Author's note: Most of the first half of this chapter was posted as a New Year's Day cookie. The second half of the story is new.
New Year Promises and Surprises
----------***********-----------
The Christmas holidays had been busy, hectic, demanding and exhausting but oh so fantastic. Draco helping her make Christmas dinner had been the high point. Christmas day had been wonderful in every way. Lucius and Narcissa had come early in the afternoon to exchange gifts. They had overbought for the boys like always. The senior Malfoys overbought for everyone. They gave Draco hunting cottages outside of Skye and Dublin. Ginny got seaside houses on the islands of Cyprus and Saint George. Her favorite gift was a cinnamon colored cashmere scarf. The Malfoy crest, along with her initials, was embroidered gracefully on the corner. It was a personal gift from Lucius. He'd told her he was compelled to buy it because it matched her eyes.
Arthur and Molly joined them for dinner. The two sets of grandparents were wonderful. They acted as if they were old friends. This behavior continued when they went into the parlor. The boys were amazing. They knew how their grandparents loved to compete for their attention, but they didn't play on it. The little wizards made sure they spent equal time with each one. Leo was an exception. He hardly left Lucius' lap, so Thuban spent more time with Arthur. The only thing that could have made the day better was if Ginny could have had more energy.
Vigor had been a problem for Ginny in the weeks before and during Christmas. She'd had so much to do, but now all her party planning was done. She only had to attend the Parkinson New Years Eve party tonight and the Ministry party today. The knowledge of that energized her, along with the fact she had been working out at a fitness center for the last week. It was lucky she and Pansy had met Draco and Blaise at the center before going to lunch. She never would have guessed there were exercising classes for expecting witches.
Ginny sat at her dressing table, finishing her makeup. The expecting mother was truly glowing this evening. Her life couldn't be going better at the moment. The exercise class didn't change her growing size, but it did decrease many of her little aches and pains. She could also spy on Draco as he worked out. Spying wasn't the right term, ogling was more fitting. Merlin, he had a magnificent chest.
"You're missing something," Draco whispered as he placed a beautiful diamond and sapphire necklace on her. The blond wizard kissed her check. "I love you, Gin."
She turned and kissed his cheek. "Love you back. Are the boys still here?"
"They're at the Burrow. Your mother has a full house, and she's as happy as the boys on Christmas morning."
Ginny placed the matching earrings and bracelet on and touched her hair. Merlin, she loved being married to a wealthy wizard at times like these. The best hairdresser in wizarding London had come to her home earlier and done her hair. In moments, she would be going to the most exclusive ball of the year in a one-of-a-kind designer gown. Best of all, she would be on the arm of a wizard she loved and who loved her.
"Draco, I'm ready." She stood and went to her husband.
"One minute, Gin. I'll get our cloaks and we'll Apparate from here." To her surprise he walked into his dressing room and removed a large box. He placed it on the bed and opened it, revealing a beautiful black mink full-length coat. The wizard placed the coat lovingly on his wife. Ginny instantly noticed that it covered her extended abdomen.
"Draco…" she started but he kissed her, quieting her.
"You need something warm to wear. Your old cloak isn't any good. Now, please take my arm so I can Apparate us to Parkinson Manor."
----------***********-----------
Draco removed his wife's coat in the hallway and handed it to the house elf. The couple walked into the ballroom, which was already full. They greeted Violet Parkinson, who was merrily announcing the outstanding health of her five-month-old granddaughter and the expected arrival of her second grandchild in August. "A marriage and two grandchildren in three years! I couldn't ask for more," Violet happily stated. Narcissa stood close to her friend and beamed. It was a testimony to the close friendship of the society witches that Narcissa let Violet have the social ball of the year. After the war, it was the only thing, besides Pansy, that seemed to make Violet happy.
Lucius quickly made his way to his daughter-in-law. Ginny was wearing a dark goldenrod dress. The color went wonderfully with her skin tone and hair and accentuated the bright cinnamon tint of her eyes. Lucius kissed the hand of the captivatingly beautiful witch. Pregnancy agreed with her. She carried it so well. "Ginevra, you are enchanting this evening, simply glowing!" Lucius stated in awe. "Happy New Year, my dear!"
Ginny couldn't help but blush at his heartfelt words. "Thank you, Lucius. Happy New Year to you!" She kissed his cheek softly.
"Come, I have some clients that would like to speak with you." Lucius took her left arm and tried to lead her away from his son.
