"Ginny, how are you going to afford this place?"
"My realtor sold the bakery." Ginny unlocked the door to the empty shop. "Luckily, real estate in my town had gone up. It's apparently one of the most sought after business spots in Pennsylvania. Anyways, it sold for a hefty sum."
"At least you'll have your own place now." Hermione entered the shop, dust rising as she dropped her bag on the counter. "You'll have your hands full with cleaning this place."
Ginny sighed. "And I'll have to worry about cleaning up the flat upstairs as well."
"You won't be short of customers," Hermione said, eyeing the small crowd that had formed outside. "You are, after all, a celebrity."
"You would think these people would get a life," Ginny growled. "I feel like snapping the neck of whoever leaked the story to the Daily Prophet. I mean, honestly. I'm not shacking up with Draco. Nor am I trying to steal him away from the vile woman."
"I bet she leaked the story." Hermione helped Ginny perform the standard cleaning charms on the place. "Tracey Davis has always been one to want attention. It wouldn't surprise me."
"Well, they do make a striking couple," Ginny muttered. "Though, Draco sometimes looks as if he's about to keel over and die from all her shrieking."
"How are things between the two of you?"
"As good as can be," Ginny replied with a shrug. "He and I try our best to get along for Serena's sake."
"That's good." Hermione moved to help Ginny clean the glass display case in the centre of the counter. "Are you happy?"
"I am." The corners of Ginny's lips turned up. "For the first time in six years, I'm happy."
"Too bad the same can't be said for your brother and Lavender." Hermione sat on the counter top as Ginny continued cleaning the place up. "I've always known they weren't very happy with each other. Of course, I never told him this. I guess I had hoped he would find love again."
"You're not to blame for what's going on between them," Ginny scolded. "I love Lavender to pieces. I do. But Lavender and Ron were never meant to be. He confessed to me that the only reason they got married was because she was pregnant."
"I broke his heart," Hermione wailed.
"Stop giving yourself so much credit, Hermione." Ginny scowled at her. "Ron will find love again. It just won't be with Lavender. At least the two of them are managing things amicably."
"I wonder how I ever got myself in this situation sometimes." Hermione swung her legs back and forth, looking like a confused twelve-year-old. "How did I ever manage to fall for Charlie?"
"What happened between you and Ron?"
"He and I drifted apart," Hermione said. "One night, a month after we broke it off, I went to the Burrow to try and reconcile with him but I found him with Lavender. He looked happy. When I was going to leave, Charlie caught me outside crying. He did his best to console me. And we ended up shagging by the stream. The rest as they say is history."
"When did the two of you announce your relationship?"
"A couple months after we shagged, Charlie said he was getting tired of his mum trying to set him up on dates. He gave me an ultimatum of sorts. By that time, I knew I loved him. So, I couldn't bear to lose him. We told Molly first, then Ron, who took it exceptionally well. He broke Charlie's nose."
Ginny snorted. "He would."
"After he did that, though, he felt better. He gave us his blessings, if I recall correctly."
"I wonder if they've thought of getting a divorce," Ginny mused. "If they stay in an unhappy marriage, I doubt the amicability will last."
"You have a visitor." Hermione pointed to the door where Harry stood, knocking.
"You didn't!"
"Like it or not, Ginny, he was one of your friends." Hermione slid off the counter, unlocking the door. "Good to see you, Harry."
"It's been a day, Hermione." Harry gave his friend a hug, eyes moving to where Ginny stood frozen on the spot. "Long time no see, Ginny."
"Hi, Harry."
"I have to run." Hermione checked her watch. "Charlie and I have an appointment at St. Mungo's in an hour."
"Are you okay?" Harry's eyes showed concern as he stared at his best friend. "You didn't tell me you were sick."
Hermione beamed. "I'm not. I'm pregnant."
"What?"
"Charlie had the same reaction." Hermione patted his hand. "I promise you get to be the godfather."
"Thanks, Hermione. Good luck," he said.
"See you," Hermione said with a wave. She waved to Ginny. "Behave."
"I'm not a child, Hermione." Ginny crossed her arms. "Have fun."
"I'll try."
Hermione left the shop, leaving the two alone. It had been years since they had last been in a room alone together. Ginny remembered the day she told him she had given her virginity to Draco Malfoy. He had been mad, of course. However, he had accepted it, eventually. He had even offered to marry her. But Ginny couldn't trap Harry into a marriage with a child that was not his. Instead, she told him to go and find love. Apparently, he found love in Cho.
