Red Rose

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Summary: When Ginevra's father leaves on a business trip, she asks for one gift on his return. Little does she know the consequences of a simple red rose. AU.

Inspired by The Grimm BrotherÕs The Lady and the Lion, and DisneyÕs Beauty and the Beast.

...

Chapter One

...

Arthur looked at his children, smiling at them broadly.

"With the bonus work that gave me I will be able to bring you one gift each. Choose carefully, my children," he said seriously, looking at his four children standing before him.

They all nodded before thinking of something they really wanted. Twenty-year-old Frederick and George talked to each other quietly, while eighteen-year-old Ronald and seventeen-year-old Ginevra thought to themselves silently.

Molly watched the last four of her seven children and sighed wistfully, knowing that very soon, Frederick and George would be leaving them, just as William, Charles and Percival had before them. She could only hope that her two youngest would be able to stay a while longer. However, looking at her youngest son Ronald, Molly knew that he would not stay as long as his brothers had, and he would soon leave too, eager to seek his fortune.

"Frederick, George. I do not think I would like to know of what you would like," Arthur said looking at them with a smile.

"Those Muggles have got coloured slime in tin circular boxes," they said in unison.

"Quite cheap too, last we saw, right Fred?" George asked his twin.

"Not even five Sickles!" Frederick agreed with a nod.

"You are not going to terrorise your mother with it, are you?" Arthur asked sternly.

"We would never do that to Mother!" the twins said, feigning shock and hurt looks. "Ronnie-kins on the other hand," they muttered in an undertone, with mischievous grins to each other.

"I will see about it," Arthur promised before turning to his youngest son. "Ronald, what would you like?" he asked.

"Can ... Can I get a new Chuddley Cannons shirt? Or a poster? Please, Father?" Ronald begged.

They all knew how much the official Chuddley Cannons merchandise cost, and so Ron had waited a very long time to ask for anything of it. Arthur knew this too and gave a small sigh. It would all depend on what his youngest child asked for...

"I will try my best, Ronald," he said, giving his son an encouraging smile. "Ginevra. What would you like me to bring back for you?" Arthur asked smiling at his youngest - and his most favourite, if truth be told - child.

"I would like a red rose, if you would be so kind, Father," Ginevra said smiling at him.

"That is all?" he asked in amazement.

"Yes, please," Ginevra said, smiling again.

"Very well. Molly dear, what would you like me to bring you?" Arthur asked his wife.

"I would not protest to some new wool. I am in short supply, and Christmas will be here soon. I need to begin knitting soon for our other three boys, as well as these four," she said with a smile.

"As good as done, my dear. I will see you all in one week," Arthur said, looking at his family one more time.

Wilson, the coachman, tapped his shoulder gently. "I do apologise, my Lord Arthur, but we must leave immediately if my Lord is to make his appointment on time," he said apologetically.

"Of course. Thank you, Wilson," Arthur said and stepped into the carriage, Wilson closing the door after him.

"Return safely, Father!" Ginevra called.

"Always," Arthur said with a smile.

Ginevra waved to her father as the carriage left through the gates.

...

Arthur sighed and shook his head, rubbing his forehead wearily. He had been able to find and buy every gift, excepting the one simple thing that his only daughter had asked for. He had bought a book for her, as Ginevra loved reading, but he knew that it would not be the same.

He had asked at every florist and flower shop along the coast, as well as most inland, searching for a red rose for his daughter. The storeowners had all laughed and ridiculed him, saying it was impossible to find a rose during winter.

Arthur wasn't sure if he could handle seeing the disappointment on his daughter's face. He looked down at the bags surrounding him and shook his head again, looking out of the window. His return home had already been delayed by a day due to a road blocked with snow at the previous town, too frozen for even magic to thaw effectively or quickly. Wilson had been forced to take the carriage along a different route in order to return home. Despite the villagersÕ insistence that no one lived along this road, Arthur could see a large castle behind the walled road.

"Stop the carriage!" he called quickly and the carriage came to a sudden halt.

"Is something the matter, my Lord Arthur?" Wilson asked in concern, looking down to the interior of the carriage.

"Nothing is the matter, Wilson. I have just found the gift for my daughter, that is all," Arthur said with a smile, stepping out of the carriage and onto the frozen ground carefully.

Wilson looked at the large castle, his lord becoming an insignificant figure before the looming and formidable castle, and quickly hurried after Arthur. When he reached him at the gates, Wilson stopped in shock, seeing the beautiful gardens through the bars. Rose bushes of every colour imaginable were blooming, despite the snow surrounding their slender trunks. Shadows covered the garden and Wilson shivered, the cold weather having nothing to do with the chill that ran down his spine.

"Perhaps we should continue on and search further along the lane, my Lord Arthur?" Wilson said fearfully, not liking the eerie look of the place.