Draco moved his arm around his wife's waist and held her firmly. He cleared his throat. "Father?"
"I'll bring her back, Son."
The blond wizard eyed his father. "I think I'll accompany her."
"If you must. Nevertheless, I insist on escorting her. Your mother is busy helping Violet greet guests and I must have a gorgeous witch on my arm," Lucius stated.
Ginny's cheeks reddened further. Draco shook his head. "This one is mine, Father. I don't share her well. Merely ask my sons."
Lucius softly chuckled, "I've heard." He paused. "Well then, will you and your wife join me?"
"Of course, Father," Draco smirked. "Gin, please don't be too charming to these men. They don't deserve it."
Davis Spenser, a balding sixty-year-old wizard stepped forward and smiled at her. He took her right hand and kissed the back of it. "Ginevra, exquisite as always! Happy New Year, love!"
His son Gavin, a strikingly handsome Ravenclaw who was in Fred and George's year, removed her hand from the older man's and kissed it. "Ginevra, you are simply breathtaking." He made to kiss her cheek, but Draco stepped forward stopping him. "I see you still have this old bloke attached to you. Haven't you grown tired of him yet?"
Draco smirked at the man and placed his hand on her extended belly. "It would appear not."
Gavin ignored Draco and spoke to Ginny. "You will save a dance for me?"
The blond wizard led his wife to take a step away from the dark haired Ravenclaw. "Her dance card is full."
"I'm sure you'll have time for a Quickstep. Tonight's band is known for their twist on them. You are the best dancer here." He kissed her hand again, "among your many other talents. Lucius was just bragging about your latest business find."
"Being able to Floo without spinning has been on the top of every witch's wish list after her first pregnancy. The inventor was dense for hiding that information in the middle of his proposal. It was lucky I found it. Like Draco, I had discarded it after the first page. Then a couple of days ago, I had Cam reading it to me to keep him busy." She paused. "Someone really needs to explain to inventors how to write proposals."
Gavin smiled at her. "Modest, aren't you? You found the last five successful business ventures for Malfoy International."
"That's nice of you to say, Gavin. However, I've had nothing to do with Malfoy Potions Unlimited," Ginny replied. "It has been our most triumphant new business."
"Oh yes, I believe the potion company was Lucius' idea."
"Draco put the company together by hiring the perfect personnel. That's why the company is so successful. Healer Sanders has developed more potions in the last year than he did in the last five at the Ministry. Draco's knowledge of potions enables him to facilitate the company's research and development." She paused upon noticing an older witch across the room and bowed her head to the wizards. "You'll have to excuse us, gentlemen. I promised Mrs. Wells an audience before dinner."
She turned and headed for the older witch. Draco looked over his shoulder one last time as they walked away and stared at Gavin. "If I could, I'd stop all business with that man."
Ginny kissed his cheek. "But you can't. Their company is the only one allowed to sell many ingredients."
"He needs to show you more respect," Draco hissed.
The red haired witch giggled. "He flirts with me. You're jealous and he is harmless."
"Harmless! I think not." Draco sneered. "I know he contacted you after the marriage law was repelled. He also seems to Owl you after any of our public rows."
Ginny nodded. "Yes. He is a git. You have nothing to worry about." She kissed him lovingly.
----------**********----------
Diane sat down at a table with Pansy, Padma, Parvati and Ginny. "Why didn't any of you explain Christmas morning to me? Good Merlin, I didn't know the boys would come into the room at five a.m. They wouldn't leave either. Greg wasn't any help. There I was in my birthday robe under the covers with two excited boys pulling at them."
The other witches giggled. "It's best to dress after Christmas Eve activities," Parvati offered before smiling and adding. "And there will always be activities."
"Something does get into wizards on that night," Padma agreed.
Pansy looked at the others, dreamy-eyed. "I think it's playing Father Christmas that puts them in a very giving mood. Blaise was outstanding this year."
"Yes. I think you're correct about wizards." Ginny turned to Diane. "Children get up very early on Christmas morning." She placed her hand to her mouth to stop her laughter. "I'll never forget four Christmases ago. Draco and I were having a little fun that morning when we felt someone tickling our feet. We looked down to see three-year-old Thuban and two-year-old Cam at the foot of our bed."
Diane cleared her throat and hissed playfully. "That information would have been helpful a few days ago."
The witches laughed. "At least they were too young to remember, Ginny." Parvati turned to her sister. "Didn't you give her the talk about locking charms?"