"You look well," Harry complimented.
"Marriage life is treating you good." Ginny threw her arms around him in her own sort of apology. "How
have you been?"
"Cho and I had a baby." Harry ruffled his hair. "Sirius James Potter turned two a few months ago."
"I'm happy for you," Ginny said. "Aren't you happy we didn't get married?"
Harry chuckled. "You always did have a way with words, Gin."
"I know." Ginny winked.
"I heard about what happened with your parents." Harry grimaced. "I never thought Mrs. Weasley had it in her to do something so cruel and evil."
"Old news," Ginny said, brushing off his pity. "I'm looking to the future. My only concerns are getting my life back, Serena and trying my best not to hex Draco into oblivion."
"He isn't that bad, Ginny," Harry reasoned. "He and I actually talk now."
"What?"
"Brief conversations about Quidditch," Harry supplied. "I've become a Falcons fan. He never once mentioned that you were his daughter's mother. Now that I think about it, he didn't mention her mother at all."
"Who are you and what have you done with Harry Potter?"
"Funny," Harry said wryly. "He's a changed man. I suppose fatherhood does that to you."
"In all seriousness, I've noticed." Ginny took a look around, happy that the place looked like a replica of the bakery in Pennsylvania. "He's a much better father than I thought he would be."
"He's had six years of practice." Harry decided a change of subject was in order. "What are you turning this place into?"
Ginny pointed her wand at the window, sparks shooting at the glass. The glass became clean with scripted letters that said `Buttercup Bakery.' "Welcome to Buttercup Bakery, Mr. Potter."
"You bake?"
"I bake," Ginny confirmed. She ducked behind the counter, walking into the kitchen, an expression of horror on her face. "What is this?"
"It looks like a kitchen, Ginny."
The kitchen was nothing like what Ginny wanted it to be. There was only a stove, a sink, a pantry, and an island in the centre of the room. Ginny sighed, knowing she had to go order new equipment eventually. In the meantime, however, she was stuck working with the kitchen she had. She couldn't afford to buy all new appliances at the moment. The only thing she had bargained for was buying tables and chairs.
"It'll have to do." Ginny flicked her wand, watching as the place became spotless.
"When is your grand opening?"
"Tomorrow morning," Ginny replied. "I'm not doing anything big and fancy. I'm just opening the shop."
"I'll see if Cho would like to stop by with Sirius," Harry said.
"Any type of customer would help." Ginny leaned back against the island counter. "The morning after I
shagged Draco, you were in the common room waiting for me. You had the guiltiest expression on your face, but I
didn't question you because I was in the same boat. Now that you know my secret, what was yours?"
Harry blushed. "You really want to know?"
"Yes," Ginny said, "especially when you have that cute blush on your cheeks."
"I snuck up to Cho's room the night before." Harry sighed. "It's the reason why I couldn't be upset with you when you told me the story."
"It would be a bit like the cauldron calling the kettle black." Ginny exhaled loudly, her arms resting against the counter. "We were never meant to be."
"Mum?"
Ginny perked up, moving out to the main room. She was surprised, happily surprised, to see Narcissa and Serena strolling into the bakery, an expression of shock evident on Narcissa's face. Serena was too busy trying to figure out who the man with her mother was to even take a look at her surroundings. Harry did his best to not laugh as the young girl glared at him, obviously coming to the conclusion that her mother was in a relationship.
"Serena," Ginny exclaimed, picking her daughter up and spinning her around. "What are you doing here?"
"We were shopping in Diagon Alley when I saw the sign on the window." Narcissa rested her hands on top of each other, placing them in front of her. "I assumed that it was your bakery or someone had stolen your bakery's name."
"This is the new bakery." Ginny rested Serena on the ground, hands settling on her hip. "I bought the flat upstairs too."
"Wouldn't you rather have a house?"
"I would," Ginny agreed. "But I think, for now at least, I would prefer to be closer to the bakery while it's starting up."
"I suppose but what about Serena?"
"The flat has three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a study, a living room, a kitchen and a dining room," Ginny supplied. "Serena will have her own bedroom when I get up and running. I will, also, make sure she's extremely comfortable by Draco's standards."
"Who are you?" Serena stared up at Harry through curious eyes.
"Serena Verity Malfoy," Narcissa scolded. "Your father has taught you better manners."
"It's alright, Mrs. Malfoy." Harry smiled at the young girl. "My name is Harry Potter. We've met before at the Falcons verses Harpies games. Do you remember?"
"Oh, you're the man Father said was a troublemaker at school," Serena said.