"Nonsense, Wilson. I will just ask the lord of the castle if he could spare one rose. It should not be too much trouble for him, considering the rose bushes are practically overflowing," Arthur said and rang the large silver bell on the gates.

It clanged loudly, echoing through the empty gardens. No person appeared, servant, lord or otherwise. Behind them, the horses neighed fearfully.

"My Lord Arthur please, I beg you to return to the carriage," Wilson pleaded, his fear increasing with each whimper the horses made.

The gates creaked open and Arthur went over to them curiously.

"The gates were closed firmly before... Someone must be there for the gates to have opened. Do not worry over me, my friend, I will be back in a moment. I just wish to seek the lord of this castle," Arthur said, then stepped through the gates and onto the path leading through the gardens up to the castle, ignoring his coachman's protests.

With a fearful glance around, Wilson followed him quickly, not wanting any harm to befall his lord. He caught up with him easily and watched as Arthur bent to the ground beneath the red rose bush. He picked up the single fallen rose and smiled gratefully.

"I will leave a few Sickles by the gates in payment for the rose. The lord will not miss it, as it had already fallen from the rose bush," Arthur said decisively.

Wilson went to argue, but relented with a sigh, knowing how disappointed Ginevra would be if she did not receive the rose. She was too lovely and kindhearted a child to let her disappointment show, but it would still hurt the others around her, knowing how sweet she was and not having received the one gift she had asked for.

"Of course, my Lord Arthur. We should leave quickly, your family is expecting you soon," Wilson said with a small bow.

Arthur nodded and they walked to the gates briskly in the cold wind. He placed three Sickles on the small birdhouse and went to follow Wilson out of the estate's gates.

"Who dares to steal from my property?" a voice roared from behind him, and the gates shut before Arthur could get out.

"Arthur!" Wilson yelled quickly and Arthur turned to see a lion leaping at him.

He trembled in fear as a large paw pressed against his throat dangerously.

"I will eat who ever steals from my property!" the lion snarled.

"I apologise, Lord Lion! I did not know that this property was your own! I found this rose beneath the red rose bush and I left money in exchange for it!" Arthur said quickly, hoping that the lion would have pity on him.

"You think that I need your money, human?" the lion roared angrily, swiping at the birdhouse.

It crumbled beneath his paw and the three Sickles landed at Arthur's feet.

"Is there nothing I can do to save my life, Lord Lion?" Arthur asked desperately.

"There is nothing you can do, unless you promise to give to me whatever meets you first on your return home," the lion said, his paw loosening slightly.

"Nay, I cannot do that! It may be my youngest child and I will not forfeit her life!" Arthur protested quickly.

"It may only be the Puffskein, my Lord Arthur," Wilson said from the other side of the bars. "He has often met you before your daughter," he said, his fear making him avoid the lion's gaze.

"Do you agree, human?" the lion asked, looking at him. "The first thing that meets you on your return home, in exchange for the red rose and your life?" he asked.

Arthur sighed wearily. "Yes, I agree," he said quietly, seeing no other choice.

"I will expect it on the morrow, to allow you to say goodbye," the lion said, letting go of Arthur and padding over to the rose bushes, dismissing Arthur.

The gates creaked open and Arthur quickly went to his carriage, Wilson jumping on top and whipping the horses into action.

The lion watched as the carriage disappeared into the horizon and the gates swung shut noiselessly. He turned to the red rose bush seriously.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" he asked.

The rose bush swayed in the wind and with a disgruntled sigh, the lion went back into the castle.

...

What had he done? He had just given his daughter's life over to that ... to that beast, all for a rose. He should have declined and suffered the disappointment on Ginevra's face rather than losing her forever! No, he should not think that way. It would most likely be the Puffskein, as Wilson had said.

And so, Arthur tried to convince himself that what he had done was right for the rest of the carriage ride home.

"We are arriving at the house, my Lord Arthur," Wilson said, his voice echoing sadness.

"Is anyone from my family there?" Arthur asked quietly.

"Nay, there is no one," Wilson said, obvious relief in his voice.

"Good. If I leave the carriage now, then I will be able to find the Puffskein before any of my children or my wife finds me," Arthur said.

The carriage came to a stop and Wilson opened the door almost immediately, feeling and sharing his master's urgency. Arthur stepped out of the carriage and went towards the gardens where the Puffskein always resided, intent on eating all of Molly's vegetables.

"Father!" Ginevra called happily, running down towards him.

Arthur stopped in shock and shook his head.

"No. It cannot be," Arthur muttered, misery and despair filling his voice.

"Welcome home, Father! Oh, you got a red rose, just like I asked for! Thank you so much, Father!" Ginevra said joyfully, standing on her tiptoes to kiss his forehead. "Is something the matter, Father? Why do you look sad? Are you not happy to be home?" Ginevra asked, seeing her father's sad face.

"Nay, daughter, I am. It is just that...Ó he trailed off; he was unable to tell her of the fate he had resigned her to. ÒI am very happy to see you and to be home, I just need some time alone with your Mother. Wilson, please get the gifts for my children," Arthur said.