"I didn't think about it. Goyle should have remembered them," Padma replied.
Pansy shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe the rumors about him not touching Lavender after Gary was born were true." The raven-haired witch turned to her young friend. "Use locking and silencing charms every night. Blaise and I learned that from watching Ginny's boys."
"Blimey, were they young then too?" Diane required.
The redhead nodded. "Thankfully. However, last Christmas when Serpens walked in on Lucius and Narcissa, he asked some very pointed questions."
A red faced Draco placed a glass of water in front of his wife. "Gin, I don't think-"
She patted his arm. "It was a bit too much for Draco. Wizards don't want to believe their mothers partake-"
"Really, Gin," he growled.
"Come on, Draco," Pansy teased. "How do you think you got here?"
"I know how I got here," he hissed. "Don't want or need to think about it."
Padma looked across the room at the older Malfoy couple. Narcissa was sitting at their table with Lucius' arm placed lovingly around her shoulders. "I hope Vincent and I are still in love after all that time."
"Their love is special," Pansy said. "They have always had a happy marriage." She paused. "I don't know anyone who has been married as long as them that is as happy as they are together."
"They work at it," Draco stated. "That's one thing they taught me. You have to work to have a good marriage. Love will help you through the very hard times, but a marriage can't grow with only that."
"So, marriage is a job?" Padma questioned.
"It's a joy." The blond wizard replied, thinking fast. "However, you can't take it for granted."
The rest of the wizards sat down at the table. "What kind of trouble are you getting us into, Malfoy?" Michael Corner asked.
"No trouble at all. Unless you're not keeping your wife happy, Corner."
Michael sighed, "It's a good thing I enjoy dancing. I think I'll be doing a lot of it tonight."
"A walk through the enchanted garden would be nice also," Parvati voiced.
"Before or after dinner, my love?"
"Now would be nice." He assisted her to her feet and the couple walked off.
"He's not happy sitting with us," Pansy stated.
Padma shook her head. "He's not happy to be here. Goldstein's having a party tonight. They usually go there. Parvati was so excited when they got your invitation, Pansy. An evening of dinner and dancing is much better than an evening of drinking."
"For a witch," Greg interjected.
Ginny giggled, "Someone's going to be sleeping on the sofa tonight."
The hefty wizard grinned at the red haired witch. "I'm a newlywed."
"Uh-uh, you have a lot to learn. Being a newlywed makes you more likely to be assigned to the sofa," Padma added.
"My wife enjoys my company too much," Greg cockily replied.
Diane shook her head. Pansy patted her hand. "We'll help you train this one right this time." The raven-haired witch smirked at her old housemate. "Goyle, think romance for once."
Draco glanced at his long time friend. "I think it's time, Greg."
The large Slytherin reached into his robe, removed a long stemmed white rose and handed to his new wife.
"The red rose whispers of passion,
And the white rose breathes of love;
O, the red rose is a falcon,
And the white rose is a dove.
But I send you a cream-white rosebud
With a flush on its petal tips;
For the love that is purest and sweetest
Has a kiss of desire on the lips." *
Greg whispered to Diane loud enough for everyone to hear. The wizard then kissed her lovingly.
Michael Corner helped Parvati sit down in her chair as the kiss ended. "Well, I hope we haven't missed too much?"
The first course appeared on the table. "It would appear not," Blaise laughed. He noticed that Draco was leaning towards Ginny's ear. "Malfoy," he paused. "We have a deal."
"Sorry, Blaise. I almost forgot myself."
"What's going on?" Padma inquired.
Vincent turned to his wife.
"I thank you for the time we shared when we've been together
I thank you for the sunshine you make me feel in time of stormy weather.
I thank you for the better person you've made me be today
I thank you for the love you give me in your special way.
I love the way you've looked at me, that fire in your eyes,
The warmth of your touch, the smell of your hair, is always a surprise.
I thank you for our times away, the memories make me smile,
I pray for the chance to hold you close and go that extra mile.
I want you to know the happiness I feel, and though we might be apart
I'll never forget the warmth inside and the joy you gave my heart." **
He kissed her softly on the lips and then turned to face the table. "Romance for every witch tonight." Vincent grinned. "Remember gentlemen, your wives are on your left."
"And your wife is wearing brown, while mine is wearing blue, Crabbe," Michael chuckled.
Vincent waved his hand. "I don't need to remember that. Victor taught me how to tell them apart years ago."
