A Life Worth Choosing

Chapter 13: Sweet Dreams

Ginny tossed and turned trying to find a comfortable position. No matter how hard she tried, sleep just didn't come easy. It was so hard to fall asleep in such a tiny room in a twin sized bed when she grew accustom to the large four poster bed in her private bed chambers. She had this problem every time she came home to the Burrow after a stay at the Manor.

“Trouble sleeping?” came a voice as the door creaked opened.

Ginny sat up in her bed as her mother walked into the room carrying a tray of tea.

“You know me too well, Mum,” Ginny smiled taking a cup into her hands.

“Want to talk about it?” Molly asked knowing something was wrong the moment Ginny Flooed her to tell her she would be returning to the Burrow earlier than scheduled.

“Not really,” Ginny lied.

“Ok, then,” Molly said standing up and walking for the door.

“It's just-” Ginny began placing her empty cup on the side table.

Molly paused and smiled before turning back to her daughter. She truly knew her daughter well enough to know that no matter how troubled she was, she always needed someone to talk to.

“I imagined Draco returning for so long-”

“That you actually believed that everything you imagined would really come true?” Molly asked.

“Well yes!” Ginny said wrapping her arms around her legs and resting her head on her knees. “He was supposed to come back, not married, and-”

“Run to you with opened arms.”

“Exactly, but it wasn't like that at all. He ruined it all by bringing her here.”

“Now, Ginevra, dear, you can't put all the blame on him,” Molly said setting herself down beside her daughter. “He received the biggest shock of his life when he got here. Not only did he find you in his home, but he found two children. His children. It's a lot for anyone to take in. Especially someone like Draco whose been through so much. You can't expect him to just throw away his new life and come crawling back to you.”

“But that's just it, he has.”

“What do you mean?” Molly asked confused.

“She left him, Mum, and now he wants me.”

“Well isn't that what you want?”

“Yes, but-”

“But you're afraid because you actually made a life for yourself with out him and that he might ruin it or leave you again. Am I right?”

Ginny looked up to her mother with tears in her eyes. Molly took her daughter into her arms and let her cry.

“Now, now Ginny. Everything will be alright,” Molly said patting her on the back.

“How do you know?” Ginny asked, whipping away her tears.

“I don't, but that's just life isn't it?” Molly said. “You can either sit back and let your life happen for you, or you can find a life worth chosen. Now what's it going to be?”

Ginny shook her head.

“It's getting late. Why don't you sleep on it,” Molly said laying her daughter back down. “Perhaps you're answers are in your dreams.”

“Good night, Mum,” Ginny sniffed, closing her eyes.

“Sweet dreams.”

Ginny opened her bedroom window and crawled onto the branch of the tree that resided just outside its sill. She lowered herself from one branch to another before making a small leap to reach the ground. She had mastered sneaking out of the house in the past few weeks; this definitely not her first time doing so. She crept across the lawn over the garden wall to the stream where he was waiting beneath the willow tree, a blanket spread out before him.

“You're becoming quite the tree climber,” he said, leaning against the tree's truck, his grey eyes barely visible beneath the hooded cloak he wore.

She ran up to him, wrapping her arms around his neck as his arms snaked around her waist.

“I've had plenty of practice,” she smiled.

He spun her around and pressed his body against hers, forcing her back against the tree as he dipped down to claim her lips. Both seemed reluctant to let go. They broke momentarily for air, Draco continued by placing small kisses along the side of her mouth, her cheek, and then a line down her neck. Ginny let out a small giggle as he reached the crease between her neck and her collarbone before pushing him away.

She gave him a grin before taking off into the garden. Draco chased her through the tall grass, along the edge of the garden, and back around the Willow Tree, finally catching her by the bank of the stream. He wrapped his arms around her, picked her up off the ground, and swung her around in circles. Both laughing as they fell onto the cool, damp ground, where they laid on their backs, hand in hand, gazing up at the stars.

“See that group of stars right there,” he pointed to the sky. “that's Draco. They're named after me, you know.”

“Named after you, huh?” she laughed. “So what do you have to do to get a star named after you?”

“Become a Black” he smiled.

“A Black? But you're a Malfoy!” she stated.

“My father's a Malfoy, but my Mother's a Black. Everyone in the Black family was named for a constellation. Except my Mother of course.”