Wilson bowed at his request, looking inexplicably sad too, and then went to the carriage as Arthur hurried inside.

"Wilson, are you able to explain Father's odd behaviour?" Ginevra asked, confused.

"I am able to, but nay, Ginevra, I cannot tell you," Wilson said sadly, retrieving the bags from the carriage.

Ginevra took as many bags as she could carry. Wilson sighed with a hint of a smile, knowing that it was impossible to argue with Ginevra that it was not her job to help. At first, the servants had all tried to refuse her help, but seeing the hurt on her face they had stopped soon enough and now, Ginevra could often be seen around the house, helping the servants with their chores.

"Where is the Puffskein?" he asked as they walked back to the castle, carrying the bags between them.

"Frederick and George used it for Beater practice and Mother is not happy with them, even though it used to eat all of her plants," Ginevra said. "I think they should have asked Father for a Bludger instead of slime," she said with a smile.

"Nonsense, dear sister!" Frederick and George protested, coming up behind her. "We can just transfigure the slime into a Bludger if the need arises, but it is impossible for us to change a Bludger into slime," they said practically with a wink.

"Children! Please, come inside straight away! Your father needs to speak with you," Molly called from the door.

"Coming, Mother!" Frederick and George said, rushing to get inside, positive that Father only wanted to see them in order to give out his gifts.

"I will be there in a moment, Mother. I will just put these in the dining room for Wilson," Ginevra called.

"No, Ginevra. Your father needs to speak to all of you at once," Molly said.

"It is all right, dear. I will help Wilson with the bags," the cook, Daria, said kindly.

"Thank you, Daria," Ginevra said with a smile then went over to her mother. "What is wrong, Mother? Why was Father upset to see me? Have I angered him in any way?" Ginevra asked.

"Hush, child. Your father will tell you when you are seated with your brothers," Molly said quietly, ushering her daughter to a seat between Frederick and George.

Ginevra looked to her three brothers, amazed at how uncharacteristically silent they all were. They were reflecting Father's mood, and it was increasing Ginevra's sudden fear.

"You all know your sister asked for a rose," Arthur began, the four nodding. "As you can see, she received the rose, but it is at a price... I tried to get the rose from a lion's property, and he caught me as I was leaving, even though I had left three Sickles for the fallen rose. In return for my life, I promised the lion that I would give him the first thing that met me on my return home. I thought that it may have been the Puffskein, which I heard what you two did with, by the way," Arthur said looking at his twin sons pointedly.

Frederick and George flushed and gave him innocent looks that were uncharacteristically ignored.

"I will deal with it later," he said to their relief, continuing the tale. "However, it was your sister that met me first, and so Ginevra has to go to the lion's castle tomorrow morning. I fear we may not see her alive again," Arthur finished; his entire body now trembling with regret and fear.

"Do not cry, Father," Ginevra said and hugged him. "I will be all right," she said, pushing away her own fears.

"I am so very sorry, Ginevra! I should have refused the lion and just faced your disappointment," Arthur sobbed.

"Father, do not be silly. If you had refused the lion, then you will not have been here to tell what had happened! I am thankful that you are alive, that is all that matters," Ginevra said and kissed his head. "I will go to the lion in the morning, as you promised, and perhaps I may soothe him so that I am able to return to you all," she said with a smile.

Molly came over to her husband and gave him his handkerchief. Arthur blew his nose noisily.

"Perhaps, daughter. I am sure that a person as lovely as yourself could tame the wild lion," Arthur said giving her a small smile.

"The gods' know that we couldn't do it," Frederick and George said grinning at her, attempting to make Ginevra smile.

She did so and they hugged her, kissing her cheeks.

"You will be fine, dearest sister," they whispered quietly.

"Do you think that the lion will take me instead?" Ronald asked suddenly, looking at them.

"As nice an offer as that is, Ronald, I promised the lion I would give him the first thing that met me," Arthur said sadly.

"Do you still have your Time Turner, Father?" Ronald asked desperately. "I do not wish to just let my sister be handed over to a wild lion and never be seen again!" he cried.

Ginevra hugged her brother tightly. "I will return to you. I promise, my dear brother. I will not be eaten by a wild lion," she said determinedly. "Mother has the clock to know if I am safe or not. If I am not safe, then you may come with your friends to rescue me," she said with a smile. "Now, Father... I do believe that you have some presents to give out," Ginevra said in an effort to change the subject to a happier note.

"Of course! Wilson, may you bring the bags out please?" Arthur asked.

"Yes, my Lord Arthur," Wilson said with a bow, retreating to the dining room.

Ginevra left the room to help him and found Daria, Marietta and Harold waiting in the corridor, having been listening to their conversation.

"Are you really going to leave us, Ginevra?" Marietta asked sadly as they went with her to the dining room.

