, chill champagne and get herself ready. A bath would take too long; a tranquil shower would have to do.
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Draco's head floated in his mother's parlor, a worried expression on his face. He'd flooed home earlier to find it empty. His expression changed to one of surprise when Thuban came and answered the floo.
"Grandmother's busy with Leo, Daddy. She wanted me to ask what you needed."
"I was looking for your mother."
"Oh, Mummy left early to make sure everything was ready at the lodge."
"Thank you, Thuban. Be a good boy for your grandparents. I'll see you, Sunday. I love you."
"I love you too, Daddy."
Draco ended the call and busied himself with packing up for his long weekend. The idea of joining Ginny at the lodge a couple of hours early warmed his heart. As he hurried around, Lucius walked into his office.
"What day will you be returning to work?"
Draco rolled his eyes. "I planned to work most of Monday."
"You will be bringing Thuban?"
"Of course, he will not interfere with my ability to accomplish…"
Lucius smiled and interrupted his son, "Thuban is very helpful. You should bring him more often."
"Then why all the questions, Father?"
"I merely wish to be informed."
Draco was perplexed. Lucius Malfoy never merely wished to be informed. The older wizard was fishing for something, but what? Draco searched his mind. His father knew the plans. They were the same every year. The weekend before his birthday, he and his family went on a four-day holiday. Well, there was a little difference this year. They weren't taking the children. But his father knew that already, so what was he actually trying to find out?
The light dawned on Draco and he asked his father, "You and Mother do plan on attending breakfast at Black Hall Monday morning to celebrate our birthdays, right?"
The older wizard beamed, "We wouldn't miss it. Have a nice holiday."
At those words Draco Apparated to the lodge's front desk.
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"Ginny!" he called excitedly as he looked around the main sitting room of the suite. Not seeing her, he walked into the bedchamber and his heart dropped at finding it empty. Then he heard the shower and sat down in a chair to wait for her to finish. That lasted for about thirty seconds before the desire to be near her overcame him and he approached the door. He thought of just barging in on her, but decided she might have come to the lodge early for some peace and quiet. Merlin knew that with four little boys Ginny rarely had time alone. He knocked on the door and poked in his head.
"Gin, Luv, it's me!" he called, "do you mind if I come in?"
Ginny froze. Damn it! She hadn't gotten to set things up. Everything's spoiled, she thought.
"Luv, I've missed you. I'll wait in the sitting room."
His voice was soft and so full of love. Each word tickled her ear and she wanted him to stay, not leave. Bugger her plans, she could improvise. "You're early, come in."
She was rinsing the shampoo from her flowing red hair when he entered. He looked at her body through the rippled glass before leaning against the vanity. Although he could see only the outline of her body, he watched in amazement. When he spoke, he could only manage short statements, pausing between each one, "I flooed home. I'd forgotten to pack my new hunting boots. No one answered. I was concerned. I flooed Mother. Thuban told me you'd left early. I couldn't wait to join you. So I came right away. I hope you don't mind."
"I'm pleased you're early. If you came to join me, why haven't you?"
He was out of his clothing and in the large shower before she could say another word. She took his hand and spun him under the sinfully warm, gentle flow of water. Soaping the sponge in her hand, she started lovingly to wash his chest and arms. Her touch was soft and seductive.
Author's Note: Smut scene next http://fanfiction.portkey.org/story/6117/12