"I knew there had to be a way," Diane stated. "Have you ever noticed that even from behind Padma and Parvati's children can tell them apart?"
Michael nodded. "That has to be a sixth sense. Once Padma re-tucked Calvin into bed, the boy had his eyes closed the whole time. When she kissed his cheek, he said 'Good night, Aunt Padma.'"
"They know by smell," Parvati put in.
Greg gave her a sad look. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Parvati. You don't stink." The wizard started to chuckle.
"Shut it, Goyle." She rolled her eyes. "Padma, how do you put up with him?"
"We lock him in the broom cupboard when we need a break," Pansy gleefully replied.
The group chatted about the many ways to tell the Patil twins apart until the second course was served. At that time, Blaise turned to Pansy.
"I love you so deeply,
I love you so much,
I love the sound of your voice
And the way that we touch.
I love your warm smile
And your kind, thoughtful way,
The joy that you bring
To my life every day.
I love you today
As I have from the start,
And I'll love you forever
With all of my heart." ***
He kissed his wife. "Thank you, Pans for always being there for me." During this course the couples spent some of their time whispering to their spouses.
When the third course was served, Michael spoke.
"There are dreams which come and go
And to us mean so little
And other dreams that to us are
No more than just a riddle.
But every dream which I now have
Are dreams you give me of
Those sensual touches in the night
Which to me gives your love.
How I love the dreams of us
As all the dreams to be
Where both our souls shall share their kiss,
Exciting hungrily.
Let every dream between become
Our dreams of ecstasy
And every dream the life of us;
In joy's eternity." ****
The witches smiled at their husbands as Michael and Parvati kissed. None of them liked Corner, but they had included him for Padma. During the third course the group discussed the actions of their children on Christmas morning. Even new parents Blaise and Pansy had something to add to the conversation.
Draco gazed lovingly into Ginny's eyes while holding her hand after the fourth course was placed on the table.
"A special world for you and me
A special bond one cannot see
It wraps us up in its cocoon
And holds us fiercely in its womb.
Its fingers spread like fine spun gold
Gently nestling us to the fold
Like silken thread it holds us fast
Bonds like this are meant to last.
And though at times a thread may break
A new one forms in its wake
To bind us closer and keep us strong
In a special world, where we belong." *****
He kissed her cheek and whispered, "I love you, Gin," into her ear.
"That's cheating, Malfoy," Goyle announced.
Draco smirked. "I get to cheat. You blokes hijacked my romance."
"Well then. You will save us at the next course. Goyle started early," Blaise advised.
"I'll come up with something." The blond responded.
As they ate, the witches shared stories about romantic things that their husbands had done in the past year. When dessert was served, all eyes went to Draco.
"Love is a hand,
Held fast in your own
Love is a kiss
The sweetest you've known.
Love is joy,
You feel from the start
Love is a dream,
You keep in your heart.
Love is the brightness
You bring to each room
Love is our child,
You carry in your womb."
He placed his hand on Ginny's tummy. "A little sappy, but mine."
"We have a winner," Blaise announced. "Romantic of the year, Draco Malfoy."
"That's an idea. Let us see which one of us can romance our wives the best. Ladies, would you mind?" Draco inquired.
"A bet you can't lose? Why would we?" Pansy replied while the other witches nodded.
When the dessert dishes disappeared from the table, two roses appeared in front of each witch. The wizards smiled and spoke as one.
"All the love that history knows,
is said to be in every rose.
Yet all that could be found in two,
is less than what I feel for you." ******
While the band took its place on the stage, the five wizards stood and addressed their wives. "Would you care to dance, darling?" The witches grinned, took the hand of their husbands and headed for the dance floor. This was going to be a wonderful start to the New Year.
----------**********---------- New section.
Luna had the idea to attend the New Year's parade in London. Ginny, Draco and baby Sophie were the only Weasley family members that didn't make the trip to the Muggle event. They added in some window-shopping after it in order to allow the crowd in the tube to thin out. The family of eighteen chatted as they headed to the trains.
"That dragon balloon was great. It looked just like a Welsh Green," Serpens excitedly yakked with his Uncle Charlie.
"Muggles have seen Greens from time to time," Charlie replied softly.
"Its likeness probably came from Dodgy Dirk's drawing," Bill interjected.
"He's the only Muggle Tilly Toke didn't charm after he saved a beach full of Muggles from the Welsh Green attack in 1932, right Dad?" Gabe beamed at his father.