"Yes, I am leaving you. I hope it to be a short while, but if it is not, then you must be strong for my family. I want you to all look after Mother and Father when I am gone. Father refuses to admit that he is losing health and I am just sad that I will not be able to be by his side when his winter sickness worsens," Ginevra said sadly. "Make sure to help Mother when Father gets a fever," she said.

"Of course, Ginevra! We will always be strong and help your family," Daria said. "I will personally make sure that your Father gets a Pepperup potion," she said with a smile.

"Thank you, Daria," Ginevra said, taking the last bag from the table.

"I will make sure that your room is kept tidy for your return, Ginevra," Marietta said attempting to smile.

"Thank you, Marietta. Harold, you must try to help Mother with the boys. Attempt to get them to help you with the maintenance around the house. Well, Ronald at least. I do not want poor Mother to have a heart attack after Frederick and George 'fix' the kitchen with their pranks," Ginevra said smiling.

"Of course, Ginevra," Harold said with a small bow.

"Ginevra, you should seat between your brothers so you can receive your gifts also," Wilson said.

"Thank you, Wilson," Ginevra said and gave the bag to her father before doing as he said.

Frederick and George wrapped their arms around her to offer as much comfort as they could, while Ronald took her hand. She smiled gratefully between them and tried not to think of the following morning.

"Frederick and George, your presents," Arthur said, and they received a small gift-wrapped box each.

They opened them and grinned seeing the Prankster pack from Zonko's Joke Shop.

"It has green slime, as well as a book of tricks, potions and spells," Arthur said smiling at them.

"Thank you, Father!" they said excitedly, hugging him before returning to their position on either side of Ginevra.

"Ronald, your gifts," Arthur said, handing him an orange bag.

Ronald looked inside the bag and his mouth fell open in shock.

"A Chuddley Cannons poster, shirt and jumper?! That must have cost you a fortune! Thank you so much, Father!" Ronald said in excitement, hugging him tightly.

"Do not worry over the price, Ronald... I was able to get them cheap because the new robes are changing slightly and they were eager to get rid of the old stock. The poster is signed by the players," Arthur said.

Ronald undid the scrolled poster and again, his jaw dropped in shock seeing that it was, indeed, signed by all of the Chuddley Cannon players.

"I... I do not know how I can ever thank you, Father!" Ronald exclaimed.

"Thank you is quite enough, Ronald," Arthur said watching his son in amusement.

"Molly, your gifts," Arthur said passing his wife a medium weighted bag.

"I did not know that wool weighs this much, Arthur," she said with a smile before looking into the bag.

Molly let out a cry of joy before pulling out a new set of knitting needles, a cross-stitching packet with needles and cotton, and a small bag of different coloured wool.

"Oh, thank you, Arthur! This is wonderful!" she said, kissing him.

"Mother! Do not do that in front of us!" Ronald winced.

"Harold, Marietta, Daria and Wilson, you have gifts also," Arthur said smiling at them.

"Thank you, Lord Arthur," they said, moving forward.

Harold received a new hat and pair of gardening pliers; Marietta a new puzzle book and washing basket, as the twins had accidentally ruined her previous one; Daria was given a cookbook and a crochet set; and Wilson was given a new pair of riding gloves and boots for when he went out on the horses.

They all thanked Arthur genuinely and stepped back to see what Ginevra would be given from the last bag.

"Ginevra, your second gift," Arthur said passing the bag to her.

"Thank you, Father. Did you get nothing for yourself?" she asked in surprise.

"Coming home to see all of you is gift enough," Arthur said, smiling. "Open your bag and see what is inside," he cajoled.

Ginevra opened the bag and pulled out a book. Seeing the title she smiled broadly and hugged her father tightly.

"I had thought you had forgotten about it, Father! Thank you so much! It is a wonderful gift!" she said, hugging him again.

"I am not that old yet as to forget the title of your favourite book, daughter," Arthur said with a smile, glad that Ginevra was happy again. "I am very glad you like it, Ginevra," he said hugging her back.

"Mother, can I have leave of helping Daria please? I would very much like to read my new book," Ginevra pleaded.

"If it is not an inconvenience to Daria, then you may," Molly said with a smile.

"It is fine, dear. You already helped me enough before Lord Arthur returned home," Daria said with a smile.

"Oh, thank you, Daria! Thank you, Mother! Thank you again, Father! Father, Mother, brothers, if you will excuse me," Ginevra said with a small curtsy as she left the room. She quickly ran upstairs to her bedroom to read her book.

...

Ronald grinned seeing her sitting on the window seat, engrossed in the book. His grin faded when he saw her trunk packed and sitting beside her bed.

"Ginevra, dinner is ready," Ronald said from her door.

"Thank you, Ronald. Where are we dining this evening?" Ginevra asked as she marked her book and walked over to him.

"Mother and Father are allowing us to dine in the living room instead of the dining room," Ronald said with a smile.