“So even though you're a Malfoy, you would still carry on the tradition?” Ginny asked intrigued by the subject.

“Well my mother did, so why not?”

“So, Draco Malfoy, what would you name your children then?” Ginny asked as she rolled to her side, and sat up slightly, leaning on one hand for balance.

“I think I'll name my son, Draco. After me!” Draco smirked looking up at her. “I mean, you can't go wrong with that, I am only the king of Slytherin.”

Ginny laughed:

“And so modest too. So what if it's a girl?”

“Then I'll name her after me as well!” he said jokingly. “Like I said, I'm the king of Slytherin.”

“Really? So what's that make me?”

“My queen.”

With a smile on her face, and his hand in hers, Ginny rested her head upon his chest and closed her eyes.

“Accio blanket!”

With a flick of his wand, the blanket zoomed off the ground and floated over to them, until it rested perfectly over the sleeping couple.

________________________________________________________________________

Draco opened his eyes as the light from the hallway poured into the room. A loud thunder cracked outside, causing the Manor to quiver from its powerful clap. The door slammed shut as footsteps ran across the room, pausing as they reached the empty bed.

Kaeda stopped and looked around. A flash of lightning lite up the room, revealing Draco laying on the floor, his back against the bed. As Draco began to stir, she threw her arms around him and buried her face into his chest as another loud crack roared through the sky outside.

“Kaeda?” Draco questioned.

“Make it stop, make it stop!” she cried as the thunder boomed even louder.

“Come on,” Draco said, standing to his feet.

With Kaeda still in his arms, he walked to the edge of the bed and pulled back the covers. Gently, he laid her down onto the bed before crawling in himself, Kaeda wrapping herself around him as soon as he got comfortable.

“It's alright,” he whispered as he brushed her long blonde hair with his fingers. “Everything will be just fine.”

Kaeda jumped once more as a loud crash echoed and light poured in through the room.

“Junior?” Draco called as he tried to make out the dark silhouette that stood in the open doorway.

“Where's Mum?” Junior asked, closing the door behind him.

“She went to the Burrow,” Draco explained.

“Oh,” Junior said.

He hesitated for a moment as he stood in the dark with a pillow in his hand.

“Well, I just wanted to make sure she was alright,” Junior said, his voice quivering slightly. “She's afraid of storms you know.”

“Yes, I know,” Draco nodded. “Apparently your sister is as well. Would you like to join us?”

“No, no. That's alright. I'll just be go-”

As another thunder quaked, Kaeda squealed, and Junior ran towards the bed.

“Maybe I better stay. You know, for Kaeda's sake,” he said climbing in on the other side of his sister.

Draco shook his head as he chuckled to himself:

“Sweet dreams,” he whispered into the stormy night.

“What the bloody hell!”

Draco woke up suddenly to a drop of water on his forehead. He looked around. The sun was just peaking over the trees in the forest and birds were chirping all around. He had fallen asleep out on the bank of the stream at the Burrow. He looked down and smiled at the witch, snuggled up against him in his arms, fast asleep.

“Ginny, wake up,” he whispered softly brushing her red locks from her face.

She growled, a little annoyed to be awakened at such an early hour. Pulling the blanket up over her face, she began to drift back to sleep.

“Ginny,” Draco whispered, slowly pulling the blanket from her face.

Ginny's arm slashed out, smacking Draco in the face.

“Ouch!” he shouted, holding his cheek that already began to bruise. “Gin, wake up!”

As her eyes fluttered open, she smiled as she saw the wizard looking down at her.

“Good morning,” she said, stretching.

“It was,” Draco smirked.

“Oh, Draco you're cheek. What happened?”

“Ah, it was nothing,” Draco lied.

He looked up as he felt something wet hit the tip of his nose.

“I think its raining,” he said.

“Raining?” Ginny said looking up to a brightening sky that still sparkled with its brightest stars that had yet to fade. “Are you sure?”

“I felt a raindrop.”

Before Ginny could respond, the sky opened up, pouring buckets of water over the two. Ginny and Draco rushed to their feet. Draco positioned the blanket across two branches on the tree to keep them dry.

“That was unexpected,” Ginny said looking around at the ground that instantly turned to puddles.