"That's correct, Son."
"Foolish. Risking himself to save Muggles," Thuban muttered.
"Thuban!" Arthur placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "The life of all beings is precious. I hope to teach you that some day."
The boy nodded merely to quiet his grandpa. He didn't agree with Arthur. The life of a wizard was more important than that of a Muggle. Even elves were more vital than Muggles. Thuban sneered as another unkempt person brushed against him. He'd need a long bath and Tippy would likely have to burn his cloak. Why did his grandpa insist on taking the underground instead of the Malfoy vehicles that were offered?
"There is no reason for that face, Thuban. Behave yourself. Bait one more Muggle and I'll take my belt to your bottom when we get to the Burrow," Arthur whispered.
"Sorry," the boy stated. Again he wasn't. People needed to look where they were going. He shouldn't have to allow anyone to touch or brush against him. Thuban loved his Grandpa Weasley, but he hated going to any Muggle location or event with him.
Arthur Weasley couldn't take in enough of his surrounding as his family entered the Green Park Tube station. Muggles and their customs were fascinating. They had so many items that ran on batteries. He eyed the small items that many of them held to their ears and talked into. Cell phone, he believed that's what Hermione had called them. Many of the young Muggles wore very small muffs that emitted sounds like music. Other Muggles played games on hand held-boxes. He knew all about those boxes. His grandsons had bought him one of them.
The wizarding family loaded into a car with only eight Muggles. They went to the front and the Muggles to the back. This was comforting to the adults. Although Muggles didn't bother them, the children did slip from time to time and say the wrong thing. It was easier not to be overheard from this distance. Arthur softly questioned his sons about some of the advertisements in the car. He and Molly's generation still didn't go into the Muggle world that often while his children's did. It wasn't long before the children had convinced the adults to permit them to look around the compartment.
Two sixty year old Muggle women seemed as interested in the Weasleys as Arthur was in the Muggles. The ladies chatted softly about the family. As the children passed, the woman in the gray coat spoke, "Did you have fun at the parade?"
Thuban verified his grandpa and uncles were watching before speaking. "It was very nice. I enjoyed the bagpipes."
"It was nice," the other children responded.
The Muggle women looked at Molly and Arthur. The witch and wizard were looking around in amazement. The children were doing the same thing. "Are you not from London?"
"This is our first time on the underground," Brittany stated.
Cam turned up his nose. "They need to clean it better. Don't they have house elves?"
"How cute," the woman in the gray coat giggled. "Elves would help. I'll ask Father Christmas to leave some next year."
"Let's look around more," Gabe requested.
Thuban bowed his head at the women. "It was nice speaking with you, Ladies. Good afternoon."
"What a polite little boy you are," stated the Muggle in the gray coat. "Good afternoon to you."
As the children walked by the form of a sleeping man wearing dirty clothes, he belched. Brittany pinched her nose. "His breath smells," she whispered to the others.
"I've got a breath mint. Should I give it to him?" Thuban asked.
"Don't touch him. Drop it near him," Gabe said.
Thuban walked by the man and dropped a candy mint in front of him. He went back to his brother and cousins. "Did he take it?"
"He jumped on it. Like he hadn't eaten in years," Cam replied.
To everyone's surprise, the Muggle man stood up and started singing 'A Cauldron Full of Hot Strong Love' in the voice of Celestina Warbeck. Thuban jumped, quite shocked. What was happening? It was only a breath mint from the dinning room dish. The boy looked for a place to hide. His grandpa wasn't going to listen to him, and getting a spanking for nothing wasn't fair.
Arthur's pleasant expression hardened. He had seen Thuban walk by the man. Turning to his twins, he hissed. "You didn't."
"Calm down, Dad. It wasn't us," Fred replied.
"That's your candy. How could you give the boy-" Arthur began.
"We didn't, Dad," George added. "Maybe someone else-"
"Don't try that. Thuban walked by, then… the man's singing," Arthur sputtered.
"Why did you give the child that candy?" Molly scolded her sons.
"Not here, Mum," Percy interjected. "If we're quiet, the Muggles will think he's crazy."
"You can kill them at home, Mum," Bill agreed. "I'll collect the children so we don't have any more problems."
Thuban walked to his uncle as soon as he seen him coming. "I don't know how it happened. It was a mistake."
Bill motioned for the children to move back to the group. "You can explain yourself at the Burrow."