"That is nice of them. I am surprised you are not wearing your new shirt," Ginevra said teasingly.

"I do not wish for it to get dirty with dinner. Besides, I have it under lock, key and spell to make sure that Frederick and George cannot get to it," he added proudly.

"Then it should be safe," Ginevra said smiling.

"After you, sister," Ronald said with a small bow when they arrived at the living room.

"Thank you, dear brother," Ginevra said and walked in, Ronald following her.

"Are those chicken wings?" Ron asked eagerly as he sat down next to his sister.

"No, Ronald. They are turkey legs," Frederick and George said, laughing as he pulled a face at them.

"Do not tease Ronald so! His stomach may go into shock," Ginevra said teasingly, smiling at them.

Ronald just grinned and took a chicken wing, ignoring their teasing.

"May Harold, Marietta, Wilson and Daria join us tonight, please Father?" Ginevra asked kindly.

"Of course, dear daughter," Arthur said with a smile, encouraging their servants inside with a wave of his hand.

Delighted, they sat down at the table. After a long moment of silence, Ginevra started to talk to Marietta of her book, her excited voice encouraging the others to talk also. They all talked with one another cheerfully, attempting to ignore the feeling of loss just as easily as Ronald had ignored his sibling's teasing.

After they had finished dining, Ginevra read a few chapters from her book, her light and soft voice never wavering, as she looked from the words on the pages to her sad, yet smiling family and friends.

They went to bed with the saddening knowledge that morning was ever approaching.

...

End of the first chapter!

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Summary: When Ginevra's father leaves on a business trip, she asks for one gift on his return. Little does she know the consequences of a simple red rose. AU.

Inspired by The Grimm Brothers' The Lady and the Lion, and DisneyÕs Beauty and the Beast.

É

Chapter Two

É

"Lady Ginevra, it is time for you to wake up," Marietta said softly, shaking her awake.

Ginevra opened her eyes with a small yawn.

"Good morning, Marietta," she said, smiling at her.

"Good morning. Your mother says that it is time for breakfast. You slept in," Marietta said.

"Please tell Mother that I will be down in a moment," Ginevra said, sitting up.

"Of course," Marietta said with a curtsy, quickly leaving Ginevra's room, closing the door behind her.

Ginevra looked around her room fondly and on seeing her packed trunk by her bed, she remembered that this morning would be her last with her family. She changed into her best robes quickly, not wanting to miss another moment. Hurrying downstairs, Ginevra slowed her pace to the appropriate speed and entered the dining room.

"Oh, Mother! You must have spent all night cooking!" Ginevra exclaimed, seeing the various foods set out on the table.

Molly smiled at Ginevra, happy that she was pleased.

"Not the entire night. I had help, of course," she said, kissing Ginevra's cheek lightly. "You look lovely, dear," Molly said, trying to keep her tears at bay.

"Thank you, Mother," Ginevra said, hugging her tightly. "Do not worry. I will be fine," she whispered.

"Wow. Does anyone mind if I start eating now?" Ronald asked, seeing all of the food.

"Not yet, Ronald. We will wait for your brothers and father, as always," Molly said, a smile still spreading on her face.

"Very well, Mother," Ron replied with a disappointed sigh.

"Would you like me to go get everyone?" Ginevra asked.

"No, dear. You stay here and make sure that Ronald does not eat everything while I am gone," Molly said, half-heartedly glaring at her son over her daughter's shoulder.

"Yes, Mother," Ginevra said with a smile.

She gave Ronald a brief hug and kiss, sitting next to him.

"Ginevra. Just one crumpet! Please?" Ronald begged.

"Do not eat it too quickly, brother dearest," Ginevra said with a grin.

Ron's face lit up and he grabbed a crumpet, eating it quickly. Just as he swallowed the last part, Molly came back into the dining room, Frederick, George and Arthur following.

Everyone sat at the table and waited for Arthur to take the first bite. He looked at his family, watching him expectantly.

"I think that the formalities should be held off for today. Everyone may eat," he said smiling at them all.

He tried not to laugh as he heard Ronald thank the gods and watched as he started eating immediately.

Everyone ate happily, Arthur calling the servants in to join them. Marietta sat next to Ronald and she took one of his hands, blushing lightly.

Silence fell immediately as the door bell clanged three times. Arthur looked at Ginevra for a moment, before getting up and going to the front door quickly.

She followed him and watched as her father opened the door to reveal a young man. Arthur stared at him; not because of the expensive robes that he was wearing, or due to the two men standing behind him. The reason that Arthur stared at him was because of the freshly cut red rose on his robe.

"Good morning. You are Lord Arthur Weasley, I presume?" the man asked, with a bow.

"Yes," Arthur replied slowly, trying to stop his heart from beating so fast.

"Excellent. I am Blaise Zabini. We are here to collect the young lady," he said formally.