"That would be me," Harry said proudly. He lowered his voice to a stage whisper. "But don't let him fool you. Your dad was just as mischievous-"
"-if not more-"
"-at school," Harry finished, giving Ginny an amused glance. "Our tricks at school were sometimes harmful, though. So, don't take a leaf from our book. Act more like your mother. She tended to, most of the times, stay out of trouble."
"Oh," Serena said softly.
Harry straightened his shirt. "It was nice to meet you, Mrs. Malfoy, Serena. And it's good to have you back, Ginny. "
"Thanks for stopping by," Ginny replied, squeezing him in a tight hug. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Possibly," Harry said.
Ginny closed the door behind Harry, not wanting anymore surprised visitors. "So, how have things been since the party?"
"The scandal is all over the papers," Narcissa commented. She shook her head in amusement. "It seems to be the biggest thing since the war ended."
"Yes, I've been getting calls about doing interviews with various publications." Ginny removed the groceries she had been storing in her handbag, reversing the shrinking spell she had placed on them. "But something Mr. Malfoy said has me reluctant to do any juicy interviews with the press."
"Lucius spoke with you?"
"Yes," Ginny answered. She watched as Serena read the labels on the groceries she had on the counter. "He gave me a bit of advice, which I may follow. I'm unsure at the moment."
Narcissa nodded. "When are you planning on opening the shop?"
"Tomorrow morning," Ginny replied. "I've got a lot of baking to do today and tonight. Luckily, I'm quite good at it."
"Well, good luck with that," Narcissa said. She beckoned Serena over. "I will inform Draco of your opening date. He has plans to take Serena to his practice tomorrow. Perhaps she can convince him to stop by."
Serena grinned. "Father has a sweet tooth, Grandmother."
~~~~~~~~
Ginny finished putting the yellow apron over her white dress, a pleased smile on her face. She had managed to pull off baking all her recipes, including a six layer buttercup icing cake with white sugar flowers, before opening time. Of course, that meant that she had slept all of two hours, on a lumpy mattress, which was the only furniture her flat currently had. But it was worth it.
"They are really lining up," Hermione muttered. She had offered to help Ginny for opening day. "I wonder how many are here to see you."
"More than likely, all of them," Ginny said with a shrug. "Half of them wouldn't be here if it were someone else's bakery."
"Well, are you going to open the doors?"
Ginny withdrew her wand from her apron, pointing it at the sign on the door, which flipped over to show the word, open. In an instant, the people outside were rushing inside, some snapping pictures of Ginny as they did. Ginny exerted as much patience and happiness as she could, hoping that one of the camera holding customers would not be the first to order. She would be tempted to take the camera, and smash it in their face.
"Can I help you?" Ginny looked at an elderly man, who had walked in the shop seconds after the mad rush. "Is there something you have a hankering for?"
The man tapped his chin, lifting his hat slightly. "I'll have a cup of tea and a toasted hazelnut and chocolate scone."
"Would you like your tea to go, sir?"
"No, I'll stay."
"That will be six Sickles and twenty-one Knuts." Ginny placed the scone on a plate, the tea cup on a saucer, and put his order on a tray. "Have a good day."
After serving around thirty-five people, the steady stream of customers came to an end. Ginny couldn't help but to sag in relief. She had expected a big crowd. But she had not expected to run out of her scones and be half-way through her cupcakes before Noon. She wasn't used to having this many customers. However, she couldn't complain. The business was good. By the looks of it, she would make enough money to fill a three day quota in one day.
"Hi, Mum."
Those words had every reporter in the shop, snapping their camera. They had been sitting down, taking up space, for the past hour, hoping that the Malfoys would come and visit the shop. The sales on all the publications were soaring, and the reporters were interested in keeping things that way. All the publications, even gardening magazines, were vying for the exclusive interview with either Ginny Weasley or Draco Malfoy. But the two seemed to be keeping silent about whatever had occurred between them.
Ginny finished putting a tray of fresh scones in the display case before looking up to greet Draco and Serena. "I didn't think you two were going to come."
"I wanted a cupcake." Serena pressed her face against the glass, staring at the cupcakes with longing. "Which one has the most chocolate?"
"I have a chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing," Ginny said. "Would you like one of those?"
"Yes," Serena shouted, nodding her head vigorously.
"Okay," Ginny replied with a laugh. Her eyes landed on Draco. "Would you like anything? It's on the house."
"I'm fine." Draco gazed at the colorful display. "Tracey has me on a no sugar kick."