----------**********----------
Draco kissed Ginny softly on the lips as he stood by the bed. "Gin love, it's time to get up. We need to be heading to the Burrow."
As the witch yawned and stretched, her eyes caught sight of the clock. "Five o'clock. Why did you let me sleep so long?"
"Because you needed it. You've been overworking yourself. Maybe I should bind you to the house."
"You wouldn't dare!" Ginny protested.
He sat on the bed. "If you don't start taking better care of yourself I will. Be honest, Ginevra, you know you've been trying to do too much."
She nodded, "I could do with a break."
"Brilliant," Draco replied. "A two week vacation from work outside our home will do you good."
"I didn't say that-"
"I'll make you a deal," he interrupted. "You'll take better care of yourself and take it easy for the next two weeks… no political group meetings, party planning, or other outside work besides caring for the boys… and I'll go to the Burrow twice a week for the next two months without complaining before or after the visit. Deal?"
"Do I have to go to the society luncheons and teas during the next two weeks?" She lifted one brow.
"Of course not."
Ginny smirked, "You'll go to the Burrow twice a week for two months, no complains?" He nodded. "You have a deal." She stood up. With a wave of her wand Draco's old Falcon jumper, which she had stretched during her pregnancy with Serpens, sailed to her. After putting on the jumper, she charmed her hair, took Draco's arm and Disapparated.
The Burrow was dark when they Apparated on the back porch. The couple walked inside, and Ginny started tea while they waited for her family to return with their boys. It wasn't long before they heard the Floo come to life and a number of Apparition pops.
"I don't know what I'm going to do with your two," Molly bellowed. "Giving the boy your magical candy when you were going to Muggle London!"
"Mum, we didn't give it to him," Fred replied.
"Thuban, go to the broom shed," Arthur ordered.
"Take it easy. Thuban isn't a Muggle hater," George added. "I'm sure-"
"What do you mean? Did you see what he did to that little girl and that boy at the party?" Arthur offered. "He will not bait Muggles in my company. To the shed, Thuban."
"It wasn't because they were Muggles," Thuban said in a shaky voice as he headed out of the room.
"We're lucky not to have an Owl waiting for us. Muggle baiting is a crime!" Molly bellowed at the boy.
Draco collected Thuban into his protective arms as he and Ginny entered the room. "Molly. Arthur." Draco greeted while Ginny said, "Mum. Dad."
"I won't allow Muggle baiting, Ginny," Arthur demanded.
"Dad, what happened?" Ginny calmly asked.
"Thuban made a Muggle man sing like a lady," Serpens supplied.
"I didn't mean to, Dad. It was a mistake." Thuban clung to his father. "I wasn't being mean to the Muggles at the parade either. They were-"
"When he's with us, he will treat everyone with dignity," Arthur firmly stated.
"I'd like a moment with my son to find out what happened," Draco replied.
"He was acting like his father," Molly interjected.
"Mother!" Ginny hissed.
"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," Arthur added. "I have to keep my eye-"
"You're just like my father!" The room went quiet at Draco's declaration. All eyes turned to him.
"Draco?" Ginny questioned.
"Well, he is. Father watches Thuban closely at public events. He can turn anything into misbehavior. Your father does the same thing when it comes to Muggles. Arthur translates any minor action or reaction as Muggle baiting on Thuban's part. I've informed my father to stop his behavior, and I'm requesting the same from your father now." He turned to Thuban. "What happened with the Muggle girl, boy and man?"
"She pushed me first," Thuban said. "He kept nattering in my ear. I was rude but- I didn't do anything to anyone because they were Muggles."
"The man's breath smelled. Thuban only gave him a mint," Brittany stated.
"It was from our dinning room buffet," Thuban added.
"Shite," George replied.
"It was our fault," Fred added.
"I should have thrown them out," Ginny sighed. "Mum, the twins gave those to us the last time they were over for dinner."
Draco collected his sons. "Gin, I think it's time to go." He whispered in her ear. "We can come over for dinner in a couple of days. Everyone needs to calm down a little."
She nodded. "I'll Floo you after dinner, Mum." The Draco flooed home with the boys and Ginny Disapparated.
"The other children were mean to Thuban first," Gabe said. "He was making faces in the tube because he doesn't like crowds."
Arthur hadn't thought of that. Thuban had worn the same expression on the crowded streets of Diagon Alley before Christmas.
----------**********----------
Draco was charming the boys clean when Ginny Apparated into the foyer. His eyes were still filled with anger.