Ginevra gave a sigh and stepped out into the corridor. She went over to her father and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Ginevra, please. You do not have to do this. I am sure they will take me instead," Arthur said, turning to plead with Blaise.

"It is all right, Father. Take care of Mother for me," she said, kissing his cheek. "I will be down presently. I am just going to get my belongings," Ginevra said to Blaise.

He bowed deeply to her and watched as she left the corridor. "You should not worry, Lord Arthur. Your daughter will not be harmed," he said reassuringly.

Arthur just nodded, sighing wearily. He slumped against the door frame and tried to steady his erratic breathing.

Ginevra walked down the staircase, her trunk floating behind her.

Blaise smiled inwardly. If his Lord did not fall in love with this woman then he was stupid as well as heartless...

The trunk gently stopped and descended to the floor, landing lightly. Everyone followed her outside, sombre and sad.

"Lady Weasley," Blaise said with a bow. "Allow us to take the trunk for you," he said.

With a click of his fingers, the two men behind him stepped forward and picked the trunk up easily. They carried the trunk to their waiting carriage, then got up on the coach, taking the reins.

"I trust that you have farewelled everyone?" Blaise asked.

Ginevra nodded bravely. "Yes, I have. Goodbye, Father," she said, hugging him tightly.

She kissed him fondly and gave him a brave and reassuring smile before letting Blaise lead her to the carriage.

Blaise helped her into the carriage, climbing in after her. He shut the door firmly and a second later, the carriage started moving down the drive.

Ginevra looked out of the window. She smile and waved, watching as Ron hugged a sobbing Marietta. Frederick and George waved back, not smiling at all. Arthur and Molly hung onto each other. Harold, Darla and Wilson waved sadly.

With a sigh, Ginevra sat back down properly and looked at the man in front of her.

"Are you the lion?" she asked.

Blaise chuckled and shook his head.

"Nay, the lion is not I," he said with a smile.

"What use has the lion for me?" Ginevra asked.

"It was a trade. A life for the rose your father took," Blaise replied.

"That does not answer the question I asked," Ginevra pointed out.

Blaise just smirked at her. His Lord was going to love her.

...

Waving until they couldn't see the carriage any longer, Harold and Daria ushered everyone inside. Wilson watched as everyone went inside reluctantly and hung his head.

It was all his fault. If he had made sure that Lord Arthur hadn't gone inside that awful place then none of this would have happened! Ginevra would still be here. He should have done something!

Marietta let go of Ronald reluctantly, sniffing her tears away. She gave him a weak smile and returned to her chores.

"Lord Arthur! Lady Molly!" Marietta called, hurrying down the staircase, her skirts bunched up in her hands.

"What is it, Marietta? What is wrong?" Ronald asked, grabbing her by the shoulders to both stop her from running and to stop her yelling.

"Ginevra ... She left ... presents for you all," Marietta said between puffs of breath.

"Ginevra did what?" Arthur asked, coming into the corridor.

"She left presents for everyone," Marietta repeated.

"Molly! Go find the twins then come upstairs!" Arthur called, going up the staircase.

Ronald and Marietta looked at each other then quickly followed Arthur upstairs to Ginevra's room. In a few minutes, Molly arrived with Frederick and George immediately behind her.

"What is wrong?" Frederick and George asked, moving past their mother nimbly to get to their father. "Oh..." they murmured, seeing the presents arranged on Ginevra's bed.

"Can we... Can we open them?" Ronald asked tentatively.

"It is what Ginevra wanted us to do," Arthur said with a nod, handing Ronald's present to him.

Ronald opened it eagerly. "A cookbook?" he exclaimed, his face downcast. "Are you sure this is for me, Father?"

"Check inside the cover," Frederick and George said.

Ronald opened the book and saw Ginevra's handwriting.

"Dear Ronald. These are for you to cook yourself. Do not make Mother and Daria cook them! Love Ginevra. Post script, I have tagged the recipes I know that you will like," Ronald read out.

Arthur smiled at his son's crestfallen face, then handed the two presents to Fred and George.

"Gred, I do believe this one is yours," Frederick said, passing the present to his brother.

"Then this one must be yours, Forge," George said giving him the other one.

They opened their presents as eagerly as Ronald had.

"A wand?" they said, frowning.

"There is a note with it," Molly pointed out, indicating to the fallen piece of parchment.

"Try to do a spell and you will see the difference it makes. Love Ginevra," Frederick and George read out.

They pointed their wands at each other and said the Jelly Legs Curse. With a bang, the wands turned into long chickens.

"Oh dear," Molly sighed, shaking her head. "Now I will have to watch my wand even more than usual."

"This present is for you, dear," Arthur said, passing it to her.

Molly opened it carefully and gasped as she saw what was inside. A new shawl lay there, a small note on top.

"I apologise for any holes there may be. You know how horrible my knitting is. Love Ginevra," Molly read, her eyes filling with tears. She held up the shawl to reveal five small holes in it, a watery smile on her face.