A loud crack of thunder roared through the sky, sending a bolt of lightning that lit up the surrounding garden. Ginny jumped as she latched onto Draco refusing to let go.

“We should get you inside,” he said softly.

Ginny nodding in agreement.

“I hate storms. There just awful!” she shouted over another rumble, holding Draco even tighter as the lightning flashed, striking a nearby tree.

Draco took her into his arms for one final goodbye. He stood back and watched as Ginny ran across the yard and clambered back up the tree. With a final wave as she climbed back through her window, Draco spun on the spot and disapparated with a small crack.

_____________________________________________________________________

Draco awoke just as the sun began to filter in through the curtains, filling the room with bright golden rays of light. He stretched his arms letting out a small yawn. Kaeda was the next to stir. Rolling over away from her father in an attempt to gain more sleeping time, she groaned in annoyance as Draco began to tease her as he had once teased Ginny many years ago.

As Kaeda buried her face under her pillow to avoid the sunlight, Draco slowly pulled the pillow off her, allowing the light to seep in.

`BAM!'

With one quick swoop, Kaeda had wacked Draco so hard across the face that his vison went dark for a moment as he fell back onto his own pillow, holding his nose.

Junior awoke as Draco's weight shifted causing the bed to jolt.

“Father?” he said pushing himself up into a sitting position, rubbing his eyes. “What happened?” he asked as his vison began to clear.

“I think I'm bleeding,” Draco muttered through his hands. “Is she always this violent?”

“You tried to wake her up?” Junior half laughed. “Try this-“ he said lowering himself to his sister's ear. “Come on in Avery!”

With one swift motion, Kaeda pushed herself up, knocking into Junior who fell back holding his nose as well.

“Don't let him in here, I'm not even dressed,” Kaeda said sitting up and looking around at her father and brother who laid in pain, holding their noses. “Merlins, are you two all right?”

“Yes!” Draco said pinching the tip of his nose, his eyes starting to blacken.

“Just fine!” Junior called out through his hands.

“What happened?”

“You got a hell of a bloody punch there,” Draco shook his head.

“Oh, I'm sorry,” Kaeda pouted.

She crawled off the bed and disappeared into the bathroom, returning with a box of Kleenex.

“Here,” she said handing them each a wad of tissues.

Draco and Junior grabbed the tissues and held them to their nose, just as the door swung opened.

“What the-” Ginny shrieked holding her chest. “What are you three doing in here?”

“We were afraid of the storm,” said Kaeda.

“Father was already in here,” Junior added.

“Oh he was, was he?” she said her hands on her hips. “Look at you two, what happened?” she asked noticing Draco and Junior holding tissues to their faces.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean too,” Kaeda pouted.

Ginny walked over to the bed and took a seat next to her son. She took out her wand and held Junior face in her other hand.

“Hold still,” she warned.

She gave her wand a complicated flick. Instantly the bleeding seized.

“The swelling will go down in a few moments. Now you two go get dressed. The Potters are down stairs waiting for breakfast.”

Kaeda didn't need telling twice. She leapt from the bed and rushed for the door, Junior slinking slowly behind her.

Ginny turned to the still injured Draco and shook her head.

“What so funny?” Draco muttered.

“After all the times you woke me up, you think you would have thought twice,” she laughed.

“How was I supposed to know she inherited your sleeping habits, let alone your punch,” Draco growled.

“Come here,” Ginny pulled him up into a sitting position. “Now stay still,” she said pointing her wand at him.

She flicked her wand as she did to Junior, halting the bleeding.

“There, is that better?” she asked.

“It's still hurts.”

“What do you want me to kiss it and make it all better?” she teased.

Draco smirked as he raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, no,” Ginny shook her head. “No.”

“You came back.”

“Yes, I did,” she said standing up. “To get my work robes,” she pointed her wand at her closet as a pair of emerald green robes flew out to her.

“You still came back,” Draco smirked climbing out of the bed himself.

“And I wasn't expecting you to be here in my room.”

“You still came back!”

“If you excuse me, I have to get ready for work now,” she said walking into the bathroom.

She emerged moments later, dressed for work. Draco sat in an armchair, dressed himself.

“Ginny, please,” Draco pleaded as she walked towards the door. “You can't tell me there's nothing there. I felt something last night, and you felt it too.”