Ginny wrinkled her nose. "Merlin, I could never cut sugar."
"You work in a bakery," Draco pointed out.
"Very true," Ginny said. She took two cupcakes out of the display case, handing one to Serena and one to Draco. "It doesn't hurt to have a little bit of sugar. Besides, it's a chocolate cupcake with a cherry filling, chocolate icing, and cherry sprinkles."
Draco's mouth watered. "What Tracey doesn't know, doesn't hurt."
"How is your cupcake, Serena?" Ginny looked at the girl, who seemed content to eat her cupcake slowly, breaking it off into little pieces. "Would you like a glass of milk?"
"Yes, please." Serena nodded. "And it's yummy."
"Go ahead and have a seat." Ginny motioned to the empty tables. "I think the reporters ran off to see who could get their story out first."
Serena dragged her father to a table before he could respond, climbing into one of the chairs. She was happy that she had her mother and father in the same room. If she had her way, this would always happen. She had a plan for her parents. She didn't want to be the little girl with one parent anymore. Serena was going to make sure that she had two parents at all time.
"Here we are." Ginny placed a glass of milk on the table, her eyes landing on Draco who had bitten into the cupcake. "Is it good? I've never done a cupcake with a filling before."
"What kind of chocolate do you use?" Draco finished the cupcake, a look of contentment settling on his face. "It's better than Honeydukes."
Ginny blushed at the mention of Honeydukes. "For that cupcake, I used chocolate from a Tuscan chocolatier. I found it in an American store a few years back. And now I always have cases in stock. It's perhaps the best chocolate I've ever had, especially with wine."
"Ginny, I burnt the lemon bars." Hermione came out of the kitchen, a black blob, resting on a platter, in her hand. "I don't think I have a future in this business."
Ginny shook her head. "No, I would stick to being a Healer."
"Thanks," Hermione said, tossing the burnt remains in the garbage. She then took notice of the only two customers. "Hello, Malfoy."
"Granger," Draco greeted.
"Weasley," Hermione corrected.
"You married the Weasel King, after all." Draco smirked. "I always thought that was a match made in hell."
"It was," Hermione responded. "I married Charlie Weasley."
"One of my older brothers," Ginny added. As Draco opened his mouth to make a smart comment, Ginny pinched him. "Don't say a word."
Draco rubbed his arm. "No one's pinched me in twelve years."
"Hello," Hermione said, holding her hand out to Serena. "I'm Hermione."
"Serena, meet, Hermione," Ginny said. "She's my best friend."
"Delighted to meet you," Serena replied, shaking her hand.
"I hope my kid is as well-mannered as you are." Hermione released the young girl's hand, a kind look appearing on her face as she looked at Draco. "She's lovely, Malfoy."
"We better go," Draco said, uncomfortable with the attention. "I've got practice."
"Mum, can I have a dessert to go?" Serena pouted, batting her eyelashes.
"That's up to your father." Ginny hid her smile as Serena pouted at Draco.
"Only one," Draco said sternly.
Serena jumped up, squealing. "I want a slice of that cake."
"It's a golden cake with my own special icing. I call it buttercup because of the color," Ginny said. She cut a slice of the cake, packaging it into a box, adding a sugar flower, a lily, for decorative purposes. Ginny bent over at the waist, handing Serena the box. "Enjoy."
"Thank you, Mum." Serena hesitated before leaning up to place a kiss on Ginny's cheek, running out the door with her father while yelling, "Bye."
Tears appeared in Ginny's eyes, her heart brimming with joy. It was the first time Serena had shown that type of love towards her. The thought that perhaps the title in which Serena addressed her wasn't empty, made Ginny's heart soar. Serena had, of course, tried to incorporate Ginny in her life as much as possible. However, things did not seem forced anymore. The love that Serena held for her was, at the moment, unconditional. Perhaps her mother hadn't ruined things too bad as of yet.
"Ginny!"
Ginny blinked, Ron's voice bringing her back to reality. "Ron! What are you doing here?"
"I figured I should eat my body weight in sweet things." Ron sank down in one of the chairs, a forlorn expression on his face. "Isn't that what girl's do when they get served with divorce papers?"
"She didn't." Hermione gasped, hand flying to cover her mouth. "I thought you two would wait until Eva grew a bit older. You know, the point where she can understand what's happening."
"Maybe it's better this way, Ron." Ginny sat across from him, placing a hand over his in what she hoped was a comforting gesture. "Hermione's wrong. Eva is better off not having to go through the divorce. If you divorce now, she'll be used to the living arrangements as she gets older."