"I can fix up the holes if you would like," Marietta offered.

"No. It is all right, thank you, Marietta. My daughter made this and I am not going to change what she has done," Molly said firmly.

"Yes, Lady Molly," Marietta said with an understanding nod.

"What present did Ginevra give you, Father?" Frederick and George asked grinning at him.

"I will open mine last. Marietta, this is for you," Arthur said, handing the present to her.

Marietta took it and opened it quickly, trying not to seem too eager or selfish. She gasped in surprise at the writing set she had been given. Two quills, a roll of parchment and two ink bottles. It looked very expensive.

"Oh no. I can not accept this," she said, touching the quills lovingly.

"You can and you will accept it, Marietta. Ginevra bought it for you," Frederick and George said seriously.

Marietta nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "If you will excuse me for a moment," she said quietly, leaving the room.

She did not want to cry in front of the Master and his family, especially not in front of Ronald!

"I will go see to her," Ronald said, going after her.

"Harold, for you," Arthur said.

Harold moved forward and with a small bow, took the offered box and opened it carefully. A small bark was heard and he stared at the young puppy in the box, smiling broadly as it licked his fingers.

"He will need to be fed every day and will require milk for a few weeks. Love Ginevra," he read out the small note. Lifting the puppy out of the box, Harold cradled it to him softly.

"Daria." Arthur said, passing the present to her.

"Thank ye, Lord Arthur," she said, taking it and opening the present slowly. "Oh my goodness!" she said happily.

Daria revealed a pot plant; a beautiful primrose growing in it.

"That is a lovely plant," Molly said smiling at her.

"Oh, aye. She is a beauty all righ'," Daria said.

"Wilson," Arthur said, holding out the present to him.

"Nay, Lord Arthur. I am not worthy of any gifts," Wilson said, stepping back. "It was my fault all of this happened and I will not accept a present in return for failing you," he said sombrely.

"None of this is your fault, Wilson! Now take the present Ginevra has given to you," Arthur said.

Extremely reluctantly, Wilson stepped forward and took the offered gift. He opened it grudgingly, and a smile could not help but spread across his face when he saw the gifts. It faded in a few seconds, Wilson reprimanding himself silently for being joyous while Ginevra was under some beast's control.

"Well? Wha' did ye get from Ginevra?" Daria asked eagerly.

"She sewed a pillow for me when I'm on the coach," Wilson said, a break in his voice. "And a teddy bear," he added, laughing and crying at the same time. "Excuse me," he said, ashamed of himself for crying in front of them.

Even Marietta had more sense than to cry in front of Lord Arthur and his family! He left the room quickly. Daria excused herself too and went after him, Harold following.

"What about your present, Father? Will you open it now?" Frederick and George asked.

"Yes, I will open it now, if only to ease your curiosity," he said giving the twins a brief smile.

Arthur tried to keep his hands steady as he opened the present Ginevra had addressed to him. The wrapping fell away and Arthur paled, his eyes filling with tears.

Holding the red origami rose in his hand, he wept for the loss of his daughter.

...

"Lady Weasley. It is time to wake up now," Blaise said, shaking her lightly.

Ginevra's eyes flew open and she moved away quickly.

"I apologise. I did not mean to startle you," Blaise said with a smile.

"It is fine, thank you. I did not mean to fall asleep," she said, covering her yawn with her hand.

"We will arrive in a few minutes. I thought you may have desired time to make yourself presentable for my Lord."

"Who is he exactly? I thought I knew of everyone in the surrounding neighbourhoods. I have never heard of a beast as a lord of a castle, except in books," Ginevra said, determined to get a straight answer from Blaise this time.

"You enjoy reading?" he asked with a smile.

Ginevra could have screamed. She was being polite and asking fairly reasonable questions and this man kept avoiding any answers! She just wanted to know what it was going to be like in her new home.

"Yes, I do. Would you mind answering my question now?" Ginevra asked, barely suppressing a very unladylike glare.

"We have arrived," one of the boys said, knocking on the roof.

"Thank you, Gregory," Blaise replied.

Turning to Ginevra, he handed her a mirror out of thin air.

"You should have enough time to fix your hair at least," Blaise said. "First impressions are always the last impression with my Lord," he said seriously.

Taken aback by both his tone and words, Ginevra gingerly took the mirror and looked into it. She grimaced at the state of her hair and straightened it as best as she could with her wand.

"Lovely," Blaise said with a smile.

The horses neighed once and the carriage came to an abrupt halt. Blaise steadied Ginevra, having expected it, then opened the door and got out of the carriage quickly.

"Gregory, please go inform our Lord that Lady Ginevra Weasley has arrived," Blaise said. "Vincent, put the horses in their stables immediately," he instructed.

They both bowed and hurried off to do his bidding. Blaise returned to the carriage and opened the door. Ginevra quickly stopped trying to open the other door with both her hands and wand, looking at him with a slightly guilty grin.