“I'm going to be late,” she said ignoring him.

Draco grabbed her hand and spun her around to face him. Their eyes locked for a moment. Draco stood panting, afraid that if he broke the gaze, he would loose her forever.

Ginny was the first to move. Unexpectedly, she leaned in towards him. Draco smiled as he prepared his lips for contact, but she turned at the last minute. Her kiss landing on his cheek.

“You better get dressed. You have a big day today,” she said softly. “Harry's waiting for you.”

Draco nodded unsure of what else he could do.

“Have a nice day at work,” he sighed.

“Good luck with your interview.”

“Draco!” Harry exclaimed as Draco walked into the kitchen. “What took you so long? We were here hours ago!”

“Draco, dear, what happened to your face?” Narcissa added noticing his two black eyes.

“Just a little accident, Mother. I'll be fine,” he assured her as she continued to fuss over him. “Ginny said the swollen will go down soon.”

“You better hope so,” Harry laughed. “You wouldn't want to show up to your interview looking like that, now would you?”

“Good morning Mrs. Potter,” Draco inclined his head to the witch seated across from Harry.

“Please, Draco, call me Hermione,” she smiled.

“Of course,” Draco smiled back. “So where's the children?” he asked looking around.

“They're down in the potion cellar with Severus and Junior. Have you seen Kaeda yet this morning?” Narcissa asked.

“Yes, about a half hour ago. She's not dressed yet?”

“She's a fifteen year old witch. Get use to it,” Hermione laughed. “Even Avery was in the bathroom for a little over an hour this morning.”

“Good morning,” Kaeda said cheerfully as she walked into the dinning room.

“Sounds like someone woke up on the right side of the bed this morning,” Hermione smiled.

“You have no idea,” Draco chuckled to himself.

“Well, Miss. Kaeda, don't you look lovely this morning,” Narcissa complimented as Kaeda twirled around revealing her purple dress robes, her hair up in curls.

Draco took a moment to breath in his daughters appearance. It was truly remarkable. No matter how much she may resembles a Malfoy, Draco couldn't help but see nothing but Ginny in her.

“Where are the boys?” she asked stopping to look around.

“Right here,” Severus called out as he came bouncing into the room, Lily on his back and the three boys following closely behind him. “I believe this is your stop, Miss. Potter,” he said kneeling down for Lily to jump off.

“Mummy, mummy,” Lilly exclaimed running over to Hermione, “Look at what me and Uncle Severus did,” she said holding up a small vial full of liquid.

“That's lovely dear,” Hermione exclaimed.

“It's a Pepperup Potion. It made my tummy feel better. Oh Kaddy, you look pretty,” Lily interrupted herself as she noticed Kaeda standing behind her mother. “Doesn't she Ave?”

“Thank you Lily,” Kaeda smiled, twirling a curl around with her finger while looking at Avery for his answer.

Avery looked away from the witch quickly and cleared his throat:

“Uncle Severus, you were saying there was a Bogart in the Library?” he quickly changed the subject.

“Oh can we see it? Can we?”Lily asked excitedly bouncing on her heels.

“I don't see why not,” Severus said kneeling to the ground. “Hop on.”

With the help from James, Lily clambered back up onto Severus back as he bounced back out of the room along with Avery and James.

“Well that was interesting,” Junior smirked at his sister when no one was looking. “What was that all about?”

“Nothing,” Kaeda lied.

“Doesn't look like nothing,” Junior raised an eyebrow. “He's been acting way too quiet and you are way too cheerful. What happened to you two last night?”

“Nothing!” Kaeda said so loud that she got the attention from everyone else in the room. “Nothing, is- as- exciting as a- Bogart,” she stuttered trying to come up with an excuse for her unintentional outburst.

“Fine! Be that way!” Junior whispered as he walked passed her towards the door. “I'll just ask Avery,” he said turning back towards her before running down the hall as she chased after him.

“That was interesting,” Draco smirked as he watched his daughter run after her brother, shouting curses at him. “So, how is this interview going to go exactly?” he asked Harry.

“Well, it's simple. They ask the questions, and you answer them.”

“They? Exactly how many people are there going to be?”

“Not sure actually. We estimate at least one hundred. One-fifty maybe.”