"Go to the playroom for a while boys," Ginny softly requested. "Nan!" The house elf appeared and bowed. "Watch the children in the playroom, and inform the kitchen elves that we will be dining at home."
The witch led her husband into the first parlor and poured him a drink.
"Your father!" he spat. "I don't want him to take a hand to our children!"
"We need to calm down, then make decisions. You were right. My father is always taking our boys' actions towards Muggles the wrong way. We should have talked with him months ago." She led him to the settee and sat next to him.
"You see it too?" Draco asked. When Ginny nodded, he smiled. "Well, my largest concern is gone. I was a little worried you disagreed."
"If Thuban was Muggle baiting, he should be punished. But I think we should set rules for our parents. Spanking is a last resort. I don't think our parents should ever spank them," Ginny added.
"I agree." He took a drink of his Firewhiskey. "Thuban wasn't Muggle baiting. Muggles aren't worth his time."
The redheaded witch rolled her eyes. "Let's go talk to the boys and get their side. I want to hear their side; my Mum will likely Floo straight after dinner."
"Molly is a little pushy," he smirked.
"A little," she replied with a giggle. "I'll likely Apparate to the Burrow after dinner."
"I'll mirror my mother. She won't mind watching the boys."
"Draco, I think it would be best if I went by myself."
He turned to face her. "Why?"
"For the same reason you speak with Lucius alone at times. Without you there, they understand that this is my decision."
"Alright." He kissed her cheek. "If you need help, Floo me. This may not be easy. We had my mother on our side when we confronted Father. It's going to be two on one for you."
Ginny nodded her head. "That and my parents are having a hard time seeing past your family's reputation with Muggles."
"I've never harmed a Muggle. I dislike them but-" He took a drink of his Firewhiskey. "I'll never understand wizards like your parents. They can forgive Muggles, who have been trying to kill wizards for ages. We can't be who we are in front of them because of their jealousy." Draco paused. "But they can't forgive wizards whom-"
"Muggles can't hurt-" Ginny started.
"They damn well can, Ginevra. There are cases where it's happened. Also they have harmed wizarding children countless times," he spouted.
"You're talking about the middle ages, Draco."
He tilted his head. "You have a short memory, Ginevra. I didn't have Muggleborns as friends, yet I still heard the stories of how they were treated like outcasts and weirdoes by any Muggle that may have seen their magic." The wizard looked into her eyes. "Potter's family disliked him because he was a wizard."
"Those were bad people. Not all Muggles are that way," Ginny replied.
"My family only confronted the bad Muggles."
She touched his hand. "Draco, I- I love you. I don't always agree with you, but I always love you."
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Draco finished reading the Smithe - Varney contract, placed it in his outbox and then looked at the clock. In ten minutes he had a meeting which he didn't need to prepare for. His thoughts went to his family as he stared at their photos on his desk. Ginny didn't have to go over to the Burrow. Bill had spoken to his parents. The oldest Weasley brother had also noticed Arthur's habit of overanalyzing Thuban's actions towards Muggles.
After the Malfoys had finished dinner, Arthur showed up to apologize to Thuban. The Weasley patriarch promised to change his actions. He and Molly also agreed to the few other requests that Ginny and Draco had. To the younger couple's surprise, the Weasleys openly discussed having the same type of discussion with they parents. 'Grandparents do forget from time to time what their role is.' Molly had said. The evening had been saved, and the boys enjoyed having their maternal grandparents read them a bedtime story.
A rap on the door caused Draco to look up. His assistant stood in the doorway. "Mr. Mostafa and Mr. Oglethorpe are here to see you, Mr. Malfoy."
"Show them in." Draco walked to the door, greeting the gentlemen and offering both men a seat in an armchair close to the fireplace. He sat on the settee across from them. "What may I do for you, Gentlemen? Is there a problem in the British Junior Quidditch League?"
The British Junior Quidditch League was formed seven years ago, along with junior leagues in many other countries. They were created so talented players ages seventeen to twenty-one had a place to develop their skills in hopes of making a professional team in the future. Hassan Mostafa was the chairwizard for the International Association of Quidditch. Dunbar Oglethorpe was the head of Quidditch Union for the Administration and Betterment of the British League and its Endeavors. Together they oversaw the actions of the BJQL, which Draco had been the chairwizard of for the last four years.
"No, the league is running very well," Hassan stated.