"You can not blame me for trying," she said quietly.

"Indeed not," Blaise said with a slight nod of his head. "Lady Ginevra," he said, offering her his hand.

Warily taking it, Ginevra allowed him to help her out of the carriage and on to the grass floor beneath them.

"How is it spring inside the castle walls and winter beyond them?" she asked herself rather than Blaise, knowing that he probably would not answer her questions.

"It is a spell that surrounds the castle and my Lord's grounds," Blaise informed her quietly.

"Blaise! You should not keep her outside like that. Bring the dear girl inside!" a voice said from nearby.

Ginevra looked around, only to see a tall, blonde woman standing at the entrance of the large castle.

"Ginevra is to meet with the Lord," Blaise replied.

She noticed that his tone had changed to one of disdain, but the woman at the entrance did not seem to notice.

"He is in one of his moods today, so you had best be wary," Narcissa said.

Blaise nodded curtly and led Ginevra inside quickly, hiding his frown.

"Who was that woman?" she asked him softly.

"She is Lady Narcissa Malfoy, the Lord's mother," Blaise replied. "Wait in the Lord's study and warm yourself by the fire. My Lord will be here momentarily," he said, opening a door for her.

Ginevra walked inside and sat down reluctantly. Having heard the door lock, Ginevra knew that there was no point in trying to escape. Going over to a window, she found that it was locked too and no amount of spells she performed was able to unlock it.

Sitting on the large chair, Ginevra wondered what would become of her and who exactly this mysterious Lord was. Blaise had told her no information about him at all, despite her persistence of the topic.

After a few minutes of waiting, Ginevra stood and went over to the bookcase. She read the titles with interest, trying to ascertain exactly what type of person this Lord might be.

The door opened and the candles flickered at the intrusion. Ginevra quickly turned to see a man standing at the door. He strode over to a chair and sat in it, motioning for her to sit across from him. She did so, sizing him up at the same time.

The man had blonde, almost white, hair that was pulled into a ponytail much like the one her brother William had. His eyes were a mix between silver and grey and he did not look very happy.

"So your father met you first, did he?" the man asked, his voice as cold as his eyes.

"Yes," Ginevra replied, fighting the instinct to stammer in fear.

"I am the Lord of this manor. I have been told that you have already met my mother," he stated.

Ginevra was startled. This man was the Lord? Hadn't her father said he was a lion?

"Follow me to your room," the man said.

"Room?" she echoed, still slightly shocked.

"Would you rather stay in the dungeon?" the man asked mockingly, standing and leaving the study.

Realising that she was alone in the study, Ginevra hurried after the man. He didn't even look back at her.

"Do you have a name, or do you require me to address you as Lord?" Ginevra asked, her tone slightly sarcastic.

"You have not introduced yourself either," the man said.

"You are the ... host," she said for lack of a better word, "It is customary for the host to introduce themselves first," Ginevra said firmly.

She could not believe that she was speaking to him in such a manner. If she had ever spoken like this in public, she would have been flogged!

The man stopped abruptly, Ginevra bumping into him. He turned and looked down at her, a smirk on his unkind face.

"Very well then. I must not be anything but customary!" he said sarcastically. "I am Lord Draconius Malfoy. You may call me Lord Draconius," he added with a deep and flourishing bow, one that Ginevra was sure was to mock her.

"I am Lady Ginevra," she responded, curtsying in return.

She had been patient with Blaise and now it seemed that she would have to be exceptionally patient with Lord Malfoy! Her patience was starting to run quite thin.

"This is your room. Someone will come for you when dinner is served," Draconius said formally, opening the door for her.

"I am not hungry, thank you," Ginevra said, stepping into the room.

"You have not eaten since breakfast presumably, and yet you are not hungry? I find that very unlikely, Lady Ginevra," Draconius sneered.

"I had a large breakfast. I will not require dinner," Ginevra responded.

How she would like to glare at him!

"Very well. If you do not eat dinner with me, then you will not eat at all," Draconius replied.

"You wish me to starve?" Ginevra asked in disbelief.

"Not when it is not necessary. As you have clearly said, I am the host and it is customary for ... guests to dine with the host, is it not?" Draconius asked with a smirk. "Now, I will ask again. Will you be dining with me?"

"No. Thank you," Ginevra said, forcing out the words between her clenched teeth.

"Then you shall starve until you dine with me tomorrow night," Draconius said, closing the door.

Ginevra stared after Draconius in shock. His words registered in her mind properly and she frowned.

"He only eats once a day?" she murmured.

Shaking her head, Ginevra sat on the bed. Shock flowed through her in continuous waves. She had lost her family, her friends, as well as the only home that she had ever known. Everything, including her freedom had been taken from her, all for a single rose.

Ginevra curled up on the bed and cried herself to sleep.

...

End of the second chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!

...