“One hundred and fifty people? Are you insane? I can't handle that!” Draco exclaimed.

“Well then how do you propose we do this then?” Harry asked.

“I have an idea!” Hermione said matter-of-factly. “Why don't you have the reporters bid on who gets to do the interview. Say the top three bidders.”

“Then everyone will think Draco's after money,” Harry shot down the idea.

“Not if its all donated to charity,” Hermione added.

“That's it,” Harry exclaimed, kissing his wife briefly, “You're a genius, Hermione. That will work. What do you say, Draco?”

“Fine, but I get to pick the charities.”

“Sounds fair,” Harry shrugged.

“St. Mongos for Ginny, Hogwarts for the children, and Quality Quidditch.”

“Quality Quidditch?” Hermione asked confused.

“Yes, Quality Quidditch. Just trust me on this one.”

“OK, Quality Quidditch it is,” Harry said. “Hermione, get Ron on the Floo and tell him what the plan is.”

________________________________________________________________________

It was mid-afternoon and Ginny was finishing up her shift at the Hospital, doing one final round before turning in for the day.

“Are you alright, Gin?” he co-worker Cho asked as Ginny stopped and clutched her head.

“Yes, fine. Just have a headache.”

“Anything I can help you with?” Cho asked concerned.

“No thanks. I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Alright, but if you need anything at all, just asked,” she smiled before walking away.

Ginny continued down the hall, turning into a room.

“Hey Lee's how's everything in here?” Ginny asked walking into the room of one of her patients.

“Everything's fine, Gin. In fact, you just missed Fred, Perry and Holden,” Lee said excitedly.

Ginny walked over to the bed where her patient laid holding a baby girl snuggled up in her arms.

“And how are you two doing, Angelina?”

Angelina looked up and smiled:

“Perfect. We finally came up with a name for her. Georgette Frederica Jordan.”

“Named after her Godfathers of course,” said Lee.

“That's a lovely name,” Ginny smiled. “Let's just hope it doesn't get to their heads. I'll see you three tomorrow then.”

She moved onto the next room.

“Lavender, back again?” Ginny smiled as she entered the room.

“Yes, number five this time,” Lavender said, her hand on her belly.

“Keep this up, and you'll have more children than my parents did.”

“Well, we have four girls, and Seamus wants a boy,” Lavender shrugged.

“Then let's hope this one's a boy?” Ginny smiled. “Everything looks great so far. I'll see you back next month and we'll find out whether or not you'll have to try again.”

“Thanks Gin.”

Ginny moved on to her last patient.

“Do you think I will ever get through a week without seeing one of you in here?” she joked.

“I doubt it,” Fred laughed.

“Ok, which one of you monsters is it this time?” Ginny said tickling Perry.

“It's Holden,” Perry pointed to his older brother.

“Holden, aye?” Ginny said looking him over. “He looks fine to me.”

“I can't blink Aunt Ginny,” Holden said, his eyes wide open.

“Oh, I see,” Ginny said suppressing a giggle. “How did this happen?”

“He did it!” Holden pointed to his brother.

“They were arguing again and Perry's magic seems to have gotten out of hand,” Fred shook his head.

“Oh, I see. I'm afraid you'll just have to get use to sleeping with your eyes open Hold.”

“What?” Holden shrieked.

“She's just kidding,” said Fred. “Aren't you?”

“Of course. Cho!” she called out into the hall.

“Yes?” Cho asked walking into the room.

“Holden, this is Healer Cho. She is going to bring you to the fourth floor to the Spell Damage Ward. She'll have you blinking in no time.”

“Alright,” Holden said nervously.

“Can I go too?” Perry asked.

“Of course you can, sweetie,” Cho took his hand and led them both out of the room.

“Owe,” Ginny said holding her head again.

“Long day?” Fred asked.

“Is it that obvious?” Ginny growled.

“Want to talk about it?”

“My head is spinning so bad, I wouldn't know where to begin,” Ginny said holding on to her head again as a sharp pain sliced through her head.

“Are you alright?” Fred jumped to his feet and rushed over to his sister's side.

“I'm-I'm-”

Ginny stuttered as the room began to spin around her. She grabbed for Fred as her knees began to buckle. Then it all went black!

-->