"You're right, I guess." Ron slouched, defeated. "I'm not in love with Lavender, not by any means. But even I think this is a bit rushed. Not only do I have to come face to face with you shagging a Malfoy, again, and lunatic parents. But now, I have to handle my divorce and work out my living arrangements."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "You would mention Draco."
"You can always stay with me and Charlie, Ron." Hermione patted Ron on the shoulder, a sympathetic smile on her face. "Ginny moved out yesterday."
Ron winced. "I couldn't. We've come a long way, Hermione."
"But staying with me and Charlie would be too much," Hermione finished. She nodded in agreement. "You're right. But you're my best friend, I had to offer."
"Thanks, `Mione." Ron lowered his head, a hand running through his hair. "I'll crash at one of the twin's or Harry's place."
"Don't be silly, Ron." Ginny scowled. "I may only have a mattress, so far, but you can stay with me. You can help me pick out furniture."
"Are you sure, Ginny? You've always been the independent type."
"I still am, Ron." Ginny scoffed, folding her arms. "I'm only offering you a place to stay until you catch yourself. Of course, if you'd like to move in, permanently, I wouldn't mind. I've got an extra bedroom, two actually, but one's for Serena."
"I'll help you pay rent, Ginny."
"No need," Ginny said. "The place is bought."
"Well, I'll help furnish it." Ron leaned back in the chair, a hardened look on his face. "I have to help out, financially, in some way."
"Alright," Ginny said with a shrug. "I've picked out all the furniture from a catalogue. You can choose the furniture for your room. And, also, I'm not Mum. I won't be cleaning up after you."
"I'm as handy with cleaning charms as you are," Ron exclaimed.
"Slacking off on the job, Weasley, I never thought you had it in you." The very feminine Slytherin drawl had the only three people in the bakery gaping. "Oh, am I interrupting?"
Ginny snorted. "Would you care?"
"No," Pansy replied, sliding her glasses onto the top of her head. "I came to give you business."
"You shag a Malfoy and associate with other Slytherins too." Ron shook his head in disbelief, turning to Hermione. "My sister's gone round the bend."
"Pansy, ignore my darling brother." Ginny smacked Ron in the back of his head, grinning widely. "What would you like?"
"A red velvet cupcake," Pansy said, observing the menu. She turned her gaze on Ron, a smirk on her face. "My, my, Weasley, you weren't as funny and appealing in school."
"Bloody hell," Hermione muttered, moving to help Ginny behind the counter.
"Didn't mean to encroach on your territory, Granger, or is it Weasley?"
"Weasley," Hermione replied. "As I just explained to your friend, I married Charlie not Ron."
"Pansy, did you want anything else?"
"Your brother on a platter," Pansy whispered, leaning closer to Ginny so Ron wouldn't here. "Is he single?"
"Going through a divorce," Ginny answered in hushed tones. "Found out today."
"He's depressed, even better."
Hermione laughed. "You are ever the Slytherin, Parkinson."
"What?" Pansy bit into her cupcake, leaning against the counter, her eyes watching Ron as he tapped his fingers on the table, deep in his own thoughts. "Every woman knows that it's easier to get closer to a guy going through an emotional crisis."
"That is my brother," Ginny warned. "I don't want him to have a heart, which has been broken by every girl he falls into a relationship with. Please, do not try."
"Don't worry, Weasley." Pansy dropped a few Sickles on the counter, a grin on her face. "Your brother will be in excellent hands."
"Ginny, I've got to get back to work. Criminals don't catch themselves." Ron kissed her on the cheek, doing the same to Hermione. "I'll be back at around eight. Dinner is my treat."
"The entrance to the flat is at the side of the building, up the stairs."
"What? I don't get a kiss too." Pansy tapped a finger to her cheek. "It's a small peck on the cheek, Weasley. Don't be shy."
Ron blushed, leaning in to place a kiss on Pansy's cheek. But the dark-haired beauty turned her head at the last minute, placing a light kiss on Ron's lips. The electricity that sparkled between the two was apparent as both their eyes widened, a mirrored look of shock on their faces. Pansy did her best to cover her surprise, bringing her sunglasses back down to cover her eyes.
"It's been fun, Weasleys." Pansy waved, walking out the door. "See you soon, Ronald."
"She's forward," Hermione commented.
"I should go work on a new batch of cookies while the crowd is non-existent," Ginny stated. "What do you guys think of a chocolate-y cookie with a slight hint of mint flavor?"
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