"Far better than any of the other junior leagues." Dunbar smiled. "That's why we are here, Draco. Since you have been the chairwizard, the BJQL has developed twice the number of professional Quidditch players as the other junior leagues combined."
"Players are coming from other countries to play in the BJQL. Some as far away as Japan," Hassan added.
"Thank you, gentlemen. I merely put the right people in place to get the job done." Draco acted as if it had been a simple task. It hadn't been during the first year and a half. The blond wizard had arranged to only work part time in the Malfoy offices for those eighteen months. Even with that, he had spent long hours away from his home and family.
"Draco, we would like you to be the chairwizard of the International Junior Quidditch League," Dunbar declared. "It is a fulltime position." He handed Draco a large roll of parchment. "The responsibilities of the chairwizard are outlined in the parchment."
"The league needs your help, Mr. Malfoy," Hassan added.
"It only took you a year to improve the British League. I'm sure you can do the same for all of them in this office." Dunbar smiled at Draco. "I saw your oldest boys playing in the youth league this spring. Talented little wizards you have there. It wouldn't surprise me if one of them was in the junior league in a few years."
Draco chuckled, "It will be at least ten years."
"I thought Thuban was ten," Dunbar continued.
"He'll be eight in June. Cygnus will be seven in May."
Dunbar gave Draco a questioning look. "They played on the nine and ten year old team."
The blond wizard puffed out his chest with pride. "Their skills were too strong for the younger age. I can only take credit for their flying. My wife taught them their outstanding Chaser skills."
"Quidditch is a family activity?" Hassan asked.
"Yes. You don't have to work so hard to sell this opportunity to me, Gentlemen. You are offering me my dream job. Five years ago, I would have been able to tell you yes right away. However, today I run over half of the endeavors of Malfoy International. I can't just walk away. Let me review this parchment and the requirements. Maybe something can be worked out," Draco responded.
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Ginny sat on the settee in their sitting room in her bathrobe. Draco sat on an ottoman applying lotion to her legs and massaging her feet.
"Stacy will be picking Thuban and Cam up from school everyday. She'll stay for the next two hours," Ginny informed him.
"Is she taking the boys to dance class?"
"No, your mother is doing that. It gives her another reason to check on me another time each day," Ginny replied. "The further along I get, the more times she mirrors me. She invited us to move back into the Manor from February until May."
"Your thoughts?" Draco sweetly asked.
"I know she wants to help with the new baby, and she's concerned I'll go into labor while you're at work. I want to stay here. I've got a mirror. I'll be fine."
"There is another reason she wants you at the Manor, Love."
"What's that, Draco?"
"Every Malfoy has been born at the Manor. Think about having the baby there, Ginny. I could get our old wing set up. We'd stay only for a week. Wouldn't it be nice to have Mother's help with the boys? Molly can stay too," he asked.
"I'll think about it."
He moved to the settee and cuddled her. "That's all I ask." Draco summoned a roll of parchment and handed it to Ginny. "I need you to read this." He beamed at her. "They want me to run the International Junior Quidditch League. I've talked it over with Father. We'll have to move one of the French vice presidents of Malfoy International to England to perform my duties for a year, but it's doable. I'll have to put in a couple hours at Malfoy International every week."
Ginny glared at him. "You discussed this with Lucius before talking to me?"
"Of course, there would be no reason mentioning this to you if it couldn't be worked out at the office," he stated.
"What about our family?" Her face turned red with anger. "There would be no reason mentioning this to your father if this position didn't work out for our family!"
"Calm down, Ginevra."
"Prat. You selfish-" She shook the parchment at him. "Did you read this? You'll be traveling for two weeks every month."
"We can work that out."
The witch moved from his hands. "How can we work out you being gone so much?" She reached for the door to the hallway. "I thought we had something, Draco. How can you think about taking this job?"
"This is the job I wanted four years ago. This job is why I worked so hard making the British League a success."
Ginny opened the door. "I'm going to a guest room for the night. You need to spend some time with a Pensieve remembering how little time you had for me and the boys when you first took the chairwizard job for the BJQL." Before she closed the door, she looked straight into his eyes. "This may be your dream job, Draco, but it's not conducive to a wizard with a young family."
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* A White Rose by J B O'Reilly
** I Thank You by Richard Cash
*** I Will Love You Forever by Amanda Nicole Martinez
**** Dreams by Michael Douglas Hoss
***** A Special World by Sheelagh Lennon
****** Author Unknown